HP 37718A OmniBER 718
Remote Control
Manual
Copyright HewlettPackard Ltd.1998
All rights reserved.
Reproduction, adaption,
or translation without prior
written permission is
prohibited, except as
allowed under the
copyright laws.
HP Part No. 37718-90023
First edition, 12/98
Printed in U.K.
Warranty
The information contained
in this document is subject
to change without notice.
Hewlett-Packard makes no
warranty of any kind with
regard to this material,
including, but not limited
to, the implied warranties
or merchantability and
fitness for a particular
purpose.
Hewlett-Packard shall not
be liable for errors
contained herein or for
incidental or
consequential damages in
connection with the
furnishing, performance,
or use of this material.
WARNING
Warning Symbols Used
on the Product
!
The product is marked
with this symbol when the
user should refer to the
instruction manual in order
to protect the apparatus
against damage.
The product is marked
with this symbol to
indicate that hazardous
voltages are present
The product is marked
with this symbol to
indicate that a laser is
fitted. The user should
refer to the laser safety
information in the
Calibration Manual.
Hewlett-Packard Limited
Telecommunications Networks Test Division
South Queensferry
West Lothian, Scotland EH30 9TG
Remote Control Manual
HP Part Number 37718-90023
Printed in U.K. December 1998
HP 37718A
HP 37718A
OmniBER 718
OmniBER 718
In This Book
This manual contains all the information necessary for remote control of the HP
37718A Communications Performance Analyzer.
2
Contents
1 Methods of Remote Control
Methods of Remote Control 1-2
Connecting the HP 37718A to HP-IB 1-3
Operating Distances 1-3
Communication with the System Controller 1-3
Connecting the HP 37718A to RS-232-C 1-4
Terminal Mode 1-4
Computer Mode 1-6
Communication with the Terminal/Computer 1-6
Connecting the HP 37718A to a LAN 1-10
Current Settings 1-11
New Settings (BOOTP) 1-11
New Settings (Keyboard Entry) 1-12
To Initialize the HP 37718A 1-14
Remote Control Hints & Tips 1-15
Default Settings 1-15
Instrument Coupling 1-15
Error Checking 1-15
Command Completion 1-16
Setup Delays 1-16
Status Registers 1-16
Gating Control 1-17
Frequency Offsets 1-18
User Locks 1-18
2 Common Commands
SCPI Command Format 2-2
Command Syntax 2-2
SCPI Long Form Command Headers 2-3
v
Contents
Linking Command Statements 2-3
Parameters 2-3
Remote Control Commands 2-5
Instrument Options 2-6
INSTrument subsystem 2-7
SOURce subsystem 2-8
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter Common Commands 2-9
INPut subsystem 2-12
SENSe subsystem 2-13
SENSe subsystem - Receiver Common Commands 2-15
SENSe subsystem - Test Timing 2-17
SENSe subsystem - Analysis Control 2-19
SENSe subsystem - Result Returning Commands 2-20
Common Results 2-20
SENSe subsystem - Trouble Scan Results 2-21
Common System Commands 2-23
SENSe subsystem - Configuring Graphics 2-24
SENSe subsystem - Managing Graphics Stores 2-26
SENSe subsystem - Retrieving Graphics Store Data 2-28
SENSe subsystem - Retrieving Data for a Single Graph 2-30
SENSe subsystem -Obtaining Graphics End of Measurement Results 2-32
STATus subsystem 2-37
SYSTem Subsystem 2-40
IEEE common capabilities 2-56
3 PDH Command Reference
PDH Command Reference 3-2
OUTPut subsystem 3-3
SOURce subsystem -Transmitter Structured PDH Commands 3-7
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SPDH Test Signal Settings Commands 317
vi
Contents
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SPDH Test Function Commands 3-25
INPut subsystem 3-39
SENSe subsystem - Receiver Structured PDH Settings 3-43
SENSe subsystem - Receiver SPDH Test Signal Settings Commands 3-46
SENSe subsystem - Receiver SPDH Test Function Commands 3-52
SENSe subsystem - Analysis Control 3-53
SENSe subsystem - Alarm Scan Control 3-58
SENSe subsystem - SPDH Round Trip Delay Control 3-59
