R3131 Spectrum Analyzer Operation Manual
4.1 GPIB Remote Programming
4-1Apr 10/98
4 REMOTE PROGRAMING
4.1 GPIB Remote Programming
The spectrum analyzer is equipped with a GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) that complies with IEEE
Standard 488.1-1978. This bus allows you to attach and use an external device to remotely control the
spectrum analyzer.
4.1.1 GPIB
The GPIB is a high-performance interface bus used to connect measuring instruments to a computer.
IEEE Standard 488.1-1978 defines the operations of the GPIB. Since the GPIB has a bus-configured
interface, connected devices are designated by assigning them a specific address. You can connect up to
15 devices in parallel using a single bus. GPIB devices perform one or more of the following functions:
• Talker Sends data to the bus. Only one active talker can exist on the GPIB bus.
• Listener Receives data from the bus. Multiple active listeners can exist on the GPIB bus.
• Controller Specifies which devices are designated as “talkers” or “listeners”. Only one active
controller can operate on the GPIB bus. Controllers used to control IFC and REN
messages are referred to as system controllers.
When there are multiple controllers attached to the bus, the system controller becomes the active controller
by default. Other devices that can act as controllers operate as addressable devices when the system is
activated.
The TCT (Take Control) interface message is used to set a controller other than the system controller as
the active controller. After this setting is made, the system controller becomes inactive.
The controller controls the entire system by sending interface messages or device messages to each
measuring instrument. The functions of the messages are:
• Interface message:messages used to control the GPIB bus
• Device message: messages used to control specific devices
4.1.2 GPIB Setup
(1) Connecting the GPIB
The following figure shows the standard GPIB connector and how it can be connected in parallel,
or “stacked” with other connectors. Attach the GPIB connectors and secure them by tightening the
screws to prevent them from coming apart during use.
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