Page 1
bus
VM3608A/
VM3616A
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER
USER’S
MANUAL
P/N: 82-0034-000
Released June 9th, 2016
VTI Instruments Corp.
2031 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614-6509
(949) 955-1894
Page 2
VTI Instruments Corp.
2
Page 3
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preface 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCITON
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Certification ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Warranty............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Limitation of Warranty ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Restricted Rights Legend ..................................................................................................................................... 7
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................................................................................................................................ 8
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 9
Terms and Symbols .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Warnings .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
SUPPORT RESOURCES .............................................................................................................................................. 11
SECTION 1 ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Description ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Data Modes ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Calibration .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
VM3608A/3616A Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 16
SECTION 2 ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
PREPARATION FOR USE ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Installation .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Calculating System Power and Cooling Requirements ...................................................................................... 19
Setting the Chassis Backplane Jumpers .............................................................................................................. 19
Setting the Logical Address ............................................................................................................................... 20
Front Panel Interface Wiring .............................................................................................................................. 20
Mating Connectors ............................................................................................................................................. 22
SECTION 3 ................................................................................................................................................................... 23
PROGRAMMING ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Notation .............................................................................................................................................................. 24
Data Setup and Scan Lists .................................................................................................................................. 25
Normal Mode ................................................................................................................................................ 25
FIFO Mode .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Arbitrary Waveform Generator Mode ........................................................................................................... 25
Scan Mode ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Examples of SCPI Commands ........................................................................................................................... 26
CALibration:COUNt? ................................................................................................................................... 26
CALibration:DATA ...................................................................................................................................... 27
CALibration:GAIN ........................................................................................................................................ 28
CALibration:SECure:CODE ......................................................................................................................... 29
CALibration:SECure:STATe ........................................................................................................................ 30
CALibration:STORe...................................................................................................................................... 31
CALibration:STORe:AUTO ......................................................................................................................... 32
CALibration:ZERO ....................................................................................................................................... 33
FORMat ......................................................................................................................................................... 34
MEMory:SETup ............................................................................................................................................ 35
SCAN ............................................................................................................................................................ 36
SCAN:LIMit .................................................................................................................................................. 37
SCAN:TABLe ............................................................................................................................................... 38
Page 4
VTI Instruments Corp.
4 VM3608A/3616A Preface
SCAN:TABLe:LOCation .............................................................................................................................. 39
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA ........................................................................................................................... 40
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel ............................................................................................................................ 41
SOURce:VOLTage:SETup ........................................................................................................................... 42
TRIGger:SLOPe ............................................................................................................................................ 43
TRIGger:SOURce ......................................................................................................................................... 44
APPLICATION EXAMPLES ......................................................................................................................................... 45
REGISTER ACCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 47
Programming the DACs via Register access ...................................................................................................... 47
VXIPLUG&PLAY DRIVER ......................................................................................................................................... 50
Programming the VM3608A/3616A using VXIplug&play Drivers ................................................................... 50
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 50
Outputting a Single Value .................................................................................................................................. 50
Outputting from the Scan List ............................................................................................................................ 51
Outputting an Arbitrary Waveform .................................................................................................................... 51
Outputting Data using FIFO Mode ..................................................................................................................... 54
VXIPLUG&PLAY DRIVER EXAMPLES ....................................................................................................................... 56
SECTION 4 ................................................................................................................................................................... 61
COMMAND DICTIONARY ................................ ................................ ................................................................ .......... 61
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 61
Alphabetical Command Listing .......................................................................................................................... 61
Command Dictionary ......................................................................................................................................... 66
IEEE 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS .......................................................................................................................... 67
*CLS .................................................................................................................................................................. 67
*ESE .................................................................................................................................................................. 68
*ESR? ................................................................................................................................................................ 69
*IDN? ................................................................................................................................................................. 70
*OPC .................................................................................................................................................................. 71
*RST .................................................................................................................................................................. 72
*SRE .................................................................................................................................................................. 73
*STB? ................................................................................................................................................................ 74
*TRG .................................................................................................................................................................. 75
*TST? ................................................................................................................................................................. 76
*WAI .................................................................................................................................................................. 77
DEVICE SPECIFIC SCPI COMMANDS ........................................................................................................................ 78
ABORt ............................................................................................................................................................... 78
CALibration:COUNt? ........................................................................................................................................ 79
CALibration:DATA ................................ ................................................................................................ ........... 80
CALibration:GAIN ............................................................................................................................................ 81
CALibration:SECure:CODE .............................................................................................................................. 82
CALibration:SECure:STATe ............................................................................................................................. 83
CALibration:STORe .......................................................................................................................................... 84
CALibration:STORe:AUTO .............................................................................................................................. 85
CALibration:ZERO ............................................................................................................................................ 86
FORMat ............................................................................................................................................................. 87
INITiate .............................................................................................................................................................. 88
MEMory:SETup ................................................................................................................................................. 89
MEMory:SIZE? ................................................................................................................................................. 90
OUTPut:TTLTrg ................................................................................................................................................ 91
OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce ................................................................................................................................. 92
SCAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 93
SCAN OFF ......................................................................................................................................................... 94
SCAN:LIMit ...................................................................................................................................................... 95
SCAN:TABLe .................................................................................................................................................... 96
SCAN:TABLe:LOCation ................................................................................................................................... 97
Page 5
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preface 5
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:SLOPe ..................................................................................................................... 98
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:STATe ..................................................................................................................... 99
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger ............................................................................................................................ 100
SOURce:ROSCillator:SLOPe .......................................................................................................................... 101
SOURce:ROSCillator:SOURce ....................................................................................................................... 102
SOURce:SEQuence:ADVance ......................................................................................................................... 103
SOURce:SEQuence:DWELl ............................................................................................................................ 104
SOURce:SEQuence:LENGth ........................................................................................................................... 105
SOURce:SEQuence:LIST ................................................................................................................................ 106
SOURce:SEQuence:STARt ............................................................................................................................. 107
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA .............................................................................................................................. 108
SOURce:VOLTage:FORMat ........................................................................................................................... 109
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel ............................................................................................................................... 110
SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe ............................................................................................................................ 111
SOURce:VOLTage:SETup .............................................................................................................................. 112
TRACe:DATA ................................................................................................................................................. 113
TRACe:DATA:POINt ...................................................................................................................................... 114
TRACe:DEFine ................................................................................................................................................ 115
TRACe:DELete:ALL ....................................................................................................................................... 116
TRACe:FREE? ................................................................................................................................................. 117
TRACe:LEVel.................................................................................................................................................. 118
TRACe:POINts ................................................................................................................................................ 119
TRIGger:IMMediate ........................................................................................................................................ 120
TRIGger:IMMediate:ADVance ....................................................................................................................... 121
TRIGger:SLOPe ............................................................................................................................................... 122
TRIGger:SOURce ............................................................................................................................................ 123
TRIGger:TIMer ................................................................................................................................................ 124
REQUIRED SCPI COMMANDS................................................................................................................................. 125
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?.................................................................................................................... 125
STATus:OPERation:ENABle .......................................................................................................................... 126
STATus:OPERation:EVENt? .......................................................................................................................... 127
STATus:PRESet ............................................................................................................................................... 128
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? .............................................................................................................. 129
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle ..................................................................................................................... 130
STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt ................................................................ ................................ ....................... 131
SYSTem:ERRor? ............................................................................................................................................. 132
SYSTem:VERSion? ......................................................................................................................................... 133
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................................ 135
Page 6
VTI Instruments Corp.
6 VM3608A/3616A Preface
Page 7
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preface 7
CERTIFICATION
VXI Technology, Inc. (VTI) certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from
the factory. VTI further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly National Bureau of Standards), to the extent allowed by that
organization’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization
members.
WARRANTY
The product referred to herein is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years
from the receipt date of the product at customer’s facility. The sole and exclusive remedy for breach of any warranty
concerning these goods shall be repair or replacement of defective parts, or a refund of the purchase price, to be
determined at the option of VTI.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a VTI authorized service center. The product shall be
shipped prepaid to VTI and VTI shall prepay all returns of the product to the buyer. However, the buyer shall pay all
shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to VTI from another country.
VTI warrants that its software and firmware designated by VTI for use with a product will execute its programming
when properly installed on that product. VTI does not however warrant that the operation of the product, or software,
or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer, buyersupplied products or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside the environmental
specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.
VTI shall not be liable for injury to property other than the goods themselves. Other than the limited warranty stated
above, VTI makes no other warranties, express, or implied, with respect to the quality of product beyond the
description of the goods on the face of the contract. VTI specifically disclaims the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause in DFARS 252.227-7013.
VXI Technology, Inc.
2031 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614-6509 U.S.A.
Page 8
VTI Instruments Corp.
8 VM3608A/3616A Preface
DE C L A R A T I O N O F C O N F O R M I T Y
Declaration of Conformity According to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004
MANUFACTURER’S NAME VTI Instruments
MANUFACTURER’S ADDRESS 2031 Main Street
Irvine, California 92614-6509
PRODUCT NAME Digital-to-Analog Converter
MODEL NUMBER(S) VM3608A & VM3616A
PRODUCT OPTIONS All
PRODUCT CONFIGURATIONS All
VTI Instruments (formerly VXI Technology) declares that the aforementioned product conforms
to the requirements of the Low Voltage directive (European Council directive 2014/35/EU, dated
22 July 1993) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility directive (European Council directive
2014/30/EU; generally referred to as the EMC directive). In substantiation, the products were
tested and/or evaluated to the standards shown below:
SAFETY EN61010-1:2010
EMC EN61326-1:2013
EN55011 Class A Group 1
EN61000-4-2
EN61000-4-3
EN61000-4-4
EN61000-4-5
EN61000-4-6
EN61000-4-8
EN61000-4-11
CISPR 22
June 2016
Steve Mauga, QA Manager
Page 9
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preface 9
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Review the following safety precautions to avoid bodily injury and/or damage to the product.
These precautions must be observed during all phases of operation or service of this product.
Failure to comply with these precautions, or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual,
violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the product.
Service should only be performed by qualified personnel.
TERMS AND SYMBOLS
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING
Indicates that a procedure or condition may cause bodily injury or death.
CAUTION
Indicates that a procedure or condition could possibly cause damage to
equipment or loss of data.
These symbols may appear on the product:
ATTENTION - Important safety instructions
Frame or chassis ground
Indicates that the product was manufactured after August 13, 2005. This mark is
placed in accordance with EN 50419, Marking of electrical and electronic
equipment in accordance with Article 11(2) of Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE).
End-of-life product can be returned to VTI by obtaining an RMA number. Fees
for take-back and recycling will apply if not prohibited by national law.
WARNINGS
Follow these precautions to avoid injury or damage to the product:
Use Proper Power Cord
To avoid hazard, only use the power cord specified for this product.
Use Proper Power Source
To avoid electrical overload, electric shock, or fire hazard, do not
use a power source that applies other than the specified voltage.
Use Proper Fuse
To avoid fire hazard, only use the type and rating fuse specified for
this product.
Page 10
VTI Instruments Corp.
10 VM3608A/3616A Preface
WARNINGS (CONT.)
Avoid Electric Shock
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product
with the covers removed. Do not connect or disconnect any cable,
probes, test leads, etc. while they are connected to a voltage source.
Remove all power and unplug unit before performing any service.
Service should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must
be connected to earth ground.
Operating Conditions
To avoid injury, electric shock or fire hazard:
-
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions.
-
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
-
Operate or store only in specified temperature range.
-
Provide proper clearance for product ventilation to prevent
overheating.
-
DO NOT operate if any damage to this product is suspected.
Product should be inspected or serviced only by qualified
personnel.
Page 11
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preface 11
SUPPORT RESOURCES
Support resources for this product are available on the Internet and at VTI Instruments customer
support centers.
VTI Instruments Corp.
World Headquarters
VTI Instruments Corp.
2031 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614-6509
Phone: (949) 955-1894
Fax: (949) 955-3041
VTI Instruments
Cleveland Instrument Division
5425 Warner Road
Suite 13
Valley View, OH 44125
Phone: (216) 447-8950
Fax: (216) 447-8951
AMETEK Instruments Pvt. Ltd. India
4th Floor, Block A,
Divyashree NR Enclave,
EPIP Industrial Area,
Whitefield,
Bangalore – 560066 INDIA
Phone: +91 80 6782 3200
Fax: +91 80 6782 3232
Technical Support
Phone: (949) 955-1894
Fax: (949) 955-3041
E-mail: support@vtiinstruments.com
Visit http://www.vtiinstruments.com for worldwide support sites and service plan information.
Page 12
VTI Instruments Corp.
12 VM3608A/3616A Preface
Page 13
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Introduction 13
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The VM3608A/3616A provides 8 or 16 independent channels of a digital to analog converter
(DAC) with 16 bits of resolution. Each channel consists of a DAC combined with an output
amplifier. This module is part of the VMIP (VXI Modular Instrumentation Platform) family of
instruments and can be combined with up to two other modules to form a high-density VXIbus
instrument that fully utilizes the capabilities of the VMIP. The instrument uses the message-based
word serial interface for programming and data movement, as well as supporting direct register
access for high-speed data throughput. The VM3608A/3616A command-set conforms to the SCPI
standard for consistency and ease of programming.
