Agilent E4438C Programming Guide

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Programming Guide

(With Remote Operation and File Downloads)

Agilent Technologies

Signal Generators

This guide applies to the following signal generator models:

N5181A/82A MXG RF Signal Generators N5183A MXG Microwave Analog Signal Generator

E4428C/38C ESG RF Signal Generators E8663B RF Analog Signal Generator

E8257D/67D PSG Microwave Signal Generators

Due to our continuing efforts to improve our products through firmware and hardware revisions, signal generator design and operation may vary from descriptions in this guide. We recommend that you use the latest revision of this guide to ensure you have up-to-date product information. Compare the print date of this guide (see bottom of page) with the latest revision, which can be downloaded from the following websites:

http://www.agilent.com/find/mxg http://www.agilent.com/find/esg

http://www.agilent.com/find/psg http://www.agilent.com/find/e8663b

Manufacturing Part Number: N5180- 90005

Printed in USA

December 2007

Notice

The material contained in this document is provided “as is”, and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions.

Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied with regard to this manual and to any of the Agilent products to which it pertains, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or any of the Agilent products to which it pertains. Should Agilent have a written contract with the User and should any of the contract terms conflict with these terms, the contract terms shall control.

Trademarks

Throughout this book, trademarked names are used. Rather than put a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state that we are using the names in an editorial fashion only and to the benefit of the trademark owner with no intention of infringement of the trademark.

Contents

1 Getting Started with Remote Operation

Programming and Software/Hardware Layers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

IO Libraries and Programming Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Agilent IO Libraries Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Windows NT and Agilent IO Libraries M (and Earlier) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Selecting IO Libraries for GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Selecting IO Libraries for LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Programming Languages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Using the Web Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Enabling the Signal Generator Web Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (Agilent MXG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (ESG/PSG/E8663B) . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Getting Help (Agilent MXG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Getting Help (ESG/PSG/E8663B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the Help Mode (ESG/PSG/E8663B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Error Message File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Error Message Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2 Using IO Interfaces

Using GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Installing the GPIB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Set Up the GPIB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Verify GPIB Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

GPIB Interface Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

GPIB Programming Interface Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Before Using the GPIB Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Interface Check Using NI- 488.2 and C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Using LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Setting Up the LAN Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Setting up Private LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Verifying LAN Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using VXI- 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using Sockets LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using Telnet LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using FTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using RS- 232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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Selecting IO Libraries for RS- 232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Setting Up the RS- 232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Verifying RS-232 Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Character Format Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

If You Have Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

RS- 232 Programming Interface Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Before Using the Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Interface Check Using HP BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Interface Check Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Queries Using HP Basic and RS- 232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Queries for RS- 232 Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Using USB (Agilent MXG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Selecting I/O Libraries for USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Setting Up the USB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

3 Programming Examples

Using the Programming Interface Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Programming Examples Development Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Running C++ Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Running C# Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Running Basic Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Running Java Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Running MATLAB Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Running Perl Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Installing the GPIB Interface Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

GPIB Programming Interface Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Before Using the GPIB Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

GPIB Function Statements (Command Messages) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Interface Check Using NI- 488.2 and C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Interface Check for GPIB Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Local Lockout Using HP Basic and GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Local Lockout Using NI- 488.2 and C++. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Queries Using HP Basic and GPIB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Queries Using NI- 488.2 and Visual C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Queries for GPIB Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Generating a CW Signal Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Generating an Externally Applied AC- Coupled FM Signal Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . 79

Generating an Internal FM Signal Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Generating a Step- Swept Signal Using VISA and C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guideiv

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Generating a Swept Signal Using VISA and Visual C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Saving and Recalling States Using VISA and C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Reading the Data Questionable Status Register Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Reading the Service Request Interrupt (SRQ) Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Using 8757D Pass- Thru Commands (PSG with Option 007 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

LAN Programming Interface Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

VXI- 11 Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

VXI- 11 Programming Using SICL and C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

VXI- 11 Programming Using VISA and C++. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Sockets LAN Programming and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Queries for Lan Using Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Sockets LAN Programming Using Java . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Sockets LAN Programming Using PERL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

RS- 232 Programming Interface Examples (ESG/PSG/E8663B Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Before Using the Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Interface Check Using HP BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Interface Check Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Queries Using HP Basic and RS- 232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Queries for RS- 232 Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

4 Programming the Status Register System

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Overall Status Byte Register Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Status Register Bit Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Example: Enable a Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Example: Query a Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Accessing Status Register Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Determining What to Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Deciding How to Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Status Register SCPI Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Status Byte Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Status Byte Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Service Request Enable Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Status Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Standard Event Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Standard Operation Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Baseband Operation Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Data Questionable Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Data Questionable Power Status Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Data Questionable Frequency Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

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Data Questionable Modulation Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Data Questionable Calibration Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Data Questionable BERT Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

5 Creating and Downloading Waveform Files

Overview of Downloading and Extracting Waveform Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Waveform Data Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Understanding Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Bits and Bytes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

LSB and MSB (Bit Order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Little Endian and Big Endian (Byte Order). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Byte Swapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

DAC Input Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

2’s Complement Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

I and Q Interleaving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Waveform Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

File Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Marker File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

I/Q File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Waveform Phase Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Phase Discontinuity, Distortion, and Spectral Regrowth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Avoiding Phase Discontinuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Waveform Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Memory Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Memory Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Commands for Downloading and Extracting Waveform Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Waveform Data Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

File Transfer Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

SCPI Command Line Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Commands and File Paths for Downloading and Extracting Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . 206

FTP Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Creating Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Code Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Downloading Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Using Simulation Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Using Advanced Programming Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Loading, Playing, and Verifying a Downloaded Waveform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Loading a File from Non- Volatile Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Playing the Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

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Verifying the Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Building and Playing Waveform Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Using the Download Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Downloading E443xB Signal Generator Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

E443xB Data Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Storage Locations for E443xB ARB files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

SCPI Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

C++ Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

MATLAB Programming Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

Visual Basic Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

HP Basic Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

Troubleshooting Waveform Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

Configuring the Pulse/RF Blank (Agilent MXG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

Configuring the Pulse/RF Blank (ESG/PSG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

6 Creating and Downloading User-Data Files

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Signal Generator Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

Memory Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

Memory Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

Checking Available Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

User File Data (Bit/Binary) Downloads (E4438C and E8267D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

User File Bit Order (LSB and MSB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Bit File Type Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Binary File Type Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

User File Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

Determining Memory Usage for Custom and TDMA User File Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

Downloading User Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

Command for Bit File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Commands for Binary File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

Selecting a Downloaded User File as the Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

Modulating and Activating the Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Modifying User File Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Understanding Framed Transmission For Real- Time TDMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

Real- Time Custom High Data Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

Pattern RAM (PRAM) Data Downloads (E4438C and E8267D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

Understanding PRAM Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310

PRAM File Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

SCPI Command for a List Format Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide vii

Contents

SCPI Command for a Block Data Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

Selecting a Downloaded PRAM File as the Data Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

Modulating and Activating the Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

Storing a PRAM File to Non- Volatile Memory and Restoring to Volatile Memory . . . . . . 319

Extracting a PRAM File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

Modifying PRAM Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321

FIR Filter Coefficient Downloads (N5182A, E4438C and E8267D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

Data Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

Data Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

Downloading FIR Filter Coefficient Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

Selecting a Downloaded User FIR Filter as the Active Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

Save and Recall Instrument State Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

Save and Recall SCPI Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

Save and Recall Programming Example Using VISA and C# . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

User Flatness Correction Downloads Using C++ and VISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

Data Transfer Troubleshooting (N5182A, E4438C and E8267D Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

User File Download Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

PRAM Download Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

User FIR Filter Coefficient File Download Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guideviii

Documentation Overview

Installation Guide

User’s Guide

Programming Guide

SCPI Reference

• Safety Information

• Receiving the Instrument

• Environmental & Electrical Requirements

• Basic Setup

• Accessories

• Operation Verification

• Regulatory Information

• Instrument Overview

• Front Panel Operation

• Security

• Basic Troubleshooting

• Remote Operation

• Status Registers

• Creating & Downloading Files

• SCPI Basics

• Command Descriptions

• Programming Command Compatibility

Service Guide

• Troubleshooting

• Replaceable Parts

• Assembly Replacement

• Post- Repair Procedures and Performance Verification

• Safety and Regulatory Information

Key H elp

• Key function description

• Related SCPI commands

a.Press the Help hardkey, and then the key for which you wish help.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide ix

x Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

1 Getting Started with Remote Operation

• “Programming and Software/Hardware Layers” on page 2

• “Interfaces” on page 3

• “IO Libraries and Programming Languages” on page 5

• “Using the Web Browser” on page 10

• “Preferences” on page 16

• “Error Messages” on page 19

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 1

Getting Started with Remote Operation Programming and Software/Hardware Layers

Programming and Software/Hardware Layers

Agilent MXG, ESG, PSG, and E8663B signal generators support the following

interfaces:

Instrument Interfaces Supported

Agilent MXG GPIB, LAN, and USB 2.0

Agilent E8663B

GPIB, LAN

connection

, and ANSI/EIA232 (RS-232) serial

Agilent ESG

GPIB, LAN, and

ANSI/EIA232 (RS- 232) serial

connection

Agilent PSG

GPIB, LAN, and ANSI/EIA232 (RS- 232) serial

connection

a.The PSG and E8663B’s AUXILIARY INTERFACE connector is compatible with ANSI/EIA232

(RS-232) serial connection but GPIB and LAN are recommended for making faster measurements and when downloading files. Refer to “Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)” on page 45 and the User’s Guide.

Use these interfaces, in combination with IO libraries and programming languages, to remotely control a signal generator. Figure 1-1 uses GPIB as an example of the relationships between the interface, IO libraries, programming language, and signal generator.

2 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Figure 1-1 Software/Hardware Layers

Getting Started with Remote Operation

Interfaces

GPIB GPIB is used extensively when a dedicated computer is available for remote control of

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 3

each instrument or system. Data transfer is fast because GPIB handles information in bytes with data transfer rates of up to 8 MBps. GPIB is physically restricted by the location and distance between the instrument/system and the computer; cables are limited to an average length of two meters per device with a total length of 20 meters.

For more information on configuring the signal generator to communicate over the GPIB, refer to “Using GPIB” on page 22.

Getting Started with Remote Operation Interfaces

LAN Data transfer using the LAN is fast as the LAN handles packets of data. The single

cable distance between a computer and the signal generator is limited to 100 meters (100Base- T and 10Base- T).

The Agilent MXG is capable of 100Base- T LAN communication. The ESG, PSG and E8663B are designed to connect with a 10Base- T LAN. Where auto- negotiation is present, the ESG, PSG, and E8663B can connect to a 100Base-T LAN, but communicate at 10Base- T speeds. For more information on LAN communication refer to http://www.ieee.org.

The following protocols can be used to communicate with the signal generator over the LAN:

• VXI- 11 (recommended)

• Sockets

• TELNET

• FTP

The Agilent MXG is LXI Class C compliant. For more information on the LXI standards, refer to http://www.lxistandard.org/home.

For more information on configuring the signal generator to communicate over the LAN, refer to “Using LAN” on page 28.

RS- 232 (ESG/PSG/E8663B Only)

RS- 232 is an older method used to communicate with a single instrument; its primary use is to control printers and external disk drives, and connect to a modem. Communication over RS-232 is much slower than with GPIB, USB, or LAN because data is sent and received one bit at a time. It also requires that certain parameters, such as baud rate, be matched on both the computer and signal generator.

For more information on configuring the signal generator to communicate over the RS- 232, refer to “Using RS- 232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)” on page 45.

USB (Agilent MXG Only)

a.The ESG, PSG, and E8663B’s AUXILIARY INTERFACE connector is compatible with ANSI/EIA232 (RS-232) serial connection but GPIB and

LAN are recommended for making faster measurements and when downloading files. Refer to “Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)”

on page 45 and the User’s Guide.

4 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

• The rear panel Mini-B 5 pin connector is a device USB and can be used to connect

a controller for remote operation.

• The Type- A front panel connector is a host USB and can be used to connect a

mouse, a keyboard, or a USB 1.1/2.0 flash drive.

USB 2.0’s 64 MBps communication speed is faster than GPIB (for data transfers, >1 KB) or RS- 232. (For additional information, refer to the Agilent SICL or VISA User’s Guide.) But, the latency for small transfers is longer.

For more information on connecting the signal generator to the USB, refer to the

“Agilent IO Libraries Suite” on page 5 and the Agilent Connection Expert in the Agilent

IO Libraries Help.

For more information on configuring the signal generator to communicate over the USB, refer to “Using USB (Agilent MXG)” on page 53.

Getting Started with Remote Operation

IO Libraries and Programming Languages

The IO libraries is a collection of functions used by a programming language to send instrument commands and receive instrument data. Before you can communicate and control the signal generator, you must have an IO library installed on your computer. The Agilent IO libraries are included on an Automation-Ready CD with your signal generator and Agilent GPIB interface board, or they can be downloaded from the Agilent website: http://www.agilent.com.

NOTE To learn about using IO libraries with Windows XP or newer operating systems, refer to the

Agilent IO Libraries Suite’s help located on the Automation-Ready CD that ships with your signal generator. Other sources of this information, can be found with the Agilent GPIB interface board’s CD, or downloaded from the Agilent website: http://www.agilent.com.

To better understand setting up Windows XP operating systems and newer, using PC LAN port settings, refer to Chapter 2.

Agilent IO Libraries Suite

The Agilent IO Libraries Suite replaces earlier versions of the Agilent IO Libraries. Agilent IO Libraries Suite does not support Windows NT. If you are using the Windows NT platform, you must use Agilent IO Libraries version M or earlier.

Windows 98 and Windows ME are not supported in the Agilent IO Libraries Suite version 14.1 and higher.

CAUTION The Agilent MXG’s USB interface requires Agilent IO Libraries Suite 14.1 or newer. For

NOTE The signal generator ships with an Automation- Ready CD that contains the Agilent IO

more information on connecting instruments to the USB, refer to the Agilent Connection Expert in the Agilent IO Libraries Help.

Libraries Suite 14.0 for users who use Windows 98 and Windows ME. These older systems are no longer supported.

Once the libraries are loaded, you can use the Agilent Connection Expert, Interactive IO, or VISA Assistant to configure and communicate with the signal generator over different IO interfaces. Follow instructions in the setup wizard to install the libraries.

Windows NT and XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 5

Getting Started with Remote Operation IO Libraries and Programming Languages

NOTE Before setting the LAN interface, the signal generator must be configured for VXI- 11 SCPI.

Refer to “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN (Agilent MXG)” on page 29 or “Configuring the

VXI- 11 for LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 30.

Refer to the Agilent IO Libraries Suite Help documentation for details about this software.

Windows NT and Agilent IO Libraries M (and Earlier)

NOTE Windows NT is not supported on Agilent IO Libraries 14.0 and newer.

The following sections are specific to Agilent IO Libraries versions M and earlier and apply only to the Windows NT platform.

For additional information on older versions of Agilent IO libraries, refer to the Agilent Connection Expert in the Agilent IO Libraries Help. The Agilent IO libraries are included with your signal generator or Agilent GPIB interface board, or they can be downloaded from the Agilent website: http://www.agilent.com.

Using IO Config for Computer-to-Instrument Communication with VISA (Automatic or Manually)

After installing the Agilent IO Libraries version M or earlier, you can configure the interfaces available on your computer by using the IO Config program. This program can setup the interfaces that you want to use to control the signal generator. The following steps set up the interfaces.

1. Install GPIB interface boards before running IO Config.

NOTE You can also connect GPIB instruments using the Agilent 82357A USB/GPIB Interface

Converter, which eliminates the need for a GPIB card. For more information, go to http://www.agilent.com/find/gpib.

