VXI-11 (LXI) LAN control with Python — no sockets required

Some instruments have LAN but no raw socket. VXI-11 is the LXI-standard answer — a tiny Python library controls them on Windows, Linux and Raspberry Pi.

8 min readIncludes code

VXI-11 is the RPC protocol behind LXI instrument control. It needs no VISA installation, runs anywhere Python runs (including Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers), and — crucially — it works on Siglent models whose LAN port has no open socket: SDS2000/SDS2000X, SDS1000X/X+ and SPD3000X/XE.

Install

bash

pip install python-vxi11

Connect and control

python

import vxi11

inst = vxi11.Instrument('192.168.1.110')
print(inst.ask('*IDN?'))

inst.write('TDIV 1MS')          # example: SDS timebase 1 ms/div
print(inst.ask('SARA?'))        # sample rate query

What you should see

Siglent Technologies,SDS2304X,SDS2XJBD1R0001,1.2.2.2 R19
SARA 1.00GSa/s

ask() = write + read in one call; use write() / read() separately for binary transfers such as waveform dumps.

Why choose VXI-11 over raw sockets?

It is the only LAN route on the older models listed above
Discovery and instrument-side error handling are built into the protocol
Identical code on Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi

For new automation on current instruments, raw sockets (port 5025) are simpler and faster; keep VXI-11 in the toolbox for the models that need it and for mixed fleets.

Instruments used in this note

SDS/SPD legacy LAN models

SDS2000X, SDS1000X/X+, SPD3000X — LAN without open sockets

View

Related application notes

Open-socket LAN control with Python (port 5025)List connected VISA instruments with Python & PyVISA Verify an instrument LAN connection with Telnet

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