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Racal Instruments 1256E Manual

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Racal Instruments Group Limited, Technologie Park, D-51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Copyright 2002 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
SWITCHING SYSTEM
MODEL 1256E
PUBLICATION NO. 980873
RACAL INSTRUMENTS
United States
(Corporate Headquarters and Service Center)
4 Goodyear Street, Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: (210) 699-6799; Fax: (210) 699-8857
Europe
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info@racalinstruments.com
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info@racalinstruments.de
www.racalinstruments.de
PUBLICATION DATE: July 18, 2005

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  • Page 1 PUBLICATION DATE: July 18, 2005 Copyright 2002 by Racal Instruments, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
  • Page 2 THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS RACAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCT. For this product, or any other Racal Instruments product that incorporates software drivers, you may access our web site to verify and/or download the latest driver versions. The web address for driver downloads is: http://www.racalinstruments.com/downloads...
  • Page 3 Authorization is required from Racal Instruments before you send us your product for service or calibration. Call your nearest Racal Instruments support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are unsure where to call, contact Racal Instruments, Inc. Customer Support Department in Irvine, California, USA at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at 1-949-859-7139.
  • Page 4 FOR YOUR SAFETY Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the WARNINGS and CAUTION notices. This equipment contains voltage hazardous to human life and safety, and is capable of inflicting personal injury. If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotransformer, ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole) of the power supply.
  • Page 6 This page was left intentionally blank.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    1256E User Manual Table of Contents Chapter 1 ..........................1-1 INTRODUCTION ..........................1-1 Overview ............................1-1 Features............................1-2 Ease Of Use..........................1-2 Front and Rear Panels ......................1-2 Powerful Software .........................1-4 Items Shipped with the 1256 ......................1-5 Chapter 2 ..........................2-1 Getting Started..........................2-1 Mounting Options .........................2-1 Main AC Power ..........................2-1 Installing Plug-Ins .........................2-3...
  • Page 8 1256E User Manual The Five Menus ........................3-7 Operations Menu........................3-8 Path Control Menu ......................3-14 Settings Menu ........................3-18 Store/Recall Menu.......................3-26 System Menu ........................3-29 Complete Menu Listing ......................3-30 Chapter 4 ..........................4-1 COMPUTER INTERFACES ......................4-1 Introduction ..........................4-1 Commands ...........................4-1 Using the Ethernet Interface .....................4-2 Basic Ethernet Information....................4-2...
  • Page 9 1256E User Manual Using Microsoft HyperTerminal ...................4-25 Chapter 5 ..........................5-1 SCPI COMMAND BASICS ......................5-1 SCPI Command Overview......................5-1 Input Format ..........................5-1 Command Keyword Long Form and Short Form ..............5-3 Case Sensitivity........................5-3 Optional Keywords ........................5-4 Querying Parameter Setting....................5-4 SCPI Command Terminator ....................5-4 IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands.................5-5...
  • Page 10 1256E User Manual SCPI Parameter Type ......................5-23 Numeric Parameters......................5-24 Discrete Parameters......................5-24 Boolean Parameters......................5-25 Command Input Buffer ......................5-25 Reply Output Buffer......................5-27 Specifying Channels in Commands..................5-29 Naming Relay Cards.......................5-30 Defining Module Names......................5-30 Removing Module Names....................5-32 Reading the Presently Defined Module Names ..............5-32 Reading the Module Address for a Module Name ..............5-33...
  • Page 11 1256E User Manual General............................7-1 Digital Module Ports........................7-1 Asynchronous Digital Operation....................7-1 Synchronous Digital Operation .....................7-2 Mixing Synchronous and Asynchronous Modes of Operation ..........7-2 Specifying Ports on a Digital Module ..................7-3 Selecting the Mode of Operation...................7-4 Enabling and Disabling the Ports ..................7-5 Using the Asynchronous Mode of Operation ................7-5...
  • Page 12 1256E User Manual Advance Verification Features....................8-18 Confidence Mode ........................8-18 Using Relay Verification ......................8-19 Saving/Recalling the Verification Masks ................8-21 Automatically Recalling Verification Masks at Startup ............8-21 Chapter 9 ..........................9-1 Product Support ...........................9-1 Reshipment Instructions.......................9-1 Support Offices ..........................9-2 INDEX..............................1 Appendix A: SPECIFICATIONS……………..…………………………………………………..………A-1 Appendix B: RACK MOUNTING…………………………………………………………….…………..B-1...
  • Page 13 1256E User Manual List of Figures Figure 1-1, 1256 Switching System ....................1-1 Figure 1-2, 1256 Features, Front Panel...................1-2 Figure 1-3, 1256 Features, Rear Panel ...................1-3 Figure 1-4, Dimensions........................1-3 Figure 2-1, Changing Fuse for Main AC Power ................2-1 Figure 2-2, Inserting a Plug-In ......................2-3 Figure 2-3, Numbering of Switch Plug-In Slots ................2-4...
  • Page 14 1256E User Manual List of Tables Table 3-1, Accessibility of Features ....................3-1 Table 5-1, Power-On and Reset State...................5-18 Table 6-1, Commands Implemented by the 1256................6-3 Table B-1, Installing the Rack-Mount Ears ..................B-1 Table B-2, Rack Mounting ......................B-2 viii...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1

