Fluke PM-3380B, PM-3390B, PM-3370B, PM-3394B Introduction, Using the Combiscope Instruments

USING THE COMBISCOPE INSTRUMENTS 3 - 1

3USING THE COMBISCOPE INSTRUMENTS

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explains how to access the functions of the CombiScope instruments family in a remote programming environment. For that purpose, the CombiScope instrument is equipped with an IEEE-488 compatible GPIB interface and implements a full SCPI compatible command set which provides an extensive range of remote control facilities.

Traditionally, there was no standard for the remote operation of instruments. A wide range of different command sets existed. Each set had its own terminology and trade-offs, based upon the implementations and corresponding limitations of the instrument. Similar functions in different instruments were controlled by different commands. And, vice versa, identical commands could easily exist in another instrument to control a different function. With new technologies and increasing complexity, other programming concepts were introduced. This caused programs with identical functions to look different when written for another instrument.

The remote control of instruments became a cumbersome process, which required a high learning curve for each new instrument and each additional instrument. The time and costs to create and maintain application programs were unnecessarily high due to the lack of standardization.

With the introduction of the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments, commonly called SCPI, a lot of progress has been made in this area. The development time of an application program for SCPI-compatible instruments, like the CombiScope instrument, is considerably reduced. This is mainly achieved by the consistent programming environment for instrument control and data usage across all types of instruments that, regardless of the manufacturer, is provided by SCPI.

The standardized commands allow the same functions in different types of instruments to be controlled by the same commands. For example, the query MEASure:FREQuency? acquires the frequency characteristic of the input signal, regardless of whether the instrument is a frequency counter, an oscilloscope, or any other measuring instrument.