Agilent Technologies 8166B, 8164A, 8163A, 8166A User Manual

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System

Programming Guide

Agilent Technologies

Notices

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No part of this document may reproduced in (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies GmbH as governed by United States and international copyright laws.

Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH Herrenberger Str. 130 71034 Böblingen Germany

Manual Part Number

08164-90B64

Edition

Fifth edition, January 2005

Fourth edition, April 2003

Third edition, February 2002

Second edition, Oktober 2001

First edition, July 2001

Warranty

This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Agilent. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent and Agilent shall pay shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Agilent from another country.

Agilent warrants that its software and firmware designated by Agilent for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Agilent does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.

Limitation of Warranty

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Agilent Technologies specifically disclaims the implied warranties of Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular Purpose.

Exclusive Remedies

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Assistance

Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are available for Agilent Technologies products. For any assistance contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.

Certification

Agilent Technologies Inc. certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies further certifies

that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST (formerly the United States National Bureau of Standards, NBS) to the extent allowed by the Institutes’s

calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

ISO 9001 Certification

Produced to ISO 9001 international quality system standard as part of our objective of continually increasing customer satisfaction through improved process control.

Safety Notices

CAUTION

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly per formed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

WARNING

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly per formed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Warnings and Notices

WARNING

To avoid the possibility of injury or death, you must observe the following precautions before switching on the instrument. Insert the power cable plug only into a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Do not negate this protective action by the using an extension cord without a protective conductor.

WARNING

Never look directly into the end of a fiber or a connector, unless you are absolutely certain that there is no signal in the fiber.

Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices

For more information about Agilent Technologies test and measurement products, applications, services, and for a current sales office listing, viesit our web site:

http://www.agilent.com/comms/lightwave

You can also contact one of the following centers and ask for a test and measurement sales representative.

United States: 1 800 829 4444

1 800 829 4433(FAX)

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(1888 900 8921(FAX)

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In this Manual

This manual contains information about SCPI commands which can be used to program the following instruments:

• Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter

• Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System

• Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System

The Structure of this Manual

This manual is divided into 5 parts:

• “Introduction to Programming” on page 15 gives a general introduction to SCPI programming with the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

• “Specific Commands” on page 43 lists all instrument specific commands.

• “Instrument Setup and Status” on page 55, “Measurement Operations

& Settings” on page 79, and “Mass Storage, Display, and Print Functions” on page 185 give fuller explanations of all instrument

specific commands.

• “VISA Programming Examples” on page 189 gives some example programs showing how the SCPI commands can be used with the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

• “The Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instrument Driver” on page 213, “GPIB

Command Compatibility List” on page 245, and “Error Codes” on page 257 give information about the Agilent 816x VXIplug&play

Instrument Driver, compatibility issues, and error codes.

Conventions used in this Manual

• All commands and typed text is written in Courier font, for example

INIT[:IMM].

• SCPI commands are written in mixed case: text that you MUST print is written in capitals; text which is helpful but nor necessary is written in lower case.

So, the command INITiate[:IMMediate] can be entered either as init[:imm], or as initiate[:immediate]. It does not matter whether you enter text using capitals or lower-case letters.

• SCPI commands often contain extra arguments in square brackets. These arguments may be helpful, but they need not be entered.

So, the command INITiate[:IMMediate] can be entered as init or initiate:imm.

• A SCPI command which can be either a command or a query is appended with the text /?.

So, DISPlay:ENABle/? refers to both the command DISPlay:ENABle and the query DISPlay:ENABle?.

Related Manuals

You can find more information about the instruments covered by this manual in the following manuals:

NOTE

• Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System User’s Guide (Agilent Product Number 08164-90B14).

Please note that User Guides no longer contain programming information, and must now be used in conjunction with this manual.

Refer to the books listed on page 16 for additional information about the General Purpose Interface Bus, GPIB.

Table o f Co ntents

The Structure of this Manual 5 Conventions used in this Manual 5 Related Manuals 6

Introduction to Programming 15

GPIB Interface 16

Returning the Instrument to Local Control 18

Message Queues 19

How the Input Queue Works 20

Clearing the Input Queue 20

The Output Queue 21 The Error Queue 22

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions 23

Short Form and Long Form 24 Command and Query Syntax 25

Units 25 Data Types 26 Slot and Channel Numbers 26 Laser Selection Numbers 27

Common Commands 29

Common Command Summary 30 Common Status Information 31

The Status Model 33

Status Registers 33 Status System for 8163A/B & 8164A/B 35 Status System for 8166A/B 36 Annotations 37

Status Byte Register 37 Standard Event Status Register 37 Operation/Questionable Status Summary 37 Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register 38 Operation/Questionable Slot Status 38 Operation Slot Status Register 38 Questionable Slot Status Register 38

Status Command Summary 40 Other Commands 41

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, & 8166A/B Programming Guide, Fourth Edition 7

Specific Commands 43

Specific Command Summary 44

Instrument Setup and Status 55

IEEE-Common Commands 56 Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem 64 Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem

Subsystem

Measurement Operations & Settings 79

Root Layer Command 80 Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem 85

Agilent 81635A and Agilent 81619A- Master and Slave Channels 85

Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem 113 Signal Conditioning 148

The INPut and OUTput commands 148 The table of wavelength-dependent offsets 159 Compatibility of the 81560A/1A/6A/7A modular

attenuator family to the 8156A attenuator 165

Slot Numbers 165 Command Semantic 166 Display and System Commands 167 IEEE Commands 167 Status Commands 168 User Calibration Data 168

Signal Routing 169 Triggering - The TRIGger Subsystem 171

Extended Trigger Configuration 179

Extended Trigger Configuration Example 182

Mass Storage, Display, and Print Functions 185

Display Operations – The DISPlay Subsystem 186

8 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, & 8166A/B Programming Guide, Fourth Edition

VISA Programming Examples 189

How to Use VISA Calls 190 How to Set up a Fixed Laser Source 192 How to Measure Power using FETCh and READ 195 How to Co-ordinate Two Modules 199 How Power Varies with Wavelength 203 How to Log Results 207

The Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instrument Driver 213

Installing the Agilent 816x Instrument Driver 214 Using Visual Programming Environments 218

Getting Started with Agilent VEE 218

GPIB Interfacing in Agilent VEE 218

Getting Started with LabView 221 Getting Started with LabWindows 224

Features of the Agilent 816x Instrument Driver 225 Directory Structure 226 Opening an Instrument Session 227 Closing an Instrument Session 228 VISA Data Types and Selected Constant Definitions 229 Error Handling 230 Introduction to Programming 232

Example Programs 232 VISA-Specific Information 232

Instrument Addresses 232 Callbacks 232

Development Environments 232

Microsoft Visual C++ 4.0 (or higher) and Borland C++ 4.5 (or higher) 232

Microsoft Visual Basic 4.0 (or higher) 233 Agilent VEE 5.01 (or higher) 233 LabWindows CVI/ (R) 4.0 (or higher) 233

Online Information 234 Lambda Scan Applications 235

Equally Spaced Datapoints 236

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, & 8166A/B Programming Guide, Fourth Edition 9

How to Perform a Lambda Scan Application 237

The Prepare Lambda Scan Function 237 The Get Lambda Scan Parameters Function 238 The Execute Lambda Scan Function 238

How to Perform a Multi-Frame Lambda Scan Application 239

The Equally Spaced Datapoints Function 240 The Register Mainframe Function 240 The Unregister Mainframe Function 240 The Prepare Multi Frame Lambda Scan Function 241 The Get MF Lambda Scan Parameters Function 242 The Execute Multi Frame Lambda Scan Function 242 The Get Lambda Scan Result Function 242 The Get Number of PWM Channels Function 243 The Get Channel Location Function 243

GPIB Command Compatibility List 245

Compatibility Issues 246

GPIB Bus Compatibility 246

Status Model 247 Preset Defaults 248 Removed Command 249 Obsolete Commands 250 Changed Parameter Syntax and Semantics 251 Changed Query Result Values 252 Timing Behavior 253 Error Handling 254 Command Order 255 Instrument Status Settings 256

Error Codes 257

GPIB Error Strings 258

Index 271

10 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, & 8166A/B Programming Guide, Fourth Edition

List of Figures

Figure 1 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Figure 2 The Event Status Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Figure 3 The Registers and Filters for a Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Figure 4 The Operational/Questionable Status System for

8163A/B & 8164A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Figure 5 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8166A/B . . . . . . . 36

Figure 6 Extrapolation and interpolation of attenuator module λ offset

table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Figure 7 Extended Trigger Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Figure 8 Setup for Extended Trigger Configuration Example . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Figure 9 Non-Administrator Installation Pop-Up Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215

Figure 10 Welcome Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215

Figure 11 Customizing Your Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Figure 12 Program Folder Item Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Figure 13 Device Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219

Figure 14 Advanced Device Configuration - Plug&play Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . .219

Figure 15 Search for GPIB Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221

Figure 16 FP Conversion Options Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

Figure 17 Windows 95 and Windows NT VXIPNP Directory Structure . . . . . .226

Figure 18 Equally Spaced Datapoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Figure 19 Lambda Scan Operation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237

Figure 20 Multi Frame Lambda Scan Operation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 11

12 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

List of Tables

Table 1 GPIB Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Table 2 Units and allowed Mnemonics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Table 3 Common Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Table 4 Specific Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Table 5 Commands that can only be configured using the master channel .85 Table 6 Commands that are independent for both master and slave

channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Table 7 Comparison of command semantics beween 8156A attenuator

and 8156xA modular attenuator family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Table 8 Triggering and Power Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Table 9 Generating Output Triggers from Power Measurements . . . . . . . . .172

Table 10 Incompatible GPIB Bus Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246

Table 11 Removed Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249

Table 12 Obsolete Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250

Table 13 Commands with Different Parameters or Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251

Table 14 Queries with Different Result Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252

Table 15 Timing Behavior Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253

Table 16 Error Handling Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

Table 17 Specific Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254

Table 18 Overview for Supported Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

Table 19 Overview for Unsupported Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 13

14 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Introduction to Programming

This chapter gives general information on how to control your instrument remotely.

Descriptions for the actual commands for the instruments are given in the following chapters. The information in these chapters is specific to the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System and assumes that you are already familiar with programming the GPIB.

GPIB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting the GPIB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Returning the Instrument to Local Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Message Queues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

How the Input Queue Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

The Output Queue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

The Error Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions. . . . . . . 23

Short Form and Long Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Command and Query Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Common Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Common Status Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

The Status Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Status Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Status System for 8163A/B & 8164A/B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Status System for 8166A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Annotations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Status Command Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Other Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 15

Introduction to Programming GPIB Interface

GPIB Interface

The interface used by your instrument is the GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus).

GPIB is the interface used for communication between a controller and an external device, such as the tunable laser source. The GPIB conforms to IEEE standard 488-1978, ANSI standard MC 1.1 and IEC recommendation 625-1.

If you are not familiar with the GPIB, then refer to the following books:

• The International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE

Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation. New York, NY, 1987

• The International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE Standard 488.2-1987, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols and Common Commands For Use with ANSI/IEEE Std 488.1-1987. New York,

NY, 1987

To obtain a copy of either of these last two documents, write to: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

345 East 47th Street New York, NY 10017 USA.

In addition, the commands not from the IEEE-488.2 standard, are defined according to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI).

For information about SCPI, and SCPI programming techniques, please refer to:

• The SCPI Consortium: Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments. To obtain a copy of this manual, contact the following address:

SCPI Consortium Office Bode Enterprise 2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 340 San Diego, CA, 92108 USA

Web: http://www.scpiconsortium.org

16 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

GPIB Interface Introduction to Programming

The interface of the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System to the GPIB is defined by the IEEE Standards 488.1 and 488.2.

Table 1 shows the interface functional subset that the instruments implement.

Table 1 GPIB Capabilities

Mnemonic Function

SH1 Complete source handshake capability

AH1 Complete acceptor handshake capability

T6 Basic talker; serial poll; no talk only mode; unaddressed to talk

if addressed to listen

L4 Basic listener; no listen only mode; unaddressed to listen if ad

dressed to talk

NOTE

SR0 No service request capability

RL1 Complete remote/local capability

PP0 No parallel poll capability

DC1 Complete device clear capability

DT0 No device trigger capability

C0 No controller capability.

