Agilent Technologies L4400 User Manual

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Agilent L4400 Series

LXI Class C Instruments

User’s Guide

Agilent Technologies

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or transla tion into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agi lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

34989-90000

Edition

Fourth Edition. Sept. 2012

Printed in Malaysia Agilent Technologies, Inc.

5301 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95052 USA

Warranty

The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is

subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further,

to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent dis claims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for inci dental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this docu ment or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this docu ment that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.

than Limited Rights as defined in F A R

52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR

252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data

Safety Notices

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure or practice that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the

indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating

procedure or practice, that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Restricted Rights Legend

If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer soft ware” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer software” as defined in F AR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or con tract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Depart ments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR

52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater

Additional Safety Notices

Alternating current

Frame or chassis terminal

Standby supply. Uni t is not completely disconnected from ac mains when switch is off

Caution, risk of electric shock

Caution, refer to accompanying

If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information about warranty, service, or technical support, contact Agilent Technologies:

In the United States: (800) 829-4444 In Europe: 31 20 547 2111 In Japan: 0120-421-345

Or go to ww.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting Agilent in your country of specific location. You can also contact your Agilent Technologies Representative.

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or instructions elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Technologies assumes no liability of the customer’s failure to comply with the requirements.

Agilent

General

Do not use this products in any manner not specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.

Before Applying Power

Verify that all safety precautions are taken. Make all connections to the unit before applying power.

Ground the Instrument

Do Not Modify the Instrument

Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an Agilent Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.

In Case of Damage

Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.

Safety Symbols

This product is provided with protective earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard, the instrument must be connected to the ac power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or tive earth terminal wi shock hazard that could result in personal injury.

disconnection of the protec-

ll cause a potential

Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere

Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

Do Not Remove the Instrument Cover

Only qualified, service-trained personal who are aware of the hazards involved should remove instrument covers. Always disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the instrument cover.

Declaration of Conformity

Declarations of Conformity for this product and for other Agilent products may be downloaded from the Internet. There are two methods to obtain the Declaration of Conformity:

• Go to http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm . You can then search by product number to

find the latest Declaration of Conformity.

• Alternately, you can go to the product web page (www.agilent.com/find/L4400), click on the Document

Library tab then scroll down until you find the Declaration of Conformity link.

iii

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Instrument Considerations 2

Environmental Operating Conditions 2 Electrical Operating Conditions 3

Interconnection Solutions Overview 4

Bench-Top Operation and Instrument Rack Mounting 5

Bench-Top Operation 5 Rack Mounting 5 Procedure 6

Applying Power 11

Connecting the Power Cord and Turning On the Instrument 11

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries and L4400 Instrument Drivers 14

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries 14 Installing the L4400 Instrument Drivers 15

Configuring the L4400 Instruments 17

Selecting a LAN Network 17 Connecting the LAN Cables 18 IP Addresses and Host Names 20 Configuring the LAN Interface 21 Identifying the Instruments 27 Using the Instrument Web Interface 28 LAN Configuration Command Summary 32

GPIB Configuration 33

Firmware Updates 39

Downloading the Update Utility and Firmware 39

Instrument Power-On and Default LAN Configuration States 45

LAN Reset (Default) Configuration 45

L4400 User’s Guide v

3 Operating and Programming

L4400 Instrument Front Panel Overview 48

The LAN Reset Button 48 The Front Panel LEDs 48

L4400 Instrument Rear Panel Overview 50

L4400 Series Channel Addressing Scheme 52

Introduction to the SCPI Command Language 52

Syntax Conventions 53 Command Separators 54 Using the MIN and MAX Parameters 54 Querying Parameter Settings 54 Specifying Channel Lists and Scan Lists 55

L4400 SCPI Command Summary 55

L4400 Series Programming Examples 59

Modifying IVI-COM Examples (.NET) 59 Modifying IVI-C Examples 61 Modifying VISA and VISA COM Examples 62 Using L4400 Instruments in Agilent 34980A Applications 64

Analog Bus Applications 65

Environmental Operating Conditions 66 Electrical Operating Conditions 66 Safety Interlock 67

User-Defined Channel Labels 68

Scanning Applications 69

Rules for Scanning 69 Creating the Scan List 71 Trigger Count 75 Sweep Count 76 Channel Delay 77 Reading Format 79 Non-Sequential Scanning 79 Monitor Mode 80

Scanning with External Instruments 81

Alarm Limits 84

Viewing Stored Alarm Data 87 Using the Alarm Output Lines 88

vi L4400 User’s Guide

Using Sequences 89

Defining a Sequence 90 Querying the Sequence Definition 93 Executing a Sequence 93 Executing a Sequence on an Alarm Condition 94 Deleting Sequences 95 Reading the List of Stored Sequences 95

Instrument State Storage 96

Error Conditions 97

Relay Cycle Count 98

Calibration Overview 98

4 L4421A 40-Channel Armature Multiplexer

Low Frequency Multiplexer Switch Instrument 100

L4421A Measurement Functions 100

L4421A SCPI Command Summary 101

L4421A Example Program Segments 103

L4421A 40-Channel Armature Multiplexer Hardware Description 104

L4421A Simplified Schematic 106 L4421A D-Sub Connectors 107 34921T Terminal Block 108

5 L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix

Matrix Switch Instrument 112

L4433A SCPI Command Summary 113

L4433A Example Program Segments 114

Linking Multiple L4433A Instruments 116

L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix Hardware Description 118

L4433A Simplified Schematic for Two-Wire Mode 120 L4433A D-Sub Connectors for Two-Wire Mode 121 34933T-001 Terminal Block for Two-Wire Mode 122 L4433A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 124 L4433A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wire Mode 125 34933T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 126

L4400 User’s Guide vii

6 L4437A General Purpose Switch

General Purpose Switch Instrument 128

L4437A SCPI Command Summary 130

L4437A Example Program Segments 131

L4437A 32-Channel General Purpose Switch Hardware Description 132

L4437A Simplified Schematic 132 L4437A D-Sub Connectors 133 34937T Terminal Block 134

7 L4445A Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver

L4445A SCPI Command Summary 136

L4445A Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver 138

Recommended Switches and Attenuators 141 Power Supplies 142 Channel Numbering 143 Simple Switch Control 144 Remote Module Identifiers 145 Drive Modes 145 Using Single Drive Switches and Attenuators 146 Using Dual Drive Switches and Attenuators 147 Using Pulse Drive 148 Long Execution Times 149 Verifying Switch State 149 LED Drive 151 Default and Reset States 152 Y1150A 155 Y1151A 159 Y1152A 164 Y1153A 169 Y1154A 174 Y1155A 179 Mounting the Remote Modules 187 SCPI Programming Examples 188

viii L4400 User’s Guide

8 L4450A 64-Bit Digital I/O with Memory and Counter

L4450A SCPI Command Summary 192

L4450A 64-Bit Digital I/O with Memory and Counter 199

Basic Digital I/O Operations 200 Handshaking 203 Buffered I/O Operations 210 Interrupt Lines 213 Byte Ordering 214 Pattern Matching 215 Counter 216 Initiated Measurement Mode 217 Clock 218 L4450A D-Sub Connectors 218 34950T Terminal Block 221

9 L4451A 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter with Waveform Memory

L4451A 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter with Waveform Memory 224

L4451A SCPI Command Summary 226

L4451A Example Program Segments 228

L4451A Simplified Block Diagrams 231 L4451A D-Sub Connector Pinout 232 34951T Terminal Block 233

10 L4452A Multifunction Module with DIO, D/A, and Totalizer

L4452A Multifunction Module 236

Digital Input/Output 236 Totalizer Input 236 Analog Output (DAC) 236

L4452A SCPI Command Summary 237

L4452A Example Program Segments 241

L4452A Simplified Block Diagram 243 L4452A D-Sub Connector 244 34952T Terminal Block 245

L4400 User’s Guide ix

A L4451A and L4452A Calibration Procedures

Calibration Procedures 248

Agilent Technologies Calibration Services 248 Calibration Interval 248 Time Required for Calibration 249 Automating Calibration Procedures 249 Recommended Test Equipment 249 Calibration Security 250 Calibration Message 251 Calibration Count 251 Calibration Process 252 Aborting a Calibration in Progress 252

Performance Verification Tests 253

L4451A and L4452A Performance Test Considerations 253 L4451A 4-Channel Isolated DAC Module 253 L4452A Multifunction Module 261

x L4400 User’s Guide

Agilent L4400 LXI Class C Instruments User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series 

LXI Instruments

Instrument Considerations 2 Interconnection Solutions Overview 4 Bench-Top Operation and Instrument Rack Mounting 5 Applying Power 11

Welcome. The products covered in this user’s guide represent the Agilent L4400 Series of LXI Class C instruments. LXI, an acronym for LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation, is an instrumentation standard for devices that use the Ethernet (LAN) as their primary communications interface.

The L4400 series family of instruments provide switching and multifunction test capabilites for design verification, automated test, and data acquisition applications. The instruments include:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer Module

• L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix Module

• L4437A 32- Channel General Purpose Switch Module

• L4445A Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver Module

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O Module with Memory and Counter

• L4451A 4- Channel Isolated D/A Converter w/ Waveform Memory

Module

• L4452A Multifunction Module

This chapter contains general information on instrument environmental and electrical operating conditions, instrument interconnections, and rack mounting instructions. The chapter also contains information on applying power.

Agilent Technologies

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

Instrument Considerations

This section lists important items and actions that can affect the operation of your modules.

Environmental Operating Conditions

The L4400 Series LXI modules are designed to operate in a temperature range of 0 °C to +55 °C with non- condensing humidity. The maximum hu

midity is 80% at 40 °C or higher. Do not use in locations where

conductive dust or electrolytic salt dust may be present.

The modules should be operated in an indoor environment where

emperature and humidity are controlled. Condensation can pose a

t potential shock hazard. Condensation can occur when the modules are moved from a cold to a warm environment, or if the temperature and/or humidity of the environment changes quickly.

The following table shows maximum voltage ratings for each module. If conditions change, ensure that condensation has evaporated and the

ument has thermally stabilized until pollution degree 1 conditions

instr are restored before turning on power to the equipment.

Table 1-1. L4400 Series LXI Instrument Voltage Ratings.

Instrument

L4421A 40 channels, 300V rms or DC, 1A, 

L4433A Dual/quad 4x8 matrix, 150 Vpeak,

L4437A

L4445A See Chapter 7 - L4445A See Chapter 7 - L4445A L4450A 64 channels, 5V, 30 mA Max 64 channels, 5v, 30 mA Max L4451A 4 channels 16V, 20 mA 4 channels, 16V, 20 mA L4452A 32 DIO channels, 42V, 400 mA,

Pollution Degree 1 Specific ations Pollution Degree 2 Specifications

40 channels, 100V rms or DC, 1A, 

60 VA/channel

0.5A, 10 28 channels, 300 V rms or DC, 1A,

60 4 channels, 250 V rms or 30 VDC, 5A, 150 VA per channel

2 channel DAC, 12V, 10 mA

VA/chann el

VA per channel

60 VA/channel Dual/quad 4x8 matrix, 100 Vpeak, 

.5 A, 10 VA per channel

0 28 channels, 100 V rms or DC, 1A,

60 VA per channel 4 channels, 100 V rms or 30 VDC,  5A, 150 VA per channel

32 DIO channels, 42V, 400 mA, 2 channel DAC, 12V, 10 mA

2 L4400 User’s Guide

Pollution Degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive

NOTE

WARNING

CAUTION

pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence (on insulation) (IEC 61010-1 2nd Edition).

Pollution Degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, a temporary conductivity (leakage current between isolated conductors) caused by condensation can be expected (IEC 61010-1 2nd Edition).

Electrical Operating Conditions

To avoid electric shock, turn off the L4400 instrument and disconnect or de-energize all field wiring to the instrument and to the analog bus connector (if present) before removing any terminal block covers.

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

Transients

The L4421A, L4433A, and L4437A modules are designed to safely withstand occasional transient overvoltages up to 1000 Vpeak. Typically, these transient overvoltages result from switching inductive loads or from nearby lightning strikes. The lightning- caused transient overvoltages that may occasionally occur on mains power outlets may be as high as 2500 Vpeak.

The L4445A, L4450A, L4451A, and L4452A modules are intended for only

w- voltage applications, and should not be connected to circuits that

lo may generate or conduct large transient voltages.

High Energy Sources

These instruments are designed to handle inputs up to their rated currents or their rated powers, whichever is less. Under certain fault conditions, high energy sources could provide substantially more current or power than a module can handle. It is important to provide external current limiting, such as fuses, if the instrument inputs are connected to high- energy sources.

Install current limiting devices between high energy sources and the module inputs.

L4400 User’s Guide 3

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

Interconnection Solutions Overview

Depending on your specific requirements, you can connect your DUT  to the L4400 LXI instrument using the following optional interconnection solutions. See the L4400 series Product Data Sheets for additional information. The data sheets can be located on the Web at:

www.agilent.com/find/L4400

Ter mi na l B lo ck s Detachable terminal blocks are available for most of the L4400 series instruments and offer a flexible method for connecting external wiring (300V rated). Each terminal block is customized for a specific module.

Ordering Information: 349xxT(e.g., 34921T, 34937T, etc.)

Shielded Cables Standard cables are available for 50- pin D- sub and  78- pin D- sub connectors. Depending on the module and your specific requirements, one or two cables may be required per module.