SENSe subsystem - Result Returning Commands 3-60
Frequency Results (SPDH) 3-60
3-60
Structured PDH Short Term Results 3-60
Structured PDH Cumulative Results 3-61
Structured PDH and Payload G.821 Analysis Results 3-62
Structured PDH 140 Mb/s G.826 Analysis Results 3-63
Structured PDH 34 Mb/s G.826 Analysis Results 3-64
Structured PDH 8 Mb/s G.826 Analysis Results 3-65
Structured PDH 2 Mb/s G.826 Analysis Results 3-66
Structured PDH DS1 G.826 Analysis Results 3-67
Structured PDH DS3 G.826 Analysis Results 3-68
Structured PDH M.2100 Analysis Results 3-69
Structured PDH M.2110 Analysis Results 3-71
Structured PDH M.2120 ANALysis Results 3-71
Structured PDH 2 Mb/S FAS Error Analysis Results 3-71
Structured PDH 8 Mb/S FAS Error Analysis Results 3-72
Structured PDH 34 Mb/S FAS Error Analysis Results 3-73
Structured PDH 140 Mb/S FAS Error Analysis Results 3-73
Structured PDH CRC Error Analysis Results 3-74
Structured PDH REBE Error Analysis Results 3-74
Structured PDH Alarm Seconds Results 3-75
Structured PDH Round Trip Delay Results 3-76
FETCh subsystem 3-77
vii
Contents
4 SDH Command Reference
SDH Command Reference 4-2
OUTPut subsystem 4-3
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SDH Settings Commands 4-5
SDH Clock settings 4-5
Thru mode settings 4-7
SDH Mapping Settings 4-9
AU Layer Selection 4-10
TU Layer Selection 4-11
Payload Layer Selection 4-11
TUG Channel 4-12
TU Payload and Test Pattern 4-13
Background Settings 4-17
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SDH OVERHEAD SETUP 4-20
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SDH Test Function Commands 4-32
INPut subsystem 4-59
SENSe subsystem - Receiver SDH Settings 4-61
SDH Mapping settings 4-61
AU Layer Selection 4-62
TU Layer Selection 4-63
Payload Layer Selection 4-63
TUG Channel 4-64
TU Payload and Test Pattern 4-65
SENSe subsystem - Receiver SDH Test Function Commands 4-70
SENSe subsystem - Alarm Scan Control 4-76
SENSe subsystem - SDH Tributary Scan Control 4-78
SENSe subsystem - Result Returning Commands 4-80
Frequency Results (PDH, SPDH and SDH) 4-80
SDH Short Term Results 4-80
SDH Cumulative Results 4-81
SDH RS B1 BIP Analysis Results 4-82
SDH MS B2 BIP Analysis Results 4-82
viii
Contents
SDH Path MS FEBE Analysis Results 4-83
SDH Path B3 BIP Analysis Results 4-84
SDH Path FEBE Analysis Results 4-84
SDH Path IEC Analysis Results 4-85
SDH Tributary Path BIP Analysis Results 4-85
SDH Tributary Path FEBE Analysis Results 4-86
SDH Block Based Bit Analysis Results 4-86
SDH M.2101 Analysis Results 4-87
SDH Service Disruption Results 4-88
SDH Optical Power Result 4-89
SDH Pointer Activity Results 4-89
SDH Alarm Seconds Results 4-90
FETCh subsystem 4-91
5 SONET Command Reference
SONET Command Reference 5-2
OUTPut subsystem 5-3
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SONET Settings Commands 5-5
SONET Clock settings 5-5
Thru mode settings 5-7
SONET Mapping Settings 5-9
SPE Layer Selection 5-10
VT Layer Selection 5-10
Payload Layer Selection 5-11
VT Group 5-12
VT Payload and Test Pattern 5-12
Background Settings 5-16
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SONET OVERHEAD SETUP 5-19
:SOURce subsystem - Transmitter SONET Test Function Commands 5-29
ix
Contents
INPut subsystem 5-55
SENSe subsystem - Receiver SONET Settings 5-57
SONET Mapping settings 5-57
SPE Layer Selection 5-58
VT Layer Selection 5-58
Payload Layer Selection 5-59
VT Group 5-60
VT Payload and Test Pattern 5-61
SENSe subsystem - Receiver SONET Test Function Commands 5-65
SENSe subsystem - Alarm Scan Control 5-71
SENSe subsystem - SONET Tributary Scan Control 5-73
SENSe subsystem - Result Returning Commands 5-75
Frequency Results (SONET) 5-75
SONET Short Term Results 5-75
SONET Cumulative Results 5-76
SONET Section B1 BIP (CV-S) Analysis Results 5-77
SONET Line B2 BIP (CV-L) Analysis Results 5-77
