Introduction; Capabilities; General; Curve Storage - Ametek 7280 Instruction Manual

Computer Operation

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Capabilities

6.2.01 General

6.2.02 Curve Storage

6.2.03 Curve Display

The model 7280 includes both RS232 and GPIB (IEEE-488) interface ports, designed
to allow the lock-in amplifier to be completely controlled from a remote computer.
Virtually all of the instrument's controls may be operated, and all of the outputs can
be read, via these interfaces. In addition, there are a few functions, such as curve
storage of the second reference channel outputs in dual reference and dual harmonic
modes, which can only be accessed remotely.
This chapter describes the capabilities of the instrument when operated remotely and
discusses how this is done
All instrument controls, which can be set using the front-panel display menus, can
also be set remotely, with the exception of the Spectral Display controls, and the User
Settings. In addition, the present setting of each control can be determined by the
computer. All instrument outputs which can be displayed on the front panel, with the
exception of the Spectral Display, may also be read remotely.
There are no commands to select which menu is displayed on the instrument,
although if the Main Display menu is shown then the outputs allocated to the four
right-hand positions and the three user-specified controls can be selected.
When operated via the interfaces, the following features are also available:-
The Curve Select menu allows only the basic sixteen data types associated with
single reference and virtual reference modes of operation to be selected although, as
discussed in sections 5.5 and 5.6, in both of the dual modes a second set of outputs is
generated by the instrument. If it is required to store these additional outputs in the
instrument's internal 32768 point memory then this can only be done using computer
commands.
The Single and Double Graph menus allow only the display of stored curves of the
sixteen data types associated with single reference mode. If the additional curves
generated by the two dual modes are stored then these must be transferred to the
computer for display or processing.
6
Chapter
6-1