Programming

Programming

Programming

This chapter explains how to program the Agilent 86120C. The pro- gramming syntax conforms to the IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Inter- face for Programmable Instrumentation and to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI).

Where to begin…

The programming examples for individual commands in this manual are written in HP1 BASIC 6.0 for an HP 9000 Series 200/300 Control- ler.

For more detailed information regarding the GPIB, the IEEE 488.2 standard, or the SCPI standard, refer to the following books:

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

Hewlett- Packard Company. SCPI—Standard Commands for Program- mable Instruments, 1995.

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

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.

Types of commands

The Agilent 86120C responds to three types of commands:

Common commands

Measurement instructions

Subsystem commands

All of these commands are documented in Chapter 4, “Programming Commands”.

1.HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.

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Agilent Technologies Agilent 86120C manual Where to begin…, Types of commands

Agilent 86120C specifications

Agilent Technologies is renowned for its innovative solutions in the field of electronic measurement and test instrumentation. Among its extensive portfolio, the Agilent 86120C stands out as a high-performance optical sampling oscilloscope designed for advanced optical communication system testing and development.

One of the key features of the Agilent 86120C is its ability to perform high-speed digital modulation analysis. With a bandwidth of up to 20 GHz, it supports a wide range of optical signals, making it ideal for testing and characterizing various optical components and systems. The device is capable of analyzing multiple modulation formats, including pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4), making it a critical tool for engineers working on next-generation data transport technologies.

Another outstanding characteristic of the Agilent 86120C is its sophisticated optical performance monitoring capabilities. It employs advanced algorithms and techniques to provide real-time assessment of signal integrity. The oscilloscope can measure parameters such as eye diagrams, jitter, and signal-to-noise ratios, which are crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of optical communication links.

Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, the Agilent 86120C features a high-sensitivity photodetector optimized for low-light detection and high-speed applications. This allows users to accurately capture and analyze signals, even when working with low-power transmission systems. The oscilloscope also supports multiple input channels, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple wavelengths or different signal paths.

User-friendly software is another highlight of the Agilent 86120C. The intuitive interface streamlines the measurement process and provides comprehensive data analysis tools. Users can quickly generate reports, conduct statistical analysis, and visualize data in various formats to enhance their understanding of signal behavior.

Additionally, the Agilent 86120C is equipped with connectivity options for seamless integration into larger test setups. It can easily interface with other Agilent test instruments, PCs, and networked environments, allowing engineers to create a comprehensive testing environment tailored to their specific needs.

In conclusion, the Agilent 86120C optical sampling oscilloscope combines high performance, advanced features, and cutting-edge technologies to meet the demanding requirements of optical communication testing. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for engineers working in the rapidly evolving field of data communications.