HP (Hewlett-Packard) E1433A User Manual

HP E1433A

8-Channel 196 kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP

User’s Guide

Part Number E1433-90008

Printed in U.S.A

Print Date: April 1999, Sixth Edition

Hewlett-Packard Company, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999. All rights reserved.

8600 Soper Hill Road Everett, Washington 98205-1298 U.S.A.

NOTICE

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

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shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental or
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WARRANTY

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© Copyright 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 Hewlett-Packard Company.

© Copyright 1979 The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate.

© Copyright 1979, 1980, 1983 The Regents of the University of California.

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© Copyright 1984, 1985 Productivity Products Intl.

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3000 Hanover St.

Palo Alto, CA 94303

ii

HP E1433A User's Guide

In This Book

The HP E1433A 8-Channel 196 kSa/s Digitizer plus DSP is a C-size VXI
module. “196 kSa/s” refers to the maximum sample rate of 196608 samples
per second. The HP E1433A may contain either one or two 4-channel
input assemblies so that the module may have a total of up to 8 inputs.
The module plugs into a single C-size slot in a VXI mainframe.

This book documents the HP E1433A module, including information on how
to use it. It provides:

q Installation information.
q Examples to help you get started, with information on how to use the

VXIplug&play Host Interface Library functions. There is also a chapter about the
C-Language version of the Host Interface Library. There are instructions for
printing the Function Reference for the Host Interface Library if desired. The
Function Reference can be accessed by way of online manual pages and online
help.

q Information on how to use the HP E1433A.
q A descriptions of the module.
q Descriptions of the Arbitrary Source and Tachometer options.
q Descriptions of the Break Out Boxes which can be used with the module.
q Service information (troubleshooting and replacing assemblies).
q Details about the module’s VXI registers (as an appendix for those who may want

this additional information).

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In This Book iii

1 Installing the HP E1433A

Installing the HP E1433A 1-2

To inspect the HP E1433A 1-2

To install the HP E1433A 1-3

Install the host interface libraries 1-6

To store the module 1-6

To transport the module 1-7

2 Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Introduction 2-2

To install the VXIplug&play libraries 2-3

System Requirements (Microsoft Windows95 and NT) 2-3
System Requirements (HP-UX 9.05) 2-3
System Requirements (HP-UX 10.2) 2-3
HP E1432A Software Distribution 2-3
Getting Updates Via FTP (HP-UX) 2-4
Getting Updates Via FTP (Windows) 2-4
To install the Windows VXIplug&play drivers for the HP E1432A
(for Windows 95 and Windows NT). 2-4
To install the HP-UX VXIplug&play drivers for the HP E1433A
(for HP-UX systems): 2-6
The Resource Manager 2-6

The VXIplug&play Soft Front Panel (SFP) 2-7

Using the soft front panel. 2-7

HP VEE example programs 2-10

scope.vee 2-10
minimum.vee 2-14
Other HP VEE example programs 2-16

C-Language Host Interface Library example programs 2-17

Demo Programs 2-17
Running a demo program: semascope.c 2-18

Visual Basic example programs 2-19

v

3 Using the HP E1433A

Introduction 3-2

What is VXIplug&play? 3-3

Overview 3-3
VXIplug&play drivers 3-3
Manufacturer and model codes 3-4
The Soft Front Panel (SFP) 3-5

Header and Library Files 3-6

Channels and groups 3-7

Channel Groups 3-7
Initialization 3-7
Creating a Channel Group 3-8
Input, Source, and Tach Channels 3-8

Multiple-module/mainframe Measurements 3-9

Grouping of Channels/Modules 3-9
Multiple-module Measurements 3-9
Possible Trigger Line Conflict 3-10
Managing Multiple-mainframe Measurements 3-11
Synchronization in Multiple-mainframe Measurements 3-14

Module Features 3-15

Data Flow Diagram and FIFO Architecture 3-15
Base Sample Rates 3-17

Measurement Process 3-23

Measurement Setup and Control 3-23
Parameter Settings 3-24
Measurement Initialization 3-24
Measurement Loop 3-25
Register-based VXI Devices 3-26
Arm and Trigger 3-27
HP E1433A Triggering. 3-28
Trigger Level 3-29
Data Transfer Modes 3-30

HP E1433A Interrupt Behavior 3-32

Data Gating 3-34
HP E1433A Parameters 3-34

New features of the HP E1432A/HP E1433A software 3-36

Averaging 3-36
Continuous re-sampled data 3-36
Fast span or range change 3-36
Peak level detection (HP E1433A only) 3-36
RMS level computation (HP E1433A only) 3-36
Time arming 3-37
Weighting filters (HP E1433A only) 3-37
Zoom (HP E1432A only) 3-37
Zoom (for the Arbitrary Source, option 1D4) 3-37
Auto range 3-37

vi

Where to get more information 3-38

The Function Reference for VXIplug&play 3-38
The Function Reference for the Host Interface Library (C-language version)
3-38

4 The C-Language Host Interface Library

Introduction 4-2

Header and Library Files 4-3

Parameter Information 4-4

Description of HP E1433A Parameters 4-4
Parameter Lists 4-5
Channel and Group IDs 4-10

Multiple-module/Mainframe Measurements 4-12

Grouping of Channels/Modules 4-12
Multiple-module Measurements 4-12
Possible Trigger Line Conflict 4-13
Managing Multiple-mainframe Measurements 4-14
Synchronization in Multiple-mainframe Measurements 4-17

Measurement Process 4-18

Measurement Setup and Control 4-18
Parameter Settings 4-19
Measurement initialization 4-19
Measurement Loop 4-20
Register-based VXI Devices 4-21
Arm and Trigger 4-22
HP E1433A Triggering. 4-23
Data Transfer Modes 4-24

HP E1433A Interrupt Behavior 4-26

Data Gating 4-28
HP E1433A Parameters 4-29
For More Information 4-29

vii

5 Module Description

Module Features 5-2

General Features 5-2
Arbitrary Source Features (option 1D4) 5-2
Tachometer Features (option AYF) 5-2
Other Options 5-2
Block Diagram 5-3

HP E1433A Front Panel Description 5-5

Front panels for four or eight channels 5-5
Standard Front Panel 5-6

VXI Backplane Connections 5-8

Power Supplies and Ground 5-8
Data Transfer Bus 5-8
DTB Arbitration Bus 5-8
Priority Interrupt Bus 5-8
Utility Bus 5-8
The Local Bus (Option UGV) 5-9

The HP E1433A VXI Device 5-10

Address Space 5-10
Shared Memory 5-10
Memory Map 5-10
List of A16 Registers 5-12
Trigger Lines (TTLTRG) 5-13
Providing an External Clock 5-14

Calibration Description 5-15

6 The Arbitrary Source Option (1D4)

Arbitrary Source Description 6-2

Trigger 6-2
Arbitrary Output 6-2
Source Output Modes 6-2
COLA (and Summer) 6-2
External Shutdown 6-2

Block Diagram 6-3

The Arbitrary Source Option Front Panel 6-4

LED’s and Connectors for the Arbitrary Source Option 6-5
Updating the arbitrary source firmware 6-5

viii

7 The Tachometer

Option (AYF)

Tachometer Description 7-2

Tachometer Inputs 7-2
External Trigger Input 7-2
Trigger Level 7-2
Tachometer Monitoring 7-2
Exact RPM Triggering 7-2
Input Count Division 7-3
Holdoff Time 7-3
Block Diagram 7-3

The Tachometer Option Front Panel 7-4

LED’s and Connectors for the Tachometer Option. 7-5

8 Break Out Boxes

Introduction 8-2

Service 8-2

The HP E1432-61600 and HP E1432-61602 Break Out Boxes 8-3

HP E1432-61602 Voltage-type Break Out Box 8-4
HP E1432-61600 ICP-type Break Out Box 8-4
Break Out Box Grounding 8-4

Break Out Box Cables 8-5

Making a Custom Break Out Box Cable 8-5
Recommendations on wiring for the E1432/3A 4 Channel Input Connector
8-7

9 Troubleshooting the HP E1433A

Diagnostics 9-2

ix

10 Replacing Assemblies

Replaceable Parts 10-2

Ordering Information 10-2
Direct Mail Order System 10-2
Code Numbers 10-3
Assemblies: without option AYF or 1D4 10-4
Assemblies: with option AYF 10-6
Assemblies: with option 1D4 10-8
Cables: without option AYF or 1D4 10-10
Cables: with option AYF 10-11
Cables: with option 1D4 10-12
Front Panel 10-13

To remove the top cover 10-14

To remove the front panel 10-15

To remove the input assemblies 10-18

To remove the option AYF assembly 10-20

To remove the option 1D4 assembly 10-21

To remove the A22/A24 assembly 10-22

To remove the A10/A11 assembly 10-23

11 Backdating

Backdating 11-2

Appendix A Register Definitions

The HP E1433A VXI Registers A-2

The A16 Registers A-2
The A24 Registers A-4
32-bit Registers A-10
Command/Response Protocol A-11
DSP Protocol A-13
DSP Bus Registers A-14

HP E1433A Technical Specifications

Glossary

Index

Need Assistance?

About this edition

Sales and Service Offices

x

1

Installing the HP E1433A

1-1

HP E1433A User's Guide
Installing the HP E1433A

Installing the HP E1433A

This chapter contains instructions for installing the HP E1433A 8-Channel
196 kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP Module and its drivers. This chapter also
includes instructions for transporting and storing the module.

To inspect the HP E1433A

The HP E1433A 8-Channel 196 kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP Module was
carefully inspected both mechanically and electrically before shipment.
It should be free of marks or scratches, and it should meet its published
specifications upon receipt.

If the module was damaged in transit, do the following:

q Save all packing materials.
q File a claim with the carrier.
q Call your Hewlett-Packard sales and service office.

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Installing the HP E1433A

To install the HP E1433A

Caution To protect circuits from static discharge, observe anti-static techniques

whenever handling the HP E1433A 8-Channel 196 kSa/s Digitizer plus DSP
Module.

1 Set up your VXI mainframe. See the installation guide for your mainframe.

2 Select a slot in the VXI mainframe for the HP E1433A module.

The HP E1433A module’s local bus receives ECL-level data from the
module immediately to its left and outputs ECL-level data to the module
immediately to its right. Every module using the local bus is keyed to
prevent two modules from fitting next to each other unless they are
compatible. If you will be using the local bus, select adjacent slots
immediately to the left of the data-receiving module. The local bus can
support up to four HP E1433A modules at full span at real time data rates.
If the VXI Bus is used, maximum data rates will be reduced but the
module can be placed in any available slot.

3 Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, set the logical address configuration

switch on the HP E1433A.

(See the illustration on the next page.) Each module in the system must
have a unique logical address. The factory default setting is 0000 1000
(8). If an HP-IB command module will be controlling the HP E1433A
module, select an address that is a multiple of 8. If your VXI system
dynamically configures logical addresses, set the switch to 255.

1-3

HP E1433A User's Guide
Installing the HP E1433A

4 Check the settings of the Boot Source and ROM Programming switches on the

bottom of the module.

Set switches 1 and 3 (BS1 and BS3) up, and all the other switches down.

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Installing the HP E1433A

5 Set the mainframe’s power switch to standby ( O

I

).

Caution Installing or removing the module with power on may damage components in

the module.

6 Place the module’s card edges (top and bottom) into the module guides in the

slot.

7 Slide the module into the mainframe until the module connects firmly with the

backplane connectors. Make sure the module slides in straight.

8 Attach the module’s front panel to the mainframe chassis using the module’s

captive mounting screws.

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Installing the HP E1433A

Install the host interface libraries

After the hardware has been assembled, the next step in installing the
HP E1433A is to install the host interface libraries. Refer to the chapter
titled “Getting Started With the HP E1433A” to continue the installation
process.

To store the module

Store the module in a clean, dry, and static free environment.

For other requirements, see storage and transport restrictions in the
chapter titled: “Specifications.”

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Installing the HP E1433A

To transport the module

• Package the module using the original factory packaging or packaging identical

to the factory packaging.

Containers and materials identical to those used in factory packaging are
available through Hewlett-Packard offices.

• If returning the module to Hewlett-Packard for service, attach a tag describing

the following:

q Type of service required
q Return address
q Model number
q Full serial number

In any correspondence, refer to the module by model number and full serial
number.

• Mark the container FRAGILE to ensure careful handling.

• If necessary to package the module in a container other than original

packaging, observe the following (use of other packaging is not recommended):

q Wrap the module in heavy paper or anti-static plastic.
q Protect the front panel with cardboard.
q Use a double-wall carton made of at least 350-pound test material.
q Cushion the module to prevent damage.

Caution Do not use styrene pellets in any shape as packing material for the module. The

pellets do not adequately cushion the module and do not prevent the module
from shifting in the carton. In addition, the pellets create static electricity which
can damage electronic components.

1-7

2

Getting Started With the
HP E1433A

2-1

HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Introduction

This chapter will help you to get your HP E1433A running and making
simple measurements. It shows how to install the software libraries and
how to run some of the example programs that are included.

For more information see the other chapters in this book and the on-line
function reference. (See “Where to get more information” in the chapter
titled “Using the HP E1433A).”

Two versions of the Host Interface Library are available. One is the HP-UX
C-Language Host Interface Library which uses SICL (the Standard
Instrument Interface Library) to communicate to the HP E1433A hardware.
The other is the HP-UX, Windows 95 and Windows NT VXIplug&play
Library which communicates with the hardware using VISA (Virtual
Instrument Software Architecture). VISA is the input/output standard upon
which all the VXIplug&play software components are based.

This chapter mainly covers the VXIplug&play version, and it also includes
some examples using the C-Language version. If you are using the
C-Language version, you should also refer to the chapter titled “The
C-Language Host Interface Library.”