2. Run the IO Config program. The program automatically identifies available interfaces.

3. Click on the interface type you want to configure, such as GPIB, in the Available Interface Types text box.

4. Click the Configure button. Set the Default Protocol to AUTO.

5. Click OK to use the default settings.

6. Click OK to exit the IO Config program.

VISA Assistant

VISA is an industry standard IO library API. It allows the user to send SCPI commands to instruments and to read instrument data in a variety of formats. You can use the VISA Assistant,

6 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Getting Started with Remote Operation

IO Libraries and Programming Languages

available with the Agilent IO Libraries versions M and earlier, to send commands to the signal generator. If the interface you want to use does not appear in the VISA Assistant then you must manually configure the interface. See the Manual VISA Configuration section below. Refer to the VISA Assistant Help menu and the Agilent VISA User’s Manual (available on Agilent’s website) for more information.

VISA Configuration (Automatic)

1. Run the VISA Assistant program.

2. Click on the interface you want to use for sending commands to the signal generator.

3. Click the Formatted I/O tab.

4. Select SCPI in the Instr. Lang. section.

You can enter SCPI commands in the text box and send the command using the viPrintf button.

VISA Configuration (Manual)

Perform the following steps to use IO Config and VISA to manually configure an interface.

1. Run the IO Config Program.

2. Click on GPIB in the Available Interface Types text box.

3. Click the Configure button. Set the Default Protocol to AUTO and then click OK to use the default settings.

4. Click on GPIB0 in the Configured Interfaces text box.

5. Click Edit...

6. Click the Edit VISA Config... button.

7. Cli c k the Add device button.

8. Enter the GPIB address of the signal generator.

9. Click the OK button in this form and all other forms to exit the IO Config program.

Selecting IO Libraries for GPIB

The IO libraries are included with the GPIB interface card, and can be downloaded from the National Instruments website or the Agilent website. See also, “IO Libraries and Programming Languages” on

page 5 for information on IO libraries. The following is a discussion on these libraries.

CAUTION Because of the potential for portability problems, running Agilent SICL without the

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 7

VISA overlay is not recommended by Agilent Technologies.

Getting Started with Remote Operation IO Libraries and Programming Languages

VISA VISA is an IO library used to develop IO applications and instrument drivers that

comply with industry standards. It is recommended that the VISA library be used for programming the signal generator. The NI- VISA and Agilent VISA libraries are

similar implementations of VISA and have the same commands, syntax, and functions. The differences are in the lower level IO libraries; NI- 488.2 and SICL respectively. It is best to use the Agilent VISA library with the Agilent GPIB interface card or NI-VISA with the NI PCI-GPIB interface card.

SICL Agilent SICL can be used without the VISA overlay. The SICL functions can be

called from a program. However, if this method is used, executable programs will not be portable to other hardware platforms. For example, a program using SICL functions will not run on a computer with NI libraries (PCI- GPIB interface card).

NI- 488.2 NI- 488.2 can be used without the VISA overlay. The NI- 488.2 functions can be

called from a program. However, if this method is used, executable programs will not be portable to other hardware platforms. For example, a program using NI- 488.2 functions will not run on a computer with Agilent SICL (Agilent GPIB interface card).

Selecting IO Libraries for LAN

The TELNET and FTP protocols do not require IO libraries to be installed on your computer. However, to write programs to control your signal generator, an IO library must be installed on your computer and the computer configured for instrument control using the LAN interface.

The Agilent IO libraries Suite is available on the Automation- Ready CD, which was shipped with your signal generator. The libraries can also be downloaded from the Agilent website. The following is a discussion on these libraries.

Agilent VISA VISA is an IO library used to develop IO applications and instrument drivers that

SICL Agilent SICL is a lower level library that is installed along with Agilent VISA.

comply with industry standards. Use the Agilent VISA library for programming the signal generator over the LAN interface.

NI- VISA is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.

8 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Getting Started with Remote Operation

IO Libraries and Programming Languages

Programming Languages

Along with Standard Commands for Programming Instructions (SCPI) and IO library functions, you use a programming language to remotely control the signal generator. Common programming languages include:

•C/C++

•C#

•MATLAB

•HP Basic

•LabView

• Java (Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.)

•Visual Basic

•PERL

•Agilent VEE

For examples, using some of these languages, refer to Chapter 3.

(MATLAB is a registered trademark of The MathWorks.)

(Visual Basic is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.)

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 9

Getting Started with Remote Operation

To operate the signal generator, click the keys.

The Agilent MXG is LXI Class C compliant.

For more information on the

LXI standards, refer to http://www.lxistandard.org/home.

Note: If y ou do not see this window, check to see if the window is hidden behind your browser window or your web browser settings are set to block pop-ups. To use this feature, you need to set your web browser to allow pop-ups for your instrument’s IP address.

Using the Web Browser

The instrument can be accessed through a standard web browser, when it is connected to the LAN. To access through the web browser, enter the instrument IP address as the URL in your browser.

The signal generator web page, shown at right and page 13, provides general information on the signal generator, FTP access to files stored on the signal generator, and a means to control the instrument using either a remote front- panel interface or SCPI commands. The web page also has links to Agilent’s products, support, manuals, and website. For additional information on memory catalog access (file storing), and FTP, refer to the User’s Guide and “Waveform

Memory” on page 198 and for FTP, see “Using FTP” on page 43 and “FTP Procedures” on page 210.

The Web Server service is compatible with the Microsoft© Internet Explorer (6.0 and

newer) web browser and operating systems Windows 2000, Windows XP, and newer. For more information on using the Web Server, refer to “Enabling the Signal

Generator Web Server” on page 11.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft.

10 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Getting Started with Remote Operation

If necessary toggle Web Server to On.

For details on each key, use the key help. Refer to “Getting Help (Agilent MXG)” on

page 18 and the User’s Guide. For additional

SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

If necessary toggle Web Server On Off to On.

For details on each key, use the Key and Data Field Reference. For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Using the Web Browser

Enabling the Signal Generator Web Server

NOTE Javascript or Active Scripts must be enabled to use the web front panel controls.

1. Turn on the Web server as shown below.

Agilent MXG Web Server On

ESG/PSG/E8663B Web Server On

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 11

Getting Started with Remote Operation Using the Web Browser

2. Launch the PC or workstation web browser.

3. In the web browser address field, enter the signal generator’s IP address. For example, http://101.101.101.101 (where 101.101.101.101 is the signal generator’s IP address).

The IP (internet protocol) address can change depending on the LAN configuration (see “Using

LAN” on page 28).

4. On the computer’s keyboard, press Enter. The web browser displays the signal generator’s homepage.

5. Click the Signal Generator Web Control menu button on the left of the page. The front panel web page displays.

NOTE If you are experiencing problems with opening the signal generator’s remote front panel

web page, verify that the pop- up blocker is turned off on your web browser.

In some cases the Web- Enabled front panel may appear behind the main browser window, so you must move the browser window to see the Web- Enabled front panel.

To control the signal generator, either click the front panel keys or enter SCPI commands.

12 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

FTP enables the transfer of files between

The FTP access softkey opens to show the folders containing the signal generator’s memory catalog files.

Use the FTP window to drag and drop files from the FTP page to your computer.

the instrument and a computer. The FTP access button provides drag-and- drop file capability.

Getting Started with Remote Operation

Using the Web Browser

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 13

Getting Started with Remote Operation Using the Web Browser

LAN Configuration System Defaults (Agilent MXG)

NOTE The instrument’s LAN configuration system information can be found on the signal

generator’s homepage and on the signal generator. Refer to “Enabling the Signal Generator

Web Server” o n pag e 11 and to “Displaying the LAN Configuration Summary (Agilent MXG)” on page 15.

If the instrument has been restored to the factory defaults from the LAN Setup menu the signal generator will revert to the values displayed in Table 1- 1 on page 14. Refer to “Displaying the LAN

Configuration Summary (Agilent MXG)” on page 15.

To reset the instrument LXI password to “agilent” and the LAN settings to their factory default values, press the following key sequence on the signal generator:

Utility > I/O Config > LAN Setup > Advanced Settings > Restore LAN Settings to Default Values > Restore LAN Settings to Default Values

NOTE There are no SCPI commands associated with this LXI password factory reset.

For more information, refer to the signal generator’s Web Server Interface Help.

Table 1-1 LAN Configuration Summary Values

Parameter Default

Signal Generator LAN Configuration Summary

Hostname: Agilent–<model number>–<last_5_chars_of_serial_number>

Config Type: AUTO

IP Address: 127.0.0.1

Connection Monitoring: On

Subnet: 255.255.255.0

DNS Server Override: Off

Gateway: 0.0.0.0

Dynamic DNS Naming: On

RFC NETBIOS Naming: On

DNS Server: 0.0.0.0

14 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Table 1-1 LAN Configuration Summary Values

For details on each key, use the key help (described in the User’s Guide).

Confirm Restore Settings to Factory Defaults: Confirming this action configures the signal generator to its original factory default settings. For information regarding those default settings, refer to Ta ble 1-1 on page 14.

Utility > IO Config

SCPI command:

Not applicable

Parameter Default

TCP Keep Alive: On

Domain Name:

<empty>

TCP Keep Alive Timeout: 1800.0 sec

Signal Generator Web Server Interface

Description: Agilent <model_number>(<serial_number>)

SICL Interface Name

gpib0

Web Password: agilent

a.The Domain Name defaults to a null field. b.This information is part of the “Advanced Information about this Web-Enabled <signal generator model number>”

Displaying the LAN Configuration Summary (Agilent MXG)

Getting Started with Remote Operation

Using the Web Browser

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 15

Getting Started with Remote Operation Preferences

Preferences

The following commonly- used manual command sections are included here:

“Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (Agilent MXG)” on page 17

“Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 17

“Getting Help (Agilent MXG)” on page 18

“Setting the Help Mode (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 18

16 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Getting Started with Remote Operation

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide).

Select Update in Remote until On is highlighted.

SCPI commands:

:DISPlay:REMote ON|OFF|1|0 :DISPlay:REMote?

For details on each key, use the Key and Data Field Reference. For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Select Update in Remote until On is highlighted.

SCPI commands:

:DISPlay:REMote ON|OFF|1|0 :DISPlay:REMote?

Using the Update in Remote sof tkey up dates t he displ a y but not the softkeys on each SCPI command.

In general, the softkeys are not updated until the SCPI command SYST:DISP:GTL is sent.

Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (Agilent MXG)

Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Preferences

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 17

Getting Started with Remote Operation

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide).

When you press Help: Help displays for the next key you press. Use the cursor keys, Page Up, Page

Down, and the RPG knob to scroll the help text. Then press Cancel to close the help window or press any other key to close the help window and execute that key.

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide).

When you press Help: Help displays for the next key you press or you see help for the next key or for

every key, depending on the Help mode.

HELP

For details on each key, use the Key and Data Field Reference. For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

When you press Help:

Single: Help displays only for the next key you press. Cont: Help displays for each key you press and that key’s function activates.

To turn off the function, press Help.

SCPI commands:

:SYSTem:HELP:MODE SINGle|CONTinuous :SYSTem:HELP:MODE?

Preferences

Getting Help (Agilent MXG)

Getting Help (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Setting the Help Mode (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

18 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Getting Started with Remote Operation

Error Messages

If an error condition occurs in the signal generator, it is reported to both the SCPI (remote interface) error queue and the front panel display error queue. These two queues are viewed and managed separately; for information on the front panel display error queue, refer to the User’s Guide.

NOTE For additional general information on troubleshooting problems with your connections, refer

to the Help in the Agilent IO Libraries and documentation.

When accessing error messages using the SCPI (remote interface) error queue, the error numbers and the <error_description> portions of the error query response are displayed on the host terminal.

Characteristic SCPI Remote Interface Error Queue

Capacity (#errors) 30

Overflow Handling

Viewing Entries

Clearing the Queue

Unresolved Errors

No Errors

a.On the Agilent MXG, using this SCPI command to read out the error messages clears the display of the ERR annunciator and the error

message at the bottom of the screen.

b.On the Agilent MXG, executing the SCPI command *CLS clears the display of the ERR annunciator and the error message at the bottom

of the screen.

c.Errors that still exist after clearing the error queue. For example, unlock.

Linear, first- in/first- out. Replaces newest error with: -350, Queue overflow

Use SCPI query SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]?

Power up

Send a *CLS command Read last item in the queue

Re- reported after queue is cleared.

When the queue is empty (every error in the queue has been read, or the queue is cleared), the following message appears in the queue:

+0, "No error"

Error Message File

A complete list of error messages is provided in the file errormessages.pdf, on the CD-ROM supplied with your instrument. In the error message list, an explanation is generally included with each error to further clarify its meaning. The error messages are listed numerically. In cases where there are multiple listings for the same error number, the messages are in alphabetical order.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 19

Getting Started with Remote Operation Error Messages

Error Message Types

Events generate only one type of error. For example, an event that generates a query error will not generate a device- specific, execution, or command error.

Query Errors (–499 to –400) indicate that the instrument’s output queue control has detected a problem with the message exchange protocol described in IEEE 488.2, Chapter 6. Errors in this class set the query error bit (bit 2) in the event status register (IEEE 488.2, section 11.5.1). These errors correspond to message exchange protocol errors described in IEEE 488.2, 6.5. In this case:

• Either an attempt is being made to read data from the output queue when no output is either present or pending, or

• data in the output queue has been lost.

Device Specific Errors (–399 to –300, 201 to 703, and 800 to 810) indicate that a device operation did not properly complete, possibly due to an abnormal hardware or firmware condition. These codes are also used for self- test response errors. Errors in this class set the device- specific error bit (bit 3) in the event status register (IEEE 488.2, section 11.5.1).

The <error_message> string for a positive error is not defined by SCPI. A positive error indicates that the instrument detected an error within the GPIB system, within the instrument’s firmware or hardware, during the transfer of block data, or during calibration.

Execution Errors (–299 to –200) indicate that an error has been detected by the instrument’s execution control block. Errors in this class set the execution error bit (bit 4) in the event status register (IEEE 488.2, section 11.5.1). In this case:

• Either a <PROGRAM DATA> element following a header was evaluated by the device as outside of its legal input range or is otherwise inconsistent with the device’s capabilities, or

• a valid program message could not be properly executed due to some device condition.

Execution errors are reported after rounding and expression evaluation operations are completed. Rounding a numeric data element, for example, is not reported as an execution error.

Command Errors (–199 to –100) indicate that the instrument’s parser detected an IEEE 488.2 syntax error. Errors in this class set the command error bit (bit 5) in the event status register (IEEE

488.2, section 11.5.1). In this case:

• Either an IEEE 488.2 syntax error has been detected by the parser (a control- to- device message was received that is in violation of the IEEE 488.2 standard. Possible violations include a data element that violates device listening formats or whose type is unacceptable to the device.), or

• an unrecognized header was received. These include incorrect device-specific headers and incorrect or unimplemented IEEE 488.2 common commands.

20 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

2 Using IO Interfaces

Using the programming examples with GPIB, LAN, RS- 232, and USB interfaces:

• “Using GPIB” on page 22

• “Using LAN” on page 28

• “Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)” on page 45

• “Using USB (Agilent MXG)” on page 53

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 21

Using IO Interfaces Using GPIB

Using GPIB

GPIB enables instruments to be connected together and controlled by a computer. GPIB and its associated interface operations are defined in the ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1- 1987 and ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2- 1992. See the IEEE website, http://www.ieee.org, for details on these standards.

The following sections contain information for installing a GPIB interface card or NI- GPIB interface card for your PC or UNIX-based system.

• “Installing the GPIB Interface” on page 22

• “Set Up the GPIB Interface” on page 24

• “Verify GPIB Functionality” on page 25

Installing the GPIB Interface

NOTE You can also connect GPIB instruments to a PC USB port using the Agilent 82357A

USB/GPIB Interface Converter, which eliminates the need for a GPIB card. For more information, refer to table on page 22 or go to http://www.agilent.com/find/gpib.

