Agilent Technologies 90235, 8590 User Manual

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8590 E-series and L-series Programmer's Guide

08590-90235

June 1995

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Manual Part Number:

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Programmer’s Guide

HP 8590 E-Series and L-Series

Spectrum

Analyzers

HP 8591C Cable

and

TV Analyzer

HEWLETT

Did

HP Part No. 08590-90235 Supersedes: 5962-5023

Printed in USA June 1995

PACKARD

Notice.

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including

but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.

1400 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa CA, 95403-1799, USA

Certification

Hewlett-Packard Company certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Hewlett-Packard further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

Regulatory Information

The Calibration Guide shipped with your instrument contains the regulatory information.

Warranty

This Hewlett-Packard instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Hewlett-Packard Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective.

For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Hewlett-Packard. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Hewlett-Packard and Hewlett-Packard shall pay shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Hewlett-Packard from another country.

Hewlett-Packard warrants that its software and firmware designated by Hewlett-Packard for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Hewlett-Packard does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, or 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. HEWLETT-PACKARD SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES

THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. HEWLETT-PACKARD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

. . .

III

Assistance

Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance Hewlett-Rzckard products. Service

Office.

For

any assistance, contact your nearest Hewlett-Rzckard Sales and

agreements

are available for

Safety Notes

The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each of the notes and its meaning before operating this instrument.

Caution

Warning

Instruction

Manual

Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, would result in damage to or destruction of the instrument. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

The instruction documentation symbol. The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instruction in the manual.

General Safety Considerations

Caution

Warning

Before switching on this instrument, make sure that the line voltage selector switch is set to the voltage of the power supply and the correct fuse is installed.

This is a Safety Class I product (provided with a protective earthing ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the protective conductor, inside or outside the instrument, is likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is

prohibited.

The opening of covers or removal of parts is likely to expose dangerous voltages. Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources while it is being opened.

The power cord is connected to internal capacitors that may remain live for 10 seconds after disconnecting the plug from its power supply.

These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To

avoid electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you are

qualified to do so.

How to Use This Guide

This guide uses the following conventions:

Front-Panel

Sof

Key] This represents a key physically located on the instrument.

tkq”

This indicates a “softkey,” a key whose label is determined by the instrument’s firmware.

Screen Text This indicates text displayed on the instrument’s screen.

HP 8590 D-Series and E-Series Spectrum Analyzer Documentation Description

In addition to the programmer’s guide, the following guides are shipped with your spectrum analyzer:

The Calibration Guide for your Spectrum Analyzer

Tells you how to test your spectrum analyzer to determine if the spectrum analyzer meets

its specifications.

HP 8590 E-Series and

Tells you how to make measurements with your spectrum analyzer.

Describes the spectrum analyzer features.

Tells you what to do in case of a failure.

HP 8590 E-Series and L.-Series Spectrum Analyzer Quick

Describes how to make a simple measurement with your spectrum analyzer.

Briefly describes the spectrum analyzer functions.

Lists all the programming commands.

L-Series

Spectrum Analyzer User’s Guide

Reference

Guide

HP 8591C Cable TV Analyzer Documentation Description

In addition to the programmer’s guide, the following guides are shipped with your cable TV

analyzer:

HP 8590 E-Series Spectrum Analyzers and HP 8591 C Cable TV Analyzer Calibration

Tells you how to test your spectrum analyzer to determine if the spectrum analyzer meets

its specifications.

HP 8591C Cable TV Analyzer User’s Guides

Cable TV Measurements

Tells you how to make cable TV measurements with your analyzer.

Describes the cable TV analyzer mode features.

Guide

Spectrum Analyzer

Tells you how to make measurements using the spectrum analyzer mode.

Describes the spectrum analyzer mode features.

Tells you what to do in case of a failure.

HP 8591C Cable TV Analyzer Getting Started and Quick

Describes how to make a simple measurement with your spectrum analyzer.

Briefly describes the cable TV and spectrum analyzer functions.

Provides a quick reference for cable TV and spectrum analyzer softkeys.

Reference

Guide

vii

Contents

1. Preparing for Use

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

Connecting Your Spectrum Analyzer to a Computer Configuring Your Computer System Connecting the Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

For

the

HP-IB Interface

For the RS-232 Interface

The Test Program

HP-IB Connections for the HP 9000 Series 200 Technical Computers

Equipment Interconnection Instructions

Test Program

HP-IB Connections for the HP 9000 Series 300 Technical Computers

Equipment Interconnection Instructions Test Program

HP-IB Connections for the HP Vectra Personal Computer

Equipment Interconnection Instructions Test Program

RS-232 Connections for the HP Vectra or IBM PC/AT Personal Computer

Equipment Interconnection Instructions

Test Program

Printing or Plotting .............................

Printing Using an HP-IB Interface

Equipment Interconnection and Printing Instructions Plotting Using an HP-IB Interface

Equipment Interconnection and Plotting Instructions Printing Using an RS-232 Interface

Equipment Interconnection and Printing Instructions Plotting Using an RS-232 Interface

Equipment Interconnection and Plotting Instructions Printing after Plotting or Plotting after Printing Printing Using a Parallel Interface

Equipment

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

Plotting to an HP LaserJet Printer

Equipment

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions Printing after Plotting or Plotting after Printing

If There Is a Problem ............................

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....

l-l l-l

l-l

l-2

l-2 l-2

l-2 l-3 l-3 l-3

l-4 1-5 1-5 1-5

l-6

l-7 l-7 l-7

1-8 l-9 l-9 l-9

l-10 l-11 l-11

l-11 l-11 1-14 1-14 1-14 1-16 1-16 1-16 1-18 1-18 1-18 1-19 l-20 l-20 l-20 l-22 l-22 l-22 l-23 l-24

Contents-l

2. Writing a Program

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter Writing Your First Program

Composing the Program

..........................

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Modifying the Program

............................

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Enhancing the Program with Variables

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Getting Information from the Spectrum Analyzer

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Programming Guidelines

3. Programming Topics

...........................

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter Controlling Trace Data with a Computer

Reading Trace Data

............................

......................

..................

.................

..................

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..................

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...............

..................

.................

......................

...................

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface..................

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface .................

Saving Trace Data

..............................

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface .................

Reading Trace Data from a Computer Disk

..................

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface..................

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface .................

Saving and Recalling Instrument States

....................

Saving the Spectrum Analyzer’s State....................

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface..................

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface .................

Returning the Spectrum Analyzer to its Former State .............

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface..................

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface .................

Measuring Harmonic Distortion

........................

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface..................

Program

Different Formats for Trace Data Transfers

P Formatt

Example of Using the P Format

Example

for the RS-232

Interface

.................

..................

.................................

......................

B Format .................................

Example of Using the B Format

A-Block Format

..............................

Example of Using the A-Block Format

I-Block Format

...............................

Example of Using the I-Block Format

M Formatt

.................................

Example of Using the M Format

......................

...................

.....................

2-l

2-2 2-2

2-2 2-3 2-4 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-6 2-7

2-8

2-8 2-9

2-10

3-l 3-2 3-2

3-2

3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-6 3-6 3-7 3-7 3-8

3-10

3-12

3-12 3-13 3-15

3-15 3-18 3-20 3-20 3-21 3-22 3-22 3-24 3-24 3-25 3-25 3-26 3-27

Contents-2

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WhatisaDLP? WhyUseaDLP?.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Creating a DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

‘Ib

Use a User-Defined Function within a DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Use a User-Defined Variable within a DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Use a User-Defined Trace within a DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example

To Enter

Values’into a*DLP 1 : 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 : 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 :

. . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Enter Values into a DLP by Using a Softkey

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Create a Modular DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executing a DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Execute a DLP by Using a Softkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Execute the DLP within a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

StoringDLPsonaRAMCard

‘IbStoreDLPsonaRAMCard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Load

DLPs

from a Memory Card into Analyzer Memory . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Determining the Amount of Memory Needed for a DLP . . . . . . . . . . . .

‘lb Determine Available Analyzer Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Determine the Amount of Space on a RAM Card . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Delete a DLP from Spectrum Analyzer Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example

To Erase the

DLP’frbm

RAM’&rd : : : : : :

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the DLP Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Connect the External Keyboard to the Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . .

‘lb Access the DLP Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

‘IbCreateaDLP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Modify the DLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Modify a Catalog Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DLP Programming Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To Make the DLP More Readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ToFindProblemsinaDLP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4-l

4-l 4-l 4-2

4-3

4-4

4-4 4-5 4-5

4-6

4-6 4-6 4-6 4-7 4-7 4-9 4-9 4-9

4-9

4-9 4-10 4-10 4-10 4-11 4-11 4-12

4-12

4-12 4-12 4-13 4-14 4-14 4-14

4-14 4-15

4-15

4-16

4-17 4-18 4-19 4-20 4-20 4-20

5. Programming Commands

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter Syntax Conventions

ABORT Abort ABS Absolute

.............................

...............................

ACP Adjacent Channel Power ACPBW Channel Bandwidth

......................

........................

ACPCONTM Continuous Sweep Measurement ACPE Adjacent Channel Power Extended

..................

ACPGR Adjacent Channel Power Graph On or Off ACPGRAPH Compute the Adjacent Channel Power Graph ACPMK Adjacent Channel Power Marker On or Off. ACPPAR ACP Manual or Auto ACPSNGLM Single Sweep Measurement ACPSP Channel Spacing

..........................

ACTDEF Active Function Definition ACTVF Active Function ADD Add

.................................

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AMB Trace A Minus Trace B

.......................

...................

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AMBPL Trace A Minus Trace B Plus Display Line AMPCOR Amplitude Correction

AMPLEN

Amplitude Correction Length ANLGPLUS Analog Plus

ANNOT

Annotation

............................

APB Trace A Plus Trace B AT Attenuation

AUNITS

Amplitude Units AUTO Auto Couple AVG Average

..............................

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AXB Exchange Trace A and Trace B

BAUDRATE BITBit

BITF Bit Flag BLANK Blank Trace

Baud Rate of Spectrum Analyzer

..................................

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BML Trace B Minus Display Line BTC Transfer Trace B to Trace C BXC Trace B Exchange Trace C CAL Calibration CAT Catalog CF Center Frequency CHP Channel Power

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CHPGR Channel Power Graph On or Off CLRAVG Clear Average CLRBOX Clear Box CLRDSP Clear Display CLRW Clear Write CLS Clear Status Byte

...........................

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CMDERRQ Command Error Query CNF Confidence Test

............................

CNTLA Auxiliary Interface Control Line A CNTLB Auxiliary Interface Control Line B CNTLC Auxiliary Interface Control Line C CNTLD Auxiliary Interface Control Line D

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CNTLI Auxiliary Interface Control Line Input

COMBComb

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5-l

5-2

5-29 5-31 5-33 5-35 5-37 5-38

5-40

5-42 5-43 5-44 5-46 5-47 5-49 5-54

5-55 5-57 5-60

5-62 5-64

5-65 5-67

5-68 5-69

5-71

5-72

5-73

5-75

5-76

5-78

5-80

5-82 5-83

5-84

5-85

5-86

5-89

5-93

5-95

5-97

5-98

5-99

5-101 5-102 5-103

5-104

5-105 5-106 5-107 5-108 5-109 5-110 5-111

Contents-4

COMPRESS Compress Trace

CONCAT

Concatenate

...........................

CONTS Continuous Sweep CORREK Correction Factors On COUPLE Couple

..............................

CRTHPOS Horizontal Position of CRT Display CRTVPOS Vertical Position of CRT Display CTA Convert to Absolute Units CTM Convert to Measurement Units DA Display Address

DATEMODE

Date Mode DEMOD Demodulation DET Detection Mode DISPOSE Dispose DIV Divide

................................

DL Display Line DN Down DONE Done

DOTDENS DRAWBOX

DSPLY Display

.................................

................................

Dot Density

Draw Box

...............................

DT Define Terminator EE Enable Entry EK Enable Knob

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ENTER Enter From HP-IB EP Enter Parameter Function ERASE Erase EXP Exponent. FA Start Frequency

FB Stop Frequency

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FFT Fast Fourier Transform FFTAUTO Marker to Auto FFT

FFTCLIP FFl’

Signal Clipped FFTCONTS FFT Continuous Sweep

FFTMKR

FFT Markers

...........................

FFTMM FFT Marker to Midscreen

FFTMS FFTOFFFFTOff

FFTPCTAM

FFTPCTAMR FFT

FFT Marker to

..............................

FFT

Percent Amplitude Modulation

Percent Amplitude Modulation Readout

FFT

FFTSNGLS FFT Single Sweep FFTSTAT FFT Status

FFTSTOP FFT

Stop Frequency

FMGAIN FM Gain

............................

.............................

FOFFSET Frequency Offset FORMAT Format Card FS Full Span.

...............................

...........................

FUNCDEF Define Function

GATEGate

GATECTL Gate Control GC Gate Preset GD Gate Delay.

................................

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GDRVCLPAR Clear Pulse Parameters GDRVGDEL Gate Delay for the Frequency Window

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Stop Frequency

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GDRVGLEN Gate Length for the Frequency and Time Windows

.......

5-112 5-114 5-116 5-117 5-118 5-119 5-120 5-121 5-123 5-124 5-127 5-128 5-129 5-131 5-133 5-135 5-137 5-138 5-140 5-141 5-143 5-145 5-146 5-148 5-149 5-151 5-152 5-153 5-156 5-158 5-160 5-164 5-166 5-167 5-168 5-169 5-170 5-171

5-172 5-173

5-174

5-176

5-177 5-179

5-180

5-182 5-183 5-184 5-186 5-187 5-188 5-189 5-190 5-191

5-193

Contents-5

GDRVGT Window Gate Control

.......................

GDRVGTIM Gate Trigger to Marker Position for the Time Window

GDRVPRI Pulse Repetition Interval GDRVPWID Pulse Width

..........................

GDRVRBW Couple Resolution Bandwidth to Pulse Width GDRVREFE Enter Reference Edge GDRVST Couple Sweep Time to Pulse Repetition Interval GDRVSWAP Update the Time or Frequency Window GDRVSWDE Delay Sweep for Time Window GDRVSWP Sweep Time for the Time Window GDRVUTIL Gate Utility

..........................

GDRVVBW Couple Video Bandwidth to Gate Length

GETPLOT

Get Plot GETPRNT Get Print GL Gate Length GP Gate Polarity

GRGraph

.................................

GRAT Graticule HAVE Have HD Hold Data Entry HN Harmonic Number

.............................

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................................

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HNLOCK Harmonic Number Lock HNUNLK Unlock Harmonic Number

IBInputB.

ID Identify IF THEN ELSE INT Integer INZ Input Impedance IP Instrument Preset

KEYCLR Key Clear.

KEYCMD Key Command

................................

ENDIF

If Then Else Endif

................................

...........................

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KEYDEF User-Defined Key Definition KEYENH Key Enhance.

KEYEXC Key Execute

KEYLBL Key Label

LBLabel

.................................

..........................

...........................

............................

LF Base Band Instrument Preset LG Logarithmic Scale LIMIDEL Delete Limit-Line

...........................

‘lhble

LIMIDISP Limit Line Display LIMIFAIL Limits Failed

...........................

LIMIFT Select Frequency or Time Limit Line LIMIHI Upper Limit LIMILINE Limit Lines LIMILO Lower Limit

............................

...........................

............................

LIMIMIRROR Mirror Limit Line LIMIMODE Limit-Line Entry Mode LIMIREL Relative Limit Lines LIMISEG Enter Limit-Line Segment for Frequency LIMISEGT Enter Limit-Line Segment for Sweep Time LIMITEST Enable Limit Line Testing LINFILL Line Fill LN Linear Scale LOAD Load

................................

LOG Logarithm

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5-194 5-196

5-198

5-200 5-202 5-204 5-206 5-208 5-209 5-211

5-213 5-215 5-217 5-219 5-221 5-222

5-223

5-224

5-225

5-228

5-229

5-230

5-233 5-234 5-235 5-236 5-239

5-241 5-242 5-246

5-247 5-251 5-255 5-260 5-261 5-263 5-267

5-268 5-269

5-270 5-272 5-274

5-275

5-276

5-279

5-280

5-281

5-283 5-285 5-288 5-291

5-293

5-295

5-296

5-298

Contents.6

LSPAN Last Span

MDS Measurement Data Size

MDU Measurement Data Units MEAN Trace Mean MEANTH Trace Mean Above Threshold MEASOFF Measurement Off MEASURE Measure Mode MEM Memory Available MENU Menu MERGE Merge Two Traces MF Marker Frequency Output MIN Minimum MINH Minimum Hold MINPOS Minimum Position MIRROR Mirror Image MKA Marker Amplitude MKACT Activate Marker MKACTV Marker As the Active Function MKBW Marker Bandwidth MKCF Marker to Center Frequency MKCONT Marker Continue MKD Marker Delta. MKDLMODE Marker Delta Display Line Mode

MKF Marker Frequency MKFC Marker Counter MKFCR Marker Counter Resolution MKMIN Marker Minimum MKN Marker Normal MKNOISE Marker Noise MKOFF Marker Off MKP Marker Position MKPAUSE Marker Pause MKPK Marker Peak MKPX Marker Peak Excursion MKREAD Marker Readout MKRL Marker to Reference Level MKSP Marker to Span MKSS Marker to Step Size MKSTOP Marker Stop MKTBL Marker %ble MKTRACE Marker Trace MKTRACK Marker Track MKTYPE Marker Type ML Mixer Level MOD Modulo MODE Mode

MOV Move

................................

MPY Multiply

MS1

Mass Storage Is MXM Maximum MXMH Maximum Hold M4 Marker Zoom. NDB Number of

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NDBPNT N dB Points NDBPNTR N dB Points Bandwidth’ : : : 1 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

5-301 5-302 5-304 5-306 5-307 5-309 5-310 5-312 5-313 5-315 5-317 5-319 5-32 1 5-322

5-323 5-325 5-327 5-328 5-329 5-330 5-331 5-332 5-334 5-336 5-338 5-339 5-341 5-342 5-344 5-346 5-347 5-349 5-351 5-352 5-354 5-356 5-357 5-358 5-359 5-360 5-362 5-363 5-364

5-365 5-367 5-369 5-370 5-372

5-374

5-375 5-377 5-378

5-380 5-381 5-383

Contents-7

NRL Normalized Reference Level OA Output Active Function Value OBW Occupied Bandwidth

.........................

OBWPCT Occupied Bandwidth Percent OL Output Learn String

ONCYCLE ONDELAY

On Cycle

On Delay ONEOS On End of Sweep ONMKR On Marker

..........................

............................

.........................

............................

ONMKRU On Marker Update ONPWRUP On Power Up

..........................

ONSRQ On Service Request ONSWP On Sweep

ONTIME

On Time

OP Output Parameter

.............................

...........................

......................

...................

........................

.........................

OUTPUT Output to Remote Port or Parallel Port

PA Plot Absolute

PARSTAT

Parallel Status PCTAM Percent AM PCTAMR Percent AM Response

PDPenDown..

PDA Probability Distribution of Amplitude PDF Probability Distribution of Frequency PEAKS Peaks

PKDLMODE Peak PKPOS Peak Position PKRES Peak Result

PKSORT Peak Sort

PKTBL Peak

‘Iable

PKZMOK Peak Zoom Okay PKZOOM Peak Zoom PLOT Plot

.................................

