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Fluke 8845A Manual

Digital multimeter
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8845A/8846A

Digital Multimeter

Programmers Manual
September 2006, Rev. 3, 3/11
© 2006 - 2011 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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  • Page 1: Digital Multimeter

    ® 8845A/8846A Digital Multimeter Programmers Manual September 2006, Rev. 3, 3/11 © 2006 - 2011 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Page 2 Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Setting RS-232 Parity and Data Bits ............. 7 Setting RS-232 Stop Bits................7 Setting RS-232 Flow Control ................ 7 Setting RS-232 End-Of-Line Character ............7 Enabling and Disabling Fluke 45 Emulation Echo........7 RS-232 Modes of Operation................8 Operating with FlukeView Forms’..............10 Interconnections .................... 10 Configuring the Ethernet (LAN) Port ..............
  • Page 4 Calibration Commands .................. 63 Using RS-232/Ethernet Interface Commands ..........65 Command Terminators .................. 66 Alternate Programming Language Compatibility ......... 67 FLUKE 45 Command Emulation Summary............68 Computer Interface Command Set ..............68 IEEE-488 Capabilities and Common Commands ......... 68 Triggering Output..................75 Using FlukeView Forms ..................
  • Page 5 Numeric Entry Command .................. 114 Talk-Only Mode ....................114 Ranging in 8842A Emulation Mode ..............114 Operational Differences ..................115 Appendices A Error Codes ....................95 B Fluke 45 Emulation Limitations..............103 C Network Consideration................105 D Fluke 8842A Emulation Limitations ............113...
  • Page 6 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual...
  • Page 7 Preset Conditions for the MEASure? and CONFigure Commands ....... 41 Allowed math/measurement function combinations ..........51 IEEE-488.2 Common Commands................68 Fluke 45 Function Commands and Queries ............70 Function Modifier Commands and Queries ............71 Range and Measurement Rate Commands and Querie .......... 72 Measurement Queries.....................
  • Page 8 Non-compatible Fluke 45 Remote Commands ............103 Fluke 45 Dual Function Compatibility Matrix............104 IP Address Assignments ..................108 8842A Device Dependent Commands Not Supported........... 113 Fluke 8845A/8846A Commands the Fluke 8842A Doesn't Support ..... 113 8842A Virtual Range Mapping ................115...
  • Page 9 Page RS-232 Pin-out and Cable Interconnect..............12 Typical IEEE-488 Input String ................21 Overview of Status Data Structure (8845A/8846A and Fluke 45)......24 884XA Triggering System ..................56 Typical Command String for 8842A Emulation ............ 77 8842A Emulation Device-Dependent Command Set..........78...
  • Page 10 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual viii...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    SCPI command set, and how the Meter processes those commands is included in this manual. Fluke 45 command limitations are covered in Appendix B and Fluke 8842A command limitations are covered in Appendix D in this manual.

  • Page 12: Local And Remote Operation

    IEEE-488 interface. Only one remote interface can be enabled at a time. Using any of the interfaces turns the Meter into a fully programmable instrument that can be integrated into an automated instrumentation system. For a PC with only USB ports, Fluke makes a cable (Fluke PN 2675479) that converts between USB and RS-232 ports.

  • Page 13: Optimizing System Speed For I/O Operation

    Meter has the LAN port enabled as the remote control port. Optimizing System Speed for I/O Operation Several factors affect the remote system speed of the 8845A/46A. To make the fastest measurements, it is best to store the measurements in internal memory before transferring across the I/O bus.

  • Page 14: Selecting The Remote Interface Port

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Selecting the Remote Interface Port To enable or select a port for remote control of the Meter: 1. Press . 2. Press . 3. Press . 4. Press the soft key labeled with the desired port: , , or .

  • Page 15: Capability Commands

    Remote Operation Configuring the IEEE-488 Port Capability Commands To conform to the IEEE-488.1 standard specification, it is not essential for a device to encompass the full range of bus capabilities. The IEEE-488.1 document describes and codes the standard bus features, so that manufacturers may give brief coded descriptions of their own interfaces’...

  • Page 16: Configuring The Rs-232 Port

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Configuring the RS-232 Port The RS-232 Communication Interface allows ASCII, asynchronous, serial communication between the Meter and a host or terminal. The following sections describe the process of configuring the RS-232 port. To make the RS-232 port the active port for remote operation, see the “Selecting the Remote Interface Port”...

  • Page 17: Setting Rs-232 Parity And Data Bits

    Enabling and Disabling Fluke 45 Emulation Echo Although you can turn echo on or off at anytime, the selection is only used or changed when the Meter’s command mode is set to Fluke 45 emulation. To enable or disable Echo for the RS-232 port: 1.