    1256E User Manual Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION The 1256 Switching System is a high-performance switching and Overview control system in a compact 2U rack-mountable package. The 1256 can contain up to eight Adapt-a-Switch plug-ins for switching and digital I/O. These plug-ins provide a wide range of switching capability: •...

  • Page 16: Features

    1256E User Manual Features The 1256 Switching System has many design features to make it Ease Of Use easy and convenient to use: • Fast Setup. There are no configuration jumpers or switches to be set. The 1256 is ready to use as soon as the plug-ins have been inserted.

  • Page 17: Figure 1-3, 1256 Features, Rear Panel

    1256E User Manual Figure 1-3, 1256 Features, Rear Panel Note Earlier versions may not be equipped with Ethernet capability, and may have different connector layout. Power Switch Plug-In Slots RS-232 Fuse Cover AC Input Trigger In Ethernet Trigger Out GPIB Figure 1-4, Dimensions 15.60...

  • Page 18: Powerful Software

    1256E User Manual The 1256 provides extensive software capabilities, including: Powerful Software • Exclude Lists. Allows you to prevent simultaneous closure of switches in a specified group. The switches are then mutually exclusive. • Equate Lists. Reduces programming effort. When two or more modules are on an equate list, they respond simultaneously to a command sent to any of them.

  • Page 19: Items Shipped With The 1256

    1256E User Manual The following items are shipped with each 1256 Switching System: Items Shipped with the 1256 ITEM RACAL PART QUANTITY NUMBER 1256 Enclosure Assembly 407837 Instruction Manual 980873 AC Power Mains Cable 600620 Blanking Plates (to cover 407667...
  • Page 20 1256E User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. Racal Instruments © 2002 Introduction 1-6...

  • Page 21: Chapter 2

    1256E User Manual Chapter 2 GETTING STARTED You may use the 1256 Switching System on a table or mount it in Mounting Options a standard NEMA 19” rack. See Appendix B, RACK MOUNTING the 1256 for instructions on installing the rack mount kit (Option 60) and placing the 1256 in a rack.
  • Page 22 1256E User Manual The 1256 is grounded in accordance with MIL-T-28800, protecting the user from possible injury due to shorted circuits. CAUTION Use only AC power outlets that have a protective ground. DO NOT USE a two-conductor extension cord or 3-prong to 2-prong adapter that does not provide a protective ground connection.

  • Page 23: Installing Plug-Ins

    1256E User Manual Make sure the power is turned off before installing or Installing Plug- removing plug-ins. Inserting or removing plug-ins with power on may cause damage to the 1256 and the plug-ins. Figure 2-2, Inserting a Plug-In shows the proper way to install an Adapt-a-Switch plug-in into the 1256 chassis.

