1-6 Programmer’s Guide
Introduction to GPIB Programming
Sending Commands
Sending Commands
Commands are sent over the GPIB via a controller's language system,
such as IBASIC, QuickBASIC or C. The keywords used by a controller to
send GPIB commands vary among systems. When determining the
correct keywords to use, keep in mind that there are two different kinds
of GPIB commands:
• Bus management commands, which control the GPIB interface.
• Device commands, which control analyzer functions.
Language systems usually deal differently with these two kinds of GPIB
commands. For example, HP BASIC uses a unique keyword to send each
bus management command, but always uses the keyword OUTPUT to
send device commands.
The following example shows how to send a typical device command:
OUTPUT 716;"CALCULATE:MARKER:MAXIMUM"
This sends the command CALCULATE:MARKER:MAXIMUM to the GPIB
device at address 716. If the device is an analyzer, the command
instructs the analyzer to set a marker to the maximum point on the data
trace.
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