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To install the VXIplug&play libraries

System Requirements (Microsoft Windows95 and NT)

• An IBM compatible personal computer with either Microsoft Windows 95 or

Microsoft Windows NT. (With either Windows 95 or Windows NT, use the
VXIplug&play library)

• Additional hardware and software to connect the IBM compatible computer to

a VXI mainframe.

• Software is supplied on CD-ROM.

System Requirements (HP-UX 10.20)

• One of the following workstations:

q An HP V743 VXI-embedded workstation.
q A stand-alone HP Series 700 workstation with an HP E1489I EISA-to-MXIbus

card and an HP E1482B VXI-MXI Bus Extender.

• Software is supplied on CD-ROM, so a CD-ROM drive is needed

• HP-UX Version 10.20. This version of HP-UX can use either the C-language

library or the VXIplug&play library.

• SICL/VISA (product number E2091E, version E.01.01 or later).

HP E1432A Software Distribution

The HP E1432A distribution (software) is shipped on CD-ROM with the HP
E1433A module. This software works with the E4132, E1433, and E1434
modules. This distribution includes the HP E1432A C-Language Host
Interface library for HP-UX, the HP E1432A VXIplug&play Host Interface
library for HP-UX, Windows 95, and Windows NT with associated examples,
and manual pages.

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Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Getting Updates Via FTP (HP-UX)

You can get the latest version of the HP E1432A software via FTP.
However, note that the latest version may be an interim version which has
not yet been fully tested and released. Released versions for HP-UX have
filenames beginning with E1432.A.xx.xx.depot.Z... Interim versions begin
with E1432.X.xx.xx.depot.Z...

For HP-UX, the latest version of the HP E1432A distribution can be
obtained via anonymous FTP at:

ftp://hpls01.lsid.hp.com/E1432/s700

Download file E1432.A.xx.xx.depot.Z for the latest update.

The A.xx.xx is the revision number, which will be something like
A.00.00. The file obtained via FTP has been compressed; it can be
uncompressed with the command:

uncompress E1432.A.xx.xx.depot.Z

The result will be a file E1432.A.xx.xx.depot This file is in swinstall
format, which is the same format as the file on the CD-ROM.

Getting Updates Via FTP (Windows)

You can get the latest version of the HP E1432A software via FTP.
However, note that the latest version may be an interim version which has
not yet been fully tested and released. Released versions for Windows have
filenames beginning with hpe1432.EXE.A... Interim versions begin with
hpe1432.EXE.X...

For Microsoft Windows the latest version of the HP E1432A distribution can
be obtained via anonymous FTP at:

ftp://hpls01.lsid.hp.com/E1432/pc

The README file contains information about the files in the directory.

The files corresponding to the first floppy disk of the distribution have the
form setup.EXE, click on “setup.EXE” to install.

Files of the form setup.w02 correspond to the second floppy disk of the
distribution. Files of the form setup.w03 correspond to the third floppy
disk (if any).

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

To install the Windows VXIplug&play drivers for the HP E1432A
(for Windows 95 and Windows NT).

This procedure assumes that you have already installed a VISA (Virtual
Instrument Software Architecture) library. If not, you can still install these
drivers but you will receive an error message reminding you to install the
VISA library.

1 Insert the HP E1432A CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

2 Run the program: d:\setup

(If your disk is in a drive other than “drive d,” replace “d:\” with the letter of the
drive containing your VXIplug&play Drivers disk.)

3 The setup program asks you to confirm or change the directory path. The

default directory path is recommended.

4 The setup program will ask you to confirm or change source code directory.

The default directory is recommended.

5 Setup creates a program group called “Hpe1432.” It includes:

An icon to run the Soft Front Panel
An icon for HELP text
An icon for UNISTALL

Setup can also place these icons in your “VXIplug&play” program group.
A dialog box asks if you wish to skip this step.

6 Setup asks if you want to run the Soft Front Panel (SFP).

See the next section in this chapter for more about the Soft Front Panel.

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

To install the HP-UX VXIplug&play drivers for the HP E1433A
(for HP-UX systems):

1 Log in as root.

2 Insert the HP E1432A CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive or obtain the latest HP

E1432A distribution.

3 Type swinstall.

See the HP-UX Reference manual for information on the swinstall command.

The HP E1432A distribution is normally installed in the
/opt/vxipnp/hpe1432/ directory. The files have extensions such as .h, .fp, .sl,
and .hlp.

The Resource Manager

The Resource Manager is a program from your hardware interface
manufacturer. It looks at the VXI mainframe to determine what modules
are installed. You need to run it every time you power up. If you get the
message: “No HP E1433A can be found in this system,” then run the
Resource Manager.

Before running the HP E1432A /HP E1433A software make sure that your
hardware is configured correctly and that the Resource Manager runs
successfully. Before using your measurement system, you must set up all
of its devices, including setting their addresses and local bus locations. No
two devices can have the same address. Usually addresses 0 and 1 are
taken by the Resource Manager and are not available.

For more information about the Resource Manager, see the documentation
with your hardware interface.

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Getting Started With the HP E1433A

The VXIplug&play Soft Front Panel (SFP)

Using the soft front panel.

If you are running the HP E1432A/HP E1433A software in Microsoft
Windows 95 or Windows NT, you can use the Soft Front Panel (SFP)
program to interface with the HP E1433A.

The Soft Front Panel can be useful for checking your system to make sure
that it is installed correctly and that all of its parts are working. However,
it is not very useful for making measurements. It cannot be controlled from
a program and it does not access all of the HP E1433A’s functionality.

Figure 2-1: The Soft Front Panel interface

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

The buttons on the right side of the SFP display are defined as follows:

Meas

This button opens the Measurement Control dialog box. You can set:

q Measurement single/repeat
q Mode block/continuous
q Trigger auto/manual/input/source
q Frequency span
q Blocksize

Input

This button opens a dialog box in which you can set up the HP E1433A’s
inputs. You can set:

q Channel number
q Range
q AC or DC coupling
q Grounding method
q Digital anti-alias filter
q Analog anti-alias filter
q Trigger on/off
q Trigger mode level/bound
q Trigger level
q Hysteresis
q Trigger Slope

There is a checkbox to make all channels identical.

Source

This opens a dialog box for controlling the source output of the HP
E1433A’s source. This is only available for HP E1433A’s that have the
Arbitrary Source Option 1D4. You can set:

q Channel number
q Active on/off
q Mode sine/burst sine/random/burst random
q Ramp rate
q Sine frequency
q Sine phase
q Output normal/grounded/open/cal/multi
q Trigger on/off
q Cola (Constant Output Level Amplifier) off/on
q Duty Cycle
q Sum off/on
q Seed
q Range

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Display

This button opens a dialog box in which you can specify how the data is
displayed. For each trace you can specify an input channel (or OFF) and
an output file.

VXI

This button opens a dialog box showing the modules installed in your VXI
mainframe, and indicating which are active and inactive. The “resource
name” for each module is the interface card name that has been assigned to
it.

Go

Use the Go button to start the measurement.

Exit

Use the Exit button to exit the Soft Front Panel.

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Getting Started With the HP E1433A

HP VEE example programs

scope.vee

This program displays four channels with time record and FFT for each
channel.

The scope.vee program is located at \Hpe1432\examples\hpvee\ on a
Microsoft Windows system or at /usr/e1432/vee-examples on an HP-UX
system.

To run scope.vee, first type:

veetest

To begin using HP VEE.

In HP VEE click on File, then Open. In the Open File dialog box select
scope.vee from the list of files. Then click Ok.

2-10

Figure 2-2: HP VEE - Open File dialog box

HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

The program scope.vee starts, showing four channels, with time record and
FFT for each channel.

Figure 2-3: scope.vee - panel view

To start a measurement, click the Run button on the toolbar (triangle
symbol). To pause, click on the Pause button (two vertical bars, next to
the Run button). To stop the measurement, click the Stop button (square
symbol).

This screen is VEE’s panel view, where you can interact with the system
much as you would with the front panel of a standalone instrument. You
can also go to VEE’s detail view screen where you can configure the system
and the view panel to make your own measurements.

To look at the scope.vee program “behind the scenes,” click on the View
Detail button on the toolbar (chart symbol). To return to the original
(panel) view, click on the View Panel button (sine wave symbol).

Click on the View Detail button again to look at the detail view screen.

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

To use and modify scope.vee you need to be familiar with using the HP
VEE program. Refer to HP VEE documentation if necessary. In View
Detail mode you can click on Help on the menu bar to get help on using
HP VEE.

2-12

Figure 2-4: HP VEE help text

HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

In detail view there are boxes representing parts of the scope.vee program.
For programs that are too large to be viewed all at one time, use the scroll
bars at the bottom and left side of the screen to scroll the display. You
can double-click on a box to see more detail, or click on the View Detail
(chart symbol) button on the top bar of the box. Some of the boxes
contain a function. If you click on the function you can view the
parameters associated with it.

Figure 2-5: scope.vee - detail view

To specify a new function, click on the blank space in the box where the
function is to be. A dialog box appears with a list of functions. After you
select a function you can choose Panel to “hard code” constants that the
function will use, or choose Parameters to allow a parameter to be input
from elsewhere (from the user or another function). The input appears as
a “pin” on the chart diagram. In the scope.vee program the user can select
the blocksize, span, and range.

You can click Add To Panel in the Edit menu to make a box in the detail
view visible on the panel view. This gives the user access to enter
parameters or view results.

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

You can click on Alphnumeric in the Display menu to set up a box to
specify how to display the output of a function.

Use HP VEE to look at the functions that make up the simple “scope.vee”
program. This is an example of how the HP E1433A can be programmed
using HP VEE.

Click on the Panel View button (sine wave symbol) to go to panel view.
Set up your system to provide input signal to some of the input connectors
of your HP E1433A. Then use the scope.vee interface to view the time
records and FFTs of the input signals.

When you exit HP VEE, the program will ask if you want to save any
changes you made to scope.vee. Click No, or if you wish click Cancel and
then use File/Save As to save your changes with a different filename.

minimum.vee

This program provides a simple example to help you begin learning to use
the HP E1432A library, although it is not intended to be a finished
“user-friendly” program. It contains the minimum number of functions
needed (nine functions) to get data from the HP E1433A module. It does
not even include a “panel” user interface, so the first screen you will see is
the VEE View Detail screen. Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen
to scroll the display and see all of the detail view.

The minimum.vee program simply takes data for one channel and then
stops. You may find it useful to examine this program and use it as a
starting point for learning to write your own VEE programs for the HP
E1433A.

2-14

HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Figure 2-6: minimum.vee (scroll to see entire display)

2-15

HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Other HP VEE example programs

There are several other example programs that you can examine in the
same way that you looked at scope.vee. These programs are in the path
\Hpe1432\examples\hpvee\ on a Microsoft Windows system or
/usr/e1432/vee-examples on an HP-UX system.

bsrcsine.vee (Burst SouRCe SINE)

This program is similar to scope.vee. It displays eight (rather than four)
channels, with time record and FFT for each channel. It also turns on the
source in burst sine mode and ramps up the source output. The user can
specify the duty cycle, ramp rate, level of the source, and frequency of the
source. This program works with HP E1433A’s which are equipped with
the source option ID4.

bsrcrand.vee (Burst SouRCe RANDom)

This program is like bsrcsine.vee except the source is turned on in burst
random mode.

frf_rand.vee. (Frequency Response Function RANDom)

This program displays the frequency response of four channels. One way to
set up this example is to connect a cable between the channel 1 and
channel 2 inputs. Then connect channel 3 to channel 1 through a “black
box” containing the circuit to be tested (using a “T” on channel 1).
Channel 4 remains unconnected. On the display you will see a response for
channel 2 over channel 1 (a flat response for the bare cable), and a
response for channel 3 over channel 1 (representing the frequency response
of the “unknown” circuit). Channel 4 will show a random signal since it
has no input.

order.vee

This program can be used only with an HP1432A with the tachometer
option. It takes four channels of data and displays two channels. It shows
raw time domain data and resampled data for each rpm value. The raw
data can then be processed with a program such as Matlab to make order
ratio maps.

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

C-Language Host Interface Library example programs

The HP E1432A C-Language Host Interface Library comes with several
example programs, which help demonstrate how to use the library. These
example programs are found in the “/opt/e1432/examples” directory or the
\Hpe1432\demo\ directory. The programs in this directory are all very
small, so that they will be easily understood and easy to copy into a real
application.

The files in the examples directory are:

Makefile A unix Makefile which can be used to compile all of the programs in the examples

directory.

README A file containing the information given here.

detect.c Shows how to use SICL calls to find the logical addresses of the HP E1433A modules

in a system.

example.c Shows the basics of setting up an E1433A, starting a measurement, and reading a

block of data.

intr.c Shows how to set up SICL and an HP E1433A to use interrupts for data collection.

src_intr.c Shows how to set up SICL and an HP E1433A to use interrupts with a 1D4 Source

board, for overload shutdown and overread.

tachmon.c Shows how to monitor a tach channel signal using the other inputs in the HP E1433A

module.

throughput A directory containing example programs for throughput to and post-processing from

an HP E1562A disk module.

Demo Programs

In addition to example programs, the HP E1432A Host Interface library also
comes with demo programs. These programs are found in the
“/opt/e1432/demo” directory.

One of these demo programs, called “semascope”, demonstrates that the
HP E1433A hardware and software are working properly. When run, it
identifies the HP E1433A modules in the VXI system, runs a measurement
using the HP E1433A modules that it finds, and plots the results in X11
windows. This program is not meant to be an example of how to use the
HP E1432A library, although we do provide the source code.

Other demo programs include “rpmtrig” and “rpmtrig2” and “semascope3.”

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Running a demo program: semascope.c

To run this program, type:

/opt/e1432/demo/semascope

This program displays the time records for 32 channels (when hooked up to
two HP E1433A modules with 16 channels each). The channel that is
active for changing the display is highlighted. To exit, double-click the
horizontal bar symbol in the upper left corner of the window.

To see a list of parameters for semascope, type:

semascope -u

To specify a parameter, type its letter code after “semascope” on the
command line.