A GPIB interface card can be installed in a computer. Two common GPIB interface cards are the Agilent GPIB interface card and the National Instruments (NI) PCI–GPIB card. Follow the interface card instructions for installing and configuring the card. The following table provide lists on some of the available interface cards. Also, see the Agilent website, http://www.agilent.com for details on GPIB interface cards.

Interface

Type

Agilent USB/GPIB Interface Converter for PC- Based Systems

Agilent 82357A Converter

Agilent GPIB Interface Card for PC- Based Systems

Agilent 82341C for ISA bus computers

Agilent 82341D Plug&Play for PC

Agilent 82350A for PCI bus computers

Operating

System

Windows 98(SE)/ME/ 2000®/XP

Windows 95/98/NT

/2000

Windows 95

Windows 95/98/NT /2000

IO Library Languages Backplane/

VISA / SICL C/C++, Visual

Basic, Agilent VEE, HP Basic for Windows, NI Labview

Basic, Agilent VEE, HP Basic for Windows

BUS

USB 2.0 (1.1 compatible)

ISA/EISA, 16 bit

PCI 32 bit 750 Built- in

Max IO

(kB/sec)

850 Built- in

750 Built- in

Buffering

22 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using GPIB

Interface

Type

Agilent USB/GPIB Interface Converter for PC- Based Systems

Agilent 82350B for PCI bus computers

NI- GPIB Interface Card for PC- Based Systems

National Instruments PCI- GPIB

National Instruments PCI- GPIB+

Agilent- GPIB Interface Card for HP- UX Workstations

Agilent E2071C HP- UX 9.x,

Agilent E2071D HP-UX 10.20 VISA/SICL ANSI C,

Agilent E2078A HP-UX 10.20 VISA/SICL ANSI C,

Operating

System

Windows 98(SE)/ME/2000 /XP

Windows 95/98/2000/ ME/NT

Windows NT

HP- UX 10.01

IO Library Languages Backplane/

VISA / SICL C/C++, Visual

VISA NI- 488.2™

VISA NI- 488.2

VISA/SICL ANSI C,

Basic, Agilent VEE, HP Basic for Windows

C/C++,

Visual BASIC, LabView

C/C++, Visual BASIC, LabView

Agilent VEE, Agilent BASIC, HP- UX

BUS

PCI 32 bit > 900 Built- in

PCI 32 bit 1.5 MBps Built- in

EISA 750 Built- in

PCI 750 Built- in

Max IO

(kB/sec)

Buffering

a.Windows 95, 98(SE), NT, 2000, and XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. b.Windows 98 and ME are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. c.NI-488.2 is a trademark of National Instruments Corporation.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 23

Using IO Interfaces

For details on each key, use the key help. Refer to “Getting Help (Agilent MXG)” on page 18 and the User’s Guide. For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Default address: 19 Range: 0–30

SCPI commands:

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess <number> :SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess?

For details on each key, use the Key and Data Field Reference. For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Default address: 19 Range: 0–30

SCPI commands:

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess <number> :SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess?

Using GPIB

Set Up the GPIB Interface

For the Agilent MXG refer to Figure 2-1 and for the ESG, PSG, and E8663B, Figure 2- 2 on page 24.

Figure 2-1 Setting the GPIB Address on the Agilent MXG

Figure 2-2 Setting the GPIB Address on the ESG/PSG/E8663B

24 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using GPIB

Connect a GPIB interface cable between the signal generator and the computer. (The following table lists cable part numbers.)

Model 10833A 10833B 10833C 10833D 10833F 10833G

Length 1 meter 2 meters 4 meters .5 meter 6 meters 8 meters

Verify GPIB Functionality

To verify GPIB functionality, use the VISA Assistant, available with the Agilent IO Library or the Getting Started Wizard available with the National Instrument IO Library. These utility programs enable you to communicate with the signal generator and verify its operation over GPIB. For information and instructions on running these programs, refer to the Help menu available in each

utility.

If You Have Problems

1. Verify that the signal generator’s address matches the address declared in the program (example programs in Chapter 2 use address 19).

2. Remove all other instruments connected via GPIB and rerun the program.

3. Verify that the GPIB card’s name or id number matches the GPIB name or id number configured for your PC.

GPIB Interface Terms

An instrument that is part of a GPIB network is categorized as a listener, talker, or controller, depending on its current function in the network.

listener A listener is a device capable of receiving data or commands from other

talker A talker is a device capable of transmitting data. To avoid confusion, a GPIB

controller A controller, typically a computer, can specify the talker and listeners (including

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 25

instruments. Several instruments in the GPIB network can be listeners simultaneously.

system allows only one device at a time to be an active talker.

itself) for an information transfer. Only one device at a time can be an active controller.

Using IO Interfaces GPIB Programming Interface Examples

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

NOTE The portions of the programming examples discussed in this section are taken from the full

text of these programs that can be found in Chapter 3, “Programming Examples.”

• “Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 26

• “Interface Check Using NI- 488.2 and C++” on page 26

Before Using the GPIB Examples

If the Agilent GPIB interface card is used, the Agilent VISA library should be installed along with Agilent SICL. If the National Instruments PCI- GPIB interface card is used, the NI- VISA library along with the NI- 488.2 library should be installed. Refer to “Selecting IO Libraries for GPIB” on page 7 and the documentation for your GPIB interface card for details.

HP Basic addresses the signal generator at 719. The GPIB card is addressed at 7 and the signal generator at 19. The GPIB address designator for other libraries is typically GPIB0 or GPIB1.

The following sections contain HP Basic and C++ lines of programming removed from the programming interface examples in Chapter 3, “Programming Examples.” these portions of programming demonstrate the important features to consider when developing programming for use with the GPIB interface.

Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB

This portion of the example program “Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 26, causes the signal generator to perform an instrument reset. The SCPI command *RST places the signal generator into a pre- defined state and the remote annunciator (R) appears on the front panel display.

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as basicex1.txt. For the full text of this program, refer to “Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB” on

page 66 or to the signal generator’s documentation CD-ROM.

160 Sig_gen=719 ! Declares a variable to hold the signal generator's address

170 LOCAL Sig_gen ! Places the signal generator into Local mode

180 CLEAR Sig_gen ! Clears any pending data I/O and resets the parser

190 REMOTE 719 ! Puts the signal generator into remote mode

200 CLEAR SCREEN ! Clears the controllers display

210 REMOTE 719

220 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"*RST" ! Places the signal generator into a defined state

Interface Check Using NI-488.2 and C++

This portion of the example program “Interface Check Using NI- 488.2 and C++” on page 26, uses the NI- 488.2 library to verify that the GPIB connections and interface are functional.

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as niex1.cpp. For the full text of this program, refer to “Interface Check Using NI- 488.2 and C++” on

page 67 or to the signal generator’s documentation CD-ROM.

26 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

#include "stdafx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include "windows.h"

#include "Decl-32.h"

using namespace std;

int GPIB0= 0; // Board handle

Addr4882_t Address[31]; // Declares an array of type Addr4882_t

int main(void)

{

int sig; // Declares a device descriptor variable

sig = ibdev(0, 19, 0, 13, 1, 0); // Aquires a device descriptor

ibclr(sig); // Sends device clear message to signal generator

ibwrt(sig, "*RST", 4); // Places the signal generator into a defined state

Using IO Interfaces

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 27

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

Using LAN

The Agilent MXG is capable of 100Base- T LAN communication. The ESG, PSG, and E8663B are designed to connect with a 10Base- T LAN. Where auto- negotiation is present, the ESG, PSG, and E8663B can connect to a 100Base- T LAN, but communicate at 10Base- T speeds. For more information refer to http://www.ieee.org.

The signal generator can be remotely programmed via a 100Base- T LAN interface or 10Base- T LAN interface and LAN- connected computer using one of several LAN interface protocols. The LAN allows instruments to be connected together and controlled by a LAN- based computer. LAN and its associated interface operations are defined in the IEEE 802.2 standard. For more information refer to http://www.ieee.org.

NOTE For more information on configuring your signal generator for LAN, refer to the User’s Guide

The signal generator supports the following LAN interface protocols:

• VXI- 11 (See page 37)

• Sockets LAN (See page 39)

• Telephone Network (TELNET) (See page 39)

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) (See page 43)

VXI- 11 and sockets LAN are used for general programming using the LAN interface, TELNET is used for interactive, one command at a time instrument control, and FTP is for file transfer.

The Agilent MXG is LXI Class C compliant. For more information on the LXI standards, refer to http://www.lxistandard.org/home.

NOTE For more information on configuring the signal generator to communicate over the LAN,

The following sections contain information on selecting and connecting IO libraries and LAN interface hardware that are required to remotely program the signal generator via LAN to a LAN- based computer and combining those choices with one of several possible LAN interface protocols.

• “Setting Up the LAN Interface” on page 29

• “Verifying LAN Functionality” on page 34

for your signal generator. Also, for the Agilent MXG, refer to www.agilent.com and search on the FAQs: Hardware Configurations and Installation.

refer to “Using VXI- 11” on page 37.

28 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

NOTE

T o communicate with the signal generator over the LAN, you must enable the VXI-11 SCPI service. Select VXI-11 until On is highlighted. (Default condition is On.)

For optimum performance, use a 100Base-T LAN cable to connect the signal generator to the LAN.

For details on each key, use the key help. For information describing the key help, refer to “Getting Help (Agilent MXG)” on page 18 and the User’s Guide. For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Utility > IO Config

Using LAN

Setting Up the LAN Interface

For LAN operation, the signal generator must be connected to the LAN, and an IP address must be assigned to the signal generator either manually or by using DHCP client service. Your system administrator can tell you which method to use. (Most modern LAN networks use DHCP.)

NOTE Verify that the signal generator is connected to the LAN using a 100Base-T LAN or 10Base-T

LAN cable.

Configuring the VXI-11 for LAN (Agilent MXG)

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 29

Using IO Interfaces

NOTE

To communicate with the signal generator over the LAN, you must enable the VXI-11 SCPI service. Select VXI-11 until On is highlighted. (Default condition is On.)

Use a 10Base-T LAN cable to connect the signal generator to the LAN.Where auto-negotiation is present, the ESG, PSG, or E8663B can connect to 100Base-T LAN, but will communicate at 10Base-T speeds. For more information refer to http://www.ieee.org.

For details on each key, use the Key and Data Field Reference. For additional SCPI comma nd information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN

Using LAN

Configuring the VXI-11 for LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Manual Configuration

The Hostname softkey is only available when LAN Config Manual DHCP is set to Manual.

To remotely access the signal generator from a different LAN subnet, you must also enter the subnet mask and default gateway. See your system administrator for more information.

For more information on the manual configuration, refer to “Manually Configuring the Agilent MXG

LAN” on page 31 or to “Manually Configuring the ESG/PSG/E8663B LAN” on page 31.

30 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Manually Configuring the Agilent MXG LAN

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide). For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Your hostname can be up to 20 characters long.

Utility > IO Config

SCPI commands: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig MANual :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig?

For details on each key, use the Key and Data Field Reference. For addition al SCPI co mmand info rmati on, refer

to the SCPI Command Reference.

The Hostname softkey is available only when LAN Config Manual DHCP is set to Manual. Your hostname can be up to 20 characters long.

Utility > IO Config

SCPI commands: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig MANual :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig?

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

Manually Configuring the ESG/PSG/E8663B LAN

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 31

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

DHCP Configuration

If the DHCP server uses dynamic DNS to link the hostname with the assigned IP address, the hostname may be used in place of the IP address. Otherwise, the hostname is not usable.

For more information on the DHCP configuration, refer to “Configuring the DHCP LAN (Agilent

MXG)” on page 33 or “Configuring the DHCP LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 33.

AUTO (DHCP/Auto-IP) Configuration (Agilent MXG)

DHCP and Auto-IP are used together to make automatic (AUTO) mode for IP configuration. Automatic mode attempts DHCP first and then if that fails Auto- IP is used to detect a private network. If neither is found, Manual is the final choice.

If the DHCP server uses dynamic DNS to link the hostname with the assigned IP address, the hostname may be used in place of the IP address. Otherwise, the hostname is not usable.

Auto- IP provides automatic TCP/IP set- up for instruments on any manually configured networks.

For more information on the AUTO (DHCP/Auto-IP) configuration, refer to “Configuring the DHCP

LAN (Agilent MXG)” on page 33.

32 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Configuring the DHCP LAN (Agilent MXG)

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide). For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

AUTO (DHCP/Auto-IP): Request a new IP address in the following sequence: 1) from the DHCP (server-based LAN), 2) Auto-IP (private network without a network administrator) or if neither is available, 3) Manual setting is selected.

DHCP: Request a new IP address from the DHCP server each power cycle. Confirming this action configures the signal generator as a DHCP client. In DHCP mode, the signal generator

will request a new IP address from the DHCP server upon rebooting to determine the assigned IP address.

Utility > IO Config

SCPI commands: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig DHCP|AUTO :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig?

For details on each key, refer to the Key and Data Field Reference. For additional SCPI c ommand information, refer to the SCPI Command Referen c e.

NOTE

Use a 10Base-T LAN cable to connect the signal generator to the LAN.

DHCP: Request a new IP address from the DHCP server each power cycle. Confirming this action configures the signal generator as a DHCP client. In

DHCP mode, the signal generator will request a new IP address from the DHCP server upon rebooting to determine the assigned IP address.

SCPI commands: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig DHCP

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONFig?

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

Configuring the DHCP LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 33

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

Setting up Private LAN

You can connect the Agilent MXG, ESG, PSG or E8663B directly to a PC using a crossover cable. To do this, you should either choose to set IP addresses of the PC and signal generator to differ only in the last digit (example: PC’s IP: 1.1.1.1 and Signal generator’s IP: 1.1.1.2); or you can use the DHCP feature or Auto- IP feature if your PC supports them. For more information go to www.agilent.com, and search on the Connectivity Guide (E2094- 90009) or use the Agilent Connection Expert’s Help to see the Connection Guide.

Verifying LAN Functionality

Verify the communications link between the computer and the signal generator remote file server using the ping utility. Compare your ping response to those described in Table 2- 1 on page 35.

NOTE For additional information on troubleshooting your LAN connection, refer to “If You Have

Problems” on page 25 and to the Help in the Agilent IO Libraries and documentation for

LAN connections and problems.

From a UNIX

workstation, type (UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Group):

ping <hostname or IP address> 64 10

where <hostname or IP address> is your instrument’s name or IP address, 64 is the packet size, and 10 is the number of packets transmitted. Type man ping at the UNIX prompt for details on the ping command.

From the MS- DOS

Command Prompt or Windows environment, type:

ping -n 10 <hostname or IP address>

where <hostname or IP address> is your instrument’s name or IP address and 10 is the number of echo requests. Type ping at the command prompt for details on the ping command.

NOTE In DHCP mode, if the DHCP server uses dynamic DNS to link the hostname with the

assigned IP address, the hostname may be used in place of the IP address. Otherwise, the hostname is not usable and you must use the IP address to communicate with the signal generator over the LAN.

If You Have Problems

If you are experiencing problems with the LAN connection on the signal generator, verify the rear panel LAN connector green LED is on.

MS- DOS, and Visual Basic are registered trademarks of Microsoft.

34 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

For additional information on troubleshooting your LAN connection, refer to the Help in the Agilent IO Libraries and documentation for LAN connections and problems.

Table 2-1 Ping Responses

Normal Response for UNIX A normal response to the ping command will be a total of 9 or 10 packets received with a

Normal Response for DOS or Windows

Error Messages If error messages appear, then check the command syntax before continuing with

No Response If there is no response from a ping, no packets were received. Check that the typed address

minimal average round-trip time. The minimal average will be different from network to network. LAN traffic will cause the round-trip time to vary widely.

A normal response to the ping command will be a total of 9 or 10 packets received if 10 echo requests were specified.

troubleshooting. If the syntax is correct, resolve the error messages using your network documentation or by consulting your network administrator.

