Agilent E1418A Users Guide

Contents

HP E1418A 8/16-Ch D/A Converter User Manual

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Reader Comment Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 1. Module Setup and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Module Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ordering Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Field Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Terminal Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Front Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the Logical Address Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Module Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Installation in a Mainframe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Terminal Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Scre w-T ype Terminal M odu le (Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Wiring the Terminal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Attaching the Terminal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Removing the Ter minal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Terminal Module Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Option A3E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Option A3H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Option 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Terminal Module Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Configuring the Term inal Modul e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

P/J Jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

V/I Jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Termina l Module Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Voltage and Current Output Connecti ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Combining Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Conne cting an Exter nal Trigger Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the CAL Output Ter m inal s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Initial Opera ti on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Device Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Module Iden tification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Chapter 2. Programming E xamples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Program Exam ples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Querying M odule Identification and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

HP E1418A 8/16-Ch D/A Converter User Manual Contents 1

Configuration Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

APPLy Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Error Che cking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

I/O Error Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

SCPI Error Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

SOURce Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Setting the Output M ode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Controlling the Output Rel ay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Using *OPC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Combining Output Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 3. HP E1418A SCPI Command Refer ence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Command Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Common Command Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

SCPI Command F ormat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Linking Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

SCPI Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

ABORt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

APPLy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

APPLyn:CURRent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

APPLyn:VOLTage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

CALibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

CALibration:CONDit ion ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

CALibration:CONFig ure:RESi sta nce? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

CALibration:RE Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

CALibration:STORe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

CALibration:TEST? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

CALibration:VALue:RESistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

CALibrationn:CONFigure: CURRent? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

CALibrationn:CONFigure:VOLTage? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

CALibrationn:VALue:CURRent? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

CALibrationn:VALue:VOLTage? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

DIAGnostic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

DIAGnostic:CALibr a tion: OUTPut[:MODE] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

DIAGnostic:CALibr a tion: OUTPut[:MODE]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

DIAGnostic:CONFigure? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL[:STATe] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

DIAGnostic:S O URc en:F UNCtion: MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

DIAGnostic:T RIGger ed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

INITiate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

INITiate[:I M M ediate] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

OUTPut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

OUTPut:T TLTrgn[:STAT e]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

OUTPutn[:STATe] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

OUTPutn[:STATe]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

SOURce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

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SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][ :IMMediate][:AMPLitude] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][ :IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[ :AMPLit ude] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]: T RIGgered[:AMPLitude]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][ :IMMediate][:AMPLitude] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]: T RIGgered[:AMPLitude] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]: T RIGgered[:AMPLitude]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

STATus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

STATus:OPE Ra tion:CONDition? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

STATus:OPE Ra tion:ENABle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

STATus:OPE Ra tion:ENABle? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

STATus:OPE Ra tion[:EVENt]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

STATus:PRESet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

SYSTem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

SYSTem:ER Ror? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

SYSTem:VERSion? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

TEST:NUMBer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

TEST:TST[:RE Sults]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

*TST? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

TRIGger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

TRIGger[:IMMediate] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

TRIGger:SOURce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

TRIGger:SOURce? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

IEEE-488. 2 Common Command Qu ick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

HP E1418A Comma nd Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Appendix A. HP E1418A Speci fications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

DC Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

DC Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

General Cha ra cteristic s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Cooling Requiremen ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Appendix B. HP E1418A Register-Based Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Address ing the Reg isters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

A16 Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

A24 Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

The Base Addres s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Register Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

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Reset and Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Register Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

A16/A24 REGIST ERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

A24 REGISTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Register Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Manufacturer ID Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Logical Address Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Device T ype Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

VXI Status/Control Regist er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

VXI Offset Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Calibration Control Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Card Configuration Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Software T ri gger Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Trigger Control Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Interrupt Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Isolation Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Channel Pr ogram Jumper Reg ister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Channel Trigger Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Channel M ode Regist er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Channel Relay Control Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Card Contr ol Reg ister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Main_DAC Im mediate Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Main_DAC Tr iggered Regist ers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Offset_DAC Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Gain_DAC Regist er s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Undefined Regi sters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Channel Voltage Offset Cali bration Regist er s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Channel Voltage Gain Calibra ti on Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Channel Cur rent Offset C al ibration Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Channel Curr en t Gain Calibration Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Calibrati on R esistor Value Register s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Voltage Ca libration Status Regi ster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Current Calibration Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Calibration Isolat i on Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Calibration Car d Configuration Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Calibration Checksum Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Module S erial Number Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Register Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Appendix C. HP E1418A Error M e ssages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Error Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Error Message s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Appendix D. Voltage/Current Out p ut Adjus t ment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Using This Appen dix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Calibrati on Constants and Non-Volatile Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Equipment Require d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

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Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Adjustment Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Voltage Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Current Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Storing the Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Return the Module t o Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Example Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Appendix E. Configuration and Disasse mbly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Using This Appen dix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Checking Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Changing Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Adding 8 Channe l s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Installing Isolated/Non-Isolated Plug-on Modul es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Isolating an Assembly (Self-Test) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Assembly Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

To Exchange an Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

HP E1418A 8/16-Ch D/A Converter User Manual Contents 5

Notes

6 HP E1418A 8/16-Ch D/A Converte r Use r Manual Content s

Certification

Hewlett-Packard C ompa n y certifi es that this produ ct met its publi sh ed speci fica tions a t the time of shipme nt from the factor y. Hewlett­Packard furth er cert ifi es that its cali brat ion mea sureme nt s are tracea bl e to the Unit ed Sta tes Na tion al Inst itute of Stan dards and Technol­ogy (formerly National Bureau of Standards), to the extent allowed by that organization’s calibration facility, and to the calibration
facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

Warranty

This Hewlet t-Pa ck ar d product is warr ante d agai nst de fect s in mate rials and w orkmansh ip for a period of three yea rs from date of ship­ment. Duration and conditio ns of warranty for this product m ay be superseded wh en the product is i nt egrated into (be com es a part of)
other HP products. During the warranty period, Hewlett-Packar d Company will, at its opt ion, either repair or re pl ace pr oducts which
prove to be defective.

For warrant y se r vice or repair, this product must be returned to a ser vi ce facility designated by Hewlet t -Packard (HP). Buyer shall pre­pay shippin g charges to HP and HP sh al l pay shipping charges t o re tu rn t he product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping
charges, dutie s, an d taxe s for products ret urned to HP from an other cou ntry.

HP warrants tha t its softwar e and fir mwar e designa t ed b y HP for use with a product will exe cu te its pr ogrammin g instru cti ons wh en
properly installe d on that product . HP does not warrant that t he operat ion of the product, or software, or firmware wi ll be uninterrupted
or er ro r f r ee.

Limitation Of Warranty

The foreg oin g warranty shall not appl y t o defects resulting from i mproper or inadequate mainte nance by Bu yer, Buyer-supplied prod­ucts or interfacing, unauthori ze d m odificati on or misus e, opera tion outside of the environmental specificat ions for the product, or im­proper site prep arat i on or maint ena nce.

The design an d imp le mentation of any circuit on this product is the s ole responsibility of the B uyer. HP does not warrant th e Buyer’s
circuitr y or malfunction s of HP products that result from the Bu yer’s circuit r y. In addition, HP does not warrant an y damage tha t oc­curs as a result o f the Buyer’s circuit or an y defects that re sult fr om Buyer-supplied products.

NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. HP SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARR ANT IES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Exclusive Remedie s

THE REMED IES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. HP SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER B ASED ON CON­TRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

Notice

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. HEWLETT-PACKARD (HP) MAKES NO WAR­RANTY OF ANY KIND W ITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WAR­RANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. HP shall not be liable for errors contained
herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material. This docu­ment c ontai ns proprietary informatio n which is prote ct ed by copyright. A ll ri ghts are reserved. No part of thi s document may be photo­copied, reproduced, or tran slate d to anothe r langua ge wit h out the prior written c onsent of Hewlett -P ackar d Company. HP assumes no
responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP.

U.S. Government Restricted Rights

The Software and Do cumentat ion ha ve bee n develope d entir ely at privat e expe nse . The y are delivered and lice nsed as "c omme rcia l
computer software" as defin ed in DF ARS 252.227-701 3 (October 1988 ), DF ARS 252.211.701 5 (May 1991) or DFARS 252.227-7014
(June 1995), as a "comme rcia l item" as defined in F AR 2.101(a ), or as "Restrict e d comp uter software " as define d in FAR 52.227-19
(June 1987) (or any equival en t agen cy re gula tion or c ontract cla use ), whi ch ever is appl ica bl e. You have only those right s provided for
such Software and D ocum ent at ion by the applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the HP standard software agreement for the pr oduct involved.

HP E1418A User’s Manual

Copyright © 1996 He wle tt-Pa cka rd Company. All Right s Reser ve d.

Edition 2

HP E1418A User’s Man ual 7

Documentatio n History

All Editions and Updates of this manual and their creation date are listed below. The first Edition of the manual is Edition 1. The Edi­tion number increment s by 1 whenever the manua l is revised . Updates , which are issued betw een Edi ti ons, c ontain repla ce ment pa ges
to correct or add additional information to the current Edi tion of the manua l. Whene ver a new Edition is creat ed, it will c ontain all of
the Update information for the pre vious Edit ion. Each new Ed ition or Update also include s a revised c op y of this documentation hi s­tory page.

Edition 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 1995

Edition 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 1996

Safety Symbols

Instruction manual symbol affixed to prod­uct. Indicat es that the user must refer to the
manual for specific WARNING or CAU­TION information to avoid personal injury
or damage to the product.

Indicates the field wiring terminal that must
be connected to earth ground before operat­ing the equipment—protects against electri­cal shock in case of fault.

Frame or chassis ground termi nal — t ypi-

or

cally connects to the equipment’s metal
frame.

WARNING

CAUTION

Alternating current (AC).

Direct curren t (DC).

Indicate s ha za rdous voltage s.

Calls at te nt i on t o a pr ocedure, practi ce, or
condition that could cause bodily injury or
death.

Calls at te nt i on t o a pr ocedure, practi ce, or con­dition that could possibly cause damage to
equipme nt or perma nen t los s of data.

WARNINGS

The following ge ner al safet y prec aut ions mu s t be observed du ri ng al l phas es of oper ation, service, and re pai r of this product .
Failure to comply with these prec aut ions or with specific war nings elsewhe re in this manual violates safety stand ard s of design ,
manufacture, and intended use of the product. H ewl ett- Pac kar d Company assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to
comply with these requirements.

Ground the equipment: For Safety Cl as s 1 equipmen t (equ ipment ha vin g a protective ea rth ter mi nal) , an unint erru ptib le sa fety earth

ground must be provide d from the ma in s power sour ce to the produ ct input wi rin g termi nals or suppli ed power cable .

DO NOT operate the produc t in an explosive at mospher e or in the presen ce of flammable gases or fumes.

For continued protect ion a gainst fire, repl ace the li ne fuse(s) only with fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type .
DO NOT use repaired fuses or short-circui ted fuse holders.

Keep away from live circuits: Operatin g personnel must not remove equipment covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal
of covers or shields are for use by service-trained personnel only. Under certa in conditions, dangerous v oltages may exist even wi t h the
equipment switched off. To avoid dangerous ele ctrical shock , DO NOT perf orm procedures involving cover or shield removal unless
you are qualified to do so.

DO NOT operate damaged equipment: Whenever it is possible that the safety protection featur es bui lt into this product ha ve been im­paired, either t hr ough physical dama ge, excessive moisture, or any other reason, REMOVE POWER and do not use the product unt il
safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If necessar y, return the produ ct to a Hewlett -Packar d Sa les and Se rvice O f­fice for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintaine d.

DO NOT service or adjust alon e: Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid
and resuscitation, is present.

DO NOT substitute par ts or modify equipment: Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards , do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauth orized modifica tion to the product. Ret urn the produ ct to a Hewlett -Packar d Sa les and Ser vice O ffice for
service and repair to ensure that safety features a re ma i nt ai ned.

8 HP E1418A User’s Manual

Declaration of Conformity

according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014

Manufacturer’s Name: Hewlett-Pa ckar d C ompany

Loveland Manufacturing Center

Manufact ure r’s Addre s s: 815 14th Street S.W.

Loveland, Colorado 80537

declares, that the product:

Product Name: 8/16-Ch an nel D/A Con ver ter Modul e

Model Number : HP E1 418A

Produc t Opt ion s: All

conforms to the following Pr od uct Spe cifi cati ons :

Safety: IEC 1010-1 (1990) Incl . Amend 1 (1992) /E N610 10-1 (1993)

CSA C22.2 #1010.1 (1 992)
UL 3111

EMC: CISPR 11:1990/EN55011 (1991): Group 1 Class A

IEC 801-2:1991/ E N5008 2-1 (1 992) : 4 kVCD, 8 kVAD
IEC 801-3:1984/ E N5008 2-1 (1 992) : 3 V/m
IEC 801-4:1988/ E N5008 2-1 (1 992) : 1 kV Power Line

.5 kV Signa l Lin es

Supplementary Information: The product herewith c omplies wit h th e requirements of the Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/ EEC (inclu sive 93/68/E EC) and carr ies the "CE" mark ing
accordingly.

