External Computer Programming

The Register Offset and Register Number

Declaring IBASIC

Variables in COM

(common) Memory

Depending on whether absolute addressing or select code 8 is used, either a register offset or register number is specified as part of the register address. Absolute addressing specifies a register offset, which is the register’s location in the block of 64 address bytes. For example, the amplifier’s DAC Control Register has an offset of 0816. When you write to this register, the offset is added to the base address to form the register address (assuming a logical address of 88):

=1FC00016 + (88 * 64)16 + 0816

=1FC00016 + 160016 + 0816 = 1FD60816

=2,080,768 + (88 * 64) + 8

=2,080,768 + 5632 + 8 = 2,086,408

Using select code 8 requires that you specify a register number. The register number is the register offset/2. Referring to Figure C-1A, the DAC Control register with an offset of 08 is register number 4.

When writing or modifying IBASIC programs, array variables can be declared in COM (common) memory. Variables not in COM memory reside in the IBASIC stack. The ’stack’ is a 32 kByte (default) segment of memory which contains components such as pointers and local variables for subprograms and declarations. When too many variables (or too large an array) are in the stack, Error 2 - Memory Overflow will occur. If a memory overflow occurs, the stack size can be changed with the command PROGram:MALLocate < nbytes> (see the Instrument BASIC user’s manual for more information).

When the amplifier is programmed by an external computer through the E1405/06 Command Module, the registers are accessed using DIAG:PEEK? and DIAG:POKE, or VXI:READ? and VXI:WRITE .

DIAG:PEEK?/DIAG:POKE and VXI:READ?/VXI:WRITE

Throughput speed using DIAG:PEEK? and DIAG:POKE is faster than VXI:READ? and VXI:WRITE because the complete register address (including the A16 starting location 1FC00016) is specified. VXI:READ? and VXI:WRITE specify the device logical address and register offset only. Thus, the E1405/06 processor must calculate the complete register address which decreases throughput speed.

Computer Configurations

Register-Based Programming C-5

E1446A specifications

Agilent Technologies E1446A is a high-performance modular instrument designed for a wide range of applications in the fields of test and measurement. As part of the Agilent family of products, this device exemplifies advanced engineering and innovative technology, catering to the needs of engineers and researchers in various industries.

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Equipped with state-of-the-art ADCs (Analog-to-Digital Converters) and DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters), the E1446A ensures high precision and accuracy in measurements. With a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz, it can handle a wide range of signals, making it suitable for both low-frequency and high-frequency applications. The instrument supports various input signal types, including sine, square, and custom waveforms, expanding its applicability across diverse testing scenarios.

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Agilent Technologies E1446A user manual External Computer Programming

Models: E1446A