  • Page 24: Connecting To Plug-Ins

    1256E User Manual Figure 2-3, Numbering of Switch Plug-In Slots Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Slot 5 Slot 6 Slot 7 Slot 8 For information about connecting the switch plug-ins to your Connecting to external hardware, refer to the user manuals of the individual plug- Plug-Ins ins.

  • Page 25: Self-Test

    1256E User Manual The 1256 automatically performs a self-test immediately after Self-Test power is applied. The self-test completes within ten seconds after power application. If a failure is detected, a message appears on the front-panel display. If this occurs, refer to Appendix C, TROUBLESHOOTING to solve the problem.

  • Page 26: Closing A Relay

    1256E User Manual In this example, the plug-in is Model 1260-121A. Lines 3 and 4 indicate the status of the plug-in (discussed later). Rotate the knob one “click” to the right (clockwise) to check the contents of the next slot (slot 2): ----OPERATIONS---- >Slot 02: 1260-138A<...

  • Page 27: Opening A Relay

    1256E User Manual Press the third key to select line 3 of the display: ----OPERATIONS---- Slot 03: 1260-118 >Channel: 0 < Status: Open Rotate the knob until line 3 shows the desired channel number, which is 4 in this example:...

  • Page 28: In Case Of Trouble

    Appendix C, TROUBLESHOOTING to resolve the problem. If the Trouble problem persists, refer to Chapter 9, PRODUCT SUPPORT for instructions on contacting Racal Instruments for assistance. The 1256 accommodates all Adapt-a-Switch plug-ins, which gives Switching and it exceptionally high-density switching capability. When switching a...
  • Page 29 1256E User Manual Digital I/O, RF/Microwave, Matrix, and Multiplexer Plug-Ins Digital I/O (e.g., 1260-114), RF/microwave (e.g. 1260-150), matrix (e.g., 1260-145), and multiplexer (e.g. 1260-138A) plug-ins require no de-rating. As always, the current through any connector pin must not exceed the rated channel current. For example, if current passes simultaneously through two inputs of the same multiplexer, the common side carries the current from both.
  • Page 30 1256E User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. Racal Instruments © 2002 Getting Started 2-10...

  • Page 31: Chapter 3

    1256E User Manual Chapter 3 USING the FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS The front-panel controls allow you to use the main features of the Introduction 1256 without the use of a remote interface such as IEEE-488 (GPIB) or RS-232. This may be useful during initial setup or when troubleshooting a system.

  • Page 32: Front Panel

    1256E User Manual The front-panel controls consist of four keypad switches Front Panel (pushbuttons), a four-line alphanumeric display, and a rotary knob (see Figure 3-1, Front-Panel Controls). The display contains four alphanumeric lines of text. To the left of the display are the four keys, each corresponding to one line of the display.
  • Page 33 1256E User Manual Press the top keypad switch. This selects line 1 (top line) of the display, as follows: >-----SETTINGS-----< Type: Remote Option: Source Status: GPIB NOTE The selection markers “>” and “<” indicate the display line that is currently selected.
  • Page 34 1256E User Manual Rotate the knob one more click to the right. The display shows: >----OPERATIONS----< Slot 01: 1260-118 Channel: 0 Status: Open Now the OPERATIONS menu is active. This menu contains the functions for operating the relays. Press the second keypad switch (corresponding to the second display line).
  • Page 35 1256E User Manual Rotate the knob one more click to the right. Line 2 now shows the contents of slot 3 (Model 1260-120 plug-in): ----OPERATIONS---- >Slot 03: 1260-120 < Channel: 0 Status: Open Press the third keypad switch (corresponding to line 3 of the display).
  • Page 36 1256E User Manual Line 4 shows the status of the channel 2 relay on the 1260-120 plug-in. 10. Press the fourth keypad switch (corresponding to line 4 of the display). ----OPERATIONS---- Slot 03: 1260-120 Channel: 2 > Status: Open <...

  • Page 37: The Five Menus

    1256E User Manual In the above example, the user starts at the top of the menu hierarchy and proceeds downward through the following levels: Level 1: Menu type: OPERATIONS, PATH CONTROL, SETTINGS, STORE / RECALL, SYSTEM (This example used OPERATIONS).