Tested in a typical HP C-Si ze VXI Ma infr ame configuration .

November 6, 1995 Jim White, QA Manager

European c ontact : Your loca l He wlett-Pa cka rd Sa les and Ser vi ce O ffic e or Hewlett- Packa rd GmbH,
Department HQ- TRE, Herrenberg er Stra ße 130, D-71034 Böblingen, German y (FAX [phone]).

HP E1418A User’s Man ual 9

Notes

10 HP E1418A User’s Manual

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12 HP E1418A User’s Manual

Using This Chapter

This chapter provides general module information and tasks you must
perform to install a nd pr e pa re your module. A procedur e to verify your
installation is also given. The chapter is divided into the followin g s ections :

Chapter 1

Module Setup and In stalla tion

• Module Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13

• Functional Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16

• Front Panel Connector s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18

• Setting the Logical Address Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19

• Module Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20

• Terminal Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22

• Wiring the Terminal Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23

• Attac hi ng the Te rminal Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pa ge 25

• Removing the Terminal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26

• Terminal Module Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27

• Terminal Modu le Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30

• Configuring the Terminal Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31

• Terminal Modu le Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 33

• Initial Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37

Module Description

The HP E1418A is an 8 or 16 channel digital-to-analog c onverter module
for use in a VXIbus C-s ize mainframe. The module is a register-based
device. The module can be programmed via direct register access or, with
the appropriat e driver , by high level commands. This manual de scribes
programming the module using SCPI (Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments) a nd the SCPI driver.

Each HP E1418A module is a unique instrument having its own output
buffer and error queue. Multiple modules cannot be combined into a single
instrument.

Each channel can be configured to eith er voltage or current output mo de.
When configu r ed f or voltage output, voltages in the range of -16.0 to
+16.0 Volts can be set. When configured f or current output, current in the
range of -0.02 to + 0.02 Amps can b e s et. The c hannel output mode can be
programmatically set, or, can be forced to either voltage or current by
mechanical jumpers on the terminal module.

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 13

Each output channel is individually configurable to be either an isolated
output or a non-isolated output. Cha nne l configuration to is olated or
non-isolat ed is made by individual plu g- on modules for each channel.

Figure 1-1 shows the module.

Figure 1-1. The HP E1418A 8/16-Channel D/A Converter

with Terminal Module

14 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Ordering Options The HP E1418A may be ordered from Hewlett-Pa c kard in a va r iety of

configurations. As ordered, the module has the following options :

Description

HP E1418A 8-Channel D/A Converter with Non-Isolated Outpu ts
HP E1418A Option 001 16-Channel D/A Converter with Non-Isolated Output s
HP E1418A Option 002 8-Channel D/A Converter with Isolated Out pu ts
HP E1418A Option 003 16-Channel D/A Converter with Isolated Output s

Field Kits The module can also be us er configured as described beginning on page 166

of this manual. The following field expansion and configuration kits are
available:

Description Use

HP E1523A Single Channel Isolated

plug-on modul e

HP E1524A Expansion kit, 8-Channel

Non-Isolated Out put s

HP E1525A Expansion kit, 8-Channel

Isolated Out pu t s

To change a single channel from
non-isolated to isolated ou tput.

To add 8 additional non-isolated
channels to an existing 8- cha n nel
module .

To add 8 addit io nal isol at e d cha n n els to
an existing 8-cha n n el modul e.

Terminal Modules The standard HP E1418A Terminal Module provides screw terminals for

connections. Two other terminal options are available with the HP E1418A:

– Crimp a n d Ins er t ( O ptio n A3E)
– Ribbon Cable (Option A3H)
– Terminal Module Housing without a terminal module PC board or

connectors included (Option 135)

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 15

Functional Description

The HP E1418A provides great flexibility in configuration. This functional
description will help you become familiar with the various configurations
and how th e module is structured. A functio nal b loc k diagram is shown in
Figure 1- 2.

Figure 1-2. A Function al Blo ck Diag ra m

Each channel MUST have either an isolated or non-isolated plug-on module installed. Channels may be configured

*

using any combination of Isola ted and Non -Isol ated plug-on modules.

16 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

As shown, there are four major assemblies that make up an HP E1418A:

– Chann els 1 through 8 main board and VXIbus backplane circuitry.
– Channels 9 through 16 expansion board.
– Isolated or Non-isolat ed plug-on modules.
– Terminal Module.

Cha nnels 1–8 m ain board and VXIbus backplane circuitry.

This assembly contains all the VXIbus interface and decoding circuitry.
Isolated and Non-Isolated plug-on modules for channels 1–8 connect to this
assembly. The panel connectors for the terminal module are also mounte d
on this assemb ly.

The optional Channels 9–16 expansion board is electrically connected and
mechanically mounted to the main board. Isolated and Non-Isolated
plug-on modules for channels 9–16 connect to this assembly.

Isolated or Non-isolated plug-on modules are required for every channel.
Eight plug-on modules mount to the main board and 8 plug-on modules
mount to the expansion board. Any c omb inati on of is olated or non-isolated
plug-on modules may be used, but every channel must ha ve a plug-on
module ins ta lle d.

The Terminal Module shown in Figure 1-2 is the standard screw-type
terminal module. This module provides screw connections for each channel
output, the calibration connections, and the external trigger in connections.
This module also contains two jumpers for each channel; one, called the P/J
Jumper, to enable or disable VXIbus programming of the channel mode
(either voltage or current) and one, called the V/I Jumper, to set the channel
mode when the P/J Jumper is in the Jumper position.

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 17

Front Panel Connectors

Figure 1-3 shows the connections at the front panel connectors of the main
module.

Figure 1-3. HP E1418A Front Panel Connector Pinout

18 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Setting the Logical Address Switch

Figure 1-4 shows the logical address switch location and setting. The logical
address switch factory setting is 72. Valid addresses range from 1 to 255.

When used with an HP Command Module the fac t ory set address of
decimal 72 results in a module address of 9 (72 d ivided by 8). The modu le
address is used as a secondary address when using HP-IB and a Command
Module. For ex ample, the module address may be 7 09 09, whe r e 7 is th e
HP-IB interface address, 09 is the command module address, and 09 is the
HP E1418A address.

The HP E1418A supports dynamic address configuratio n. When you set the
logical address to 255, the res o ur ce manager sets the logical address
programmatically.

Note When using an HP C-size mainframe with the HP E1405/E1406 Command

Modules, the logical address setting must be a multiple of 8.

Figure 1-4. Setting the Logical Address

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 19

Module Installation

To install t he module:

1. Verify the position of the CAL Store Enable Jumper for your
application. Th e Jumper, as shipped, is in the CAL position. In this
position, a calibration may be performed and the results stored in
non-volatile memory. In the Secured position, a calibration may be
performed, bu t may NOT be stored in non-volatile memory. This
jumper is described in more detail on page 156.

2. Verify or set the logical address switch as shown in Figure 1-4.

3. Install the module in a mainframe as shown in Figure 1-5.

Installation in a

Mainframe

The HP E1418A may be installed in any slot (except slot 0) in a C-size
VXIbus mainframe. To install in a mainframe:

1. Set the extraction levers out. Slide the module into any slot (except
slot 0) until the backplane connectors touch.

2. Seat the module by moving the levers toward each other.

3. Tighten the top and bottom screws to secure the module in the
mainframe.

Figure 1-5. Installing the HP E1418A in a VXIbus Mainframe

20 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

To Remove a Module: To remove a module from a mainframe:

1. Remove any terminal modules.

2. Loosen the top and bottom screws securing the module in the
mainframe.

3. Move the extraction levers away from each other. As the levers are
moved, the module will detach from the backplane co nnec t ors.

4. Slide the module out.

Note The extraction levers will not seat and unseat the backplane connectors on

older HP VXIbus mainframes and n on-HP ma inframes . You must
manually seat the connectors by pushing the module into the mainframe
until the front panel is flush with the front of the mainframe. The extraction
levers may be used to guide or remove the module.

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 21

Terminal Modules

Four terminal modules are available for the HP E1418 A; a screw- t ype, a
crimp-and-insert type, a ribbon cable type, and an empty terminal housing
(without a PC board or connectors).

Screw-Type

Terminal Module

(Standard)

The standard terminal module uses screw-type terminals to make
connectio ns. Figure 1-6 may be photocop ied and used for wiring layout.

Figure 1-6. Screw-Type Termin al Modu le Layou t

22 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Wiring the Terminal Module

Figure 1-7 shows how to open and wire the HP E1418A terminal module.

Figure 1-7. Wiring the HP E1418A Terminal Module

(

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 23

continued on next page)

Figure 1-7. Wiring the HP E1418A Terminal Module

(

continued from previous page)

24 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Attaching the Terminal Module

Figure 1-8 shows how to attach the HP E1418A terminal module.

Figure 1-8. Attaching the HP E1418A Terminal Module

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 25

Removing the Terminal Module

Figure 1-9 shows ho w to remove the HP E1418A terminal module.

Figure 1-9. Removing the HP E1418A Terminal Module

26 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Terminal Module Options

Besides the standard screw-type terminal module, the HP E1418A can be
ordered with the following two options. One option (A3E) provides
crimp-and-insert connectors and terminal housing. The other option (A3H)
provides a ribbon cable con nector and termina l hous ing.

Option A3E HP E1418A Option A3E can be ordered if a crim p -and-inser t termin al

module is desired. This allows you to crimp connectors onto wires which
are then inserted directly into the HP E1418A fac eplate connector. Refer to
the pin-out diagram on page 30 to make the connections. The
crimp-and-insert connector is shown in Figure 1-10.

Note The pin numbering on th e crimp-and-insert conn ector may not agree with the

pin nu mberi ng on the HP E1418’s faceplate connector. Use the pin
numbering on the faceplate connector to wire the crimp-and-insert connector.

Figure 1-10. Option A3E Crimp- and-I nsert Con necto r

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 27

Crimp-and-Insert

Terminal Module

Accessories

The following accessories are necessary for use with crimp-and-insert
Option A3E:

Single-Conductor and

Contact

Shielded-Twisted-Pair and

Contacts

A crimp-and-insert contact is crimped onto o ne end of a wire. The other
end is not terminated. Order HP 91510A.

A crimp-and-insert contact is cr im ped onto each conductor a t one e nd of a
shi elded- t wist ed -pair cable. The other end is not terminated. Order
HP 91511A.

Jumper Wire and Contacts A crimp-and-insert contact is crimped onto eac h en d of a single-conductor

ju mper wire. This j umper is typi cally us ed t o tie t wo p i n s togethe r in a
single crimp-and-insert connector. Order HP 91512A.

Crimp-and-Insert Co ntacts These contacts ma y be crimped onto a conductor and then inserted into a

crimp-and-insert connector. The crimp tool kit is required to crimp the
contacts ont o a conductor and remove the contact from the connector.
Order HP 91515A.

Crimp-and-Insert Tools The hand crimp tool (part number HP 91518A) is used for crimping

contacts ont o a conductor. The pin extractor tool (part number HP 91519A)
is required f or removing contacts from the crimp-a nd-insert connector.

These products are not included with Option A3E or with the terminal
option accessories listed earlier.

28 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Extra Crimp-and-Insert

Connectors

Option A3H The Ribbon Cable Connector Terminal Option provides a terminal housing

Note In Figure 1-12, t he center row of each connector is not u sed in the ribbon

The crimp-and-insert connector is normally supplied with Option A3E.
Contact H ewl ett-Pa c kard if addit ional connectors are needed.
Order HP 91484B.

and ribbon cable connectors. The connectors are designed to be used with
64-pin 0.05 inch center ribbon cables (not provided). Use Figure 1-12 to
make the connections.

cable. The center row of both connectors is module ground (GND).

Figure 1-11. Option A3H Ribbon Cable Con nect or

Option 135 The Terminal Module H ousing Option provides a termina l housing with no

connectors of any type.

The user-supplied connector must be a DIN 41612 type C female,

11.6 mm dime ns ion as shown above.

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 29

Terminal Module Connectors

Figure 1-12 shows the connections at the terminal module connectors.

Figure 1-12. HP E1418A Terminal Module Connector Pinout

30 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Configuring the Terminal Module

The screw-type terminal module contains jumpers that control how the
HP E1418A operates. The jumpers are shipped in a separate bag with the
terminal module. The HP E1418A will operat e without any jumpers
installed. You can, however, store the jumpers on the terminal module for
later reconfiguration. Figure 1-13 shows the jumper locations and example
settings.