Setting the GPIB Address There are two ways to set the GPIB address:

• You can set the GPIB address by using the command

“:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess” on page 78.

• You can set the GPIB address from the front panel. See your instrument’s User’s Guide for more information.

The default GPIB address is 20.

GPIB address 21 is often applied to the GPIB controller. If so, 21 cannot be used as an instrument address.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 17

Introduction to Programming GPIB Interface

Returning the Instrument to Local Control

If the instrument is in remote control, a screen resembling Figure 1 will appear. Press [Local] if you wish to return the instrument to local control.

NOTE

Figure 1 Remote Control

If your Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B or 8166A/B is in local lockout mode (refer to DISPlay:LOCKout on page 142) the Local softkey is not available.

18 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Message Queues Introduction to Programming

Message Queues

The instrument exchanges messages using an input and an output queue. Error messages are kept in a separate error queue.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 19

Introduction to Programming Message Queues

How the Input Queue Works

The input queue is a FIFO queue (first-in first-out). Incoming bytes are stored in the input queue as follows:

1 Receiving a byte:

• Clears the output queue.

• Clears Bit 7 (MSB).

2 No modification is made inside strings or binary blocks. Outside strings

and binary blocks, the following modifications are made:

• Lower-case characters are converted to upper-case.

• The characters 00 (2016).

• Two or more blanks are truncated to one.

3 An EOI (End Or Identify) sent with any character is put into the input

queue as the character followed by a line feed (LF, 0A with a LF, only one LF is put into the input queue.

4 The parser starts if the LF character is received or if the input queue is

full.

to 0916 and 0B16 to 1F16 are converted to spaces

). If EOI is sent

Clearing the Input Queue

Switching the power off, or sending a Device Interface Clear signal, causes commands that are in the input queue, but have not been executed to be lost.

20 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Message Queues Introduction to Programming

The Output Queue

The output queue contains responses to query messages. The instrument transmits any data from the output queue when a controller addresses the instrument as a talker.

Each response message ends with a carriage return (CR, 0D

), with EOI=TRUE. If no query is received, or if the query has an error,

(0A

the output queue remains empty. The Message Available bit (MAV, bit 4) is set in the Status Byte register

whenever there is data in the output queue.

) and a LF

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 21

Introduction to Programming Message Queues

The Error Queue

The error queue is 30 errors long. It is a FIFO queue (first-in first-out). That is, the first error read is the oldest error to have occurred. For example:

1 If no error has occurred, the error queue contains:

+ 0, "No error"

After a command such as wav:pow, the error queue now contains: + 0, "No error"

-113, "Undefined header"

If the command is immediately repeated, the error queue now contains: + 0, "No error"

-113, "Undefined header"

If more than 29 errors are put into the queue, the message:

-350, "Queue overflow"

is placed as the last message in the queue.

22 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions Introduction to Programming

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions

A program message is a message containing commands or queries that you send to the instruments. The following are a few points about program messages:

• You can use either upper-case or lower-case characters.

• You can send several commands in a single message. Each command must be separated from the next one by a semicolon (

• A command message is ended by a line feed character (LF) or

<CR><LF>.

• You can use any valid number/unit combination.

;).

In other words, If you do not specify a unit, then the default unit is assumed. The default

unit for the commands are given with command description in the next chapter.

1500NM,1.5UM and 1.5E-6M are all equivalent.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 23

Introduction to Programming Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions

Short Form and Long Form

The instrument accepts messages in short or long forms. For example, the message

:STATUS:OPERATION:ENABLE 768

is in long form. The short form of this message is

STAT:OPER:ENAB 768

In this manual, the messages are written in a combination of upper and lower case. Upper case characters are used for the short form of the message.

For example, the above command would be written

STATus:OPERation:ENABle

The first colon can be left out for the first command or query in your message. That is, the example given above could also be sent as

STAT:OPER:ENAB 768

24 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions Introduction to Programming

Command and Query Syntax

All characters not between angled brackets must be sent exactly as shown.

The characters between angled brackets (

<...>) indicate the kind of data

that you should send, or that you get in a response. You do not type the angled brackets in the actual message.

Descriptions of these items follow the syntax description. The following types of data are most commonly used:

string is ascii data. A string is contained between double quotes ("...") or

single quotes (‘...’).

value is numeric data in integer (12), decimal (34.5) or exponential format

(67.8E-9).

wsp is a white space.

Other kinds of data are described as required. The characters between square brackets (

[...]) show optional information

that you can include with the message. The bar (

|) shows an either-or choice of data, for example, a|b means

either a or b, but not both simultaneously. Extra spaces are ignored, so spaces can be inserted to improve readability.

Units

Where units are given with a command, usually only the base units are specified. The full sets of units are given in the table below.

Table 2 Units and allowed Mnemonics

Unit Default Allowed Mnemonics

meters M PM, NM, UM, MM, M

decibel DB MDB, DB

second S NS, US, MS, S

decibel/1mW DBM MDBM, DBM

Hertz HZ HZ, KHZ, MHZ, GHZ, THZ

Watt Watt PW, NW, UW, MW, Watt

meters per second M/S NM/S, UM/S, MM/S, M/S

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 25

Introduction to Programming Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions

Data Types

With the commands you give parameters to the instrument and receive response values from the instrument. Unless explicitly specified these data are given in ASCII format. The following types of data are used:

• Boolean data may only have the values 0 or 1.

• Integer range is given for each individual command.

• Float variables may be given in decimal or exponential writing (0.123 or

123E-3). All Float values conform to the 32 bit IEEE Standard, that is, all Float values are returned as 32-bit real values.

•A string is contained between double quotes (

(‘...’). When the instrument returns a string, it is always included in " " and terminated by

•When a register value is given or returned (for example *ESE), the decimal values for the single bits are added. For example, a value of nine means that bit 0 and bit 3 are set.

• Larger blocks of data are given as Binary Blocks, preceded by “#<H><Len><Block>”, terminated by <END>; <H> represents the number of digits, <Len> represents the number of bytes, and <Block> is the data block. For example, for a Binary Block with 1 digit and 6 bytes this is: #16TRACES<END>.

<END>.

"...") or single quotes

Slot and Channel Numbers

Each module is identified by a slot number and a channel number. For commands that require you to specify a channel, the slot number is represented by [n] in a command and the channel number is represented by [m].

The slot number represents the module’s position in the mainframe. These are:

• from one to two for the Agilent 8163A/B,

• from zero to four for the Agilent 8164A/B, and

• from one to seventeen for the Agilent 8166A/B.

These numbers are displayed on the front panel beside each module slot.

26 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions Introduction to Programming

NOTE

The Agilent 8164A/B slot for a back-loadable tunable laser module is numbered zero.

Channel numbers apply to modules that have two inputs/outputs, for example, the Agilent 81635A Dual Power Sensor.

Modules with two channels, for example, the Agilent 81635A Dual Power Sensor, use the channel number to distinguish between these channels.

The channel number of single channel modules is always one.

For example, if you want to query slot 1, channel 2 with the command, “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength?” on page 109, you should send the command:

•:sens1:chan2:pow:wav?

If you do not specify a slot or channel number, the lowest possible number is used as the default value. This means:

• Slot 1 for the Agilent 8163A/B and Agilent 8166A/B mainframes.

• Slot 0 for the Agilent 8164A/B mainframe.

• Channel 1 for all channels.

Laser Selection Numbers

The laser selection number, [l], identifies the upper or lower wavelength laser source for dual wavelength Laser Source modules and Return Loss modules with two internal laser sources. The lower wavelength source is denoted by 1. The upper wavelength source is denoted by 2.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 27

Introduction to Programming Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions

NOTE

For Return Loss modules, 0 denotes the use of an external laser source as the input to your Return Loss module for the following commands:

• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]” on

page 111,

• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]?” on

page 111,

• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:REFLectance[l]” on

page 112, and

• “:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection:FPDelta[l]” on

page 111.

28 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Common Commands Introduction to Programming

Common Commands

The IEEE 488.2 standard has a list of reserved commands, called common commands. Some of these commands must be implemented by any instrument using the standard, others are optional.

Your instrument implements all the necessary commands, and some optional ones. This section describes the implemented commands.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 29

Introduction to Programming Common Commands

Common Command Summary

Table 3 gives a summary of the common commands.

Table 3 Common Command Summary

Command Parameter Function Page

*CLS Clear Status Command page 57

*ESE Standard Event Status Enable Command page 57

*ESE? Standard Event Status Enable Query page 58

*ESR? Standard Event Status Register Query page 58

*IDN? Identification Query page 59

*OPC Operation Complete Command page 59

*OPC? Operation Complete Query page 60

*OPT? Options Query page 60

NOTE

*RST Reset Command page 61

*STB? Read Status Byte Query page 61

*TST? Self Test Query page 62

*WAI Wait Command page 63

These commands are described in more detail in “IEEE-Common Commands” on page 56.

30 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Common Commands Introduction to Programming

Common Status Information

There are three registers for the status information. Two of these are status-registers and one is an enable-registers. These registers conform to the IEEE Standard 488.2-1987. You can find further descriptions of these registers under

Figure 2 shows how the Standard Event Status Enable Mask (SESEM) and the Standard Event Status Register (SESR) determine the Event Status Bit (ESB) of the Status Byte.

*ESE, *ESR?, and *STB?.

*ESE sets the Standard Event Status Enable Mask

Event

Status

*STB? returns the Status Byte Register

OSB ESB QSB

Status

Byte

001

All bits shown as are unused

Figure 2 The Event Status Bit

MAV

Enable

Mask

01234567

Event

Status

*ESR? returns the Standard Event Status Register

The SESR contains the information about events that are not slot specific. For details of the function of each bit of the SESR, see “Standard Event Status Register” on page 37.

01234567

111111

01234567

100000

The SESEM allows you to choose the event that may affect the ESB of the Status Byte. If you set a bit of the SESEM to zero, the corresponding event cannot affect the ESB. The default is for all the bits of the SESEM to be set to 0.

The questionable and operation status systems set the Operational Status Bit (OSB) and the Questionable Status Bit (QSB). These status systems are described in “The Status Model” on page 33 and “Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem” on page 64.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 31

Introduction to Programming Common Commands

NOTE

Unused bits in any of the registers change to 0 when you read them.

32 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

The Status Model Introduction to Programming

The Status Model

Status Registers

Each node of the status circuitry has three registers:

• A condition register (CONDition), which contains the current status. This register is updated continuously. It is not changed by having its contents read.

• The event register (EVENt), which contains details of any positive transitions in the corresponding condition register, that is, when a bit changes from 0 → 1. The contents of this register are cleared when it is read. The contents of any higher-level registers are affected with regard to the appropriate bit.

• The enable register (ENABle), which enables changes in the event register to affect the next stage of registers.

NOTE

The event register is the only kind of register that can affect the next stage of registers.

The structures of the Operational and Questionable Status Systems are similar. Figure 4 describe how the Questionable Status Bit (QSB) and the Operational Status Bit (OSB) of the Status Byte Register are determined.

Enable Registers

To th e Condition Register of the Next Node

→

11111

Event Registers

A positive transition in the condition register, when a bit changes from 0 causes the corresponding bit of the corresponding event register to change from 0

Condition Registers

Figure 3 The Registers and Filters for a Node

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 33

Introduction to Programming The Status Model

The Operational/Questionable Slot Status Event Register (OSSER/QSSER) contains the status of a particular module slot. A bit changes from 0 → 1 when an event occurs, for example, when a laser is switched on. For details of the function of each bit of these registers, see “Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register” on page 38.

The Operational/Questionable Slot Enable Status Mask (OSESM/QSESM) allows you to choose the events for each module slot that may affect the Operational/Questionable Status Event Register (see below). If you set a bit of the OSESM/QSESM to zero, the occurence of the corresponding event for this particular module slot cannot affect the Operational/Questionable Status Event Register. The default is for all the bits of the OSESM/QSESM to be set to 0.

