Giga-tronics ASCOR Series 8000 Getting Started Manual

Giga-tronics ASCOR SERIES 8000 Getting Started Guide Rev. C

GIGA-TRONICS

Giga-tronics ASCOR

Series 8000 Switch

Getting Started Guide

Terukuni Okuyama

2013-08-14

This guide describes the installation, controlling, and programming of the Series 8000 Switch
Module.

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1. OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 5

2. INSTALLING SERIES 8000 GUI PROGRAM, I/O AND USB DRIVER .................... 6

2.1 Installing Series 8000 GUI Program and I/O Driver .......................................................................... 6

2.1.1 Setup Opening Panel ................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.2 Destination Directory Panel ........................................................................................................ 7

2.1.3 License Agreement Panel ............................................................................................................ 7

2.1.4 Start Installation Panel ................................................................................................................ 8

2.1.5 Installation Complete Panel ........................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Installing the USB Device Driver ...................................................................................................... 9

3. STARTING THE SERIES 8000 GUI PROGRAM ....................................................... 11

3.1 Main Panel - Initialization Tab ...................................................................................................... 11

3.1.1 Live Mode .................................................................................................................................. 12

3.1.2 Simulation Mode ....................................................................................................................... 14

3.2 Main Panel - Switch Control Tab ................................................................................................... 15

3.2.1 Closing and Opening Switches using Virtual LEDs ..................................................................... 16

3.2.2 Closing and Opening Switches using Numerical Controls ......................................................... 16

3.2.3 Switch Access Count Indicators ................................................................................................. 16

3.3 Main Panel - Switch Table Tab ...................................................................................................... 17

3.4 Communication Panel ................................................................................................................... 18

4. CONNECTING TO LAN-BASE SERIES 8000 SWITCH FOR THE FIRST TIME . 19

4.1 Equipment needed ....................................................................................................................... 19

4.2 Connecting to the Series 8000 Switch ........................................................................................... 19

4.3 Matching Your Computer’s IP Address to the Series 8000 Switch ................................................. 20

5. CHANGING THE IP ADDRESS OF THE SERIES 8000 SWITCH .......................... 21

5.1 Welcome Web Page ...................................................................................................................... 21

5.2 Configuration Web Page ............................................................................................................... 22

5.3 Other Configuration Web Page Settings: ....................................................................................... 22

5.4 Confirmation Web Page ................................................................................................................ 23

5.5 Rebooting Web Page .................................................................................................................... 24

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6. RESTORING FACTORY DEFAULT IP ADDRESS ..................................................... 25

7. CONNECTING TO GPIB-BASE SERIES 8000 SWITCH FOR THE FIRST TIME 26

7.1 Equipment needed ....................................................................................................................... 26

7.2 Connecting to the Series 8000 Switch ........................................................................................... 26

8. CHANGING THE GPIB ADDRESS OF THE SERIES 8000 SWITCH ..................... 27

9. CONNECTING TO USB-BASE SERIES 8000 SWITCH FOR THE FIRST TIME . 28

9.1 Equipment needed ....................................................................................................................... 28

9.2 USB Device Driver Installation ...................................................................................................... 28

9.3 Identifying the COM Port .............................................................................................................. 28

9.4 Setting the COM Port parameters ................................................................................................. 28

10. USB INTERFACE OPERATION .................................................................................... 29

10.1 Communication Settings .......................................................................................................... 29

10.2 Command Termination ............................................................................................................ 29

10.3 Communication Prompt ........................................................................................................... 29

11. COMMAND SET ............................................................................................................... 30

11.1 Switch Control Commands ....................................................................................................... 30

11.2 Switch Configure Commands .................................................................................................... 32

11.3 Switch Enabling Commands ..................................................................................................... 33

11.4 IEEE-488.2 Commands .............................................................................................................. 35

12. SAMPLE PROGRAM ....................................................................................................... 37

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Record of Changes

Revision

Description of Change

Chg Order #

Approved By

A

Initial Release

03579

TO

B

Added Installation Without IO Section

Added Commands Section

03587

TO

C

Fixed Sec. 3.2.2 SPDT/Transfer description

Fixed Typo “Ith” to”If”

Added Switch Configure Commands and

Switch Enabling Commands sections

Added sections for USB-based chassis

03593

TO

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1. Overview

This Getting Started Guide makes you familiarized with the controlling and programming
aspects of the Series 8000 Switch. It guides you through the GUI and I/O installation
process. Modification of the IP address for the LAN-based Series 8000 Switch and the
GPIB address for the GPIB-based Series 8000 Switch is described. A complete sample
program for Microsoft Visual C++ is provided at the end.

