HP 53131A, 132A manual How to Use the Measurement Instruction Commands, Using MEAsure

Chapter 4 Command Reference

Introduction

How to Use the Measurement Instruction Commands

The Measure Instruction commands have a different level of compatibility and flexibility than other commands. The parameters used with commands from the Measure Instruction describe the signal you are going to measure. This means that the Measure Instructions give compatibility between instruments since you do not need to know anything about the instrument you are using.

Using :MEAsure

This is the simplest Measurement Instruction command to use, but it does not offer much flexibility. :MEASure causes the Counter to configure itself for a default measurement, starts the measurement, and queries the result. The following example shows how to use query to measure frequency. Use

:MEASURE:FREQ?

to execute a default frequency measurement and have the result sent to the controller. The Counter will select settings and carry out the required measurement; moreover, it will automatically start the measurement and send the result to the controller.

You may add parameters to give more details about the signal you are going to measure. Use

:MEASURE:FREQ? 50 MHZ, 1 HZ

where 50 MHz is the expected value, which can of course also be sent as 50E6 HZ, and 1Hz is the required resolution.

Also the channel numbers can be specified if you send, for example:

:MEASURE:FREQ? (@2) :MEASURE:FREQ? 50 MHz, 1 HZ, (@2)

Programming Guide 4-75