Ordering Information:  Y1135A (1.5 meters, 50- pin D- sub, 300V) Y1136A (3 meters, 50- pin D- sub, 300V) Y1137A (1.5 meters, 78- pin D- sub, 300V) Y1138A (3 meters, 78- pin D- sub, 300V)

Solder Cup Connector Kits These connector kits are available if you want to build your own custom cables.

Ordering Information:  Y1139A (50- pin D- sub female, 125V, for L4421A/L4433A/L4437A) Y1141A (50- pin D- sub male, 125V, for L4451A/L4452A) Y1142A (78- pin D- sub male, 60V, for L4450A)

L4445A Remote (Extender) Modules and Distribution Boards These kits expand the number of switches and attenuators controlled by the L4445A Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver instrument.

Ordering Information:  34945EXT (External Driver) Distribution Boards: Y1150A (Eight N181x SPDT switches) Y1151A (Two 87104x/106x multiport or 87406B matrix switches) Y1152A (One 87204x/206x or 87606B switch and two N181x switches) Y1153A (Two 84904/5/6/7/8 or 8494/5/6 step attenuators) Y1154A (Two 87222 transfer switches and six N181x SPDT switches) Y1155A (Generic screw terminals for driving 16 switch coils



4 L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

Bench-Top Operation and Instrument Rack Mounting

The L4400 series instruments can be located on a bench- top or rack mounted in standard 19- inch EIA rack cabinets.

Bench-Top Operation

Cooling and ventilation of the L4400 series instruments are through the sides of the instrument chassis. When placed on the bench- top, ensure the sides of the instrument are not directly covered or blocked.

Rack Mounting

The L4400 instruments are mounted in EIA rack cabinets using the Y1160A rack mount kit. The kit allows you to mount one or two L4400 instruments side- by- side on a sliding shelf, while occupying one EIA rack unit of space.

Rackmounting instructions are provided with the kit and are also

ovided here.

Rack Mounting Kit Contents

The contents of the Y1160A sliding shelf rack mount kit are listed in Table 1- 2.

Table 1-2. L4400 (Y1160A) Rack Mount Kit Contents.

Item Description

1 M4x8 flat head screw 1515-1367 12 2 10-32 pan head dress screw 0570-1577 4 3 10-32 x 0.625 pan head screw 2680-0105 10 4 10-32 x 0.5 flat head screw 2510-0283 2 5 10-32 clip-on nut 0590-0804 12 6 10-32 nut w/lock washer 2740-0003 4 7 Sliding shelf 5180-0102 1 8 Shelf rails 5180-0103 2

Part Number Quantity

9 Filler panels 5180-0104 2

10 Rear (rail) brackets 5180-0105 2

--- Installation Instructions Y1160-90030 1

L4400 User’s Guide 5

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

Procedure

Figure 1- 1 is a composite drawing of the Y1160A sliding shelf rack mount kit. The drawing shows the location/usage of the hardware items listed in Table 1- 2.

Figure 1-1. Y1160A Instrument Rack Mount Kit (L4400 Series).

6 L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

EIA unit indicators

(1 EIA unit)

44.45 mm (1.75 in)

6.35 mm

15.875 mm

6.35 mm

NOTE

The L4400 instrument(s) can be mounted between any two adjacent EIA unit indicators (Figure 1- 2). On Agilent racks, an EIA unit indicator is represented by a triangle (

) on the rack’s front and rear-facing

columns. A single EIA unit extends from the triangle indicator to the next indicator on the column (1 Unit = 44.45 mm = 1.75 in).

Figure 1-2. EIA Unit Indicators for Installing the Y1160A Rack Mount Kit.

It is not necessary to remove the cabinet side panels to rack mount the L4400 instruments. The side panels can be removed, however, if additional access to the cabinet’s vertical columns is desired.

Install the Shelf Rails

1. Select the vertical position in the rack between any two adjacent EIA unit indicators where the L4400 instrument is to be installed. Insert clip- on nuts (item 5) on the three holes between the unit indicators. Place nuts on both the left and right front- facing columns (Figure 1- 3).

L4400 User’s Guide 7

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

(center of rack)

front-facing columns

center-facing colums

back of rack

insert clip nuts between rack unit indicators

insert clip nut

if column present

insert clip nuts on first and third holes between indicators

rail “channel

If center-facing columns with holes are present on the frame, insert a clip- on nut on the hole perpendicular to the center hole on the front facing column. See Figure 1- 3.

2. With the rail “channel” facing the cent to the front facing column using a 10- 32 flathead screw (item 4) and the center clip- on nut on the front- facing column. Repeat for the rail on the opposite column. Ensure the rail channel faces the center of the rack.

If the rack has center- facing columns (Figure 1- 3), insert a 10- 32 pan head sc front- facing column). Repeat for the rail on the opposite column.

3. On the rack’s rear-facing columns, insert clip-on nuts on the first and hird holes between the EIA unit indicators that are at the same vertical

t position as the indicators on the front- facing columns.

4. Attach the rear brackets to the rail ends using tw

screws (item 3) and two 10-32 nuts with lockwashers (item 6) per rail. Adjust the bracket along the rail until the bracket end aligns with (covers) the rack’s rear- facing columns. Tighten the 10- 32 pan head screws to firmly connect the bracket to the rail and maintain the rail length.

Connect the rail brackets to the rear-facing columns using two 10- 32 pan

ad screws per column.

Figure 1-3. Rack Column and Shelf Rail Orientation.

er of the rack, connect the rail

rew through the rail opening and clip nut (perpendicular to the

o 10- 32 pan head

8 L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

Rail channel

Shelf tab

Bottom surface

Install the Sliding Shelf

Facing the rack, slide the shelf (item 7) onto the bottom surfaces of the rail channels. The tabs at the back of the shelf pass underneath the channel surface. The tabs allow you to extend the shelf from the cabinet, thus providing a working surface for mounting the instruments.

Figure 1-4. Installing the Shelf.

Install Instruments on the Shelf

The L4400 instruments can be installed flush (even) with front edge of the shelf, recessed in 50 mm increments, or reverse-mounted with the front of the instrument facing the back of the rack cabinet.

1. Extend the shelf from the rack such that approximately 50% - 75% of he shelf surface is outside of the rack. (The tabs on the back of the

t shelf that run underneath the rail channel prevent the shelf from tipping.)

2. Determine the position of the instruments (flush, recessed, reversed).

o accommodate the terminal blocks (available with some of the L4400

T instruments) and to simplify cable routing, it is recommended that the instruments be mounted flush (even) with the front or back edge of the shelf.

3. Note the location of the four mounting holes on the bottom of the

ument (Figure 1- 1). Set the carrier on the shelf, and align the

instr mounting holes with the holes on the shelf. Insert four M4x8 flat head screws (item 1) upward through the bottom of the shelf and into the carrier mounting holes.

L4400 User’s Guide 9

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

terminal block

flat head screws

support sleeve

pan head screw

flat head screws

spring-loaded mounting screws

instrument sub-assembly

4. Install the second L4400 instrument (if present) in the shelf area adjacent to the first instrument. If only one instrument is installed, install a filler panel on the front edge of the unused area. Insert two M4x8 flat head screws (item 1) upward through the bottom of the shelf and into the panel.

5. Connect the instrument power cord, LAN cable, and GPIB cable if esent.

6. For instruments that have accompanying terminal blocks, partially

move the instrument sub- assembly from the instrument (carrier) by

re loosening the spring- loaded mounting screws (Figure 1- 5). Remove the support sleeve from the terminal block. Locate and remove the flat head screws from the sleeve and remove the pan head screw from between the instrument’s D- sub connectors (Figure 1- 5). Connect the sleeve to the instrument using the flat head and pan head screws as shown. Reconnect the sub- assembly.

10 L4400 User’s Guide

Figure 1-5. Connecting the Terminal Block Support Sleeve.

Connect the Shelf to the Rack Frame

NOTE

Once the instruments are installed and all power cords and cables are routed as intended, slide the shelf into the cabinet until the shelf handles meet the front- facing columns of the rack frame. Using two10- 32 pan head dress screws (item 2) per column, secure the shelf to the frame.

Applying Power

The input power, operating environment, and storage environment specifications for the L4400 series instruments are listed in Table 1- 3. Refer to the instrument data sheets for a complete listing of instrument specifications. The data sheets can be found on the Web at:

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

Refer to Chapters 4-10 for information on Terminal Block wiring and connecting the terminal block to the instrument.

www.agilent.com/find/L4400

Table 1-3. Agilent L4400 Series Instrument Input Power Specifications.

Instrument Description

L4421A L4433A L4437A L4445A L4450A L4451A L4452A

Power Supply: Power Line Frequency: Power Consumption: 50VA

Operating Environment:

Storage Environment:

Universal 100V to 240V 50Hz to 60Hz

Full accuracy for 0 Full accuracy to 80% R.H. at 40

C to 70C

-40

±10% auto sensing

C to 55C

Connecting the Power Cord and Turning On the Instrument

Connect the power cord supplied with the instrument or a power cord rated for the conditions listed in Table 1- 3 to the electrical outlet and to the instrument.

Turn the instrument on (and off) by pressing the power button shown in

igure 1- 6.

±10%

C

L4400 User’s Guide 11

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

Power Button

Refer to Table 3- 1 (Chapter 3) for definitions of the LEDs (ATTN, LAN, PWR) on the L4400 instrument front panel.

Figure 1-6. Location of the L4400 Series Instrument Power Button.

12 L4400 User’s Guide

Agilent L4400 LXI Class C Instruments User’s Guide

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries and L4400 Instrument Drivers 14 Configuring the L4400 Instruments 17 GPIB Configuration 33 Firmware Updates 39 Instrument Power-On and Default LAN Configuration States 45

This chapter contains the software installation and configuration procedures required for you to use the L4400 series instruments. Also included are procedures for configuring the LAN and (optional) GPIB interfaces, and for testing the communication (IO) paths to the instruments.

Agilent Technologies

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries and L4400 Instrument Drivers

Communication and control of the L4400 series instruments from a Microsoft® programming environment is provided through the following software that is included with the L4400A instruments:

gilent E2094A IO Libraries Suite 14.1

• A

gilent L4400A Product Reference CD-ROM (p/n 34989- 13601)

This section covers the sequence and procedures for installing the IO

raries and instrument drivers required to program the instruments.

lib

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries

The Agilent IO Libraries Suite must be installed first, followed by the L4400 instrument drivers that are located on the Product Reference CD- ROM (p/n 34989- 13601). The IO Libraries are contained on the Agilent Automation- Ready CD included with the instrument, or may be downloaded from the Agilent website at h

ttp://www.agilent.com/find/iosuite.

Before installing the IO libraries, review table 2-1 to verify that your computer meets the specifications required by the software.

Table 2-1. Agilent IO Libraries Suite System Requirements.

Processor 450 MHz Intel Pentium® II or higher

Operating System Windows XP Professional or Home Edition (Service Pack 1 or

later

Windows 2000 Professional (Service Pack 4 or later)

Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or greater (recommended)

Available Memory 128 MB (256 MB or greater recommended)

Available Disk Space 225 MB required for installation:

- 160 MB for Microsoft .NET Framework

- 65 MB for Agilent IO Libraries Suite



175 MB required for operation:

- 110 MB for Microsoft .NET Framework 

- 65 MB for Agilent IO Libraries Suite

Video Super VGA (800x600) with 256 colors

14 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

NOTE

Close all applications on your computer. Insert the Agilent Automation- Ready CD into the CD-ROM drive. Follow the instructions as prompted during the installation. Accept all default directories specified.

If the IO libraries installation does not start automatically, select St Run from the Windows Start menu and type <drive>:\autorun\auto.exe where <drive> is the designator of the CD- ROM drive.

If another vendor’s implementation of VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) is currently installed on your computer, contin ue installation of the Agilent IO Libraries by installing Agilent VISA in side-by-side mode. More information on side-by-side operation can be found in the Agilent IO Libraries Suite Help (available after installation is complete) under “Using Agilent VISA with Another Vendor’s VISA.

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries also installs the Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) Shared Components. The IVI Shared Components are required before IVI drivers (e.g. IVI-COM, IVI-C) can be installed (see “Installing the L4400 Instrument Drivers”).

After the IO libraries have been successfully installed, you will see the Agilent IO Control (IO icon) in the taskbar notification area of your computer screen (Figure 2- 1).

art >

Figure 2-1. Agilent IO Control Icon.

Installing the L4400 Instrument Drivers

Insert the L4400 Product Reference CD-ROM into the computer. The installation program will open the menu window shown automatically , select Start -> Run -> Open: <cd-rom drive>:\index.html.

L4400 User’s Guide 15

in Figure 2-2. If the program does not start

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Figure 2-2. L4400 Product Reference CD-ROM Software (Driver) Menu

Install the appropriate driver from the menu based

on the environment you will use to

program the L4400 instruments. Table 2-2 contains a list of common environments and corresponding drivers. Accept all default directories specified during installation.

Table 2-2. L4400 Programming Environments and Recommended Drivers

Programming Environment

Microsoft® Visual C 6.0 Visual C++, ANSI C Microsoft® Visual Basic 6.0 Microsoft Visual Studio .NET for C#, C,

isual Basic

V Agilent VEE

National Instruments LabVIEW

National Instruments LabWindows/CVI

Recommended Drivers

IVI-C, IVI COM, VISA IVI-COM, VISA, VISA-COM IVI-COM

IVI-COM LabVIEW Plug&Play (with

44XX native mode driver),

L IVI-C

IVI-C

For information on firmware updates that may be available after purchase, refer to “Firmware Updates” at the end of this chapter.