  • Page 38: Operations Menu

    1256E User Manual • Store/Recall: Store switch states menu preferences to non-volatile (flash) RAM, and recall these states and preferences. • System: Show firmware revisions for boot memory and flash memory. This facilitates efficient response when contacting Customer Service. To work with one of these menus, first push the top key, corresponding to line 1 (top line) of the display.
  • Page 39 1256E User Manual display line so that you can change it. The selection markers “>” and “<” appear on the line to indicate that it is selected. Rotate the knob until the top line reads: >----OPERATIONS----< Select line 2 (next to the top line) by pressing the second key.
  • Page 40 1256E User Manual To open a relay, follow the steps given in the above section, Closing a Relay, except in step 6 rotate the knob until line 4 (bottom line) of the display reads as shown below: ----OPERATIONS---- Slot 03: 1260-118 Channel: 4 <Set to?: Open...
  • Page 41 1256E User Manual The 1256 front-panel provides control of the output ports of a digital I/O plug-in. (For connector pin assignments of a plug-in, refer to its user manual.) For example, suppose a Model 1260-114TTL plug-in is installed in slot 3. Also suppose that port 7 of this plug-in is configured as an output (see Chapter 7, DIGITAL MODULE OPERATION for configuration instructions).
  • Page 42 1256E User Manual example uses 170, which equals AA , or an alternating 1/0 pattern: ----OPERATIONS---- Slot 03: -114TTL Port 07: Write <Set to : 170? Press the fourth key to confirm the change. The port output then changes, and the display shows:...
  • Page 43 1256E User Manual ----OPERATIONS---- Slot 03: -114TTL >Port 05: Read < Value: 43 Now line 4 shows the states of the eight input signals of port 5, expressed as an eight-bit decimal number. By default, the display uses decimal notation. To change the notation to hexadecimal or binary, refer to the Display Format section of this chapter, under the Settings heading.

  • Page 44: Path Control Menu

    1256E User Manual Slot 03: -114TTL >Port 04: Enable < Status: Disabled Now line 4 shows the enable status of the eight-bit buffer for port 5 (Enabled or Disabled). In this case, it is disabled. Press the bottom key to select the bottom line of the display.
  • Page 45 1256E User Manual (18 characters). If pathnames are defined greater than 18 characters, only the first 18 characters will be visible. It is also only possible to selectively filter the first 18 characters using the display filter masks. Characters extending beyond this limit are treated with wildcards when the filter mask is applied.
  • Page 46 1256E User Manual Opening a Path To open a relay, follow the steps given in the above section, Closing a Relay, except in step 4 rotate the knob until line 4 (bottom line) of the display reads as shown below:...
  • Page 47 1256E User Manual those that meet user-specified criteria. Setting filter selection masks is performed easily as follows: Press the top key next to the display. Rotate the knob until the top line reads: >---PATH CONTROL---< Select line 2 (next to the top line) by pressing second key.

  • Page 48: Settings Menu

    1256E User Manual <Reset Mask By pressing the line 4 key, all mask characters are reset to wildcards “*” and the cursor position is returned to the first character. Pressing the line 1 key will effectively abandon any changes made to the mask and revert back to the prior mask.
  • Page 49 1256E User Manual Select line 3 by pressing the third key. Rotate the knob until line 3 reads as shown below: -----SETTINGS----- Type: Remote > Option: Source < Status: RS-232 Line 4 now indicates the remote interface source that is active.
  • Page 50 1256E User Manual (RS-232 is active) <Local Mode At this time, the knob and all keys are disabled, and the 1256 receives commands from the remote interface only. The user may restore local control only by issuing a KLOCK OFF command. The display then returns to the state that it was in when the 1256 entered lockout mode.
  • Page 51 1256E User Manual key. Rotate the knob until the display reads: -----SETTINGS----- > Type: Remote < Option: Source Status: GPIB Select line 3 by pressing the third key. Rotate the knob until line 3 reads as shown below: -----SETTINGS----- Type: Remote >...
  • Page 52 1256E User Manual settings, refer to Chapter 4, COMPUTER INTERFACES. Setting Ethernet IP, Netmask, and Gateway Settings For detailed instructions on setting Ethernet options, refer to Chapter 4, COMPUTER INTERFACES. Setting the Display Format The display may be set to display digital port data in hexadecimal, decimal, or binary format.
  • Page 53 1256E User Manual NOTE Menu preferences are not normally retained after the power is removed from the instrument. To make (a) menu preference(s) permanent, make the desired change(s) to settings first and then proceed to the section Storing the Menu Preferences to make the changes permanent.
  • Page 54 1256E User Manual Enabling or Disabling the Screen Saver The purpose of the screen saver is to maximize the life of the fluorescent display. The screen saver automatically turns the display off after no controls have been operated for a certain time interval.
  • Page 55 1256E User Manual Setting the Screen Saver Timeout When the screen saver is enabled, it blanks the screen after no controls have been operated for a certain period of time. The purpose is to maximize display life. The time interval is adjustable from one minute to one hour.

