Keysight (Agilent) 8920A Programmers Guide

HP 8920A RF Communications Test Set

Programmer’s Guide

Firmware Version A.15.00 and above

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HP Part No. 08920-90220

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1

Copyright © Hewlett-Packard Company 1997

Notice Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduct ion, adaptation, or translati on without prior written
permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.

This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to the
Copyright License under the clause at DFARS 52.227-7013 (APR 1988).

Hewlett-Packard Company
Learning Products Department
24001 E. Mission
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-9599
U.S.A.

2

Manufacturer’s Declaration

This statement is provided to c omply with the req uiremen ts of t he German So und
Emission Directive, from 18 January 1991.

This product has a sound pressure emission (at the operator position) < 70 dB(A).

• Sound Pressure Lp < 70 dB(A).

• At Operator Position.

• Normal Operation.

• According to ISO 7779:1988/EN 27779:1991 (Type Test).

Herstellerbescheinigung

Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der

Maschinenlärminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991.

• Schalldruckpegel Lp < 70 dB(A).

• Am Arbeitsplatz.

• Normaler Betrieb.

• Nach ISO 7779:1988/EN 27779:1991 (Typprüfung).

3

Safety
Considerations

WARNING A WARNING note denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the

GENERAL
This product and related document ation must be revi ewed for familiariz ation with

safety markings and instructions before operation.
This product is a Safety Class I instrument (provided with a protective earth

terminal).
SAFETY EARTH GROUND
A uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided from the main power

source to the product input wiring terminals, power cord, or supplied power cord
set.

CHASSIS GROUND TERMINAL
To prevent a potential shoc k hazard, always co nnect the rear-pa nel chassis gr ound

terminal to earth ground when operating this instrument from a dc power source.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Indicates instrument damage can occur if indicated operating limits are exceeded.

!

Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground) terminal

like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully un­derstood and met.

CAUTION A CAUTION note denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operation procedure,

practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result
in damage to or destruction of part or al l of the product. Do not pr oceed beyond an
CAUTION note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

4

Safety Considerations for this Instrument

WARNING: This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earthing

ground incorporated in the power cord) The mains plug shall only be inserted in a
socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the
protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the product
dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument
must be made inoperative and be secured against any unintended operation.

If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer (for voltage
reduction), make sure the common terminal is connected to the earth
terminal of the power source.

If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal
condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.

No operator serviceable parts in this product. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers.

Servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid
electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do
so.

The opening of covers or removal of parts is likely to expose dangerous
voltages. Disconnect the product from all voltage sources while it is being
opened.

Adjustments described in the manual are performed with power supplied to
the instrument while protective covers are removed. Energy available at
many points may, if contacted, result in personal inj ury.

The power cord is connected to internal capacitors that my remain live for
5 seconds after disconnecting the plug from its power supply.

For continued protection against fire hazard, replace the line fuse(s) only
with 250 V fuse(s) or the same current rating and type (for example, normal
blow or time delay). Do not use repaired fuses or short circuited
fuseholders.

5

WARNING: Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this product. Failure to

ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this co rd may cause product damage.

This product is desig ned for use in Installation Category II and Pollution
Degree 2 per IEC 1010 and IEC 664 respectively. For indoor use only.

This product has autoranging line voltage input, be sure the supply voltage
is within the specified range.

To prevent electrical shock, disconnect instrument from mains (line) before
cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the
external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

Ventilation Requirements: When installing the product in a cabinet, the
convection into and out of the product must not be restricted. The ambient
temperature (outside of the cabinet) must be less than the maximum

operating temperature of the product by 4° C for every 100 watts dissipated
in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800
watts, then forced convection must be used.

Product Markings CE - the CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. A CE

mark accompanied by a year indicated the year the design was proven.
CSA - the CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards

Association.

CERTIFICATION Hewlett-Packard Company certifies that this product met its published

specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Hewlett-Packard further
certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States
National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extend allowed by the

Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.

