Software Structure - HP 81200 User Manual

Introduction to the System
28
After the virtual DUT has been modeled and has been connected to the
virtual instrument, signal parameters can be set, such as signal timings,
pulse delay and pulse width. Signal level parameters can also be set up.
Signal parameters may be set up globally for each port or individually for
each terminal.
More complex signals may be produced by digital addition of two or four
output channels. This allows to set up real-world-signals like pulse
displacement or width variation.
Channel addition allows also to set up signals with glitches, distorted
transitions or multiple levels.
Settings
The complete setup for a DUT including all parameters is called setting.
Settings can be saved in the system's database. It is also possible to
export/import a setting as a text file, either manually or in remote control.
Every saved setting can be reloaded at any time.
Every setting contains also references to the signal patterns used for the
test. These patterns are stored as segments. If a setting is exported to or
imported from another system, the required segments have to be
exported/imported as well. Therefore, all the segments required by a
setting can be stored in a "local" segment pool.

Software Structure

The software is based on a client-server architecture. The HP 81200 system
can be controlled by one of the following interfaces:
• Graphical User Interface
This control method uses graphical windows to provide the user with a
means of setting up a virtual DUT just by pointing and clicking on a
mouse button.
• HP VEE Application Programming Interface (API)
This control method uses HP VEE for communicating with the HP 81200
system remotely.
• C / C++ Application Programming Interface (API)
This provides a mechanism for communicating with the HP 81200
system. An application uses the API to send command strings (based on
the SCPI command language) to the instrument.
• HP-IB Interface
Allows remote control of the HP 81200 system via the HP-IB interface.
HP 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer Platform User Guide, Revision 2.1
Operating Principles