Controlling Program Timing

Most remote controlled measurements require control of the sweep. The TS (take sweep) command initiates a sweep when the trigger conditions are met. When TS is executed as part of a command sequence, the analyzer starts and completes one full sweep before the next analyzer command is executed. Use the SNGLS (single sweep) command to maintain absolute control over the sweep and to reduce execution time. Once SNGLS activates the single-sweep mode, TS can be used to initiate a sweep only when necessary.

Since many remote commands process trace information, updating trace information with TS becomes important whenever the input signal or measurement range changes. Use TS to update the trace after the analyzer settings or input signals change, but before the trace information is returned to the computer or processed by other commands, like trace math or marker commands.

When developing measurement algorithms with the front-panel controls, use the NSINGLENNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNSWEEPNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN key to simulate the e￿ect of the TS command updating

the trace. The following examples demonstrates changing the measurement range. The trace data is not updated with the settings in line 30 until the TS command in line 40 is executed.

20

OUTPUT

723;"IP;SNGLS;TS;"

Activate single sweep .

30

OUTPUT

723;"CENTERWL

Change measurement range.

 

 

1300NM;SPANWL

10NM;"

40

OUTPUT

723;"TS;"

Measure with trace A.

Note that SNGLS cannot be substituted successfully for TS in all analyzer programs. In the following program, TS is executed after analyzer settings are changed, but before trace information is processed. If SNGLS were substituted for TS, SNGLS would initiate a sweep, but MKPK HI would be executed before the completion of the sweep.

30

OUTPUT

723;"CENTERWL

Change measurement range.

 

 

1300NM;SPANWL

10NM;"

40

OUTPUT

723;"TS;"

Update trace.

50

OUTPUT 723;"MKPK HI;"

Place marker on highest signal

 

 

 

level.

There are two commands that change the measurement range indirectly, MKCWL and MKRL. They set the center wavelength and reference level equal to the marker wavelength and amplitude, respectively. If valid

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