6

Hewett-Packard Warranty Statement for Commercial Products

Product: HP 8920A

Duration of Warranty: 1 year

1. HP warrants HP hardware, accessories and supplies against defects in materials and

workmanship for the period specified above. If HP receives notice of such defects
during the warranty period, HP will, at its option, either repair or replace products
which prove to be defective. Replacement products may be either new or like-new.

2 HP warrants that HP software will not fail to execute its programming instructions, for

the period specified above, due to defects in material and workmanship when p roperly
installed and used. If HP receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, HP
will replace software media which does not execute its programming instructions due
to such defects.

3. HP does not warrant that the operation of HP products will be uninterrupted or error

free. If HP is unable, within a reasonable time, to repair or replace any product to a
condition as warranted, customer will be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon
prompt return of the product.

4 HP products may contai n remanufactured parts equivalent to ne w in perform ance or

may have been subject to incidental use.

5. The warranty p eriod begins on the date of delivery or on the date of installation if

installed by HP. If customer schedules or delays HP installation more than 30 days after
delivery, warranty begins on the 31st day from delivery.

6 Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from (a) improper or inadequate

maintenance or calib rat ion, (b) software, interfacing, parts or sup pli es not supplied by
HP, (c) unauthorized modification or misuse, (d) operation outside of the published
environmental specifications for the product, or (e) improper site preparation or
maintenance.

7 TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE ABOVE WARRANTIES

ARE EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHER WARRANTY OR CONDITION, WHETHER
WRITTEN OR ORAL IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AND HP SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OR
MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

8 HP will be liable for damage to tangible property per incident u p to the greater of

$300,000 or the actual am ount paid f or th e product t hat is the subject of th e claim, an d
for damages for bodily injury or death, to the extent that all such damages are
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been directly caused by a
defective HP product.

7

9. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE REMEDIES IN THIS

WARRANTY STATEMENT ARE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS INDICATED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL HP OR ITS
SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF DATA OR FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFIT OR DATA), OR
OTHER DAMAGE, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR
OTHERWISE.

FOR CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND:
THE WARRANTY TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO
THE EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE RESTRICT OR
MODIFY AND ARE IN ADDITION TO THE MANDATORY STATUTORY
RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF THIS PRODUCT TO YOU.

8

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name:

according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014

Hewlett-Packard Co.

Manufacturer’s Address:

Spokane Division
24001 E. Mission Avenue
Liberty Lake, Washington 99019-9599
USA

declares that the product

Product Name:
Model Number:
Product Options:

RF Communications Test Set / Cell Site Test Set
HP 8920A, HP 8920B, and HP 8921A
This declaration covers all options of the above

product.

conforms to the following Product specifications:

Safety: IEC 348:1978 / HD 401S1:1981

1)

EMC: CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 Group 1, Class A

EN 5008 2 - 1 : 1992
IEC 801-2:1991 - 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD
IEC 801-3:1984 - 3V/m
IEC 801-4:1988 - 0.5 kV Sig. Lines, 1 kV Power Lines

Supplementary Information:

This product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carries the CD-marking accordingly

1) The product was introduced prior to 12/1993
Spokane, Washington USA Date October 17, 199 6 Vince Roland/Quality Manager

European Contact: Your local Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office or Hewlett-Packard GmbH
Department ZQ/Standards Europe, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 B

9

ö

blinger, Germany (FAX[phone])

.

Table 1 Regional Sales and Service Offices

Eastern USA
Sales Office
Hewlett-Packard Company
2101 Gather Rd.
Rockville, MD 20850
Tel: [phone]

Southern USA
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Company
1995 North Park Place
Atlanta, GA 30339

Sales
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Service
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Western USA
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Company
24 Inverness Place East
Englewood, CO 80112

Sales
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Service
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Eastern USA
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Company
150 Green Pond Road
Rockaway, NJ 07866
Tel: [phone]

Southern USA
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Company
930 E. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75081
Tel: [phone]

Western USA
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Company
1421 South Manhattan Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92631

Sales
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Service
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Midwestern USA
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Company
5201 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Tel: [phone]

