Keithley 3700A Series, 3706A-NFP, 3706A, 3706A-S, 3720 Reference Manual

Series 3700A
System Switch/Multimeter

Reference Manual

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D / July 2018

tek.com/keithley

*P3700AS-901-01D*

3700AS-901-01D

Series 3700A

System Switch/Multimeter

Reference Manual

© 2018, Keithley Instruments, LLC

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

All rights reserved.

Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use of the information herein, in whole or in part,

without the prior written approval of Keithley Instruments, LLC, is strictly prohibited.

These are the original instructions in English.

TSP®, TSP-Link®, and TSP-Net® are trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc. All Keithley

Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, LLC.

Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

The Lua 5.0 software and associated documentation files are copyright © 1994 - 2015, Lua.org,

PUC-Rio. You can access terms of license for the Lua software and associated documentation at

the Lua licensing site (http://www.lua.org/license.html).

Microsoft, Visual C++, Excel, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Document number: 3700AS-901-01D / June 2018

Safety precautions

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although
some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.

This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the
product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.

If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:

Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the
equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.

Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the
instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line
voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures
explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.

Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained
service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.

Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O connections, with low
transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient
overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to
mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.

Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test

fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than
30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any
unknown circuit before measuring.

Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators
are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential
human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If
the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.

Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited
sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective
devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.

Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the
connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input
power disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.

For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under
test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting
cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.

Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.

For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or
accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.

Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the
specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.

When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as protective earth (safety ground)

connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use

of a lid interlock.

If a screw is present, connect it to protective earth (safety ground) using the wire recommended in the user documentation.

The symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer to the operating instructions located in the
user documentation in all cases where the symbol is marked on the instrument.

The symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal
contact with these voltages.

The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.

The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.

If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be
properly disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.

The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result in personal injury or death. Always read
the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.

The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may
invalidate the warranty.

The CAUTION heading with the symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor
injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
procedure. Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.

Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits — including the power

transformer, test leads, and input jacks — must be purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety
approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord provided with the instrument may
only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other
suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through
Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement
component, call a Keithley office for information.

Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in the following
environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree 1 or 2.

To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the
instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that
consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board
should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.

Safety precaution revision as of June 2017.

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1-1

Table of contents

Welcome .............................................................................................................................. 1-1

Extended warranty ............................................................................................................... 1-1

Contact information .............................................................................................................. 1-1

Product documentation, drivers, and software .................................................................... 1-2

Organization of manual sections .......................................................................................... 1-2

Capabilities and features ..................................................................................................... 1-3

Measuring capabilities ............................................................................................................... 1-4

Displaying the instrument's serial number ................................................................................. 1-4

Installation ................................................................................................................... 2-1

Dimensions .......................................................................................................................... 2-1

Weight .................................................................................................................................. 2-3

Rack-mounting instructions .................................................................................................. 2-3

Tools required ........................................................................................................................... 2-3

Parts list .................................................................................................................................... 2-3

Prepare the Series 3700A for rack-mount installation ............................................................... 2-4

Prepare the rack for Series 3700A installation .......................................................................... 2-4

Install the Series 3700A ............................................................................................................ 2-5

Remote communications interfaces ..................................................................................... 2-6

Supported remote interfaces ..................................................................................................... 2-6

USB communications ................................................................................................................ 2-6

GPIB setup .............................................................................................................................. 2-11

LAN communications .............................................................................................................. 2-16

Supplied software .................................................................................................................... 2-18

Keithley I/O layer ..................................................................................................................... 2-21

Addressing instruments with VISA .......................................................................................... 2-25

Digital I/O ........................................................................................................................... 2-28

Port configuration .................................................................................................................... 2-29

Digital I/O configuration ........................................................................................................... 2-30

Controlling digital I/O lines....................................................................................................... 2-30

TSP-Link trigger lines .............................................................................................................. 2-32

Starting up your instrument ................................................................................................ 2-33

Procedure................................................................................................................................ 2-33

Instrument description ............................................................................................... 3-1

Front panel operation ........................................................................................................... 3-1

(1) The USB port ....................................................................................................................... 3-2

(2) The display .......................................................................................................................... 3-2

(3) The navigation wheel ........................................................................................................... 3-4

(4) The POWER key ................................................................................................................. 3-4

(5) The status lights ................................................................................................................... 3-5

(6) The setup and control keys .................................................................................................. 3-5

Menu overview .......................................................................................................................... 3-8

Menu trees ................................................................................................ ................................ 3-8

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

Front-panel key menu options ................................................................................................. 3-13

Configuration menu options .................................................................................................... 3-15

Using the front panel with non-switch channels ...................................................................... 3-22

Rear panel summary .......................................................................................................... 3-24

Rear panel connection details ................................................................................................. 3-24

Saved setups ..................................................................................................................... 3-30

Saving user setups .................................................................................................................. 3-31

Recalling a saved setup .......................................................................................................... 3-31

Start-up configuration .............................................................................................................. 3-31

Saving user setups from a remote interface ............................................................................ 3-32

Save the present configuration .......................................................................................... 3-33

Create a configuration script ................................................................................................... 3-35

Running the configuration script .............................................................................................. 3-35

Using the web interface ...................................................................................................... 3-36

Connect to the instrument web interface ................................................................................. 3-36

Web interface home page ....................................................................................................... 3-36

Identify the instrument ............................................................................................................. 3-36

Log in to the instrument ........................................................................................................... 3-37

Card pages .............................................................................................................................. 3-37

Scan Builder page ................................................................................................................... 3-42

DMM web page ....................................................................................................................... 3-47

TSB Embedded ....................................................................................................................... 3-48

Unit page ................................................................................................................................. 3-49

Admin page ............................................................................................................................. 3-50

LXI page .................................................................................................................................. 3-50

Basic DMM operation ................................................................................................. 4-1

DMM measurement capabilities ........................................................................................... 4-1

High-energy circuit safety precautions ................................................................................. 4-2

Power circuit test procedure ...................................................................................................... 4-2

Performance considerations ................................................................................................ 4-2

Warmup time ............................................................................................................................. 4-2

Autozero .................................................................................................................................... 4-3

Line cycle synchronization ........................................................................................................ 4-4

Auto Delay................................................................................................................................. 4-4

Measure count .......................................................................................................................... 4-5

Change the display resolution ................................................................................................... 4-6

System considerations ......................................................................................................... 4-6

Relationship between DMM functions and attributes ................................................................ 4-6

Relationship between front panel settings and remote commands ........................................... 4-7

Save DMM configurations ......................................................................................................... 4-7

Open and close relay operation ................................................................................................ 4-8

Voltage measurements (DC volts and AC volts) ................................................................. 4-9

Settings available for voltage measurements .......................................................................... 4-10

Autodelay and autorange settings ........................................................................................... 4-11

Voltage measurement connections ......................................................................................... 4-11

Voltage measurement procedure from the front panel ............................................................ 4-12

Voltage measurement procedure remote commands ............................................................. 4-13

Current measurements (DC current and AC current) ........................................................ 4-14

Settings available for current measurements .......................................................................... 4-14

Autodelay and autorange settings ........................................................................................... 4-15

Current measurement connections ......................................................................................... 4-15

Current measurement procedure from the front panel ............................................................ 4-15

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

Current measurement procedure through remote commands ................................................. 4-16

Resistance measurements ................................................................................................ 4-16

DMM resistance measurement methods ................................................................................. 4-16

Settings available for resistance measurements ..................................................................... 4-17

Autodelay and autorange settings ........................................................................................... 4-18

Resistance measurement connections ................................................................................... 4-18

Resistance measurements from the front panel ...................................................................... 4-21

Resistance measurements through remote interface .............................................................. 4-22

Temperature measurements .............................................................................................. 4-22

Settings available for temperature measurements .................................................................. 4-22

Autodelay and autorange settings ........................................................................................... 4-24

Thermocouples ....................................................................................................................... 4-24

Thermistors ............................................................................................................................. 4-27

RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) ............................................................................ 4-29

Temperature equations ........................................................................................................... 4-33

Frequency and period measurements ............................................................................... 4-41

Settings available for frequency and period measurements .................................................... 4-42

Autodelay and autorange settings ........................................................................................... 4-42

Trigger level ............................................................................................................................ 4-42

Gate time................................................................................................................................. 4-43

Frequency connections ........................................................................................................... 4-43

Frequency and period measurement procedure from front panel ........................................... 4-43

Frequency and period measurement procedure through remote interface ............................. 4-44

Continuity testing ................................................................................................................ 4-44

Settings available for continuity testing ................................................................................... 4-45

Autodelay and autorange settings ........................................................................................... 4-45

Continuity testing connections ................................................................................................. 4-45

Continuity testing procedure.................................................................................................... 4-46

Refining measurements ..................................................................................................... 4-47

Relative offset ......................................................................................................................... 4-47

Math calculations .................................................................................................................... 4-49

dB commands ......................................................................................................................... 4-54

Range ..................................................................................................................................... 4-55

Optimizing measurement speed .............................................................................................. 4-57

Optimizing AC voltage and current measurements ................................................................. 4-60

Optimizing measurement accuracy ......................................................................................... 4-61

Switching and scanning ............................................................................................. 5-1

Identify installed switching cards ............................................................................................... 5-1

Maximum power usage with Series 3700A cards ...................................................................... 5-2

Specifying a channel ................................................................................................................. 5-3

Close and open channel operations and commands ................................................................ 5-5

Working with channels ....................................................................................................... 5-13

Connection methods for close operations ............................................................................... 5-13

Determining the number of relay closures ............................................................................... 5-16

Viewing the close or open status of a channel ................................ ........................................ 5-16

Channel attributes ................................................................................................................... 5-17

Channel patterns ..................................................................................................................... 5-19

Reset a channel ...................................................................................................................... 5-22

Pseudocards ...................................................................................................................... 5-22

Pseudocards programming example ....................................................................................... 5-23

Scanning and triggering ..................................................................................................... 5-23

Trigger model .......................................................................................................................... 5-24

Scan and step counts .............................................................................................................. 5-25

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

Basic scan procedure .............................................................................................................. 5-26

Remote interface scanning ..................................................................................................... 5-30

Hardware trigger modes ................................................................ .......................................... 5-31

Understanding synchronous triggering modes ........................................................................ 5-35

Events ..................................................................................................................................... 5-39

LXI Class B and C triggering (IEEE-1588) .............................................................................. 5-40

Reading buffers ........................................................................................................... 6-1

Reading buffers .................................................................................................................... 6-1

Buffer overview ......................................................................................................................... 6-1

Front-panel buffer operation ...................................................................................................... 6-2

Remote buffer operation ........................................................................................................... 6-6

Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 7-1

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 7-1

Fuse replacement ................................................................................................................ 7-1

AMPS analog backplane fuse replacement ......................................................................... 7-2

Front panel tests .................................................................................................................. 7-3

Test procedure .......................................................................................................................... 7-3

Keys test ................................................................................................................................... 7-3

Display patterns test .................................................................................................................. 7-4

Displaying the instrument's serial number ........................................................................... 7-4

Upgrading the firmware ........................................................................................................ 7-5

Upgrading or downgrading firmware using the front panel ........................................................ 7-5

Upgrading or downgrading using the remote interface .............................................................. 7-6

Upgrading or downgrading firmware using the web interface.................................................... 7-6

Upgrading or downgrading firmware using Test Script Builder .................................................. 7-7

Theory of operation .................................................................................................... 8-1

Rear panel, backplane, and DMM connect relays schematic .............................................. 8-1

Line cycle synchronization ................................................................................................... 8-2

AC voltage measurements and crest factor ......................................................................... 8-5

DMM resistance measurement methods ............................................................................. 8-7

Constant-current source method ............................................................................................... 8-8

Ratiometric method ................................................................................................................... 8-9

Reference junctions ........................................................................................................... 8-11

Simulated reference junction ................................................................................................... 8-12

Internal reference junction ....................................................................................................... 8-12

External reference junction ..................................................................................................... 8-12

Open lead detection ........................................................................................................... 8-13

ISOUR open voltage ............................................................................................................... 8-15

VMEAS open voltage .............................................................................................................. 8-15

Calculated measurement open voltage ................................................................................... 8-15

dmm.opendetector open voltage ............................................................................................. 8-16

4-wire dry-circuit open lead detection ...................................................................................... 8-17

Open thermocouple detection ............................................................................................ 8-18

Accuracy calculations ......................................................................................................... 8-20

Calculating DC characteristics accuracy ................................................................................. 8-20

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

Calculating AC characteristics accuracy ................................................................................. 8-20

Calculating dB characteristics accuracy .................................................................................. 8-21

Additional derating factors ....................................................................................................... 8-21

Understanding Precision Time Protocol (PTP) .................................................................. 8-22

Introduction to TSP operation ................................................................................... 9-1

Introduction to TSP operation .............................................................................................. 9-1

Controlling the instrument by sending individual command messages ..................................... 9-1

Queries ..................................................................................................................................... 9-2

Data retrieval commands .......................................................................................................... 9-3

Information on scripting and programming ................................................................................ 9-4

Files .......................................................................................................................................... 9-4

Display operations ................................................................................................................... 9-10

About TSP commands ....................................................................................................... 9-21

Alarms ..................................................................................................................................... 9-21

Bit manipulation and logic operations ...................................................................................... 9-21

Channel ................................................................................................................................... 9-23

Data queue.............................................................................................................................. 9-24

Digital I/O ................................................................................................................................ 9-24

Display .................................................................................................................................... 9-25

DMM ....................................................................................................................................... 9-25

Error queue ............................................................................................................................. 9-26

Event log ................................................................................................................................. 9-27

File I/O .................................................................................................................................... 9-27

GPIB ....................................................................................................................................... 9-28

Instrument identification .......................................................................................................... 9-28

LAN and LXI ............................................................................................................................ 9-29

Local node............................................................................................................................... 9-30

PTP ......................................................................................................................................... 9-30

Reading buffer ......................................................................................................................... 9-31

Reset ....................................................................................................................................... 9-31

Queries and response messages ............................................................................................ 9-31

Saved setups .......................................................................................................................... 9-32

Scan ........................................................................................................................................ 9-32

Scripting .................................................................................................................................. 9-33

Status model ........................................................................................................................... 9-33

Slot .......................................................................................................................................... 9-34

Time ........................................................................................................................................ 9-34

Top level instrument controls .................................................................................................. 9-35

Triggering ................................................................................................................................ 9-36

TSP-Link ................................................................................................................................. 9-37

TSP-Net .................................................................................................................................. 9-37

Userstrings .............................................................................................................................. 9-38

Instrument programming ......................................................................................... 10-1

Fundamentals of scripting for TSP ..................................................................................... 10-1

What is a script? ...................................................................................................................... 10-2

Run-time and nonvolatile memory storage of scripts .............................................................. 10-2

What can be included in scripts? ............................................................................................. 10-2

Commands that cannot be used in scripts .............................................................................. 10-3

Manage scripts ........................................................................................................................ 10-3

Working with scripts in nonvolatile memory............................................................................. 10-9

Run a user script from the instrument front panel ................................................................. 10-11

Load a script from the instrument front panel ........................................................................ 10-12

Save a script from the instrument front panel ........................................................................ 10-13

Interactive script .................................................................................................................... 10-14

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

Fundamentals of programming for TSP ........................................................................... 10-15

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 10-15

What is Lua? ......................................................................................................................... 10-15

Lua basics ............................................................................................................................. 10-15

Standard libraries .................................................................................................................. 10-29

Programming example: Script with a for loop ........................................................................ 10-33

Using Test Script Builder (TSB) ....................................................................................... 10-33

Installing the TSB software.................................................................................................... 10-35

Installing the TSB add-in ....................................................................................................... 10-35

Using Test Script Builder (TSB) ............................................................................................ 10-35

Project navigator ................................................................................................................... 10-37

Script editor ........................................................................................................................... 10-37

Outline view ........................................................................................................................... 10-37

Programming interaction ....................................................................................................... 10-37

Connecting an instrument in TSB .......................................................................................... 10-38

Creating a new TSP project .................................................................................................. 10-39

Adding a new TSP file to a project ........................................................................................ 10-39

Running a script .................................................................................................................... 10-40

Creating a run configuration .................................................................................................. 10-40

Advanced scripting for TSP ............................................................................................. 10-44

Global variables and the script.user.scripts table .................................................................. 10-44

Create a script using the script.new() command ................................................................... 10-45

Restore a script to the run-time environment ........................................................................ 10-48

Rename a script .................................................................................................................... 10-48

Delete user scripts from the instrument ................................................................................. 10-49

Memory considerations for the run-time environment ........................................................... 10-50

TSP-Link system expansion interface .............................................................................. 10-52

Master and subordinates ................................................................ ....................................... 10-52

TSP-Link system ................................................................................................................... 10-53

TSP-Link nodes ..................................................................................................................... 10-53

Connections ..................................................................................................................... 10-54

Initialization ...................................................................................................................... 10-54

Assigning node numbers ................................................................ ....................................... 10-54

Resetting the TSP-Link network ...................................................................................... 10-55

Front-panel operation ............................................................................................................ 10-55

Remote programming ........................................................................................................... 10-55

Using the expanded system ............................................................................................. 10-56

Accessing nodes ................................................................................................................... 10-56

Using the reset() command ................................................................................................... 10-57

Using the abort command ..................................................................................................... 10-57

Triggering with TSP-Link ....................................................................................................... 10-57

TSP advanced features.................................................................................................... 10-58

Using groups to manage nodes on TSP-Link network .................................................... 10-58

Master node overview ........................................................................................................... 10-59

Group leader overview .......................................................................................................... 10-59

Assigning groups ................................................................................................................... 10-59

Running simultaneous test scripts ................................................................................... 10-59

Coordinating overlapped operations in remote groups .......................................................... 10-60

Using the data queue for real-time communication ......................................................... 10-61

Copying test scripts across the TSP-Link network .......................................................... 10-61

Removing stale values from the reading buffer cache ..................................................... 10-61

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

TSP-Net ........................................................................................................................... 10-62

TSP-Net capabilities .............................................................................................................. 10-62

Using TSP-Net with any ethernet-enabled device ................................................................. 10-63

Using TSP-Net with any ethernet-enabled instrument .......................................................... 10-64

TSP-Net compared to TSP-Link to communicate with TSP-enabled devices ....................... 10-66

TSP-Net instrument commands: General device control ...................................................... 10-67

TSP-Net instrument commands: TSP-enabled device control .............................................. 10-67

Example: Using tspnet commands ........................................................................................ 10-68

TSP command reference .......................................................................................... 11-1

Command programming notes .......................................................................................... 11-1

Placeholder text ...................................................................................................................... 11-1

Syntax rules ............................................................................................................................ 11-2

Using channel.*() commands .................................................................................................. 11-2

Time and date values .............................................................................................................. 11-4

Using the TSP command reference ................................................................................... 11-4

Command name and standard parameters summary ............................................................. 11-5

Command usage ..................................................................................................................... 11-6

Command details .................................................................................................................... 11-7

Example section ...................................................................................................................... 11-7

Related commands and information ........................................................................................ 11-7

TSP commands .................................................................................................................. 11-8

beeper.beep() .......................................................................................................................... 11-8

beeper.enable ......................................................................................................................... 11-8

bit.bitand() ............................................................................................................................... 11-9

bit.bitor() .................................................................................................................................. 11-9

bit.bitxor() .............................................................................................................................. 11-10

bit.clear() ............................................................................................................................... 11-11

bit.get() .................................................................................................................................. 11-11

bit.getfield() ........................................................................................................................... 11-12

bit.set() .................................................................................................................................. 11-13

bit.setfield() ............................................................................................................................ 11-14

bit.test() ................................................................................................................................. 11-15

bit.toggle() ............................................................................................................................. 11-15

bufferVar.appendmode ......................................................................................................... 11-16

bufferVar.basetimefractional ................................................................................................. 11-17

bufferVar.basetimeseconds................................................................................................... 11-18

bufferVar.cachemode ............................................................................................................ 11-19

bufferVar.capacity ................................................................................................................. 11-19

bufferVar.channels ................................................................................................................ 11-20

bufferVar.clear() .................................................................................................................... 11-21

bufferVar.clearcache() ........................................................................................................... 11-22

bufferVar.collectchannels ...................................................................................................... 11-23

bufferVar.collecttimestamps .................................................................................................. 11-24

bufferVar.dates ...................................................................................................................... 11-25

bufferVar.formattedreadings.................................................................................................. 11-26

bufferVar.fractionalseconds................................................................................................... 11-27

bufferVar.n ............................................................................................................................ 11-28

bufferVar.ptpseconds ............................................................................................................ 11-28

bufferVar.readings ................................................................................................................. 11-29

bufferVar.relativetimestamps ................................................................................................. 11-31

bufferVar.seconds ................................................................................................................. 11-32

bufferVar.statuses ................................................................................................................. 11-33

bufferVar.times ...................................................................................................................... 11-34

bufferVar.timestampresolution .............................................................................................. 11-35

bufferVar.timestamps ............................................................................................................ 11-36

bufferVar.units ....................................................................................................................... 11-37