PLTPRT Plot Port

POWERON

Power-On State PP Preselector Peak PR Plot Relative PREAMPG External Preamplifier Gain PREFX Prefix PRINT Print PRNTADRS Print Address

PRNPRT Print Port PSTATE Protect State

PUPenUp

PURGE Purge File PWRBW Power Bandwidth PWRUPTIME Power Up Time RB Resolution Bandwidth RCLS Recall State RCLT Recall Trace RELHPIB Release HP-IB REPEAT UNTIL Repeat Until RESETRL Reset Reference Level RETURN Return REV Revision RL Reference Level

.............................

..........................

............................

.......................

.............................

.................

...............................

Table

Delta Display Line Mode

............................

.............................

.........................

............................

.............................

.........................

............................

..............................

...................

...............................

................................

.........................

.............................

...........................

................................

.............................

.........................

........................

.........................

.............................

..........................

........................

......................

..............................

...............................

............................

...............

..............

5-384 5-386 5-387 5-389 5-390

5-391

5-393

5-395 5-397 5-399

5-401 5-402 5-404 5-406 5-408 5-409 5-412 5-414

5-416

5-418

5-419

5-420

5-422

5-424

5-428

5-430

5-43 1

5-433

5-434

5-436 5-437 5-439

5-441

5-442

5-443

5-444 5-445

5-446

5-447 5-449 5-450

5-451

5-452 5-453 5-454 5-456

5-457

5-459 5-460

5-462 5-463 5-465

5-466 5-467 5-468

Contents.8

RLPOS Reference-Level Position

RMS Root Mean Square Value ROFFSET Reference Level Offset RQS Service Request Mask

SAVEMENU

SAVES Save State SAVET Save Trace

Save Menu

.............................

.........................

..........................

SAVRCLF Save or Recall Flag SAVRCLN Save or Recall Number SAVRCLW Save or Recall Data SEGDEL Segment Delete

..........................

SENTER Segment Entry for Frequency Limit Lines SENTERT Segment Entry for Sweep Time Limit Lines SER Serial Number

SETDATE SETTIME

Set Date

Set Time SMOOTH Smooth Trace SNGLS Single Sweep

............................

.............................

..........................

............................

......................

........................

......................

........................

......................

.......................

.............

............

SPSpan ..................................

SPEAKER Speaker SPZOOM Span Zoom SQLCH Squelch SQR Square Root. SRCALC Source Leveling Control SRCAT Source Attenuator SRCNORM Source Normalization SRCPOFS Source Power Offset SRCPSTP Source Power-Level Step Size SRCPSWP Source Power Sweep SRCPWR Source Power SRCTK Source Tracking SRCTKPK Source Tracking Peak SRQ Force Service Request

SS Center Frequency Step Size

ST Sweep Time STB Status Byte Query STDEV Standard Deviation of Trace Amplitudes

STOR Store

................................

SUB Subtract

SUM Sum of Trace Amplitudes

SUMSQR Sum of Squared Trace Amplitudes SWPCPL Sweep Couple

SYNCMODE

Synchronize Mode TA Transfer A TB Transfer B TDF Trace Data Format TEXT Text TH Threshold

TIMEDATE

Time Date TIMEDSP Time Display TITLE Title

................................

TM Trigger Mode TO1 Third-Order Intermodulation Measurement TOIR Third-Order Intermodulation Response

TRA/TRB/TRC

.............................

............................

..............................

.............................

......................

.........................

......................

..............

........

...................

.......................

...........................

..........................

......................

.........................

.......................

..............................

...........................

...............

...............................

.......................

.................

..........................

.......................

...............................

..........................

...............................

...........................

.............................

...............

.................

Trace Data Input and Output

.................

5-470 5-471 5-472 5-473 5-475 5-476 5-477 5-479

5-480 5-482 5-483 5-485 5-488

5-491 5-492 5-493 5-494 5-496 5-497 5-499

5-500 5-501

5-502 5-504 5-506 5-508

5-510 5-511

5-513

5-515

5-517

5-519

5-520 5-524 5-526 5-528 5-529

5-531

5-534 5-536 5-537

5-538 5-540 5-542 5-543 5-544 5-549

5-550

5-551

5-552

5-553

5-554 5-556

5-558

5-559

Contents-9

Figures

l-l. Connecting the HP 9000 Series 200 Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer l-2. Connecting the HP 9000 Series 300 Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer l-3. Connecting the HP Vectra Personal Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer l-4. Connecting the Personal Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

3-l. Measurement Unit Range and Trace Amplitudes

4-l. Determining

4-2. Connecting the External Keyboard to the Spectrum Analyzer 4-3. Accessing the DLP Editor 4-4. Entering a DLP 4-5. Selecting a Catalog Item 5-l. Command Syntax Figure 5-2. Using the CLRBOX Command 5-3. Using the 5-4. Harming Filter Window 5-5. Uniform Filter Window 5-6. Flat 5-7. Using the MENU Command 5-8. Display Units 5-9. Frequency and Amplitude of the Peaks

B-l. HP-IB Connector ..............................

C-l. RS-232 Connector C-2. HP 245426 25-pin to C-3. HP 24542U C-4. 25-pin to C-5. C-6. 25-pin to C-7. HP C-8. 25-pin to C-9. HP-GL Plotter Connection

Top

g-pin

C2932A g-pin

the

Number of Records

..............................

DRAWBOX

Filter Window

g-pin

3-Wire Connection

g-pin

Command

...............................

.............................

3-Wire Connection

ThinkJet Printer Connection

g-pin

Modem Connection

.........................

..........................

........................

.......................

..........................

...........................

.........................

g-pin

Full Handshaking Connection

g-pin

Full Handshaking Connection

LaserJet Printer Connection

.........................

....................

...................

.....................

......................

.....................

...............

.................

.........

...........

............

... ... ...

l-3 l-5 l-7 l-9

3-26

4-13

4-15

4-16 4-17 4-19

5-2

5-99 5-141 5-162 5-163 5-163 5-314 5-413 5-426

B-l C-l c-3 c-3 c-3 c-4 c-4 c-5 C-6 C-6

Contents-l 1

Xhbles

l-l. Setting of HP 3-l. Measurement Units 3-2. Summary of the Trace Data Formats

4-l. Cataloging a RAM Card

5-l. Syntax Elements 5-2. Characters and Secondary Keywords (Reserved Words) 5-3. Summary of Compatible Commands 5-4. Functional Index 5-5. Spectrum,AnaIyzer Settings, ACPPAR is Set to Automatic 5-6. Character Set 5-7. Label Functions 5-9. Spectrum Analyzer Status Byte (Option 024) 5-9. Spectrum Analyzer Status Byte (Option 041, 043)

5-9. Spectrum Analyzer Status Byte 5-10. Status Byte Definition 5-l 1. Programming Commands That Exit The Windows Display Mode

C-l. Setting of C-2. Setting of RS-232 Switches C-3. Setting the Baud Rate

ThinkJet

...............................

Thinkjet

Printer Mode Switches

............................

....................

...........................

..............................

.....................

.............................

..............................

.......................

...........................

Printer Mode Switches

.........................

...........................

................

............

...........

.................

..............

........

..................

l-11 3-27 3-28 4-13

5-3

5-5

5-9

5-11 5-45

5-265 5-266 5-414 5-415

5-52 1 5-522 5-595

c-4 c-5 c-5

Contents-l 2

Preparing for Use

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

This chapter tells you how to connect a computer to your spectrum analyzer via the Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus (HP-IB) or the RS-232 Interface and how to connect a printer

or a plotter. The remainder of the chapter covers procedures to follow if a problem is

encountered.

Connecting Your Spectrum Analyzer to a Computer

The spectrum analyzer works with many popular computers. However, the steps required to connect your spectrum analyzer to a specific computer depend on the computer you are using. Before turning to the interconnection instructions for your computer, please read the following general information.

Configuring Your Computer System

Every computer system has a specific configuration. Your system configuration might include a printer, external disk drive, or plotter. Whenever you add another piece of equipment (for example, your spectrum analyzer), you may need to reconfigure your computer system so that the computer knows where and how to send information to the newly added device.

Some computers do not require configuring when a spectrum analyzer is connected; others

require a simple modification. The most common modification is changing the configuration information stored on the computer’s operating system disk. A few computers require the insertion of an add-on board, or “card.” Refer to your computer documentation if your system needs these modifications.

All of the test programs for HP-IB and RS-232 interfaces are written using of the computer under consideration. If you have never entered or run a BASIC program, refer to your computer documentation.

the

BASIC language

Preparing for Use

l-1

Connecting the Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

For the HP-IB Interface

Refer to Appendix B for a detailed description of the HP-IB interface.

Appendix B contains instructions for connecting the spectrum analyzer’s HP-IB interface to either an HP 9000 Series 200, or a Series 300 computer, or to an HP Vectra PC equipped with

an HP 82300B BASIC Language Processor. If your computer is not listed, but it supports an HP-IB interface, there is a good possibility that it can be connected to the spectrum analyzer. Consult your computer documentation to determine how to connect external devices on the bus.

For the BS-232 Interface

Refer to Appendix C for a detailed description of the RS-232 interface. Appendix C contains instructions for connecting the spectrum analyzer’s RS-232 interface to

an HP Vectra PC or IBM PC/AT or compatible computers. If your computer is not listed, but it supports a standard RS-232 interface, there is a good possibility that the spectrum analyzer may be connected to the computer. Consult your computer documentation to determine how to connect external devices to your computer’s RS-232 connector.

There are two types of RS-232 devices: data terminal equipment (DTE) and data communication equipment (DCE). Types of DTE devices include display terminals. DCE equipment includes modems and, generally, other computer RS-232 devices. The spectrum analyzer RS-232 port is the DTE-type. Connections from the computer (DCE) to the spectrum analyzer (DTE) are shown in Appendix C.

The

Test

Program

To test the system configuration, a simple test program is provided for each computer listed. After you have connected your computer and spectrum analyzer, you should enter and run the test program on your computer to make sure the computer is sending instructions to the

spectrum analyzer through the interface cable. If the interface is working and the program is entered correctly, a statement is displayed on the computer screen.

Note

Pressing control.

f-1

The listed computer and spectrum analyzer equipment includes the minimum components necessary to establish communication between your spectrum analyzer and computer. If you are using application software, check with your software supplier for specific computer hardware and memory requirements.

Using an interface cable other than the one listed with your computer’s interconnection instructions may prevent proper communication between the spectrum analyzer and computer.

removes the spectrum analyzer from remote mode and enables front-panel

l-2

Preparing for Use

HP-IB Connections for the HP 9000 Series 200

Technical

Computers

Equipment

HP 9816, 9826, or 9836 Series 200 technical computer

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 041

HP 10833 (or equivalent) HP-IB cable

Interconnection Instructions

Connect the spectrum analyzer to the computer using the HP-IB cable. Figure l-l shows an HP 9836 computer connected to the spectrum analyzer.

Figure l-l. Connecting the HP 9000 Series 200 Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

Preparing for Use

l-3

Test

Program

To test the connection between the computer and the spectrum analyzer, turn on your

spectrum analyzer and follow the instructions below.

1. Your HP 9000 Series 200 computer may have either a soft-loaded or built-in language system. If your language system is built-in, remove any disks from the drives and turn on the computer.

2. If your language is soft-loaded, install the BASIC language disk into the proper drive. Turn the computer power on. After a few seconds, the computer is now ready for use.

For further information on loading BASIC on your system, consult your BASIC manual.

Check the HP-IB address of the spectrum analyzer: press

ANALYZER

the address of the spectrum analyzer: press 18, (Hz) (or enter the appropriate address).

ADDRESS . The usual address for the spectrum analyzer is 18. If necessary, reset

BASIC READY

L-1,

Mare 2 of 3 ,

@ZiZ],

message appears; the

More 1 of 3 ,

A??ALYZElt

ADDRESS ,

4. Enter the following program, then press and running the program, refer to your computer and software documentation.

The program shows that the computer is able to send instructions to, and read information from, the spectrum analyzer.

10 PRINTER IS 1 20 Analyzer=718 30 CLEAR Analyzer

40 OUTPUT

50 OUTPUT

60 OUTPUT 70 ENTER Analyzer;A 80 PRINT "CENTER FREQUENCY = 90 END

The program tells the spectrum analyzer to perform an instrument preset and enter single-sweep mode. Next, the program sets the center frequency to 300 MHz and takes a

sweep.

The program then queries the center frequency value and tells the computer to display

CENTERFREQUENCY=

If the computer does not display the center frequency, refer to “If There is a Problem” at the end of this chapter.

Analyzer;"IP;SNGLS;"

Analyzer;"CF 300MZ;TS;"

Analyzer;"CF?;"

3.OE+8Hz.

IRUN)

on the computer. If you need help entering

";A;"Hz";

1-4 Preparing for Use

HP-IB Connections for the HP 9000 Series 300

Technical

Computers

Equipment

n HP

98580A, 98581A, 98582A,

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 041

HP 10833 (or equivalent) HP-IB cable

Interconnection Instructions

Connect the spectrum analyzer to the computer using the HP-IB cable as shown in Figure l-2.

or 98583A Series 300 technical computer

cul3le

Figure 1-2. Connecting the HP 9000 Series 300 Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

Preparing for Use

1-5

Test Program

To test the connection between the computer and the spectrum analyzer, turn on your spectrum analyzer and follow the instructions below.

1. Your HP 9000 Series 300 computer may have either a soft-loaded or built-in language system. If your language system is built-in, remove any disks from the drives and turn on the computer.

2. If your language is soft-loaded, install the BASIC language disk into the proper drive. Turn the computer power on. After a few seconds, the BASIC READY message appears; the computer is now ready for use.

For further information on loading BASIC on your system, consult your BASIC manual.

Check the HP-IB address of the spectrum analyzer: press

@K@,

More 1 of 3 , ANALYZER ADDRESS . The usual address for the spectrum analyzer is 18. If necessary, reset the address of the spectrum analyzer: press

1Hz)

(or enter the appropriate address).

4. Enter the following program, then press

(ml,

IRUN)

More 1 of 3 , ANALYZER ADDRESS ,

on the computer. If you need help entering

and running the program, refer to your computer and software documentation.

The program shows that the computer is able to send instructions to, and read information from, the spectrum analyzer.

10 PRINTER IS 1 20 Analyzer=718 30 CLEAR Analyzer

40 OUTPUT Analyzer ; ; SNGLS ;

50 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

60 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 70 ENTER

Analyzer;A

“CF

300MZ ; TS ;

“CF? ; I’

80 PRINT “CENTER FREQUENCY = ;A; “Hz”

”

;

90 END

The program tells the spectrum analyzer to perform an instrument preset and enter single-sweep mode. Next, the program sets the center frequency to 300 MHz

and takes a

sweep.

CENTERFREQUENCY=

3.OE+8Hz.

If the computer does not display the center frequency, refer to “If There is a Problem” at the end of this chapter.

1-6

Preparing for Use

HP-IB Connections for the HP Vectra Personal Computer

Equipment

HP Vectra personal computer, with option HP

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 041

HP 10833 (or equivalent) HP-IB cable

Interconnection Instructions

82300B,

the HP BASIC Language Processor

Connect the spectrum analyzer to the computer using

the

HP-IB cable as shown in Figure l-3.

cul30e

Figure 1-3. Connecting the HP Vectra Personal Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

Preparing for Use

l-7

Test Program

To test the connection between the computer and the spectrum analyzer, turn on your spectrum analyzer and follow the instructions below.

1. Refer to the HP 82300 Language Processor documentation to install the language processor board in your computer and load the BASIC programming language into your computer.

2. Check the HP-IB address of the spectrum analyzer: press

Cm],

More I of 3 ,

ANALYZER ADDRESS . The usual address for the spectrum analyzer is 18. If necessary, reset

the address of the spectrum analyzer: press

IHz)

(or enter the appropriate address).

[CONFIG),

Mare 1 of 3 , ANALYZER ADDRESS ,

3. Enter the following program, then press (KjJ on the computer. If you need help entering and running the program, refer to your computer and software documentation.

The program shows that the computer is able to send instructions to, and read information

from, the spectrum analyzer.

10 PRINTER IS 1 20 Analyzer=718 30 CLEAR Analyzer 40

OUTPUT Analyzer ;

50 OUTPUT

60 OUTPUT

Analyzer;"CF 3OOMZ;TS;" Analyzer;"CF?;"

“IP ;

SNGLS ;

”

70 ENTER Analyzer;A 80 PRINT "CENTER FREQUENCY =

";A;"Hz";

90 END

The program tells the spectrum analyzer to perform an instrument preset and enter single-sweep mode. Next, the program sets the center frequency to 300 MHz and takes a sweep. The program then queries the center frequency value and tells the computer to display CENTERFREQUENCY=

3.OE+8

Hz.

If the computer does not display the center frequency, refer to “If There is a Problem” at the end of this chapter.

l-8

Preparing for Use

RS-232 Connections for the HP Vectra or IBM PC/AT Personal Computer

Equipment

HP Vectra or IBM PC/AT personal computer

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 043

HP 24542U

g-pin

RS-232 cable for computers with a

g-pin

female RS-232 port

Note

Refer to Appendix C for information on wiring cables.

Interconnection Instructions

1. Connect the spectrum analyzer to the computer using the RS-232 cable as shown in Figure l-4.

Figure 1-4. Connecting the Personal Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

2. Turn on the spectrum analyzer and the computer.

cu129e

Preparing for Use

1.9

Test Program

The program shown below is written to work with computers using

BASICA

(version 2.0 or later) or GW BASIC. To test the interconnection, first load the BASIC language for your computer and specify a communications buffer of 4096 bytes. Use the following command:

BASICA/C:4096

Set the spectrum analyzer baud rate to 9600, to match the baud rate set up for the computer port in the test program. In line 20, the “9600” indicates 9600 baud for the computer port.

Press the following keys to set the baud rate:

c-1,

More 1 of 3 , BAUD RATE , 9600, (Hz).

Enter the following test program. The program shows that the computer is able to send instructions to, and read information from, the spectrum analyzer.

10 'File 20 OPEN 30 PRINT

40 PRINT 50 PRINT 60 PRINT 70 INPUT 80

PRINT,"CENTER

= TESTPGM

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

#l,"IP;" #l,"SNGLS;"

#l,"CF 300MZ;TS;" #l,"CF?;" #l,CENTER

FREQ =

";CENTER;"Hz"

90 END

When you have entered the program, type:

SAVE "TESTPGM"

When you are ready to run the program, turn on the spectrum analyzer and run your program.

The program tells the spectrum analyzer to perform an instrument preset and enter single

sweep mode. Next, the program sets the center frequency to 300 MHz and takes a sweep.

The program then queries the center frequency value and tells the computer to display

CENTERFREQUENCY=

3.OE+8Hz.

If the computer does not display the center frequency, refer to “If There is a Problem” at the end of this chapter.

l-10 Preparing for Use

Printing or Plotting

You may wish to obtain a permanent record of data displayed on the spectrum analyzer screen.

This can be done using the lcopvl key of the spectrum analyzer, and a printer or plotter.

Note

The HP 7470A plotter does not support 2 plots per page. If you use an HP 7470A plotter with an HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer, you can select one plot per page or four plots per page, but not 2 plots per page.