The VM3608A/3616A is a member of the VTI VMIP family and is available as an 8 or 16-, 16 or
32- or 24 or 48-channel, singlewide VXIbus instrument. In addition to these three standard
configurations, the VM3608A/3616A may be combined with any of the other members of the
VMIP family to form a customized and highly integrated instrument (see Figure 1-1). This allows
the user to reduce system size and cost by combining the VM3608A/3616A with two other
instrument functions in a singlewide C-size VXIbus module. Figure 1-2 shows the 24- or
48-channel version of the VM3608A/3616A. The 16- or 32-channel version would not have J200
and its associated LEDs and nomenclature, while the 8- or 16-channel version would also eliminate
J202.
V
X
I
B
U
S
I
N
T
E
R
N
A
L
V
M
I
P
B
U
S
VMIP
INTERFACE
VMIP
INSTRUMENT
MODULE #1
VMIP
INSTRUMENT
MODULE #2
VMIP
INSTRUMENT
MODULE #3
FIGURE 1-1: VMIP PLATFORM
Page 14
VTI Instruments Corp.
14 VM3608A/3616A Introduction
Regardless of whether the VM3608A/3616A is configured with other VM3608A/3616A
modules or with other VMIP modules, each group of 16 channels is treated as an
independent instrument in the VXIbus chassis and, as such, each group has its own FAIL
and ACCESS light.
DESCRIPTION
The VM3608A/3616A instrumentation module provides 8 or 16 independent channels of a
digital to analog converter (DAC) with 16 bits of resolution. Each channel consists of a
DAC combined with an output amplifier. This module is part of the VMIP family of
instruments and can be combined with up to two other modules to form a high-density
VXIbus instrument that fully utilizes the capabilities of the VMIP.
In order to support accelerated testing, the module supports up to 512 predefined setups.
Each setup is numbered and defines the voltage of each DAC on the board. All the voltages
can then be set with a single command.
To further speed up testing, the DAC module supports up to 16 different scan lists, each 512
entries long. The scan list is a predefined sequence of setups that is loaded into the DACs.
The scan list, when enabled, can be incremented through any of the trigger sources outlined
in the following section.
Both the setups and scan lists are loaded into RAM prior to their use.
All the DACs update synchronously and may be triggered to update via one of three
sources:
1. Trigger source from the front panel input. This input is TTL compatible and is edge
sensitive. The unit may be programmed to trigger on either the rising or the falling edge of
this signal.
2. Trigger source from the VXI TTL trigger bus. Any one of the eight TTL trigger bus lines
may be selected as the trigger source. The unit may be programmed to trigger on either the
rising or the falling edge of this signal.
3. Trigger upon receipt of a word serial command. When this mode is selected, the DACs
will convert when a word serial command is received by the instrument.
FIGURE 1-2: FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
bus
FAIL
ACC/
ERR
FAIL
ACC/
ERR
FAIL
ACC/
ERR
J200
J201
J202
Page 15
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Introduction 15
DATA MODES
Along with static output operation, the VM3608A/3616A provides a FIFO mode where the
selected channels can accept and output a continuous stream of data. The VM3608A/3616A also
offers Arbitrary Waveform Generation (ARB) mode that supports sophisticated looping and
branching to build complex waveforms without the system controller's intervention. The data may
be paced out of the instrument by using either a user-supplied clock or the internal programmable
timer.
CALIBRATION
The calibration constants used to correct the data values are stored in non-volatile memory. These
constants are determined when the instrument is calibrated and can be changed as necessary (such
as during routine calibration cycles or when the user selects a new gain setting and wishes to set
the gain accurately). These constants may also be queried at any time via a word serial query and
altered via a word serial command. All calibration is done using calibration DACs to adjust the
gain and offset of each channel. This eliminates the need for removing covers from the unit and
allows for automated calibration.
Page 16
VTI Instruments Corp.
16 VM3608A/3616A Introduction
VM3608A/3616A SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
NUMBER OF CHANNELS
VM3608A/3616A-1
VM3608A/3616A-2
VM3608A/3616A-3
16 channels
32 channels
48 channels
OUTPUT RANGES
±20.0 V, 610 µV step, or
±10.0 V, 305 µV step
OUTPUT CURRENT
±50 mA per channel (1.5 A max., total for all channels per C-size VXIbus card)
RESOLUTION
16 bits, 16 bits monotonic
SHORT CIRCUIT
Continuous duration
SLEW RATE
6 V/µs (50 mA load)
SETTLING TIME
10 µs to 0.1% of specified value
VOLTAGE ACCURACY*
10 V Range
20 V Range
3.22 mV
6.44 mV
CONVERSION RATE
100,000 voltage changes/second, normal mode register access, FIFO mode, and ARB mode
100 voltage changes per second, normal mode word serial access
2,000 voltage changes per second, single VM3616A, scan mode
1,000 voltage changes per second, two VM3616As, scan mode
667 voltage changes per second, three VM3616As, scan mode
STATIC MODE UPDATE SOURCES
VXIbus TTL trigger bus 0 - 7
Front panel input, TTL compatible
Updating any selected channel
Word serial command
MEMORY
512 k words, 1 M word optional
FIFO MEMORY
512 k words divided by the number of active channels,
1 M word optional
FIFO CLOCK SOURCE
Any trigger source
ARB (ARBITRARY WAVE FORM) MEMORY
484 k words divided by the number of active channels, 996 k words optional
ARB DATA TRACES
1 to 4096 unique patterns
ARB SEGMENTS
1 to 4096
ARB LOOP COUNTER
1 to 1048575 or Continuous
ARB ADVANCE MODES
Synchronous, waits for the end of the current pattern to advance to the next
Asynchronous, advances immediately to the next pattern upon being triggered
Page 17
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Introduction 17
VM3608A/3616A SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)
ARB ADVANCE CONDITIONS
Automatic or Triggered
ARB MARKER FUNCTION
Marks the first data in a pattern when enabled. Polarity is software programmable.
ARB MARKER OUTPUT
VXIbus TTL trigger bus 0 - 7
Front panel TTL compatible output
TRIGGER SOURCE
VXIbus TTL trigger bus 0 - 7
Front panel input, TTL compatible
Internal Timer
Word serial command
ADVANCE CLOCK SOURCE
VXIbus TTL trigger bus 0 - 7
Front panel input, TTL compatible
Internal Timer
Word serial command
POWER REQUIREMENTS
VM3608A/3616A-1
VM3608A/3616A-2
VM3608A/3616A-3
+5 V @ 1.04 A, -5.2 V @ 0.15 A, +24 V @ 0.27 A, -24 V @ 0.23 A
+5 V @ 1.34 A, -5.2 V @ 0.25 A, +24 V @ 0.54 A, -24 V @ 0.46 A
+5 V @ 1.64 A, -5.2 V @ 0.35 A, +24 V @ 0.81 A, -24 V @ 0.69 A
* Note: Indicates that values were attained after a 30 minute warm-up.
Page 18
VTI Instruments Corp.
18 VM3608A/3616A Introduction
Page 19
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preparation for Use 19
SECTION 2
PREPARATION FOR USE
INSTALLATION
When the VM3608A/3616A is unpacked from its shipping carton, the contents should include the
following items:
(1) VM3608A/3616A VXIbus module.
(1) VM3608A/3616A Digital to Analog Converter Module User’s Manual (this manual).
All components should be immediately inspected for damage upon receipt of the unit.
Once the VM3608A/3616A is assessed to be in good condition, it may be installed into an
appropriate C-size or D-size VXIbus chassis in any slot other than slot 0. The chassis should be
checked to ensure that it is capable of providing adequate power and cooling for the
VM3608A/3616A. Once the chassis is found adequate, the VM3608A/3616A’s logical address
and the backplane jumpers of the chassis should be configured prior to the VM3608A/3616A’s
installation.
CALCULATING SYSTEM POWER AND COOLING REQUIREMENTS
It is imperative that the chassis provide adequate power and cooling for this module. Referring to
the chassis user’s manual, confirm that the power budget for the system (the chassis and all
modules installed therein) is not exceeded and that the cooling system can provide adequate
airflow at the specified backpressure.
It should be noted that if the chassis cannot provide adequate power to the module, the instrument
may not perform to specification or possibly not operate at all. In addition, if adequate cooling is
not provided, the reliability of the instrument will be jeopardized and permanent damage may
occur. Damage found to have occurred due to inadequate cooling would also void the warranty of
the module.
SETTING THE CHASSIS BACKPLANE JUMPERS
Please refer to the chassis user's manual for further details on setting the backplane jumpers.
Page 20
VTI Instruments Corp.
20 VM3608A/3616A Preparation for Use
SETTING THE LOGICAL ADDRESS
The logical address of the VM3608A/3616A is set by a single 8-position DIP switch located near
the module’s backplane connectors (this is the only switch on the module). The switch is labeled
with positions 1 through 8 and with an ON position. A switch pushed toward the ON legend will
signify a logic 1; switches pushed away from the ON legend will signify a logic 0. The switch
located at position 1 is the least significant bit while the switch located at position 8 is the most
significant bit. See Figure 2-1 for examples of setting the logical address switch.
SET TO 4
1ON2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SET TO 168
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SET TO 8
1ON2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SET TO 255
1
ON ON
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Switch
Position
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
Switch
Value
ON ON
(Dynamic)
FIGURE 2-1: LOGICAL ADDRESS SWITCH SETTING EXAMPLES
The VMIP may contain three separate instruments and will allocate logical addresses as required
by the VXIbus specification (revisions 1.3 and 1.4). The logical address of the instrument is set on
the VMIP carrier. The VMIP logical addresses must be set to an even multiple of 4 unless dynamic
addressing is used. Switch positions 1 and 2 must always be set to the OFF position. Therefore,
only addresses of 4, 8, 12, 16, ... 252 are allowed. The address switch should be set for one of
these legal addresses and the address for the second instrument (the instrument in the center
position) will automatically be set to the switch set address plus one; while the third instrument
(the instrument in the lowest position) will automatically be set to the switch set address plus two.
If dynamic address configuration is desired, the address switch should be set for a value of 255
(All switches set to ON). Upon power-up, the slot 0 resource manager will assign the first available
logical addresses to each instrument in the VMIP module.
If dynamic address configuration is desired, the address switch should be set for a value of 255.
(All switches set to ON). Upon power-up, the slot 0 resource manager will assign the first available
logical addresses to each instrument in the VMIP module.
An application note is provided at the end of this manual to aid in using secondary addressing if a
GPIB/Slot 0 is being used.
FRONT PANEL INTERFACE WIRING
The 8/16-channel version (VM3608A/3616A-1) will have J201 that contains all signals for this
instrument. The 16/32-channel version (VM3608A/3616A-2) will have J201 and J202 provided,
while the 24/48-channel version (VM3608A/3616A-3) will have J200, J201 and J202. The wiring
for each of these connectors is identical and since each group of 8/16 channels is treated as a
separate instrument, the module will have three Channel 1s, three Channel 2s, three Channel 3s,
etc.
Page 21
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Preparation for Use 21
TABLE 2-1: PIN ASSIGNMENTS FOR MODELS VM3608A AND VM3616A DAC
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
Output1
1
Gnd
12
Gnd
23
Output6
34
Gnd
2
Marker
out
13
Output11
24
Gnd
35
Gnd
3
Gnd
14
Gnd
25
Output9
36
Output4
4
Trigin*
15
Output14
26
Gnd
37
Gnd
5
Output2
16
Gnd
27
Gnd
38
Output7
6
Gnd
17
Gnd
28
Output12
39
Gnd
7
Gnd
18
Output16
29
Gnd
40
Gnd
8
Output5
19
Gnd
30
Output15
41
Output10
9
Gnd
20
Output3
31
Gnd
42
Gnd
10
Output8
21
Gnd
32
Ext Clock In
43
Output13
11
Gnd
22
Gnd
33
Gnd
44
The connector for the VM3608A and VM3616A DAC boards is a 44-pin female high-density
D-sub type. Connections listed are for the VM3616A 16-channel DAC board. Outputs 9 through
16 are not used on the Model VM3608A 8-channel DAC board. A solder pot type mating
connector is provided with each unit.
The pin locations for J200, J201, and J202 are shown in Figure 2-2.
The VM3608A/3616A add a Marker Output and External Clock Input connection to the front
panel connector, which were wired to ground in the legacy 3608/3616 DACs. In applications
where the VM3608A/3616A replace legacy VM3608/3616 DACs, system wiring must be
reviewed to prevent loading the Marker Output. Although the External Clock Input will not
be damaged if connected to ground, the pin is not internally wired to ground and will not
carry ground current.
1
16
31
15
30
44
FIGURE 2-2: J200, J201 AND J202 PIN LOCATIONS
WARNING
Page 22
VTI Instruments Corp.
22 VM3608A/3616A Preparation for Use
MATING CONNECTORS
The mating connector for the VM3608A/3616A is available from the following companies:
ITT Cannon (www.ittcannon.com)
P/N ZDBA44P Connector
P/N ZD110238-1009 Connector Pin
P/N 995-2000-022 Crimp Tool
P/N 980-0004-804 Insertion/Extraction Tool
Positronic Industries, Inc. (www.positronic.com)
P/N ODD44M1FY0C Connector
P/N 9507 Crimp Tool
P/N 9502-4 Contact Positioner
P/N M81969/1-04 Insertion/Extraction Tool
Page 23
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 23
SECTION 3
PROGRAMMING
INTRODUCTION
The VM3608A/3616A is a VXIbus message-based device whose command set is compliant with
the Standard Command for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) programming language.
All module commands are sent over the VXIbus backplane to the module. Commands may be in
upper, lower, or mixed case. All numbers are sent in ASCII decimal unless otherwise noted.