The Operational/Questionable Status Event Summary Register (OSESR/QSESR) summarizes the status of every module slot of your instrument. If, for any slot, any bit of the QSSER goes from 0 → 1 AND the corresponding bit of the QSSEM is 1 at the same time, the QSESR bit representing that slot is set to 1.

The Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask (OSESM/QSESM) allows you to choose the module slots that may affect the OSB/QSB of the Status Byte. If any bit of the QSESR goes from 0 → 1 AND the corresponding bit of the QSESM is 1 at the same time, the QSB of the Status Byte is set to 1. If you set a bit of the OSESM/QSESM to zero, the corresponding module slot cannot affect the OSB/QSB. The default is for all the bits of the OSESM/QSESM to be set to 0.

The Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask for the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter and the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System consists of one level. These are described in “Status System for 8163A/B & 8164A/B” on page 35.

As the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System has 17 module slots, the Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask consists of two levels. This is described in “Status System for 8166A/B” on page 36.

34 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

The Status Model Introduction to Programming

Status System for 8163A/B & 8164A/B

The status system for the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter and the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System returns the status of 2 and 5 module slots respectively. The Operational/Questionable Status Summary Registers consist of one level and are described by Figure 4 . Any commands that require LEVel1 do not apply to these mainframes.

Status Byte Register

Status Summary

Slot 1

Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask Register

Operational/Questionable Status Event Summary Register

Operational/Questionable Status Condition Summary Register

Operational/Questionable Slot Status Enable Mask Register

Operational/Questionable Slot Status Event Register

Operational/Questionable Slot Status Condition Register

Status Byte

to next

for a positive

transition

to next

level

for a positive

transition

level

Figure 4 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8163A/B & 8164A/B

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 35

Introduction to Programming The Status Model

Status System for 8166A/B

The status system for the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System returns the status of 17 module slots. The Operational/Questionable Status Summary Registers consists of two levels, as described by Figure 5 .

Module slots 1 to 14 affect the Level 0 summary register as described in Figure 4 . Bit 0 of the Level 0 summary registers represents the summary of the status of module slots 15, 16, and 17. The Level 1 summary registers contain an individual summary for each of these module slots.

Status Byte Register

Status Summary for Level 0

Status Summary for Level 1

Slot 15

Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask Register (Level 1)

Operational/Questionable Status Event Summary Register (Level 1)

Operational/Questionable Status Condition Summary Register (Level 1)

Operational/Questionable Slot Status Enable Mask Register

Operational/Questionable Slot Status Event Register

Operational/Questionable Slot Status Condition Register

Operational/Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask Register (Level 0)

Operational/Questionable Status Event Summary Register (Level 0)

Operational/Questionable Status Condition Summary Register (Level 0)

for a positive

transition

Status Byte

for a positive

transition

to next

level

to next

level

for a positive

transition

level

Figure 5 The Operational/Questionable Status System for 8166A/B

36 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

The Status Model Introduction to Programming

Annotations

Status Byte Register

• Bit 3, the QSB, is built from the questionable event status register and its enable mask.

• Bit 4, the MAV, is set if the message output queue is not empty.

• Bit 5, the ESB, is built from the SESR and its SESEM.

• Bit 7, the OSB, is built from the operation event status register and its enable mask.

• All other bits are unused, and therefore set to 0.

Standard Event Status Register

• Bit 0 is set if an operation complete event has been received since the last call to *ESR?.

• Bit 1 is always 0 (no service request).

• Bit 2 is set if a query error has been detected.

• Bit 3 is set if a device dependent error has been detected.

• Bit 4 is set if an execution error has been detected.

• Bit 5 is set if a command error has been detected.

• Bit 6 is always 0 (no service request).

• Bit 7 is set for the first call of *ESR? after Power On.

Operation/Questionable Status Summary

• The Operation/Questionable Status Summary consist of a condition and an event register.

• A "rising" bit in the condition register is copied to the event register.

• A "falling" bit in the condition register has no effect on the event register.

• Reading the condition register is non-destructive.

• Reading the event register is destructive.

• A summary of the event register and its enable mask is set in the status byte.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 37

Introduction to Programming The Status Model

Operation/Questionable Status Summary Register

• Bits 0 to 4 are built from the OSSER/QSSER and the OSSEM/QSSEM.

• A summary of the event register, the condition register and the enable mask is set in the status byte.

Operation/Questionable Slot Status

• The Operation/Questionable Slot Status consist of a condition and an event register.

• A "rising" bit in the condition register is copied to the event register.

• A "falling" bit in the condition register has no effect on the event register.

• Reading the condition register is non-destructive.

• Reading the event register is destructive.

• A summary of the event register, the condition register and the enable mask is set in the status byte.

Operation Slot Status Register

• Bit 0 is set if the laser is switched on.

• Bit 1 is set if the Coherence Control is switched on.

• Bit 3 is set if Power Meter zeroing or Tunable Laser module lambda zeroing is ongoing.

• Bit 4 is set if the attenuator output is enabled (shutter open).

• Bits 5 - 7 are set if the wavelength offset table is enabled (see page 68).

• All other bits are unused, and therefore set to 0.

Questionable Slot Status Register

• Bit 0 is set if excessive power is set by the user for any source module or if excessive averaging time is set for any Power Meter.

• Bit 1 is set if the last Power Meter zeroing failed.

• Bit 2 is set if temperature is out of range.

• Bit 3 is set if laser protection is switched on.

38 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

The Status Model Introduction to Programming

• Bit 4 is set if the module has not settled, as during the automatic settling of a Tunable Laser module.

• Bit 5 is set if the module is out of specifications, or if lambda zeroing failed for a Tunable Laser module.

• Bit 6 is set if ARA is recommended.

• Bit 7 is set if the duty cycle is out of range.

• Bit 8 is set if coherence control is uncalibrated

• Bit 9 is set if attenuator beam path protection is enabled (shutter is closed)

• Bit 10 is set if lambda zeroing is recommended.

• All other bits are unused, and therefore set to 0.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 39

Introduction to Programming The Status Model

Status Command Summary

*STB? returns status byte, value 0 .. +255

*ESE sets the standard event status enable mask, parameter 0 .. +255

*ESE? returns SESE, value 0 .. +255

*ESR? returns the standard event status register, value 0 .. +255

*OPC parses all program message units in the message queue, and prevents

the instrument from executing any further commands until all pending commands are completed.

*OPC? returns 1 if all operations (scan trace printout, measurement) are com

pleted. Otherwise it returns 0.

*CLS clears the status byte and SESR, and removes any entries from the er

ror queue.

*RST clears the error queue, loads the default setting, and restarts communi

cation. NOTE: *RST does NOT touch the STB or SESR. A running measurement is stopped.

*TST? initiates an instrument selftest and returns the results as a 32 bit

LONG.

40 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

The Status Model Introduction to Programming

Other Commands

*OPT? returns the installed modules and the slots these modules are installed

in: For example, *OPT? → 81682A, 81533B, 81532A, , Modules 81682A, 81533B, and 81532A are installed in slots 0 to 2 re spectively. Slots 3 and 4 are empty.

*WAI prevents the instrument from executing any further commands until the

current command has finished executing. All pending operations are completed during the wait period.

*IDN? identifies the instrument; returns the manufacturer, instrument model

number, serial number, and firmware revision level.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 41

Introduction to Programming The Status Model

42 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Specific Commands

This chapter lists all the instrument specific commands relating to the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System with a single-line description.

Each of these summaries contains a page reference for more detailed information about the particular command later in this manual.

Specific Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 43

Specific Commands Specific Command Summary

Specific Command Summary

The commands are ordered in a command tree. Every command belongs to a node in this tree.

The root nodes are also called the subsystems. A subsystem contains all commands belonging to a specific topic. In a subsystem there may be further subnodes.

All the nodes have to be given with a command. For example in the command

• DISPlay is the subsystem containing all commands for controlling the display,

BRIGhtness is the command selecting brightness.

•

disp:brig

NOTE

disp:brig/? means that disp:brig and disp:brig? are both available.

So,

Table 4 gives an overview of the command tree. You see the nodes, the subnodes, and the included commands.

Table 4 Specific Command Summary

Command Description Page

:CONFigure[n][:CHANnel[m]]:OFFSet

:WAVelength:REFerence/? Sets or queries the slot and channel of the external reference

powermeter.

:WAVelength:STATe/? Switches or queries attenuator Offset Table on or off/? page 160

:WAVelength:TABle? Queries the complete offset table. page 164

:WAVelength:TABle:SIZE? Queries the size of the offset table. page 164

:WAVelength:VALue Adds a value pair (wavelength, offset) to the offset table. page 161

:WAVelength:VALue:DELete Deletes an offset value pair. page 163

:WAVelength:VALue:DELete:ALL Deletes all value pairs from the offset table. page 163

If a command and a query are both available, the command ends /?.

page 161

:WAVelength:VALue:OFFSet? Queries an offset value according to wavelength or index. page 162

:WAVelength:VALue:PAIR? Queries an offset/wavelength value pair according to wavelength

or index.

:WAVelength:VALue:WAVelength? Queries a wavelength value from its index in the offset table page 162

page 163

44 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Specific Command Summary Specific Commands

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:DISPlay

:BRIGhtness/? Controls or queries the current display brightness. page 186

:CONTrast/? Controls or queries the current display contrast. page 186

:ENABle/? Switches the display on or off, or queries whether the display is

page 187

on or off.

:LOCKout/? Sets or queries local lockout mode. page 187

:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]

:POWer[:DC]? Returns a power value from a sensor. page 87

:RETurnloss? Returns the current return loss value. page 87

:MONitor? Returns the current power value from the monitor diode within a

page 88

return loss module.

:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]

[:IMMediate] Starts a measurement. page 88

:CONTinuous/? Starts or Queries a single/continuous measurement. page 89

:LOCK/?

Switches the lock on/off or returns the current state of the lock. page 80

:INPUT[n][:CHANnel[m]]

:ATTenuation/? Sets or returns the attenuation factor for the instrument. page 148

:OFFset/? Sets or returns the offset factor for the instrument. page 149

:OFFset:DISPlay Sets the offset factor so that attenuation factor is zero. page 149

:OFFset:POWermeter Sets the offset factor to the difference between the power mea-

page 150

sured with a powermeter and with the monitor diode.

:ATTenuation:SPEed/? Sets or queries the filter transition speed page 150

:WAVelength/? Sets or queries the modules attenuation wavelength page 151

:OUTPut[n][:CHANnel[m]]

:APMode/? Sets or queries whether power setting or attenuation value has

page 151

been changed.

:APOWeron/? Sets or queries the shutter status at power on. page 157

:ATIMe/? Sets or queries the powermeter averaging time. page 157

:CONNection/? Selects or returns Analog Output parameter. page 113

:CORRection:COLLection:ZERO Zeros the offsets of attenuators powermeter page 157

:CORRection:COLLection:ZERO:ALL Zeros all available powermeter channels in mainframe page 158

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 45

Specific Commands Specific Command Summary

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:CORRection:COLLection:ZERO? Queries the status of the last zero operation page 158

:PATH/? Sets or returns the regulated path. page 113

:POWer/? Sets or queries the output power value. page 152

:POWer:CONTRol/? Sets or queries power control mode status page 155

:POWer:OFFSet/? Sets or queries the power offset value. page 154

:POWer:OFFSet:POWermeter Calculates power offset from measured power values page 154

:POWer:REFerence/? Sets or queries the reference power value. page 153

:POWer:REFerence:POWermeter Copies power value from power meter to attenuator module ref.

power parameter

:POWer:UNit/? Sets or queries power unit used (dBm or W) page 155

[:STATe]/? Sets a source’s or attenuators output terminals to open or closed

or returns the current status of a source’s or attenuators output terminals.

:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]]

[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? Reads the current power value from a sensor. page 89

:POWer[:DC]:ALL? Reads all available power meter channels. page 90

:POWer[:DC]:ALL:CONFig? Return all the slot and channel number of every available power

meter channel.