  • Page 18: Rs-232 Modes Of Operation

    8845A/8846A Mode There are two modes of RS-232 operation when the Meter has the 8845A or 8846A command set selected:  and . The terminal mode is an interactive mode where an operator inputs commands, with immediate returns for requested information (queries) and interface messages.
  • Page 19 (CRLF). Terminations for the end of line can be set in the <Instr SETUP><PORT IF><RS232C> selection. To change the Meter to Fluke 45 Emulation Mode, setup the remote interface for RS-232 or IEEE-488 (Fluke 45 mode will not work over Ethernet): For RS-232 1.

  • Page 20: Operating With Flukeview Forms

    PC. Fluke 8842A Emulation Mode The Fluke 8842A emulation mode is only available when the Meter has the IEEE-488 port selected. To change the Meter to Fluke 8842A Emulation Mode, setup the remote interface for IEEE-488 (Fluke 8842A emulation mode will not work over RS-232 or Ethernet): 1.
  • Page 21 With the desired digit selected, press the soft key labeled  to decrement the digit or  to increment the character. 5. With the desired address set, press . To set the Meter to Fluke 8842A emulation: 1. Press . 2. Press the  softkey.

  • Page 22: Configuring The Ethernet (Lan) Port

    RxData RxData RxData RxData TxData TxData TxData TxData Not Used Not Used Not Used No Connect Cable (USB to RS-232 such as Fluke 884X-USB) 8845A/8846A No Connect Not Used RxData RxData TxData TxData Not Used Adapter Interface Not Used No Connect...

  • Page 23: Setting The Ip Address

    Remote Operation Configuring the Ethernet (LAN) Port dot-notation form. For example, xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, where xxx is a byte value, is stored as a 32-bit binary number. To set the LAN port parameters: 1. Press . 2. Press the  soft key. 3.

  • Page 24: Setting The Lan Subnet Mask

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual To change the Meter’s static IP Address: 1. From the LAN Port setup menu, press the  soft key. 2. Use the soft keys to set the IP Address as follows: To select the address character to adjust, press either  or .

  • Page 25: Reading The Mac Address

    Remote Operation Configuring the Ethernet (LAN) Port 1. From the LAN Port setup menu, press the  soft key. 2. Use the soft keys to set the Host Name as follows: To select the character to adjust, press either  or . With the desired character selected, press the soft key labeled ...

  • Page 26: Establishing An Ethernet Connection

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual 3. To select the digit to adjust, press either  or . With the desired digit selected, press the soft key labeled  to decrement the digit or  to increment the digit. 4. Press the  soft key.

  • Page 27: Terminating An Ethernet Connection

    See Appendix B, “Fluke 45 Emulation Limitations” for details on Fluke 45 commands that are not compatible with this Meter. See Appendix D, “Fluke 8842A Emulation Limitations” for details on Fluke 8842A commands that are not compatible with this Meter.

  • Page 28: Installation Test For Ieee-488 Connections

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual In Fluke 8845A mode (includes 8846A): Fluke, 884XA, nnnnnnnm, mm/dd/yy – tt:tt In Fluke 45 mode: FLUKE, 45, nnnnnnn, n.n Dn.n In these results, nnnnnnn is your Meter's serial number; n.n identifies the main software version; and Dn.n identifies the display software version.

  • Page 29: How The Meter Processes Input

    EOI (End or Identity) on any character • LF (Line Feed) In some instances, a terminator is automatically transmitted at the end of the host's output string (i.e., the Meter's input string). For example, in Fluke BASIC, the PRINT statement finishes with a CR LF pair.

  • Page 30: Typical Ieee-488 Input Strings

    4. The terminator. Figure 2 gives two examples of a command string for the Meter. The first example is a command recognized by the Meter in the 8845A or 8846A command mode. The second example is for the Fluke 45 command mode.

  • Page 31: Remote Operation

    The following string configures the Meter and triggers an ohms reading to be shown on the primary display when the Meter is in 8845A or 8846A command mode. PRINT @3, "*RST; CONF:RES 1; :RES:NPLC 1; :TRIG:SOUR BUS; :INIT; *TRG; FETCH?"...

  • Page 32: How The Meter Processes Output

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual How the Meter Processes Output The following paragraphs summarize how the Meter processes output. The Meter outputs an alphanumeric string in response to a query command from the host. Query commands are easily identified because they all end with "?". An output string is terminated by a Carriage Return and Line Feed (<CR><LF>) for RS-232 or Ethernet applications, or a...

  • Page 33: External Triggering

    Remote Operation Service Requests (IEEE-488 Only) and Status Registers External Triggering There are three methods of triggering the Meter externally: • A trigger signal applied to the external trigger jack on the Meter’s rear panel. When the Meter’s trigger source is set to external and the Meter is in a wait-for- trigger state, a negative-going signal on the external trigger jack will trigger a measurement cycle.