Printing Using an HP-IB Interface Equipment

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer equipped with Option 041

HP 10833 (or equivalent) HP-IB cable

Printer with HP-IB Interface, choose one of the following:

•I HP 2225

HP 3630A

HP 500 Series* DeskJet

HP LaserJet

MX-80 Epson

LQ-570 Epson

* Some models support color printing

ThinkJet

PaintJet

310*

Portable DeskJet

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

1. Turn off the printer and the spectrum analyzer.

2. Connect the printer to the spectrum analyzer using the HP-IB cable. The HP ThinkJet printer’s mode switches must be set correctly for use with the spectrum analyzer. Refer to

‘Iable

l-l for the correct settings.

able

l-l. Setting of HP ThinkJet Printer Mode Switches

Setting

down down

down

down down

Printer performs a carriage return only. Printer performs a line feed only. Sets the printer to skip paper perforations Sets the printer for a paper length of 11 inches. Sets the printer to HP MODE.

Sets the printer to USASCII.

Comments

Preparing for Use

l-1

Note

Because HP-IB cables can be connected together, more than one instrument can

communicate on the HP-IB. This means that both a printer and a plotter can

be connected to the spectrum analyzer (using two HP-IB cables). Each device

must have its own HP-IB address.

Note

Because the spectrum analyzer cannot print with two controllers (the computer

and the spectrum analyzer) connected, the computer must be disconnected

from the HP-IB. In most cases, it is sufficient to simply turn the computer OFF.

Turn on the spectrum analyzer and printer.

On the spectrum analyzer, press

PRlrl

PORT

The printer usually resides at the first device address. To enter address 1 for the printer,

press

PRIlVTER

Select the configuration for your printer by pressing the appropriate key. Note that the

HP13

PAR (so that HPIB is underlined).

ADDRESS ,

1,1Hz).

@Gi?Q

Print Conf fg ,

<Pm

Port

Cmfig

softkey is activated when the key title is underlined.

Set

Colr

Printer

Press this key to print in color if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a Hewlett-Packard color printer, then select the appropriate printer.

Selecting any Hewlett-Packard printer results in three printouts per page prior to formfeeding the page.

One printout per page can be achieved by manually formfeeding each printout.

Set 3&W

Printer

Press this key to print in black and white, then press one of the

following keys to select the appropriate printer mode. . Press HP

B&W

PRINTER if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a

Hewlett-Packard printer. Selecting any Hewlett-Packard printer results in three printouts

per page prior to formfeeding the page.

One printout per page can be achieved by manually formfeeding

each printout.

. Press BP

B&W

DJ540

if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a

Hewlett-Packard DeskJet 540 printer.

l-12

Preparing for Use

. Press RF

a MX-80 Epson or other compatible

MX80

SML

LAG

if the spectrum analyzer is connected to

g-pin

print-head printer.

Pressing this key to underline SML will print two printouts to a

labels if desired. See step 7

Pressing this key to underline LRG will print only one printout to a

softkey

softkey labels to be printed with the spectrum analyzer display printout,

press PRT when EF

Press Previous Menu,

MEW

ON OFF so that ON is underlined. Note that this function does not work

MX80 SML LRG

. Press RF

LfJ57G

SML

LRG

if the spectrum analyzer is connected to

a LQ-570 Epson or other compatible 24-pin print-head printer. Pressing this key to underline SML will print two printouts to a

page and will print softkey labels if desired. See step 7 Pressing this key to underline LRG will print only one printout to a

page and will not print the softkey labels.

or El?

CDPY

Lq570

SML

LRG

are pressed to underline LRG.

DEV PRMT PLT (PRNT should be underlined), then

IcoPv].

Preparing for Use

l-13

Plotting Using an HP-IB Interface Note

The HP 7470A plotter does not support 2 plots per page. If you use an HP 7470A plotter with an HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer, you can select

plot per page or four plots per page, but not 2 plots per page.

Equipment

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 041.

HP 10833 (or equivalent) HP-IB cable.

Any of the following plotters:

HP 7440A

HP 7445A plotter with HP-IB

7550A/B

ColorPro

plotter with HP-IB

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions

1. Turn off the plotter and the spectrum analyzer.

2. Connect the plotter to the spectrum analyzer using the HP-IB cable.

Note

Because HP-IB cables can be connected together, more than one instrument can communicate on the HP-IB. This means that both a printer and a plotter can

be connected to the spectrum analyzer (using two HP-IB cables). Each device

must have its own HP-IB address.

one

Note

Because the spectrum analyzer cannot plot with two controllers (the computer

and the spectrum analyzer) connected, the computer must be disconnected

from the HP-IB.

3. Turn on the spectrum analyzer and the plotter.

4. On the spectrum analyzer, press PLT

PDRT HPIB

PAR (so that HPIB is underlined).

@%FiZj,

Plot

Canf

ig , Plt Port

GonSig

5. The plotter usually resides at the fifth device address. To set the plotter address, press

PLUTTRR

ADDRESS , 5, (Hz), to enter the address 5 for the plotter.

1-14 Preparing for Use

With

PLTS/PG

PLTS/PC

1 2 4 , you can choose a full-page, half-page, or quarter-page plot. Press

1 2 4 to underline the number of plots per page desired.

7. If two or four plots per page are chosen, a function is displayed that allows you to select the location on the paper for the plotter output. If two plots per page are selected, then

PLT Cl

Lac _

function is displayed. If four plots per page are selected, then

PLT [I _

LOC _ _

is displayed. Press the softkey until the rectangular marker is in the desired section of the

softkey label. The upper and lower sections of the softkey label graphically represent where

on the page the plotter output will be located.

Note

For a multi-pen plotter, the pens of the plotter draw the different components of the screen as follows:

Pen

Number

Draws the annotation and graticule.

Draws trace A.

Draws trace B.

Draws trace C and the display line.

Draws user-generated graphics and the lower-limit line. Draws the upper-limit line.

8. Press Previous Menu, COPY

Note

Once the address of the printer and plotter have been entered, the spectrum There is no need to reenter them when the spectrum analyzer is turned off and

on.

Description

PINT

PLT (PLT should be underlined), then

Icopvl.

Preparing for Use l-15

Printing Using an RS-232 Interface

Equipment

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 043.

One of the following cables:

HP 245426

HP 24542U

g-pin

25-pin

(f) to

RS-232 cable

g-pin

(f) RS-232 cable

•I HP

C2932A g-pin

(f) to

g-pin

(m) RS-232 cable (for use with LaserJet 4P and

Printer with RS-232 Interface, choose one of the following:

•I HP 500 Series* DeskJet

HP 2225 ThinkJet

HP 3630A

MX-80 Epson

LQ-570 Epson

HP LaserJet

PaintJet

* Some models support color printing

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

1. Turn off the spectrum analyzer and the printer.

Note

2. Connect the printer using an RS-232 cable.

3. Turn on the spectrum analyzer and printer.

The RS-232 interface allows only one device (either the printer or the plotter) to be connected to the spectrum analyzer. Refer to the Appendix C for more information on RS-232 protocol and cable wiring.

4Plus)

Press

(j-1,

Cunfig

, Pm

Pdrt

Gunfig

PRI?

PORT

SER

PAR (so that SER is

underlined).

To set the baud rate to 9600 baud, press BAUD RATE, 9600, (Hz). lb set the baud rate to

1200 baud, press: BAUD RATE, 1200,

Note

Some of the programs in this manual utilize 1200 baud. If your system uses the

RS-232 handshake lines, you can use 9600 baud for all of the programs.

6. Press

1-16 Preparing for Use

(ZF@,

Config.

7. Select the configuration for your printer by pressing the appropriate key. Note that the

softkey is activated when the key title is underlined.

Set

Colr

3tW

Printer

Press this key to print in color if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a Hewlett-Packard color printer, then select the appropriate printer.

Selecting any Hewlett-Packard printer results in three printouts per page prior to formfeeding the page.

One printout per page can be achieved by manually formfeeding each printout.

Press this key to print in black and white, then press one of the following keys to select the appropriate printer mode.

. Press HP

B%W PRINTER

if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a

Hewlett-Packard printer.

Selecting any Hewlett-Packard printer results in three printouts

per page prior to formfeeding the page. One printout per page can be achieved by manually formfeeding

each printout.

. Press RP

R%W DJ540

if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a

Hewlett-Packard DeskJet 540 printer.

. Press EP

a MX-80 Epson or other compatible

MX80

SML LRG if the spectrum analyzer is connected to

g-pin

print-head printer.

Pressing this key to underline SML will print two printouts to a page and will print softkey labels if desired. See step 8.

Pressing this key to underline LRG will print only one printout to a page and will not print the softkey labels.

. Press EP

Lq570

SML LRG if the spectrum analyzer is connected to

a LQ-570 Epson or other compatible 24-pin print-head printer. Pressing this key to underline SML will print two printouts to a

page and will print softkey labels if desired. See step 8. Pressing this key to underline LRG will print only one printout to a

page and will not print

the

softkey

labels.

8. If you want the softkey labels to be printed with the spectrum analyzer display printout, press PRT

when KP

Press Previous Menu, COPY DEV

MEMU GM

MX80 LRG

OFF so that ON is underlined. Note that this function does not work or EP

Lq570

LRG is pressed.

PRMT

PLT (PRNT should be underlined), then

Preparing for Use

l-1 7

Plotting Using an RS-232 Interface Equipment

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with Option 043.

HP 245426 9-25 pin RS-232 cable

C2932A

Any of the following Plotters:

HP 7440A

HP 7445A plotter with an RS-232 interface.

9-9 pin RS-232 cable (for use with LaserJet 4P and

ColorPro

7550A/E?

plotter with an RS-232 interface.

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions

1. Turn off the spectrum analyzer.

4Plus)

Note

The RS-232 interface allows only one device (either the printer or the plotter) to be connected to the spectrum analyzer. Refer to the Programmer’s Guide for

more information on RS-232 protocol and cable wiring.

2. Connect the plotter using an RS-232 cable.

3. Turn on the spectrum analyzer and the plotter.

Press

(j-J,

Plot

&dig, Pit

Port

Config,

PLT PORT

SER

PAR

(so that

SER is

underlined).

lb set the baud rate to 1200 baud, press:

Press

with the

CCONFIG],

Plot

PLTSIPC

&&kg.

1 2 4

You can choose a full-page, half-page, or quarter-page plot

softkey.

Press

BAUD

RATE, 1200, [Hz).

PLTS/PG

1 2 4 to underline the number of plots

per page desired.

7. If two or four plots per page are chosen, a function is displayed that allows you to select the location on the paper of the plotter output. If two plots per page are selected, then

PLT Cl LOC - -

function is displayed. If four plots per page are selected, then

PLT U _

LOC _ _

displayed. Press the softkey until the rectangular marker is in the desired section of the

softkey label. The upper and lower sections of the softkey label graphically represent where

on the page the plotter output will be located.

l-18

Preparing for Use

Note

For a multi-pen plotter, the pens of the plotter draw the different components of the screen as follows:

Description

Draws the annotation and graticule. Draws trace A. Draws trace B. Draws trace C and the display line. Draws user-generated graphics and the lower-limit line.

Draws the upper-limit line.

8. Press Previous

Menu,

COPY DEV

PRMT

PLT (so that PLT is underlined), then

Printing after Plotting or Plotting after Printing

Pressing lcopvl without changing COPY print or a plot).

. To print after doing a plot, press

then

[copvl.

. To plot after printing, press

@5iKJ,

@GiKJ COPY

[copvl.

PRNT

PLT produces the function last entered (a

COPY DEV

DEV

PRNT

PRRT

PLT (so that PLT is underlined), and

Icopvl.

PLT (so that PRNT is underlined),

Preparing for Use 1-19

Printing Using a Parallel Interface

Equipment

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer equipped with Option 041 or 043.

C295OA

n Printer with parallel interface, choose one of the following:

parallel printer cable.

q HP

310*

Portable DeskJet

HP 3630A

PaintJet

HP 500 Series* DeskJet

•1 HP LaserJet

LQ-570 Epson

MX-80 Epson

* Some models support color printing

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

Turn off the printer and the spectrum analyzer.

Connect the printer to the spectrum analyzer using

Turn on the spectrum analyzer and printer.

On the spectrum analyzer, press

PRN PORT

HPfB

PAR (for Option 041, so that PAR is underlined) or PRN PORT

@GFiFJ,

Option 043, so that PAR is underlined).

Select the configuration for your printer by pressing the appropriate key. Note that the

softkey is activated when the key title is underlined.

the

parallel printer cable.

Cmfig,

Pm Port

&Wig

SER

PAR (for

Set

Colr Prirrter

l-20 Preparing for Use

Press this key to print in color if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a Hewlett-Packard color printer, then select the appropriate printer.

Selecting any Hewlett-Packard printer results in three printouts per page prior to formfeeding the page.

One printout per page can be achieved by manually formfeeding each printout.

Set

B%W

Printer

Press this key to print in black and white, then press one of the

following keys to select the appropriate printer mode. . Press HP

B%W

PRINTER if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a

Hewlett-Packard printer. Selecting any Hewlett-Packard printer results in three printouts

per page prior to formfeeding the page. One printout per page can be achieved by manually formfeeding

each printout.

n Press

I@ B%W DJS40

if the spectrum analyzer is connected to a

Hewlett-Packard DeskJet 540 printer.

. Press EP

a MX-80 Epson or other compatible

MX8D

SML LRG if the spectrum analyzer is connected to

g-pin

print-head printer.

Pressing this key to underline SML will print two printouts to a

page and will print softkey labels if desired. See step 7 Pressing this key to underline LRG will print only one printout to a

page and will not print the softkey labels.

n Press

RF LQ570

SML LRG if the spectrum analyzer is connected to

a LQ-570 Epson or other compatible 24-pin print-head printer. Pressing this key to underline SML will print two printouts to a

page and will print softkey labels if desired. See step 7 Pressing this key to underline LRG will print only one printout to a

page and will not print the softkey labels.

6. If you want the softkey labels to be printed with the spectrum analyzer display printout, press PRT

when EP

Press Previous

MEMU

ON OFF so that ON is underlined. Note that this function does not work

MX8G

SML LRG or EF

Menu,

LQ570

SML LRG are pressed to underline LRG.

CDPY

DEV PRNT PLT (PRNT should be underlined), then

IcoPv].

Preparing for Use

1-21

Plotting to an HP LaserJet Printer

Equipment

HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer with RS-232 or Parallel Interface

HP 245426

g-pin

25-pin

RS-232 cable

n HP n HP

C2932A g-pin

C2950A

(f) to

g-pin

(m) RS-232 cable (for use with LaserJet 4P and

parallel printer cable

Any of the following HP LaserJets:

HP LaserJet III

HP LaserJet IIIP

•I HP LaserJet 4

HP LaserJet 4L

HP LaserJet 4P

HP LaserJet 4Plus

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions

1. Turn off the spectrum analyzer.

Note

2. Connect the HP LaserJet to the analyzer.

3. Turn on the analyzer and the HP LaserJet printer.

The RS-232 or parallel interface allow only plotter) to be connected to the spectrum analyzer. Refer to the Programmer’s

Guide for more information on protocol and cable wiring.

4Plus)

one

device (either the printer or the

Press

[ZKZ].

Press

CDPY

(-1,

with the

DEV

PlXNT

Plot

PLTSjPG

PLT so that PLT is underlined.

Config

1 2 4

. You can choose a full-page, half-page, or quarter-page plot

softkey.

Press

PLTS/PG 1

2 4 to underline the number of plots

per page desired.

7. If two or four plots per page are chosen, a function is displayed that allows you to select

the location on the paper of the plotter output. If two plots per page are selected, then

PLT Cl LOC - -

function is displayed. If four plots per page are selected, then

PLT c3 _

LOC I I

displayed. Press the softkey until the rectangular marker is in the desired section of the

softkey label. The upper and lower sections of the softkey label graphically represent where

on the page the plotter output will be located.

8. Press

9. Then press

l-22

PLT->L.JT

ON OFF so that ON is underlined.

Icopv).

Preparing for Use

Printing after Plotting or Plotting after Printing

Pressing [copvl without changing COPY DEV PRNT PLT produces the function last entered (a

print or a plot).

To print after doing a plot, press

then

IcoPv].

To plot after printing, press

IcoPv].

(CONFIG),

(W),

COPY DEV PRNT PLT (so that PRNT is underlined),

COPY DEV PRNT PLT (so that PLT is underlined), and

Preparing for Use

1-23

If There Is a Problem

This section offers suggestions to help get your computer and spectrum analyzer working as a

system. The test programs provided in this chapter let you know if the connection between the computer and the spectrum analyzer interconnection is working properly.

If the test program does not run, try the following suggestions:

1. You may need to modify the program syntax to work with your computer. Refer to your BASIC manual for correct syntax.

2. The program must be executed correctly. Refer to your computer manual for information about program execution.

3. Check your program for errors.

If the test program runs on the computer, but the spectrum analyzer does not respond, try the following suggestions:

Make sure the spectrum analyzer is turned on. If the spectrum analyzer has power, the green indicator light above the line switch is on.

Make sure the interface cable is connected securely. Check the interface cable for defects. Make sure the correct cable is used.

If you are using an HP-IB interface, the spectrum analyzer must be set to the correct address setting. Press

If you are using the RS-232 interface, check the spectrum analyzer baud rate. Refer to Appendix C for information about setting the baud rate on the spectrum analyzer.

(??%KJ

More 1 of 3 , ANALYZER

ADDRESS

If a program in user memory is suspected of causing problems, use

Dispose User

double key press.) ERASE DLP

Mem

, ERASE DLP MEM , ERASE DLP MEM . (ERASE DLP

MEM

erases all user programs, variables, personalities (which

(ZZiZ],

MEM

More 1 of 3 ,

requires a

are usually in the form of downloadable programs), and user-defined traces that are in spectrum analyzer memory.

If you wish to reset the spectrum analyzer configuration to the state it was in when it was

originally shipped from the factory, use DEFAULT press

C-1,

More 1 of 3, DEFAULT

GOEFIG

COfFfG

. To access

, DEFAULT

CONFIG

I&FAULT CONFfG

. (DEFAULT

CONFIG

requires a double key press.)

If you suspect your computer is causing the problems, check it by running a program that you know works. If your system still has problems, contact the sales and service office

nearest you.

Your salesperson will either be able to help solve the problem or refer you to someone who can.

l-24

Preparing for Use

Writing a Program

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

This chapter introduces spectrum analyzer programming. The first section of this chapter,

“Writing Your First Program, introduces programming fundamentals. The second section, Spectrum Analyzer, n shows how to get data out of the spectrum analyzer. A summary at the

end of this chapter reviews the programming guidelines introduced. If the computer is not connected to the spectrum analyzer, follow the instructions in Chapter 1,

“Preparing for Use.

A general knowledge of the BASIC programming language and the spectrum analyzer is recommended before reading this chapter. Refer to your software documentation manuals for more information about BASIC. For reference, Chapter 5 of this manual provides spectrum

analyzer commands in alphabetical order.

”

helps you write your first spectrum analyzer program and

“Getting Information from the

Note

All programming examples in this chapter for the HP-IB interface are written in HP BASIC 4.0, using an HP 9000 Series 200 computer. For the RS-232 interface, examples are written in GW BASIC, using an HP Vectra personal computer or compatible controller.

