Using Visual BASIC and Agilent SICL
The following shows how to use the Visual BASIC program language (version 3.0) with the Agilent
Standard Instrument Control Library (SICL) and the Agilent 82335, Agilent 82340, or Agilent 82341 GPIB
Interface Card. Both the GPIB Card and SICL are used in a PC type computer under Microsoft®
Windows or Windows NT.
The Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library provides the sub calls to send the SCPI commands that
control instrument operation. To send a SCPI command, the appropriate sub call requires the GPIB address
of the instrument and the SCPI command. To receive data from the instrument, the appropriate sub call
requires the GPIB address and the returned data format. To send commands and to receive data is a multiple
step process, as follows:
1. SICL first opens an I/O session between Visual BASIC and the instrument.
2. Send the commands and return the data to and from the instrument.
3. Close the the I/O session between Visual BASIC and the mainframe.
4. If using Microsoft® Windows, cleanup SICL (not needed for Windows NT).
Typical sub calls are as follows (refer to the “SICL Manual” for other commands):
What’s Needed
Include the “SICL.BAS” program file to the Visual BASIC project. This file came with SICL. To add the
file, press Ctrl-D and enter the path and file name, or select the Add File menu under the File menu (see
Visual BASIC documentation for more information).
How to Run a Program
You can run the program in the Visual BASIC environment or compile it to make an executable file. Use the
appropriate menu in the environment to make the executable file. Note that the file can only operate under
Windows.
Sending SCPI Commands and Receiving Data
The following shows how to send SCPI commands and receive data. To do this, open the communication
path between Visual BASIC and the instrument. The following shows how to open the path, and send and
receive data.
2-2 Sending SCPI Commands
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