  • Page 34: Standard Event Status And Standard Event Status Enable Registers

    *ESE <value> *ESE? caw01f.eps Figure 3. Overview of Status Data Structure (8845A/8846A and Fluke 45) Standard Event Status and Standard Event Status Enable Registers The Standard Event Status Register (ESR) assigns events to specific bits (see Figure 3 and Table 5). When a bit in the ESR is set (for example, 1), the event that corresponds to that bit has occurred since the register was last read or cleared.

  • Page 35: Questionable Data Event Register And Questionable Data Enable Register

    Remote Operation Service Requests (IEEE-488 Only) and Status Registers Table 5. Description of Bits in ESR and ESE Bit No. Name True (Set to 1) Conditions Operation Complete (OPC) All commands previous to receipt of an *OPC command have been executed. Interface is ready to accept another message.

  • Page 36: Status Byte Register

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 6. Description of Bits in the Questionable Data Register Bit No. Name True (Set to 1) Condition Input voltage has exceeded the Voltage Overload upper limit of the range. Input current has exceeded the Current Overload upper limit of the range.

  • Page 37: Service Request Enable Register

    Remote Operation Service Requests (IEEE-488 Only) and Status Registers Table 7. Description of Bits in the Status Byte Register Bit No. Name True (Set to 1) Condition Not used Always set to 0. Not used Always set to 0. Not used Always set to 0.

  • Page 38: Supported Scpi Commands

    Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must substitute a value for the enclosed parameter. SCPI Command Summary Tables 7 through 16 summarize the SCPI commands implemented in the 8845A and 8846A Digital Multimeters. Table 8. CALibration Command Summary...
  • Page 39 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Table 9. CONFigure Command Summary Command Description CONFigure[:SCALar] Subsystem to set Meter function [:VOLTage] Path to set voltage function [:DC [{range}[, {resolution}]]] Selects dc volts function :RATio Selects dc volts ratio function :AC [{range}[, {resolution}]] Selects ac volts function :CURRent Path to set current function...
  • Page 40 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 11. Math Command Summary Command Description CALCulate Path to the math functions :AVERage Path to MIN-MAX function :MINimum? Retrieves the recorded minimum value :MAXimum? Retrieves the recorded maximum value :AVERage? Retrieves the recorded average value :COUNt?
  • Page 41 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Table 12. MEASure Command Summary (cont.) Command Description [{<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF}[{,<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]] :DIODe? [{low current}][, {high voltage}]] Make a diode measurement :FREQuency? Make a frequency measurement :FRESistance? Make a 4-wire resistance measurement [{<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF}[{,<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]] :PERiod? Make a period measurement [{<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF}[{,<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF}]] :RESistance? Make a 2-wire measurement...
  • Page 42 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 13. Measurement Configuration Command Summary (cont.) Command Description :FILTer Path to analog filter [:STATe] {OFF|ON} Activates or deactivates 3-pole analog filter [:STATe]? Retrieve the present analog filter setting :DIGItal Path to digital filter [:STATe]{OFF|ON} Activates or deactivates digital filter...
  • Page 43 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Table 13. Measurement Configuration Command Summary (cont.) Command Description :NPLCycles {0.02|0.2|1|10|100| Set integration time for selected function MINimum|MAXimum} :NPLCycles? [MINimum|MAXimum] Retrieve integration time for selected function :RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set resistance measurement range :AUTO {OFF|ON} Disable/enable Autoranging :AUTO? Retrieve present autorange setting :RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum]...
  • Page 44 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 13. Measurement Configuration Command Summary (cont.) Command Description :ALPHa? Retrieve the present RTD alpha parameter :NPLCycles {0.02|0.2|1|10|100| Set integration time for selected function MINimum|MAXimum} :NPLCycles? [MINimum|MAXimum] Retrieve integration time for selected function Set resistance at 0 °C :R0 <R0 value>...
  • Page 45 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Table 15. Status Reporting Command Summary Command Description *CLS Clear status byte summary and all event registers *ESE <enable value> Enable bits in standard event register *ESE? Retrieve standard event enable register *ESR? Retrieve standard event register *OPC Set Operation Complete bit in standard event register...
  • Page 46 When disabled, *IDN? will return the indentification set by the Meter’s manufacturer. *IDN? Retrieve meter’s identification string Set the command language to 8845A/46A Set the command language to Fluke 45 Set the command language to Fluke 8842A [1] Default parameters are shown in bold...

  • Page 47: Scpi Command Details

    Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Table 17. Triggering Command Summary Command Description INITiate Set trigger system to wait-for-trigger DATA Path to storing readings taken with INITiate command :FEED RDG_STORE, {“CALCulate”|” ”} Enables/disables storing of INITiate readings :FEED? Retrieves state of storing INITiate readings READ? Set trigger system to wait-for-trigger SAMPle...