There are two jumpers for each channel; a P/J jumper and a V/I jumper.
The two j umpers work together.

Figure 1-13. P/J and V/I Jumpers

P/J Jumper The P/J jump er sets the channel output mode to be either Program

Selectable or Jumper Selectable. When the jumper is in the program
selectable position, the channel output mode can be s et via progra m ming
commands. In the jumper selectable position, the channel output mode is
set via the V/I jumper.

V/I Jumper The V/I jumper sets t he channel output mode t o eit her voltage or current

when the P/J jumper is set to the Jumper Selectable position. When the P/J
ju mper is set t o Pr o g r am Selec tabl e, this jump er ha s no effect.

Notes With no jumpers installed, the module will be in the Program S electa b le

output mo de.

When the P/J Jumper is set to the Jumper Selectable position, the output
mode cannot be changed with SCPI commands. The output mode f ollowing

*RST common command will be the mode set by the V/I jumper.

a

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 31

Options A3E and A3H

Terminals

The P/J jumper connection for each channel is named CH X PRGM JMPR
in the connection diagram on page 30. With no connection to this pin, the
module will operate in the Program Selectable mode. Shorting this pin to
GND will set the Jumper Selectable mode for channel X.

When CH X PRGM JMPR is short ed to GND, th e CH X MODE JMPR pin
(corresponding to the V/I Jumper) sets the output mode for channel X. If
the pin is op en, volt age output mode is s elec ted. If the pin is shorted to
GND, current output m ode is selec t ed for channel X.

32 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Terminal Module Connections

Each channel has four output l ines; HI, LO, HS (Hi Sense), and LS (Low
Sense). Wh en using a c hannel in the voltage output mo de, you can use t he
sense lines to increase accuracy or to compensate f or long lead lengths. The
sense leads ar e not used in the current output mode.

Voltage and

Current Output

Connections

Note The sense leads are internally disconnected for current output. External

Figure 1-14 shows connections for three types of output. Channel 1 is
connected in t he 2-wire voltage output mode, the sense leads are not used
(and the sense connections need not be made). Channel 2 is connected in
the 4-wire v oltage output mode. Us e this connection for the hig hest volta ge
accuracy and to compensate for long lead lengths. Channel 3 is connected
for current output m ode (sen s e is not used for current output).

wiring may be left connected to th e sense ou tputs on the terminal module
with no effect.

Figure 1-14. Typical Output Connecti o ns

Options A3E and A3H

HI, HS, LO, a nd LS connections are shown on the diagram on page 30.

Terminals

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 33

Combining

Channels

You can combine chann els in series t o obt a in higher output voltages or in
parallel to obtain higher output currents.

Channels in Series • All channels connected in series MUST b e c onfigured as isolated

channels (with isolated plug-on modules installed).

• Up to 3 channels may be combined, but the output voltag e MUST

NOT exceed 42 Vdc/42 Vpeak.

Channels in Parallel • Channels may be either Isolated or Non-Isolated.

• Up to 16 channels may be comb ined.

Figure 1-15 s hows h ow to c ombine volt age channels (in series) and current
channels (in para llel).

CAUTIONS A ll SERIES CONNECTE D o utp ut channels MUST be configured as

ISOLATED O U T PUTS.

When combin i n g out put voltag e chan n els, be s ur e n o t to exceed th e
maximum module isolation rating of 42 Vdc or 42 Vpeak.

Figure 1-15. Combined Chann els Outpu t Connecti ons

34 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Connecting an

External Trigger

Source

An external trigger input is provided on the terminal module. Use the
external trigger to externally synchronize multiple outputs or multiple
instruments. The External Trigger uses TTL levels. The trigger occurs
when the EXT TRIGn connection is pulled low for at least 1 µS. Ty pical
connections to the external trigger is shown in Figure 1-16.

Options A3E and A3H

Terminals

Figure 1-16. External Trigger Con necti ons

The external tri gger l ine is loca ted on the upper connector and is labeled
EXT TRIGn in the diagram on page 30.

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 35

Usi ng the CAL

Output Terminals

The CAL Output Terminals provide one set of connections that can be used
to calibrate the output on all 16 channels. Calibration and adjustment
procedures are described in Appendix D beginning on page 154.

The CAL out put terminals ar e ava ilable on th e terminal module. Ther e are
four lines; HI, LO, HS (Hi Sense), an d LS (Low Sense). Typical CAL
output t erminal connections are shown i n Figure 1-17 .

Options A3E and A3H

Terminals

Figure 1-17. Calbus Connect ions

The CAL Output Terminals are located on the upper connector and are labeled
CAL HI, CAL HS, CAL LO, and CAL LS in the diagram on page 30.

36 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Initial Operation

Note This discussion applies to SCPI programming using the driver provided

Device Driver The HP E1418A module is shipped a driver CD. This CD contains the SCPI

This section provides a programming example to help verify correct module
installation and operation. Additional programming exa mpl es and procedures
are given in the next chapter.

The examples shown here use HP BASIC and SCPI (Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments). The example assumes a f ac tory set logical
address of 72 for the HP E1418A module and uses an HP Command Module
for co mmand interpretation. Examples in A N SI C are given in the next chapter.

with the module. The SCPI commands are described in Chapter 3 of this
manual. Appendix B of this manual describes direct register access.

instrument driver, VXIplug&play drivers, example programs, and HP VIC
(VXI Installation Consultant). Follow the instructions contai ned on the CD to
properly install the device driver.

The following example shows how to query the command module and
verify that the correct device driver is installed:

10 DIM A$[256]
20 OUTPUT 70900;"DIAG:DRIV:LIST?"
30 ENTER 70900;A$
40 PRINT A$
50 END

In this exam ple, the co mmand modu le is loca ted on H P- IB (inter face a ddr es s 7)
and uses a primary address of 09. Responses to this example vary depending
upon the drivers loaded on your system. A typical response might look like:

E1418,E1418,A.01.00,RAM;SWITCH,SWITCHBOX,A.08.00,RAM;
SYSTEM,E1405A,A.08.00,ROM;IBASIC,IBASIC,A.04.02,ROM;
VOLTMTR,E1326A,A.05.00,ROM;SWITCH,SWITCHBOX,A.07.00,
ROM;COUNTER,E1332A,A.04.02,ROM;COUNTER,E1333A,A.04.02,
ROM;DIG_I/O,E1330A,A.04.03,ROM;D/A,E1328A,A.04.02,ROM

Verify that the string “E1418,E1418,A.01.00,” is located somewhere
within the returned string.

Chapter 1 Module Setup and Insta ll ation 37

Module

Identification

This example can be used to verify that the logical addr e ss ha s been
correctly set, that the module is corr e c t ly installe d, and that the module is
communicat ing with the command module . The terminal module does not
need to be instal led for t h is example to work. This example qu eries the
module for the iden tific ation st ring.

10 DIM A$[256]
20 OUTPUT 70909;"*IDN?"
30 ENTER 70909;A$
40 PRINT A$
50 END

The response should be similar to one of the fo llowing:

HEWLETT-PACKARD,E1418A_8CH,xxxxAxxxx,A.01.00

or

HEWLETT-PACKARD,E1418A_16CH,xxxxAxxxx,A.01.00

The xxxxAxxxx portion of t he res p onse st r i ng is the module serial number.

38 Module Setup and Installation Cha pter 1

Using This Chapter

This chapter provides examples and descriptions of the mo st c ommon
operations using the HP E1418A. Use this chapter to gain an overview of how
to program the module, and to obtain programming hints. The examples
shown in this chapter are in ANSI C and use SCPI commands to control the
module. The SCPI commands are described in detail in Chapter 3 of this
manual. SCPI usag e conventions and synta x r ules are described beginning on
page 60.

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

Chapter 2

Programming Examples

• Querying Module Identification and Configuration. . . . . . . . . Page 40

• APPLy Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45

• Error Checking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 47

• SOURce Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50

• Setting the Output Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 52

• Controlling t he Output Relay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 53

• Tri ggering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 54

• Using * O PC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56

• Combining Ou tput Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57

Program Examples Example programs in ANSI C format are included on the driver CD

supplied with the HP E1418A. Most examples in this chapter are included.
The examples are ASCII files with the *.c extension.

Note The int data type is syst em dep endent. These examples were developed on

a system where int is a 16-bit integer. Other systems may define int to be a
different width.

In the examples, t he HP VI S A Trans ition L ib rary is used for I/O operations
with the VXIbus. An HP command module (HP E1405/ E1406) is used and
controlled via HP-IB.

To use the HP VISA Transition Library (ab br eviated as VTL), include th e
visa.h header file.

#include visa.h

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 39

Hewlett-Packard V T L function calls and data types typically begin with the
lower cas e let ters vi. Output and enter are performed with functions named
viPrintf and viScanf. Both these functions require a session (a VTL
defined I/O funct ion ) to uniquely identify the d evice being controlled. In
the examples, the session has b een name d dac.

Querying Module Identification and Configuration

This examp le will query the modu le for the identification string and
determine the module configuration.

The module identification is obtained using the IEEE-488 Command

!Send query to the module.

*IDN?

!Enter a string.

The string retur ne d should be similar to one of the f ollowing:

HEWLETT-PACKARD,E1418A_8CH,xxxxAxxxxx,A.01.00

or

HEWLETT-PACKARD,E1418A_16CH,xxxxAxxxxx,A.01.00

The xxxxAxxxxx portion of the resp onse str i ng is the m odule serial
number.

The module configuration is obtained using the
query.

!Send query to the module.

DIAG:CONF?

DIAGnostic:CONFiguration?

*IDN?.

!Enter six inte gers and decod e the integ ers.

40 Programming Examples Chapter 2

The DIAG:CONF? query returns six integers. The six integers returned
contain the module configuration and have the following meaning.

Integer

Returned Meaning

1st Expansion Board ID in the form : 0 = present, 7 = none

(expansion board contains channels 9 through 16)

2nd Terminal Modul e ID in the form

0 = screw type, 7 = none or other

3rd Isolated/Non-isolated Channel status

A bit set to 0 indicates an isolated channel
A bit set to 1 indicates a non-isolated channel or no plug-on
module installed (DO NOT operate the module without a plug-on
module)
Bits 0 – 15 correspond to channels 1 – 16, respectively*

4th Channel Mode

A bit set to 0 indicates a current out put channel
A bit set to 1 indicates a voltage output channel
Bits 0 – 15 correspond to channels 1 – 16, respectively*

5th Channel Output State

A bit set to 0 indicates the channel output relay is closed
A bit set to 1 indicates the channel output relay is open
Bits 0 – 15 correspond to channels 1 – 16, respectively*

6th Channel Mode Programmable State (P/J Jumper)

A bit set to 0 indicates a channel is not mode programmabl e
A bit set to 1 indicates a channel is mode programmabl e
Bits 0 – 15 correspond to channels 1 – 16, respectively*

* For 8-channel configurations, the upper 8 bits of integers 3, 4, 5, and 6 are set to 1’s.

For example, if the f ollo wing six integers ar e returned, the module has the
configurat i on indicated.

Decimal

Integer

1st 7 No expansion board installed

2nd 7 No Terminal Module installed or

3rd -1 All channels are non-isolated.
4th -1 All channels are voltage output channels.
5th -1 All channel outputs are disabled

6th -1 All channels are output mode

Value Configuration

(Only channels 1 through 8).

unknown terminal module installed.

(all output relays are open).

programmable.

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 41

Configuration

Example

The following program segment demo nstrat es how to rea d the module
identification string and the configurat ion. The configuration integers are
bit manipulated using the C operator for bit s hifting result = result <<1
(a one bit shift to the left).

