Introduction to Programming - 6
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Accessing Online Help

A comprehensive online programming reference is provided with the driver. It describes how to get
started using the instrument driver with Agilent VEE, LabVIEW, and LabWindows. It includes
complete descriptions of all function calls as well as example programs in C/C++ and Visual BASIC.
ðTo access the online help when you have chosen the default Vxipnp start folder, click on the Start
button and select Programs | Vxipnp | Agxxxx Help (32-bit).
- where agxxxx is the instrument driver.
GPIB Capabilities of the DC Source
All dc source functions except for setting the GPIB address are programmable over the GPIB. The IEEE
488.2 capabilities of the dc source are listed in the Specifications Table in Appendix A.

GPIB Address

The dc source operates from an GPIB address that is set from the front panel. To set the GPIB address,
press the Address key on the front panel and enter the address using the Entry keys. The address can be
set from 0 to 30. The GPIB address is stored in non-volatile memory.
ADDRESS <value> Enter a value to set the GPIB Address
RS-232 Capabilities of the DC Source
Agilent 66111A and 66311B/D dc sources provide an RS-232 programming interface, which is activated
by commands located under the front panel Address key. All SCPI and COMPatibility commands are
available through RS-232 programming. When the RS-232 interface is selected, the GPIB interface is
disabled.
The EIA RS-232 Standard defines the interconnections between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and
Data Communications Equipment (DCE). The dc source is designed to be a DTE. It can be connected to
another DTE such as a PC COM port through a null modem cable.
NOTE: The RS-232 settings in your program must match the settings specified in the front panel
Address menu. Press the front panel Address key if you need to change the settings.

RS-232 Data Format

The RS-232 data is a 10-bit word with one start bit and one stop bit. The number of start and stop bits is
not programmable. However, the following parity options are selectable using the front panel Address
key:
EVEN Seven data bits with even parity
ODD Seven data bits with odd parity
MARK Seven data bits with mark parity (parity is always true)