If an unknown host error message appears, try using the IP address instead of the hostname. Also, verify that the host name and IP address for the signal generator have been registered by your IT administrator.

Check that the hostname and IP address are correctly entered in the node names database. To do this, enter the nslookup <hostname> command from the command prompt.

or hostname matches the IP address or hostname assigned to the signal generator in the System LAN Setup menu. For more information, refer to “Configuring the DHCP LAN (Agilent

MXG)” on page 33 or “Configuring the DHCP LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 33.

Ping each node along the route between your workstation and the signal generator, starting with your workstation. If a node doesn’t respond, contact your IT administrator.

If the signal generator still does not respond to ping, you should suspect a hardware problem.

• Check the signal generator LAN connector lights

• Verify the hostname is not being used with DHCP addressing

Intermittent Response If you received 1 to 8 packets back, there maybe a problem with the network. In networks

with switches and bridges, the first few pings may be lost until these devices ‘learn’ the location of hosts. Also, because the number of packets received depends on your network traffic and integrity, the number might be different for your network. Problems of this nature are best resolved by your IT department.

Using Interactive IO

Use the VISA Assistant utility available in the Agilent IO Libraries Suite to verify instrument communication over the LAN interface. Refer to the section on the “IO Libraries and Programming

Languages” on page 5 for more information.

The Agilent IO Libraries Suite is supported on all platforms except Windows NT. If you are using Windows NT, refer to section below on using the VISA Assistant to verify LAN communication. See the section on “Windows NT and Agilent IO Libraries M (and Earlier)” on page 6 for more information.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 35

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

NOTE The following sections are specific to Agilent IO Libraries versions M and earlier and apply

only to the Windows NT platform.

Using VISA Assistant

Use the VISA Assistant, available with the Agilent IO Library versions M and earlier, to communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface. However, you must manually configure the VISA LAN client. Refer to the Help menu for instructions on configuring and running the VISA Assistant program.

1. Run the IO Config program.

2. Click on TCPIP0 in the Available Interface Types text box.

3. Click the Configure button. Then Click OK to use the default settings.

4. Click on TCPIP0 in the Configured Interfaces text box.

5. Click Edit...

6. Click the Edit VISA Config... button.

7. Cli c k the Add device button.

8. Enter the TCPIP address of the signal generator. Leave the Device text box empty.

9. Click the OK button in this form and all subsequent forms to exit the IO Config program.

If You Have Problems

1. Verify the signal generator’s IP address is valid and that no other instrument is using the IP address.

2. Switch between manual LAN configuration and DHCP using the front- panel LAN Config softkey and run the ping program using the different IP addresses.

NOTE For Agilent IO Libraries versions M and earlier, you must manually configure the VISA LAN

client in the IO Config program if you want to use the VISA Assistant to verify LAN configuration. Refer to the IO Libraries Installation Guide for information on configuring IO interfaces. The IO Config program interface is shown in Figure 2- 4 on page 38.

36 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

Figure 2-3 IO Config Form (Windows NT)

Check to see that the Default Protocol is set to Automatic.

1. Run the IO Config program

2. Click on TCPIP in the Configured Interfaces text box. If there is no TCPIP0 in the box, follow the steps shown in the section “Using VISA Assistant” on page 36

3. Click the Edit button.

4. Click the radio button for AUTO (automatically detect protocol).

5. Click OK, OK to end the IO Config program.

Using VXI-11

The signal generator supports the LAN interface protocol described in the VXI- 11 standard. VXI- 11 is an instrument control protocol based on Open Network Computing/Remote Procedure Call (ONC/RPC) interfaces running over TCP/IP. It is intended to provide GBIB capabilities such as SRQ (Service Request), status byte reading, and DCAS (Device Clear State) over a LAN interface. This protocol is a good choice for migrating from GPIB to LAN as it has full Agilent VISA/SICL support.

NOTE It is recommended that the VXI-11 protocol be used for instrument communication over the

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 37

LAN interface.

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

Configuring for VXI-11

The Agilent IO library has a program, IO Config, that is used to setup the computer/signal generator interface for the VXI- 11 protocol. Download the latest version of the Agilent IO library from the Agilent website. Refer to the Agilent IO library user manual, documentation, and Help menu for information on running the IO Config program and configuring the VXI- 11 interface.

Use the IO Config program to configure the LAN client. Once the computer is configured for a LAN client, you can use the VXI-11 protocol and the VISA library to send SCPI commands to the signal generator over the LAN interface. Example programs for this protocol are included in “LAN

Programming Interface Examples” on page 101 of this programming guide.

NOTE To communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface you must enable the

VXI- 11 SCPI service. For more information, refer to “Configuring the DHCP LAN (Agilent

MXG)” on page 33 and “Configuring the DHCP LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 33.

If you are using the Windows NT platform, refer to “Windows NT and Agilent IO Libraries M

(and Earlier)” on page 6 for information on using Agilent IO Libraries versions M or earlier

to configure the interface.

For Agilent IO library version J.01.0100, the “Identify devices at run- time” check box must be unchecked. Refer to Figure 2- 4.

Figure 2-4 Show Devices Form (Agilent IO Library version J.01.0100)

38 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

Using Sockets LAN

NOTE Users with Windows XP operating systems and newer can use this section to better

understand how to use the signal generator with port settings. For more information, refer to the help software of the IO libraries being used.

Sockets LAN is a method used to communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). A socket is a fundamental technology used for computer networking and allows applications to communicate using standard mechanisms built into network hardware and operating systems. The method accesses a port on the signal generator from which bidirectional communication with a network computer can be established.

Sockets LAN can be described as an internet address that combines Internet Protocol (IP) with a device port number and represents a single connection between two pieces of software. The socket can be accessed using code libraries packaged with the computer operating system. Two common versions of socket libraries are the Berkeley Sockets Library for UNIX systems and Winsock for Microsoft operating systems.

Your signal generator implements a sockets Applications Programming Interface (API) that is compatible with Berkeley socket for UNIX systems, and Winsock for Microsoft systems. The signal generator is also compatible with other standard sockets APIs. The signal generator can be controlled using SCPI commands that are output to a socket connection established in your program.

Before you can use sockets LAN, you must select the signal generator’s sockets port number to use:

• Standard mode. Available on port 5025. Use this port for simple programming.

• TELNET mode. The telnet SCPI service is available on port 5023.

NOTE For backward compatibility, on the E8663B, ESG, and PSG, the signal generator also accepts

An example using sockets LAN is given in “LAN Programming Interface Examples” on page 101 of this programming guide.

references to the Telnet SCPI service at port 7777 and sockets SCPI service at port 7778.

Ports 7777 and 7778 are disabled on the Agilent MXG.

Using Telnet LAN

Telnet provides a means of communicating with the signal generator over the LAN. The Telnet client, run on a LAN connected computer, will create a login session on the signal generator. A connection, established between computer and signal generator, generates a user interface display screen with SCPI> prompts on the command line.

Using the Telnet protocol to send commands to the signal generator is similar to communicating with the signal generator over GPIB. You establish a connection with the signal generator and then send or receive information using SCPI commands. Communication is interactive: one command at a time.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 39

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

NOTE The Windows 2000 operating systems use a command prompt style interface for the Telnet

client. Refer to the Figure 2- 7 on page 42 for an example of this interface.

Windows XP operating systems and newer can use this section to better understand how to use the signal generator with port settings. For more information, refer to the help software of the IO libraries being used.

The following telnet LAN connections are discussed:

• “Using Telnet and MS-DOS Command Prompt” on page 40

• “Using Telnet On a PC With a Host/Port Setting Menu GUI” on page 41

• “Using Telnet On Windows 2000” on page 41

• “The Standard UNIX Telnet Command” on page 42

A Telnet example is provided in “Unix Telnet Example” on page 42.

Using Telnet and MS-DOS Command Prompt

1. On your PC, click Start > Programs > Command Prompt.

2. At the command prompt, type in telnet.

3. Press the Enter key. The Telnet display screen will be displayed.

4. Click on the Connect menu then select Remote System. A connection form (Figure 2-5) is displayed.

Figure 2-5 Connect Form (Agilent IO Library version J.01.0100)

5. Enter the hostname, port number, and Te r m Typ e then click Connect.

•Host Name−IP address or hostname

•Port−5023

•Term Type−vt100

6. At the SCPI> prompt, enter SCPI commands. Refer to Figure 2-6 on page 41.

7. To signal device clear, press Ctrl-C on your keyboard.

8. Select Exit from the Connect menu and type exit at the command prompt to end the Telnet

session.

40 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

Using Telnet On a PC With a Host/Port Setting Menu GUI

1. On your PC, click Start > Run.

2. Type telnet then click the OK button. The Telnet connection screen will be displayed.

3. Click on the Connect menu then select Remote System. A connection form is displayed. See Figure

2- 5.

4. Enter the hostname, port number, and Te r m Typ e then click Connect.

•Host Name−signal generator’s IP address or hostname

•Port−5023

•Term Type−vt100

5. At the SCPI> prompt, enter SCPI commands. Refer to Figure 2-6 on page 41.

6. To signal device clear, press Ctrl-C.

7. Sel ect Exit from the Connect menu to end the Telnet session.

Figure 2-6 Telnet Window (Windows 2000)

Using Telnet On Windows 2000

1. On your PC, click Start > Run.

2. Type telnet in the run text box, then click the OK button. The Telnet connection screen will be displayed. See Figure 2- 7 on page 42 (Windows 2000).

3. Type open at the prompt and then press the Enter key. The prompt will change to (to).

4. At the (to) prompt, enter the signal generator’s IP address followed by a space and 5023, which is the Telnet port associated with the signal generator.

5. At the SCPI> prompt, enter SCPI commands. Refer to commands shown in Figure 2- 6 on

page 41.

6. To escape from the SCPI> session type Ctrl-].

7. T ype quit at the prompt to end the Telnet session.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 41

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

Figure 2-7 Telnet 2000 Window

The Standard UNIX Telnet Command

Synopsis

telnet [host [port]]

Description

This command is used to communicate with another host using the Telnet protocol. When the command telnet is invoked with host or port arguments, a connection is opened to the host, and input is sent from the user to the host.

Options and Parameters

The command telnet operates in character-at- a- time or line- by-line mode. In line- by-line mode, typed text is echoed to the screen. When the line is completed (by pressing the Enter key), the text line is sent to host. In character- at- a- time mode, text is echoed to the screen and sent to host as it is typed. At the UNIX prompt, type man telnet to view the options and parameters available with the telnet command.

NOTE If your Telnet connection is in line-by- line mode, there is no local echo. This means you

cannot see the characters you are typing until you press the Enter key. To remedy this, change your Telnet connection to character- by- character mode. Escape out of Telnet, and at the telnet> prompt, type mode char. If this does not work, consult your Telnet program's documentation.

Unix Telnet Example

To connect to the instrument with host name myInstrument and port number 5023, enter the following command on the command line: telnet myInstrument 5023.

42 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using LAN

When you connect to the signal generator, the UNIX window will display a welcome message and a SCPI command prompt. The instrument is now ready to accept your SCPI commands. As you type SCPI commands, query results appear on the next line. When you are done, break the Telnet connection using an escape character. For example, Ctrl-],where the control key and the ] are pressed at the same time. The following example shows Telnet commands:

$ telnet myinstrument 5023

Trying....

Connected to signal generator

Escape character is ‘^]’.

Agilent Technologies, E44xx SN-US00000001

Firmware:

Hostname: your instrument

IP :xxx.xx.xxx.xxx

SCPI>

Using FTP

FTP allows users to transfer files between the signal generator and any computer connected to the LAN. For example, you can use FTP to download instrument screen images to a computer. When logged onto the signal generator with the FTP command, the signal generator’s file structure can be accessed. Figure 2-8 shows the FTP interface and lists the directories in the signal generator’s user level directory.

NOTE File access is limited to the signal generator’s /user directory.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 43

Using IO Interfaces Using LAN

Figure 2-8 FTP Screen

The following steps outline a sample FTP session from the MS-DOS Command Prompt:

1. On the PC click Start > Programs > Command Prompt.

2. At the command prompt enter:

ftp < IP address > or < hostname >

3. At the user name prompt, press enter.

4. At the password prompt, press enter.

You are now in the signal generator’s user directory. Typing help at the command prompt will show you the FTP commands that are available on your system.

5. Type quit or bye to end your FTP session.

6. Type exit to end the command prompt session.

44 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

Using IO Interfaces

Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

NOTE The RS- 232 serial interface is available on the ESG signal generators.

The PSG and E8663B’s AUXILIARY INTERFACE connector is compatible with ANSI/EIA232 (RS- 232) serial connection but GPIB and LAN are recommended for making faster measurements and when downloading files. Refer to the User’s Guide.

The RS- 232 serial interface can be used to communicate with the signal generator. The RS-232 connection was once standard on most PCs but has now been replaced by USB. RS-232 can be connected to the signal generator’s rear- panel connector using the cable described in Table 2- 2 on

page 47. Many functions provided by GPIB, with the exception of indefinite blocks, parallel polling,

serial polling, GET, non-SCPI remote languages, SRQ, and remote mode are available using the RS- 232 interface.

The serial port sends and receives data one bit at a time, therefore RS- 232 communication is slow. The data transmitted and received is usually in ASCII format with SCPI commands being sent to the signal generator and ASCII data returned.

The following sections contain information on selecting and connecting IO libraries and RS- 232 interface hardware on the signal generator to a computer’s RS- 232 connector.

• “Selecting IO Libraries for RS- 232” on page 45

• “Setting Up the RS- 232 Interface” on page 46

• “Verifying RS-232 Functionality” on page 48

Selecting IO Libraries for RS-232

The IO libraries can be downloaded from the National Instrument website, http://www.ni.com, or Agilent’s website, http://www.agilent.com. The following is a discussion on these libraries.

CAUTION Because of the potential for portability problems, running Agilent SICL without the

VISA overlay is not recommended by Agilent Technologies.

HP Basic The HP Basic language has an extensive IO library that can be used to control the

VISA VISA is an IO library used to develop IO applications and instrument drivers that

NI- 488.2 NI- 488.2 IO libraries can be used to develop applications for the RS- 232 interface.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 45

signal generator over the RS- 232 interface. This library has many low level functions that can be used in BASIC applications to control the signal generator over the RS- 232 interface.

comply with industry standards. It is recommended that the VISA library be used for programming the signal generator. The NI-VISA and Agilent VISA libraries are similar implementations of VISA and have the same commands, syntax, and functions. The differences are in the lower level IO libraries used to communicate over the RS- 232; NI- 488.2 and SICL respectively.

See National Instrument’s website for information on NI- 488.2.

Using IO Interfaces

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide). For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Select a baud rate of 9600.

SCPI commands:

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUD <number> :SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUD?

Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

SICL Agilent SICL can be used to develop applications for the RS- 232 interface. See

Agilent’s website for information on SICL.

Setting Up the RS-232 Interface

1. Setting the RS- 232 Interface Baud Rate (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

NOTE Configure your computer to use baud rates 57600 or lower only. Select the signal generator’s

baud rate to match the baud rate of your computer or UNIX workstation or adjust the baud rate settings on your computer to match the baud rate setting of the signal generator.

The default baud rate for VISA is 9600. This baud rate can be changed with the “VI_ATTR_ASRL_BAUD” VISA attribute.

46 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

For details on each key, use the key help (described in User’s Guide). For additional SCPI command information, refer to the SCPI Command Reference.

Toggle RS-232 Echo Off On until Off is highlighted. Selecting On echo es or retu rn s characters sent to the signal generator and prints them to the display.

SCPI commands:

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:ECHO ON|OFF :SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:ECHO?