•

•

•

/** FUNCTION PROTOTYPE S **/
void main (void);
void err_handler(ViS ession vi, ViStat u s x); /* VTL error routine */
void sys_err(ViS e ssion re source); /* Checks for SCPI programming error s */

/** GLOBAL **/
ViStatus err;
ViSession defaultRM, cmd, dac;

•

•

•

void main (void)
{

int i,num_chan,result = {0},config [6]={0};
char buf[256] = { 0 };

/*** Check the module identification ***/

err=viPrintf(dac, “*IDN?\n”); /* request id from the module */
err=viScanf(dac, “%t”, &buf); /* enter string returned */
printf (“Module is identified as a %s\n”, buf); /* print the result */

/*** Get the module conf i gurati on ***/

err=viPrintf(dac, “DIAG:CONF?\n”); /* request module configuration */
err=viScanf (dac, “%,6d”, &config); /* returns six integers */

/* Decode the first integer */

result=conf ig[0] ; /* Expansion board */
if (result < 7)

{
printf (“Module is a 16 channel devic e\n”);
num_chan = 16;
}

else

{
printf (“Module is an 8 channel devic e\n”);
num_chan=8;
}

42 Programming Examples Chapter 2

/* Decode the second integer */

result = config [1]; /* Terminal Modul e */
if (result > 0)

{
printf (“Module does NOT have a terminal module installed\n”);
}

else

{
printf (“Module has a screw-type terminal module installed\n”);
}

/* Decode the third integer */

result=conf ig[2] ; /* Isolated or non-isolated outputs */
if (num_chan < 9) result = re sult << 8; /* strip upper 8 bits */
for (i=num_chan;i>0;i – –)

{
if (result >= 0x8000)

{
printf (“Channel %d is configured for non-isolated output\n”,i);
}

else

{
printf(“Channel %d is configured for isolated output\ n”,i);

}
result = result << 1;
}

/* Decode the fourth integer */

result=conf ig[3] ; /* Output Mode Voltage or Current */
if (num_chan < 9) result = re sult << 8; /* strip upper 8 bits */
for (i=num_chan;i>0;i – –)

{
if (result >= 0x8000)

{

printf (“Channel %d is set to voltage out put mode\n”,i);

}
else

{

printf(“Channel %d is set to current output mode\n”,i);

}
result = result << 1;
}

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 43

/* Decode the fifth integer */

result=conf ig[4] ; /* Channel relay open or closed */
if (num_chan < 9) result = re sult << 8; /* strip upper 8 bits */
for (i=num_chan;i>0;i – –)

{
if (result >= 0x8000)

{

printf (“Channel %d output is disabled\n”,i);

}
else

{

printf(“Channel %d output is enabled\n”,i);

}
result = result << 1;
}

/* Decode the sixth integer */

result=conf ig[5] ; /* P/J Jumper position */
if (num_chan < 9) result = re sult << 8; /* strip upper 8 bits */
for (i=num_chan;i>0;i – –)

{
if (result >= 0x8000)

{

printf (“Channel %d output mode is programmable\n”,i);

}
else

{

printf(“Channel %d output mode is fixed and jumper selected\n”,i);

}
result = result << 1;
}

•

•

•

}

44 Programming Examples Chapter 2

APPLy Output

The APPLyn subsystem commands provid e the easiest method to output
voltages or currents.

/* Set channel 1 for 5.0 Volt output */

APPLy1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Channel is se t to volta ge outp ut and 5. 000 V appl ie d */
/* Set channel 8 for 10 mA output */

APPLy8:CURRent 0.0100

/* Channel is set to curre nt output and 10 mA applie d */

The APPLyn subsyst em outpu ts t he volta ge or cur r ent s pecified on the
channel specified immediately. The output relay for that channel is closed.
Other channel outputs and output stat es are not disturb ed.

APPLyn subsystem command performs several actions with a single

An
command. Each

– Sets the channel output mode (voltage or current).
– Sets the output value (volts or amps).

APPLyn c omma nd a ffects a single channel and:

– Enables the outputs (clos es the output relay).

The output c hannel rem a ins e na b led, a nd outputs the last progra mm ed
voltage or current valu e, unless you take explic it action to turn off the
output. For exa mple, if you send two

APPLyn commands to t he same

channel, t he first command sets an outp ut va lue and closes th e output rela y.
The second c omma nd changes only the outp ut va lue (since the relay is
already closed).

/* Set cha n ne l 1 f o r 5. 0 Volt output */

APPLy1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Channel 1 is se t to vol ta ge output an d 5. 000 V appl ie d */
/* No w set channel 1 for 6.0 Vol t out put */

APPLy1:VOLTage 6.000

/* Channel 1 is se t to vol ta ge output an d 6. 000 V appl ie d */

The comman ds ab ove will s et a 5.000 Volt output on Channe l 1, a nd then
set a 6.000 Volt outpu t on channel 1. The output rela y is not affected by the
second command.

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 45

The output can also be disabled before changing the mode or output value.
Use the

OUTPutn commands to disable the output.

/* Set channel 1 for 5.0 Volt output */

APPLy1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Disable the output */

OUTPut1 OFF

/* Channel 1 output rel ay is ope ne d */
/* No w, enabl e t he outp ut */

OUTPut1 ON

/* Channel 1 is se t to vol ta ge output an d 5. 000 V appl ie d */
/* Disable the output */

OUTPut1 OFF

/* Now set channel 1 for 20 mA curre nt outpu t */

APPLy1:CURRent .0200

/* Channel 1 is set to current out put and 20 mA appl ie d */

The OUTPut subs ys tem commands only affect the output relay. The
programmed mode and output value for a given channel is not changed.
Once the mode is set and the desired output value programmed, the output
can be turned on or off as needed with the

OUTPutn[:STATe] command.

It is also possible, with the

APPLyn commands, to change the channel

output mode from volt age to current.

/* Set channel 1 for 5.0 Volt output */

APPLy1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Channel 1 is se t to vol ta ge output an d 5. 000 V appl ie d */
/* Now set channel 1 for 20 mA curre nt outpu t */

APPLy1:CURRent .0200

/* Channel 1 is set to current out put and 20 mA appl ie d */

During the c hange from voltage t o current (or current to voltage), the
channel out put r e la y is opened. Sending a command seq uence similar to the
one above performs the following actions:

– Programs channel 1 to the voltage mode and 5.000 Volts outpu t.
– Closes the channel 1 output rela y.
– Opens the channel 1 output relay.
– Programs channel 1 to current mode and 20 mA output.
– Closes the channel 1 output rela y.

46 Programming Examples Chapter 2

Error Checking

To develop pro gra ms you wi ll need t o creat e one or more error checking
routines. For example, you will need routines to check for errors in the
fol lo wi ng operations:

– I/O operations to the VXIbus, and
– SCPI comma nds to the module.

I/O Error Checking I/O error checking is specific to th e type of I/O library you are using to

communicate with the VXIbus. In this manual and on the CD, the
HP VISA Transition Library is used.

Function calls to the HP VISA Transition Library (VTL) typically begin
with a lower case vi. For example, viPrintf is a VTL output function call.
The HP VTL I/O function calls return a variable that can be tested for errors
against the VTL variable VI_SUCCESS. In the examples, the variable err
is used to trap the VTL errors and is declared as a gl obal variab le of the
ViStatus type (defined in visa.h).

I/O error checking is illustrated in the f ollowing program example. The
VTL error checking function is named error_handler. Errors found are
report ed to the standard output device.

SCPI Error

Checking

You must also c hec k for errors r eported by t he SCPI drive r. The SCPI
driver reports errors in response to the

/* Repeat … */

SYST:ERR?

/* …until no errors found */

The query returns two values: an int eger error code and an error descriptio n
string. The integer value returns +0 and the string returns “No Error” if
no errors are fou nd.

SCPI error s are reported in an error queue. The error queu e is a first in, f irst
out queue. Each response to the
from the queue. Multiple SCPI errors may be generated by a single
incorrect command and the error queue should be read until it reports +0,
"No Error".

SYSTem:ERRor ? query.

SYSTem:ERRor? query removes one error

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 47

SCPI error checking is illustrated in the following program example. The
SCPI error routine is named sys_error. Errors found are reported to the
standard output device.

•

•

•

/** FUNCTION PROTOTYPE S **/
void main (void);
void err_handler(ViS e ssion vi, ViStat u s x); /* VTL error routine */
void sys_err(ViS ession resource); /* SCPI error routine */

•

•

•

/** GLOBAL **/
ViStatus err;
ViSession defaultRM, cmd, dac;

•

•

•

void main (void)
{

/*** Open the resource manager, command module, and dac sessions ***/
viOpenDefaultRM (&defaultRM);
viOpen (default RM, CMD_ADDRESS, VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &cmd);
viOpen(defaul tRM , DAC_ADDRESS, VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &dac);

/*** Set the timeout for the dac ***/
viSetAttribute(dac , VI_ATTR_T MO_VA LUE, 10000); /* 10 second timeout */

err=viPrintf(dac, “*RST\n”); /* reset the dac */
if(err < VI_SUCCESS) err_handler(dac, err) ; /* VTL error check */
sys_err (dac); /* SCPI error check */

•

•

•

}

/***VTL Error handling function ***/
void err_handler (ViSe ssion dac, ViStatus err)

{
char buf[1024]={0};
viStatusDesc(dac,err,buf);
printf(“VTL ERROR = %s\n”, buf);
return;
}

/***End of VTL error handler ***/

48 Programming Examples Chapter 2

•

•

•

/*** SCPI Error check ***/
void sys_err(ViSession resource)

{
char buf [1024] = {0};
int err_no;
err = v iPrintf (resource, “SYST:ERR?\n”); /* query error queue */
if (err < VI_SUCCESS) err_handler(resource,err);
err = v iScanf (resource,"%d%t ",& err_no,&buf ) ; /* get error number and string */
if (err < VI_SUCCESS) err_handler(resource,err);
while (err_no != 0)

{
printf (“\nCommand Error: %d,%s\n”,err_no,buf);
err = v iPrintf (resource, “SYST:ERR?\n”); /* query error queue */
if (err < VI_SUCCESS) err_handler(resource,err);
err = v iScanf (resource,"%d%t ",& err_no, &buf ) ; /* get error number and string */
if (err < VI_SUCCESS) err_handler(resource,err);
}

return;
}

/*** End of SCPI error check ***/

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 49

SOURce Output

Setting an output on a channe l is a three step pro cess:

– Set th e channel m ode (voltage or current)
– Set the channel output value (volts or amps)
– Enable the output (close the channel out put r e la y)

As described previously, a single

APPLyn command performs all three of

these actions. I n some ca ses you may need more contr o l of each step in the
output process. The f ollowing co mmands perform the sa me action as a

APPLyn command.

single

/* Set channel 1 voltage mode */

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

/* Channel 1 is set to volta ge output */
/* Set channel 1 voltage output */

SOURce1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Channel 1 is set to outp ut 5.00 0 Volt s */
/* Turn on the ou tpu t */

OUTPut1 ON

/* Channel 1 output is en abl ed */

The SOURcen subsystem contains two types of commands to set curre nt or
voltage output. The type used in the above examples has the form:

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value>
SOURce

n:VOLTage[: LEVel ] [:IM Medi at e][ :AM PLi tude] <val ue>

The implied commands (enclosed in brackets [ ]) are not shown in the
exampl es. The commands shown above imme dia tely program the output
values. The

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[ :AMPLi tude] <valu e>
SOURce

SOURcen subs ystem also contains c omma nd s of t he form:

n:VOLTage[: LEVel ]:T RIG gered[ :AMPLi t ude] < value>

These co mmands are us ed with t he trigger system to control when the
outputs are applied. The trigger system is described on page 54.

50 Programming Examples Chapter 2

Like the APPLyn commands, you can change the output value by sending
additional

SOURcen commands does not open the output relay.

SOURcen commands. Changing the output value with the

/* Set channel 1 voltage mode */

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

/* Set channel 1 voltage output */

SOURce1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Turn on the ou tpu t */

OUTPut1 ON

/* Channel 1 output is en abl ed */
/* Send a new output voltage */

SOURce1:VOLTage 15.000

Changing the output mode with the SOURcen commands opens the output
relay.

/* Set channel 1 voltage mode */

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

/* Set channel 1 voltage output */

SOURce1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Turn on the ou tpu t */

OUTPut1 ON

/* Channel 1 output is en abl ed and 5 v olt s appl ie d */
/* Send a new output mode */

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent

/* Channel 1 output is disable d */
/* Set channel 1 output current */

SOURce1:CURRent .01

/* Channel 1 is programmed for 10 mA */
/* Turn on the ou tpu t */

OUTPut1 ON

/* Channel 1 out put is enabled and 10 mA appl ied */

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 51

Setting the Output Mode

The ou t put mode can be set using commands in the SOURce subsystem.

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage
SOURce

The mode can also be set on the terminal module with the P/J jumpers and
V/I ju mp ers ( s ee pa ge 3 1). I f t he mode is set to Jumper selectable with the
P/J jumper on the term ina l module, the mode cannot be changed with the
SCPI comma nds a nd the output mode is set by the V/I jumper (also on t he
terminal module, see page 31).

For example , if on th e termi nal modu le, c hannel 1 P/J jumper is set to
Jump er Selectab le and the V/I jumper is set to current mod e, the f ollo wing
command will each generate an error:

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE VOLT

The error returned is:

+3012 Channel cannot be program med to this mode, check ju mpers

Appendix C, starting on page 150 contains a full list of the errors that may
be generated by the SCPI commands for the HP E1418A.

n:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent

52 Programming Examples Chapter 2

Controlling the Output Relay

There are three programming methods to enable the output of a channel
(close the output relay).

• The APPLyn:VOLTage <value> or APPLyn:CURRent <value>

command both program an outp ut va lue and close the out put r e la y
on a single channel.

