Chapter 4 Features and Functions

Alarm Limits

Using Alarms With the Multifunction Module

You can configure the instrument to generate an alarm when a specific bit pattern or bit pattern change is detected on a digital input channel or when a specific count is reached on a totalizer channel. These channels do not have to be part of the scan list to generate an alarm. Alarms are evaluated continuously as soon as you enable them.

•The digital input channels are numbered “s01” (lower byte) and “s02” (upper byte), where s represents the slot number. The totalizer channel is numbered “s03”.

•Alarms are evaluated continuously on the multifunction module, but alarm data is stored in reading memory only during a scan.

•Each time you start a new scan, the instrument clears all readings (including alarm data) stored in reading memory from the previous scan. However, alarm data stored in the alarm queue from the multifunction module is not cleared. Therefore, although the contents of reading memory are always from the most recent scan, the alarm queue may contain data that occurred during previous scans or while the instrument was not scanning.

•Front-Panel Operation: To configure an alarm on a digital input channel, choose from the following items and then set the desired bit pattern. Set each bit to “0”, “1”, or “X” (don’t care). You can either specify that an alarm will occur when certain bits change or when a specific 8-bit pattern is read.

NOT PATTERN , PATTERN MATCH

￿￿￿￿ ￿ ; ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ % , 1 ￿

Bit 7

Bit 0

To configure an alarm on a totalizer channel, select a high limit and then set the desired count for the selected alarm.

HI ALARM ONLY

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Agilent Technologies 34970A manual Using Alarms With the Multifunction Module
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34970A specifications

Agilent Technologies 34970A is a versatile data acquisition and measurement system that has gained popularity in various industries, including research and development, manufacturing, and education. The primary purpose of the 34970A is to offer an efficient solution for data collection, monitoring, and analysis, which can significantly enhance productivity and accuracy in testing applications.

One of the main features of the 34970A is its modular design, allowing users to customize the system according to their specific measurement needs. The mainframe can accommodate up to three plug-in measurement modules, which can include various types of measurements such as analog, digital, temperature, and frequency. This modularity provides flexibility for users to tailor the system to their requirements, making it highly adaptable to different applications.

Another notable characteristic of the Agilent 34970A is its impressive channel configuration. The system can support up to 120 measurement channels when fully configured, enabling extensive data acquisition without the need for multiple devices. This capability is essential for applications requiring simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters or locations.

The 34970A utilizes advanced signal processing technologies to ensure high-accuracy measurements. The internal 6.5-digit resolution multimeter provides precise readings, while the device also supports various input types, such as thermocouples and RTDs for temperature measurements. The ability to perform mathematical functions, such as summation and averaging, on the acquired data further enhances its usability.

For data storage and management, the Agilent 34970A features built-in memory for storing up to 20,000 readings. Users can also easily transfer data to a PC through the RS-232 interface or GPIB (IEEE 488) for further analysis and reporting. Additionally, it offers the capability to program automatic data logging and scheduling of measurements, which streamlines the testing process and reduces manual intervention.

In terms of user interface, the 34970A is equipped with a large graphical display that provides clear visualization of measurement data and easy navigation through settings and options. The menu-driven interface makes it accessible for users of all skill levels, simplifying the setup and operation of the device.

Overall, the Agilent Technologies 34970A stands out for its modularity, high channel capacity, advanced measurement technologies, and user-friendly interface. As a reliable and efficient data acquisition system, it is well-suited for a wide range of applications, making it an essential tool for engineers and technicians looking to enhance measurement precision and efficiency.
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