16 L4400 User’s Guide

Configuring the L4400 Instruments

Instrument configuration as applied to the L4400 series of LXI instruments involves the following:

• identifying the IP address and host name (LAN programming)

• (optional) setting the GPIB address

• testing the communication paths (LAN and/or GPIB) to the instrument

• opening the Web interface to the instrument

Each task listed above is accomplished using the Agilent Connection Expert Feature of the Agilent IO Libraries Suite.

The information included this section of the chapter is:

Software Installation and Configuration 2

• Selecting a LAN Network

• Connecting the LAN Cables

• Configuring the LAN Interface

• GPIB Configuration

Selecting a LAN Network

This user’s guide defines a private (isolated) LAN as a network in which instrument access is limited to a direct connection between the computer and the instrument, or to multiple instruments connected via a dedicated router or switch. A site (company- wide) LAN is defined as a network in which instrument access is available to many users in on- site and remote locations.

The instrument’s application and/or your company’s Information Technology (IT) department may have guidelines that help decide the type (private or site) of network used. If a network configuration has not been determined, refer to the following considerations concerning each type.

Private LAN Considerations

Some of the basic parameters of a private LAN network to consider are: security, performance, reliability, and IP address availability.

L4400 User’s Guide 17

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Security: a private network generally involves direct connections between the computer and the instruments, and may include switches and routers. Access to the instrument is limited to users connected directly to the private network, as opposed to users on a site network that could locate and access the instrument from any location - possibly disrupting tests in progress. Code generation for test systems on a private network is often simplified as protection against unauthorized users may not be required.

Performance: test systems where large amounts of data are transferred usually have faster throughput on a private network. On a site network, heavy and unpredictable LAN traffic (lots of data) affects each instrument (node) on the network. The impact on a test system is that repeatability is difficult to achieve as latencies are difficult to account for.

Reliability: private networks are fundamentally more reliable than site networks as they host fewer users and are less complex than site networks. Private networks are isolated from conditions that could bring down (crash) a site network.

IP Address Availability: Every instrument (node) on a LAN (private or site) has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Due to the expanding use of the internet, the number of site network IP addresses available is limited. By using a router with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) capability on a private network, the router can assign an IP address to each instrument thus creating a sub- network (subnet) that does not consume site IP addresses.

Site LAN Considerations

For applications requiring access by many users or by users at distributed sites, a site LAN network is required. In addition to supporting multiple users, site LANs often offer the advantage of being maintained by IT departments.

When using a site LAN, consult your IT department regarding all LAN configuration and security issues.

Connecting the LAN Cables

LAN cables are connected to the LAN terminal on the instrument, the computer, and to the router or switch if they are part of your network.

18 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Router / Switch Connection

Ethernet Hub / Switch / Router

Direct Connection

CAT5 Crossover Cable

Typical Private (isolated) LAN Networks

L4400

L4400 L4400 L4400 L4400

Private Network Connections

Figure 2- 3 shows typical LAN cable connections for a private network.

When making a direct connection betw PC, use the LAN crossover cable provided with the instrument. Note, if your computer supports Auto- MDIX or contains a LAN card with gigabit data transfer rates, the crossover cable is not required. A standard LAN cable can be used instead. For private LAN networks that include a switch or router, use standard LAN cables for network connections. Do not use the crossover cable.

Once the LAN cables are connected, you can turn on the L4400 instr

Figure 2-3. Typical Private LAN Network Connections.

een the L4400 instrument and the

ument(s).

L4400 User’s Guide 19

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Router / Switch Connection

Ethernet Hub / Switch / Router

standard LAN cable

To Site LAN

To Site L AN

Typical Site LAN Networks

L4400

L4400 L4400

L4400

Site Network Connections

Figure 2- 4 shows typical LAN cable connections for a site network.

Figure 2-4. Typical Site LAN Network Connections.

On site networks, the L4400 instruments and the computer are connected

irectly to site LAN ports, or are connected to the site LAN through a

d switch. In each site network configuration, standard LAN cables are used.

Once all LAN cables are connected, turn on the L4400A instrument.

IP Addresses and Host Names

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Automatic IP are enabled on each L4400 series instrument shipped from Agilent. This allows the instrument to automatically obtain an address on the network. If there is a DHCP server on the network, the server will assign the address to the instrument.

If there is not a DHCP server on the network, the L4400 instrument will

utomatically determine an address to use. The address will be in the

a range of 169.254.xxx.xxx. If available, the instrument will try to acquire its default setting of 169.254.44.88.

20 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

NOTE

Host Names Each L4400 instrument has a default host name. The format

of the host name is:

A- L44xxA- yyyyy

where ‘L44xxA’ is replaced b ‘yyyyy’ are the last five digits of the instrument serial number.

The instrument host name is reported b network servers that support Dynamic Domain Name Service (DNS). For network servers that do not support Dynamic DNS, only the IP address is reported.

y the module number (e.g. L4421A) and

y Agilent Connection Expert for

Instrument Addressing

During programming, an L4400 series instrument is accessed through its address string which consists of an IP address or host name. For example:

TCPIP0::19

The L4400 series instruments can also be accessed using part of the address string. For example:

TCPIP0::A-L44

2:168:1.221::inst0::INSTR

a host name as

50A-12345.agilent.com::inst0::INSTR

The L4400 instruments can be restored to their default conf igurations by pressing the ‘Reset’ pin on the instrument’s front or rear panels.

Computer Configuration

Most computers used for instrument/system control are configured for LAN and Internet access. Before starting Agilent Connection Expert to locate and configure the instruments, verify that your computer is able to connect to the network that will include the instruments.

A Web browser is used to open web interfaces to the L4400 instruments

e “Using the Instrument Web Interface”). In some network

(Se configurations, a proxy server cannot be used to access the instrument IP addresses. In these situations, the browser must be set to disable the proxy for the instrument’s address.

Configuring the LAN Interface

With the L4400 instrument(s) turned on and connected to a private or site LAN network, start Agilent Connection Expert utility by clicking on the Agilent IO Control icon and selecting “Agilent Connection Expert from the pop- up menu (Figure 2- 5).

L4400 User’s Guide 21

Clicking the icon opens the pop-up menu

2 Software Installation and Configuration

NOTE

The procedure for using Agilent Connection Expert to locate and configure L4400 instruments is independent of the type of netw ork you are using (private or site) and the network devices present (switches or routers).

For more information on Interactive IO, refer to the Agilent IO Libraries Suite Getting Started Guide. The guide is available on-line by clicking on the Agilent IO Control icon and then selecting Documentation Libraries Suite Getting Started.

IO

22 L4400 User’s Guide

Figure 2-5. Starting Agilent Connection Expert.

Locating the Instruments

Agilent Connection Expert opens with a “welcome screen” and window similar to that shown in Figure 2- 6. The computer interfaces configured during installation of the Agilent IO Libraries are displayed in the left column (Explorer pane) and the properties of the configured interface and instrument are displayed in the right column (Properties pane).

Explorer pane

Properties pane

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Figure 2-6. Agilent Connection Expert (ACE) Opening Window.

To search the network for instruments, click on “Add Instrument” located

he Connection Expert tool bar. From the “Add Instrument” window,

on t select the LAN (TCPIP0) interface and click on ‘OK’. See Figure 2- 7.

L4400 User’s Guide 23

Figure 2-7. Agilent Connection Expert “Add Instrument Window”.

2 Software Installation and Configuration

NOTE

Clicking on “Find Instruments” (Figure 2- 8) opens the search window. Clicking on “Find Now” performs the search for instruments on the LAN network. Instruments found (discovered) on the network (local subnet) are indicated as shown. In the Figure 2- 8 example, two instruments were located on the router subnet.

Figure 2-8. L4400 Instrument Private LAN Connection.

The “Find Instrument” function of Agilent Connection Expert is supported only on computers that have a single LAN card installed. If your computer has more than one LAN card, the L4400 instruments must be entered “manually” using the IP addresses.

Adding and Configuring the Instruments

To add an instrument to the network configuration, select (highlight) the instrument host name/IP address and click on ‘OK’ in the “Search for Instruments on the LAN” window. This opens the “LAN Instrument” window shown in Figure 2- 9.

24 L4400 User’s Guide

Click either to test connection

Note serial number to identify multiple instruments

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Figure 2-9. Verifying a Communication Path to the Instrument.

The LAN Instrument window identifies the instrument’s host name, its IP address, its VIS

A address, and product number. Because the network server used in this example does not support Dynamic DNS, the host name is not registered for use by the server. Thus, the instrument is accessed by its IP address.

Click on “Test Connection” or “Identify Instrument” to test the communication path to the instrument. Click on”OK” to add the configured instrument to your network.

Repeat the sequence of Figures 2- 7 t instruments are added, they appear in the Agilent Connection Expert

hrough 2- 9 for each instrument. As

Explorer pane as shown in Figure 2- 10. Selecting the instrument in the Explorer pane displays its proper

ties in the Properties pane.

L4400 User’s Guide 25

2 Software Installation and Configuration

NOTE

Figure 2-10. Configured Instruments added to LAN Network.

Interactive IO

The Interactive IO feature of Agilent Connection Expert allows you to interact with the instruments by sending commands and seeing the instruments’ responses. Interactive IO can help you:

oubleshoot communication problems

• tr

• le

arn the instrument's command set

• pr

ototype commands and check the instrument's responses before

writing code

With Interactive IO, you can choose from a menu of common commands (*IDN?, *RST command set (see Chapters 4- 10 for the commands available with each instrument).

Figure 2- 11 shows how Interactive IO is started from Agilent Connection

Exper

, *TST?), or execute commands from the instrument’s

IO

26 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Select (highlight) instrument

Select Interactive IO

Figure 2-11. Selecting an Instrument and Starting Interactive IO.

Identifying the Instruments

L4400 series instruments are comprised of the carrier, the instrument sub- assembly, and on selected instruments, a wiring terminal block. The carrier and instrument sub- assembly have separate serial numbers and separate firmware revisions. The commands used to query these parameters are:

• *ID

• SYS

These commands can be executed from the Interactive IO window.

mples of the information returned by each command are as follows:

Exa

L4400 User’s Guide 27

N? (returns the carrier serial number and firmware revision) Tem:CTYPe? 1 (returns the instrument sub- assembly serial

number and firmware revision)

Tem:CDEScription? 1 (returns the instrument description.)

2 Software Installation and Configuration

*IDN?

Agilent Technologies, L4421A, MY00012345, 0.12-0.04-0.00-0.00

product

carrier serial number



SYST:CTYP? 1

Agilent Technologies,L4421A, MY44000237, 2.16

product

sub-assembly serial number



SYST:CDES? 1

“40-Channel Armature Multiplexer with Low Thermal Offset”

Using the Instrument Web Interface

Each L4400 series instrument can be programmed using its Web-based interface. The Web interface functions as a virtual front panel which can also be used for:

• interactive control

• familiarization with instrument capabilities

• determining / changing instrument configuration

• troubleshooting and debugging

carrier firmware revision

sub-assembly firmware revision

Comprehensive on-line help providing Web interface usage information is available with each Web window.

The instrument Web interface can be opened from Agilent Connection Expert as shown in Figure 2- 12. The Web interface can also be opened directly from a Web browser by entering the instrument’s IP address or host name in the browser’s ‘Address’ window.

28 L4400 User’s Guide

Select the instrument / open the Web interface

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Figure 2-12. Opening the Instrument Web Interface.

L4400 User’s Guide 29

2 Software Installation and Configuration

NOTE

An example of the Web interface window is shown in Figure 2- 13.

Figure 2-13. L4450A Web Interface (Welcome Page).

Instruments on the network can be physically identified by selecting  Turn on Front Panel Identification Indicator interface. This causes the instrument’s front panel LAN LED to flash continually until Turn off Front Panel Identification Indicator is selected.

within the Web

Editing the Instrument’s LAN Settings

Once a communication path to the instrument has been opened, the instrument’s LAN configuration can be viewed and modified using the Web interface.

30 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

On the Web “welcome page”, click ‘View and Modify Configuration’. This opens the configuration window shown in Figure 2-14.

Figure 2-14. Viewing LAN Configuration Settings from the Web Interface.

L4400 User’s Guide 31

2 Software Installation and Configuration

NOTE

Clicking ‘Modify Configuration’ opens the window shown in Figure 2- 15 which allows you to edit the parameters shown.

Figure 2-15. Changing the Instrument LAN Interface Configuration.

Selecting “Help with this Page” on any Web interface window provides information on the use of the current Web interface page. Selecting “Help with this Page”on the “Browser Web Control” page provides a listing of the help contents.

LAN Configuration Command Summary

In addition to using the Web interface, the instrument’s LAN configuration can be set/changed changed programmatically. Chapter 3, Table 3-3 provides a listing of the LAN configuration commands implemented by the L4400 series instruments.

Refer to the L4400 Programmers Reference on the Product Reference

ROM (p/n 34989- 13601) for detailed information on the commands.

CD-

32 L4400 User’s Guide

GPIB Configuration

NOTE

The L4400 series instruments are available with an optional GPIB interface. The steps required to configure L4400 instruments for use over GPIB include:

Software Installation and Configuration 2

The following information assumes the GPIB interface card has been installed in your computer. If necessary, install the card as instructed by the documentation provided with the card.

• connecti

• adding t

Agilent Connection Expert)

• changing t

instruments)

• te

sting the IO path

Each L4400 series instrument is shipped fr GPIB address of 9. Because instruments on the GPIB bus must have unique addresses, the L4400 instruments must be turned on one at a time, and the GPIB address changed before the next instrument is turned on and added to the configuration.

ng the GPIB cables

he instrument to the GPIB interface configuration (using

he instrument GPIB address (systems with multiple L4400

om the factory with a default

Connecting the GPIB Cables

GPIB cables can be connected in a “star” (all cables connect directly to the computer) or “linear” (instrument to instrument) configuration.

