Abstract: A method of creating and using a hardware independent communication interface block for block diagram environments is disclosed. The communication interface block includes user-selectable parameters controlling how a system being modeled by a block diagram communicates with image and data acquisition devices and control instruments or other electronic device interfaced with an external system. Based on the user selected parameters, the communication interface block calls an appropriate constructor to create an instrument object or acquisition device object which is used to enable communication with the control instrument or acquisition device respectively. The instrument object/acquisition device object calls a software driver appropriate for the hardware interface of the control instrument/acquisition device. The use of a common interface block provides scalability and ease of use to the block diagram environment when interacting with control instruments and acquisition devices.