General Programming Aspects

The GP-IB Interface Bus

The GP-IB Interface Bus

The General Purpose Interface Bus is the interface used for communication between a controller and an external device, such as the Agilent 81130A. The GPIB conforms to IEEE standard 488-1987, ANSI standard MC 1.1, and IEC recommendation 625-1.

If you are not familiar with the GPIB, please refer to the following books:

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers: IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers: IEEE Standard 488.2-1987, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, and Common Commands for Use with IEEE Standard 488.1-1987.

In addition, the commands not from the IEEE 488.2 standard are defined according to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI). For an introduction to SCPI and SCPI programming techniques, refer to the following document:

The SCPI Consortium: Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments, published periodically by various publishers. To obtain a copy of this manual, contact the SCPI Consortium:

SCPI Consortium Office Bode Enterprise

2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 340

San Diego, CA, 92108

USA

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Agilent Technologies 81101A manual GP-IB Interface Bus

81101A specifications

Agilent Technologies 81101A is a high-performance pulse generator designed to meet the rigorous demands of today's electronic testing environments. This versatile instrument is crucial for engineers and researchers who require precise timing characteristics and reliability for their testing applications.

One of the standout features of the 81101A is its ability to generate fast, precise pulses with rise and fall times of less than 1 ns. This capability makes it ideal for testing high-speed digital circuits, as it can accurately simulate signal behavior in real-world conditions. The generator operates across a frequency range of DC to 1 GHz, allowing it to cater to a variety of applications, including telecommunications, semiconductor testing, and signal integrity investigations.

The 81101A is equipped with advanced modulation capabilities, including amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and pulse-width modulation. These features enable users to create complex waveforms that can mimic real-world signals. Additionally, the generator supports dual-channel operation, allowing simultaneous pulse generation on two outputs, which is particularly useful for testing differential signaling schemes.

Another significant characteristic of the 81101A is its comprehensive range of output formats. It supports single-ended and differential outputs, which can be essential for measuring the performance of various devices under different operating conditions. The instrument also offers a wide range of output amplitudes, from a few millivolts to several volts, making it flexible enough to cater to a variety of testing requirements.

The user interface of the 81101A is intuitive, featuring a large graphical display that simplifies waveform configuration and real-time monitoring. This interface allows engineers to easily set parameters and visualize pulse characteristics, reducing the time required for setup and configuration.

In terms of connectivity, the 81101A is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing test environments. It includes standard interfaces such as GPIB, USB, and LAN, facilitating automated testing procedures and communication with other laboratory equipment.

Overall, the Agilent Technologies 81101A pulse generator is an essential tool for engineers seeking precise and versatile signal generation capabilities. With its high-frequency performance, advanced modulation options, and user-friendly features, it remains a valuable asset in electronic testing and research applications.