SONET Line FEBE (REI-L) Analysis Results 5-78
SONET Path B3 BIP (CV-P) Analysis Results 5-78
SONET Path FEBE (REI-P) Analysis Results 5-79
SONET CV-IEC Analysis Results 5-79
SONET Virtual Tributary Path BIP (CV-V) Analysis Results 5-80
SONET Virtual Tributary Path FEBE (REI-V) Analysis Results 5-80
SONET Block Based Bit Analysis Results 5-81
SONET M.2101 Analysis Results 5-81
SONET Service Disruption Results 5-83
SONET Optical Power Result 5-83
SONET Pointer Activity Results 5-83
SONET Alarm Seconds Results 5-84
FETCh subsystem 5-87
x
Contents
6 Jitter Command Reference
Jitter Command Reference 6-3
OUTPut subsystem 6-4
SOURce subsystem - Transmitter Jitter Commands 6-6
SENSe subsystem - Receiver Jitter Settings 6-19
SENSe subsystem Result Returning Commands 6-22
Jitter/Wander Results 6-22
FETCh subsystem 6-24
7 Status Reporting
Status Reporting 7-2
Status Byte 7-5
Standard Event Status Register 7-6
QUEStionable Status Register 7-7
OPERation Status Register 7-8
INSTrument Status Register 7-9
DATA Status Register 7-10
ISUMmary Status Register 7-11
SDH Status Register 7-12
SDH2 Status Register 7-13
SONet Status Register 7-14
SONet2 Status Register 7-15
JITTer Status Register 7-16
SPDH Status Register 7-17
M140 Status Register 7-18
M34 Status Register 7-19
M8 Status Register 7-20
M2 Status Register 7-21
DS3 Status Register 7-22
xi
Contents
DS2 Status Register 7-23
DS1 Status Register 7-24
DISK Status Register 7-25
Programmed Status Reporting 7-28
8 General Information
General Information 8-2
SCPI Overview 8-2
HP-IB Universal Commands 8-3
Device Clear (CLEAR) 8-3
Serial Poll (SPOLL) 8-3
Remote Enable (REMOTE) 8-3
Local Lockout (LOCAL LOCKOUT) 8-4
Local (LOCAL) 8-4
9 Application Program Examples
Initializing the HP 37718A 9-2
Setup the HP 37718A PDH Tx (Main Settings) 9-3
Setup the HP 37718A PDH Rx (Main Settings) 9-4
Setup the HP 37718A PDH Tx (Main & Structured Settings) 9-5
Setup the HP 37718A PDH Rx (Main & Structured Settings) 9-7
Setup the HP 37718A PDH Tx to add Errors & Alarms 9-8
Setup the HP 37718A PDH Rx to perform Bit Error Measurements 9-9
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Tx 9-10
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Rx 9-12
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Tx to add Errors & Alarms 9-13
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Tx Overhead Bytes 9-14
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Tx for Overhead Byte Sequencing 9-15
xii
Contents
Perform HP 37718A SDH Rx Measurements 9-16
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Rx to retrieve Overhead Monitor Bytes 9-17
Setup the HP 37718A SDH Rx to perform Overhead Byte Capture 9-18
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Tx 9-19
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Rx 9-21
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Tx to add Errors & Alarms 9-22
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Tx Overhead Bytes 9-23
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Tx for Overhead Byte Sequencing 9-24
Perform HP 37718A SONET Rx Measurements 9-25
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Rx to retrieve Overhead Monitor Bytes 9-26
Setup the HP 37718A SONET Rx to perform Overhead Byte Capture 9-27
Setup the HP 37718A to generate Jitter 9-28
Setup the HP37718A to generate a PDH Jitter Swept Mask 9-29
Setup the HP37718A to generate a SDH/SONET Jitter Swept Mask 9-30
Setup the HP37718A to generate a PDH Jitter Mask Spot Frequency 9-31
Setup the HP37718A to generate an SDH/SONET Jitter Mask Spot
Frequency 9-32
Perform HP 37718A Jitter Rx Measurements 9-33
Setup the HP 37718A to generateWander 9-35
Setup the HP37718A to generate a Wander Mask Spot Frequency 9-36
Perform HP 37718A Wander Rx Measurements 9-37
Perform HP 37718A Jitter Auto-Tolerance Measurement 9-38
