Agilent Technologies 8935 Series
E6380A CDMA Cellular/PCS Base Station Test Set
and E6381A TDMA Base Station Test Set
Programmer’s Guide
Firmware Version:
E6380A - A.02.02 and above
E6381A - A.02.01 and above
Agilent Part Number: E6380-90018
Revision C
Printed in UK
March 2000
Notice
Information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation 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).
© Copyright Agilent Technologies 1997-1999
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Contents
1. Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Manual Control Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Internal Automatic Control Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
External Automatic Control Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Writing programs for the Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
What is HP-IB? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
HP-IB Information Provided in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
General HP-IB Programming Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Control Annunciators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Preparing the Test Set For HP-IB Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using the HP-IB with the Test Set’s built-in IBASIC Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Basic Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Remote Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Factory Set Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Extended Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Multiple Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Setting the Test Set’s Bus Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Displaying the Bus Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
IEEE 488.1 Remote Interface Message Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Remote/Local Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Remote Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Local Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Remote or Local Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Local To Remote Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Remote To Local Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Local Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Clear Lockout/Set Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
2. Methods For Reading Measurement Results
Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
RMB ‘ON TIMEOUT’ Example Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Comments for Recommended Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
RMB ‘MAV’ Example Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Comments for Recommended Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
3. HP-IB Command Guidelines
Sequential and Overlapped Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Guidelines for Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Command Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Command Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Specifying Units-of-Measure for Settings and Measurement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Using the STATe Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Sample HP-IB Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
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4. IEEE Common Commands
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Common Command Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
*IDN? (Identification Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
*OPT? (Option Identification Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
*RST (Reset) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
*TST? (Self-Test Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
*OPC (Operation Complete) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
*OPC? (Operation Complete Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
*WAI (Wait To Complete) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
*CLS (Clear Status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
*ESE (Standard Event Status Enable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
*ESE? (Standard Event Status Enable Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
*ESR? (Standard Event Status Register Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
*SRE (Service Request Enable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
*SRE? (Service Request Enable Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
*STB? (Status Byte Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
*TRG (Trigger) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
*PCB (Pass Control Back) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
*RCL (Recall Instrument State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
*SAV (Save Instrument State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
5. Triggering Measurements
Triggering Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Trigger Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Trigger Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Default Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Local/Remote Triggering Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Trigger Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Trigger Mode and Measurement Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Measurement Pacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Arming Hardware-Triggered Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
6. Advanced Operations
Increasing Measurement Throughput . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Optimizing Measurement Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Optimizing Measurement Setup Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Optimizing the Execution Speed of the Control Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Status Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
Status Reporting Structure Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
Status Byte Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Status Register Structure Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Status Register Group Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Operation Status Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
Standard Event Status Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Output Queue Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Error Message Queue Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Questionable Data/Signal Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
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Contents
Calibration Status Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Hardware Status Register #2 Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Hardware Status Register #1 Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Communicate Status Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
HP-IB Service Requests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Setting Up and Enabling SRQ Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Service Request Enable Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Procedure for Generating a Service Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Example BASIC Program to Set Up and Service an SRQ Interrupt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Instrument Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Methods of Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Power-On Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Front-panel PRESET Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
*RST IEEE 488.2 Common Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Device Clear (DCL) HP-IB Bus Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Selected Device Clear (SDC) HP-IB Bus Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Interface Clear (IFC) HP-IB Bus Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Passing Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Configuring the Test Set as the System Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
When Active Controller Capability is Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Passing Control to the Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Passing Control Back to Another Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Requesting Control using IBASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Pass Control Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
7. Memory Cards/Mass Storage
Default File System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Mass Storage Device Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Default Mass Storage Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Built-in IBASIC Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Save/Recall Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Tests Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Selecting the Mass Storage Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Mass Storage Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
DOS File System Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Test Set File Naming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Potential File Name Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
File Naming Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Initializing Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Test Set File Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Using the ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Using PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Inserting and Removing Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Setting the Write-Protect Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
The Memory Card Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Memory Card Mass Storage Volume Specifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Memory Cards and Initialization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Backing Up Procedure and Library Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Using the COPY_PL ROM Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
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Copying Files Using IBASIC Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Copying an Entire Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Using RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221
Initializing RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
8. IBASIC Controller
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
The IBASIC Controller Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Important Notes for Program Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
Program Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
Interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Test Set Serial Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Receive and Transmit Pacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
PC Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Terminal Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Choosing Your Development Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Method 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Method 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Method 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Method #1. Program Development on an External BASIC Language Computer . . . . . . . . .243
Configuring the Test Set’s HP-IB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
Compatible BASIC Language Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
HP BASIC for Windows PC Configuration for Windows NT Operating System . . . . . . . .245
Program Development Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
Downloading Programs to the Test Set through HP-IB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
Uploading Programs from the Test Set to an External BASIC Controller through HP-IB . .
