2 - Introduction to Programming

6.To use the VXIplug&play instrument driver, follow the directions in the VXIplug&play online help under “Introduction to Programming”.

Accessing Online Help

A comprehensive online programming reference is provided with the driver. It describes how to get started using the instrument driver with Agilent VEE, LabVIEW, and LabWindows. It includes complete descriptions of all function calls as well as example programs in C/C++ and Visual BASIC.

〉To access the online help when you have chosen the default Vxipnp start folder, click on the Start button and select Programs Vxipnp Agxxxx Help (32-bit).

- where agxxxx is the instrument driver.

GPIB Capabilities of the DC Source

All dc source functions except for setting the GPIB address are programmable over the GPIB. The IEEE 488.2 capabilities of the dc source are listed in the Specifications Table of the User's Guide.

GPIB Address

The dc source operates from an GPIB address that is set from the front panel. To set the GPIB address, press the Address key on the front panel and enter the address using the Entry keys. The GPIB address is stored in non-volatile memory.

RS-232 Capabilities of the DC Source

The dc source provides an RS-232 programming interface, which is activated by commands located under the front panel Address key. All SCPI and COMPatibility commands are available through RS-232 programming. When the RS-232 interface is selected, the GPIB interface is disabled.

The EIA RS-232 Standard defines the interconnections between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications Equipment (DCE). The dc source is designed to be a DTE. It can be connected to another DTE such as a PC COM port through a null modem cable.

NOTE: The RS-232 settings in your program must match the settings specified in the front panel Address menu. Press the front panel Address key if you need to change the settings.

RS-232 Data Format

The RS-232 data is a 10-bit word with one start bit and one stop bit. The number of start and stop bits is not programmable. However, the following parity options are selectable using the front panel Address key:

EVEN

Seven data bits with even parity

ODD

Seven data bits with odd parity

MARK

Seven data bits with mark parity (parity is always true)

SPACE

Seven data bits with space parity (parity is always false)

NONE

Eight data bits without parity

Parity options are stored in non-volatile memory.

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