Writing a Program

2-l

Writing Your First Program

When the spectrum analyzer has been connected to a computer via HP-IB or RS-232 interface, the computer can be used to send instructions to the spectrum analyzer. These instructions tell the spectrum analyzer such things as frequency span, resolution bandwidth, and sweep mode. If a properly selected sequence of instructions is sent to the spectrum analyzer, a measurement is made. Sequences of coded instructions are called programs.

Composing the. Program

Most spectrum analyzer programs contain several common statements, or “commands,” that address the spectrum analyzer, preset it, and select its sweep mode. As an example, we will write a short program that executes only these common commands.

The following programs are for the HP-IB and the RS-232 interfaces. Note the quotation marks that contain spectrum analyzer commands in each line. Also note the semicolons at the end of

each line, inserted at the end of each set of spectrum analyzer commands within the quotation marks. Using semicolons makes programs easier to read, prevents command misinterpretation, and is recommended by IEEE Standard 728.

Note

In commands where quotation marks occur, the computer recognizes data as character data and not BASIC programming language commands.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

!File:

20 CLEAR Analyzer 30 OUTPUT

40 OUTPUT

50 LOCAL 7 60 END

Line 10 of our program assigns a variable called “Analyzer” to our spectrum analyzer at address

718. This instruction is followed by the HP BASIC CLEAR command, which resets the spectrum analyzer on the HP-IB. With these two program lines, we have set up a clear communication

path between the computer and the spectrum analyzer. Line 30 introduces the instrument preset (IP) command, which corresponds to the key

on the spectrum analyzer. The IP command sets all of the analog parameters of the spectrum

Note

"IBPROGl"

Analyzer;"IP;" Analyzer;"SNGLS;TS;"

All softkey functions on the spectrum analyzer have corresponding programming commands. As you continue programming, you will learn the command names that correspond to the front-panel keys and softkeys.

Line 40 activates the single-sweep mode. Most remotely controlled measurements require control of the sweep. Once SNGLS has activated the single-sweep mode, take sweep (TS) starts and completes one full sweep. TS maintains absolute control over the sweep, which is necessary for accurate computer data transfer and reduced program execution time.

Before we end the program, we return the spectrum analyzer to front-panel control with line 50, LOCAL 7. The LOCAL command corresponds to the (LOCAL) key on the front panel of the spectrum analyzer. (LOCAL 7 commands everything on the bus to go to local mode.)

2-2

Writing a Program

Finally, in line 60, we end the program with the END command. (If you forget to include the END command, the computer will give an error message.)

Enter the program lines, press (RUN) on the computer, and watch the spectrum analyzer display as it completes each instruction.

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

10 'File = 232PROGl

OPEN 30 PRINT #1 40 PRINT

END

"COMl: 9600,N,8,1"

AS #1

"IP*"

#l:"SNkLS;TS;"

Line 20 of the program opens the RS-232

COMl:

line, identifies it as

#l,

and sets the RS-232

parameters as follows:

9600 baud no parity 8 bits/character 1 stop bit

Line 30 of the program introduces the instrument preset (IP) command, which corresponds to

the

[PRESET)

key on the spectrum analyzer. The IP command sets all of the analog parameters

of the spectrum analyzer to known values and provides a good starting point for every

measurement.

Note

Line 40 activates the single-sweep mode. Most remotely controlled measurements require control of the sweep. Once SNGLS has activated the single-sweep mode, take sweep (TS) starts and completes one full sweep. The TS command maintains absolute control over the sweep, which is necessary for accurate computer data transfer and reduced program execution time. Finally, in line 50, end the program with the END command.

Make sure that the spectrum analyzer baud rate is 9600 via the

BAUII

RATE

softkey.

Enter the program lines, then press (RUN) on the computer. Watch the spectrum analyzer display as it completes each instruction.

Note

When using an HP 9000 Series 200 or 300 computer, END commands are necessary. Refer to your BASIC manual to determine END statement requirements for your specific computer.

Writing a Program

2-3

Modifying the Program

Remote operation of the spectrum analyzer is similar to manual operation. Remote measurements are executed by commands that correspond to front-panel keys and softkeys.

The first chapter in the spectrum analyzer operating manual shows you how to make a simple

measurement using the calibration signal. We can add instructions to our program so that it will make the same measurement. (Because the manual process closely resembles that of

the program, you may want to review the chapter entitled “Making a Measurement” in the

HP 8590 E-Series and L.-S&es Spectrum Analyzers User’s Guide.)

By inserting a few lines into the initial program, we can set functions such as the center frequency and span, and we can activate a marker to find a signal’s frequency and amplitude.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

First, we set the center frequency to 300 MHz. The CF command corresponds to the center frequency function,

described in Chapter 5.) Insert the following program line between lines 40 and 50:

CEnTER

FREQ . (All spectrum analyzer commands, such as CF, are

41 OUTPUT

Analyzer;"CF 300MZ;"

Next, we set the span to 200 MHz with the SP command. Add the following program line:

42 OUTPUT.

Analyzer;"SP 200MZ;"

Because we are controlling the sweep, we must update the spectrum analyzer display screen with the following program line:

43 OUTPUT

Ana1yzer;"T.S;"

When the program is executed, the spectrum analyzer takes one full sweep before executing

line 41. Line 41 changes the center frequency to 300 MHz, and line 42 changes the span to

200

MHz.

Enter the following program line to place a marker at the highest peak on the trace with a MKPK HI command:

44 OUTPUT

Analyzer:"MKPK

HI;"

The completed program is shown below:

!File:

Analyzer=718

CLEAR Analyzer

OUTPUT

LOCAL 7

END

"IBPROG2"

Analyzer;"IP;" Analyzer;"SNGLS;TS;"

Analyzer;"CF

Analyzer;"SP

300MZ;”

200MZ;"

Analyzer;"TS;"

Analyzer;"MKPK HI;"

Run the program to make the measurement. Watch the spectrum analyzer display as it completes each instruction. Notice that the program executes the instructions faster than is possible from the front panel.

2-4 Writing a Program

When a certain measurement is repeated often, a computer program can save time. In addition, the computer is less likely to make an error than an operator manually entering the same instructions from the front panel.

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

First, we set the center frequency to 300 MHz. The CF command corresponds to the center frequency function, described in Chapter 5.)

Insert the following program lines between lines 40 and 50 of the previous program.

FREQ

. (All spectrum analyzer commands, such as CF, are

41 PRINT

#l,"CF 300MZ;"

Next, set the span to 200 MHz with the SP command. Add the following program line:

42 PRINT

#l,"SP 200MZ;"

Because we are controlling the sweep, we must update the spectrum analyzer display with the following program line:

43 PRINT

#l,"TS;"

When the program is executed, the spectrum analyzer takes one full sweep before executing line 41. Line 41 changes the center frequency to 300 MHz. Line 42 changes the span to

200

MHz.

Enter the following program line to place a marker at the highest peak on the trace:

44 PRINT

#l,"MKPK

HI;"

The completed program is shown below:

10 'File 20 OPEN 30 PRINT 40 PRINT 41 PRINT

42 PRINT 43 PRINT 44 PRINT

232PROG2

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

AS #1

#l,"IP;" #l,"SNGLS;TS;"

#l,"CF 300MZ;" #l,"SP 200MZ;"

#l,"TS;"

Xl,"MKPK

HI;"

50 END

Run the program to make the measurement. Watch the spectrum analyzer display as it completes each instruction. When a certain measurement is repeated often, a computer program can save time. Also, the computer is much less likely to make an error than an operator manually entering the same instructions from the front panel.

Writing a Program

2-5

Enhancing the Program with Variables

In the last program, specific center frequency and span values were set. By modifying the program, we can cause different values to be set each time the program is run.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

In the following program, the exclamation point

(!)

allows the words that follow to be ignored

by the computer. Thus, they serve as comments in the program.

!FILE:

20 REAL

“VARIO”

C,freq,S-pan !define

the variables

30 Analyzer=718

40 CLEAR Analyzer

50 OUTPUT 60

!ask

70 INPUT “CENTER FREQUENCY (MHz) 80

!ask for the desired span:

90 INPUT

100

!send

110

!analyzer

120

!analyzer

130 OUTPUT Analyzer; 140 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 150 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 160

!find

170 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

Analyzer;“IP;SNGLS;TS;”

for the desired center frequency:

?I’,

C-f req

“SPAN(MHz)?” ,S,pan

the center frequency and span to the

and take a sweep to update the screen:

“CF “;C-freq; “MZ; ‘I

“SP I’ ; S-pan;

“MZ

; ‘I

“TS ; ‘I

the signal peak with peak search:

“MKPK

HI ;

I’

180 LOCAL 7 190 END

Three modifications are made to the previous program so it includes center frequency and span variables. First, using the HP BASIC REAL command, we define two variables, C-freq and S-pan. The frequency and span parameters are stored in these variables. (Refer to line 20.)

Second, using the HP BASIC INPUT command, we prompt the user to enter the desired center frequency and span. The center frequency and span values are entered on the computer;

because the measurement units will be entered by the program, the user does not enter them.

(See lines 70 to 140.)

Third, we modify the output parameter statements so that the values stored in C-freq and

S-pan are sent to the spectrum analyzer. (See lines 130 to 140.)

A sweep is taken after the parameters are sent to the spectrum analyzer, to ensure that the spectrum analyzer screen is updated before the marker is placed on the highest signal peak.

2-6

Writing a Program

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

In the following program, the apostrophe

(‘)

allows the words that follow to be ignored by the

computer. Thus, they serve as comments in the program.

10 ‘File

20 OPEN 30 PRINT 40 PRINT

232PROG3

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

AS #1

#l,"IP;" #l,"SNGLS;TS;"

50 'Ask for the center frequency and span 60 PRINT "INPUT THE CENTER FREQUENCY

(MZ) ";

70 INPUT CENTER 80 PRINT "INPUT THE SPAN

(MZ) 'I;

90 INPUT SPAN

100 'Send center freq and span to spectrum analyzer 110 'take a sweep to update screen 120 PRINT 130 PRINT 140 PRINT

#l,"CF ";CENTER;"MZ;"

#l,"SP ";SPAN;"MZ;"

#l,"TS;"

150 'find the signal peak with peak search 160 PRINT

#l,"MKPK

HI;"

170 END

Three modifications are made to the previous program in order to include center frequency and

span variables. First, we use two variables, CENTER and SPAN, to store the frequency and

span parameters. Second, using the BASIC INPUT command, we ask the computer operator to enter the desired

center frequency and span. (See lines 70 and 90 in previous program example). Next, we modify the output parameter statements so that the values stored in the CENTER and SPAN variables are sent to the spectrum analyzer. (See lines 120 and 130.) A sweep is taken after the parameters are sent to the spectrum analyzer, to ensure that the spectrum analyzer screen is updated before the marker is placed on the highest signal peak.

Writing a Program

2-7

Getting Information from the Spectrum Analyzer

The first part of this chapter demonstrated techniques for setting spectrum analyzer parameters. This section demonstrates a technique for getting information out of the spectrum analyzer.

For example, in the second program of this chapter, we placed a marker at the highest peak of a trace and the value of the marker could be read in the upper right-hand corner of the spectrum analyzer display. In the following program, we will add some commands that will read the marker’s frequency and amplitude value and return those values to the computer.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

! FILE : 20 REAL 30 Analyzer=718 40 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

!set

!real

70 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

! set the spectrum

90 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

100 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 110 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 120 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 130 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 140 !ask

150

!amplitude

160 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 170

!send the amplitude value to the computer:

180

ENTER

190

!ask the spectrum analyzer for the marker's 200 !frequency 210

OUTPUT Analyzer;

220

230 ENTER

240

250 PRINT “THE SIGNAL PEAK IS ” ;A,mpmarker ; 260 PRINT ”

270 !set the spectrum analyzer to continuous sweep mode:

280 OUTPUT Analyzer; 290 LOCAL 7

300

!send

!print

END

“MKR”

A-mpmarker,F,reqmarker !define

“IP ; ‘I

the

output

format of the spectrum analyzer for

numbers:

“TDF

P ;

‘I

analyzer parameters:

“SNGLS ; ‘I

“CF

300MZ ;

“SP

200MZ ;

“TS ; I’ “MKPK

HI ;

the spectrum analyzer for the marker's

value:

“MKA?

;

Analyzer;A-mpmarker

value:

“MKF? ; ‘I

the frequency value to the computer:

Analyzer;F,reqmarker

the amplitude and frequency:

dBm

AT ” ;

F-reqmarker/l .E+6; ”

“CONTS; ‘I

” ‘I

‘I

I’

variables

MHz”

First, using the HP BASIC REAL command, we define two variables, F-reqmarker. The amplitude and frequency values of the marker are stored in these variables. (See line 20.)

Second, we set the output format of the spectrum analyzer for real numbers with the spectrum analyzer’s trace data format (TDF) command. (See line 70.) As in our original program, we set the center frequency and span values. A sweep is taken and the marker is placed on the trace.

Next, we ask the spectrum analyzer for the amplitude value of the marker. We have the spectrum analyzer send the marker amplitude value to the computer. Note that there can be only one spectrum analyzer query per programming line. We also ask the spectrum analyzer for the frequency value of the marker, and we have the spectrum analyzer send the marker frequency value to the computer. (See lines 100 through 230.)

2-8

Writing a Program

A-mpmarker

and

Finally, we print the values on the computer screen:

"THE SIGNAL PEAK IS . . .

dBm

AT . . . MHz"

Before we end the program, we return the spectrum analyzer to continuous-sweep mode and local control.

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

10 'File= 232PROG4

20 OPEN 30 PRINT 40 'Set the output format of the spectrum analyzer for 50 'real numbers 60 PRINT 70 'set the spectrum analyzer's parameters 80 PRINT 90 PRINT

100 PRINT

110 PRINT

120 PRINT

130 'ask the spectrum analyzer for the marker's

140 'amplitude value

150 PRINT #l

160 'get 170 INPUT #l,AMPMARKER

180 'ask the spectrum analyzer for the marker's frequency value

190 PRINT #1

200 'get 210 INPUT #l,FREQMARKER 220 'print the amplitude and frequency 230 PRINT "THE SIGNAL PEAK IS 240 PRINT " dbm AT 250 'set the spectrum analyzer to continuous sweep mode 260 PRINT 270 END

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

#l,"IP;"

#l,"TDF P;"

#l,"SNGLS;"

#l,"CF 300MZ;"

#l,"SP

200MZ;"

#l,"TS;"

#l,"MKPK

HI;"

"MKA'."

the'ampli&rde

from the spectrum analyzer

"MKF'."

the'freq&cy

value from the spectrum analyzer

";FREQMARKER/lOOOOOO!;"

#l,"CONTS;"

";AMPMARKER;

MZ"

First, set the output format of the spectrum analyzer to real numbers with the spectrum analyzer’s trace data format (TDF) command (line 60).

As in the original program, the center frequency and span values are set and a sweep is taken.

Next, the marker is placed on the trace. Two additional variables are used for AMPMARKER and FREQMARKER. The amplitude and

frequency values of the marker are stored in these variables (lines 170 and 210). The program requests the amplitude and frequency values of the marker (lines 150 and 190). Note that there can be only one spectrum analyzer query per programming line.

Finally, the amplitude and frequency values are displayed on the computer screen:

"THE SIGNAL PEAK IS . . .

dBM

AT . . . MZ"

Writing a Program

2-9

Programming Guidelines

1. Perform the measurement manually, keeping track of the sequence of functions used.

2. In the written program, execute an instrument preset (IP) and set single-sweep mode (SNGLS) before setting other spectrum analyzer functions.

3. Use variables for function values. List variables at the beginning of the program,

4. Activate spectrum analyzer functions in logical order. Place quotation marks around spectrum analyzer commands. Separate commands with semicolons.

5. After setting spectrum analyzer functions, execute a take sweep (TS) command before reading data or activating markers.

6. The spectrum analyzer can return only one value per programming line. Do not have more than one query per programming line.

7. Use the exclamation point (!) to include comment lines when using HP BASIC. Use the apostrophe or REM to create comment lines when using GW BASIC. (The use of the exclamation point and the apostrophe to create comment lines are dependent on the

your system.)

2-l 0 Writing a Program

Programming

Xbpics

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

This chapter contains the following advanced programming techniques and topics.

n An example of moving and saving trace data from the spectrum analyzer into the computer.

n An example of how spectrum analyzer states are saved with the computer, then returned to

the spectrum analyzer.

n An example of reading trace data from a computer disk. n An example of saving and recalling instrument states. n An example of returning the spectrum analyzer to its former state.

An example of remotely measuring harmonic distortion.

n A summary of using different formats for trace data transfers.

Many of the programming suggestions discussed in Chapter 2, “Writing a Program,” have been incorporated into the programs in this chapter.

Note

Ail programming examples for the HP-IB interface in this chapter are written in HP BASIC 4.0. For the RS-232 interface, examples are written in GW BASIC.

A general knowledge of the BASIC programming language is recommended before reading this chapter. (Refer to your software documentation manuals.) Chapter 5 of this manual,

“Programming Commands,” defines spectrum analyzer commands alphabetically.

Programming Topics

3-l

Controlling Trace Data with a Computer

Using sample programs, this section shows you how to read trace data and store the data with your computer.

Reading Trace Data

The following program, which has been annotated with comments, reads a trace from the spectrum analyzer and stores the trace data in a variable.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

!FILE:

!create

30 REAL 40 Analyzer=718 50 OUTPUT

!set the output format of the spectrum analyzer for

!real

80 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 90

!set

100 OUTPUT Analyzer;

110

OUTPUT Analyzer ; 120 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 130 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 140 OUTPUT Analyzer;

150 160

OUTPUT Analyzer ;

170 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

180

190 OUTPUT Analyzer ;

200 210

ENTER 220 OUTPUT Analyzer ; 230 LOCAL 7

240 END

“IBPROG5”

a 401 point trace array:

Trace,a(l:401)

Analyzer;“IP; ‘I

numbers:

“TDF

P ;

I’

the spectrum analyzer parameters:

“SNGLS; ‘I

“CF

300MZ ;

“SP

200MZ ;

“TS ; ‘I “MKPK

HI ;

!move

peak to center of spectrum analyzer screen:

“MKCF ; I’

“TS ; ‘I

!ask the spectrum analyzer for trace data:

“TRA? ; ‘I

!send

the trace data to the computer:

Analyzer;Trace-a(*)

“CONTS; I’

‘I ‘I

‘I

Trace data can be read with the computer by making three changes to the program created in

Chapter 2. First, we modify the program to create a 401-point trace array, called Trace-a, in which the trace data will be stored. Second, the program uses the TRA command to request trace A data. (The MKA and MKF commands from the previous program have been deleted.) Third, the spectrum analyzer sends trace A data to the variable, Trace-a.

3-2 Programming Topics

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

10 'File= 232PROG5 20 OPEN 30 'create a 40 DIM 50 PRINT #1 60 'set 70 PRINT

80 ‘set spectrum analyzer parameters

90 PRINT

100 PRINT

110 PRINT 120 PRINT 130 PRINT tl 140 'move 150 PRINT #l 160 PRINT #1 170 'ask 180 PRINT 190 'retrieve trace data from spectrum analyzer

200

210 INPUT

220

230 'set continuous-sweep mode 240 PRINT

250

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

401-point trace array

TRCA(401)

"IP."

outiut iormat

#l,"TDF P;"

#l,"SNGLS;"

#l,"CF 300MZ;" #l,"SP

200MZ;”

#l,"TS;"

"MKPK."

peik

"MKCF."