248
Method #2. Developing Programs on the Test Set Using the IBASIC EDIT Mode . . . . . . .250
Selecting the IBASIC Command Line Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
Entering and Exiting the IBASIC EDIT Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
Setting Up Function Keys In HyperTerminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Setting Up Function Keys in AdvanceLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Setting Up Function Keys in ProComm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
Method #3. Developing Programs Using Word Processor on a PC
(Least Preferred) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
Configuring a Word Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
Writing Lines of IBASIC Code on a Word Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
Transferring Programs from the Word Processor to the Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
Sending ASCII Text Files Over RS-232 With HyperTerminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Sending ASCII Text Files over RS-232 with ProComm Communications Software . . . . .261
Uploading Programs from the Test Set to a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
Serial I/O from IBASIC Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264
Serial Ports 9 and 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264
Example IBASIC Program Using Serial Port 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
Serial Port 10 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266
PROGram Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267
SCPI PROGram Subsystem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267
Test Set PROGram Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
6
Contents
PROGram Subsystem Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Using the EXECute Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
The TESTS Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Writing Programs For the TESTS Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
TESTS Subsystem File Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
TESTS Subsystem Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
9. Error Messages
General Information About Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Positive Numbered Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
IBASIC Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
HP-IB Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Text Only Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
The Message Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Non-Recoverable Firmware Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Text Only Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
HP-IB Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Text Only HP-IB Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Numbered HP-IB Error Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
7
Contents
8
About this manual, its companions, and product regulatory information.
What is discussed in this manual
This manual explains how to program the Test Set.
This document presents the information needed to perform IBASIC
programming operations, such as writing, editing, copying, or
cataloguing programs.
Where to find other information
HP-IB syntax used to write programs for the Test Set if found in the
HP-IB Syntax Reference Guide.
The IBASIC language is explained in the Agilent Technologies
Instrument BASIC User’s Handbook (Agilent Technologies part number
E2083-90005).
A step-by-step approach to base station testing using the Test Set,
including what you need to know before you can start testing is found in
the Application Guides. These guides each cover a specific technology or
radio system.
General operation of the Test Set (such as changing display screens and
using their associated controls) is discussed in the Reference Guide. The
Reference Guide also describes the Test Set’s keys, connectors and
display screens, and the measurements that the Test Set can perform.
Each manufacturer and cellular service provider has their own cell site
control and base station configuration procedures that go beyond the
scope of this documentation. You must refer to the manufacturer’s
documentation for information about controlling the base station,
switching system, or any other software or hardware associated with
your cell site equipment.
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used throughout this manual to help
clarify instructions and reduce unnecessary text:
• Test Set refers to the Agilent Technologies 8935 Series E6380A
CDMA Cellular/PCS Base Station Test Set and E6381A TDMA Base
Station Test Set.
• Test Set keys are indicated like this:
• Test Set screen information, such as a measurement result or an
error message, is shown like this: TX Channel Power -1.3 dBm
Preset
9
NOTE
HP-IB and GPIB are one and the same.
Trademark Acknowledgements
Hewlett-Packard and HP are registered trademarks of
Hewlett-Packard Company.
Microsoft‚, Windows, and MS-DOS‚ are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
ProComm‚ is a registered trademark of DataStorm Technologies, Inc.
HyperTerminal is a registered trademark of Hilgraeve, Incorporated
Pentiumand Intel are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Which Document is Required?
The following documents are part of the Test Set’s family’s document
library. Use the table to help you decide which documents you need.
Some of the documents are provided with the Test Set, others may be
ordered separately.
Table 1 Agilent Technologies 8935 Series E6380A Document Navigation
Documents Part Number Usage
HP-IB Syntax Guide E6381-90014 Use this listing of HP-IB syntax when writing
control programs for the Test Set.
Assembly Level Repair
Guide
CDMA Application Guide E6380-90016 Use this manual for basic CDMA measurements
AMPS Application Guide E6380-90017 Use this manual for making AMPS base station
Programmer’s Guide E6380-90018 Use this manual to learn how to write programs
Reference Guide E6381-90019 Use this manual for general information on
CD-ROM E6380-90027 All user documentation.
E6380-90015 Use this manual to perform calibration on the
Test Set and for general service information.
and for getting started with the Test Set.
measurements.
for the Test Set.
accessing and changing settings, general Test Set
operation, connector descriptions, and error
messages. It also contains information on loading
and running the various automated test routines
(RF Tools) built in to the Test Set.
10
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Regulatory Information
Manufacturer’s Declaration
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).
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).
