Agilent 8703B
Lightwave Component Analyzer
Programmer’s Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc.
July 2004
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Manual Part Number
08703-90058
Edition
July 2004
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Digital Signal Analysis
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA
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2
Contents
1. Introduction to Instrument Control
Introduction to Instrument Control 1-2
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver 1-3
Instrument Control using BASIC 1-9
2. Alphabetical Command Reference
Alphabetical Command Reference 2-2
Keys to Programming Commands 2-3
Programming Commands 2-14
8703A Commands Not Supported in the 8703B 2-76
3. Command Listings
Alphabetical List of Commands 3-2
OPC-Compatible List of Commands 3-4
4. GPIB Programming
GPIB Programming 4-2
Analyzer Command Syntax 4-3
Analyzer Operation 4-7
GPIB Operation 4-8
Calibration 4-19
Display Graphics 4-22
Disk File Names 4-25
5. Reading Analyzer Data
Reading Analyzer Data 5-2
Output Queue 5-3
Command Query 5-3
Identification 5-3
Output Syntax 5-4
Marker Data 5-5
Array-Data Formats 5-7
Trace-Data Transfers 5-8
Stimulus-Related Values 5-9
6. Data Processing Chain
Data Processing Chain 6-2
Data Arrays 6-2
Common Output Commands 6-3
Fast Data Transfer Commands 6-4
Data Levels 6-4
Learnstring and Calibration-Kit String 6-5
7. Error Reporting
Error Reporting 7-2
Status Reporting 7-3
The Status Byte 7-6
Contents-1
Contents
The Event-Status Register and Event-Status Registers B and L 7-7
Error Output 7-8
Error Messages in Numerical Order 7-9
8. Programming Examples
Example Programs 8-2
Measurement Process 8-3
Programming Examples 8-5
Measurement Setup Examples 8-9
Measurement Calibration Examples 8-26
Measurement Data Transfer Examples 8-63
Measurement Process Synchronization Examples 8-74
Analyzer System Setup Examples 8-84
List-Frequency and Limit-Test Table Examples 8-92
Report Generation Examples 8-106
Limit Line and Data Point Special Functions 8-125
Contents-2
1
Introduction to Instrument Control 1-2
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver 1-3
Instrument Control using BASIC 1-9
Introduction to Instrument Control
Introduction to Instrument Control
Introduction to Instrument Control
Introduction to Instrument Control
In this chapter, you can find an introduction to the remote operation of your analyzer using an
external controller. You should be familiar with the operatio n of the analyz er before at tempting to
remotely control the analyzer over the Gener al Purpose Int erface B us (GPIB). Ref er to the user ’s
guide for operating information. For information on the instrument’s preset state and memory
allocation, refer to the 8703B Lightwave Component Analyzer Reference manual.
This manual is not intended to teach programming or to discuss GPIB theo ry except at an
introductory level. Programming examples that demonstrate the remote operation of the
analyzer are documented in Chapter 8, “Programming Examples” and are also provided o n the
CD-ROM that was shipped with this manual. All example programs are provided in BASIC, and
most are also provided in Visual C++ and Visual BASIC for use with the VXIplug&play driver.
1-2
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
VXIplug&play is a term indicating conformance to a set of system-level standards produced by
the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance. The charter of the alliance was “to improve the
effectiveness of VXI-based solutio ns by increasing ease-of-use and improving the interoperability
of multi-vendor VXI systems.”
Installing the VXIplug&play driver on your computer will allow you to control the analyzer via
common programming environments without having to learn the instrument-specific mne monics.
Requirements
The VXIplug&play driver for your analyzer is designed for a PC operating Windows 95 or
Windows NT version 3.51 or higher. The driver requires a virtual instrument software
architecture (VISA)-compatible GPIB interface, and the VISA I/ O Library version 1.1 or higher.
The driver is compatible with the following programming environments:
• Microsoft Visual Basic, version 4.0 o r higher
• Microsoft Visual C++, version 4.0 or higher
• Borland C++, version 4.5 or higher
• Agilent VEE, version 3.2 or higher
• National Instruments LabWindows/CVI, version 4.0.1 or higher
• National Ins truments LabVIE W, version 4.0.1 or high e r
Installing the VXIplug&play Driver
NOTE This procedure assumes that you have installed a VISA-compatible GPIB interface
and the VISA I/O library, version 1.1 or higher. It also assumes that you have
installed—and are familiar with—one of the programming environments listed
above.