For systems with multiple L4400 series instruments, turn on only one

0 instrument at this time. If there is another instrument on the bus

L440 at GPIB address 9 (i.e. 34980A), turn off that instrument until the address of the current L4400 instrument is changed.

Starting Agilent Connection Expert

Start Agilent Connection Expert by clicking the Agilent Control icon and selecting “Agilent Connection Expert” from the pop- up menu (Figure 2- 5).

The computer interfaces configured during installation of the Agilent IO libraries are displa GPIB interface if a GPIB card is installed in your computer.

L4400 User’s Guide 33

yed in the left column (Explorer pane) including the

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Adding Instruments to the GPIB Configuration

Highlight the GPIB interface (GPIB0) and select “Add Instrument” on the tool bar. Select the GPIB interface in the “Add Instrument” window and click ‘OK’.

Figure 2-16. Adding Instruments to the GPIB Interface.

In the ‘configurable properties’ window s address 9 and click ‘OK’. This is the factory default address that will be changed as necessary in the following steps.

Figure 2-17. Specifying the GPIB Address when Adding an Instrument.

hown in Figure 2- 17, select GPIB

34 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Verifying the GPIB Path

In the Agilent Connection Expert window, select and open ‘Interactive IO’. Verify communication to the instrument by sending the *IDN? command using Send & Read below the command line.

Figure 2-18. GPIB Communication Using the Default GPIB Address.

The GPIB Address String

When programming the L4400 instruments over GPIB, the instrument’s GPIB address is included in the address string. For example:

GPIB0::9::INSTR

Changing the GPIB Address

If you have only one L4400 instrument on the GPIB interface and there are no other instruments on the bus, the L4400 instrument address can remain set to 9. If you have multiple L4400 instruments or there is another GPIB instrument at address 9, then one of the addresses must be changed.

The command used to set the GPIB address on all L4400 instruments is:

SYSTem:COMMunication:GPIB:ADDRess < addre

The command can be abbreviated by including

only the upper-case letters in the com-

mand syntax. The Interactive IO window is used to set the

ss >

GPIB address as shown in

L4400 User’s Guide 35

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Figure 2-19. In this example, the GPIB address is set to 10.

Figure 2-19. Setting the GPIB Address Using the Interactive IO Window.

Once the address is changed within the instrument, the address must also

anged in the Agilent Connection Expert’s “configuration tables.”

be ch

36 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Highlight instrument and select, change address to ‘10’.

From the Agilent Connection Expert main window, highlight the instrument added and then click ‘Change Properties ...”. Within the configurable properties window, change the address of the instrument from ‘9’ to ‘10’ and click ‘OK’.

Figure 2-20. Changing the GPIB Address within Configuration Expert.

Verifying the new GPIB Path

To verify the GPIB address change, you can close the Interactive IO window, select the instrument, and reopen Interactive IO. Or, with Interactive IO remaini ng op en , select ‘Connect’ and change the address from ‘9’ to ‘10’. Once connected to GPIB address

L4400 User’s Guide 37

2 Software Installation and Configuration

‘10’, you can send the *IDN? command and verify the response from the instrument.

Figure 2-21. Connecting to GPIB Address 10 using Interactive IO.

Adding Additional Instruments

Additional instruments are added to the GPIB configuration using the process described earlier. The steps are summarized as follows and assume the GPIB cable has been connected between the computer and the new instrument.

1. Turn on the “next” L4400 instrument. Do addresses are still set to the default address of ‘9’.

2. Open the Agilent Configuration Expert “Add Instrument” window and select the

trument’s GPIB address in the “configurable properties” window (Figures 2-16 and

ins 2-17).

3. Open the Agilent Connection Expert “Interac the instrument’s GPIB address using the command:

SYSTem:COMMunication:GPIB:ADDRess < address >

4. Change the address in the Agilent Connection instrument address (Figure 2-20).

5. Verify the communication path to

the new address.

not turn on those instruments whose

tive IO” window (Figure 2-18). Change

Expert’s configuration table t o the new

38 L4400 User’s Guide

Firmware Updates

Firmware updates for the L4400 series instruments consist of updates to the instrument carrier firmware, and if necessary, an update of the instru ment module firmware. The updates are made available via the Web. The firmware is installed using the Agilent L4400 Firmware Update Utility, also available on the web. This section contains information for locating and downloading the update utility and firmware to your computer, and then using the utility to install the firmware.

Downloading the Update Utility and Firmware

Firmware updates (if available) for the L4400 series instruments can be found on the Web at:

www.agilent.com/find/L4400

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Once this page is displayed, click on ‘Library’ under the heading “More Details.” From the ‘Library’ window select:

L4400 Firmware Update Revision <revision number>

Documents & Downloads

Agilent L4400 Firmware Update Utility

Save the utility application to a directory (e.g. Temp) on your PC. Note the directory location as you will need to install the utility from this location.

Installing the Firmware Update Utility

Downloading the firmware update utility copies the application to your PC but does not install the utility. From the directory where the application was saved, double- click the firmware update utility application (.exe file). For example:

FirmwareUpdateUtility_B_01_09_V3.exe

This starts the application’s installation “wizard”. Follow the instructions as prompted. This will create and install the utility in the directory:

C:\Program Files\Agilent\Firmware Update Utility

L4400 User’s Guide 39

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Downloading and Installing the Instrument Firmware

Once the utility is saved, return to the Web page and click on:

Agilent Firmware Revision <revision number>

Save the firmware file to a directory on your PC (e.g. Temp). Note the directory location as you will need to specify the path to the firmware file when you run the firmware update utility.

When updating from the LAN interface, the update utility requires you to specify the instrument host name or IP address. Before running the utility, test the communication path to the instrument(s) using Agilent Connection Expert. Open Agilent Connection Expert and refresh the LAN and GPIB (if

present) interfaces by clicking ‘Refresh All’ (Figure 2- 10). A “ circle next to the instrument indicates communication with the instrument on that interface. Note the host names or IP addresses (assuming an update over the LAN interface) of the instruments to receive firmware updates.

1. From the directory where the update utility was installed, start the utility by selecting

FirmwareUpdateUtility.exe.

” in a green

40 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

NOTE

Click ‘Next’ until the window shown in Figure 2-22 appears.

Figure 2-22. Firmware Update Utility Firmware File Selection.

2. Using the ‘Browse’ button, specify the path to the firmware file and t

hen click ‘Next’.

The ‘Applicable Model’ window lists the L4400 series instruments which are updateable by the current firmware (.xs) image. The window is NOTused to select the instrument receiving the firmware update.



Firmware updates are performed on one instrume

nt at a time. Once the firmware update is complete, you must exit and re-start the utility to update each instrument.



L4400 User’s Guide 41

2 Software Installation and Configuration

3. Select the I/O interface to be used to upgrade the instrument firmware and then select ‘Next’ (Figure 2- 23).

Figure 2-23. Selecting the Instrument Interface.

4. If the LAN interface is selected (Figure 2- 23), enter the instrument host me or IP address and click ‘Update’. If the GPIB interface is used, select

na the instrument’s GPIB address.

42 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

enter host name or IP address

NOTE

The firmware update process takes several minutes. The instrument’s front panel ATTN indicator will flash green while the update is in progress.

Figure 2-23. Entering the Instrument Host Name or IP Address.

When the update to the instrument carrier firmware is complete, the re

sults are indicated as shown in Figure 2- 24. Note that an update of the

instrument sub- assembly firmware may continue for a few moments after the update results message appears.

Instrument sub-assembly firmware updates are performed automatically if the current sub-assembly firmware revision is incompatible with the updated carrier firmware.

L4400 User’s Guide 43

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Figure 2-24. Instrument Firmware Update Complete.

5. Once the carrier update AND instr

occurs) complete and no instrument activity is indicated by the front panel LEDs, cycle power on the instrument. Once the power-on sequence completes, select ‘Refresh All’ in the Agilent Connection Expert (Figure 2- 10).

Agilent Connection Expert may report t has changed. This is represented by a yellow triangle and an exclamation point (!) next to the updated instrument. Select (highlight) the instrument name. Select ‘Change Properties...’ and then click either ‘Test Connection’ or ‘Identify Instrument’ to update Agilent Connection Expert and then click ‘OK’. Repeat for each updated instrument on the LAN and GPIB interfaces.

ument sub- assembly update (if one

hat the instrument’s configuration

44 L4400 User’s Guide

Software Installation and Configuration 2

Instrument Power-On and Default LAN Configuration States

The L4400 series instruments covered in this user’s guide are set to their power on and preset states using any one the following commands:

*RST SYSTem:CPON 1 SYSTem:PRESet

Table 2- 3 lists the power- on and preset states for each instrument.

Table 2-3. L4400 Instrument Power-on and Preset States

L4400 Series Instrument

L4421A 40-Channel Armature Multiplexer L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix

L4437A 32-Channel Form A/ Form C General Purpose Switch

L4445A Microwave Switch / Attenuator Driver

L4450A 64-Bit Digital I/O w/Memory and Counter

L4451A 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter w/Memory

L4452A Multifunction with Digital I/O, D/A, Totalizer

LAN Reset (Default) Configuration

Power-on Preset States

All channels open All channels open

2-wire/1-wire mode: no change All channels open

Channel drives enabled = userdefin

I/O ports = Input  Count = 0 Trace memory = cleared

DACs = 0Vdc Trace wavforms = cleared

DIO Ports = Input  Count = 0 DACs = 0Vdc

ed defaults

Pressing the “LAN Reset” button (recessed) on the L4400 instrument front or rear panel restores the instrument’s default LAN configuration. Table 2- 4 lists the default LAN configuration settings.

L4400 User’s Guide 45

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Table 2-4. Default LAN Configuration Settings.

LAN Parameter

DHCP Automatic IP Addressing IP Settings if DHCP Server

navailable

DNS Server Host Name (registered with

DNS if available)

D LAN Keep Alive

Ethernet Connection Monitoring

Default (Reset) Setting

ON ON IP Address: 169.254

Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0

0.0.0.0 (may be assigned by the DHCP server) A-product number-last 5 digits of serial number

1800 (seconds) ON - instrument monitors its LAN connection;

will attempt to automatically reconnect if disconnected from network.

.44.88 (default)

46 L4400 User’s Guide

Agilent L4400 LXI Class C Instruments User’s Guide

3 Operating and Programming

L4400 Instrument Front Panel Overview 48 L4400 Instrument Rear Panel Overview 50 L4400 Series Channel Addressing Scheme 52 Introduction to the SCPI Command Language 52 L4400 SCPI Command Summary 55 L4400 Series Programming Examples 59 Analog Bus Applications 65 User-Defined Channel Labels 68 Scanning Applications 69 Scanning with External Instruments 81 Alarm Limits 84 Using Sequences 89 Instrument State Storage 96 Error Conditions 97 Relay Cycle Count 98 Calibration Overview 98

This chapter contains general operating and programming information applicable to multiple L4400 series instruments.

Agilent Technologies

3 Operating and Programming

Instrument sub-assembly

Instrument carrier

Power

LAN Reset

L4400 Instrument Front Panel Overview

LXI instruments within the the L4400 family consist of the instrument carrier, an instrument sub- assembly, and if applicable, a wiring terminal block. The front panel of an L4400 instrument is shown in Figure 3- 1.

Figure 3-1. L4400 Instrument Front Panel (L4421A shown).

The only time it is necessary to remove the instrument sub-assembly

rom the carrier is to attach a support sleeve to those sub-assemblies

f that use a wiring terminal block.

Chapter 1 contains information for removing the sub- assembly from the

rier and attaching the sleeve.

car

The LAN Reset Button

The LAN reset button allows you reset the instrument’s LAN configuration to its default state. Refer to “LAN Reset (Default) Configuration” in Chapter 2 for a listing of the default settings.

The Front Panel LEDs

The front panel LEDs:

ATTN  LAN PWR

provide information on the status of the instrument. Table 3- 1 lists the

ument’s status conditions based on the color and functioning of the

instr LEDs.

48 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

Table 3-1. L4400 LED Definitions and Instrument Status.

LED Color

ATTN LAN PWR

Off Off Off

flashing flashing Green

Off Green Green

Off Green (flashing) Green

Off Red Green

Red (flashing) Green Green

Condition

Instrument is not turned on, and may or may

ot be connected to line power.

Power-on/boot-up. ATTN and LAN red and then green during the power-on self-test.

LAN connection

- instrument has an IP address

Instrument identificat instrument Web interface: ON:

Turn on Front Panel Interface Indicator

OFF: Turn off Front Panel Interface Indicator No LAN connection due to:

- disconnected LAN cable

- failure to acquire an IP address

- waiting for DHCP-assigned address Instrument programming error or self-test

rror. Error queue is read using 

SYSTem:ERRor?

ion. Activated from

will flash

ATTN LAN PWR

L4400 User’s Guide 49

Green (flashing) Green Green

Instrument Busy State

- firmware download

- lengthy instrument operation in progress

3 Operating and Programming

Analog Bus Port

External Trigger/Alarm DIO Port

GPIB Interface

(optional)

LAN Port

Power

LAN Reset

ABus1 LO (pin 4) ABus2 LO (pin 3) ABus3 LO (pin 2)

ABus4 LO (pin 1)

Current

ABus1 HI (pin 9)

ABus2 HI (pin 8)

ABus3 HI (pin 7)

ABus4 HI (pin 6)

(2A Max.)

(L4421A only)

L4400 Instrument Rear Panel Overview

The rear panel of an L4400 series instrument is shown in Figure 3- 2. Note that the ports and connectors available are based on the instrument’s options and functionality.

