How can I use serial() without using an InstrumentControlToolbox license?

My installation of Matlab2016a includes the Instrument Control Toolbox. I want to use the serial() function, which should work without having the Instrument Control Toolbox installed. However, with the Instrument Control Toolbox, it activates the license:

license('inuse')
% -> matlab
ser_obj = serial('COM1');
license('inuse')
% -> instr_control_toolbox
%    matlab

Is there any way to avoid this unexpected behavior? My Instrument Control Toolbox license is a floating network license, and I would prefer to not hog it unless absolutely necessary.

Answer 1

[Vinod]

Just using the SERIAL functionality should not check out a license for Instrument Control Toolbox. Are you sure none of your other code is using functions from the Instrument Control Toolbox?

If you are sure, you can surround your code that uses SERIAL like this:

license('test','instr_control_toolbox','disable')
.
<your code here>
.
license('test','instr_control_toolbox','enable')

[Martin Hoecker]

Unfortunately I am sure that it's the serial function that causes the license checkout (see edited question). But thank you for your answer, it worked great!