Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter,
Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, &
Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System
Programming Guide
1RWLFHV
7KLVGRFXPHQWFRQWDLQVSURSULHWDU\LQIRUPDWLRQWKDWLVSURWHFWHGE\FRS\ULJKW
$OOULJKWVDUHUHVHUYHG
1RSDUWRIWKLVGRFXPHQWPD\UHSURGXFHGLQLQFOXGLQJHOHFWURQLFVWRUDJHDQG
UHWULHYDORUWUDQVODWLRQLQWRDIRUHLJQODQJXDJHZLWKRXWSULRUDJUHHPHQWDQG
ZULWWHQFRQVHQWIURP$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHV'HXWVFKODQG*PE+DVJRYHUQHGE\
8QLWHG6WDWHVDQGLQWHUQDWLRQDOFRS\ZULJKWODZV
&RS\ULJKWE\
$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHV'HXWVFKODQG*PE+
+HUUHQEHUJHU6WU
%|EOLQJHQ
*HUPDQ\
$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHV,QFFHUWLILHVWKDWWKLVSURGXFWPHWLWVSXEOLVKHG
VSHFLILFDWLRQVDWWKHWLPHRIVKLSPHQWIURPWKHIDFWRU\
$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHVIXUWKHUFHUWLILHVWKDWLWVFDOLEUDWLRQPHDVXUHPHQWVDUH
WUDFHDEOHWRWKH8QLWHG6WDWHV1DWLRQDO,QVWLWXWHRI6WDQGDUGVDQG7HFKQRORJ\
1,67IRUPHUO\WKH8QLWHG6WDWHV1DWLRQDO%XUHDXRI6WDQGDUGV1%6WRWKH
H[WHQWDOORZHGE\WKH,QVWLWXWHV·VFDOLEUDWLRQIDFLOLW\DQGWRWKHFDOLEUDWLRQ
IDFLOLWLHVRIRWKHU,QWHUQDWLRQDO6WDQGDUGV2UJDQL]DWLRQPHPEHUV
,62&HUWLILFDWLRQ
3URGXFHGWR,62LQWHUQDWLRQDOTXDOLW\V\VWHPVWDQGDUGDVSDUWRIRXU
REMHFWLYHRIFRQWLQXDOO\LQFUHDVLQJFXVWRPHUVDWLVIDFWLRQWKURXJKLPSURYHG
SURFHVVFRQWURO
6XEMHFW0DWWHU
7KHPDWHULDOLQWKLVGRFXPHQWLVVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH
$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHV
PDWHULDOLQFOXGLQJEXWQRWOLPLWHGWRWKHLPSOLHGZDUUDQWLHVRIPHUFKDQWDELOLW\
DQGILWQHVVIRUDSDUWLFXODUSXUSRVH
$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHVVKDOOQRWEHOLDEOHIRUHUURUVFRQWDLQHGKHUHLQRUIRU
LQFLGHQWDORUFRQVHTXHQWLDOGDPDJHVLQFRQQHFWLRQZLWKWKHIXUQLVKLQJ
SHUIRUPDQFHRUXVHRIWKLVPDWHULDO
PDNHVQRZDUUDQW\RIDQ\NLQGZLWKUHJDUGWRWKLVSULQWHG
3ULQWLQJ+LVWRU\
1HZHGLWLRQVDUHFRPSOHWHUHYLVLRQVRIWKHJXLGHUHIOHFWLQJDOWHUDWLRQVLQWKH
IXQFWLRQDOLW\RIWKHLQVWUXPHQW8SGDWHVDUHRFFDVLRQDOO\PDGHWRWKHJXLGH
EHWZHHQHGLWLRQV7KHGDWHRQWKHWLWOHSDJHFKDQJHVZKHQDQXSGDWHGJXLGHLV
SXEOLVKHG7RILQGRXWWKHFXUUHQWUHYLVLRQRIWKHJXLGHRUWRSXUFKDVHDQ
XSGDWHGJXLGHFRQWDFW\RXU$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHVUHSUHVHQWDWLYH
&RQWURO6HULDO1XPEHU)LUVW(GLWLRQDSSOLHVGLUHFWO\WRDOOLQVWUXPHQWV
:DUUDQW\
7KLV$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHVLQVWUXPHQWSURGXFWLVZDUUDQWHGDJDLQVWGHIHFWVLQ
PDWHULDODQGZRUNPDQVKLSIRUDSHULRGRIRQH\HDUIURPGDWHRIVKLSPHQW
'XULQJWKHZDUUDQW\SHULRG$JLOHQWZLOODWLWVRSWLRQHLWKHUUHSDLURUUHSODFH
SURGXFWVWKDWSURYHWREHGHIHFWLYH
)RUZDUUDQW\VHUYLFHRUUHSDLUWKLVSURGXFWPXVWEHUHWXUQHGWRDVHUYLFHIDFLOLW\
GHVLJQDWHGE\$JLOHQW%X\HUVKDOOSUHSD\VKLSSLQJFKDUJHVWR$JLOHQWDQG$JLOHQW
VKDOOSD\VKLSSLQJFKDUJHVWRUHWXUQWKHSURGXFWWR%X\HU+RZHYHU%X\HUVKDOO
SD\DOOVKLSSLQJFKDUJHVGXWLHVDQGWD[HVIRUSURGXFWVUHWXUQHGWR$JLOHQWIURP
DQRWKHUFRXQWU\
$JLOHQWZDUUDQWVWKDWLWVVRIWZDUHDQGILUPZDUHGHVLJQDWHGE\$JLOHQWIRUXVH
ZLWKDQLQVWUXPHQWZLOOH[HFXWHLWVSURJUDPPLQJLQVWUXFWLRQVZKHQSURSHUO\
LQVWDOOHGRQWKDWLQVWUXPHQW$JLOHQWGRHVQRWZDUUDQWWKDWWKHRSHUDWLRQRIWKH
LQVWUXPHQWVRIWZDUHRUILUPZDUHZLOOEHXQLQWHUUXSWHGRUHUURUIUHH
7KLUG(GLWLRQ
(
)LUVW(GLWLRQ
(0D\
6HFRQG(GLWLRQ
('HFHPEHU
7KLUG(GLWLRQ
(0DUFK
/LPLWDWLRQRI:DUUDQW\
7KHIRUHJRLQJZDUUDQW\VKDOOQRWDSSO\WRGHIHFWVUHVXOWLQJIURPLPSURSHURU
LQDGHTXDWHPDLQWHQDQFHE\%X\HU%X\HUVXSSOLHGVRIWZDUHRULQWHUIDFLQJ
XQDXWKRUL]HGPRGLILFDWLRQRUPLVXVHRSHUDWLRQRXWVLGHRIWKHHQYLURQPHQWDO
VSHFLILFDWLRQVIRUWKHSURGXFWRULPSURSHUVLWHSUHSDUDWLRQRUPDLQWHQDQFH
1RRWKHUZDUUDQW\LVH[SUHVVHGRULPSOLHG$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHVVSHFLILFDOO\
GLVFODLPVWKHLPSOLHGZDUUDQWLHVRI0HUFKDQWDELOLW\DQG)LWQHVVIRUD3DUWLFXODU
3XUSRVH
([FOXVLYH5HPHGLHV
7KHUHPHGLHVSURYLGHGKHUHLQDUH%X\HU·VVROHDQGH[FOXVLYHUHPHGLHV$JLOHQW
7HFKQRORJLHVVKDOOQRWEHOLDEOHIRUDQ\GLUHFWLQGLUHFWVSHFLDOLQFLGHQWDORU
FRQVHTXHQWLDOGDPDJHVZKHWKHUEDVHGRQFRQWUDFWWRUWRUDQ\RWKHUOHJDO
WKHRU\
$VVLVWDQFH
3URGXFWPDLQWHQDQFHDJUHHPHQWVDQGRWKHUFXVWRPHUDVVLVWDQFHDJUHHPHQWVDUH
DYDLODEOHIRU$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHVSURGXFWV)RUDQ\DVVLVWDQFHFRQWDFW\RXU
QHDUHVW$JLOHQW7HFKQRORJLHV6DOHVDQG6HUYLFH2IILFH
&HUWLILFDWLRQ
2 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
In this Manual
This manual contains information about SCPI commands which can be
used to program the following instruments:
• Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter
• Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System
• Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System
The Structure of this Manual
This manual is divided into 5 parts:
• “Introduction to Programming” on page 15 gives a general
introduction to SCPI programming with the Agilent 8163A Lightwave
Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, and
the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
• “Specific Commands” on page 35 lists all instrument specific
commands.
• “Instrument Setup and Status” on page 45, “Measurement
Operations & Settings” on page 67, and “Mass Storage, Display, and
Print Functions” on page 129 give fuller explanations of all
instrument specific commands.
• “VISA Programming Examples” on page 133 gives some example
programs showing how the SCPI commands can be used with the
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A Lightwave
Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System.
• “The Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instrument Driver” on page 155,
“GPIB Command Compatibility List” on page 183, and “Error
Codes” on page 191 give information about the Agilent 816x
VXIplug&play Instrument Driver, compatibility issues, and error
codes.
Conventions used in this Manual
• All commands and typed text is written in Courier font, for example
INIT[:IMM].
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
3
• SCPI commands are written in mixed case: text that you MUST print is
written in capitals; text which is helpful but nor necessary is written in
lower case.
So, the command INITiate[:IMMediate] can be entered either as
init[:imm], or as initiate[:immediate]. It does not matter
whether you enter text using capitals or lower-case letters.
• SCPI commands often contain extra arguments in square brackets.
These arguments may be helpful, but they need not be entered.
So, the command INITiate[:IMMediate] can be entered as init
or initiate:imm.
• A SCPI command which can be either a command or a query is
appended with the text /?.
So, DISPlay:ENABle/? refers to both the command
DISPlay:ENABle and the query DISPlay:ENABle?.
Related Manuals
You can find more information about the instruments covered by this
manual in the following manuals:
• Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave
Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System User’s Guide (Agilent Product Number 08164-91011).
NOTE Please note that User Guides no longer contain programming
information, and must now be used in conjunction with this manual.
If you are not familiar with the General Purpose Interface Bus, GPIB,
then refer to the following books:
• ANSI/IEEE-488.1-1978, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for
Programmable Instrumentation, and ANSI/IEEE-488.2-1987, IEEE
Standard Codes, Formats, and Common Commands, published by
the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
In addition, the commands not from the IEEE 488.2 standard are defined
according to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
(SCPI). For an introduction to SCPI and SCPI programming techniques,
refer to the following documents:
• Hewlett-Packard Press (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc.): A
Beginners Guide to SCPI by Barry Eppler.