Perform HP 37718A Jitter Transfer Function Measurement 9-39
10 SCPI Error Messages
SCPI Error Messages 10-2
xiii
Contents
11 HP 37718A/19A and HP 37717C SCPI Differences
HP 37718A/19A and HP 37717C SCPI Differences 11-2
Common Commands 11-2
PDH Commands 11-2
SDH Commands 11-3
SONET Commands 11-6
JITTER Commands 11-9
General Index
xiv
1
1 Methods of Remote Control
Methods of Remote Control
Methods of Remote Control
The HP 37718A can be remotely controlled in one of four ways:
HP-IB Provides a parallel interface that allows the connection of other
devices to the system for example: Frequency Counter; Printer;
Signal Generator. Allows great flexibility in communicating
data and controlling data and provides one of the easiest
methods of constructing automatic systems. If long distance
communication is required, suitable HP-IB Extenders must be
connected within the test system at both ends of the
communication link.
RS-232-C Provides a serial interface that can be connected directly to the
RS-232-C port of a terminal or computer. Only the controller
and the HP 37718A can be connected within the system. If long
distance communication is required, the HP 37718A can be
connected directly to the RS-232-C port of a Modem and
carried over a telephone line.
LAN Provides a parallel interface that allows the connection of other
instruments and controllers to the system for example:
workstations; other HP 37718A’s; other test sets that have a
LAN interface.
DNA Pro vides control via a Front P anel displayed on a PC connected
to a LAN. Other test sets that have the Virtual Remote
capability can be connected to the LAN and controlled via the
same PC. See HP E4540A Manual, HP part number E4540-
90004.
1-2
Methods of Remote Control
Connecting the HP 37718A to HP-IB
The following points should be considered when connecting the HP 37718A to
HP-IB:
• Operating distances
• Communication with the system controller
Operating Distances
1. The total length of HP-IB cable must not exceed 2 meters (6 feet) × the number of
devices in the system.
2. The total length of HP-IB cable, used to interconnect all devices in the system,
must not exceed 20 meters (65 feet).
Operating distances can be increased by using HP-IB Extenders, HP 37204A or HP
37201A:
Up to 1250 meters use HP 37204A.
Over 1250 meters use two HP 37201A and two suitable Modems.
Communication with the System Controller
Each device in the system must have a unique address to allow the controller to
access each one individually. On the HP 37718A the address is set on the OTHER
display under REMOTE CONTROL:
T o set the HP-IB Address pressOTHER;
REMOTE CONTROL and set the
display as shown opposite. Address 5 has
been selected but any Address in the
range 0 to 30 can be selected.
1-3
Methods of Remote Control
Connecting the HP 37718A to RS-232-C
Two methods of controlling the HP 37718A via RS-232-C are available:
Terminal Simple method of control on a command by command basis.
Computer More extensive method of control allows programs to be run.
Terminal Mode
Terminal mode is provided to allow the HP 37718A to be controlled by a "dumb"
terminal and provides the following features:
When connection is established via RS-232-C the HP 37718A responds with a
"prompt".
Any command sent to the HP 37718A is echoed back to the terminal to provide
a local record.
If a mistake is made in the command, the appropriate SCPI Error Message and
the "entered" command is returned to the terminal to provide a local record.
A command history buffer is provided with a capacity of 20 commands. This
allows frequently used commands to be retransmitted without having to retype
the command:
To list the history buffer contents type: !l (lower case L)
To retransmit the last Command sent type :
To retransmit a previously sent command type : !n where n = the commands
listed number.