1. The install program for t he VXIplug&play driver for your analyzer is located in the root
directory of the CD-ROM that accompanied this manual. The file is titled “875x.exe”
a. If you need to order a new CD-ROM, contact Agilent Technologies and order part number
08703-10202.
b. You can also download the file from the Web. Go to http://www.tm.agilent.com and follow
the “Software and Driver” and “Instrument Driver” links.
2. Run “875x.exe” to install the VXIplug&play driver on your computer. The default directory
that is used by the install-shield is vxipnp\winxx\875x, where winxx designates the operating
system in use by your computer, such as winnt, win95, etc.
3. If you have difficulty installing the VXIplug&play driver, contact Agilent Te chnologies by
calling the nearest sales or service office.
1-3
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
System Setup
1. Use an GPIB interconnect cable (such as 10833A/B/C/D) to connect the analyzer to the GPIB
interface card on your computer.
2. Switch on the computer.
3. Switch on the analyzer.
a. To verify the analyzer's address, press:
Local, SET ADDRESSES, ADDRESS: 8703
The analyzer has only one GPIB interface, though it occupies two addresses: one for the
instrument and one for the display. The display address is equal to the instrument address
with the least-significant bit incremented. The display address is automatically set each
time the instrument address is set.
The default analyzer addresses are:
—16 for the instrument
—17 for the display
CAUTION Other devices connected to the bus cannot occupy the same address as the
analyzer or the display.
The analyzer should now be displaying t he instrument's address in the upper right section
of the display. If the address is not 16, return the address to its default setting (16) by
pressing:
16, x1, Preset
b. Set the system control mode to either “pass-control” or “talker/listener” mode. These are
the only control modes in which the analyzer will accept commands over GPIB. To set the
system-control mode, press:
Local, TALKER/LISTENER
or
Local, USE PASS CONTROL
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Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
Verifying the Bus Connection
Check the interface bus connection and operation by following the appropriate procedure (for
the type of interface card you are using) below.
Interface Bus Verification Procedure (GPIB Interface Card)
1. Check the bus connection by running the VISA Assistant in the I/O Libraries. The VISA
Assistant will automatically report what it finds on the bus. Notice that the VISA Assistant is
reporting instruments at addresses 16 and 17. As mentioned earlier, these addresses
designate the instrument and its display, respectively.
Figure 1-1. VISA Assistant Window
2. To further verify GPIB operation, send a preset command to the analyzer by doing the
following in the VISA Assistant window:
a. Single-click on “GPIB0::16::INSTR” to highlight it.
b. Make sure that the “Formatted I/O” tab is selected.
c. Enter PRES; in the text box.
d. Click on “viPrintf.”
e. This command should preset the analyzer. If an instrument preset does not occur, there is
a problem. Check all GPIB address settings and physical connections. Most GPIB probl ems
are caused by an incorrect address or faulty/loose GPIB cables.
1-5
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
Interface Bus Verification Procedure (National Instruments Card)
1. Check the bus connection by running Win32 VISA Interactive Control. When this program is
run, it automatically reports what it finds on the bus. Notice that the program is reporting
instruments at addresses 16 and 17. As mentioned earlier, these addresses designate the
instrument and its display, respectively.
Figure 1-2. Win32 VISA Interactive Control Window: Bus Report
2. To further verify GPIB operation, double click on “GPIB0::16::INSTR” and then perform the
following steps.
a. Make sure that the “Basic I/O” tab is selected.
b. Click on the “Write” tab.
c. Enter PRES; in the “Buffer” text box.
d. Click on “Execute.”
e. This command should preset the analyzer. If an instrument preset does not occur, there is
a problem. Check all GPIB address settings and physical connections. Most GPIB probl ems
are caused by an incorrect address or faulty/loose GPIB cables.
1-6
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
Figure 1-3. Win32 VISA Interactive Control: Sending a Command
Introduction to Instrument Control
Controlling the Analyzer with the VXIplug&play Driver
The “Programming Examples” CD-ROM that was shipped with this manual includes many
example programs that can be used to control your analyzer . The fol lowing sections provide some
information on using the VXIplug&play driver with the Visual C++ and Visual BASIC
programming environment s.