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

channel.calibration.adjustcount() ........................................................................................... 11-38

channel.calibration.adjustdate() ............................................................................................ 11-38

channel.calibration.lock() ...................................................................................................... 11-40

channel.calibration.password() .............................................................................................. 11-40

channel.calibration.save() ..................................................................................................... 11-41

channel.calibration.step() ...................................................................................................... 11-42

channel.calibration.unlock()................................................................................................... 11-44

channel.calibration.verifydate() ............................................................................................. 11-45

channel.clearforbidden() ....................................................................................................... 11-46

channel.close() ...................................................................................................................... 11-46

channel.connectrule .............................................................................................................. 11-48

channel.connectsequential .................................................................................................... 11-50

channel.createspecifier() ....................................................................................................... 11-51

channel.exclusiveclose() ....................................................................................................... 11-52

channel.exclusiveslotclose() .................................................................................................. 11-54

channel.getbackplane() ......................................................................................................... 11-55

channel.getclose() ................................................................................................................. 11-58

channel.getcount() ................................................................................................................ 11-59

channel.getdelay() ................................................................................................................. 11-61

channel.getforbidden() .......................................................................................................... 11-62

channel.getimage() ............................................................................................................... 11-63

channel.getlabel() .................................................................................................................. 11-64

channel.getmatch() ............................................................................................................... 11-65

channel.getmatchtype() ......................................................................................................... 11-66

channel.getmode() ................................................................................................................ 11-67

channel.getoutputenable() .................................................................................................... 11-69

channel.getpole() .................................................................................................................. 11-70

channel.getpowerstate() ........................................................................................................ 11-71

channel.getstate() ................................................................................................................. 11-72

channel.getstatelatch() .......................................................................................................... 11-74

channel.gettype() .................................................................................................................. 11-75

channel.open() ...................................................................................................................... 11-76

channel.pattern.catalog() ...................................................................................................... 11-77

channel.pattern.delete() ........................................................................................................ 11-78

channel.pattern.getimage() ................................................................................................... 11-78

channel.pattern.setimage() ................................................................................................... 11-79

channel.pattern.snapshot() ................................................................................................... 11-82

channel.read() ....................................................................................................................... 11-83

channel.reset() ...................................................................................................................... 11-84

channel.resetstatelatch() ....................................................................................................... 11-86

channel.setbackplane() ......................................................................................................... 11-87

channel.setdelay() ................................................................................................................. 11-89

channel.setforbidden() .......................................................................................................... 11-90

channel.setlabel() .................................................................................................................. 11-91

channel.setmatch() ................................................................................................................ 11-92

channel.setmatchtype() ......................................................................................................... 11-93

channel.setmode() ................................................................................................................ 11-94

channel.setoutputenable() ..................................................................................................... 11-95

channel.setpole() ................................................................................................................... 11-96

channel.setpowerstate() ........................................................................................................ 11-99

channel.setstatelatch() ........................................................................................................ 11-100

channel.trigger[N].clear() ..................................................................................................... 11-101

channel.trigger[N].EVENT_ID ............................................................................................. 11-101

channel.trigger[N].get() ....................................................................................................... 11-102

channel.trigger[N].set() ........................................................................................................ 11-103

channel.trigger[N].wait() ...................................................................................................... 11-104

channel.write() ..................................................................................................................... 11-105

comm.gpib.enable ............................................................................................................... 11-106

comm.lan.enable ................................................................................................................. 11-106

comm.lan.rawsockets.enable .............................................................................................. 11-107

comm.lan.telnet.enable ....................................................................................................... 11-107

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

comm.lan.vxi11.enable ....................................................................................................... 11-108

comm.lan.web.enable ......................................................................................................... 11-109

createconfigscript() .............................................................................................................. 11-110

dataqueue.add() .................................................................................................................. 11-110

dataqueue.CAPACITY ........................................................................................................ 11-111

dataqueue.clear() ................................................................................................................ 11-112

dataqueue.count ................................................................................................................. 11-113

dataqueue.next() ................................................................................................................. 11-114

delay() ................................................................................................................................. 11-115

digio.readbit() ...................................................................................................................... 11-115

digio.readport() .................................................................................................................... 11-116

digio.trigger[N].assert() ........................................................................................................ 11-116

digio.trigger[N].clear() .......................................................................................................... 11-117

digio.trigger[N].EVENT_ID .................................................................................................. 11-117

digio.trigger[N].mode ........................................................................................................... 11-118

digio.trigger[N].overrun ........................................................................................................ 11-119

digio.trigger[N].pulsewidth ................................................................................................... 11-120

digio.trigger[N].release() ................................................................ ...................................... 11-121

digio.trigger[N].reset() ......................................................................................................... 11-121

digio.trigger[N].stimulus ....................................................................................................... 11-122

digio.trigger[N].wait() ........................................................................................................... 11-124

digio.writebit() ...................................................................................................................... 11-124

digio.writeport() ................................................................................................................... 11-125

digio.writeprotect ................................................................................................................. 11-126

display.clear() ...................................................................................................................... 11-126

display.getannunciators() .................................................................................................... 11-127

display.getcursor() ............................................................................................................... 11-128

display.getlastkey() ............................................................................................................. 11-129

display.gettext() ................................................................................................................... 11-130

display.inputvalue() ............................................................................................................. 11-131

display.loadmenu.add() ....................................................................................................... 11-133

display.loadmenu.catalog() ................................................................................................. 11-134

display.loadmenu.delete() ................................................................................................... 11-135

display.locallockout ............................................................................................................. 11-135

display.menu() ..................................................................................................................... 11-136

display.prompt() .................................................................................................................. 11-137

display.screen ..................................................................................................................... 11-138

display.sendkey() ................................................................................................................ 11-139

display.setcursor() ............................................................................................................... 11-140

display.settext() ................................................................................................................... 11-141

display.trigger.EVENT_ID ................................................................................................... 11-142

display.waitkey() .................................................................................................................. 11-142

dmm.adjustment.count ........................................................................................................ 11-144

dmm.adjustment.date .......................................................................................................... 11-144

dmm.aperture ...................................................................................................................... 11-145

dmm.appendbuffer() ............................................................................................................ 11-146

dmm.autodelay .................................................................................................................... 11-148

dmm.autorange ................................................................................................................... 11-149

dmm.autozero ..................................................................................................................... 11-150

dmm.buffer.catalog() ........................................................................................................... 11-152

dmm.buffer.info() ................................................................................................................. 11-153

dmm.buffer.maxcapacity ..................................................................................................... 11-154

dmm.buffer.usedcapacity .................................................................................................... 11-154

dmm.calibration.ac() ............................................................................................................ 11-155

dmm.calibration.dc() ............................................................................................................ 11-156

dmm.calibration.lock() ......................................................................................................... 11-156

dmm.calibration.password................................................................................................... 11-157

dmm.calibration.save() ........................................................................................................ 11-157

dmm.calibration.unlock() ..................................................................................................... 11-158

dmm.calibration.verifydate .................................................................................................. 11-159

dmm.close() ........................................................................................................................ 11-160

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

dmm.configure.catalog() ..................................................................................................... 11-161

dmm.configure.delete() ....................................................................................................... 11-162

dmm.configure.query() ........................................................................................................ 11-163

dmm.configure.recall() ........................................................................................................ 11-165

dmm.configure.set() ............................................................................................................ 11-166

dmm.connect ....................................................................................................................... 11-168

dmm.dbreference ................................................................................................................ 11-170

dmm.detectorbandwidth ...................................................................................................... 11-171

dmm.displaydigits ................................................................................................................ 11-172

dmm.drycircuit ..................................................................................................................... 11-173

dmm.filter.count ................................................................................................................... 11-174

dmm.filter.enable ................................................................................................................. 11-175

dmm.filter.type ..................................................................................................................... 11-176

dmm.filter.window ............................................................................................................... 11-177

dmm.fourrtd ......................................................................................................................... 11-178

dmm.func ............................................................................................................................ 11-179

dmm.getconfig() .................................................................................................................. 11-181

dmm.inputdivider ................................................................................................................. 11-182

dmm.limit[Y].autoclear ......................................................................................................... 11-183

dmm.limit[Y].clear() ............................................................................................................. 11-184

dmm.limit[Y].enable ............................................................................................................. 11-184

dmm.limit[Y].high.fail ........................................................................................................... 11-187

dmm.limit[Y].high.value ....................................................................................................... 11-189

dmm.limit[Y].low.fail ............................................................................................................ 11-191

dmm.limit[Y].low.value ........................................................................................................ 11-193

dmm.linesync ...................................................................................................................... 11-195

dmm.makebuffer() ............................................................................................................... 11-196

dmm.math.enable ............................................................................................................... 11-198

dmm.math.format ................................................................................................................ 11-200

dmm.math.mxb.bfactor ....................................................................................................... 11-201

dmm.math.mxb.mfactor ...................................................................................................... 11-202

dmm.math.mxb.units ........................................................................................................... 11-203

dmm.math.percent .............................................................................................................. 11-203

dmm.measure() ................................................................................................................... 11-205

dmm.measurecount ............................................................................................................ 11-206

dmm.measurewithtime() ...................................................................................................... 11-207

dmm.measurewithptp() ....................................................................................................... 11-208

dmm.nplc............................................................................................................................. 11-209

dmm.offsetcompensation .................................................................................................... 11-210

dmm.open() ......................................................................................................................... 11-211

dmm.opendetector .............................................................................................................. 11-213

dmm.range .......................................................................................................................... 11-214

dmm.refjunction ................................................................................................................... 11-215

dmm.rel.acquire() ................................................................................................................ 11-216

dmm.rel.enable ................................................................................................................... 11-217

dmm.rel.level ....................................................................................................................... 11-218

dmm.reset() ......................................................................................................................... 11-219

dmm.rtdalpha ...................................................................................................................... 11-220

dmm.rtdbeta ........................................................................................................................ 11-221

dmm.rtddelta ....................................................................................................................... 11-222

dmm.rtdzero ........................................................................................................................ 11-224

dmm.savebuffer() ................................................................................................................ 11-225

dmm.setconfig() .................................................................................................................. 11-227

dmm.simreftemperature ...................................................................................................... 11-228

dmm.thermistor ................................................................................................................... 11-229

dmm.thermocouple ............................................................................................................. 11-230

dmm.threertd ....................................................................................................................... 11-231

dmm.threshold .................................................................................................................... 11-232

dmm.transducer .................................................................................................................. 11-233

dmm.units............................................................................................................................ 11-234

errorqueue.clear() ............................................................................................................... 11-235

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

errorqueue.count ................................................................................................................. 11-235

errorqueue.next() ................................................................................................................ 11-236

eventlog.all() ........................................................................................................................ 11-237

eventlog.clear() ................................................................................................................... 11-238

eventlog.count ..................................................................................................................... 11-238

eventlog.enable ................................................................................................................... 11-239

eventlog.next() .................................................................................................................... 11-240

eventlog.overwritemethod ................................................................................................... 11-241

exit() .................................................................................................................................... 11-241

fileVar:close() ...................................................................................................................... 11-242

fileVar:flush() ....................................................................................................................... 11-242

fileVar:read() ....................................................................................................................... 11-243

fileVar:seek() ....................................................................................................................... 11-244

fileVar:write() ....................................................................................................................... 11-245

format.asciiprecision ........................................................................................................... 11-245

format.byteorder .................................................................................................................. 11-246

format.data .......................................................................................................................... 11-247

fs.chdir() .............................................................................................................................. 11-248

fs.cwd() ............................................................................................................................... 11-249

fs.is_dir() ............................................................................................................................. 11-249

fs.is_file() ............................................................................................................................. 11-249

fs.mkdir() ............................................................................................................................. 11-250

fs.readdir() ........................................................................................................................... 11-250

fs.rmdir() .............................................................................................................................. 11-251

gettimezone() ...................................................................................................................... 11-251

gpib.address ........................................................................................................................ 11-252

io.close().............................................................................................................................. 11-253

io.flush() .............................................................................................................................. 11-253

io.input() .............................................................................................................................. 11-254

io.open() .............................................................................................................................. 11-255

io.output() ............................................................................................................................ 11-255

io.read() ............................................................................................................................... 11-256

io.type() ............................................................................................................................... 11-257

io.write() .............................................................................................................................. 11-257

lan.applysettings() ............................................................................................................... 11-258

lan.config.dns.address[N] .................................................................................................... 11-258

lan.config.dns.domain ......................................................................................................... 11-259

lan.config.dns.dynamic ........................................................................................................ 11-260

lan.config.dns.hostname ..................................................................................................... 11-260

lan.config.dns.verify ............................................................................................................ 11-261

lan.config.gateway .............................................................................................................. 11-262

lan.config.ipaddress ............................................................................................................ 11-262

lan.config.method ................................................................................................................ 11-263

lan.config.subnetmask ........................................................................................................ 11-264

lan.lxidomain ....................................................................................................................... 11-264

lan.nagle ............................................................................................................................. 11-265

lan.reset() ............................................................................................................................ 11-265

lan.restoredefaults() ............................................................................................................ 11-265

lan.status.dns.address[N] .................................................................................................... 11-266

lan.status.dns.name ............................................................................................................ 11-267

lan.status.duplex ................................................................................................................. 11-268

lan.status.gateway .............................................................................................................. 11-268

lan.status.ipaddress ............................................................................................................ 11-269

lan.status.macaddress ........................................................................................................ 11-269

lan.status.port.dst ................................................................................................................ 11-270

lan.status.port.rawsocket .................................................................................................... 11-270

lan.status.port.telnet ............................................................................................................ 11-271

lan.status.port.vxi11 ............................................................................................................ 11-271

lan.status.speed .................................................................................................................. 11-272

lan.status.subnetmask ........................................................................................................ 11-272

lan.trigger[N].assert() .......................................................................................................... 11-273

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

lan.trigger[N].clear() ............................................................................................................ 11-273

lan.trigger[N].connect() ........................................................................................................ 11-274

lan.trigger[N].connected ...................................................................................................... 11-275

lan.trigger[N].disconnect() ................................................................................................... 11-276

lan.trigger[N].EVENT_ID ..................................................................................................... 11-276

lan.trigger[N].ipaddress ....................................................................................................... 11-277

lan.trigger[N].mode .............................................................................................................. 11-277

lan.trigger[N].overrun .......................................................................................................... 11-278

lan.trigger[N].protocol .......................................................................................................... 11-279

lan.trigger[N].pseudostate ................................................................................................... 11-280

lan.trigger[N].stimulus ......................................................................................................... 11-280

lan.trigger[N].wait() .............................................................................................................. 11-282

localnode.define.* ................................................................................................................ 11-283

localnode.description .......................................................................................................... 11-284

localnode.emulation ............................................................................................................ 11-284

localnode.linefreq ................................................................................................................ 11-285

localnode.model .................................................................................................................. 11-286

localnode.password ............................................................................................................ 11-286

localnode.passwordmode ................................................................................................... 11-287

localnode.prompts ............................................................................................................... 11-288

localnode.prompts4882 ....................................................................................................... 11-289

localnode.reset() ................................................................................................................. 11-289

localnode.revision ............................................................................................................... 11-290

localnode.serialno ............................................................................................................... 11-291

localnode.showerrors .......................................................................................................... 11-291

makegetter() ........................................................................................................................ 11-292

makesetter() ........................................................................................................................ 11-292

memory.available() .............................................................................................................. 11-293

memory.used() .................................................................................................................... 11-294

node[N].execute() ................................................................................................................ 11-295

node[N].getglobal() .............................................................................................................. 11-296

node[N].setglobal() .............................................................................................................. 11-296

opc() .................................................................................................................................... 11-297

os.time() .............................................................................................................................. 11-297

print() ................................................................................................................................... 11-298

printbuffer() .......................................................................................................................... 11-299

printnumber() ....................................................................................................................... 11-302

ptp.domain .......................................................................................................................... 11-303

ptp.ds.info............................................................................................................................ 11-303

ptp.enable ........................................................................................................................... 11-305

ptp.portstate ........................................................................................................................ 11-305

ptp.slavepreferred ............................................................................................................... 11-306

ptp.time() ............................................................................................................................. 11-307

ptp.utcoffset ......................................................................................................................... 11-307

reset() .................................................................................................................................. 11-308

scan.abort() ......................................................................................................................... 11-308

scan.add() ........................................................................................................................... 11-309

scan.addimagestep() ........................................................................................................... 11-311

scan.addwrite() .................................................................................................................... 11-312

scan.background() .............................................................................................................. 11-313

scan.bypass ........................................................................................................................ 11-314

scan.create() ....................................................................................................................... 11-315

scan.execute() ..................................................................................................................... 11-317

scan.list() ............................................................................................................................. 11-318

scan.measurecount ............................................................................................................. 11-320

scan.mode........................................................................................................................... 11-321

scan.nobufferbackground() ................................................................................................. 11-322

scan.nobufferexecute() ....................................................................................................... 11-323

scan.reset() ......................................................................................................................... 11-324

scan.scancount ................................................................................................................... 11-325

scan.state() ......................................................................................................................... 11-326

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

scan.stepcount .................................................................................................................... 11-327

scan.trigger.arm.clear() ....................................................................................................... 11-327

scan.trigger.arm.set() .......................................................................................................... 11-328

scan.trigger.arm.stimulus .................................................................................................... 11-328

scan.trigger.channel.clear() ................................................................................................. 11-330

scan.trigger.channel.set() .................................................................................................... 11-330

scan.trigger.channel.stimulus .............................................................................................. 11-331

scan.trigger.clear() .............................................................................................................. 11-332

scan.trigger.measure.clear() ............................................................................................... 11-333

scan.trigger.measure.set() .................................................................................................. 11-333

scan.trigger.measure.stimulus ............................................................................................ 11-334

scan.trigger.sequence.clear() .............................................................................................. 11-335

scan.trigger.sequence.set() ................................................................................................. 11-336

scan.trigger.sequence.stimulus ........................................................................................... 11-336

schedule.alarm[N].enable ................................................................................................... 11-338

schedule.alarm[N].EVENT_ID ............................................................................................. 11-338

schedule.alarm[N].fractionalseconds .................................................................................. 11-339

schedule.alarm[N].period .................................................................................................... 11-340

schedule.alarm[N].ptpseconds ............................................................................................ 11-340

schedule.alarm[N].repetition ................................................................................................ 11-341

schedule.alarm[N].seconds ................................................................................................. 11-341

schedule.disable() ............................................................................................................... 11-342

script.anonymous ................................................................................................................ 11-342

script.delete() ...................................................................................................................... 11-343

script.load() ......................................................................................................................... 11-343

script.new() .......................................................................................................................... 11-344

script.newautorun() ............................................................................................................. 11-345

script.restore() ..................................................................................................................... 11-346

script.run() ........................................................................................................................... 11-347

script.user.catalog() ............................................................................................................. 11-347

scriptVar.autorun ................................................................................................................. 11-348

scriptVar.list() ...................................................................................................................... 11-348

scriptVar.name .................................................................................................................... 11-349

scriptVar.run() ..................................................................................................................... 11-350

scriptVar.save() ................................................................................................................... 11-351

scriptVar.source .................................................................................................................. 11-351

settime() .............................................................................................................................. 11-352

settimezone() ...................................................................................................................... 11-353

setup.cards() ....................................................................................................................... 11-354

setup.poweron ..................................................................................................................... 11-355

setup.recall() ....................................................................................................................... 11-356

setup.save() ........................................................................................................................ 11-356

slot[slot].banks.matrix .......................................................................................................... 11-357

slot[slot].columns.matrix ...................................................................................................... 11-358

slot[slot].commonsideohms ................................................................................................. 11-358

slot[slot].digio ...................................................................................................................... 11-359

slot[slot].endchannel.* ......................................................................................................... 11-359

slot[slot].idn ......................................................................................................................... 11-362

slot[slot].interlock.override ................................................................................................... 11-362

slot[slot].interlock.state ........................................................................................................ 11-363

slot[slot].isolated .................................................................................................................. 11-364

slot[slot].matrix .................................................................................................................... 11-364

slot[slot].maxvoltage ............................................................................................................ 11-365

slot[slot].multiplexer ............................................................................................................. 11-365

slot[slot].poles.four .............................................................................................................. 11-366

slot[slot].poles.one .............................................................................................................. 11-366

slot[slot].poles.two ............................................................................................................... 11-367

slot[slot].pseudocard ........................................................................................................... 11-367

slot[slot].rows.matrix ............................................................................................................ 11-369

slot[slot].startchannel.* ........................................................................................................ 11-369

slot[slot].tempsensor ........................................................................................................... 11-372