When REMOTE CONTROL PORT [RS232] is selected on the OTHER REMOTE
CONTROL display the HP 37718A acts as DCE (Data Communications
Equipment). Dumb terminals act as DTE (Data Terminal Equipment). This makes
connection of the HP 37718A to a dumb terminal straightforward as shown in Table
1-1.
RS-232-C cable HP Part Number 5060-4461 will provide this connection.
1-4
Methods of Remote Control
Table 1-1 HP 37718A to RS-232-C Terminal
37718A Pin # Signal Terminal Pin # Signal
2 Transmit Data (TX) 2 Transmit Data (TX)
3 Receive Data (RX) 3 Receive Data (RX)
5 Signal Ground 7 Signal Ground
RS-232-C cable HP Part Number 24542U will provide this connection.
Connection via a Modem
Full Modem control is not possible and the Modem should be configured to force
DSR, CD, CTS and DTR true.
Since Modems are always configured as DCE (Data Communications Equipment),
the same as the HP 37718A, a crossover is required in the three wire connection as
shown in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2 HP 37718A to Modem
37718A Pin # Signal Modem Pin # Signal
2 Transmit Data (TX) 3 Receive Data (RX)
3 Receive Data (RX) 2 Transmit Data (TX)
5 Signal Ground 7 Signal Ground
RS-232-C cable HP Part Number 24542M will provide this connection.
1-5
Methods of Remote Control
Computer Mode
Computer mode is provided to allow the HP 37718A to be controlled by a RS-232-C
computer allowing programs to be run. Unlike Terminal mode commands are not
echoed back and SCPI Error Messages are not returned unless the appropriate query
command is issued.
When REMOTE CONTROL PORT [RS232] is selected on the OTHER REMOTE
CONTROL display the HP 37718A acts as DCE (Data Communications
Equipment). The Computer should be configured to act as DTE (Data Terminal
Equipment). This makes connection of the HP 37718A to a computer
straightforward as shown in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 HP 37718A to RS-232-C Computer
37718A Pin # Signal Computer Pin # Signal
2 Transmit Data (TX) 2 Transmit Data (TX)
3 Receive Data (RX) 3 Receive Data (RX)
5 Signal Ground 7 Signal Ground
RS-232-C cable HP Part Number 24542U will provide this connection.
Connection via a Modem
Full Modem control is not possible and the Modem should be configured to force
DSR, CD, CTS and DTR true.
Since Modems are always configured as DCE (Data Communications Equipment),
the same as the HP 37718A, a crossover is required in the three wire connection as
shown in Table 1-2.
Communication with the Terminal/Computer
Remote control via RS-232-C requires that the HP 37718A RS-232-C interface
settings match those of the terminal/computer. These settings are made on the
OTHER display under REMOTE CONTROL.
1-6
Methods of Remote Control
Using , and the display softkeys
set REMOTE CONTR OL PORT [RS232].
Set CONTROLLER TYPE, XON/XOFF,
SPEED, PARITY and STOP BITS to
match the settings on your terminal/
computer.
1-7
Methods of Remote Control
Controlling the HP 37718A
The simplest way to verify the connection and become familiar with remote RS232-C operation is to send a few commands and observe their effect. In this e xample
using a terminal we will:
• Take the HP 37718A under remote control
• Initialize the HP 37718A
• Read the contents of the error register
• Start a test period
• Add errors
• Obtain the result (Option dependent)
• Return the HP 37718A to local operation
NOTE Set REMOTE CONTROL to RS232 and CONTROLLER TYPE to [TERMINAL]
on the OTHER REMOTE CONTROL display and connect the TRANSMIT PDH
OUT port to the RECEIVE PDH IN port (on the PDH modules) for the duration of
this exercise.
Table 1-4 HP 37718A to RS-232-C Computer
Terminal Input Comment
:SYST:REM Takes the HP 37718A under remote control.
On the instrument the indicator above
LOCAL is lit.
*RST Default settings, registers cleared.
:SYST:ERR? The SCPI Error Message and number can be read,
even in local operation mode. (+0, "No error")
:SENS:DATA:TEL:TEST
Selects a manual test period.
:TYPE MAN
:SENS:DATA:TEL:TEST
ON
Starts the manual test period. On the instrument
the indicator above is lit.