  • Page 48: Using The Measure? Command

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Using the MEASure? Command The MEASure? command provides the quickest and simplest program method for getting the Meter to make a single measurement through remote control. However, MEASure? does not provide control over all possible parameters associated with a measurement function.

  • Page 49: Using The Configure Command

    Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Note Issuing a MEASure? command without specifying a function, puts the Meter into volts dc and triggers a measurement. You must specify a range to use a resolution parameter. Example MEAS:volt:ac? 10 = Returns a measurement after configuring the Meter for volts ac and setting the range to the 10 volt range.
  • Page 50 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual SENSe:FUNCtion command provides a means of changing a function’s parameters. Other commands, such as INPut, SENSe, CALCulate, and TRIGger allow for more detailed control of the Meter’s parameters. The CONFigure command does not initiate a measurement and will need to be followed by READ? command, or the INITiate and FETCh? commands.
  • Page 51 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Notes [1] For ac measurements, resolution is fixed at 6½ digits. The resolution parameter only affects the front panel display. [2] For frequency measurements, the Meter uses one range for all inputs between 3 Hz, and 300 kHz. With no input signal applied, frequency measurements return zero.

  • Page 52: Using The Read? Command

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Setting Range and Resolution Parameters The MEASure? and CONFigure commands incorporate parameters for setting the Meter’s function, its range, and its resolution. Placing the input signal’s expected amplitude into the range value causes the Meter to select a range appropriate for the supplied signal amplitude.

  • Page 53: Using The Sense Subsystem To Configure The Meter

    Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Using the SENSe Subsystem to Configure the Meter Setting Meter functions and function parameters are controlled through the SENSe subsystem of commands. Both primary and secondary display functions are set using the FUNCtion commands. The parameters of each Meter function are also controlled through this subsystem of commands.
  • Page 54 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual PERiod Period TEMPerature:RTD 2-wire temperature TEMPerature:FRTD 4-wire temperature DIODe Diode CONTinuity Continuity NONe Turn off secondary display Notes [1] Valid only when used with FUNC2. [SENSe:]<function>:RANGe(?) <n> Description Sets the range according to the value supplied for n, of the Meter function specified in the variable <function>.
  • Page 55 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Query VOLT:RANG:AUTO? Returns the dc volts autorange state. A zero means off and a one means on. [SENSe:]<function>:RESolution(?) <n> Description Sets the resolution according to the value supplied for n, for the Meter function specified in the variable <function>. Resolution is specified in the same units as the function.
  • Page 56 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual [SENSe:]TEMPerature:[TRANsducer:]<subfunction>:TYPe(?) <n> Description Sets the RTD type for the temperature function. This setting is stored in volatile memory. Parameters <subfunction> = 2-wire RTD FRTD 4-wire RTD <n> PT100_385 Sets the RTD type to PT100 385 (R0 to 100Ω...
  • Page 57 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Examples PER:APER 0.1 Sets the period measurement gate time to 100 Query PER:APER? Returns the gate time for the period function. [SENSe:]CURRent:AC:BANDwidth(?) <n> Description Sets the appropriate filter for the frequency specified by <n>. This setting is stored in volatile memory.
  • Page 58 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Examples FILT ON Turns the analog dc filter on. Query FILT? Returns the analog dc filter setting. Note Since the corner frequency of the analog filter is about 8 Hz, the filter does not add much rejection until frequencies are significantly higher than that.
  • Page 59 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands [SENSe:]CURRent[:DC]:FILTer:DIGital[:STATe](?) <n> Description Activates or deactivates the digital averaging filter to improve noise immunity for dc current functions. This setting is stored in volatile memory. Parameters <n> OFF or 0 Turns the digital averaging filter off. ON or 1 Turns the digital averaging filter on.
  • Page 60 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual [SENSe:]FRESistance[:DC]:FILTer:DIGital[:STATe](?) <n> Description Activates or deactivates the digital averaging filter to improve noise immunity for the 4-wire resistance function. This setting is stored in volatile memory. Parameters <n> OFF or 0 Turns the digital averaging filter off.