This guide can be used for different families of the Series 8000 Switch, such as Series
8000 Switch for LAN, GPIB, or USB, or 8901 and 8902 for LAN, GPIB, or USB.

The LAN-based Series 8000 Switch is a VXI-11.3 compliant instrument. VXI-11 is a
communication standard which utilizes RPC (Remote Procedure Call) and allows
communication between a controller and an instrument over LAN.

The GPIB-based Series 8000 Switch is an IEEE-488.2 compatible instrument.

The USB-based Series 8000 Switch is controlled via the USB bus using Microsoft’s
Virtual COM Port Driver.

All versions of the Series 8000 Switch are controlled with the VISA I/O. It is used for
making calls to communicate with the Series 8000 Switch. VISA I/O libraries are
available from National Instruments and Agilent Technologies.

Our installation program for the Series 8000 GUI program comes in two different
packages. The GUI program package installs the graphic runtime engine and the GUI
program. The GUI program plus I/O drivers package installs all the necessary I/O drivers
to gain access to the Series 8000 Switch. The latter package installs National Instruments
VISA Runtime Engine for the support of the LAN-based Series 8000 Switch, and
National Instruments IEEE-488.2 driver for the support of the GPIB-based Series 8000
Switch.

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2. Installing Series 8000 GUI Program, I/O and USB Driver

The following steps will guide you to install the GUI program for the Series 8000 Switch.
There are two different installation packages, one with only the GUI program and one
with the GUI program and the I/O driver. If you already have Agilent-VISA or NI-VISA
installed in your system you may choose the installation package with only the GUI
program. If you are installing on a fresh computer, choose the installation package with
the I/O driver.

Locate the appropriate Series 8000 SVP folder on the Installation CD or unzip the
appropriate Series 8000 SVP zip file to any temporary folder and run the setup.exe
program.

2.1 Installing Series 8000 GUI Program and I/O Driver

2.1.1 Setup Opening Panel

One of the two Opening Panels for the Installation program will appear. Click Next to
continue.

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Figure 1 - Setup Opening Panel

Figure 2 – Setup with I/O Opening Panel

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2.1.2 Destination Directory Panel

Set the destination folder if you desire to install the Series8000 GUI or the I/O driver into
a different folder. In normal conditions, there is no need to change these folders. Click
Next to continue.

Figure 3 - Destination Directory Panel

2.1.3 License Agreement Panel

Please read the License Agreement and click on the “I accept the License Agreement”
radio button. Click Next to continue.

Figure 4 - License Agreement Panel

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2.1.4 Start Installation Panel

Verify the programs to be installed. Some sections may have already been installed in
prior installations. Click Next to continue.

Figure 5 - Start Installation Panel

2.1.5 Installation Complete Panel

Installation is completed. Click Finish to exit the installation program.

Figure 6 - Installation Complete Panel

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2.2 Installing the USB Device Driver

This section is for installing the USB Device Driver for Windows for USB-based Series
8000 Switch. If your Series 8000 Switch is not a USB-based version then you may skip
this section.

Before plugging in the USB-based Series 8000 Switch to your PC, a device driver for the
USB device must be installed for Windows to recognize the Switch chassis. The
following Windows versions are supported: Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later,
Windows 7 x86, and Windows 7 x64.

There are two versions of the installation program, one for the 32-bit Windows and the
other for the 64-bit Windows. x86 folder holds the installation program for the 32-bit
Windows and x64 folder holds the installation program for the 64-bit Windows. The two
folders are located under MCP2200 Driver Installation Tool folder in the installation
package.

Run the installation program MCP2200DriverInstallationTool.exe from the appropriate
folder and follow the instruction.

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Figure 7 - USB Device Driver Initial Panel

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Please read the End User License Agreement and click on the “I accept” radio button.

Click Next to continue.

Figure 8 - USB Device Driver EULA Panel

Installation is completed. Click Finish to exit the installation program.

Figure 9 - USB Device Driver Done Panel

If the Series 8000 Switch was plugged in your PC before the driver was installed,
Windows may assign a wrong driver for the Series 8000 Switch. In such a case, unplug
the USB cable of Series 8000 Switch to the PC, uninstall the incorrect driver, restart
Windows, and install the USB Device Driver.