[:SCALar]:RETurnloss? Reads the current return loss value. page 91

[:SCALar]:MONitor? Returns the current power value from the monitor diode within a

return loss module.

:ROUTe[n]

[:CHANnel[m]]/? Sets or returns the channel route between two ports. page 169

[:CHANnel[m]]:CONFig? Reads the switch configuration of an instrument. page 170

[:CHANnel[m]]:CONFig:ROUTe? Reads the allowed switch routes of an instrument. page 170

page 153

page 114

page 90

page 91

46 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Specific Command Summary Specific Commands

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CORRection

[:LOSS][:INPut][:MAGNitude]/? Sets or returns the value of correction data for a sensor. page 92

:COLLECT:ZERO Executes a zero calibration of a sensor module. page 92

:COLLECT:ZERO? Returns the current zero state of a sensor module. page 93

:COLLECT:ZERO:ALL Executes a zero calibration of all sensor modules. page 93

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion

:PARameter:LOGGing/? Sets or returns the number of samples and the averaging time,

, for logging.

avg

page 94

:PARameter:MINMax/? Sets or returns the minmax mode and the window size. page 95

:PARameter:STABility/? Sets or returns the total time, delay time and the averaging time,

, for stability.

avg

page 96

:RESult? Returns the data array of the last function. page 97

:RESult:BLOCk? Returns a specified binary block from the data array for the last

page 98

power meter data acquisition function.

:RESult:MAXBlocksize? Returns the maximum block size for power meter data acquisition

page 98

functions.

:RESult:MONitor? For return loss module, returns monitor diode data array of last

page 99

function.

:STATe/? Enables/disables the function mode or returns whether the func-

page 100

tion mode is enabled.

:THReshold/? Sets or returns the threshold value and the start mode. page 101

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer

:ATIMe/? Sets or returns the average time of a sensor. page 101

:RANGe[:UPPer]/? Sets or returns the most positive signal entry expected for a sen-

page 102

sor.

:RANGe:MONitor[:UPPer]/? Sets or returns the range of the monitor diode within a return loss

page 103

module.

:RANGe:AUTO/? Sets or returns the range of a sensor to produce the most dynam-

page 104

ic range without overloading.

:REFerence/? Sets or returns the reference level of a sensor. page 105

:UNIT/? Sets or returns the units used for absolute readings on a sensor. page 108

:WAVelength/? Sets or returns the wavelength for a sensor. page 108

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 47

Specific Commands Specific Command Summary

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:Reference

:DISPlay Sets the reference level for a sensor from the input power level. page 106

:STATe/? Sets or returns whether sensor results are in relative or absolute

units.

:STATe:RATio/? Sets or returns whether sensor results are displayed relative to a

channel or to an absolute reference.

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CALibration

:FACTory Sets the calibration value to factory settings. page 109

:COLLect:REFLectance Sets the reference reflectance calibration values to the values

currently measured by the chosen return loss module. (When, for example, a gold reflector is used.)

:COLLect:TERMination Sets the termination calibration values to the values currently

measured by the chosen return loss module. :COLLect:VALues? Returns current calibration values. page 110 :TERMination? Returns T-Value page 110

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:RETurnloss:CORRection

:FPDelta[l]/? Sets or returns front panel delta, that is, the loss correction value

due, for example, to the front panel connector. :REFLectance[l]/? Sets or returns the return loss reference, the return loss value of

your reference reflector.

:SLOT[n]

page 106

page 109

page 110

page 111

page 112

:EMPTy? Returns whether the module slot is empty. page 81

:IDN? Returns information about the module. page 81

:OPTions? Returns the module’s options. page 81

:TST? Returns the latest selftest results for a module. page 82

:SLOT[n][:HEAD[m]]

:EMPTy? Returns whether an optical head is connected. page 82

:IDN? Returns information about the optical head. page 82

:OPTions? Returns the optical head’s options. page 83

:TST? Returns the latest selftest results for an optical head. page 83

:WAVelength:RESPonse? Returns the wavelength response from the module with wave-

length calibration. :WAVelength:RESPonse:CSV? Returns the wavelength response from the module with wave-

length calibration.

page 83

page 84

48 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Specific Command Summary Specific Commands

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:WAVelength:RESPonse:SIZE? Returns the no. of elements in the wavelength response table. page 84

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]

:MODout/? Returns the mode of the modulation output mode of the BNC

page 121 connector on the front panel of Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Tunable Laser modules.

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:AM

[:INTernal]:FREQuency[l]/? Sets or returns the frequency of an internal signal source. page 115

:SOURce[l]/? Sets or returns a source for the modulating system. page 116

:STATe[l]/? Turns Amplitude Modulation of a source on or off or queries

page 117 whether Amplitude Modulation is on or off.

:COHCtrl:COHLevel[l]/? Sets or returns the coherence level. page 118

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:FM

:SOURce[l]/? Sets or returns the type of frequency modulaion employed, spe-

page 118 cifically Simulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) control.

:STATe[l]/? Turns Frequency Modulation of a source on or off or queries

page 119 whether Frequency Modulation is on or off.

:SBSCtrl:FREQuency[l]/? Sets or returns the frequency of SBS Control modulation. page 120

:SBSCtrl:LEVel[l]/? Sets or returns the level of SBS Control modulation

page 120 (as a percentage of maximum)

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]POWer

:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude[l]] Sets the laser output power of a source. page 124

[

:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude[l]]? Returns the laser output power of a source. page 125

[

[:LEVel]:RISetime[l]/? Sets or returns the laser rise time of a source. page 126

:ATTenuation[l]/? Sets or returns the attenuation level for a source. page 122

:STATe/? Sets or returns the state of the source output signal. page 127

:UNIT/? Sets or returns the power units. page 127

:WAVelength/? Sets or returns the wavelength source of a dual-wavelength

page 128 source.

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]POWer:ATTenuation[l]

:AUTO/? Selects Automatic or Manual Attenuation Mode for a source or

page 123 returns the selected mode.

:DARK/? Enables/disables ‘dark’ position on a source or returns whether

page 123 ‘dark’ position is active for a source.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 49

Specific Commands Specific Command Summary

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]READout

:DATA? Returns number of datapoints returned by the

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]]:READout:POINts? command.

:DATA:BLOCk? Returns a specified binary block from either a lambda logging op-

eration, or maximum power at wavelength characteristic.

:DATA:MAXBlocksize? Returns the maximum blocksize that a lambda logging, or maxi-

mum power at wavelength characteristic will return.

:POINts? Returns the data as a binary stream from either a lambda logging

operation or the maximum power the laser can produce at each wavelength.

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength

[:CW[l]:FIXED] Sets the absolute wavelength of a source. page 130

[:CW[l]:FIXED[l]]? Returns the absolute wavelength of a source. page 131

:FREQuency[l]/? Sets the frequency difference used to calculate a relative wave-

length for a source.

:REFerence[l]? Returns the reference wavelength of a source. page 135

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:CORRection

:ARA Realigns the laser cavity. page 131

:ARA:ALL Realigns the laser cavity of every tunable laser source in the

mainframe.

:AUTocalib Sets or returns tunable laser source Auto Calibration state. page 132

page 129

page 130

page 134

page 132

:ZERO Executes a wavelength zero. page 132

:ZERO:ALL Executes a wavelength zero on every tunable laser source in the

mainframe.

:ZERO:TEMPerature:ACTual? Reports the current lambda zero temperature page 133

:ZERO:TEMPerature:DIFFerence? Reports the temperature difference required to trigger an auto

lamda zero.

:ZERO:TEMPerature:LASTzero? Reports the temperature at which the last auto lamda zero took

place.

:ZERO:AUTO Forces an auto lamda zero. This is quicker than the equilavent

manual process.

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:REFerence

:DISPlay Sets the reference wavelength of a source to the value of the out-

put wavelength.

page 133

page 134

page 135

50 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Specific Command Summary Specific Commands

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:SWEep

:CHECkparams? Returns whether sweep parameters set are consistent. page 136

:CYCLes/? Sets or returns the number of cycles. page 137

:DWELl/? Sets or returns the dwell time. page 138

:EXPectedtriggers? Returns number of triggers (used to configure power meter). page 138

:FLAG? Returns whether waiting for trigger, or logging data available. page 139

:LLOGging/? Switches lambda logging on or off or queries the state of lambda

page 140 logging.

:MODE/? Sets or returns the sweep mode. page 141

:PMAX? Returns the highest permissible power for a wavelength sweep. page 141

:REPeat/? Sets or returns the repeat mode. page 142

:SOFTtrigger Sends a soft trigger. page 143

:SPEed/? Sets or returns the speed for continuous sweeping. page 143

:STARt/? Sets or returns the start point of the sweep. page 144

:STOP/? Sets or returns the end point of the sweep. page 144

[:STATe]/? Stops, starts, pauses or continues a wavelength sweep or returns

page 145 the the state of a sweep.

[:SOURce[n]][:CHANnel[m]:]WAVelength:SWEep:STEP

:NEXT Performs the next sweep step. page 146

:PREVious Performs the previous sweep step again. page 146

[:WIDTh]/? Sets or returns the width of the sweep step. page 146

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 51

Specific Commands Specific Command Summary

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:SPECial

:REBoot Reboots the mainframe and all modules. page 84

:STATus[n]

:PRESet Presets all Enable Registers. page 69

:STATus:OPERation

[:EVENt]? Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register (OESR). page 68

[:EVENt]:LEVel1? Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register for slots

15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

:CONDition? Returns the Operational Status Condition Summary Register. page 68

:CONDition:LEVel1? Returns the Operational Status Condition Summary Register for

slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

:ENABle/? Sets or queries the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask. page 69

:ENABle:LEVel1/? Sets or queries the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask for

slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

:STATusn:OPERation

[:EVENt]? Returns the Operational Slot Status Event Register for slot n. page 68

:CONDition? Returns the Operational Slot Status Condition Register for slot n.page68

:ENABle/? Sets or queries the Operation Slot Status Enable Mask for slot n.page69

:STATus:QUEStionable

[:EVENt]? Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register. page 74

[:EVENt]:LEVel1? Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register for

slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

:CONDition? Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register. page 74

page 66

page 67

page 72

:CONDition:LEVel1? Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register for

slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

:ENABle/? Sets or queries the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask. page 75

:ENABle:LEVel1/? Sets or queries the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask

for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

page 73

52 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Specific Command Summary Specific Commands

Table 4 Specific Command Summary (continued)

Command Description Page

:STATusn:QUEStionable

[:EVENt]? Returns the Questionable Slot Status Event Register for slot n. page 74

:CONDition? Returns the Questionable Slot Status Condition Register for slot n.page 74

:ENABle/? Sets or queries the

slot n

Questionable Slot Status Enable Mask for

page 75

:SYSTem

:DATE/? Sets or returns the instrument’s internal date. page 76

:ERRor? Returns the contents of the instrument’s error queue. page 76

:HELP:HEADers? Returns a list of GPIB commands. page 77

:PRESet Sets all parameters to their default values. page 77

:TIME/? Sets or returns the instrument’s internal time. page 77

:VERSion? Returns the instrument’s SCPI version. page 78

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB

[:SELF]:ADDress/? Sets or returns the GPIB address. page 78

:TRIGger

Generates a hardware trigger. page 172,

page 179

:CONFiguration/? Sets or returns trigger configuration. page 177

:TRIGger:CONFiguration

:EXTended/? Sets or returns extended trigger configuration. page 179

:FPEDal/? Enables/disables the Input Trigger connector to be triggered us-

page 178 ing a Foot Pedal or returns whether the Input Trigger connector can be triggered using a Foot Pedal.

:TRIGger[n][CHANnel[m]]

:INPut/? Sets or returns the incoming trigger response . page 173

:OFFset/? Sets or returns the number of incoming triggers received before

page 175 data logging begins

:INPut:REARm/? Re-arms input trigger page 174

:OUTPut/? Sets or returns the outgoing trigger response. page 176

:OUTPut:REARm/? Re-arms output trigger page 177

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 53

Specific Commands Specific Command Summary

54 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Instrument Setup and Status

This chapter gives descriptions of commands that you can use when setting up your instrument. The commands are split into the following separate subsytems:

• IEEE specific commands that were introduced in “Common Commands” on page 29.