  • Page 61: Programming For Math Operations

    Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands INPut:IMPedance:AUTO(?) <n> Description Activates or deactivates (default) the automatic input impedance mode for dc voltage measurements. With AUTO OFF, the input impedance is fixed at 10 MΩ for all ranges. With AUTO ON, the input impedance is set to >10 GΩ...
  • Page 62 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual CALCulate:FUNCtion(?) {NULL|DB|DBM|AVERage|LIMit} Description Selects one of five math functions. This setting is stored in volatile memory. Selecting a math function disables any math function which may have been set previously. For the selected math function to take effect, the CALCulate:STATe must be ON.
  • Page 63 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands CALCulate:AVERage:COUNt? Description Retrieves the number of measurements taken during a statistics operation. This value is cleared whenever the Meter is powered off then back on, a statistics function is enabled, or the Meter receives a reset through the remote interface.
  • Page 64 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual CALCulate:LIMit:LOWer(?) {<value >|MINimum|MAXimum} Description Sets the lower limit value used for limit testing. This setting is stored in volatile memory. Parameters <value> = 0 to 120 % of highest range. MINimum Sets lower limit register to -120 % of highest range of selected function.

  • Page 65: Programming The Trigger System

    Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands Parameters <n> = “CALCulate” Enable the storing of measurements. “” Disable the storage of measurements. Example DATA:FEED RDG_STORE, “CALC”. DATA:FEED? Description Retrieves the state of the reading store setting. Query DATA:FEED? Returns CALC or “”. CALCulate:KMATh:MMFactor(?) <value>...
  • Page 66 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Idle Initiate Triggering State MEASure? READ? INITiate Wait-for- Trigger Source Trigger TRIGger:SOURce IMMediate State TRIGger:SOURce EXTernal TRIGger:SOURce BUS Front-panel "Single" key Triggering Delay TRIGger:DELay Delay Sample (*) Measurement Annuniator Sample Trigger Sample Count # 1 Count # 1 dae02.eps...
  • Page 67 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands TRIGger:SOURce(?) {BUS|IMMediate|EXTernal} Description Sets the source from which the Meter will expect a measurement trigger. Parameters <n> = BUS Sets the Meter to expect a trigger through the IEEE-488 bus or upon execution of a *TRG command.

  • Page 68: Using System-Related Commands

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Query SAMP:COUN? Retrieves the number of samples per trigger presently set in the Meter. SAMP:COUN? MIN Returns 1 to indicate the minimum number of samples the Meter will accept per trigger. SAMP:COUN? MAX Returns 50,000 to indicate the maximum number of measurements the Meter will accept per trigger.
  • Page 69 Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands DISPlay <n> Description Enables or disables the Meter’s display. This setting is stored in volatile memory. Parameters <n> = ON or 1 Enables the display. OFF or 0 Disables the display. Examples DISP ON Enables the Meter’s display. Query DISP? Retrieves the state of the display ( 0 = OFF and 1...
  • Page 70 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Parameters <date> = MM/DD/YYYY or MM-DD-YYYY. MM between 1 and 12 DD between 1 and 31 YYYY between 1970 and 2038 Examples SYST:DATE 10/25/2007 Query SYST:DATE? Returns the Meter’s system clock date. SYSTem:TIME(?) <time> Description Sets the system clock time in 24 format.

  • Page 71: Using Status Reporting Commands

    Remote Operation Supported SCPI Commands *IDN? Description Returns the IDN string. If IDN is enabled (ON), then the Meter returns the user defined string. If IDN is disabled (OFF), the the Meter returns the IDN string set at the factory. Query *IDN? Returns up to 35 character string.
  • Page 72 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual STATus:PRESet Description Sets all bits to zero in the Meter’s Questionable Data enable register. Examples STAT:PRES Sets all bits to zero. *CLS Description Sets all bits to zero in the Meter’s status byte register and all event registers.

  • Page 73: Calibration Commands

    Description After entering the proper code using the CAL:SEC:CODE command, this command causes the Meter to perform an adjustment using the values supplied with the CAL:VAL command. See the 8845A/8846A Service Manual for details on using this command. Parameters <n>...
  • Page 74 To avoid electric shock and or injury, do not open the Meter unless you are qualified to do so. Follow the instructions in the 8845A/8846A Service Manual for opening the Meter case. Located at the rear of the chassis, behind the Ethernet connector (J17), there is a jumper connector labeled W2.

  • Page 75: Using Rs-232/Ethernet Interface Commands

    Query CAL:STR? Retrieves the Meter’s calibration string. CALibration:DATE(?) <date> Description Sets the calibration date on the 8845A only since it does not have a real- time clock. Parameters <date> = MM/DD/YYYY or MM-DD-YYYY. MM between 1 and 12 DD between 1 and 31...

  • Page 76: Command Terminators

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual SYSTem:REMote Description Places the Meter in the remote mode for RS-232 or Ethernet remote control. All front-panel keys, except the local key, are disabled. Example SYST:REM Note To avoid unpredictable operation, send a SYS:REM command to the Meter before sending or receiving data over the RS-232 or Ethernet interface.

  • Page 77: Alternate Programming Language Compatibility

    DISPlay:TEXT <quoted string> Alternate Programming Language Compatibility The Meter can be configured to accept and execute 8845A/46A SCPI commands (HP 34401A compatible), non SCPI compliant modes Fluke 8842A or Fluke 45 multimeter commands. Remote operation will only allow you to access the functionality of the multimeter language selected.