Figure 3-2. L4400 Instrument Rear Panel (L4421A shown).

Analog Bus Port

The Analog bus port, available on the rear panel of the L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer Module and the L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix Module, allows signals to be routed to external instruments such as digital multimeters (DMMs). There are four busses (ABUS1 - ABUS 4) on the port. Figure 3- 3 defines each bus and corresponding pin numbers.

Figure 3-3. L4400 Analog Bus Port Pinouts.

50 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

Input

5 V 0 V

> 1 µs

Output

3.3 V 0 V

Approx. 2 µs

External Trigger Usage

Alarm Usage

Alarm 1 output (pin 1) Alarm 2 output (pin 2)

Gnd (pin 9)

Channel closed output

(Trig Out - pin 5)

Gnd (pin 9)

Channel advance input

(Trig In - pin 6)

See “Scanning with External Instruments” later in this chapter for information on how the analog bus is used for scanning a channel list with an external DMM.

Ext Trig/Alarms/DIO Port

The external trigger, alarms, and DIO port enables you to synchronize scanning between a switching instrument such as the L4421A and an external DMM. The port also allows you to output alarm signals to an external device or control system. Figure 3- 4 shows the pin out and signal definitions for the port.

L4400 User’s Guide 51

Figure 3-4. External Trigger and Alarm Port Pin Definitions.

GPIB Connector

The GPIB interface is available on all L4400 series instruments as Option- GPIB. This option must be purchased with the product. Products not ordered with the GPIB interface cannot be reconfigured to add it later.

LAN Port

The LAN port on the L4400 series instruments supports 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps data transfer rates (10BaseT/100BaseTx). The port is Non Auto- MDIX which means that the LAN crossover cable supplied with the

3 Operating and Programming

instrument must be used when connecting the L4400 instrument directly (without a switch or router) to the computer. See “Connecting the LAN Cables” in Chapter 2 for more information.

L4400 Series Channel Addressing Scheme

The channel addressing scheme for the L4400 series LXI instuments uses the form 1ccc where ccc is the three- digit channel number. Following are examples of the scheme. Refer to the individual instrument chapters for more information on channel numbering.

Table 3-2. L4400 Series Channel Addressing Examples.

Channel Number

1014 Channel 14 on Bank 1 of the L4421A multiplexer module. 1921 Channel 921 (analog bus relay for ABUS 1) on Bank 2 of the

4421A multiplexer module or on Matrix 2 of the L4433A matrix

L module.

1304 Row 3 / column 4 on Matrix 1 of the L4433A matrix module

-wire mode).

1437 Row 3 / column 7 on Matrix 4 of the L4433A matrix module

(1-wire mode).

1201 Channel 201 on Bank 2 of the L4450A digital I/O module.

Introduction to the SCPI Command Language

The functions of the L4400 series instruments are programmed using SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) commands. The L4400 Programmer’s Reference located on the L4400 LXI Class C Instruments Product Reference CD- ROM (p/n 34989- 13601), contains a complete description of each instrument’s command set.

Definition

SCPI is an ASCII- based instrument command language designed for test

nd measurement instruments. SCPI commands use a hierarchical

a structure, also known as a tree system. In this system, associated commands are grouped together under a common node or root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the ROUTe subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.

ROUTe :MONitor  [:CHANnel]:ENABle <mode>, (@<ch_list>) [:CHANnel]:ENABle? (@<ch_list>) 

52 L4400 User’s Guide

ROUTe is the root keyword of the command, MONitor is a second-level keywords, CHANnel is a third- level keyword, and so on. A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower- level keyword.

Syntax Conventions

The SCPI syntax convention can be defined using the command shown below:

ROUTe:CHANnel:DRIVe:PULSe:WIDTh {<seconds>|MIN|MAX|DEF}, (@<ch_list>)

Keywords

The command syntax shows that most commands (and some parameters) are a mixture of upper- and lower- case letters. The upper- case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, you can send the abbreviated form. For better program readability, you can send the long form.

Operating and Programming 3

For example, in the above syntax statement DRIV and DRIVE are both acceptable forms. You can also use a combination of upper- and lower- case letters. When sending a command, the abbreviated form or the complete spelling of the command must be used. Any other combination will generate a syntax error.

Braces and Vertical Bars

Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command string. The braces are not sent with the command string.

A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given command string.

Brackets

Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter. For example, the syntax statement shows the <seconds> parameter enclosed in triangle brackets. The brackets are not sent with the command string. You must specify a value for the parameter.

Optional Parameters

Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). This indicates that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not sent with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an optional parameter, the instrument chooses a default value.

L4400 User’s Guide 53

3 Operating and Programming

Command Separators

A colon ( : ) is used to separate a command keyword from a lower-level keyword. A blank space separates the keyword from the first parameter. If a command has more than one parameter, the subsequent parameters are separated by commas as shown below:

ROUT:CHAN:DRIV:PULS:WIDTh 0.010, (@1201,1202)

Linking Commands

A semicolon ( ; ) is used to separate IEEE- 448.2 common commands and commands at the same “node” within the same subsystem. For example:

*RST; *CLS; *IDN?;

Also, sending the following command string:

COUN:GAT:POL NORM(@1301);SOUR EXT, (@1301)

is the same as sending the following two commands:

[SENSe:]COUNter:GATe:POLarity NORM(@1301) [SENSe:]COUNter:GATe:SOURce EXT, (@1301)

This can occur since “POLarity” and “SOURce” are at the same node within the [SENSe:]COUNter:GATe command.

A colon and a semicolon are used to link commands from different subsystems as shown below:

INP:IMP AUTO;:ROUT:CHAN:DEL 1

Using the MIN and MAX Parameters

For many commands, "MIN" or "MAX" can be used in place of a discrete parameter value. For example:

ROUT:CHAN:DRIV:PULS:WIDTh MIN, (@1201,1202)

sets the MINimum pulse width (0.001) available for the command.

Querying Parameter Settings

Many SCPI commands have a complimentary command that allows you to query the current value of the parameters. These commands are indicated by a ‘?’ in the command syntax. For example:

ROUT:CHAN:DRIV:PULS:WIDTh? (@1201)

queries the pulse with setting for channel 1201.

54 L4400 User’s Guide

Specifying Channel Lists and Scan Lists

A command’s channel list (<ch_list>) or scan list (<scan_list>) parameter is used to specify a single channel, multiple channels, or a range of channels. The channel and scan lists must be preceded with the "@" symbol and must be enclosed in parentheses. The following commands demonstrate how the channel list parameter is used:

ROUT:CLOS (@1010) - close channel 10 ROUT:CLOS (@1010,1012,1015) - close channels 10, 12, and 15 ROUT:CLOS (@1005:1010,1015) - close channels 5-10, and 15

When specifying a range of channels, the first and last channels in the range must be valid. Any invalid channels within the range are ignored (no error is generated).

The Analog Bus relays (numbered 911, 912, 913, etc.) on the multiplexer and matrix modules are ignored if they are included in a range of channels. An error will be generated if an Analog Bus relay is specified as the first or last channel in a range of channels.

Operating and Programming 3

Refer to “Scanning” later in this chapter for additional information creating/using a scan list.

L4400 SCPI Command Summary

Table 3- 3 lists the SCPI commands that apply to all L4400 series instruments. The SCPI commands unique to each instrument are summarized in the instrument- specific chapters that follow Chapter 3.

For complete information on all commands, refer to the Programmer’s Reference contained on the L4400 Product Reference CD- ROM.

L4400 User’s Guide 55

3 Operating and Programming

Table 3-3. L4400 Series SCPI Command Summary.

Subsystem

STATus

Commands

*CLS *ESE <enable_value> *ESE? *ESR? *SRE <enable_value> *SRE? *STB? STATus:MODule:ENABle <enable_value> STATus:MODule:ENABle? STATus:MODule:EVENt? STATus:MODule:SLOT1:CONDition? STATus:MODule:SLOT1:ENABle <enable_value> STATus:MODule:SLOT1:ENABle? STATus:MODule:SLOT1:EVENt]? STATus:OPERation:CONDition? STATus:OPERation:ENABle <enable_value> STATus:OPERation:ENABle? STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]? STATus:PRESet STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? STATus:QUESti onable:ENABle <enable_value> STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle? STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? SYSTem:MODule?

MEMory

(State Storage)

*RCL {1|2|3|4|5} *SAV {1|2|3|4|5} MEMory:NSTates? MEMory:STATe:CATalog? MEMory:STATe:DELete {1|2|3|4|5} MEMory:STATe:DELete:ALL MEMory:STATe:NAME {1|2|3|4|5} [,<name>] MEMory:STATe:NAME? {1|2|3|4|5} MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO {OFF|0|ON|1} MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO? MEMory:STATe:RECall:SELect {1|2|3|4|5} MEMory:STATe:RECall:SELect? MEMory:STATe:VALid? {1|2|3|4|5}

56 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

IEEE-488

Commands

SYSTem

(System-Related

Commands)

*CLS *ESE <enable_value> *ESE? *ESR? *IDN? *OPC *OPC? *RCL {1|2|3|4|5} *RST *SAV {1|2|3|4|5} *SRE <enable_value> *SRE? *STB? *TRG *TST? *WAI

*IDN? *RST *TST SYSTem:CDEScription[:LONG]? 1 SYSTem:CDEScription:SHORt? 1 SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle {OFF|0|ON|1},{GPIB|LAN|SOCKets|TELNet|VXI11|WEB} SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle? {GPIB|LAN|SOCKets| TELNet|VXI11|WEB} SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess <address> SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess? SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess:INSTalled? SYSTem:CPON 1 SYSTem:CTYPe? 1 SYSTem:DATE <yyyy>,<mm>,<dd> SYSTem:DATE? SYSTem:DELay[:IMMediate] <seconds> SYSTem:ERRor? SYSTem:LOCK:OWNer? SYSTem:LOCK:RELease SYSTem:LOCK:REQuest? SYSTem:MODule? SYSTem:PRESet SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate SYSTem:TIME <hh>,<mm>,<ss.sss> SYSTem:TIME? SYSTem:VERSion?

L4400 User’s Guide 57

3 Operating and Programming

SYSTem

(LAN Configuration)

SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:AUTOip {OFF|0|ON|1} SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:AUTOip? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:BSTatus? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:CONTrol? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP {OFF|0|ON|1} SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DHCP? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS “<address>” SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DNS? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DOMain "<name>" SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DOMain? [{CURRent|STATic}] SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATEway <address> SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:GATEway? [{CURRent|STATic}] SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HISTory:CLEar SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HISTory? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname "<name>" SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:HOSTname? [{CURRent|STATic}] SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress “<address>” SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IPADdress? [{CURRent|STATic}] SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:KEEPalive {<seconds>|MIN|MAX} SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:KEEPalive? [{MIN|MAX}] SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:MAC? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk “<mask>” SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk? [{CURRent|STATic}] SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:PROMpt "<string>" SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:PROMpt? SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:WMESsage "<string>" SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:TELNet:WMESsage?

58 L4400 User’s Guide

L4400 Series Programming Examples

The L4400 series Product Reference CD-ROM (part number 34989- 13601) contains progamming examples to familiarize you with the operation of selected L4400 instruments. Once communication paths to the instruments have been set (Chapter 2), the examples can be used as an introduction to the sequence of commands necessary to program the functions available with the instruments.

The examples on the CD- ROM include multiple development environments and demonstrate instrument programming via drivers and direct programming through the I/O libraries. The drivers and I/O libraries used include:

• IVI- C

• IVI- COM

• VISA

• VISA COM

Operating and Programming 3

To install the examples on your computer, insert the Product Reference CD- ROM and click ‘Install’ next to “L4400 Programming Examples.” Follow the instructions as prompted.

Once installed, the examples are located in the following (default) path and are grouped into development environment directories:

C:\Program Files\Agilent\L4400\Examples

To select a specific example, open the environment directory under “

Examples” followed by the driver (IVI- COM, IVI- C) or IO library (VISA,

VISA COM) subdirectory.

The examples assume that you are familiar with the programming languages demonstrated and the tools associated with the development environment. Note that before you run a programming example, the program must be edited to include the address string of your particular instrument. The following sections provide instructions for editing the programs based on the driver type and development environment.

Modifying IVI-COM Examples (.NET)

IVI- COM examples are available for the Microsoft C#.NET and Visual Basic.NET development environments. To modify IVI- COM (C#) examples for use with with your instrument, open the example in the \IVI- COM subdirectory for your development environment by double- clicking the example name with the .csproj extension.

L4400 User’s Guide 59

3 Operating and Programming

change address string

example source code

Once the development environment opens, select the example source code file (.cs extension) of the same name. Locate the “Initialize” function and change the address string. Figure 3- 5 shows where the address string is changed within the source code for program “MultifunctionExample.sln.

60 L4400 User’s Guide

Figure 3-5. Changing the Instrument Address String (IVI-COM Programs).

Visual Basic.NET

When using the IVI- COM examples with Visual BASIC.NET, you are prompted to enter/change the instrument’s address string after starting the program.

To modify IVI-COM Visual Basic examples for use with with your

ument, open the example in the \IVI- COM subdirectory for your

instr development environment by double-clicking the example name with the .vbproj extension.

Operating and Programming 3

enter address string

click to start program

Figure 3- 6 is an example of the window used during program execution to change the address string.

Figure 3-6. Changing the Address String (IVI-COM / Visual Basic.NET).

Visual Basic 6.0

To modify IVI-COM examples with Visual Basic 6.0, open the example by double- clicking the example name with the .vbp extension. When using Visual BASIC 6.0, you are prompted to enter/change the instrument’s address string after starting the program.

