Scpi Differences; Range Vs. Attenuation; Sicl Server (Vxi-11) - Agilent Technologies X Series Startup Manual

SCPI Differences

This section lists the differences between various SCPI commands for X-series Measurement Applications for
Benchtop Analyzers vs. X-Series Measurement Applications for Modular Instruments:
Range vs Attenuation
Note:
For more details on SCPI commands, refer to Users and Programmers Reference Guide for
each Measurement Application.

SICL Server (VXI-11)

Range vs. Attenuation

On the X-Series benchtop analyzers (MXA, PXA), amplitude level is controlled using RF attenuation, preamp,
and IF gain commands. These commands include the following:
:POWer[:RF]:ATTenuation <atten>
:POWer[:RF]:EATTenuation <atten>
:POWer[:RF]:GAIN[:STATe] OFF|ON
:IF:GAIN:FFT:[:STATe] AUTOrange|LOW|HIGH
On the X-Series Measurement Applications for Modular Instrument, amplitude level is controlled using the
Range command:
:POWer:RANGe <dBm>
This command sets the expected input power (peak) in dBm.
Sending Attenuator commands to the M90XA will cause an "Undefined header" error, and have no effect on
amplitude. Most applications can be updated by mapping 0 dB attenuation to -10 dBm Range, 20 dB
attenuation to +10 dBm Range, and so on.
SICL Server (VXI-11)
The M90XA supports SCPI connections using HiSLIP, Socket, or Telnet protocols. Unlike benchtop
instruments, it does not support the SICL Server (VXI-11) protocol. Not supporting SICL Server enables the
M90XA to run on a computer with other instrument applications.
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X-Series Measurement Applications for Modular Instruments Startup Guide