Agilent Technologies E1301B, E1300B Getting Started, Using This Chapter, Mainframe Description

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Using This Chapter

This chapter describes the Agilent E1300B/E1301B Mainframe, defines the instrument concept, and explains how plug-in modules are designated as instruments in the mainframe. This chapter also contains introductory programming examples showing how to read and set the mainframe’s clock and calendar. This chapter contains the following sections:

•	Mainframe Description	1-1
•	Instrument Definition	1-3
•	Introductory Programming Examples	1-4

Mainframe

Description

Optional Mainframe Memory

The Agilent E1301B mainframe contains a front panel keyboard and display; the Agilent E1300B has no keyboard or display. Otherwise, there is no conceptual difference between the two mainframes. Both models provide a terminal based user interface (Display Terminal Interface) through the built-in, or optional plug-in serial interfaces. The front panel keyboard and display are discussed in Chapter 2 of this manual. The Display Terminal Interface is discussed in Chapter 3.

The mainframe handles such high level operations as language translation of IEEE -488.2 Common Commands and SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) commands; module-to-module synchronization; and memory management. When installed in the mainframe, SCPI-compatible register-based plug-in modules behave as independent instruments operating under control of SCPI commands and Common Commands. Plug-in modules that are not SCPI-compatible must be programmed at a register level (see the VXI:REG:WRITE and VXI:REG:READ? commands in Chapter 5 of this manual for more information). Figure 1-2 shows the E1300B/E1301B Mainframe’s A- and B-size plug-in module slots, GPIB* connector, RS-232 port, and input/output ports.

The mainframe comes from the factory with 256 kBytes of non-volatile memory (RAM) for reading storage. You can install up to 2 MBytes of optional RAM. The E1320A provides 500 kBytes while the E1321A provides 1 MByte of memory. Optional RAM replaces the standard memory and is not in addition to it (e.g. the mainframe with an optional 1 Mbyte module has 1Mbyte available).

* GPIB is the implementation of IEEE Std 488.1-1978.

Getting Started 1-1