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

slot[slot].thermal.state ......................................................................................................... 11-373

status.condition ................................................................................................................... 11-373

status.measurement.* ......................................................................................................... 11-375

status.node_enable ............................................................................................................. 11-377

status.node_event ............................................................................................................... 11-379

status.operation.* ................................................................................................................ 11-381

status.operation.user.* ........................................................................................................ 11-383

status.questionable.* ........................................................................................................... 11-385

status.request_enable ......................................................................................................... 11-387

status.request_event ........................................................................................................... 11-389

status.reset() ....................................................................................................................... 11-391

status.standard.* ................................................................................................................. 11-391

status.system.* .................................................................................................................... 11-393

status.system2.* .................................................................................................................. 11-395

status.system3.* .................................................................................................................. 11-398

status.system4.* .................................................................................................................. 11-400

status.system5.* .................................................................................................................. 11-402

timer.measure.t() ................................................................................................................. 11-404

timer.reset() ......................................................................................................................... 11-405

trigger.blender[N].clear() ..................................................................................................... 11-406

trigger.blender[N].EVENT_ID .............................................................................................. 11-406

trigger.blender[N].orenable.................................................................................................. 11-407

trigger.blender[N].overrun ................................................................................................... 11-407

trigger.blender[N].reset() ..................................................................................................... 11-408

trigger.blender[N].stimulus[M] ............................................................................................. 11-409

trigger.blender[N].wait() ....................................................................................................... 11-410

trigger.clear() ....................................................................................................................... 11-411

trigger.EVENT_ID ............................................................................................................... 11-411

trigger.timer[N].clear() ......................................................................................................... 11-412

trigger.timer[N].count ........................................................................................................... 11-412

trigger.timer[N].delay ........................................................................................................... 11-413

trigger.timer[N].delaylist ...................................................................................................... 11-414

trigger.timer[N].EVENT_ID .................................................................................................. 11-415

trigger.timer[N].overrun ....................................................................................................... 11-415

trigger.timer[N].passthrough ................................................................................................ 11-416

trigger.timer[N].reset() ......................................................................................................... 11-416

trigger.timer[N].stimulus ...................................................................................................... 11-417

trigger.timer[N].wait() ........................................................................................................... 11-419

trigger.wait() ........................................................................................................................ 11-419

tsplink.group ........................................................................................................................ 11-420

tsplink.master ...................................................................................................................... 11-421

tsplink.node ......................................................................................................................... 11-421

tsplink.readbit() .................................................................................................................... 11-422

tsplink.readport() ................................................................................................................. 11-422

tsplink.reset() ....................................................................................................................... 11-423

tsplink.state ......................................................................................................................... 11-424

tsplink.trigger[N].assert() ..................................................................................................... 11-424

tsplink.trigger[N].clear() ....................................................................................................... 11-425

tsplink.trigger[N].EVENT_ID ................................................................................................ 11-425

tsplink.trigger[N].mode ........................................................................................................ 11-426

tsplink.trigger[N].overrun ..................................................................................................... 11-427

tsplink.trigger[N].pulsewidth ................................................................................................ 11-428

tsplink.trigger[N].release() ................................................................................................... 11-428

tsplink.trigger[N].reset() ....................................................................................................... 11-429

tsplink.trigger[N].stimulus .................................................................................................... 11-430

tsplink.trigger[N].wait() ........................................................................................................ 11-431

tsplink.writebit() ................................................................................................................... 11-432

tsplink.writeport() ................................................................................................................. 11-432

tsplink.writeprotect .............................................................................................................. 11-433

tspnet.clear() ....................................................................................................................... 11-434

tspnet.connect() .................................................................................................................. 11-434

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

tspnet.disconnect() .............................................................................................................. 11-436

tspnet.execute() .................................................................................................................. 11-436

tspnet.idn() ................................................................................................ .......................... 11-437

tspnet.read() ........................................................................................................................ 11-438

tspnet.readavailable() .......................................................................................................... 11-439

tspnet.reset() ....................................................................................................................... 11-440

tspnet.termination() ............................................................................................................. 11-440

tspnet.timeout ...................................................................................................................... 11-441

tspnet.tsp.abort() ................................................................................................................. 11-442

tspnet.tsp.abortonconnect ................................................................................................... 11-442

tspnet.tsp.rbtablecopy() ....................................................................................................... 11-443

tspnet.tsp.runscript() ........................................................................................................... 11-444

tspnet.write() ....................................................................................................................... 11-445

upgrade.previous() .............................................................................................................. 11-446

upgrade.unit() ...................................................................................................................... 11-446

userstring.add() ................................................................................................................... 11-447

userstring.catalog() ............................................................................................................. 11-447

userstring.delete() ............................................................................................................... 11-448

userstring.get() .................................................................................................................... 11-449

waitcomplete() ..................................................................................................................... 11-450

Troubleshooting guide ............................................................................................. 12-1

Contacting support ............................................................................................................. 12-1

USB troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 12-2

Check driver for the USB Test and Measurement Device ....................................................... 12-2

Troubleshooting GPIB interfaces ....................................................................................... 12-4

Controller (hardware) not recognized ...................................................................................... 12-4

Timeout errors ......................................................................................................................... 12-5

Troubleshooting LAN interfaces ......................................................................................... 12-5

Verify connections and settings ............................................................................................... 12-5

Use Ping to test the connection ............................................................................................... 12-6

Open ports on firewalls ........................................................................................................... 12-6

Web page problems ................................................................................................................ 12-6

LXI LAN status indicator .......................................................................................................... 12-7

Initialize the LAN configuration ................................................................................................ 12-7

Use the LXI Discovery Tool ..................................................................................................... 12-7

Communicate using VISA communicator ................................................................................ 12-8

WireShark ............................................................................................................................... 12-8

Testing the display, keys, and channel matrix ................................................................... 12-8

Verify front panel key operation ............................................................................................... 12-8

Verify display operation ........................................................................................................... 12-8

Update drivers .................................................................................................................... 12-9

Error and status messages ................................................................................................ 12-9

Error summary list ................................................................................................................... 12-9

Effects of errors on scripts ...................................................................................................... 12-9

Retrieving errors .................................................................................................................... 12-10

Error and status message list ................................................................................................ 12-10

Frequently asked questions .................................................................................... 13-1

How do I get my LAN or web connection to work? ............................................................ 13-1

Why can't I close a channel? ............................................................................................. 13-1

How do I know if an error has occurred on my instrument? .............................................. 13-2

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

How do I find the serial number and firmware version? ..................................................... 13-3

Why can't the Series 3700A read my USB flash drive? ..................................................... 13-3

Next steps .................................................................................................................. 14-1

Additional Series 3700A information .................................................................................. 14-1

LAN concepts and settings ........................................................................................A-1

Overview .............................................................................................................................. A-1

Establishing a point-to-point connection .............................................................................. A-1

Step 1: Identify and record the existing IP configuration ........................................................... A-2

Step 2: Disable DHCP to use the computer's existing IP address ............................................ A-3

Step 3: Configure the instrument's LAN settings ....................................................................... A-7

Step 4: Install the crossover cable ............................................................................................ A-8

Step 5: Access the instrument's web page ................................................................................ A-9

Connecting to the LAN ......................................................................................................... A-9

Setting the LAN configuration method ..................................................................................... A-10

Setting the IP address ............................................................................................................. A-10

Setting the gateway ................................................................................................................. A-10

Setting the subnet mask .......................................................................................................... A-11

Configuring the domain name system (DNS) .......................................................................... A-11

LAN speeds ........................................................................................................................ A-12

Duplex mode ...................................................................................................................... A-12

Viewing LAN status messages .......................................................................................... A-13

Viewing the network settings ............................................................................................. A-13

Confirming the active speed and duplex negotiation ............................................................... A-14

Confirming port numbers ......................................................................................................... A-14

Selecting a LAN interface protocol ..................................................................................... A-14

VXI-11 connection ................................................................................................................... A-15

Raw socket connection ........................................................................................................... A-15

Dead socket connection .......................................................................................................... A-15

Telnet connection .................................................................................................................... A-15

Logging LAN trigger events in the event log ........................................................................... A-18

Verification and adjustment .......................................................................................B-1

Verification ........................................................................................................................... B-1

Verification test requirements .................................................................................................... B-2

Performing the verification test procedures ............................................................................... B-4

Series 3700A verification tests .................................................................................................. B-5

Adjustment ......................................................................................................................... B-20

Environmental conditions ........................................................................................................ B-21

Adjustment considerations ...................................................................................................... B-21

Adjustment ................................................................................................ .............................. B-22

Remote adjustment procedure ................................................................................................ B-23

Status model ...............................................................................................................C-1

Overview .............................................................................................................................. C-1

Status Byte Register ................................................................................................................. C-1

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of contents

Status model diagrams ........................................................................................................ C-3

Status Byte Register overview .................................................................................................. C-3

Measurement summary bit (Measurement event register) ........................................................ C-4

System summary bit (System register) ..................................................................................... C-5

Standard Event Register ........................................................................................................... C-7

Error available bit (Error or Event queue) ................................ .................................................. C-8

Questionable summary bit (Questionable event register) ......................................................... C-9

Message available bit (Output queue) ..................................................................................... C-10

Event summary bit (ESB register) ........................................................................................... C-10

Master summary status bit (MSS bit register) ......................................................................... C-11

Operation summary bit (Operation event register) .................................................................. C-12

Status function summary.................................................................................................... C-13

Clearing registers ............................................................................................................... C-13

Startup state ....................................................................................................................... C-14

Programming and reading registers ................................................................................... C-14

Programming enable and transition registers .......................................................................... C-14

Reading registers .................................................................................................................... C-15

Register programming example .............................................................................................. C-15

Status byte and service request (SRQ) ............................................................................. C-15

Service Request Enable Register ........................................................................................... C-16

Status Byte Register ............................................................................................................... C-16

Serial polling and SRQ ............................................................................................................ C-18

SPE, SPD (serial polling) ........................................................................................................ C-18

Service requests ..................................................................................................................... C-18

Status byte and service request commands............................................................................ C-19

Enable and transition registers ................................................................................................ C-19

Controlling node and SRQ enable registers ............................................................................ C-19

TSP-Link system status ..................................................................................................... C-20

Status model configuration example ....................................................................................... C-20

Index.............................................................................................................................. I-1

In this section:

Welcome .................................................................................. 1-1

Extended warranty ................................................................... 1-1

Contact information .................................................................. 1-1

Product documentation, drivers, and software ......................... 1-2

Organization of manual sections .............................................. 1-2

Capabilities and features ................................ .......................... 1-3

General information .................................................................. 1-4

Welcome

Thank you for choosing a Keithley Instruments product. The Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter
features scalable, instrument grade switching and multi-channel measurement solutions that are
optimized for automated testing of electronic products and components. The Series 3700A includes
four versions of the Series 3700A system switch mainframe, along with a growing family of plug-in
switch and control cards. When the Series 3700A mainframe is ordered with the high performance
multimeter, you receive a tightly-integrated switch and measurement system that can meet the
demanding application requirements in a functional test system or provide the flexibility needed in
stand-alone data acquisition and measurement applications.

Extended warranty

Additional years of warranty coverage are available on many products. These valuable contracts
protect you from unbudgeted service expenses and provide additional years of protection at a fraction
of the price of a repair. Extended warranties are available on new and existing products. Contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor for details.

Contact information

If you have any questions after you review the information in this documentation, please contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor. You can also call the corporate
headquarters of Keithley Instruments (toll-free inside the U.S. and Canada only) at 1-800-935-5595,
or from outside the U.S. at [phone]. For worldwide contact numbers, visit tek.com/keithley
(https://www.tek.com/keithley).

Section 1

Introduction

Section 1: Introduction Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

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Product documentation, drivers, and software

The Series 3700A Quick Start Guide, User's Manual, Reference Manual, and Switching and Control
Cards Reference Manual are available for download in PDF format on the Product Support web page
(https://www.tek.com/product-support).

• Quick Start Guide: Provides unpacking instructions, describes basic connections, and reviews
basic operation information. If you are new to Keithley Instruments equipment, refer to the Quick
Start Guide to take the steps needed to unpack, set up, and verify operation.

• User's Manual: Provides application examples. If you need a starting point to begin creation of
applications, refer to the User's Manual for a variety of specific examples.

• Reference Manual: Includes advanced operation topics and maintenance information.
Programmers looking for a command reference, and users looking for an in-depth description of
the way the instrument works (including troubleshooting and optimization), should refer to the
Reference Manual.

• Switching and Control Cards Reference Manual: Contains information specific to the switch
cards that can be used with the Series 3700A.

• Additional product information: The product data sheets, product specifications, and
accessories information.

Additional drivers and software are available for download from the Product Support web page
(https://www.tek.com/product-support).

Test Script Builder (TSB) Integrated Development Environment: This software provides an
environment to develop a test program and the ability to load the test program onto the instrument.
Running a program loaded on the instrument eliminates the need to send individual commands from
the host computer to the instrument when running a test.

• The Series 3700A TSB Add-in: A software tool you can use to create, modify, debug, and store
Test Script Processor (TSP®) test scripts.

• IVI Instrument Driver: Driver for National Instruments LabVIEW™ and related release notes.

• J2SE™ Runtime Environment: Web browser plug-in required to run the web applications that

are available through the instrument web interface.

• Keithley I/O layer and release notes: Software that manages communications between Keithley
instrument drivers, software applications, and the instrument.

To identify IP addresses of instruments connected to the local area network (LAN) that support VXI­11 discovery protocol, you can also use the LXI Discovery Tool, available from the Resources tab of
the LXI Consortium website (http://www.lxistandard.org/).

Organization of manual sections

Bookmarks for each section of this manual are provided in the PDF version of the documentation.
The manual sections are also listed in the Table of Contents located at the beginning of this manual.

For more information about bookmarks, see Adobe® Acrobat® or Reader® help.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 1: Introduction

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 1-3

Capabilities and features

Series 3700A available models

Model

Description

3706A

Six-slot system switch with high-performance digital multimeter (DMM)

3706A-NFP
3706A-S

Available plug-in cards

Model

Description

3720

Dual 1 × 30 multiplexer card (auto CJC when used with optional
Model 3720-ST screw-terminal accessory)

3721

Dual 1 × 20 multiplexer card (auto CJC when used with optional
Model 3721-ST screw-terminal accessory)

3722

Dual 1 × 48 high-density multiplexer card

3723

Dual 1 × 30 high-speed reed relay multiplexer card

3724

Dual 1 × 30 FET multiplexer card

3730

6 × 16 high-density matrix card

3731

6 × 16 high-speed reed relay matrix card

3732

Quad 4 × 28 ultra-high density reed relay matrix card

3740

32-channel isolated switch card

3750

Multifunction control card

The Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter is comprised of four versions of the Model 3706A
system switch mainframe and a series of plug-in switch and control cards.

Six-slot system switch with high-performance digital multimeter (DMM)
without front-panel display and keypad

Six-slot system switch

3706A-SNFP Six-slot system switch without front-panel display and keypad

Series 3700A instruments have the following features:

• Six-slot system switch with optional high-performance multimeter

• Three remote interfaces: LXI/ethernet, general purpose bus (GPIB), and Universal Serial Bus

(USB)

• Fourteen programmable digital I/O lines

• Up to 576 two-wire or 720 one-wire multiplexer channels in one mainframe

• Up to 2,688 one-pole matrix crosspoints in one mainframe

• Capable of more than 14,000 readings per second to memory with high-performance multimeter

option

• Filtering to reduce reading noise

• Internal memory stores multiple user setups

• USB flash drive access for saving data buffers, test scripts, and user setups

• Digital I/O port: Allows the Series 3700A to control other devices

• LXI® Class B and C compliance

• Embedded TSP scripting engine accessible from any host interface; responds to high-speed test

scripts comprised of instrument control commands

• TSP-Link® expansion bus that allows TSP-enabled instruments to trigger and communicate with
each other; advanced Test Script Processor (TSP®) scripting engine features enable parallel
script execution across the TSP-Link network

Section 1: Introduction Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

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Measuring capabilities

The basic measurement capabilities of Series 3700A systems are summarized in the following figure.

Figure 1: DMM measurement capabilities

Displaying the instrument's serial number

The instrument serial number is on a label on the rear panel of the instrument. You can also access
the serial number from the front panel using the front-panel keys and menus.

To display the serial number on the front panel:

1. If the Series 3700A is in remote operation, press the EXIT (LOCAL) key once to place the
instrument in local operation.

2. Press the MENU key.

3. Use the navigation wheel to scroll to the UNIT-INFO menu item.

4. Press the ENTER key. The SYSTEM INFORMATION menu is displayed.

5. Scroll to the SERIAL# menu item.

6. Press the ENTER key. The Series 3700A serial number is displayed.

In this section:

Dimensions .............................................................................. 2-1

Weight ...................................................................................... 2-3

Rack-mounting instructions ...................................................... 2-3

Remote communications interfaces ......................................... 2-6

Digital I/O ............................................................................... 2-28

Starting up your instrument .................................................... 2-33

Dimensions

The following figures show the dimensions of the Series 3700A.

Figure 2: Model 3706A height and front-panel width

Section 2

Installation

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Figure 3: Model 3706A depth and rear-panel width

Figure 4: Model 3706A dimensions for rear-support mounting with Model 4299-10

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Weight

The weights of the Series 3700A, plug-in cards, and the screw terminal adapter are provided in the
following table.

Component

Weight

Model 3706A mainframe

6.12 kg (13.5 lb)

Plug-in card, average

1.36 kg (3 lb)

Screw terminal adapter, average

0.45 kg (1 lb)

You can calculate the total weight of your Series 3700A using the weights of the individual
components in your system. For example, if you have a Series 3700A mainframe with six plug-in
cards and three adapters installed:

6.12 kg + (1.36 kg  6) + (0.45 kg  3) = 15.63 kg

(13.5 lb + (3.0 lb  6) + (1.0 lb  3) = 34.45 lb)

Rack-mounting instructions

The following instructions are for configurations with up to two plug-in cards. If you have more than
two cards installed in the Series 3700A mainframe, you must use the optional Model 4288-10 Rear
Support Mount Kit in a fixed installation.

Tools required

• Medium (#2) Phillips-head screwdriver

Parts list

The table below lists the hardware that is supplied with the Series 3700A.

Item description

Part number

Quantity

Cage nut

FA-148

4

10-32  5/8 in. Phillips truss-head screw

n/a

4

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Prepare the Series 3700A for rack-mount installation

Before installing the instrument, disconnect all external power from the equipment and
disconnect the line cord. Failure to disconnect all power may expose you to hazardous
voltages, which, if contacted, could cause personal injury or death.

To prepare the Series 3700A for mounting:

1. Verify that power is disconnected from the Series 3700A.

2. Place the instrument upside-down.

3. From the four foot assemblies on the bottom of the Series 3700A, remove the rubber centers.

4. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the four foot assemblies. Retain the rubber foot
assemblies for future use.

5. Place the instrument right-side up.

Prepare the rack for Series 3700A installation

To prepare the rack for installation of a Series 3700A mainframe with up to two plug-in cards:

1. If possible, remove the cabinet sides from the rack.

2. Select a location in the rack.

3. To make it easier to manipulate and install the Series 3700A, clear as much space as possible
around the location in the rack.

4. Install the four FA-148 cage nuts in the front rack rail holes.

Figure 5: Install the cage nuts in front rack rails

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3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 2-5

Install the Series 3700A

To install the Series 3700A in the rack:

If the Series 3700A mainframe has more than two plug-in cards installed, you must use the optional
Model 4288-10 Rear Support Mount Kit in a fixed installation.

1. While supporting the Series 3700A, align the mounting holes on the front panel of the Series
3700A with the four cage nuts installed in the front rack rails.

2. Insert the four truss-head screws through the front-panel mounting holes into the cage nuts, and
tighten with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Figure 6: Install the instrument in the rack

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Remote communications interfaces

This section shows you how to connect instruments to the following remote communication
interfaces:

• Universal serial bus (USB)

• Local area network (LAN)

• General purpose interface bus (GPIB or IEEE-488)

The USB can be used for single ASCII-based commands.
This section describes how to configure and troubleshoot these interfaces on computers with

Microsoft® Windows® 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems.
It also describes the I/O software, drivers, and application software that can be used with Keithley’s

instruments.

Supported remote interfaces

The Series 3700A supports the following remote interfaces:

• GPIB. General purpose interface bus is an IEEE-488 instrumentation data bus.

• LAN. Local area network (LAN) communications provide the flexibility to build scalable and

functional test or data acquisition systems with a large degree of flexibility.

• USB. Communicate with the instrument over a Type B USB connection.

The Series 3700A can be controlled from only one communication interface at a time. The first
interface from which it receives a message takes control of the instrument. It ignores the other
interfaces until the instrument is returned to local operation.

For more information about the remote interfaces, see:

• GPIB setup (on page 2-11)

• LAN concepts and settings (on page A-1)

• USB communications (on page 2-6)

USB communications

To use the rear-panel USB port, you must have the Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA)
layer on the host computer. See How to install the Keithley I/O Layer for more information.

VISA contains a USB-class driver for the USB Test and Measurement Class (USBTMC) protocol that,
once installed, allows the Microsoft Windows operating system to recognize the instrument.

When you connect a USB device that implements the USBTMC or USBTMC-USB488 protocol to the
computer, the VISA driver automatically detects the device. Note that the VISA driver only
automatically recognizes USBTMC and USBTMC-USB488 devices. It does not recognize other USB
devices, such as printers, scanners, and storage devices.

In this section, "USB instruments" refers to devices that implement the USBTMC or
USBTMC-USB488 protocol.

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Communicate with the instrument

To communicate with the USB device, you need to use NI-VISATM. VISA requires a resource string in
the following format to connect to the correct USB instrument:

USB[board]::manufacturer ID::model code::serial number[::USB interface

number][::INSTR]

This requires that you determine the parameters. You can gather this information by running a utility
that automatically detects all instruments connected to the computer.

If you installed the Keithley I/O Layer, the Keithley Configuration Panel is available from the
Microsoft® Windows® Start menu in the Keithley Instruments menu.