  • Page 78: Fluke 45 Command Emulation Summary

    Miscellaneous Commands and Queries (Table 27) • RS-232 Remote/ Local Configuration Commands (Table 28) IEEE-488 Capabilities and Common Commands Table 20 summarizes the IEEE-488 Commands that are common between the Fluke 8845A/46A and the Fluke 45. Table 20. IEEE-488.2 Common Commands Command...
  • Page 79 Fluke 45 Dual Display Multimeter. Command accepted but has no effect. [1] The user defined IDN 8845A/46A command identification response will set the *IDN? Indentification query response for both 8845A/46A and Fluke 45 modes of operation. IDN is an “8845A/46A” only command.
  • Page 80 Programmers Manual Function Commands and Queries The commands in Table 21 lists the measurement function commands for the Fluke 45. See Tables 22A and 22B for ranges and measurement rates. Commands under Primary Display and Secondary Display cause functions to be performed using the primary display or secondary display, respectively.
  • Page 81 Remote Operation FLUKE 45 Command Emulation Summary Function Modifier Commands and Queries The commands in Table 22 relate to the function modifiers. A function modifier causes the Meter to modify the normal operation of a measurement function (or perform an action on a measurement) before displaying a reading.
  • Page 82 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 22. Function Modifier Commands and Queries (cont.) Command Description DFILT? Returns the state of the digital averaging filter. MOD? Meter returns a numeric value indicating modifiers in use. 8=dB, 16=dB Power, 32 = Relative, 64 = Compare.
  • Page 83 Remote Operation FLUKE 45 Command Emulation Summary Table 23. Range and Measurement Rate Commands and Queries (cont.) Command Description RANGE1? Returns the range presently selected on the primary display. RANGE2? Returns the range presently selected on the secondary display. If the secondary display is inactive, an Execution Error is generated.
  • Page 84 External Enabled Although the Fluke 45 disabled the rear-panel trigger for these trigger types, the 8845A/46A leaves the rear-panel trigger enabled. When the input signal is not stable, select a trigger type with the settling delay (type 3 or 5) enabled before a measurement is triggered.

  • Page 85: Triggering Output

    Remote Operation FLUKE 45 Command Emulation Summary Miscellaneous Commands and Queries Miscellaneous commands and queries are summarized in Table 27. Table 27. Miscellaneous Commands and Queries Command Description ^C (CNTRL C) The RS-232 equivalent of IEEE-488 DCL. Causes <CR><LF> and =><CR><LF> to be output.

  • Page 86: Using Flukeview Forms

    Enabled External Enabled [1] Although the Fluke 45 disabled the rear-panel trigger for these trigger types, the 8845A/46A leaves the rear-panel trigger enabled. Using FlukeView Forms You can use FlukeView Forms to download and store readings from the Meter to a PC running MicroSoft’s Windows operating system.

  • Page 87: Fluke 8842A Emulation Mode

    BASIC program as shown in Figure 5. Examples using other controllers are given at the end of this section. Here is a typical command string as it might be sent from a Fluke 1722A Instrument Controller. The string configures the meter and triggers a reading. The PRINT command automatically sends terminators (CR, LF, and/or EOI) to the meter at the end of the command string.
  • Page 88 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Function Commands Clear Commands V dc (Default) Device Clear (Reset meter to default V ac conditions) 2 WIRE kΩ Clear Error Register 4 WIRE kΩ mA dc Single-Trigger Commands mA ac Trigger Measurement Range Commands Get Commands...

