Overview Of Gpib 1-1; Gpib Instrument Nomenclature 1-1; Gpib Command Statements 1-1 - Agilent Technologies ESA-E Series Programmer's Manual

Programming Fundamentals
Overview of GPIB
Overview of GPIB
GPIB Instrument Nomenclature
An instrument that is part of an GPIB network is categorized as a
listener, talker, or controller, depending on its current function in th e
network.
Listener A listener is a device capable of receiving data o r
commands from other instruments . Any number of
instruments in the GPIB network can be listeners
simultaneously.
Talker A talker is a device capable of transmitting data o r
commands to other instruments . To avoid confusion, an
GPIB system allows only one device at a time to be a n
active talker.
Controller A controller is an instrument, typically a computer,
capable of managing the various GPIB activities . Only
one device at a time can be an active controller .
GPIB Command Statements
Command statements form the nucleus of GPIB programming. They
are understood by all instruments in the network. When combined with
the programming language codes, they provide all management an d
data communication instructions for the system . Refer to the your
programming language manual and your computers I/O programmin g
manual for more information .
The seven fundamental command functions are as follows :
• An abort function that stops all listener/talker activity on the
interface bus, and prepares all instruments to receive a ne w
command from the controller. Typically, this is an initializatio n
command used to place the bus in a known starting condition
(sometimes called: abort, abortio, reset, halt) .
• A remote function that causes an instrument to change from loca l
control to remote control . In remote control, the front panel keys ar e
disabled except for the Local key and the line power switc h
(sometimes called: remote, resume) .
• A local lockout function, that can be used with the remote function ,
to disable the front panel Local key. With the Local key disabled,
only the controller (or a hard reset by the line power switch) ca n
restore local control (sometimes called : local).
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