To use the Keithley Configuration Panel to determine the VISA resource string:

1. Start the Keithley Configuration Panel. The Select Operation dialog box is displayed.

2. Select Add.

Figure 7: Select Operation dialog box

3. Click Next. The Select Communication Bus dialog box is displayed.

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Figure 8: Select Communication Bus dialog box

4. Select USB.

5. Click Next. The Select Instrument Driver dialog box is displayed.

Figure 9: Select Instrument Driver dialog box

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3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 2-9

6. Select Auto-detect Instrument Driver - Model.

7. Click Next. The Configure USB Instrument dialog box is displayed with the detected instrument
VISA resource string displayed.

Figure 10: Configure USB Instrument dialog box

8. Click Next. The Name Virtual Instrument dialog box is displayed.

Figure 11: Name Virtual Instrument dialog box

9. In the Name Virtual Instrument box, enter a name that you want to use to refer to the instrument.

10. Click Finish.

11. Click Cancel to close the Wizard.

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12. Save the configuration. From the Configuration Utility, select File > Save.

13. In the Keithley Communicator, select File > Open Instrument to open the instrument you just
named.

Figure 12: Keithley Communicator Open an Instrument

14. Click OK.

15. Send a command to the instrument and see if it responds.

Figure 13: Send a command to the instrument

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 2: Installation

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If you have a full version of NI VISA on your system, you can run NI-MAX or the VISA Interactive
Utility. See their documentation for information.

If you have the Keysight IO Libraries on your system, you can run Keysight Connection Expert to
check out your USB instruments. See their documentation for information.

Additional USB information

This section provides further details and more advanced information about the USB bus and
test-and-measurement instruments.

Connecting multiple USB instruments to the computer

The most convenient way to connect USB instrumentation to the computer is to plug a USB cable
directly from the instrument to the computer. If you have more than one USB instrument or have other
USB devices, such as printers, keyboards, and mice, you might not have enough USB connectors on
the computer.

To gain more ports, you can use a USB hub or add more USB controller cards if you have available
PCI or PCI Express slots.

The types of USB hubs that you can use with Series 3700A:

• Bus powered: This type of hub draws its power from the USB bus and can only supply 100 mA
(USB 2.0) per port.

• Self powered: This type of hub has an external power supply and can supply up to 500 mA per
port (USB 2.0).

GPIB setup

This section contains information about GPIB standards, connections, and address selection.

The GPIB connector is optional and may not be present on your instrument.

GPIB standards

The GPIB is the IEEE-488 instrumentation data bus, which uses hardware and programming
standards originally adopted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) in 1975.
The instrument is IEEE Std 488.1 compliant and supports IEEE Std 488.2 common commands and
status model topology.

Install the GPIB driver software

Check the documentation for your GPIB controller for information about where to acquire drivers.
Keithley Instruments also recommends that you check the website of the GPIB controller for the latest
version of drivers or software.

It is important that you install the drivers before you connect the hardware. This prevents associating
the incorrect driver to the hardware.

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Install the GPIB cards in your computer

Refer to the documentation from the GPIB controller vendor for information about installing the GPIB
controllers.

Set the GPIB address

The GPIB address is set to 16 at the factory. The address can be set to any address value from 0 to

30. However, the address must be unique in the system. It cannot conflict with an address that is

assigned to another instrument or to the GPIB controller.

To change the GPIB address:

1. Press the MENU key.

2. Select GPIB > ADDRESS. Press the navigation wheel to display the current address.

3. Choose the appropriate GPIB address.

4. Press ENTER to save the address.

The address value is saved in nonvolatile memory and will not change when a reset() (on page 11-

308) command is sent or when the power is turned off and then turned on again.

When the GPIB bus is operating, you can use the gpib.address (on page 11-252) attribute to change
the GPIB address remotely.

Enable GPIB

By default, the instrument is set to GPIB enabled. You only need to enable it if GPIB control was
disabled.

To enable control through the GPIB:

1. Press the MENU key.

2. Select GPIB. Press the navigation wheel to display the GPIB MENU.

3. Select ENABLE. Press the navigation wheel .

4. To enable GPIB, select ON. To disable it, select OFF.

5. Press ENTER to save the setting.

You must turn the instrument on and off before the setting takes effect.

Communicate with instruments

The GPIB driver software you installed installs an interactive dumb terminal program that allows you
to send commands to the instrument. They directly call the GPIB driver support libraries.

For the KPCI-488LPA and KUSB-488B GPIB controller from Keithley Instruments, the configuration
utility is called the KI-488 Diagnostic Tool. It is available from the Windows Start menu at Keithley
Instruments > KI-488 > KI-488 Diagnostic Tool.

For the KUSB-488A GPIB controller from Keithley Instruments, the configuration utility is called
TrTest. It is available from the Windows Start Menu at Keithley Instruments > GPIB-488-CEC >
TrTest.

For National Instruments GPIB controllers, you can use NI-MAX. Start NI-MAX. If your hardware is
installed correctly, you should see the controller in the GPIB section of the tree control on the left
side. Select it and right-click to see an option to communicate with the instrument.

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If you want to use the GPIB controller with instrument driver (such as VXIPnP or IVI) or high-level
software, you must also install I/O software, which installs the VISA layer. See How to install the
Keithley I/O Layer.

Terminator

When receiving data over the GPIB, the instrument terminates messages on any line feed character
or any data byte with EOI asserted (line feed with EOI asserted is also valid). When sending data, it
appends a line feed character to all outgoing messages. The EOI line is asserted with the terminating
line feed character.

However, if you want your program to communicate with all I/O buses on the instrument (GPIB, USB,
LAN (VXI-11 and raw socket)), it is good practice to add a line feed to the end of the outgoing
command. Use VISA and the same program will work with all the I/O buses by changing the resource
string in the VISA Open method.

Front-panel GPIB operation

This section describes aspects of the front panel that are part of GPIB operation, including messages,
status indicators, and the LOCAL key.

Error and status messages

The front-panel display may show error and status messages. See Error summary list (on page 12-9)
for a list of status and error messages that are associated with IEEE-488 programming.

LOCAL key

The EXIT (LOCAL) key cancels the remote state and restores local operation of the instrument.
Pressing the EXIT (LOCAL) key also turns off the REM indicator and returns the display to normal if a
user-defined message was displayed.

If the LLO (Local Lockout) command is in effect, the EXIT (LOCAL) key is also inoperative. Note that
pressing the EXIT (LOCAL) key will also abort any commands or scripts that are being processed.

GPIB reference

General bus commands

General commands are commands that have the same general meaning, regardless of the
instrument (for example, DCL). The following table lists the general bus commands.

General bus commands

Command

Effect on Series 3700A

REN

Goes into remote operation when next addressed to listen. See REN (on page 2-14) for
details.

IFC

Goes into talker and listener idle states. See IFC (on page 2-14) for details.

LLO

LOCAL key locked out. See LLO (on page 2-14) for details.

GTL

Cancel remote; restore Series 3700A front-panel operation. See GTL (on page 2-14) for
details.

DCL

Returns the Series 3700A and all devices on the GPIB to known conditions. See DCL
(on page 2-14) for details.

SDC

Returns the Series 3700A to known conditions. See SDC (on page 2-14) for details.

GET

Initiates a trigger. See GET (on page 2-15) for details.

SPE, SPD

Serial polls the Series 3700A. See SPE, SPD (on page 2-15) for details.

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REN

The remote enable (REN) command is sent to the Series 3700A by the controller to set up the
instrument for remote operation. Generally, the instrument should be placed in the remote mode
before you attempt to program it over the bus. Setting REN true does not place the instrument in the
remote state. You must address the instrument to listen after setting REN true before it goes into
remote operation.

IFC

The interface clear (IFC) command is sent by the controller to place the Series 3700A in the talker
idle state and the listener idle state. The instrument responds to the IFC command by canceling front­panel TALK or LSTN lights, if the instrument was previously placed in one of these states.

Transfer of command messages to the instrument and transfer of response messages from the
instrument are not interrupted by IFC. If transfer of a response message from the instrument was
suspended by IFC, transfer of the message will resume when the instrument is addressed to talk. If
transfer of a command message to the instrument was suspended by IFC, the rest of the message
can be sent when the instrument is addressed to listen.

LLO

When the instrument is in remote operation, all front-panel controls are disabled, except the LOCAL
and OUTPUT OFF keys (and the POWER switch). The local lockout (LLO) command disables the
LOCAL key, but does not affect the OUTPUT OFF switch, which cannot be disabled.

GTL

Use the go to local (GTL) command to put a remote-mode instrument into local mode. Leaving the
remote state also restores operation of all front-panel controls.

DCL

Use the device clear (DCL) command to clear the GPIB interface and return it to a known state. Note
that the DCL command is not an addressed command, so all instruments equipped to implement DCL
will do so simultaneously.

When the Series 3700A receives a DCL command, it:

• Clears the input buffer, output queue, and command queue

• Cancels deferred commands

• Clears any command that prevents the processing of any other device command

A DCL does not affect instrument settings and stored data.

SDC

The selective device clear (SDC) command is an addressed command that performs essentially the
same function as the device clear (DCL) command. However, because each device must be
individually addressed, the SDC command provides a method to clear only selected instruments,
instead of clearing all instruments simultaneously with the DCL command.

When the Series 3700A receives an SDC command, it:

• Clears the input buffer, output queue, and command queue

• Cancels deferred commands

• Clears any command that prevents the processing of any other device command

An SDC does not affect instrument settings and stored data.

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GET

The group execute trigger (GET) command is a GPIB trigger that triggers the instrument to take
readings from a remote interface.

SPE, SPD

Use the serial polling sequence to obtain the Series 3700A serial poll byte. The serial poll byte
contains important information about internal functions (see Status Byte Register overview (on page
C-3)). Generally, the serial polling sequence is used by the controller to determine which of several
instruments has requested service with the SRQ line. The serial polling sequence may be performed
at any time to obtain the status byte from the Series 3700A.

Configure the GPIB controllers

Each instrument on a GPIB bus needs a unique address from a range of 0 to 30. Generally, the GPIB
host controller is on address 0. However, there are GPIB controllers that adopt the address of 21. To
be safe, do not configure any of the instruments for 21 or 0.

If you do need to change the host controller address, consult the controller documentation.
For the KPCI-488LPA and KUSB-488B GPIB controller from Keithley Instruments, the configuration

utility is called the KI-488 Diagnostic Tool. It is available from the Microsoft® Windows® Start menu at
Keithley Instruments > KI-488 > KI-488 Diagnostic Tool.

For the KUSB-488A GPIB controller from Keithley Instruments, the configuration utility is called GPIB
Configuration. It is available from the Windows Start Menu at Keithley Instruments > GPIB-488 >
GPIB Configuration.

For National Instruments (NITM) GPIB controllers, you can use NI-MAX. Start NI-MAX. If your
hardware is installed correctly, you will see the controller in the GPIB section of the tree control on the
left side. Select it and right-click to see an option to configure the controller. Do not forget to save
your settings.

Communication status indicators

The remote (REM), talk (TALK), listen (LSTN), and service request (SRQ) indicators show the
communication bus status. Each of these indicators is described below.

Status indicator

Applies to

REM

GPIB, VXI-11, USB

TALK

GPIB only

LSTN

GPIB only

SRQ

GPIB, VXI-11, USB

The SRQ applies to all available communication buses, however, actual service requests only apply
to GPIB, USB, and VXI-11 (see Status byte and service request (SRQ) (on page C-15) for more
information).

REM

This indicator is illuminated when the instrument is in the remote control state. When the instrument is
in the remote control state, all front-panel keys, except for the EXIT (LOCAL) key, are locked out.
When REM is off, the instrument is in the local control state and front-panel operation is restored.

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TALK

This indicator is on when the instrument is in the talker active state. Place the instrument in the talk
state by addressing it to talk with the correct talk command. TALK is off when the instrument is in the
talker idle state. Place the instrument in the talker idle state by sending a UNT (untalk) command,
addressing it to listen, or by sending the IFC (interface clear) command.

LSTN

This indicator is on when the instrument is in the listener active state, which is activated by
addressing the instrument to listen with the correct listen command. LSTN is off when the instrument
is in the listener idle state. Place the instrument in the listener idle state by sending UNL (unlisten),
addressing it to talk, or by sending the IFC (interface clear) command over the bus.

SRQ

You can program the instrument to generate a service request (SRQ) when one or more errors or
conditions occur. When this indicator is on, a service request has been generated. This indicator
stays on until all conditions that caused the SRQ are cleared.

Note that while the SRQ indicator turns on when a service request is generated, it reflects the state of
the Master Summary Status (MSS) bit and not the request for service (RQS) bit (see "Bit 6, Request
Service (RQS)/Master Summary Status (MSS)" in the topic Status Byte Register (on page C-16) for
more detail). Therefore, performing a serial poll will not turn off the indicator. In order to turn off the
indicator, you must clear all the conditions that caused the MSS bit to be set. Refer to Clearing

registers (on page C-13) for information.

LAN communications

This section provides an overview of LAN communications for the Series 3700A. For detailed
information about setting up your LAN interface, refer to LAN concepts and settings (on page A-1).

You can communicate with the instrument using a local area network (LAN).
When you connect using a LAN, you can use a web browser to communicate with the instrument

through the instrument's internal web page and other web applets.
Series 3700A are class B and C LXI version 1.4 compliant. They are scalable test instruments with

direct connections to host computers. They can also interact with a DHCP or DNS server and other
LXI compliant instruments on a LAN.

The Series 3700A are compliant with IEEE standard 802.3 (ethernet) and support full connectivity on
a 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps network.

Contact your network administrator to confirm your specific network requirements before setting up a
LAN connection.

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Overview of LAN instruments

When ethernet ports became standard on computers, it was logical that instrumentation would follow.
The VXI-11 protocol, which was standardized on in the early 1990s, is the standard used to emulate
GPIB over ethernet.

Even though ethernet became the standard LAN technology on instruments, LAN instruments from
different vendors differed in the approach they took. Some vendors only supported static IP, whereas
others had DHCP, DLLA (Auto-IP), and static addressing. The LXI consortium was started to
standardize what should be in all instruments that conform to LXI.

An instrument that conforms to LXI version 1.3 must have the following:

• All three IP addressing modes: DHCP, Auto-IP, and static IP.

• A web server that has some standard ethernet configuration parameters:

▪ IP configuration: IP address, subnet mask, gateway.
▪ Password protection on anything that might change the instrument state.
▪ A control on the web page that flashes an LED or some form of indicator on the front panel of

the instrument. LXI calls this the Device Identification Functionality. This allows you to identify
the web page you are currently looking at with the instrument. This helps you identify a
specific instrument in a rack of similar model instruments.

• A reserved URL in the instrument that provides an xml document that has standard configuration
information. This can be useful for software tools that need to identify the instruments and their
capabilities. The URL is http://<host>:<port>/lxi/identification.

• An IVI driver for the instrument.

• A LAN Status (fault) indicator.

• VXI-11 discovery protocol.

• LAN reset button or menu option. LXI calls this the LAN Configuration Initialize (LCI).

When the LXI-defined LAN reset is selected, the instrument reverts its LAN settings to a known
set of defaults. The default LAN settings for LXI instruments are:

▪ DHCP and Auto-IP enabled. LXI refers to this as the Auto IP address mode (compared to the

manual address mode, which is fixed or static IP addressing).

▪ Web password is reset to the factory default.
▪ Ping responder enabled.
▪ Dynamic DNS and mDNS enabled.

LXI Version 1.3 added the requirement of mDNS (multicast DNS) discovery.

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LAN cable connection

The Series 3700A includes two LAN crossover cables. One cable is for the TSP-Link® network and
the other cable is for LAN communications.

Use the following figure as a guide when making LAN connections.

Figure 14: Series 3700A LAN connection

1. Series 3700A ethernet port (LAN)

2. Straight-through LAN cable or crossover LAN cable

3. Ethernet port (located on the host computer)

Supplied software

The majority of software applications and all instrument drivers from Keithley Instruments depend on
some, or all, of the following software components:

• NI-VISATM

• VISA shared components

• IVI shared components

• NITM CVITM runtime engine

• NITM IVITM compliance package

• Keithley instrument driver

• LabVIEWTM driver

• Test Script Builder (TSB) Add-in

• J2SETM Runtime Environment

These software components are available for download from the Product Support web page
(https://www.tek.com/product-support).

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Instrument driver types

There are several different styles of instrument drivers. Keithley Instruments provides three different
instrument drivers for the Series 3700A: A native LabVIEW driver, an IVI-C driver, and an IVI-COM
driver. You need to pick the style that best suits the application development environment (ADE) that
you are using. For example, if you are using LabVIEW, you would pick a native LabVIEW driver. If a
native LabVIEW driver is not available then you can use an IVI-C driver as LabVIEW has the option of
creating a wrapper for the IVI-C driver.

LabVIEW supports IVI-COM drivers but they are definitely not the first or second choice. However, if
they are the only driver types for the instrument, they can be used.

If LabWindows/CVI or C/C++ is your programming language, an IVI-C driver is the best option. For
Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0 and any .NET language (C#, VB.NET, and so on), an IVI-COM driver is
the best option.

Sometimes instrument vendors do not provide all three driver types. Most languages can
accommodate other driver types, but this is not optimal.

The following sections describe the different driver types in more detail.

VXIPnP drivers

VXI (Vixie) plug-and-play (VXIPnP) style drivers are Win32 DLLs that have some standard functions
defined by the VXIPnP Alliance, such as:

• init

• close

• error_message

• reset

• self_test

• Read

• Initiate

• Fetch

• Abort

The application programming interface (API) was defined so that users of instruments would have a
familiar API from instrument to instrument. There are some basic guidelines when creating APIs for
your instrument, such as using VISA data types and how to construct the CVI hierarchy.

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LabVIEW drivers

Native LabVIEW drivers

A native LabVIEWTM driver is a LabVIEW driver that is created using entirely built-in LabVIEW VIs —
it does not make any calls to external DLLs or Library files. This makes the driver portable to all the
platforms and operating systems that LabVIEW and VISA supports (currently, Linux® on x86, Mac
OS® X, and Microsoft® Windows®).

National Instruments (NITM) maintains a native LabVIEW driver style guide
(http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3271).

LabVIEW driver wrappers
All IVI-C drivers have a function panel file (.fp) that shows a hierarchy of the function calls into a DLL.

It is a tool that guides a user to select the correct function call in the driver, since a DLL only has a flat
API entry point scheme (unlike COM or .NET). Any CVI-generated .fp file can be imported into
LabVIEW and LabVIEW will generate a wrapper for the DLL. The drawback here is that the driver is
dependent on the DLL, which is not portable and is therefore Windows-specific.

Getting instrument drivers

To see what drivers are available for your instrument:

1. Go to the Product Support web page (https://www.tek.com/product-support).

2. Enter the model number of your instrument.

3. Select Software from the list.

4. Select and download the file.

For LabVIEWTM, you can also go to the National Instruments website and search their instrument
driver database.

Instrument driver examples

All Keithley drivers come with examples written in several programming languages that show you how
to do the most common things with the instruments.

The examples are in the Microsoft® Windows® Start menu, under Keithley Instruments > Model

Number (where Model Number is the instrument model number).

IVI shared components

The IVI shared components are a similar concept to the VISA shared components. The IVI
Foundation provides class drivers for:

• All the supported instruments (DMM, Scope, Fgen, and so on)

• The configuration store

The IVI shared components also create the installation folders and registry keys that all IVI drivers
and support files use for installation.

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Interchangeable Virtual Instruments (IVI) style drivers

The major problem with VXIPnP drivers was that the API was not specific to the instrument. For
something as standard as measuring DC volts on a digital multimeter (DMM), it would be a good idea
if there were a set of standard functions to do this.

The IVI Foundation (http://www.ivifoundation.org) defined a set of application programming interfaces
(APIs) for the following instruments: DMM, function generator, DC power supply, scope, switch,
spectrum analyzer, RF signal generator and power meter. They are currently working on class APIs
for some other instrument types.

There are two types of IVI drivers: IVI-COM drivers use Microsoft® COM technology to expose driver
functionality, while IVI-C drivers use conventional Microsoft® Windows® DLLs to export simple C­based functions.

For more information about IVI drivers and the differences between the COM, C, and .NET interfaces,
see Understanding the Benefits of IVI
(http://www.ivifoundation.org/docs/Understanding%20the%20Benefits%20of%20IVI[3].pdf).

NI CVI runtime engine

IVI-C drivers that are created using National Instruments (NITM) LabWindows/CVI environment
depend on either the CVI runtime (cvirte.dll), or the instrument support run-time (instrsup.dll), and
must be present on the system for them to run.

NI IVI Compliance Package

The National Instruments (NITM) IVI Compliance Package is a software package that contains IVI
class drivers and support libraries that are needed for the development and use of applications that
leverage IVI instrument interchangeability. The IVI Compliance Package also is based on and is
compliant with the latest version of the instrument programming specifications defined by the IVI
Foundation.

The NI ICP installer installs the IVI shared components, CVI runtime engine, and the instrument
support runtime engine.

Keithley I/O layer

The Keithley I/O Layer (KIOL) is a software package that contains several utilities and drivers. It is
mainly used as a supplement to IVI drivers or application software like Test Script Builder (TSB).

The KIOL contains:

• NI-VISATM Runtime-Time Engine

• Keithley Configuration Panel

• Keithley Communicator

For additional detail on the Keithley I/O layer, including computer requirements, see the

tek.com/keithley website.

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NI-VISA Runtime

NI-VISATM is National Instruments (NITM) implementation of the VISA standard. There are two
versions. The full version contains diagnostic and configuration tools such as NI-Spy and NI-MAX and
the binary run-time-only files. The run-time version contains only the binary files (DLLs) that allow the
drivers to operate.