  • Page 89: Device-Dependent Command Set

    Remote Operation FLUKE 8842A Emulation Mode Device-Dependent Command Set Device-dependent commands are the heart of 8842A emulation remote control. They tell the Meter how and when to make measurements, when to put data on the bus, when to make service requests, etc. The complete set of device-dependent commands is listed in Figure 6.
  • Page 90 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Output Data Type Format Numeric Data +n.nnnnnE+nn[suffix][CR][LF][EOI] (From trigger) Examples: +12.3456E+6 Measured value +12.3456E+6, Ohm Measured value -9.99999E+9 Overrange (≥ 200,000 counts) +9.99999E+9,>VDC Overrange (≥ 200,000 counts) +1.0032E+21 Error Message Instrument Configuration Data nnnn [CR] [LF] [EOI]...
  • Page 91 = Instrument serial number [1] The 8845A and 8846A have an error queue of 16. For multiple errors, G7 will dequeue the errors one by one but will not clear the ERROR indicator on the front panel when the queue is empty. X0 clears the ERROR annunciator.
  • Page 92 The fourth digit indicates whether or not the calibration mode is enabled. Since the Meter can only be calibrated in 8845A/8846A mode, the response to the G4 command in the 8842A emulation mode will always be 1000.
  • Page 93 Remote Operation FLUKE 8842A Emulation Mode Example Explanation 1: Leading 1 1011 CR LF 0: FRONT inputs 1: Autorange off 1: OFFSET feature on It is useful to know whether autorange is on or off because this information is not available from the G0 command.
  • Page 94 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Example Explanation This Meter is a Fluke 8842A with IEEE-488 interface FLUKE,8842A,1234567,V5.0 CR LF software version 5.0. N (Numeric Entry Command) Format Explanation N<numberic entry> Where <numeric entry> is one of the following: <signed integer> <signed real number without exponent>...
  • Page 95 Remote Operation FLUKE 8842A Emulation Mode expressed as an integer, real number, or real number with exponent, as described under the N command. Any fractional part is ignored. Example Explanation Sets the Meter to F3, R1, S1, and T2. “N3112 P0”...
  • Page 96 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual The trigger mode can be read using the G0 command. The Meter defaults to T0 on both power-up and any device-clear command (*, DCL, or SDC). Wn (Terminator Commands) The Terminator commands select what terminators the Meter appends to every output string.

  • Page 97: Input Syntax

    Remote Operation FLUKE 8842A Emulation Mode 1. Implements the default settings Fl, R0, S0, T0, D0, B0, Y0, W0. 2. Clears the error status register (equivalent to X0). 3. Zeros the SRQ mask, prohibiting service requests (equivalent to N0 P1).
  • Page 98 In some instances, a terminator is automatically transmitted at the end of the controller's output string. For example, in Fluke BASIC, the PRINT statement always finishes with a CR LF pair. If a controller does not have this feature, the programmer must transmit a terminator explicitly.

  • Page 99: Output Data

    Rule 3 is most evident in the external trigger mode, and is best demonstrated by a programming example. The following program is written first incorrectly, and then correctly, in Fluke BASIC using the 1722A Instrument Controller. Incorrect Example PRINT @3, "T1 ? "...
  • Page 100 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Loading Output Data The output buffer is loaded when the Meter receives an output command, or when an error occurs. Output commands are those device-dependent commands which load the output buffer with data: • Get commands (G0 through G8) •...

  • Page 101: Service Requests

    Remote Operation FLUKE 8842A Emulation Mode Example Explanation ERROR 71: Syntax error in device-dependent +1.0071E+21 CR LF command string. As with local operation, none of the errors are latching except for ERROR 31. If the mA DC or mA AC function is requested while the FRONT/REAR switch is in the REAR position, ERROR 31 will persist until the switch is set to FRONT or another function is selected.

  • Page 102: The Serial Poll Register

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual with the P1 command. The SRQ mask works by monitoring the serial poll register, which in turn monitors various conditions in the Meter. The Serial Poll Register The serial poll register is a binary-encoded register which contains eight bits, as illustrated in Table 31.
  • Page 103 Remote Operation FLUKE 8842A Emulation Mode The SRQ Mask The SRQ mask is a two-digit integer that specifies which conditions will generate a service request. The SRQ mask is entered using the P1 command and can be read with the G1 command. The conditions corresponding to each SRQ mask value are listed under G1 in Table 30.
  • Page 104 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual...

  • Page 105: Introduction

    Appendix A Error Codes Introduction While operating the Meter remotely, errors may be detected. Each error is stored in a buffer that is read in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) order. The error buffer will store up to 16 errors. If another error occurs before any of the first 16 are read from the buffer, the last error is replaced with -350 (Too many errors).
  • Page 106 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 33. Execution Error Codes and Descriptions (cont.) Error Code Error Text Description -126 Numeric real A floating point (real) numeric parameter value was entered. Example: SAMP:COUN -13.6 -127 Channel dimension One or more entries in a channel list parameter has an invalid invalid number of dimensions.
  • Page 107 Remote Operation Error Codes Table 33. Execution Error Codes and Descriptions (cont.) Error Code Error Text Description -230 Data stale A FETCh? command was received but internal reading memory was empty. The reading retrieved may be invalid. -242 Date timeout Timed out while taking data.
  • Page 108 8840 CALibration 8842A emulation error. A 8842A calibration command was command not valid entered. The 8845A/46A does not support 8842A calibration commands. 8840 Syntax Error 8842A emulation error. An improper command was entered. This error will occur when the command header is not formed properly and fails to pass 8842A header syntax rules.
  • Page 109 Commands which are only allowed with the RS-232/Ethernet with RS-232 interface are SYSTem:LOCal, SYSTem:REMote, and SYSTem:RWLock, or in Fluke 45 emulation mode the commands are LOCS, REMS, RWLS, and LWLS. Command line too long The command line exceeded 350 characters.
  • Page 110 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Table 34. Ethernet/IEEE-488 Configuration Errors Error Code Error Text Description GPIB fatal error A fatal error occured opening the GPIB port. GPIB primary address An error occured attempting to set the GPIB primary address. GPIB Read An error occurred while attempting to read characters from the GPIB port.
  • Page 111 Remote Operation Error Codes Table 35. Calibration Errors Error Code Error Text Description CAL Secure Code Case Invalid characters in calibration secure code. The secure code must contain only characters 0-9 and A-Z. No lower case or other special characters are allowed. CAL Secure Cal secured.
  • Page 112 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual...