"TS."

spe&r&

#l,"TRA?;"

FOR

I=1

TO 401

#l,TRCA(I)

NEXT I

#l,"CONTS;"

END

of spectrum analyzer for real numbers

lenter

of spectrum

analyzer screen

analyzer for trace data

Trace data can be read with the computer by making three changes to the program created in Chapter 2. First, we modify the program to create a 401-point trace array, called TRCA

in which trace data will be stored (line 40). Second, the program uses the TRA command to request trace A data (line 180). (The MKA and MKF commands in the original program have been deleted.) Third, we will have the spectrum analyzer send the trace A data into the TRCA variable (line 210).

Programming Topics 3-3

Saving Trace Data

The trace data in the previous program can be stored on a computer disk by making three program modifications.

!FILE:

!create

30 REAL 40 Analyzer=718 50 OUTPUT 60

!set the output format of the spectrum analyzer for 70

!real

80 OUTPUT 90

!set the spectrum analyzer parameters: 100 OUTPUT 110 OUTPUT

120 OUTPUT 130 OUTPUT 140 OUTPUT 150

!move

160 OUTPUT 170 OUTPUT 180

!ask the spectrum analyzer for trace data: 190 OUTPUT

200 210 ENTER 220 230 240 CREATE BDAT 250

260 ASSIGN @File TO "DATA-A" 270 280 OUTPUT 290 OUTPUT 300 LOCAL 7 310 320 ASSIGN 330 END

!send !create

!file !assign !send

!close

"IBPROGG"

a 401 point trace array:

Trace,a(l:401)

Analyzer;"IP;"

numbers:

Analyzer;"TDF P;"

Analyzer;"SNGLS;"

Analyzer;"CF 300MZ;" Analyzer;"SP 200MZ;"

Analyzer;"TS;"

Analyzer;"MKPK HI;"

peak to center of spectrum analyzer screen:

Analyzer;"MKCF;" Analyzer;"TS;"

Analyzer;"TRA?;"

the trace data to the computer:

Analyzer;Trace-a(*)

file to store trace

is 13 records long:

"DATA-A",13

path for the file:

trace data to the file:

OFile;Trace,a(*)

Analyzer;"CONTS;"

file:

@File

First, using the CREATE command, we create an empty file on the disk for storing the trace. The file is 13 records long. (To determine the number of records, the 401-point trace is multiplied by 8 bytes per point, the storage required for real numbers, then divided by 256 bytes per record. The result is rounded to the next largest integer.)

Next, we assign an input and an output path to the file DATA-A. Then, we send the trace data to the file. (See lines 260 through 280.) Finally, in line 320, we close the file.

Note

3-4 Programming Topics

If a program containing the CREATE command is run twice, the computer will report an error the second time because the file already exists. To prevent this error, place an exclamation mark before the CREATE command to “comment out” the line after the first run. (See line 240.)

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

10 'File= 232PROG6 20 OPEN 30 'create a 40 DIM 50 PRINT 60 'set output format of spectrum analyzer for real numbers 70 PRINT 80 'set spectrum analyzer parameters 90 PRINT #l

100 PRINT

110 PRINT

120 PRINT #1

130 PRINT

140 'move peak to center of spectrum analyzer screen

150 PRINT #1

160 PRINT

170 'ask spectrum analyzer for trace data

180 PRINT #1

190 'input the

200

210 INPUT

220

230 'create file to store trace on disk 240 OPEN 250 'print the trace data to the disk

260

270 PRINT

280

290 'put spectrum analyzer into continuous-sweep mode 300 PRINT tl 310 END

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

401-point

TRCA(401)

#l,"IP;"

#l,"TDF P;"

"SNGLS."

#;,"CF 3;OMZ;"

tl,"SP

200MZ;"

"TS."

#l:"MKPK;"

"MKCF."

#l:"TS;"'

"TRA'."

t&e

FOR

I=1

TO 401

#l,TRCA(I)

NEXT I

FOR

"TRACEA"

I=1

TO 401

FOR OUTPUT AS

#2,TRCA(I)

NEXT I

"CONTS."

trace array

data to the BASIC program

'data input in

dBm

Using the OPEN command, we create an empty file on the disk for storing the trace and assign an input and an output path to the file

TRACEA.

Then we send the trace data to the file. (See

lines 260 through 280.)

Lines 20 through 220 of

232PROG6

are identical to the previous program,

232PROG5.

Programming Topics 3-5

Reading Trace Data from a Computer Disk

If we want to return trace data to the spectrum analyzer for later viewing, we must work the “saving” process in reverse. The following program reads a trace previously stored on a computer disk and stores the trace in an array variable.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

!FILE:

!create

30 REAL 40

!assign

!trace

60 ASSIGN @File TO "DATA-A" 70

!enter

80 ENTER 90

!close

100 ASSIGN 110 END

First, in line 30, the program creates a 401-point trace array. Then, in line 60, the program assigns a path to the trace file. Finally, in line 80, the program sends the trace data to the variable

Trace-N *).

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

"IBPROG7"

401-point

Trace-a(l:401)

path to the file with the

in it:

trace into variable Trace-a:

QFile;Trace-a(*)

file:

OFile

trace array:

10 'File = 20 OPEN 30 'create a

40 DIM 50 'assign number to file with trace data in it 60 OPEN 70 'enter the trace into the array 80 FOR 90 INPUT

100 NEXT I 110 CLOSE 120 END

First, in line 40, the program creates a 401-point trace array. Then, in lines 60 through 100, the program reads the disk file

232PROG7

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

401-point

TRCA(401)

"TRACEA"

I=1

TO 401

#2,TRCA(I)

FOR INPUT AS

trace array

TRACEA

and stores data in the array variable TRCA.

3-6 Programming Topics

Saving and Recalling Instrument States

The spectrum analyzer’s control settings (or its “state”) can be saved with a computer and retrieved later to streamline test sequences or repeat manual measurements. Control settings

can be stored in one of eight state registers in the spectrum analyzer, in computer memory, or on a computer disk.

The first program in this section demonstrates techniques for saving an instrument state, along with its current trace A data. The second program demonstrates how the state information and the trace data is read from the computer and returned to the spectrum analyzer.

If you wish to save states in the spectrum analyzer, see the descriptions of the save state (SAVES) and recall state (RCLS) commands in Chapter 5.

Saving the Spectrum Analyzer’s State

The following two programs read and store a trace from the spectrum analyzer.

Programming Topics 3-7

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

!FILE:

!define

30 DIM 40 !create 50 INTEGER

"IBPROG8"

202 character string:

Learn_string$[202]

401-point array to store trace:

Trace,a(l:401)

60 Analyzer=718 70

!set output format for two byte integers: 80 OUTPUT 90

!ask spectrum analyzer for trace data:

100 OUTPUT 110 120 ENTER Analyzer USING 130

140 OUTPUT

150 ENTER Analyzer USING 160

Analyzer;"TDF B;"

Analyzer;"TRA?;"

!send

trace to the computer:

"t,W";Trace,a(*)

!get learnstring from spectrum analyzer:

Analyzer;"OL;"

"#,202A";Learn_string$

!create

file to store trace: 170 CREATE BDAT "STATE",4 180

!assign

190 ASSIGN

200

!send

210 OUTPUT 220 !return

230 OUTPUT 240

!close

250 ASSIGN @File TO

path to the file:

@File

TO "STATE"

trace to the file:

QFile;Learn,string$,Trace_a(*)

output format to default mode:

Analyzer;"TDF P;"

file:

260 END

3-g Programming Topics

The HP-IB version stores the trace in the variable called Trace-a(*). The state of the spectrum

analyzer is stored in the variable Learn-string& These two variables are then saved in a file called STATE. Finally, the file is stored on a disk.

Using the data stored in STATE, the spectrum analyzer settings can be reset according to the saved state. Then, using the stored trace data, trace data can be viewed on the spectrum analyzer display.

Line 30 gives the dimensions of the learn string using the HP BASIC DIM command. Learn strings for the spectrum analyzer require 202 bytes of storage space. Also see the output learn string (OL) command.

Line 70 uses TDF B to format the output in binary. Binary provides the fastest data transfer and requires the least amount of memory to store data. Each data point is transferred in binary as two 8-bit bytes. The data points are in the internal representation of measurement data. (See “Different Formats for Trace Data Transfers” at the end of this chapter for more information about trace data formats.)

When the trace and state data are sent from the spectrum analyzer to the computer, they must be formatted. Lines 120 and 150 format trace data with the HP BASIC USING command. In the formatting statement,

I‘#”

indicates that the statement is terminated when the last ENTER item is terminated. EOI (end-or-identify) and LF (line feed) are item terminators, and early termination will result in an inaccurate learn string. “W” specifies word format. “202A” indicates the size of the learn string.

Line 170 creates a file called STATE that is 4 records long. (lb determine the number of records for the computer in our example, the 401-point trace is multiplied by 2 bytes per point and the 202-byte learn string is added to give 1004 bytes total. This total is divided by 256 bytes per record, resulting in 4 records.)

Note

If the program containing the CREATE command is run twice, the computer will report an error the second time because the file already exists. lb prevent this, place an exclamation mark before the CREATE command to “comment out” line 170 after the program has been executed.

Programming Topics

3-9

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

10 'File 20 OPEN 30 'Define 202-character string

40 DIM

50 'Create 802-character string to store trace data 60 DIM 70 DIM 80 'ask spectrum analyzer for trace data in binary format 90 PRINT

100 'enter trace data from spectrum analyzer

110

TRl$=INPUT(200,#1)

120

TR2$=INPUT(200,#1)

130

TR3$=INPUT(200,#1)

140

TR4$=INPUT(200,#1)

150

TR5$=INPUT(2,#1)

160 'ask for learn string from spectrum analyzer 170 PRINT 180 'get learn string from spectrum analyzer 190

LEARN$=INPUT$(202,#1>

200 'create file to store trace on disk 210 OPEN

220 'change ASCII data to integers for disk storage 230 'because ASCII 26 will put EOF on disk 240 DEFINT X,Y,I 'integer variables 250 DIM 260 'first format the learn string 270 FOR I= 1 TO 202 280 'get ASCII character from string 290

L2$=MID$(LEARN$,I,l)

300 'make integer of ASCII value O-255 310

Xl(I)=ASC(L2$)

320 NEXT I 330 'format the data strings 340

T5=1

350

TRG$=TRl$

360

GOSUB

370

T5=201

380

TR6$=TR2$

390

GOSUB

400

T5=401

410

TR6$=TR3$

420

GOSUB

232PROG8

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

#I LEARN$(202)

TR1$(200>,TR2$(200>,TR3$(200) TR4$(2OO>,TR5$(2>,TR6$(200)

#l,"TDF

TRA?;"

'first 200 characters 'second 200 characters

'third 200 characters 'fourth 200 characters

'last two characters

#l,"OL;"

"TRACEA"

Xl(202),Yl(802)

FOR OUTPUT AS

'arrays for the data

'set counter

'set string to be converted

620 'do the conversion

'set counter

'set string to be converted

620 'do conversion

620

3-l 0

Programming Topics

430

T5=601

440

TR6$=TR4$

450

GOSUB

620 460 'convert last two characters 470

L2$=MID$(TRS$,l,l)

480

Yl(80l)=ASC(L2$)

490

L2$=MID$(TR5$,2,1)

500

Y(802)=ASC(L2$)

510 'data is now formatted, write to disk 520 FOR

530 PRINT

I=1

TO 202

#2,X1(1)

540 NEXT I 550 FOR 560 PRINT

I=1

TO 802

#2,Yl(I)

570 NEXT I 580 'close the data file 590 CLOSE 600 GOT0 680 610 'subroutine for converting data: 620 FOR 630 640 650

I=1

TO 200

L2$=MID$(TRG$,I,l)

'get ASCII character

Yl(T5)=ASC(L2$) 'set value in array T5=T5+1

660 NEXT I 670 RETURN

'done with conversion

680 END

The previous program reads a trace from the spectrum analyzer, then stores it in the variable called TRCA. The state of the spectrum analyzer is stored in the variable variables are then saved in a file called

TRACEA.

Finally, the file is stored on a disk.

LEARNS.

These two

Using the data stored in TRCA, the spectrum analyzer settings can be reset according to the saved state. Then, using the stored trace data, trace data can be viewed on the spectrum analyzer display.

Line 40 gives the dimensions of the learn string using the GW BASIC DIM command. Learn strings for the spectrum analyzer require 202 bytes of storage space. Refer to the output learn string (OL) command description in Chapter 5 for more information.

Line 90 uses TDF B to format the output in binary. Binary provides the fastest data transfer

and requires the least amount of memory to store data. Each data point is transferred in binary as two 8-bit bytes. The data points are in the internal representation of measurement data. (See “Different Formats for Trace Data Transfers” at the end of this chapter for more information about trace data formats.)

When the trace and state data is sent from the spectrum analyzer to the computer, it must be formatted. Lines 270 through 320 format the trace data.

Programming Topics

3-l

Returning the Spectrum Analyzer to its Former State

The following programs read a trace stored in a file and load it into a variable.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

!FILE:

!define

30 DIM

40 !create

50 INTEGER 60 Analyzer=718 70

!assign

80 ASSIGN @File TO "STATE" 90

!get values for Learn-string$

100

!and Trace-a(*) from disk: 110 ENTER 120

!send

130 OUTPUT 140 ENTER Analyzer 150 OUTPUT 160

!set single sweep mode: 170 OUTPUT 180

!prepare

190

!the computer:

200 OUTPUT 210 !send 220 OUTPUT Analyzer USING 230 !view 240 OUTPUT 250 !close 260 ASSIGN

270 END

"IBPROGS"

202 character string:

Learn,string$[202]

401 point array to store trace:

Trace,a(l:401)

path to the file:

OFile;Learn-string$,Trace,a(*)

learnstring to spectrum analyzer:

Analyzer;"IP

Analyzer;Learn-string$ Analyzer;"SNGLS;"

spectrum analyzer for a trace from

Analyzer;"TRA #A";

trace to the spectrum analyzer trace to see it was sent:

Analyzer;"VIEW TRA;"

file:

@File

DONE;"

"#,W";802,Trace-a(*)

The HP-IB program reads a trace stored in the file STATE, then loads it into the variable

Trace-$ *).

First, the settings of the spectrum analyzer that were stored in the variable recalled. The spectrum analyzer state is changed to the same state as when the trace was stored. Then previously stored trace data is returned to the spectrum analyzer and the trace is viewed on the spectrum analyzer screen. Finally, line 220 uses the HP BASIC USING command to format the trace data.

3-l

2 Programming Topics

LEARN$

are

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

10 'File= 232PROG9 20 OPEN 30 DEFINT

40 'define 202-character string

50 DIM 60 'create an 802-character string to store disk data 70 DIM 80 DIM 90 'open disk file

100 OPEN

110 'enter learn array from disk 120 FOR 130 INPUT

140 NEXT I

150 'enter trace data from disk

160 FOR 170 INPUT 180 NEXT I 190 'close the disk file

200 CLOSE 210 'format the integer data into strings 220 'for the spectrum analyzer. 230 240 FOR 250 260 NEXT I 270 'format the trace data 280 290 300

310 320 330

340

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

X,Y,I

'integer variable

LEARN$(202),Xl(202)

TR1$(200>,TR2$(200>,TR3$(200),TR4$(200) TR5$(2>,TR6$(2OO>,Yl(802)

"TRACEA"

I=1

TO 202

#2,X1(1)

I=1

TO 802

FOR INPUT AS

'get integer variable from disk

#2,Yl(I)

See

232PROG8

for explanation

LEARN$="" 'null out the learn string

I=1

TO 202

'format learn string first

LEARN$=LEARN$+CHR$(Xl(I))

12=1 GOSUB

TRl$=TRG$

'set the counter

500 'do the conversion

'set the string

12=201

GOSUB

500

'do the conversion

TR2$=TR6$

12=401

Programming Topics

3-13

350

GOSUB

500

360

TR3$=TR6$

370

12=601

380

GOSUB

500

390

TR4$=TR6$

400 'format last two characters 410

TR5$=""

420

TR5$=TR5$+CHR$(Yl(80l))+CHR$(Y1(802))

430 'write to spectrum analyzer 440 PRINT #l,LEARN$ 450 'output trace data 460 PRINT 470 PRINT

#l,"IB";TRl$;TR2$;TR3$;TR4$;TR5$;

#l,"VIEW TRB;"

480 GOT0 560 'end program

490 'subroutine for converting integer data to ASCII

500

TR6$=""

510 FOR 520 530

I=1 TRS$=TRS$+CHR$(Yl(IZ>) 12=12+1

'set the string to a null value

TO 200

540 NEXT I 550 RETURN 'done with conversion 560 END

The RS-232 program,

232PROG9,

reads a trace stored in the file

TRACEA

and loads it into the variable TRCA. This program assumes that trace data is stored on the disk from the previous program example,

First, the settings of the spectrum analyzer that were stored in the variable

232PROG8.

LEARN$

are recalled. The spectrum analyzer state is changed to the same state as when the trace was stored. Then previously stored trace data is returned to the spectrum analyzer and the trace is viewed on the spectrum analyzer screen.

3-14 Programming Topics

Measuring Harmonic Distortion

The harmonic distortion program presented here illustrates how the spectrum analyzer can be directed by a computer to make a complete measurement. Measuring the percent of total harmonic distortion is tedious when performed manually: it involves tuning to the fundamental and to each harmonic of interest, recording the amplitude of each signal, converting these amplitudes to linear units (volts), and calculating the result using a formula. The following program measures percent of total harmonic distortion automatically, quickly, and accurately.

The program operates as if we were making the measurement manually.

Note

This program is designed to measure harmonics of a signal that is greater than

20MHz.