The source code for this program is at:

/opt/e1432/demo/semascope.c

Use a text viewer or editor (such as the “more” utility in unix) to list the
source code for semaphore.c. You can examine the code to learn more
about how this example program works.

2-18

HP E1433A User's Guide

Getting Started With the HP E1433A

Visual Basic example programs

HP VEE and the C Host Interface Library can be used on both Unix and
PC systems. In addition the PC can use Visual Basic. Visual Basic example
programs are at \Hpe1432\examples\vb\ on a Microsoft Windows system.

2-19

3

Using the HP E1433A

3-1

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

Introduction

This chapter shows how to use the HP E1433A using the VXIplug&play
Host Interface Library.

The HP E1433A uses the same software as the HP E1432A 16 Channel 51.2
kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP.

The Host Interface Library for the HP E1433A is a set of functions that
allow the user to program the register-based HP E1433A at a higher level
than register reads and writes. The library allows groups of HP E1433As to
be set up and programmed as if they were one entity

Two versions of the Host Interface Library are included. One is the HP-UX
C-Language Host Interface Library which uses SICL (the Standard
Instrument Interface Library) to communicate to the HP E1433A hardware.
It works for HP-UX 10.20. The other is the VXIplug&play Library for
Windows 95, Windows NT, and HP-UX 10.20 which communicates with the
hardware using VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture). VISA is
the input/output standard upon which all the VXIplug&play software
components are based.

This chapter covers the VXIplug&play version, but it will also be useful to
users of the C-Language version. If you are using the C-Language version,
you should also refer to the chapter titled “The C-Language Host Interface
Library.”

The library includes routines to set up and query parameters, start and stop
measurements, read and write data, and control interrupts. Routines to aid
debugging and perform low-level I/O are also included.

For information on diagnostics see the chapter titled “Troubleshooting the
HP E1433A.”

3-2

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

What is VXIplug&play?

Hewlett-Packard uses VXIplug&play technology in the HP E1433A. This
section outlines some of the details of VXIplug&play technology.

Overview

The fundamental idea behind VXIplug&play is to provide VXI users with a
level of standardization across different vendors well beyond what the VXI
standard specifications spell out. The VXIplug&play Alliance specifies a set
of core technologies centering on a standard instrument driver technology.

HP offers VXIplug&play drivers for VEE-Windows. The VXIplug&play
instrument drivers exist relative to so-called “frameworks”. A framework
defines the environment in which a VXIplug&play driver can operate. The
HP E1433A has VXIplug&play drivers for the following frameworks:
Windows 95, Windows NT, and HP-UX.

VXIplug&play drivers

The HP E1433A uses the same drivers as the HP E1432A 16 Channel 51.2
kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP.

The HP E1432A VXIplug&play driver is based on the following architecture:

Use r Pro g ra m (.EXE & .HLP file s, suc h a s so ft fron t p a n e l)

Function Panel
(b a se d o n .F P file

In stru m e n t D rive r
(.KB, .DLL, .C , .H, .LIB, .HLP file )

VTL/VISA
I/O In te rfa c e

Figure 3-1: VXI Plug&Play driver architecture

Programm atic Developer's
In te rfa c e Lib ra ry

It is most useful to discuss this architecture from the bottom up.

The VISA/VTL I/O interface allows interoperability of the VXIplug&play
driver technology across interfaces.

3-3

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

The actual instrument driver itself is a DLL (Dynamic Linked Library)
created from:

q A set of source (.C) files.
q A set of header (.H) files, used for compiling the file as well as to describe the

driver’s calls to any program using the driver.

q A standard driver library (.LIB) file, to provide the standard functionality all the

drivers would require.

This DLL is a set of calls to perform instrument actions — at heart, that’s
all a VXIplug&play driver is — a library of instrument calls.

This driver is accessed by Windows applications programs written in
languages such as Visual C++ or Visual BASIC, using programming
environments such as VEE or NI LabView.

A Windows Help (.HLP) file is included which provides descriptive
information and code samples for the functions in the VXIplug&play DLL.
This help file can be viewed in the standard Windows Help viewer. A
viewer for HP-UX is provided in /opt/hyperhelp - see the READ.ME file.

Manufacturer and model codes

If desired, you can read the manufacturer code, model code and name of
the VXI instruments from the file /opt/e1432/lib/vximodel.cf (on unix
systems) or :\hpe1432\lib\vximodel.cf (on PC systems).

The following are the Hewlett-Packard VXI models in this file:

Manufacturer Code Model Code Model Name

0xfff 0x200

0xfff 0x201

0xfff 0x202

0xfff 0x203

0xfff 0x210

E143xA Non-booted Substrate Board

E1432A 16 Channel 51.2 kSa/s Digitizer + DSP

E1433A 8 Channel 196 kSa/s Digitizer + DSP

E1434A 4 Channel 65 kSa/s Arbitrary Source

E1562A/B/D/E Data Disk SCSI Interface

3-4

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

The Soft Front Panel (SFP)

The Soft Front Panel is a stand-alone Windows application, built on top of
the VXIplug&play driver DLL; it is used for instrument evaluation and
debugging and as a demo. It is not a programmable interface to the
instrument, nor can it be used to generate code.

The soft front panel also accesses the same Windows Help file as provided
with the DLL.

Figure 3-2: An example of a soft front panel (SFP)

3-5

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

Header and Library Files

In the Windows environment, the following files are in the directory
\Vxipnp\WinXX\Hpe1432

hpe1432.fp The “FP” file used by VEE and CVI

hpe1432.hlp Windows help file

hpe1432.kb Knowledge base file

hpe1432.bas Header for Visual Basic

hpe1432.exe Soft front panel program

Bin\hpe1432_32.dll The VXIplug&play driver

Include\hpe1432.h Header for linking to the VXIplug&play driver

Lib\Msc\

hpe1432_32.lib

The following files are in the directory \Hpe1432

Read.me The latest information for the product

lib\sema.bin Firmware program for the HP E1432A

lib\sfp.ico Icon for help file

lib\sinewave.ico Icon for Soft Front Panel

source\* Source files for hpe1432_32.dll

examples\vb\* Visual Basic example programs

examples\c\* C example programs

examples\hpvee\* HP VEE example programs

In the HP-UX environment, the following files are in the directory
/opt/vxipnp/hpux/hpe1432:

hpe1432.fp The “FP” file used by VEE

.h Header file

Lib for linking C programs to VXIplug&play

.hlp Hyperhelp file (see /opt/hyperhelp/README for information on how

to view hpe1432.hpl In the HP-UX environment.)

.sl (lower-case “SL”) The VXIplug&play shared library

3-6

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

Channels and groups

This section gives some information about using channels and groups. For
more detailed information see the HP E1432A help text.

Channel Groups

In the HP E1432A VXIplug&play driver, a channel group is the basic unit of
hardware control. Any channel you want to control must first be assigned
to a group with the hpe1432_createChannelGroup function. In addition to
creating the group, this function returns a “handle” that uniquely identifies
the group. You can then use this handle to direct functions to all channels
in the group.

When you create a channel group, all input and tach channels in the group
are automatically activated and all source channels are inactivated. But
when you delete a channel group, input and tach channels are not
automatically inactivated. Any input or tach channel that remains active
after its group is deleted will continue to supply data to its module’s FIFO
buffer during a measurement—consuming module resources. For this
reason, you should always explicitly inactivate the channels in group before
deleting it. You can inactivate channels with hpe1432_setActive. You can
delete channel groups with hpe1432_deleteChannelGroup and
hpe1432_deleteAllChanGroups.

Also when you create a channel group, channels which are not mentioned
in the new group are not turned off. You must explicitly inactivate any
channels you do not wish to be active. (An exception is a power-up when
only the channels in the initial channel group are active.)

Initialization

The command used to initialize your system is hpe1432_init. This function
initializes the VXIplug&play library and registers all HP E1433A modules. It
also checks the existence of an HP E1432 module at each of the logical
addresses given in the resource list and allocates logical channel identifiers
for each channel in all of the HP E1432s. Input channels, source channels,
and tach/trigger channels are kept logically separated.

Most other functions cannot be used until after hpe1432_init, but there are
two functions which can be used before initialization to get information
needed by hpe1432_init. These are hpe1432_find and
hpe1432_getHWConfig. hpe1432_find searches the VXI mainframe and
returns the VXI Logical Address for every HP E1433A found.
hpe1432_getHWConfig returns additional information about the hardware.

After hpe1432_init has been run you can use hpe1432_getNumChans to get
the total count of inputs, sources, and tachs for all HP E1433A modules
named in the hpe1432_init call.

3-7

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

Creating a Channel Group

The function hpe1432_createChannelGroup creates and initializes a channel
group. A channel group allows you to issue commands to several
HP E1433A channels at once, simplifying system setup. You can overlap
channel groups. The state of an individual HP E1433A channel that is in
more than one channel group is determined by the most recent operation
performed on any group to which this channel belongs.

As a side effect, this function makes all input and tach channels in the
channel group active and all source channels in the channel group inactive.
This function does not inactivate other channels within the modules that
the channels are in and does not preset the channels in the new group.

After a channel group has been created you can use hpe1432_getGroupInfo
to get selected information about the group. hpe1432_getGroupInfo can be
set up to return the number of modules, channels, inputs, sources, or tachs
in the group. It can also return a list of the modules, channels, inputs,
sources, or tachs.

Input, Source, and Tach Channels

Channel numbers must fall in particular ranges for different types of
channels. Input channel numbers range from 1 to 4095. Source channel
numbers range from 4097 to 8191. Tach channel numbers range from 8193
to 12287.

You can have a mixture of input, source, and tach channels in one group.
However it is also important for many functions to be sent only to the
appropriate type of channel. For example, asking for a blocksize from a
tach channel can cause an error. You might find it useful to set up several
channel groups at the beginning of your program: one for input channels,
one for source channels, one for tach channels, and one that combines all
three channel types. You could then use the input handle for input-only
functions, the source for source-only functions, and the tach handle for
tach-only functions. You would use the “all-channels” handle for all other
functions.

3-8

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

Multiple-module/mainframe Measurements

Grouping of Channels/Modules

The interface library for the HP E1433A is designed to allow programming
of several channels from one or several distinct modules, as if they were
one entity. Each HP E1433A module has up to 16 channels. The library
may control up to a maximum of 255 HP E1433A modules (8160 channels).

The function hpe1432_createChannelGroup can be used to declare any
number of groups of channels, possibly overlapping. Each group can be
uniquely identified by a group ID.

The ‘target’ of a library function is either a channel, a group, or (rarely) a
module, depending on the nature of the call. When the same library
function may be called with either a channel or a group identifier, its
‘target’ is shown by @eter named ID.

Multiple-module Measurements

A channel group that spans more than one module will need to be
configured to use the TTL trigger lines on the VXI Bus for inter-module
communications. This configuration is automatically performed in the
hpe1432_initMeasure call unless defeated using hpe1432_setAutoGroupMeas.

The following discussion outlines what hpe1432_initMeasure does
automatically. This must be done by the user if
hpe1432_setAutoGroupMeas has been used to defeat auto configuration.

There are eight VXI TTL trigger lines that can be used for multi-module
synchronization. Often, these lines are used in pairs, one for sample clock
and one for Sync/Trigger. The hpe1432_setTtltrgLines function selects
which TTL trigger lines to use; this function always uses the TTL trigger
lines in pairs. Calling hpe1432_setClockSource with the group ID will set
all modules to the same pair.

All modules need to be set to use the shared sync line rather than the
default setting of internal sync. This can be done with the
hpe1432_setMultiSync function, using the group ID.

One module of the set of modules needs to be set to output the sync pulse.
The module with the lowest VXI logical address is called the “system
module” and is assigned this duty. This can be set with the
hpe1432_setMultiSync function call, using the lowest channel ID in the
group (NOT the group ID).

3-9

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

All modules except the “system module” need to be set to use the VXI TTL
trigger lines as the clock source. Use hpe1432_setClockSource for this.

Set the “system module” to output the clock. Use hpe1432_setClockMaster
for this. After this is done, all system sync pulses come from the “system
module” and drive the measurement state machines on all boards in the
group.

Possible Trigger Line Conflict

The following describes a scenario where HP E1433A modules might conflict
and prevent a proper measurement. The conditions allowing the conflict
are complex but must be understood by the user.

After a measurement has completed, the modules are left set up. If a
module (call it module ‘A’) is driving the TTL trigger lines and a different
group is started which also drives the TTL trigger lines (and that different
group does not include module ‘A’), then module ‘A’ will conflict and
prevent the other group from functioning. In this case make a call to
hpe1432_finishMeasure (using the old group ID which includes ‘A’) to turn
off module ‘A’ and allow the new group to function.

Note that if the new group includes all modules of the old group, the
conflict will not occur since hpe1432_initMeasure will reset all modules as
needed. Also note that single-module groups do not drive the TTL trigger
lines, so single-module groups are immune from causing or receiving this
conflict.

3-10

8

S

0

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

Managing Multiple-mainframe Measurements

In a single-mainframe measurement, the HP E1433A communicates with
other HP E1433As through the TTLTRG lines. However, when using the
VXI-MXI bus extender modules, the TTLTRG lines, which carry the group
synchronization pulse and sample clock, are extended only in one direction.
This unidirectional signal connection restricts the types of measurements
you can make in a multiple mainframe environment.