4 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
• The SCPI Consortium: Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments. To obtain a copy of this manual, contact the following
address:
SCPI Consortium Office
Bode Enterprise
2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 340
San Diego, CA, 92108
USA
Web: http://www.scpiconsortium.org
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
5
6 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Contents
Contents
In this Manual 3
The Structure of this Manual 3
Conventions used in this Manual 3
Related Manuals 4
Contents 7
Figures 11
Tables 13
Introduction to Programming 15
GPIB Interface 17
Setting the GPIB Address 18
Returning the Instrument to Local Control 19
Message Queues 19
How the Input Queue Works 19
Clearing the Input Queue 20
The Output Queue 20
The Error Queue 20
Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions 21
Short Form and Long Form 21
Command and Query Syntax 22
Units 22
Data Types 23
Slot and Channel Numbers 23
Laser Selection Numbers 24
Common Commands 25
Common Command Summary 25
Common Status Information 25
The Status Model 27
Status Registers 27
Status System for 8163A & 8164A 30
Status System for 8166A 30
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
7
Contents
Annotations 32
Status Byte Register 32
Standard Event Status Register 32
Operation/Questionable Status Summary 32
Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register 32
Operation/Questionable Slot Status 33
Operation Slot Status Register 33
Questionable Slot Status Register 33
Status Command Summary 34
Other Commands 34
Specific Commands 35
Specific Command Summary 37
Instrument Setup and Status 45
IEEE-Common Commands 47
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem 54
Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem
Subsystem
64
Measurement Operations & Settings 67
Root Layer Command 69
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem 72
Agilent 81635A and Agilent 81619A- Master and Slave
Channels
72
Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem 92
Triggering - The TRIGger Subsystem 117
Extended Trigger Configuration 123
Extended Trigger Configuration Example 127
Mass Storage, Display, and Print Functions 129
Display Operations – The DISPlay Subsystem 131
VISA Programming Examples 133
How to Use VISA Calls 135
How to Set up a Fixed Laser Source 137
How to Measure Power using FETCh and READ 139
8 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Contents
How to Co-ordinate Two Modules
143
How Power Varies with Wavelength 147
How to Log Results 150
The Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instrument Driver 155
Installing the Agilent 816x Instrument Driver 157
Using Visual Programming Environments 160
Getting Started with HP VEE 160
GPIB Interfacing in HP VEE 161
Getting Started with LabView 162
Getting Started with LabWindows 165
Features of the Agilent 816x Instrument Driver 165
Directory Structure 167
Opening an Instrument Session 167
Closing an Instrument Session 168
VISA Data Types and Selected Constant Definitions 168
Error Handling 169
Introduction to Programming 170
Example Programs 170
VISA-Specific Information 171
Instrument Addresses 171
Callbacks 171
Development Environments 171
Microsoft Visual C++ 4.0 (or higher) and Borland C++ 4.5 (or higher)
171
Microsoft Visual Basic 4.0 (or higher) 171
HP VEE 5.01 (or higher) 172
LabWindows CVI/ (R) 4.0 (or higher) 172
Online Information 172
Lambda Scan Applications 173
Equally Spaced Datapoints 174
How to Perform a Lambda Scan Application 176
The Prepare Lambda Scan Function 176
The Get Lambda Scan Parameters Function 177
The Execute Lambda Scan Function 177
How to Perform a Multi-Frame Lambda Scan Application 178
The Equally Spaced Datapoints Function 179
The Register Mainframe Function 179
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
9
Contents
The Unregister Mainframe Function 179
The Prepare Multi Frame Lambda Scan Function 180
The Get MF Lambda Scan Parameters Function 181
The Execute Multi Frame Lambda Scan Function 181
The Get Lambda Scan Result Function 181
The Get Number of PWM Channels Function 182
The Get Channel Location Function 182
GPIB Command Compatibility List 183
Compatibility Issues 185
GPIB Bus Compatibility 185
Status Model 185
Preset Defaults 185
Removed Command 186
Obsolete Commands 187
Changed Parameter Syntax and Semantics 187
Changed Query Result Values 188
Timing Behavior 189
Error Handling 189
Command Order 190
Instrument Status Settings 190
Error Codes 191
GPIB Error Strings 193
Index 199
10 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Figures
Figures
Figure 1 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 2 The Event Status Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Figure 3 The Registers and Filters for a Node . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 4 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8163A & 8164A . . . . 30
Figure 5 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8166A . . . . . . 31
Figure 6 Extended Trigger Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Figure 7 Setup for Extended Trigger Configuration Example . . . . . . 127
Figure 8 Non-Administrator Installation Pop-Up Box . . . . . . . . 157
Figure 9 Message Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Figure 10 Customizing Your Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Figure 11 Program Folder Item Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Figure 12 Device Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Figure 13 Advanced Device Configuration - Plug&play Driver . . . . . . 162
Figure 14 Search for GPIB Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Figure 15 FP Conversion Options Box . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Figure 16 Windows 95 and Windows NT VXIPNP Directory Structure . . . . 167
Figure 17 Equally Spaced Datapoints . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Figure 18 Lambda Scan Operation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Figure 19 Multi Frame Lambda Scan Operation Setup . . . . . . . . 178
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
11
Figures
12 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Tables
Tables
Table 1 GPIB Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Table 2 Units and allowed Mnemonics . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Table 3 Common Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Table 4 Specific Command Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Table 5 Commands that can only be configured using the master channel . . . 73
Table 6 Commands that are independent for both master and slave channels . . 73
Table 7 Triggering and Power Measurements . . . . . . . . . 117
Table 8 Generating Output Triggers from Power Measurements . . . . . 118
Table 9 Incompatible GPIB Bus Commands . . . . . . . . . . 185
Table 10 Removed Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Table 11 Obsolete Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Table 12 Commands with Different Parameters or Syntax . . . . . . . 187
Table 13 Queries with Different Result Values . . . . . . . . . . 188
Table 14 Timing Behavior Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Table 15 Error Handling Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Table 16 Specific Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Table 17 Overview for Supported Strings . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Table 18 Overview for Unsupported Strings . . . . . . . . . . 196
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
13
Tabl es
14 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Introduction to Programming
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
15
Introduction to Programming
This chapter gives general information on how to control your
instrument remotely.
Descriptions for the actual commands for the instruments are given in
the following chapters. The information in these chapters is specific to
the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave
Measurement System, and Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System
and assumes that you are already familiar with programming the GPIB.
16 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
GPIB Interface Introduction to Programming
GPIB Interface
The interface used by your instrument is the GPIB (General Purpose
Interface Bus).
GPIB is the interface used for communication between a controller and
an external device, such as the tunable laser source. The GPIB conforms
to IEEE standard 488-1978, ANSI standard MC 1.1 and IEC
recommendation 625-1.
If you are not familiar with the GPIB, then refer to the following books:
• The International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for
Programmable Instrumentation. New York, NY, 1987
• The International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
IEEE Standard 488.2-1987, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats,
Protocols and Common Commands For Use with ANSI/IEEE Std
488.1-1987. New York, NY, 1987
To obtain a copy of either of these last two documents, write to:
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
345 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017
USA.
In addition, the commands not from the IEEE-488.2 standard, are defined
according to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
(SCPI).
For an introduction to SCPI, and SCPI programming techniques, please
refer to the following documents:
• Hewlett-Packard Press (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc.). A
Beginners Guide to SCPI. Barry Eppler. 1991.
• The SCPI Consortium: Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments. To obtain a copy of this manual, contact the following
address:
SCPI Consortium Office
Bode Enterprise
2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 340
San Diego, CA, 92108
USA
Web: http://www.scpiconsortium.org
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
17
Introduction to Programming GPIB Interface
The interface of the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter and of the
Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System to the GPIB is defined by
the IEEE Standards 488.1 and 488.2.
Table 1 shows the interface functional subset that the instruments
implement.
Table 1 GPIB Capabilities
Mnemonic Function
SH1 Complete source handshake capability
AH1 Complete acceptor handshake capability
T6 Basic talker; serial poll; unaddressed to talk if addressed to
listen
L4 Basic listener; unaddressed to listen if addressed to talk; no
listen only
SR1 Complete service request capability
RL1 Complete remote/local capability
PP0 No parallel poll capability
DC1 Device clear capability
DT0 No device trigger capability
C0 No controller capability (Controller capability to be imple-
mented)
Setting the GPIB Address
There are two ways to set the GPIB address:
• You can set the GPIB address by using the command
“:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess” on page 66.
• You can set the GPIB address from the front panel. See your
instrument’s User’s Guide for more information.
The default GPIB address is 20.
18 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Message Queues Introduction to Programming
Returning the Instrument to Local Control
If the instrument is in remote control, a screen resembling
Figure 1 will appear. Press [Local] if you wish to return the instrument to
local control.
Figure 1 Remote Control
Message Queues
The instrument exchanges messages using an input and an output queue.
Error messages are kept in a separate error queue.
How the Input Queue Works
The input queue is a FIFO queue (first-in first-out). Incoming bytes are
stored in the input queue as follows:
1 Receiving a byte:
– Clears the output queue.
– Clears Bit 7 (MSB).
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
19
Introduction to Programming Message Queues
2 No modification is made inside strings or binary blocks. Outside
strings and binary blocks, the following modifications are made:
– Lower-case characters are converted to upper-case.
– The characters 00
).
(20
16
– Two or more blanks are truncated to one.
3 An EOI (End Or Identify) sent with any character is put into the input
queue as the character followed by a line feed (LF, 0A
with a LF, only one LF is put into the input queue.
4 The parser starts if the LF character is received or if the input queue is
full.
to 0916 and 0B16 to 1F16 are converted to spaces
16
). If EOI is sent
16
Clearing the Input Queue
Switching the power off, or sending a Device Interface Clear signal,
causes commands that are in the input queue, but have not been
executed to be lost.
The Output Queue
The output queue contains responses to query messages. The instrument
transmits any data from the output queue when a controller addresses
the instrument as a talker.
Each response message ends with a carriage return (CR, 0D
), with EOI=TRUE. If no query is received, or if the query has an
(0A
16
error, the output queue remains empty.
The Message Available bit (MAV, bit 4) is set in the Status Byte register
whenever there is data in the output queue.
) and a LF
16
The Error Queue
The error queue is 30 errors long. It is a FIFO queue (first-in first-out).
That is, the first error read is the oldest error to have occurred. A new
error is only put into the queue if it is not already in it.
If more than 29 errors are put into the queue, the message:
-350 <Queue Overflow>
is placed as the last message in the queue.
20 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions Introduction to Programming
Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions
A program message is a message containing commands or queries that
you send to the instruments. The following are a few points about
program messages:
• You can use either upper-case or lower-case characters.
• You can send several commands in a single message. Each command
must be separated from the next one by a semicolon (;).
• A command message is ended by a line feed character (LF) or
<CR><LF>.
• You can use any valid number/unit combination.
In other words, 1500NM,1.5UM and 1.5E-6M are all equivalent.
If you do not specify a unit, then the default unit is assumed. The
default unit for the commands are given with command description in
the next chapter.
Short Form and Long Form
The instrument accepts messages in short or long forms.
For example, the message
:STATUS:OPERATION:ENABLE 768
is in long form.
The short form of this message is
:STAT:OPER:ENAB 768
In this manual, the messages are written in a combination of upper and
lower case. Upper case characters are used for the short form of the
message.
For example, the above command would be written
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle
The first colon can be left out for the first command or query in your
message. That is, the example given above could also be sent as
STAT:OPER:ENAB 768
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
21
Introduction to Programming Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions
Command and Query Syntax
All characters not between angled brackets must be sent exactly as
shown.
The characters between angled brackets (<...>) indicate the kind of
data that you should send, or that you get in a response. You do not type
the angled brackets in the actual message.
Descriptions of these items follow the syntax description. The following
types of data are most commonly used:
string is ascii data. A string is contained between double
quotes ("...") or single quotes (‘...’).
value is numeric data in integer (12), decimal (34.5) or ex-
ponential format (67.8E-9).
wsp is a white space.
Other kinds of data are described as required.
The characters between square brackets ([...]) show optional
information that you can include with the message.
The bar (|) shows an either-or choice of data, for example, a|b means
either a or b, but not both simultaneously.
Extra spaces are ignored, so spaces can be inserted to improve
readability.
Units
Where units are given with a command, usually only the base units are
specified. The full sets of units are given in the table below.
Table 2 Units and allowed Mnemonics
Unit Default Allowed Mnemonics
meters M PM, NM, UM, MM, M
decibel DB MDB, DB
second S NS, US, MS, S
decibel/1mW DBM MDBM, DBM
Hertz HZ HZ, KHZ, MHZ, GHZ, THZ
Watt Watt PW, NW, UW, MW, Watt
meters per second M/S NM/S, UM/S, MM/S, M/S
22 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions Introduction to Programming
Data Types
With the commands you give parameters to the instrument and receive
response values from the instrument. Unless explicitly specified these
data are given in ASCII format. The following types of data are used:
• Boolean data may only have the values 0 or 1.
• Integer range is given for each individual command.
• Float variables may be given in decimal or exponential writing (0.123
or 123E-3).
All Float values conform to the 32 bit IEEE Standard, that is, all
Float values are returned as 32-bit real values.
• A string is contained between double quotes ("...") or single quotes
(‘...’). When the instrument returns a string, it is always included in "
" and terminated by <END>.
• When a register value is given or returned (for example *ESE), the
decimal values for the single bits are added. For example, a value of
nine means that bit 0 and bit 3 are set.
• Larger blocks of data are given as Binary Blocks, preceded by
“#<H><Len><Block>”, terminated by <END>; <H> represents the
number of digits, <Len> represents the number of bytes, and <Block>
is the data block. For example, for a Binary Block with 1 digit and 6
bytes this is: #16TRACES<END>.
Slot and Channel Numbers
Each module is identified by a slot number and a channel number. For
commands that require you to specify a channel, the slot number is
represented by [n] in a command and the channel number is represented
by [m].
The slot number represents the module’s position in the mainframe.
These are:
• from one to two for the Agilent 8163A,
• from zero to four for the Agilent 8164A, and
• from one to seventeen for the Agilent 8166A.
These numbers are displayed on the front panel beside each module slot.
NOTE The Agilent 8164A slot for back-loadable tunable laser modules is
numbered zero.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
23
Introduction to Programming Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions
Channel numbers apply to modules that have two inputs/outputs, for
example, the Agilent 81635A Dual Power Sensor.
Modules with two channels, for example, the Agilent 81635A Dual Power
Sensor, use the channel number to distinguish between these channels.
NOTE The channel number of single channel modules is always one.
For example, if you want to query slot 1, channel 2 with the command,
“:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength?” on page 89, you
should send the command:
• :sens1:chan2:pow:wav?
NOTE If you do not specify a slot or channel number, the lowest possible
number is used as the default value. This means:
• Slot 1 for the Agilent 8163A and Agilent 8166A mainframes.
• Slot 0 for the Agilent 8164A mainframe.
• Channel 1 for all channels.
Laser Selection Numbers
The laser selection number, [l], identifies the upper or lower wavelength
laser source for dual wavelength Laser Source modules and Return Loss
modules with two internal laser sources. The lower wavelength source is
denoted by 1. The upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
NOTE For Return Loss modules, 0 denotes the use of an external laser source
as the input to your Return Loss module for the following commands:
• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]” on
page 90,
• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]?”
on page 90,
• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]”
on page 91, and
• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]
?” on page 91.
24 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Common Commands Introduction to Programming
Common Commands
The IEEE 488.2 standard has a list of reserved commands, called
common commands. Some of these commands must be implemented by
any instrument using the standard, others are optional.
Your instrument implements all the necessary commands, and some
optional ones. This section describes the implemented commands.
Common Command Summary
Table 3 gives a summary of the common commands.
Table 3 Common Command Summary
Command Parameter Function Page
*CLS Clear Status Command page 47
*ESE Standard Event Status Enable Command page 48
*ESE? Standard Event Status Enable Query page 48
*ESR? Standard Event Status Register Query page 49
*IDN? Identification Query page 49
*OPC Operation Complete Command page 50
*OPC? Operation Complete Query page 50
*OPT? Options Query page 51
*RST Reset Command page 51
*STB? Read Status Byte Query page 52
*TST? Self Test Query page 53
*WAI Wait Command page 53
NO T E These commands are described in more detail in “IEEE-Common Commands” on page 47.