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

!FILE:

20 ASSIGN 30 Variables: ! define variables:

40 REAL Fundamental,Fund-amptd-v,Fund-amptd-dbm

50 REAL

60 INTEGER Max-harmonic,I,Number

70 !allow 80

Max-harmonic=4

90 ALLOCATE REAL

100 ALLOCATE REAL

110

GOSUB

120

!ask for the frequency of the fundamental:

130

OUTPUT CRT USING

140 OUTPUT CRT USING 150

OUTPUT CRT USING “10X ,K” ; ”ENTER FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY IN MHz” 160 OUTPUT CRT USING “10X 170 INPUT Fundamental

180

GOSUB

190 Fundamental: ! write message on screen:

200 DISP “MEASURING FUNDAMENTAL” 210

220 !take

230 OUTPUT

240

250 ! 20

260 OUTPUT 270 OUTPUT

280 !put a marker on signal peak, move marker to 290 !reference

300 OUTPUT

310 !find 320

!preset

!tune

!narrow

“THD-TEST”

QSa

TO 718

Prcnt,distort,Sum-sqr

user to change the number of harmonics:

Harmonic-v(2:Max-harmonic)

Harmonic-dbc(2:Max,harmonic)

Clearscreen

Clearscreen ! clear the alpha screen

the spectrum analyzer, set single sweep mode, and

sweep:

@Sa;“IP;

the spectrum analyzer to the fundamental freq and set

MHz span:

OSa- “CF ‘I ;

BISai “SP

%a; “MKPK

signal peak,

span:

SNGLS; TS;”

20MZ; TS;

level:

! assign IO

! clear the alpha screen

“4/,lOX,K,3/“;

"lOX,K";"CONNECT

,K”;

“WHEN READY, PRESS ENTER

Fundamental;

‘I

HI ; MKRL; TS;

activate signal track, and

path to spectrum analyzer

"***HARMONIC DISTORTION***"

SOURCE TO INPUT"

“MZ; ”

”

Programming Topics 3-15

330 OUTPUT

340 OUTPUT

350

!turn

360 OUTPUT 370 380

!find

!of screen: 390 OUTPUT 400

!find

@Sa;"MKPK OSa;"MKTRACK

HI;

TS;"

ON; SP IOOKZ;

TS;"

off signal track:

QSa;"MKTRACK

OFF;"

the peak of the signal; move peak to center

OSa;"AUNITS V;"!

peak of signal;

MAKE READOUT UNITS VOLTS

send amplitude value to 410 !computer 420 430 OUTPUT 440 ENTER 450 460 470 OUTPUT 480 ENTER 490 500 510 OUTPUT

!enter

the amplitude of the fundamental:

@Sa;"MKPK

HI;

MKA?;"

OSa;Fund,amptd-v

!send

marker frequency to the computer, enter

!frequency

value:

OSa;"MKF?;"

OSa;Fundamental

!make

the fundamental frequency the center freq

!step

size:

OSa;"MKSS;"

520 !set the fundamental frequency units to MHz: 530

Fundamental=Fundamental/l.E+6

540 Harmonics:

!measure

the amplitudes of the harmonics:, 550 FOR Number=2 TO Max-harmonic 560 DISP "MEASURING HARMONIC 570 OUTPUT 580 OUTPUT 590 600 610

!take !center

!signal

620 OUTPUT 630 OUTPUT

640

!turn

650 OUTPUT 660 670

!find

!enter

680 OUTPUT 690 ENTER

@Sa;"SP 20MZ;"

@Sa;"CF

UP;

TS;" !tune

second sweep to allow spectrum analyzer to move to the

frequency;

track:

@Sa;"TS;" @Sa;"MKPK

HI; MKTRACK ON; SP IOOKZ;

off signal track:

OSa;"MKTRACK

OFF;"

signal peak;

the amplitude of the harmonic:

OSa;"MKPK

HI;

QSa;Harmonic-v(Number)

#";Number

!set span to 20 MHz

to next harmonic

find the signal peak; activate

TS;"

send amplitude value to computer

MKA?;"

700 NEXT Number 710 720 OUTPUT 730

!set amplitude units to

dBm:

OSa;"AUNITS DBM;"

!calculate

the fundamental amplitude in

dBm

because 740 !it was measured in volts: 750

Fund,amptd_dbm=lO*LGT(Fund_amptd_v^2/.05)

760 !calculate 770 780

!of the harmonics;

!harmonics (dBm):

the sum of the squares of the amplitudes

calculate amplitudes of

790 Sum-sqr=O 800 FOR 810 820

I=2

TO Max-harmonic

Sum,sqr=Sum,sqr+Harmonic,v(I)^2 Harmonic-dbc(I)=20*LGT(Fund-amptd-v/Harmonic-v(1))

830 NEXT I

3-l 6Programming Topics

840

850 860 870

880

890 OUTPUT CRT USING 900 OUTPUT CRT USING 910 OUTPUT CRT USING 920 OUTPUT CRT USING 930 OUTPUT CRT USING 940 FOR 950 OUTPUT CRT USING

!calculate

the percent distortion:

Prcnt,distort=SQR(Summ,sqr)/Fund~amptd,v*lOO GOSUB

Clearscreen

!clear

the alpha screen:

!Output,data:

!send

data to the screen of the computer:

"7/,lX,K"; "HARMONIC DISTORTION RESULTS"

"llX,K,DDDD.D,K";"FREQ

"llX,K,DDDD.D,K";"AMP "llX,K,DDD.D,K";"2nd ',llX,K,DDD.D,K";"3rd

I=4

TO Max-harmonic

"lOX,DD,K,DDD.D,K";I;"th

";Fundamental;" MHz"

";Fund-amptd-dbm;" dBm"

HARMONIC = HARMONIC =

HARMONIC = 960 NEXT I 970 OUTPUT CRT USING

"llX,K,DDD.D,K";"TOTAL

DISTORTION = 980 ! 990 LOCAL 7 1000 STOP 1010 ! 1020 Clearscreen: 1030 !the statement below presses the

!alpha

clear subroutine

"CLR SCR"

key on 1040 !the keyboard: 1050 OUTPUT KBD USING "#

B"*255

75 1060 RETURN 1070 END

-";Harmonic_dbc(2);"

-";Harmonic,dbc(3);"

dBc" dBc"

-";Harmonic,dbc(I) dBc"

";Prcnt,distort;" %"

The program

prompts the user to connect a source to the spectrum analyzer

INPUT

and enter the source frequency. It sets the spectrum analyzer center frequency to the value of the source, or fundamental, frequency. It measures and records the frequency and amplitude of

the fundamental, then measures and records the amplitude of the second, third, and fourth harmonics. These values are used to compute percent of harmonic distortion. The result of the harmonic distortion percentage computation, plus harmonic amplitudes in

dBc

(decibels relative to the carrier), are displayed on the computer display. Extensive annotation has been added (after the exclamation points) to help clarify the program.

If necessary, change the number of harmonics in line 80.

Programming Topics 3-17

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

IO 'File = THDTEST 20 OPEN 30 'allow user to change the number of harmonics 40

MAXHARMONIC=

50 DIM 60 'clear the screen 70

CLS

80 'ask for the frequency of the fundamental 90 PRINT

100 PRINT 110 PRINT "CONNECT SOURCE TO ANALYZER INPUT, THEN" 120 PRINT "ENTER FREQUENCY OF THE FUNDAMENTAL IN MHZ" 130 PRINT 140 INPUT FUNDAMENTAL 150 160 'print measuring fundamental on screen 170 PRINT "MEASURING FUNDAMENTAL"

180 'preset the spectrum analyzer, set single-sweep and 185 'take sweep 190 PRINT 200 PRINT #I "DONE."

210 INPUT 220 'tune the spectrum analyzer to the fundamental freq and set 225 '20 MHz span 230 PRINT 240 PRINT 250 PRINT 260 INPUT #l,DONE 270 'put a marker on signal peak, move marker to 275 'reference level 280 PRINT 290 'find signal peak, activate signal track, and 295 'narrow span 300 PRINT 310 PRINT 320 PRINT #I "DONE." 330 INPUT 340 'turn off signal track 350 PRINT 360 'find peak of signal, 370 'make units in volts 380 PRINT 390 'find peak of signal, send amplitude value to

395 'computer 400 PRINT 410 INPUT #l,FUNDAMPTDV 420 'send marker frequency to computer, enter frequency 425 'value 430 PRINT 440 INPUT #l,FUNDAMENTAL 450 'make the fundamental frequency the center freq 455 'step size

"COMl:9600,N,8,1"

HARMONICV(lO>,HARMONICDBC(lO)

"*******

HARMONIC DISTORTION

CLS

#l,"IP;SNGLS;TS;"

#(DONE

#l,"CF ";FUNDAMENTAL;"MHZ"

#l,"SP 20MZ;TS;"

#l,"DONE;"

#l,"MKPK HI;MKRL;TS;"

#l,"MKPK HI;TS;"

#l,"MKTRACK 0N;SP 1OOKZ;TS;"

#(DONE

#l,"MKTRACK

OFF;"

move peak to center of screen

#l,"AUNITS V;"

#l,"MKPK HI;MKA?;"

#l,"MKF?;"

*******"

3-16 Programming Topics

460 PRINT

#l,"MKSS;"

470 'set the fundamental frequency units to MHZ 480 FUNDAMENTAL=FUNDAMENTAL/lOOOOOO! 490 FOR NUMBER = 2 TO MAXHARMONIC 500 PRINT "MEASURING HARMONIC

# ";NUMBER

510 'set span and tune to next harmonic 520 PRINT 530 PRINT 540 PRINT

#l,"SP 20MZ;" #l,"CF UP;TS;"

#l,"DONE;"

550 INPUT #l,DONE 560 'take a second sweep to allow spectrum analyzer to move to 570 'the center frequency, find the signal peak, 575 'activate the signal track 580 PRINT #I 590 PRINT 600 PRINT 610 'find signal peak,

"TS."

#l:"MK;K

#l,"MKTRACK

HI;MKTRACK

OFF;"

0N;SP 100KZ;TS;"

send amplitude value to computer 620 'enter amplitude of harmonic 630 PRINT 640 INPUT

#l,"MKPK HI;MKA?;"

#l,HARMONICV(NUMBER)

650 NEXT NUMBER 660 'set amplitude units to dBm 670 PRINT #l,"AUNITS 680 'calculate the fundamental amplitude in

DBM;"

dBm

because 690 'it was measured in volts 700

FUNDAMPTDDBM=lO*(LOG(FUNDAMPTDV-2/.05)/2.3026)

710 'calculate the sum of the squares of the amplitudes 720 'of the harmonics, calculate amplitudes of 725 'harmonics

(dBm)

730 SUMSQR=O 740 FOR

I=2

TO MAXHARMONIC 750 SUMSQR=SUMSQR+HARMONICV(I)-2 760

HARMONICDBC(I>=20*(LOG(FUNDAMPTDV/HARMONICV(I))/2.3O26)

770

NEXT I

780 'calculate the percent distortion 790

PRCNTDISTORT=SQR(SUMSQR)/FUNDAMPTDV*lOO

800

CLS 810 'output the data 820 PRINT 830 PRINT "FREQUENCY =

840 PRINT “AMPLITUDE = ” ; FUNDAMPTDDBM; ” 850 FOR

860 PRINT

870

NEXT I

880 PRINT "TOTAL DISTORTION =

“*******

I=2

TO MAXHARMONIC

HARMONIC DISTORTION RESULTS

“HARMONIC #

";FUNDAMENTAL;"MHZ"

dbc”

‘I;

I; ‘I =

-‘I ; HARMONICDBC(1) ; ‘I dbm”

";PRCNTDISTORT;" %"

*******”

890 END

The RS-232 program prompts the operator to connect a source to the spectrum analyzer INPUT and enter the source frequency. It sets the spectrum analyzer center frequency to the value of the source, or fundamental, frequency. It measures and records the frequency and amplitude of the fundamental, then measures and records the amplitude of the second, third, and fourth harmonics. These values are used to compute percent of harmonic distortion. The results of the harmonic distortion percentage computation, plus harmonic amplitude in

dBc

(decibels

relative to the carrier), are displayed on the computer display.

If necessary, change the number of harmonics in line 40.

Programming Topics 3-19

Different Formats for Trace Data Transfers

Two different ways to format trace data using the TDF command were introduced earlier in this chapter (TDF P and TDF B). This section describes all the available trace data formats.

The HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzer provides five formats for trace data transfers: real number (P) format, binary (B) format, A-block format, I-block format, and measurement units (M) format.

P Format

The P format allows you to receive or send trace data in a real-number format. This is the

default format when the instrument is powered up. Numbers are in or watts. The may be an advantage if you wish to use the data later in a program. However, data transfers using P format tend to be slow and take up a lot of memory (compared to binary format, the P format can take up to four times the amount of memory). Data is transferred as ASCII type.

Although the spectrum analyzer can send the trace data to the computer as real numbers, the trace data cannot be sent back to the spectrum analyzer without changing the trace data to measurement units (integers). See the following example.

AUNITS

command can be used to specify the amplitude units. Real-number data

dBm, dBmV, dBpV,

volts,

3-20

Programming Topics

Example of Using the P Format

This example sends trace datatothe computer and backtothe spectrum analyzer using P

format.

Note

The spectrum analyzer mustbeinthelog amplitude scale to use the TDF P format.

1 REAL 10 OUTPUT

20 OUTPUT

30 ENTER

40 OUTPUT

50 OUTPUT

Trace_data(l:401)

718;"IP;CF

300MHZ;SP

718;"TDF P;TRA?;"

718;Trace_data(*)

718;"VIEW

718*"RL'*"

'* ,

TRA;MOV

20MHZ;SNGLS;TS;"

TRA,O;"

60 DISP "PRESS CONTINUE WHEN READY" 70 PAUSE 80 ENTER 718;RefJevel 90 MAT

100 MAT 110 MAT 120 OUTPUT 130 OUTPUT

Trace-data=Trace-data-(Ref-level)

Trace,data=Trace-data*(lOO) Trace,data=Trace_data+(8000)

718m"TRA I).

718ITrace_data(*)

140 LOCAL 718

150 END

Declare an array for trace data.

Zzke a measurement sweep.

Activate the P format, output trace A data.

The computer receives trace A data from the spectrum analyzer

lb v&f@ that the trace data is transferred back to the spectrum

analyzq

set trace A to zeros. Determine the amplitude of the reference level. The amplitude of the reference level is used to change the integers sent to the spectrum analyzer into real numbers.

Get the refsrence level. These lines change the real trace data (stored in Trace-data) into integers (in measurem.ent units).

Sends the trace data back to the spectrum analyzer in measurement units.

The trace data is sent to the computer in parameter units. scientific unit.

units

(dBm, dBmV, dBpV,

For the TDF P format, the parameter unit depends on the current amplitude

V, W). Use the

AUNITS

command to change the units.

parameter unit is a standard

For more detailed information about the P format, see the description for TDF in Chapter 5.

Programming Topics

3-21

B Format

The B format allows you to receive or send trace data in a binary format. The B format provides the fastest data transfer and requires the least amount of memory to store data. Each data point is transferred in binary as two 8-bit bytes. The data points are in the internal representation of measurement units (0 to 8000). Unlike the A-block format, the B format does not send a header. An end-or-identify (EOI) is sent with the last byte of data.

Example of Using the B Format

This example sends trace data from the spectrum analyzer in B format. The trace data format must be changed to A-block format to return the trace data to the spectrum analyzer. See following example.

Note

It is not possible to return data to the spectrum analyzer using binary format. You must use either A-block or I-block format to return the trace data to the spectrum analyzer.

10 INTEGER 20 ASSIGN 30 OUTPUT 40 OUTPUT 50 ENTER 60 OUTPUT

70 OUTPUT

Tra_binary(l:401)

QSa

718;FORMAT

OSa;"IP;CF

300MZ;SP

OFF

@Sa;"MDS W;TDF B;TRA?;"

OSa;Tra,binary(*)

@Sa*"TDF A*"

6Sa;"MOV TRA,O;"

20MZ;SNGLS;TS;" T&kesameasurenwntsweep.

80 DISP "PRESS CONTINUE WHEN READY" 90 PAUSE

100 OUTPUT

110 OUTPUT

120 OUTPUT

@Sa

USING

"#,K,W";"TRA#A",802

OSa;Tra,binary(*)

OSa;"VIEW TRA;"

130 LOCAL 718 140 END

Tra3inary

stores the trace data.

Outputs trace A data. Changes the trace

data

format to A- block format. lb

ve@fy

that the trace data is sent

back to the spectrum

analyq

move

all zeros into trace A.

Prepares the spectrum analyzer for the trace

data.

Transfers the trace data back to the spectrum

analyzevz

The result is transmitted as binary information. The MDS command can be used to change the data format from two 8-bit bytes to one 8-bit byte. For more detailed information about the B format and the MDS command, see the descriptions for TDF and MDS in Chapter 5.

Binary data can be converted to change the trace data (in measurement units) to a real logarithmic number

dBm

= ((trace data - 8000) x 0.01) + reference level(in

change the trace data (in measurement units) to linear data (volts):

3-22 Programming Topics

dBm

volts =

or volts. For example, use the following equation to

(dBm):

dBm)

reference level

8000

x trace data

The following programming converts binary data to

dBm.

20 30

50 60 70 80 90

100

110

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190 200

210 220

! 859X binary data to real numbers

Sa=718

ASSIGN INTEGER OUTPUT OUTPUT ENTER PRINT OUTPUT

ENTER

(OSa,bin

TO Sa;FORMAT OFF

Trace-a(l:401)

Sa;"AUNITS DBM;"

Sa*"RL?*" Sa;Ref-Ik Ref-lev

Sa;"TDF B;TRA?;"

OSa-bin;Trace-a(*)

! now the spectrum analyzer has all the data ! to determine the measured trace data

REAL

Trace_a_real(l:401)

MAT Trace-a= Trace-a-(8000) ! Results in below ref

! level

MAT Trace-a-real=

Trace,a*(.Ol)!

now in hundredths of db

! below ref lev

MAT Trace-a-real=

FOR

I=1

TO 401

Trace-a-real+(Ref-lev)

PRINT Trace-a-real(I) NEXT I

END

The following programming converts binary data to volts.

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

! 859X binary data to real numbers (linear)

Sa=718

ASSIGN

INTEGER OUTPUT OUTPUT

ENTER

(QSa-bin

TO Sa;FORMAT OFF

Trace-a(l:401)

Sa*"AUNITS V*"

SaI"RL?;" '

Sa;Ref-lev

Ref-lev-factor=Ref_lev/8000

OUTPUT

ENTER

Sa;"TDF B;TRA?;"

OSa,bin;Trace,a(*)

! now the spectrum analyzer has all the data

! to determine the measured trace data

REAL

Trace,a,real(l:401)

MAT Trace-a-real=

FOR

I=1

TO 401

Trace-a*(Ref,lev,factor)

PRINT Trace-a-real(I) NEXT I

END

Programming Topics

3-23

A-Block Format

The A-block format is similar to binary format in that each data point is sent as two 8-bit bytes (this, too, is in the internal representation of measurement data). A-block format also transfers a four-byte header before the 401 points of trace data. These bytes are the ASCII character

“A”, and two-byte number representing the length of the trace data, followed by the data

“f’,

bytes.

Example of Using the A-Block Format

This example sends trace data from the spectrum analyzer to the computer and back to the spectrum analyzer in A-block format.

10 INTEGER

Tra_binary(l:401)

Declare an array for trace

data.

20 DIM

30 OUTPUT 40 OUTPUT

Header$[4]

718;"IP;CF

718;"MDS

300MZ;SP

W;TDF

A;TRA?;"

20MZ;SNGLS;TS;"

Declare

A, length

llxke

a string for the

MSB

length, and LSB

heao!.ex

mxxzsurem.ent

sweep.

Send trace A to the com-

puter in A-block format.

50 ENTER 718 USING

"#,4A,401(W)";Header$,Tra_binary(*)

The computer receives the header and the trace

data.

60 PRINT "PRESS CONTINUE TO RETURN DATA TO THE ANALYZER" 70 PAUSE 80 OUTPUT 90 OUTPUT

100 OUTPUT

"#,K,W,40l(W)"; "TRA#A",802,Tra_binary(*),";"

718;"IP;TS;VIEW TRA;"

718e"TDF A-"

71;

USING'

View trace A.

The spectrum

wives

the trace

anulgzer re-

data

from

the computex

110 END

The transferred trace data consists of

#A,

a two-byte number representing the most significant

byte (MSB) length and the least significant byte (LSB) length, and the data bytes. Depending on

the terminal you are using, the data bytes may appear as symbols instead of numbers. Consult your computer documentation to determine the numeric value of the data bytes.