You cannot perform the following types of multiple mainframe measurements:

q Unequal pre-trigger delay settings between mainframes
q Channel triggering by channels in Mainframe B
q Lower spans or longer blocksizes in Mainframe B
q Different digital filter settling times between HP E1433A modules

lot

Contoller

HP E1482B

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

HPE1433A

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

Cal

Cal

HP E1433A

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe A

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe B

HP E14

2B

HP E1433A

Figure 3-3: Multiple mainframes - two mainframes

3-11

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

In the example above, Mainframe A contains the Slot 0 Controller for a
multiple mainframe system. Mainframe A is connected to Mainframe B with
a VXI-MXI interface, HP E1482B. To successfully manage this multiple
mainframe environment, use the following guidelines.

q Locate modules with logical addresses less than 128 in Mainframe A.
q Locate modules with logical addresses greater than 127 in Mainframe B.
q Locate the highest-numbered channels in Mainframe A.
q Locate the last module in the module list specified in the call to hpe1432_init in

Mainframe A.

q Locate the module that generates the group synchronization pulse in

Mainframe A.

q Locate the channels performing channel triggering in Mainframe A.
q Locate the module with the shared sample clock in Mainframe A.
q If you do not use a groupID with the call hpe1432_readRawData or

hpe1432_readFloat64Data, empty the HP E1433As’ FIFOs in Mainframe B before
Mainframe A. In other words, do not empty the FIFOs in Mainframe A unless you
have emptied the FIFOs in Mainframe B. For more information about groupID
see “Grouping of Channels/Modules” in this chapter.

q If more than two mainframes are needed, daisy-chain them together. Treat each

mainframe after the first as a Mainframe B. See the example on the next page.

Phase Performance in Multiple Mainframe Measurements

Phase specifications are degraded by the delay that the inter-mainframe
interface gives the sample clock. This delay is insignificant for many
low-frequency applications because the phase error is proportional to
frequency. A system with two VXI-MXI modules and a one-meter cable,
typically has a 76 nanosecond (ns) sample clock delay in Mainframe B.
This corresponds to an additional 0.007 degree phase error at 256 Hz and
an additional 0.55 degree phase error at 20 kHz.

Using a four-meter cable (which adds approximately 18 ns of delay) causes
a total of 94 ns clock delay in Mainframe B. This corresponds to an
additional 0.0087 degree phase error at 256 Hz and an additional 0.68
degree phase error at 20 kHz.

The cable adds approximately 6 ns per meter of cable.

Each daisy-chained mainframe adds another increment of delay, but only for
the additional cabling length.

3-12

S

0

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

lot

Contoller

HP E1482B

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

HPE1433A

Chan
5-8

HP E1433A

Fail Acs Trigger

Cal

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe A

INTX
Cable

MXI Bus
Cable

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Fail Acs Trigger

Cal

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan

Chan

5-8

5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe B

Cal

ExTrig

Chan
5-8

Chan
1-4

HPE1433A

HP E1433A

HP E1433A

VXI Mainframe C

HP E1482B

HP E1482B

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Figure 4: Multiple mainframes - three mainframes

3-13

HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

Synchronization in Multiple-mainframe Measurements

A TTL Trigger line between HP E1433As making group measurements
keeps all modules synchronized. This is an open-collector line where each
module holds the one designated as the SYNC line low until the module is
ready to advance to the next measurement state. Another TTL Trigger line
is designated to carry the sample clock to all modules. This shared sample
clock may come from any HP E1433A module in Mainframe A or from an
external signal routed through the Slot 0 Commander in Mainframe A.

One module is responsible for pulling the SYNC line low to start each
group’s state transition. Then, each module holds the line low until it is
ready. When all modules are ready, the SYNC line drifts high. The
unidirectional line prevents modules in Mainframe B from holding-off
modules in Mainframe A.

The lowest logical address must be in Mainframe A because of VXI-MXI and
Resource Manager (RM) constraints. Group constraints with the C-Library
force modules in Mainframe A to have their FIFOs emptied last. The
C-Library reads data in channel order, so the highest channel is read last.
To get this to work automatically, the call to hpe1432_init must list the
logical addresses in descending order.

Channel triggering must be done only by modules in Mainframe A. A
trigger in any other mainframe would not be communicated back on the
SYNC line to Mainframe A. The C-Library itself selects the HP E1433A
with the highest channel number for synchronization.

VXI-MXI Module Setup and System Configuration

To set up your multiple mainframe system, follow the “Hardware Installation
Rules” which appear in Chapter 2 of the HP E1482B VXI-MXI Bus Extender
User’s Manual. This allows the Resource Manager to configure your system.

The VXI-MXI Module setup in Mainframe A needs to be changed from those
set by the factory. The VXI-MXI module is not the Slot 0 Controller for
Mainframe A. See Table 2-1: Configuration Settings in the HP E1482B
VXI-MXI Bus Extender User’s Manual. This requires changing several
switch settings.

q Set the module as not being the Slot 0 Controller.
q Set the VME timeout to 200 µs.

q Set the VME BTO chain position to 1 extender, non-slot0.
q Do not source CLK10.
q Set the proper logical address.

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HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

Module Features

Data Flow Diagram and FIFO Architecture

The illustration on the next page shows data flow in the HP E1433A. In
this example there are four 4-channel input assemblies for a total of 16
input channels. The data for all channels is sent to the FIFO. The FIFO is
divided into sections, one for each channel. The data moves through a
circular buffer (first-in-first-out) until a trigger causes it to be sent on to
the VME Bus. The data can also be sent to the Local Bus if option UGH is
present.

The size of the sections in the FIFO is flexible. The amount of DRAM
memory for each channel is the total DRAM memory divided by the number
of channels. The standard DRAM size is 4 MB; an optional 32 MB DRAM is
available.

The trigger can be programmed to trigger on the input or on information
from the software. The following are examples of ways a trigger can be
generated.

q input level or bound
q source
q external trigger
q RPM level (with tachometer option AYE)
q ttl_trigger (VXI backplane)
q freerun (automatic)

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

ch 1

96002

trigger

ch 8

Input 1

Input 2

Static

RAM

circular
buffer

trigger

FIFO

FIFO

(DRAM)

ch 1

ch 2

to VME

or Local

96002

host
port

Local

Bus

FIFO

Bus

Bus

VME Bus

Local Bus

3-16

ch 3

ch 4

ch 5

........

Figure 3-5: Data flow and FIFO architecture

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

Base Sample Rates

Baseband Measurement Spans

The table on the following page shows the measurement spans available for
base sample rates, for baseband measurements.

“Fs” is the sample frequency or sample rate. The value for zero
divide-by-two steps and no divide-by-5 step is the top measurement span
corresponding to the sample rate. This is with no decimation and using 400
lines to avoid alias. The other values on the table are for this top span
decimated by five and/or two.

For an HP E1433A which has option 1D4, the Arbitrary Source, the sample
rate for the source is automatically set to be the same as the sample rate
selected for the inputs. When the source is active the sample rate cannot
be greater than 65.536 kHz.

Decimation Filter Diagram

The drawing below illustrates the way the spans in the table are generated.
In the case of baseband spans (lower limit of span fixed at zero), the
frequency can (optionally) be divided by five and then (optionally) divided
by two up to sixteen times.

ADC

÷

5

ze ro o r

one time

Figure 3-6: Decimation filter diagram - baseband

÷

2

ze ro to

16 tim es

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Table of Baseband Measurement Spans (part 1 of 4)
All values in Hertz.

sample

frequency

48000 50000 51200

(Fs) —>
number of

divide-by-2

steps

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

0 3750.000000 18750.000000* 3906.250000 19531.250000* 4000.000000 20000.000000*
1 1875.000000 9375.000000 1953.125000 9765.625000 2000.000000 10000.000000
2 937.500000 4687.500000 976.562500 4882.812500 1000.000000 5000.000000
3 468.750000 2343.750000 488.281250 2441.406250 500.000000 2500.000000
4 234.375000 1171.875000 244.140625 1220.703125 250.000000 1250.000000
5 117.187500 585.937500 122.070312 610.351562 125.000000 625.000000
6 58.593750 292.968750 61.035156 305.175781 62.500000 312.500000
7 29.296875 146.484375 30.517578 152.587891 31.250000 156.250000
8 14.648438 73.242188 15.258789 76.293945 15.625000 78.125000

9 7.324219 36.621094 7.629395 38.146973 7.812500 39.062500
10 3.662109 18.310547 3.814697 19.073486 3.906250 19.531250
11 1.831055 9.155273 1.907349 9.536743 1.953125 9.765625
12 0.915527 4.577637 0.953674 4.768372 0.976562 4.882812
13 0.457764 2.288818 0.476837 2.384186 0.488281 2.441406
14 0.228882 1.144409 0.238419 1.192093 0.244141 1.220703
15 0.114441 0.572205 0.119209 0.596046 0.122070 0.610352
16 0.057220 0.286102 0.059605 0.298023 0.061035 0.305176

Notes:

* For the top span the 3dB bandwidth is 1.15 times span shown.

To select a sample frequency for time domain data, first divide the desired
sample frequency by 2.56 to convert it to a measurement span. Then
locate the closest measurement span on this table and choose the
corresponding sample frequency at top of the table.

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Table of Baseband Measurement Spans (part 2 of 4)
All values in Hertz.

sample

frequency

64000 65536 76800

(Fs) —>
number of

divide-by-2

steps

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

0 5000.000000 25000.000000* 5120.000000 25600.000000* 6000.000000 30000.000000*
1 2500.000000 12500.000000 2560.000000 12800.000000 3000.000000 15000.000000
2 1250.000000 6250.000000 1280.000000 6400.000000 1500.000000 7500.000000
3 625.000000 3125.000000 640.000000 3200.000000 750.000000 3750.000000
4 312.500000 1562.500000 320.000000 1600.000000 375.000000 1875.000000
5 156.250000 781.250000 160.000000 800.000000 187.500000 937.500000
6 78.125000 390.625000 80.000000 400.000000 93.750000 468.750000
7 39.062500 195.312500 40.000000 200.000000 46.875000 234.375000
8 19.531250 97.656250 20.000000 100.000000 23.437500 117.187500

9 9.765625 48.828125 10.000000 50.000000 11.718750 58.593750
10 4.882812 24.414062 5.000000 25.000000 5.859375 29.296875
11 2.441406 12.207031 2.500000 12.500000 2.929688 14.648438
12 1.220703 6.103516 1.250000 6.250000 1.464844 7.324219
13 0.610352 3.051758 0.625000 3.125000 0.732422 3.662109
14 0.305176 1.525879 0.312500 1.562500 0.366211 1.831055
15 0.152588 0.762939 0.156250 0.781250 0.183105 0.915527
16 0.076294 0.381470 0.078125 0.390625 0.091553 0.457764

Notes:

*For the top span the 3dB bandwidth is 1.15 times span shown.

To select a sample frequency for time domain data, first divide the desired
sample frequency by 2.56 to convert it to a measurement span. Then
locate the closest measurement span on this table and choose the
corresponding sample frequency at top of the table.

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Using the HP E1433A

Table of Baseband Measurement Spans (part 3 of 4)
All values in Hertz.

sample

frequency

80000 81920 96000

(Fs) —>
number of

divide-by-2

steps

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

0 6250.000000 31250.000000* 6400.000000 32000.000000* 7500.000000 37500.000000*
1 3125.000000 15625.000000 3200.000000 16000.000000 3750.000000 18750.000000
2 1562.500000 7812.500000 1600.000000 8000.000000 1875.000000 9375.000000
3 781.250000 3906.250000 800.000000 4000.000000 937.500000 4687.500000
4 390.625000 1953.125000 400.000000 2000.000000 468.750000 2343.750000
5 195.312500 976.562500 200.000000 1000.000000 234.375000 1171.875000
6 97.656250 488.281250 100.000000 500.000000 117.187500 585.937500
7 48.828125 244.140625 50.000000 250.000000 58.593750 292.968750
8 24.414062 122.070312 25.000000 125.000000 29.296875 146.484375

9 12.207031 61.035156 12.500000 62.500000 14.648438 73.242188
10 6.103516 30.517578 6.250000 31.250000 7.324219 36.621094
11 3.051758 15.258789 3.125000 15.625000 3.662109 18.310547
12 1.525879 7.629395 1.562500 7.812500 1.831055 9.155273
13 0.762939 3.814697 0.781250 3.906250 0.915527 4.577637
14 0.381470 1.907349 0.390625 1.953125 0.457764 2.288818
15 0.190735 0.953674 0.195312 0.976562 0.228882 1.144409
16 0.095367 0.476837 0.097656 0.488281 0.114441 0.572205

Notes:

*For the top span the 3dB bandwidth is 1.15 times span shown.

To select a sample frequency for time domain data, first divide the desired
sample frequency by 2.56 to convert it to a measurement span. Then
locate the closest measurement span on this table and choose the
corresponding sample frequency at top of the table.

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Table of Baseband Measurement Spans (part 4 of 4)
All values in Hertz.

sample

frequency

100000 102400 128000

(Fs) —>

number of

divide-by-2

steps

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

with divide-by-5

without

divide-by-5

0 7812.500000 39062.500000* 8000.000000 40000.000000* 10000.000000 50000.000000*
1 3906.250000 19531.250000 4000.000000 20000.000000 5000.000000 25000.000000
2 1953.125000 9765.625000 2000.000000 10000.000000 2500.000000 12500.000000
3 976.562500 4882.812500 1000.000000 5000.000000 1250.000000 6250.000000
4 488.281250 2441.406250 500.000000 2500.000000 625.000000 3125.000000
5 244.140625 1220.703125 250.000000 1250.000000 312.500000 1562.500000
6 122.070312 610.351562 125.000000 625.000000 156.250000 781.250000
7 61.035156 305.175781 62.500000 312.500000 78.125000 390.625000
8 30.517578 152.587891 31.250000 156.250000 39.062500 195.312500

9 15.258789 76.293945 15.625000 78.125000 19.531250 97.656250
10 7.629395 38.146973 7.812500 39.062500 9.765625 48.828125
11 3.814697 19.073486 3.906250 19.531250 4.882812 24.414062
12 1.907349 9.536743 1.953125 9.765625 2.441406 12.207031
13 0.953674 4.768372 0.976562 4.882812 1.220703 6.103516
14 0.476837 2.384186 0.488281 2.441406 0.610352 3.051758
15 0.238419 1.192093 0.244141 1.220703 0.305176 1.525879
16 0.119209 0.596046 0.122070 0.610352 0.152588 0.762939

Notes:

*For the top span the 3dB bandwidth is 1.15 times span shown.