Common Status Information
There are three registers for the status information. Two of these are
status-registers and one is an enable-registers. These registers conform
to the IEEE Standard 488.2-1987. You can find further descriptions of
these registers under *ESE, *ESR?, and *STB?.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
25
Introduction to Programming Common Commands
Figure 2 shows how the Standard Event Status Enable Mask (SESEM)
and the Standard Event Status Register (SESR) determine the Event
Status Bit (ESB) of the Status Byte.
*ESE
sets the Standard Event Status Enable Mask
*STB?
returns the Status Byte Register
OSB ESB QSB
Status
Byte
001
All bits shown as are unused
Figure 2 The Event Status Bit
The SESR contains the information about events that are not slot
specific. For details of the function of each bit of the SESR, see
“Standard Event Status Register” on page 32.
01234567
*ESR?
Event
Status
Enable
Mask
&
&
&
&
OR
Event
Status
Register
returns the Standard Event Status Register
&
&
01234567
111111
&
&
01234567
100000
The SESEM allows you to choose the event that may affect the ESB of
the Status Byte. If you set a bit of the SESEM to zero, the corresponding
event cannot affect the ESB. The default is for all the bits of the SESEM
to be set to 0.
The questionable and operation status systems set the Operational Status
Bit (OSB) and the Questionable Status Bit (QSB). These status systems
are described in “The Status Model” on page 27 and “Status Reporting –
The STATus Subsystem” on page 54.
NOTE Unused bits in any of the registers change to 0 when you read them.
26 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
The Status Model Introduction to Programming
The Status Model
Status Registers
Each node of the status circuitry has three registers:
• A condition register (CONDition), which contains the current status.
This register is updated continuously. It is not changed by having its
contents read.
• The event register (EVENt), which contains details of any positive
transitions in the corresponding condition register, that is, when a bit
changes from 0 → 1. The contents of this register are cleared when it
is read. The contents of any higher-level registers are affected with
regard to the appropriate bit.
• The enable register (ENABle), which enables changes in the event
register to affect the next stage of registers.
NOTE The event register is the only kind of register that can affect the next
stage of registers.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
27
Introduction to Programming The Status Model
The structures of the Operational and Questionable Status Systems are
similar. Figure 4 describe how the Questionable Status Bit (QSB) and
the Operational Status Bit (OSB) of the Status Byte Register are
determined.
Enable Registers
To th e
OR
Event Registers
Condition Register
of the Next Node
A positive transition in the condition
11111
Figure 3 The Registers and Filters for a Node
The Operational/Questionable Slot Status Event Register
(OSSER/QSSER) contains the status of a particular module slot. A bit
changes from 0 → 1 when an event occurs, for example, when a laser is
switched on. For details of the function of each bit of these registers, see
“Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register” on page 32 and
“Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register” on page 32.
The Operational/Questionable Slot Enable Status Mask
(OSESM/QSESM) allows you to choose the events for each module slot
that may affect the Operational/Questionable Status Event Register (see
below). If you set a bit of the OSESM/QSESM to zero, the occurence of
the corresponding event for this particular module slot cannot affect the
Operational/Questionable Status Event Register. The default is for all the
bits of the OSESM/QSESM to be set to 0.
register, when a bit changes from 0 → 1,
causes the corresponding bit of the
corresponding event register
to change from 0 → 1.
Condition Registers
28 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
The Status Model Introduction to Programming
The Operational/Questionable Status Event Summary Register
(OSESR/QSESR) summarizes the status of every module slot of your
instrument. If, for any slot, any bit of the QSSER goes from 0 → 1 AND
the corresponding bit of the QSSEM is 1at the same time, the QSESR bit
representing that slot is set to 1.
The Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask
(OSESM/QSESM) allows you to choose the module slots that may affect
the OSB/QSB of the Status Byte. If any bit of the QSESR goes from 0 → 1
AND the corresponding bit of the QSESM is 1at the same time, the QSB
of the Status Byte is set to 1. If you set a bit of the OSESM/QSESM to
zero, the corresponding module slot cannot affect the OSB/QSB. The
default is for all the bits of the OSESM/QSESM to be set to 0.
The Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask for the
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter and the Agilent 8164A Lightwave
Measurement System consists of one level. These are described in
“Status System for 8163A & 8164A” on page 30.
As the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System has 17 module
slots, the Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask
consists of two levels. This is described in “Status System for 8166A” on
page 30.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
29
Introduction to Programming The Status Model
Status System for 8163A & 8164A
The status system for the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter and the
Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System returns the status of 2
and 5 module slots respectively. The Operational/Questionable Status
Summary Registers consist of one level and are described by Figure 4.
Any commands that require LEVel1 do not apply to these mainframes.
Status Byte Register
Status Summary
Slot 1
Operational/Questionable Status
Enable Summary Mask
Register
Operational/Questionable Status
Event Summary Register
Operational/Questionable Status
Condition Summary Register
Operational/Questionable
Slot Status Enable Mask
Register
Operational/Questionable
Slot Status Event
Register
Operational/Questionable
Slot Status Condition
Register
Status Byte
to next
&
&
&
&
&
&
OR
for a positive
transition
&
&
to next
level
OR
for a positive
transition
level
Figure 4 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8163A & 8164A
Status System for 8166A
The status system for the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System
returns the status of 17 module slots. The Operational/Questionable
Status Summary Registers consists of two levels, as described by Figure
5.
30 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
The Status Model Introduction to Programming
Module slots 1 to 14 affect the Level 0 summary register as described in
Figure 4. Bit 0 of the Level 0 summary registers represents the summary
of the status of module slots 15, 16, and 17. The Level 1 summary
registers contain an individual summary for each of these module slots.
Status Byte Register
Status
Summary
for Level 0
Status
Summary
for Level 1
Slot 15
Operational/Questionable Status
Enable Summary Mask
Register (Level 1)
Operational/Questionable Status
Event Summary Register (Level 1)
Operational/Questionable Status
Condition Summary Register (Level 1)
Operational/Questionable
Slot Status Enable Mask
Register
Operational/Questionable
Slot Status Event
Register
Operational/Questionable
Slot Status Condition
Register
Status Byte
Operational/Questionable Status
Enable Summary Mask
Register (Level 0)
Operational/Questionable Status
Event Summary Register (Level 0)
Operational/Questionable Status
Condition Summary Register (Level 0)
&
&
&
&
to next
&
&
&
&
OR
for a positive
transition
&
&
&
OR
for a positive
transition
level
to next
level
OR
&
for a positive
transition
to next
level
Figure 5 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8166A
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
31
Introduction to Programming The Status Model
Annotations
Status Byte Register
• Bit 3, the QSB, is built from the questionable event status register and
its enable mask.
• Bit 5, the ESB, is built from the SESR and its SESEM.
• Bit 7, the OSB, is built from the operation event status register and its
enable mask.
• All other bits are unused, and therefore set to 0.
Standard Event Status Register
• Bit 0 is set if an operation complete event has been received since the
last call to *ESR?.
• Bit 1 is always 0 (no service request).
• Bit 2 is set if a query error has been detected.
• Bit 3 is set if a device dependent error has been detected.
• Bit 4 is set if an execution error has been detected.
• Bit 5 is set if a command error has been detected.
• Bit 6 is always 0 (no service request).
• Bit 7 is set for the first call of *ESR? after Power On.
Operation/Questionable Status Summary
• The Operation/Questionable Status Summary consist of a condition
and an event register.
• A "rising" bit in the condition register is copied to the event register.
• A "falling" bit in the condition register has no effect on the event
register.
• Reading the condition register is non-destructive.
• Reading the event register is destructive.
• A summary of the event register and its enable mask is set in the status
byte.
Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register
• Bits 0 to 4 are built from the OSSER/QSSER and the OSSEM/QSSEM.
32 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
The Status Model Introduction to Programming
• A summary of the event register, the condition register and the enable
mask is set in the status byte.
Operation/Questionable Slot Status
• The Operation/Questionable Slot Status consist of a condition and an
event register.
• A "rising" bit in the condition register is copied to the event register.
• A "falling" bit in the condition register has no effect on the event
register.
• Reading the condition register is non-destructive.
• Reading the event register is destructive.
• A summary of the event register, the condition register and the enable
mask is set in the status byte.
Operation Slot Status Register
• Bit 0 is set if the laser is switched on.
• Bit 1 is set if the Coherence Control is switched on.
• Bit 3 is set if Power Meter zeroing or Tunable Laser module lambda
zeroing is ongoing.
• All other bits are unused, and therefore set to 0.
Questionable Slot Status Register
• Bit 0 is set if excessive power is set by the user for any source module
or if excessive averaging time is set for any Power Meter.
• Bit 1 is set if the last Power Meter zeroing or Tunable Laser module
lambda zeroing failed.
• Bit 2 is set if temperature is out of range.
• Bit 3 is set if laser protection is switched on.
• Bit 4 is set if the module has not settled.
• Bit 5 is set if the module is out of specifications.
• Bit 6 is set if ARA is recommended.
• Bit 7 is set if the duty cycle is out of range.
• All other bits are unused, and therefore set to 0.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
33
Introduction to Programming The Status Model
Status Command Summary
*STB? returns status byte, value 0 .. +255
*ESE sets the standard event status enable mask, parameter 0 .. +255
*ESE? returns SESE, value 0 .. +255
*ESR? returns the standard event status register, value 0 .. +255
*OPC parses all program message units in the message queue.
*OPC? returns 1 if all operations (scan trace printout, measurement) are com-
pleted. Otherwise it returns 0.
*CLS clears the status byte and SESR, and removes any entries from the er-
ror queue.
*RST clears the error queue, loads the default setting, and restarts communi-
cation.
NOTE: *RST does NOT touch the STB or SESR. A running measurement
is stopped.
*TST? initiates an instrument selftest and returns the results as a 32 bit LONG.
Other Commands
*OPT? returns the installed modules and the slots these modules are installed
in:
For example, *OPT? → 81682A, 81533B, 81532A, ,
Modules 81682A, 81533B, and 81532A are installed in slots 0 to 2 respectively. Slots 3 and 4 are empty.
*WAI prevents the instrument from executing any further commands until the
current command has finished executing. All pending operations are
completed during the wait period.
*IDN? identifies the instrument; returns the manufacturer, instrument model
number, serial number, and firmware revision level.
34 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Specific Commands
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
35
Specific Commands
This chapter lists all the instrument specific commands relating to the
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter and the Agilent 8164A Lightwave
Measurement System, with a single-line description.
Each of these summaries contains a page reference for more detailed
information about the particular command later in this manual.
36 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Specific Command Summary Specific Commands
Specific Command Summary
The commands are ordered in a command tree. Every command belongs
to a node in this tree.
The root nodes are also called the subsystems. A subsystem contains all
commands belonging to a specific topic. In a subsystem there may be
further subnodes.
All the nodes have to be given with a command. For example in the
command disp:brig
• DISPlay is the subsystem containing all commands for controlling
the display,
• BRIGhtness is the command selecting brightness.
NOTE If a command and a query are both available, the command ends /?.
So, disp:brig/? means that disp:brig and disp:brig? are both
available.
Table 4 gives an overview of the command tree. You see the nodes, the
subnodes, and the included commands.
Table 4 Specific Command Summary
Command Description Page
:DISPlay
:BRIGhtness/? Changes or queries the current display brightness. page 131
:CONTrast/? Changes or queries the current display contrast. page 131
:ENABle/? Switches the display on or off or queries whether the display is on or
off.
:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]
:POWer[:DC]? Returns a power value from a sensor. page 74
:RETurnloss? Returns the current return loss value. page 74
:RETurnloss? Returns a return loss value. page 74
:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]
[:IMMediate] Starts a measurement. page 74
:CONTinuous/? Starts or Queries a single/continuous measurement. page 75
page 132
:LOCK/?
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
Switches the lock on/off or returns the current state of the lock. page 69
37
Specific Commands Specific Command Summary
Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)
Command Description Page
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]
:CONNection/? Selects or returns Analog Output parameter. page 92
:PATH/? Sets or returns the regulated path. page 92
[:STATe]/? Sets a source’s output terminals to open or closed or returns the
page 93
current status of a source’s output terminals.
:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]
:POWer[:DC]? Reads the current power value from a sensor. page 75
:RETurnloss? Reads the current return loss value. page 76
:RETurnloss? Returns the current return loss value. page 76
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CORRection
[:LOSS][:INPut][:MAGNitude]/? Sets or returns the value of correction data for a sensor. page 76
:COLLECT:ZERO Executes a zero calibration of a sensor module. page 77
:COLLECT:ZERO? Returns the current zero state of a sensor module. page 77
:COLLECT:ZERO:ALL Executes a zero calibration of all sensor modules. page 77
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion
:PARameter:LOGGing/? Sets or returns the number of samples and the averaging time, t
avg
,
page 78
for logging.
:PARameter:MINMax/? Sets or returns the minmax mode and the window size. page 79
,
:PARameter:STABility/? Sets or returns the total time, delay time and the averaging time, t
avg
page 80
for stability.
:RESult? Returns the data array of the last function. page 81
:STATe/? Enables/disables the function mode or returns whether the function
page 82
mode is enabled.