Using Visual BASIC to Control the Analyzer
When using Visual BASIC, you will need to include the two fil es listed below in your proje ct. They
were installed on your computer in the following directories when you installed the driver:
• \vxipnp\winxx\875x\875x.bas
• \vxipnp\winxx\include\visa32.bas
NOTE The directories shown above are the default locations for these files. (“winxx”
indicates the operating system you are using, such as winnt, win95, etc.) If you
designated a different path during installation, you will need to amend the path
above to include the specific path that you indicated during installation.
1-7
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using the VXIplug&play Driver
Using Visual C++ to Control the Analyzer
When using Visual C++, you will need to include the file listed below in your pro ject . The file was
installed on your computer in the following directory when you installed the driver:
\vxipnp\winxx\lib\msc\875x_32.lib
NOTE The directory shown above is the default location for this file. (“winxx” indicates
the operating system you are using, such as winnt, win95, etc.) If you designated a
different path during installation, you will need to ame nd the path above to include
the specific path that you indicated during installation.
1-8
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
Instrument Control using BASIC
This section describes how to control the analyzer using BASIC 6.2 (or higher), or BASIC for
Windows 6.3 (or higher) on one of the following computers:
• HP 9000 Series 200/300
• HP 9000 Series 700 with BASIC-UX
• PC with a GPIB interface card installed
.
Table 1-1. Additional BASIC 6.2 Programming Information
Description Agilent
Part Number
BASIC 6.2 Programming Guide 98616-90010
BASIC 6.2 Language Reference (2 Volumes) 98616-90004
Using BASIC for Instrument Control, Volume I 82303-90001
Using BASIC for Instrument Control, Volume II 82303-90002
BASIC for Windows Manual Set E2060-90100
Table 1-2. Additional GPIB Information
Description Agilent
Part Number
BASIC 6.2 Interface Reference 98616-90013
Tutorial Description of the General Purpose Interface Bus 5021-1927
Required Equipment
• Computer running BASIC 6.2 (or higher) or BASIC for Windows 6.3 (or higher)
• Supported GPIB interface card
• GPIB interconnect cables (such as 10833A/B/C/D)
System Setup and GPIB Verification
1. Connect the analyzer to the computer with an GPIB cable.
1-9
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
Figure 1-4. The Analyzer System with Controller
2. Switch on the computer, and launch BASIC or BASIC for Windows.
3. Switch on the analyzer.
a. To verify the analyzer's address, press:
Local, SET ADDRESSES, ADDRESS: 8703
The analyzer has only one GPIB interface, though it occupies two addresses: one for the
instrument and one for the display. The display address is equal to the instrument address
with the least-significant bit incremented. The display address is automatically set each
time the instrument address is set.
The default analyzer addresses are:
—16 for the instrument
—17 for the display
CAUTION Other devices connected to the bus cannot occupy the same address as the
analyzer.
The analyzer displays the instrument's address in the upper right section of the display. If
the address is not 16, return the address to its default setting (16) by pressing:
16, x1, Preset
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Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
b. Set the system control mode to either “pass-control” or “talker/listener” mode. These are
the only control modes in which the analyzer will accept commands over GPIB. To set the
system-control mode, press:
Local, TALKER/LISTENER
or
Local, USE PASS CONTROL
4. Check the interface bus by performing a simple command from the computer controller. Type
the following command on the controller:
OUTPUT 716;”PRES;”
Execute, or Return
NOTE HP 9000 Series 300 computers use the Return key as both execute and enter. Some
other computers may have an
function. For reasons of simplicity, the notation
Enter, Execute, or Exec key that performs the same
Return is used throughout this
document.
This command should preset the analyzer. If an instrument preset does not occur, there is a
problem. Check all GPIB addresses and connections. Most GPIB problems are caused by an
incorrect address or faulty/loose GPIB cables.
1-11
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
Sending Commands
A remote controller can manipulate the functions of the analyzer by sending commands to the
analyzer via the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB). The commands used are specific to the
analyzer. Remote commands executed over the bus take precedence over manual commands
executed from the instrument's fr ont pane l. R em ote co mmands are executed as soon as they are
received by the analyzer. A command only applies to the active channel (except in cases where
functions are coupled between channel s). Most commands are equivalent to front-pane l hardkeys
and softkeys.