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3. Starting the Series 8000 GUI Program

After the successful installation of the Series 8000 GUI program, it can be started from
the Start Menu. Please follow one of the link below:

Start >> Series8000-SVP

Or

Start >> All Programs >> Giga-tronics >> ASCOR >> Series8000-SVP >> Series8000-SVP

3.1 Main Panel - Initialization Tab

The Series 8000 GUI program starts up in the Initialization Tab of the Main Panel. From
this tab you can connect to the Series 8000 Switch in live mode. Or you can run this
program in simulation mode.

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Figure 10 - Series 8000 SVP Initialization Tab

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3.1.1 Live Mode

3.1.1.1 Connecting to the Series 8000 Switch

Series 8000 GUI supports LAN-based and GPIB-based Series 8000 Switch. Follow the
appropriate section below.

3.1.1.1.1 For LAN-based Series 8000 Switch

If this is the first time connecting to the LAN-based Series 8000 Switch, see Section 4

Connecting to LAN-based Series 8000 Switch for the First Time for more information.

Enter the IP Address of the Series 8000 Switch and click on Init button.

3.1.1.1.2 For GPIB-based Series 8000 Switch

If this is the first time connecting to the GPIB-based Series 8000 Switch, see Section 7

Connecting to GPIB-based Series 8000 Switch for the First Time for more information.

Select the GPIB address of the Series 8000 Switch and click on Init button.

3.1.1.1.3 For USB-based Series 8000 Switch

If this is the first time connecting to the USB-based Series 8000 Switch, see Section 9

Connecting to USB-based Series 8000 Switch for the First Time for more information.

Select the COM port of the PC that is used for the Series 8000 Switch and click on Init
button.

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3.1.1.2 Identification Information

After successful initialization, identification information is queried from the Series 8000
Switch and displayed on the display.

The format of the Identification Information is as follows:

<Manufacturer Name>, <Model>, <SN>, <Rev> <PartNumber>

Manufacturer Name is “ASCOR”.

Model is the model number and it is either “8000” for the unit that does not support
switch access counting capability. Or “8000-001” for the unit that supports switch access
counting capability. These two model numbers are used for all different variations of the
Series 8000 Switch including 8900 family.

SN is the serial number field of “S/N” header and a seven digit serial number of the unit
separated by a space.

Rev is the revision number field of “REV” header and a revision number of the chassis
assembly separated by a space.

PartNumber is the part number field of “P/N” header and a part number of the chassis
separated by a space.

The Identification Information can be queried again by simply clicking the Read IDN

button.

3.1.1.3 Manual Command Entry

Commands to the Series 8000 Switch can be manually from the Manual Command Entry
block.

Enter the command in the entry section on the right and click the Enter key of the
keyboard or click on the Write CMD button to send the command.

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3.1.1.4 Response Display

After a query command a response from the Series 8000 Switch is displayed in the
Response Display.

Enabling the Auto Query function will make the Series 8000 GUI program automatically
read the response after query command. If the Auto Query function is disabled, the
response to the query command can be read back by clicking on the Read button.

Clicking the Clear button clears the content of the Response Display.

3.1.2 Simulation Mode

If you do not have the Series 8000 Switch to connect or if you simply want to run the
Series 8000 GUI program in simulation mode, select the desired part number of the unit
to simulate from the Part Number pull down menu and click the Simulate button.

The controls and displays for the functionalities that are not supported in simulation
mode are dimmed out and cannot be used. Any responses to the query commands are not
simulated and default values are used instead.

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3.2 Main Panel - Switch Control Tab

The Switch Control Tab gives the capability to toggle the switch by simply clicking on
the desired pin. This tab represents the front panel of the connected Series 8000 Switch
that was automatically identified by the GUI program. In simulation mode this tab
represents the front panel of the Series 8000 Switch selected by Part Number pull down
menu in the Initialization tab.

The Series 8000 GUI supports various types of Series 8000 Switch. The panel below
shows the virtual panel for the Model 8902 which can be identified by the part number
90570310 displayed on the sub tab.

Figure 11 - Series 8000 SVP Switch Control Tab

The green or yellow color on the virtual LED signifies the associated pins are connected
together. The black pins signify that there are no connections between the pins.

Figure 12 - SP6T Switch Block Figure 13 - SPDT Switch Block

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Figure 14 - Transfer Switch

Block

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3.2.1 Closing and Opening Switches using Virtual LEDs

The switch can be controlled by clicking on the virtual LEDs.

For SP3T, SP4T, SP5T, SP6T, and SP8T switches, click on the unlit (black) virtual LED
corresponding to the physical switch pin to connect a path from the corresponding pin to
the common pin. Two virtual LEDs will light up indicating the corresponding path is
closed. Click on either of the lit (green) virtual LEDs to open the connected path.

