Changelog for QCoDeS 0.1.9
==========================

This release changes the API of Parameters in QCoDeS, reducing the amount of Parameter classes. It also introduces tests for VisaInstrument drivers via the PyVISA-sim backend.

Note: This is the last QCoDeS release before the new dataset and as such it will be the last QCoDeS release to support python 3.5.


New & Improved
______________

- New and Improved drivers:

  - New driver for HP8753D Spectrum Analyzer (:pr:`843`)
  - Fixes to Decadac driver (:pr:`756`, :pr:`838`, :pr:`857`, :pr:`876`)
  - Unification of existing Keysight waveform generator drivers (:pr:`758`)
  - New driver for Keysight Infiniium MSOS104A oscilloscope (:pr:`766`)
  - New driver for Keysight N51x1 RF source (:pr:`796`)
  - New driver for Keysight E8267D (:pr:`892`)
  - New driver for Mini-Circuits RF switch USB-4SPDT-A18 (:pr:`891`)
  - New driver for Mini-Circuits RF switch RC-xSP4T (:pr:`814`)
  - New driver for Mini-Circuits RF switch RC-1SP4T (:pr:`814`)
  - New driver for Mini-Circuits RF switch USB-4SPDT (:pr:`814`)
  - New driver for Spirack module (:pr:`847`)
  - Fixes to IVVI (:pr:`919`)
  - Features added to ZI UHF-LI driver (:pr:`883`, :pr:`879`, :pr:`870`, :pr:`685`)
  - New driver for Cryogenic SMS120c (:pr:`819`)
  - New driver for Rohde & Schwarz RTO 1000 oscilloscope (:pr:`679`, :pr:`907`)
  - New drivers for Stanford Research Instruments lock-in amplifiers SR860 and SR865
  - New driver for Tektronix AWG70000A series (:pr:`761`, :pr:`911`)
  - New fast sweep feature for and channelisation of Tektronix Keithley 2600 (:pr:`747`)
  - New driver for Yokogawa GS200

- New features:

  - Simulated instruments using PyVISA-sim for driver testing (:pr:`859`)
  - New Parameter API (:pr:`651`)

 - Documentation improvements:

   - MatPlot Guide (:pr:`762`)
   - Obsolete examples removed (:pr:`918`)
   - New and easier installation instructions (:pr:`841`)

Breaking Changes
________________

- The Parameter API changed. There are no longer StandardParameters and ManualParameters can be avoided.