Command Structure in BASIC
Consider the following BASIC command for setting the analyzer's start frequency to 50 MHz:
OUTPUT 716;”STAR 50 MHZ;”
The command structure in BASIC has several different elements:
the BASIC command statement OUTPUT - The BASIC data-output statement.
the appendage 716 - The data is directed to interface 7 (GPIB), and
on to the device at address 16 (the analyzer). This
appendage is terminated with a semicolon. The next
appendage is STAR, the instrument mnemonic for
setting the analyzer's start frequency.
data 50 - a single operand used by the root mnemonic STAR
to set the value.
unit MHZ - the units that the operand is expressed in.
terminator ; - indicates the end of a command, enters the data,
and deactivates the active-entry area.
The “STAR 50 MHZ;” command performs the same function as pressing the following keys on
the analyzer's front panel:
Start, 50, M/u
STAR is the root mnemonic for the start key, 50 is the data, and MHZ are the units. Where possible,
the analyzer's root mnemonics are derived from the equivalent key label. Otherw ise they are
derived from the common name for the function. Chapter 2, “Alphabetical Command Reference”
lists all the root mnemonics and all the different units accepted.
The semico lon (;) following MHZ terminates the command within the analyzer. It removes start
frequency from the active-entry ar ea, and prep ares the analyzer f or the next co mmand. If the re is
a syntax error in a command, the analyzer will ignore the comm and and look for the next
terminator. When it finds the next terminator, it starts processing incoming commands normally.
Characters between the syntax error and the next terminator are lost. A line feed also acts as a
terminator. T he BASIC OUTPUT statement transmits a carriage return/line feed following the data.
This can be suppressed by putting a semicolon at the end of the statement.
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Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
The OUTPUT 716; statement will transmit all items listed (as long as they are separated by
commas or semicolons) including:
• literal information enclosed in quotes
• numeric variables
•string variables
•arrays
A carriage return/line feed is transmitted after each item. Again, this can be suppressed by
terminating the commands with a semicolon. The analyzer automatically goes into remote mode
when it receives an OUTPUT command from the controller. When this happens, the front-panel
remote (R) and listen (L) GPIB status indicators illuminate. In remote m ode, the analyzer ignores
any data that is input with the front-panel keys, w ith the exception of
Local. Pressing Local,
returns the analyzer to manual operation, unless t he universal GPIB command LOCAL LOCKOUT
7 has been issued. There are two ways to exit from a local lockout. Either issue the LOCAL 7
command from the controller or cycle the line power o n the analyzer.
Setting a parameter such as start frequency is just one form of command the analyzer will accept.
It will also accept simple commands that require no operand at all. For example, execute:
OUTPUT 716;"AUTO;"
In response, the analyzer autoscales the active channel. Autoscale only applies to the active
channel, unlike start frequency, which applies to both channels as long as the channels are
stimulus-coupled.
The analyzer will also accept commands that switch various f unctions on and off. For example, to
switch on dual-channel display, execute:
OUTPUT 716;"DUACON;"
DUACON is the analyzer root mnemonic for “dual-channel display on.” This causes the analyzer to
display both channels. To go back to single-channel display mode, for example, switching off
dual-channel display, execute:
OUTPUT 716;"DUACOFF;"
The construction of the command starts with the root mnemonic DUAC (dual-channel display)
and ON or OFF is appended to the root to form the entire command.
The analyzer does not distinguish between upper- and lower-case letters. For example, execute:
OUTPUT 716;"auto;"
NOTE The analyzer also has a debug mode to aid in troubleshooting systems. W h en the
debug mode is ON, the analyzer scrolls incoming GPIB commands across the
display. To manually activate the debug mode, press
Local, GPIB DIAG ON. To
deactivate the debug mode from the controller, execute:
OUTPUT 716;"DEBUOFF;"
Command Query
Suppose the operator has changed the power level from the front panel. The computer can find
1-13
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
the new power level using the analyz er's command-query function. If a question mark is
appended to the root of a command, the analyzer will output the value of that function.
For instance, POWE 7 DB; sets the analyzer's output power to 7 dB, and POWE?; outputs the
current RF output power at the test port to the system controller. For example:
Type SCRATCH and press
Type EDIT and press
10 OUTPUT 716;"POWE?;"
20 ENTER 716;Reply
30 DISP Reply
40 END
Return, to clear old programs.