To select a sample frequency for time domain data, first divide the desired
sample frequency by 2.56 to convert it to a measurement span. Then
locate the closest measurement span on this table and choose the
corresponding sample frequency at top of the table.

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Using the HP E1433A

HP E1433 sample frequencies

The following is a list of all sample frequencies (in Hz) available on the
HP E1433A, including those not listed in the preceding table.

48000.0

49152.0

50000.0

51200.0

52400.852878

61440.0

62500.0

64000.0

65536.0

66666.666667

76800.0

78125.0

80000.0

81920.0

96000.0

98304.0

100000.0

102400.0

122880.0

125000.0

128000.0

For the following frequencies (in Hz), filtered and decimated spans not
available:

133333.333333

153600.0

156250.0

163840.0

192000.0

196608.0

3-22

S

HP E1433A User's Guide

Using the HP E1433A

Measurement Process

Measurement Setup and Control

When the HP E1433A makes a measurement, the measurement itself
consists of two phases: the measurement initialization, and the
measurement loop. Each of these phases consists of several states, through
which the measurement progresses.

The transition from one state to the next is tied to a transition in the
Sync/Trigger line (one of the TTL trigger lines on the VXI back plane). A
state (such as Idle) begins when the Sync/Trigger line goes low. The
Sync/Trigger line then remains low as long as the state is in effect. When
the Sync/Trigger line goes high it signals the transition to the next state.
See the sections “Measurement Initialization” and “Measurement Loop”
below for more details about these transitions. During all the transitions of
the Sync/Trigger line, the clock line continues with a constant pulse.

The Sync/Trigger line is “wire-OR’d” such that all modules in a
multiple-module system (within one mainframe) must release it for it to go
high. Only one HP E1433A is required to pull the Sync/Trigger line low.
In a system with only one HP E1433A, the Sync/Trigger line is local to the
module and not is routed to a TTL TRIGGER line on the VXI back plane.

ync/Trigger line

Start of
state

Pre-arm

Idle

Arm

End of
state

Figure 3-7: Transitions between states

Trigger

Meas

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HP E1433A User's Guide
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Parameter Settings

Many parameters are channel-dependent, meaning that each channel can be
set independently of the others in the module. Other parameters are
module-dependent; changing a module-dependent parameter for a channel
will change it for all channels on that module. For example, changing
blocksize, a module-dependent parameter, for input channel 3 will also
change the block size for all other channels in the same HP E1433A module
as channel 3.

When possible, parameters are written to the hardware as soon as they are
received. Sometimes, the parameter can’t be written to the hardware until
the start of a measurement; in this case the value of the parameter is saved
in RAM in the HP E1433A module until the measurement is started with
hpe1432_initMeasure. Some parameters can be changed while a
measurement is running, but many do not take effect until the next start of
a measurement.

Measurement Initialization

This section describes the measurement initialization process in the
HP E1433A.

The measurement initialization states, and the corresponding Sync/Trigger
line transitions (with ‘H’ for high, ‘L’ for Low) are:

Tested

Booting Pre-armBooted

Settling

Idle

LHLHL HLH

Sync/Trigger line

Figure 3-8: Measurement initialization

The module enters the TESTED state after a reset. In this state, all of the
module parameters may be set. The HP E1433A stays in the TESTED state
until it sees a high-to-low transition of the Sync/Trigger line.

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In the BOOTING state, the digital processors of the module load their
parameters, and their program. Once done, the module releases the
Sync/Trigger line and moves to the BOOTED state. The HP E1433A stays
in the BOOTED state until it sees a high-to-low transition of the
Sync/Trigger line (that is, all the HP E1433As in the system have booted).

In the SETTLING state, the digital filters are synchronized, and the digital
filter output is ‘settled’ (it waits N samples before outputting any data).
Once the module is settled, it advances to the PRE_ARM state.

In the PRE_ARM state, the module waits for a pre-arm condition to take
place. The default is to auto-arm, so the module would not wait at all in
this case. When the pre-arm condition is met, the module releases the
Sync/Trigger line and advances to the IDLE state.

This complete measurement sequence initialization, from TESTED through
BOOTING, BOOTED, SETTLING, PRE-ARM, and IDLE, can be performed
with a call to the function hpe1432_initMeasure.

Measurement Loop

This section describes the measurement loop in the HP E1433A.

The progression of measurement states and the corresponding Sync/Trigger
line transitions are:

Arm Trigger MeasureIdle

HL H

LH

L

Sync/Trigger line

Figure 3-9: Measurement loop

In the IDLE state the HP E1433A writes no data into the FIFO. The
HP E1433A remains in the IDLE state until it sees a high-to-low transition
of the Sync/Trigger line or an RPM arm/trigger point is calculated. If any of
the HP E1433As in the system is programmed for auto arming (with
hpe1432_setArmMode), the Sync/Trigger line is immediately pulled low by
that HP E1433A. The HP E1433A may also be moved to the ARM state by
an explicit call to the function hpe1432_armMeasure.

L

H

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HP E1433A User's Guide
Using the HP E1433A

Upon entering the ARM state the HP E1433A starts saving new data in its
FIFO. It remains in the ARM state until the Sync/Trigger line goes high. If
the HP E1433A is programmed with a pre-trigger delay, it collects enough
data samples to satisfy this pre-trigger delay, and then releases the
Sync/Trigger line. If no pre-trigger delay has been programmed, it releases
the Sync/Trigger line immediately. When all modules in a system have
released the Sync/Trigger line (allowing it to go high), a transition to the
TRIGGER state occurs.

Upon entering the TRIGGER state the HP E1433A continues to collect data
into the FIFO, discarding any data prior to the pre-trigger delay. The
HP E1433A remains in the TRIGGER state until it sees a high-to-low
transition of the Sync/Trigger line. The Sync/Trigger line is pulled low by
any HP E1433A which encounters a trigger condition and is programmed to
pull the Sync/Trigger line. If any HP E1433A is programmed for auto
triggering (with hpe1432_setAutoTrigger), the Sync/Trigger line is pulled
low immediately. The Sync/Trigger line may also be pulled low by an
explicit call to the function hpe1432_triggerMeasure.

Upon entering the MEASURE state the HP E1433A continues to collect
data. The HP E1433A also presents the first data from the FIFO to the
selected output port, making it available to the controller to read. The
HP E1433A holds the Sync/Trigger line low as long as it is actively
collecting data. In overlap block mode the HP E1433A stops taking data as
soon as a block of data has been collected, including any programmed pre­or post-trigger delays. (It starts again when another trigger occurs). In
continuous mode, the HP E1433A stops taking data only when the FIFO
overflows. When data collection stops, the HP E1433A releases the
Sync/Trigger line. When all HP E1433As are finished and the Sync/Trigger
line goes high, the HP E1433A goes into the IDLE state again.

The measurement initialization and loop may be interrupted at any time
with a call to hpe1432_resetMeasure, which puts the module in the
TESTED state.

Register-based VXI Devices

The HP E1433A is a register-based VXI device. Unlike message-based
devices which use higher-level programming using ASCII characters,
register-based devices are programmed at a very low level using binary
information. The greatest advantage of this is speed. Register-based
devices communicate at the level of direct hardware manipulation and this
can lead to much greater system throughput.

Users do not need to access the registers in order to use the HP E1433A.
The HP E1433A’s functions can be more easily accessed using the
HP E1433A Host Interface Library software. However, if you want more
information about the registers see Appendix A: Register Definitions.

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Using the HP E1433A

Arm and Trigger

This section explains some terminology relating the the “Arm” and “Trigger”
steps in the measurement loop. As an example a measurement might be
set up to arm at a certain RPM level and then subsequently trigger at an
external event corresponding to top dead center (TDC). The settings
would be:

q Arm: RPM Step Arm
q Trigger: External Trigger

If you want to begin a throughput session at this same RPM/TDC event,
then the first external trigger after a specified RPM would start a
continuous mode measurement. Now (using overlap block mode) the
settings would be:

q Pre-Arm: RPM Step Arm
q Arm: Auto
q Trigger: Auto

In the measurement loop, an arm must take place before a trigger. You can
program how many triggers to do before waiting for another arm condition.
The default is one trigger for each arm. For each trigger, a block of data
is sent to the host.

The first arm in a measurement is the pre-arm. By default, the pre-arm
condition is the same as the regular arm conditions.

Valid Arm (and Pre-Arm) conditions are:

q Auto Arm
q Manual Arm
q RPM Step Arm

Valid trigger conditions are:

q Auto Trigger
q Input Trigger
q Source Trigger
q External Trigger
q Manual Trigger
q Tachometer Edge Trigger

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HP E1433A Triggering.

The following is a short discussion of triggering for the HP E1433A.

Triggering is defined as the transition from the armed state to the triggered
state. This transition is caused by a low going edge on a TTL trigger line.
The function hpe1432_getTtltrgLines selects which of the eight TTL trigger
lines is to be used.

The low-going transition of the TTL trig line can be caused by any of the
following items:

trigger type enabling function

the AUTO TRIGGER circuitry hpe1432_setAutoTrigger

the hpe1432_triggerMeasure function hpe1432_triggerMeasure

a source trigger hpe1432_setTriggerChannel

a tach trigger hpe1432_setTriggerChannel

an external trigger hpe1432_setTriggerExt

an input level or bound trigger event hpe1432_setTriggerChannel

and hpe1432_setTriggerMode

Each of these trigger sources can be enabled or disabled independently, so
quite complex trigger setups are possible. In all cases, however, the first
trigger event kicks off the measurement and the following trigger events
become superfluous.

Note that for hpe1432_setAutoTrigger the setting
HPE1432_MANUAL_TRIGGER really means “don’t auto trigger” not “expect
a manual trigger”.

For single-HP E1433A systems, the TTL trigger signal is not connected to
the VXI backplane. For multiple HP E1433A systems, the
hpe1432_initMeasure function connects the HP E1433A trigger lines to the
VXI backplane, and at that point, your selection of which TTL trigger lines
through hpe1432_getTtltrgLines is relevant. Multiple mainframe systems will
need to account for the unidirectional nature of the inter-mainframe MXI
extenders which will prevent all but the “upstream” mainframe from
triggering the system.

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Trigger Level

To set the trigger level, use hpe1432_setTriggerMode to select “level” or
“bound” mode; and use hpe1432_setTriggerLevel twice to set both the

upper and lower trigger levels. The difference between the upper and
lower trigger levels must be at least 10% of full scale (and 10% is usually
the best amount).

Also use hpe1432setTriggerSlope to specify a positive or negative trigger
slope.

Level mode

If the mode is set to “level” and the trigger slope is positive, then the
module triggers when the signal crosses both the upper and lower trigger
levels in the positive direction. If the trigger slope is negative, the module
triggers when the signal crosses both levels in the negative direction.
Setting two trigger levels prevents the module from triggering repeatedly
when a noisy signal crosses the trigger level.

Bound mode

If the mode is set to “bound” and the trigger slope is positive, then the
module triggers when the signal exits the zone between the upper and
lower trigger levels in either direction. If the trigger slope is negative, the
module triggers when the signal enters the zone between the upper and
lower trigger levels.

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Data Transfer Modes

The HP E1433A can be programmed to use either of two data transfer
modes: overlap block mode and continuous mode. To help explain these
modes we will first describe block mode.

Block Mode (HP E1431A)

The HP E1433A’s overlap block mode is similar the block mode which is
used in other Hewlett-Packard instruments such as the HP E1431A. In
block mode, the input hardware acquires one block after getting an arm and
trigger. It does not allow the system to trigger until it is ready to process
the trigger, and it acquires pre-trigger data if necessary. The hardware does
not accept a new arm and trigger until the acquired block is sent to the
host. There is no provision for overlap or queuing up more than one block
when in block mode. There is also no way for a FIFO overflow to occur.

The HP E1433A’s overlap block mode can be configured to act exactly like
traditional block mode. It also has additional capabilities as described below.

Continuous Mode.

Both the HP E1433A and the HP E1431A use continuous mode. In this
mode , the input hardware waits for an arm and trigger, and then starts
acquiring data continuously. If the host is slow, several blocks can be
queued up in the input hardware. If the host gets far enough behind, a
FIFO overflow occurs and the input stops acquiring data.

The HP E1433A’s overlap block mode can be configured to act similarly to
continuous mode, but not identically. The HP E1433A can also use the
traditional continuous mode.

Overlap Block Mode

Overlap block mode combines features of both block mode and continuous
mode. The main difference between overlap block mode and traditional
block mode is that overlap block mode allows additional arms and triggers
to occur before an already-acquired block is sent to the host. A trigger can
occur before the end of the previous block, so overlapping blocks are
possible (hence the name “overlap block mode”). As in continuous mode,
there is an overlap parameter which controls how much overlap is allowed
between consecutive blocks.

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Limit on Queuing of Data

In overlap block mode, a number of trigger events may be queued up
before the host reads the data for those triggers. The host may get further
and further behind the data acquisition.

However, if the host gets far enough behind that the FIFO fills up, data
acquisition must momentarily stop and wait for data to get transferred to
the host. This places a limit on how far in time the host can be behind the
data acquisition. By setting the size of the FIFO, is you can control how
far behind the host can get.

Making Overlap Block Mode Act Like Traditional Block Mode

If the FIFO size is set the same as the block size, or if the number of
pending triggers is limited to zero, then overlap block mode becomes
identical to traditional block mode.

Making Overlap Block Act Like Continuous Mode

If the module is in auto-arm and auto-trigger mode, then overlap block
mode becomes nearly the same as continuous mode.

One difference is that traditional continuous mode has a single arm and
trigger, while overlap block mode may have multiple arms and triggers.
Another is that continuous mode can be configured to start at any type of
trigger event, while overlap block mode must be in auto-trigger mode to act
like continuous mode. Finally, continuous mode always stops when a FIFO
overflow occurs, but overlap block mode does not.