1-8
RUN/STOP
Methods of Remote Control
Table 1-4 HP 37718A to RS-232-C Computer
Terminal Input Comment
:SOUR:DATA:TEL:ERR
Adds a single bit error.
:BIT ONCE
:SOUR:DATA:TEL:ERR
Adds a single bit error.
:BIT ONCE
:SOUR:DATA:TEL:ERR
Adds a single bit error.
:BIT ONCE
:SENS:DATA:TEL:TEST
OFF
:SENS:DATA?
"ECO:SPDH :BIT"
Halts the manual test period. On the instrument
the indicator above is extinguished.
RUN/STOP
Structured PDH -Returns the bit error count in
numeric form, in this example 3.
:SYST:LOC Returns the HP 37718A to local control. On the
instrument the indicator above LOCAL is
extinguished.
1-9
Methods of Remote Control
Connecting the HP 37718A to a LAN
Two methods of controlling the HP 37718A via a LAN are available:
Terminal Simple method of control on a command by command basis.
Computer More extensive method of control allows programs to be run.
The following information should be obtained from the LAN System Administrator
before connecting to the LAN:
• Internet address (Example 015.144.180.205)
• Subnet Mask (Example 255.255.248.0).
• Default Gateway IP Address (Example 15.144.176.1).
The PORT NUMBER and MAC ADDRESS are assigned to the HP 37718A at the
time of shipment.
Connect the HP 37718A LAN interface to the LAN network.
The HP 37718A must now be configured to accept the IP address, Subnet Mask and
Default Gateway IP Address.
OTHER
Press ,
and set up the display as shown opposite.
The HP 37718A can be configured to
accept the IP address, Subnet Mask and
Default Gateway IP Address in one of
two ways:
1-10
REMOTE CONTROL
Methods of Remote Control
Current Settings
The IP Address, Subnet Mask and
Gateway IP Address will adopt the current
settings.
The Port Number and MAC Address are
displayed for information.
New Settings (BOOTP)
To use BOOTP your system administrator
must set up a BOOTP server on the
network.
When YES is selected the power must be
cycled on the HP 37718A to allow for a
change of settings.
When power is restored the HP 37718A
will issue BOOTP requests until it receiv es
a reply from a suitably configured BOOTP
server .
The Settings of IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway IP Address will be adopted
as the Current Settings.
1-11
Methods of Remote Control
New Settings (Keyboard Entry)
Use and
DECREASE DIGIT
INCREASE DIGIT
Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway IP
Address.
Use and to move between the
IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway
IP Address.
The New Settings will not become active
until the power is cycled (power off/
power on) on the HP 37718A.
The entered New settings are checked to ensure they conform to the relationships
that should exist between the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway IP Address. If
the entered data contravenes these relationships, the HP 37718A will change the
data to more sensible values.
Configuration
The HP 37718A can only accept one tcp connection at a time and it cannot establish
an outgoing call. The connection has to be directed to port 5001.
to set the IP
For Example (from a UNIX system):
telnet <IP address> 5001
If ping <IP address> is issued (from a UNIX system), commands issued will be
echoed at the local end of the connection.
Controlling the HP 37718A
The simplest way to verify the connection and become familiar with remote LAN
operation is to send a few commands and observe their effect. In this example using
a terminal we will:
• Take the HP 37718A under remote control
• Initialize the HP 37718A
• Read the contents of the error register
• Start a test period
• Add errors
• Obtain the result (Option dependent)
• Return the HP 37718A to local operation
1-12
Methods of Remote Control
NOTE Connect the PDH OUT port to the PDH IN port for the duration of this exercise.
Table 1-5 HP 37718A to RS-232-C Computer
Terminal Input Comment
:SYST:REM Takes the HP under remote control. On the
instrument the indicator above LOCAL is lit.
*RST Default settings, registers cleared.
:SYST:ERR? The SCPI Error Message and number can be read,
even in local operation mode. (+0, "No error")
:SENS:DATA:TEL:TEST :TYPE MAN Selects a manual test period.
:SENS:DAT A:TEL:TEST ON Starts the manual test period. On the instrument the
indicator above is lit.
RUN/STOP
:SOUR:DATA:TEL:ERR :BIT ONCE Adds a single bit error.