Return, to access the edit mode. Then type in:
NOTE Most commands can also be queried by sending the command (without a value)
and then sending the OUTPACTI command, as in the following example that queries
the power value:
10 OUTPUT 716;”POWE;OUTPACTI;”
Running the Program The computer will display the preset source-power level in dBm. Change
the power level by pressing
Local, Power, XX, x1. Now run the program again.
When the analyzer receives POWE?, it prepares to transmit the current RF source-power level.
The BASIC statement ENTER 716 allows the analyzer to transmit information to the computer by
addressing the analyzer to talk. This illuminates the analyzer front-panel talk (T) light. The
computer places the data transmitted by the analyzer into the variables listed in the ENTER
statement. In this case, the analyzer transmits t he output power , whi ch gets placed in the variable
Reply .
The ENTER statement takes the stream of binary-data output from the analyzer and reformats it
back into numbers and ASCII strings. With the formatting set to its default state, the ENTER
statement will format the data into real variables, integers, or ASCII strings, depending on the
variable being filled. The variable list must match the data the analyzer has to transmit. If there
are not enough variables, data is lost. If there are too many variables for the data available, a
BASIC error is generated.
The formatting done by the ENTER statement can be changed. The formatting can be
deactivated to allow binary transfers of data. Also, the ENTER USING statement can be used to
selectively control the formatting.
ON/OFF commands can be also be queried. The reply is a one (1) if the function is active, a zero
(0) if it is not active. Similarly , if a command controls a function that is underline d on the analyzer
softkey menu when active, querying that command yields a one (1) if the command is underlined,
a zero (0) if it is not. For example, press
Meas. Though there are seven options on the
measurement menu, only one is underlined at a time. The un derlined o ption will r eturn a one (1 )
when queried.
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Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
For instance, rewrite line 10 as:
10 OUTPUT 716;"DUAC?;"
Run the program once and note the result. Then press Local, Display, DUAL CHAN, to toggle the
display mode, and run the program again.
Another example is to rewrite line 10 as:
10 OUTPUT 716;"PHAS?;"
In this case, the program will display a one (1) if phase is currently being displayed. Since the
command only applies to the active channel, the response to the PHAS? inquiry depends on
which channel is active.
Operation Complete
Occasionally, there is a need to query the analyzer as to when certain analyzer operations have
completed. For instance, a program should not have the operator connect the next calibration
standard while the analyzer is still measuring the current one. To provide such information, the
analyzer has an “operation complete” reporting mechanism, or OPC command, that will indicate
when certain key commands have completed operation. The mechanism is activated by sending
either OPC or OPC? immediately before an OPC-compatible command. When the command
completes execution, bit 0 of th e event-status register will be set. If OPC was queried with OPC ?,
the analyzer will also output a one (1) when the command completes execution.
As an example, type SCRATCH and press
Return.
Type EDIT and press Return.
Type in the following program:
10 OUTPUT 716;"SWET 3 S;OPC?;SING;"
Set the sweep time to 3 seconds, and OPC a single sweep.
20 DISP "SWEEPING"
30 ENTER 716;Reply The program will halt at this point until the analyzer
completes the sweep and issues a one (1).
40 DISP "DONE"
50 END
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Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
Running the Program Running this program causes the computer to display the sweeping
message as the instrument executes the sweep. The computer will display DONE just as the
instrument goes into hold. When DONE appears, the program could then continue on, being
assured that there is a valid data trace in the instrument.
Preparing for Remote (GPIB) Control
At the beginning of a program, the analyzer is taken from an unknown state and brought under
remote control. This is done with an abort/clear sequence. ABORT 7 is used to halt bus activity
and return control to the computer. CLEAR 716 will then prepare the analyzer to receive
commands by:
• clearing syntax errors
• clearing the input-command buffer
• clearing any messages waiting to be output
The abort/clear sequence readies the analyze r to receive GPIB commands. T he next step i nvolves
programming a known state into the anal yzer. The most convenient way to do this is to preset the
analyzer by sending the PRES (preset) command. If preset cannot be used, the status-reporting
mechanism may be employed. When using the status-report ing register , CLES (Clear Status) can
be transmitted to the analyzer to clear all of the status-reporting registers and their enables.
Type SCRATCH and press
Return.
Type EDIT and press Return. Type in the following program:
10 ABORT 7 This halts all bus action and gives acti ve co nt ro l to
the computer.
20 CLEAR 716 This clears all GPIB errors, resets the GPIB interface, and
clears the syntax errors. It does not affect the
status-reporting system.