• The OUTPutn:STATe ON command clos es the output relay for a

single channel. The last programmed mode and output value remains
in effect.

• The DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL:STATe ON command closes all output

relays. The order of relay closure is not guaranteed.

There are three programming methods to disabl e the output of a channel
(open the out put r e la y).

• Send the OUTPutn:STATe OFF command to open a single channel

output rela y wit hout changing the programm ed mode or output value
for that channel or affecting any other channels.

• Send *RST to program all c hannels to voltage mode, 0 volts output,

and open all ou tput relays.
the P /J jumper is set to Jumper Selec t able.

*RST will not change the output mode if

• Send the DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL OFF command to open all output

relays without cha nging t he progr amm ed mode or output value.

The output relay will also be opened and then closed by a change of output
mode using the

APPLy commands .

• An APPLyn:VOLTage <value> followed by an

APPLyn:CURRent <value> c omma nd (or vice versa) will op en a nd

then close the output relay.

All output relays wil l be opened, and l eft open, by the following commands.

• The SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage or

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent commands set output mode

for a single channel and opens the output relay for that channel .
Other channels are not affected.

• The *RST command p erforms a reset and leave s the output rela ys

open on all channels (the command also programs all channels to
voltage mode, 0 volts output unless the P/J jumper is set to Ju mper
Selectab le).

• The *TST? c omma nd performs a self-test and leaves t he output

relays open on all c hannels . Progra mmed output mode s a re restored
following the self-test.

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 53

Triggering

To synchronize outputs to external events, backplane events, or soft ware
events use the

TRIGge r subsystem c ommands. Triggering an output from

the module involves four st eps :

1. Set the trig ger source.

2. Set on e or mor e c hannels for triggered output.

3. Put the trigger system in the wait-for-trigger state.

4. Send the trigger event.

TRIGger:SOURce <source> command sets the trigger source. One of

The
four trigger s ources can be specified.

• VXIbus backplane trigg er — one of t he eight TTL trigger lin es

defined in the VXIbus P2 connector. The lines are named
*TTLTRG0 throu gh *TTLTRG7. Any one of these trigger lines
may be used as a trigger source.

• Software trigger — gen erated with in the controlling program.

• Immediate trigger — places the trigger system in the wait-for-trigger

state and then imme diately triggers the output.

• External Trigger — an input on the terminal module (see page 35).

Use this source to synchronize the outputs to a n external e ve nt.

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] and

The

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] commands program a

channel output value when the trigger conditions are met.

INITiate:IMMediate command places the trigger system in the

The
wait-for-trigger state. The trigger event depends upon the trigger source set.

The trigger syst em is common to all channels in the module. That is, a
single trigger ev ent triggers t he output on all c hannels that are waiting for
the trigger. The

SOURce sub syst em contai ns commands to put each

channel in the wait-for-trigger state.

/* Set the trigger source for software trigge r */

TRIGger:SOURce HOLD

/* Set channels 1 a nd 2 for trigge red output */

SOURce1:VOLTage:TRIGgered 1.5000
SOURce2:VOLTage:TRIGgered -2.5000

/* Close the output relays */

OUTPut1 ON
OUTPut2 ON

/* Put the trigger sy stem in the wait-for-t rigg er st ate */

54 Programming Examples Chapter 2

INITiate

/* Send the trigger event */

TRIGger:IMMediate

/* Channels 1 and 2 outpu t the programme d volt age s */

Note that the channels must be set for triggered output (using the SOURce
subsystem) before the trigger system is changed to the wait-for-trigger state
(using the
the

INITiate command). If you send the SOURcen commands after

INITiate command, t he fo llowi ng error is re ported:

+3014 Illegal while initiated

Once the outputs have been triggered (using

TRIGger:IMMediate in the

previous example) the trigger system is set back to the trigger idle state. New
triggered channel output values can be program med and the trigger system put
in the wait-for-trigger state. The triggering process is illustrated below.

Note Once an output is enabled and a volta ge or cur r ent output, that valu e

remains on th e output . S ending subsequent

SOURn:CURR:TRIG co mmands will not change the output value until the

trigger ev ent is received. The output may be disabl ed (output rela y opened)
with the

OUTPn OFF command.

The trigger source set using the TRIGger:SOURce c omma nd re ma ins in
effect until it is changed or a reset occurs. Following a reset (
trigg er source is set to

HOLD.

SOURn:VOLT:TRIG or

*RST) the

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 55

Using *OPC?

As shown, the examples have made no attempt to coordinate the program
execution with the HP E1418A module. In some cases, you may need to pause
program execution until the module has completed executing the co mmands.

The IEEE-488 common command
and the module synchronized. The

*OPC? can be used to k eep the progra m

*OPC? query returns a 1 when all

programmed operations are complet e. The program can wait for the
response before executing additional statements. The returned value is
uni mportant (always a 1).

/* Set channel 1 voltage mode */

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

/* Set channel 1 voltage output */

SOURce1:VOLTage 5.000

/* Turn on the ou tpu t */

OUTPut1 ON
*OPC?

/* enter the response */

*OPC?

is used to synchronize the program with the module since program

execution waits for the response. The command may be combined using the ;
as described under “Linking Com mands” on page 62. For example,

/* Set channel 1 voltage mode */

SOURce1:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage;*OPC?

/* enter the response */

56 Programming Examples Chapter 2

Combining Output Channels

As described on page 34, multiple outputs may be combined to obtain higher
voltage or current outputs. A triggered output is recommended for combined
channels. The general sequence used to control combined channels is:

1. Set the trig ger source.

2. Close the output relays.

3. Set the desired output on all combined channels.

4. Trigger the outp ut.

For example , when three current channels are combined in parallel as
shown on page 34, the following commands ca n be used.

/* Set the tri gger source for e x te rnal trigger */

TRIGger:SOURce EXT

/* Close the output relays */

OUTPut9 ON
OUTPut10 ON
OUTPut11 ON

/* Set channe l s 9, 10, an d 11 fo r trig ge red outp ut */

SOURce9:CURRent:TRIGgered MAX
SOURce10:CURRent:TRIGgered MAX
SOURce11:CURRent:TRIGgered .0100

/* Put the trigger sy stem in the wait-for-t rigg er st ate */

INITia te

/* Wait for the trigger event */
/* When the trigger occurs… */
/* …output 50 mA */

When combining channels in parallel, for increased current output, channels
may be configured with either isolated or non-isolated plug-on modules.
When combining channels in series, for increased voltage output, all
combined channels MUST be configured with isolated plug-on modules.

CAUTION When combinin g output voltage channels (series connections) you must

ensure that the output does not ex ceed the maximu m isolation rating of ±42
Vdc/42 Vpeak. Up to three channels may be co mbined, but the controlling
program must ensure that all three channels together are NEVER set
beyond ±42 Vdc.

Chapter 2 Programming Examples 57

Notes

58 Programming Examples Chapter 2

HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference

Using This Chapter

This chapter describes Standard Commands for Programmable Instrumentation
(SCPI) and su mmar izes IEEE 488.2 C omm on (*) Commands applicab le to th e
HP E1418A D/A Converter Module. This chapter contains the followin g s ections :

• Command Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 59

• SCPI Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62

• ABORt Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 63

• APPLy Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64

• CALibration Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66

• DIAGnostic Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 76

• INITiate Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 80

• OUTPut Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 81

• SOURce Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 84

• STATus Subsy s te m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 95

• SYSTem Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 100

• TEST Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 101

• TRIGger Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 104

• IEEE 488.2 Common Command Quick Reference . . . . . . . . Page 106

• HP E1418A Command Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 107

Chapter 3

Command Types

Comman ds are s eparat ed i nto two types: IEEE 488.2 Common C ommands and
SCPI Commands.

Common

Command

Format

The IEEE 488.2 standard defines the c ommon c ommands that perform functions
like reset, self-t est , status byt e query, etc. Common commands ar e four or five
characters in length, always begin with the asterisk character (*), and may include
one or more parameters. The c ommand keyword is separated from the first
parameter by a space character. Common commands are not documented, except in
a general manner, in this manual. S ome examples of co mmon c omma nds a r e:

*RST
*ESR 32
*STB?

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 59

SCPI Command Format

SCPI comma nds perform functions like setting output s, querying instru ment stat es,
or retrieving data. The command structure is a hierarchical structure that usually
consists of a top level (or root) command, one or more lower level commands, and
their parameters. The following example shows part of a typical subsystem:

SOURcen:

FUNCtion:

MODE <CURRent | VOLTage>

Command

Separator

Abbreviated and

Short Commands

SOURce

range o f 1 to 16),
command, and

A colon (:) always separat es one command from the next lower level command.
This is illustrated as follows:

Colons separate the root command from the second level (SOURcen:FUNCtion) and
the second from t hird level (

The comman d syntax shows most commands as a mix o f up per and lower case
letters. The upper case l ett ers indica te an abbreviated s pelling for th e command.
For shorter program lines, s end only the abbreviated form. For better program
readability use the entire command. The instrument will accept either the
abbreviated form or the entire command.

For example, if the c ommand ref eren ce syntax s hows the command

TRIG and TRIGGER are both acceptable forms. Other forms of TRIGger, such as
TRIGG or TRIGGE will generate an error.

n: is the root command (where n is replaced by the channel number in the

FUNCtion: is a second level command, MODE is a third level

<CURRent | VOLTage> is an input para me ter.

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLT

FUNCtion:MODE ), a nd so forth.

TRIGger, then

The instrument do es not distinguish between upper case and lower case characters.
Therefore

Comman d keywords can be entered in th eir full form , as s hown above, or can b e
entered i n t heir short form. In this manual, the entry req uired in short form
commands is always cap ita l iz ed. The short form is gen erally us ed for examp le s in
this manual.

TRIGGE R , trigger, and TrigGeR are all acceptab le .

60 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

Implied

Commands

Implied commands appear in square brackets ([ ]) in the command syntax. (Note
that the brackets are not part of the command and are not sent to the instrument.)
Suppose you send a second level command but do not send the prec ed ing imp lied
command. I n this case, the instrument assu mes you intend to use the imp lie d
command and it resp on ds as if you had sent it. Examine this excerpt from the

STATus subsystem shown below:

STATus:

OPERation

[:EVENt]?

The third level command, EVENt, is implied. To read the value of the Event
Register, you can use either:

STATu s:OPERation?

Parameters

STATus:OPERation:EVENt?

or

Parameters are enclosed in greater than/less than symbols (< >) in the command
syntax. When more than one parameter is allowed, the parameters are separated by
a vertical line ( | ).

Parameter Types. The following table contains explanations and examples of
parameter types you might see later in this chapter. Parameters must always be
separated from the keywords by a space.

Parameter T ype Explanatio ns and Ex am pl es

Numeric Accepts all commonly used decimal representations of

Boolean Represents a single binary condition that is either

Discrete Selects from a finite numb er of values. Th ese param eters

numbers including opti onal signs, decima l points, and
scientif ic not at ion.

123, 123E2, -123, -1.23E2 , .123, 1.23E-2, 1.230 00E- 01.
Special cases include MIN, MAX, and DEF.

true or fals e.
ON, OFF, 1, 0.

use mnemo nics to r epr esent each valid setting .
An example is the SOURce

command where the <
CURRent or VOLTage.

n:FUNCtion:MODE <mode>

mode> param eter can be either

Optional Parameters. Parameters shown within square brackets ([ ]) are optional
parameters. (Note that the brackets are not part of the command and are not sent to
the instrument.) If you do not specify a value for an opt iona l parameter, t he
instrument chooses a default value.

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 61

Linking

Commands

Linking IEEE 488.2 Common Commands with SCPI Commands . Use a
semicolon between the commands. For example:

*RST;APPLy2:VOLT 10 or INIT:IMM;*IDN?

Linking Mul tip le S CPI Comma nds . Use both a semicolon and a co lon b etween
the commands. For example:

SOURce2:FUNCtion:MODE VOLT;:SOURce2:VOLTage 10

SCPI Command Reference

The following sections describe the Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SC PI) commands for the HP E1418A D/A Conv erter Module.
Commands are listed alphabetically by subsystem and within each subsystem. A
command guide is printed in the top margin of each page. The guide indicates the
current subsystem on that page.

62 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

The ABORt subsystem disables the trigger system and places the trigger system in
the trigger idle state.

Subsystem Syntax ABORt

Parameters None.

Comments • Following this command, the trigger system is in the idle state. Sending an

INITiate command after ABORt returns the trigger system to the wait-for-trigger

state.

• Triggering is described in more detail on page 54.

ABORt

ABORt

• Related Commands: INITiate[:IMMediate]

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 63

APPLy

The APPLy subsystem enables and outputs a current or voltage on the specified channel.

Subsystem Syntax APPLyn

:CURRent <value | MIN | MAX | DEF>
:VOLTage <

APPLyn:CURRent

APPLyn:CURRent <value | MIN | MAX | DEF> outputs a current on t he specified

channel, n.

