Agilent Technologies 8920B
RF Communications Test Set
GPIB Programmer’s Guide
POWE
OF O
!
MAX POWER
!
ANT INDUPLEX OUTRF IN/OUT
MAX POWER 200
USER
ASSIG
RELEA
SHIFT
k1’
k1
k2’
k2
k3’
k3
k4
k5
SCREEN CONTROL
CANCE
MIC/
REF
INCR
CONFIHELPMSSG HOLD PRINT
DUPLETXRX PREV TESTS
DATA FUNCTIONS
METER
AVG
INCR
INCR
LO HI
CURSOR CON-
PUSH TO
INSTRUMENT STATE
ADRS
SAVE
LOCAL
RECAL
DATA
789
456
123
+
0
NO
YES
ON/OFF
AUDIO SQUELCVOL-
MAX
!
MEAS
_
AUDIO IN
Firmware Versions: Agilent 8920B B.06.00 and above
Agilent Part Number: 08920-90222
Printed in U. S. A.
April 2000
ENTER
PRESE
dB
GHz
%
MHz
s
kHz
Hzms% Ωppm
MEMO
LOHI
MAX
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Rev. D
1
Notice
© Copyright Agilent Technologies 1996-2000
No part of this manual may be re produced in any form or by any means (inc luding
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Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including,
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in any technical data.
Agilent Technologies
Learning Products Department
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U.S.A.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Microsoft®, Microsoft® Windows, and MS-DOS® are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
ProComm
INC.
Edition/Print Date
All Editions and Updates of this manual and their creation dates are listed
below.
2
®
is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES,
Rev. A . . . . .October 1996
Rev. B . . . . .December 1998
Rev. C . . . . .October 1999
Rev. D . . . . .April 2000
Safety Summary
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases
of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or
with specif ic warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of
design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent
Technologies Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply
with these requirements.
GENERAL
This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth
terminal). The prot ective f eatures of thi s product may be impaire d if it is used
in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
All Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) used in this product are Class 1 LEDs as
per IEC 60825-1.
This product has be en designed and tested in acc ordance with IEC Publication
1010, "Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus," and has
been supplied in a safe condition. This instruction documentation contains
information and warnings which must be followed by the user to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This instrument is intended for indoor use in an installation category II,
pollution degree 2 environment. It is designed to operate at a maximum
relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. Refer to the
specifications tables for the ac mains voltage requirements and ambient
operating temperature range.
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 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.
BEFORE APPLYING POWER
Verify that the product is set to match the available line voltage, the correct
fuse is installed, and all safety precau tions are taken. Note the instrument's
external markings described under Safety Symbols.
3
GROUND THE INSTRUMENT
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be
connected to an electrical protective earth ground. The instrument must be
connected to the ac power mains through a grounded power cable, with the
ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the
power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or
disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock
hazard that could result in personal injury.
FUSES
Only fuses with the required rated cur rent, voltage, and specified ty pe (normal
blow, time delay, etc.) should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or shortcircuited fuse holders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
DO NOT REMOVE THE INSTRUMENT COVER
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component
replacement and inter nal adj ustments mus t be made o nly by quali fied s ervic e
personnel.
Instruments that appea r damaged or defective shou ld be made inoperativ e and
secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified
service personnel.
WARNING: The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or
the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal
injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the in dicated conditions are
fully understood and met.The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to
an operating procedure, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
4
Product Markings
Safety Symbols
Caution, refer to accompanying documents
Warning, risk of electric shock
Earth (ground) terminal
Alternating current
Frame or chassis terminal
Standby (supply). Units with this symbol are not completely disconnected
from ac mains when this swi tch is off.
T o completely disconnect the unit from ac mains, either disconnect the power cor d, or
have a qualified electrician install an external switch.
CE - the CE mark is a regist ered trademark of the Euro pean Community . A CE
mark accompanied by a year indicated the year the design was proven.
CERTIFICATION
CSA - the CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at t he ti me of shi pment from the factory. Agilent Technologies
further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United
States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed
by the Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members
5
Agilent Technologies Warranty Statement for Commercial Products
Agilent Technologies 8920B RF Communications Test Set
Duration of Warranty: 1 year
1 Agilent Technologies warrants Agilent Technologies hardware, accessories and
supplies against defects in materials and workmanship for the period specified
above. If Agilent Technologies receives notice of such defects during the warr anty
period, Agilent Technologies will, at its option, either repair or replace products
which prove to be defective. Replacement p roducts may be either new or like-new.