30 OUTPUT 716;"PRES;" Presets the instrument. This clears the status-reporting
system, as well as resets all of the front-panel settings,
except for the GPIB mode and the GPIB addresses.
40 END Running this program brings the analyzer to a known
state, ready to respond to GPIB contro l.
The analyzer will not respond to GPIB commands unless the remote line is asserted. When the
remote line is asserted, the analyzer is addressed to listen for commands from the controller. In
remote mode, all the front-panel keys are disabled (with the exception of
Local, and the
line-power switch). ABORT 7 asserts the remote line, which remains asserted until a LOCAL 7
statement is executed.
Another way to assert the remote line is to execute:
REMOTE 716
This statement asserts the analyzer's remote-o peration mode and addresses the analyzer t o listen
for commands from the controller. Press any front-panel key except
front-panel keys will respond until
1-16
Local, has been pressed.
Local. Note that none of the
Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
Local, can also be disabled with the sequence:
REMOTE 716
LOCAL LOCKOUT 7
After executing the code above, none of the front-panel keys will respond. The analyzer can be
returned to local mode temporarily with:
LOCAL 716
As soon as the analyzer is addressed to listen, it goes back into local-lockout mode. The only way
to clear the local-lockout mode, aside from cycling line power, is to execute:
LOCAL 7
This command un-asserts the remote line on the interface. This puts the instrument into local
mode and clears the local-lockout comm and. Return the instrument to remote mode by pressing:
Local, TALKER/LISTENER
or
Local, USE PASS CONTROL
I/O Paths
One of the features of BASIC is the use of input/output paths. The instrument may be addressed
directly by the instrument's device number as shown in the previous examples. However, a more
sophisticated approach is to declare I/O paths such as: ASSIGN @Nwa TO 716. Assigning an I/O
path builds a look-up table in the computer's memory that contains the device-address codes and
several other parameters. It is easy to quickly change addresses th roughout the entir e program at
one location. I/O operation is more efficient because it uses a table, in place of calculating or
searching for values related to I/O. In the more elaborate examples where file I/O is discussed, the
look-up table contains all the information about the file. Execution time is decreased, because the
computer no longer has to calculate a device's address each time that device is addressed.
For example:
Type SCRATCH and press
Return.
Type EDIT and press Return.
Type in the following program:
10 ASSIGN @Nwa TO 716 Assigns the analyzer to ADDRESS 716.
20 OUTPUT @Nwa;"STAR 50 MHZ;" Sets the analyzer' s start frequency to 50 MHz.
NOTE The use of I/O paths in binary-format transfers allows the user to quickly
distinguish the type of transfer taking place. I/O paths are used throughout the
examples and are highly recommended for use in device input/output.
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Introduction to Instrument Control
Instrument Control using BASIC
1-18
2
Alphabetical Command Reference 2-2
Keys to Programming Commands 2-3
Programming Commands 2-14
8703A Commands Not Supported in the 8703B 2-76
Alphabetical Command Reference
Alphabetical Command Reference
Alphabetical Command Reference
Alphabetical Command Reference
In this chapter, you can find an alphabetical list and brief descriptions of the supported
commands for controlling the Agilent 87 03B remotely.
NOTE Some commands have a range of values associated with them. If you send a
value that is beyond the analyzer’s capability, the analyzer will default to the
closest allowed value. Refer to the individual commands for the specific range
of values allowed.
Symbol Conventions
<num> Required numerical data.
<choice1|choice2|…|choicen> An appendage that is part of the command. For example,
FORMAT<DOS|LIF> indicates that the actual commands are
FORMATDOS and FORMATLIF .
<$> Indicates a character string operand which must be enclosed
by double quotes.
| An either/or choice in an appendage or optional data.
[ ] Optional data.
A terminator indicates the end of a command string, and this manual uses a semicolon as the
terminator in all syntax examples. The analyzer also interprets line feeds and GPIB end or
identify (EOI) messages as terminators. Terminators are not necessary for the analyzer to
interpret commands correctly, however in the case of a syntax error, the analyzer will attempt to
recover at the next terminator. Therefore, it is recommended that you conclude each command
with a terminator.
Because this chapter is an “Alphabetical Command Reference,” the commands have been listed
alphabetically, rather than by function, in both the “Syntax” sections and the “Description ”
sections. Therefore, commands grouped together in the “Syntax” sections, are grouped
alphabetically and/or due to common syntax form, not necessarily due to common functionality.