The module recognizes SCPI commands. SCPI is a tree-structured language based on IEEE-STD-
488.2 Specifications. It utilizes the IEEE-STD-488.2 Standard command, and the device
dependent commands are structured to allow multiple branches off the same trunk to be used
without repeating the trunk. To use this facility, terminate each branch with a semicolon. As an
example, SLOPe, and SOURce are both branches off the TRIGger: trunk and can be combined as
follows:
TRIGger:SLOPe POS;SOURce EXT
The above command is the same as these two commands:
TRIGger:SLOPe POS
TRIGger:SOURce EXT
See the Standard Command for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) Manual, Volume 1: Syntax &
Style, Section 6, for more information.
The SCPI commands in this section are listed in upper and lower case. Character case is used to
indicate different forms of the same command. Keywords can have both a short form and a long
form (some commands only have one form). The short form uses just the keyword characters in
uppercase. The long form uses the keyword characters in uppercase plus the keyword characters in
lowercase. Either form is acceptable. Note that there are no intermediate forms. All characters of
the short form or all characters of the long form must be used. Short forms and long forms may be
freely intermixed. The actual commands sent can be in upper case, lower case or mixed case (case
is only used to distinguish short and long form for the user). As an example, these commands are
all correct and all have the same effect:
TRIGger:SOURce EXTernal
trigger:source external
TRIGGER:SOURCE EXTERNAL
TRIG:SOURce EXTernal
TRIG:SOUR EXTernal
TRIG:SOUR EXT
trig:sour EXT
trig:sour ext
Page 24
VTI Instruments Corp.
24 VM3608A/3616A Programming
The following command is not correct because it uses part of the long form of TRIGger, but not
all the characters of the long form:
TRIGG:SOUR EXT (incorrect syntax - extra "g"- only trig or trigger is correct)
All of the SCPI commands also have a query form unless otherwise noted. Query forms contain a
question mark (?). The query form allows the system to ask what the current setting of a parameter
is. The query form of the command generally replaces the parameter with a question mark (?).
Query responses do not include the command header. This means only the parameter is returned:
no part of the command or "question" is returned.
When character data is used for a parameter, both short and long forms are recognized. If the
command has a query form with character response data, the short form is always returned in upper
case. As an example, to find out what the current trigger source setting is use the following
command:
TRIG:SOUR?
The response would be:
EXT
This tells the user that the trigger is set to an external source.
Multiple commands can also be combined on one line. To do this, terminate one command with a
semicolon and start the next command with a colon. As an example, the trigger source can be set to
a positive edge and an output trigger line can be enabled as follows:
TRIG:SOUR EXT;:OUTPUT:TTLTRG1 ON
The IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands can be placed anywhere set off from the rest of the
command by a semicolon. They can also be placed alone on a line. For example, place the *rst
command in front of a setting string as follows:
*RST;OUT:TTLT 3
Note that the OUT:TTLT command set did not require a leading colon (:) because there was no
prior trunk of the SCPI tree.
NOTATION
Keywords or parameters enclosed in square brackets ([ ]) are optional. If the optional part is a
keyword, the keyword can be included or left out. Omitting an optional parameter will cause its
default to be used.
Parameters are enclosed by angle brackets (< >). Braces ({ }),or curly brackets, are used to enclose
one or more parameters that may be included zero or more times. A vertical bar (|), read as "or", is
used to separate parameter alternatives.
Page 25
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 25
DATA SETUP AND SCAN LISTS
Normal Mode
In normal mode, all channels are set to static values via word serial command or through direct
register access. To support higher throughput, 512 predefined values for each channel may be
loaded into RAM. With a single-word serial command, all 8 or 16 channels are updated at once.
To facilitate synchronization, each channel may be set to change value when written to, or only
when one or more selected channels are written to. This allows multiple values to be changed, but
all channels will update at the same time. Updates can also be synchronized to the front panel
trigger input, the VXIbus trigger lines, or via a word serial command.
FIFO Mode
In FIFO mode, any or all channels may be set up to output a continuous stream of data, while all
other channels remain at their previously programmed values. Data is fed into the instrument using
direct register access and data throughput of up to 100k samples per second. The output may be
paced using an internal timer with 100 ns resolution, the VXIbus trigger lines, or via a front panel
trigger input.
Arbitrary Waveform Generator Mode
In Arbitrary Waveform Generator (ARB) mode, any or all channels may be set up to output
complex waveforms by loading one or more waveform segments and linking them together. All
other channels remain at their previously programmed values. Up to 4096 waveform segments may
be loaded into the instrument and 4096 segments may be linked together. Each segment may be
used once, looped up to over a million times, or may loop continuously until triggered to advance
to the next segment. Advancing from segment to segment can occur automatically, or when a
trigger event is received. In ARB mode, all enabled channels track each other and all waveform
segments for each channel are the same length. All lopping and branching instructions apply for all
enabled channels. The data format should be set prior to configuring the scan mode for ARB
operation.
Scan Mode
In scan mode, any or all channels may be set up to output data previously stored in RAM. Each
channel may have up to 512 data points, and each channel may have a unique number of points.
The data is advanced by a VXIbus TTL trigger event, the front panel trigger input, or by word
serial command. Scan mode may be set up to either stop at the end of the data set, or restart from
the beginning of the data set. In this mode, the output levels of the channels that are not included in
scan mode may be altered while scan mode is running.
Page 26
VTI Instruments Corp.
26 VM3608A/3616A Programming
EXAMPLES OF SCPI COMMANDS
CALibration:COUNt?
The Calibration Count query returns a number that indicates the number of times the
VM3608A/3616A has been calibrated. The instrument will increment the count every time the
non-volatile memory storing the calibration constants is updated. The non-volatile memory has a
guaranteed minimum of 10,000 cycles.
CALibration:COUNt? Where the maximum value for count is 16,777,215 after
which it will wrap to 0. There are no query parameters.
EXAMPLES
CAL:COUN? 3 (Returns a number 3, which indicates the VM3608A/
3616A has been calibrated 3 times.)
CAL:SEC:STAT off,#17VM3616A Disabling Security
CAL:GAIN 3 Programming Channel 1’s gain
CAL1:ZERO 2 Programming Channel 1’s zero
CAL:STOR Storing calibration constants to non-volatile memory
CAL:SEC:STAT ON Enabling security
CAL:COUN? 4 (Querying calibration count after storing the new
configuration)
Page 27
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 27
CALibration:DATA
The Calibration Data command is used to send the calibration constants to the VM3608A/3616A
in indefinite or definite length arbitrary block format. The whole data set must be provided,
otherwise an error will be generated. It is important to note that the calibration constants will
change only if the calibration security is off.
CALibration:DATA< block_data> Where <block_data> is a block of data in IEEE-488.2
definite or indefinite length arbitrary block format. The
calibration constants are implemented as 8-bit values
from -127 to +128.
EXAMPLES
CAL:SEC:STAT OFF,#17VM3616A Disabling Security
CAL:DATA #232 <block_data> Sending the data block
Where <block_data> in decimal format would look like:
12300174011021230014367192100156
CAL:SEC:STAT ON Enabling Security
Page 28
VTI Instruments Corp.
28 VM3608A/3616A Programming
CALibration:GAIN
The Calibration Gain command is used to set the calibration constant for the gain of the selected
channel and its effect is immediate. The calibration gain command will function only when the
calibration security is disabled, otherwise an error is generated.
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value> Where <channel> is 1 through 16 or 1 through 8, referring
to a specific calibration DAC.
Where <value> is -128 to +127.
EXAMPLES
CAL2:GAIN 50 Sets the gain value for Channel 2 to 50.
CAL2:GAIN? 50 (Returns the gain value for Channel 2, which is currently
set to 50.)
Page 29
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 29
CALibration:SECure:CODE
The Calibration Secure Code command sets the code required to disable the calibration security.
The calibration security must be disabled in order to change the code string. The default code set
by the factory for VM3616A is ‘VM3616A’ and for VM3608A is ‘VM3608A’.
CALibration:SECure:CODE<code> Where <code> can be from 1 to 12 ASCII characters in
length entered in IEEE-488.2 definite or indefinite length
arbitrary block format.
EXAMPLES
CALibration:SECure:CODE #17VM3616 Sets the security code for VM3616A in IEEE-488.2 definite or
indefinite length arbitrary block format.
CALibration:SECure:CODE? #16VM3616 (Returns the calibration security code set as
“VM3616”.
Page 30
VTI Instruments Corp.
30 VM3608A/3616A Programming
CALibration:SECure:STATe
The Calibration Secure State command enables or disables the calibration security. When security
state is on or active, the calibration constants may not be stored to the non-volatile memory. To
store the calibration constants to the non-volatile memory, security state must be off or disabled. In
order to disable security state, the code must be supplied and must be in four-part block format.
The four parts are:
1) #
2) A single digit that tells how many digits are in the length.
3) The length of the security code.
4) The actual data (in this case, the character of the password).
CALibration:SECure:STATe<mode>,<code> Where <mode> is 0 | 1 | OFF | ON. 0 or OFF means values
may be stored in the non-volatile memory. 1 or ON means
values may not be stored in the non-volatile memory.
Where <code> is the parameter that must be present to
disable the security which comprises of four parts as
described above.
EXAMPLES
CALibration:SECure:STATe OFF,#17VM3616A Sets the security state off so that the calibration constants can
be stored in the non-volatile memory. Note that the password
is case sensitive.
CALibration:SECure:STAT? 0 (Reports the state of the security, which is currently set as
OFF.)
CALibration:SECure:STATe ON Sets the security state ON so that calibration constants cannot
be stored in the non-volatile memory.
CALibration:SECure:STATe? 1 (Reports the state of the security, which is currently set as
ON.)
Page 31
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 31
CALibration:STORe
The Calibration Store command saves the current calibration constants into the non-volatile
memory when the CAL:SEC:STAT is OFF. This command has no effect on the non-volatile
memory when the CAL:SEC:STAT is ON and it generates an error.
CALibration:STORe The security state is to be off prior to the usage of the
command.
EXAMPLES
CALibration:SECure:STATe OFF,#17VM3640A Sets the security state off so that the calibration constants can
be stored in the non-volatile memory. Note that the password
is case sensitive.
CALibration:STORe Saves the current calibration constants to the non-volatile
memory. [Assume that the security is OFF].
Page 32
VTI Instruments Corp.
32 VM3608A/3616A Programming
CALibration:STORe:AUTO
The Calibration Store auto command allows the new calibration constants, to be saved into the
non-volatile memory, automatically. This command has no effect on the non-volatile memory
when the CAL:SEC:STAT is ON and it generates an error.
CALibration:STORe:AUTO <mode> Where <mode> is 0 | OFF | 1 | ON. The command will not
execute if calibration security is enabled and, an error is
generated.
EXAMPLES
CALibration:STORe:AUTO ON Saves the new calibration constants to the non-volatile
memory automatically.
CALibration:STORe:AUTO? 1 (Reports 1, stating that auto store is enabled or ON.)
Page 33
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 33
CALibration:ZERO
The Calibration Zero command is used to set the calibration constant for the offset of the selected
channel; its effect is immediate. The calibration zero command will function only when the
calibration security is disabled, otherwise an error is generated.
CALibration<channel>:ZERO <value> Where <channel> is 1 through 16 or 1 through 8 referring
to a specific calibration DAC.
Where <value> is -128 to +127.
EXAMPLES
CALibration 2:ZERO -100 Sets the zero value or offset for Channel 2 to -100.
CALibration 2:ZERO? -100 (Reports the offset value for Channel 2 that is currently
set as -100.)
Page 34
VTI Instruments Corp.
34 VM3608A/3616A Programming
FORMat
The Format command is used to set the output format for the digital queries.
FORMat<type> Where <type> is ASCII, HEXadecimal, OCTal, BINary.
EXAMPLES
FORMat ASC Sets the data output to be in ASCII format.
FORMat? ASC (Returns the output data in ASCII format.)
FORMat BIN Sets the data output to be in BINary.
FORMat? BIN (Returns the output data as BINary format.)
FORMat HEX Sets the data output to be in HEXadecimal.
FORMat? HEX (Returns the output data as HEXadecimal
format.)
FORMat OCT Sets the data output to be in OCTal.
FORMat? OCT (Returns the output data as OCTal format.)
Page 35
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 35
MEMory:SETup
The Memory Setup command allows the entry of separate voltages that will be loaded to the
Precision DACS. Each DAC channel has an associated 512-element “memory” array. The same
elements in all 16 arrays are loaded at the same time from the 16-element voltage list.
MEMory:SETup<index>,<voltage_list> Where <index> is an integer number from 1 to 512 (which
specifies the memory array element).
Where <voltage_list> is a list of 8 or 16 voltages.
EXAMPLES
MEMory:SETup 1,2,3,4,5 Sets the voltages at index 1 in the “memory” array
MEMory:SETup? 1 2.000122, 2.999878, 4.000244, 5.00000 (Returns the
configured voltages at index 1.)
Page 36
VTI Instruments Corp.
36 VM3608A/3616A Programming
SCAN
The Scan command is used to enable or disable the operation of the scan list operation for the
specified channels. For each channel that is enabled, the interrupt routine will load a voltage from
its respective scan list arrays at the current array position to the DAC and auto increment the scan
list array pointer. If the array pointer equals the limit, then the scan function for that channel will
stop, unless the mode of that channel is set to LOOP. LOOP mode means the scan function will
reset the array pointer to 0 and continue.