Using IO Interfaces

2. Setting the RS- 232 Echo Softkey

3. Connect an RS- 232 cable from the computer’s serial connector to the ESG signal generator’s RS-232 connector or the PSG or E8663B’s AUXILIARY INTERFACE connector. Refer to Table 2- 2 for RS- 232 cable information.

Table 2-2 RS-232 Serial Interface Cable

Quantity Description Agilent Part Number

1 Serial RS- 232 cable 9- pin (male) to 9- pin (female) 8120- 6188

NOTE Any 9 pin (male) to 9 pin (female) straight- through cable that directly wires pins 2, 3, 5, 7,

and 8 may be used.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 47

Using IO Interfaces Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

Verifying RS-232 Functionality

You can use the HyperTerminal program available on your computer to verify the RS- 232 interface functionality. To run the HyperTerminal program, connect the RS- 232 cable between the computer and the signal generator and perform the following steps:

1. On the PC click Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal.

2. Select HyperTerminal.

3. Enter a name for the session in the text box and select an icon.

4. Select COM1 (COM2 can be used if COM1 is unavailable).

5. In the COM1 (or COM2, if selected) properties, set the following parameters:

• Bits per second: 9600 must match signal generator’s baud rate; for more information, refer to

“Setting Up the RS- 232 Interface” on page 46.

• Data bits: 8

• Parity: None

• Stop bits: 1

• Flow Control: None

NOTE Flow control, via the RTS line, is driven by the signal generator. For the purposes of this

verification, the controller (PC) can ignore this if flow control is set to None. However, to control the signal generator programmatically or download files to the signal generator, you must enable RTS- CTS (hardware) flow control on the controller. Note that only the RTS line is currently used.

Software Flow Control using XON and XOFF is not supported. Only RTS- CTS hardware flow is supported.

6. Go to the HyperTerminal window and select File > Properties.

7. Go t o Settings > Emulation and select VT100.

8. Leave the Backscroll buffer lines set to the default value.

9. Go to Settings > ASCII Setup.

10. Check the first two boxes and leave the other boxes as default values.

Once the connection is established, enter the SCPI command *IDN? followed by <Ctrl j> in the HyperTerminal window. The <Ctrl j> is the new line character (on the keyboard press the Cntrl key and the j key simultaneously).

The signal generator should return a string similar to the following, depending on model:

Agilent Technologies <instrument model name and number>, US40000001,C.02.00

48 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

Using IO Interfaces

Character Format Parameters

The signal generator uses the following character format parameters when communicating via RS- 232:

• Character Length: Eight data bits are used for each character, excluding start, stop, and parity bits.

• Parity Enable: Parity is disabled (absent) for each character.

• Stop Bits: One stop bit is included with each character.

If You Have Problems

1. Verify that the baud rate, parity, and stop bits are the same for the computer and signal generator.

2. Verify that the RS- 232 cable is identical to the cable specified in Table 2- 2.

3. Verify that the application is using the correct computer COM port and that the RS- 232 cable is properly connected to that port.

4. Verify that the controller’s flow control is set to RTS- CTS.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 49

Using IO Interfaces RS-232 Programming Interface Examples

RS-232 Programming Interface Examples

NOTE The portions of the programming examples discussed in this section are taken from the full

text of these programs that can be found in Chapter 3, “Programming Examples.”

• “Interface Check Using HP BASIC” on page 50

• “Interface Check Using VISA and C” on page 51

• “Queries Using HP Basic and RS- 232” on page 51

• “Queries for RS-232 Using VISA and C” on page 52

Before Using the Examples

Before using the examples: On the signal generator select the following settings:

• Baud Rate - 9600 must match computer’s baud rate

• RS- 232 Echo - Off

The following sections contain HP Basic and C lines of programming removed from the programming interface examples in Chapter 3, Programming Examples,, these portions of programming demonstrate the important features to consider when developing programming for use with the RS- 232 interface.

NOTE For RS- 232 programming examples, refer to “RS- 232 Programming Interface Examples

(ESG/PSG/E8663B Only)” on page 131.

Interface Check Using HP BASIC

This portion of the example program “Interface Check Using HP BASIC” on page 50, causes the signal generator to perform an instrument reset. The SCPI command *RST will place the signal generator into a pre- defined state.

The serial interface address for the signal generator in this example is 9. The serial port used is COM1 (Serial A on some computers). Refer to “Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)” on

page 45 for more information.

The following program example is available on the signal generator’s Documentation CD- ROM as rs232ex1.txt. For the full text of this program, refer to “Interface Check Using HP BASIC” on

page 131 or to the signal generator’s documentation CD-ROM.

170 CONTROL 9,0;1 ! Resets the RS-232 interface

180 CONTROL 9,3;9600 ! Sets the baud rate to match the sig gen

190 STATUS 9,4;Stat ! Reads the value of register 4

200 Num=BINAND(Stat,7) ! Gets the AND value

210 CONTROL 9,4;Num ! Sets parity to NONE

220 OUTPUT 9;"*RST" ! Outputs reset to the sig gen

50 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

RS-232 Programming Interface Examples

Using IO Interfaces

Interface Check Using VISA and C

This portion of the example program “Interface Check Using VISA and C” on page 51, uses VISA library functions to communicate with the signal generator. The program verifies that the RS- 232 connections and interface are functional. In this example the COM2 port is used. The serial port is referred to in the VISA library as ‘ASRL1’ or ‘ASRL2’ depending on the computer serial port you are using.

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as rs232ex1.cpp. For the full text of this program, refer to “Interface Check Using VISA and C” on

page 132 or to the signal generator’s documentation CD-ROM.

int baud=9600;// Set baud rate to 9600

ViSession defaultRM, vi;// Declares a variable of type ViSession

// for instrument communication on COM 2 port

ViStatus viStatus = 0;

// Opens session to RS-232 device at serial port 2

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "ASRL2::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

viStatus=viEnableEvent(vi, VI_EVENT_IO_COMPLETION, VI_QUEUE,VI_NULL);

viClear(vi);// Sends device clear command

// Set attributes for the session

viSetAttribute(vi,VI_ATTR_ASRL_BAUD,baud);

viSetAttribute(vi,VI_ATTR_ASRL_DATA_BITS,8);

Queries Using HP Basic and RS-232

This portion of the example program “Queries Using HP Basic and RS- 232” on page 51, example program demonstrates signal generator query commands over RS- 232. Query commands are of the type *IDN? and are identified by the question mark that follows the mnemonic.

Start HP Basic, type in the following commands, and then RUN the program:

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as rs232ex2.txt. For the full text of this program, refer to “Queries Using HP Basic and RS- 232” on

page 134 or to the signal generator’s documentation CD-ROM.

190 OUTPUT 9;"*IDN?" ! Querys the sig gen ID

200 ENTER 9;Str$ ! Reads the ID

210 WAIT 2 ! Waits 2 seconds

220 PRINT "ID =",Str$ ! Prints ID to the screen

230 OUTPUT 9;"POW:AMPL -5 dbm" ! Sets the the power level to -5 dbm

240 OUTPUT 9;"POW?" ! Querys the power level of the sig gen

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 51

Using IO Interfaces RS-232 Programming Interface Examples

Queries for RS-232 Using VISA and C

This portion of the example program “Queries for RS- 232 Using VISA and C” on page 52, uses VISA library functions to communicate with the signal generator. The program verifies that the RS- 232 connections and interface are functional.

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as rs232ex2.cpp. For the full text of this program, refer to “Queries for RS- 232 Using VISA and C” on

page 135 or to the signal generator’s documentation CD-ROM.

status = viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);// Initializes the system

// Open communication with Serial Port 2

status = viOpen(defaultRM, "ASRL2::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &instr);

52 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using USB (Agilent MXG)

CAUTION USB cables are not industrial graded and potentially allows data loss in noisy

environments.

USB cables do not have a latching mechanism and the cables can be pulled out of the PC or instrument relatively easily.

The maximum length for USB cables is 30 m, including the use of inline repeaters.

NOTE The USB interface is available only on the Agilent MXG signal generator.

The Agilent MXG’s USB 2.0 interface supports USBTMC or USBTMC- USB488 specifications.

For more information on connecting instruments to the USB, refer to the Agilent Connection Expert in the Agilent IO Libraries Help.

USB 2.0 connectors can be used to communicate with the signal generator. The N5181A/82A is equipped with a Mini- B 5 pin rear panel connector (device USB). Use a Type- A to Mini- USB 5 pin cable to connect the signal generator to the computer (Refer to “Setting Up the USB Interface” on

page 55). Connect the Type-A front panel connector (host USB) can be used to connect a mouse, a

keyboard, or a USB 1.1/2.0 flash drive (USB media). (Refer to the User’s Guide.) ARB waveform encryption of proprietary information is supported. Many functions provided by GPIB, including GET, non- SCPI remote languages, and remote mode are available using the USB interface.

NOTE For a list of compatible flash drives to use with the USB external interface. Refer to

http://www.agilent.com/find/mxg.

Do not use the Type A front panel USB to connect to a computer.

The following sections contain information on selecting and connecting I/O libraries and the USB interface that are required to remotely program the signal generator via computer and combining those choices with one of several possible USB interface protocols.

• “Selecting I/O Libraries for USB” on page 54

• “Setting Up the USB Interface” on page 55

• “Verifying USB Functionality” on page 56

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 53

Using IO Interfaces Using USB (Agilent MXG)

Selecting I/O Libraries for USB

CAUTION The Agilent MXG’s USB interface requires Agilent IO Libraries Suite 14.1 or newer to

run properly. For more information on connecting instruments to the USB, refer to the Agilent Connection Expert in the Agilent IO Libraries Help.

The I/O libraries can be downloaded from the National Instrument website, http://www.ni.com, or Agilent’s website, http://www.agilent.com. The following is a discussion on these libraries.

NOTE I/O applications such as IVI- COM or VXIplug&play can be used in place of VISA.

VISA VISA is an I/O library used to develop I/O applications and instrument drivers

that comply with industry standards. It is recommended that the VISA library be used for programming the signal generator. The NI- VISA and Agilent VISA libraries are similar implementations of VISA and have the same commands, syntax, and functions. The differences are in the lower level I/O libraries used to communicate over the USB; NI- 488.2 and SICL respectively.

NI- 488.2 NI- 488.2 I/O libraries can be used to develop applications for the USB interface.

SICL Agilent SICL can be used to develop applications for the USB interface. See

See National Instrument’s website for information on NI- 488.2.

Agilent’s website for information on SICL.

CAUTION Because of the potential for portability problems, running Agilent SICL without the

VISA overlay is not recommended by Agilent Technologies.

54 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using IO Interfaces

Using USB (Agilent MXG)

Setting Up the USB Interface

Rear Panel Interface (Mini–B 5 pin)

To use USB, connect the USB cable (Refer to Table 2- 3, “USB Interface Cable,” on page 55, for USB cable information.) between the computer and the signal generator’s rear panel Mini- B 5- pin USB connector.

Ta b l e 2 -3 U SB In te rf a ce C a b l e

Quantity Description Agilent Part Number

1 USB cable Mini- B 5 pin to Type- A 82357- 61601

Front Panel USB (Type–A)

For details on using the front panel USB (Type- A) and the front panel USB Media operation, refer to the User’s Guide.

Using the Internal Storage and USB Media (Non-volatile Memories)

For details on using the internal storage and the front panel USB Media operation, refer to the User’s Guide.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 55

Using IO Interfaces Using USB (Agilent MXG)

Verifying USB Functionality

Mini-B 5 Pin Rear Panel Connector

NOTE For information on verifying your Mini- B 5 pin USB (rear panel) functionality, refer to the

Agilent Connection Expert in the Agilent IO Libraries Help. The Agilent IO libraries are included with your signal generator or Agilent GPIB interface board, or they can be downloaded from the Agilent website: http://www.agilent.com.

Type-A Front Panel USB Connector

For details on using the front panel USB (Type- A) and the front panel USB Media operation, refer to the User’s Guide.

56 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

3 Programming Examples

• “Using the Programming Interface Examples” on page 58

• “GPIB Programming Interface Examples” on page 62

• “LAN Programming Interface Examples” on page 101

• “RS-232 Programming Interface Examples (ESG/PSG/E8663B Only)” on page 131

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 57

Programming Examples Using the Programming Interface Examples

Using the Programming Interface Examples

The programming examples for remote control of the signal generator use the GPIB, LAN, and RS- 232 interfaces and demonstrate instrument control using different IO libraries and programming languages. Many of the example programs in this chapter are interactive; the user will be prompted to perform certain actions or verify signal generator operation or functionality. Example programs are written in the following languages:

HP Basic C#

C/C++ Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0

Java MATLAB

Perl

These example programs are also available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM, enabling you to cut and paste the examples into a text editor.

NOTE The example programs set the signal generator into remote mode; front panel keys, except

the Agilent MXG Local/Esc/Cancel or the ESG, PSG, and E8663B’s Local key, are disabled. Press the Agilent MXG Local/Esc/Cancel or the ESG, PSG, and E8663B’s Local key to revert to manual operation.

To have the signal generator’s front panel update with changes caused by remote operations, enable the signal generator’s Update in Remote function.

NOTE The Update in Remote function will slow test execution. For faster test execution, disable the

Update in Remote function. (For more information, refer to or “Configuring the Display for

Remote Command Setups (Agilent MXG)” on page 17.) or “Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 17.

Programming Examples Development Environment

The C/C++ examples were written using an IBM- compatible personal computer (PC), configured as follows:

•Pentium® processor (Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.)

• Windows NT 4.0 operating system or later

• C/C++ programming language with the Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 IDE

• National Instruments PCI- GPIB interface card or Agilent GPIB interface card

• National Instruments VISA Library or Agilent VISA library

• COM1 or COM2 serial port available

•LAN interface card

The HP Basic examples were run on a UNIX 700 series workstation.

58 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Using the Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

Running C++ Programs

When using Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 to run the example programs, include the following files in your project.

When using the VISA library:

• add the visa32.lib file to the Resource Files

• add the visa.h file to the Header Files

When using the NI- 488.2 library:

• add the GPIB-32.OBJ file to the Resource Files

• add the windows.h file to the Header Files

• add the Deci- 32.h file to the Header Files

For information on the NI- 488.2 library and file requirements refer to the National Instrument website. For information on the VISA library see the Agilent website or National Instrument’s website.

NOTE To communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface you must enable the

VXI- 11 SCPI service. For more information, refer to “Configuring the DHCP LAN (Agilent

MXG)” on page 33 and “Configuring the VXI-11 for LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 30.

C/C++ Examples

• “Interface Check for GPIB Using VISA and C” on page 68

• “Queries for RS-232 Using VISA and C” on page 135

• “Local Lockout Using NI-488.2 and C++” on page 71

• “Queries Using NI-488.2 and Visual C++” on page 73

• “Queries for GPIB Using VISA and C” on page 75

• “Generating a CW Signal Using VISA and C” on page 77

• “Generating an Externally Applied AC- Coupled FM Signal Using VISA and C” on page 79

• “Generating an Internal FM Signal Using VISA and C” on page 81

• “Generating a Step- Swept Signal Using VISA and C++” on page 83

• “Reading the Data Questionable Status Register Using VISA and C” on page 90

• “Reading the Service Request Interrupt (SRQ) Using VISA and C” on page 94

• “VXI- 11 Programming Using SICL and C++” on page 102

• “VXI- 11 Programming Using VISA and C++” on page 103

• “Sockets LAN Programming and C” on page 105

• “Interface Check Using VISA and C” on page 132

• “Queries for RS-232 Using VISA and C” on page 135

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 59

Programming Examples Using the Programming Interface Examples

Running C# Examples

To run the example program State_Files.cs on page 326, you must have the .NET framework installed on your computer. You must also have the Agilent IO Libraries installed on your computer. The .NET framework can be downloaded from the Microsoft website. For more information on running C# programs using .NET framework, see Chapter 6.

