Agilent Technologies E4406A VSA Series User Manual

Chapter 2 65
Programming Fundamentals
SCPI Language Basics
<voltage> A voltage parameter is a rational number followed by
optional units. The default units are V. Acceptable units
include: Volts, V, MV, UV.
<power>
<ampl> A power parameter is a rational number followed by
optional units. The default units are dBm. Acceptable
units include: DBM, DBMV, W.
<rel_power>
<rel_ampl> A relative power parameter is a positive rational
number followed by optional units. The default units
are dB. Acceptable units include: DB.
<angle>
<degrees> An angle parameter is a rational number followed by
optional units. The default units are degrees.
Acceptable units include: DEG, RAD.
<integer> There are no units associated with an integer
parameter.
<percent> A percent parameter is a rational number between 1
and 99, with no units.
<string> A string parameter includes a series of alpha numeric
characters.
Block Program Data
Some parameters consist of a block of data. Block data There are a few
standard types of block data. Arbitrary blocks of program data can also
be used.
<trace> A trace parameter is an array of rational numbers
corresponding to displayed trace data. The default uses
“display units” with 600 trace points with amplitudes
from 0 to 1024. See FORMat:DATA for information
about available data formats.
A SCPI command often refers to a block of current trace
data with a variable name such as: Trace1, TRACE2, or
trace3, depending on which trace is being accessed.

Agilent Technologies E4406A VSA Series Specifications

General

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	E4406A VSA Series
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Safety Information

Front Panel Error Messages Annunciators

Describes status indicators for transmitter tester functions and error conditions.

1 Preparing for Use

Programming the Transmitter Tester

Explains how to program the E4406A VSA Series Transmitter Tester.

Installing Optional Measurement Personalities

Details the two-step process for installing measurement personalities.

Cables for Connecting to RS-232

Describes various cables and adapters for connecting to PCs and printers via RS-232.

Connecting to a LAN Server

Explains how to connect to a LAN server for instrument control.

2 Programming Fundamentals

SCPI Language Basics

Introduces the SCPI programming language and its core concepts.

Using the Instrument Status Registers

Explains how to monitor instrument hardware and firmware events using status registers.

Overview of the GPIB Bus

Explains the fundamentals of the GPIB instrument nomenclature and command statements.

Using the LAN to Control the Analyzer

Covers various methods to control the analyzer via LAN connection.

3 Programming Examples

Using Markers

Demonstrates how to use markers in a C programming example.

Saving Binary Trace Data in an ASCII File

Provides a C programming example for saving binary trace data to an ASCII file.

Using C Programming Over Socket LAN

Demonstrates simple socket programming using C for analyzer control.

4 Programming Command Cross References

Functional Sort of SCPI Commands

Organizes SCPI commands by function for easier reference.

5 Language Reference

SCPI Command Subsystems

Lists and describes various SCPI command subsystems available in the instrument.

Common IEEE Commands

Details commands specified in IEEE Standard 488.2 for instrument control.

6 Error Messages

Error Queues

Explains the instrument's history and SCPI remote interface error queues.

Error Message Descriptions

Provides descriptions for unnumbered, query, device-specific, execution, and command errors.