To synchronize instruments, send a command to the first instrument to output data. The computer then waits
for the data to be returned before it sends the commands to the second instrument. A special IEEE 488.2
command known as
*OPC? was created to do this. This command outputs a “1” whenever the instrument
has completed executing all previous commands.
The following is an example that closes relays on a switch module, waits for the command to complete, and
then initiates a multimeter to make a measurement.
OUTPUT 80914;"CLOSE (@100,101,190);* OPC?" ! Close the relays
ENTER 80914;A ! Wait for relays to close
OUTPUT 80903;"READ?" ! Make the measurement
Automating the Debugging Steps
The previous information defines a general process for debugging programs that control VXI SCP
instruments. The following describes how to automate many debugging steps previously explained. The
following uses a program that detects errors and displays the information you need to debug your program.
RN13_RMB Program
The “RN13_RMB” program used here uses IBASIC as the program language. This is an optional language
available in Agilent E1300/E1301 Mainframe. To fully understand this programming language, refer to the
its manual. However, several of the important debugging features are highlighted when describing the
theory of the “RN13_RMB” program.
The program “RN13_RMB” has been developed for the Agilent E1300/E1301 Mainframe and the Agilent
E1326
5 1/2 Digit Multimeter. The program is available on the “Verification and Example Programs Disk” that
came with the mainframe.
Using other Program Languages
The “Verification and Example Programs Disk” also contains the “RN13_RMB” program using other
program languages and libraries. These include the following:
• Visual BASIC using the Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library (SICL) - RN13_VB.FRM
program
• C/C+ + using the Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library (SICL) - RN13_VC.C program
• C using the GPIB Command Library - RN13_CC.C program
• QuickBASIC using the GPIB Command Library - RN13_QBC.BAS program
Note that the C or C/C+ + programs uses functions instead of subprograms to separate the different
program operations.
Debugging VXI SCPI Programs C-7
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