For SPDT switches, click on the virtual LED for the Normally Open (NO) to connect the
path from Common to Normally Open. This is an energized or on state. Click on the
virtual LED for the Normally Closed (NC) to connect from Common to Normally
Closed. This is a de-energized or off state. Alternatively, click on the virtual LED for
Common (C) to toggle between Normally Open and Normally Closed states.

For Transfer switches, click on the top right virtual LED to connect the path from
Common to Normally Open. This is an energized or on state. In this state the paths
along the horizontal pins are connected. Click on the bottom left virtual LED to connect
the path from Common to Normally Closed. This is a de-energized or off state. In this
state the paths along the vertical pins are connected. Alternatively, click on the top left or
bottom right virtual LEDs to toggle between Normally Open and Normally Closed states.

3.2.2 Closing and Opening Switches using Numerical Controls

The switch can be controlled by selecting the desired position using the numerical control

associated to the switch.

For SP3T, SP4T, SP5T, SP6T, and SP8T switches, the numerical control can be used for
setting the switch to the desired position. Set to 0 to open the switch. Set to non-zero to
close the switch to the desired position. The maximum position varies depending on the
available poles of the switch.

For SPDT and Transfer switches, the numerical control can be used for selecting on and
off states. Set to 0 for the off state. In this state the Common pin will connect to the
Normally Closed pin. Set to 1 for the on state. In this state the Common pin will connect
to the Normally Open pin.

3.2.3 Switch Access Count Indicators

For the Series 8000 Switch where counting capability is available, the counting indicator

displays the running access count of the associated switch.

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3.3 Main Panel - Switch Table Tab

The Switch Table Tab lists all the possible switches for the selected chassis. The table
has six columns – Label, Conn, Available, SW, Count, and Serial Number. The “Label”
column shows the label of the switches on the Series 8000 Switch front panel. The
“Conn” column shows the J-numbers of the socket on the driver board where the plugs of
the switch cables connect. The “Available” column shows the availability of the switch.
The “SW” column shows the switch number used in switch commands. The “Count”
column shows the running access count of the switch. This count can be modified to any
desired value. The “Serial Number” column shows the serial number of the switch.

In simulation mode, Counts and Serial Numbers can be changed in the Switch Table but
cannot be saved and gets reverted to their respective default values.

Click on the Read Table button to restore the Switch Table with
the information stored in the Series 8000 Switch flash memory.

Click on the Save Table button to update the Series 8000 Switch
flash memory with the information in the Switch Table.

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Figure 15 - Series 8000 SVP Switch Table Tab

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3.4 Communication Panel

The Communication Panel displays the commands sent from the Series 8000 GUI and
responses returned from the Series 8000 Switch.

Figure 16 - Communication Panel

You can select what gets displayed by toggling the radio button corresponding to the type
of communication. Select the Commands radio button to

display the commands sent to the Series 8000 Switch. Select the
Responses radio button to display the responses returned from the Series
8000 Switch.

Click the Clear Log button to clear the items displayed in the Communication Log
display.

In simulation mode, only the outgoing commands are displayed. Not responses are
simulated.

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4. Connecting to LAN-base Series 8000 Switch for the First

Time

4.1 Equipment needed

First your computer must be equipped with the network capability. Second you will need
an RJ-45 network cable. If you are connecting the Series 8000 Switch directly to the
computer, you may need to use a special crossover cable, especially if your computer
does not have an auto-sensing functionality.

4.2 Connecting to the Series 8000 Switch

When you are connecting to the Series 8000 Switch for the first time, care has to be taken
to have the IP address of the computer and the Series 8000 Switch in the same subnet.
The Series 8000 Switch comes with a factory default IP address of 192.168.0.254. Verify
this address with the IP address labeled next the LAN cable plug on the back of the Series
8000 Switch.

Make sure your computer’s IP address belongs to the same subnet and do not have any IP
address conflict with the Series 8000 Switch or any other devices that are connected in
the network. If you need to change the computer’s IP address go to the Section 4.3

Matching Your Computer’s IP Address to the Series 8000 Switch.

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4.3 Matching Your Computer’s IP Address to the Series 8000 Switch

In order to communicate to the Series 8000 Switch via LAN or to change the IP address
of the Series 8000 Switch, your computer’s IP address must be in the same subnet with
the Series 8000 Switch. You can modify your computer’s IP address from the Internet
Protocol Version Properties dialog box in Windows.