Western USA
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Company
301 E. Evelyn Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94041
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

United States of America
Customer Information Center
Hewlett-Packard Company
Tel: [phone]

6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Parts Direct: 1-800-227-8164

South Eastern Europe
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ges. m.b.h.
Liebigasse 1
P.O. Box 72
A-1222 Vienna, Austria

Telephone: [phone]
Telex: 13 4425

10

European Multicountry Region
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard S.A.
P.O. Box 95
150, Route dv Nant_dl_AVRIL
CH-1217 Meyrin 2
Geneva, Switzerland

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Northern Europe
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Nederland B.V.
Startbaan 16
1187 XR
Amstelveen, The Netherlands
P.O. Box 667

Telephone: [phone] X 6631
Fax: [phone]NL

Table 1 Regional Sales and Service Offices

Asia
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Asia Ltd.
22-30/F Peregrine Tower
Lippo Center
89 Queensway, Central
Hong Kong
G.P.O. Box 863 Hong Kong

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Australia, New Zealand
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
P.O. Box 221
31-41 Joseph Street
Blackburn, Victoria 3130

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Canada
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
11120 178 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1P2
Canada

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Japan
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Japan, Ltd.
3-29-21, Takaido-Higashi
Suginami-Ku, Tokyo 168

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Canada
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd.
5150 Spectrum Way
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5G1
Canada

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Latin America
Hewlett-Packard Company
LAHQ Mexico City
Col. Lomas de Virreyes
11000 Mexico D.F.
Mexico

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

International Sales Branch Headquarters
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard S.A.
39 Rue Veyrot
P.O. Box 365
1217 Meyrin 1
Geneva, Switzerland

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Canada
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Company
17500 Transcanada Highway
S. Serv Road
Kirkland, Quebec H9J 2X8
Canada

Telephone: [phone]
United Kingdom

Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
Cain Road
Amen Corner
Bracknell, Berkshire
RG12 1HN
United Kingdom

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

11

In this Book Chapter 1, Using HP-IB, describes the general guidelines for using HP-IB and how to

prepare the Test Set for HP-IB usage. This chapter includes example programs for
controlling the basic functions of the Test Set.

Chapter 2, Methods For Reading Measurement Results, contains guidelines for
programming the te st set for r eturnin g measuremen t resu lts. Top ics dis cussed in clude ho w
to recover from a "hung" state when a measurement fails to complete. Sample code is
included.

Chapter 3, HP-IB Command Guidelines, contains information about sequential and
overlapped commands, command syntax, units of measure, and measurement states. A
short example program is also presented to familiarize the user wit h remote operation of
the Test Set.

Chapter 4, HP-IB Commands,

contains command syntax diagrams, equivalent
front-panel key commands, IEEE 488.2 Common Commands and triggering
commands.

Chapter 5, Advanced Operations, includes information about increasing measurement
throughput, status reporting, error reporting, service requests, instrument initialization,
and passing control.

Chapter 6, Memory Cards/Mass Storage, describes the types of mass storage (RAM
disk, ROM disk, external disk drives, SRAM cards, and ROM cards) and the file system
formats (DOS, LIF) available in the Test Set.

Chapter 7, IBASIC Controller, describes how to develop Instrument BASIC (IBASIC)

programs for use on the Test Set’s built-in IBASIC Controller. Topics discussed are:
interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using the serial ports, overview of the three program
development methods, enter ing and editing IBASIC programs, program cont rol us ing the
PROGram Subsystem, and an introduction to wri tin g p rog rams for the TESTS subsystem.

Chapter 8, Programming the Call Processing Subsystem, describes how to control the
Test Set’s Call Processing Subsystem using the Call Processing Subsystem’s remote user
interface. Topics discussed are: accessing the Call Processing Subsystem screens,
handling error messages, controlling program flow using the Call Processing Status
Register Group, and how to query data messages received from the mobile station.
Example programs are provided showing how to control the Call Processing Subsystem
using service requests and register polling.