Parameters

APPLy

value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

Parameter

Name

APPLy

n

<

value> numeric (float 32) or

Parameter

Type

keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

-0.02 Am ps to +0. 02 Amps or

discrete

Comments • In the keyword, APPLyn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The <value> parameter can rang e from -0.02 to +0.02 Amp s.
MIN sets -0.02 Amps output.
MAX sets +0.02 Amps output.
DEF sets 0 Am ps out put.

• This command is affected by the state of the P/J jumper for this channel on the

terminal module. To use the

the P/J jumper must be s et to program sel ectable or, if set to jumper selectab le,

–
– the V/I jumper must be set to th e current mode.

These jumpers are described on page 31.

APPLyn:CURRent command:

Range of

Values

MIN | MAX | DEF

Default

0

• Equivalent Commands: SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE CURR,

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude], OUTPutn[:STATe] ON

•

*RST Condition:

– If the P/J j umper is set to program s elect able:

output mode is set to voltage, 0 volts outp ut, output r elay open.

– If the P/J j umper is set to jumper selectable:

output mode is set by the V/I jumper, 0 volts or amp s, output r elay open.

64 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

APPLyn:VOLTage

Parameters

APPLy

APPLyn:VOLTage <value | MIN | MAX | DEF> outputs a voltage on the specified

channel, n.

Parameter

Name

APPLy

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

<

value>

Parameter

Type

numeric (float 32) or

discrete

-16 V to +16 V or MIN | MAX | DEF 0

Comme nt s • In the keyword, APPLyn, the valid rang e of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The <value> paramet er can range from -16 Volts to +16 Volts.
MIN sets -16 Volts output.
MAX sets +16 Volts output.
DEF sets 0 Volts output.

• This command is affected by the state of the program jumper on the terminal

module f or this channel. To use the

– the P/J jumper must be set to program selectabl e or, if set to jumper selecta b le,
– the V/I jumper must be set to th e voltage mode.

This jumper is described on page 31.

APPLyn:VOLT command:

Range of

Values

Default

• Equivalent Commands: SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLT,

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude], OUTPutn[:STATe] ON

•

*RST Condition:

– If the P/J j umper is set to program s elect able:

output mode is set to voltage, 0 volts outp ut, output r elay open.

– If the P/J j umper is set to jumper selectable:

output mode is set by the V/I jumper, 0 volts or amp s, output r elay open.

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 65

CALibration

The CALibration commands are used during periodic calibration of the module.
Calibration is described in App endix D o f this manual, b eginning on page 154. You

should review Appendix D before using any of these commands.

Subsystem Syntax CALibration

:CONDition?
:CONFigure

:RESistance?
:RESet
:STORe
:TEST?
:VALue

:RESistance <

CALibration

:CONFigure

:CURRent?

:VOLTage?
:VALue

:CURRent? <

:VOLTage? <

CALibration

value>

n

value>

value>

66 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

CALibration:CONDition?

CALibration:CONDition? qu eries the module type and calibration status. The

query returns four 16-bit unsigned integers.

Parameters Returns: four unsigned 16-bit integers (u int16).

Comments • The integers returned indicate the module configuration and status at the last

calibration, not the current configuration of the module. The first and second
integers returned from this query can be compared to the first and third integers
returned from the
configurat ion has c hanged sin ce the last calibra tio n.

CALibration

DIAGnostic:CONFigure? query to d etermine if t he modu le

Integer

Returned

1 Expansion Board ID in the form:

0 = prese nt, 7 = none
(expansio n board cont ains chann els 9–16 )

2 2nd 16-bi t value indicates how the chan n els are conf igur ed (is olat ed

or non-isolated). A bit set to 0 indicates an isolated chann el, a bit set
to 1 indicates a non-isolat ed channel. Bi ts 0–15 corr espo nd to
channels 1–16, respectively.

3 3rd 16-bit value indicates the current calibrati on status for each

channel. A bit set to 0 indicates th e chann el is not calibrated for
current, a bit set to 1 indicates the channel has been calibra ted fo r
current. Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively.

4 4th 16-bit value i nd ic at es the voltage calibration status for each

channel. A bit set to 0 indicates th e chann el is not calibrated for
voltag e, a bit set to 1 indicates the channel has been calibrated fo r
voltage. Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively.

Meaning

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 67

CALibration

CALibration:C ONF igure:RESistance?

CALibration:CONFigure:RESistance? configures the module to perform

calibration of the internal calibration resistor and returns a
readiness of the module.

Parameters Returns: signed 16-bit integer (int16). 1 = ready, 0 = not ready.

Comme nt s • The internal calibration resistor should be calibrated b efore calibrating the

channels in current mode.

• This query configures the module for a 4-wire resistance measurement at the CAL

output terminals when the calibration point is set to

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE] CALBus command).

• This query may also be used to set an external calibration resistor value when

calibrating at each channel output.

0 or 1 ind icat ing the

CALB (following a *RST or

• This query is used together with the CALibration:VALue: RESi stance c ommand to

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

• Related Commands: CALibration:VALue:RESistance

CALibration:RESet

CALibration:RESet reloads, for module use, the calibration constants stored in

non-volatile mem ory.

Parameters • None.

Comments • This command, with respect to the calibration constants, performs the same action

• At power-on, or following this command, calibration constants stored in

calibrate the cu rrent calibration resisto r.

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

as power-on.

non-volatile memory are loaded into the module where they are used during
output opera tions.

• If the trigger syst em is wait ing for a trigger when this command is received,

an error is generated.

• This command opens all output relays.

• Related Commands: CALibration:STORe

68 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

CALibration:STORe

CALibration:STORe loads the stored non-volatile memory calib rat i on c onstants

with the calib rat ion constants curr ently in use by the module.

Parameters None.

Comments • This command s ets the ca libration const ants in non-volati le memory if the CAL

• At power-on, calibration constants stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into

• When this command is received, the checksum is verified using the constants

CALibration

Store Enab le Jumper is properly set (see pag e 156). Non-volatile mem or y ha s
finite life, based upon the number of writes. Use this command sparingly.

the module where they are used during output operations.

currently in use by t he module . I f the checksum does not v erify, the non-volatile
memory is not updat ed and an error is generat ed.

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

• Related Commands: CALibration:RESet

CALibration:TEST?

CALibration:T EST? performs an internal rough check of the calibration of each

channel and returns an integer indicating the channel calibration condition.
Calibration is c hecked to approximately ± 2%.

Parameters Returns: unsigned 16-bit integer (uint16).

Comments • Following the co mpletion of this query all outp uts a re disabled a n d set to 0 Volts

• This query returns a 16-bit integer indicating the calibration status of each channel.

– Bits set to 0 indicat e no calibration errors were found.
– Bits set to 1 indicate a channel with q u estionab le calibr at ion.
– Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively.

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

or 0 Amps based on the channel mode.

• If the trigger syst em is wait ing for a trigger when this command is received, a n

error is generated.

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 69

CALibration

CALibration:VALue:RESistance

CALibration:VALue:RESistance <value> enters a new measured value to be used

as the internal calibration resistor constant by the module.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

<

value> numeric (float 32 ) Mus t be > 0 ohms none

Parameter

Type

Range of

Values

Default

Comments • The new calibratio n co nstant is u s ed b y the module but not stored in non- volatile

memory.

• This command is us ed toget her with the CALibration:CONFigure:RESistance?

query to calibr a te the internal current calibrati on resistor.

• The internal calibration r e sistor should be calibrated bef ore ca librating channe ls in

current mode. When calibrating at the CAL connections and using the internal
calibration resistor, the value need only be entered once to calibrate all channels.

• If using an external resistor to calibrate cur rent mode, you must calibrate at each

channel output. External resistances in the range of 50 Ω to 500 Ω are recommended.

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

• Related Commands: CALibration:STORe, CALibration:CONFigure:RESistance?

70 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

CALibrationn:CONFigure:CURRent?

CALibrationn:CONFigure:CURRent? configures the channel f or curren t m ode

calibration and returns a

Parameters

Parameter

Name

CALibration

n

Returns: an unsigned 16-bit integer (uint16). 1 = ready, 0 = not ready.

Comme nt s • In the keyword, CALi brati o nn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• This command is us ed toget her with the CALibratio nn:VALue:CURRent? <value>

query to perform current mode calibration.

0 or 1 to indicate the channel’s readiness for calibration.

Parameter

Type

keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Range of

Values

CALibration

Default

• The calibration is performed either at the CAL output terminals or at an individual

channel. The choice is mad e using the

DIAGn ostic:CALibr ati o n:OUTPut[: MO DE]

command.

– When the DIAG:CAL:OUTP:MODE CALBus command (also the reset state)

is used, the outpu t relay routes the calib ration current to the C AL out put
terminals (and opens all channel output terminals).

– When the DIAG:CAL:OUTP:MODE CHANnel command is used, the output relay

routes the calibration current to the channel terminals (the CAL terminals are
not connected).

DIAG:CAL:OUTP:MODE command must be s ent to the modu le b efore the

The

CALibratio nn:CONFigure:CURRent? query.

• This query will generate an error if the trigger system is waiting for a trigger event

when this command is rec eived.

• This query returns a 0 to indicate that the channel is not ready for calibration, and

1 to indicate the channel is ready for calibration.

a

• This query is affected by the state of the program jumper for this channel on the

terminal module. To use this co mmand:

– the P/J jumper must be set to program selectabl e or, if set to jumper selecta b le,
– the V/I jumper must be set to th e current mode. The ju mpers a r e described on

page 31.

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

• Related Commands: CALibrationn:VALue:CURRent?,

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE]

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 71

CALibration

CALibrationn:CONFigure:VOLTage?

CALibrationn:CONFigure:VOLTage? configures the channel for voltage mode

calibration and returns a

Parameters

0 or 1 to indicate the channel’s readiness for calibration.

Parameter

Name

CALibration

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

Range of

Values

Returns: an unsigned 16-bit integer (uint16). 1 = ready, 0 = not ready.

Comme nt s • In the keyword, CALi brati o nn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• This command is us ed toget her with the CALibratio nn:VALue:VOLTage? query to

perform voltage mode calibration.

• The calibration is performed either at the CAL output terminals or at an individual

channel. The choice is mad e using the
command.

– When the DIAG:CAL:OUTP:MODE CALBus command (also the reset state)

is used, the outpu t relay routes the calib ration voltage to the C AL output
terminals (and opens all channel output terminals).

– When the command DIAG:CAL:OUTP:MODE CHANnel is u sed, the output

relay routes the calibration voltag e to the channel terminals (th e CAL terminals
are not connected).

DIAGn ostic:CALibr ati o n:OUTPut[: MO DE]

Default

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE] command must be sent to the

The
module before the

• This query will generate an error if the trigger system is waiting for a trigger event

CALibrationn:CONFigure:V OLTage? query.

when this command is rec eived.

• This query returns a 0 to indicate that the channel is not ready for calibration,

1 to indicate the channel is ready for calibration.

and a

• This command is affected by the state of the program jumper for this channel on

the terminal module. To use this command:

– the P/J jumper must be set to program selectabl e or, if set to jumper selecta b le,
– the V/I jumper must be set to th e voltage mode.

The jumpers are described on page 31.

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

• Related Commands: CALibrationn:VALue:VOLTage?,

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE]

72 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

CALibrationn:VALue:CURRent?

CALibrationn:VALue:CURRent? <value> enters a measured calibration value

and returns a value indicating the present state of the current calibration process.

Parameters

CALibration

Parameter

Name

CALibration

<

value>

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

numeric (float 32) 0.0 to 6.0 V none

Range of

Values

Returns: unsigned 16-b it int eger (uint16).

Comments • In the keyword, CALibrationn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• This command is us ed toget her with the CALibratio nn:CONFigure:CURRent?

query to perform voltage mode calibration. Following the CALn:CONF:CURR?
query, this command is used repetitively until the return value indicates that the
calibration is complete.

• The <value> parameter is the measured output voltage. A mini mum of

9 measurements must be taken to calibrate a channel for current mode output
(a maximu m of 50 mea sur eme nt s ma y b e required).

• This query returns one of the following values :

Return

Value

0 Calibration is complete.

New constants are in RAM.

1 More measuremen t s are n eeded.

2 Calibration is complete.

New constants are in RAM.

Resistance is not calibrated.

3 More Measurements are needed.

Resistance is not calibrated.

5 Calibration aborted.

Meaning

Resistance is calibra ted.

Resistance is calibra ted.

Default

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 73

CALibration

• A returned valu e of 5 (calibration ab ort ed) is given if either:

a. The co mman d is received when th e module is in voltage calibration or

resistance calibrat ion mode, or

b. The calibration in process has entered more than 50 values without a

successful calibration.