For more detailed information about the A-block format and the MDS command, see the

descriptions for TDF and MDS in Chapter 5.

3-24

Programming Topics

I-Block Format Note

The I-block format is not recommended for use with the RS-232 interface (Option 043).

The I-block format transfers data points as two 8-bit bytes in the internal representation of measurement data. In addition to transferring trace data, I-block format also transfers the characters

I‘#”

and “I”. These characters indicate that the trace data is in I-block format. The I-block format allows the spectrum analyzer to accept up to 401 points of trace data when using I-block format. Fewer than 401 points of trace data can be specified, and the spectrum analyzer will accept data until an EOI signal is sent to it. Therefore, returning the trace data to the spectrum analyzer requires an important instruction, END. (See following example.)

Example of Using the I-Block Format

This example sends trace data from the spectrum analyzer to the computer and back to the

spectrum analyzer in I-block format.

10 INTEGER

Tra_binary(l:401)

Dec.kzre

an array for trace

data.

20 DIM

Header$[Z]

Declare an array for #, I header:

30 OUTPUT 40 OUTPUT

718;"IP;CF

300MZ;SP 20MZ;SNGLS;TS;"

718;"TDF I;TRA?;"

llzke a

mxxsurement

Send trace A

data

sweep. in

block format.

50 ENTER 718 USING

"#,2A,40l(W)";Header$,Tra,binary(*)

The computer receives the

header

and trace A

data.

60 PRINT "PRESS CONTINUE TO RETURN DATA TO THE ANALYZER" 70 PAUSE 80 OUTPUT 90 OUTPUT

100 OUTPUT 718 USING

Tra-binary(*)

718;"IP;TS;VIEW TRA;"

718;"TDF

I;"

"#,K,W,401(W)";"TRA#I",

View trace A.

The trace data is returned to the spectrum analyzer

110 END

I-

The END statement in line 100 sends the spectrum analyzer the last data byte stored in the array and sets the HP-IB EOI line “true,”

as required by the I-block format. The transferred trace data consists of #I, followed by data bytes until the EOI line is set true. For more detailed information about the I-block format and the MDS command, see the

descriptions for TDF and MDS in Chapter 5.

Programming Topics 3-25

M Format

The M format is for sending trace data only. It formats the trace data in the internal format used by the spectrum analyzer, also known as measurement units.

Refer to Figure 3-1. The displayed amplitude of each element falls

one of 8000 vertical points with 8000 equal to the reference level. For log scale data, each point is equal to 0.01 The peak of the signal in Figure 3-l is equal to -20

dBm,

or two divisions below the reference level. In measurement units, it is equal to 6000 (8000 - 2000 = 6000). In linear mode, each point has a resolution of [reference level in volts divided by is -32,768 to

+32,767.

In practice however, the range limits can be reached during trace math

SOOO].

The range of internal data

operations only.

+32,767

8160-

8000

LOG

DB/

dB.

-32,768-

O-

Figure 3-1. Measurement Unit Range and Trace Amplitudes

cull9e

3-26

Programming Topics

‘Ihble

3-1. Measurement Units

Index

Number

A number within the range of 8161 to 32,767 measurement units is obtainable

Description

with trace math operations only. The area from 8000 (reference level) to 8160 (1.6 dB above reference level)

represents the amount a trace element’s amplitude can exceed the top graticule and still be valid.

The area from 0 to 8000 represents the displayed range for trace amplitude data. The range of 0 to 8000 varies according to the amplitude scale of the spectrum analyzer as follows:

In 10 dB/division, the range is from 0 to 8000.

In 5 dB/div, the range is from 4000 to 8000.

In 2 dB/div, the range is from 8000 to 6000.

In 1 dB/div, the range is from 8000 to 7000.

A number within the range of 0 to -32,768 measurement units is obtainable

with

trace math operations only.

Example of Using the M Format

This example sends trace data from the spectrum analyzer to the computer in M format.

10 INTEGER 30 OUTPUT 40 OUTPUT 50 ENTER

A(l:401)

718;"IP;CF

718;"TDF M;TRA?;"

718;A(*)

60 PRINT A(*)

END

300MZ;SP

Llimension

20MZ;SNGLS;TS;" lbkeawz.easurewwntsweep.

Send trace A

The computer receives the trace data.

Print trace data.

array A.

data

Mformat.

Note

All trace math functions are done using measurement units. See lkble 5-4 for a

list of all trace math functions. See the description for the AMB command in

Chapter 5 for an example of trace math subtraction in measurement units.

The result is in measurement units (-32768 to

+32767).

the M format, see the description for TDF in Chapter 5.

‘Ihble

3-2 summarizes the different trace data formats.

For more detailed information about

Programming Topics

3-27

‘Ihble

3-2. Summary of the Trace Data Formats

Trace

Data

Format

TDF P

TDF B

TDF A

TDF I

TDF M

Description

Real Number Format

Binary Format

A-Block Data Format

I-Block Data Format

Measurement Data Format

Remarks

Spectrum analyzer must be in log scale to use TDF P. To send the trace data back to the spectrum analyzer, the data must be converted to measurement units.

Fastest format for trace data transfers. Use the A-block format

send data back to the spectrum analyzer.

Trace data preceded by

“A,” and a two-byte number. To use

“#,

the A-block format for sending data, you must provide the number of data bytes.

Trace data preceded by

“#, ”

and “I. ” This format is not recommended for use with an RS-232 interface. Unlike using the A-block format, you do not provide the number of data bytes when sending data.

TDF M cannot be used to send trace data back to the spectrum analyzer.

3-26 Programming Topics

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

This chapter provides fundamental information about downloadable programs This chapter contains the following sections:

Creating a DLP.

n Executing a

Storing

Determining the amount of memory needed for a DLP.

Using the DLP editor.

DLP programming guidelines.

DLP

DLPs

on a RAM card.

(DLPs).

What is a DLP?

A DLP is a sequence of programming commands used to perform a specific operation. You

can define a DLP that is made up of several user-defined functions, user-defined variables, and user-defined traces, then store the DLP in analyzer memory or on a RAM card. Some commands used to create

DLPs

are FUNCDEF, VARDEF, ACTDEF, TRDEF, and KEYDEF.

Why Use a DLP?

A DLP provides an easy way to execute programming commands without the use of an external controller. Almost any instruction that the analyzer can execute over the interface bus or with front-panel operation can be executed in a DLP capabilities. In addition, bus.

DLPs

remain in analyzer memory even when the spectrum analyzer power is turned

off;

the

DLPs

are stored in the battery-backed RAM of the analyzer memory and can be used

repeatedly, whenever needed.

DLPs

have the ability to control other instruments over the instrument

DLPs

can have decision making

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-l

Creating a DLP

This section contains information about how to create a DLI? This section contains the following procedures:

Use a user-defined function within a DLP.

Use a user-defined variable within a DLI?

n Use a user-defined trace within a n Enter values into a

Create a modular

DLP,

DLl?

4-2

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

‘lb

Use a

User-Defined

Function within a DLP

A user-defined function is created by using the FUNCDEF command.

1. Begin the user-defined function definition by using the FUNCDEF command, the label (function name) for the function you are creating, a comma, and then a delimiter. See line

10 of the example.

Use unique names (unique from the analyzer programming commands) for the label. lb avoid confusion with the internal variables used by the spectrum analyzer, it is recommended that you use an underscore as the second character of the label.

2. Enter in the programming commands that you want the function to perform. See lines 20 and 30 of the example. Be sure to use semicolons to separate and terminate each programming command.

Terminating the end of each program line with a semicolon will suppress BASIC’s carriage return and line feed. This saves memory since the carriage returns and line feeds won’t be stored in the FUNCDEF.

3. End the FUNCDEF definition by specifying the same delimiter that was used in step 1. See line 40 of the example. The delimiters are used to enclose the programming commands for the function.

To avoid problems with the FUNCDEF definition, you should remember the following:

A FUNCDEF does not return a value to a calling context like functions do in some languages.

n Loading functions into analyzer memory requires space in the analyzer’s memory. If you

are creating a large DLP, you should see “Determining the Amount of Memory Needed for a DLP” in this chapter for information on how to determine the amount of available analyzer

memory and the size of the

Limit the number of characters between the delimiters in the FUNCDEF declaration to a

DLl?

maximum of 2047 characters. If the function is too large, you may need to segment it into several functions. See “To Create a Modular DLP” in this chapter for more information.

n Ensure that the commands within the function are spelled correctly, that the syntax for the

command is correct, and that each command is properly terminated with a semicolon.

Keep the program lines short. If necessary, divide the spectrum analyzer programming

commands into several lines. See the example.

See the description for the FUNCDEF command in Chapter 5 for a list of programming

commands that cannot be used within a FUNCDEF definition.

Example

Executing the following programming lines creates a downloadable program called Z-OOM.

Z-OOM presets the analyzer, sets the center frequency to 300 MHz, sets the span to 10 MHz,

and places a marker on the highest signal. After executing the following lines, Z-OOM will be

in spectrum analyzer memory.

10 OUTPUT

718;"FUNCDEF Z-OOM,Q";

Begins the FUNCDEF d@nition. The

“@”

sign delimits the programming commands

that are within the FUNCDEFcalled Z-OOM.

The semicolon at the end of the line sup-

presses a carriage return and line feed.

20 OUTPUT

718;"IP;CF 300MHZ;";

Enters IP and CF 300 MH.. commands into

z-OOM.

30 OUTPUT

718;"SP

10MHZ;TS;MKPK HI;";

Enters the SP 10 MHz,

TS, MKPK

HI com-

mands into Z-OOM.

40 OUTPUT

50 LOCAL 718

END

718*"9*"

Ends the FUNCDEF definition. Places the anal~.zer in local mode.

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-3

Use a User-Defined Variable within a DLP

User-defined variables are variables that you create with the VARDEF or ACTDEF commands.

User-defined variables remain in spectrum analyzer memory and retain their values until redefined, disposed of, or altered by MOV or math commands. Turning the spectrum analyzer off, then on or pressing

@iZK)

will reset the variables to values as specified in their declarations. Note that all user-defined variables are global in scope, any function can access any variable. All variables are of type REAL.

Variables should be declared outside of functions so the MEM? command returns the correct value for available spectrum analyzer memory after the DLP is downloaded by an external controller.

use a user-defined variable within a DLP:

1. Use the VARDEF command to declare the variable. You should declare the variable outside of the function definition.

2. Begin the FUNCDEF definition.

3. Use the variable within the function. If YOU want to the DSPLY command.

4. End the FUNCDEF definition.

Example

10 OUTPUT

20 OUTPUT

30 OUTPUT

40 OUTPUT

50 OUTPUT

60 OUTPUT 718;"MOV

70 OUTPUT 80 OUTPUT

90 OUTPUT

718;"VARDEF A,MP,O;";

718;"FUNCDEF

A,MPFUNC,!";

718;"IP;SNGLS;";

718;"FA

718;"TS;MKPK

275MHZ;FB

HI;";

325MHZ;";

A-MP,MKA;";

718;"PU;PA 60,180;TEXT IMARKER

AMPLITUDE IS

718;"DSPLY AwMP,3.1;TEXT %dBm%;";

718;"! ;"

100 END

disDlav

the value of the variable, use

Declares the variable called

A-MPand initializes its

value to zero. Begins the a function called

d@inition

AJPFUNC.

Does an instmcment pre-

set, sets it to single-sweep

mode.

Sets the start and stop

frequencies to 275 and

325

MHz,

respectively. Puts a marker on the highest signal.

Moves the marker amplitude value into A-MI?

I;";

Displays the message “MARKER AMPLITUDE

Is: ”

then

displatis the marker am-

plitude and Ends

thejimction &$nition.

dBm.

The programming example above alters the variable

A-MP

that was defined with the VARDEF command. The math commands can be used to alter variable values. Examples of math commands are the ADD, DIV, SUB, and MPY. Refer to

‘lhble

5-4 in Chapter 5 for a complete list

of the math commands.

4-4

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

Use a User-Defined Trace within a

DLP

Like variables, you should define user-defined traces outside of functions. User-defined traces retain their values until redefined, disposed of, or altered by the MOV command or a math command. User-defined traces are global in scope. Unlike user-defined variables, the elements of user-defined traces are of type INTEGER.

1. Use the TRDEF command to define a trace. Define the trace outside of the any functions.

2. Initialize the elements of the trace to 0. (Optional.)

3. Use the trace (you can use the trace within a function).

‘RI

display the contents of the user-defined trace, move the contents of the user-defined

trace into trace A, trace B, or trace C with the MOV command and then use the VIEW

command to display the destination trace (trace A, trace B, or trace C).

Example

The following example demonstrates how to define a trace, move a value into the trace, move the trace to trace A, and view trace A.

10 OUTPUT

20 OUTPUT

718;"TRDEF T,RACEA,401;";

718;"MOV T,RACEA,O;";

130 OUTPUT 140 OUTPUT

150 OUTPUT 160 OUTPUT

170

END

718;"FUNCDEF D-ISPTRACE,!";

718;"MOV TRA,T-RACEA; ";

718;"VIEW TRA;";

718;"!; "

Dt@zes a 401 -point trace called

“TBACEA. ”

Initializes the trace values to zero.

Use the

Dtykes

Moves the contents of

TXACEA

for a

a function called

T-RACEA

measur-t.

DJPlXACE.

into trace A.

Displays Ends

trace A.

the FUNCDEF

d@nition.

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-5

Enter Values into a DLP

To allow the spectrum analyzer user to enter a value into a user-defined variable with the

analyzer front-panel keys use the active function definition command (ACTDEF).

Example

For example, if you want the user to enter the resolution bandwidth for use in the DLP, you would use the following:

OUTPUT

BANDWIDTH#,SMHZ,STEP,!MOV

Notice that like moving a value into a variable or a trace, command must be used to move the ACTDEF value into the RB command. See the command description for ACTDEF in Chapter 5 for more information.

To Enter Values into a

Use the KEYCMD command to assign the ACTDEF command to a softkey.

Example

For example, to assign the ACTDEF to

OUTPUT OUTPUT

718;"ACTDEF M-BW,%ENTER

RB,M-BW!;"

DIP

by Using a Softkey

softkey

718;"KEYCMD

718;"lKEYENH

M-BW,";

'RES BW',ACTVF

THE RESOLUTION Lets

resolution ban’dwidth with the panel keys.

the

2, your

would use the following:

MmBW,O,%;";

theuserenter

MOV command or another MATH

the

valueofthe

front-

4-6

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

Create a Modular

DLP

A modular DLP is a DLP that is made up of several user-defined functions. Within a modular DLP, there may be a main FUNCDEF which calls subordinate FUNCDEFs. A subordinate FUNCDEF is a user-defined function that usually performs only one task, and is called by another FUNCDEF.

To create a modular DLP:

1. Enter the file name that the DLP source code will be stored under, if desired.

2. Enter the date of the last revision to the DLP, if desired.

3. Enter the DLP author’s name, if desired.

4. Begin the FUNCDEF definition for the subordinate FUNCDEF

5. Enter in the programming commands that you want the FUNCDEF to perform.

6. End the FUNCDEF definition.

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for all the subordinate FUNCDEFs.

8. Create a main FUNCDEF that calls the subordinate FUNCDEF.

Creating a modular DLP instead of a DLP that is made up of only one FUNCDEF has the following advantages:

Because the number of characters for a FUNCDEF definition is limited to a maximum of 2047 characters, you must change a large FUNCDEF into smaller FUNCDEFs if its size exceeds 2047 characters.

n Modular

DLPs

are easier to write, read, and find problems within the DLP

It is also easier to read and find problems in a program that has a comments added to it. For example, adding the file name, the date of the last revision, and the author’s name help keep a consistent program structure and make it easier to modify

the

DLI? The following program is

an example of a modular DLP with the recommended program structure.

Example

Notice that the program has a main FUNCDEF that calls the five subordinate

(SPANONE,

FUNCDEFs is called from the main FUNCDEF, 2, so the function can be executed by pressing

S-PANTWO,

S-PANTHREE, SPANFOUR, and C-HECK). Each of the five

E-XAMPLE.

(-1,

Line 560 assigns the DLP to

User Menus ,

FUNCDEF’s

EX&MPLE

softkey

The example uses descriptive labels and flows in a logical fashion, making the DLP easier to understand. In addition, the use of subordinate FUNCDEFs makes the DLP easier to modify because one FUNCDEF can be changed without having to modify the main FUNCDEF or other FUNCDEFs. For example, if the application requires the stop frequency of the last span to extend to 4 frequency of 4

GHz,

simply change the stop frequency (FB

GHz

(FB 4GHZ).

11OMHZ)

SPANFOUR

to a stop

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-7

File name Date and author's

name Program Description

30 40 50 60 70 80 !I MHz span, records the signal 90

100

Define variable

110 OUTPUT 120 !

Define

trace

130 OUTPUT

140 ! Subordinate

DefineFUNCDEF

150 OUTPUT 160 OUTPUT 170 ! frequencies. 180 OUTPUT

DefineFUNCDEF

190

200 OUTPUT

210

DeAneFUNCDEF

220 230 DUTPUT

240

DefineFUNCDEF

250 OUTPUT 7 18

260 270

DeEneFUNCEDEF

280

290 OUTPUT

295 ! highest signal. 300 OUTPUT 310 OUTPUT 320 OUTPUT 330 DUTPUT 340 OUTPUT 350 OUTPUT 360 370 380 OUTPUT 390 OUTPUT 400

Define Main

410 ! Main

FUNCDEF

420 OUTPUT 430 OUTPUT 440 !

450 OUTPUT 718;" REPEAT 460 OUTPUT 718;" 470 OUTPUT

480

490

500 OUTPUT 510 OUTPUT 520 OUTPUT 530 540 ! that 550 ! was found.

560 OUTPUT 570 END !

!File

name: EXAMPLE

!Date: 9/l/88

!Description

!signals !spans: !I4

to 16 MHz, and 16 to 110 MHz. If a

!signal

!level,

!signal

"P-OWER"

Author: Jane Doe

of the program: This program checks for

above -50

dEim

in the following frequency

10 to 12 MHz, 12 to 14 MHz,

is found, it autozooms to

and displays the highest frequency

found in trace B.

7lB;"VARDEF P-DWER,O;";

! Defines a variable named

and initialize it to zero.

7lB;"TRDEF S-AVE.401;";

! Defines a trace.

FDNCDEFs:

7lB;~FGNCDEF S-PANONE.0"; !Defines

7lB;"FA 1OMHZ;FB 12MHZ;"; !Set

71B*~~0*1~;

Ends the function.

, ,

a function.

the start and stop

OUTPUT 718;"FIJNCDEF S-PANTWD,O;"

719;"FA 12MHZ;FB 14MHZ;";

OUTPUT 7ia-w-~~DIJTPDT 7lB;"F;NCDEF S-PANTHREE.0";

7lB;"FA

14MHZ;FB

IGMHZ;";

OUTPUT 718*"0*".