Error Messages describes the Text Only HP-IB Errors and the Numbered HP-IB Errors.
This section also describes other types of error messages that the Test Set displays and
where to find more information about those types of error messages.

12

Contents

1 Using HP-IB

Overview of the Test Set 26

Getting Started 34

Remote Operation 47

Addressing 49

IEEE 488.1 Remote Interface Message Capabilities 50

Remote/Local Modes 53

13

Contents

2 Methods For Reading Measurement Results

Background 58

HP BASIC ‘ON TIMEOUT’ Example Program 60

HP BASIC ‘MAV’ Example Program 64

14

Contents

3 HP-IB Command Guidelines

Sequential and Overlapped Commands 70

Guidelines f or Operation 7 1

15

Contents

4 HP-IB Commands

HP-IB Syntax Diagrams 94

Adjacent Channel Power (ACP) 97

AF Analyzer 99

AF Generator 1 102

AF Generator 2 Pre-Modulation Filters 103

AF Generator 2/Encoder 104

Configure, I/O Configure 119

Call Processing 124

Decoder 143

Display 147

Measure 149

Oscilloscope 156

Program 161

Save/Recall Registers 162

RF Analyzer 163

RF Generator 165

Radio Interface 166

Spectrum Analyzer 167

HP-IB Only Commands 169

16

Contents

Status 170

System 171

Tests 172

Trigger 175

Integer Number Setting Syntax 176

Real Number Setting Syntax 177

Multiple Real Number Setting Syntax 178

Number Measurement Synt ax 179

Multiple Number Measurement Syntax 181

Equivalent Front-Panel Key Commands 182

IEEE 488.2 Common Commands 210

Common Command Descriptions 211

Triggering Measurements 230

17

Contents

5 Advanced Operations

Increasing Measurement Throughput 240

Status Reporting 246

HP-IB Service Requests 297

Instrument Initialization 307

Passing Control 320

18

Contents

6 Memory Cards/Mass Stor age

Default File System 332

Mass Storage Device Overview 333

Default Mass Storage Locations 340

Mass Storage Access 342

DOS and LIF File System Considerations 343

Using the ROM Disk 350

Using Memory Cards 351

Backing Up Procedure and Library Files 356

Copying Files Using IBASIC Commands 357

Using RAM Disk 359

Using External Disk Drives 361

19

Contents

7 IBASIC Controller

Introduction 364

The IBASIC Controller Screen 365

Important Notes for Program Development 367

Program Development 368

Interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using Serial Ports 370

Choosing Your Development Method 384

Method #1. Program Development on an External BASIC L anguage
Computer 386

Method #2. Developin g Programs on the Test Set Using t he IBASIC
EDIT Mode 394

Method #3. Developing Programs Using Word Processor on a PC
(Least Preferred) 399

Uploading Programs from the Test Set to a PC 406

Serial I/O from IBASIC Programs 407

PROGram Subsystem 410

The TESTS Subsystem 438

20

Contents

8 Programming The Call Processing Subsystem

Description of the Call Processing Subsystem’s Remote User
Interface 446

Using the Call Processing Subsystem’s Remote User Interface 450

Programming The CALL CONTROL Screen 460

Programming The CALL DATA Screen 488

CALL DATA Screen Message Field Descriptions 492

Programming The CALL BIT Screen 503

CALL BIT Screen Message Field Descriptions 514

Programming The ANALOG MEAS Screen 534

Programming The CALL CONFIGURE Screen 542

Example Programs 545

21

Contents

9 Error Messages

22

Contents

Index 595

23

Contents

24

1

Using HP-IB

25

Chapter 1, Using HP-IB

Overview of the Test Set

Overview of the Test Set

The Test Set combines up to 22 separate test instruments and an Instrument

BASIC (IBASIC) Controller into one package. All of the Test Set’s functions can
be automatically controlled through application programs running on the built-in
IBASIC Controller or on an external controller connected through HP-IB.