  • Page 56: Store/Recall Menu

    1256E User Manual Description Store/Recall Menu After the user has set up the 1256 Switching System, the setup may be stored in non-volatile (flash) RAM. Later, the user may recall this setup to instantly restore the 1256 to the same state it was in earlier.
  • Page 57 1256E User Manual the top line reads: >---STORE/RECALL---< Select line 2 (next to the top line) by pressing the second key. Rotate the knob until line 2 of the display reads as follows: ---STORE/RECALL--- > Type: State < Config: Defaults Action: <select>...
  • Page 58 1256E User Manual RAM just once, much time is saved. To update the non-volatile RAM with the SRAM image, follow these steps: Press the top key next to the display. Rotate the knob until the top line reads: >---STORE/RECALL---< Select line 2 (next to the top line) by pressing the second key.

  • Page 59: System Menu

    1256E User Manual Press the fourth key to select line 4 of the display. If line 4 does not read Erase All, then rotate the knob until it does: ---STORE/RECALL--- Type: NVRAM Config: Image < Do?: Erase All Press the fourth key (bottom) to erase the non-volatile RAM.

  • Page 60: Complete Menu Listing

    1256E User Manual For quick reference, this section lists the complete menu Complete Menu hierarchy for the Racal Instruments Model 1256 Switching Listing System. Menu items are indented according to their levels of hierarchy. For example: LEVEL 1 (top line of display)
  • Page 61 1256E User Manual Stop Bits Flow Control Disabled XON/XOFF RTS/CTS EOL Mode LF Only CR/LF CR Only GPIB Address PwrOnSRQ Enabled Disabled TCP/IP Addr_mode Auto_DHCP Man_Use Man_Set IP_Oct_1 IP_Oct_2 IP_Oct_3 IP_Oct_4 GW_Oct_1 GW_Oct_2 Racal Instruments © 2002 Using the Front-Panel Controls 3-31...
  • Page 62 1256E User Manual GW_Oct_3 GW_Oct_4 NM_Oct_1 NM_Oct_2 NM_Oct_3 NM_Oct_4 Display Format Binary Decimal Intensity 100% Screen Saver Enabled Disabled Timeout 1 min 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins 30 mins 45 mins 1 hr STORE/RECALL State Defaults Recall Power Up Store Racal Instruments ©...
  • Page 63 1256E User Manual Recall Preset #1 to 100 Store Recall Non-Volatile RAM Image Erase All Update Menu Defaults Recall Power Up Store Recall SYSTEM Firmware Revisions Boot: {Boot ROM version} Flash: {Flash program version} Device ID Number {Unique 8-digit 1256 ID number} Racal Instruments ©...
  • Page 64 1256E User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. Racal Instruments © 2002 Using the Front-Panel Controls 3-34...

  • Page 65: Chapter 4

    1256E User Manual Chapter 4 COMPUTER INTERFACES The 1256 Switching System provides the following remote Introduction interfaces for controlling the 1256: • TCP/IP (Ethernet). Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a local area network (LAN) standard that operates over long distances. The 1256 supports 10Base-T (10 M-bit/s) and 100Base-TX (100 M-bit/s) Ethernet networks.

