Solartron 1287 - Introduction

1
INTRODUCTION
The
instrument
is fitted,
as standard,
with a GPIB interface and an RS423
interface for communication with
remote devices.
The RS423 is intended mainly
for
data
output to a
printer, VDU, etc, but may be
used
for instrument control if required.
The RS423
Serial Interface
is also
compatible with RS232.
The GPIB allows full
control and data input/output.
For those unfamiliar with the
GPIB, here are the meanings of the
more commonly used
terms.
•
A "Device" is any
instrument compatible
with GPIB operation.
•
The term
"Interface", with regard to a
GPIB device, means the logic
circuitry and bus drivers that
deal with the signals
sent
on the bus,
in
accordance
with the GPIB protocol.
•
A "Talker"
is
a
device that can send
information via the GPIB, whilst a
"Listener" is a device
that can receive this
information.
•
A "Controller" is a
device that is able to
assign Talker and Listener roles to
itself
and to other devices
on
the
GPIB. This allows the controller to
send
control messages to
devices on the
GPIB and to receive measurement and
control status information from
them. The overall purpose of a
controller
is
to coordinate
the operation of all
devices on the GPIB, in accordance with a
control program.
The
documents which
fully
define the
GPIB are the IEEE Standard 488-1978,
the
IEC
625-1
and the ANSI Standard MC1.1
(from
the first standard, the GPIB is
also
widely known
as
the IEEE 488
Interface).
CSB/Si1287
User Guide/Issue AA
4.3