The softkeys listed in the “Front Panel Equivalents” tables may no t be in the first menu viewed
when the associated hardkey is pressed. In many cases, more than one key press will be required
to locate the softkey. Refer to your analyzer’s reference guide for the exact location of any
softkey.
Some commands that do not have an associated query syntax can be queried by sending the
command (without a value) and then sending t he OUTPACTI command, as in the following
example that queries the segment power value:
10 OUTPUT 716;”SEGPOWER;OUTPACTI;”
Many of the commands that do have a listed query syntax can also be queried in this manner.
2-2
Keys to Programming Commands
Table 2-1.Front Panel Equivalen ts (1 of 11)
Hardkey Softkey Command
Avg AVERAGING FACTOR AVERFACT
AVERAGING <ON |OFF> AVERO <ON|OFF>
AVERAGING RESTART AVERREST
IF BW [ ] IFBW
SMOOTHING APERTURE SMOOAPER
SMOOTHING ON OFF SMOOO <ON|OFF>
Cal ISOLATION ISOL
Cal ALTERNATE A and B ALTAB
Alphabetical Command Reference
Keys to Programming Commands
Cal ALTERNATE RFL/TRAN ALTAB
Cal CORRECTION ON OFF CORR
Cal DEFINE STANDARD DEFS
Cal DONE 1-PORT CAL SAV1
Cal DONE 2-PORT CAL SAV2
Cal DONE RESP ISOL’N CAL RAID
Cal DONE: DONE
Cal DONE: RESPDONE
Cal EXTENSION PORT 1 PORT1
Cal EXTENSION PORT 2 PORT2
Cal EXTENSIONS ON OFF PORE
Cal FULL 2-PORT CALIFUL2
Cal FWD ISOL’N FWDI
Cal FWD MATCH FWDM
Cal FWD TRA N S FWDT
Cal INTERPOL ON OFF CORI
Cal ISO L’N STD RAIISOL
Cal ISOLATION DONE ISOD
Cal MAXIMUM FREQUENCY MAXF
Cal OMIT ISOLATION OMII
2-3
Alphabetical Command Reference
Keys to Programming Commands
Table 2-1. Front Panel Equivalen ts (2 of 11)
Hardkey Softkey Command
Cal REFLECTION REFL
Cal RESPONSE CALIRESP
Cal RESPONSE RAIRESP
Cal RESPON SE & ISOL’N CALIRAI
Cal Respons e & Match (E/O) CA LIEORM
Cal Respons e & Matc h (O/E) CALIOERM
Cal Response & Match: Done RAMD
Cal RESUME CA L SEQUENCE RESC
Cal REV ISOL’N REVI
Cal REV MATCH REVM
Cal REV TRAN S REVT
Cal S11 1-PORT CALIS111
Cal S11A CLASS11A
Cal S11B CLASS11B
Cal S11C CLASS11C
Cal S22 1-PORT CALIS221
Cal S22A CLASS22A
Cal S22A CLASS22B
Cal S22A CLASS22C
Cal SET Z0 SETZ
Cal SLIDING LOAD DONE SLID
Cal SPECIFY CLASS DONE CLAD
Cal standar d listed under softkey 1 STANA
Cal standar d listed under softkey 2 STANB
Cal standar d listed under softkey 3 STANC
Cal standar d listed under softkey 4 STAND
Cal standar d listed under softkey 5 STANE
Cal standar d listed under softkey 6 STANF
Cal standar d listed under softkey 7 STANG
Cal STANDARDS DONE REFD
Cal STANDARDS DONE TRAD
2-4
Table 2-1. Front Panel Equivalen ts (3 of 11)
Hardkey Softkey Command
Cal TESTSET SW n Sweeps TSS WIn
Cal TRANSMISSN TRAN
Cal VELOCITY FACTOR VELOFACT
Center CENT
Chan 1 N/A CHAN1
