Programming Using Sockets; Socket Description; Communicating Using Sockets; Special Requirements For Socket Programs - TDK-Lambda Genesys Series User Manual

9. PROGRAMMING USING SOCKETS

9.1. Socket Description

The VISA (and IVI) drivers for the Genesys™ power supply with LAN are popular in the Test and Measurement
world. However, some customers cannot use VISA because of installation or licensing issues or because
the controller (i.e.: industrial PLC) does not have support for VISA.
If you cannot use VISA drivers, then the Genesys™ with LAN 2.0 and Later, offers socket connections.
These are a lower-level LAN protocol that are universally available in all operating systems and programming
environments.

9.2. Communicating Using Sockets

Communicating through sockets involves opening a socket connection and sending SCPI text commands
and reading the text responses (see section 11).
The functions that a programming language uses to manage the socket is called the TCP stack. The basic
socket calls for any language are: create, connect, send, read, and close. The exact functions depend on
the programming language. Some socket examples can be found at the TDK-Lambda website:
http://www.us.tdk-lambda.com/hp/register.htm
There are two types of socket protocols which may be used, TCP and UDP. Each has its own port number,
as described below.

9.3. Special Requirements for Socket Programs

This section applies to Genesys LAN with firmware revision that has "-LAN:2.1" as seen on the " "
*IDN?
response, or web Home page:

9.4. Controller Access: Single and Multiple Clients

The web page has a security setting to limit or enable the types of connections and numbers of control
computers (called "clients") that may be connected at one time.
See sections 6.4 and 6.6.2 for instructions on how to log in as the administrator and make this setting.
NOTE: the performance of the Genesys™ LAN interface is impacted as more web pages, ports and sockets are opened
at the same time. It is recommended no more than three be open at the same time.
33