The Visual Basic 6.0 form is similar to that shown in Figure 3- 6.

Modifying IVI-C Examples

IVI- C examples are available for the Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 environment. To modify IVI-C examples for use with with your instrument, open the example in the \IVI- C subdirectory of VC 60 by double- clicking the example name with the .vcproj extension. Once the development environment opens, select the example source code file (.cpp extension) of the same name.

L4400 User’s Guide 61

3 Operating and Programming

change address string

example source code

Locate “InitWithOptions” and change the address string as shown in the example of Figure 3- 7.

Figure 3-7. Changing the Instrument Address String (IVI-C Programs).

Modifying VISA and VISA COM Examples

Agilent VISA examples are available with the Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 and Visual Basic 6.0 environments. To modify VISA examples for use with with your instrument, open the example in the \VISA subdirectory of the development environment by double- clicking the example name with the .dsp extension. Once the development environment opens, select the example source code file (.c extension) of the same name.

62 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

double-click to view source code

change address string

Locate “DEFAULT_LOGICAL_ADDRESS” and change the address string as shown in the example of Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-8. Changing the Instrument Address String (VISA Programs).

Visual Basic 6.0

To modify VISA examples with Visual Basic 6.0, open the example by double- clicking the example name with the .vbp extension. When using Visual BASIC 6.0, you are prompted to enter/change the instrument’s address string after starting the program.

The Visual Basic 6.0 form is similar to that shown in Figure 3- 6.

VISA COM Examples

VISA COM examples are available with the Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 environment. To modify the examples, double- click the example name with the .vbp extension.

L4400 User’s Guide 63

3 Operating and Programming

IO address dialog box

“St art” arrow

Once the Visual Basic environment opens, start the program using the “Start” arrow shown in Figure 3- 9. The program prompts you for the instrument address as shown.

Figure 3-9. Changing the Address String (VISA COM Programs).

Using L4400 Instruments in Agilent 34980A Applications

The L4400 series LXI instruments have counterparts that are available as plug- in modules for the Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit. Table 3-4 lists the L4400 series instruments and the corresponding 34980A products.

Table 3-4. Agilent L4400 Series and 34980A Module Cross Reference.

L4400A Instrument

L4421A: 40-Channel Armature Multiplexer L4433A: Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix L4437A: General Purpose Switch L4445A: Microwave Switch/Attenuator L4450A: 64-Bit Digital I/O L4451A: 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter

34980A Plug-In Module

34921A 34933A 34937A 34945A 34950A 34951A

L4452A: Multifunction Module

64 L4400 User’s Guide

34952A

Operating and Programming 3

Because of the similarity in products, code and applications can be leveraged and ported between an L4400 instrument and its 34980A module counterpart.

Porting Applications

The programming examples on the L4400 Product Reference CD-ROM as well as all application programs contain a function that opens a “session” to, and initializes the instrument.

In addition to specifying the instrument’s address string, this initialization function contains parmeters that query and reset the instrument when the session is opened. These parameters are represented by true/false conditions that either perform an ID query or reset (true) or do not (false).

By setting the ID query parameter of the (session) initialization function to ‘False’, the program can be ported between corresponding (L4400 and 34980A) instruments.

For example, in the IVI- COM programming example MultfunctionExample.csproj, the instrument session is opened using the function:

address string



host.Initialize("GPIB::9", false, true, standardInitOptions + "," + driverSetupOptions);

By setting the ID query parameter to ‘false’ as shown and changing the address string as required, the example can be run using the L4452A multifunction module or the 34952A multifunction module. Note that channel addresses within the program must be changed accordingly. See “L4400 Series Channel Addressing Scheme” for more information.

Modifying each of the programming examples on the L4400 Product Reference CD-ROM in this manner allows the examples to be used by the L4400 instruments and their 34980A counterparts.

Analog Bus Applications

ID query

reset

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

• L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix

This section provides important environmental and electrical considerations that can affect analog bus usage on the L4421A and L4433A.

L4400 User’s Guide 65

3 Operating and Programming

NOTE

WARNING

Environmental Operating Conditions

The L4400 series instruments are designed to operate in a temperature range of 0 °C to +55 °C with non- condensing humidity. The maximum humidity is 80% at 40 °C or higher. Do not use in locations where conductive dust or electrolytic salt dust may be present.

The L4400 instruments should be operated in an indoor environment

ere temperature and humidity are controlled. Condensation can pose a

wh potential shock hazard. Condensation can occur when the instrument is moved from a cold to a warm environment, or if the temperature and/or humidity of the environment changes quickly.

When used in pollution degree 1 conditions, t for the Analog Buses is 300V. When used in pollution degree 2 conditions, the maximum voltage rating is 100V. If conditions change,

nsure that condensation has evaporated and the instrument has

e thermally stabilized until pollution degree 1 conditions are restored before turning on power to the equipment.

Pollution Degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence (on insulation) (IEC 61010-1 2nd Edition).



Electrical Operating Conditions

To avoid electric shock, turn off the L4400 instrument and disconnect or de-energize all field wiring to the modules and the Analog Bus connector before removing any module or slot cover.

he maximum voltage rating



66 L4400 User’s Guide

Transients

The Analog Buses are designed to safely withstand occasional transient overvoltages up to 1000 Vpeak. Typically, these transient overvoltages result from switching inductive loads or from nearby lightning strikes. 

Operating and Programming 3

WARNING

CAUTION

The lightning- caused transient overvoltages that may occasionally occur on mains power outlets may be as high as 2500

Do not connect the Analog Buses directly to a mains power outlet.  If it is necessary to measure a mains voltage or any circuit where a  large inductive load may be switched, you must add signal conditioning elements to reduce the potential transients before they reach the Analog Buses.

Vpeak. 

High Energy Sources

The Analog Buses are designed to handle inputs up to their rated currents or their rated powers, whichever is less. Under certain fault conditions, high energy sources could provide substantially more current or power than the instrument can handle. It is important to provide external current limiting, such as fuses, if the inputs are connected to high- energy sources.



Safety Interlock

The Safety Interlock feature prevents connections to the Analog Buses  if no terminal block or properly- wired cable is connected to the L4421A or L4433A.

Normally, if you attempt to connect to the Analog Buses without a terminal block or properly- wired cable connected, an error is generated. You can , however, temporarily disable errors generated by the Safety Interlock feature. This simulation mode may be useful during test system development when you may not have connected any terminal blocks or cables to your module.

• When the simulation mode is enabled, the Analog Bus relays will appear to close and open as directed. For example, no errors are generated if you close an Analog Bus relay from the remote interface or Web Interface. However, remember that the Safety Interlock feature prevents the actual hardware state of the Analog Bus relays from being changed. When you connect a terminal block or cable to the module, the Analog Bus relays will open and close normally.

Install current limiting devices between high energy sources and the module inputs.



The Safety Interlock feature is implemented in hardware on the modules and cannot be circumvented. Regardless of whether the simulation mode is enabled or disabled, all Analog Bus operations are prohibited as long as no terminal block or properly-wired cable is connected to the module.

L4400 User’s Guide 67

3 Operating and Programming

• The simulation setting is stored in volatile memory and will be lost when power is turned off. To re- enable the simulation mode after power has been off, you must send the command again. The command used is:

SYSTem:ABUS:INTerlock:SIMulate {OFF|ON}

User-Defined Channel Labels

Usage:

• All L4400 series instruments

You can assign user- defined labels to any channel, including Analog Bus channels on the L4421A and L4433A instruments. User- defined channel labels are available for identification purposes only and cannot be used in place of a channel number within a command string.

• When shipped from the factory, each channel is assigned a unique factory- default label (cannot be overwritten). From the instruments’ Web interfaces, the factory- default labels are displayed as the channel number (e.g., “1001”, “1020”, etc.).

• If desired, you can assign the same user-defined label to multiple channels within the same module or on different modules (i.e., channel labels are not required to be unique).

• You can specify a label with up to 18 characters. You can use letters (A- Z), numbers (0- 9), and the underscore character. If you specify a label with more than the allowed 18 characters, it will be truncated (no

error is generated).

• From the Web Interface, a limited number of characters can be displayed due to space constraints in the browser window. If the user- defined label it too long to be displayed properly, it will be truncated (no error is generated).

• All user-defined channel labels are stored in non- volatile memory,  and do not change when power has been off, after a Factory Reset

*RST command), after an Instrument Preset (SYSTem:PRESet

( command), or after a stored state is recalled (

The following command assigns a label (“TEST_PT_1”) to channel 3 in slot 1.

ROUT:CHAN:LABEL "TEST_PT_1",(@1003)

The following command clears the user- defined label previously assigned to channel 3 in slot 1. The channel will now be identified by its factory default label (e.g., “MUX CH BANK 1”, “MATRIX1 ROW3 COL4”, “DIO BYTE 1”, etc.).

*RCL command).



ROUT:CHAN:LABEL "",(@1003)

68 L4400 User’s Guide

The following command clears all user- defined channel labels on the instrument and restores the factory- default labels.

ROUT:CHAN:LABEL:CLEAR:MOD 1

Scanning Applications

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels

only)

Channels on selected L4400 series instruments can be “scanned” by separate devices such as a DMM. During a scan, the instrument channels are connected to the device and a measurement/reading is made one channel at a time. Once the measurement is complete, the scan advances to the next channel in the list until the end of the scan list is reached and the number of passes (sweeps) through the scan list is complete.

Operating and Programming 3

For scanning applications involving the L4421A and a DMM, readings are stored on the DMM. For applications involving scans of the digital input and counter channels of the L4450A and the digital input and totalizer channels of the L4452A, readings are stored in L4450A/L4452A memory.

Scanning is not allowed with the other (L4433A, L4437A, L4445A) switching instruments. Also, scan lists cannot include digital output channels or DAC voltage channels.

Rules for Scanning

• Before you can initiate a scan, you must set up a scan list to include all desired multiplexer or digital channels. Channels which are not in the scan list are skipped during the scan. By default, channels are scanned in ascending order. If your application requires non- ordered scanning of the channels in the present scan list, see

Scanning" on page 79.

• You can store at least 500,000 scan readings in instrument (L4450A/L4452A) memory and all readings are automatically time stamped. If memory overflows, a status register bit is set and new readings will overwrite the first (oldest) readings stored. The most recent readings are always preserved. Using the DATA:REMove? or R? command to retrieve readings during a scan REMOVES the readings from memory. Using FETCh? after the scan completes retrieves the readings and the readings also remain in instrument memory.

“Non- Sequential

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3 Operating and Programming

• Each time you start a new scan, the instrument clears all readings (including alarm data) stored in reading memory from the previous scan. Therefore, the contents of memory are always from the most recent scan.

• The Analog Bus relays are automatically opened and closed as required during the scan to place the signal on the analog bus. For example, with the L4421A, all 2- wire measurements use the ABus1 (MEAS) relays; for 4-wire measurements, the ABus2 (SENS) relays are used in addition to the ABus1 relays.

• When the scan is initiated, the instrument will open all channels in banks that contain one or more channels in the scan list.

• In order to guarantee that no signals are connected to the Analog Buses prior to the scan, the instrument will open (applies to all banks in all slots). In banks that contain channels in the scan list, the instrument will also open all ABus2 relays (regardless of whether 4- wire measurements are involved). If no channels configured for 4- wire measurements are included in the scan list, the state of the ABus2 relays in the non- scanned banks is altered.

all ABus1 relays

not

• The state of the ABus3 and ABus4 relays is not altered and these relays remain available for use during the scan. However, be sure to use CAUTION when closing these relays on banks involved in the scan. While the scan is running, any signals present on ABus3 and/or ABus4 will be joined with the scanned measurement on ABus1 and ABus2.

• While the scan is running, the instrument prevents use of all channels in banks that contain one or more channels in the specified scan list (these channels are dedicated to the scan). In addition, the instrument prevents use of all ABus1 and ABus2 relays on banks containing channels in the scan list. If one or more channels configured for 4- wire measurements are included in the scan list, then the rules for ABus2 relay operations are extended to the non- scanned banks as well.

• If the ABus1 relay used for current measurements (channel 931 on L4421A only) is not closed prior to the initiation of the scan, the four current channels (channels 41 through 44) are not affected by the scan. However, if the ABus1 relay is closed, the instrument will open the ABus1 relay as well as the four associated current channels in a make- before- break fashion.

• When you add a digital read (digital modules) to a scan list, the corresponding channel is dedicated to the scan. The instrument issues a Card Reset to make that channel an input channel (the other channel is not affected).

70 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

• While the scan is running, you can perform low- level control operations on any channels on the digital modules that are not in the scan. For example, you can output a DAC voltage or write to a digital channel (even if the totalizer is part of the scan list). However, you cannot change any parameters that affect the scan (channel configuration, scan interval, Card Reset, etc.) while a scan is running.

• If a scan includes a read of the totalizer, the count is reset each time it is read during the scan only when the totalizer reset mode is enabled.

• At the end of the scan, the last channel that was scanned will be opened (as well as any Analog Bus relays used during the scan). Any channels that were opened during the scan will remain open at the completion of the scan.

• If you abort a scan that is running, the instrument will terminate any reading in progress (readings are not cleared from memory). If a scan is in progress when the command is received, the scan will not be completed and you cannot resume the scan from where it left off. Note that if you initiate a new scan, all readings are cleared from memory.