2 Agilent Technologies warrants that Agilent Technologies software will not fail to
execute its programming instructions, for the period specified above, due to
defects in material and workmanship when properly installed and used. If Agilent
Technologies receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Agilent
Technologies will replace software media which does not execute its
programming instructions due to such defects.
3 Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation o f Agilent Technologies
products will be uninterrupted or error free. If Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies products may contain remanufactured parts equivalent to
new in performance or may have been subject to incidental use.
5 The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the date of installat ion if
installed by Agilent Technologies. If customer schedules or delays Agilent
Technologies install ation more than 3 0 days after deliver y, warranty begins on the
31st day from delivery.
6 Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from (a) improper or inad equate
maintenance or calibrati on, (b) software, interfacing, part s or supplies not supplied
by Agilent Technologies, (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 WARRANTYOR
CONDITION, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL IS EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED AND AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OR
MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
6
ASSISTANCE
8 Agilent Technologies will be liable for damage to tangible property per incident
up to the greater of $300,000 or the actual amou nt paid fo r th e pro duct that is the
subject of the claim, and for damages for bodily injury or death, to the extent that
all such damages are determined by a cou rt of competent jurisdiction to ha ve been
directly caused by a defective Agilent Technologies product.
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
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF
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EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE
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TO YOU.
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are
available for Agilent T echnolo gies products. For any assistance, contact yo ur nearest
Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.
7
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name:
Agilent Technologies
Manufacturer’s Address:
24001 E. Mission Avenue
Liberty Lake, Washington 99019-9599
USA
declares that the product
Product Name:
Model Number:
Product Options:
RF Communications T est Set / Cell Site Test Set
A g i l ent Te c h n o l o g i e s 8 9 20A, 8920B , and 8 9 21A
This declaration covers all options of the above
product.
conforms to the following Product specifications:
Safety: IEC 1010-1:1990+A1+A2/EN 61010-1:1993
EMC: CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 Group 1, Class A
EN 5 008 2-1 : 19 92
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 is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
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
Spokane, Washington USA November 20, 1998 Vince Roland/Quality Manager
8
.
Table 1 Regional Sales Offices
United States of America:
Agilent Technologies
Test and Measurement Call Center
P.O. Box 4026
Englewood, CO 80155-4026
(tel) 1 800 452 4844
Japan:
Agilent Technologies Japan Ltd.
Measurement Assist ance Center
9-1 Takakura-Cho, Hachioji-Shi,
Tokyo 192-8510, Japan
(tel) (81) 456-56-7832
(fax) (81) 426-56-7840
Asia Pacific:
Agilent Technologies
24/F, Cityplaza One,
111 Kings Road,
Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong
Canada:
Agilent Technologies Canada Inc.
5150 Spectrum Way
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 5G1
(tel) 1 877 894 4414
Latin America:
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Latin America Region
Headquarters
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Suite #950
Miami, Florida 33126
U.S. A.
(tel) (305) 267 4245
(fax) (305) 267 4286
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1180 AZ Amstelveen
The Netherlands
(tel) (3120) 547 9999
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Australia
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New Zealand
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(tel) (852) 3197 7777
(fax) (852) 2506 9233
9
Service and Support
Table 2
Any adjustment, maintenance, or re pair of this product must be performe d by
qualified personnel. Contact your customer engineer through your local
Agilent Technologies Service Center. You can find a list of local service
representatives on the Web at:
http://www.agilent-tech.com/services/English/index.html
If you do not have access to the Internet , one of these center s can direct you to
your nearest representative:
United States Test and Measurement Call Center
(Toll free in US)
Europe
Canada
Japan Measurement Assistance Center
Latin America
Australia/New Zealand
Asia-Pacific
(800) 452-4844
(31 20) 547 9 900
(905) 206-4725
(81) 426 56 7832
|(81) 426 56 7840 (FAX)
(305) 267 4288 (FAX)
1 800 629 485 (Australia)
0800 738 378 (New Zealand)
(852) 2599 7777
(852) 2506 9285 (FAX)
10
Manufacturer’s Declaration
Herstellerbescheinigung
This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German
Sound 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).
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).
11
In this Book
Chapter 1, Using GPIB1, describes the general guidelines for using GPIB and how
to prepare the Test Set for GPIB usage. This chapter includes example programs for
controlling the basic functions of the Test Set.
Chapter 2, GPIB 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 with remote operation of the Test Set.
Chapter 3, GPIB Commands, contains command syntax diagrams, equivalent
front-panel key commands, IEEE 488.2 Common Commands and triggering commands.