The Keithley I/O Layer (KIOL) contains a licensed version of the NI-VISA runtime.
If you already have NI software (such as LabVIEW or LabWindows) installed, you have a valid license

that can be used with Keithley drivers and application software.
If you do not have NI software installed, to use Keithley drivers or application software, you must

install the KIOL. This installs a valid, licensed copy of the NI-VISA runtime to use with Keithley drivers
or application software. KIOL installs a valid license for the NI-VISA Run-Time Engine only (not the
full version of NI-VISA).

Keithley Configuration Panel

The Keithley Configuration Panel is a configuration utility for IVI drivers, similar to NI-MAX. It can also
autodetect USBTMC instruments and LAN instruments that support the VXI-11 protocol.

Keithley Communicator

The Keithley Communicator is a dumb terminal program that uses VISA to communicate with the
instrument.

How to uninstall previous versions of the Keithley I/O Layer

If you have an earlier version of the Keithley I/O Layer software installed on your computer, you must
uninstall it.

To uninstall the Keithley I/O layer:

1. From the Control Panel, select Add/Remove Programs.

2. Uninstall the following components:

▪ Keithley I/O Layer
▪ Keithley I/O Layer Suite
▪ Keithley SCPI-based Instrument IVI-C Driver
▪ NI-VISA Run-Time Engine x.x.x (if present) (x.x.x is the VISA version)

3. Reboot your computer.

How to install the Keithley I/O Layer

You can download and install the Keithley I/O Layer from the Product Support web page
(https://www.tek.com/product-support).

The software installs the following components:

• Microsoft® .NET Framework

• NITM IVI Compliance Package

• NI-VISATM Run-Time Engine

• Keithley SCPI-based Instrument IVI-C driver

• Keithley I/O Layer

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To install the Keithley I/O Layer from the Keithley website:

1. Download the Keithley I/O Layer Software. The software is a single compressed file and should
be downloaded to a temporary directory.

2. Run the downloaded file from the temporary directory.

3. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the software.

4. Reboot your computer to complete the installation.

Special installation considerations

Situations may occur during installation that cannot be handled automatically by the installation utility.
The installation utility will warn you if one of these situations is detected. The sections below describe
the action you must take before the installation can be completed.

Mismatch between IVI Shared Components and IVI Engine Detected
The IVI Shared Components and IVI Engine are software components that may be installed by

various test and measurement software applications, instrument drivers, and so on. Keithley I/O
Layer software requires that these components, if present, be compatible versions. The installation
utility will detect a mismatch, which must be corrected before the software installation can proceed. If
this situation is detected, the Keithley I/O Layer software installation will automatically stop.

The recommended way to resolve this situation is to install the IVI Compliance Package (ICP)
software from National Instruments (NITM). You may download the ICP software and release notes

from National Instrument’s website. When the ICP installation is complete, restart the Keithley I/O

Layer software installation.
Non-National Instruments VISA detected

VISA software is used to communicate with the instrument and may be installed by various test and
measurement software applications, instrument drivers, and so on. Keithley I/O Layer software
requires and will install National Instruments NI-VISATM software. The installer will detect if another
vendor’s version of VISA is already installed on the computer. If this occurs, the installer will pause
and display a warning message. The warning message displays the vendor of the detected VISA in
its title bar, if this can be determined. Make a note of the vendor name. At this point, you may elect to
continue the installation, which will overwrite the existing VISA installation with NI-VISA. This will
allow the Keithley I/O Layer software to operate properly, but may cause other applications or
instrument drivers that were dependent on the existing VISA to malfunction.

The recommended way to resolve this situation is to perform the following steps:

1. Exit the Keithley I/O Layer software when the warning message is displayed. Make note of the
VISA vendor in the warning message (if any).

2. Uninstall the non-NI VISA software.

3. Uninstall Tektronix VISA by selecting OpenChoice TekVISA from the Control Panel Add/Remove
programs list.

4. Uninstall Keysight VISA by selecting Keysight I/O Libraries Suite from the Control Panel
Add/Remove programs wizard list.

5. Uninstall other versions of VISA by selecting the appropriate entry from the Control Panel
Add/Remove Programs Wizard list.

6. Restart the Keithley I/O Layer software installation.

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7. If the pre-existing version of VISA was supplied by Tektronix or Keysight (as displayed in the
warning message), you may safely reinstall that version of VISA once Keithley I/O Layer software
installation is complete. When you reinstall Tektronix or Keysight VISA, it may prompt you to
preserve the current VISA version, which you should do. This will usually restore the operation of
any dependent applications or drivers.

8. If the pre-existing version of VISA was supplied by a vendor other than Tektronix or Keysight, we
recommend that you do not reinstall it, because this will likely cause the Keithley I/O Layer
software to malfunction.

Installation troubleshooting

If problems occur during installation, it might be helpful to install the components individually. Errors
messages might appear that will help you resolve the installation issue.

If problems occur during installation:

1. Follow the instructions to uninstall all the KIOL components in Special installation considerations
(on page 2-23).

2. Rerun the KIOL installer. Note where the installer unpacks the files (usually in a temporary
folder).

3. Cancel the installer.

4. Go to the folder where the files were unzipped.

5. Run the setup.exe for each of the following components in the following order:

▪ IVI Compliance Package (ICP)
▪ NI-VISATM Run-Time Engine
▪ KIOL
▪ Keithley SCPI Driver

6. Ignore all the other folders.

7. Reboot the computer.

Modifying, repairing, or removing Keithley I/O Layer software

The Keithley I/O Layer interconnects many other installers.
To remove all the KIOL components, you need to uninstall the following applications using Control

Panel Add/Remove programs:

• National Instruments NITM IVI Compliance Package

• National Instruments NI-VISATM Run-Time Engine

• IVI Shared Components

• Visa Shared Components

• Keithley SCPI Driver

After uninstalling components, reboot the computer.

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Addressing instruments with VISA

VISA allows you to communicate with the instrument on different communication buses by changing a
resource string that gets passed in with the viOpen function, in VISA-C, or with the Open method on
the VISA-COM resource manager object.

For detailed information about the format of the resource string, refer to the VISA specification
VPP4.3 at the IVI Foundation website, or refer to the help file provided by the vendor of the VISA
implementation you are using.

The following sections describe the resource strings for some of the communication types that
Keithley supports. Any field that has [] (square brackets) around it is optional and will revert to a
default value.

Addressing instruments through the LAN

VISA supports two different LAN protocols, each of which has a different resource string.
VXI-11 is a protocol that emulates GPIB over the LAN. Series 3700A supports this protocol. The

resource string is:

TCPIP[board]::host address[::LAN device name][::INSTR]

board is the network interface card in the computer. This value is usually skipped and VISA

determines the correct network interface card (if you have more than one) by looking at the IP
address.

host address can be either a valid DNS hostname, mDNS hostname, or the IPv4 IP (only) address
of the instrument.

LAN device name is a method of addressing secondary instruments at the main IP address, similar
to secondary addressing on the GPIB bus. The default is inst0.

A raw socket connection requires more work by the driver or application program to make sure the
correct amount of data has been sent or received correctly. All Keithley instruments support the raw
socket connection.

TCPIP[board]::host address::port::SOCKET

The board and the host address are the same as for the VXI-11 protocol.
port is the port to which to connect on the instrument. For the Series 3700A, the port is 5025.

Addressing instruments using USB

USB[board]::manufacturer ID::model code::serial number[::USB interface

number][::INSTR]

board is not used (0).
manufacturer ID is the USB.org reserved four-digit hexadecimal code for the instrument vendor

company. Keithley Instruments hexadecimal code is 0X5E6.
model code is the model number of the instrument. For example, when addressing a Model 3706A,

use 0X3706.

serial number is the serial number of the instrument.
USB interface number identifies which USBTMC interface on the instrument to address

(usually 0).

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Addressing instruments through GPIB

There are two different resource classes in VISA for the GPIB bus.
INSTR is the basic class that everyone uses. It allows application software to send and receive data

and commands without dealing with some low level GPIB nuances. This class is recommended for
typical GPIB communication.

The INTFC class allows finer control over the GPIB controller card in the computer. You must comply
with the IEEE-488.1 protocol and tell the instrument to listen and the controller to talk before sending
a message to the instrument. This class allows you to communicate to the instrument using low-level
GPIB commands. Refer to your VISA documentation for more details on how to use this class.

The GPIB INSTR resource class format is:

GPIB[board]::primary address[::secondary address][::INSTR]

board is the number of the GPIB card, if there is more than one in the computer. If there is only one
GPIB card, do not include board, but do not leave a space.

primary address is the main GPIB address of the instrument, which can be changed, if

necessary, through the front panel of the instrument.
secondary address is for secondary addressing in GPIB. Some instruments have subinstruments

or cards inside the main instrument or backplane. The primary address identifies the main instrument.
The secondary address identifies subinstruments. Refer to the instrument user manual for the
secondary address, if applicable.

Sending raw commands to an instrument

The next sections show you how to use VISA-C and VISA-COM to send raw instrument commands
without using the instrument drivers.

VISA-C sample code

The following is a simple C/C++ console application that reads back the instrument identification
string using VISA-C. You need to include visa.h and link with the visa32.lib file.

#include "stdafx.h"
#include <visa.h>

#define checkErr(fCall) if (error = (fCall), (error = (error <

0) ? error : VI_SUCCESS)) \

{goto Error;} else error = error

int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{
ViSession defaultRM, vi;
char buf [256] = {0};
ViStatus error = VI_SUCCESS;

/* Open session to GPIB device at address 22 */
checkErr(viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM));
checkErr(viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB0::14::INSTR", VI_NULL,VI_NULL, &vi));

/* Initialize device */
checkErr(viPrintf(vi, "*RST\n"));

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/* Send an *IDN? string to the device */
checkErr(viPrintf(vi, "*IDN?\n"));
ViUInt16 status = 0;
do
{
checkErr(viReadSTB(vi, &status));
printf("ReadSTB = %X\n", status);
} while(status == 0);

/* Read results */
checkErr(viScanf(vi, "%t", &buf));
/* Print results */
printf ("Instrument identification string: %s\n", buf);

/* Close session */
checkErr(viClose(vi));
checkErr(viClose(defaultRM));

Error:

if(error < VI_SUCCESS)
printf("Visa Error Code: %X\n", error);
printf("\nDone - Press Enter to Exit");
getchar();

return 0;
}

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VISA-COM sample code

This example gets the instrument identification string using VISA-COM in C#.
The first thing to do is add a reference to the VISA-COM interop DLL, which is usually located at

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\VisaCom\Primary Interop Assemblies\Ivi.Visa.Interop.dll.

using Ivi.Visa.Interop;

namespace WindowsApplication1
{

public class IdnSample: System.Windows.Forms.Form
{
private Ivi.Visa.Interop.FormattedIO488 ioDmm;
//
}
}
private void IdnSample_Load(object sender, System.EventArgs e)
{
ioDmm = new FormattedIO488Class();

SetAccessForClosed();
}

private void btnInitIO_Click(object sender, System.EventArgs e)
{

try
{
ResourceManager grm = new ResourceManager();
ioDmm.IO = (IMessage)grm.Open("GPIB::16::INSTR",
AccessMode.NO_LOCK, 2000, "");
ioDmm.IO.TerminationCharacterEnabled = true;

}
catch (SystemException ex)
{
MessageBox.Show("Open failed on " + this.txtAddress.Text + " " +

ex.Source + " " + ex.Message, "IdnSample", MessageBoxButtons.OK,
MessageBoxIcon.Error);

ioDmm.IO = null;
}
}

Digital I/O

The Series 3700A has a digital input/output port that can be used to control external digital circuitry.
For example, you can use a handler that is used to perform binning operations with a digital I/O port.

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Port configuration

The digital I/O port, a standard female DB-25 connector (shown below), is on the rear panel.

Figure 15: Digital I/O port

Pin

Description

1
...
9

Digital I/O #1
...
Digital I/O #9

10
...
14

Digital I/O #10 (high-current pins)
...
Digital I/O #14

15 to 21

Ground

22

V EXT

23

V EXT

24

Pin reserved for future use

25

V EXT

Connecting cables

Use a cable equipped with a standard male DB-25 connector (Keithley Instruments part number
CA-126-1).

Vext

The Series 3700A digital I/O provides flyback diode pins named Vext. When connected, Vext can
clamp external inductive circuitry (for example, relay drive coils) from +5 V to +33 V. Refer to the
figure below for a simplified digital I/O schematic.

Figure 16: Vext flyback

diode digital I/O

schematic

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Digital I/O configuration

The following figure shows the basic configuration of the digital I/O port. Writing a 1 to a line sets that
line high (~ +5 V). Writing a 0 to a line sets that line low (~0 V). Note that an external device pulls an
I/O line low by shorting it to ground. A device connected to I/O lines 1 through 9 must be able to sink
at least 960 µA per I/O line. A device connected to I/O lines 10 through 14 must be able to sink at
least 980 µA per I/O line.

Figure 17: Series 3700A digital I/O port configuration

Controlling digital I/O lines

Although the digital I/O lines are primarily intended for use with a device handler for limit testing, they
can also be used for other purposes such as controlling external logic circuits. You can control lines
either from the front panel or over a remote interface.

You must write a 1 to all digital I/O lines that are to be used as inputs. The trigger mode for the line
must be set to digio.TRIG_BYPASS to use the line for digital I/O. See Trigger model (on page 5-24)
for more information.

The digital I/O lines are not affected by any reset. However, they are affected by a power cycle.

To set digital I/O values from the front panel:

1. Press the MENU key, select DIGIO, and then press the ENTER key or press the navigation wheel

.

2. Select DIG-IO-OUTPUT, and then press the ENTER key or the navigation wheel .

3. Set the decimal value as required to set digital I/O lines in the range of 0 to 16,383 (see the table
in Digital I/O bit weighting (on page 2-31)), and then press the ENTER key or the navigation
wheel .
For example, to set digital I/O lines 3 and 8, set the value to 132.

4. Press the EXIT (LOCAL) key as needed to return to the main menu.

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To write-protect specific digital I/O lines to prevent their values from being changed:

1. Press the MENU key, then select DIGIO, and then press the ENTER key or the navigation wheel

.

2. Select WRITE-PROTECT, and then press the ENTER key or the navigation wheel .

3. Set the decimal value as required to write-protect digital I/O lines within the range of 0 to 16,383
(see Digital I/O bit weighting (on page 2-31)), and then press the ENTER key or the navigation
wheel .
For example, to write-protect digital I/O lines 4 and 10, set the value to 520.

4. Press the EXIT (LOCAL) key as needed to return to the main menu.

To remove write protection, reset the decimal value to include only the lines that you want to write
protect. To remove write protection from all lines, set the value to 0.

Digital I/O bit weighting

Bit weighting for the digital I/O lines is shown in the following table.

Digital bit weight

Line #

Bit

Decimal
weighting

Hexadecimal
weighting

1

B1 1 0x0001

2

B2 2 0x0002

3

B3 4 0x0004

4

B4 8 0x0008

5

B5

16

0x0010

6

B6

32

0x0020

7

B7

64

0x0040

8

B8

128

0x0080

9

B9

256

0x0100

10

B10

512

0x0200

11

B11

1,024

0x0400

12

B12

2,048

0x0800

13

B13

4,096

0x1000

14

B14

8,192

0x2000

Remote digital I/O commands

Commands that control and access the digital I/O port are summarized in the following table. See the

TSP command reference (on page 11-1) for complete details on these commands. See the following

table for decimal and hexadecimal values used to control and access the digital I/O port and
individual lines. Use these commands to trigger the Series 3700A using external trigger pulses
applied to the digital I/O port, or to provide trigger pulses to external devices.

Use these commands to perform basic steady-state digital I/O operations such as reading and writing
to individual I/O lines or reading and writing to the entire port.

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The digital I/O lines can be used for both input and output. You must write a 1 to all digital I/O lines
that are to be used as inputs.

Remote digital I/O commands

Command

Description

digio.readbit(bit)

Read one digital I/O input line

digio.readport()

Read digital I/O port

digio.writebit(bit, data)

Write data to one digital I/O output line

digio.writeport(data)

Write data to digital I/O port

digio.writeprotect = mask

Write protect mask to digital I/O port

Digital I/O programming example

The programming commands below illustrate how to set bit B1 of the digital I/O port high, and then
read the entire port value.

digio.trigger[1].mode = digio.TRIG_BYPASS

-- Set Bit B1 high.

digio.writebit(1,1)

-- Read digital I/O port.

data = digio.readport()

TSP-Link trigger lines

The Series 3700A has three trigger lines that you can use for triggering, digital I/O, and to
synchronize multiple instruments on a TSP-Link® network.

Connecting to the TSP-Link system

The TSP-Link® trigger lines are built into the TSP-Link connection. Use the TSP-Link connectors
located on the back of the Series 3700A. If you are using a TSP-Link network, you do not have to
modify any connections. See TSP-Link system expansion interface (on page 10-52) for detailed
information about connecting to the TSP-Link system.

Using TSP-Link trigger lines for digital I/O

Each trigger line is an open-drain signal. When using the TSP-Link® trigger lines for digital I/O, any
node that sets the programmed line state to zero (0) causes all nodes to read 0 from the line state.
This occurs regardless of the programmed line state of any other node. Refer to the table in the

Digital I/O bit weighting (on page 2-31) topic for digital bit weight values.

Remote TSP-Link trigger line commands

Commands that control and access the TSP-Link® trigger line port are summarized in the following
table. See the TSP command reference (on page 11-1) for complete details on these commands. See
the table in Digital I/O bit weighting (on page 2-31) for the decimal and hexadecimal values used to
control and access the digital I/O port and individual lines.

Use the commands in following table to perform basic steady-state digital I/O operations; for example,
you can program the Series 3700A to read and write to a specific TSP-Link trigger line or to the entire
port.

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3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 2-33

The TSP-Link trigger lines can be used for both input and output. You must write a 1 to all TSP-Link
trigger lines that are used as inputs.

Remote trigger line commands

Command

Description

tsplink.readbit(bit)

Reads one digital I/O input line.

tsplink.readport()

Reads the digital I/O port.

tsplink.writebit(bit, data)

Writes data to one digital I/O line.

tsplink.writeport(data)

Writes data to the digital I/O port.

tsplink.writeprotect = mask

Sets write-protect mask of the digital I/O port.

Programming example

The programming example below illustrates how to set bit B1 of the TSP-Link digital I/O port high,
and then read the entire port value:

tsplink.trigger[1].mode = tsplink.TRIG_BYPASS

-- Set bit B1 high.

tsplink.writebit(1, 1)

-- Read I/O port.

data = tsplink.readport()

Starting up your instrument

The following topics describe how to power your instrument on and off, place the instrument in
standby, configure the line frequency, and replace the line fuse.

Procedure

The Series 3700A operates from a line voltage of 100 V to 240 V at a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. At
the factory, each Series 3700A is configured to match the power line frequency appropriate for your
country (either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). Make sure the operating voltage in your area is compatible.

Follow the procedure below to connect the Series 3700A to line power and turn on the instrument.

Operating the instrument on an incorrect line voltage may cause damage to the instrument,
possibly voiding the warranty.

On some sensitive or easily damaged devices under test (DUTs), the instrument power-up and
power-down sequence can apply transient signals to the DUT that may affect or damage it. When
testing this type of DUT, do not make final connections to it until the instrument has completed its
power-up sequence and is in a known operating state.

When testing this type of DUT, disconnect it from the instrument before turning the instrument off.
To prevent any human contact with a live conductor, connections to the DUT must be fully insulated

and the final connections to the DUT must only use safety-rated safety jack socket connectors that
do not allow bodily contact.

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To turn a Series 3700A on and off:

1. Before plugging in the power cord, make sure that the front panel POWER switch is in the off (O)
position.

2. Connect the Series 3700A redundant protective earth (safety ground) on the rear panel.

3. Connect the female end of the supplied power cord to the AC receptacle on the rear panel.

The power cord supplied with the Series 3700A contains a separate protective earth (safety
ground) wire for use with grounded outlets. When proper connections are made, the
instrument chassis is connected to power-line ground through the ground wire in the power
cord. In addition, a redundant protective earth connection is provided through a screw on the
rear panel. This terminal should be connected to a known protective earth. In the event of a
failure, not using a properly grounded protective earth and grounded outlet may result in
personal injury or death due to electric shock.

Do not replace detachable mains supply cords with inadequately rated cords. Failure to use
properly rated cords may result in personal injury or death due to electric shock.

4. Connect the other end of the power cord to a grounded AC outlet.

5. To turn your instrument on, press the front panel POWER switch to place it in the on (I) position.

6. To turn your instrument off, press the front panel POWER switch to place it in the off (O) position.

Line frequency configuration

The factory configures the Series 3700A to automatically detect the power line frequency (either
50 Hz or 60 Hz) at each power-up. This detected line frequency is used for aperture (NPLC)
calculations.

To view the line frequency setting, send the following command:

print(localnode.linefreq)

Fuse replacement

A rear panel fuse drawer is located below the AC receptacle (refer to Rear panel summary (on page
3-24, on page 3-25)). This fuse protects the power line input of the instrument. If the line fuse needs
to be replaced, refer to Fuse replacement (on page 7-1).