• STATus subsystem commands that relate to the status model.

• SYSTem subsystem commands that control the serial interface and internal data.

IEEE-Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem. . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem

Subsystem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 55

Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands

IEEE-Common Commands

“Common Commands” on page 29 gave a brief introduction to the IEEEcommon commands which can be used with the instruments. This section gives fuller descriptions of each of these commands.

56 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status

command:

syntax: *CLS description: The CLear Status command *CLS clears the following:

*CLS

• Error queue

• Standard event status register (SESR)

• Status byte register (STB)

After the *CLS command the instrument is left waiting for the next command. The instru- ment setting is unaltered by the command, although *OPC/*OPC? actions are cancelled.

parameters: none response: none example: *CLS

command:

syntax: *ESE<wsp><value>

description: The standard Event Status Enable command (*ESE) sets bits in the Standard Event Status

*ESE

0 ≤ value ≤ 255

Enable Mask (SESEM) that enable the corresponding bits in the standard event status register (SESR).

The register is cleared:

•at power-on,

• by sending a value of zero.

The register is not changed by the *RST and *CLS commands.

parameters: The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value):

Bit Mnemonic Decimal Value

7 (MSB) Power On 128 6Not Used 0 5 Command Error 32 4 Execution Error 16 3 Device Dependent Error 8 2 Query Error 4 1Not Used 0 0 (LSB) Operation Complete 1

response: none example: *ESE 21

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 57

Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands

command:

syntax: *ESE? description: The standard Event Status Enable query *ESE? returns the contents of the Standard Event

parameters: none response: The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value). example: *ESE? → 21<END>

command:

syntax: *ESR? description: The standard Event Status Register query *ESR? returns the contents of the Standard

parameters none response The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value):

example: *ESR? → 21<END>

*ESE?

Status Enable Mask (see *ESE for information on this register).

*ESR?

Event Status Register. The register is cleared after being read.

Bit Mnemonic Decimal Value

7 (MSB) Power On 128 6 Not used 0 5 Command Error 32

4 Execution Error 16 3 Device Dependent Error 8

2Query Error 4 1 Not used 0

0 (LSB) Operation Complete 1

58 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status

command:

*IDN?

syntax: *IDN? description: The IDeNtification query *IDN? gets the instrument identification over the interface. parameters: none response: The identification terminated by <END>:

For example.

Agilent Technologies

mmmm ssssssss rrrrrrrrrr

manufacturer instrument model number (for example 8164B) serial number firmware revision level

example: *IDN? → Agilent Techologies,mmmm,ssssssss,rrrrrrrrrr<END>

NOTE

command:

The Agilent 8163A, Agilent 8164A, and Agilent8166A will always return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer. This will not be affected by the transition of these instruments to Agilent Technologies. This will allow programs that use this string to continue functioning.

See “:SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:IDN?” on page 82 for information on module identity strings.

*OPC

syntax: *OPC description: The instrument parses and executes all program message units in the input queue and

sets the operation complete bit in the standard event status register (SESR). This command can be used to avoid filling the input queue before the previous commands have finished executing.

Some module firmware includes commands that set a "StatNOPC" flag during execution to indicate that the module is busy. *OPC blocks the GPIB bus to all commands until every module hosted by the instrument is no longer busy.

The following actions cancel the *OPC command (and put the instrument into Operation Complete, Command Idle State):

•Power-on

• the Device Clear Active State is asserted on the interface.

•*CLS

•*RST parameters: none response: none example: *OPC

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 59

Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands

command:

syntax: *OPC? description: The OPeration Complete query *OPC? parses all program message units in the input queue,

parameters: none response: 1<END> is returned if all modules are ready to execute a new operation.

example: *OPC? → 1<END>

*OPC?

sets the operation complete bit in the Standard Event Status register, and places an ASCII ’1’ in the output queue, when the contents of the input queue have been processed.

Some module firmware includes commands that set a "StatNOPC" flag during execution to indicate that the module is busy. If a module is executing a command which generates a "StatNOPC" flag, the GPIB bus is not blocked to a command to another module. A second command to a busy module is blocked until the module flag "StatOK" is set. Taking advantage of this feature, and using *OPC? in a loop to query until the instrument returns 1, can lead to useful gains in program execution efficiency.

The following actions cancel the *OPC? query (and put the instrument into Operation Complete, Command Idle State):

•Power-on

• the Device Clear Active State is asserted on the interface.

•*CLS

•*RST

0<END> is returned if any module is busy.

command:

syntax: *OPT? description: The OPTions query *OPT? returns the modules installed in your instrument. parameters: none response: Returns the part number of all installed modules, separated by commas.

example: *OPT? → 81682A , , 81533B, 81532A, <END>

*OPT?

Slots are listed starting with the lowest slot number, that is, slot 0 for the Agilent 8164A/B and Slot 1 for the Agilent 8163A/B and Agilent 8166A/B.

If any slot is empty or not recognised, two spaces are inserted instead of the module’s part number. See the example below, where slots 1 and 4 are empty.

60 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status

command:

syntax: *RST description: The ReSeT command *RST sets the mainframe and all modules to the reset setting (stan-

*RST

dard setting) stored internally. Pending *OPC? actions are cancelled. The instrument is placed in the idle state awaiting a command. The *RST command clears

the error queue. The *RST command is equivalent to the *CLS command AND the syst:preset command. The following are not changed:

•GPIB (interface) state

• Instrument interface address

• Output queue

• Service request enable register (SRE)

• Standard Event Status Enable Mask (SESEM)

parameters: none response: none example: *RST

command:

syntax: *STB? description: The STatus Byte query *STB? returns the contents of the Status Byte register. parameters: none response: The bit value for the register (a 16-bit signed integer value):

example: *STB? → 128<END>

*STB?

Bit Mnemonic Decimal Value

7 (MSB) Operation Status (OSB) 128 6 Not used 0 5 Event Status Bit (ESB) 32 4 Message Available (MAV) 16 3 Questionable Status (QSB) 8 2 Not used 0 1 Not used 0 0 Not used 0

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 61

Instrument Setup and Status IEEE-Common Commands

command:

syntax: *TST? description: The self-TeST query *TST? makes the instrument perform a self-test and place the results of

parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the individual tests (a 32-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value

example: *TST? → 0<END>

*TST?

the test in the output queue. If the self-test fails, the results are also put in the error queue. We recommend that you read self-test results from the error queue. No further commands are allowed while the test is running. After the self-test the instrument is returned to the setting that was active at the time the self-test query was processed. The self-test does not require operator interaction beyond sending the *TST? query.

≤ 4294967296):

Bits Mnemonic Decimal Value

31 Selftest failed on Mainframe A negative value 18 - 30 Not used 0 17 Selftest failed on Slot 17 131072 16 Selftest failed on Slot 16 65536 15 Selftest failed on Slot 15 32768 14 Selftest failed on Slot 14 16384 13 Selftest failed on Slot 13 8192 12 Selftest failed on Slot 12 4096 11 Selftest failed on Slot 11 2048 10 Selftest failed on Slot 10 1024 9 Selftest failed on Slot 9 512 8 Selftest failed on Slot 8 256 7 Selftest failed on Slot 7 128 6 Selftest failed on Slot 6 64 5 Selftest failed on Slot 5 32 4 Selftest failed on Slot 4 16 3 Selftest failed on Slot 3 8 2 Selftest failed on Slot 2 4 1 Selftest failed on Slot 1 2 0 Selftest failed on Slot 0 1 If 16 is returned, the module in slot 4 has failed.

If 18 is returned, the modules in slots 1 and 4 have failed. A value of zero indicates no errors.

62 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

IEEE-Common Commands Instrument Setup and Status

command:

*WAI

syntax: *WAI description: The WAIt command prevents the instrument from executing any further commands until the

current command has finished executing. Some module firmware includes commands that set a "StatNOPC" flag during execution to indicate that the module is busy. *WAI blocks the GPIB bus to all commands until every module hosted by the instrument is no longer busy. All

pending operations, are completed during the wait period. parameters: none response: none example: *WAI

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 63

Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

The Status subsystem allows you to return and set details from the Status Model. For more details, see “The Status Model” on page 33.

command:

syntax: :STATus:OPERation[:EVENt][:LEVel0]? description: Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register (OSESR). parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):

example: stat:oper? → +0<END>

:STATus:OPERation[:EVENt][:LEVel0]?

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8163A/B Agilent 8164A/B Agilent 8166A/B

15 Not used Not used Not used 0 14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384 13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192 12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096 11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048 10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024 9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512 8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256 7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128 6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64 5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32 4Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16 3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8 2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4 1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2 0 Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1

64 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

command:

:STATus:OPERation:CONDition[:LEVel0]?

syntax: :STATus:OPERation:CONDition[:LEVel0]? description: Reads the Operational Status Condition Summary Register. parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the individual slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤

32767):

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8163A/B Agilent 8164A/B Agilent 8166A/B

example: stat:oper:cond? → +0<END>

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 65

Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

command:

syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]<wsp><value> description: Sets the bits in the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask (OSESM) that enable the con-

parameters: The bit value for the OSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)

response: none example: stat:oper:enab 128

command:

syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]? description: Returns the OSESM for the OSESR parameters: none response: The bit value for the operation enable mask as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) example: stat:oper:enab? → +128<END>

:STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]

tents of the OSESR to affect the Status Byte (STB). Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSESR to affect bit 7 of

the Status Byte.

The default value is 0.

:STATus:OPERation:ENABle[:LEVel0]?

command:

syntax: :STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]:LEVel1? description: Returns the Operational Status Event Summary Register (OSESR) for slots 15 to 17 of the

parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):

example: stat:oper:level1? → +0<END>

:STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]:LEVel1?

Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8166A/B

15-4 Not used 0 3Slot 17 Summary 8 2Slot 16 Summary 4 1Slot 15 Summary 2 0Not used 0

66 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

command:

:STATus:OPERation:CONDition:LEVel1?

syntax: :STATus:OPERation:CONDition:LEVel1? description: Returns the Operational Status Condition Summary Register for slots 15 to 17 of the

Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System.

parameters: none response: The sum of the results for slots 15 to 17 (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤

32767):

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8166A/B

15-4 Not used 0 3Slot 17 Summary 8 2Slot 16 Summary 4 1Slot 15 Summary 2 0Not used 0

example: stat:oper:cond:level1? → +0<END>

command:

:STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1

syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1<wsp><value> description: Sets the bits in the Operational Status Enable Summary Mask (OSESM) that enable the con-

tents of the OSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Measurement System to affect the Status Byte (STB).

Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Measurement System to affect bit 7 of the Status Byte.

parameters: The bit value for the OSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)

The default value is 0.

response: none example: stat:oper:enab:level1 128

command:

:STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1?

syntax: :STATus:OPERation:ENABle:LEVel1? description: Returns the OSESM for the OSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Mea-

surement System parameters: none response: The bit value for the operation enable mask as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) example: stat:oper:enab:level1? → +128<END>

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 67

Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

command:

syntax: :STATusn:OPERation[:EVENt]? description: Returns the Operational Slot Status Event Register (OSSER) of slot n. parameters: none response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤

example: stat1:oper? → +0<END>

command:

syntax: :STATusn:OPERation:CONDition? description: Returns the Operational Slot Status Condition Register of slot n. parameters: none response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤

:STATusn:OPERation[:EVENt]?

32767):

Bit

8-15 7

6 5 4 3 2 1 0

:STATusn:OPERation:CONDition?

32767):

Bit

Mnemonic

Not used Slot n: offset (λ) type bit 2

Slot n: offset (λ) type bit 1 Slot n: offset (λ) has been enabled Slot n: shutter has been opened Slot n: Zeroing ongoing Not used Slot n: Coherence Control has been switched on Slot n: Laser has been switched on

Mnemonic

Decimal Value

0 128

64 32 16 8 0 2 1

Decimal Value

8-15 7

6 5 4 3 2 1 0

example: stat1:oper:cond? → +0<END>

NOTE:

Not used Slot n: offset (λ) type bit 2

Slot n: offset (λ) type bit 1 Slot n: offset (λ) enabled Slot n: shutter open Slot n: Zeroing ongoing Not used Slot n: Coherence Control is switched on Slot n: Laser is switched on

0 128

64 32 16 8 0 2 1

Only attenuator bits 5 to 7 are used to show whether the offset feature is used and which algorithm is used to calculate the wavelength dependent offset.