NOTE To communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface you must enable the

VXI- 11 SCPI service. For more information, refer to “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN

(Agilent MXG)” on page 29 and “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 30.

Running Basic Examples

The BASIC programming interface examples provided in this chapter use either HP Basic or Visual Basic 6.0 languages.

Visual Basic 6.0 Programming Examples

To run the example programs written in Visual Basic 6.0 you must include references to the IO Libraries. For more information on VISA and IO libraries, refer to the Agilent VISA User’s Manual, available on Agilent’s website: http://www.agilent.com. In the Visual Basic IDE (Integrated Development Environment) go to Project–References and place a check mark on the following references:

• Agilent VISA COM Resource Manager 1.0

•VISA COM 1.0 Type Library

NOTE If you want to use VISA functions such as viWrite, then you must add the visa32.bas module

The signal generator’s VXI- 11 SCPI service must be on before you can run the Download Visual Basic

6.0 programming example.

NOTE To communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface you must enable the

60 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

to your Visual Basic project.

VXI- 11 SCPI service. For more information, refer to “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN

(Agilent MXG)” on page 29 and “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 30.

Using the Programming Interface Examples

You can start a new Standard EXE project and add the required references. Once the required references are included, you can copy the example programs into your project and add a command button to Form1 that will call the program.

The example Visual Basic 6.0 programs are available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM, enabling you to cut and paste the examples into your project.

Visual Basic Examples

The Visual Basic examples enable the use of waveform files and are located in Chapter 5.

• “Creating I/Q Data—Little Endian Order” on page 262

• “Downloading I/Q Data” on page 265

HP Basic Examples

• “Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 66

• “Local Lockout Using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 69

• “Queries Using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 72

• “Queries Using HP Basic and RS- 232” on page 134

• “Using 8757D Pass-Thru Commands (PSG with Option 007 Only)” on page 98

Programming Examples

Running Java Examples

The Java program “Sockets LAN Programming Using Java” on page 128, connects to the signal generator via sockets LAN. This program requires Java version 1.1 or later be installed on your PC. For more information on sockets LAN programming with Java, refer to “Sockets LAN Programming

Using Java” on page 128.

Running MATLAB Examples

For information regarding programming examples and files required to create and play waveform files, refer to Chapter 5.

NOTE To communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface you must enable the

VXI- 11 SCPI service. For more information, refer to “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN

(Agilent MXG)” on page 29 and “Configuring the VXI- 11 for LAN (ESG/PSG/E8663B)” on page 30.

Running Perl Examples

The Perl example “Sockets LAN Programming Using PERL” on page 130, uses PERL script to control the signal generator over the sockets LAN interface.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 61

Programming Examples Using GPIB

Using GPIB

The following sections contain information for installing a GPIB interface card or NI- GPIB interface card for your PC or UNIX-based system.

• “Installing the GPIB Interface Card” on page 62

For more information on setting up a GPIB interface card or NI- GPIB interface card, refer to:

• “Set Up the GPIB Interface” on page 24

• “Verify GPIB Functionality” on page 25

NOTE You can also connect GPIB instruments to a PC USB port using the Agilent 82357A

USB/GPIB Interface Converter, which eliminates the need for a GPIB card. For more information, go to http://www.agilent.com/find/gpib.

Installing the GPIB Interface Card

Refer to “Installing the GPIB Interface” on page 22.

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

• “Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 66

• “Interface Check Using NI- 488.2 and C++” on page 67

• “Interface Check for GPIB Using VISA and C” on page 68

• “Local Lockout Using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 69

• “Local Lockout Using NI-488.2 and C++” on page 71

• “Queries Using HP Basic and GPIB” on page 72

• “Queries Using NI-488.2 and Visual C++” on page 73

• “Queries for GPIB Using VISA and C” on page 75

• “Generating a CW Signal Using VISA and C” on page 77

• “Generating an Externally Applied AC- Coupled FM Signal Using VISA and C” on page 79

• “Generating an Internal FM Signal Using VISA and C” on page 81

• “Generating a Step- Swept Signal Using VISA and C++” on page 83

• “Generating a Swept Signal Using VISA and Visual C++” on page 84

• “Saving and Recalling States Using VISA and C” on page 88

• “Reading the Data Questionable Status Register Using VISA and C” on page 90

• “Reading the Service Request Interrupt (SRQ) Using VISA and C” on page 94

• “Using 8757D Pass-Thru Commands (PSG with Option 007 Only)” on page 98

Before Using the GPIB Examples

HP Basic addresses the signal generator at 719. The GPIB card is addressed at 7 and the signal generator at 19. The GPIB address designator for other libraries is typically GPIB0 or GPIB1.

62 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

GPIB Function Statements (Command Messages)

Function statements are the basis for GPIB programming and instrument control. These function statements, combined with SCPI, provide management and data communication for the GPIB interface and the signal generator.

This section describes functions used by different IO libraries. For more information, refer to the NI- 488.2 Function Reference Manual for Windows, Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library reference manual, and Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 documentation.

Abort Function

The HP Basic function ABORT and the other listed IO library functions terminate listener/talker activity on the GPIB and prepare the signal generator to receive a new command from the computer. Typically, this is an initialization command used to place the GPIB in a known starting condition.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The ABORT function stops all GPIB activity. 10 ABORT 7

VISA Library In VISA, the viTerminate command requests a VISA session

to terminate normal execution of an asynchronous operation. The parameter list describes the session and job id.

NI- 488.2 The NI-488.2 library function aborts any asynchronous read,

write, or command operation that is in progress. The parameter ud is the interface or device descriptor.

SICL The Agilent SICL function aborts any command currently

executing with the session id. This function is supported with C/C++ on Windows 3.1 and Series 700 HP- UX.

viTerminate (parameter list)

ibstop(int ud)

iabort (id)

Remote Function

The HP Basic function REMOTE and the other listed IO library functions change the signal generator from local operation to remote operation. In remote operation, the front panel keys are disabled except for the Local key and the line power switch. Pressing the Local key restores manual operation.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The REMOTE 719 function disables the front panel operation

of all keys with the exception of the Local key.

VISA Library The VISA library, at this time, does not have a similar

command.

NI- 488.2 The NI-488.2 library function asserts the Remote Enable

(REN) GPIB line. All devices listed in the parameter list are put into a listen- active state although no indication is generated by the signal generator. The parameter list describes the interface or device descriptor.

10 REMOTE 719

N/A

EnableRemote (parameter list)

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 63

Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

SICL The Agilent SICL function puts an instrument, identified by

the id parameter, into remote mode and disables the front panel keys. Pressing the Local key on the signal generator front panel restores manual operation. The parameter id is the session identifier.

iremote (id)

Local Lockout Function

The HP Basic function LOCAL LOCKOUT and the other listed IO library functions disable the front panel keys including the Local key. With the Local key disabled, only the controller (or a hard reset of line power) can restore local control.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The LOCAL LOCKOUT function disables all front-panel signal

generator keys. Return to local control can occur only by cycling power on the instrument, when the LOCAL command is sent or if the Preset key is pressed.

VISA Library The VISA library, at this time, does not have a similar

command.

NI- 488.2 The LOCAL LOCKOUT function disables all front-panel signal

generator keys. Return to local control can occur only by cycling power on the instrument, when the LOCAL command is sent or if the Preset key is pressed.

SICL The Agilent SICL igpibllo prevents function prevents user

access to front panel keys operation. The function puts an instrument, identified by the id parameter, into remote mode with local lockout. The parameter id is the session identifier and instrument address list.

10 LOCAL LOCKOUT 719

N/A

SetRWLS (parameter list)

igpibllo (id)

Local Function

The HP Basic function LOCAL and the other listed functions return the signal generator to local control with a fully enabled front panel.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The LOCAL 719 function returns the signal generator to

manual operation, allowing access to the signal generator’s front panel keys.

VISA Library The VISA library, at this time, does not have a similar

command.

64 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

10 LOCAL 719

N/A

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

Programming Examples

NI- 488.2 The NI-488.2 library function places the interface in local

mode and allows operation of the signal generator’s front panel keys. The ud parameter in the parameter list is the interface or device descriptor.

SICL The Agilent SICL function puts the signal generator into

Local operation; enabling front panel key operation. The id parameter identifies the session.

ibloc (int ud)

iloc(id)

Clear Function

The HP Basic function CLEAR and the other listed IO library functions clear the signal generator.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The CLEAR 719 function halts all pending output-parameter

operations, resets the parser (interpreter of programming codes) and prepares for a new programming code, stops any sweep in progress, and turns off continuous sweep.

VISA Library The VISA library uses the viClear function. This function

performs an IEEE 488.1 clear of the signal generator.

NI- 488.2 The NI-488.2 library function sends the GPIB Selected

Device Clear (SDC) message to the device described by ud.

SICL The Agilent SICL function clears a device or interface. The

function also discards data in both the read and write formatted IO buffers. The id parameter identifies the session.

10 CLEAR 719

viClear(ViSession vi)

ibclr(int ud)

iclear (id)

Output Function

The HP Basic IO function OUTPUT and the other listed IO library functions put the signal generator into a listen mode and prepare it to receive ASCII data, typically SCPI commands.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The function OUTPUT 719 puts the signal generator into

remote mode, makes it a listener, and prepares it to receive data.

VISA Library The VISA library uses the above function and associated

parameter list to output data. This function formats according to the format string and sends data to the device. The parameter list describes the session id and data to send.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 65

10 OUTPUT 719

viPrintf(parameter list)

Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

NI- 488.2 The NI-488.2 library function addresses the GPIB and writes

data to the signal generator. The parameter list includes the instrument address, session id, and the data to send.

SICL The Agilent SICL function converts data using the format

string. The format string specifies how the argument is converted before it is output. The function sends the characters in the format string directly to the instrument. The parameter list includes the instrument address, data buffer to write, and so forth.

ibwrt(parameter list)

iprintf (parameter list)

Enter Function

The HP Basic function ENTER reads formatted data from the signal generator. Other IO libraries use similar functions to read data from the signal generator.

Library Function Statement Initialization Command

HP Basic The function ENTER 719 puts the signal generator into

remote mode, makes it a talker, and assigns data or status information to a designated variable.

VISA Library The VISA library uses the viScanf function and an

associated parameter list to receive data. This function receives data from the instrument, formats it using the format string, and stores the data in the argument list. The parameter list includes the session id and string argument.

NI- 488.2 The NI-488.2 library function addresses the GPIB, reads

data bytes from the signal generator, and stores the data into a specified buffer. The parameter list includes the instrument address and session id.

10 ENTER 719;

viScanf (parameter list)

ibrd (parameter list)

SICL The Agilent SICL function reads formatted data, converts it,

and stores the results into the argument list. The conversion is done using conversion rules for the format string. The parameter list includes the instrument address, formatted data to read, and so forth.

iscanf (parameter list)

Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB

This simple program causes the signal generator to perform an instrument reset. The SCPI command *RST places the signal generator into a pre- defined state and the remote annunciator (R) appears on the front panel display.

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

basicex1.txt.

10 !******************************************************************************

66 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

20 !

30 ! PROGRAM NAME: basicex1.txt

40 !

50 ! PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program verifies that the GPIB connections and

60 ! interface are functional.

70 !

80 ! Connect a controller to the signal generator using a GPIB cable.

90 !

100 !

110 ! CLEAR and RESET the controller and type in the following commands and then

120 ! RUN the program:

130 !

140 !******************************************************************************

150 !

160 Sig_gen=719 ! Declares a variable to hold the signal generator's address

170 LOCAL Sig_gen ! Places the signal generator into Local mode

180 CLEAR Sig_gen ! Clears any pending data I/O and resets the parser

190 REMOTE 719 ! Puts the signal generator into remote mode

200 CLEAR SCREEN ! Clears the controllers display

210 REMOTE 719

220 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"*RST" ! Places the signal generator into a defined state

230 PRINT "The signal generator should now be in REMOTE."

240 PRINT

250 PRINT "Verify that the remote [R] annunciator is on. Press the `Local' key, "

260 PRINT "on the front panel to return the signal generator to local control."

270 PRINT

280 PRINT "Press RUN to start again."

290 END ! Program ends

Programming Examples

Interface Check Using NI-488.2 and C++

This example uses the NI- 488.2 library to verify that the GPIB connections and interface are functional. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file.

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

niex1.cpp.

// ***************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM NAME: niex1.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program verifies that the GPIB connections and

// interface are functional.

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 67

Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

// Connect a GPIB cable from the PC GPIB card to the signal generator

// Enter the following code into the source .cpp file and execute the program

// ***************************************************************************************

#include "stdafx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include "windows.h"

#include "Decl-32.h"

using namespace std;

int GPIB0= 0; // Board handle

Addr4882_t Address[31]; // Declares an array of type Addr4882_t

int main(void)

{

int sig; // Declares a device descriptor variable

sig = ibdev(0, 19, 0, 13, 1, 0); // Aquires a device descriptor

ibclr(sig); // Sends device clear message to signal generator

ibwrt(sig, "*RST", 4); // Places the signal generator into a defined state

// Print data to the output window

cout << "The signal generator should now be in REMOTE. The remote indicator"<<endl;

cout <<"annunciator R should appear on the signal generator display"<<endl;

return 0;

}

Interface Check for GPIB Using VISA and C

This program uses VISA library functions and the C language to communicate with the signal generator. The program verifies that the GPIB connections and interface are functional. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. visaex1.cpp performs the following functions:

• verifies the GPIB connections and interface are functional

• switches the signal generator into remote operation mode

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex1.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM NAME:visaex1.cpp

68 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:This example program verifies that the GPIB connections and

// and interface are functional.

// Turn signal generator power off then on and then run the program

//****************************************************************************************

#include <visa.h>

#include <stdio.h>

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <stdlib.h>

void main ()

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi; // Declares a variable of type ViSession

// for instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0;

// Opens a session to the GPIB device

// at address 19

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // initializes signal generator

// prints to the output window

printf("The signal generator should now be in REMOTE. The remote indicator\n");

printf("annunciator R should appear on the signal generator display\n");

printf("\n");

viClose(vi); // closes session

viClose(defaultRM); // closes default session

}

Programming Examples

Local Lockout Using HP Basic and GPIB

This example demonstrates the Local Lockout function. Local Lockout disables the front panel signal generator keys. basicex2.txt performs the following functions:

• resets instrument

• places signal generator into local

• places signal generator into remote

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 69

Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

basicex2.txt.

10 !*************************************************************************

20 !

30 ! PROGRAM NAME: basicex2.txt

40 !

50 ! PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In REMOTE mode, access to the signal generators

60 ! functional front panel keys are disabled except for

70 ! the Local and Contrast keys. The LOCAL LOCKOUT

80 ! command will disable the Local key.

90 ! The LOCAL command, executed from the controller, is then

100 ! the only way to return the signal generator to front panel,

110 ! Local, control.

120 !*************************************************************************

130 Sig_gen=719 ! Declares a variable to hold signal generator address

140 CLEAR Sig_gen ! Resets signal generator parser and clears any output

150 LOCAL Sig_gen ! Places the signal generator in local mode

160 REMOTE Sig_gen ! Places the signal generator in remote mode

170 CLEAR SCREEN ! Clears the controllers display

180 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"*RST" ! Places the signal generator in a defined state

190 ! The following print statements are user prompts

200 PRINT "The signal generator should now be in remote."

210 PRINT "Verify that the 'R' and 'L' annunciators are visable"

220 PRINT ".......... Press Continue"

230 PAUSE

240 LOCAL LOCKOUT 7 ! Puts the signal generator in LOCAL LOCKOUT mode

250 PRINT ! Prints user prompt messages

260 PRINT "Signal generator should now be in LOCAL LOCKOUT mode."

270 PRINT

280 PRINT "Verify that all keys including `Local' (except Contrast keys) have no effect."

290 PRINT

300 PRINT ".......... Press Continue"

310 PAUSE

320 PRINT

330 LOCAL 7 ! Returns signal generator to Local control

340 ! The following print statements are user prompts

350 PRINT "Signal generator should now be in Local mode."

360 PRINT

370 PRINT "Verify that the signal generator's front-panel keyboard is functional."

380 PRINT

390 PRINT "To re-start this program press RUN."

400 END

70 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

Local Lockout Using NI-488.2 and C++

This example uses the NI- 488.2 library to set the signal generator local lockout mode. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. niex2.cpp performs the following functions:

• all front panel keys, except the contrast key

• places the signal generator into remote

• prompts the user to verify the signal generator is in remote

• places the signal generator into local

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

niex2.cpp.