I"&CDEF S-PANFDUR,cD";

OUTPUT 718;"FA 16MHZ;FB IIOHHZ;";

OUTF'UT 718*"0~"*

OUTPUT 718 I VT&DEF c3zcK ,0” ;

7lS;"TS;MKPK HI;";

718;"IF

MKA,GT,-50 THEN

7lS;"MKTRACK ON;"; 71B;1SP IMHZ;"; 7lB;"MKTRACK 0FF;TS;"; 718;"'MKPK HI;MKCF;TS;"; 718;"RKRL;TS;";

DIJTPUT 718;"MOV P-OWER,MKA;"; OUTPUT 718;"MOV S-AVE,TRA;";

7lS;"SAVES I;";

7lB;"ENDIF-I'*

OUTPUT 7ia-“o.fl-

,I End the definition of C-HECK."

! Places a marker on

'I;

! than

! If the signal is higher

-5OdBm,

zoom to 1 MHz

! span, center it and bring it

! to the reference level.

! Store it in a

4Ol-point

! trace previously defined as

! having the label,

"S-AVE".

! Save the control settings

! in register 1.

! End the IF statement.

FDNCDEF

718;"FUNCDEF E-XAMPLE,O";

7lS;"IP;SNGLS;MOV S-AVE,O;";

! Begins the main program.

! Places the analyzer in

single-sweep mode and set all values in "S-AVE" to zero.

S-PANONE;C-HECK;";

718;t' S-PANTWD;C-HECK;";

OUTPUT 7ia;”

S-PANTHREE;C-HECK;";

OUTPUT 718;" S-PANFOUR;C-HECK;";

718;"UNTIL S-AVE[O],NE,O;";

718;"MDV TRB,S-AVE;"; 718;"RCLS 1;BLANK TRA;VIEW TRB;";

OUTPUT 7ia.l~0.lfl-

exiited

! and

6hen the signal

E-XAMPLE

recalls

is assigned

7lS;"KEYDEF 2,E_XAMPLE,%EXAMPLE%;";

! Checks each span or a

! signal greater than -50

! Repeat sequence until a

! non-zero value is found in

S-AVE.

It then displays the located

! signal in trace B,

the analyzer settings

! to

softkey

2 so the

program may be executed from the front panel.

dBm.

4-8

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

Executing a DLP

This section contains information about how to execute a following procedures:

n Execute the DLP by using a

Execute the DLP within a program.

Execute a

There are two ways to execute a DLP. You can execute the DLP by pressing a softkey that has been assigned a function as shown in this procedure, or execute the DLP within a program (shown in the following procedure).

1. Use the KEYDEF command to assign the function that you created with the FUNCDEF command to a

Press

(j-J,

DIP

by Using a Softkey

softkey.

User Menus to access the

softkey.

DLP

This section contains the

Example

The following example uses the KEYDEF command to assigns the ZBOM function to

10 OUTPUT

20 LOCAL 718

END

718;"KEYDEF

Z-OOM,%CAL SIGIZOOM%;"; Assigns thefunction Z-OOMto

soflkey 1 and assigns sofikey 1

the label “CAL SIG ZOOM.

softkey

”

You can access CAL SIG

2DOM

by pressing

(-1,

lb Execute the DLP within a Program

You can also execute the DLP within a program.

Use the name of the DLP within a program.

Example

The following programming line executes the

OUTPUT

718;"Z-0OM;"

Z-OOM

User

Menus .

function from an external controller.

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-9

Storing

If the spectrum analyzer has a memory card reader installed in it, you can store the DLP on a RAM card, and, at a later time, load the DLP into analyzer memory from the RAM card. This section contains the procedures for storing a DLP on a RAM card remotely, and loading the

DLP from the RAM card into analyzer memory remotely.

DLPs

on a RAM Card

These procedures are all for remote operation; see the HP 8590 E-Series and Analyzers User’s

front-panel keys of the spectrum analyzer.

Store

Storing the DLP on the RAM card is a convenient way of backing-up the FUNCDEFs, VARDEFs, ACTDEFs, TRDEF, and KEYDEFs in spectrum analyzer memory, and transferring them from one spectrum analyzer to another.

1. Install a RAM card into the memory card reader of the analyzer. Be sure the RAM card write-protect switch is not set to SAFE (write-protected).

2. Use the

3. Use the STOR command to copy the contents of spectrum analyzer memory onto the RAM card.

Example

The following example sets the mass storage device to the memory card reader, and then stores the contents of analyzer memory on the RAM card.

OUTPUT

Saving a DLP on a RAM card saves all FUNCDEFs, VARDEFs, ACTDEFs, TRDEF, and KEYDEFs

in the spectrum analyzer memory. This means a DLP cannot be saved selectively if several

DLPs

memory that you do not wish to be saved on the RAM card. See the DISPOSE command.

MS1

are present in the analyzer memory at the time. You may want to delete the items in user

Guide

for information about how to do these procedures by using the

DLFs

on a RAM Card

command to select the memory card reader as the mass storage device.

718;"MSI

CARD;STOR

d,%dZ,OOM%,*;"

Stores a copy of the contents of analyzer

memory on the RAM card under the name

Z-OOM.

LSeries

Spectrum

.file

4-10 Creating and Using Oownloadable Programs

Load

DLPs

from a Memory Card into Analyzer Memory

Once a DLP has been stored on a RAM card, it can be loaded back into spectrum analyzer

memory when desired. DISPOSE command, ERASE command, or

DLPs

remain in spectrum analyzer memory until disposed of with the

ERASE DLP

MEM.

1. To load a DLP from a RAM or ROM card into analyzer memory, insert the memory card into the memory card reader.

2. Use the

MS1

command to select the memory card reader as the mass storage device.

3. Use the LOAD command to copy the contents of the RAM card file into spectrum analyzer memory.

Example

The following example sets the mass storage device to the memory card reader, and then copies

the contents of RAM card file called Z-OOM into spectrum analyzer memory.

OUTPUT

718;"MSI

CARD;LOAD

%dZ-OOMX;"

Loads a copy of

Z-OOM

from the RAM card

into spectrum analyzer memory.

Note that loading does not dispose of any

DLPs

which were in memory before the load was

executed.

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4.11

Determining the Amount of Memory Needed for a DLP

FUNCDEFs, user-defined variables, user-defined traces, on event commands (for example,

ONSRQ, ONEOS, and TRMATH), and user-defined

spectrum analyzer memory. If you write a large DLP, or if you have a several spectrum analyzer memory, you may run out of spectrum analyzer memory that is available for storing the

DLPs,

you may need to determine the amount of spectrum analyze memory the DLP requires

DLPs.

Also, the storage space on a RAM card is finite. If you are creating large

and delete unused items from spectrum analyzer memory. This section contains the procedures

for the following:

Determining the available amount of spectrum analyzer memory or RAM card space.

Delete a DLP from spectrum analyzer memory or a RAM card.

Determine Available Analyzer Memory

Because the amount of analyzer memory available for user-defined functions is limited, it may sometimes be necessary to determine the amount of analyzer memory available.

Use the MEM command to determine the available analyzer memory remotely.

Example

softkeys

all consume some amount of

DLPs

stored in

10 OUTPUT

20 ENTER

718*"MEM'-"-

718;iemor;'

Lleternaines

Stores the available analyzer

the available

analyzer

menzory

memory.

value in the vari-

able memory.

30 PRINT "MEMORY =Mm,Memory

END

Prints the amount of analyzer

memory.

If you are sure that the amount of memory that a DLP requires will not exceed the amount of spectrum analyzer memory available, you can download the DLP into analyzer memory

and then execute the previous program again. The amount of analyzer memory that the DLP requires is the difference between the value that MEM? returned before the DLP was loaded into analyzer memory and the value MEM? returned after the DLP was loaded into analyzer memory.

If the amount of memory that a DLP requires could exceed the amount of spectrum analyzer memory available, you should delete any unnecessary variables, traces, or FUNCDEFs or on

event

commands from spectrum analyzer memory. See “To Delete a DLP from Spectrum

Analyzer Memory” for more information.

Determine the Amount of Space on a RAM Card

‘lb save a DLP on a RAM card, it may be necessary to determine the amount of space available on the RAM card. To determine the amount of space on a RAM card, you must do the following:

1. Catalog the memory card.

2. Determine the total number of records for the RAM card. The total number of records on

the RAM card is displayed when cataloging the card (see Figure 4-l). The number of records on the RAM card is determined by dividing the memory capacity of the RAM card by 256 (because the records are 256 bytes long). For example, if the RAM card has a capacity of 32K bytes (which is equal to 32 x

1024),

the total number of records on the RAM card is 128

(32,768 divided by 256).

4-12 Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

3. Determine the number of records on the RAM card that are in use. The number of records stored on the RAM card can be determined by cataloging the card, finding the starting record address for the last catalog entry, adding the number of records used for the last catalog entry to the starting record address, and then subtracting one.

4. Subtract the number of records stored (determined in step 3) from the total number of records available (determined in step 2) to determine the number of unused records on the RAM card.

Example

Figure 4-l shows that the number of records on the RAM card that are in use is 53 (35 + 19

1 =

53),

and the total number of records available are 128. The number of unused records on

the

RAM

is 75 (128 - 53

card

REF\. 0 d0m

PEAK

dB/

SC FC

CORR

HP859X

tTRANSD-3 tTRANSD-4

t-1

= 75).

ATTEN

128

TRACE 10

TRACE 15 TRACE 20 TRACE 25 TRACE 30 DSPLY 35

10 dB

UBW

14:11:28

14:14:07

14:16:03 14:17:23 09:38:44 12:54:56

17:00:18

1 MHz

OCT 15, 1991 OCT

15,

OCT 15, 1991 OCT 15, 1991 OCT 17, 1991 OCT

FEB

SPAN 6.500

SWP 130

1991

17,

1991

28, 1992

8Hz

msec

LOhD

FILE

DELETE

FILE

Exit

Catalog

Menu RT

Index

2 3 4

Figure 4-1. Determining the Number of Records

Table

4-1. Cataloging a RAM Card

Description

Total number of records.

Number of records for the last catalog item. Starting record address for the last catalog entry.

The

last

cataloa

entrv.

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-13

‘lb Delete a

Use the DISPOSE command to delete the DLP item from spectrum analyzer memory.

A FUNCDEF can be deleted from analyzer memory remotely by using the DISPOSE command. The DISPOSE command can also be used to remove

and user-defined traces. (See the description for the DISPOSE command in Chapter 5 for more

information.)

DIP

from Spectrum Analyzer Memory

softkey

functions, user-defined variables,

Example

To remove the FUNCDEF called following command:

OUTPUT

Use DISPOSE ALL to remove all variables from analyzer memory. For example,

is equivalent to DISPOSE ALL.)

718;"DISPOSE Z,OOM;";

Z-OOM

from analyzer memory, you would execute the

FUNCDEFs,

OUTPUT 718 ; "DISPOSE ALL ; I' ; (ERASE DLP

user-defined traces, limit-lines, and user-defined

lb Erase the DLP from a RAM Card

Select the memory card as the mass storage device by using the

the PURGE command to delete a specific file from the RAM card.

Example

‘Ib

delete the file called

command:

OUTPUT

718;"MSI CARD;PURGE %dZ-OOMX;"

Z-OOM

from the RAM card, you would execute the following

MS1

command, and then use

MEM

4-14 Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

Using the DLP Editor

The DLP editor functions allow you to create or modify a DLP with only an external keyboard connected to the spectrum analyzer (an external controller is not required). This section contains the following procedures:

n Connect the external keyboard to the spectrum analyzer.

Access the DLP editor functions.

Use the DLP editor functions to modify a DLP

Use the DLP editor functions to modify a catalog item.

The external keyboard can also be used to enter screen titles and remote programming commands; see the HP 8590 E-Series and information.

Connect the External Keyboard to the Spectrum Analyzer

L&&es

Spectrum

Anulgwrs

User’s Guide for more

Caution

The analyzer must be turned off before connecting an external keyboard to the spectrum analyzer. Failure to do so may result in loss of factory-installed

correction constants.

Turn off the spectrum analyzer.

Connect an HP Cl405 Option 002 (or Option 003) cable from the spectrum-analyzer rear-panel connector EXT KEYBOARD to the HP

Press

to turn the spectrum analyzer on.

Place the template for the external keyboard on the external keyboard.

SPECTRUM ANALYZER

C1405A

Option ABA keyboard.

Figure 4-2. Connecting the External Keyboard to the Spectrum Analyzer

You can now use the external keyboard to enter or modify a DLP with the DLP editor, enter a screen title, enter programming commands, or enter a prefix.

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-l

‘Ib

Access the DLP Editor

. Press (SAVE) or

Catalog

Press

IPause)

Editor or

and

IPause)

however. Editor allows you to access all the DLP editor softkeys (EDIT LAST,

EDIT CAT ITEM ,

(RECALL),

then INTERNAL CARD (so that INTERNAL is underlined),

Internal , CATALOG ALL, and then Editor.

on the external keyboard.

accesses the DLP editor. There are some differences between using Editor

APXD

CAT ITEM ,

SAVE

EDIT, and NEW EDIT ). With (Pause), you can only

access EDIT LAST, SAVE EDIT , and NEW EDIT . m allows you to change between the DLP editor functions and the “keyboard entry” functions such as entering programming commands, screen title, and prefix.

With the external keyboard connected to the spectrum analyzer, you can use the function keys

(Fl through F6) of the external keyboard to accesses the softkeys of the spectrum analyzer. For

example, you could press Fl to access the first

softkey,

F2 to access the second

softkey,

and so

forth.

/ie7

REF . 0 PEAK LOG

dBm

S-PANONE

S-PANFOUR

E-XAMPLE S-PANTWO S-PANTHREE

A-MPFUNC

ATTEN 10

240 6

182 40

EDIT

APND

CAT

EDIT LAST

CFIT

ITEM

KEYI

SA s

SC F

CENTER 3.250

KEY#l

B A-MP C

T-RACEA

COR

R S-AVE

P-OWER

RES BW 3.0 MHz

GHz

VBW 1 MHz

SPAN 6.500

Figure 4-3. Accessing the DLP Editor

SWP 130 mseo

GHz

SAVE EDIT

NEW

EDIT

Menu RT

4-16 Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

Create a DLP

Press

HEW

EDIT, NEW EDIT to enter an individual DLP item (FUNCDEF, VARDEF, or

TRDEF) into the buffer of the DLP editor.

2. Use the external keyboard keys to enter the DLP item. Because you are not using an external computer, the spectrum analyzer commands are entered without an OUTPUT or

PRINT statement preceding them.

While using the DLP editor, you may want to use the “typing keys.” The typing keys are the function keys F7 through F12. The typing keys automatically place the command mnemonic at the position of the cursor on the spectrum analyzer display. The commands accessed by the typing keys are shown at the bottom of the spectrum analyzer display; you can use the

(Page]

and

(Page]

keys of the external keyboard to access different command

mnemonics.

3. When the DLP item has been entered and you want it executed, press SAVE EDIT. SAVE EDIT executes the contents of the DLP editor buffer as remote commands, and when

executing a FUNCDEF, will result in the FUNCDEF present in spectrum analyzer memory under the name given for the user-defined function. If you do not want to save the DLP,

press

WEW

EDIT,

WEW

EDIT to clear the screen.

The buffer for the DLP editor is limited to 2500 characters, however, DLP items are limited to a maximum of 2047 characters.

For example, if you use the DLP editor to enter the display would look as follows:

Edit item memory size = 50 Total memory

FUNCDEF

I FU

DEF nl‘JARDEF

‘7 F8 F9

Z-OOM>CIP:CF 300MHZ:SP 10MHZ:TS:MKPK

I KEYDEF I

Figure 4-4. Entering a

Z-OOM

::0 Fll

function, the spectrum analyzer

ELSE I E

DLP

2500

HI:

)IF:

‘12

EDIT LAST

SAVE EDIT

NEW

EDIT

Exit

Edit

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

4-17

Modify the

DLP

1. If necessary, press

If the DLP is not displayed, press EDIT LAST to display the previous contents of the DLP

editor.

3. Use the external keyboard keys to edit the DLP. Because you are not using an external

computer, the spectrum analyzer commands are entered without an OUTPUT or PRINT statement preceding them.

When the DLP has been entered, press SAVE EDIT . SAVE EDIT executes the DLP in

spectrum analyzer memory. If you do not want to execute the

MEI4 EDIT

to clear the screen.

to reenter the DLP editor.

DLP,

press NEW EDIT ,

’

4-l 8Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

‘lb

Modify a Catalog Item

Press

(‘1

Press Catalog Internal , CATALOG ALL , and then Editor. (You can use one of the other catalog

softkeys

you wanted only the

Use the large knob on the spectrum analyzer’s front panel to highlight the item that you

then INTERNAL CARD (so that INTERNAL is underlined).

instead of CATALOG ALL . For example, you could press CATALOG DLP if

DLPs

cataloged.)

want to edit. The user-defined functions, user-defined traces, and user-defined variable are listed by their label, and user-defined softkeys are listed by “KEY” followed by the key number.

Press EDIT CAT ITEM . If there is already some text in the DLP editor, you need to press

EDIT CAT ITEM again to clear the text from the DLP editor’s buffer.

Use the external keyboard keys to edit the cataloged item. Because you are not using an external computer, the spectrum analyzer commands are entered without an OUTPUT or PRINT statement preceding them.

When the catalog item

has

been edited, press SAVE EDIT. SAVE EDIT executes the DLP

in spectrum analyzer memory, and will replace the catalog item. If you do not want to the changes to the catalog item, press

HEW

EDIT , NEW EDIT to clear

the

screen.

You may find it useful to use

APND

CAT ITEM .

the text that is already in the DLP editor.

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Figure 4-5. Selecting a Catalog Item

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GAT ITEM appends the catalog item to

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SELECT PREFIX

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4-l

Creating and Using Downloadable Programs

Agilent Technologies 90235, 8590 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Certification

Warranty

Assistance

Safety Notes

General Safety Considerations

How to Use This Guide

HP 8590 D-Series and E-Series Spectrum Analyzer Documentation Description

HP 8591C Cable TV Analyzer Documentation Description

Preparing for Use

Connecting Your Spectrum Analyzer to a Computer

Configuring Your Computer System

Connecting the Computer to the Spectrum Analyzer

Equipment

Interconnection Instructions

Equipment

Interconnection Instructions

Test Program

HP-IB Connections for the HP Vectra Personal Computer

Equipment

Interconnection Instructions

Test Program

RS-232 Connections for the HP Vectra or IBM PC/AT Personal Computer

Equipment

Interconnection Instructions

Test Program

Printing or Plotting

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions

Printing Using an RS-232 Interface

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions

Printing after Plotting or Plotting after Printing

Printing Using a Parallel Interface

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

Plotting to an HP LaserJet Printer

Interconnection and Plotting Instructions

Printing after Plotting or Plotting after Printing

If There Is a Problem

Writing a Program

Writing Your First Program

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Modifying the Program

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Enhancing the Program with Variables

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Getting Information from the Spectrum Analyzer

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Programming Guidelines

Programming Topics

Controlling Trace Data with a Computer

Reading Trace Data

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Saving Trace Data

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Reading Trace Data from a Computer Disk

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Saving and Recalling Instrument States

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Returning the Spectrum Analyzer to its Former State

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Measuring Harmonic Distortion

Program Example for the HP-IB Interface

Program Example for the RS-232 Interface

Different Formats for Trace Data Transfers

P Format

B Format

A-Block Format

M Format