Figure 17 - Internet Protocol Version Properties

Click on the “Use the following IP address” radio button and enter the new IP address of
the computer. Your new IP address should match the first three octets of the IP address
Series 8000 Switch, 192.168.0 in this case. The last octet should be something unique,
100, in this case. Enter “255.255.255.0” for the Subnet mask. Click OK until you exit all
the dialog boxes.

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5. Changing the IP Address of the Series 8000 Switch

The IP address of the LAN-based Series 8000 Switch can be changed from the
configuration web page of the Series 8000 Switch using a web browser. This means that
before you can change the IP address of the Series 8000 Switch, you have to first have

your computer’s IP address set to the same subnet of the Series 8000 Switch. If you need
to match your computer’s IP address to the Series 8000 Switch follow the instruction in

the Section 4.3 Matching Your Computer’s IP Address to the Series 8000 Switch.

Using a web browser go to the Welcome Page of the Series 8000 Switch. You can reach
the Welcome Page by typing the IP address of the Series 8000 Switch, such as
“192.168.0.254” in your browser’s address bar and hit return.

5.1 Welcome Web Page

The Welcome Page gives you information about the Series 8000 Switch that is
connected. The information such as Model number, serial number, revision, MAC
address, and IP address are displayed. A link to the Configuration Page is on the bottom
center of the screen.

Click on the “Go to Configuration Page” button to go to the
Configuration Page.

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Figure 18 - Welcome Web Page

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5.2 Configuration Web Page

Configuration Page allows you to change the IP Address and the Net Mask to the desired
values.

Figure 19 - Configuration Web Page

Enter the new IP address and set the Net Mask to 255.255.255.0:

Click on Update Flash button.

Wait for the web page to switch to the Confirmation page.

5.3 Other Configuration Web Page Settings:

Following are some other setting available under the Configuration page. These setting
do not have to be changed for changing the IP address but are presented here for
completeness.

Comm Timeout (in seconds): If the Series 8000 Switch senses no client communication
for more than the Comm Timeout setting, then the Series 8000 Switch will close the
socket, release any locks, and reclaim all associated instrument resources. Use of a short
setting of 3-5 minutes is recommended during the debugging stages to recover broken

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links faster. Use a longer setting of 10 minutes or longer for debugged applications. A
value of 0 disables the Comm Timeout. The Comm Timeout range is between 0 and
4294967295 seconds.
IP KeepAlive: Enables the socket layer of the Series 8000 Switch to send the client side
socket layer a short test message once every 120 minutes if no messages have been sent.
If the other socket fails to reply, the Series 8000 Switch will close the socket, release any
locks, and reclaim all associated instrument links. Do not enable Keep Alive if the target
socket does not support Keep Alive messages. The recommended setting is On.

Auto Close Sockets: Enabling this feature causes the Series 8000 Switch to close the
socket and release all resources when the available link count goes to zero. It is not
recommended when there are other operations running since it can cause communication
loss. The default is Off.

5.4 Confirmation Web Page

The new IP address is saved in the Series 8000 Switch flash memory and the unit has to

be rebooted or power cycled. You can click on the “Return to the Configuration Page”

button if you wish to modify further.

Click on Reboot button.

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Figure 20 - Confirmation Web Page

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5.5 Rebooting Web Page

Wait for the Series 8000 Switch to reboot.

Figure 21 - Rebooting Web Page

Click on the “Return to the Welcome Page” button only if the new IP address is the same

as the old IP address.

Otherwise, enter the new IP address into your browser’s address bar and hit return to
verify the change. If the new IP address is in a different subnet as your computer, follow
the instructions in the Section 4.3 Matching Your Computer’s IP Address to the Series

8000 Switch.

Type in the new IP address in your browser.

Verify the new IP address.

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6. Restoring Factory Default IP Address

The IP address of the LAN-based Series 8000 Switch can be restored to the factory
default by pressing the reset button while powering up the device. The default IP address
is 192.168.0.254. Make sure there are no other devices on the network with the same
address. Follow the detailed instructions:

A. Turn off the power to the Series 8000 Switch.
B. Open the cover of the Series 8000 Switch.
C. Locate the relay driver board.
D. Locate the controller board underneath the relay driver board.
E. Locate the white IP Address Reset push button.
F. Press and hold the IP Address Reset button while powering up the Series 8000

Switch.

G. Keep holding the IP Address Reset button for 5 seconds after the power is on.
H. Release the IP Address Reset button.
I. Turn off the power and place the cover back.
J. Make sure the network cable is hooked up.
K. Turn on the power to the Series 8000 Switch.
L. Verify the Series 8000 Switch at the factory default IP address.
M. It may take a while for the address to propagate through the network

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7. Connecting to GPIB-base Series 8000 Switch for the First

Time

7.1 Equipment needed

First your computer must be equipped with the GPIB capability. Second you will need a
GPIB cable.