Chapter 4, Advanced Operations, includes information about increasing measurement throughput, status reporting, error reporting, service requests, instrument initialization, and passing control.
Chapter 5, 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 6, IBASIC Controller, describes how to develop Instrum ent BASIC (IBA-
SIC) 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, entering and editing IBASIC programs, program
control using the PROGram Subsystem, and an introduction to writing programs for
the TESTS subsystem.
Chapter 7, Programming the Call Processi ng Subsystem, describes how to control the Test Set’s Call Processing Subsystem using the Call Processing Subsystem’s
remote user interface. T opics discussed are: accessing the Call Processing Subsystem
screens, handling error messages, contro lling 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.
1. GPIB was formerly called HP-IB for Hewlett-Packard instruments. Some labels
®
on the instrument may still reflect the former HP
12
name.
Conventions Used In This Manual
Definition of Test Set
The generic abbreviation "PC" is used to represent computers compatible with the
IBM persona l computer (PC) running the M S -DOS
The term "workstation" is used to represent HP
Controllers.
The acronym IBASIC is used throughout this manual to refer to Instrument BASIC, a
subset of the Rocky Mountain BASIC programming language. The term IBASIC
Controller refers to the Test Set’s built-in IBASIC Controller.
®
operating system.
®
9000 Series 200/300 System
A field on the Test Set ’s display is represented in the following manner:
AF Anl In.
A front-panel keycap is represented in the following manner: [TESTS].
When keys are pressed one-at-a-time, they are separated by commas. For
example, [SHIFT], [TESTS] means to press and re lease the [SHIFT] key , then
press and release the [TESTS] key.
When keys are pressed simultaneously, they are connected by a plus sign, +.
For example, [Alt]+[ P ] means to hold down the [Alt] key and press [ P ].
The generic t erm "Test Set" is used interc hangeably in the manual fo r the
Agilent 8920B.
13
14
Contents
1 Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set 22
Getting Started 30
Remote Operation 43
Addressing 45
IEEE 488.1 Remote Interface Message Capabilities 46
Remote/Local Modes 49
2 Methods For Reading Measurement Results
Background 54
®
BASIC ‘ON TIMEOUT’ Example Program 56
HP
®
BASIC ‘MAV’ Example Program 60
HP
3 GPIB Command Guidelines
Sequential and Overlapped Commands 66
Guidelines for Operation 67
4 GPIB Commands
GPIB Syntax Diagrams 88
Adjacent Channel Power (ACP) 91
AF Analyzer 93
15
Contents
AF Generator 1 96
AF Generator 2 Pre-Modulation Filters 97
AF Generator 2/Encoder 98
Configure, I/O Configure 113
Call Processing 119
Decoder 159
Display 163
Measure 165
Oscilloscope 172
Program 177
Save/Recall Registers 178
RF Analyzer 179
RF Generator 181
Radio Interface 182
Spectrum A nalyzer 183
GPIB Only Commands 185
Status 186
System 187
Tests 188
Trigger 191
16
Contents
Integer Number Setting Syntax 192
Real Number Setting Syntax 193
Multiple Real Number Setting Syntax 194
Number Measurement Syntax 195
Multiple Number Measurement Syntax 197
Equivalent Front-Panel Key Commands 198
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands 226
Common Command Descriptions 241
Triggering Measurements 258
5 Advanced Operations
Increasing Measurement Throughput 268
Status Reporting 275
GPIB Service Requests 329
Instrument Initialization 339
Passing Control 349
6 Memory Cards/Mass Storage
Default File System 360
Mass Storage Device Overview 362
17
Contents
Default Mass Storage Locations 368
Mass Storage Access 370
DOS and LIF File System Considerations 371
Using the ROM Disk 376
Using Memory Cards 377
Backing Up Procedure and Library Files 383
Copying Files Using IBASIC Commands 384
Using RAM Disk 386
Using External Disk Drives 388
7 IBASIC Controller
Introduction 390
The IBASIC Controller Screen 391
Important Notes for Program Development 393
Program Development 394
Interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using Serial Ports 396
Choosing Your Development Method 409
Method #1. Program Development on an External BASIC Language
Computer 411
Method #2. Developing Progra ms on the Test Set Using the IBASIC
EDIT Mode 417
18
Contents
Method #3. Developing Programs Using Word Processor on a PC
(Least Preferred) 421
Uploading Programs from the Test Set to a PC 428
Serial I/O from IBASIC Programs 429
PROGram Subsystem 432
The TESTS Subsystem 455
8 Programming the Call Processing Subsystem
Description of the Call Processing Subsystem’s Remote User
Interface 462
Using the Call Processing Subsystem’s Remote User Interface 465
Programming the CALL CONTROL Screen 475
Programming the AUTHENTICATION Screen 507
Programming the CALL DATA Screen 516
CALL DATA Screen Message Field Descriptions 521
Programming the CALL BIT Screen 539
CALL BIT Screen Message Field Descriptions 551
Programming the ANALOG MEAS Screen 601
Programming the CALL CONFIGURE Screen 608
Example Programs 612
19
Contents
9 Error Messages
Index 659
20
1
Using GPIB
1. GPIB was formerly called HP-IB for Hewlett-Packard instruments. Some labels on
the instrument may still reflect the former HP
1
®
name.