  • Page 113: Introduction

    Fluke 45 Emulation Limitations Introduction Due to differences in their design, the 8845A and 8846A (collectively the 884XA) cannot emulate all of the functions and features of the Fluke 45. Some functions are compatible, but are not implemented the same in the 884XA meters.

  • Page 114: Reading Rates

    The Fluke 45 changes range at different points than the 884XA. For example, the 884XA dc voltage range changes occur at 120 mV, 1.2 V, 12 V, and 120 V. The Fluke 45 on the other hand, changes ranges at the same points when it is in Slow resolution, but for Medium and High resolution, changes occur at 300 mV, 3 V, 30 V, and 300 V.

  • Page 115: Introduction

    Appendix C Network Consideration Introduction This tutorial provides information on commonly used network communication technology, and describes how to get started using the Meter. It is not necessary to know the details of network communication methods in order to use the Meter effectively. The Meter and host computer software use Ethernet wiring and low level protocols, TCP/IP high level protocols, and the UNIX telnet application interface program.

  • Page 116: Network Primer

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual Network Primer In the early days of computer networking, vendors used many proprietary communication schemes. These forced users to purchase equipment and software from one or a few companies. As networking became more popular, users placed pressure on vendors to establish standards to allow interoperation of various types of computers, operating system software, and interface hardware.

  • Page 117: Network Interconnection Devices

    This is required to allow the network hardware devices to initialize bridging and routing tables. Also, when an 8845A/8846A Series instrument is used in a different subnet from the host PC, the routers and gateways used to connect the subnets must be able to route IP packets across the segments.

  • Page 118: Ip Addresses And Segmented Networks

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual tasking within a computer system, with messages being sent and received from the individual task. In the TCP/IP protocol, error detection is supported by adding a checksum of the data in the packet to the end of each packet. Using this checksum, the receiving system can detect a bad packet and request a re-transmit (using the source address).
  • Page 119 Each Meter is shipped with a default IP address of 129.196.136.131. This is a Class C network ID assigned to the Fluke Corporation, so it is highly unlikely that it will overlap with a network ID in use at your company. However, if you want to attach a Meter to an existing network, you should check with your Network Administrator before using the default IP address or assigning a new IP address to a Meter or PC.

  • Page 120: Tcp/Ip Protocol Stack

    8845A/8846A Programmers Manual then added to the address correspondence table. All communication with a host can then be done with information from the table. The operation of ARP also initializes the routing tables in bridges, routers, and gateway devices on the network. These tables are used to determine the segment of the network to which a frame should be sent.
  • Page 121 Remote Operation Network Primer established by the routers during the ARP process. As a result, the user does not need to manually enter the subnet mask and default gateway information. When the TCP/IP protocol stack software starts operation, it communicates with an NDIS or ODI driver in a process called binding.
  • Page 122 8845A/8846A Programmers Manual...

  • Page 123: Introduction

    Fluke 8842A Emulation Limitations Introduction Due to differences in their design, the 8845A and 8846A (collectively the 884XA) cannot emulate all the functions and features of the Fluke 8842A. Some functions are compatible but are not implemented the same in the 884XA meters.

  • Page 124: Dn (Display Commands)

    8842A ranging using the 884XA design, the 8845A/8846A selects the “higher” range (e.g. if the user selects the 2V 8842A range, the 8845A/8846A selects the 10V range in 8842A emulation mode). Table 41 lists the range mapping of the 8845A or...

  • Page 125: Operational Differences

    Remote Operation Ranging in 8842A Emulation Mode Table 41. 8842A Virtual Range Mapping Function 8842A Range # 8842A Range Value 8845A/88446A Range 200 mVdc 1 Vdc 2 Vdc 10 Vdc 20 Vdc 100 Vdc 200 Vdc 1000 Vdc 1000 Vdc...
  • Page 126 8845A or 8846A has a port selection of RS-232 or LAN. This is due to the fact that the Fluke 8842A does not have a serial or Ethernet interface. This also means that RS-232 or LAN port selections are not available whenever the 8845A or 8846A is set to the 8842A emulation mode.

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