When the scan mode is to be enabled, a trigger source of either EXTernal or one of the
TTLTriggers is required to be selected first. The TRIGer:IMMediate:ADVance must be set when
using ARBitrary mode.
Note that a scan mode of a channel must first be set to OFF before another mode may be set. The
SCAN OFF command would reset all channel scan modes to OFF.
SCAN<mode>,<channel_list> Where <mode> can be 0 | OFF | 1 | ON | LOOP | FIFO |
ARB. LOOP mode means the scan function will reset the
array pointer to 0 and continue.
Where <channel_list> is a list of 8 or 16 DAC channels.
EXAMPLES
SCAN ON, (@1:4) Sets the scan mode to ON for Channels 1 through 4.
SCAN?2 ON (Returns the scan mode for Channel 2, which is currently
set ON.)
SCAN ON,(@1) Sets the scan mode to ON for Channel 1.
SCAN LOOP,(@1) This would normally set the scan mode for Channel 1 as
LOOP. However, as the transition from ON to LOOP is illegal,
a system error would be generated.
SCAN OFF, (@1:4) Sets the scan mode for Channels 1 through 4 to OFF.
SCAN ARB, (@1:4) Sets the scan mode for Channels 1 through 4 to ARBitrary
mode.
Page 37
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 37
SCAN:LIMit
The Scan Limit command specifies a position in the 512 element scan list array, where the
interrupt routine loading the DACs, should either stop of loop back to zero.
SCAN:LIMit<channel>,<count> Where <channel> is a specific DAC channel of 1 through 8
or 1 through 16.
Where <count> is a position in the scan list array (ranging
from 1 to 512) to stop or loop back.
EXAMPLES
SCAN:LIMit 2, 256 Sets the scan limit for Channel 2 to 256.
SCAN:LIMit?2 256 (Reports the scan limit of the scan list array for Channel 2,
which is currently set to 256.)
Page 38
VTI Instruments Corp.
38 VM3608A/3616A Programming
SCAN:TABLe
The Scan Table command loads the scan list of a specific channel with voltage values. These
voltage values are then loaded to the DAC by the interrupt routine. This operation is dependent on
scan mode and scan limit. It is important to note that the instrument does not have an on-board
clock. So, in order to set up the scan mode, the trigger source that triggers through the scan list
must also be specified. The valid trigger sources for the SCAN mode are TTLTO-7 and EXTernal.
SCAN:TABLe <channel>,<voltage_list> Where <channel> is a specific DAC channel of 1 through
16 or 1 through 8.
Where <voltage_list> is a list of voltages to be loaded in
the channel scan list. The number of voltages ranges
from 1 to 512.
EXAMPLES
SCAN:TABLe 1,2,3,4,5 Loads Channel 1 with the voltage values of 2, 3, 4 and 5.
SCAN:TABLe?1 3, 2 2.999878,4.000244,5.00000 (Returns 3 voltages from Channel
1’s scan list array starting at position 2.)
Page 39
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 39
SCAN:TABLe:LOCation
The Scan Table Location command allows a voltage value at a specific location in the scan list
array, to be modified or queried.
SCAN:TABLe<channel>:LOCATION <number>,<voltage>
Where <channel> is a specific DAC Channel 1 through 16
or 1 through 8.
Where <number> is a specific location in the scan list
array.
Where <voltage> is a single voltage value.
EXAMPLES
SCAN:TABLe 1:LOCation 2,4 Enters a voltage value 4, at a specific location 2 in Channel 1’s
scan list array.
SCAN:TABLe 1:LOCation? 2 4.000244 (Returns a voltage value of 4.000244 at a specific
location (2) in the scan list array of Channel 1.)
Page 40
VTI Instruments Corp.
40 VM3608A/3616A Programming
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA
The Source Voltage Data command sets the output level of the channels selected by the channel
list using the specified data. Note that the 16-bit precision DAC is programmed with the binary
value specified.
NOTE The following applies when the unit is in 20 V range and the SOURce:VOLTage:FORMat
command mode is OFF.
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA<value>,<channel_list> Where <value> is the voltage value from -32768 to +32767,
i.e. -20.00000 to +19.99939 in binary.
Where <channel_list> is a list of channels to be loaded
with a specified voltage value.
EXAMPLES
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA 16384,(@1, 2, 3) Loads the Channels 1, 2, 3 with a voltage value of 16384
(ASCII) which is equivalent to 10 V.
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA? 3 16384 (Reports the voltage value of Channel 3, which is
currently set as 16384, i.e., 10 V.)
Page 41
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 41
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel
The Source Voltage Level sets the output voltage level of channels selected by the channel list.
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel<value>,<channel_list> Where <value> is the voltage values ranging from
-20.00000 to +19.99939
Where <channel_list> is a list of channels from 1 through
16 or 1 through 8, to be loaded with a specified voltage
value.
EXAMPLES
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel 2,(@1,2,3) Loads the Channels 1, 2, 3 with the specified voltage value of
2.
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel? 2 2.999878 (Returns the voltage value of Channel 2.)
Page 42
VTI Instruments Corp.
42 VM3608A/3616A Programming
SOURce:VOLTage:SETup
The Source Voltage Setup command loads each DAC with a voltage value from the location in its
respective “memory lists,” specified by <index>. The memory list is set up using the
MEMory:SETup command.
SOURce:VOLTage:SETup<index> Where <index> is the location in the “memory” list
ranging from 1 to 512.
EXAMPLES
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel 1 Loads the DAC with a voltage value at index 1.
Page 43
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 43
TRIGger:SLOPe
The Trigger Slope command selects which edge of a triggering signal is the active edge.
TRIGger:SLOPe<slope> Where <slope> may be positive or negative.
EXAMPLES
TRIGger:SLOPe POS Selects the active edge for a triggering signal to be POSitive.
TRIGger:SLOPe? POS (Returns the active edge for a triggering signal, which is
currently set as POSitive.)
TRIG:SLOP NEG Selects the active edge for a triggering signal to be a negative
edge.
TRIG:SLOP? NEG (Returns the active edge for a triggering signal, which is
currently negative.)
Page 44
VTI Instruments Corp.
44 VM3608A/3616A Programming
TRIGger:SOURce
The Trigger Source command selects the trigger event that updates the DACs on the
VM3608A/3616A. Each DAC is double buffered and hence, writing to the DAC will require a
second event to cause output voltage to be updated.
TRIGger:SOURce <source> Where <source> can be one of the following: NONE,
INTernal 1 - 16, AUTO, EXTernal and TTLTrg 0 - 7.
EXAMPLES
TRIGger:SOURce TTLT3 Selects the trigger source to be TTLTrigger 3.
NOTE While using SCAN, a trigger source of either EXTernal or one of the TTLTriggers is required. The
trigger source command is used to select the above required trigger sources.
For the VM3608A, only trigger sources INTI-8 are valid internal triggers. However for the
VM3616A, INTI-16 are valid internal trigger sources.
Page 45
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 45
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
This section contains examples of using SCPI command strings for programming the
VM3608A/3616A module. The code is functional and will contain a brief description of the
operation.
In this example, the VM3608A/3616A sets the calibration gain and calibration offset for the
specified channel. The calibration security state is turned OFF, then the changes are stored to the
non-volatile memory. It also returns the number of times, the non-volatile memory is updated.
CAL:SEC:STAT 0,#17VM3608A Sets the calibration security state OFF with code VTI.
CAL 1:GAIN 1 Sets the calibration gain for Channel 1 to 1 V.
CAL 2:ZERO 1 Sets the calibration offset for Channel 2 to 1 V.
CAL:STOR Stores the calibration gain and offset values to the non-
volatile memory.
CAL:COUNT? Returns 5, stating that the non-volatile memory has been
updated 5 times.
CAL:SEC:STAT 1 Disables further stores to non-volatile memory.
In this example, the VM3608A/3616A sets up the trigger source and output voltage level for a
selected list of channels.
TRIG:SOUR TTLT3 Sets the trigger source to TTLT3.
TRIG:SLOP POS Sets the trigger slope to positive.
SOUR:VOLT:LEV -10, (@7:10) Sets the output voltage level of -10.00000 V for the
selected list of channels from 7 through 10.
Page 46
VTI Instruments Corp.
46 VM3608A/3616A Programming
In this example, the VM3608A/3616A loads scan list of the specified channel with voltage values.
These values can be loaded to the DAC using the interrupt routine-Note, for the above to function,
the trigger source should be either EXTernal or TTLTrigger 0 - 7.
TRIG:SOUR EXT Sets the trigger source as EXT.
SCAN 1, (@1:4) Sets the scan mode ON for Channels 1 through 4.
SCAN:L1M 1,256 Sets the position in the scan list arrays for Channel 1 as 256.
SCAN:TAB 1,2,3,4,5 Loads the Channel 1’s scan list with voltage values 2, 3, 4 and
5.
In this example, the memory list of the VM3608A/3616A is setup and then the output levels of the
channels are programmed using the memory lists.
MEM:SETUP 1, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 Setting up memory list of Channels 1 through 8 at index 1
assuming VM3608A.
MEM:SETUP 2, 10,11,12,14,15,12,11,1 Setting up memory list of Channels 1 through 8 at index 2
assuming VM3608A.
SOUR: VOLT: SETUP 1 Setting the DAC output levels to the voltages programmed in
memory lists at index 1.
Page 47
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 47
REGISTER ACCESS
The VM3608A/3616A module provides direct register access for faster data access. The DAC
output values may be programmed using direct register access providing maximum speed. In FIFO
mode, the data stream is sent to the instrument via direct register access. In Arbitrary Waveform
Generator (ARB) mode, the waveform data may be input using either word serial data access or
register-based data access.
The register map is as shown in Table 3-1 below.
PROGRAMMING THE DACS VIA REGISTER ACCESS
In order to program a particular channel to a particular voltage value, the equivalent 16-bit
representation must be computed first. Second, the computed value must be written to the register
at the offset corresponding to that channel. When SOURce:VOLTage:FORMat is set to 1 or ON,
the Register value is calculated as:
The nearest integer value of: ((Voltage * 65535) / Full Range + 32768)
Where:
Voltage is the desired output value
Full Range is the total of Maximum positive output + |Maximum Negative Output|
For the 20 V range, this value is 39.99939
For the 10 V range, this value is 19.99969
For example, if Channel 1 is set to the 20V range, and is to be programmed to 10volts, compute
the 16-bit equivalent representation for 10 volts as follows:
((10 * 65535) / 39.99939) + 32768 = 49151.999856 ~ 49152
When SOURce:VOLTage:FORMat is set to 0 or OFF, the Register value is calculated as:
The nearest integer value of: (Voltage * 65535) / Full Range
When the decimal result is converted into a 16-bit hexadecimal value, the format will be
#H0 to #H7FFF = 0 to (<range> - LSB),
and #H8000 to #HFFFF = -<range> to (0 - LSB);
where <range> is 10V for the 10V range, and 20V for the 20V range,
and LSB = (2 * <range>) / 65536.
For example, if Channel 1 is set to the 20 V range, and is to be programmed to -10 V, compute the
16-bit equivalent representation for -10 V as follows:
(-10 * 65535) / 39.99939 = -16383.999856 ~ -16384
Converted to hexadecimal -16384 = #HC000.
Page 48
VTI Instruments Corp.
48 VM3608A/3616A Programming
The VM3608A/3616A DAC Module supports access to the 16/8 output channels via the Device
Dependent Registers of the VXIbus interface. The following table shows A16 Memory and the
VM3608A/3616A Data Port Map. Note that channels 9 through 16 are not available in the
VM3608A DAC.
TABLE 3-1: A16 MEMORY
Offset
Description
3E
Channel 16
3C
Channel 15
3A
Channel 14
38
Channel 13
36
Channel 12
34
Channel 11
32
Channel 10
30
Channel 9
2E
Channel 8
2C
Channel 7
2A
Channel 6
28
Channel 5
26
Channel 4
24
Channel 3
22
Channel 2
20
Channel 1/FIFO DATA
1E 1C 1A 18 16
[ A32 Pointer Low ]
14
[ A32 Pointer High ]
12
[ A24 Pointer Low ]
10
[ A24 Pointer High ]
E
Data Low
C
Data High
A
Response [/Data Extended]
8
Protocol [/Signal] Register
6
[Offset Register]
4
Status / Control Register
2
Device Type
0
ID Register
Page 49
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 49
A READ of Register 20 will return information concerning FIFO read status. The information is
returned in the following format:
15F14
E
13
U
12X11
X
Underflow - FIFO underflowed (ran out of data)
Empty - FIFO is empty
Full - FIFO is full
...
1
X
0
X
Page 50
VTI Instruments Corp.
50 VM3608A/3616A Programming
VXIplug&play DRIVER
PROGRAMMING THE VM3608A/3616A USING VXIplug&play DRIVERS
1) Outputting single values
2) Using the Scan Table
3) ARB mode
4) FIFO mode
OVERVIEW
The VM3608A/3616A is a very flexible instrument. As such, the VXIplug&play drivers
supporting the instrument have been designed to give the user maximum access to all of the
capabilities of the instrument. However, VXIplug&play drivers by their high level nature and
associated overhead, do not give the programmer complete freedom or the ability to enhance the
operating speed of the device. For example, the VXIplug&play drivers do not give the programmer
access to the device registers.