7.2 Connecting to the Series 8000 Switch

The Series 8000 Switch comes with a factory default GPIB address of 4. Identify the
GPIB address from the DIP switch located to the GPIB connector on the back of the
Series 8000 Switch.

Refer to the Section 8 Changing the GPIB Address of the Series 8000 Switch if you wish
to set the GPIB address of the Series 8000 Switch to another address.

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Address

1 2 3 4 5

0

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

1

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

ON

2

OFF

OFF

OFF

ON

OFF

3

OFF

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

4

OFF

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF 5 OFF

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

6

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

7

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

ON

8

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

OFF

9

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

10

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

11

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

ON

12

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

13

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

ON

14

OFF

ON

ON

ON

OFF

15

OFF

ON

ON

ON

ON

Address

1 2 3 4 5

16

ON

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

17

ON

OFF

OFF

OFF

ON

18

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

OFF

19

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

20

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

21

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

22

ON

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

23

ON

OFF

ON

ON

ON

24

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

OFF

25

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

26

ON

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

27

ON

ON

OFF

ON

ON

28

ON

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

29

ON

ON

ON

OFF

ON

30

ON

ON

ON

ON

OFF

31

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

8. Changing the GPIB Address of the Series 8000 Switch

The GPIB address of the Series 8000 Switch can be changed by setting the GPIB Address
DIP switch. The GPIB Address DIP switch is located next to the GPIB connector on the
back of the Series 8000 Switch. There are eight rocker switches in the GPIB Address
DIP switch module. The left most five switches are used for the GPIB addressing. Do
not modify the right most three switches. GPIB address range from 0 to 31. Address 0 is
reserved for the controller. Set the DIP switch according to the GPIB address you wish
to set using the table below.

The factory default GPIB address is 4.

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Figure 22 - GPIB Address to DIP Switch

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9. Connecting to USB-base Series 8000 Switch for the First

Time

9.1 Equipment needed

First your computer must be equipped with a USB port that is compatible with USB 1.1
or USB 2.0. Second you are running Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later, Windows 7
x86, or Windows 7 x64. Third you will need a USB adapter cable with Type A to Type
B plugs.

9.2 USB Device Driver Installation

If you have not already installed the USB Device Driver for Windows, please follow the
instruction on Section 2.2 Installing the USB Device Driver to install the driver.

9.3 Identifying the COM Port

After the USB Device Driver is installed and the Series 8000 Switch plugged in and
powered on, go to Windows Device Manager and look for USB Serial Port (COMx)
where x is the port number, under Ports (COM & LPT). Windows assigns an unused
COM Port to the newly plugged in USB-based Series 8000 Switch.

Figure 23 - Device Manager Device Tree

9.4 Setting the COM Port parameters

The Series 8000 Switch is set to 115.2 K baud, 8 data bit, and no parity. The USB Driver
for the newly plugged in Series 8000 Switch must be set to match these settings.

Right click on the USB Serial Port (COMx) identified in the previous section. Then select
Properties to bring up the USB Serial Port (COMx) Properties dialog box. Click on the
Port Settings tab. Then match the port settings to the settings described in Section 10.1

Communication Settings found in the next section. Click OK and then close the Device

Manager dialog box.

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10. USB Interface Operation

10.1 Communication Settings

USB-based Series 8000 Switch has the following serial port binding:

Baud rate: 115200
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Flow control: None

10.2 Command Termination

Each command that is sent to the USB-based Series 8000 Switch must be terminated with
a line feed character (0Ah). The line feed terminating character is optional for GPIB and
LAN-based Series 8000 Switch.

10.3 Communication Prompt

The USB-based Series 8000 Switch sends back a communication prompt after
completion of each operation to signal that it is ready for the next command. This
prompt must be read before the next command can be sent to the USB-based Series 8000
Switch. The prompt consists of two characters, a greater than character “>” and a line
feed character.

For an output command the sequence of operation is
a) send command and
b) read prompt.

For a query command the sequence is
a) send query command,
b) read input message, and
c) read prompt.

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Command

Description

ROUTe:SWITch Sw, P

Sets a switch to a desired position. Sw is the switch
identification number, 1-nn. P is the desired position as a
decimal value. The sub-table below lists available positions
for different types of switches.