11
Safety
GENERAL
This product and related documentation must be reviewed for
familiarization with safety markings and instructions before operation.
This product has been designed and tested in accordance 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.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
WARNING
CAUTION
!
Indicates instrument damage can occur if indicated operating limits are
exceeded. Refer to the instructions in this guide.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground) terminal
A WARNING note 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 indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
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 all of the
product. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION note until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.
12
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Safety Considerations for this
Instrument
WARNING
This product is a Safety Class I 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.
This product is not intended for use in wet or damp
!
environments. Do not expose this product to excessive
moisture. Operate this product only within the temperature
and humidity ranges specified in the user’s manual.
This instrument is equipped with internal ground fault circuit
!
interrupter class A.
• This device does not protect against electrical shock due to
contact with both circuit conductors or a fault in supply
wiring to product.
• Do not use extension cord to connect this product to power
receptacle. Attention-ne pas utiliser de rallonge pour
raccorder le detecteur-disjoncteur a la prise de courant.
• Replace cordset only with Agilent Technologies 8120 series.
Attention - Remplacer uniquement par un cordon amovible
numero 8120.
• Do not use in wet location. Ne pas utiliser dans un
emplacement mouille.
13
WARNING
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 injury.
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. FUSE: T 5.0A
14
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CAUTION
Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this product.
Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may
cause personal injury and/or product damage.
This product is designed 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.
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.
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.
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.
15
WARNING - RUBIDIUM REFERENCE ASSEMBLY (E6381A)
The optional Rubidium Reference assembly, A2A15, (OPTION AY5) of
the Agilent Technologies 8935 Series E6381A TDMA Base Station Test
Set contains the radioactive isotope Rubidium 87. DO NOT attempt to
repair this assembly. This assembly contains no user serviceable parts.
The Rubidium 87 is isolated inside a vacuum tube which is enclosed
within a metal housing, and as a result, there is no measurable external
radiation. The rubidium Reference assembly does not present any
safety hazard. This assembly, for disposal purposes, is regulated as a
hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with local,
state, and federal laws.
FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION IN THE U.S.A:
This package conforms to the conditions and limitations specified in
49CFR 173.424 for radioactive material, excepted package –
instruments, UN2910.
FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION IN THE U.S.A AND
INTERNATIONAL:
This instrument must be shipped as cargo with the following
endorsement in the nature and quantity of goods box on the air waybill,
“Radioactive material, excepted package – instruments.”
Figure 1 Rubidium Transportation Labels
AUDIO OUT
AUDIO IN
HI
AUDIO
MONITOR
OUTPUT
ANT IN DUPLEX OUT
MODULATION
VIDEO
EXT SCOPE
INPUT
OUT
TRIG IN
HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. SPOKANE 24001 E. MISSION AVE. LIBERITY LAKE, WA. 99019
FOR U.S.A. GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
THIS PACKAGE CONFORMS TO THE CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS SPECIFIED IN 49CFR 173.424 FOR "RADIOACTIVE
MATERIAL, EXCEPTED PACKAGE - INSTRUMENTS, UN 2910"
8935 TDMA
DIGITAL
MUX OUT
CLK OUT
TRANSPORTATION LABEL
HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. SPOKANE 24001 E. MISSION AVE. LIBERTY LAKE, WA. 99019
FOR U.S.A. GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
THIS PACKAGE CONFORMS TO THE CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS SPECIFIED IN 49CFR 173.424 FOR "RADIOACTIVE
MATERIAL, EXCEPTED PACKAGE - INSTRUMENTS, UN 2910"
FOR U.S.A. AND INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION:
THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE SHIPPING AS CARGO WITH THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT IN THE NATURE AND QUANTITY OF GOODS BOX ON THE AIR WAYBILL "RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, EXCEPTED PACKAGE-INSTRUMENTS"
LO
FOR U.S.A. AND INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION:
THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE SHIPPING AS CARGO WITH THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT IN THE NATURE AND QUANTITY OF GOODS BOX ON THE AIR WAYBILL "RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, EXCEPTED PACKAGE-INSTRUMENTS"
FRAME
TDMA
REF IN
REF OUT
TDMA ANALYZER INPUTS
DATA CLOCK
TRIGGER
OPTIONAL
GENERATOR
CDPD
DATA IN
MOD OUT
10 MHz
SYNTH
REF IN
Serial Number
Label
TDMA OUTPUTS
WARNING
The optional Rubidium Reference assembly (OPTION AY5) contains the radioactive
isotope Rubidium 87. For Test Sets with this option, there are strict transportation
requirements. See transportation label on Test Set. Fines and penalties can results if the
directions on the label are not followed.