The VM3608A/3616A has four different modes that determine how the output of the DAC is
updated. It can act as a static analog output where the value is set dependent on the execution of a
line of code. The output can also be updated where the value is dependent on an element in a scan
table. The ARB mode allows the user to download arbitrary waveforms into memory and each
channel can be programmed to output a waveform from the stored memory. The FIFO mode is
used to continuously download data to the DAC.
Each mode offers varying degrees of complexity. A number of support tools have been provided
within the VXIplug&play driver. One of the most useful is the help file, Vtvm3616a.hlp. This file
contains the function tree and a very detailed description of each VXIplug&play driver. A soft
front panel is also provided with the instrument. It is a LabWindows application and the code
behind the panel is included. The code provides a framework from which other applications can be
developed. It is suggested that the user spend some time looking over the soft front panel and the
help file to get a better understanding of instrument operation.
A description of each of the modes is provided below.
OUTPUTTING A SINGLE VALUE
There is an application function in the VXIplug&play driver set that allows the user to program a
single voltage level on any one of the output channels.
Vtvm3616_setupAndWriteToDAC
Page 51
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 51
The parameters passed to this function are the trigger source, trigger slope, voltage level value,
channel list and the number of channels in the channel list. Executing this function will program
the DAC at the voltage level. This function calls two other 'core' VXIplug&play functions and is
an example of how to group them together. If the trigger source is set to AUTO, the output will be
immediately updated. If the trigger is set to anything else, that event must take place for the output
to update.
OUTPUTTING FROM THE SCAN LIST
Up to 512 voltage level elements can be loaded into a scan list and the DAC can be programmed to
step through the list. A trigger event will cause the output of the DAC to be updated respective of
the value of the next index. Once the end of the list is reached, the DAC can either loop back to the
beginning of the list and repeat its sequence, or it can stop updating once the end is reached. To
program the scan list parameters, a VXIplug&play application function has been provided. It is
important to note that the scan list is not used when the instrument is set to the ARB or FIFO
mode.
Vtvm3616_SetupScanListParameters
The parameters passed to this function are the channel number, mode (off, on, or loop), index in
the list where the DAC will either loop back or stop, voltage list (scan list values) and the number
of entries in the scan list.
Vtvm3616_ConfigTrigParameters
The trigger parameters should also be set to indicate how the scan list index will be advanced and
the output subsequently updated.
The scan list is limited in its update rate capabilities because it is interrupt driven.
OUTPUTTING AN ARBITRARY WAVEFORM
To output an arbitrary waveform, it is important to understand the concept of traces, segments and
sequences. A 100-point sine wave, a 200-point triangle wave, a 300-point ramp function and a 300
point sine/triangle waveform are examples of traces. Up to 16 channels (8 for the VM3608A) can
be programmed in the ARB mode. A segment describes what each channel is outputting at a
particular point in time based on the trace data loaded for that particular channel. A segment can
contain up to n traces, where n is the number of channels set to ARB mode.
Each defined segment is assigned a size, or number of points that it contains. This size is consistent
for all channels. The segment size always contains at least the number of data points of its largest
trace that is loaded. For example, if the following continuous outputs are desired
Channel 1 - 100 point sine wave
Channel 2 - 200 point triangle wave
Channel 3 - 300 point ramp function
Page 52
VTI Instruments Corp.
52 VM3608A/3616A Programming
the segment size will be set at 600 points. Because the output needs to be continuous, six cycles of
the 100 point sine wave data, three cycles of the 200 point triangle data and two cycles of the 300
point ramp function will need to be loaded into the memory corresponding to segment 0 for each
of the channels. This ensures output without gaps or interruptions. Had the segment size been set to
300 points, the triangle wave would not have been continuous. If only one cycle of the 100-point
sine wave had been loaded, the output of Channel 1 would complete one cycle of the sine wave
and not update the DAC for the next 500 clock ticks. It is important to remember that continuous
waveform outputs require definition of the entire segment for each channel. Additional segments
can be defined for the channels in the ARB mode as described above. Any subsequent segments
can have different numbers of data points.
A sequence list must be defined before output is generated by the DAC. The elements of a
sequence list are segments. Once a segment has been defined, it can be included in the sequence
list. In the example above, only one segment was defined. The sequence list describing the
waveforms out of the three channels would have consisted of only one element (segment 0).
Sequence lists can contain up to 4096 segments. Furthermore, segments can be repeated within the
list (not necessarily 4096 unique segments). To further illustrate, a sequence list containing more
than one segment would be useful in programming one of the channels to output a sine wave
followed by a triangle wave and a ramp function. This assumes that the new segments have been
defined.
The VXIplug&play sequence to properly program the VM3608A/3616A in the ARB mode is
detailed below. Refer to the help file for detailed descriptions of each function and parameter.
/*
*initiate the VM3616A
*/
vtvm3616_init (ViRsrc instrDesc, ViBoolean vtvm3616_ON, ViBoolean
vtvm3616_ON, ViSession *instrHndl);
/*
*set the voltage range
*/
vtvm3616_setupVoltageRange (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 range,
ViInt16 channelList[], ViInt16 numOfChannels);
/*
*set trigger to NONE
*/
vtvm3616_configTriggerParams (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16
triggerSource, ViBoolen slope);
/*
*set the format of the binary data to be passed to the instrument (signed or unsigned binary)
*/
vtvm3616_setupDataFormat (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 dataFormat)
/*
*set mode to ARB
*/
vtvm3616_setupScanMode (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 mode, ViInt16
channelList[], ViInt16 numOfChannels);
Page 53
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 53
/*
*define the segments and their length
*This line is repeated n times, where n represents the number of segments in the pattern
*/
vtvm3616_arbDefineSegment (ViSession instrHndl, int segmentNumber,
ViInt32 buffSize0)
/*
*define the clock source (timer = internal oscillator)
*/
vtvm3616_setupClock (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 clockSource,
ViBoolean slope)
/*
*set the timer to desired period (if internal oscillator is the clock source)
*/
vtvm3616_setupTimer (ViSession instrHndl, double period)
/*
*load the 16-bit binary data for each segment | channel pair
*This command will be called n times, where n = number of channels * number of segments
*/
vtvm3616_arbLoadData (ViSession instrHndl, int segmentNumber, int
channel, ViInt16 voltageDataBuffer [], ViInt32
buffSize)
/*
*define the sequence list
*This command determines the order of the segments that will be output from each channel
*/
vtvm3616_arbDefineSequence (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16
sequenceList[], ViInt16 numOfSegments);
/*
*define sequence parameters, auto advance ensures there will be no breaks between segments
*/
vtvm3616_arbSetSeqParms (ViSession instrHndl, int seqIndex, int
seqStart, int seqAdvance, int seqRepeat, int
seqMarker)
/*
*output the waveform
*/
vtvm3616_commandArb (ViSession instrHndl, ViBoolean command)
Page 54
VTI Instruments Corp.
54 VM3608A/3616A Programming
OUTPUTTING DATA USING FIFO MODE
Data can be continuously loaded to the DAC via a FIFO. The FIFO is loaded with data. When it
begins to empty, based on the clock source rate, new data will need to be supplied. There are a
number of applications where the FIFO mode could be used. If a large amount of data has been
collected using an A/D device and stored in a file, the VM3608A/3616A can be used to 'play' the
data back at the specified frequency via the FIFO interface. For example, sound files can be played
out of the device and can be heard when speakers are connected to a channel output.
The following command set is used to program the DAC in the FIFO mode.
/*
*initiate the VM3616A
*/
vtvm3616_init (ViRsrc instrDesc, ViBoolean vtvm3616_ON, ViBoolean
vtvm3616_ON, ViSession *instrHndl);
/*
*set the voltage range
*/
vtvm3616_setupVoltageRange (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 range,
ViInt16 channelList[], ViInt16 numOfChannels);
/*
*set trigger to NONE
*/
vtvm3616_configTriggerParams (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16
triggerSource, ViBoolean slope);
/*
*set mode to FIFO
*/
vtvm3616_setupScanMode (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 mode, ViInt16
channelList[], ViInt16 numOfChannels);
/*
*load the FIFO data
*/
vtvm3616_loadFIFO_Data (ViSession instrHndl, ViInt16 dataBuffer[],
ViInt32 buffSize)
/*
*output the waveform
*/
vtvm3616_commandDIFO (ViSession instrHndl, ViBoolean command)
Page 55
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 55
/*
*use this function to determine the status if the FIFO (full|empty|under-run)
*/
vtvm3616_GetFIFOStatus (ViSession instrHndl, ViUInt16
*fifoStatus);
The FIFO mode sequence is very complex. The status is checked to see when new data should be
loaded. Proper care must be practiced to ensure that the FIFO does not under-run or empty itself
before more data can be loaded. Refer to the help file, and the soft front panel FIFO example, to
get tips on programming in this mode.
Page 56
VTI Instruments Corp.
56 VM3608A/3616A Programming
VXIplug&play DRIVER EXAMPLES
/**************************************************************************
Function: vtvm3616_setupAndWriteToDAC
Formal Parameters ViSession instrHndl,
- A valid session handle to the instrument.
ViInt16 triggerSource,
- This parameter is used to select the trigger type
i.e., Trigger Source.
Valid Range: Interpretation:
----------- -------------- vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_AUTO Auto
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_EXT External
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG0 TTL Trigger 0
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG1 TTL Trigger 1
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG2 TTL Trigger 2
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG3 TTL Trigger 3
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG4 TTL Trigger 4
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG5 TTL Trigger 5
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG6 TTL Trigger 6
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG7 TTL Trigger 7
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH1 Internal Channel 1
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH2 Internal Channel 2
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH3 Internal Channel 3
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH4 Internal Channel 4
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH5 Internal Channel 5
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH6 Internal Channel 6
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH7 Internal Channel 7
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH8 Internal Channel 8
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH9 Internal Channel 9
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH10 Internal Channel 10
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH11 Internal Channel 11
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH12 Internal Channel 12
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH13 Internal Channel 13
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH14 Internal Channel 14
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH15 Internal Channel 15
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_INT_CH16 Internal Channel 16
ViBoolean slope,
- This parameter is used to set the slope of the Trigger
selected. The Slope of the trigger may be Positive /
Negative. Selects which edge of the triggering signal is the
active edge. The slope applies only to the external and TTL
trigger sources i.e., the valid values of trigger source
for which the slope can be configured are mentioned below:
Page 57
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 57
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_EXT
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG0
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG1
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG2
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG3
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG4
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG5
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG6
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG7
Valid Range: vtvm3616_SLOPE_POSITIVE (or)
vtvm3616_SLOPE_NEGATIVE.
ViReal32 voltLevelValue,
- This parameter is used to set the Voltage Level.
Valid Range:
vtvm3616_VOLT_LEVEL_VALUE_MIN (-20.00000) to
vtvm3616_VOLT_LEVEL_VALUE_MAX (+19.99939).
ViInt16 channelList[],
- This parameter specifies the channel list for which the
specified voltage level is to be set.
Valid Range for each channel:
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_VM3608_MAX (8) for 3608 module
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_VM3616_MAX (16) for 3616 module
ViInt16 numOfChannels,
- This parameter is used to set the number of channels to be
configured.
Valid Range: vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_VM3608_MAX (8) for 3608 module
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_VM3616_MAX 16) for 3616 module
Return Values: Returns VI_SUCCESS if successful.
Else returns error value.
Description This is an application function which shows how to group
core driver functions to setup trigger source and output
voltage level for a selected list of channels.
Please look at the source code of this function to help you
understand how to group core driver functions in your
application.
*************************************************************************/
Page 58
VTI Instruments Corp.
58 VM3608A/3616A Programming
ViStatus _VI_FUNC vtvm3616_setupAndWriteToDAC(ViSession instrHndl,
ViInt16 triggerSource,
ViBoolean slope,
ViReal32 voltLevelValue,
ViInt16 channelList[],
ViInt16 numOfChannels)
{
ViStatus status = VI_NULL;
status = vtvm3616_configTriggerParams (instrHndl, triggerSource, slope);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return vtvm3616_ERROR_SETTING_TRIGGER_PARAMS;
status = vtvm3616_setupVoltage(instrHndl,
voltLevelValue,
channelList,
numOfChannels);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return vtvm3616_ERROR_SETTING_OUTPUT_VOLTAGE;
return VI_SUCCESS;
}
/*************************************************************************
Function : vtvm3616_setupScanListParams
Formal Parameters ViSession instrHndl,
- A valid session handle to the instrument.
ViInt16 channel,
- This parameter specifies the channel for which the
scan-list operation mode is to be set.
Valid Range: vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_VM3608_MAX (8) if it is VM3608.
or
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_CHANNEL_LIST_VM3616_MAX (16) if it is
VM3616.
ViInt16 mode,
- This parameter specifies the mode of operation to be
set for the scan list operation of the specified
channel.
Valid Range: Interpretation:
vtvm3616_SCAN_MODE_OFF Scan Mode Off.
vtvm3616_SCAN_MODE_ON Scan Mode On.
vtvm3616_SCAN_MODE_LOOP Scan Mode Loop.
Page 59
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Programming 59
ViInt16 count,
- This parameter specifies the position in the scan
list array where the interrupt routine
loading the DACs should either stop or loop back to
zero.
Valid Range: vtvm3616_COUNT_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_COUNT_MAX (512).
ViReal32 voltageList[],
- This parameter specifies the voltage values to be
set in the scan list arrays of the specified channel.
Each element of the array should be of the range
specified below:
vtvm3616_VOLT_LEVEL_VALUE_MIN (-20.00000) to
vtvm3616_VOLT_LEVEL_VALUE_MAX (19.99939).
