Chapter 5 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status System

The SCPI Status System

This section describes the structure of the SCPI status system used by the 34970A. The status system records various conditions and states

of the instrument in five register groups as shown on the following page. Each of the register groups is made up of several low-level registers called Condition registers, Event registers, and Enable registers which control the action of specific bits within the register group.

What is a Condition Register?

A condition register continuously monitors the state of the instrument. The bits in the condition register are updated in real time and the bits are not latched or buffered. This is a read-only register and bits are not cleared when you read the register. A query of a condition register returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in that register.

What is an Event Register?

An event register latches the various events from the condition register.

There is no buffering in this register; while an event bit is set,5 subsequent events corresponding to that bit are ignored. This is a

read-only register. Once a bit is set, it remains set until cleared by a query command (such as STATus:OPER:EVENt?) or a *CLS (clear status) command. A query of this register returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in that register.

What is an Enable Register?

An enable register defines which bits in the event register will be reported to the Status Byte register group. You can write to or read from an enable register. A *CLS (clear status) will not clear the enable register but it does clear all bits in the event register.

A STATus:PRESet clears all bits in the enable register. To enable bits in the enable register to be reported to the Status Byte register, you must write a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the corresponding bits.

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Agilent Technologies 34970A manual Scpi Status System, What is a Condition Register?, What is an Event Register?
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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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