Agilent Technologies E3631A User Manual

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
The SCPI Status Registers
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The SCPI Status Registers
All SCPI instruments implement status registers in the same way. The status system
records various instrument conditions in three register groups: the Status Byte register,
the Standard Event register, and the Questionable Status register group. The status
byte register records high-level summary information reported in the other register
groups. The diagrams on the subsequent pages illustrate the SCPI status system used
by the power supply.
An example program is included in chapter 6, “Application Programs,” which shows
the use of the status registers. You may find it useful to refer to the program after
reading the following section in this chapter.
What is an Event Register?
An event register is a read-only register that reports defined conditions within the
power supply. Bits in an event register are latched. Once an event bit is set, subsequent
state changes are ignored. Bits in an event register are automatically cleared by a query
of that register (such as *ESR? or STAT:QUES:EVEN?) or by sending the *CLS
(clear status) command. A reset (*RST) or device clear will not clear bits in event
registers. Querying an event register returns a decimal value which corresponds to the
binary-weighted sum of all bits set in the register.
What is an Enable Register?
An enable register defines which bits in the corresponding event register are logically
ORed together to form a single summary bit. Enable registers are both readable and
writable. Querying an enable register will not clear it. The *CLS (clear status)
command does not clear enable registers but it does clear the bits in the event registers.
To enable bits in an enable register, you must write a decimal value which corresponds
to the binary-weighted sum of the bits you wish to enable in the register.
What is a Multiple Logical Output?
The three-logical outputs of the power supply include an INSTrument summary status
register and an individual instrument ISUMmary register for each logical output. The
ISUMmary registers report to the INSTrument register, which in turn reports to bit
13 of the Questionable status register. This is shown pictorially on the next page.
Using such a status register configuration allows a status event to be cross-referenced
by output and type of event. The INSTrument register indicates which output(s) have
generated an event. The ISUMmary register is a pseudo-questionable status register
for a particular logical output.

Agilent Technologies E3631A Specifications

General

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	E3631A
Category	Power Supply
Language	English

Summary

The Front Panel at a Glance

Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings

Display Annunciators

The Rear Panel at a Glance

Environmental Conditions

Declaration of Conformity

Chapter 1 General Information

Safety Considerations

Covers safety and EMC requirements for the instrument.

Options and Accessories

Lists available options and accessories for the power supply.

Description of Agilent E3631A

Provides a detailed overview of the power supply's features and functionality.

Installation and Setup

Details initial inspection, cooling, location, and rack mounting procedures.

Input Power Requirements

Explains AC input voltage selection and power-line cord requirements.

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Preliminary Checkout

Steps to verify the power supply is ready for use before initial operation.

Power-On and Output Checkout

Procedures for checking power-on self-test and basic output functions.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation

Front-Panel Operation Overview

Introduces front-panel keys and modes for operating the power supply.

Output Operation Modes

Details constant voltage, constant current, and tracking output operations.

Storing and Recalling Operating States

Explains how to save and retrieve instrument configurations.

Output Control and System Operations

Covers disabling outputs, knob locking, self-tests, error conditions, and display control.

Remote Interface Configuration

Guides on selecting interfaces, setting GPIB addresses, and RS-232 parameters.

GPIB and RS-232 Interface Configuration

Details GPIB setup, RS-232 setup, connection, and troubleshooting.

Calibration Overview

Provides an overview of calibration security, code changes, count, and message features.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

Summarizes available SCPI commands for programming the power supply.

Simplified Programming Overview

Introduces basic programming methods using APPLy, low-level commands, output control, and triggering.

Output Setting and Operation Commands

Details commands for selecting, setting, and operating outputs.

Triggering Commands

Explains how to select trigger sources and manage triggering operations.

System-Related Commands

Covers commands for display control, beeper, errors, version, and reset.

Calibration Commands

Details SCPI commands for managing calibration security, current, voltage, and string data.

RS-232 Interface Commands

Lists commands specific to RS-232 communication with the power supply.

The SCPI Status Registers

Details event, enable, summary, questionable, standard, and byte registers and their usage.

Status Reporting Commands

Covers commands for querying system errors and status registers.

An Introduction to the SCPI Language

Explains SCPI language basics, command format, separators, and parameter types.

Interface Management and Conformance

Covers halting outputs, SCPI conformance, and IEEE-488 conformance.

Device Specific Commands

Lists commands specific to the Agilent E3631A, not in the SCPI standard.

Chapter 5 Error Messages

Execution Errors

Lists and explains execution errors related to command syntax and parameters.

Self-Test and Calibration Errors

Details error codes for self-tests and calibration failures.

Chapter 6 Application Programs

Programming Examples Overview

Introduces example programs in BASIC and C/QuickBASIC for GPIB and RS-232.

Using APPLy and Low-Level Commands

Demonstrates setting outputs and using commands via APPLy and low-level SCPI.

Using Status Registers and RS-232 Operation

Shows using status registers for interrupts and RS-232 communication examples.

Chapter 7 Tutorial

Overview of Agilent E3631A Operation

Explains the basic design and operation of series regulated power supplies.

Output Characteristics and Load Considerations

Describes output modes, unregulated states, unwanted signals, and load connection factors.

Extending the Voltage and Remote Programming

Covers series connections for higher voltage and factors affecting remote programming speed.

Reliability and Cooling

Discusses component reliability, internal heat, and cooling requirements for the power supply.

Chapter 8 Specifications

Performance Specifications

Lists warranted performance parameters like output ratings, accuracy, and ripple.

Supplemental Characteristics

Details non-warranted characteristics such as temperature, stability, speed, dimensions, and cooling.