• If the internal calibration resistor is not calibrated, the channel is not marked as

calibrated following the completion of calibration (see the

CALibration:CONDition?

query). The new calibration constants are used, however.

• When the channel current calibration is completed, the new calibration constants

are used by the module , bu t not st or ed in non-volatile memory.

• If a calibration is interrupted before completion (that is, by an other command

being rec eived), no c onstants wi ll be changed.

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

• Related Commands: CALibration:STORe, CALibrationn:CONFigure: CURRent?

CALibrationn:VALue:VOLTage?

CALibrationn:VALue:VOLTage? <value> enters a measured calibratio n value and

returns a value indicating the present state of the voltage calibration process.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

CALibration

value> numeric (float 32) 0 to 19.2 V none

<

Returns: unsigned 16-b it int eger (uint16).

Comments • In the keyword, CALibrationn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• This command is used together with the CALibrationn:CONFigure:VOLTage? query

to perform voltage mode calibration. Following the
command is used repetitively until the return value indicates that the calibration is
complete.

n

Parameter

Type

keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Range of

Values

CALn:CONF:VO L T? query, this

Default

• The <value> parameter is the measured output voltage. A minimum of

9 measurements must be taken to calibrate a voltag e output c hannel
(a maximu m of 50 mea sur eme nt s ma y b e required).

74 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

CALibration

• This query returns one of the following values :

Return

Value

0 Calibratio n i s comple t e.

New constants are in RAM.
1 More measurements are needed.
5 Calibrati on aborted .

• A return valu e of 5 (calibration ab orted) is gi ven if either:

a. The co mmand is received when the module is in current calibration or

resistance calibrat ion mode, or

b. The calibration in process has entered more than 50 values without a

successful calibration.

• When the channel voltage calibration is completed, the new calibration constants

are used by the module , bu t not st or ed in non-volatile memory.

• If a voltage calibration is interrupted before completion (that is, by another

command b eing received), no constants are c hanged.

Meaning

• Refer to Appendix D, “Voltage/Current Output Adjustment”, starting on pag e 154,

for additional infor ma tion about this command.

• Related Commands: CALibration:STORe, CALibrationn:CONFigure: VO LTage?

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 75

DIAGnostic

The DIAGnostic subsystem contains commands used to check the module
configurat i on, enable or disable al l outputs simultaneously, change a channel’s
mode without opening and closing the outp ut r elay, a nd check the state of the tri gger
on all channels .

Subsystem Syntax DIAGnostic

:CALibration

:OUTPut

:CONFigure?
:OUTPut

:ALL

:SOURce

:FUNCtion

:TRIGgered?

[:MODE] <
[:MODE]?

[:STATe] <

n

:MODE <

DIAGnostic

path>

state>

mode>

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE]

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE] <path> sets the vol t age calib rati on

path for t he module to either the CAL output terminals or at each output c hanne l.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

<

path> discrete CALBus or CHANnel none

Comments • The typical calibration mode for the module is through the CAL output termi nals.

Following
output terminals (and this command is not needed).

• This command with the CHANnel parameter, sets calibration to be performed at

each channel’s output terminals (and so inclu des t he channel output re la y
contacts).

• This command m ust be sent before any CALi brati o nn:CONFigure:VOLTage? or

CALibrationn: CONFigure:CURRent? query.

• *RST State: Calibrat ion paths s et to use the CAL output terminals.

*RST or power-on, the default calibration mode is through the CAL

Parameter

Type

Range of

Values

Default

76 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE]?

DIAGnostic:CALibration:OUTPut[:MODE]? queries the voltage calibration path

for the module.

Parameters Ret urns: strin g.

Comme nt s • The returned st r i ng will be one of CALB or CHAN.

DIAGnostic:CONFigure?

DIAGnostic:CONFigure? returns six 16-bit words indicating the pres ent settings of

the mo dule.

Parameters Returns: six unsigned 16-bit integers (uint16).

Comments • This query returns six 16-bit words with the following meanings:

DIAGnostic

Integer

Returned

1st Expansion Board ID in the form: 0 = present, 7 = none

(expansio n board cont ains chann els 9–16 ).

2nd Terminal Module ID in the form:

0 = screw type, 7 = none or other.

3rd Isolated/Non- Isol ated Chan n el Status

A bit set to 0 indicates an isolated channel.

A bit set to 1 indicates a non- isol at ed chan n el or no plug- on m odul e

installed (DO NOT o p erat e t he module without a plug-on m od u le).

Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively*.

4th Channel Mode

A bit set to 0 indicates a current output channel .
A bit set to 1 indicates a voltage output channel.

Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively*.

5th Channel Output State

A bit set to 0 indicates the channel output relay is closed.

A bit set to 1 indicates th e channel output relay is open.

Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively*.

6th Channel Mode Programmabl e St ate (P/J Jumper)

A bit set to 0 indicates a chan n el is not program m abl e.

A bit set to 1 indicates a chan n el is program mabl e.

Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively*.

* For 8 channel configurations, the upper 8 bits of integers 3, 4, 5, and 6 are set to 1’s.

Meaning

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 77

DIAGnostic

DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL[:STATe]

DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL[:STATe] <state> opens or closes all channel output

relays at once.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

<

state> boolean OFF | ON | 0 | 1 0

Parameter

Type

Comments • This command performs the same function as the OUTPutn[:STATe] command,

but enabl es or disables all out puts simu ltane ous ly.

• Related Commands: OUTPutn[:STATe]

DIAGnostic:SOURcen:FUNCt io n:MODE

DIAGnostic:SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE <mode> changes the output mode of the

channel without disabling the channel output.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

mode>

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

Parameter

Type

discrete CURRent or VOLTage none

Range of

Values

Range of

Values

Default

Default

• Use this command with caution. The output voltage or current is not

predictable during the mode change and transients will occur.

• This command performs the same function as the SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE

command, but does not disable the output during the mode change. This
command can reduce the settling time required to disable and enable the outputs.

• Following a mode change with this command, the appropriate calibration constants

are used, the channel mode is changed, and the output is set to either 0 V or 0 A.

• This command will generate an error if the trigger system is waiting for a trigger

event when this command is received.

• This command is affected by the state of the P/J jumper on the terminal module.

If the P/J jumper is not set to Program Selectable, this command will generate an
error. This jumper is described on page 31.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE

78 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

DIAGnostic:TRIGgered?

DIAGnostic:TRIGgered? returns a 16-bit word indicating the current trigger status

of the module.

Parameters Returns: unsigned 16-bit integer (uint16).

Comments • This query returns a 16-bit word indicating the trigger status of each channel.

– A bit is set to 0 to indicate t he channel is not waiting for a trigger.
– A bit is set to 1 to indicate the channel is in the wait-for-trigger state.
– Bits 0–15 correspond to channels 1–16, respectively.

• Related Commands: TRIGger:SOURce

DIAGnostic

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 79

INITiate

The INITiate subsystem c hanges the trigger state from idle to wait-for-trigger.

Subsystem Syntax INITiate

[:IMMediat e]

INITiate[:IMMediate]

Changes the trigger system from the idle state to the wait-for-trigger state.

Parameters None.

INITiate

Comments • If this command is received and the trigger system is not idle, an error is

generated.

• If this command is received and no channels are waiting for a trigger event, an

error is generated.

• Triggering is described in more detail on page 54.

• Related Commands: TRIGger:SOURce, SOURcen:VOLTage:TRIGgered,

SOURcen:CURRent:TRIGgered, ABORt

80 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

The OUTPut subsystem pro vides commands to open or cl os e the output r elay on
each channel and to enable the module to output the selected trigger source on one
of the VXIbus TTL trigger lines.

Subsystem Syntax OUTPut

:TTLTrg

OUTPut

[:STATe] <state>
[:STATe]?

OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe]

OUTPut

OUTPut

n

[:STATe] <state>
[:STATe]?

n

OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe] <state> specifies which VXIbus TTLTRG line is

enabled to source a VXIbus trigger when the module is triggered.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

TTLTrg

n keyword 0 to 7 none

<

state>

Parameter

Type

boolean OFF | ON | 0 | 1 0

Range of

Values

Default

Comments • VXIbus TTLTRG lines ar e numb ered from 0 to 7 . Only one lin e can be e nabled

at a time.

• If a different line is already enabled when this command is received, a settings

conflict error is rep ort ed.

• This command sources a trigger from the module. The TRIGger:SOURce TTLTn

command programs the module to accept triggers from the VXIbus TTLTRG
lines. The module can be programmed to both accept and source triggers on the
VXIbus TTLTRG lines but the source TTLTRG line and the accepted TTLTRG
line must be diff erent .

• This command should be sent before the TRIGger:SOURce TTLTn command.

• *RST Condition: All l i nes d isa bled .

• Related Commands: TRIGger:SOURce TTLTn, OUTPut:TTLTn[:STATe]?

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 81

OUTPut

OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe]?

OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe]? qu erie s if the specified VXIbus TTLTRG line is set to

be a source of trigger from the module.

Parameters

Comments • This query returns a 1 if the specified VXIbus TTLTRG line is enabled as a

OUTPutn[:STATe]

Parameters

Parameter

Name

TTLTrg

n keyword 0 to 7 none

Parameter

Type

Range of

Values

Default

Returns : unsigned 16-bit integ er (uint16).

trigger sourc e. This query returns a

0 if the specified VXIbus TT LTRG line is

disabled as a trigger source.

• Related Commands: OUTPut:TTLTn[:STATe]

OUTPutn[:STATe] <state> opens or closes the specified channel output relay.

Parameter

Name

OUTPut

<

state>

n

Parameter

Type

keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 none

boolean OFF | ON | 0 | 1 none

Range of

Values

Default

Comments • In the keyword, OUTPutn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• This command sets the output state of individual channel output relays. Use the

DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL[:STATe] command to set all channels with a single

command.

• *RST Condition: All output relays open.

• Related Commands: OUTPutn[:STATe]?, DIAGnostic:OUTPut:ALL[:STATe]

82 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

OUTPutn[:STATe]?

OUTPutn[:STATe]? queries the state of the specified channel output relay and

returns a

Parameters

OUTPut

0 or 1.

Parameter

Name

OUTPut

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 none

Parameter

Type

Returns: unsigned 16-b it int eger (uint16).

Comments • In the keyword, OUTPutn, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The query returns a 0 if the specified channel output relay is open. The query

returns a

• Related Commands: OUTPutn[:STATe]

1 if the spec if ied channel output re la y is closed.

Range of

Values

Default

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 83

SOURce

The SOURce subsyst em pr ovides commands used to output a volta ge or current at
each channel.

Subsystem Syntax SOURcen

:CURRent

:FUNCtion

:VOLTage

[:LEVel]

[:IMMediat e]

[:AMPLitude] <
[:AMPLitude] ?

:TRIGgered

[:AMPLitude] <
[:AMPLitude] ?

:MODE <
:MODE?

[:LEVel]

[:IMMediat e]

[:AMPLitude] <
[:AMPLitude] ?

:TRIGgered

[:AMPLitude] <
[:AMPLitude] ?

SOURce

value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

mode>

value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

84 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

immediately outputs the current set in valu e at channel n when the output rela y is closed.

Parameters

SOURce

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<

value>

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

numeric (float 32) or

discrete

-0.02 Am ps to +0. 02 Amps or
MIN | MAX | DEF

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The <value> parameter is a floating point 32-bit number in the range of -0.02 A

to +0.02 A.

MIN sets -0.02 Am ps.
MAX sets +0.0 2 A m p s.
DEF sets 0 Amps.

• This command immediat ely programs the specified cur rent on channel n. The

output st at e of the channel mu st be enabled for t he current to app ear at the output
terminals.

• If the channel is in th e voltage mode when this command is received, an er ror is

generated.

Range of

Values

Default

0

• Related Commands: SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] ?,

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent, OUTPutn[:STATe]

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 85

SOURce

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IM Med iat e][:AMPLitude]? [<MIN | MAX | DEF>

queries the last output value written by

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude].

Parameters

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<MIN | MAX | DEF> discrete (optional) MIN | MAX | DEF none

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

Returns : 32-bit floating point n u mber (float 32).

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• If no parameter is given, this query returns the source current set on channel n by

the last
value returne d is the value last programmed on that channel, not an actual
measurement of the hardware output value.

• If a parameter is given,

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] command. The

MIN returns -0.02 Amps.
MAX returns +0.02 Amps.
DEF returns 0 Amps.

Range of

Values

Default

• This command generates an error if channel n is i n the volt age output mode.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude],

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent

86 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

outputs the current set in value at channel n when the trigger conditions are satisfied and
the output relay is closed. Use this command to synchronize multiple chann el outputs.

