Hp-Ib Programming; Introduction; Interconnective Cabling; Instrument Addresses - HP 8340A Operating Manual

Model 8340A

Introduction

HP-IB, the Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus, is the instrument-to-instrument communication
system between the HP 8340A and up to 14 other instruments. Any instrument having HP­
IB capability can be interfaced to the HP 8340A, including non-HP .instruments that have
"GPIB," "IEEE-488," "ANSI MCl .1," or "IEC-625" capability (these arc common generic
terms for HP-TB; aJI are electrically equivalent although IEC-625 uses a unique connector).
This portion of the manual specifically describes interfacing the HP 8340A to one very
special type of instrument:
lnterconnective Cabling
Figure 3-20 shows the HP 8340A's rear-panel HP-IB connector and suitable cables, and
describes the procedures and limitations for interconnecting instruments. Cable length
restrictions, also described in Figure 3-20, must be observed to prevent transmission line
propagation delays that might disrupt HP-lB timing cycles.

Instrument Addresses

Each instrument in an HP-IB �etwork must have a unique address, ranging in value from
00-30 (decimal). The default address for the HP 8340A is 19, but this can be changed by the
[SHIFT] [LOCAL] function as described in Figure 3-12 (the examples in this section use 19
as the address for the HP 8340A). Other instruments use a variety of procedures for setting
the address, as described in their operating manuals, but typically either a rear panel switch
or a front' panel code is used.

HP-IB Instruments Nomenclature

HP-IB instruments are categorized as "listeners," "talkers," or "con�rollers," depending on
their current function in the network.
LISTENER is a device that is capable of receiving data or commands from other
instruments. Any number of instruments in the HP-IB network can simultaneously be
listeners.
TALKER is a device that is capable of transmitting data or commands to other
instruments. To avoid confusion, an HP-TB system allows only one device at a time to
be an active talker.
CONTROLLER is an instrnment, typically a computer, that is capable of managing the
various HP-IB activities. Only oue device at

Programming the HP 8340A

The HP 8340A can be entirely controlled by a computer (although the line POWER switch
must be operated manually). All functions that are initiated by front panel keystrokes (local
operation) can also be initiated by an HP-IB computer; additionaJly, several functions are
possible only by computer (remote) control. Computer programming procedures for the HP

HP-IB PROGRAMMING

a computer.
a
Scans by HB9HCA and HB9FSX
Operating Information
·
time can be an active controller.
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