Power-up sequence

When the instrument is turned on, it performs self-tests on its read-only memory, nonvolatile memory,
and RAM and momentarily lights all segments and indicators. If a failure is detected, the instrument
momentarily displays an error message and the ERR indicator turns on. Error messages are listed in
Error and status message list.

If there are no errors, the following actions occur when the instrument is turned on:

1. "No Comm Link" is briefly displayed.

2. "Initializing" is displayed for several seconds.

3. Near the end of initialization, the 1588 and LAN status LEDs light.

4. All of the display pixels briefly light.

5. Main display is displayed.

In this section:

Front panel operation ............................................................... 3-1

Rear panel summary .............................................................. 3-24

Saved setups ......................................................................... 3-30

Save the present configuration ............................................... 3-33

Using the web interface .......................................................... 3-36

Front panel operation

The Series 3700A includes several models that support different features. The following figures show
the front panels of each of the models. A brief description of the features follows the figures.

Figure 18: Model 3706A with DMM front panel

Figure 19: Model 3706A-S front panel (no DMM)

Section 3

Instrument description

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3-2 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Figure 20: Models 3706A-NFP (with DMM) and 3706A-SNFP (no DMM) front panel

(1) The USB port

(USB port)

Use the front-panel USB port to connect a USB flash drive. The USB flash drive can be
used to store reading buffer data, scripts, and user setup options.

(2) The display

During setup, the display shows menu choices that you can use to configure the instrument. See

Menu overview (on page 3-8) for more information about Series 3700A menus.

During operation, the display provides information about the selected channel, channel pattern,
channel state, and errors. It also shows the control status (local or remote). If REM is displayed, the
instrument is presently controlled through a remote interface (GPIB, LAN, or USB). If REM is not
displayed, control is through the front panel. The following figure shows an example of the Series
3700A during operation.

Figure 21: Series 3700A display during operation

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3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-3

Series 3700A display during operation

1

Active channel (slot 1, channel 004).

2

Channel state (open, 2-pole operation).

3

Present state of the DMM attributes for displayed channel:

▪ The 4-WΩ and autorange are enabled
▪ Dry-circuit ohms is disabled (DRY-)
▪ Offset compensation is off (OC-)

For detailed descriptions of the DMM attribute symbols, see the table labeled
"DMM attribute symbols" below.

4

Arrow indicating that more menu items exist; turn the navigation wheel to
the left or right to see the additional items.

5

The 4-WΩ and autorange are enabled.

6

Indicates the instrument is being controlled remotely. Press the LOCAL
(EXIT) key to control the instrument through the front panel.

The table below lists the display indicators and what they mean.

Indicator

Meaning

AUTO

Measure autorange is selected

EDIT

Instrument is in the editing mode

ERR

Questionable reading or invalid calibration step

FILT

Digital filter is enabled

LSTN

Instrument is addressed to listen

MATH

Enabled for mX+b, percent, or reciprocal (1/X) calculation

REL

Relative mode is enabled

REM

Instrument is in remote mode

SRQ

Service request is asserted

TALK

Instrument is addressed to talk

TRIG

Instrument is processing a front-panel reading request

4W

Four-wire resistance or RTD temperature reading

* (asterisk)

Readings are being stored in the buffer

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3-4 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

The bottom left line of the display contains the DMM attribute symbols. The symbols that appear are
dependent on whether the attribute exists for the selected function. The following table indicates the
DMM attribute symbols that may appear on the front panel. If the symbol has a value associated with
it, the third column in the table indicates the value definition.

DMM attribute symbols

Front-panel DMM attribute

Symbol

Values

range

R=

AUTO or n, where n equals the range

nplc

N=

n, where n equals the NPLC

autodelay

AD

+ for ON, 1 for ONCE, or 0 for OFF

autozero

AZ

+ for ON or – for OFF

line sync

LS

+ for ON or – for OFF

limit

LIM

+ for a limit enabled or – for limits disabled

detector bandwidth

DBW

3, 30, or 300

threshold

THR=

n, where n indicates the threshold

aperture

A=

n, where n indicates the aperture setting

dry circuit

DRY

+ for ON or – for OFF

offset compensation

OC

+ for ON or – for OFF

thermocouple sensor K

K_T/C

N/A

thermocouple sensor T

T_T/C

N/A

thermocouple sensor E

E_T/C

N/A

thermocouple sensor R

R_T/C

N/A

thermocouple sensor S

S_T/C

N/A

thermocouple sensor B

B_T/C

N/A

thermocouple sensor N

N_T/C

N/A

thermistor

THRM

N/A

three-wire RTD

3RTD

N/A

4-wire RTD

4RTD

N/A

simulated reference junction

RJ_SIM

N/A

internal reference junction

RJ_INT

N/A

external reference junction

RJ_EXT

N/A

(3) The navigation wheel

Turn the navigation wheel to scroll to a menu option or to change the value of the
selected numeric parameter. Pressing the navigation wheel has the same functionality
as pressing the ENTER key.
When changing a multiple character value, such as an IP address or channel pattern
name, press the navigation wheel to enter edit mode, rotate the navigation wheel to
change the characters value as needed, but do not leave edit mode. Use the CURSOR
keys to scroll to the other characters and use the navigation wheel to change their value
as needed. Press the ENTER key when finished changing all the characters.

(4) The POWER key

POWER

Power switch. The in position turns the Series 3700A on (I); the out position turns it off
(O).

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(5) The status lights

The Series 3700A has three status lights on the front panel.

The 1588 status light indicates 1588 operation. If this light is off, the 1588 feature is
disabled or improperly configured. If the light blinks at a one-second rate, the instrument
is the 1588 master. If the instrument is a slave, the light will not blink.

The LAN status light is lit when the instrument is connected through the local area
network (LAN) with no errors. If this is not lit, the instrument is not connected through the
LAN or there is a connection problem.

If you are using the web interface, the LAN Status light blinks when you click ID.

The POWER light is lit when power is applied to the instrument.

(6) The setup and control keys

The setup and control keys provide front-panel control and configuration. The following figure
illustrates each key's location. Descriptions of the keys follow the figure.

Figure 22: Model 3706A setup and control keys

Configuration keys

DISPLAY

The DISPLAY key cycles between three screens: The channel display or pattern display, the
closed channel list, and the user screen text, which is set with display.settext() (on page 11-141).
When the closed channel listing is displayed, if the list of channels is longer than one screen, you
can use the navigation wheel to scroll though the list of closed channels.

CONFIG

The CONFIG key configures a function or operation.

RESET

switch

The RESET switch restores factory default LAN settings.

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Channel keys

OPEN ALL

Opens all closed channels.

STEP

Use to walk through a scan list by closing and opening the channels contained in a single step
with each press of the key.

CLOSE

and OPEN

You can use the front-panel CLOSE and OPEN keys to perform either switch only operations or
switch with DMM operations on the selected channels. The operations of the keys depend on the
DMM configuration attribute setting of the selected channel. Refer to Channel attributes (on page
5-17) for more information on the DMM configuration attribute.

When the DMM configuration is set to nofunction, the CLOSE and OPEN keys function as
switch only operations in the same manner as the channel.close and channel.open
commands. When the DMM configuration is associated with a particular function (for example,
DC Volts), the CLOSE and OPEN keys function as switch with DMM operations, that is, in the
same manner as dmm.close and dmm.open commands.
To access the other switch-only operations (exclusive close and exclusive slot close), use the
CHAN key to choose and initiate the operation after selecting a channel or range of channels.

CHAN

If a channel is displayed, opens the CHANNEL ACTION menu options (on page 3-13), which
allows you to open and close channels. If a pattern is displayed, pressing CHAN switches to
channel view.

PATT

If a pattern is displayed, opens the PATTERN ACTION menu options (on page 3-14), which
allows you to manage patterns, open and close patterns, and reset them. If a channel is
displayed, pressing PATT changes to display a pattern.

SLOT

Displays information about the installed cards and the instrument. Information includes the
firmware revision, model name, and model number. Press SLOT multiple times to view all
instrument information.

SCAN

Opens the SCAN ACTION menu options (on page 3-15), which allows you to run, manage, view,
and reset scan lists. See Scanning and triggering (on page 5-23).

INSERT

Appends the selected channel or channel pattern to the scan list.

DELETE

Deletes the first occurrence of the selected channel or channel pattern (including function) from
the scan list. To remove all occurrences of a channel from the list, keep pressing the DELETE
key.

Script keys

LOAD

Loads test for execution.

RUN

Runs the last selected user-defined test code.

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General function keys

STORE

Selects, clears, and saves reading buffer data and creates and deletes reading buffers.

REC

Recalls stored readings for the selected reading buffer. Use the CURSOR keys or turn the
navigation wheel to scroll through the buffer. For more information, see Recalling readings (on
page 6-5).

RATE

Sets measurement speed (fast, medium, or slow) for the active or selected function.

FUNC

Displays a menu that allows you to scroll through the available DMM functions.

DMM

Opens the DMM ACTION menu options (on page 3-15).

LIMIT

Set the limits. Press multiple times to cycle through the four combinations of limit settings:

▪ Limit1 and Limit2 off
▪ Limit1 on and Limit2 off
▪ Limit1 off and Limit2 on
▪ Limit1 and Limit2 on

REL

Enable or disable relative offset for the selected DMM function. REL is shown on the display when
relative offset is enabled. See Relative offset (on page 4-47).

FILTER

Enables or disables the digital filter; you can use this filter to reduce reading noise.

TRIG

Generates a trigger that can be used in a script or the trigger model. See Scanning and triggering
(on page 5-23). Also see display.trigger.EVENT_ID (on page 11-142).

MENU

Opens the Main menu options, which allows you to manage scripts, manage communications,
select channel connections, test the keys, test the display, manage digital I/O settings, set up the
beeper, and display instrument information.

EXIT
(LOCAL)

▪ Cancels the current selection and returns to the previous menu item.
▪ Exits remote operation so you can control the instrument from the front panel.
▪ Stops a scan that is running.
▪ Stops a script that is executing.

ENTER

Accepts the current selection or brings up the next menu option. In most cases, pressing ENTER
is the same as pressing the navigation wheel .

AUTO

Enables or disables autorange for the selected function.

RANGE
keys (up
and down
arrows)

Selects the next higher or lower measurement range on the measurement display for the selected
function.
If the Series 3700A displays the overflow message on a particular range, select a higher range
until an on-range reading is displayed. Use the lowest range possible without causing an overflow
to ensure best accuracy and resolution. You can also use these keys when entering a range
value from the front panel. For details, see Set up autoranging from the front panel (on page 4-

56).
In addition to selecting range functions, the up and down range keys change the format for
non-range numbers (as an example, when editing the limit value).
If you select a range of channels, that range must stop when the channel type changes.
Therefore, you can never select a range of channels which includes different channel types.
For more information, see Range (on page 4-55).

CURSOR

Use the CURSOR keys to move the cursor left or right. When the cursor is on the compliance
value digit to be edited, push the navigation wheel to enter edit mode, and turn the navigation
wheel to edit the value. Push the navigation wheel again when finished editing.
Use the CURSOR keys or the navigation wheel to move through menu items. To view a menu
value, use the CURSOR keys for cursor control, and then press the navigation wheel to view the
value or sub-menu item.

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3-8 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Menu overview

The following topics describe how to work with the front panel menus.

Menu navigation

To navigate through the menus and submenus, the Series 3700A must not be in edit mode (the EDIT
indicator is not illuminated).

Selecting menu items

To navigate the Main and Configuration menus, use the editing keys as follows:

• Press either CURSOR arrow key to highlight an option.

• Rotate the navigation wheel (clockwise or counter-clockwise) to highlight an option.

• Press the ENTER key (or the navigation wheel ) to select an option.

• Use the EXIT (LOCAL) key to cancel changes or to return to the previous menu or display.

For quick menu navigation, turn the navigation wheel to highlight an option and then press the
navigation wheel to select the highlighted option.

Setting a value

You can adjust values on the front panel using the navigation wheel:

1. Use the CURSOR arrow keys to move the cursor to the value that you want to edit.

2. Press the navigation wheel or the ENTER key to enter edit mode. The EDIT indicator is
illuminated.

3. Rotate the navigation wheel to set the appropriate value.

4. Press the ENTER key to select the value or press the EXIT (LOCAL) key to cancel the change.

5. To return to the main menu, press the EXIT (LOCAL) key.

Menu trees

You can configure instrument operation through the menus that are accessed from the front panel.

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Main menu

The main menu structure is summarized in the following figure and table. For other menu items, see

Configuration menus (on page 3-11).

Figure 23: Main menu tree

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The following table contains descriptions of the main menu options and cross-references to related
information. To access a menu option, press the MENU key, turn the navigation wheel to move the
cursor to select an item, and press the navigation wheel .

Main menu options

Menu selection

Description

For more information, see:

SCRIPT

Saves and recalls user's scripts

Manage scripts (on page 10-3)

- CREATE-CONFIG

Automatically generates a user script that is saved to a
script with a name that you define

Create a configuration script (on page 3-

35)

- LOAD

Loads scripts into nonvolatile memory

- SAVE

Saves scripts

SETUP

Saves and recalls user and factory setup options

Saved setups (on page 3-30)

- SAVE

Saves user setup options

- RECALL

Recalls user setup options

- POWERON

Sets the configuration used during startup

- RESET

Resets the instrument, restores factory default settings,
removes channel patterns, reading buffers, and DMM
configurations, and opens channels and backplane relays

GPIB

Configures the GPIB interface options

Remote communications interfaces (on

page 2-6)

- ADDRESS

Configures the address for the GPIB interface

- ENABLE

Enables and disables the GPIB interface

LAN

Configures the local area network (LAN)

LAN concepts and settings (on page A-1)

- STATUS

Displays LAN connection status

- CONFIG

Configures the LAN IP address and gateway

- APPLY

Applies changes made using the LAN CONFIG menu

- RESET

Restores the default settings

- ENABLE

Enables and disables the LAN interface

TSPLINK*

Configures the instrument in a TSP-Link® network

TSP-Link system expansion interface (on

page 10-53, on page 10-52)

- NODE

Selects the instrument node identifier

- RESET

Resets the TSP-Link network

UPGRADE

Upgrades the firmware from a USB flash drive

Upgrading the firmware (on page 7-5)

EMULATION

Sets the model number that is reported when the model
number is queried

- 3706A

Report the model as a 3706A

- 3706

Report the model as a 3706

CHANNEL

Select the type of close and open duration

Working with channels (on page 5-13)

- RULE

Select the connection rule when opening and closing
channels

- SEQUENTIAL

Determines if channels are closed sequentially

DISPLAY

Accesses display functions

Front panel tests (on page 7-3)

- TEST

Runs the display tests

DIGIO**

Controls digital outputs

Digital I/O (on page 2-28)

- DIGIO-OUTPUT

Selects the digital I/O values

- WRITE-PROTECT

Write-protects specific digital I/O lines

BEEPER

Controls the key beeps

General operation

- KEYCLICK

Enable or disable key clicks

- BEEPER

Enable or disable the beeper and key clicks

UNIT-INFO

Displays the system information

General operation

- FIRMWARE

Displays the version of firmware installed

- SERIAL#

Displays the serial number of the instrument

- MEMORY-USAGE

Displays memory usage in percentage

- CAL

Displays the last calibration date and number of times the
instrument has been adjusted

* TSPLINK is not available on the Models 2604A, 2614A, and 2634A.
** DIGIO is not available on the Models 2604A, 2614A, and 2634A.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

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Configuration menus

The configuration menu structure is summarized in the following figure and table. For directions on
navigating the menu, see Menu navigation (on page 3-8). For other menu items, see Main menu (on
page 3-9).

Figure 24: Series 3700A configuration menus

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3-12 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Press the EXIT key to return to a previous menu.

The following table contains descriptions of the configuration menus and cross-references to related
information. To select a menu, press the CONFIG key and then the front-panel key associated with
the menu.

Configuration
menu

Press the
CONFIG key
and then:

Description

For more information, see:

CHANNEL
ATTRIBUTE

CHAN

If a channel is displayed when
selecting this, configure channels; if a
channel pattern is displayed when you
select this, change channels states in
the pattern

CHAN key configuration (on page

3-15)

PATTERN
ACTION

PATT

Manage, open and close, and reset
patterns

PATT key configuration (on page

3-18)

SCAN ATTR

SCAN

Run, manage, view, and reset scan
lists

SCAN key configuration (on page

3-18)

DMM

DMM

Manage measurement settings such
as the measurement speed (NPLC)

Speed

DMM key configuration (on page

3-19)

LIMIT

LIMIT

Manage limit 1 and 2 settings for the
active function

DMM measurement capabilities

(on page 4-1)

LIMIT key configuration (on page

3-21)

RELATIVE
OFFSET

REL

Set relative values

Relative offset (on page 4-47)
REL key configuration (on page 3-

21)

FILTER

FILTER

Manage the digital filter settings

Filters

FILTER key configuration (on

page 3-21)

FUNCTION

FUNC

Set DMM functions

FUNC key configuration (on page

3-22)

RD BUFFER
ATTR

STORE

If a buffer has been selected when you
press the key, you can view and set
the reading buffer attributes

STORE key configuration (on

page 3-22)

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Front-panel key menu options

The menus that can be accessed from the front panel of the instrument allow you to set up and run
the instrument.

LOAD TEST menu options

Allows you to run scripts and code from the front panel that you created through the communication
interface, or configuration scripts created by pressing the front-panel MENU key, then selecting
SCRIPT > CREATE-CONFIG.

To open this menu, press LOAD.
The User option loads code that was added to Load Test with the display.loadmenu.add() (on page

11-133) command.
The Scripts option loads named scripts that were added to the run-time environment. See Manage

scripts (on page 10-3) for information on creating and loading scripts.

After selecting code or script from the User or Scripts option, you can press RUN to execute the
selected code or script.

CHANNEL ACTION menu options

Allows you to change the state of channels from the front panel.
To open this menu, display a channel, then press CHAN.
Switch channel options include:

• OPEN: Opens the selected channel.

• CLOSE: Closes the selected channel.

• EXCLOSE: Closes the selected channel and opens any closed channels on the instrument.

• EXSLOTCLOSE: Closes the specified channel and opens any closed channels on the same slot.

Channels on other slots remain closed.

• RESET: Restores the factory default settings to the selected channel. Resetting a channel
deletes any channel patterns that contain that channel.

DIGIO channel options include:

• READ: Displays a value from a channel as 8-bit binary. This menu option does not appear if a
range of channels is selected. Related command: channel.read() (on page 11-83).

• WRITE: Writes a value to a channel. Enter the value as 8-bit binary. Related command:

channel.write() (on page 11-105).

• RESET-STATE: Resets the channel state. Related command: channel.resetstatelatch() (on page
11-86).

• RESET: Restores the factory default settings of selected channels or all channels. Related
command: channel.reset() (on page 11-84).

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TOTALIZER channel options include:

• READ: Displays a value from a channel as a number between 0 and 65535. This menu option
does not appear if a range of channels is selected. Related command: channel.read() (on page
11-83).

• WRITE: Writes a value to a channel. Enter the value between 0 and 65535. Related command:

channel.write() (on page 11-105).

• RESET-STATE: Resets the channel state. Related command: channel.resetstatelatch() (on page
11-86).

• RESET: Restores the factory default settings of selected channels or all channels. Related
command: channel.reset() (on page 11-84).

DAC channel options include:

• READ: Displays a value from a channel. This menu option does not appear if a range of channels
is selected. A number is displayed that is dependent on the channel’s selected mode function, as
well as the card model of the selected channel. Related command: channel.read() (on page 11-

83).

• WRITE: Writes a value from a channel. This menu option does not appear if a range of channels

is selected. A number is displayed that is dependent on the channel’s selected mode function, as

well as the card model of the selected channel. Related command: channel.write() (on page 11-

105)

• RESET-STATE: Resets the channel state. Related command: channel.resetstatelatch() (on page
11-86).

• RESET: Restores the factory default settings of selected channels or all channels. Related
command: channel.reset() (on page 11-84).

For more information, see Working with channels (on page 5-13).

PATTERN ACTION menu options

Allows you to configure and change patterns from the front panel.
To open this menu, in pattern view, press PATT.
Options include:

• CREATE: If no patterns have been created, this is the only option that is displayed. Allows you to
create a new pattern.

• OPEN: Opens the channels in the selected channel pattern.

• CLOSE: Closes the channels in the selected channel pattern. These closures are appended to

any channels that are already closed.

• EXCLOSE: Closes the channels in the selected pattern so that the channels associated with the
pattern are exclusively closed. Any previously closed channels are opened.

• EXSLOTCLOSE: Exclusively closes the channels in the specified channel pattern for the
selected slots.

• VIEW: Displays the channels that are in the selected pattern.

• DELETE: Deletes the channel pattern.

• RESET: Displays options that allow you to reset the channels in the selected channel pattern to

factory default settings. Resetting a channel pattern causes that pattern to be deleted because
when channels are reset, they delete patterns that contain them.

For information about working with channel patterns, see Channel patterns (on page 5-19).

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SCAN ACTION menu options

Allows you to work with the scan lists from the front panel. You must have a scan list created before
using this option. See Basic scan procedure (on page 5-26) for information.

To open this menu, press SCAN.
Options include:

• BACKGROUND: Runs the scan while allowing front panel operation.

• CREATE: Reminder that you must use the INSERT key to create a scan list.