Bit 5 states if the feature is enabled or disabled. Bits 6 and 7 are decoded as shown below to say whether the attenuator uses saved, interpolated, or extrapolated values.

68 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

Type Bit 5 Bit 6 Bit 7 Decimal Value

none 0 0 0 0

exact value 1 0 0 32

extrapolate below 1 1 0 96

extrapolate above 1 0 1 160

interpolated 1 1 1 224

command:

:STATusn:OPERation:ENABle

syntax: :STATusn:OPERation:ENABle<wsp><value> description: Sets the bits in the Operation Slot Status Enable Mask (OSSEM) for slot n that enable the

contents of the Operation Slot Status Event Register (OSSER) for slot n to affect the OSESR. Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSSER for slot n to af-

fect bit n of the OSESR. parameters: The bit value for the OSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) response: none example: stat:oper:enab 128

command:

:STATusn:OPERation:ENABle?

syntax: :STATusn:OPERation:ENABle? description: Returns the OSSEM of slot n parameters: none response: The bit value for the OSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) example: stat:oper:enab? → +128<END>

command:

:STATus:PRESet

syntax: :STATus:PRESet description: Presets all bits in all the enable masks for both the OPERation and QUEStionable status sys-

tems to 0, that is, OSSEM, QSSEM, OSESM, and QSESM. parameters: none response: none example: stat:pres

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 69

Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

command:

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt][:LEVel0]? description: Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register (QSESR). parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the QSESR as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)

example: stat:ques? → +0<END>

:STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt][:LEVel0]?

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8163A/B Agilent 8164A/B Agilent 8166A/B

15 Not used Not used Not used 0 14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384 13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192 12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096 11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048 10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024 9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512 8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256 7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128 6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64 5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32 4 Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16 3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8 2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4 1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2 0Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1

70 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

command:

:STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition[:LEVel0]?

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition[:LEVel0]? description: Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register. parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register as a 16-bit

signed integer value (0 .. +32767)

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8163A/B Agilent 8164A/B Agilent 8166A/B

15 Not used Not used Not used 0 14 Not used Not used Slot 14 Summary 16384 13 Not used Not used Slot 13 Summary 8192 12 Not used Not used Slot 12 Summary 4096 11 Not used Not used Slot 11 Summary 2048 10 Not used Not used Slot 10 Summary 1024 9 Not used Not used Slot 9 Summary 512 8 Not used Not used Slot 8 Summary 256 7 Not used Not used Slot 7 Summary 128 6 Not used Not used Slot 6 Summary 64 5 Not used Not used Slot 5 Summary 32 4 Not used Slot 4 Summary Slot 4 Summary 16 3 Not used Slot 3 Summary Slot 3 Summary 8 2 Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary Slot 2 Summary 4 1 Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary Slot 1 Summary 2 0 Not used Slot 0 Summary Level 1 Summary 1

example: stat:ques:cond? → +0<END>

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 71

Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

command:

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]<wsp><value> description: Sets the bits in the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask (QSESM) that enable the

parameters: The bit value for the questionable enable mask as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)

response: none example: stat:ques:enab 128

command:

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]? description: Returns the QSESM for the event register parameters: none response: The bit value for the QSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) example: stat:ques:enab? → +128<END>

:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]

contents of the QSESR to affect the Status Byte (STB). Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the QSESR to affect bit 3 of

the Status Byte.

The default value is 0.

:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle[:LEVel0]?

command:

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]:LEVel1? description: Returns the Questionable Status Event Summary Register (QSESR) for slots 15 to 17 of the

parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):

example: stat:ques:level1? → +0<END>

:STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]:LEVel1?

Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8166A/B

15-4 Not used 0 3Slot 17 Summary 8 2Slot 16 Summary 4 1Slot 15 Summary 2 0Not used 0

72 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

command:

:STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition:LEVel1?

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition:LEVel1? description: Returns the Questionable Status Condition Summary Register for slots 15 to 17 of the

Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

parameters: none response: The sum of the results for the slots (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤ 32767):

Bits Mnemonics Decimal Value

Agilent 8166A/B

15-4 Not used 0

3 Slot 17 Summary 8

2 Slot 16 Summary 4

1 Slot 15 Summary 2

0Not used 0

example: stat:ques:cond:level1? → +0<END>

command:

:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1<wsp><value> description: Sets the bits in the Questionable Status Enable Summary Mask (QSESM) that enable the

contents of the QSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Measurement

System to affect the Status Byte (STB).

Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the OSESR for slots 15 - 17

of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Measurement System to affect bit 7 of the Status Byte. parameters: The bit value for the QSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767)

The default value is 0. response: none example: stat:oper:enab:level1 128

command:

:STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1?

syntax: :STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle:LEVel1? description: Returns the QSESM for the QSESR for slots 15 - 17 of the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Mea-

surement System parameters: none response: The bit value for the QSESM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) example: stat:oper:enab:level1? → +128<END>

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 73

Instrument Setup and Status Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem

command:

syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? description: Returns the questionable status of slot n - the Questionable Slot Status Event Register (QSS-

parameters: none response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤

example: stat1:oper? → +0<END>

:STATusn:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?

ER).

32767):

Bit

11-15 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Every nth bit is the summary of slot n.

Mnemonic

Not Used Slot n: Lambda zeroing has been recommended Slot n: Beam Path Protection on (shutter off) Slot n: Coherence control is uncalibrated Slot n: Duty cycle has been out of range Slot n: ARA has been recommended Slot n: Module has been out of specification Slot n: Module has settled unsuccessfully Slot n: Laser protection has been on Slot n: Temperature has been out of range Slot n: A Zeroing operation has failed Slot n: Excessive Value has occurred

Decimal Value

0 1024 512 256 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

command:

syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable:CONDition? description: Returns the Questionable Slot Status Condition Register for slot n. parameters: none response: The results for the individual slot events (a 16-bit signed integer value, where 0 ≤ value ≤

example: stat1:ques:cond? → +0<END>

:STATusn:QUEStionable:CONDition?

32767):

Bit

11 - 15 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Every nth bit is the summary of slot n.

Mnemonic

Not Used Slot n: Lambda zeroing is recommended Slot n: Beam Path Protection on (shutter off) Slot n: Coherence control is uncalibrated Slot n: Duty cycle is out of range Slot n: ARA recommended Slot n: Module is out of specification Slot n: Module has not settled Slot n: Laser protection on Slot n: Temperature out of range Slot n: Zeroing failed Slot n: Excessive Value

Decimal Value

1024 512 256 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

74 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Status Reporting – The STATus Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

command:

:STATusn:QUEStionable:ENABle

syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable:ENABle<wsp><value> description: Sets the bits in the Questionable Slot Status Enable Mask (QSSEM) for slot n that enable the

contents of the Questionable Slot Status Register (QSSR) for slot n to affect the QSESR.

Setting a bit in this register to 1 enables the corresponding bit in the QSSER for slot n to af-

fect bit n of the QSESR. parameters: The bit value for the QSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) response: none example: stat:ques:enab 128

command:

:STATusn:QUEStionable:ENABle?

syntax: :STATusn:QUEStionable:ENABle? description: Returns the QSSEM for slot n parameters: none response: The bit value for the QSSEM as a 16-bit signed integer value (0 .. +32767) example: stat:ques:enab? → +128<END>

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 75

Instrument Setup and Status Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem

Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem

Subsystem

The SYSTem subsystem lets you control the instrument’s serial interface. You can also control some internal data (like date, time, and so on).

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:DATE<wsp><year>,<month>,<day> description: Sets the instrument’s internal date. parameters:

response: none example: syst:date 1999, 1, 12

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:DATE? description: Returns the instrument’s internal date. parameters: none response: The date in the format year, month, day (16-bit signed integer values) example: syst:date? → +1999,+1,+12<END>

:SYSTem:DATE

• the first value is the year (four digits),

• the second value is the month, and

• the third value is the day.

:SYSTem:DATE?

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:ERRor? description: Returns the next error from the error queue (see “The Error Queue” on page 22).

parameters: none response: The number of the latest error, and its meaning. example: syst:err? → -113,"Undefined header"<END>

:SYSTem:ERRor?

Each error has the error code and a short description of the error, separated by a comma, for example 0, "No error".

Error codes are numbers in the range -32768 and +32767. Negative error numbers are defined by the SCPI standard. Positive error numbers are device

dependent.

76 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem Instrument Setup and Status

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:HELP:HEADers? description: Returns a list of GPIB commands. parameters: none response: Returns a list of GPIB commands example: syst:help:head? → Returns a list of all GPIB commands

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:PRESet description: Sets the mainframe and all installed modules to their standard settings. This command has

:SYSTem:HELP:HEADers?

:SYSTem:PRESet

the same function as the Preset hardkey.

The following are not affected by this command:

•the GPIB (interface) state,

• the backlight and contrast of the display,

• the interface address,

• the output and error queues,

• the Service Request Enable register (SRE),

• the Status Byte (STB),

• the Standard Event Status Enable Mask (SESEM), and

• the Standard Event Status Register (SESR).

parameters: none response: none example: SYST:PRES

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:TIME<wsp><hour>,<minute>,<second> description: Sets the instrument’s internal time. parameters:

:SYSTem:TIME

• the first value is the hour (0 .. 23),

• the second value is the minute, and

• the third value is the seconds.

response: none example: syst:time 20,15,30

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 77

Instrument Setup and Status Interface/Instrument Behaviour Settings – The SYSTem Subsystem

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:TIME? description: Returns the instrument’s internal time. parameters: none response: The time in the format hour, minute, second. Hours are counted 0...23 (16-bit signed integer

example: syst:time? → +20,+15,+30<END>

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:VERSion? description: Returns the SCPI revision to which the instrument complies. parameters: none response: The revision year and number. example: syst:vers? → 1995.0<END>

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess<wsp><GPIB Address> description: Sets the GPIB address. parameters: The GPIB Address

response: none example: SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR 20

:SYSTem:TIME?

values).

:SYSTem:VERSion?

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess

Values allowed 0-30 21 is often reseverved by the GPIB Controller.

command:

syntax: :SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess? description: Returns the GPIB address. parameters: none response: The GPIB Address example: SYST:COMM:GPIB:ADDR? → +20<END>

:SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB[:SELF]:ADDRess?

78 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Measurement Operations & Settings

Root Layer Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem . . . . . 85

Agilent 81635A and Agilent 81619A - Master and Slave

Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Signal Generation – The SOURce Subsystem . . . . . . . . .113

Signal Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

The INPut and OUTput commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

The table of wavelength-dependent offsets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Compatibility of the 81560A/1A/6A/7A modular attenuator family to

the 8156A attenuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Signal Routing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Triggering - The TRIGger Subsystem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Extended Trigger Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

This chapter gives descriptions of commands that you can use when you are setting up or performing measurements. The commands are split up into the following subsystems:

• Root layer commands that take power measurements, configures triggering, and return information about the mainframe and it’s slots

• SENSe subsystem commands that control Power Sensors, Optical Head Interface Modules, and Return Loss Modules.

• SOURce subsystem commands that control Laser Source modules, DFB source modules, Tunable Laser modules, and Return Loss Modules with internal laser sources.

• Signal Conditioing commands that control Attenuator modules.

• TRIGger subsystem commands that control triggering.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 79

Measurement Operations & Settings Root Layer Command

Root Layer Command

command:

syntax: :LOCK<wsp><boolean>, <value> description: Switches the lock off and on.

parameters: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: switch lock off

response: none example: lock 1,1234 - 1234 is the default password

command:

syntax: :LOCK? description: Queries the current state of the lock. parameters: none response: A boolean value: 0: lock is switched off

example: lock? → 1<END>

:LOCK

High power lasers cannot be switched on, if you switch the lock on. High power lasers are switched off immediately when you switch the lock on.

