Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Model

Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte

The *STB? (status byte query) command is similar to a serial poll except it is processed like any other instrument command. The *STB? command returns the same result as an IEEE-488serial poll except that the “request service” bit (bit 6) is not cleared if a serial poll has occurred. The *STB? command is not handled automatically by the IEEE-488bus interface hardware and the command will be executed only after previous commands have completed. Polling is not possible using the *STB? command. Using the *STB? command does not clear the status byte summary register.

To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ

•Send a bus device clear message.

•Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status) command.

•Set the *ESE (standard event register) and *SRE (status byte register) enable masks.

•Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and enter the result to assure synchronization.

•Enable your bus controller’s IEEE-488 SRQ interrupt.

To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed

•Send a device clear message to clear the multimeter’s output buffer.

•Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status) command.

•Enable “operation complete” using the *ESE 1 command (standard event register).

•Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and enter the result to assure synchronization.

•Send your programming command string, and place the *OPC (operation complete) command as the last command.

•Use a serial poll to check to see when bit 5 (standard event) is set in the status byte summary register. You could also configure the multimeter for an SRQ interrupt by sending *SRE 32 (status byte enable register, bit 5).

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Agilent Technologies 34401A manual Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte, To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ
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34401A specifications

Agilent Technologies 34401A is a highly reputable digital multimeter (DMM), renowned for its accuracy, versatility, and performance in a wide range of measurement applications. First introduced in the early 1990s, the 34401A has become a staple in laboratories, manufacturing environments, and educational institutions due to its robust build and comprehensive features.

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