• LIST: Displays the scan list. Use the navigation wheel to scroll through the channels.

• CLEAR: Clears the scan list.

• RESET: Resets the scan settings to the factory default settings, which includes clearing the scan

list.

DMM ACTION menu options

Press the DMM key to open the DMM ACTION menu.
The DMM ACTION menu contains the following items:

• MEASURE: Takes measurements on the digital multimeter (DMM) without using the trigger
model. Related command: dmm.measure() (on page 11-205).

• COUNT: Indicates the number of measurements to take when a measurement is requested.
Related command: dmm.measurecount (on page 11-206).

• LOAD: Recalls a user or factory DMM configuration. Use the navigation wheel to scroll through
available configurations. Related command: dmm.configure.recall() (on page 11-165).

• SAVE: Creates a DMM configuration with the pertinent attributes based on the selected function,
and associates it with the specified name. Related command: dmm.configure.set() (on page 11-

166).

• OPEN: Opens the specified channel and/or channel pattern. Related command: dmm.open() (on
page 11-211).

• CLOSE: Closes the specified channel or channel pattern in preparation for a DMM measurement.
Related command: dmm.close() (on page 11-160).

• RESETFUNC: Returns the DMM aspects of the system for only the active function to factory
default settings. Related command: dmm.reset() (on page 11-219).

• RESETALL: Returns all DMM functions of the instrument to the factory default settings. Related
command: dmm.reset() (on page 11-219).

Configuration menu options

This section describes the configuration menu options available from the CHAN, PATT, SCAN, DMM,
LIMIT, REL, FILTER, FUNC, and STORE keys.

CHAN key configuration

The CHAN key configuration menus will display different submenus depending on the type of channel
you are using (SWITCH, DIGIO, TOTALIZER, or DAC). The following topics describe the CHAN key
configuration menus by channel type.

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CONFIG CHAN key - SWITCH channel type

Press the CONFIG key and then the CHAN key to open the CHANNEL ATTR menu. If you press the
CHAN key when a pattern is selected, the instrument goes into channel selection mode.

When changing attribute settings for a range of channels, the menu option for the first channel
specified in the range is highlighted. For example, selecting channels 3 to 5 on slot 3 on the front
panel (3003:3005) as a range shows the current attribute setting for 3003 when an attribute menu is
displayed.

When the attribute setting is selected for a range, the entire range of channels is updated to that
value. To view or set an individual attribute setting for only one channel, be sure to select a single
channel range. For example, 3003:3003 would only affect channel 3 on slot 3, which is displayed as
3003 with the channel state and poles setting below it.

The CHAN ATTR menu contains:
LABEL: Sets the label associated with the specified channel. From the front panel, the label can be

up to 12 characters. Remotely, the label may be up to 19 characters. This option will not be displayed
if multiple channels are selected. Related command: channel.setlabel() (on page 11-91).

BACKPLANE: Opens the BACKPLANE menu. Use this menu to add or remove backplane channels
from the specified channels. Related command: channel.setbackplane() (on page 11-87).

FORBID: Allows or prevents the closing of the specified channels. Related commands:

channel.setforbidden() (on page 11-90) and channel.clearforbidden() (on page 11-46).

POLE: Sets the number of poles for the specified channels. Related command: channel.setpole() (on
page 11-96).

DELAY: Sets additional delay time for the specified channels. Related command: channel.setdelay()
(on page 11-89).

COUNT: Displays closure cycles for the specified channel. This option is not displayed if multiple
channels are selected. Related command: channel.getcount() (on page 11-59).

DMM-CONFIG: Sets the DMM configuration associated with the specified channels. Related
command: dmm.setconfig() (on page 11-227).

CONFIG CHAN key - DIGIO channel type

Press the CONFIG CHAN key to open the DIGIO ATTR menu. The DIGIO ATTR menu is not
available when a range of channels is selected. If a range is selected, pressing CONFIG CHAN
displays the following:

• DIGIO ATTR MENU

• <No Edit by Range, Use EXIT>

Therefore, to see the following options, select a single DIGIO channel.
LABEL: Enter up to 12 characters for the label for a channel. Related command: channel.setlabel()

(on page 11-91).
DELAY: Enter the value for the delay in 1ms steps from 0 to 60 seconds for a channel. Related

command: channel.setdelay() (on page 11-89).
MODE: Sets the mode attribute on a channel. Select INPUT, OUTPUT, or OUTPUT_PROTECTED.

Related command: channel.setmode() (on page 11-94).

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MATCH: Sets the match value on a channel. Enter the value as 8-bit binary. Related command:

channel.setmatch() (on page 11-92).

MATCH-TYPE: Sets the match type on a channel. Select EXACT, ANY, NOT_EXACT, or NONE.
Related command: channel.setmatchtype() (on page 11-93).

STATE: Queries for the state of a channel and displays the value in the top line, labeled by STATE=.
Related command: channel.getstate() (on page 11-72).

CONFIG CHAN key - TOTALIZER channel type

Press the CONFIG CHAN key to open the TOTAL ATTR menu. The TOTAL ATTR menu is not
available when a range of channels is selected. If a range is selected, pressing CONFIG CHAN
displays the following:

• TOTAL ATTR MENU

• <No Edit by Range, Use EXIT>

Therefore, to see the following options, select a single totalizer channel.
LABEL: Enter up to 12 characters for the label for a channel. Related command: channel.setlabel()

(on page 11-91).
MODE: Sets the mode attribute on a channel. Select one of the following options:

▪ EDGE. Indicates the edge for the Totalizer channel to increment its count. Select from one of the

following options:

▪ FALLING
▪ RISING

▪ THRESHOLD. Indicates the threshold range. Select from one of the following options:

▪ TTL
▪ NON_TTL

▪ RESET. Indicates if the count value gets reset after being read. Select from one of the following options:

▪ ON
▪ OFF

Related command: channel.setmode() (on page 11-94).
MATCH: Sets the match value on a channel. Enter a value between 0 and 65535. Related command:

channel.setmatch() (on page 11-92).

• MATCH TYPE: Sets the match type on a channel. Select EXACT, ANY, NOT_EXACT, or NONE.
Related command: channel.setmatchtype() (on page 11-93).

• STATE: Queries for the state of a channel and displays the value in the top line, labeled by
STATE=. Related command: channel.getstate() (on page 11-72).

• POWER: Sets the power state attribute on a channel. Select ENABLE or DISABLE. Related
command: channel.setpowerstate() (on page 11-99)

CONFIG CHAN key - DAC channel type

Press the CONFIG CHAN key to open the DAC ATTR menu. The DAC ATTR menu is not available
when a range of channels is selected. If a range is selected, pressing CONFIG CHAN displays the
following:

• DAC ATTR MENU

• <No Edit by Range, Use EXIT>

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Therefore, to see the following options, select a single DAC channel.

If the DAC channel has power set to DISABLE, the menu choices change to only show the option to
change the power setting, until the power is set to ENABLE.

LABEL: Enter up to 12 characters for the label for a channel. Related command: channel.setlabel()
(on page 11-91).

DELAY: Enter the value for the delay in 1 ms steps from 0 to 60 seconds for a channel. Related
command: channel.setdelay() (on page 11-89).

MODE: Sets the mode attribute on a channel. Select one of the following options:

▪ FUNCTION. Sets the function for a channel. Select one of the following options:

▪ VOLTAGE
▪ CURRENT_1
▪ CURRENT_2

▪ PROTECT. Indicates if the protection mode for a channel is enabled. Select one of the following

options:

▪ AUTO
▪ OFF

Related command: channel.setmode() (on page 11-94).

• OUTPUT: Sets the output enable attribute on a channel. Select ENABLE or DISABLE. Related
command: channel.setoutputenable() (on page 11-95).

• STATE: Queries for the state of a channel and displays the value in the top line, labeled by
STATE=. Related command: channel.getstate() (on page 11-72).

• POWER: Sets the power state attribute on a channel. Select ENABLE or DISABLE. Related
command: channel.setpowerstate() (on page 11-99).

PATT key configuration

Press the CONFIG key and then the PATT key to open the PATTERN ATTR menu.
The PATTERN ATTR menu contains the following item:

• DMM_CONFIG: Sets the DMM configuration associated with the specified channel pattern. Use
the navigation wheel to scroll through the available DMM configurations. Related command:

dmm.setconfig() (on page 11-227).

SCAN key configuration

Press the CONFIG key and then the SCAN key to open the SCAN ATTR menu.
The SCAN ATTR menu contains the following items:

• ADD: Instructs how to add an additional list of channels and/or channel patterns to scan. When
you select ADD from the SCAN ATTR menu, "Use <INSERT> key" is displayed for a few
seconds before going back to the SCAN ATTR menu options. To add items to an existing scan
list, press INSERT.

Press the INSERT key when you are not in the SCAN ATTR menu on the MAIN display.

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• BYPASS: Enables or disables bypassing the first item in the scan. Related command:

scan.bypass (on page 11-314).

• MODE: Sets the scan.mode value to one of the following:

▪ OPEN_ALL, which is equivalent to scan.MODE_OPEN_ALL or 0 (default setting)
▪ OPEN_SELECT, which is equivalent to scan.MODE_OPEN_SELECTIVE or 1
▪ FIXED_ABR, which is equivalent to scan.MODE_FIXED_ABR or 2

Related command: scan.mode (on page 11-321)

• MEAS_CNT: Sets the measure count value. Related command: scan.measurecount (on page
11-320)

• SCAN_CNT: Sets the scan count value. Related command: scan.scancount (on page 11-325)

DMM key configuration

Press the CONFIG key and then the DMM key to open a DMM attribute menu for the active function.
For example, if the DCV function is active, pressing the CONFIG key and then the DMM key opens
the DC VOLT ATTR menu.

Each function only has access to the applicable attributes for that function. Brief definitions of the
available attributes are contained in the following paragraphs. Refer to the appropriate command for
additional attribute information in the TSP commands (on page 11-8).

The DMM ATTR menu contains:
APERTURE: Configures the aperture setting for the active DMM function in seconds. Related

command: dmm.aperture (on page 11-145).
AUTODELAY: Configures the autodelay setting for the active DMM function. Related command:

dmm.autodelay (on page 11-148).

AUTORANGE: Configures the autorange setting for the DMM. Related command: dmm.autorange
(on page 11-149).

AUTOZERO: Configures the autozero setting for the DMM, which periodically measures internal
voltages to help maintain the stability and accuracy of the instrument over time and changes in
temperature. Related command: dmm.autozero (on page 11-150). Also see Autozero (on page 4-3).

DBREF: Configures the dB reference setting for the DMM in volts. Related command:

dmm.dbreference (on page 11-170).

DETECTBW: Configures the detector bandwidth setting for the selected DMM function. For more
information, see Bandwidth (on page 4-59). Related command: dmm.detectorbandwidth (on page 11-

171).

DIGITS: Configures the display digits setting for the selected DMM function. For more information,
see Change the display resolution (on page 4-6). Related command: dmm.displaydigits (on page 11-

172).

DRYCIRCUIT: Configures the dry circuit setting for the selected DMM function. Related command:

dmm.drycircuit (on page 11-173).

FILTER: Opens the FILTER menu for the selected DMM function. See FILTER key configuration (on
page 3-21).

FUNC: Displays a menu that allows you to scroll through the available DMM functions. Use the
navigation wheel or CURSOR keys to scroll the menu options and press ENTER when the function
you want to select is highlighted. Related command: dmm.func (on page 11-179).

INPUTDIV: Enables or disables the 10 M input divider. Related command: dmm.inputdivider (on
page 11-182).

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LIMIT: Opens the LIMIT menu for the selected DMM function. See LIMIT key configuration (on page
3-21).

LINESYNC: Enables or disables line sync during measurements. Related command: dmm.linesync
(on page 11-195).

MATH: Selecting the MATH menu item opens the MATH MENU. Items contained in this menu are:

▪ ENABLE: Enables or disables math operation on measurements. Related command: dmm.math.enable

(on page 11-198).

▪ FORMAT: Specifies the math operation to perform on measurements. Related command:

dmm.math.format (on page 11-200).

▪ BFACTOR: Specifies the offset for the y = mX + b operation. Related command:

dmm.math.mxb.bfactor (on page 11-201).

▪ MFACTOR: Specifies the scale factor for the y = mX + b operation. Related command:

dmm.math.mxb.mfactor (on page 11-202).

▪ MXBUNITS: Specifies the unit character for the y = mX + b operation. Related command:

dmm.math.mxb.units (on page 11-203).

▪ PERCENT: Specifies the constant to use for the percent operation. Related command:

dmm.math.percent (on page 11-203).

For more information, see:

▪ mX+b (on page 4-50)
▪ Reciprocal (1/X) (on page 4-53)
▪ Percent (on page 4-52)

NPLC: Configures the integration rate in line cycles for the DMM. Related command: dmm.nplc (on
page 11-209).

OFFSETCOMP: Configures the offset compensation setting for the DMM. Related command:

dmm.offsetcompensation (on page 11-210).

OPENDETECT: Configures the state of the thermocouple or 4-wire ohms open detector that is being
used. Related command: dmm.opendetector (on page 11-213).

RANGE: Configures the range of DMM for the selected function for one channel type. For more
information, see Range (on page 4-55). Related command: dmm.range (on page 11-214).

REL: Opens the relative offset menu for the selected DMM function. See REL key configuration (on
page 3-21).

THERMO: Selecting the THERMO menu item opens the THERMO menu. Items contained in this
menu are:

▪ REFJUNCT: Allows selection of the reference junction to use. Available choices are: SIMULATED,

EXTERNAL, or INTERNAL. Related command: dmm.refjunction (on page 11-215).

▪ SIMREF: Specifies the simulated reference temperature for thermocouples. Related command:

dmm.simreftemperature (on page 11-228).

▪ TRANSDUCER: Selects the transducer type (THERMOCOUPLE, THERMISTOR, 3RTD, or 4RTD).

Related command: dmm.transducer (on page 11-233).

▪ THERMISTOR: Specifies the type of thermistor. Related command: dmm.thermistor (on page 11-229).
▪ THERMOCOUPLE: Specifies the thermocouple type. Related command: dmm.thermocouple (on page

11-230).

▪ THREERTD: Specifies the type of 3-wire RTD. Related command: dmm.threertd (on page 11-231).
▪ FOURRTD: Specifies the type of 4-wire RTD. Related command: dmm.fourrtd (on page 11-178).
▪ USER: Specifies USER type of RTD (ALPHA, BETA, DELTA, or ZERO). Related commands:

dmm.rtdalpha (on page 11-220), dmm.rtdbeta (on page 11-221), dmm.rtddelta (on page 11-222),
dmm.rtdzero (on page 11-224).

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THRESHOLD: Configures the threshold range. Related command: dmm.threshold (on page 11-232).
UNITS: Configures the units for voltage and temperature measurements. Related command:

dmm.units (on page 11-234).

LIMIT key configuration

Pressing the CONFIG key and then the LIMIT key opens the LIMIT menu. Select LIMIT 1 or LIMIT 2
to open the LIMIT 1 or LIMIT 2 menu.

These menus contain the following items:

• ENABLE: Enables or disables limit testing. Related command: dmm.limit[Y].enable (on page 11-

184).

• CLEAR: Clears the test results of the limit. Related command: dmm.limit[Y].clear() (on page 11-

184).

• AUTOCLEAR: Indicates if the limit should be cleared automatically or not. Related command:

dmm.limit[Y].autoclear (on page 11-183).

• LOWVAL: Sets the low limit value. Related command: dmm.limit[Y].low.value (on page 11-193).

• LOWFAIL: Queries for the low test results of the limit. Related command: dmm.limit[Y].low.fail

(on page 11-191).

• HIGHVAL: Sets the high limit value. Related command: dmm.limit[Y].high.value (on page 11-

189).

• HIGHFAIL: Queries for the high test results of limit. Related command: dmm.limit[Y].high.fail (on
page 11-187).

REL key configuration

Press the CONFIG key and then the REL key to open the RELATIVE OFFSET menu.
The RELATIVE OFFSET menu contains the following menu items:

• ACQUIRE: Acquires an internal measurement to store as the REL level value. Related
command: dmm.rel.acquire() (on page 11-216).

• ENABLE: Enables or disables relative measurement control for the DMM. Related command:

dmm.rel.enable (on page 11-217).

• LEVEL: Sets a specific offset value to use for relative measurements for the DMM. Related
command: dmm.rel.level (on page 11-218).

FILTER key configuration

Press the CONFIG key and then the FILTER key to open the FILTER menu.
The FILTER menu contains the following menu items:

• ENABLE: Enables or disables filtered measurements for the selected DMM function. Related
command: dmm.filter.enable (on page 11-175).

• COUNT: Indicates the filter count setting for the selected DMM function. Related command:

dmm.filter.count (on page 11-174).

• TYPE: Indicates the filter averaging type for the DMM measurements on the selected DMM
functions (MOVING or REPEAT). Related command: dmm.filter.type (on page 11-176).

• WINDOW: Indicates the filter window for the DMM measurements (0 to 10% in 0.1% increments).
Related command: dmm.filter.window (on page 11-177).

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FUNC key configuration

Press the CONFIG key and then the FUNC key to display a menu that allows you to scroll through
the available DMM functions. Turn the navigation wheel or press the CURSOR keys to scroll through
available functions. Press the navigation wheel or the ENTER key to make the displayed function
active when it is highlighted and blinking. While in the configuration mode of the FUNC key, the
function takes effect for the highlighted function only when the ENTER key is pressed (the function
does not change while scrolling).

STORE key configuration

With a reading buffer selected, press the CONFIG key and then the STORE key to open the RD
BUFFER ATTR menu.

This menu contains these menu items:

• CAPACITY: Displays the maximum number of readings that can be stored.

• COUNT: Displays the actual number of readings that have been stored.

• APPEND: Indicates the append mode setting of the reading buffer. For buffers created on the

front panel or web, this defaults to ON or enabled. For buffers created over the bus, the default is
OFF or disabled.

Using the front panel with non-switch channels

To read a value from the main front-panel screen, select the channel and press the TRIG key. To see
a digital I/O channel in hexadecimal format (instead of normal binary), press the CONFIG key, and
then press the TRIG key.

A star symbol (*) or exclamation point symbol (!) may appear after the reading. The meaning of the
symbol depends on channel type.

• A star symbol (*) appears after the reading to indicate that the reading matches the MATCH
setting for digital I/O and totalizer channels.

• An exclamation point symbol (!) appears after the reading to indicate an overload state condition
on that channel for digital I/O and DAC channels.

• An exclamation point symbol (!) appears after the reading to indicate an overflow state condition
on a totalizer channel.

• If the power state is OFF for totalizer or DAC channels, the display shows “DISABLED” instead of
any readings.

The following table lists the front-panel channel attributes that indicate the various channel mode
settings (remote command equivalent channel.setmode() (on page 11-94)), channel output enable
(remote command equivalent channel.setoutputenable() (on page 11-95)), and channel label (remote
command equivalent channel.setlabel() (on page 11-91)). Some of the attributes have alternate
symbols, depending on the operation you are performing on the front panel and whether it is being
used with the 6 or 12 character label symbol.

• For digital I/O and totalizer channels, the label symbol is listed first, followed by a comma and
then mode symbols. If the label is the factory default setting, then only the mode is listed.

• For DAC channels, the label symbol is listed first, followed by a comma, and then mode symbols,
followed by another comma and the output enable symbol. If the label is the factory default
setting, then only the mode and output enable symbols are listed.

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Front-panel
channel setting

Symbol

Definition

Symbol meaning

Channel label

XXXXXX

First 6 characters of label

Used with single letter
symbols

XXXXXXXXXXXX

First 12 characters of label

Used with the non-single
letter symbols

Digital I/O mode
settings

DIG IN

Digital input mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

DIG OUT

Digital output mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

DIG pOUT

Digital output protected mode

Used with 12 character label
or no label

I (uppercase

"i")

Digital input mode

Used with 6-character label
O Digital output mode

Used with 6-character label

P Digital output protected mode

Used with 6-character label

Totalizer mode
settings

Rise Ed

Totalizer rising edge mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

Fall Ed

Totalizer falling edge mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

Rise-TTL

Totalizer rising edge TTL level
mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

Fall-TTL

Totalizer falling edge TTL level
mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

Rise-RST

Totalizer rising edge read reset
mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

Fall-RST

Totalizer falling edge read reset
mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

RiseTRST

Totalizer rising edge TTL read
reset mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

FallTRST

Totalizer falling edge TTL read
reset mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

R Totalizer rising edge mode

Used with 6-character label

F Totalizer falling edge mode

Used with 6-character label

DAC mode settings

V

Voltage function mode

Used with 6-character label

I (uppercase

"i")

Current function either 1 or 2
mode

Used with 6-character label

V1

Voltage function 1 mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

I1

Current function 1 mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

I2

Current function 2 mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

pV1

Protected voltage function 1 mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

pI1

Protected current function 1 mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

pI2

Protected current function 2 mode

Used with 12-character label
or no label

DAC output enable
settings

Off

Output enable is disabled

Used with 6 or 12 character
label

On

Output enable is enabled

Used with 6 or 12 character
label

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

3-24 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Rear panel summary

The following is a brief overview of the Series 3700A rear panel.

