4 Features and Functions
192 Keysight 34970A/34972A User’s Guide
Flow control selection (RS-232) 
You can select one of several flow control methods to coordinate the transfer of 
data between the instrument and your computer or modem. The method that you 
select will be determined by the flow method used by your computer or modem. 
You can select the flow control method from the front panel only. 
– Select one of the following: None (no flow control), XON/XOFF (factory 
setting), DTR/DSR, RTS/CTS, or Modem. 
– None: In this mode, data is sent and received over the interface without any 
flow control used. When using this method, use a slower baud rate (< 9600 
baud) and avoid sending more than 128 characters without stopping or 
reading a response. 
– XON/XOFF: This mode uses special characters embedded in the data stream 
to control the flow. If the instrument is addressed to send data, it continues 
sending data until the “XOFF” character (13H) is received. When the “XON” 
character (11H) is received, the instrument resumes sending data. 
– DTR/DSR: In this mode, the instrument monitors the state of the DSR (data 
set ready) line on the RS-232 connector. When the line goes true, the 
instrument sends data over the interface. When the line goes false, the 
instrument stops sending information (typically within six characters). The 
instrument sets the DTR line false when the input buffer is almost full 
(approximately 100 characters) and releases the line when space is available 
again. 
– RTS/CTS: This mode operates the same as the DTR/DSR mode but uses the 
RTS (request to send) and CTS (clear to send) lines on the RS-232 connector 
instead. When the CTS line goes true, the instrument sends data over the 
interface. When the line goes false, the instrument stops sending information 
(typically within six characters). The instrument sets the RTS line false when 
the input buffer is almost full (approximately 100 characters) and releases the 
line when space is available again.