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Automating Measurements 2-9

Conﬁguring Your Test System

Selecting a Measurement Controller

There are three standard conﬁgurations that you can use to control the

analyzer:

• stand-alone operation using IBASIC

• computer-controlled HP-IB operation

• computer-controlled LAN operation

Stand-Alone Operation using IBASIC

IBASIC, in effect, puts a controller inside your analyzer and eliminates

the need for an external computer. IBASIC controls the analyzer by

sending SCPI commands to address 800 (OUTPUT 800;”Command”), or

by using high-speed built-in subprograms. Since IBASIC shares CPU

time with the analyzer, it may cause some degradation in measurement

throughput if your program performs intensive computations. However,

for most applications, it provides excellent performance and convenience.

Refer to the HP Instrument BASIC User's Handbook and HP Instrument

BASIC User’s Handbook Supplement for more information.

Computer-Controlled HP-IB Operation

An external computer can be used to control the analyzer. It can be a

personal computer (PC) or a dedicated HP BASIC controller. The

external computer sends standard SCPI commands to address

716 (default) (OUTPUT 716;”Command”) to control the analyzer. Refer to

the Programmer's Guide for more information.

You can use one computer to control several analyzers (see

“Expandability and Large Systems” earlier in this chapter). However, if a

large number of SCPI commands are required per measurement,

throughput may be degraded. Typical limits are 3 to 10 analyzers per

computer.

HP 8712ET User Guide Supplement

Other manuals for HP 8712ET