• The Monitor mode is automatically enabled on all channels that are part of the active scan list (see

• The present scan list is stored in volatile memory and will be lost when power is turned off or after a Factory Reset (

Creating the Scan List

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)

A scan list is created as follows:

• Use the ROUTe:SCAN command to define the list of channels in the scan list. To determine what channels are currently in the scan list, use the

• To add channels to the present scan list, use the ROUTe:SCAN:ADD command. To remove channels from the present scan list, use the

ROUTe:SCAN:REMove command.

• To remove all channels from the scan list, send “ROUT:SCAN (@)”.

ROUTe:SCAN? query command.

“Monitor Mode" on page 80).

*RST command).

• To initiate a scan, use the INITiate or READ? command. Each time you initiate a new scan, the instrument will clear the previous set of readings from memory.

To stop a scan in progress, use the ABORt command.

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3 Operating and Programming

Sweep 1

Trigger 1

Sweep 2

Sweep n

Trigger 2

. . .

Trigger Timer

(0 to 359,999 seconds)

Scan Trigger Source

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)

You can configure the event or action that controls the onset of each sweep through the scan list (a sweep is one pass through the scan list):

• You can set the instrument’s internal timer to automatically scan at a specific interval. You can also program a time delay between channels in the scan list (see

• You can start a scan when an external TTL trigger pulse is received.

• You can start a scan when an alarm event (L4450A, L4452A) is logged

on the channel being monitored.

“Channel Delay" on page 77).

Interval Scanning

In this configuration, you control the frequency of scan sweeps by selecting a wait period from the start of one trigger to the start of the next trigger (called the trigger- to- trigger interval). If the scan interval is less than the time required to measure all channels in the scan list, the instrument will scan continuously, as fast as possible (no error is generated).



Figure 3-10. Trigger-to-Trigger Interval.

• You can set the scan interval to any value between 0 seconds and 99:59:59 hours (359,999 seconds), with 1 ms resolution.

• Once you have initiated the scan, the instrument will continue scanning until you stop it or until the trigger count is reached. See

“Trigger Count" on page 75 for more information.

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Operating and Programming 3

• Mx+B scaling and alarm limits (L4450A, L4452A) are applied to measurements during a scan and all data is stored in volatile memory.

• The

CONFigure and MEASure? commands (L4450A, L4452A)

automatically set the scan interval to immediate (0 seconds) and the scan count to 1 sweep.

• Th

e instrument sets the scan interval to immediate (0 seconds) after a Factory Reset ( command) or Card Reset (

*RST command). An Instrument Preset (SYSTem:PRESet

SYSTem:CPON command) does not change 

the setting.

The following program segment configures

the instrument for an interval

scan.

TRIG:SOURCE TIMER TRIG:TIMER 5 TRIG:COUNT 2 INIT

Note: T

o stop a scan, send the ABORt command.

Select interval time mode



Set the scan interval to 5 seconds Sweep the scan list 2 times



Initiate the scan



Manual Scanning

In this configuration, the instrument waits for a command before sweeping through the scan list.

• All re

adings from the scan are stored in volatile memory. 

Readings accumulate in memory until the scan is terminated  (until the trigger count is reached or until you abort the scan).

• Y

ou can specify a trigger count which sets the number of scan trigger commands that will be accepted before terminating the scan. See

“Trigger Count" on page 75 for more information.

• Mx+B scaling and alar

m limits (L4450A, L4452A) are applied to measurements during a manual scanning operation and all data is stored in volatile memory.

The following program segment configures t

he instrument for a manual

scanning operation.

TRIG:SOURCE BUS TRIG:COUNT 2 INIT

Then, send the

Note: T

o stop a scan, send the ABORt command.

*TRG (trigger) command to begin each scan sweep. 

Select bus (manual) mode



Sweep the scan list 2 times Initiate the scan



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3 Operating and Programming

NOTE

Scanning on Alarm

Usage:

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (counter channels only)

• L4452A Multif

unction Module (totalizer channels only)

In this configuration, the instrument initiates a scan each time a reading

osses an alarm limit on a channel. You can also assign alarms to

cr channels on the digital modules. For example, you can generate an alarm when a specific bit pattern or bit pattern change is detected on a digital input channel or when a specific count is reached on a totalizer channel.

For complete details on configuring and using alarms, refer to

“Alarm Limits" on page 84.

• In t

his scan configuration, you can use the Monitor function to continuously take readings on a selected channel and wait for an alarm on that channel. Channels do not have to be part of an active scan list to be monitored; however, the channel must be configured for a measurement in order to be monitored.

• Al

l readings from the scan are stored in the instrument’s volatile

memory.  Readings accumulate in memory until the scan is terminated  (until the trigger count is reached or until you abort the scan).

• Y

ou can specify a trigger count which sets the number of scan trigger commands that will be accepted before terminating the scan. See

“Trigger Count" on page 75 for more information.

• Mx+B scal

ing and alarm limits are applied to measurements during a

manual scanning operation and all data is stored in volatile memory.

The following program segment configures the instrument to continuously

an when an alarm is detected. 

TRIG:SOURCE ALARM1 TRIG:SOURCE:ALARM CONT



CALC:LIM:UPPER 10.25,(@1003) CALC:LIM:UPPER:STATE ON,(@1003) OUTPUT:ALARM1:SOURCE (@1003)



ROUT:MON:CHAN (@1003) ROUT:MON:CHAN:ENABLE ON,(@1003) ROUT:MON:STATE ON



INIT

74 L4400 User’s Guide

Select alarm configuration Select continuous scan mode



Set upper alarm limit Enable alarms



Report alarms on Alarm 1



Select monitor channel



Enable monitoring on channel Enable monitor mode



Initiate the scan



Operating and Programming 3

Note: To stop a scan, send the ABORt command.

Externally Triggering a Scan

In this configuration, the instrument sweeps through the scan list once each time a low-going TTL pulse is received on the rear- panel Ext Trig Input line (pin 6).

• Y

ou can specify a scan count which sets the number of external pulses the instrument will accept before terminating the scan. See “Trigger Count” for more information.

• If t

• All re

• Mx+B scal

The following program segment configures scan.

TRIG:SOURCE EXT TRIG:COUNT 2 INIT

Note: T

Trigger Count

Usage:

he instrument receives an external trigger before it is ready to accept one, it will buffer one trigger and then ignore any additional triggers received (no error is generated).

adings from the scan are stored in volatile memory. 

Readings accumulate in memory until the scan is terminated  (until the scan count is reached or until you abort the scan).

ing and alarm limits are applied to measurements during

the scan and all data is stored in volatile memory.

the instrument for an external

Select external mode Sweep the scan list 2 times Initiate the scan

o stop a scan, send the ABORt command.



• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

• L4450A 64-

• L4452A Multif

only)

You can specify the number of triggers that will be accepted by an

ument before returning to the “idle” state. The trigger count applies

instr to both scanning and non- scanning applications.

• Select a trigger count betw

L4400 User’s Guide 75

Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

unction Module (digital input, totalizer channels

een 1 and 500,000 triggers, or continuous.

3 Operating and Programming

Sweep 1Trigger

Sweep Count

(1 to 500,000 sweeps)

Sweep 2

Sweep n

Trigger

. . .

• You can store at least 500,000 readings in memory and all readings are automatically time stamped. If memory overflows, the new readings will overwrite the first (oldest) readings stored; the most recent readings are always preserved.

• You can specify a trigger count in conjunction with a sweep count. The two parameters operate independent of one another, and the total number of readings returned will be the product of the two parameters.

• The CONFigure and MEASure? commands automatically set the scan trigger count to 1.

• The instrument sets the scan trigger count to 1 after a Factory Reset (

*RST command). An Instrument Preset (SYSTem:PRESet command) or

Card Reset (

The following command sets the trigger count:

TRIGger:COUNt

To configure a continuous scan, send TRIG:COUNT INFINITY.

SYSTem:CPON command) does not change the setting.

Sweep Count

Usage:

The sweep count sets the number of sweeps per trigger event during a scan (a sweep is one pass through the scan list).

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)



Figure 3-11. Sweep Count Diagram.

• The sweep count is valid only while scanning. If no channels have been assigned to the scan list, the specified sweep count is ignored (no error is generated).

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Operating and Programming 3

• You can specify a sweep count in conjunction with a trigger count and a sample count. The three parameters operate independent of one another, and the total number of readings returned will be the product of the three parameters.

• The CONFigure and MEASure? commands automatically set the sweep count to 1 sweep.

• The instrument sets the sweep count to 1 after a Factory Reset  (*RST command). An Instrument Preset (SYSTem:PRESet command) or Card Reset (

SYSTem:CPON command) does not change the setting.

The following command sets the sweep count:

SWEep:COUNt

Channel Delay

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

You can control the pacing of a scan sweep by inserting a delay between the L4421A channels in the scan list (useful for high- impedance or high- capacitance circuits). The delay occurs following relay closure and any inherent settling time, and before the generation of the “channel closed” signal that would externally trigger a separate DMM (see “Scanning with External Instruments”).

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3 Operating and Programming

Scan List

Channel Delay

(0 to 60 seconds)

Ch 1 Ch 3 Ch 4Ch 2 Ch 5 Ch 6

Figure 3-12. Channel Delay.

• You can set the channel delay to any value between 0 seconds and seconds, with 1 ms resolution. You can select a different delay for

60 each channel.

• You can select a unique delay for every channel on the module.

• The channel delay is valid only while scanning. If no channels have

been assigned to the scan list, the specified channel delay is ignored (no error is generated).

• The default channel delay is 0.0 seconds.

• A Factory Reset (*RST command) sets the channel delay to 0.0s.

The following command adds a 2- second channel delay to the specified channels.

ROUT:CHAN:DELAY 2,(@1003,1013)

78 L4400 User’s Guide

Reading Format

Usage:

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)

During a scan, the instrument automatically adds a time stamp to all readings and stores them in memory. Each reading is stored with measurement units, time stamp, channel number, and alarm status information. You can specify which information you want returned with the readings.

• The reading format applies to all readings being removed from the instrument from a scan; you cannot set the format on a per- channel basis.

• The CONFigure and MEASure? commands automatically turn off the units, time, channel, and alarm information.

• The format settings are stored in volatile memory and will be lost when power is turned off or after a Factory Reset (

Operating and Programming 3

*RST command).

The following commands to select the reading format.

FORMat:READing:ALARm ON FORMat:READing:CHANnel ON FORMat:READing:TIME ON FORMat:READing:TIME:TYPE {ABSolute|RELative} FORMat:READing:UNIT ON

Non-Sequential Scanning

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)

By default, channels are scanned in ascending order. If your application requires non- ordered scanning of the channels in the present scan list, you can use the non- sequential scanning mode.

• When sequential scanning is enabled (default), the channels in the scan list are placed in ascending order.



• When sequential scanning is disabled (OFF), the channels remain in the order presented in the scan list. Multiple occurrences of the same channel are allowed. For example, (@1001, 1001, 1001) and (@1010,1003,1001,1005) are valid and the channels will be scanned in the order presented.

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3 Operating and Programming

• If you define a scan list with the sequential mode enabled and later disable the mode, the scan list will not be reordered; however, the scan list will be treated as a non- sequential list thereafter.

• If you have defined a scan list with the sequential mode disabled (OFF) and later enable the mode, the channels will be reordered.

• Non-sequential scan lists are not stored as part of the instrument state by the enabled and the scan list will be empty when the instrument state is restored (

• The scan order setting is stored in volatile memory and the ordered mode will be enabled when power is turned off or after a Factory Reset (

The command used to control the order of the scan list is:

ROUTe:SCAN:ORDered {OFF|ON}

Monitor Mode

*SAV command; in this case, the ordered mode will be

*RCL command).

*RST command).

Usage:

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifunction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)

In the Monitor mode, the instrument takes readings as often as it can on a single channel or during a scan. This feature is useful for troubleshooting your system before a test or for watching an important signal.

• Any channel that can be “read” by a device can be monitored. This includes the digital input, totalizer, and the counter channels.

• Readings acquired during a Monitor are not stored in memory. However, all readings from a scan in progress at the same time are stored in memory.

• The Monitor mode is equivalent to making continuous measurements  on a single channel with an infinite scan count. Only one channel can be monitored at a time but you can change the channel being monitored at any time.

• A scan in progress always has priority over the Monitor function.

• Channels do not have to be part of an active scan list to be

monitored; however, the channel must be configured for a measurement in order to be monitored.

• The Monitor mode ignores all trigger settings and takes continuous readings on the selected channel using the IMMediate (continuous) source.

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Operating and Programming 3

• The Monitor mode is automatically enabled on all channels that are part of the active scan list. If you define the scan list after monitoring has already been enabled, any channels that are not part of the active scan list will be ignored during the monitor operation (no error is generated).

• Mx+B scaling and alarm limits are applied to the selected channel during a Monitor and all alarm data is stored in the alarm queue (which will be cleared if power fails).

• You can monitor a digital input channel or totalizer channel even if the channel is not part of the scan list. The count on a totalizer channel is not reset when it is being monitored (the Monitor ignores the totalizer reset mode).

The following command is used to enable the channel Monitor mode (default):

ROUTe:MONitor:MODE CHAN

The following program segment selects the channel to be monitored (single channel only) and enables the Monitor function.

ROUTE:MON:CHAN (@1003) ROUTE:MON:CHAN:ENABLE ON,(@1003) ROUTE:MON:STATE ON

To read the monitor data from the selected channel, send the following command. Each reading is returned with measurement units, time stamp, channel number, and alarm status information (see page 79).

ROUTe:MONitor:DATA?

Scanning with External Instruments

Usage:

• L4421A 40- Channel Armature Multiplexer

A common application of the the L4421A is to scan the multiplexer channels using a “separate” instrument such as a DMM. The DMM can be connected to the multiplexer’s COM terminals on its terminal block (Figure 3- 13), or it can be connected and synchronized using the multiplexer’s “Analog Busses” and “Ext Trig” ports.