1 or ON: switch lock on

<value> is the four-figure lock password.

:LOCK?

1: lock is switched on

The commands in the Slot subsystem allow you to query the following:

• a particular slot, for example, using slot1:empt?,

• or, an Optical Head attached to an Optical Head Interface Module, for example, an Optical Head Interface Module in slot1 with an Optical Head attached to channel 2, using slot1:head2:empt?.

80 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Root Layer Command Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

:SLOT[n]:EMPTy?

syntax: :SLOT[n]:EMPTy? description: Queries whether the module slot is empty. parameters: none response: A boolean value: 0: there is a module in the slot

1: the module slot is empty

examples: slot1:empt? → 0<END> There is a module in slot1 affects: Independent of module type

command:

:SLOT[n]:IDN?

syntax: :SLOT[n]:IDN? description: Returns information about the module. parameters: none response: HEWLETT-PACKARD:

mmmm: ssssssss: rrrrrrrrrr:

manufacturer instrument model number (for example 81533B) serial number date of firmware revision

example: slot1:idn? →

HEWLETT-PACKARD, 81533B,3411G06054,07-Aug-98<END>

NOTE

• The Agilent 81640A/80A/82A/89A Tunable Laser modules will always return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer.

• All other Agilent 8163A Series modules return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer.

• The HP 8153A Series modules will always return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer.

See “*IDN?” on page 59 for information on mainframe identity strings.

affects: Independent of module type

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:OPTions? description: Returns information about a module’s options. parameters: none response: A string. example: slot1:opt? → NO CONNECTOR OPTION, NO INSTRUMENT OPTIONS<END> affects: Independent of module type

:SLOT[n]:OPTions?

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 81

Measurement Operations & Settings Root Layer Command

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:TST? description: Returns the latest selftest results for a module.

NOTE

:SLOT[n]:TST?

This command does not perform a selftest. Use selfTeST command, *TST? on page 59, to perform a selftest.

parameters: none response: Returns an error code and a short description of the error. example: slot:tst? → +0,"self test OK"<END> affects: Independent of module type

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:EMPTy? description: Queries whether an optical head is connected. parameters: none response: A boolean value: 0: there is a module in the slot

examples: slot1:head:empt? → 0<END> An optical head is connected to the optical

NOTE

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:EMPTy?

1: the module slot is empty

head interface module in slot 1

• The HP 8153A Series Optical Heads will always return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer.

• All other Agilent 8163A Series Optical Heads return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer.

See “*IDN?” on page 59 for information on mainframe identity strings.

affects: Optical heads

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:IDN? description: Returns information about the optical head. parameters: none response: HEWLETT-PACKARD:

example: slot1:head:idn? →

affects: Optical heads

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[n]:IDN?

manufacturer

mmmm: ssssssss: rrrrrrrrrr:

HEWLETT-PACKARD, 81520A,3411G06054,07-Aug-98<END>

instrument model number (for example 81520A) serial number date of firmware revision

82 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Root Layer Command Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:OPTions? description: Returns information about an optical head’s options. parameters: none response: A string. example: slot1:head:opt? → NO CONNECTOR OPTION, NO INSTRUMENT

affects: Optical heads

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:TST? description: Returns the latest selftest results for an optical head.

NOTE

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:OPTions?

OPTIONS<END>

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:TST?

This command does not perform a selftest. Use selfTeST command, “*TST?” on page 62, to perform a selftest.

parameters: none response: Returns an error code and a short description of the error. example: slot:head:tst? → +0,"self test OK"<END> affects: Optical heads

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:WAVelength:RESPonse? description: Returns the wavelength response from a wavelength calibrated module in binary format. response: Wavelength Response table as a binary block. response

format:

example: slot1:head1:wav:resp? → #536570........

affects: Attenuator with power control, all powermeters, return loss modules

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 83

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:WAVelength:RESPonse?

One 8 byte long wavelength calibration value pair consisting of a 4 byte long float for wavelength and a 4 byte long float for the scalar calibration factor.

For more information on binary block formats see “Data Types” on page 26

Measurement Operations & Settings Root Layer Command

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:WAVelength:RESPonse:CSV? description: Returns the wavelength response from the attenuator module in CSV format. response: Wavelength Response table as a string response

format:

example: slot1:head1:wav:resp:csv? → 1200e-6,2.019\n 1210e-6,

affects: Attenuator with power control, all powermeters, return loss modules

command:

syntax: :SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:WAVelength:RESPonse:SIZE? description: Returns the number of elements in the wavelength response table. response Number of elements in the wavelength table as an integer value example: slot2:head1:wav:resp:size? → 50<END> affects: Attenuator with power control, all powermeters, return loss modules

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:WAVelength:RESPonse:CSV?

The string is a comma separated value (CSV) list and can be written to a file and be processed with a spreadsheet program.

List format:

λ1, c1\n λ2, c2\n

.......

λn, cn\n "," separates wavelength and response factor "\n" = ASCII code 10 separate value pairs

1.956\n...

:SLOT[n]:HEAD[m]:WAVelength:RESPonse:SIZE?

command:

syntax: :SPECial:REBoot description: Reboots the mainframe and all modules. parameters: none response: none example: spec:reb

:SPECial:REBoot

84 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

The SENSe subsystem lets you control measurement parameters for a Power Sensor, an Optical Head Interface module, or a return loss module.

Agilent 81635A and Agilent 81619A - Master and Slave Channels

For the Agilent 81635A Dual Power Sensor and Agilent 81619A Dual Optical Head Interface module, channel 1 is the master channel and channel 2 is the slave channel. The master and slave channels share the same software and hardware triggering system. For some commands, setting parameters for the master channel sets the parameters for the slave channel. In these cases, you may only set parameters for the slave channel by setting master channel parameters.

The commands listed in Table 5 can only be configured using the master channel.

Table 5 Commands that can only be configured using the master channel

Command Page

:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate] page 88 :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous/? page 89 :READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? page 90 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO page 92 :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing/? page 94 :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax/? page 95 :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility/? page 96 :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe/? page 100 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ATIME/? page 101 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe:AUTO/? page 104 :TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:INPut/? page 173 :TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:INPut:REARm/? page 174 :TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:OUTPut/? page 176 :TRIGger[n][:CHANnel[m]]:OUTPut:REARm/? page 177

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 85

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

The commands listed in Table 6 are independent for both master and slave channels.

Table 6 Commands that are independent for both master and slave channels

Command Page

:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]? page 87 :ROUTe[n][:CHANnel[m]]/? page 169 :ROUTe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CONFig? page 170 :ROUTe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:CONFig:ROUTe? page 170 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPut] [:MAGNi-

tude]/? :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO? page 93 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO:ALL page 93 :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult? page 97 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:RANGe[:UPPer]/? page 102 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence/? page 105 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:DISPlay page 106 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe/? page 106 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:REFerence:STATe:RATio/? page 107 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:UNIT/? page 108 :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:WAVelength/? page 108

page 92

86 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?

syntax: :FETCh[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]? description: Reads the current power meter value, or for a return loss module returns current power val-

ue at return loss diode (back reflection path). It does not provide its own triggering and so must be used with either continuous software triggering (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 89) or a directly preceding immediate software trigger (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 88).

It returns the value the previous software trigger measured. Any subsequent FETCh command will return the same value, if there is no subsequent software trigger.

parameters: none response: The current value as a float value in dBm,W or dB.

NOTE

If the reference state is absolute, units are dBm or W. If the reference state is relative, units are dB.

example: fetc1:pow? → +6.73370400E-04<END> affects: All power meters, return loss modules, and attenuators with power sensors dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

command:

:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:RETurnloss?

syntax: :FETCh[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:RETurnloss? description: Reads the current return loss value. It does not provide its own triggering and so must be

used with either continuous software triggering (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 89) or a directly preceding immediate software trigger (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 88).

It returns the return loss value the previous software trigger measured. Any subsequent FETCh command will return the same value, if there is no subsequent software trigger.

parameters: none response: The current value as a float value in dB. example: fetc1:ret? → +6.73370400E-00<END> affects: All return loss modules

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 87

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

command:

syntax: :FETCh[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:MONitor? description: Reads current power value at a return loss module’s monitor diode (forward path). It does

parameters: none response: The current value as a float value in W or dBm. example: fetc1:mon? → +6.73370400E-00<END> affects: All return loss modules

command:

syntax: :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate] description: Initiates the software trigger system and completes one full trigger cycle, that is, one mea-

parameters: none response: none example: init affects: All power meters, return loss modules. dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.

:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:MONitor?

not provide its own triggering and so must be used with either continuous software triggering (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 89) or a directly preceding im- mediate software trigger (see “:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 88).

It returns the monitor value the previous software trigger measured. Any subsequent FETCh command will return the same value, if there is no subsequent software trigger.

:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]

surement is made.

command:

syntax: :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous<wsp><boolean> description: parameters: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: do not measure continuously

response: none example: init2:cont 1 affects: All power meters, return loss modules. dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.

:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous

Sets the software trigger system to continuous measurement mode.

1 or ON: measure continuously

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Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

syntax: :INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous? description:

parameters: none response: A boolean value: 0 or OFF: measurement is not continuous

example: init2:cont? → 1<END> affects: All power meters, return loss modules. dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.

command:

syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer:[:DC]:ALL? description: Reads all available power meter channels. It provides its own software triggering and does

NOTE

parameters: none response: 4-byte Intel float values in a binary block in Intel byte order. The values are ordered by slot

:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?

Queries whether the software trigger system operates continuously or not

1 or ON: measurement is continuous

:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][SCALar:]:POWer:ALL?

not need a triggering command. The power meters must be running for this command to be effective.

and channel order. See “Data Types” on page 26 for more information on Binary Blocks.

NOTE

example: read1:pow:all? → interpreted as

affects: All power meters (v3.0x firmware or later). dual sensors: Master channels receive a read command, see:

Data values are always in Watt.

+1.33555600E-006|+1.34789100E-006|+1.37456900E-006<END>

“:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?” on page 90

Slave channels receive a fetch command, see: “:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?” on page 87.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 89

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

command:

syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:POWer[:DC]:ALL:CONFig? description: Returns the slot and channel numbers for all available power meter channels.

parameters: none response: A binary block (Intel byte order) consisting of 2-byte unsigned integer value pairs (so each

example: read1:pow:all:conf? → interpreted as

affects: All power meters (v3.0x firmware or later). dual sensors:

command:

syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? description: Reads the current power meter value, or for a return loss module the power value at the re-

:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]]:POWer:ALL:CONFig?

Use this command to match returned power values to the appropriate slot and channel number.

pair has 4 bytes). The first member of the pair represents the the slot number, the second member of the pair represents the channel number.

1|1|1|2|12|1<END>

This 12-byte block means that there are three powermeters present: Slot 1, Channel 1 Slot 1, Channel 2 Slot 12, Channel 1

:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?

turn loss diode (back reflection path). It provides its own software triggering and does not need a triggering command.

If the software trigger system operates continuously (see

“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 89), this command is identical to “:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?” on page 87.

If the software trigger system does not operate continuously, this command is identical to generating a software trigger (“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 88) and then reading the power meter value.

NOTE

parameters: none response: The current power meter reading as a float value in dBm, W or dB.

NOTE

The power meter must be running for this command to be effective.

If the reference state is absolute, units are dBm or W. If the reference state is relative, units are dB.

example: read1:pow? → +1.33555600E-006<END> affects: All power meters and return loss modules and attenuator with power control dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also triggered.

To read a simultaneous result from the slave channel, send “:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:POWer[:DC]?” on page 87 directly after this command.

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command:

:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:RETurnloss?

syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:RETurnloss? description: Reads the current return loss value. It provides its own software triggering and does not

need a triggering command. If the software trigger system operates continuously (see

“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 89), this command is identical to “:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:RETurnloss?” on page 87.

