Programming the Attenuator

GPIB Interface

7.1 GPIB Interface

The interface used by the attenuator is the GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus).

This is the interface used for communication between a controller and an external device, such as the attenuator. The GPIB conforms to IEEE standard 488-1978, ANSII standard MC 1.1 and IEC recommendation 625-1.

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

•Hewlett-Packard Company. Tutorial Description of Hewlett- Packard Interface Bus, 1987.

•The International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation. New York, NY, 1987

•The International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE Standard 488.2-1987, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols and Common Commands For Use with ANSI/IEEE Std 488.1-1987. New York, NY, 1987

To obtain a copy of either of these last two documents, write to: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

345 East 47th Street

New York, NY 10017 USA.

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 documents:

•Hewlett-Packard Press (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc). A Beginners Guide to SCPI. Barry Eppler. 1991.

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Agilent Technologies 8156A manual Gpib Interface
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8156A specifications

Agilent Technologies 8156A is a high-performance optical source offering advanced capabilities for testing and characterizing optical systems. Specifically designed for applications in telecommunications and data communications, the 8156A stands out due to its precision, versatility, and reliability, making it an essential tool for engineers and researchers in the telecommunications industry.

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The device employs advanced technologies, including distributed feedback (DFB) laser technology, offering low noise and high output power while ensuring minimal phase and frequency jitter. This results in precise measurements that are crucial for evaluating the performance of optical devices. The 8156A also features a built-in optical power meter, allowing for seamless integration and real-time monitoring of optical power levels during testing.

Another significant characteristic of the 8156A is its user-friendly interface, which includes easy-to-read displays and intuitive controls. This design simplifies operation, allowing users to set up tests quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it provides various output options, including single-mode and multi-mode fiber interface compatibility, expanding its usability across different applications.

The 8156A is equipped to handle numerous protocols and systems, including passive optical networks (PON), optical transport networks (OTN), and traditional wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technologies. Its agility in adapting to various protocols enhances its role in research and development settings.

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