“Reading Format" on

L4400 User’s Guide 81

3 Operating and Programming

Input Channels

Common T erminals

(COM)

H L

DMM



Figure 3-13. Scanning with External Instruments.

Figure 3- 14 shows the connections required to make a series (scan) of two- wire measurements (e.g. ohms, DCV) using ABus1 of the L4421A .

Sequence The L4421A outputs a Channel Closed pulse on pin 5 of its

Ext Trig connector when a relay is closed and has fully settled

(including any channel delay). By connecting this pin to the DMM’s external trigger (Ext Trig) input, the DMM is triggered to take a measurement. When the measurement is complete, the DMM outputs a pulse from its DMM (VM Complete) output. Connecting this output to pin 1 (Channel Advance) of the L4421A’s Ext Trig connector advances the scan and closes the next channel in the scan list.

82 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

Channel closed (out)

Gnd

Channel advance (in)

VM Complete

(Out)

Ext Trig

(In)

L4421A

DMM

ABus1-Hi

ABus1-Lo

This handshake sequence continues until all channels are scanned and the programmed number of passes (sweeps) through the scan list are complete.

Figure 3-14. External Scanning Using the L4421A and a DMM.

• I

n this configuration, you must set up a scan list to include all desired multiplexer channels. Channels which are not in the list are skipped during the scan.

ou can configure the event or action that controls the onset of each

• Y sweep through the scan list (a sweep is one pass through the scan list). The selected source is used for all channels in the scan list. For more information, refer to “Scan Trigger Source" on page 72.

• Y

ou can configure the event or action that notifies the instrument to advance to the next channel in the scan list. Note that the Channel Advance source shares the same sources as the (scan) trigger. However, an error is generated if you attempt to set the channel advance source to the same source (other than IMMediate) used for the scan trigger.

• Y

ou can specify the number of times the instrument will sweep through the scan list. When the specified number of sweeps have occurred, the scan stops. For more information, refer to “Sweep

Count" on page 76.

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3 Operating and Programming

• You can configure the list of channels for 4- wire external scanning. When enabled, the instrument automatically pairs channel n in Bank 1 with channel n+20 in Bank 2 to provide the source and sense connections. For example, make the source connections to the HI and LO terminals on channel 2 in Bank 1 and the sense connections to the HI and LO terminals on channel 22 (or 37) in Bank 2.

To configure the instrument for 4- wire following command.

ROUTe:CHANnel:FWIRe {OFF|ON}, (@<ch_list>)

The following program segment configures a separate DMM and the L4421A for one pass through a scan list of 10 channels (Figure 3- 14). 

CONF:RES AUTO, DEF TRIG:SOUR EXT TRIG:COUN 10 INIT



ROUT:SCAN (@1001:1010) ROUT:CHAN:ADV:SOUR EXT INIT

The L4400 Product Reference CD-ROM (p/n 34989- 13601) included with t

he L4400 instruments contains complete examples (VISA, VISA-COM, IVI- COM) of scanning L4421A channels using a separate DMM. The example is in the folder “Mux_L4421A.”

Configure DMM function (resistance) Set DMM trigger source Set DMM trigger count Put DMM in wait- for- trigger state



Set L4421A scan list Set L4421A channel advance source Initiate the scan (close first channel)

external scanning, send the



Alarm Limits

Usage:

• L4450A 64- Bit Digital I/O (digital input, counter channels only)

• L4452A Multifun

You can configure the instrument to ge bit pattern or bit pattern change is det or when a specific count is reached on a totalizer channel of the L4450A and L4452A. These channels do not h generate an alarm. Alarms are evaluated continuously as soon as you enable them.

There are two alarm paths that can be configured to alert you when

pecific alarm conditions are encountered during a scan. You can assign

s multiple channels to either of the two available alarms (ALARm1, ALARm2).

Alarm data can be stored in one of tw a scan is running when the alarm occurs.

84 L4400 User’s Guide

ction Module (digital input, totalizer channels only)

nerate an alarm when a specific  ected on a digital input channel 

ave to be part of the scan list to

o locations depending on whether

Operating and Programming 3

• If an alarm event occurs on a channel as it is being scanned, then that channel’s alarm status is stored in instrument memory as the readings are taken. Each reading that is outside the specified alarm limits is logged in memory. You can store at least 500,000 readings in memory during a scan. You can read the contents of instrument memory at any time, even during a scan. Instrument memory is not cleared when you read it.

• As alarm events are generated, they are also logged in an alarm queue, which is separate from instrument memory. This is the only place where non- scanned alarms get logged (alarms generated by the digital modules). Up to 20 alarms can be logged in the alarm queue. If more than 20 alarm events are generated, they will be lost (only the first 20 alarms are saved). Even if the alarm queue is full, the alarm status is still stored in reading memory during a scan. The alarm queue is cleared by the cycled, and by reading all of the entries. A Factory Reset (

*CLS (clear status) command, when power is

*RST

command) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset) does not clear the alarm queue.

• You can assign an alarm to any configured channel and multiple channels can be assigned to the same alarm number. However, you cannot assign alarms on a specific channel to more than one alarm number.

• When an alarm occurs, the instrument stores relevant information about the alarm in the queue. This includes the reading that caused the alarm, the time of day and date of the alarm, and the channel number on which the alarm occurred. The information stored in the alarm queue is always in absolute time format and is not affected by the

FORMat:READing:TIME:TYPE command setting.

• You must configure the channel before setting any alarm limits. If you change the measurement configuration, alarms are turned off and the limit values are cleared.

• If you plan to use scaling on a channel which will also use Mx+B scaling (L4450A counter function), be sure to configure the scaling values first. If you attempt to assign the alarm limits first, the instrument will turn off alarms and clear the limit values when you enable scaling on that channel. If you specify a custom measurement label with scaling, it is automatically used when alarms are logged on that channel.

• If you redefine the scan list, alarms are no longer evaluated on those channels (during a scan) but the limit values are not cleared. If you decide to add a channel back to the scan list (without changing the function), the original limit values are restored and alarms are turned back on. This makes it easy to temporarily remove a channel from the scan list without entering the alarm values again.

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3 Operating and Programming

• Two TTL alarm outputs are available on the rear- panel Alarms connector (Figure 3- 4). You can use these hardware outputs to trigger external alarm lights, sirens, or send a TTL pulse to your control system. You can also initiate a scan sweep (no external wiring required) when an alarm event is logged on a channel. For complete details, refer to

• A Factory Reset (*RST command) clears all alarm limits and turns off all alarms. An Instrument Preset ( Reset ( does not turn off alarms.

• The channel numbering scheme for the digital input and totalizer channels is shown below.

“Using the Alarm Output Lines" on page 88.

SYSTem:PRESet command) or Card

SYSTem:CPON command) does not clear the alarm limits and

Digital Input Channel Numbering

L4450A 1101 through 1104

1201 through 1204

L4452A 1001 through 1004 1005

Totalizer Channel Numbering

1301, 1302

• Pattern comparisons always start on the lowest- numbered channel in the bank and extend to all channels involved in the channel width.

• Alarms are evaluated continuously on the digital modules, but alarm data is stored in reading memory only during a scan.

• Each time you start a new scan, the instrument clears all readings (including alarm data) stored in reading memory from the previous scan. However, alarm data stored in the alarm queue from the digital modules is not cleared. Therefore, although the contents of reading memory are always from the most recent scan, the alarm queue may contain data that occurred during previous scans or while the instrument was not scanning.

To assign the alarm number to report any alarm conditions on the specified digital input channels, use the following command.

OUTPut:ALARm[1|2]:SOURce (@<ch_list>)

To configure alarms on the specified digital input channel, use the following commands (also see the example below).

CALCulate :COMPare:TYPE {EQUal|NEQual},(@<ch_list>) :COMPare:DATA <data>,(@<ch_list>) :COMPare:MASK <mask>,(@<ch_list>)

86 L4400 User’s Guide

Operating and Programming 3

Select EQUal to generate an alarm when the data read from the port is equal to

NEQual (not equal) to generate an alarm when the data read from the

port is not equal to

CALC:COMP:MASK.

Use

CALC:COMP:DATA after being masked by CALC:COMP:MASK. Select

CALC:COMP:DATA after being masked by

CALC:COMP:MASK to designate the “don’t care” bits. Bits that you set 

to “0” in the mask are ignored. To enable the specified alarm mode, send

e following command.

CALCulate:COMPare:STATe ON,(@<ch_list>) 

Example: Configuring an Alar

m on a Digital Input

The following program segment sets the digital pattern for the L4450A and then enables the pattern comparison mode. When the data read from the bank is equal to the comparison pattern, an alarm is generated on Alarm 2.

CALC:COMP:DATA:WORD #HF6,(@1201) CALC:COMP:TYPE EQUAL,(@1201) OUTP:ALARM2:SOUR (@1201) CALC:COMP:STAT ON,(@1201)

To assign the alarm number to report any alarm conditions on the

pecified totalizer channels, use the following command.

OUTPut:ALARm[1|2]:SOURce (@<ch_list>)

To configure an alarm on a totalizer channel, specify the desired count  as the upper limit using the following command.

CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer <count>,(@<ch_list>)

To enable the upper limit on the specified totalizer channel, use the following command.

CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer:STATe ON,(@<ch_list>)

Viewing Stored Alarm Data

If an alarm occurs on a channel as it is being scanned, then that channel’s alarm status is stored in reading memory as the readings are taken. As alarm events are generated, they are also logged in an alarm queue, which is separate from reading memory. This is the only place where non- scanned alarms get logged (alarms generated by the digital modules).

Set compare pattern (1111 0110) Generate alarm on match Enable alarms



Enable pattern compare mode



The following command reads data from the alarm queue (one alarm

vent is read and cleared each time this command is executed).

SYSTem:ALARm?

The following command retrieves scanned readings and alarm data from reading memory (the readings are not erased).

FETCh?

L4400 User’s Guide 87

3 Operating and Programming

Alarm 1 output (pin 1)

Alarm 2 output (pin 2)

Gnd (pin 9)

Using the Alarm Output Lines

As mentioned, there are two TTL alarm lines available on the rear- panel Alarms connector. Each alarm output line represents the logical “OR” of all channels assigned to that alarm number (an alarm on any of the associated channels will pulse the line). The connector is shown below:



Figure 3-15. The L4400 Series Rear Panel Alarm Connector.

You can configure the behavior of the alarm output lines as follows. The

iguration that you select is used for both alarm output lines. A

conf Factory Reset (

*RST command) clears the alarm outputs but does not

clear the alarm queue in either configuration.

• Latch Mode:

In this mode, the corresponding output line is latched true when the first alarm occurs and remains asserted until you clear it by initiating a new scan or cycling power. You can manually clear the output lines at any time (even during a scan) and the alarm data in memory is not cleared (however, data is cleared when you initiate a new scan).

• Tr

ack Mode: In this mode, the corresponding output line is asserted

only when a reading crosses a limit and remains outside the limit. When a reading returns to within limits, the output line is automatically cleared. You can manually clear the output lines at any time (even during a scan) and the alarm data in memory is not cleared (however, data is cleared when you initiate a new scan). The alarm outputs are also cleared when you initiate a new scan.

• Y

ou can control the slope of the pulse from the alarm outputs (the selected configuration is used for both outputs). In the falling edge mode, 0V (TTL low) indicates an alarm. In the rising edge mode, +5V (TTL high) indicates an alarm. A Factory Reset (

*RST command) will

reset the slope to falling edge.  

Note: Ch

anging the slope of the output lines may cause the lines to

change state.

88 L4400 User’s Guide

Agilent Technologies L4400 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Connecting the Power Cord and Turning On the Instrument 11

Downloading the Update Utility and Firmware 39

LAN Reset (Default) Configuration 45

Instrument Considerations

Transients

High Energy Sources

Interconnection Solutions Overview

Bench-Top Operation and Instrument Rack Mounting

Rack Mounting Kit Contents

Install the Shelf Rails

Install the Sliding Shelf

Install Instruments on the Shelf

Connect the Shelf to the Rack Frame

Applying Power

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries and L4400 Instrument Drivers

Configuring the L4400 Instruments

Private Network Connections

Site Network Connections

Instrument Addressing

Computer Configuration

Locating the Instruments

Adding and Configuring the Instruments

Interactive IO

Editing the Instrument’s LAN Settings

GPIB Configuration

Connecting the GPIB Cables

Starting Agilent Connection Expert

Adding Instruments to the GPIB Configuration

The GPIB Address String

Adding Additional Instruments

Firmware Updates

Installing the Firmware Update Utility

Downloading and Installing the Instrument Firmware

Instrument Power-On and Default LAN Configuration States

L4400 Instrument Front Panel Overview

Analog Bus Port

L4400 Instrument Rear Panel Overview

Ext Trig/Alarms/DIO Port

GPIB Connector

LAN Port

L4400 Series Channel Addressing Scheme

Introduction to the SCPI Command Language

Keywords

Braces and Vertical Bars

Brackets

Optional Parameters

Linking Commands

L4400 SCPI Command Summary

Table 3-3. L4400 Series SCPI Command Summary.

L4400 Series Programming Examples

Visual Basic.NET

Visual Basic 6.0

Visual Basic 6.0

VISA COM Examples

Porting Applications

Analog Bus Applications

Transients

High Energy Sources

User-Defined Channel Labels

Scanning Applications

Scan Trigger Source

Interval Scanning

Manual Scanning

Scanning on Alarm

Externally Triggering a Scan

Scanning with External Instruments

Alarm Limits