Developing programs for the Test Set is simplified if the programmer has a basic
understanding of how the Test Set operates. An overview of the Test Set’s
operation is best presented in terms of how information flows through the unit.
The simplified bloc k diagrams sho wn in
depict how instrument control information and measurement result information
are routed among th e Test Set ’s instrum ents, ins trument c ontrol hardwa re, built -in
IBASIC controller, and other components.

figure 1 on page 32 and figure 2 o n page 33

The Test Set has two operating modes: Manual Control mode and Automatic
Control mode. In Manual Control mode the Test Set’s operation is controlled
through the front panel keypad/rotary knob. There are two Automatic Control
modes: Internal and External. In Internal Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s
operation is controll ed by an application program running on the bui lt -i n IBASI C
Controller. In External Automatic Control mode the Tes t Set’s operation is
controlled by an external controller connected to the Test Set through the HP-IB
interface.

26

Manual Control Mode

The Test Set’s primary instruments are shown on the left side of figure 1 . There
are two classes of instruments in the Test Set: signal analyzers (RF Analyzer, AF
Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Signaling Decoder) and signal
sources (RF Generator, AF Generator #1, AF Generator #2/Signaling Encoder).
The Test Set’s measurement capability can be extended by adding application
specific “top boxes” such as the HP 83201A Dual Mode Cellular Adapter.

Since so many instruments are integrated into the Test Set, it is not feasible to
have an actual “front panel” for each instrument. Therefore, each instrument’s
front panel is maintained in firmware and is displayed o n the CRT whene ver the
instrument is selected. Only one instrument front panel can be displayed on the
CRT at any given time (up to four measurement results can be displayed
simultaneously if desired). Just as with stand alone instruments, instrument front
panels in the Test Set can contain instrument setting information, measurement
result(s), or data input from the DUT.

Chapter 1, Using HP-IB

Overview of the Test Set

Using the Test Set in Manual Control mode is very analogous to using a set of
bench or rack-mounted test equipment. To obtain a measurement result with a
bench or racked system, the desired measurement must be “active.” For example,
if an RF power meter is in the bench or racked system and the user wishes to
measure the power of an RF car rier th ey must t urn the p ower meter on, an d look at
the front panel to see the measurement result. Other instruments in the system
may be turned off but this would not prevent the operator from measuring the RF
power.

Conceptually, the same is tr ue for the Tes t Set. In order to make a measurement or
input data from a DUT, the desired measurement field or data field must be
“active.” This is done by using the front panel keypad/rotary knob to select the
instrument whose front panel contains the desired measurement or data field and
making sure that the desired measurement or data field is turned ON.

Figure 1 shows that instrument selection is handled by the To Screen control

hardware which routes the selected instrument’s front panel to the CRT for
display. Once an instrument’s front panel is displayed on the CRT, the user can
manipulate th e instru ment se ttings, s uch as turning a specif ic mea surement or data
field on or off, using t he k eypa d/r ot ar y knob.

Figure 1 also shows that inst rument

setup is handled by the Instrument Control hardware which routes setup
information from the front panel to the in dividual instruments.

An HP-IB/RS-232/Parallel Printer interface capability is available in the Test Set.
In Manual Control mode this provides the capability of connecting an external
HP-IB, seri al, or parallel printer to the Test Set so that display screens can be
printed.

27

Chapter 1, Using HP-IB

Overview of the Test Set

Internal Automatic Control Mode

In Internal A utomatic Contro l mode the Test S et’s operati on is controlled by an
application program running on the built-in Instrument BASIC (IBASIC)
Controller. The built-in controller runs programs written in IBASIC, a subset of
the Hewlett-Packard BASIC programming language used on the HP 9000 Series
200/300 System Controllers. IBASIC is the only programming language
supported on the built-in IBASIC Controller.

Similarities Between the Test Set’s IBASIC Contro ller and Other Single-Tasking
Controllers

The architectur e of the I BASIC Contro ller is similar t o that of other si ngle-tas king
instrumentation controllers. Only one program can be run on the IBASIC
Controller at any given time. The program is loaded into RAM memory from
some type of mass storage device. Five types of mass storage devices are
available to the Test Set: SRAM memory cards, ROM memory cards, external
disk drives connected to the HP-IB interface, internal RAM disc, and internal
ROM disc. Three types of interfaces are available for connecting to external
instruments and equipment: HP-IB, RS-232, and 16-bit parallel (available as Opt
020 Radio Interface Card).