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HP E1433A Interrupt Behavior

Interrupt Setup

For an example of interrupt handling see the program event.c in the
examples directory.

The HP E1433A VXI module can be programmed to interrupt a host
computer using the VME interrupt lines. VME provides seven such lines.
Using hpe1432_setInterruptPriority, you can set up the HP E1433A module
to use any one of them.

The HP 1432A can interrupt the host computer in response to different
events. Using hpe1432_setInterruptMask you can specify a mask of events
on which to interrupt. This mask is created by OR-ing together the various
conditions for an interrupt. The following table shows the conditions that
can cause an interrupt:

Interrupt Mask Bit Definitions

Define (in e1432.h) Description

HPE1432_IRQ_BLOCK_READY Scan of data ready in FIFO

HPE1432_IRQ_MEAS_ERROR FIFO overflow

HPE1432_IRQ_MEAS_STATE_CHANGE Measurement state machine changed state

HPE1432_IRQ_MEAS_WARNING Measurement warning

HPE1432_IRQ_OVERLOAD_CHANGE Overload status changed

HPE1432_IRQ_SRC_STATUS Source channel interrupt

HPE1432_IRQ_TACHS_AVAIL Raw tach times ready for transfer to other

modules

HPE1432_IRQ_TRIGGER Trigger ready for transfer to other modules

HP E1433A Interrupt Handling

To make the HP E1433A module do the interrupt, both a mask and a VME
Interrupt line must be specified, by calling hpe1432_setInterruptMask and
hpe1432_setInterruptPriority respectively. Once the mask and line have
been set, and an interrupt occurs, the cause of the interrupt can be
obtained by reading the HPE1432_IRQ_STATUS_REG register (using
hpe1432_getInterruptReason). The bit positions of the interrupt mask and
status registers match so the defines can be used to set and check IRQ bits.

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Using the HP E1433A

Once it has done this interrupt, the module will not do any more VME
interrupts until re-enabled with hpe1432_reenableInterrupt. Normally, the
last thing a host computer’s interrupt handler should do is call
hpe1432_reenableInterrupt.

Events that would have caused an interrupt, but which are blocked because
hpe1432_reenableInterrupt has not yet been called, will be saved. After
hpe1432_reenableInterrupt is called, these saved events will cause an
interrupt, so that there is no way for the host to “miss” an interrupt.
However, the module will only do one VME interrupt for all of the saved
events, so that the host computer will not get flooded with too many
interrupts.

For things like “HPE1432_IRQ_BLOCK_READY”, which are not events but
are actually states, the module will do an interrupt after
hpe1432_reenableInterrupt only if the state is still present. This allows the
host computer’s interrupt handler to potentially read multiple scans from an
HP E1433A module, and not get flooded with block ready interrupts after
the fact.

Host Interrupt Setup

This is a summary of how to set up an HP E1433A interrupt:

q Look at the Resource Manager to find out which VME interrupt lines are available.
q Tell the HP E1433A module to use the a VME interrupt line found in step one,

using hpe1432_setInterruptPriority.

q Set up an interrupt handler routine, using hpe1432_callBackInstall. The interrupt

handler routine will get called when the interrupt occurs.

q Set up interrupt mask in the HP E1433A module, using

hpe1432_setInterruptMask.

Host Interrupt Handling

When the HP E1433A asserts the VME interrupt line, the program will
cause the specified interrupt handler to get called. Typically the interrupt
handler routine will read data from the module, and then re-enable
HP E1433A interrupts with hpe1432_reenableInterrupt. The call to
hpe1432_reenableInterrupt must be done unless the host is not interested in
any more interrupts.

Inside the interrupt handler, almost any HP E1433A Host Interface library
function can be called. This works because the Host Interface library
disables interrupts around critical sections of code, ensuring that
communication with the HP E1433A module stays consistent. Things that
are not valid in the handler are:

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Using the HP E1433A

q Calling hpe1432_createChannelGroup to delete a group that is simultaneously

being used by non-interrupt-handler code.

q Calling one of the read data functions (hpe1432_readRawData or

hpe1432_readFloat64Data), if the non-interrupt-handler code is also calling one
of these functions.

q Calling hpe1432_init to reset the list of channels that are available to the

HP E1433A library.

As is always the case with interrupt handlers, it is easy to introduce bugs
into your program, and generally hard to track down these bugs. Be careful
when writing this function.

Data Gating

Sometimes you may wish to monitor data from some input channels and not
others. The function hpe1432_setEnable enables or disables data from an
input channel (or group of channels). If data is enabled, then the data can
be read using hpe1432_blockAvailable and hpe1432_readRawData or
hpe1432_readFloat64Data. If data is disabled, data from the specified
channel is not made available to the host computer.

This parameter can be changed while a measurement is running, to allow
the host computer to look at only some of the data being collected by the
HP E1433A module. While data from a channel is disabled the input
module continues to collect data but it is not made available to the host
computer. The host can then switch from looking at some channels to
looking at others during the measurement. In contrast, the function
hpe1432_setActive completely enables or disables a channel and can’tbe
changed while a measurement is running.

For order tracking measurements this function can be used to switch
between receiving order tracking data, ordinary time data, or both.

HP E1433A Parameters

Some parameters, such as range or coupling, apply to specific channels.
When a channel ID is given to a function that sets a channel-specific
parameter, only that channel is set to the new value.

Some parameters, such as clock frequency or data transfer mode, apply
globally to a module. When a channel ID is used to change a parameter
that applies to a whole module, the channel ID is used to determine which
module. The parameter is then changed for that module.

Starting and stopping a measurement is somewhat like setting a global
parameter. Starting a measurement starts each active channel in each
module that has a channel in the group.

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Using the HP E1433A

After firmware is installed, and after a call to hpe1432_preset, all of the
parameters (both channel-specific and global) in an HP E1433A module are
set to their default values. For channel-specific parameters, the default
value may depend on the type of channel. Some channel-specific
parameters apply only to a specific type of channel. For example, tach
holdoff applies only to tach channels. Setting such a parameter for a
channel that doesn’t make sense will result in an error.

At the start of a measurement, the HP E1433A firmware sets up all
hardware parameters, and ensures that the input hardware is settled before
starting to take data. The firmware also ensures that any digital filters have
time to settle. This ensures that all data read from the module will be valid.

However, after a measurement starts, HP E1433A parameters can still be
changed. The effect of this change varies, depending on the parameter.
For some parameters, changing the value aborts the measurement
immediately. For other parameters, the measurement is not aborted, but
the changed parameter value is saved and not used until a new
measurement is started. For still other parameters, the parameter change
takes place immediately, and the data coming from the module may contain
glitches or other effects from changing the parameter. See the chapter
titled “The C-Language Host Interface Library” for Parameter Lists showing
the effects for each parameter. Parameter names for the VXIplug&play
library are similar to those for the C-Language Host Interface Library.

You cannot tell the module to wait for settling when changing a parameter
in the middle of a measurement. The only way to wait for settling is to
stop and re-start the measurement. Also, you cannot disable the settling
that takes place at the start of a measurement.

Refer to the (on-line) HP E1433A Function Reference for the parameters
needed for each function. (See “Where to get more information” in this
chapter.)

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Using the HP E1433A

New features of the HP E1432A/HP E1433A software

The following features have been added to the HP E1432A/HP E1433A
software since the previous edition of this manual. These and other
features are documented in the online Function Reference. For more
information look in the Function Reference entries for the functions that are
used by the feature.

Auto range

Auto range calculates the best range for each channel so that the signal is
full scale but not overloaded. Auto range works only while the
measurement is running.

Averaging

Averaging can be done for resampling measurements on frequency or order
data. It uses the function hpe1432_setAvgMode. You can set several
averaging modes: RMS averaging, linear averaging, exponential averaging, or
peak hold averaging.

Continuous re-sampled data

Continuous re-sampling forces the blocks of data to be contiguous, with no
gaps between them. It uses the existing function hpe1432_setArmMode.
(Without continuous re-sampling, each block of data follows the previous
block after some interval, depending on the next trigger event.

Fast span or range change

You can now change the span or range while the measurement is running,
using the existing functions hpe1432_setSpan or hpe1432_setRange.
Previously if you sent the command while a measurement was running, it
would wait until the next measurement. Now it will change the span or
range when the command is sent.

Time arming

This uses a new function hpe1432_setArmTimeInterval. It allows you to
specify a time interval for arming. For example you could set it to get a
block of data every second.

Weighting filters (HP E1433A only)

For the HP E1433A, you can set any of three weighting filters (A-weighting,
B-weighting, or C-weighting). This feature uses the function
hpe1432_setWeighting.

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Using the HP E1433A

Zoom (HP E1432A only)

Up to now the HP E1432A has made only baseband measurements (from
zero to some frequency.) Zoom allows you to set a center frequency and
look at a window of frequencies around it. It uses two new functions:
hpe1432_setZoom (turns zoom on/off) and hpe1432_setCenterFreq. (Zoom
has not been implemented for the HP E1433A).

Zoom (for the Arbitrary Source, option 1D4)

This is similar to zoom for the HP E1432A input. Zoom for the source
allows you to set a center frequency and a span for the output signal. It
uses the existing function hpe1432_setSourceMode with a new zoom
parameter.

Zoom applies to random burst source mode and continuous source mode,
for both the HP E1432A and the HP E1433A. When used with the
HP E1432A, if you set the source center frequency to zero, the source
center frequency will be the same as the center frequency set for the
HP E1432A input. This is also true for the span.

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Where to get more information

There is more information available about the HP E1433A. This section will
tell you how to access it and print it, if desired.

The HP E1433A uses the same software as the HP E1432A 16 Channel 51.2
kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP.

The Function Reference for VXIplug&play

On a PC: The HP E1432A Function Reference is in Microsoft Help text.
Select the Help icon in the “VXIPNP” folder. Refer to Microsoft Windows
documentation (including Help text) for information on using and printing
Help.

On a unix system, look at the README file at opt/hyperhelp. It includes
instructions on how to install and use the VXIplug&play help.

The Function Reference for the Host Interface Library (C-language
version)

The HP E1432A distribution includes manual pages for the HP E1432A Host
Interface library. These manual pages can be examined on-line, using the
“ptman” command that is shipped in “/opt/e1432/bin”. For example, you
can read the manual page for the “e1432_init_measure” function by typing:

ptman e1432_init_measure

The distribution also includes a nicely formatted set of these manual pages,
that can be printed on any postscript printer. This manual in postscript
form is in file “/opt/e1432/man/man.ps”. Typically, this manual can be
printed by typing:

lp -opostscript /opt/e1432/man/man.ps

Alternatively, if there is no postscript printer available, a plain text version
of the manual is in file “/opt/e1432/man/man.txt”. This can be printed on
any line printer.

Users of the C-language library will also find useful information about the
HP E1433A in the HP E1432A help text (see above).

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4

The C-Language Host
Interface Library

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The C-Language Host Interface Library

Introduction

The Host Interface Library for the HP E1433A is a set of functions that
allow you to program the register-based HP E1433A at a higher level than
register reads and writes. The library allows groups of HP E1433As to be
set up and programmed as if they were one entity.

The HP E1433A uses the same software as the HP E1432A 16 Channel 51.2
kSa/sec Digitizer plus DSP.

Two version of the Host Interface Library are available. One is the HP-UX
C-Language Host Interface Library which uses SICL (the Standard
Instrument Interface Library) to communicate to the HP E1433A hardware.
The other is the VXIplug&play Library which communicates with the
hardware using the VXIplug&play standard. This chapter covers the
C-Language version. If you are using the VXIplug&play version, you will not
need this chapter. Instead, see the chapters titled “Getting Started With
the HP E1433A” and “Using the HP E1433A”

The library includes routines to set up and query parameters, start and stop
measurements, read and write data, and control interrupts. Routines to aid
debugging and perform low-level I/O are also included.

For information on diagnostics see the chapter titled “Troubleshooting the
HP E1433A.”

Almost all functions in this library return 0 if they complete successfully
and a negative error number if there is a problem. The return value of the
function should always be checked and appropriate action taken for
non-zero values. See the on-line man pages for more information on error
messages.

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Header and Library Files

The /opt/e1432/lib directory contains several versions of the HP E1432A
Host Interface library:

lib1432.a A normal HP-UX archive library, used by host programs wanting to talk to HP

E1433A hardware.

lib1432.sl An HP-UX shared library, used by host programs wanting to talk to HP E1433A

hardware. This and the above archive library do exactly the same things.
Usually, host programs would use the shared library, because it makes the host
program smaller.

libd1432.a An HP E1485A downloadable library. This is untested and not supported at this

time.

llib-l1432.ln A lint library for the HP E1432A C-Language Host Interface Library. If you don’t

use lint (a unix tool for checking your source code for problems), you won’t care
about this file.

An application using the HP E1432A C-Language Host Interface Library
must link in one of these libraries, typically lib1432.sl. The HP-UX versions
of the HP E1432A library use SICL to communicate with the HP E1433A
hardware, so an application using the HP E1432A library must also link in
the SICL library. Normally, this is found in /usr/lib/libsicl.sl.

Any application source code which uses any of the HP E1432A C-Language
Host Interface Library functions must include the e1432.h include file, found
in /opt/e1432/include. Internally, this file includes machType.h, which is
also found in /opt/e1432/include. If the application refers to specific HP
E1433A error numbers, it must also include err1432.h.

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Parameter Information

Description of HP E1433A Parameters

Some parameters, such as range or coupling, apply to specific channels.
When a channel ID is given to a function that sets a channel-specific
parameter, only that channel is set to the new value.

Some parameters, such as clock frequency or data transfer mode, apply
globally to a module. When a channel ID is used to change a parameter
that applies to a whole module, the channel ID is used to determine which
module. The parameter is then changed for that module.

Starting and stopping a measurement is somewhat like setting a global
parameter. Starting a measurement starts each active channel in each
module that has a channel in the group.