:THReshold/? Sets or returns the threshold value and the start mode. page 83
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer
:ATIMe/? Sets or returns the average time of a sensor. page 83
:RANGe[:UPPer]/? Sets or returns the most positive signal entry expected for a sensor. page 84
:RANGe:AUTO/? Sets or returns the range of a sensor to produce the most dynamic
page 85
range without overloading.
:REFerence/? Sets or returns the reference level of a sensor. page 85
UNIT/? Sets or returns the units used for absolute readings on a sensor. page 88
:WAVelength/? Sets or returns the wavelength for a sensor. page 88
38 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Specific Command Summary Specific Commands
Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)
Command Description Page
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence
:DISPlay Sets the reference level for a sensor from the input power level. page 86
:STATe/? Sets or returns whether sensor results are in relative or absolute
units.
:STATe:RATio/? Sets or returns whether sensor results are displayed relative to a
channel or to an absolute reference.
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration
:FACTory page 89
:REFLectance page 89
:TERMination page 90
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection
:FPDelta[l]/? Sets or returns page 90
:REFLectance[l]/? Sets or returns page 91
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration
:FACTory Selects the factory-set calibration values page 89
:COLLect:REFLectance Sets the Reflection Reference calibration values to the values cur-
rently measured by the chosen return loss module
:COLLect:TERMination Sets the Reflection Reference calibration values to the values cur-
rently measured by the chosen return loss module
page 86
page 87
page 89
page 90
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection
:FPDelta[n]/? Sets or returns the front panel delta, that is, the loss variation value
due to the front panel connector
:REFLectance[n]/? Sets or returns Return Loss Reference, the return loss value of your
reference reflector.
:SLOT[n]
:EMPTy? Returns whether the module slot is empty. page 69
:IDN? Returns information about the module. page 70
:OPTions? Returns the module’s options. page 70
:TST? Returns the latest selftest results for a module. page 70
:SLOT[n][:HEAD[m]]
:EMPTy? Returns whether an optical head is connected. page 71
:IDN? Returns information about the optical head. page 71
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
page 90
page 91
39
Specific Commands Specific Command Summary
Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)
Command Description Page
:OPTions? Returns the optical head’s options. page 71
:TST? Returns the latest selftest results for an optical head. page 72
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]
:MODout/? Returns the mode of the modulation output mode of the BNC con-
nector on the front panel of Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Tunable Laser
modules.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]AM
[:INTernal]:FREQuency[l]/? Sets or returns the frequency of an internal signal source. page 94
:SOURce[l]/? Sets or returns a source for the modulating system. page 95
: STATe [ l]/? Turns Amplitude Modulation of a source on or off or returns whether
Amplitude Modulation is on or off.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]POWer
[
:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] Sets the laser output power of a source. page 101
[
:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude[l]]? Returns the laser output power of a source. page 102
[:LEVel]:RISetime/? Sets or returns the laser rise time of a source. page 103
:ATTenuation[l]/? Sets or returns the attenuation level for a source. page 98
:STATe/? Sets or returns the state of the source output signal. page 103
:UNIT/? Sets or returns the power units. page 104
:WAVelength/? Sets or returns the wavelength source of a dual-wavelength source. page 106
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]POWer:ATTenuation
page 97
page 96
:AUTO/? Selects Automatic or Manual Attenuation Mode for a source or re-
turns the selected mode.
:DARK/? Enables/disables ‘dark’ position on a source or returns whether
‘dark’ position is active for a source.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]READout
:DATA? Returns number of datapoints returned by the [:SOURce[n]][:CHAN-
nel[m]]:READout:POINts? command.
:POINts? Returns the data as a binary stream from either a lambda logging
operation or the maximum power the laser can produce at each
wavelength.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength
[:CW|:FIXED] Sets the absolute wavelength of a source. page 106
[:CW|:FIXED[l]]? Returns the absolute wavelength of a source. page 107
page 99
page 100
page 105
page 105
40 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Specific Command Summary Specific Commands
Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)
Command Description Page
:FREQuency/? Sets the frequency difference used to calculate a relative wave-
length for a source.
:REFerence? Returns the reference wavelength of a source. page 108
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:CORRection
:ARA Realigns the laser cavity. page 107
:ZERO Exexutes a wavelength zero. page 107
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:REFerence
:DISPlay Sets the reference wavelength of a source to the value of the output
wavelength.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:SWEep
:CYCLes/? Sets or returns the number of cycles. page 109
:DWELl/? Sets or returns the dwell time. page 110
:LLOGging/? Switches lambda logging on or off or queries the state of lambda
logging.
:MODE/? Sets or returns the sweep mode. page 112
:PMAX? Returns the highest permissible power for a wavelength sweep. page 112
:REPeat/? Sets or returns the repeat mode. page 113
page 108
page 109
page 111
:SPEed/? Sets or returns the speed for continuous sweeping. page 113
:STARt/? Sets or returns the start point of the sweep. page 114
:STOP/? Sets or returns the end point of the sweep. page 114
[:STATe]/? Stops, starts, pauses or continues a wavelength sweep or returns
the the state of a sweep.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:SWEep:STEP
:NEXT Performs the next sweep step. page 115
:PREVious Performs the previous sweep step again. page 115
[:WIDTh]/? Sets or returns the width of the sweep step. page 116
:SPECial
:REBoot Reboots the mainframe and all modules. page 72
:STATus[n]
:PRESet Presets all Enable Registers. page 58
:STATus:OPERation
page 115
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
41
Specific Commands Specific Command Summary
Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)
Command Description Page
[:EVENt]? Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register. page 54
[:EVENt]:LEVel1? Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register for slots 15 -
17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
:CONDition? Returns the Operational Status Condition Summary Register. page 55
:CONDition:LEVel1? Returns the Operational Status Condition Summary Register for slots
15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
:ENABle/? Sets or queries the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask. page 55
:ENABle:LEVel1/? Sets or queries the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask for
slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
:STATusn:OPERation
[:EVENt]? Returns the Operational Slot Status Event Register for slot n. page 57
:CONDition? Returns the Operational Slot Status Condition Register for slot n.page58
:ENABle/? Sets or queries the Operation Slot Status Enable Mask for slot n.page58
:STATus:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]? Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register. page 59
[:EVENt]:LEVel1? Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register for slots
15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
:CONDition? Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register. page 60
page 56
page 56
page 57
page 61
:CONDition:LEVel1? Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register for
slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
:ENABle/? Sets or queries the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask. page 60
:ENABle:LEVel1/? Sets or queries the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask for
slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
:STATusn:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]? Returns the Questionable Slot Status Event Register for slot n. page 62
:CONDition? Returns the Questionable Slot Status Condition Register for slot n.page63
:ENABle/? Sets or queries the
.
slot n
:SYSTem
:DATE/? Sets or returns the instrument’s internal date. page 64
:ERRor? Returns the contents of the instrument’s error queue. page 64
:HELP:HEADers? Returns a list of GPIB commands. page 65
:PRESet Sets all parameters to their default values. page 65
Questionable Slot Status Enable Mask for
page 61
page 62
page 63
42 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Specific Command Summary Specific Commands
Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)
Command Description Page
:TIME/? Sets or returns the instrument’s internal time. page 65
:VERSion? Returns the instrument’s SCPI version. page 66
:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB
[:SELF]:ADDress/? Sets or returns the GPIB address. page 66
:TRIGger
:CONFiguration/? Sets or returns trigger configuration. page 122
:TRIGger:CONFiguration
:EXTended/? Sets or returns extended trigger configuration. page 124
:FPEDal/? Enables/disables the Input Trigger connector to be triggered using a
:TRIGger[n][CHANnel[m]]
:INPut/? Sets or returns the incoming trigger response . page 119
:OUTPut/? Sets or returns the outgoing trigger response. page 121
Generates a hardware trigger. page 118,
page 124
page 124
Foot Pedal or returns whether the Input Trigger connector can be
triggered using a Foot Pedal.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
43
Specific Commands Specific Command Summary
44 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Instrument Setup and Status
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
45
Instrument Setup and Status
This chapter gives descriptions of commands that you can use when
setting up your instrument. The commands are split into the following
separate subsytems:
• IEEE specific commands that were introduced in “Common
Commands” on page 25.
• STATus subsystem commands that relate to the status model.
• SYSTem subsystem commands that control the serial interface and
internal data.
46 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status
IEEE-Common Commands
“Common Commands” on page 25 gave a brief introduction to the IEEE-
common commands which can be used with the instruments. This
section gives fuller descriptions of each of these commands.
command:
syntax: *CLS
description: The CLear Status command *CLS clears the following:
parameters: none
response: none
example: *CLS
*CLS
• Error queue
• Standard event status register (SESR)
• Status byte register (STB)
After the *CLS command the instrument is left waiting for the next command. The instrument setting is unaltered by the command, although *OPC/*OPC? actions are cancelled.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
47
Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands
command:
syntax: *ESE<wsp><value>
description: The standard Event Status Enable command (*ESE) sets bits in the Standard Event Status
parameters: The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value):
*ESE
0 ≤ value ≤ 255
Enable Mask (SESEM) that enable the corresponding bits in the standard event status register (SESR).
The register is cleared:
• at power-on,
• by sending a value of zero.
The register is not changed by the *RST and *CLS commands.
Bit Mnemonic Decimal Value
7 (MSB) Power On 128
6 Not Used 0
5 Command Error 32
4 Execution Error 16
3 Device Dependent Error 8
2 Query Error 4
1 Not Used 0
0 (LSB) Operation Complete 1
response: none
example: *ESE 21
command:
syntax: *ESE?
description: The standard Event Status Enable query *ESE? returns the contents of the Standard
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value).
example: *ESE? → 21<END>
*ESE?
Event Status Enable Mask (see *ESE for information on this register).
48 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: *ESR?
description: The standard Event Status Register query *ESR? returns the contents of the Standard
parameters none
response The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value):
example: *ESR? → 21<END>
command:
syntax: *IDN?
description: The IDeNtification query *IDN? gets the instrument identification over the interface.
parameters: none
response: The identification terminated by <END>:
*ESR?
Event Status Register. The register is cleared after being read.
Bit Mnemonic Decimal Value
7 (MSB) Power On 128
6 Not used 0
5 Command Error 32
4 Execution Error 16
3 Device Dependent Error 8
2 Query Error 4
1 Not used 0
0 (LSB) Operation Complete 1
*IDN?
For example.
HEWLETT-PACKARD
mmmm
ssssssss
rrrrrrrrrr
NOTE The Agilent 8163A, Agilent 8164A, and Agilent8166A will always return HEWLETT-
PACKARD as the manufacturer. This will not be affected by the transition of these
instruments to Agilent Technologies. This will allow programs that use this string to
continue functioning.
See “:SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:IDN?” on page 71 for information on module identity strings.
example: *IDN? → HEWLETT-PACKARD,mmmm,s sssssss,rrrrr rrrrr<END>
manufacturer
instrument model number (for example 8164A)
serial number
firmware revision level
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
49
Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands
command:
syntax: *OPC
description: The instrument parses and executes all program message units in the input queue and
parameters: none
response: none
example: *OPC
command:
syntax: *OPC?
description: The OPeration Complete query *OPC? parses all program message units in the input
*OPC
sets the operation complete bit in the standard event status register (SESR). This command can be used to avoid filling the input queue before the previous commands have finished executing.
The following actions cancel the *OPC command (and put the instrument into Operation
Complete, Command Idle State):
• Power-on
• the Device Clear Active State is asserted on the interface.
• *CLS
• *RST
*OPC?
queue, sets the operation complete bit in the Standard Event Status register, and places
an ASCII ’1’ in the output queue, when the contents of the input queue have been processed.
The following actions cancel the *OPC? query (and put the instrument into Operation
Complete, Command Idle State):
• Power-on
• the Device Clear Active State is asserted on the interface.
• *CLS
• *RST
parameters: none
response: 1<END> is always returned.
example: *OPC? → 1<END>
50 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: *OPT?
description: The OPTions query *OPT? returns the modules installed in your instrument.
parameters: none
response: Returns the part number of all installed modules, separated by commas.
example: *OPT? → 81682A , , 81533B, 81532A, <END>
command:
syntax: *RST
description: The ReSeT command *RST sets the mainframe and all modules to the reset setting (stan-
*OPT?
Slots are listed starting with the lowest slot number, that is, slot 0 for the Agilent 8164A and
Slot 1 for the Agilent 8163A and Agilent 8166A.
If any slot is empty or not recognised, two spaces are inserted instead of the module’s part
number. See the example below, where slots 1 and 4 are empty.
*RST
dard setting) stored internally.
Pending *OPC? actions are cancelled.
The instrument is placed in the idle state awaiting a command. The *RST command clears
the error queue.
The *RST command is equivalent to the *CLS command AND the syst:preset com-
mand.
The following are not changed:
• GPIB (interface) state
• Instrument interface address
• Output queue
• Service request enable register (SRE)
• Standard Event Status Enable Mask (SESEM)
parameters: none
response: none
example: *RST
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
51
Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands
command:
syntax: *STB?
description: The STatus Byte query *STB? returns the contents of the Status Byte register.
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value):
example: *STB? → 128<END>
*STB?