21
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set
Overview of the Test Set
The Test Set combines up to 22 separate test instruments and an Inst rument
BASIC (IBAS IC) 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 GPIB.
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 block diagrams shown in
depict how instrument control information and measurement result information
29
are routed among the Test Set’s in strumen ts , instr umen t cont rol hardwar e, bui lt-i n
IBASIC controller, and other components.
Figure 1 on page 28 and Figure 2 on page
The Test Set has two operating modes: Manual Control mode and Automatic
Control mode. In Manual Control mode the Test Set’s operation is contro lled
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 ap pli ca ti on program running on the built-in IBASIC
Controlle r. In Extern al Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation is
controlled by an external controller connected to the Test Set through the GPIB
interface.
22
S:\agilent\8920\8920b\PRGGUIDE\BOOK\CHAPTERS\usehpib.fb
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 Agilent 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 an d is displayed on the CRT whenever 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 GPIB
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 carrier they must turn the power meter on, and look at
the front panel to see the measurement result. Other instrument s in the system
may be turned off but this would not prevent the operator from measuring the RF
power.
Conceptually, the same is true for the Test 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 the i nstrume nt sett ings, such as turni ng a s pecific measurement or data
field on or off, using the keypad/rotary knob.
Figure 1 also shows that instrument
setup is handled by the Instrument Control hardware which routes setup
information from the front panel to the individual instruments.
A GPIB/RS-232/Parallel Printer interface capability is available in the Test Set. In
Manual Control mode this provides the capability of connecting an external
GPIB, serial, or parallel printer to the Test Set so that display screens can be
printed.
23
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set
Internal Automatic Control Mode
In Internal Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation 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 HP
System Controllers. IBASIC is the only programming language supported on the
built-in IBASIC Controller.
Similarities Between the Test Set’s IBASIC Controller and Other Single-Tasking
Controllers
The architecture of the IBASI C Controll er 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 GPIB i nterface, internal RAM disc, and internal
ROM disc. Three types of interfaces are available for connecting to external
instruments and equipment: GPIB, RS-232, and 16-bit parallel (available as Opt
020 Radio Interface Card).
®
BASIC programming language used on the HP® 9000 Series 200/300
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 prog ram is runni ng. These inc lude the se rial int erface
at select code 9, the GPIB int erface at sele ct code 7, the paral lel printer interface at
select code 15, and the CRT. In Manual Control mode, front panel information
(instrument settings, measurement results, data 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 GPIB 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.
24
S:\agilent\8920\8920b\PRGGUIDE\BOOK\CHAPTERS\usehpib.fb
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
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 , i t d oes 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 t he re commended pr ogramming mode for the I BASIC
Controller. This feature is provided to allow user access to IBASIC programs for
short edits or troubleshooting. Several programming modes for developing
IBASIC pro grams to run on the internal IBASIC Controller are discussed in this
manual.
Secondly, the IBASIC Controller has a dedicated GPIB interface, select code 8 in
Figure 2, for communi cating with the internal instruments of the Test Set. This
GPIB interface is only ava ilable to the IBASIC Controller. There is no external
connector for this GPIB interface. No external instruments may be added to this
GPIB interface. The GPIB interfa ce, se le ct code 7 in
Figure 2, is used to interface
the Test Set to external instruments or to an external c ontroller. The dedicate d
GPIB 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 determines which
instrument is being addressed through the command syntax. Refer to
“GPIB Commands,”
for a listing of the GPIB command s yntax for the Test Set.