For SP3T, SP4T, SP5T, SP6T, and SP8T switches, setting the
position to 0, disconnects a path between common pin and
any connected pin. Setting the position to a non-zero number
connects a path between common pin and the pin of the
selected position.

Sw Type

Positions

SP3T

0=All Open, 1, 2, 3

SP4T

0=All Open, 1, 2, 3, 4

SP5T

0=All Open, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SP6T

0=All Open, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

SP8T

0=All Open, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

For SPDT switches, setting the position to 0, connects a path
between common pin and Normally Closed pin. Setting the
position to 1 connects a path between common pin and
Normally Open pin.

Sw Type

Positions

SPDT

0=Normally Closed, 1=Normally Open

For Transfer switches, setting the position to 0, connects a
path along the vertical pins. Setting the position to 1
connects a path along the horizontal pins.

Sw Type

Positions

TRAN

0=Normally Closed, Vertical Pins
1=Normally Open, Horizontal Pins

11. Command Set

The following sections list some of the main commands to control and query the switch.

11.1 Switch Control Commands

The SCPI commands required to set switch positions, query the switch info, and to save
counters are listed below:

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Command

Description

ROUTe:SWITch? Sw

Returns the switch number, switch position, current switch
count, and switch identifier string.
Sw is a number from 1-nn to identify the switch. The
response is: Sw, position, count, ID.
ID consists of the following fields: switch part number,
switch serial number, S or T for Non-terminated or
Terminated switch.

Example:
ROUTe:SWITch? 1
Returns: 1, 5, 1002123, 52200310, 2006001, T

ROUTe:SWITch:SAVe

Saves all switch counter values to flash memory. The
command only saves the current counter values.

ROUTe:SWITch:SAVe?

Queries the number of flash saves done via the
ROUTe:SWITch:SAVe command, and auto save intervals.

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Command

Description

ROUTe:CONFigure:
COUNTer Sw, count

Presets the Switch Counter value. Use this command to set
the switch counter when installing a switch in a chassis. Sw
is a number from 1-50 to identify the switch. Count is the
switch count value for presetting the switch counter to a new
value. Count value ranges from 0 to 100,000,000.

Example:
ROUT:CONF:COUNT 7,15340
Sets switch SW7 to 15,340 counts.

ROUTe:CONFigure:
COUNTer? Sw

Queries the Switch Counter value. Use this command to read
the switch counter. Sw is a number from 1-50 to identify the
switch.

Example:
ROUT:CONF:COUNT? 7
Returns: 15340

ROUTe:CONFigure:
ID Sw, string

Writes the user’s Switch ID string to Switch Sw. Sw is a
number from 1-50 to identify the switch. String is limited to
23 characters plus a linefeed character.

ROUTe:CONFigure:
ID? Sw

Reads the current Switch ID string for Switch Sw. Sw is a
number from 1-50 to identify the switch.

ID consists of the following fields: switch part number,
switch serial number, S or T for Non-terminated or
Terminated switch.

Example:
ROUTe:CONF:ID? 7
Returns: 52200310, 2006001, T

11.2 Switch Configure Commands

The SCPI commands required to set and query switch counts and switch identification
are listed below:

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Command

Description

ROUTe:CONFigure:
ENABle <switch list>

Enables or disables a list of factory preconfigured switches.
The switch list is a list of numbers of the poles in the switch,
in the order of the configured switches. A non-zero (1-255)
value enables the switch; a 0 disables the switch. Switches
are configured at the factory.

Disabling the switch removes the switch control command
for the selected switch.

Sw Type

Enable/Disable number

Disable

0

TRAN

22

SPDT

2

SP3T

3

SP4T

4

SP5T

5

SP6T

6

SP8T

8

Example:
The following example is for a switch chassis configured
with four switches: SW1, SW2, SW6, and SW7.

ROUT:CONF:ENAB (@ 6,6,0,6)
Enables all the switches except SW6

ROUT:CONF:ENAB (@ 6,6,6,6)
Enables all 4 switches

11.3 Switch Enabling Commands

The SCPI commands required to set and query switch enable and to query switch
configuration are listed below:

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Command

Description

ROUTe:CONFigure:
ENABle?

Returns a list of currently enabled switches in the chassis as a
comma separated list. The response is ‘-1’ if there are no
configured switches to report.

Example:
For a chassis with four 6-pole switches, all enabled except
the third configured switch:

ROUT:CONF:ENA?
Returns: 6,6,0,6

ROUTe:CONFigure:
SWITch?

Returns a list of the configured switches in the chassis. The
list is comma separated. If no switches are configured, the
response is 0.

