Agilent Technologies L4400 User Manual

Agilent L4400 Series

LXI Class C Instruments

User’s Guide

Agilent Technologies

i

Notices

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2011, 2012

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent 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 disclaims 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 incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document 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.

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 software” 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 FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments 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

than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data

Safety Notices

CAUTION

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.

WARNING

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.

i

Additional Safety Notices

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. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability of the customer’s failure to comply with the requirements.

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

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

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

Ground the Instrument

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 disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.

Alternating current

Frame or chassis terminal

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

Caution, risk of electric shock

Caution, refer to accompanying

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.

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: [phone] 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.

ii

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.

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iv

Contents

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

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

2 Software Installation and Configuration

Installing the Agilent IO Libraries and L4400 Instrument Drivers							14
Installing the Agilent IO Libraries				14	15
Installing the L4400 Instrument Drivers
Configuring the L4400 Instruments				17
Selecting a LAN Network		17
Connecting the LAN Cables			18	20
IP Addresses and Host Names
Configuring the LAN Interface			21
Identifying the Instruments			27		28
Using the Instrument Web Interface
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

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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				54
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters
Querying Parameter Settings					54			55
Specifying Channel Lists and Scan Lists
L4400 SCPI Command Summary					55
L4400 Series Programming Examples						59
Modifying IVI-COM Examples (.NET)							59
Modifying IVI-C Examples				61				62
Modifying VISA and VISA COM Examples									64
Using L4400 Instruments in Agilent 34980A Applications
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		79
Non-Sequential Scanning
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	93
Querying the Sequence Definition
Executing a Sequence			93			94
Executing a Sequence on an Alarm Condition
Deleting Sequences			95		95
Reading the List of Stored Sequences
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				146
Using Single Drive Switches and Attenuators
Using Dual Drive Switches and Attenuators						147
Using Pulse Drive			148	149
Long Execution Times
Verifying Switch State				149
LED Drive	151			152
Default and Reset States
Y1150A	155
Y1151A	159
Y1152A	164
Y1153A	169
Y1154A	174
Y1155A	179				187
Mounting the Remote Modules
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		210
Buffered I/O Operations
Interrupt Lines			213
Byte Ordering			214
Pattern Matching			215
Counter	216				217
Initiated Measurement Mode
Clock	218				218
L4450A D-Sub Connectors				221
34950T Terminal Block

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	236
Analog Output (DAC)
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

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A L4451A and L4452A Calibration Procedures

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

1

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 40Channel Armature Multiplexer Module

•L4433A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix Module

•L4437A 32Channel General Purpose Switch Module

•L4445A Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver Module

•L4450A 64Bit 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

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 noncondensing 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 modules should be operated in an indoor environment where temperature and humidity are controlled. Condensation can pose a 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 instrument has thermally stabilized until pollution degree 1 conditions are restored before turning on power to the equipment.

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

Instrument	Pollution Degree 1 Specifications	Pollution Degree 2 Specifications
L4421A	40 channels, 300V rms or DC, 1A,	40 channels, 100V rms or DC, 1A,
	60 VA/channel	60 VA/channel
L4433A	Dual/quad 4x8 matrix, 150 Vpeak,	Dual/quad 4x8 matrix, 100 Vpeak,
	0.5A, 10 VA/channel	0.5 A, 10 VA per channel
L4437A	28 channels, 300 V rms or DC, 1A,	28 channels, 100 V rms or DC, 1A,
	60 VA per channel	60 VA per channel
	4 channels, 250 V rms or 30 VDC,	4 channels, 100 V rms or 30 VDC,
	5A, 150 VA per channel	5A, 150 VA per channel
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,	32 DIO channels, 42V, 400 mA,
	2 channel DAC, 12V, 10 mA	2 channel DAC, 12V, 10 mA

2	L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

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

		Pollution Degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution
	NOTE
		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
	WARNING
		disconnect or de-energize all field wiring to the instrument
		and to the analog bus connector (if present) before removing
		any terminal block covers.

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 lightningcaused 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 lowvoltage applications, and should not be connected to circuits that 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 highenergy sources.

		Install current limiting devices between high energy sources and
	CAUTION
		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

Terminal Blocks 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 50pin D- sub and 78pin 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, 50pin D- sub, 300V)

Y1136A (3 meters, 50pin D- sub, 300V)

Y1137A (1.5 meters, 78pin D- sub, 300V)

Y1138A (3 meters, 78pin D- sub, 300V)

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

Ordering Information:

Y1139A (50pin D- sub female, 125V, for L4421A/L4433A/L4437A)

Y1141A (50pin D- sub male, 125V, for L4451A/L4452A)

Y1142A (78pin 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 benchtop or rack mounted in standard 19inch 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 benchtop, 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 sideby- side on a sliding shelf, while occupying one EIA rack unit of space.