After firmware is installed, and after a call to e1432_preset, all of the
parameters (both channel-specific and global) in an HP E1433A module are
set to their default values. For channel-specific parameters, the default
value may depend on the type of channel. Some channel-specific
parameters apply only to a specific type of channel. For example, tach
holdoff applies only to tach channels. Setting such a parameter for a
channel that doesn’t make sense will result in an error.

At the start of a measurement, the HP E1433A firmware sets up all
hardware parameters, and ensures that the input hardware is settled before
starting to take data. The firmware also ensures that any digital filters have
time to settle. This ensures that all data read from the module will be valid.

However, after a measurement starts, HP E1433A parameters can still be
changed. The effect of this change varies, depending on the parameter.
For some parameters, changing the value aborts the measurement
immediately. For other parameters, the measurement is not aborted, but
the changed parameter value is saved and not used until a new
measurement is started. For still other parameters, the parameter change
takes place immediately, and the data coming from the module may contain
glitches or other effects from changing the parameter.

You cannot tell the module to wait for settling when changing a parameter
in the middle of a measurement. The only way to wait for settling is to
stop and re-start the measurement. Also, you cannot disable the settling
that takes place at the start of a measurement.

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Parameter Lists

This section shows which parameters are global parameters, which are
channel-specific, and what types of channels the channel-specific parameters
apply to. Default values are shown for all of these parameters. In addition,
each parameter is categorized as “abort”, “wait”, “immediate”,or“glitch”
depending on the behavior when this parameter is changed during a
running measurement. Those with “abort” cause the measurement to abort.
Those with “wait” don’t take effect until the start of the next measurement.
Those with “immediate” take effect immediately. Those with “glitch” take
effect immediately, and may cause glitches in the data that is read back, or
on the source output if the parameter is applied to a source channel.

Global Parameters

Parameter Default Value Changes

append_status Off Immediate

arm_channel None Immediate

arm_mode Auto Arm Immediate

arm_time_interval 1 Sec Immediate

auto_group_meas On Wait

avg_mode None Wait

avg_number 10 Wait

auto_trigger Auto Trigger Abort

avg_update 10 Wait

avg_weight 1 Immediate

blocksize 1024 Abort

cal_dac 0 Immediate

cal_voltage 0 Volts Immediate

calin Grounded Immediate

center_freq 2 kHz Immediate

clock_freq 51.2 kHz Abort

clock_master Off Abort

clock_source Internal Abort

data_mode Block Mode Abort

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Parameter Default Value Changes

data_port VME Abort

data_size 16 Bit Integer Abort

decimation_output Single Pass Wait

decimation_oversample Off Wait

decimation_undersamp 1 Wait

delta_order 0.1 Wait

fifo_size 0 (Use All DRAM) Wait

filter_settling_time 64 samples Wait

internal_debug 0x100 Immediate

interrupt_mask 0 Immediate

interrupt_priority None Immediate

lbus_mode Pipe Immediate

lbus_reset Off (Not Reset) Immediate

max_order 10 Wait

meas_time_lengh 0 (run forever) Immediate

mmf_delay 0 Immediate

multi_sync Off Abort

overlap 0 Wait

pre_arm_mode Auto Arm Immediate

ramp Off Immediate

span 20000 Hz Wait

sumbus Off Immediate

trigger_delay 0 Wait

trigger_ext Off Immediate

trigger_master Off Immediate

triggers_per_arm 1 Immediate

ttltrg_clock TTLTRG1 Abort

ttltrg_gclock TTLTRG1 Abort

ttltrg_satrg TTLTRG0 Abort

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The C-Language Host Interface Library

Parameter Default Value Changes

ttltrg_trigger TTLTRG0 Abort

window Uniform Glitch

xfer_size 0 (Use Blocksize) Wait

zoom Off Waitt

HP E1433A User's Guide

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196.608 kHz 4-channel Input Parameters

Parameter Default Value Changes

active Off Abort

anti_alias_digital(*) On Abort

auto_range_mode Up/Down Immediate

calc_data Time Wait

coupling DC Glitch

enable On Immediate

filter_freq 200 kHz Immediate

input_high Normal Glitch

input_low Floating Glitch

input_mode(*) Volt Glitch

range 10 Volts Glitch

range_charge 50,000 pico Coulombs Glitch

range_mike 10 Volts Glitch

trigger_channel Off Immediate

trigger_level_lower -10% Immediate

trigger_level_upper 0% Immediate

trigger_mode Level Immediate

trigger_slope Positive Immediate

(*) Input mode is listed as channel-specific, but it actually applies to all
channels within an SCA (such as a 4-channel input assembly).

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The C-Language Host Interface Library

Option 1D4 Single-channel Source Parameters

Parameter Default Value Changes

active Off Abort

amp_scale 1.0 Immediate

anti_alias_digital On Wait

duty_cycle 0.5 Immediate

filter_freq 25.6 kHz Wait

ramp_rate 1 Second Wait

range 0.041567 Volt Immediate

sine_freq 1000 Hz Immediate

sine_phase 0 Degrees Immediate

source_blocksize 0 (Use Input Blocksize) Wait

source_centerfreq 0 Hz Wait

HP E1433A User's Guide

source_cola Off Wait

source_mode Sine Abort

source_output Normal Abort

source_speed 3 Wait

source_span 0 (Use Input Span) Wait

source_sum Off Wait

srcbuffer_init Empty Wait

srcbuffer_mode Periodic_A Wait

srcbuffer_size 1024 Wait

srcparm_mode Immediate Immediate

trigger_channel Off Wait

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Option AYF Tachometer Parameters

Parameter Default Value Changes

active Off Abort

input_high Normal Immediate

pre_arm_rpm 600 RPM Immediate

rpm_high 6000 RPM Immediate

rpm_interval 25 RPM Immediate

rpm_low 600 RPM Immediate

rpm_smoothing 0 Immediate

tach_decimate 0 Immediate

tach_holdoff 10 Microseconds Immediate

tach_max_time 30 seconds Immediate

tach_ppr 1 Immediate

trigger_channel Off Wait

trigger_level_lower -0.05 Volts Immediate

trigger_level_upper 0 Volts Immediate

trigger_slope Positive Immediate

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The C-Language Host Interface Library

Channel and Group IDs

Most functions in the HP E1432A C-Language Host Interface Library take
an ID parameter which specifies what channel or group of channels the
function should apply to. The ID can either be a channel ID or a group ID.
If a group ID is used, then the function is applied to each channel
contained in the group.

Channel IDs

Channel IDs are logical IDs which are created by a call to
e1432_assign_channel_numbers. The e1432_assign_channel_numbers
function must be called exactly once, following the call to
e1432_init_io_driver, in order to declare to the library the logical addresses
of the HP E1433A modules that will be used.

This function checks the existence of an HP E1433A module at each of the
logical addresses given in a list of logical addresses, and allocates logical
channel identifiers for each channel in all of the HP E1433As. Input
channels, source channels, and tach/trigger channels are kept logically
separated. Channel numbers for each type of channel are numbered
starting from one, so there will be input channels 1 through M, source
channels 1 through N, and tach/trigger channels 1 through P, where M is
the number of input channels, N is the number of source channels, and P is
the number of tach/trigger channels.

As an example, suppose two logical addresses 100 and 101 are passed to
the function, and the logical address 100 has two 4-channel input SCAs and
a 2-channel tach/trigger board, while logical address 101 has three 4-channel
input SCAs and a 1-channel source board. In this case, input channel IDs 1
through 8 are assigned to the eight input channels at logical address 100,
while input channel IDs 9 through 20 are assigned to the twelve input
channels at logical address 101. Tach/trigger channel IDs number 1 and 2
are assigned to the two tach/trigger channels at logical address 100, and
Source channel ID number 1 is assigned to the source channel at logical
address 101.

To use the ID of an input channel, the input channel number is given as an
argument to the E1432_INPUT_CHAN() macro. (For backwards
compatibility with theHP E1431A, the macro does nothing.) To use the ID
of a source channel, the source channel number is given as an argument to
the E1432_SOURCE_CHAN() macro. To use the ID of a tach/trigger
channel, the tach/trigger channel number is given as an argument to the
E1432_TACH_CHAN() macro. A channel ID is always positive.

For example, to set the range of the third input channel to 10 volts, the
source code would look something like:

status = e1432_set_range(hwid, E1432_INPUT_CHAN(3), 10.0);

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Group IDs

Group IDs are logical IDs which are created by a call to
e1432_create_channel_group. This function can be called multiple times to
create multiple groups, and each group can contain any combination of
channels, including mixtures of different types of channels. The channel
groups can overlap as well.

This function creates and initializes a channel group. A channel group
allows you to issue commands to several HP E1433A channels at once,
simplifying system setup. The state of an individual HP E1433A channel
that is in more than one channel group, is determined by the most recent
operation performed on any group to which this channel belongs.

If successful, this function returns the ID of the group that was created,
which is then used to reference the channel group in most other functions
in this library. A group ID is always negative.

As a side effect, this function makes all input channels in the channel group
active, and all source and tach channels in the channel group inactive.
Unlike the HP 1431A library, this function does not inactivate other
channels within the modules that the channels are in. Also unlike the HP
1431A library, this function does not preset the channels in the new group.

As an example, to create a group consisting of the first three input
channels and the eighth and ninth input channels, the code would like
something like this:

SHORTSIZ16 chan_list[5];
SHORTSIZ16 input_group;
chan_list[0] = E1432_INPUT_CHAN(1);
chan_list[1] = E1432_INPUT_CHAN(2);
chan_list[2] = E1432_INPUT_CHAN(3);
chan_list[3] = E1432_INPUT_CHAN(8);
chan_list[4] = E1432_INPUT_CHAN(9);
input_group = e1432_create_channel_group(hw, 5, chan_list);

To create a group consisting of the first two source channels, the code
would look something like this:

SHORTSIZ16 chan_list[2];
SHORTSIZ16 source_group;
chan_list[0] = E1432_SOURCE_CHAN(1);
chan_list[1] = E1432_SOURCE_CHAN(2);
source_group = e1432_create_channel_group(hw, 2, chan_list);

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The C-Language Host Interface Library

Multiple-module/Mainframe Measurements

Grouping of Channels/Modules

The interface library for the HP E1433A is designed to allow programming
of several channels from one or several distinct modules, as if they were
one entity. Each HP E1433A module has up to 16 channels. The library
may control up to a maximum of 255 HP E1433A modules (8160 channels).

When initializing the interface library, all module logical addresses are
passed in the call to e1432_assign_channel_numbers. This function
associates a logical channel ID with each channel. From then on, library
functions use these logical IDs rather than the logical address.

The function e1432_create_channel_group can be used to declare any
number of groups of channels, possibly overlapping. Each group can be
uniquely identified by a group ID.

The ‘target’ of a library function is either a channel, a group, or (rarely) a
module, depending on the nature of the call. When the same library
function may be called with either a channel or a group identifier, it’s
‘target’ is shown by a parameter named ID.

Multiple-module Measurements

A channel group that spans more than one module will need to be
configured to use the TTL trigger lines on the VXI Bus for inter-module
communications. This configuration automatically performed in the
e1432_init_measure call unless defeated using e1432_set_auto_group_meas.

The following discussion outlines what e1432_init_measure does
automatically. This must be done by the user if
e1432_set_auto_group_meas has been used to defeat auto configuration.

There are eight VXI TTL trigger lines that can be used for multi-module
synchronization. Often, these lines are used in pairs, one for sample clock
and one for Sync/Trigger. The e1432_set_ttltrg_lines function selects which
TTL trigger lines to use; this function always uses the TTL trigger lines in
pairs. Calling e1432_set_clock_source with the group ID will set all modules
to the same pair.

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All modules need to be set to use the shared sync line rather than the
default setting of internal sync. This can be done with the
e1432_set_multi_sync function, using the group ID.

One module of the set of modules needs to be set to output the sync pulse.
Tthe module with the lowest VXI logical address is called the “system
module” and assigned this duty. This can be set with the
e1432_set_multi_sync function call, using the lowest channel ID in the
group (NOT the group ID).

All modules except the “system module” need to be set to use the VXI TTL
trigger lines as the clock source. Use e1432_set_clock_source for this.

Set the “system module” to output the clock. Use e1432_set_clock_master
for this. After this is done, all system sync pulses come from the “system
module” and drive the measurement state machines on all boards in the
group.

Possible Trigger Line Conflict

The following describes a scenario where HP E1433A modules might conflict
and prevent a proper measurement. The conditions allowing the conflict
are complex but must be understood by the user.

After a measurement has completed, the modules are left set up. If a
module (call it module ‘A’) is driving the TTL trigger lines and a different
group is started which also drives the TTL trigger lines (and that different
group does not include module ‘A’), then module ‘A’ will conflict and
prevent the other group from functioning. In this case make a call to
e1432_finish_measure (using the old group ID which includes ‘A’) to turn
off module ‘A’ and allow the new group to function.

Note that if the new group includes all modules of the old group, the
conflict will not occur since e1432_init_measure will reset all modules as
needed. Also note that single module groups do not drive the TTL trigger
lines, so single modules groups are immune from causing or receiving this
conflict.

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Managing Multiple-mainframe Measurements

In a single mainframe measurement, the HP E1433A communicates with
other HP E1433As through the TTLTRG lines. However, when using the
VXI-MXI bus extender modules, the TTLTRG lines, which carry the group
synchronization pulse and sample clock, are extended only in one direction.
This unidirectional signal connection restricts the types of measurements
you can make in a multiple mainframe environment.