If the Test Set is upgraded with this option, you must place the transportation label on
the Test Set. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
If the rubidium assembly is permanently removed from the Test Set, the transportation
label must also be removed. Failure to remove the label when the rubidium assembly is
removed can also result in fines and penalties.
SERIAL 9
PARALLEL 15
SERIAL 10
PARALLEL 16
SERIAL 11
RF IN/OUT
Option Label
003 = CDPD Option
AY5 = Rubidium Option
labels.eps
16
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Agilent Technologies Warranty Statement for Commercial Products
Product Name: E6380A/E6381A
Duration of Warranty: 1 year
1. Agilent Technologies warrants Agilent 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 warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either
repair or replace products which prove to be defective. Replacement
products may be either new or like-new.
2. Agilent Technologies warrants that Agilent 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 will replace software media
which does not execute its programming instructions due to such
defects.
3. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of Agilent
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
installation if installed by Agilent Technologies. If customer
schedules or delays Agilent 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 calibration, (b) software, interfacing,
parts 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.
17
8. Agilent Technologies will be liable for damage to tangible property
per incident up to the greater of $300,000 or the actual amount paid
for the product 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 court of competent jurisdiction to have 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 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.
ASSISTANCE
Maintenance Agreements
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance
agreements are available for Agilent Technologies products. For any
assistance, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service
Office.
18
O:\Manuals\E6380A_Progguid\Book\Preface.fm
Regional Sales Offices
Table 2 Regional Sales and Service 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 Assistance 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:
Agilent Technologies
Latin America Region
Headquarters
5200 Blue Lagoon Drive,
Suite #950
Miami, Florida 33126
U.S. A .
(tel) (305) 267 4245
(fax) (305) 267 4286
Europe:
Agilent Technologies
European Marketing
Organization
P.O. Box 999
1180 AZ Amstelveen
The Netherlands
(tel) (3120) 547 9999
Australia/New Zealand:
Agilent Technologies
Australia Pty Ltd.
347 Burwood Highway
Forest Hill, Victoria 3131
(tel) 1 800 629 485
(Australia)
(fax) (61 3) 9272 0749
(tel) 0 800 738 378
(New Zealand)
(fax) (64 4) 802 6881
(tel) (852) 3197 7777
(fax) (852) 2506 9233
19
20
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1 Using HP-IB
21
Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Overview of the Test Set
The Test Set combines numerous separate test instruments and an
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 block diagrams shown in Figure
1-1 on page 28 and Figure 1-2 on page 29 depict how instrument
control information and measurement result information are routed
among the Test Set’s instruments, instrument control hardware,
built-in IBASIC controller, and other components.
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 controlled
by an application program running on the built-in IBASIC controller. In
External Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation is controlled
by an external controller connected to the Test Set through the HP-IB
interface.
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Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Manual Control Mode
The Test Set’s primary instruments are shown on the left side of Figure
1-1 on page 28. There are two classes of instruments in the Test Set:
signal analyzers (RF Analyzer, AF Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum
Analyzer) and signal sources (RF Generator, AF Generator #1, AF
Generator #2).
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 on the display whenever the instrument is selected. Only one
instrument front panel can be displayed 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 (Device Under Test).
Using the Test Set in Manual Control mode is 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 instruments 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 1-1 on page 28 shows that instrument selection is handled by
the screen control hardware which routes the selected instrument’s
front panel to the display. Once an instrument’s front panel is displayed
on the display, the user can manipulate the instrument settings, such
as turning a specific measurement or data field on or off, using the
keypad/rotary knob. Figure 1-1 also shows that instrument setup is
handled by the Instrument Control hardware which routes setup
information from the front panel to the individual instruments.
An HP-IB/RS-232/Parallel Printer interface is located in the Test Set.
In Manual Control mode this provides the capability of connecting an
external HP-IB, serial, or parallel printer to the Test Set so that display
screens can be printed.
Chapter 1 23
Using HP-IB
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 IBASIC
controller. The built-in controller runs programs written in Agilent
Technologies Instrument BASIC (IBASIC), a subset of the 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 Controller and
Other Single-Tasking Controllers
The architecture of the IBASIC controller is similar to that of other
single-tasking instrumentation controllers. Only one program can be
run on the IBASIC controller at any given time. The program is loaded
into RAM from some type of mass storage device. Four types of mass
storage devices are available to the Test Set: SRAM PC cards, ROM
memory cards connected to the HP-IB interface, and internal ROM and
RAM. Three types of interfaces are available for connecting to external
instruments and equipment: HP-IB, RS-232, and 16-bit parallel.