// ************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM NAME: niex2.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program will place the signal generator into

// LOCAL LOCKOUT mode. All front panel keys, except the Contrast key, will be disabled.

// The local command, 'ibloc(sig)' executed via program code, is the only way to

// return the signal generator to front panel, Local, control.

// ************************************************************************************

#include "stdafx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include "windows.h"

#include "Decl-32.h"

using namespace std;

int GPIB0= 0; // Board handle

Addr4882_t Address[31]; // Declares a variable of type Addr4882_t

int main()

{

int sig; // Declares variable to hold interface descriptor

sig = ibdev(0, 19, 0, 13, 1, 0); // Opens and initialize a device descriptor

ibclr(sig); // Sends GPIB Selected Device Clear (SDC) message

ibwrt(sig, "*RST", 4); // Places signal generator in a defined state

cout << "The signal generator should now be in REMOTE. The remote mode R "<<endl;

cout <<"annunciator should appear on the signal generator display."<<endl;

cout <<"Press Enter to continue"<<endl;

cin.ignore(10000,'\n');

SendIFC(GPIB0); // Resets the GPIB interface

Address[0]=19; // Signal generator's address

Address[1]=NOADDR; // Signifies end element in array. Defined in

// DECL-32.H

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SetRWLS(GPIB0, Address); // Places device in Remote with Lockout State.

cout<< "The signal generator should now be in LOCAL LOCKOUT. Verify that all

keys"<<endl;

cout<< "including the 'Local' key are disabled (Contrast keys are not

cout <<"Press Enter to continue"<<endl;

cin.ignore(10000,'\n');

ibloc(sig); // Returns signal generator to local control

cout<<endl;

cout <<"The signal generator should now be in local mode\n";

return 0;}

}

affected)"<<endl;

Queries Using HP Basic and GPIB

This example demonstrates signal generator query commands. The signal generator can be queried for conditions and setup parameters. Query commands are identified by the question mark as in the identify command *IDN? basicex3.txt performs the following functions:

• clears the signal generator

• queries the signal generator’s settings

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

basicex3.txt.

10 !********************************************************************************

20 !

30 ! PROGRAM NAME: basicex3.txt

40 !

50 ! PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In this example, query commands are used with response

60 ! data formats.

70 !

80 ! CLEAR and RESET the controller and RUN the following program:

90 !

100 !********************************************************************************

110 !

120 DIM A$[10],C$[100],D$[10] ! Declares variables to hold string response data

130 INTEGER B ! Declares variable to hold integer response data

140 Sig_gen=719 ! Declares variable to hold signal generator address

150 LOCAL Sig_gen ! Puts signal generator in Local mode

160 CLEAR Sig_gen ! Resets parser and clears any pending output

170 CLEAR SCREEN ! Clears the controller’s display

180 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"*RST" ! Puts signal generator into a defined state

190 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"FREQ:CW?" ! Querys the signal generator CW frequency setting

200 ENTER Sig_gen;F ! Enter the CW frequency setting

210 ! Print frequency setting to the controller display

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220 PRINT "Present source CW frequency is: ";F/1.E+6;"MHz"

230 PRINT

240 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"POW:AMPL?" ! Querys the signal generator power level

250 ENTER Sig_gen;W ! Enter the power level

260 ! Print power level to the controller display

270 PRINT "Current power setting is: ";W;"dBM"

280 PRINT

290 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"FREQ:MODE?" ! Querys the signal generator for frequency mode

300 ENTER Sig_gen;A$ ! Enter in the mode: CW, Fixed or List

310 ! Print frequency mode to the controller display

320 PRINT "Source's frequency mode is: ";A$

330 PRINT

340 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"OUTP OFF" ! Turns signal generator RF state off

350 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"OUTP?" ! Querys the operating state of the signal generator

360 ENTER Sig_gen;B ! Enter in the state (0 for off)

370 ! Print the on/off state of the signal generator to the controller display

380 IF B>0 THEN

390 PRINT "Signal Generator output is: on"

400 ELSE

410 PRINT "Signal Generator output is: off"

420 END IF

430 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"*IDN?" ! Querys for signal generator ID

440 ENTER Sig_gen;C$ ! Enter in the signal generator ID

450 ! Print the signal generator ID to the controller display

460 PRINT

470 PRINT "This signal generator is a ";C$

480 PRINT

490 ! The next command is a query for the signal generator's GPIB address

500 OUTPUT Sig_gen;"SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR?"

510 ENTER Sig_gen;D$ ! Enter in the signal generator's address

520 ! Print the signal generator's GPIB address to the controllers display

530 PRINT "The GPIB address is ";D$

540 PRINT

550 ! Print user prompts to the controller's display

560 PRINT "The signal generator is now under local control"

570 PRINT "or Press RUN to start again."

580 END

Programming Examples

Queries Using NI-488.2 and Visual C++

This example uses the NI- 488.2 library to query different instrument states and conditions. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. niex3.cpp performs the following functions:

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• resets the signal generator

• queries the signal generator for various settings

• reads the various settings

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

niex3.cpp.

//*************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM NAME: niex3.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This example demonstrates the use of query commands.

// The signal generator can be queried for conditions and instrument states.

// These commands are of the type "*IDN?" where the question mark indicates

// a query.

//*************************************************************************************

#include "stdafx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include "windows.h"

#include "Decl-32.h"

using namespace std;

int GPIB0= 0; // Board handle

Addr4882_t Address[31]; // Declare a variable of type Addr4882_t

int main()

{

int sig; // Declares variable to hold interface descriptor

int num;

char rdVal[100]; // Declares variable to read instrument responses

sig = ibdev(0, 19, 0, 13, 1, 0); // Open and initialize a device descriptor

ibloc(sig); // Places the signal generator in local mode

ibclr(sig); // Sends Selected Device Clear(SDC) message

ibwrt(sig, "*RST", 4); // Places signal generator in a defined state

ibwrt(sig, ":FREQuency:CW?",14); // Querys the CW frequency

ibrd(sig, rdVal,100); // Reads in the response into rdVal

rdVal[ibcntl] = '\0'; // Null character indicating end of array

cout<<"Source CW frequency is "<<rdVal; // Print frequency of signal generator

cout<<"Press any key to continue"<<endl;

cin.ignore(10000,'\n');

ibwrt(sig, "POW:AMPL?",10); // Querys the signal generator

ibrd(sig, rdVal,100); // Reads the signal generator power level

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rdVal[ibcntl] = '\0'; // Null character indicating end of array

// Prints signal generator power level

cout<<"Source power (dBm) is : "<<rdVal;

cout<<"Press any key to continue"<<endl;

cin.ignore(10000,'\n');

ibwrt(sig, ":FREQ:MODE?",11); // Querys source frequency mode

ibrd(sig, rdVal,100); // Enters in the source frequency mode

rdVal[ibcntl] = '\0'; // Null character indicating end of array

cout<<"Source frequency mode is "<<rdVal; // Print source frequency mode

cout<<"Press any key to continue"<<endl;

cin.ignore(10000,'\n');

ibwrt(sig, "OUTP OFF",12); // Turns off RF source

ibwrt(sig, "OUTP?",5); // Querys the on/off state of the instrument

ibrd(sig,rdVal,2); // Enter in the source state

rdVal[ibcntl] = '\0';

num = (int (rdVal[0]) -('0'));

if (num > 0){

cout<<"Source RF state is : On"<<endl;

}else{

cout<<"Source RF state is : Off"<<endl;}

cout<<endl;

ibwrt(sig, "*IDN?",5); // Querys the instrument ID

ibrd(sig, rdVal,100); // Reads the source ID

rdVal[ibcntl] = '\0'; // Null character indicating end of array

cout<<"Source ID is : "<<rdVal; // Prints the source ID

cout<<"Press any key to continue"<<endl;

cin.ignore(10000,'\n');

ibwrt(sig, "SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR?",20); //Querys source address

ibrd(sig, rdVal,100); // Reads the source address

rdVal[ibcntl] = '\0'; // Null character indicates end of array

// Prints the signal generator address

cout<<"Source GPIB address is : "<<rdVal;

cout<<endl;

cout<<"Press the 'Local' key to return the signal generator to LOCAL control”<<endl; cout<<endl;

return 0;

}

Programming Examples

Queries for GPIB Using VISA and C

This example uses VISA library functions to query different instrument states and conditions. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. visaex3.cpp performs the following functions:

• verifies the GPIB connections and interface are functional

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• resets the signal generator

• queries the instrument (CW frequency, power level, frequency mode, and RF state)

• reads responses into the rdBuffer (CW frequency, power level, and frequency mode)

• turns signal generator RF state off

• verifies RF state off

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex3.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM FILE NAME:visaex3.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:This example demonstrates the use of query commands. The signal

// generator can be queried for conditions and instrument states. These commands are of

// the type "*IDN?"; the question mark indicates a query.

//****************************************************************************************

#include <visa.h>

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include <conio.h>

#include <stdlib.h>

using namespace std;

void main ()

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi; // Declares variables of type ViSession

// for instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0; // Declares a variable of type ViStatus

// for GPIB verifications

char rdBuffer [256]; // Declares variable to hold string data

int num; // Declares variable to hold integer data

// Initialize the VISA system

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);

// Open session to GPIB device at address 19

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){ // If problems, then prompt user

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ:CW?\n"); // Querys the CW frequency

76 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

viScanf(vi, "%t", rdBuffer); // Reads response into rdBuffer

// Prints the source frequency

printf("Source CW frequency is : %s\n", rdBuffer);

printf("Press any key to continue\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character to the display

getch();

viPrintf(vi, "POW:AMPL?\n"); // Querys the power level

viScanf(vi, "%t", rdBuffer); // Reads the response into rdBuffer

// Prints the source power level

printf("Source power (dBm) is : %s\n", rdBuffer);

printf("Press any key to continue\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character to the display

getch();

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ:MODE?\n"); // Querys the frequency mode

viScanf(vi, "%t", rdBuffer); // Reads the response into rdBuffer

// Prints the source freq mode

printf("Source frequency mode is : %s\n", rdBuffer);

printf("Press any key to continue\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character to the display

getch();

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP OFF\n"); // Turns source RF state off

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP?\n"); // Querys the signal generator's RF state

viScanf(vi, "%1i", &num); // Reads the response (integer value)

// Prints the on/off RF state

if (num > 0 ) {

printf("Source RF state is : on\n");

}else{

printf("Source RF state is : off\n");

}

// Close the sessions

viClose(vi);

viClose(defaultRM);

}

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

Generating a CW Signal Using VISA and C

This example uses VISA library functions to control the signal generator. The signal generator is set for a CW frequency of 500 kHz and a power level of −2.3 dBm. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the code into your .cpp source file. visaex4.cpp performs the following functions:

• verifies the GPIB connections and interface are functional

• resets the signal generator

• queries the instrument (CW frequency, power level, frequency mode, and RF state)

• reads responses into the rdBuffer (CW frequency, power level, and frequency mode)

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Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

• turns signal generator RF state off

• verifies RF state off

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex4.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM FILE NAME: visaex4.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This example demonstrates query commands. The signal generator

// frequency and power level.

// The RF state of the signal generator is turn on and then the state is queried. The

// response will indicate that the RF state is on. The RF state is then turned off and

// queried. The response should indicate that the RF state is off. The query results are

// printed to the to the display window.

//****************************************************************************************

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <visa.h>

#include <iostream>

#include <stdlib.h>

#include <conio.h>

void main ()

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi; // Declares variables of type ViSession

// for instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0; // Declares a variable of type ViStatus

// for GPIB verifications

char rdBuffer [256]; // Declare variable to hold string data

int num; // Declare variable to hold integer data

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM); // Initialize VISA system

// Open session to GPIB device at address 19

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){ // If problems then prompt user

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Reset the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ 500 kHz\n"); // Set the source CW frequency for 500 kHz

78 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ:CW?\n"); // Query the CW frequency

viScanf(vi, "%t", rdBuffer); // Read signal generator response

printf("Source CW frequency is : %s\n", rdBuffer); // Print the frequency

viPrintf(vi, "POW:AMPL -2.3 dBm\n"); // Set the power level to -2.3 dBm

viPrintf(vi, "POW:AMPL?\n"); // Query the power level

viScanf(vi, "%t", rdBuffer); // Read the response into rdBuffer

printf("Source power (dBm) is : %s\n", rdBuffer); // Print the power level

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP:STAT ON\n"); // Turn source RF state on

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP?\n"); // Query the signal generator's RF state

viScanf(vi, "%1i", &num); // Read the response (integer value)

// Print the on/off RF state

if (num > 0 ) {

printf("Source RF state is : on\n");

}else{

printf("Source RF state is : off\n");

}

printf("\n");

printf("Verify RF state then press continue\n");

printf("\n");

getch();

viClear(vi);

viPrintf(vi,"OUTP:STAT OFF\n"); // Turn source RF state off

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP?\n"); // Query the signal generator's RF state

viScanf(vi, "%1i", &num); // Read the response

// Print the on/off RF state

if (num > 0 ) {

printf("Source RF state is now: on\n");

}else{

printf("Source RF state is now: off\n");

}

// Close the sessions

printf("\n");

viClear(vi);

viClose(vi);

viClose(defaultRM);

}

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

Generating an Externally Applied AC-Coupled FM Signal Using VISA and C

In this example, the VISA library is used to generate an ac- coupled FM signal at a carrier frequency of 700 MHz, a power level of −2.5 dBm, and a deviation of 20 kHz. Before running the program:

• Connect the output of a modulating signal source to the signal generator’s EXT 2 input connector.

• Set the modulation signal source for the desired FM characteristics.

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Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the code into your .cpp source file. visaex5.cpp performs the following functions:

•error checking

• resets the signal generator

• sets up the EXT 2 connector on the signal generator for FM

• sets up FM path 2 coupling to AC

• sets up FM path 2 deviation to 20 kHz

• sets carrier frequency to 700 MHz

• sets the power level to - 2.5 dBm

• turns on frequency modulation and RF output

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex5.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM FILE NAME:visaex5.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:This example sets the signal generator FM source to External 2,

// coupling to AC, deviation to 20 kHZ, carrier frequency to 700 MHz and the power level

// to -2.5 dBm. The RF state is set to on.

