The GPIB
Explorer
is a easy-to-use program tool that allows you to obtain an overview
of all implemented remote control programs, test programs, compile and
run test scripts. The instrument is equipped with different interfaces for remote control:
A GPIB bus interface according to standard IEC 625.1/IEEE 488.1. The GPIB bus connector for direct connection to a controller is located on the rear panel of the instrument.
Instruments connected to a Local Area Network can be controlled via the RSIB or VX 11 interface. Two connectors for LAN connection are located on the rear panel.
The GPIB
Explorer
is a easy-to-use program tool that allows you to obtain an overview
of all implemented remote control programs, test programs, compile and
run test scripts.
This section assumes basic knowledge of GPIB bus programming and operation of the controller. A description of the interface commands can be found in sections GPIB Bus Interface and RSIB Interface Functions, respectively.
The analyzers are compatible to the final SCPI version 1999.0. Not all of the commands supported by the instrument are taken from the SCPI standard (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments), however, their syntax follows SCPI rules. The SCPI standard is based on standard IEEE 488.2 and aims at the standardization of device-specific commands, error handling and the status registers.
The requirements that the SCPI standard places on command syntax, error handling and configuration of the status registers are explained in detail in the following sections. Tables provide a fast overview of the bit assignment in the status registers. The tables are supplemented by a comprehensive description of the status registers.
In contrast to instruments with manual control, which are designed for maximum possible operating convenience, the priority of remote control is the "predictability" of the device status. This means that when incompatible settings are attempted, the command is ignored and the device status remains unchanged, i.e. other settings are not automatically adapted. Therefore, GPIB bus control programs should always define an initial device status (e.g. with the command *RST) and then implement the required settings.
The GPIB Explorer is a easy-to-use program tool that allows you to obtain an overview of all implemented remote control programs, test programs, compile and run test scripts. The program can be opened from Windows XP's start menu: Programs – R&S Network Analyzer – GPIB Explorer or by starting the executable file iecwin32.exe in the program directory of the network analyzer (e.g. C:\Program Files\Rohde&Schwarz\Network Analyzer\Bin).
After the GPIB Explorer is started, the interface for the connection to the instrument can be selected in a dialog:
The following options are provided:
NT named pipe (not supported at present)
GPIB address (for connection to controllers equipped with a National Instrument GPIB interface using the GPIB bus connector)
RSIB address (for LAN connection, requires an appropriate IP or local host address; see LAN Connection)
Socket interface (not supported at present)
Named pipe A/B (only for local connection on the analyzer, recommended for remote test on the instrument)
Select Info
– Setup Info to look up the IP address
information of your analyzer.
After the connection is established, the GPIB explorer displays a tree view of all commands included in the current firmware version of the network analyzer. The programs can be selected for execution by a single mouse click.
Refer to the GPIB explorer's help system for more information.