ViInt16 numOfVolts
- This parameter specifies the number of valid entries
for the voltage list array.
Valid Range: vtvm3616_VOLTAGE_LIST_MIN (1) to
vtvm3616_VOLTAGE_LIST_MAX (512).
Return Values: Returns VI_SUCCESS if successful.
Else returns error value.
Description This function is an application function that shows
how the user can use core functions to load the
specified channel's scan list with the voltage values.
These values can then be loaded to the DAC using the
interrupt routine.
*************************************************************************/
ViStatus _VI_FUNC vtvm3616_setupScanListParams( ViSession instrHndl,
ViInt16 channel,
ViInt16 mode,
ViInt16 count,
ViReal32voltageList[],
ViInt16 numOfVolts)
{
ViStatus status = VI_NULL;
ViInt16 channelList[1];
channelList[0] = channel;
Page 60
VTI Instruments Corp.
60 VM3608A/3616A Programming
/*
* Resetting the module to its default state
*/
status = vtvm3616_reset(instrHndl);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return status;
/*
* Configuring the TTLT Line 0 as the trigger source for the
* Scan Mode
*/
status = vtvm3616_configTriggerParams (instrHndl,
vtvm3616_TRIG_SRC_TTLTRG0,
vtvm3616_SLOPE_POSITIVE);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return vtvm3616_ERROR_SETTING_TRIGGER_PARAMS;
/*
* Configuring the Scan Mode of the specified channel
*/
status = vtvm3616_setupScanMode(instrHndl,mode,channelList,1);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return vtvm3616_ERROR_SETTING_SCAN_MODE;
/*
* Configuring the Scan Limit Index in the scan array where the
* interrupt routine loading the DAC will either stop or loop
* back to zero depending on the scan mode
*/
status = vtvm3616_setupScanLimit(instrHndl, channel, count);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return vtvm3616_ERROR_SETTING_SCAN_LIMIT;
/*
* Configuring the Scan List for the specified channel
*/
status = vtvm3616_setupScanList(instrHndl, channel, voltageList,
numOfVolts);
if (status < VI_SUCCESS)
return vtvm3616_ERROR_SETTING_SCAN_LIST;
return VI_SUCCESS;
}
Page 61
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 61
SECTION 4
COMMAND DICTIONARY
INTRODUCTION
This section presents the instrument command set. It begins with an alphabetical list of all the
commands supported by the VM3608A/3616A are divided into three sections: IEEE 488.2
commands, the instrument specific SCPI commands and the required SCPI commands. With each
command is a brief description of its function, whether the command’s value is affected by the
*RST command and its default value.
The remainder of this section is devoted to describing each command, one per page, in detail. The
description is presented in a regular and orthogonal way assisting the user in the use of each
command. Every command entry describes the exact command and query syntax, the use and range
of parameters and a complete description of the command’s purpose.
ALPHABETICAL COMMAND LISTING
The following tables provide an alphabetical listing of each command supported by the
VM3608A/3616A along with a brief description. If an X is found in the column titled *RST, then
the value or setting controlled by this command is possibly changed by the execution of the *RST
command. If no X is found, then *RST has no effect. The default column gives the value of each
command’s setting when the unit is powered up or when a *RST command is executed.
Page 62
VTI Instruments Corp.
62 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
TABLE 4-1: IEEE 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS
Command
Description
*RST
Reset Value
*CLS
Clears the Status Register.
X *ESE
Sets the Event Status Enable Register.
X *ESR?
Query the Standard Event Status Register
N/A
*IDN?
Query the module identification string.
N/A
*OPC
Set the OPC bit in the Event Status Register
N/A
*RST
Resets the module to a known state
N/A
*SRE
Set the service request enable register
N/A
*STB?
Query the Status Byte Register.
N/A
*TRG
Causes a trigger event to occur.
N/A
*TST?
Starts and reports a self-test procedure.
N/A
*WAI
Halts execution and queries
X
Page 63
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 63
TABLE 4-2: INSTRUMENT SPECIFIC SCPI COMMANDS
Command
Description
*RST
Reset Value
ABORt
Stop current operation
N/A
CALibration:COUNt?
Returns a number that indicates the number of
times the VM3608A/3616A has been calibrated.
N/A
CALibration:DATA
Manually sets or queries the calibration
constants.
X
Values from
non-volatile
CALibration:GAIN
Used to set the calibration constant for the gain
of the selected channel; its effect are immediate.
X
Values from
non-volatile
CALibration:SECure:CODE
Sets the code required to disable calibration
security.
N/A
CALibration:SECure:STATe
Enables or disables calibration security.
X
1 (security
enabled)
CALibration:STORe
Saves the current calibration constants into nonvolatile memory.
N/A
CALibration:STORe:AUTO
Allows the new calibration constants to be
saved to non-volatile memory as they are
changed by the CALibration:GAIN and
CALibration:ZERO commands
X
1
CALibration:ZERO
Used to set the calibration constant for the
offset of the selected channel.
X
Values from
non-volatile
FORMat
Sets the output format for digital queries.
X
ASCII/
(Decimal)
INITiate
Arms unit for operation in ARB and FIFO mode
N/A
MEMory:SETup
Enters a voltage list for manual loading to the
Precision DACs.
X
0
MEMory:SIZE?
Queries the RAM memory size
N/A
OUTPut:TTLTrg
Sets output VXIbus trigger line
X 0 OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce
Sets outputs trigger signal source
X
NONE
SCAN
Enables/disables the operation of the scan list
function.
X
Off
SCAN OFF
Sets SCAN mode to OFF on all channels
N/A
SCAN:LIMit
Sets the scan loop-back limit.
X
512
SCAN:TABLe
Enters a voltage list to be placed in the scan list
of the specified channel.
X
0
SCAN:TABLe:LOCation
Enters a voltage in a specific location in the list.
N/A
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:SLOPe
Sets the marker at a positive or negative level
X
POS
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:STATe
Enables or disables the front panel marker
output
X
0
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger
Enables or disables the marker trigger
N/A
SOURce:ROSCillator:SLOPe
Selects Reference OSCillator slope
X
POS
SOURce:ROSCillator:SOURce
Selects the source of the ARB and FIFO sample
check
X
TIM
SOURce:SEQuence:ADVance
Selects how a sequence advances
X
Sync
Page 64
VTI Instruments Corp.
64 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
Instrument Specific SCPI Commands (continued)
Command
Description
*RST
Reset Value
SOURce:SEQuence:DWEL1
Sets the number of times to loop through a
sequence segment
N/A
SOURce:SEQuence:LENGth
Sets the number of segments in a sequence list
N/A
SOURce:SEQuence:LIST
Sets up the segment sequence list
N/A
SOURce:SEQuence:STARt
Selects between Automatic or Triggered starting
of a segment
N/A
SOURce:VOLTage:DATA
Sets the output level of the channels selected by
the channel list using the binary data
programmed into the 16-bit DAC.
X
0 V
SOURce:VOLTage:FORMat
Set the data format for voltage levels
X
1
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel
Sets the output level of the channels selected by
the channel list.
X
0 V
SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe
Sets the output voltage range.
X
20 V
SOURce:VOLTage:SETup
Sets the output level of all channels using the
binary data from a selected location in the scan
list.
N/A
TRACe:DATA
Loads data into the selected Trace memory
N/A
TRACe:DATA:POINt
Sets the value of the data point in Trace
memory
N/A
TRACe:DEFine
Sets the segment number and its size
N/A
TRACe:DELete:ALL
Deletes all Trace definitions
N/A
TRACe:FREE?
Returns the number of Trace points used and
the number of points available
N/A
TRACe:LEVel
Sets the voltage level
N/A
TRACe:POINts
Re-sizes a Trace segment
N/A
TRIGger:IMMediate
Command immediately triggers the instrument
N/A
TRIGger:IMMiadiate:ADVance
Sets the trigger for advancing segments
N/A
TRIGger:SLOPe
Selects which edge of a triggering signal is the
active edge.
X
Positive edge
TRIGger:SOURce
Selects the trigger event which updates the
output DACs
X
AUTO mode
TRIGger:TIMer
Sets the time interval for the internal periodic
trigger source
X
1e-3
Page 65
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 65
TABLE 4-3: SCPI REQUIRED COMMANDS
Command
Description
*RST
Reset Value
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Queries the Operation Status Condition Register.
X STATus:OPERation:ENABle
Sets the Operation Status Enable Register.
X STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
Queries the Operation Status Event Register.
X
STATus:PRESet
Presets the Status Register.
X
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Queries the Questionable Status Condition
Register
X
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
Sets the Questionable Status Enable Register.
X STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
Queries the Questionable Status Event Register
X
SYSTem:ERRor?
Queries the Error Queue
X
Clears
queue
SYSTem:VERsion?
Queries the version of the SCPI standard for
which the module complies.
N/A
Page 66
VTI Instruments Corp.
66 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
COMMAND DICTIONARY
The remainder of this section is devoted to the actual command dictionary. Each command is fully
described on its own page. In defining how each command is used, the following items are
described:
Purpose
Describes the purpose of the command.
Type
Describes the type of event, such as type or setting.
Command Syntax
Details the exact command format
Command Parameters
Describes the parameters sent with the command and their legal parameters
*RST Value
Describes the value assumed when the *RST (reset) command is sent.
Query Syntax
Details the exact query form of the command.
Query Parameters
Describes the parameters sent with the command and their legal range. The default
parameter values are assumed the same as in the command form unless described
otherwise.
Query Response
Describes the format of the query response and the valid range of output.
Description
Describes in detail what the command does and refers to additional sources.
Examples
Presents the proper use of each command and its query (when available).
Related Commands
Lists commands that affect the use of this command or commands that are affected by this
command.
Page 67
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 67
IEEE 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS
*CLS
Purpose
Clears the Status Register.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*CLS
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
None
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
This command clears all event registers, clears the OPC flag and clears all queues (except
the output queue).
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*CLS
Related Commands
None
Page 68
VTI Instruments Corp.
68 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
*ESE
Purpose
Sets the bits of the Event Status Enable Register.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*ESE <mask>
Command Parameters
<mask> = numeric ASCII value
*RST Value
None, the parameter is required
Query Syntax
*ESE?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Numeric ASCII value from 0 to 255
Description
The Event Status Enable command is used to set the bits of the Event Status Enable
Register. See ANSI/IEEE488.2-1987 section 11.5.1 for a complete description of the
ESE register. A value of 1 in a bit position of the ESE register enables generation of the
ESB (Event Status Bit) in the Status Byte by the corresponding bit in the ESR. If the
ESB is set in the SRE register then an interrupt will be generated. See the ESR?
command for details regarding the individual bits. The ESE register layout is:
Bit 0 - Operation Complete
Bit 1 - Request Control (not used in the VM3608A/3616A)
Bit 2 - Query Error
Bit 3 - Device Dependent Error (not used in the VM3608A/3616A)
Bit 4 - Execution Error
Bit 5 - Command Error
Bit 6 - User Request (not used in the VM3608A/3616A)
Bit 7 - Power On
The Event Status Enable query reports the current contents of the Event Status Enable
Register.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*ESE 36
*ESE?
36
Related Commands
*ESR?
Page 69
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 69
*ESR?
Purpose
Queries and clears the Standard Event Status Register.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
None - Query only
Command Parameters
N/A
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
ESR?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Numeric ASCII value from 0 to 255
Description
The Event Status Register query - queries and clears the contents of the Standard Event
Status Register. This register is used in conjunction with the ESE register to generate the
ESB (Event Status Bit) in the Status Byte.
The layout of the ESR is:
Bit 0 - Operation Complete
Bit 1 - Request Control (not used in the VM3608A/3616A, always 0)
Bit 2 - Query Error
Bit 3 - Device Dependent Error (not used in the VM3608A/3616A, always 0)
Bit 4 - Execution Error
Bit 5 - Command Error
Bit 6 - User Request (not used in the VM3608A/3616A, always 0)
Bit 7 - Power On
The Operation Complete bit is set by the VM3608A/3616A when it receives an *OPC
command.
The Query Error bit is set when data is over-written in the output queue. This could occur
if one query is followed by another without reading the data from the first query.
The Execution Error bit is set when an execution error is detected. Errors that range from
-200 to -299 are execution errors.
The Command Error bit is set when a command error is detected. Errors that range from 100 to -199 are command errors.
The Power On bit is set when the module is first powered on or after it receives a reset
via the VXI Control Register. Once the bit is cleared (by executing the *ESR? command)
it will remain cleared.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*ESR?
4
Related Commands
*ESE <mask>
Page 70
VTI Instruments Corp.
70 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
*IDN?
Purpose
Queries the module for its identification string.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
None - Query Only
Command Parameters
N/A
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
*IDN?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
ASCII character string
Description
The Identification query returns the identification string of the VM3608A/3616A module.
The response is divided into four fields separated by commas. The first field is the
manufacturer’s name, the second field is the model number, the third field is an optional
serial number and the fourth field is the firmware revision number. If a serial number is
not supplied, the third field is set to 0 (zero).
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*IDN?
VXI Technology Inc.,VM3616A,0,1.1
Related Commands
None
Page 71
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 71
*OPC
Purpose
Sets the OPC bit in the Event Status Register.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*OPC
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
*OPC?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
1
Description
The Operation Complete command sets the OPC bit in the Event Status Register when all
pending operations have completed. The Operation Complete query will return a 1 to the
output queue when all pending operations have completed.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*OPC
*OPC?
