VISA 5.0.1 problem ("Could not perform operation because of I/O error") when using Thorlabs Power meter (PM100USB)

[talster]

We have integrated theThorlabs Power meter PM100USB (attached to S151C sensor) to our application.

We are using the following software components / layers:

• PM100x_Instrument_Driver_V2.0
• PM100D_Utility_V3.0
• VISA 5.0.1
• Running on Windows XP (Service Pack 3)
• Application written in C#
• VISA session connection string is USB0::0x1313::0x8072::P2000434::INSTR

Performing measurements in manual mode - works. No issues.

Trying to perform continous measurements (every 50-100 milli-seconds) causes the following failures:

Failure #1

Exception when calling PM100D_Drv.measPower - "Could not perform operation because of I/O error"

Notes:

• Additional calls to measPower may succeed, or fail.
• When such a failure occurs, the application stalls for 2 seconds.
• This kind of failure happens quite frequently

Failure #2

Failure to connect to PM100USB upon application startup

ERROR: Insufficient location information or the device or resource is not present in the system

Notes

• There is no workaround!!!   a reboot to the machine is required.
• This kind of failure happens rarely (after some time when the system is in IDLE mode)

What could be the cause of these failures? 

I have no idea how to resolve them.

Thanks,

Roy.

[kellis.wiseman]

Hey talster, 

Since you are using third party instruments, I am not familiar with the drivers that seem to be giving you the errors. I would try talking to THORLABS about these issues, since they are responsible for maintaining these drivers. If they are not helpful, post back here and I will see what all I can find out. Good luck!

cheers,

~kgarrett