Rackmounting instructions are provided with the kit and are also provided 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	Part Number	Quantity
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
9	Filler panels	5180-0104	2
10	Rear (rail) brackets	5180-0105	2
---	Installation Instructions	Y1160-90030	1

L4400 User’s Guide

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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.

10

3

8

9

5

4

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

6	L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

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 rearfacing 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).

	EIA unit indicators	6.35 mm
		15.875 mm
	(1 EIA unit)
	44.45 mm	15.875 mm
	(1.75 in)	6.35 mm

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
	NOTE
		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 clipon nuts (item 5) on the three holes between the unit indicators. Place nuts on both the left and right frontfacing columns (Figure 1- 3).

L4400 User’s Guide

7

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

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

back of rack

center-facing colums insert clip nuts

on first and third holes between indicators

(center of rack)

rail “channel

insert clip nut

if column present

insert clip nuts

between rack unit indicators

front-facing columns

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

2. With the rail “channel” facing the center of the rack, connect the rail to the front facing column using a 1032 flathead screw (item 4) and the center clipon nut on the frontfacing column. Repeat for the rail on the opposite column. Ensure the rail channel faces the center of the rack.

If the rack has centerfacing columns (Figure 1- 3), insert a 1032 pan head screw through the rail opening and clip nut (perpendicular to the frontfacing column). Repeat for the rail on the opposite column.

3.On the rack’s rearfacing columns, insert clipon nuts on the first and third holes between the EIA unit indicators that are at the same vertical position as the indicators on the frontfacing columns.

4.Attach the rear brackets to the rail ends using two 1032 pan head screws (item 3) and two 1032 nuts with lockwashers (item 6) per rail. Adjust the bracket along the rail until the bracket end aligns with (covers) the rack’s rearfacing columns. Tighten the 1032 pan head screws to firmly connect the bracket to the rail and maintain the rail length.

Connect the rail brackets to the rearfacing columns using two 1032 pan head screws per column.

8	L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

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.

Rail channel

Shelf tab

Bottom surface

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 reversemounted 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 the shelf surface is outside of the rack. (The tabs on the back of the shelf that run underneath the rail channel prevent the shelf from tipping.)

2.Determine the position of the instruments (flush, recessed, reversed). To accommodate the terminal blocks (available with some of the L4400 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 instrument (Figure 1- 1). Set the carrier on the shelf, and align the 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

1Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

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 present.

6.For instruments that have accompanying terminal blocks, partially remove the instrument subassembly from the instrument (carrier) by loosening the springloaded 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 subassembly.

	spring-loaded
	mounting screws
pan
instrument sub-assembly
flat head screws
terminal block
support sleeve	pan head screw
	flat head screws

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

10	L4400 User’s Guide

Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments 1

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

Connect the Shelf to the Rack Frame

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 frontfacing columns of the rack frame. Using two1032 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:

www.agilent.com/find/L4400

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

	Instrument		Description
	L4421A	Power Supply:	Universal 100V to 240V ±10%
			50Hz to 60Hz ±10% auto sensing
	L4433A	Power Line Frequency:
	L4437A
	L4445A	Power Consumption:	50VA
	L4450A
		Operating Environment:	Full accuracy for 0 C to 55 C
	L4451A
	L4452A		Full accuracy to 80% R.H. at 40 C
		Storage Environment:	-40 C to 70 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 Figure 1- 6.

L4400 User’s Guide

11

1 Introduction to the L4400 Series LXI Instruments

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

Power

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

13

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:

•Agilent E2094A IO Libraries Suite 14.1

•Agilent L4400A Product Reference CDROM (p/n 3498913601)

This section covers the sequence and procedures for installing the IO libraries and instrument drivers required to program the instruments.

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

CDROM (p/n 3498913601). The IO Libraries are contained on the Agilent AutomationReady CD included with the instrument, or may be downloaded from the Agilent website at http://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

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Close all applications on your computer. Insert the Agilent

AutomationReady CD into the CDROM drive. Follow the instructions as prompted during the installation. Accept all default directories specified.

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

		If another vendor’s implementation of VISA (Virtual Instrument
	NOTE
		Software Architecture) is currently installed on your computer, continue
		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
	NOTE
		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).

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 in Figure 2-2. If the program does not start automatically, select Start -> Run -> Open: <cd-rom drive>:\index.html.

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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	Recommended Drivers
Microsoft® Visual C 6.0 Visual C++, ANSI C	IVI-C, IVI COM, VISA
Microsoft® Visual Basic 6.0	IVI-COM, VISA, VISA-COM
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET for C#, C,	IVI-COM
Visual Basic
Agilent VEE	IVI-COM
National Instruments LabVIEW	LabVIEW Plug&Play (with
	L44XX native mode driver),
	IVI-C
National Instruments LabWindows/CVI	IVI-C

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

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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:

•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 (companywide) LAN is defined as a network in which instrument access is available to many users in onsite 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.

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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 subnetwork (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.

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