Chapter 3 Features and Functions

Remote Interface Configuration

Remote Interface Configuration

This section gives information on configuring the remote interface.

For additional information, see chapter 4, “Remote Interface Reference,” starting on page 103.

GPIB Address

Each device on the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface must have a unique address. You can set the multimeter’s address to any value between

0 and 31. The address is set to “22” when the multimeter is shipped 3 from the factory. The GPIB address is displayed at power-on.

The GPIB address can be set only from the front-panel.

•The address is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

•You can set the address to “31” which is thetalk only mode. In this mode, the multimeter can output readings directly to a printer without being addressed by a bus controller (over eitherGPIB or RS-232). For proper operation, make sure your printer is configured in the listen always mode. Address 31 is not a valid address if you are operating the multimeter from the GPIB interface with a bus controller.

If you select the RS-232 interface and then set the GPIB address to the talk only address (31), the multimeter will send readings over the RS-232 interface when in the local mode.

•If you select the RS-232 interface and then set the GPIB address to the talk only address (31), the multimeter will send readings over the RS-232 interface when in the local mode.

•Your GPIB bus controller has its own address. Be sure to avoid using the bus controller’s address for any instrument on the interface bus. Agilent controllers generally use address “21”.

•Front-Panel Operation:

1: GPIB ADDR (I/O MENU)

See also “To Set the GPIB Address,” on page 161.

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Chapter 3 Features and Functions

Remote Interface Configuration

Remote Interface Selection

The multimeter is shipped with both an GPIB (IEEE-488) interface and an RS-232 interface. Only one interface can be enabled at a time. The GPIB interface is selected when the multimeter is shipped from the factory.

The remote interface can be set only from the front-panel.

• The interface selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

• If you select the GPIB interface, you must select a unique address for the multimeter. The GPIB address is displayed when you turn on the multimeter.

• If you select the RS-232 interface, you must set the baud rate and parity for the multimeter. “RS-232” is displayed when you turn on the multimeter.

• If you select the RS-232 interface and then set the GPIB address to the talk only address (31), the multimeter will send readings over the RS-232 interface when in the local mode.

• There are certain restrictions to be aware of when you are selecting the remote interface (see also “Programming Language Selection,” on page 94). The only programming language supported on RS-232 is SCPI.

• Front-Panel Operation:

2: INTERFACE (I/O MENU)

See also “To Select the Remote Interface,” on page 162.

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Remote Interface Configuration

Baud Rate Selection (RS-232)

You can select one of six baud rates forRS-232 operation. The rate is set to 9600 baud when the multimeter is shipped from the factory.

3: BAUD RATE (I/O MENU)

See also “To Set the Baud Rate,” on page 163.

Parity Selection (RS-232)

You can select the parity for RS-232 operation. The multimeter is configured for even parity with 7 data bits when shipped from the factory.

The parity can be set only from the front-panel.

•Select one of the following: None (8 data bits), Even (7 data bits), or Odd (7 data bits). When you set the parity, you are indirectly setting the number of data bits.

•The parity selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

•Front-Panel Operation:

4:PARITY (I/O MENU)

See also “To Set the Parity,” on page 164.

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Programming Language Selection

You can select one of three languages to program the multimeter from the selected remote interface. The language is SCPI when the multimeter is shipped from the factory.

• Select one of the following: SCPI, Agilent 3478A, or Fluke 8840A.

• The language selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

• There are certain restrictions to be aware of when you are selecting the interface language (see also “Remote Interface Selection,” on page 92). The Agilent 3478A and Fluke 8840A/8842A languages are not supported on the RS-232 interface.

• Front-Panel Operation:

5: LANGUAGE (I/O MENU)

See also “To Select the Programming Language,” on page 165.

• Remote Interface Operation:

L1 select SCPI language

L2 select Agilent 3478A language

L3 select Fluke 8840A language

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