Download Agilent Technologies 54645A Programming instructions

Programming the Oscilloscope
When you attach an interface module to the rear of the HP 54645 A/D
Oscilloscope, it becomes programmable. That is, you can hook a
controller (such as a PC or workstation) to it, and write programs on
that controller to automate oscilloscope setup and data capture. Both
HP-IB (also known as GP-IB, IEEE-488) and RS-232-C interfaces are
available.
The following figure shows the basic structure of every program you
will write for the oscilloscope.
Initialize
To ensure consistent, repeatable performance, you need to start the
program, controller, and oscilloscope in a known state. Without
correct initialization, your program may run correctly in one instance
and not in another. This might be due to changes made in
configuration by previous program runs or from the front panel of the
oscilloscope.
• Program initialization defines and initializes variables, allocates
memory, or tests system configuration.
• Controller initialization ensures that the interface to the
oscilloscope (either HP-IB or RS-232) is properly set up and ready
for data transfer.
• Oscilloscope initialization sets the channel configuration and labels,
threshold voltages, trigger specification and mode, timebase, and
acquisition type.
ii