You cannot perform the following types of multiple mainframe measurements:

q Unequal pre-trigger delay settings between mainframes
q Channel triggering by channels in Mainframe B
q Lower spans or longer blocksizes in Mainframe B
q Different digital filter settling times between HP E1433A modules

lot

Contoller

HP E1482B

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

HPE1433A

Chan
5-8

HP E1433A

Fail Acs Trigger

Cal

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan

5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe A

Fail Acs Trigger

Cal

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan

5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe B

HP E14

2B

HP E1433A

Figure 4-1: Multiple mainframes - two mainframes

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In the example above, Mainframe A contains the Slot 0 Controller for a
multiple mainframe system. Mainframe A is connected to Mainframe B with
a VXI-MXI interface, HP E1482B. To successfully manage this multiple
mainframe environment, use the following guidelines.

q Locate modules with logical addresses less than 128 in Mainframe A.
q Locate modules with logical addresses greater than 127 in Mainframe B.
q Locate the highest-numbered channels in Mainframe A.
q Locate the last module in the module list specified in the call to

e1432_assign_channels() in Mainframe A.

q Locate the module that generates the group synchronization pulse in

Mainframe A.

q Locate the channels performing channel triggering in Mainframe A.
q Locate the module with the shared sample clock in Mainframe A.
q If you do not use a groupID with the call e1432_read_data(), empty the HP

E1433As’ FIFOs in Mainframe B before Mainframe A. In other words, do not
empty the FIFOs in Mainframe A unless you have emptied the FIFOs in
Mainframe B. For more information about groupID see “Grouping of
Channels/Modules.”

q If more than two mainframes are needed, daisy-chain them together. Treat each

mainframe after the first as a Mainframe B. See the example on the next page.

Phase Performance in Multiple Mainframe Measurements

Phase specifications are degraded by the delay that the inter-mainframe
interface gives the sample clock. This delay is insignificant for many
low-frequency applications because the phase error is proportional to
frequency. A system with two VXI-MXI modules and a 1 meter cable,
typically has a 76 nanosecond (ns) sample clock delay in Mainframe B.
This corresponds to an additional 0.007 degree phase error at 256 Hz and
an additional 0.55 degree phase error at 20 kHz.

A 4-meter cable adds approximately 18 ns of delay for a total of 94 ns
clock delay in Mainframe B. This corresponds to an additional 0.0087
degree phase error at 256 Hz and an additional 0.68 degree phase error at
20 kHz.

The cable adds approximately 6 ns per meter of cable.

Each daisy-chained mainframe adds another increment of delay, but only for
the additional cabling length.

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lot

Contoller

HP E1482B

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

HPE1433A

Cal

HP E1433A

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan

5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe A

INTX
Cable

MXI Bus
Cable

Fail Acs Trigger

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

Cal

ExSamp

Cal

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan
5-8

ExTrig

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Chan

5-8

Chan

Chan

1-4

1-4

HPE1433A

HPE1433A

VXI Mainframe B

Cal

ExTrig

Chan
5-8

Chan
1-4

HPE1433A

HP E1433A

HP E1433A

VXI Mainframe C

HP E1482B

HP E1482B

Fail Acs Trigger

ExSamp

8-CHANNEL196
kSa/sDIGITIZER
+DSP

Figure 4-2: Multiple mainframes - three mainframes

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Synchronization in Multiple-mainframe Measurements

A TTL Trigger line between HP E1433As making group measurements
keeps all modules synchronized. This is an open-collector line where each
module holds the one designated as the SYNC line low until the module is
ready to advance to the next measurement state. Another TTL Trigger line
is designated to carry the sample clock to all modules. This shared sample
clock may come from any HP E1433A module in Mainframe A or from an
external signal routed through the Slot 0 Commander in Mainframe A.

One module is responsible for pulling the SYNC line low to start each
group’s state transition. Then, each module holds the line low until it is
ready. When all modules are ready, the SYNC line drifts high. The
unidirectional line prevents modules in Mainframe B from holding-off
modules in Mainframe A.

The lowest logical address must be in Mainframe A because of VXI-MXI and
Resource Manager (RM) constraints. Group constraints with the C-Library
force modules in Mainframe A to have their FIFOs emptied last. The
C-Library reads data in channel order, so the highest channel is read last.
To get this to work automatically, the call to e1432_assign_channels() must
list the logical addresses in descending order.

Channel triggering must be done only by modules in Mainframe A. A
trigger in any other mainframe would not be communicated back on the
SYNC line to Mainframe A. The C-Library itself selects the HP E1433A
with the highest channel number for synchronization.

VXI-MXI Module Setup and System Configuration

To set up your multiple mainframe system, follow the “Hardware Installation
Rules” which appear in Chapter 2 of the HP E1482B VXI-MXI Bus Extender
User’s Manual. This allows the Resource Manager to configure your system.

The VXI-MXI Module setup in Mainframe A needs to be changed from those
set by the factory. The VXI-MXI module is not the Slot 0 Controller for

Mainframe A. See Table 2-1. Configuration Settings in the HP E1482B
VXI-MXI Bus Extender User’s Manual. This requires changing several
switch settings.

q Set the module as not being the Slot 0 Controller.
q Set the VME timeout to 200 µs.

q Set the VME BTO chain position to 1 extender, non-slot0.
q Do not source CLK10.
q Set the proper logical address.

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Measurement Process

Measurement Setup and Control

When the HP E1433A makes a measurement, the measurement itself
consists of two phases: the measurement initialization, and the
measurement loop. Each of these phases consists of several states, through
which the measurement progresses.

The transition from one state to the next is tied to a transition in the
Sync/Trigger line (one of the TTL trigger lines on the VXI back plane). A
state (such as Idle) begins when the Sync/Trigger line goes low. The
Sync/Trigger line then remains low as long as the state is in effect. When
the Sync/Trigger line goes high it signals the transition to the next state.
See the sections “Measurement Initialization” and “Measurement Loop”
below for more details about these transitions. During all the transitions of
the Sync/Trigger line, the clock line continues with a constant pulse.

The Sync/Trigger line is “wire-OR’d” such that all modules in a
multiple-module system (within one mainframe) must release it for it to go
high. Only one HP E1433A is required to pull the Sync/Trigger line low.
In a system with only one HP E1432A, the Sync/Trigger line is local to the
module and not is routed to a TTL TRIGGER line on the VXI back plane.

Sync/Trigger line

Start of
state

Pre-arm

Idle

Arm

End of
state

Figure 4-3: Transitions between states

Tr i g g e r

Meas

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Parameter Settings

Many parameters are channel-dependent, meaning that each channel can be
set independently of the others in the module. Other parameters are
module-dependent; changing a module-dependent parameter for a channel
will change it for all channels on that module. For example, changing
blocksize, a module-dependent parameter, for input channel 3 will also
change the block size for all other channels in the same HP E1433A module
as channel 3.

When possible, parameters are written to the hardware as soon as they are
received. Sometimes, the parameter can’t be written to the hardware until
the start of a measurement; in this case the value of the parameter is saved
in RAM in the HP E1433A module until the measurement is started with
e1432_init_measure. Some parameters can be changed while a
measurement is running, but many do not take effect until the next start of
a measurement.

Measurement initialization

This section describes the measurement initialization process in the HP
E1433A.

The measurement initialization states, and the corresponding Sync/Trigger
line transitions (with ‘H’ for high, ‘L’ for Low) are:

Tested

Booting Pre-armBooted

Settling

Idle

LHLHL HLH

Sync/Trigger line

Figure 4-4: Measurement initialization

The module enters the TESTED state after a reset. In this state, all of the
module parameters may be set. The HP E1433A stays in the TESTED state
until it sees a high-to-low transition of the Sync/Trigger line.

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In the BOOTING state, the digital processors of the module load their
parameters, and their program. Once done, the module releases the
Sync/Trigger line and moves to the BOOTED state. The HP E1433A stays
in the BOOTED state until it sees a high-to-low transition of the
Sync/Trigger line (that is, all the HP E1433As in the system have booted).

In the SETTLING state, the digital filters are synchronized, and the digital
filter output is ‘settled’ (it waits N samples before outputting any data).
Once the module is settled, it advances to the PRE_ARM state.

In the PRE_ARM state, the module waits for a pre-arm condition to take
place. The default is to auto-arm, so the module would not wait at all in
this case. When the pre-arm condition is met, the module releases the
Sync/Trigger line and advances to the IDLE state.

This complete measurement sequence initialization, from TESTED through
BOOTING, BOOTED, SETTLING, PRE-ARM, and IDLE, can be performed
with a call to the function e1432_init_measure.

Measurement Loop

This section describes the measurement loop in the HP E1433A.

The progression of measurement states and the corresponding Sync/Trigger
line transitions are:

Arm Trigger MeasureIdle

HL H

LH

L

Sync/Trigger line

Figure 4-5: Measurement loop

In the IDLE state the HP E1433A writes no data into the FIFO. The HP
E1433A remains in the IDLE state until it sees a high-to-low transition of
the Sync/Trigger line or an RPM arm/trigger point is calculated. If any of
the HP E1433As in the system is programmed for auto arming (with
e1432_set_auto_arm), the Sync/Trigger line is immediately pulled low by
that HP E1433A. The HP E1433A may also be moved to the ARM state by
an explicit call to the function e1432_arm_measure.

L

H

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Upon entering the ARM state the HP E1433A starts saving new data in its
FIFO. It remains in the ARM state until the Sync/Trigger line goes high. If
the HP E1433A is programmed with a pre-trigger delay, it collects enough
data samples to satisfy this pre-trigger delay, and then releases the
Sync/Trigger line. If no pre-trigger delay has been programmed, it releases
the Sync/Trigger line immediately. When all modules in a system have
released the Sync/Trigger line (allowing it to go high), a transition to the
TRIGGER state occurs.

Upon entering the TRIGGER state the HP E1433A continues to collect data
into the FIFO, discarding any data prior to the pre-trigger delay. The HP
E1433A remains in the TRIGGER state until it sees a high-to-low transition
of the Sync/Trigger line. The Sync/Trigger line is pulled low by any HP
E1433A which encounters a trigger condition and is programmed to pull the
Sync/Trigger line. If any HP E1433A is programmed for auto triggering
(with e1432_set_auto_trigger), the Sync/Trigger line is pulled low
immediately. The Sync/Trigger line may also be pulled low by an explicit
call to the function e1432_trigger_measure.

Upon entering the MEASURE state the HP E1433A continues to collect
data. The HP E1433A also presents the first data from the FIFO to the
selected output port, making it available to the controller to read. The HP
E1433A holds the Sync/Trigger line low as long as it is actively collecting
data. In overlap block mode the HP E1433A stops taking data as soon as a
block of data has been collected, including any programmed pre- or
post-trigger delays. (It starts again when another trigger occurs). In
continuous mode, the HP E1433A stops taking data only when the FIFO
overflows. When data collection stops, the HP E1433A releases the
Sync/Trigger line. When all HP E1433As are finished and the Sync/Trigger
line goes high, the HP E1433A goes into the IDLE state again.

The measurement initialization and loop may be interrupted at any time
with a call to e1432_reset_measure, which puts the module in the TESTED
state.

Register-based VXI Devices

The HP E1433A is a register-based VXI device. Unlike message-based
devices which use higher-level programming using ASCII characters,
register-based devices are programmed at a very low level using binary
information. The greatest advantage of this is speed. Register-based
devices communicate at the level of direct hardware manipulation and this
can lead to much greater system throughput.

You will not need to access the registers in order to use the HP E1433A.
The HP E1433A’s functions can be more easily accessed using the HP
E1432A Host Interface Library software. However, if you want more
information about the registers see Appendix A: Register Definitions.

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Arm and Trigger

This section explains some terminology relating the the “Arm” and “Trigger”
steps in the measurement loop. As an example a measurement might be
set up to arm at a certain RPM level and then subsequently trigger at an
external event corresponding to top dead center (TDC). The settings
would be:

q Arm: RPM Step Arm
q Trigger: External Trigger

If you want to begin a throughput session at this same RPM/TDC event,
then the first external trigger after a specified RPM would start a
continuous mode measurement. Now (using overlap block mode) the
settings would be:

q Pre-Arm: RPM Step Arm
q Arm: Auto
q Trigger: Auto

In the measurement loop, an arm must take place before a trigger. You can
program how many triggers to do before waiting for another arm condition.
The default is one trigger for each arm. For each trigger, a block of data
is sent to the host.

The first arm in a measurement is the pre-arm. By default, the pre-arm
condition is the same as the regular arm conditions.

Valid Arm (and Pre-Arm) conditions are:

q Auto Arm
q Manual Arm
q RPM Step Arm

Valid trigger conditions are:

q Auto Trigger
q Input Trigger
q Source Trigger
q External Trigger
q Manual Trigger
q Tachometer Edge Trigger

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HP E1433A Triggering.

The following is a short discussion of triggering for the HP E1433A.

Triggering is defined as the transition from the armed state to the triggered
state. This transition is caused by a low going edge on a TTL trigger line.
Which one of the eight TTL trigger line is chosen by
e1432_get_ttltrg_lines().

The low-going transition of the TTL trig line can be caused by any of the
following items:

trigger type enabling function

the AUTO TRIGGER circuitry e1432_set_auto_trigger()

the e1432_trigger_measure() function e1432_trigger_measure()

a source trigger e1432_set_trigger_channel()

a tach trigger e1432_set_trigger_channel()

an external trigger e1432_set_trigger_ext()

an input level or bound trigger event e1432_set_trigger_channel()

and e1432_set_trigger_mode()

Each of these trigger sources can be enabled or disabled independently, so
quite complex trigger setups are possible. In all cases, however, the first
trigger event kicks off the measurement and the following trigger events
become superfluous.

Note that for e1432_set_auto_trigger() the setting E1432_MANUAL_ARM
really means “don’t auto trigger” not “expect a manual trigger”.

For single HP E1433A systems, the TTL trigger signal is not connected to
the VXI backplane. For multiple HP E1433A systems, the
e1432_init_measure() function connects the HP E1433A trigger lines to the
VXI backplane, and at that point, your selection of which TTL trigger lines
through e1432_get_ttltrg_lines() is relevant. Multiple mainframe systems
will need to account for the unidirectional nature of the inter-mainframe
MXI extenders which will prevent all but the “upstream” mainframe from
triggering the system.

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