Example:
For a chassis with switch SW1 and SW6
ROUT:CONF:SWIT?
Returns: 1,6

For a chassis with switch SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4

ROUT:CONF:SWIT?
Returns: 1,2,3,4

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Command

Description

*ESR?

Returns the <value> of the "Event Status Register" and then clears it. This will
clear the ERR LED. <value> is an integer whose binary equivalent corresponds
to the state (1 or 0) of bits in the register. The bit weights are:

Bit

Weight

Error

7

128

Power On

6

64

Ext Data Ready F/F

5

32

Command Error

4

16

Execution Error

3

8

Flash Data Corrupted

2

4

Query Error

1

2

EDR F/F#2 Set

0

1

Operation Complete

11.4 IEEE-488.2 Commands

This unit responds to the following IEEE-488.2 commands.

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Command

Description

*IDN?

Identification Query. Returns the device identification code as four fields
separated by commas. These fields are: Manufacturer, Model, Serial Number,
and Hardware revision and part number in the following formats
ASCOR, 8000, S/N XXXXXXX, REV X P/N XXXXXXXX
or
ASCOR, 8000-001, S/N XXXXXXX, REV X P/N XXXXXXXX

Manufacturer field is “ASCOR”.

Model Field is either “8000” to denote switch chassis without switch access

counting capability. Or “8000-001” to denote switch chassis with switch access

counting capability. These two model numbers are used for all different
variations of the Series 8000 and Series 8900 switch family.

Serial Number field consists of “S/N” header followed by a seven digit serial

number.

Hardware revision sub field consists of “REV” header followed by a chassis
revision number.

Part Number sub field consists of “P/N” header followed by a part number of the

switch chassis.

Example:
For 90570320 chassis:
*IDN?
Returns: ASCOR, 8000-001, S/N 1234567, REV A P/N 90570320

For 90570310 chassis:
*IDN?
Returns: ASCOR, 8000-001, S/N 1234567, REV A P/N 90570310

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12. Sample Program

The following code is a complete C++ program written using Microsoft Visual Studio

2005. It is a simple program but covers the necessary steps to control the Series 8000
Switch.

This program performs the following:

1. Establishes connection to the default resource manager.

2. Creates a session handle for the Series 8000 Switch.

3. Sends commands to toggle switch 1.

4. Sends commands to query switch 1.

5. Reads response to the query.

6. Closes the session handle.

7. Closes the connection to the default resource manager.

This program uses VISA for the I/O driver. VISA Runtime Library is included with the
installation of the Series 8000 GUI program.

In order to dynamically link with the VISA.dll, Microsoft Visual Studio project property
for the program must be modified to include visa32.lib under Additional Dependencies.

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// series8000.cpp : Sample console program for controlling Series 8000 Switch.
//

#include "stdafx.h"
#include "string.h"
#include "visa.h"

int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{
ViChar resourceName[255], cmdBuf[255], rspBuf[255];
ViSession rmSession, instrSession;
ViStatus status;
ViUInt32 retCnt;

// Open Resource Manager Session
status = viOpenDefaultRM (&rmSession);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

// Open Instrument Session for Series 8000 Switch at IP address 192.168.0.254
strcpy_s (resourceName, "TCPIP0::192.168.0.254::inst0::INSTR");
status = viOpen (rmSession, resourceName, VI_NULL, VI_NULL, &instrSession);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
instrSession = 0;
return status;
}

// Send the command to open switch 1
strcpy_s (cmdBuf, "ROUTe:SWITch 1, 0");
status = viWrite (instrSession, (ViBuf)cmdBuf, (ViUInt32) strlen (cmdBuf), &retCnt);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

// Send the command to close switch 1 position 1
strcpy_s (cmdBuf, "ROUTe:SWITch 1, 1");
status = viWrite (instrSession, (ViBuf)cmdBuf, (ViUInt32) strlen (cmdBuf), &retCnt);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

// Send the command to query switch 1 position
strcpy_s (cmdBuf, "ROUTe:SWITch? 1");
status = viWrite (instrSession, (ViBuf)cmdBuf, (ViUInt32) strlen (cmdBuf), &retCnt);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

// Read the response to the query
status = viRead (instrSession, (ViBuf)rspBuf, 100, &retCnt);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

// Close the Instrument Session for the Series 8000 Switch
status = viClose (instrSession);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

// Close the Resource Manager Session
status = viClose (rmSession);
if (status != VI_SUCCESS) {
return status;
}

return 0;
}

Figure 24: C++ Sample Program

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