Device actions
The primary device action is a measurement. However, the device action block could include
the following additional actions:
• Source and Delay (while in LIST mode) — If MODE is set to LIST (rather than FIXED),
readings will be taken for each listed amplitude and frequency pair, up to the maximum
number of pairs allowed (see :OUTPut:LIST command in Section 5). This sweep
functionality is tied into Device Action so all trigger model features such as
SAMP:COUN, TRIG:COUN, and also the different trigger sources are functional while
in LIST mode.
• Filtering — If the repeating filter is enabled, the instrument samples the specified
number of reading conversions to yield single filtered reading. Only one reading
conversion is performed if the filter is disabled, or after the specified number of reading
conversions for a moving average filter is reached. The output of filter feeds hold.
• Hold — With hold enabled, the first processed reading becomes the “seed” reading and
operation loops back within the device action block. After the next reading is processed,
it is checked to see if it is within the selected window (0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, 10%) of the
“seed” reading. If the reading is within the window, operation again loops back within
the device action block. This looping continues until the specified number (2 to 100)
consecutive readings are within the window. If one of the readings is not within the
window, the instrument acquires a new “seed” reading and the hold process continues.
• Channel closure — When stepping or scanning, the last device action is to open the
previous channel (if closed) and close the next channel. Using the hold feature provides
an auto settling time for the scanner relays. Each open/close transition will restart the
hold process and a reading for each channel will not occur until the relay settles.
Output trigger
After the device action, an output trigger occurs and is available at the rear panel Trigger Link
connector. This trigger can be used to trigger another instrument to perform an operation (e.g.,
select the next channel for an external scan).
Counters
The trigger model for stepping and scanning contains additional blocks for counting samples
(the number of channels to scan) and counting triggers. These counters are explained in the
paragraph “Scan operations” later in this section.
3-10 Measurement Options