NOTE

The return loss module must be running for this command to be effective. parameters: none response: The current power meter reading as a float value in dB. example: read1:ret? → +1.33555600E-000<END> affects: All return loss modules

command:

:READ[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:MONitor?

syntax: :READ[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:SCALar]:MONitor? description: Reads the power value at the monitor diode (forward path). It provides its own software trig-

gering and does not need a triggering command.

If the software trigger system operates continuously (see

“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CONTinuous?” on page 89), this command is identical to

“:FETCh[n][:CHANnel[m]][:SCAlar]:MONitor?” on page 88.

If the software trigger system does not operate continuously, this command is identical to

generating a software trigger (“:INITiate[n]:[CHANnel[m]][:IMMediate]” on page 88) and

then reading the power meter value.

NOTE

The return loss module must be running for this command to be effective. parameters: none response: The current power meter reading as a float value in W or dBm example: read1:mon? → +1.33555600E-000<END> affects: All return loss modules

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 91

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPUT][:MAGNitude]<wsp>

description: Enters a calibration value for a module. parameters: The calibration factor as a float value

response: none example: sens1:corr 10DB affects: All power meters dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPUT][:MAGNitude]? description: Returns the calibration factor for a module. parameters: none response: The calibration factor as a float value. Units are in dB, although no units are returned in the

example: sens1:corr? → +1.00000000E+000<END> affects: All power meters dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPut][:MAGNitude]

<value>[DB|MDB]

If no unit type is specified, decibels (dB) is implied.

:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection[:LOSS][:INPut][:MAGNitude]?

response message.

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO description: Zeros the electrical offsets for a power meter or return loss module. parameters: none response: none example: sens1:corr:coll:zero affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also zeroed.

:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO

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Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORREction:COLLect:ZERO? description: Returns the status of the most recent zero command. parameters: none response: 0:

example: sens1:corr:coll:zero? → 0<END> affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

command:

syntax: SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO:ALL description: Zeros the electrical offsets for all installed power meter and return loss modules. parameters: none response: none example: sens:chan:corr:coll:zero:all affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Command is independent of channel.

:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO?

zero succeeded without errors.

any other number:

:SENSe[n]:[CHANnel[m]]:CORRection:COLLect:ZERO:ALL

remote zeroing failed (the number is the error code returned from the operation).

NOTE

including hidden parameters, for the stability and MinMax functions and vice versa. You must use the :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing command to set parameters before you start a logging function using the

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe command.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 93

Setting parameters for the logging function sets some parameters,

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

command:

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing<wsp><data points>,

<averaging time>[NS|US|MS|S]

description: Sets the number of data points and the averaging time for the logging data acquisition func-

tion.

parameters: Data Points:

Data Points is the number of samples that are recorded before the logging mode is completed. Data Points is an integer value.

Averaging time:

Averaging time is a time value in seconds. There is no time delay between averaging time periods. Use

“:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility?” on page 97 if you want to use delayed measurement.

Averaging Time

Measurement Running

Measurement Stopped

1352 4 687 9

If you specify no units for the averaging time value in your command, seconds are used as the default.

NOTE

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe” on page 100 for information on start- ing/stopping a data acquisition function.

NOTE

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?” on page 97 for information on accessing the results of a data acquisition function.

NOTE

See “Triggering and Power Measurements” on page 171 for information on how triggering affects data acquisition functions.

response: none example: sens1:func:par:logg 64,1ms affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.

command:

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing?

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing? description: Returns the number of data points and the averaging time for the logging data acquisition

function.

parameters: none response: Returns the number of data points as an integer value and the averaging time, t

, as a float

avg

value in seconds.

example: sens1:func:par:logg? → +64,+1.00000000E-001<END> affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.

94 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

NOTE

including hidden parameters, for the stability and logging functions and vice versa. You must use the :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax command to set parameters before you start a MinMax function using the :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe command.

Setting parameters for the MinMax function sets some parameters,

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax<wsp>

description: Sets the MinMax mode and the number of data points for the

parameters: CONTinous:

NOTE

response: none example: sens1:func:par:minm WIND,10 affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax

CONTinous|WINDow|REFResh,<data points>

MinMax data acquisition function.

continuous MinMax mode WINDow: REFResh:

Data Points is the number of samples that are recorded in the memory buffer used by the WINDow and REFResh modes. Data Points is an integer value.

See Chapter 3 of the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System User’s Guide, for more information on MinMax mode.

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe” on page 100 for information on start- ing/stopping a data acquisition function.

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?” on page 97 for information on accessing the results of a data acquisition function.

See “Triggering and Power Measurements” on page 171 for information on how triggering affects data acquisition functions.

window MinMax mode

refresh MinMax mode

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax? description: Returns the MinMax mode and the number of data points for the MinMax data acquisition

parameters: none response: CONT:

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 95

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:MINMax?

function.

continuous MinMax mode WIND: REFR:

The number of data points is returned as an integer value.

window MinMax mode

refresh MinMax mode

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

example: sens1:func:par:minm? → WIND,+10<END> affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.

NOTE

including hidden parameters, for the logging and MinMax functions and vice versa. You must use the :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility command to set parameters before you start a stability function using the :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe command.

Setting parameters for the stability function sets some parameters,

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility<wsp>

description: Sets the total time, period time, and averaging time for the stability data acquisition function. parameters: Total time:

Measurement Running

Measurement Stopped

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility

<total time>[NS|US|MS|S],<period time>[NS|US|MS|S],<averaging time>[NS|US|MS|S]

The total time from the start of stability mode until it is completed. Period time: Averaging time:

A new measurement is started after the completion of every period time.

A measurement is averaged over the averaging time.

Averaging Time

Period Time

12345

NOTE

The total time should be longer than the period time. The period time should be longer than the averaging time. The number of data points is equal to the total time divided by the period time. Total time, period time, and averaging time are time values in seconds. If you specify no units in your command, seconds are used as the default.

NOTE

response: none example: sens1:func:par:stab 1s,0.1s,0.1s affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe” on page 100 for information on starting/stop- ping a data acquisition function.

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?” on page 97 for information on accessing the results of a data acquisition function.

See “Triggering and Power Measurements” on page 171 for information on how triggering af- fects data acquisition functions.

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Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility? description: Returns the total time, period time, and averaging time for the stability data acquisition func-

parameters: none response: Total time, delay time, and averaging time are float values in seconds. example: sens1:func:par:stab? → +1.00000000E+000,

affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult? description: Returns the data array of the last data acquisition function. parameters: none response: The last data acquisition function’s data array as a binary block.

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:STABility?

tion.

+1.00000000E-001,+1.00000000E-001<END>

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?

For Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions, one measurement value is a 4-bytelong float in Intel byte order.

For the MinMax Data Acquisition function, the query returns the minimum, maximum and current power values.

See “Data Types” on page 26 for more information on Binary Blocks.

NOTE

example: sens1:func:res? →

See “How to Log Results” on page 207 for information on logging using VISA calls. There are some tips about how to use float format specifiers to convert the binary blocks into float values.

If you use LabView or Agilent VEE, we recommend using the Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instrument Driver to perform the Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions.

returns a data array for Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions

sens1:func:res? → #255 Min: 7.24079E-04, Max: 7.24252E-04,

Act: 7.24155E-04 returns the minimum, maximum and current power values for the MinMax Data Acquisition function

affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

NOTE

Return Loss modules:

For Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions, the data array contains power values.

For the MinMax Data Acquisition function, the data array contains return loss values.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition 97

Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:BLOCk?<wsp><offset>,<# of data points> description: Returns a specific binary block (Intel byte order) from the data array for the last data acquisi-

parameters: <offset> A zero based offset; the number of data points to ignore.

response: The last stablility or logging data acquisition function’s data array as a binary block.

example: sens1:func:res:bloc? #5, 2 → interpreted as

affects: All power meters and return loss modules . dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

NOTE

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:BLOCk?

tion function.

# data points The number of data points (not bytes!) to return.

This function is not available for min-max measurements. One measurement value is a 4-byte-long float in Intel byte order. See “Data Types” on page 26 for more information on Binary Blocks.

7.24079E-04,7.24252E-04<end>

Return Loss modules:

For Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions, the data array contains power values.

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:MAXBlocksize?<wsp><offset><# of data

description: Returns the maximum block size for a single GPIB transfer for power meter data acquisition

parameters: none response: An integer value, number of data points.

example: affects: All power meters and return loss modules. dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:MAXBlocksize?

points>

functions. If your application requires more data points please use SENSe[n][:CHAN- nel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:BLOCk? instead of SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult?

See “Data Types” on page 26 for more information on Binary Blocks.

98 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem Measurement Operations & Settings

command:

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:MONitor?

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:RESult:MONitor? description: Returns the monitor diode data array for the last data acquisition function. parameters: none response: The last data acquisition function’s data array as a binary block.

For Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions, one measurement value is a 4-bytelong float in Intel byte order.

For the MinMax Data Acquisition function, the query returns the minimum, maximum and current power values.

See “Data Types” on page 26 for more information on Binary Blocks.

NOTE

See “How to Log Results” on page 207 for information on logging using VISA calls. There are some tips about how to use float format specifiers to convert the binary blocks into float values.

NOTE

If you use LabView or Agilent VEE, we recommend using the Agilent 816x VXIplug&play Instrument Driver to perform the Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions.

example: sens1:func:res:mon? →

returns a data array for Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions

sens1:func:res? → #255 Min: 7.24079E-04, Max: 7.24252E-04, Act: 7.24155E-04

returns the minimum, maximum and current power values for the MinMax Data Acquisition function

affects: All return loss modules dual sensors: Master and slave channels are independent.

NOTE

Return Loss modules:

For Logging and Stability Data Acquisition functions, the data array contains power values for the monitor diode.

For the MinMax Data Acquisition function, the data array contains return loss values for the monitor diode.

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Measurement Operations & Settings Measurement Functions – The SENSe Subsystem

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe<wsp>

description: Enables/Disables the logging, MinMax, or stability data acquisition function mode. parameters: LOGGing:

NOTE

response: none example: sens1:func:stat logg,star affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel is also affected.

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe

LOGGing|STABility|MINMax,STOP|STARt

Logging data acquisition function STABility: MINMax:

STOP: STARt:

When you enable a logging data acquisition function for a Agilent 8163A/B Series Power Meter with averaging time of less than 100 ms with input hardware triggering disabled, all GPIB commands will be ignored for the duration of the function.

See “:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:PARameter:LOGGing” on page 94 for more infor- mation on the logging data acquisition function.

Stop any function before you try to set up a new function. Some parameters cannot be set until you stop the function.

Stability data acquisition function

MinMax data acquisition function

Stop data acquisition function

Start data acquisition function

command:

syntax: :SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe? description: Returns the function mode and the status of the data acquisition function. parameters: none response: NONE

example: sens1:func:stat? → LOGGING_STABILITY,COMPLETE<END> affects: All power meters and return loss modules dual sensors: Can only be sent to master channel, slave channel parameters are identical.

:SENSe[n][:CHANnel[m]]:FUNCtion:STATe?

No function mode selected LOGGING_STABILITY MINMAX

PROGRESS COMPLETE

Logging or stability data acquisition function

MinMax data acquisition function

Data acquisition function is in progress

Data acquisition function is complete

100 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Fifth Edition

Agilent Technologies 8166B, 8164A, 8163A, 8166A User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Warnings and Notices

Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices

In this Manual

Table o f Co ntents

List of Figures

List of Tables

Introduction to Programming

GPIB Interface

Returning the Instrument to Local Control

Message Queues

How the Input Queue Works

The Output Queue

The Error Queue

Programming and Syntax Diagram Conventions

Short Form and Long Form

Command and Query Syntax

Common Commands

Common Command Summary

Common Status Information

The Status Model

Status Registers

Status System for 8163A/B & 8164A/B

Status System for 8166A/B

Annotations

Status Command Summary

Other Commands

Specific Commands

Specific Command Summary

Instrument Setup and Status

IEEE-Common Commands

Measurement Operations & Settings

Root Layer Command

Agilent 81635A and Agilent 81619A - Master and Slave Channels