Bit Mnemonic Decimal Value
7 (MSB) Operation Status 128
6 Not used 0
5 Event Status Bit 32
4 Not used 0
3 Questionable Status 8
2 Not used 0
1 Not used 0
0 Not used 0
52 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: *TST?
description: The self-TeST query *TST? makes the instrument perform a self-test and place the results
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the individual tests (a 32-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ val-
example: *TST? → 0<END>
*TST?
of the test in the output queue. If the self-test fails, the results are also put in the error
queue. We recommend that you read self-test results from the error queue. No further
commands are allowed while the test is running. After the self-test the instrument is returned to the setting that was active at the time the self-test query was processed. The
self-test does not require operator interaction beyond sending the *TST? query.
ue ≤ 4294967296):
Bits Mnemonic Decimal Value
31 Selftest failed on Mainframe A negative value
18 - 30 Not used 0
17 Selftest failed on Slot 17 131072
16 Selftest failed on Slot 16 65536
15 Selftest failed on Slot 15 32768
14 Selftest failed on Slot 14 16384
13 Selftest failed on Slot 13 8192
12 Selftest failed on Slot 12 4096
11 Selftest failed on Slot 11 2048
10 Selftest failed on Slot 10 1024
9 Selftest failed on Slot 9 512
8 Selftest failed on Slot 8 256
7 Selftest failed on Slot 7 128
6 Selftest failed on Slot 6 64
5 Selftest failed on Slot 5 32
4 Selftest failed on Slot 4 16
3 Selftest failed on Slot 3 8
2 Selftest failed on Slot 2 4
1 Selftest failed on Slot 1 2
0 Selftest failed on Slot 0 1
If 16 is returned, the module in slot 4 has failed.
If 18 is returned, the modules in slots 1 and 4 have failed.
A value of zero indicates no errors.
command:
syntax: *WAI
description: The WAIt command prevents the instrument from executing any further commands until
parameters: none
response: none
example: *WAI
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
*WAI
the current command has finished executing. All pending operations are completed during
the wait period.
53
Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem
The Status subsystem allows you to return and set details from the Status
Model. For more details, see “The Status Model” on page 27.
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation[:EVENt][:LEVel0]?
description: Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register (OSESR).
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):
example: stat:oper? → +0<END>
:STATus:OPERation[:EVENt][:LEVel0]?
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value
Agilent 8163A Agilent 8164A Agilent 8166A
15 Not used Not used Not used 0
14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384
13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192
12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096
11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048
10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024
9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512
8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256
7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128
6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64
5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32
4 Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16
3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8
2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4
1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2
0 Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1
54 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation:CONDition[:LEVel0]?
description: Reads the Operational Status Condition Summary Register.
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the individual slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value
example: stat:oper:cond? → +0<END>
:STATus:OPERation:CONDition[:LEVel0]?
≤ 32767):
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value
Agilent 8163A Agilent 8164A Agilent 8166A
15 Not used Not used Not used 0
14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384
13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192
12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096
11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048
10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024
9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512
8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256
7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128
6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64
5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32
4 Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16
3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8
2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4
1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2
0 Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]<wsp><value>
description: Sets the bits in the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask (OSESM) that enable the
parameters: The bit value for the OSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
response: none
example: stat:oper:enab 128
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]
contents of the OSESR to affect the Status Byte (STB).
Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSESR to affect bit 7
of the Status Byte.
The default value is 0.
55
Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]?
description: Returns the OSESM for the OSESR
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the operation enable mask as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:oper:enab? → +128<END>
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]:LEVel1?
description: Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register (OSESR) for slots 15 to 17 of the
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):
example: stat:oper:level1? → +0<END>
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]?
:STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]:LEVel1?
Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value
Agilent 8166A
15-4 Not used 0
3 Slot 17 Summary 8
2 Slot 16 Summary 4
1 Slot 15 Summary 2
0 Not used 0
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation:CONDition:LEVel1?
description: Returns the Operational Status Condition Summary Register for slots 15 to 17 of the
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for slots 15 to 17 (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤
example: stat:oper:cond:level1? → +0<END>
:STATus:OPERation:CONDition:LEVel1?
Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
32767):
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value
Agilent 8166A
15-4 Not used 0
3 Slot 17 Summary 8
2 Slot 16 Summary 4
1 Slot 15 Summary 2
0 Not used 0
56 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1<wsp><value>
description: Sets the bits in the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask (OSESM) that enable the con-
parameters: The bit value for the OSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
response: none
example: stat:oper:enab:level1 128
command:
syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1?
description: Returns the OSESM for the OSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Measure-
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the operation enable mask as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:oper:enab:level1? → +128<END>
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1
tents of the OSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Measurement System to
affect the Status Byte (STB).
Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSESR for slots 15 - 17
of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Measurement System to affect bit 7 of the Status Byte.
The default value is 0.
:STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1?
ment System
command:
syntax: :STATusn:OPERation[:EVENt]?
description: Returns the Operational Slot Status Event Register (OSSER) of slot n.
parameters: none
response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤
example: stat1:oper? → +0<END>
:STATusn:OPERation[:EVENt]?
32767):
Bit
4-15
3
2
1
0
Mnemonic
Not used
Slot n: Zeroing started
Not used
Slot n: Coherence Control has been switched on
Slot n: Laser has been switched on
Decimal Value
0
8
0
2
1
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
57
Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem
command:
syntax: :STATusn:OPERation:CONDition?
description: Returns the Operational Slot Status Condition Register of slot n.
parameters: none
response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤
example: stat1:oper:cond? → +0<END>
command:
syntax: :STATusn:OPERation:ENABle<wsp><value>
description: Sets the bits in the Operation Slot Status Enable Mask (OSSEM) for slot n that enable the
parameters: The bit value for the OSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
response: none
example: stat:oper:enab 128
:STATusn:OPERation:CONDition?
32767):
Bit
4-15
3
2
1
0
:STATusn:OPERation:ENABle
contents of the Operation Slot Status Event Register (OSSER) for slot n to affect the OSESR.
Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSSER for slot n to affect bit n of the OSESR.
Mnemonic
Not used
Slot n: Zeroing ongoing
Not used
Slot n: Coherence Control is switched on
Slot n: Laser is switched on
Decimal Value
0
8
0
2
1
command:
syntax: :STATusn:OPERation:ENABle?
description: Returns the OSSEM of slot n
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the OSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:oper:enab? → +128<END>
command:
syntax: :STATus:PRESet
description: Presets all bits in all the enable masks for both the OPERation and QUEStionable status
parameters: none
response: none
example: stat:pres
:STATusn:OPERation:ENABle?
:STATus:PRESet
systems to 0, that is, OSSEM, QSSEM, OSESM, and QSESM.
58 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt][:LEVel0]?
description: Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register (QSESR).
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the QSESR as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:ques? → +0<END>
:STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt][:LEVel0]?
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Val-
Agilent 8163A Agilent 8164A Agilent 8166A
15 Not used Not used Not used 0
14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384
13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192
12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096
11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048
10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024
9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512
8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256
7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128
6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64
5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32
4 Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16
3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8
2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4
1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2
0 Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1
ue
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
59
Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition[:LEVel0]?
description: Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register.
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register as a 16-bit
example: stat:ques:cond? → +0<END>
:STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition[:LEVel0]?
signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Val-
Agilent 8163A Agilent 8164A Agilent 8166A
15 Not used Not used Not used 0
14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384
13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192
12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096
11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048
10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024
9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512
8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256
7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128
6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64
5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32
4 Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16
3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8
2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4
1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2
0 Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1
ue
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]<wsp><value>
description: Sets the bits in the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask (QSESM) that enable the
parameters: The bit value for the questionable enable mask as a 16-bit signed integer value
response: none
example: stat:ques:enab 128
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]
contents of the QSESR to affect the Status Byte (STB).
Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the QSESR to affect bit 3
of the Status Byte.
(0 .. +32767)
The default value is 0.
60 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]?
description: Returns the QSESM for the event register
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the QSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:ques:enab? → +128<END>
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]:LEVel1?
description: Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register (QSESR) for slots 15 to 17 of the
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):
example: stat:ques:level1? → +0<END>
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]?
:STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]:LEVel1?
Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value
Agilent 8166A
15-4 Not used 0
3 Slot 17 Summary 8
2 Slot 16 Summary 4
1 Slot 15 Summary 2
0 Not used 0
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition:LEVel1?
description: Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register for slots 15 to 17 of the
parameters: none
response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):
example: stat:ques:cond:level1? → +0<END>
:STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition:LEVel1?
Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System.
Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value
Agilent 8166A
15-4 Not used 0
3 Slot 17 Summary 8
2 Slot 16 Summary 4
1 Slot 15 Summary 2
0 Not used 0
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
61
Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1<wsp><value>
description: Sets the bits in the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask (QSESM) that enable the
parameters: The bit value for the QSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
response: none
example: stat:oper:enab:level1 128
command:
syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1?
description: Returns the QSESM for the QSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Mea-
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the QSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:oper:enab:level1? → +128<END>
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1
contents of the QSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Measurement System to affect the Status Byte (STB).
Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSESR for slots 15 - 17
of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Measurement System to affect bit 7 of the Status Byte.
The default value is 0.
:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1?
surement System
command:
syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
description: Returns the questionable status of slot n - the Questionable Slot Status Event Register
parameters: none
response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤
example: stat1:oper? → +0<END>
:S TATus n:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
(QSSER).
32767):
Bit
8-15
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Every nth bit is the summary of slot n.
Mnemonic
Not used
Slot n: Duty cycle has been out of range
Slot n: ARA has been recommended
Slot n: Module has been out of specification
Slot n: Module has settled unsuccessfully
Slot n: Laser protection has been on
Slot n: Temperature has been out of range
Slot n: A Zeroing operation has failed
Slot n: Excessive Value has occurred
Decimal Value
0
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
62 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable:CONDition?
description: Returns the Questionable Slot Status Condition Register for slot n.
parameters: none
response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤
example: stat1:ques:cond? → +0<END>
command:
syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable:ENABle<wsp><value>
description: Sets the bits in the Questionable Slot Status Enable Mask (QSSEM) for slot n that enable
:S TATus n:QUEStionable:CONDition?
32767):
Bit
8-15
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Every nth bit is the summary of slot n.
:S TATus n:QUEStionable:ENABle
the contents of the Questionable Slot Status Register (QSSR) for slot n to affect the QSESR.
Mnemonic
Not used
Slot n: Duty cycle is out of range
Slot n: ARA recommended
Slot n: Module is out of specification
Slot n: Module has not settled
Slot n: Laser protection on
Slot n: Temperature out of range
Slot n: Zeroing failed
Slot n: Excessive Value
Decimal Value
0
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the QSSER for slot n to af-
fect bit n of the QSESR.
parameters: The bit value for the QSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
response: none
example: stat:ques:enab 128
command:
syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable:ENABle?
description: Returns the QSSEM for slot n
parameters: none
response: The bit value for the QSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)
example: stat:ques:enab? → +128<END>
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:S TATus n:QUEStionable:ENABle?
63
Instrument Setup and Status Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem
Interface/Instrument Behaviour
Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem
The SYSTem subsystem lets you control the instrument’s serial interface.
You can also control some internal data (like date, time, and so on).
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:DATE<wsp><year>,<month>,<day>
description: Sets the instrument’s internal date.
parameters: • the first value is the year (four digits),
response: none
example: syst:date 1999, 1, 12
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:DATE?
description: Returns the instrument’s internal date.
parameters: none
response: The date in the format year, month, day (16-bit signed integer values)
example: syst:date? → +1999,+1,+12<END>
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:ERRor?
description: Returns the next error from the error queue (see “The Error Queue” on page 20).
:SYSTem:DATE
• the second value is the month, and
• the third value is the day.
:SYSTem:DATE?
:SYSTem:ERRor?
Each error has the error code and a short description of the error, separated by a comma,
for example 0, "No error".
Error codes are numbers in the range -32768 and +32767.
Negative error numbers are defined by the SCPI standard. Positive error numbers are de-
vice dependent.
parameters: none
response: The number of the latest error, and its meaning.
example: syst:err? → -113,"Undefined header"<END>
64 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:HELP:HEADers?
description: Returns a list of GPIB commands.
parameters: none
response: Returns a list of GPIB commands
example: syst:help:head?
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:PRESet
description: Sets the mainframe and all installed modules to their standard settings. This command has
:SYSTem:HELP:HEADers?
→ Returns a list of all GPIB commands
:SYSTem:PRESet
the same function as the Preset hardkey.
The following are not affected by this command:
• the GPIB (interface) state,
• the backlight and contrast of the display,
• the interface address,
• the output and error queues,
• the Service Request Enable register (SRE),
• the Status Byte (STB),
• the Standard Event Status Enable Mask (SESEM), and
• the Standard Event Status Register (SESR).
parameters: none
response: none
example: SYST:PRES
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:TIME<wsp><hour>,<minute>,<second>
description: Sets the instrument’s internal time.
parameters: • the first value is the hour (0 .. 23),
response: none
example: syst:time 20,15,30
:SYSTem:TIME
• the second value is the minute, and
• the third value is the seconds.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
65
Instrument Setup and Status Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:TIME?
description: Returns the instrument’s internal time.
parameters: none
response: The time in the format hour, minute, second. Hours are counted 0...23 (16-bit signed inte-
example: syst:time? → +20,+15,+30<END>
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:VERSion?
description: Returns the SCPI revision to which the instrument complies.
parameters: none
response: The revision year and number.
example: syst:vers? → 1995.0<END>
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess<wsp><GPIB Address>
description: Sets the GPIB address.
parameters: The GPIB Address
response: none
example: SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR 20
:SYSTem:TIME?
ger values).
