Programming

Addressing and Initializing the Instrument

Addressing and Initializing the Instrument

The Agilent 86120C’s GPIB address is configured at the factory to a value of 20. You must set the output and input functions of your pro- gramming language to send the commands to this address. You can change the GPIB address from the front panel as described in “To change the GPIB address” on page 3- 4.

Remote mode and front- panel lockout

Whenever the instrument is controlled by a computer, the Remote message is displayed on the instrument’s screen and the softkey menu is blanked except for the LOCAL softkey. This softkey can be pressed by the user to restore front panel control of the instrument.

You can specify a local lockout mode that prevents the LOCAL softkey from being displayed. If the instrument is in local lockout mode, all the softkeys may be blanked. For example, if the instrument is first placed in local lockout mode and then placed in remote mode, no softkeys are displayed.

Consult the documentation for your programming environment to determine which commands are used to put an instrument in the remote and local lockout modes. These are not Agilent 86120C com- mands; they control GPIB control lines and do not send any characters to the Agilent 86120C.

Initialize the instrument at start of every program

It is good practice to initialize the instrument at the start of every program. This ensures that the bus and all appropriate interfaces are in a known state. HP BASIC provides a CLEAR command which clears the interface buffer and also resets the instrument’s parser. (The parser is the program that reads the instructions that you send.) Whenever the instrument is under remote programming control, it should be in the single measurement acquisition mode. This is auto- matically accomplished when the *RST common command is used. The *RST command initializes the instrument to a preset state:

CLEAR 720

OUTPUT 720;”*RST”

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Agilent Technologies Agilent 86120C manual Addressing and Initializing the Instrument, Remote mode and front- panel lockout
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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.
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