Figure 1-2 on page 29 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
program is running. These include the serial interface ports at select
codes 9, 10, and 11, the HP-IB interface at select code 7, the parallel
printer interface ports at select codes 15 and 16, and the display. In
Manual Control mode, front panel information (instrument settings,
measurement results, data input from the DUT) is routed to the display
through the 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 display is dedicated to the
IBASIC controller for program and graphics display. This means
instrument front panels cannot be displayed on the display when an
IBASIC program is running.
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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 is not the recommended programming mode for the 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 controller has a dedicated HP-IB interface, select
code 8 in Figure 1-2 on page 29, for communicating with the internal
instruments of the Test Set. This HP-IB interface is only available to
the IBASIC controller. There 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 1-2, 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 determines which instrument is being
addressed through the command syntax. Refer to the HP-IB Syntax
Reference Guide for a listing of the HP-IB command syntax for the Test
Set.
Chapter 1 25
Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
External Automatic Control Mode
In External Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation is
controlled by an external controller connected to the Test Set through
the HP-IB interface. When in External Automatic Control mode the
Test Set’s internal configuration is the same as in Manual Control Mode
with two exceptions:
1. Configuration and setup commands are received through the
external HP-IB 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 HP-IB interface.
Figure 1-1 on page 28 shows how information is routed inside the Test
Set in Manual Control mode. Figure 1-1 also shows that certain Test
Set resources are dedicated to the IBASIC controller (PC Card, internal
ROM, Serial Ports 10 and 11) and are not directly accessible to the user
in Manual Control Mode. In addition, Figure 1-1 shows that Serial Port
9 and Parallel Printer Port 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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Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Writing programs for the Test Set
One of the design goals for automatic control of the Test Set was that it
operate the same way programmatically as it does manually. This is a
key point to remember when developing programs for 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 from 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 data field must be selected
using the DISPlay command and the field must be in the ON state.
2. In Manual Control mode instrument configuration information is
not routed through the screen control hardware. From a
programming perspective this means that configuration information
can be sent to any desired instrument without having to first select
the instrument’s front panel with the DISPlay command.
Keeping these points in mind during program development will
minimize program development time and reduce problems encountered
when running the program.
Chapter 1 27
Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Figure 1-1 Manual Control Mode
FRONT PANEL
SCREEN
CONTROL
HARDWARE
Display
KEY-
KNOB
PAD/ROTARY
FRONT
PANE L
INFORMA-
PC CARD
ROM
IBASIC
CONTROLLER
#8
HP - IB
WARE
INSTRUMENT
CONTROL HARD-
#11
SERIAL I/F
SERIAL I/F
INSTRUMENT
SETUP
INFORMA-
SERIAL I/F
#9
#10
#16
PRINTER
PRINTER
PARALLEL
PARALLEL
#7
#15
HP - IB
RF GEN
MEASUREMENT RESULTS AND DUT DATA
AF GEN #1
AF GEN #2
AF ANALYZER
ANALYZER
SPECTRUM
OSCILLOSCOPE
RF ANALYZER
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Figure 1-2 Internal Automatic Control Mode
Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
FRONT PANEL
SCREEN
CONTROL
HARDWARE
Display
#9
#10
KEY-
KNOB
PAD/ROTARY
FRONT
PANE L
INFORMA-
PC CARD
ROM DISK
IBASIC
CONTROLLER
#8
HP - IB
WARE
INSTRUMENT
CONTROL HARD-
SERIAL I/F
#11
SERIAL I/F
SERIAL I/F
INSTRUMENT
SETUP
INFORMA-
#16
PRINTER
PRINTER
PARALLEL
PARALLEL
#15
#7
HP - IB
RF GEN
MEASUREMENT RESULTS AND DUT DATA
AF GEN #1
AF GEN #2
AF ANALYZER
ANALYZER
SPECTRUM
OSCILLOSCOPE
RF ANALYZER
Chapter 1 29
Using HP-IB
Getting Started
Getting Started
What is HP-IB?
The Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus (HP-IB) is a Hewlett-Packard
implementation of the IEEE 488.1-1987 Standard Digital Interface for
Programmable Instrumentation. Incorporation of the HP-IB 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 HP-IB. This capability
provides a single-instrument automated test system.
• Programs running in the Test Set’s IBASIC controller can control
other instruments connected to the external HP-IB.
• An external controller, connected to the external HP-IB, can
remotely control the Test Set.
• An HP-IB printer, connected to the external HP-IB, can be used to
print test results and full screen images.
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