:SYSTem:VERSion?
:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess
command:
syntax: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess?
description: Returns the GPIB address.
parameters: none
response: The GPIB Address
example: SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR?
:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess?
→ +20<END>
66 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Operations & Settings
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
67
Measurement Operations & Settings
This chapter gives descriptions of commands that you can use when you
are setting up or performing measurements. The commands are split up
into the following subsystems:
• Root layer commands that take power measurements, configures
triggering, and return information about the mainframe and it’s slots
• SENSe subsystem commands that control Power Sensors, Optical
Head Interface Modules, and Return Loss Modules.
• SOURce subsystem commands that control Laser Source modules,
DFB source modules, Tunable Laser modules, and Return Loss
Modules with internal laser sources.
• TRIGger subsystem commands that control triggering.
68 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Root Layer Command Measurement Operations & Settings
Root Layer Command
command:
syntax: :LOCK<wsp><boolean>, <value>
description: Switches the lock off and on.
parameters: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: switch lock off
response: none
example: lock 1,1234 - 1234 is the default password
command:
syntax: :LOCK?
description: Returns the current state of the lock.
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0: lock is switched off
example: lock? → 1<END>
:LOCK
High power lasers cannot be switched on, if you switch the lock on. High power lasers are
switched off immediately when you switch the lock on.
1 or ON: switch lock on
<value> is the four-figure lock password.
:LOCK?
1: lock is switched on
The commands in the Slot subsystem allow you to query the following:
• a particular slot, for example, using slot1:empt?,
• or, an Optical Head attached to an Optical Head Interface Module, for
example, an Optical Head Interface Module in slot1 with an Optical
Head attached to channel 2, using slot1:head2:empt?.
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:EMPTy?
description: Returns whether the module slot is empty.
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0: there is a module in the slot
examples: slot1:empt?
affects: Independent of module type
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:SLOT[n]:EMPTy?
1: the module slot is empty
→ 0<END> There is a module in slot1
69
Measurement Operations & Settings Root Layer Command
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:IDN?
description: Returns information about the module.
parameters: none
response: HEWLETT-PACKARD:
example: slot1:idn?
NOTE • The Agilent 81640A/80A/82A/89A Tunable Laser modules will always return
affects: Independent of module type
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:OPTions?
description: Returns information about a module’s options.
parameters: none
response: A string.
example: slot1:opt?
affects: Independent of module type
:SLOT[n]:IDN?
manufacturer
mmmm:
ssssssss:
rrrrrrrrrr:
instrument model number (for example 81533B)
serial number
date of firmware revision
→
HEWLETT-PACKARD, 81533B,3411G06054,07-Aug-98<END>
HEWLETT-PACKARD as the manufacturer.
• All other Agilent 8163A Series modules return Agilent Technologies as the
manufacturer.
• The HP 8153A Series modules will always return HEWLETT-PACKARD as the
manufacturer.
See “*IDN?” on page 49 for information on mainframe identity strings.
:SLOT[n]:OPTions?
→ NO CONNECTOR OPTION, NO INSTRUMENT OPTIONS<END>
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:TST?
description: Returns the latest selftest results for a module.
NOTE This command does not perform a selftest. Use selfTeST command, *TST? on
parameters: none
response: Returns an error code and a short description of the error.
example: slot:tst?
affects: Independent of module type
:SLOT[n]:TST?
page 59, to perform a selftest.
→ +0,"self test OK"<END>
70 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Root Layer Command Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:EMPTy?
description: Returns whether an optical head is connected.
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0: there is a module in the slot
examples: slot1:head:empt?
NOTE • All other Agilent 8163A Series Optical Heads return Agilent Technologies
affects: Optical heads
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:IDN?
description: Returns information about the optical head.
parameters: none
response: HEWLETT-PACKARD:
example: slot1:head:idn?
affects: Optical heads
:SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:EMPTy?
1: the module slot is empty
→ 0<END> An optical head is connected to the optical
head interface module in slot 1
as the manufacturer.
• The HP 8153A Series Optical Heads will always return HEWLETT-PACKARD as
the manufacturer.
See “*IDN?” on page 49 for information on mainframe identity strings.
:SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:IDN?
manufacturer
mmmm:
ssssssss:
rrrrrrrrrr:
instrument model number (for example 81520A)
serial number
date of firmware revision
→
HEWLETT-PACKARD, 81520A,3411G06054,07-Aug-98<END>
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:OPTions?
description: Returns information about an optical head’s options.
parameters: none
response: A string.
example: slot1:head:opt?
affects: Optical heads
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:OPTions?
→ NO CONNECTOR OPTION, NO INSTRUMENT
OPTIONS<END>
71
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:TST?
description: Returns the latest selftest results for an optical head.
NOTE This command does not perform a selftest. Use selfTeST command, “*TST?” on
parameters: none
response: Returns an error code and a short description of the error.
example: slot:head:tst?
affects: Optical heads
command:
syntax: :SPECial:REBoot
description: Reboots the mainframe and all modules.
parameters: none
response: none
example: spec:reb
:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:TST?
page 53, to perform a selftest.
→ +0,"self test OK"<END>
:SPECial:REBoot
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
The SENSe subsystem lets you control measurement parameters for a
Power Sensor, an Optical Head Interface module, or a return loss
module.
Agilent 81635A and Agilent 81619A- Master
and Slave Channels
For the Agilent 81635A Dual Power Sensor and Agilent 81619A Dual
Optical Head Interface module, channel 1 is the master channel and
channel 2 is the slave channel. The master and slave channels share the
same software and hardware triggering system. For some commands,
setting parameters for the master channel sets the parameters for the
slave channel. In these cases, you may only set parameters for the slave
channel by setting master channel parameters.
72 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
The commands listed in Table Table 5 can only be configured using the
master channel.
Table 5 Commands that can only be configured using the master channel
Command Page
:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate] page 74
:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous/? page 75
:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? page 75
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO page 77
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing/? page 78
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax/? page 79
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility/? page 80
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe/? page 82
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATIME/? page 83
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe:AUTO/? page 85
:TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:INPut/? page 119
:TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:INPut:REARm/? page 120
:TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:OUTPut/? page 121
:TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:OUTPut:REARm/? page 121
The commands listed in Table Table 6 are independent for both master
and slave channels.
Table 6 Commands that are independent for both master and slave channels
Command Page
:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]? page 74
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPut] [:MAGNitude]/? page 76
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO? page 77
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO:ALL page 77
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult? page 81
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe[:UPPer]/? page 84
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence/? page 85
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:DISPlay page 86
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe/? page 86
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio/? page 87
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:UNIT/? page 88
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength/? page 88
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
73
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :FETCh[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?
description: Reads the current power meter value. It does not provide its own triggering and so must
parameters: none
response: The current power meter value as a float value in dBm,W or dB.
NOTE If the reference state is absolute, units are dBm or W.
example: fetc1:pow? → +6.73370400E-04<END>
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
command:
syntax: :FETCh[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:RETurnloss?
description: Reads the current return loss value. It does not provide its own triggering and so must be
:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?
be used with either continuous software triggering (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CON-
Tinuous?” on page 75) or a directly preceding immediate software trigger (see “:INI-
Tiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 74).
It returns the power meter value the previous software trigger measured. Any subsequent
FETCh command will return the same value, if there is no subsequent software trigger.
If the reference state is relative, units are dB.
:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:RETurnloss?
used with either continuous software triggering (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinu-
ous?” on page 75) or a directly preceding immediate software trigger (see “:INI-
Tiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 74).
It returns the return loss value the previous software trigger measured. Any subsequent
FETCh command will return the same value, if there is no subsequent software trigger.
parameters: none
response: The current power meter value as a float value in dB.
example: fetc1:ret? → +6.73370400E-00<END>
affects: All return loss modules
command:
syntax: :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]
description: Initiates the software trigger system and completes one full trigger cycle, that is, one mea-
parameters: none
response: none
example: init
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]
surement is made.
74 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous<wsp><boolean>
description: Sets the software trigger system to continuous measurement mode.
parameters: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: do not measure continuously
response: none
example: init2:cont 1
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
command:
syntax: :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?
description: Queries whether the software trigger system operates continuously or not
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: measurement is not continuous
example: init2:cont? → 1<END>
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous
1 or ON: measure continuously
:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?
1 or ON: measurement is continuous
command:
syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
description: Reads the current power meter value. It provides its own software triggering and does not
NOTE The power meter must be running for this command to be effective.
parameters: none
response: The current power meter reading as a float value in dBm, W or dB.
NOTE If the reference state is absolute, units are dBm or W.
example: read1:pow? → +1.33555600E-006<END>
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also triggered.
:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
need a triggering command.
If the software trigger system operates continuously (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHAN-
nel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 75), this command is identical to “:FETCh[n][:CHAN-
nel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?” on page 74.
If the software trigger system does not operate continuously, this command is identical to
generating a software trigger (“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 74) and
then reading the power meter value.
If the reference state is relative, units are dB.
To read a simultaneous result from the slave channel, send “:FETCh[n][:CHAN-
nel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?” on page 74 directly after this command.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
75
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:RETurnloss?
description: Reads the current return loss value. It provides its own software triggering and does not
NOTE The return loss module must be running for this command to be effective.
parameters: none
response: The current power meter reading as a float value in dB.
example: read1:ret? → +1.33555600E-000<END>
affects: All return loss modules
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPUT][:MAGNitude]<wsp>
description: Enters a calibration value for a module.
parameters: The calibration factor as a float value
:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:RETurnloss?
need a triggering command.
If the software trigger system operates continuously (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHAN-
nel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 75), this command is identical to “:FETCh[n][:CHAN-
nel[m]][:SCAlar]:RETurnloss?” on page 74.
If the software trigger system does not operate continuously, this command is identical to
generating a software trigger (“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 74) and
then reading the power meter value.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPut][:MAGNitude]
<value>[DB|MDB]
If no unit type is specified, decibels (dB) is implied.
response: none
example: sens1:corr 10DB
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPUT][:MAGNitude]?
description: Returns the calibration factor for a module.
parameters: none
response: The calibration factor as a float value. Units are in dB, although no units are returned in
example: sens1:corr?
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPut][:MAGNitude]?
the response message.
→ +1.00000000E+000<END>
76 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO
description: Zeros the electrical offsets for a power meter or return loss module.
parameters: none
response: none
example: sens1:corr:coll:zero
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also zeroed.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORREction:COLLect:ZERO?
description: Returns the status of the most recent zero command.
parameters: none
response: 0:
example: sens1:corr:coll:zero? → 0<END>
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO?
zero succeeded without errors.
any other number:
remote zeroing failed (the number is the error code returned
from the operation).
command:
syntax: SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO:ALL
description: Zeros the electrical offsets for all installed power meter and return loss modules.
parameters: none
response: none
example: sens:chan:corr:coll:zero:all
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Command is independent of channel.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO:ALL
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
77
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
NOTE Setting parameters for the logging function sets some parameters,
including hidden parameters, for the stability and MinMax functions and
vice versa. You must use the
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing command to
set parameters before you start a logging function using the
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe command.
command:
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing<wsp><data points>,
<averaging time>[NS|US|MS|S]
description: Sets the number of data points and the averaging time for the logging data acquisition
function.
parameters: Data Points:
Data Points is the number of samples that are recorded before the
logging mode is completed. Data Points is an integer value.
Averaging time:
Averaging time is a time value in seconds.
There is no time delay between averaging time periods. Use
“:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility?” on
page 81 if you want to use delayed measurement.
Averaging Time
Measurement Running
Measurement Stopped
1352 4 687 9
t
If you specify no units for the averaging time value in your command, seconds are used as
the default.
NOTE See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe” on page 82 for information on start-
ing/stopping a data acquisition function.
NOTE See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?” on page 81 for information on accessing
the results of a data acquisition function.
NOTE See “Triggering and Power Measurements” on page 117 for information on how triggering
affects data acquisition functions.
response: none
example: sens1:func:par:logg 64,1ms
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
command:
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing?
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing?
description: Returns the number of data points and the averaging time for the logging data acquisition
function.
parameters: none
response: Returns the number of data points as an integer value and the averaging time, t
avg
, as a
float value in seconds.
example: sens1:func:par:logg?
→ +64,+1.00000000E-001<END>
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
78 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
NOTE Setting parameters for the MinMax function sets some parameters,
including hidden parameters, for the stability and logging functions and
vice versa. You must use the
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax command to
set parameters before you start a MinMax function using the
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe command.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax<wsp>
description: Sets the MinMax mode and the number of data points for the
parameters: CONTinous:
NOTE See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe” on page 82 for information on start-
NOTE See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?” on page 81 for information on accessing
NOTE See “Triggering and Power Measurements” on page 117 for information on how triggering
response: none
example: sens1:func:par:minm WIND,10
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax
CONTinous|WINDow|REFResh,<data points>
MinMax data acquisition function.
continuous MinMax mode
WINDow:
REFResh:
Data Points is the number of samples that are recorded in the memory buffer used by the
WINDow and REFResh modes. Data Points is an integer value.