Parameters

SOURce

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<

value>

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

numeric (float 32) or

discrete

-0.02 Am ps to +0. 02 Amps or
MIN | MAX | DEF

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The <value> parameter is a floating point 32-bit number in the range of -0.02 A

to +0.02 A.

MIN sets -0.02 Am ps.
MAX sets +0.0 2 A m p s.
DEF sets 0 Amps.

• This command sets channel n to output the curr ent specified followin g a valid

trigger condition. F o llowing this command, the trigger system must be enabled
using an
for additional information.

INITiate command. See the TRIGger subsystem discuss ion on page 54

Range of

Values

Default

0

• If the module is in a wait-for-trigger state (INIT ha s been received ) when this

command is received, an error is generated.

• The output state of the channel must be enabled and the trigger event satisfied for

the current to appear at the output terminals.

• If the channel is in th e voltage mode when this command is received, an er ror is

generated.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?,

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent, OUTPutn[:STATe]

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 87

SOURce

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRI Ggered ][: AMPLi tu de]? [<MIN | MAX | DEF>

queries the last va lu e written by either

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] or
SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude].

Parameters

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<MIN | MAX | DEF> discrete (optional) MIN | MAX | DEF none

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

Returns: 32-bit floating point n u mber (float 32).

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• If no parameter is given, this query returns the last valu e set on channel n by the

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] or

last

SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] command. The value

returned is t he value last programmed on that channel, not an actual measuremen t
of the hard ware output value.

• If a parameter is given,

MIN returns -0.02 Amps.
MAX returns +0.02 Amps.
DEF returns 0 Amps.

Range of

Values

Default

• This command generates an error if channel n is i n the volt age output mode.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude],

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE CURRent

88 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE <mode> configures c hannel n f or either current or

voltage output.

Parameters

SOURce

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<

mode>

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

discrete CURRent or VOLTage none

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• Following this command, the output is disabled and set to either 0 A or 0 V.

• If the module is in the wait-f or-trigger state when this command is received, an

error is generated.

• This command is affected by the state of the P/J jumper for this channel on the

terminal module. If the P/J jumper is not set to program selectable this command
will return an error. This jumper is described on page 31.

• *RST Condition:

– If the P/J j umper is set to program s elect able:

output mode is set to voltage, 0 volts outp ut, output r elay open.

Range of

Values

Default

– If the P/J j umper is set to jumper selectable:

output mode is set by the V/I jumper, 0 volts or amp s, output r elay open.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE?, SOURcen:CURRent…

commands, SOURcen:VOLTage… c ommands

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 89

SOURce

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE?

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE? queries channel n for current or voltage output

mode. The qu ery r eturns a string.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

SOURce

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

Returns: string.

Comme nt s • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• This query returns CURR or VOLT.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE

Range of

Values

Default

90 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

immediately outputs the voltage set in value at channel n w h en the output rela y is closed.

Parameters

SOURce

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<

value>

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

numeric (float 32) or

discrete

-16 V to +16 V or
MIN | MAX | DEF

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The <value> parameter is a floating point 32-bit number in the range of -16 Volts

to +16 Volts.

MIN sets -16 Volts.
MAX sets +16 Vo lts.
DEF sets 0 Volts.

• This command immediat ely programs the specified voltage on channel n. The

output rela y for that channel must be closed for the voltage to ap pear at the output
terminals.

• This command generates an error if channel n is i n the curre nt output mode.

Range of

Values

Default

0

• Related Commands: SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage,

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?, OUTPutn[:STATe]

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 91

SOURce

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?

SOURcen:VOLTage[:L EV el][ :IM Med iate][: A MPL itu de] ? [<MIN | MAX | DEF>

queries the last output value written by

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude].

Parameters

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<MI N | M A X | DEF > discret e (option al ) MIN | MAX | DEF none

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

Returns: 32-bit floating point n u mber (float 32).

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• If no parameter is given, this query returns the last valu e set on channel n with the

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] command. The value

last
returned is t he value last programmed on that channel, not an actual measuremen t
of the hard ware output value.

• If a parameter is given,

MIN returns -16.000.
MAX returns +16.000.
DEF returns 0.0 000.

Range of

Values

Default

• This command generates an error if channel n is i n the curre nt output mode.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude],

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

92 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <value | MIN | MAX | DEF>

outputs the voltage set in value at chann el n when the trigger conditions are satisfied
and the channel output relay is closed. Use this command to synchronize multiple
channel outputs.

Parameters

SOURce

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<

value>

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

numeric (float 32) or

discrete

-16 V to +16 V or
MIN | MAX | DEF

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• The <value> parameter is a floating point 32-bit number in the range of -16 Volts

to +16 Volts.

MIN sets -16 Volts.
MAX sets +16 Vo lts.
DEF sets 0 Volts.

• This command sets channel n to output the voltage specified following a vali d

trigger condition. F o llowing this command, the trigger system must be enabled
using an
additional information.

INITiate command. See the TRIGger subsystem discussion, page 54, for

Range of

Values

Default

0

• The channel output relay must b e c losed f or the volt age to appear at the output

terminals.

• If the module is in a wait-for-trigger state (INIT ha s been received ) when this

command is received, an error is generated.

• If the channel is in the current mode when this command is rec eived, an error is

generated.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLit ude]? ,

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 93

SOURce

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?

SOURcen:VOLTage[:L EV el]: TRIG gered ][ : AMPLi tud e]? [<MIN | MAX | DEF>

queries the latest value writt en by ei t her

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] or
SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude].

Parameters

Parameter

Name

SOURce

<MI N | M A X | DEF > discret e (option al ) MIN | MAX | DEF none

n keyword 1 to 8 or 1 to 16 1

Parameter

Type

Returns: 32-bit floating point n u mber (float 32).

Comments • In the keyword, SOURcen, the valid range of n is:

1 to 8 for E1418A, E1418A Option 002
1 to 16 for E1418A Option 001, E1418A Option 003.

Values of n outside these ranges will generate an error.

• If no parameter is given, this query returns the last valu e set on channel n by the

SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] or
SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] command. The value

returned is t he value last programmed on that channel, not an actual measuremen t
of the hard ware output value.

• If a parameter is given,

MIN returns -16.000.
MAX returns +16.000.
DEF returns 0.000.

Range of

Values

Default

• This command generates an error if channel n is i n the curre nt output mode.

• Related Commands: SOURcen:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLit ude],

SOURcen:FUNCtion:MODE VOLTage

94 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

The STATus subsyst em c ontr ols the SCPI-defined Op erat ion and Q uestionable
Status Registers and the Standard Event Register. Each is comprised of a Condition
Register, an Event Register, and an Enable mask. The SCPI Status System is shown
in the figure below.

Subsystem Syntax STATus

:OPERation

:CONDition?
:ENABle <
:ENABle?

[:EVENt]?
:PRESet
:QUEStionable

:CONDition?

:ENABle <

:ENABle?

[:EVENt]?

STATus

STATus

mask>

mask>

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 95

STATus

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?

STATus:OP ERation:CONDition? returns th e contents of the Operation Status

Condition Register. Reading the register does not affect its contents.

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16).

Comments • Bit 0 of this register (decimal 1) is the Calibrating bit. This bit is set when:

– the CALibration:CONFigure:RESistance?, CALibrationn:CONFigure:VOLTage?,

CALibrationn: CONFigure:CURRent? command has been received and,

or

– measurements with the corresponding CALibration:VALue:RESistance,

CALibrationn:VALue:VOLTage?, or CALibrationn:VALue:CURRent? commands

are no t complete.

• *RST Condition: clears all conditions.

• *CLS and STATus:PRESet do not affect bits in the Status Operation Condition

Register.

STATus:OPERation:ENABle

STATus:OPERation:ENABle <mask> spe cifie s which bits of the Operation a l

Status Event Register are OR’d together to create the Operational Status bit (bit 7)
in the Su mmary Reg i ster of the Stat us Byt e.

Parameters

Parameter

Name

<

mask> nu mer ic (in t16) or

Comme nt s • Only bit 0 (decimal 0) is used or defi ned in the O peration Register. Bit 0 is

defined as the Calibrating bit. A 1 in this bit indicates the module is currently in
the calibration mode.

• The non-decimal numeric forms are the #H, #Q, or #B formats specified by

IEEE-488.2.

• *RST clears all conditions.

• *CLS and STATus:PRESet do not affect bits in the O peration Status Condition

Register.

Parameter

Type

non-decimal numeric

Range of

Values

-32768 to +32767 or #H0000 to #HFFFF none

Default

96 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

STATus:OPERation:ENABle?

STATus:OPERation:ENABle? returns the value of the mask set for the Operation

Status Register.

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16).

STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?

STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]? returns the value of the contents of the Operatio n

Status Event Register. Reading the register clears all bits in the register.

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16).

Comments • Bit 0 of this register (decimal 1) is the only defined bit in this register.

• This bit is set if the CALibration:CONFigure:RE Sist ance?,
CALibrationn:CONFigure:VOLTage?, or CALibrationn:CONF igure:CURRent?

command has been received and the calibration process is not yet complete.

STATus

STATus:PRESet

• *RST Condition: no effect.

• *CLS clears t he contents of the Op er a t ion Statu s Register.

• STATus:PRESet does not affect the contents of the Operation Status Register, but

does disable reporting the Summary bit to the Status Byte Regist er.

STATus:PRESet presets all Enable Registers to 0 (zero). The command has no

effect on Co ndition or Event Registers.

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 97

STATus

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition ?

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? returns the value of the Questionable Status

Condition Register. Reading the register does not affect its contents. Since only
two bits are used in the HP E1418A and both those bits are defined to be events, this
command always returns

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16).

Comments • Bit 8 of this register (d ecimal 256) indicates the calibration condition. Bit 9 of

this register (decimal 512) indicates the trigger-ignored event.

• *RST Condition: clears all conditions.

• *CLS and STATus:PRESet do not affect bits in the Questionable Status Condition

Register.

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle

0 and is included for compatibility purposes.

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <mask> specifies which bits of th e Questionable

Event Register are OR’d together to create the Questionable Data bit (bit 3) in the
Sta tus Byte Summar y Re g i ster .

Parameters

Parameter

Name

<

mask>

Parameter

Type

nu mer ic (in t16) or

non-decimal numeric

Range of

Values

-32768 to +32767 or #H0000 to #HFFFF none

Default

Comme nt s • Only bits 8 and 9 of the Questionable Data Reg ister are u s ed or defined. Bit 8

indicates a qu estionab le calibration and bit 9 indicates a trigger was ignored.

• Either bit 8 or bit 9 can be used to generate an SRQ interrupt. Use the *SRE <mask>

common command to set the enable mask for the Status Byte Register to include the
Questionable Data bit (b it 3 ) in the Req uest for Service b it ( b it 6 ). The requ e s t f or
Service bit (bit 6) is used to generate the SRQ interrupt.

• The non-decimal numeric forms are the #H, #Q, or #B formats specified by

IEEE-488.2.

• *RST clears all conditions.

• *CLS and STATus:PRESet do not affect bits in the Questionable Status Condition

Register.

98 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle? r etu rns the mask set for t he Questionab le Status

Enable Register.

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16).

STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?

STATus: QUEStionable[:EVENt]? returns the value of the Questionable Status

Event Register. Reading the register clears all bits in the register.

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16).

Comments • Bit 8 of this register (decimal 256) is s et when eit h er:

– A channel is set to an output mode that has not been calibra t ed, or
– A channel fails the CALibration:TEST? qu ery.

STATus

• Bit 9 of this register (decimal 512) is set when a trigger-ignored event occurs.

• *RST Condition: no effect.

• *CLS clears the contents of the Q uesti onable Status Register.

• STATus:PRESet does not affect the contents of the Quest ionable Status Register,

but does disable reporting the Summary bit to the Status Byte Register.

Chapter 3 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference 99

SYSTem

The SYSTem subsystem returns information about the module.

Subsystem Syntax SYSTem

SYSTem:ERRor?

SYSTem:ERRor? ret ur ns an error nu mb er and mes sa g e from the instrument’s e rror

queue.

Parameters Returns: 16-bit signed integer (int16) and a string.

SYSTem

:ERRor?
:VERSion?

Comme nts • Each query returns an error number and error string from the queue. When no

• *CLS clears the error queue.

• *RST has no effect on the error queue.

SYSTem:VERSion?

SYSTem:VERSion? returns the SCPI version t he driver complies wit h (not the

driver version).

Parameters Returns: string or float32.

Comments • Returns a decimal value in the form: YYYY.R; whe r e YYYY is the year, and R is

errors are in the error buffer, the query returns

the revisio n nu mb er within that year. Return value can be input as a str ing.

+0,"No error".

100 HP E1418A SCPI Command Reference Chapter 3