:SOUR:DATA:TEL:ERR :BIT ONCE Adds a single bit error.
:SOUR:DATA:TEL:ERR :BIT ONCE Adds a single bit error.
:SENS:DATA:TEL:TEST OFF Halts the manual test period. On the instrument the
indicator above is extinguished.
RUN/STOP
:SENS:DATA? "ECO:SPDH :BIT" Structured PDH -Returns the bit error count in
numeric form, in this example 3.
:SYST:LOC Returns the HP 37718A to local control. On the
instrument the indicator above LOCAL is
extinguished.
1-13
Methods of Remote Control
To Initialize the HP 37718A
Regardless of the current setup the following command will initialize the HP
37718A. It sets the HP 37718A to the factory default settings and clears all registers.
*RST
It is recommended that you do not rely on default settings but program each setting
to what you require.
1-14
Remote Control Hints & Tips
Remote Control Hints & Tips
The following section gives some Hints & Tips on how to control the HP 37718A
via remote control. Before writing any program to control the HP 37718A it may
help to manually go through the steps required to setup the desired configuration.
The order in which you should send the corresponding SCPI commands will usually
follow the order in which you set up the HP 37718A’ s Front P anel. This can be seen
in the Application Examples listed in the Manual. These could be used as a starting
point in order to find the SCPI commands that correspond to particular HP 37718A
Front Panel settings.
Default Settings
In general, default settings should not be assumed. It is recommended that each
instrument setting should be explicitly programmed to the desired value.
Also commands that affect higher level settings such as Signal Rate or P ayload Type
should be sent before commands to set up lower level settings e.g. Pattern. This is
because, in some cases, higher level setting changes can affect the values of lower
settings.
Instrument Coupling
If you wish to set the HP 37718A Transmitter and Receiv er to the same settings then
you can save time by selecting Transmitter/Receiver Coupling and then
programming the Receiver only.
To turn coupling on use the :INSTrument:COUPle RTTX command.
Error Checking
It is recommended that, when sending SCPI commands to the HP 37718A, you also
periodically send the SYSTem:ERRor? command to check for any Remote Control
Errors reported by the instrument. This command returns 0, "No Error" if there are
no errors in the error queue. If the SYSTem:ERRor? command is sent after every
setup command then it makes debugging any reported errors much easier since you
will know exactly which command caused the error.
The actual error queue within the HP 37718A can be cleared by sending the *CLS
command.
1-15
Remote Control Hints & Tips
Command Completion
When programming the instrument over RS-232, it is important to realize that a
buffer (of 128 bytes) exists in the HP 37718A between the RS-232 port and the
SCPI parser.
The effect of this is that even if the HP 37718A accepts the last character of a
command, it cannot be assumed that it will immediately be executed - there could be
several commands ahead of this one waiting in the buffer.
If you need to know when a command, or sequence of commands has been accepted
by the instrument, follow them with a query command. When the response to the
query command is returned, then you know that all commands prior to that have
been executed.
Suitable query commands to use are *OPC? or SYST:ERRor? (which also gi v es the
additional benefit of error checking as described above).
Note that this effect does not apply with HPIB. When HPIB is used to remotely
control the HP 37718A then, after the last character of a SCPI command has been
accepted by the instrument, its execution is imminent. However, it is still good
practice to send a SYSTem:ERRor? after each command in order to check for error
free completion.
Setup Delays
Even after the HP 37718A has accepted a SCPI command it may take some time for
it to execute the requested operation (e.g. payload change, single error add). It is
therefore recommended that at least 200ms is allowed after the command has
completed before expecting the instrument operation to occur. One way of
determining if such delays exist is to perform the desired operation manually using
the HP 37718A’s Front Panel and checking if there is any noticeable delay in
execution.
Status Registers
Status registers in general are only updated every 100ms by the HP 37718A.
Therefore you should avoid reading them any faster than that since, although it does
not do any harm if they are read faster, it means that less processing power will be
available to update the display.
If you need to detect a status register bit that is momentarily changing state, avoid
using the condition register in the hope of catching both states. Instead it is much
better to program the PTRansition and NTRansition registers to catch the event of
interest, and then use the event register to monitor for the event.
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