Chapter 4,
25
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set
External Automatic Control Mode
In External Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation is con trolled by an
external controlle r co nnec te d to t he Test Set through the GPIB interface. When in
External Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s internal confi guratio n is the same
as in Manual Control Mode with two exceptions:
1. Configuration and setup commands are received through the external GPIB interface,
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 GPIB interface.
Figure 1 on page 28
Control mode.
shows how informat ion i s rout ed i nside the Test Set in Manual
Figure 1 on page 28 also shows that certain Test Set resources are
dedicated to the IBASIC C ontroller (M emory Card, ROM disk, Serial Interface
#10) and are not directly accessible to the user in Manual Control Mode. In
addition,
Figure 1 on page 28 shows that Serial Interface #9 and Parallel Printer
Interface #15 are accessible as write-only interfaces for printing in Manual
Control mode. These same conditions are true when in External Automatic
Control mode. If the user wished to access these resources from an external
controller, an IBASIC program would have to be run on the Test Set from the
external controller.
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Writing programs for the Test Set
One of the desi gn goals for aut omatic control of the Test Set was that it operat e the
same way programmatically as it does manually. This is a key point to remember
when developing programs f or the Test Set. The benefit of this approach is that to
automate a particular task, one need only figure out how to do the task manually
and then duplicate the same process in software. This has several implications
when designing and writing programs for the Test Set:
1. In Manual Control mode a measurement must be “active” in order to obtain a
measurement result or input data fro m the DUT. From a programming perspective this
means that before attempting to read a measurement result or to input data from the
DUT , the desired screen for the measurement result or d ata field must be selected using
the DISPlay command and the field must be in the ON state.
2. In Manual Cont rol mode instrument configuration informat ion is not routed th rough the
To Screen control hardware block. From a programming perspective this means that
configuration info rmation can be s ent to any des ired inst rument wi thou t havi ng to first
select the instrument’s front panel with the DISPlay command.
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set
Keeping these points in mind during program development will minimize
program development time and reduce problems encountered when running the
program.
27
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set
FRONT PANEL
#9
SETUP
#10
SERIAL I/F
INFORMATION
PARALLEL
SERIAL I/F
CRT
KEYPAD/
ROTARY KNOB
CONTROL
TO SCREEN
HARDWARE
FRONT
PANEL
INFORMATION
MEMORY CARD
ROM DISK
IBASIC
CONTROLLER
#8
GPIB
TROL HARDWARE
INSTRUMENT CON-
INSTRUMENT
#7
#15
GPIB
PRINTER
RF GEN
AF GEN #1
MEASUREMENT RESULTS AND DUT DATA
AF GEN #2
GEN
SIGNALING
ENCODER
AF ANALYZER
SPECTRUM
ANALYZER
OSCILLOSCOPE
RF ANALYZER
FUNCTION
Figure 1 Manual Control Mode
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S:\agilent\8920\8920b\PRGGUIDE\BOOK\CHAPTERS\usehpib.fb
SIGNALING
TOP
BOXES
DECODER
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Overview of the Test Set
FRONT PANEL
TO SCREEN
#9
SETUP
#10
SERIAL I/F
INFORMATION
PARALLEL
SERIAL I/F
CRT
KEYPAD/
ROTARY KNOB
CONTROL
HARDWARE
FRONT
PANEL
INFORMATION
ROM DISK
MEMORY CARD
IBASIC
CONTROLLER
#8
GPIB
TROL HARDWARE
INSTRUMENT CON-
INSTRUMENT
#7
#15
GPIB
PRINTER
RF GEN
AF GEN #1
MEASUREMENT RESULTS AND DUT DATA
GEN
AF GEN #2
FUNCTION
SIGNALING
ENCODER
AF ANALYZER
Figure 2 Internal Automatic Control Mode
TOP
BOXES
SPECTRUM
ANALYZER
OSCILLOSCOPE
DECODER
SIGNALING
RF ANALYZER
29
Chapter 1, Using GPIB
Getting Started
Getting Started
What is GPIB?
The General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) is an implementation of the IEEE
488.1-1987 Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation.
Incorporation of the GPIB into the Test Set provides several valuable capabilities:
• Programs running in the Test Set’s IBASIC Controller can control all the Test Set’s
functions using its internal GPIB. This capability provides a single-instrume nt
automated test system. (The Agilent 11807 Radio Test Software utilizes this
capability.)
• Programs running in the Test Set’s IBASIC Controller can control other instruments
connected to the external GPIB.
• An external controller, connected to the external GPIB, can remotely control the Test
Set.
• A GPIB printer, connected to the external GPIB, can be used to print test results and
full screen images.
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