1
Related Commands
*WAI
Page 72
VTI Instruments Corp.
72 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
*RST
Purpose
Resets the module’s hardware and software to a known state.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*RST
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
None
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
The Reset command resets the module’s hardware and software to a known state. See the
command index at the beginning of this chapter for the default parameter values used
with this command.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*RST
Related Commands
None
Page 73
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 73
*SRE
Purpose
Sets the service request enable register.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*SRE <mask>
Command Parameters
<mask> = Numeric ASCII value from 0 to 255
*RST Value
None – required parameter
Query Syntax
*SRE?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Numeric ASCII value from 0 to 255
Description
The service request enable mask is used to control which bits in the status byte generate
back plane interrupts. If a bit is set in the mask that newly enables a bit set in the status
byte and interrupts are enabled, the module will generate a REQUEST TRUE event via
an interrupt. See the *STB? Command for the layout of bits. Note: Bit 6 is always
internally cleared to zero as required by IEEE 488.2 section 11.3.2.3.
The layout of the Service Request Enable Register is:
Bit 0 - Unused
Bit 1 - Unused
Bit 2 - Error Queue Has Data
Bit 3 - Questionable Status Summary (not used)
Bit 4 - Message Available
Bit 5 - Event Status Summary
Bit 6 - 0
Bit 7 - Operation Status Summary
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*SRE 4
*SRE?
4
Related Commands
None
Page 74
VTI Instruments Corp.
74 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
*STB?
Purpose
Queries the Status Byte Register.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
None - Query Only
Command Parameters
N/A
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
*STB?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Numeric ASCII value from 0 to 255
Description
The Read Status Byte query fetches the current contents of the Status Byte Register. See
the IEEE 488.2 specification for additional information regarding the Status byte Register
and its use.
The layout of the Status Register is:
Bit 0 - Unused
Bit 1 - Unused
Bit 2 - Error Queue Has Data
Bit 4 - Questionable Status Summary (not used)
Bit 5 - Message Available
Bit 6 - Master Summary Status
Bit 7 - Operation Status Summary
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*STB?
16
Related Commands
None
Page 75
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 75
*TRG
Purpose
Causes a trigger event to occur.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*TRG
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
None
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
The Trigger command causes a trigger event to occur. In the VM3608A/3616A this is
used to start transmitting the data in all the queues whose associated channel is in
BLOCK MODE. See the section discussing block mode of operation for further details.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*TRG
Related Commands
None
Page 76
VTI Instruments Corp.
76 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
*TST?
Purpose
Causes a self-test procedure to occur and queries the results.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
None - Query Only
Command Parameters
N/A
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
*TST?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Numeric ASCII value from 0 to 143
Description
The Self-Test query causes the VM3608A/3616A to run its self-test procedures and
report on the results. The following tests are performed:
1. Each channel runs an internal loop-back self-test.
2. The buffer RAM runs a simple self-test.
The *TST? query returns a numeric ASCII from 0 to 143 which has the following
reading:
Bit 0 Channel 1 Failed
Bit 1 Channel 2 Failed
Bit 2 Channel 3 Failed
Bit 3 Channel 4 Failed
Bit 4 Unused
Bit 5 Unused
Bit 6 Unused
Bit 7 RAM Test Failed
Bit 8 – 14 Code to indicate a RAM Failure (Address or Data)
Bit 15 RAM Flood Test Failure
A bit value of 1 in any location indicates a failure while a 0 value indicates that the test
passed. The RAM test failed bit indicates that the buffer RAM used for the data queues
failed to pass a simple pseudo random patter test or an all zeros test.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*TST?
0
Related Commands
None
Databus bit failure to FPGA
Page 77
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 77
*WAI
Purpose
Halts execution of additional commands and queries until the No Operation Pending
message is true.
Type
IEEE 488.2 Common Command
Command Syntax
*WAI
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
None
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
The Wait to Continue command halts the execution of commands and queries until the
No Operation Pending message is true. This command makes sure that all previous
commands have been executed before proceeding. It provides a way of synchronizing the
module with its commander.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
*WAI
Related Commands
*OPC
Page 78
VTI Instruments Corp.
78 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
DEVICE SPECIFIC SCPI COMMANDS
ABORt
Purpose
Stop current block operations.
Type
Device dependent SCPI command
Command Syntax
ABORt
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
None
Query Syntax
None – Command Only
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
This command stops the current block operations and all active timers; the buffers and
settings are unchanged. This command is an event and has no associated, no query form
and no *RST value.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
ABOR
Related Commands
None
Page 79
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 79
CALibration:COUNt?
Purpose
Returns a number that indicates the number of times the VM3608A/3616A has been
calibrated.
Type
Query
Command Syntax
None - Query Only
Command Parameters
N/A
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
CALibration:COUNt?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Numeric ASCII value. The maximum value for the count is 16,777,215 after which it will
wrap to 0
Description
The Calibration Count query returns the number of times the VM3608A/3616A has been
calibrated. The instrument will increment the count every time the non-volatile memory
storing the calibration constants is updated. If the calibration security is disabled
(CALibration:SECure:STATe OFF is set) and CALibration:STORe:AUTO ON is set, the
count will increment with each execution of the CALibration:GAIN or
CALibration:ZERO command. If the CALibration:STORe:AUTO OFF is set, the count
will only be incremented by invoking the CALibration:STORe command. The nonvolatile memory has a guaranteed minimum of 10,000 cycles.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL:COUN?
3
Related Commands
CALibration:STORe
Page 80
VTI Instruments Corp.
80 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
CALibration:DATA
Purpose
Manually sets or queries the calibration constants.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration:DATA <block_data>
Command Parameters
<block_data> = Data in IEEE 488.2 definite or indefinite length arbitrary block format
*RST Value
Set to values stored in non-volatile memory
Query Syntax
CALibration:DATA?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
Returns the calibration constants in IEEE 488.2 definite or indefinite length arbitrary
block format
Description
The calibration constants are implemented as 8-bit values from -127 to +128. The
constants are treated as an ordered set with the following indices:
Index
Contents
Index
Contents
0
Channel 1 gain
1
Channel 2 gain
2
Channel 3 gain
3
Channel 4 gain
4
Channel 5 gain
5
Channel 6 gain
6
Channel 7 gain
7
Channel 8 gain
8
Channel 9 gain
9
Channel 10 gain
10
Channel 11 gain
11
Channel 12 gain
12
Channel 13 gain
13
Channel 14 gain
14
Channel 15 gain
15
Channel 16 gain
16
Channel 1 offset
17
Channel 2 offset
18
Channel 3 offset
19
Channel 4 offset
20
Channel 5 offset
21
Channel 6 offset
22
Channel 7 offset
23
Channel 8 offset
24
Channel 9 offset
25
Channel 10 offset
26
Channel 11 offset
27
Channel 12 offset
28
Channel 13 offset
29
Channel 14 offset
30
Channel 15 offset
31
Channel 16 offset
The Calibration Data command is used to set calibration constants in the VM3608A/
VM3616A. The constants will change only if the calibration security is disabled. New
constants take effect immediately, but are not saved to non-volatile memory unless the
CALibration:STORe command is executed regardless if CALibration:STORe:AUTO is
ON or OFF. The whole data set must be provided or an error will be generated. The
calibration constants set or queried apply to the currently set range for each channel,
therefore a mixture of 10 V and 20 V range constants may be loaded or retrieved.
Examples
Command / Query
CAL:DATA #232 12300174011021230014367192100156
Related Commands
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value>, CALibration<channel>:ZERO<value>
CALibration:STORe
Page 81
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 81
CALibration:GAIN
Purpose
Manually sets the calibration constant for the gain of the selected channel.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value>
Command Parameters
<channel> = 1 - 16 or 1 - 8 referring to a specific Calibration DAC
<value> = The range for value is -128 to +127
*RST Value
Set to values stored in non-volatile memory.
Query Syntax
CALibration<channel>:GAIN?
Query Parameters
<channel> = 1 - 16 referring to a specific Calibration DAC
Query Response
<value> = -128 to +127 in the specified format
Description
The Calibration Gain command sets the calibration constant for the gain of the selected
channel. Its effect is immediate. If the CALibration:STORe:AUTO ON is set, the
command will save the new constant to the non-volatile memory each time the command
is set. If the CALibration:STORe:AUTO OFF is set, a CALibration:STORe command
must be executed in order to save the new constant. The Calibration Gain command will
function only when the calibration security is disabled, otherwise an error is generated.
The query returns the value from the non-volatile memory rather than the currently used
value and may be different from the constant currently being used.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL2:GAIN -120
CAL2:GAIN?
-120
Related Commands
CALibration<channel>:ZERO<value>, CALibration:DATA <block_data>,
CALibration:STORe, CALibration:STORe:AUTO <mode>, FORMat<type>
Page 82
VTI Instruments Corp.
82 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
CALibration:SECure:CODE
Purpose
Sets the code required to disable the calibration security.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration:SECure:CODE <code>
Command Parameters
<code> = an ASCII sring 1 to 12 characters in length entered in IEEE 488.2 definite or
indefinite length arbitrary block format
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
CALibration:SECure:CODE?
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
IEEE 488.2 definite length arbitrary block
Description
The Calibration Secure Code command sets the code required to disable the calibration
security. Calibration security must be disabled in order to change the code string. Before
shipping, instruments are factory set the code to ‘VM3616’ for a VM3616A and
‘VM3608’ for a VM3608A. The Query Only works if calibration security has been
previously disabled. Note that the security code is case sensitive.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL:SEC:CODE #17VM3616A
CAL:SEC:CODE?
#17VM3616A
Related Commands
CALibration:SECureSTATe <mode>[,<code>]
Page 83
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 83
CALibration:SECure:STATe
Purpose
Enables or disables calibration security.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration:SECure:STATe <boolean>,<code>
Command Parameters
<boolean> = 0 | 1 | OFF | ON
<code> = Security code in IEEE 488.2 definite length arbitrary block format.
*RST Value
1 or ON
Query Syntax
CALibration:SECure:STATe?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
<mode> = 1 | 0
Description
The Calibration Security State command enables or disables the calibration security.
When the security state is ON or 1, the calibration constants may not changed or stored to
the non-volatile memory. To change and/or store new calibration constants to the nonvolatile memory, the Security State must be OFF or 0. In order to disable the Security
State, the security code must be supplied and must be in IEEE-488.2 definite length
arbitrary block format. The code parameter must be present to disable the security or it
generates error –109, “Missing parameter”. The value must match the currently
programmed security code or it generates error –224, “Illegal parameter value”. To
enable security, the code parameter is not required, but if it is provided, it will be
checked. If the code is given but does not match the current security code, error –224,
“Illegal parameter value” will be generated. The query returns the current mode.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL:SEC:STAT OFF,#15OLIVE
(The above says to turn the security state off
so that the calibration constant can be stored
in non-volatile. The password is assumed to be
OLIVE. Note the password is case sensitive.)
CAL:SEC:STAT?
0 (The above says that the security state is
presently off.)
CAL:SEC:STAT ON
(The above says to turn the security state on so
that calibration constants cannot be stored in
non-volatile.)
CAL:SEC:STAT?
ON (The above says that the security state is
presently on.)
Related Commands
CALibration:SECure:CODE<code>, CALibration:STORe
Page 84
VTI Instruments Corp.
84 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
CALibration:STORe
Purpose
Saves the current calibration constants into the non-volatile memory.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration:STORe
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
N/A
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
The Calibration Store command saves the current calibration constants into the nonvolatile memory. The CALibration:SECure:STATe must be OFF before using this
command.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL:STOR
(Saves the current calibration constants to nonvolatile memory.)
Related Commands
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value>, CALibration<channel>:ZERO<value>,
CALibration:DATA <block_data>, CALibration:COUNt ?
Page 85
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 85
CALibration:STORe:AUTO
Purpose
Allows the new calibration constants to be saved to non-volatile memory, automatically.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration:STORe:AUTO<mode>
Command Parameters
<mode> = 0 | OFF | 1 | ON. The command will not execute if calibration security is
enabled and error -203, “Command protected” is generated.
*RST Value
ON
Query Syntax
CALibration:STORe:AUTO?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
<mode> = 1 | 0. 1 means the auto store is enabled. 0 means the auto store is disabled.
Description
The Calibration Store Auto command allows the new calibration constants to be saved to
non-volatile memory, automatically. The new calibration constants are automatically
saved to non-volatile memory as they are changed by the CALibration:GAIN and
CALibration:ZERO commands, but not the CALibration:DATA command.
Examples
This example assumes SECURITY is disabled.
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL:STOR:AUTO ON
CAL:STOR:AUTO?
1
Related Commands
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value>
CALibration<channel>:ZERO<value>
Page 86
VTI Instruments Corp.
86 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
CALibration:ZERO
Purpose
Used to set the calibration constant for the offset of the selected channel; its effect is
immediate.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
CALibration<channel>:ZERO<value>
Command Parameters
<channel> = 1 - 16 or 1 - 8 referring to a specific calibration DAC
<value> = –128 to +127.
*RST Value
Set to values stored in the non-volatile memory.
Query Syntax
CALibration<channel>:ZERO?
Query Parameters
<channel> Selects a specific DAC, 1 of 8 for the VM3608A, 1 of 16 for the VM3616A.
Specify 1 to select the first channel.
Query Response
<value> = -128 to +127 in the specified format
Description
The Calibration Zero command is used to set the calibration constant for the offset of the
selected channel; its effect is immediate.