Chan 2 N/A CHAN2
Chan 3 N/A CHAN3
Chan 4 N/A CHAN4
Copy LINE TYPE DATA LINTD ATA
LINE TYPE MEMORY LINTMEMO
LIST VALUES LISV
Alphabetical Command Reference
Keys to Programming Commands
NEXT PAGE NEXP
OP PARAMS OPEP
PLOT PLOT
RESTORE DISPLAY RESD
2-5
Alphabetical Command Reference
Keys to Programming Commands
Table 2-1. Front Panel Equivalen ts (4 of 11)
Hardkey Softkey Command
Display 2x:[1&2][3&4] D2XUPCH2
2x:[1&3][2&4] D2XUPCH3
4x:[1][2][3][4] D4XUPCH2
4x:[1][3][2][4] D4XUPCH3
AUX CHAN ON OFF AUXC <ON|OFF>
BACKGROUND INTENSITY BACI
BEEP DONE ON OFF BEEPDONE <ON|OFF>
BEEP FAIL ON OFF BEEPFAIL <ON|OFF>
BEEP WARN ON OFF BEEPWARN <ON|OFF>
BRIGHTNESS CBRI
DATA ->MEMORY DATI
DATA and MEMORY DISPDATM
DATA/MEM DISPDDM
DATA-MEM DISPDMM
DATA+MEM DISPDPM
DATA*MEM DISPDTM
MEM1/MEM2 DISPM1DM
MEM1-MEM2 DISPM1MM
MEM1+MEM2 DISPM1PM
MEM1*MEM2 DISPM1TM
MEM2/MEM1 DISPM2DM
MEM2-MEM1 DISPM2MM
MEM/DATA DISPMDD
MEM-DATA DISPMMD
MATH->MEM MATI
MEM1->MEM2 MEM1I
MEM2->MEM1 MEM2I
2-6
DEFAULT COLORS DEFC
DISPLAY: DATA DISPDATA
DUAL CHAN ON OFF DUAC <ON|OFF>
FREQUENCY BLANK FREO
INTENSITY INTE
Table 2-1. Front Panel Equivalen ts (5 of 11)
Hardkey Softkey Command
down N/A DOWN
Entry Off N/A ENTO
Format DELAY DELA
IMAGINARY IMAG
LIN MAG LINM
LOG MAG LOGM
PHASE PHAS
POLAR POLA
REAL REAL
SMITH CHART SMIC
SWR SWR
Alphabetical Command Reference
Keys to Programming Commands
Local ADDRESS: CONTROLLER AD DRCONT
ADDRESS: DISK ADDRDISC
ADDRESS: P MTR/GPIB ADDRPOWM
DISK UNIT NUMBER DISCUNIT
GPIB DIAG ON OFF DEBU <ON|OFF>
PLTR PORT GPIB ADDRPLOT
PRNTR PORT GPIB ADDRPRIN
USE PASS CONTROL USEPASC
Marker all OFF MARKOFF
D MODE OFF DELO
D REF = D FIXED MKR DELRFIXM
D REF = n DELR
FIXED MKR AUX VALUE MARKFAUV
FIXED MKR STIMULUS MARKFSTI
FIXED MKR VALUE MARKFVAL
MARKER n MARKn
MKR ZERO MARKZERO
2-7
Alphabetical Command Reference
Keys to Programming Commands
Table 2-1. Front Panel Equivalen ts (6 of 11)
Hardkey Softkey Command
Marker Fctn DISP MKRS ON OFF DISM
G + jB MKR SMIMGB
POLAR LIN MKR POLMLIN
SMITH LIN MKR SMIMLIN
POLAR LOG MKR POLMLOG
SMITH LOG MKR SMIMLOG
MARKER -> CENTER MA RKCENT
MARKER -> DELAY MARKDELA
MARKER -> SPAN MARKSPAN
MARKER -> START MARKSTAR
MARKER -> STOP MARKSTOP
MARKERS: CONTIN UOUS MARKCONT
MARKERS: COUPLED MARKCOUP
MARKERS: DISCRETE MARKDISC
MARKERS: UNCOUP LED MARKUNCO
MEASURE: STATS MEASTAT
SMITH R + jX MKR SM IMRX
POLAR Re/Im MKR POLMRI
SMITH Re/Im MKR SMIMRI
Marker Search BANDWIDTH MARK3DB
SEARCH LEFT SEAL
SEARCH RIGHT SEAR
SEARCH: MAX MARKMAXI
SEARCH: MAX SEAMAX
SEARCH: MIN MARKMINI
SEARCH: MIN SEAMIN
SEARCH: OFF SEAOFF
2-8
SEARCH: TARGET SEATARG
TRACKING ON OFF TRACK
WIDTH VALUE WIDV
WIDTHS ON OFF WIDT
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