Figure 2 shows how information is routed inside the Test Set when it is in Internal

Automatic Control mode. In Manual Control mode certain Test Set resources are
dedicated to manual operation. These resources are switched to the IBASIC
Controller when an IBASIC pro gram is runni ng. These inc lude the se rial int erface
at select code 9, the HP-IB interface at select code 7, the parallel printer interface
at select code 15, and the CRT. In Manual Control mode, front panel information
(instrume nt settings, measurement results, d ata input from the DUT) is routed to
the CRT through the To Screen control hardware. In Internal Automatic Control
mode the measurement results and data input from the DUT are routed to the
IBASIC Controller through a dedicated HP-IB interface. Also, in Internal
Automatic Control mode, the CRT is dedicated to the IBASIC Controller for
program and graphics display. This means instrument front panels cannot be
displayed on the CRT when an IBASIC program is running.

28

Chapter 1, Using HP-IB

Overview of the Test Set

Differences Between the Test Set’s IBASIC Controller and Other Single-Tasking
Controllers

The IBASIC Controller is unlike other single tasking instrumentation controllers
in several ways. First, it does not have a keyboard. This imposes some limitations
on creating and editing IBASIC programs directly on the Test Set. In Internal

Automatic Control mode a “virtual” keyboard is available in firmware which
allows the operator to enter alphanumeric data into a dedicated input field using
the rotary knob. This i s not the re commended pr ogrammin g mode for th e IBASIC
Controller. This feature is provided to allow user access to IBASIC programs for
short edits or troubleshooting. Several programming modes for developing
IBASIC programs to run on the internal IBASIC Controller are discussed in this
manual.

Secondly, the IBASIC Controll er has a dedicated HP-IB int erface, select code 8 in

figure 2 , for communicating with the internal instruments of the Test Set. This

HP-IB interface is only available to the IBASIC Controller. T here is no external
connector for this HP-IB interface. No external instruments may be added to this
HP-IB interface. The HP-IB interface, select code 7 in

figure 2 , is used to

interface the Test Set to external instruments or to an external controller. The
dedicated HP-IB interface at select code 8 conforms to the IEEE 488.2 Standard
in all respects but one. The difference being that each instrument on the bus does
not have a unique address. The Instrument Control Hardware determ ines which
instrument is being addressed through the command syntax. Refer to

"HP-IB Commands"

for a listing of the HP-IB command syntax for the Test Set.

chapter 4,

29

Chapter 1, Using HP-IB

Overview of the Test Set

External Automatic Control Mode

In External Automatic Control mode the Te st Set’s operation is controlled by an
external control ler connected to the Test Set thro ugh the HP-IB int erface. When in
External Automa tic Cont rol mod e the Te st Set’ s inter nal c onfigura tion is the sa me
as in Manual Control Mode with two exceptions:

1. Configuration and setup commands are received through the external HP-IB inter face,

select code 7, rather than from the front-panel keypad/rotary knob.

2. The MEASure command is used to obtain measurement results and DUT data through

the external HP-IB interface.

Figure 1 on page 32

Control mode.

shows how information is rout ed inside t he Test Set i n Manual

Figure 1 also shows that ce rtain Test Set resour ces are dedi cated to

the IBASIC Controller (Memory Card, ROM disk, Serial Interface #10) an d are
not directly accessible to the user in Manual Control Mode. In addition,

figure 1

shows that Serial Interface #9 and Parallel Printer Interface #15 are accessible as
write-only inter faces fo r printi ng in Manual Control m ode. These sa me con ditions
are true when in External Automatic Control mode. If the user wished to access
these resources fr om an exte rnal contro ll er, an IBASIC p rog ram would h ave to be
run on the Test Set from the external controller.

30