If the CALibration:STORe:AUTO ON is set, the command will save the new constant to
the non-volatile memory each time the command is set. If the
CALibration:STORe:AUTO OFF is set, a CALibration:STORe command must be
executed in order to save the new constant. The CALibration:ZERO command will
function only when calibration security is disabled, otherwise an error is generated.
The query returns the currently used calibration value for the selected channel(s), in the
format specified by the FORMat <type> command.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
CAL1:ZERO 115
CAL1:ZERO?
115
FORM HEX
CAL1:ZERO?
#H73
FORM OCT
CAL1:ZERO?
#Q163
FORM:BIN
CAL1:ZERO?
#B1110011
Related Commands
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value>, CALibration:DATA <block_data>,
CALibration:STORe, CALibration:STORe:AUTO<mode>, FORMat <type>
Page 87
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 87
FORMat
Purpose
Sets the output format for the digital queries.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
FORMat <type>
Command Parameters
<type> = ASCii, HEXadecimal, OCTal, BINary
*RST Value
ASCii
Query Syntax
FORMat?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
<type> = ASC | HEX | OCT | BIN
Description
The Format command sets the format of the returned data from the instrument.
ASCII specifies numbers expressed in decimal. Leading zeros are suppressed.
HEXadecimal expresses numbers in a 2-digit leading 0 alphanumeric format.
Numbers A - F are in capitals.
OCTal expresses numbers in a 3-digit leading 0 format.
BINary expressed numbers in an 8-digit leading 0 format.
The query returns the output format for the digital queries.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
FORM ASC
(Sets the output data to be in ASCII format)
FORM?
ASC (Queries then reports the output format is ASCII)
Related Commands
CALibration<channel>:GAIN<value>, CALibration<channel>:ZERO<value>
Page 88
VTI Instruments Corp.
88 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
INITiate
Purpose
Sets unit into waiting-for-trigger-state.
Type
Event
Command Syntax
INITiate:[IMMediate]
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
N/A
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
The Initiate Immediate command arms the VM3608A/3616A upon receipt of the
command.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
INIT:IMM
Related Commands
ABORt
Page 89
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 89
MEMory:SETup
Purpose
To allow the entry of a separate voltage list this will be loaded to the Precision DACs
upon command.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
MEMory:SETup <index>,<voltage_list>
Command Parameters
<index> = integer number from 1 to 512 (which specifies the array element)
<voltage_list> = a list of 8 (for the VM3608A) or 16 (for the VM3616A) voltages
*RST Value
0 (all elements in the memory array are set to 0 volts)
Query Syntax
MEMory:SETup? <index>
Query Parameters
<index> = 1 - 512 (which specifies the array element)
Query Response
The query form of this command returns the voltages at position <index> for all DACs in
their respective 512-element array. The format is a set of voltages delimited by commas.
Description
The Memory Setup command allows the entry of a separate voltage list that will be
loaded to the Precision DACs.
Each DAC channel has an associated 512-element “memory” array. The same elements
in all 16 arrays are loaded at the same time from the supplied 16-element voltage list.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
MEM:SET 1, 2,3,4,5,2,3,4,5,2,3,4,5,2,3, 4,5
MEM:SET? 1
2.000122,2.999878,4.000244,5.000000,
2.000122,2.999878,4.000244,5.000000,
2.000122,2.999878,4.000244,5.000000,
2.000122,2.999878,4.000244,5.000000
Related Commands
SOURce:VOLTage:SETup <index>
Page 90
VTI Instruments Corp.
90 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
MEMory:SIZE?
Purpose
Queries the RAM memory size.
Type
Query
Command Syntax
None
Command Parameters
N/A
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
MEMory:SIZE?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
524288 or 1048576
Description
The Memory Size query inquires the amount of RAM on each unit.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
MEM:SIZE?
524288
Related Commands
N/A
Page 91
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 91
OUTPut:TTLTrg
Purpose
Selects which line to use
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
OUTPut:TTLTrg <trigline>
Command Parameters
<trigline> = 0 to 7
*RST Value
0
Query Syntax
OUTPut:TTLTrg?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
0 to 7
Description
The OUTPut:TTLTrg command sets which VXIbus TTL trigger line is used.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
OUTP:TTLT 3
OUTP:TTLT?
3
Related Commands
OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce
Page 92
VTI Instruments Corp.
92 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce
Purpose
Sets the output trigger source.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce <trigsrc>
Command Parameters
<trigsrc> = NONE | TRIGGER | MARKER
*RST Value
NONE
Query Syntax
OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce?
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
NONE | TRIGGER | MARKER
Description
This command set the output trigger source to the VXIbus trigger lines:
NONE There is no signal to the VXIbus TTL.
TRIGGER The internal trigger signal is output to the VXIbus TTL.
MARKER The set MARKERS are output to the VXIbus TTL. (Note that the
MARKER setting option is only available in ARB mode.)
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
OUTP:TTLT:SOUR MARKER
Related Commands
OUTPut:TTLTrg <trigline>
Page 93
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 93
SCAN
Purpose
Enables/disables the operation of the scan list operation for the specified channels
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SCAN <mode>,<channel_list>
Command Parameters
<mode> = 0 | OFF |1 | ON | LOOP | FIFO | ARBitrary
<channel_list> = A list of DAC channels in channel list format
*RST Value
0
Query Syntax
SCAN? <channel>
Query Parameters
<channel> = channel number 1 - 16 or 1 - 8, specifying a specific DAC
Query Response
<mode> = 0 | 1 | LOOP | FIFO | ARB
Description
The Scan command enables or disables the operation of the scan list operation for the
specified channels. For each channel that is enabled, the interrupt routine will load a voltage
from its respective scan list arrays at the current array position to the DAC and auto increment
the scan list array pointer. If the array pointer equals the limit, then the scan function for that
channel will stop, unless the mode of that channel is set to LOOP. LOOP mode means the
scan function will reset the array pointer to 0 and continue. When the scan mode is to be
enabled, the trigger source of either EXTernal or one of the TTLTriggers is required to be
selected first. In ARBitrary mode, the TRIGger:IMMediate:ADVance must also be set.
Note: Legal transitions of SCAN modes are:
OFF ON OFF FIFO
ON OFF FIFO OFF
OFF LOOP OFF ARB
LOOP OFF ARB OFF
Example illegal transitions of SCAN modes are:
LOOP ON ON FIFO ARB LOOP
The channel’s Scan mode setting must pass through the OFF setting first before being set to
any other mode. Scan modes OFF, ON, and LOOP may be simultaneously assigned to
different channels. The FIFO and ARB modes may not be simultaneously assigned with any
other modes other than OFF.
NOTE: In FIFO and ARB mode, DACs in the OFF mode cannot be changed. If they need to
be changed, all DACs must first be removed from FIFO and ARB mode. For example:
Channels 1 and 4 may be set to ARB while the rest are OFF; or Channels 1 through 6 may be
set to FIFO while the rest are OFF.
The SCAN OFF command is useful as it sets all channel modes OFF simultaneously so that
they may be reassigned.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SCAN ON,(@1:4)
SCAN? 2
1
Related Commands
SCAN:LIMit <channel>,<count>, SCAN:TABLe <channel>,<voltage list>, SCAN OFF
Page 94
VTI Instruments Corp.
94 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
SCAN OFF
Purpose
Sets Scan mode to OFF on all channels
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SCAN OFF
Command Parameters
None
*RST Value
OFF
Query Syntax
None
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
N/A
Description
Sets SCAN mode to OFF on all channels. This feature is useful for resetting the scan
mode on all channels before reassigning them. See SCAN.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SCAN OFF
Related Commands
SCAN <mode>,<channel_list>
Page 95
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 95
SCAN:LIMit
Purpose
Sets the point in the 512-element scan list array where the scanning should either stop or
loop back to zero.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SCAN:LIMit <channel>,<count>
Command Parameters
<channel> = A specific DAC channel of 1 - 16 or 1 - 8
<count> = A position [ranging from 1 - 512] in the array to stop or loop back
*RST Value
512
Query Syntax
SCAN:LIMit ? <channel>
Query Parameters
<channel> = A specific DAC channel of 1 - 16 or 1 - 8
Query Response
<count> = 1 - 512
Description
The Scan Limit command specifies a position in the 512 element scan list array where the
interrupt routine loading the DACs should either stop or loop back to 0, depending on the
configured scan mode.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SCAN:LIM 2,256
SCAN:LIM? 2
256
Related Commands
SCAN, SCAN:TABle:LOCation <number>,<voltage>, SCAN:TABLe
Page 96
VTI Instruments Corp.
96 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
SCAN:TABLe
Purpose
Enters a list of voltages to be placed in the specified channel’s scan list.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SCAN:TABLe <channel>,<voltage_list>
Command Parameters
<channel> = A specific DAC channel of 1 - 16 or 1 - 8
<voltage_list> = A list of voltages to be loaded in this channel’s scan list. These are
voltage values delimited by commas. The number of voltages in the
list ranges from 1 to 512.
*RST Value
0 (all elements in the array are set to 0 volts)
Query Syntax
SCAN:TABLe ? <channel> [count [,start]]
Query Parameters
<channel> = A specific DAC channel of 1 - 16 or 1 - 8
<count> = The number of voltages to be returned. If not specified the entire 512
element scan list will be returned
<start> = Specifies a point in the 512 element array to begin the returning of voltages.
Query Response
A list of voltages delimited by commas according to the <count> and <start> parameters.
If count and start are not specified the entire 512 element scan list will be returned.
Description
The Scan Table command loads a scan list of a specific channel with voltage values.
These values are then loaded to the DAC from the interrupt routine. This operation is
dependent upon the scan mode and the scan limit. Each channel has its own independent
mode, limit, scan list array and pointer in the array (some channels could loop back while
others continue in the array). The instrument does not have an on-board clock. So, in
order to set up the scan mode, the trigger source that triggers through the scan list must
also be specified. The valid trigger sources for the SCAN mode are TTLT and EXT.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SCAN:TABL 1,2,3,4,5
SCAN:TABL? 1 3,2
2.999878,4.000244,5.000000
Related Commands
SCAN <mode>,<channel_list>, SCAN:LIMit <channel> <count>,
TRIGger:SOURce <source>
Page 97
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 97
SCAN:TABLe:LOCation
Purpose
Enters a voltage at a specific location in a scan list array of a channel.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SCAN:TABLe<channel>:LOCation <number>,<voltage>
Command Parameters
<channel> = A specific DAC channel of 1 - 16 or 1 - 8
<number> = A specific location in the scan list array ranging between 1 - 512
<voltage> = A single voltage value ranging between -20.00000 and +19.99939
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
SCAN:TABLe<channel>:LOCation? <number>
Query Parameters
<channel> = A specific DAC channel of 1 - 16 or 1 - 8.
<number> = A specific location in the scan list array between 1 and 512.
Query Response
Returns the voltage value from the scan list of a specified channel at the specified
location.
Description
The Scan Table Location command allows a voltage value at a specific location in the
scan list to be modified or queried.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SCAN:TABL1:LOC 2,4
SCAN:TABL1:LOC? 2
4.000244
Related Commands
SCAN <mode>,<channel_list>, SCAN:TABLe <channel>,<voltage_list>
Page 98
VTI Instruments Corp.
98 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:SLOPe
Purpose
Sets the marker at a positive or negative level.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:SLOPe <slope>
Command Parameters
<slope> = POSitive | NEGative
*RST Value
POS
Query Syntax
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:SLOPe?
Query Parameters
None
Query Response
POS | NEG
Description
Set the marker at a positive or negative level pulse. Note that the MARKER function is
only available in ARBitrary mode.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SOUR:MARK:SYNC:SLOP POS
Related Commands
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger
Page 99
www.vtiinstruments.com
VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary 99
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:STATe
Purpose
Enables or disables the front panel marker output.
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:STATe <boolean>
Command Parameters
<boolean> = 0 | OFF | 1 | ON
*RST Value
0
Query Syntax
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:STATe?
Query Parameters
N/A
Query Response
0 | 1
Description
The Source Marker Sync State command enables or disables the front-panel marker
output. The power up and reset condition is with the output disabled. If a parameter of 1
or ON is sent with this command, the marker output will be enabled and will generate
marker pulses when the instrument is in ARBitrary waveform generation mode. If a
parameter of 0 or OFF is sent with this command, the marker pulse will not be generated
and the marker output will remain at a logic low level. Note that the output is still driven.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SOUR:MARK:SYNC:STAT ON
SOUR:MARK:SYNC:STAT?
1
Related Commands
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:STATe
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger
Page 100
VTI Instruments Corp.
100 VM3608A/3616A Command Dictionary
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger
Purpose
Enables or disables the marker trigger
Type
Setting
Command Syntax
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger[:STATe] <boolean>,<seq_index>
Command Parameters
<boolean> = 0 | OFF | 1 | ON
<seq_index> = segment index number (or pointer) from 0 to 4095 in the channel list
format
*RST Value
N/A
Query Syntax
SOURce:MARKer:TRIGger[:STATe]?
Query Parameters
<seq_index> = segment index number (or pointer) from 0 to 4095
Query Response
0 | 1
Description
The Source Marker Trigger function enables or disables the trigger pulse that marks the
beginning of each segment within a sequence. This function is only available in
ARBitrary mode.
Examples
Command / Query
Response (Description)
SOUR:MARK:TRIG 1,(@20)
SOUR:MARK:TRIG? 20
1
Related Commands
SOURce:MARKer:SYNC:SLOPe
Loading...