srsinst.cs580

srsinst.cs580 is a Python package to control Stanford Research Systems (SRS) CS580 Voltage Controlled Current Source.

Installation

You need a working Python 3.7 or later with pip installed.

To install srsinst.cs580 as an instrument driver, use pip from the command line:

python -m pip install srsinst.cs580

Use srsinst.cs580 as instrument driver

from srsinst.cs580 import CS580

cs580 = CS580('serial', 'COM3')
cs580.check_id()

# Configure
cs580.config.gain = '1uA'          # 1 uA/V gain
cs580.config.isolation = 'float'   # floating output
cs580.config.shield = 'return'     # inner shield to return
cs580.settings.voltage = 10.0      # 10 V compliance limit
cs580.settings.current = 1e-6      # 1 uA DC current

# Enable output
cs580.config.output = True

# Check status
print(cs580.get_status())
print('Overload:', cs580.status.overload)

# Disable output and reset
cs580.config.output = False
cs580.reset()

See test_cs580.py for a full set of examples excercising all of the CS580 commands and methods.

CS580 is built on srsgui.

Components

Remote interface

The CS580 communicates via RS-232 at a fixed 9600 baud, 8-bit, no parity, no flow control. Isolated connectivity to GPIB, RS-232, and Ethernet is available through the SX199 Optical Interface Controller (not yet implemented in this driver).

Running the integration tests

The test suite exercises every driver command and method against a live CS580 over RS-232. pytest must be installed:

pip install pytest

Connect the CS580 to the PC via RS-232, then run:

pytest -v -s tests/ --port COM3

Replace COM3 with the actual COM port. The -s flag is required so the confirmation prompt is visible in the terminal.

If --port is omitted you will be prompted to enter the port interactively. Either way, a confirmation prompt is shown before any commands are sent to the instrument, giving you a chance to verify the connection first.

Note: These tests require physical hardware. All 98 tests should pass against a normally functioning CS580. Unexpected failures most likely indicate a driver issue rather than an instrument fault.