See Chapter 3 of the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System User’s Guide, for more
information on MinMax mode.
ing/stopping a data acquisition function.
the results of a data acquisition function.
affects data acquisition functions.
window MinMax mode
refresh MinMax mode
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax?
description: Returns the MinMax mode and the number of data points for the MinMax data acquisition
parameters: none
response: CONT:
example: sens1:func:par:minm?
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax?
function.
continuous MinMax mode
WIND:
REFR:
The number of data points is returned as an integer value.
window MinMax mode
refresh MinMax mode
→ WIND,+10<END>
79
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
NOTE Setting parameters for the stability function sets some parameters,
including hidden parameters, for the logging and MinMax functions and
vice versa. You must use the
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility command to
set parameters before you start a stability function using the
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe command.
command:
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility<wsp>
<total time>[NS|US|MS|S],<period time>[NS|US|MS|S],<averaging time>[NS|US|MS|S]
description: Sets the total time, period time, and averaging time for the stability data acquisition function.
parameters: Total time:
Period time:
Averaging time:
The total time from the start of stability mode until it is completed.
A new measurement is started after the completion of every period time.
A measurement is averaged over the averaging time.
Averaging Time
Period Time
Measurement Running
Measurement Stopped
12345
t
NOTE The total time should be longer than the period time.
The period time should be longer than the averaging time.
The number of data points is equal to the total time divided by the period time.
Total time, period time, and averaging time are time values in seconds.
If you specify no units in your command, seconds are used as the default.
NOTE See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe” on page 82 for information on starting/stop-
ping a data acquisition function.
NOTE See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?” on page 81 for information on accessing
the results of a data acquisition function.
NOTE See “Triggering and Power Measurements” on page 117 for information on how triggering
affects data acquisition functions.
response: none
example: sens1:func:par:stab 1s,0.1s,0.1s
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
80 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility?
description: Returns the total time, period time, and averaging time for the stability data acquisition
parameters: none
response: Total time, delay time, and averaging time are float values in seconds.
example: sens1:func:par:stab?
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?
description: Returns the data array of the last data acquisition function.
parameters: none
response: The last data acquisition function’s data array as a binary block.
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility?
function.
→ +1.00000000E+000,
+1.00000000E-001,+1.00000000E-001<END>
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?
For Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions, one measurement value is a 4-bytelong float in Intel byte order.
For the MinMax Data Acquisition function, the query returns the minimum, maximum and
current power values.
See “Data Types” on page 23 for more information on Binary Blocks.
NOTE See “How to Log Results” on page 150 for information on logging using VISA calls. There
are some tips about how to use float format specifiers to convert the binary blocks into
float values.
NOTE If you use LabView or HP VEE, we recommend using the Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instru-
ment Driver to perform the Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions.
example: sens1:func:res?
→
returns a data array for Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions
sens1:func:res? → #255
Min: 7.24079E-04, Max: 7.24252E-04,
returns the minimum, maximum and current power values for the MinMax Data
Acquisition function
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
Act: 7.24155E-04
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
81
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe<wsp>
description: Enables/Disables the logging, MinMax, or stability data acquisition function mode.
parameters: LOGGing:
NOTE When you enable a logging data acquisition function for a Agilent 8163A Series Power
NOTE Stop any function before you try to set up a new function. Some parameters cannot be set
response: none
example: sens1:func:stat logg,star
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe
LOGGing|STABility|MINMax,STOP|STARt
Logging data acquisition function
STABility:
MINMax:
STOP:
STARt:
Meter with averaging time of less than 100 ms with input hardware triggering disabled, all
GPIB commands will be ignored for the duration of the function.
See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing” on page 78 for more infor-
mation on the logging data acquisition function.
until you stop the function.
Stability data acquisition function
MinMax data acquisition function
Stop data acquisition function
Start data acquisition function
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe?
description: Returns the function mode and the status of the data acquisition function.
parameters: none
response: NONE
example: sens1:func:stat?
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe?
No function mode selected
LOGGING_STABILITY
MINMAX
PROGRESS
COMPLETE
Logging or stability data acquisition function
MinMax data acquisition function
Data acquisition function is in progress
Data acquisition function is complete
→ LOGGING_STABILITY,COMPLETE<END>
82 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:THReshold<wsp><mode>,
description: Sets the start mode and the threshold value.
parameters: ABOVe:
response: none
example: sens1:func:thr IMM,20nw<END>
affects: All HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter series power meters and the HP 81534A Return Loss
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:THReshold?
description: Returns the start mode and the threshold value.
parameters: none
response: ABOV:
example: sens1:func:thr?
affects: All HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter series power meters and the HP 81534A Return Loss
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:THReshold
<threshold value>[PW|NW|UW|MW|Watt|DBM]
Function starts when power is above the threshold value.
BELow:
IMMediately:
Threshold Value:
module
:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:THReshold?
BEL:
IMM:
Threshold Value:
Function starts when power is below the threshold value.
Function starts immediately.
A float value in Watts or dBm.
Function starts when power is above the threshold value.
Function starts when power is below the threshold value.
Function starts immediately.
A float value in Watts or dBm.
→ IMM,+2.00000000E-008<END>
module
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATIMe<wsp><averaging time>[NS|US|MS|S]
description: Sets the averaging time for the module.
parameters: The averaging time as a float value in seconds.
response: none
example: sens1:pow:atim 1s
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATIMe
If you specify no units in your command, seconds are used as the default.
83
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATIMe?
description: Returns the averaging time for the module.
parameters: none
response: The averaging time as a float value in seconds.
example: sens1:pow:atim?
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe[:UPPer]<wsp><value>[DBM]
description: Sets the power range for the module.
parameters: The range as a float value in dBm. The number is rounded to the closest multiple of 10, be-
response: none
example: sens1:pow:rang -20DBM
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATIMe?
→ +1.00000000E+000<END>
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe[:UPPer]
The range changes at 10 dBm intervals. The corresponding ranges for linear measurements (measurements in Watts) is given below:
Range
+30 dBm
+20 dBm
+10 dBm
0dBm
−10 dBm
−20 dBm
−30 dBm
−40 dBm
cause the range changes at 10 dBm intervals. Units are in dBm.
Upper Linear
Power Limit
1999.9 mW
199.99 mW
19.999 mW
1999.9 µW
199.99 µW
19.999 µW
1999.9 nW
199.99 nW
Range
−50 dBm
−60 dBm
−70 dBm
−80 dBm
−90 dBm
−100 dBm
−110 dBm
Upper Linear
Power Limit
19.999 nW
1999.9 pW
199.99 pW
19.999 pW
1.999 pW
0.199 pW
0.019 pW
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe[:UPPer]?
description: Returns the range setting for the module
parameters: none
response: The range setting as a float value in dBm
example: sens1:pow:rang?
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe[:UPPer]?
(−110 Š≤ value ≤ +30).
→ -2.00000000E+001<END>
84 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe:AUTO <wsp><boolean>
description: Enables or disables automatic power ranging for the module.
parameters: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: automatic ranging disabled
response: none
example: sens1:pow:rang:auto 1
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe:AUTO?
description: Returns whether automatic power ranging is being used by the module.
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0: automatic ranging is not being used.
example: sens1:pow:rang:auto?
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe:AUTO
If automatic power ranging is enabled, ranging is automatically determined by the instrument. Otherwise, it must be set by the sensn:pow:rang command.
1 or ON: automatic ranging enabled
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe:AUTO?
1: automatic ranging is being used.
→ 1<END>
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence<wsp>
description: Sets the sensor reference value.
parameters: TOMODule:
NOTE You must append a unit type
NOTE The two reference values are completely independent. When you change the
response: none
example: sens1:pow:ref tomod,-40DB
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence
TOMODule|TOREF,<value>PW|NW|UW|MW|Watt|DBM|DB|MDB
Sets the reference value in dB used if you choose measurement relative to another channel
TOREF:
The reference as a float value.
• dB if you use TOMODule or
• Watts or dBm if you use TOREF.
reference mode using the command
“:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio?” on page 87, the
instrument uses the last reference value entered for the selected reference mode.
Sets the reference value in Watts or dBm if you choose measurement
relative to a constant reference value
85
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence?<wsp>TOMODule|TOREF
description: Returns the sensor reference value.
parameters: TOMODule:
response: The reference as a float value.
example: sens1:pow:ref? toref
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:DISPlay
description: Takes the input power level value as the reference value.
parameters: none
response: none
example: sens1:pow:ref:disp
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence?
Returns the reference value in dB used if you choose measurement
relative to another channel
TOREF:
Returns the reference value in Watts or dBm if you choose measurement relative to a constant reference value
→ +1.00000000E-006<END>
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:DISPlay
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]POWer:REFerence:STATe<wsp><boolean>
description: Sets the measurement units to relative or absolute units.
parameters: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: absolute
response: none
example: sens1:pow:ref:stat 1
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]POWer:REFerence:STATe?
description: Inquires whether the current measurement units are relative (dB) or absolute (Watts or
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0: absolute
example: sens1:pow:ref:stat? → 1<END>
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe
1 or ON: relative
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe?
dBm).
1: relative
86 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio<wsp>
description: Selects the reference for the module.
parameters: slot number:
NOTE If you want to reference another power sensor channel, use an integer value
response: none
examples: sens1:pow:ref:stat:rat 2,1
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio
<slot number>|255|TOREF,<channel number>
an integer value representing the slot number you want to refer255 or TOREF:
channel number:
corresponding to the slot for the first parameter and an integer value
corresponding to the channel for the second value.
If you want to use an absolute reference, use TOREF as the first parameter and
any integer value as the second parameter.
sens1:pow:ref:stat:rat TOREF,1
ence
results are displayed relative to an absolute reference
an integer value representing the channel number you want to ref-
erence
References channel 2.1
References an absolute reference
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio?
description: Returns the reference setting for the module.
parameters: none
response: results are displayed relative to an absolute reference or to the current power reading
examples: sens1:pow:ref:stat:rat?
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio?
from another channel.
→ +255,+0<END>
sens1:pow:ref:stat:rat?
→ +2,+1<END>
results are displayed relative
to an absolute reference
results are displayed relative
to channel 2.1
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
87
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:UNIT<wsp>DBM|0|Watt|1
description: Sets the sensor power unit
parameters: An integer value: 0: dBm
response: none
example: sens1:pow:unit 1
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:UNIT?
description: Inquires the current sensor power unit
parameters: none
response: An integer value: 0: Current power units are dBm.
example: sens1:pow:unit? → +1<END>
affects: All power meters
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:UNIT
1: Watt
or DBM or Watt
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:UNIT?
1: Current power units are Watts.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength<wsp><value>|MIN|MAX|DEF
description: Sets the sensor wavelength.
parameters: The wavelength as a float value in meters.
response: none
example: sens1:pow:wav 1550nm
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength
[PM|NM|UM|MM|M]
Also allowed are: MIN: minimum programmable value
MAX: maximum programmable value
DEF: This is not the preset (*RST) default value but is
half the sum of, the minimum programmable value and
the maximum programmable value
88 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength?[<wsp>MIN|MAX|DEF]
description: Inquires the current sensor wavelength.
parameters: none
response: The wavelength as a float value in meters.
example sens1:pow:wav? → +1.55000000E-006<END>
affects: All power meters and return loss modules
dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:FACTory
description: Overwrites the current calibration values with the factory-set calibration settings. See
parameters: none
response: none
example sens1:ret:cal:fact
affects: All return loss modules
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength?
Also allowed are: MIN: minimum programmable value
MAX: maximum programmable value
DEF: This is not the preset (*RST) default value but is
half the sum of, the minimum programmable value and
the maximum programmable value
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:FACTory
“:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:COLLect:REFLectance” on page 89 and
“:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:COLLect:TERMination” on page 90 for
information on calibrating your return loss module.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:COLLect:REFLectance
description: Start the calibration and save the calibration values for a defined reflectance reference
parameters: none
response: none
example sens1:ret:cal:coll:refl
affects: All return loss modules
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:COLLect:REFLectance
measurement. See “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]” on
page 91 for information on setting the return loss value of your reference reflector.
89
Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:COLLect:TERMination
description: Start the calibration and save the calibration values for a defined termination reference
parameters: none
response: none
example sens1:ret:cal:coll:term
affects: All return loss modules
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]<wsp><value>[dB]
description: Sets the front panel delta, that is, the loss correction value, for example, due to the front
NOTE Use [l] to set the front panel delta for an external source or the upper or lower wavelength
parameters: Sets the front panel delta as a float value in dB
response: none
example sens1:ret:cal:corr:fpd 0.08DB
affects: All return loss modules
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration:COLLect:TERMination
measurement. See “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]” on
page 91 for information on setting the return loss value of your reference reflector.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]
panel connector. Twice this value is added to the measured Return Loss.
laser source of a dual return loss module.
An external laser source is denoted by 0. 0 is the default value of [l].
A lower wavelength source is denoted by 1.
An upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]?
description: Returns the front panel delta, that is, the loss correction value, for example, due to the
NOTE Use [l] to query the front panel delta for an external source or the upper or lower wave-
parameters: Returns the front panel delta as a float value in dB
response: none
example sens1:ret:cal:corr:fpd?
affects: All return loss modules
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]?
front panel connector. Twice this value is added to the measured Return Loss.
length laser source of a dual return loss module.
An external laser source is denoted by 0. 0 is the default value.
A lower wavelength source is denoted by 1.
An upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
→ +8.00000000E-002<END>
90 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]<wsp><value>[dB]
description: Sets the Return Loss Reference, the return loss value of your reference reflector.
NOTE Use [l] to set the return loss value of your reference reflector for an external source or the
parameters: Sets the Return Loss Reference as a float value in dB
response: none
example sens1:ret:cal:corr:refl 0.18DB
affects: All return loss modules
command:
syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]?
description: Returns the Return Loss Reference, the return loss value of your reference reflector.
NOTE Use [l] to query the return loss value of your reference reflector for an external source or
parameters: none
response: Returns the Return Loss Reference as a float value in dB
example sens1:ret:cal:corr:refl?
affects: All return loss modules
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]
For example, the Agilent 81000BR reference reflector provides an accurate and stable 0.18
dB reference.
upper or lower wavelength laser source of a dual return loss module.
An external laser source is denoted by 0. 0 is the default value of [l].
A lower wavelength source is denoted by 1.
An upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]?
For example, the Agilent 81000BR reference reflector provides an accurate and stable 0.18
dB reference.
the upper or lower wavelength laser source of a dual return loss module.
An external laser source is denoted by 0. 0 is the default value of [l].
A lower wavelength source is denoted by 1.
An upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
→ +1.80000000E-001<END>
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
91
Measurement Operations & Settings Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem
Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem
The SOURce subsystem allows you to control a laser source module,
DFB source module, tunable laser module, or a return loss module that
has an internal source.
command:
syntax: OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CONNection<wsp>MOD|VPP
description: Sets the analog output parameter.
parameters: MOD:
response: none
example: outp1:conn mod
affects: All tunable laser modules
command:
syntax: OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CONNection?
description: Returns the analog output parameter.
parameters: none
response: MOD:
example: outp1:conn?
affects: All tunable laser modules
command:
syntax: :OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:PATH<wsp><path>
description: Sets the regulated path.
parameters: HIGHpower:
response: none
example: output1:path high
affects: All tunable laser modules
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CONNection
The modulation frequency modulates the analog output.
VPP:
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CONNection?
VPP:
Output Voltage is proportional to optical power.
The modulation frequency modulates the analog output.
Output Voltage is proportional to optical power.
→ MOD<END>
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:PATH
The High Power output is regulated.
LOWSse:
BHRegulated:
BLRegulated:
The Low SSE output is regulated.
oth outputs are active but only the High Power output is Regulated.
B
oth outputs are active but only the Low SSE output is Regulated.
B
92 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: :OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:PATH?
description: Returns the regulated path.
parameters: none
response: HIGH:
example: output1:path?
affects: All tunable laser modules
command:
syntax: :OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]][:STATe]<wsp>OFF|ON|0|1
description: Switches the laser current off and on.
parameters: 0 or OFF:
response: none
example: outp 1
affects: All laser source, DFB source, tunable laser modules and return loss modules with an inter-
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]:PATH?
The High Power output is regulated.
LOWS:
BHR:
BLR:
The Low SSE output is regulated.
oth outputs are active but only the High Power output is Regulated.
B
oth outputs are active but only the Low SSE output is Regulated.
B
→ HIGH<END>
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]][:STATe]
The laser emits light only when the current is on. Set the state to OFF or 0 to switch the laser current off. Set the state to ON or 1 to switch the laser current on. The default is for the
laser current to be off.
switch laser current off
1 or ON:
nal source
switch laser current on
command:
syntax: :OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]][:STATe]?
description: Returns the current state of the laser current.
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0 – laser current off
example: outp?
affects: All laser source, DFB source, tunable laser modules and return loss modules with an inter-
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]][:STATe]?
1 – laser current on
→ 1<END>
nal source
93
Measurement Operations & Settings Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM[:INTernal]:FREQuency[l]<wsp><frequency>
description: Sets the frequency of the amplitude modulation of the laser output.
parameters: The frequency as a float value in Hz.
NOTE Use [l] to set the modulation frequency of the upper or lower wavelength laser source of a
response: none
example: sour2:am:freq 270hz
affects: All laser source, DFB source, and tunable laser modules
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM[:INTernal]:FREQuency[l]? [MIN|DEF|MAX]
description: Returns the frequency of the amplitude modulation as a float value in Hertz.
parameters: MIN: minimum modulation frequency
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM[:INTernal]:FREQuency[l]
[THZ|GHZ|MHZ|KHZ|HZ]
Also allowed are: MIN: minimum programmable value
MAX: maximum programmable value
DEF: This is not the preset (*RST) default value but is half the sum of,
the minimum programmable value and the maximum programmable
value
The default units are HZ, although KHZ, MHZ, GHZ, and THZ can also be specified.
The resolution of the frequency is always 1 Hz.
dual-wavelength laser source or a return loss module with an internal dual-wavelength laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM[:INTernal]:FREQuency[l]?
MAX: maximum modulation frequency
DEF: This is not the preset (*RST) default value but is half the sum of, the minimum modu-
lation frequency and the maximum modulation frequency
NOTE Use [l] to query the modulation frequency of the upper or lower wavelength laser source
of a dual-wavelength laser source or a return loss module with an internal dual-wavelength laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The upper
wavelength source is denoted by 2.
response: modulation frequency relevant to the current value or specified parameter (if MIN, MAX,
or DEF are chosen as a parameter).
example: sour2:am:freq? min → +2.00000000E+002<END>
All laser source, DFB source, and tunable laser modules
94 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:SOURce[l]<wsp> INT|INT1|INT2|EXT|0|1|2
description: Selects the type or source of the modulation of the laser output.
parameters: 0, INT1, or INTernal:
NOTE Use [l] to set the modulation source of the upper or lower wavelength laser source of a
response: none
example: sour2:am:sour int
affects: All laser source, DFB source, and tunable laser modules can use internal digital modula-
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:SOURce[l]?
description: Returns the type or source of the modulation of the laser output.
parameters: 0:
NOTE Use [l] to query the modulation source of the upper or lower wavelength laser source of a
response: none
example: sour2:am:sour?
affects: All laser source, DFB source, and tunable laser modules can use internal digital modula-
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:SOURce[l]
internal digital modulation
1, COHCtrl, or INT2:
2, AEXTernal, or EXT:
3 or DEXTernal:
4 or LFCohctrl:
5 or WVLLocking:
6 or BACKplane:
dual-wavelength laser source or a return loss module with an internal dual-wavelength laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
tion
All other modulation modes are only available with tunable laser modules.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:SOURce[l]?
internal digital modulation
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
dual-wavelength laser source or a return loss module with an internal dual-wavelength laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
coherence control
external analog modulation
external digital modulation
low frequency coherence control
wavelength locking
external digital modulation using Input Trigger Connector
coherence control
external analog modulation
external digital modulation
low frequency coherence control
wavelength locking
external digital modulation using Input Trigger Connector
→ +0<END>
tion
All other modulation modes are only available with tunable laser modules.
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
95
Measurement Operations & Settings Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:STATe[l]<wsp> OFF|ON|0|1
description: Enables and disables amplitude modulation of the laser output.
parameters: A boolean value: OFF or 0: modulation disabled (default)
NOTE Use [l] to enable/disable amplitude modulation for the upper or lower wavelength laser
NOTE When the internal modulation is selected, the Modulation Output on the front
NOTE When you enable lambda logging, see
response: none
example: sour2:am:stat 0
affects: All laser source, DFB source, and tunable laser modules
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:STATe[l]
ON or 1: modulation enabled.
source of a dual-wavelength laser source or a return loss module with an internal dualwavelength laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The
upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
panel outputs a version of the modulating signal that has the same frequency and
phase as the modulating signal, but has a fixed, TTL-level amplitude. You can use
this to synchronize your external measuring equipment to your instrument.
To allow for your possible synchronization requirements, there are two ways in
which the signal can be output. Either the signal is combined with the laser-ready
signal, so that the output is kept low when there is no optical signal being output
(for example, while the laser is settling after a change of wavelength). Or the
modulation signal is output all the time. This is set by the :SOURCE:MODOUT
command (see “[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:MODout” on page 97).
“[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:WAVelength:SWEep:LLOGging” on page 111, and
modulation simultaneously, a sweep can not be started, see
“[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:WAVelength:SWEep:[STATe]” on page 115.
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:STATe[l]?
description: Returns the current state of modulation.
NOTE Use [l] to query the current state of modulation of the upper or lower wavelength laser
parameters: none
response: A boolean value: 0: modulation is disabled
example: sour2:am:stat?
affects: All laser source, DFB source, and tunable laser modules
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM:STATe[l]?
source of a dual-wavelength laser source or a return loss module with an internal dualwavelength laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The
upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
1: modulation is enabled
→ 0<END>
96 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:MODout<wsp>FRQ|FRQRDY|0|1
description: Sets the modulation output mode of the BNC connector on the front panel of
parameters: FRQ or 0:
response: none
example: sour2:mod 0
affects: Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Tunable Laser modules
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:MODout?
description: Returns the mode of the modulation output mode of the BNC connector on the front panel
parameters: none
response: 0:
example: sour2:mod?
affects: Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Tunable Laser modules
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:MODout
Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Tunable Laser modules.
modulation signal is output all the time
FRQRDY or 1:
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:MODout?
of your Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Tunable Laser module.
modulation signal is output all the time
1:
modulation is combined with the laser-ready signal.
In this case, the output is kept low when no optical signal is output (for example, while
the laser is settling after a change of wavelength).
modulation is combined with the laser-ready signal.
In this case, the output is kept low when no optical signal is output
(for example, while the laser is settling after a change of wavelength).
→ 0<END>
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
97
Measurement Operations & Settings Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation[l]<wsp><value>[DB|MDB]
description: Sets the level of attenuation.
parameters: Any value in the specified range (see the specifications in the appropriate User’s Guide).
NOTE Use [l] to set the attenuation level of the upper or lower wavelength laser source of a dual-
NOTE Tunable laser modules with in-built optical attenuators need to be in Manual
NOTE In this respect, this command does not conform to the SCPI standard. The SCPI
response: none
example: sour2:pow:att 22.32db
affects: All tunable laser modules with an in-built optical attenuator, all laser source modules, and
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation[l]
Also allowed (for
tunable laser
modules only)
are:
wavelength laser source or of a return loss module with an internal dual-wavelength laser
source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The upper wavelength
source is denoted by 2.
Attenuation Mode (see
“[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO” on page 99) for this
value to have an affect. The output power is a combination of this value and the
laser output power (see
“[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]” on
page 101).
standard requires that entering an explicit value for the attenuation switches the
attenuation mode OFF.
The default units are dB.
return loss modules with an internal source
MIN: minimum programmable value
MAX: maximum programmable value
DEF: This is not the preset (*RST) default value but is half the sum of,
the minimum programmable value and the maximum programmable value
98 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation[l]?[MIN|DEF|MAX]
description: Returns the attenuation level.
NOTE Use [l] to query the attenuation level of the upper or lower wavelength laser source of a
parameters: Also allowed (for
response: attenuation level relevant to the current value or specified parameter (if MIN, MAX, or DEF
example: sour2:pow:att? def → +3.10000000+E001<END>
affects: All tunable laser modules with an in-built optical attenuator, all laser source modules, and
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO<wsp>OFF|ON|0|1
description: Selects Automatic or Manual Attenuation Mode.
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation[l]?
When using a tunable laser module with an in-built optical attenuator, the value returned
applies only to the attenuation mode (see “[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenua-
tion:AUTO” on page 99).
dual-wavelength laser source or of a return loss module with an internal dual-wavelength
laser source. The default value of [l] is 1, the lower wavelength source. The upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.
MIN: minimum amplitude level
tunable laser modules only) are:
are chosen as a parameter).
return loss modules with an internal source
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO
MAX: maximum amplitude level
DEF: This is not the preset (*RST) default value but is half the sum of,
the minimum amplitude level and the maximum amplitude level
In Automatic Attenuation Mode, you specify the output power.
In Manual Attenuation Mode, you must specify both the laser output power, and the attenuation level.
parameters: OFF or 0:
ON or 1:
response: none
example: sour2:pow:att:auto 1
affects: All tunable laser modules with an in-built optical attenuator
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO?
description: Returns whether the instrument is in Automatic or Manual Attenuation Mode.
parameters: none
response: 0:
example: sour2:pow:att:auto?
affects: All tunable laser modules with an in-built optical attenuator
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel
System, Third Edition
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO?
Manual Attenuation Mode
1:
Automatic Attenuation Mode
Attenuation Mode
Power Mode
→ 1<END>
99
Measurement Operations & Settings Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:DARK<wsp>OFF|ON|0|1
description: Sets or unsets the attenuator to ‘dark’ position.
parameters: OFF or 0:
response: none
example: sour2:pow:att:dark 1
affects: All tunable laser modules with an in-built optical attenuator
command:
syntax: [:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:DARK?
description: Queries whether the attenuator is set to ‘dark’ position (where all light is blocked by the la-
parameters: none
response: 0:1:dark position not set
example: sour2:pow:att:dark?
affects: All tunable laser modules with an in-built optical attenuator
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:DARK
Dark position blocks all light from the laser. You can use this as an alternative to disabling
the laser, the advantage of doing this is that you avoid the laser rise time.
This command is available in Attenuation Mode Only.
Unsets dark position
ON or 1:
[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATTenuation:DARK?
ser).
dark position set
Sets dark position
→ 1<END>
100 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System,
& Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Third Edition
Loading...