Figure 25: Rear panel features

Item

Description

1

Analog backplane AMPS fuse (on page 3-24)

2

Slots (on page 3-24) (6 slots)

3

TSP-Link connector (on page 3-25) (2 connectors)

4

Instrument fuse (on page 3-25)

5

Power connector (on page 3-25)

6

Digital I/O port (on page 3-25, on page 2-28)

7

GPIB connector (on page 3-26)

8

Ethernet connector (on page 3-27)

9

USB connectors (on page 3-28)

10

Analog backplane connector (on page 3-29)

Rear panel connection details

The following topics describe how to connect the cable connections for the communication interfaces.
To properly set up the communications interfaces after connection, see the information in Remote

communications interfaces (on page 2-6).

Analog backplane AMPS fuse

For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuse with same type and rating (3 A /
250 V). See Fuse replacement (on page 7-1) for details.

Slots

Use any of the six slots of the Keithley Instruments Series 3700A for switching cards. If a slot does
not contain a card, make sure that you cover the slot with a slot cover.

To get information about an installed card, press the SLOT key.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-25

For complete information about Series 3700A switching cards, refer to the Series 3700A Switch and
Control Cards Reference Manual (Keithley part number 3700AS-909-01), available for download
from the Keithley Product Support web page (https://www.tek.com/product-support).

TSP-Link connector

Connect the TSP-Link connector to one of the TSP-Link connectors on the rear panel of the
instrument.

The locations of the TSP-Link connectors on the instrument are shown below.

Figure 26: Series 3700A TSP-Link connections

Instrument fuse

For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuse with same type and rating (1.25A /
250V). See Fuse replacement (on page 7-1) for details.

Power connector

Using the supplied line cord, connect to a grounded AC power outlet.

Digital I/O port

The Series 3700A instruments have a digital input/output port that can be used to control external
digital circuitry. For example, a handler that is used to perform binning operations can be used with a
digital I/O port. The digital I/O port is a standard female DB-25 connector.

Figure 27: Digital I/O port

Pin

Description

1
...
9

Digital I/O #1
...
Digital I/O #9

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3-26 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Pin

Description

10
...
14

Digital I/O #10 (high-current pins; see NOTE)
...
Digital I/O #14

15 to 21

Ground

22

V EXT

23

V EXT

24

Pin reserved for future use

25

V EXT

For a schematic diagram of the digital I/O hardware, refer to the Series 3700A Specifications on the

Keithley Instruments support website (https://www.tek.com/support).

High-current pins (pins 10 to 14) can be used for binning applications or for external relays.

GPIB connector

To connect a Series 3700A to the GPIB interface, use a cable equipped with standard GPIB
connectors, as shown below.

Figure 28: GPIB connector

To allow many parallel connections to one instrument, stack the connectors. Each connector has two
screws on it to ensure that connections remain secure. The figure below shows a typical connection
diagram for a test system with multiple instruments.

To avoid possible mechanical damage, stack no more than three connectors on any one
instrument. To minimize interference caused by electromagnetic radiation, use only shielded
GPIB cables. Contact Keithley Instruments for shielded cables.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-27

Figure 29: Series 3700A multiple parallel connections

To connect the Series 3700A to the IEEE-488 bus, line up the cable connector with the connector
located on the rear panel. Install and tighten the screws securely, making sure not to overtighten
them (the following figure shows the location of the connections).

Figure 30: Series 3700A GPIB connector

Connect any additional connectors from other instruments as required for your application. Make sure
the other end of the cable is properly connected to the controller. You can only have 15 devices
connected to an IEEE-488 bus, including the controller. The maximum cable length is either 20
meters or two meters multiplied by the number of devices, whichever is less. Not observing these
limits may cause erratic bus operation.

Ethernet connection

Connect the ethernet connector between the rear panel of the instrument and the host computer or
network router. You can use an LAN crossover cable (RJ-45, male/male) or straight-through cable.
The instrument automatically senses which cable you have connected.

The TSP-Link® connectors will accept a LAN connection, but will not be identified as a LAN and will
not connect properly. Be sure to connect the LAN connector correctly.

Use this RJ-45 connector to connect the instrument to the local area
network. When connecting directly to a computer, a crossover cable
(included) must be used. When connecting to a network switch, router, or
hub, a normal CAT-5 cable (not provided) should be used unless your
equipment has Auto-MDIX capabilities. If it does have Auto-MDIX, the
crossover cables may be used.

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

3-28 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

The figure below shows the location of the ethernet connector on the Series 3700A rear panel.

Figure 31: Series 3700A ethernet connection

LAN status LEDs

The figure below illustrates the two status light emitting diodes (LED) that are on the LAN port of the
instrument. The table below the figure provides explanations of the LED states.

Figure 32: LAN status

1

LED indicates the LAN port is connected to a 100 Mbps network

2

LED indicates the LAN port is connected to a 10 Mbps network

When the LED is:

The network:

Off

is not connected

On

is connected

Blinking

is sending or receiving data

USB connectors

The downstream USB-2.0 receptacle (Type B) on the rear panel connects to a host. The front panel
has an upstream USB-2.0 connector (Type A) that connects to a user-supplied USB flash drive.

Use the rear connector to communicate with the instrument over USB by sending commands. Use
the front-panel connector to insert a USB flash drive for saving or loading reading buffers, user
setups, or scripts.

Figure 33: USB connectors

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-29

Analog backplane connector

Refer to the following figure for analog backplane connector information. See Connection safety (on
page 3-30) before making any connections.

Figure 34: Analog backplane connector

The tables below contain pin numbers and descriptions for the analog backplane connector.

Description

Pin Description

Pin

Analog backplane 3-HI

5 DMM-SLO

4

Analog backplane 3-LO

6 DMM-SHI

3

Analog backplane 4-HI

7 DMM-LO

2, 9

Analog backplane 4-LO

8 DMM-HI

1

Analog backplane 5-HI

12 AMP-LO

2, 9

Analog backplane 5-LO

13 AMP

10, 11

Analog backplane 6-HI

14

Analog backplane 6-LO

15

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

3-30 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Connection safety

Connection information for switching cards is intended for qualified service personnel, as
described by the types of product users in the Safety precautions. Do not attempt to connect
DUT or external circuitry to a switching card unless qualified to do so.

To prevent electric shock that could result in serious injury or death, comply with these
safety precautions:

Before making or breaking any connections to the switching card, make sure the instrument
is turned off and power is removed from all external circuitry.

Do not connect signals that will exceed the maximum specifications of any installed
switching card.

If both the rear analog backplane connector of the instrument and the switching card
terminals are connected at the same time, the test lead insulation must be rated to the
highest voltage that is connected. For example, if 300 V is connected to the analog backplane
connector, the test lead insulation for the switching card must also be rated for 300 V.

Dangerous arcs of an explosive nature in a high-energy circuit can cause severe personal
injury or death. If the multimeter is connected to a high-energy circuit when set to a current
range, low resistance range, or any other low impedance range, the circuit is virtually
shorted.

Dangerous arcing can result (even when the multimeter is set to a voltage range) if the
minimum voltage spacing is reduced in the external connections. For details about how to
safely make high-energy measurements, see High-energy circuit safety precautions (on page
4-2).

As described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 664, the
instrument is Installation Category I and must not be connected to mains.

Saved setups

You can restore the Series 3700A to one of six nonvolatile memory setup configurations (five user
setups and one factory default), or to a setup stored on an external USB flash drive. As shipped from
the factory, the Series 3700A powers up with the factory default settings, which cannot be
overwritten. The default settings are also in the five user setup locations, but may be overwritten. The
factory default settings are listed in the command descriptions in the TSP command reference (on
page 11-1).

The setup configuration that is used when the instrument powers up can be changed.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-31

Saving user setups

You can save the present Series 3700A setup to internal nonvolatile memory or a USB flash drive.

To save a user setup to nonvolatile memory from the front panel:

1. Configure the Series 3700A to the settings that you want to save.

2. Press the MENU key.

3. Select SETUP and then press the ENTER key.

4. Select the SAVE menu item and then press the ENTER key.

5. Select INTERNAL and then press the ENTER key.

6. Select the user number (1 through 5), and press the ENTER key.

To save a user setup to an external USB flash drive from the front panel:

1. Configure the Series 3700A to the settings that you want to save.

2. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the front panel of the Series 3700A.

3. Press the MENU key.

4. Select SETUP and then press the ENTER key.

5. Select SAVE and then press the ENTER key.

6. Select USB. The file name setup000.set is displayed.

7. Turn the navigation wheel to change the last three digits of the file name and then press the

ENTER key.

Recalling a saved setup

You can recall setups from internal nonvolatile memory or a USB flash drive at any time.

To recall a saved setup from the front panel:

1. Press the MENU key to access the main menu.

2. Select SETUP, and then press the ENTER key.

3. Select the RECALL menu item, and then press the ENTER key.

4. Select one of the following:

▪ INTERNAL
▪ USB

▪ USB only: Select the appropriate file and then press the ENTER key.

Start-up configuration

You can specify the Series 3700A start-up (power-on) configuration from the front panel. Set the
start-up configuration to a previously stored setup (recalled from internal nonvolatile memory).

To select the power-on setup:

1. Press the MENU key to access the main menu.

2. Select SETUP, and then press the ENTER key.

3. Select POWERON, and then press the ENTER key.

4. Select the configuration you want to use on startup.

5. Press the ENTER key.

6. Press the EXIT (LOCAL) key to return to the main menu.

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

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Saving user setups from a remote interface

Saving and recalling user setups

Use the setup.save() and setup.recall() functions to save and recall user setups.

To save and recall user setups using remote commands:

The following example saves the present setup as setup 1, and then recalls setup 1:

-- Save the present setup to nonvolatile memory.

setup.save(1)

-- Recall the saved user setup from nonvolatile memory.

setup.recall(1)

Restoring the factory default setups

Use one of the reset functions to return the Series 3700A to the original factory defaults. An example
of each type of reset is shown in the following program examples.

Restore all factory defaults of all nodes on the TSP-Link® network:

reset()

Restore all factory defaults (note that you cannot use *rst in a script):

*rst

Restore all factory defaults:

setup.recall(0)

Restore all channels on all slots to defaults:

channel.reset("allslots")

Reset only the local TSP-Link node:

localnode.reset()

Start-up (power-on) configuration

You can specify the Series 3700A start-up (power-on) configuration. Use the setup.poweron
attribute to select which setup to return to upon power-up. To set the setup.poweron configuration
attribute:

setup.poweron = n -- Select power-on setup.

Where n = :

• 0 (*RST or reset() factory defaults)

• 1 to 5 (user setup 1 to 5)

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Save the present configuration

You can capture the present settings of the instrument using the create configuration script feature.
When you run this feature, the configuration script is created and saved. You can run it later to return
to that configuration, or set it up to be the autoexec script. The configuration script is a normal TSP
script; once created, you can use it and modify it as you would any other script.

The configuration script includes:

• Comment lines that identify the script as auto created and the date and time of creation.

• The cards that are installed and the slots in which they are installed.

• A reset command, which will reset the instrument to the factory default settings.

• The commands to reconfigure the instrument. The configuration script only captures settings that

have been changed from the factory defaults.

Later, when you run the configuration script, the script will verify that the installed cards and slots
match. If they do not, a message is displayed, the script stops, and the configuration is not restored.

Note that the configuration script does not include the status of channels. As initially created, the
configuration script performs a reset, which opens all channels.

You can modify the script to change the card models or slots. However, you must make sure that all
subsequent commands are valid for the card model or slot change.

For more information on scripts, see Fundamentals of scripting for TSP (on page 10-1). For more
information on the autoexec script, see Autoexec script (on page 10-7).

A sample configuration script is shown in the following example.

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

3-34 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

--Auto created configuration script

Indicates that
this was created
with the Create
Configuration
Script feature

--Mon Apr 04 12:34:28 2016

Date and
timestamp

if string.find(slot[1].idn, "3724") == nil then
print("Card installed in slot 1 needs to be a 3724.")
display.clear()
display.settext("Card installed in$N$Bslot 1$R needs to be a

$B3724$R")

Code that
verifies that
card and slot
are in
agreement

elseif string.find(slot[4].idn, "3723") == nil then
print("Card installed in slot 4 needs to be a 3723.")
display.clear()
display.settext("Card installed in$N$Bslot 4$R needs to be a

$B3723$R")

else

reset()

Reset command

reset()
dmm.func = "dccurrent"
channel.setpole("slot1", 2)
channel.setlabel("1001", "Card1Channel1")
channel.setlabel("1005", "Card1Channel5")
channel.setpole("slot4", 2)
channel.pattern.setimage("1006,1007","channelsA")
channel.pattern.setimage("1010,1011","channelsB")
channel.pattern.setimage("1012,1013","channelsC")
channel.pattern.setimage("1014,1015","channelsD")
collectgarbage()
dmm.func = dmm.DC_CURRENT
slot[1].interlock.override = 0.00000000E+00
slot[4].interlock.override = 0.00000000E+00
scan.trigger.channel.stimulus = scan.trigger.EVENT_SEQUENCE_COMP
scan.trigger.sequence.stimulus =

scan.trigger.EVENT_CHANNEL_READY
scan.create()
scan.mode = 0
scan.bypass = 1
scan.add("channelsA")
scan.add("channelsB")
scan.add("channelsC")
scan.add("channelsD")

Code that
captures the
non-factory
default settings

end

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-35

Create a configuration script

When you run the create configuration script feature, it automatically generates a user script that is
saved to a script with a name that you define. Create configuration script is available from the front
panel of the instrument, the web interface, and the remote interface.

When you specify the name of the script, be aware that if you specify a name that already exists
(including autoexec), the existing script is overwritten with the new configuration script.

To create a configuration script from the front panel:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select SCRIPT.

3. Select CREATE-CONFIG. The AUTOEXEC ON PWR UP prompt is displayed.

4. Select Yes or No.

5. If AUTOEXEC is set to no, at the name prompt, enter the name of the configuration. The default
name is config01.

6. Press ENTER.

7. The AUTOEXEC message is displayed again. Press EXIT several times to return to the normal
display.

To create a configuration script from the web interface:

1. Open the Unit page.

2. Log in if necessary.

3. Click Create Config Script.

Figure 35: Create Config Script dialog box

4. To make the configuration script the autoexec script, select Auto-execute on power-up.

5. To assign a name (the script will not be the autoexec script), select Name and enter a name in
the box.

6. Click OK. The configuration script is created.

To create a configuration script from the remote interface:

Send the command:

createconfigscript(name)

Where name is the name you want to assign to the configuration script.

Running the configuration script

You can run the configuration using the same methods as any other script. See Run scripts (on page
10-5) for information.

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

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Using the web interface

The Series 3700A web interface can be used with your choice of web browsers, including Microsoft®
Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google ChromeTM, and Apple® Safari®. Using the web interface,
you can review instrument status, control the instrument, and upgrade the instrument over a LAN
connection.

The instrument web page resides in the firmware of the instrument. Changes you make through the
web interface are immediately made in the instrument.

All examples in this manual can be run through the TSB Embedded (on page 3-48) web application
that is available on the instrument web interface.

Connect to the instrument web interface

To connect to the instrument web interface, you must have an LAN connection from the computer to
the instrument. See LAN concepts and settings (on page A-1) for specific connection instructions.

The web interface requires the web browser plug-in Sun JavaTM Runtime Environment Version 6 or
higher. Installation files are available from Java download site
(http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp).

The ActiveX control and Java applets are installed from the instrument but, depending on the browser
security settings, they may require the users permission to be downloaded and installed.

After the instrument is connected and Java is installed, to connect to the instrument:

1. Open an internet browser, such as Windows Internet Explorer (v6.0 or higher only).

2. To find the IP address, from the front panel of the instrument, select MENU > LAN > STATUS >
IP-ADDRESS.

3. In the Address box, enter the IP address of the instrument.

The Home page of the instrument web interface is displayed.

Web interface home page

The home page of the web interface gives you basic information about the instrument, including:

• The instrument model, serial number, firmware revision, and LXI information

• A list of slots and the switch cards that are installed in each slot

• An ID button to help you locate the instrument

• Links to the instrument web options, including TSB Embedded.

Identify the instrument

If you have a bank of instruments, you can select the ID button to determine which one you are
communicating with.

Before trying to identify the instrument, make sure you have a remote connection to the instrument.

To identify the instrument:

1. On the Home page, select the ID button. The button turns green and the LAN status indicator on
the instrument blinks.

2. Select the ID button again to return the button to its original color and return the LAN status
indicator to steady on.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

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Log in to the instrument

The web interface has both interactive and read-only pages. These pages are always listed in the
navigation panel on the left side of the web interface. You can review information on any of the pages
without logging in, but to change information, you must log in.

Pages that contain information you can change include a Login button. Once you have logged in to
one page of the web interface, you do not need to log in again unless you reload the page.

To log in to the instrument:

1. Open a page that contains a Login button, such as one of the Cards pages, Scan Builder, or TSB
Embedded.

Figure 36: Web interface login

2. Click Login. The login dialog box is displayed.

3. Enter the password (the default is admin).

Figure 37: Enter web interface password

4. Click Login.

The default password is admin. If the password has been changed, it is available from the front
panel of the instrument. Press MENU > LAN > STATUS > PASSWORD.

Card pages

The card pages are interactive pages where you can work with channels in each slot.
To open a card page, on the left navigation, click the slot number.

There is a specific page for each card installed in the mainframe. The page displays a grid that shows
the relay configuration of the switch card.

Section 3: Instrument description Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

3-38 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

Figure 38: Series 3700A web interface cards page

Open and close slots from the card pages

You can open and close channels from the card pages in several ways.
The simplest method is to click a connection. The channel changes state to open or closed. When the

channel is open, the connection will look similar to one of the following graphics (the actual item on
the web interface depends on the installed card):

Figure 39: Web interface open channel

Figure 40: Web interface relay open

When the channel is closed, the connection will look similar to one of the following:

Figure 41: Web interface closed channel

Figure 42: Web interface relay closed

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-39

To specify the type of close, select a Channel Action Type from the box in the upper right before
closing a channel. The options are:

• Channel Close: Close the selected channel without affecting the state of any other channels.

• Exclusive Slot Close: Close the selected channel and open any closed channels in the same

slot.

• Exclusive Close: Close the selected channel and open any closed channels in the instrument
(the only closed channel is the selected channel).

You can open all channels in a slot by clicking Open Slot.
You can open all channels in the instrument by clicking Open All.
For more information on opening and closing channels, see Working with channels (on page 5-13).

Configure channels from the web interface

To configure channels from the web interface, right-click the channel. The Channel Configuration
dialog box is displayed.

Figure 43: Series 3700A channel configuration dialog box

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3-40 3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018

In this dialog box, you can set:

• Label: The label for the channel. This is the same as the command channel.setlabel().

• Forbidden: Select this box to set the channel to forbidden. This prevents the channel from being

closed from any interface. Note that if the channel is used in a channel pattern, the pattern is
deleted when you set the channel to forbidden to close. An analog backplane relay can be
marked as forbidden to close.

• Pole: Pole setting for multiplexer (MUX) channels indicates if the paired MUX channel should be
included when performing a close or open operation on channel.
In a switching module that has 60 channels, the Series 3700A automatically pairs Channels 1
through 30 with Channels 31 through 60 (respectively) when the pole setting for a channel is set
to 4-pole. Once you configure the pole setting of a switching channel for 4-pole, the associated
paired channel becomes unavailable for switching operation. For example, if 3003 is set to 4-pole
and its paired channel is 3033, you cannot set attributes or perform close or open operations on
channel 3033. If you specify channel 3303 for a close or open operations, an error code -221,
"Paired channel settings conflict," is generated.
Matrix channels have fixed pole settings. Multiplexer channels pole settings may be changed.

• Delay Time: The additional delay to incur after the relay settles when closing the channel. Enter
the value for the delay in seconds. The total delay for channel close is this delay plus the relay
settling time.

• Backplane channels: You can select the backplane relay with this option.

• DMM Configuration: Click Edit to set up configuration of the DMM for this channel.

This dialog box also displays the closure count. See Determining the number of relay closures (on
page 5-16) for information.

Set up channel patterns from the web interface

You can use channel patterns as a convenient way to refer to a group of switching channels and
backplane relays with a single alphanumeric name. When you perform close or open operations on a
channel pattern, only the channels and analog backplane relays that are in the channel pattern are
affected.

There is no speed difference when performing close and open operations on channel patterns
compared to performing the same operations on individual channels or a list of channels.

To create a channel pattern from the web interface:

1. From the left navigation, click a slot.

2. Click Pattern (above the Channel Action Type box). The Channel Pattern Configuration dialog
box is displayed.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 3: Instrument description

3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018 3-41

Figure 44: Series 3700A channel pattern configuration dialog box

3. Enter a name in the box at the top.

4. From the Channels Available list, select the channels you want to add. You can use Ctrl+click and
Shift+click to select multiple channels.

5. Click Add. You can add as many channels as needed.

6. Click Create.

To create a channel pattern from the web interface using the Snapshot feature:

1. Close the channels that you want to include in the pattern.

2. Click Pattern (above the Channel Action Type box). The Channel Pattern Configuration dialog
box is displayed.

3. Enter a name in the box at the top.

4. Click Snapshot. A new pattern is created that contains the closed channels.

To delete a channel pattern from the web interface:

1. Select the name of the pattern that you want to delete.

2. Click Delete.

For more information regarding patterns, including opening and closing the channels that are in
patterns, see Channel patterns (on page 5-19).