//****************************************************************************************

#include <visa.h>

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include <stdlib.h>

#include <conio.h>

void main ()

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi; // Declares variables of type ViSession

// for instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0; // Declares a variable of type ViStatus

// for GPIB verifications

// Initialize VISA session

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);

// open session to gpib device at address 19

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){ // If problems, then prompt user

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

80 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

printf("Example program to set up the signal generator\n");

printf("for an AC-coupled FM signal\n");

printf("Press any key to continue\n");

printf("\n");

getch();

printf("\n");

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "FM:SOUR EXT2\n"); // Sets EXT 2 source for FM

viPrintf(vi, "FM:EXT2:COUP AC\n"); // Sets FM path 2 coupling to AC

viPrintf(vi, "FM:DEV 20 kHz\n"); // Sets FM path 2 deviation to 20 kHz

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ 700 MHz\n"); // Sets carrier frequency to 700 MHz

viPrintf(vi, "POW:AMPL -2.5 dBm\n"); // Sets the power level to -2.5 dBm

viPrintf(vi, "FM:STAT ON\n"); // Turns on frequency modulation

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP:STAT ON\n"); // Turns on RF output

// Print user information

printf("Power level : -2.5 dBm\n");

printf("FM state : on\n");

printf("RF output : on\n");

printf("Carrier Frequency : 700 MHZ\n");

printf("Deviation : 20 kHZ\n");

printf("EXT2 and AC coupling are selected\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints a carrage return

// Close the sessions

viClose(vi);

viClose(defaultRM);

}

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

Generating an Internal FM Signal Using VISA and C

In this example the VISA library is used to generate an internal FM signal at a carrier frequency of 900 MHz and a power level of −15 dBm. The FM rate will be 5 kHz and the peak deviation will be 100 kHz. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. visaex6.cpp performs the following functions:

•error checking

• resets the signal generator

• sets up the signal generator for FM path 2 and internal FM rate of 5 kHz

• sets up FM path 2 deviation to 100 kHz

• sets carrier frequency to 900 MHz

• sets the power level to - 15 dBm

• turns on frequency modulation and RF output

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex6.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

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// PROGRAM FILE NAME:visaex6.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPION:This example generates an internal FM signal at a 900

// MHz carrier frequency and a power level of -15 dBm. The FM rate is 5 kHz and the peak

// deviation 100 kHz

//****************************************************************************************

#include <visa.h>

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include <stdlib.h>

#include <conio.h>

void main ()

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi; // Declares variables of type ViSession

// for instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0; // Declares a variable of type ViStatus

// for GPIB verifications

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM); // Initialize VISA session

// open session to gpib device at address 19

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){ // If problems, then prompt user

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

printf("Example program to set up the signal generator\n");

printf("for an AC-coupled FM signal\n");

printf("\n");

printf("Press any key to continue\n");

getch();

viClear(vi); // Clears the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "FM2:INT:FREQ 5 kHz\n"); // Sets FM path 2 to internal at a modulation rate of 5 kHz

viPrintf(vi, "FM2:DEV 100 kHz\n"); // Sets FM path 2 modulation deviation rate of 100 kHz

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ 900 MHz\n"); // Sets carrier frequency to 900 MHz

viPrintf(vi, "POW -15 dBm\n"); // Sets the power level to -15 dBm

viPrintf(vi, "FM2:STAT ON\n"); // Turns on frequency modulation

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viPrintf(vi, "OUTP:STAT ON\n"); // Turns on RF output

printf("\n"); // Prints a carriage return

// Print user information

printf("Power level : -15 dBm\n");

printf("FM state : on\n");

printf("RF output : on\n");

printf("Carrier Frequency : 900 MHZ\n");

printf("Deviation : 100 kHZ\n");

printf("Internal modulation : 5 kHz\n");

printf("\n"); // Print a carrage return

// Close the sessions

viClose(vi);

viClose(defaultRM);

}

Programming Examples

Generating a Step-Swept Signal Using VISA and C++

In this example the VISA library is used to set the signal generator for a continuous step sweep on a defined set of points from 500 MHz to 800 MHz. The number of steps is set for 10 and the dwell time at each step is set to 500 ms. The signal generator will then be set to local mode which allows the user to make adjustments from the front panel. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. visaex7.cpp performs the following functions:

• clears and resets the signal generator

• sets up the instrument for continuous step sweep

• sets up the start and stop sweep frequencies

• sets up the number of steps

• sets the power level

• turns on the RF output

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex7.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM FILE NAME:visaex7.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:This example will program the signal generator to perform a step

// sweep from 500-800 MHz with a .5 sec dwell at each frequency step.

//****************************************************************************************

#include <visa.h>

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <iostream>

void main ()

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Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi;// Declares variables of type ViSession

// vi establishes instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0;// Declares a variable of type ViStatus

// for GPIB verifications

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM); // Initialize VISA session

// Open session to GPIB device at address 19

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){// If problems, then prompt user

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

viClear(vi); // Clears the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "*CLS\n"); // Clears the status byte register

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ:MODE LIST\n"); // Sets the sig gen freq mode to list

viPrintf(vi, "LIST:TYPE STEP\n"); // Sets sig gen LIST type to step

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ:STAR 500 MHz\n"); // Sets start frequency

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ:STOP 800 MHz\n"); // Sets stop frequency

viPrintf(vi, "SWE:POIN 10\n"); // Sets number of steps (30 mHz/step)

viPrintf(vi, "SWE:DWEL .5 S\n"); // Sets dwell time to 500 ms/step

viPrintf(vi, "POW:AMPL -5 dBm\n"); // Sets the power level for -5 dBm

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP:STAT ON\n"); // Turns RF output on

viPrintf(vi, "INIT:CONT ON\n"); // Begins the step sweep operation

// Print user information

printf("The signal generator is in step sweep mode. The frequency range is\n");

printf("500 to 800 mHz. There is a .5 sec dwell time at each 30 mHz step.\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints a carriage return/line feed

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP:STAT OFF\n"); // Turns the RF output off

printf("Press the front panel Local key to return the\n");

printf("signal generator to manual operation.\n");

// Closes the sessions

printf("\n");

viClose(vi);

viClose(defaultRM);

}

Generating a Swept Signal Using VISA and Visual C++

This example sets up the signal generator for a frequency sweep from 1 to 2 GHz with 101 points

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GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

and a .01 second dwell period for each point. A loop is used to generator 5 sweep operations. The signal generator triggers each sweep with the :INIT command. There is a wait introduced in the loop to allow the signal generator to complete all operations such as set up and retrace before the next sweep is generated. visaex11.cpp performs the following functions:

• sets up the signal generator for a 1 to 2 GHz frequency sweep

• sets up the signal generator to have a dwell time of .01 seconds and 101 points in the sweep

• sleep function is used to allow the instrument to complete its sweep operation

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Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex11.cpp.

//************************************************************************

// PROGRAM FILE NAME: visaex11.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program sets up the signal generator to

// sweep from 1-2 GHz. A loop and counter are used to generate 5 sweeps.

// Each sweep consists of 101 points with a .01 second dwell at each point.

// The program uses a Sleep function to allow the signal generator to

// complete it's sweep operation before the INIT command is sent.

// The Sleep function is available with the windows.h header file which is

// included in the project.

// NOTE: Change the TCPIP0 address in the instOpenString declaration to

// match the IP address of your signal generator.

//************************************************************************

#include "stdafx.h"

#include "visa.h"

#include <iostream>

#include <windows.h>

void main ()

{

ViStatus stat;

ViSession defaultRM,inst;

int npoints = 101;

double dwell = 0.01;

int intCounter=5;

char* instOpenString = "TCPIP0::141.121.93.101::INSTR";

stat = viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);

stat = viOpen(defaultRM,instOpenString,VI_NULL,VI_NULL, &inst);

// preset to start clean

stat = viPrintf( inst, "*RST\n" );

// set power level for -10dBm

stat = viPrintf(inst, "POW -10DBM\n");

86 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

// set the start and stop frequency for the sweep

stat = viPrintf(inst, "FREQ:START 1GHZ\n");

stat = viPrintf(inst, "FREQ:STOP 2GHZ\n");

// setup dwell per point

stat = viPrintf(inst, "SWEEP:DWELL %e\n", dwell);

// setup number of points

stat = viPrintf(inst, "SWEEP:POINTS %d\n", npoints);

// set interface timeout to double the expected sweep time

// sweep takes (~15ms + dwell) per point * number of points

// the timeout should not be shorter then the sweep, set it

// longer

long timeoutMS = long(2*npoints*(.015+dwell)*1000);

// set the VISA timeout

stat = viSetAttribute(inst, VI_ATTR_TMO_VALUE, timeoutMS);

// set continuous trigger mode off

stat = viPrintf(inst, "INIT:CONT OFF\n");

// turn list sweep on

stat = viPrintf(inst, "FREQ:MODE LIST\n");

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples

int sweepNo = 0;

while(intCounter>0 )

{

// start the sweep (initialize)

stat = viPrintf(inst, "INIT\n");

printf("Sweep %d started\n",++sweepNo);

// wait for the sweep completion with *OPC?

int res ;

stat = viPrintf(inst, "*OPC?\n");

stat = viScanf(inst, "%d", &res);

// handle possible errors here (most likely a timeout)

// err_handler( inst, stat );

puts("Sweep ended");

// delay before sending next INIT since instrument

// may not be ready to receive it yet

Sleep(15);

intCounter = intCounter-1;

}

printf("End of Program\n\n");

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 87

Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

}

Saving and Recalling States Using VISA and C

In this example, instrument settings are saved in the signal generator’s save register. These settings can then be recalled separately; either from the keyboard or from the signal generator’s front panel. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. visaex8.cpp performs the following functions:

•error checking

• clears the signal generator

• resets the status byte register

• resets the signal generator

• sets up the signal generator frequency, ALC off, power level, RF output on

• checks for operation complete

• saves to settings to instrument register number one

• recalls information from register number one

• prompts user input to put instrument into Local and checks for operation complete

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex8.cpp.

//****************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM FILE NAME:visaex8.cpp

// PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:In this example, instrument settings are saved in the signal

// generator's registers and then recalled.

// Instrument settings can be recalled from the keyboard or, when the signal generator

// is put into Local control, from the front panel.

// This program will initialize the signal generator for an instrument state, store the

// state to register #1. An *RST command will reset the signal generator and a *RCL

// command will return it to the stored state. Following this remote operation the user

// will be instructed to place the signal generator in Local mode.

//****************************************************************************************

#include <visa.h>

#include "StdAfx.h"

#include <iostream>

#include <conio.h>

void main ()

{

ViSession defaultRM, vi;// Declares variables of type ViSession

// for instrument communication

ViStatus viStatus = 0;// Declares a variable of type ViStatus

88 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

// for GPIB verifications

long lngDone = 0; // Operation complete flag

viStatus=viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM); // Initialize VISA session

// Open session to gpib device at address 19

viStatus=viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB::19::INSTR", VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &vi);

if(viStatus){// If problems, then prompt user

printf("Could not open ViSession!\n");

printf("Check instruments and connections\n");

printf("\n");

exit(0);}

printf("\n");

viClear(vi); // Clears the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "*CLS\n"); // Resets the status byte register

// Print user information

printf("Programming example using the *SAV,*RCL SCPI commands\n");

printf("used to save and recall an instrument's state\n");

printf("\n");

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "FREQ 5 MHz\n"); // Sets sig gen frequency

viPrintf(vi, "POW:ALC OFF\n"); // Turns ALC Off

viPrintf(vi, "POW:AMPL -3.2 dBm\n"); // Sets power for -3.2 dBm

viPrintf(vi, "OUTP:STAT ON\n"); // Turns RF output On

viPrintf(vi, "*OPC?\n"); // Checks for operation complete

while (!lngDone)

viScanf (vi ,"%d",&lngDone); // Waits for setup to complete

viPrintf(vi, "*SAV 1\n"); // Saves sig gen state to register #1

// Print user information

printf("The current signal generator operating state will be saved\n");

printf("to Register #1. Observe the state then press Enter\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character

getch(); // Wait for user input

lngDone=0; // Resets the operation complete flag

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "*OPC?\n"); // Checks for operation complete

while (!lngDone)

viScanf (vi ,"%d",&lngDone); // Waits for setup to complete

// Print user infromation

printf("The instrument is now in it's Reset operating state. Press the\n");

printf("Enter key to return the signal generator to the Register #1 state\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character

getch(); // Waits for user input

Programming Examples

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 89

Programming Examples GPIB Programming Interface Examples

lngDone=0; // Reset the operation complete flag

viPrintf(vi, "*RCL 1\n"); // Recalls stored register #1 state

viPrintf(vi, "*OPC?\n"); // Checks for operation complete

while (!lngDone)

viScanf (vi ,"%d",&lngDone); // Waits for setup to complete

// Print user information

printf("The signal generator has been returned to it's Register #1 state\n");

printf("Press Enter to continue\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character

getch(); // Waits for user input

lngDone=0; // Reset the operation complete flag

viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"); // Resets the signal generator

viPrintf(vi, "*OPC?\n"); // Checks for operation complete

while (!lngDone)

viScanf (vi ,"%d",&lngDone); // Waits for setup to complete

// Print user information

printf("Press Local on instrument front panel to return to manual mode\n");

printf("\n"); // Prints new line character

// Close the sessions

viClose(vi);

viClose(defaultRM);

}

Reading the Data Questionable Status Register Using VISA and C

In this example, the signal generator’s data questionable status register is read. You will be asked to set up the signal generator for error generating conditions. The data questionable status register will be read and the program will notify the user of the error condition that the setup caused. Follow the user prompts presented when the program runs. Launch Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, add the required files, and enter the following code into your .cpp source file. visaex9.cpp performs the following functions:

•error checking

• clears the signal generator

• resets the signal generator

• the data questionable status register is enabled to read an unleveled condition

• prompts user to manually set up the signal generator for an unleveled condition

• queries the data questionable status register for any set bits and converts the string data to numeric

• based on the numeric value, program checks for a corresponding status check value

• similarly checks for over or undermodulation condition

The following program example is available on the signal generator Documentation CD- ROM as

visaex9.cpp.

//***************************************************************************************

// PROGRAM NAME:visaex9.cpp

90 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

Agilent E4438C Programming Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Documentation Overview

1 Getting Started with Remote Operation

Programming and Software/Hardware Layers

Interfaces

IO Libraries and Programming Languages

Agilent IO Libraries Suite

Windows NT and Agilent IO Libraries M (and Earlier)

Selecting IO Libraries for GPIB

Selecting IO Libraries for LAN

Programming Languages

Using the Web Browser

Enabling the Signal Generator Web Server

Preferences

Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (Agilent MXG)

Configuring the Display for Remote Command Setups (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Getting Help (Agilent MXG)

Getting Help (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Setting the Help Mode (ESG/PSG/E8663B)

Error Messages

Error Message File

Error Message Types

2 Using IO Interfaces

Using GPIB

Installing the GPIB Interface

Set Up the GPIB Interface

Verify GPIB Functionality

GPIB Interface Terms

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Before Using the GPIB Examples

Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB

Interface Check Using NI-488.2 and C++

Using LAN

Setting Up the LAN Interface

Setting up Private LAN

Verifying LAN Functionality

Using VXI-11

Using Sockets LAN

Using Telnet LAN

Using FTP

Using RS-232 (ESG, PSG, and E8663B Only)

Selecting IO Libraries for RS-232

Setting Up the RS-232 Interface

Verifying RS-232 Functionality

Character Format Parameters

If You Have Problems

RS-232 Programming Interface Examples

Before Using the Examples

Interface Check Using HP BASIC

Interface Check Using VISA and C

Queries Using HP Basic and RS-232

Queries for RS-232 Using VISA and C

Using USB (Agilent MXG)

Selecting I/O Libraries for USB

Setting Up the USB Interface

3 Programming Examples

Using the Programming Interface Examples

Programming Examples Development Environment

Running C++ Programs

Running C# Examples

Running Basic Examples

Running Java Examples

Running MATLAB Examples

Running Perl Examples

Using GPIB

Installing the GPIB Interface Card

GPIB Programming Interface Examples

Before Using the GPIB Examples

GPIB Function Statements (Command Messages)

Interface Check using HP Basic and GPIB

Interface Check Using NI-488.2 and C++

Interface Check for GPIB Using VISA and C

Local Lockout Using HP Basic and GPIB

Local Lockout Using NI-488.2 and C++

Queries Using HP Basic and GPIB

Queries Using NI-488.2 and Visual C++

Queries for GPIB Using VISA and C