Chapter 3 3-7
GPIB Programming
GPIB Operation
GPIB Operation
The general purpose interface bus (GPIB) is Agilent Technologies' hardware, software,
documentation, and support for IEEE 488.2 and IEC-625 worldwide standards for
interfacing instruments. This interface allows you to operate the analyzer and peripherals
via two methods:
• with an external system controller
• with the network analyzer in system-controller mode
Device Types
The GPIB employs a party-line bus structure in which up to 15 devices can be connected
on one bus. The interface consists of 16 signal lines and 8 ground lines within a shielded
cable. With this cabling system, many different types of devices including instruments,
computers, power meters, plotters, printers, and disk drives can be connected in parallel.
Every GPIB device must be capable of performing one or more of the following interface
functions:
Talker
A “talker” is a device capable of transmitting device-dependent data when addressed to
talk. There can be only one active talker at any given time. Examples of this type of device
include:
• power meters
• disk drives
• voltmeters
• counters
• tape readers
The network analyzer performs as a talker when it sends trace data or marker information
over the bus.
Listener
A listener is a device capable of receiving device-dependent data over the interface when
addressed to listen. There can be as many as 14 listeners connected to the interface at any
given time. Examples of this type of device include:
• printers
• power supplies
• signal generators
The network analyzer performs as a listener when it is controlled over the bus by a system
controller.
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