  • Page 66: Using The Ethernet Interface

    1256E User Manual Using the Ethernet Interface The Ethernet standard provides a way to interconnect devices on a Basic Ethernet common network covering long distances. A network may contain Information as few as two nodes (devices). A network connecting more than two devices requires the use of a hub, but these are inexpensive and readily available, and simple to connect.

  • Page 67: Connecting The Ethernet Cables

    1256E User Manual • Use CAT-5-compliant cable. • Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the cable. • If the main network used to connect the 1256 or other Ethernet-enabled test equipment is highly congested, consider isolating the test system computers and Ethernet-enabled test equipment into sub-networks.
  • Page 68 1256E User Manual with: -----SETTINGS----- > Type: Display < Option: Format Status: Decimal 3. Select the remote interface settings mode by rotating the knob until line 2 reads as shown below (lines 3 and 4 may differ): -----SETTINGS----- > Type: Remote <...

  • Page 69: Entering The Ethernet Communication Settings

    1256E User Manual When connecting the 1256 to an Ethernet network, you must Entering the assign it a unique TCP/IP address, a gateway, and a subnet mask. Ethernet The front panel controls must be used to make these settings. Two...
  • Page 70 1256E User Manual 5. It is possible to see when the 1256 successfully negotiates an address with a DHCP server. Normally after applying power to a 1256 the octet fields for the IP address, gateway address, and netmask have values of zero.
  • Page 71 1256E User Manual • Most private networks found inside commercial/industrial environments are typically contiguous which means that one instrument can communicate directly to other computers and equipment without the assistance of an intermediate gateway. In this situation, the gateway address need not be specified in the 1256.
  • Page 72 1256E User Manual Setting the TCP/IP Address 1. Once you have selected the Manual Set Mode, you may set the TCP/IP address. Press key 3 to select line 3. Rotate the knob until line 3 appears as follows (line 4 may differ):...
  • Page 73 1256E User Manual Setting the Gateway Setting the gateway is similar to setting the IP address. The gateway is made up of four octets. Set the gateway by entering the four octets, one at a time. 1. Press key 3 to select line 3. Rotate the knob until line 3...

  • Page 74: Using The Ieee-488 (Gpib) Interface

    There must be a path from the controller to every device residing on the bus. GPIB cables are available from Racal Instruments in two lengths: Racal Instruments © 2002 Computer Interfaces 4-10...

  • Page 75: Gpib Cabling Guidelines

    1256E User Manual • GPIB Cable, 1 meter (3.28 ft.) P/N 500310-001 • GPIB Cable, 2 meters (6.56 ft.) P/N 500310-002 To use the IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface with the 1256 Switching System, you also need a computer equipped with a GPIB controller.

  • Page 76: Selecting The Gpib Interface

    1256E User Manual To GPIB Connector GPIB Connector GPIB Cable Figure 4-2, Connecting the GPIB Interface Before using the GPIB interface with the 1256, you must select the Selecting the GPIB GPIB interface via the front-panel controls, as follows: Interface 1.

  • Page 77: Setting The Gpib Address

    1256E User Manual 5. If line 4 of the display already indicates the status as “GPIB”, then the GPIB interface is already active; no further action is necessary. Otherwise, press the fourth key. Rotate the knob until line 4 indicates “GPIB”:...

  • Page 78: Service Request (Srq)

    1256E User Manual knob until line 3 reads as shown below: -----SETTINGS----- Type: GPIB > Option: Address < Status: 14 5. If line 4 of the display already indicates the desired address number, then no further action is necessary. Otherwise, press the fourth key.

  • Page 79: Equipment Required

    1256E User Manual operation, and communicating with the 1256 by using a terminal emulation program. To use the RS-232 interface, you need an RS-232 data terminal or Equipment Required a computer equipped with an RS-232 serial port, such as the COM port of a personal computer.

  • Page 80: Connecting To A Modem

    1256E User Manual To RS-232 Connector RS-232 Connector RS-232 Cable Figure 4-3, Using the RS-232 Interface If you wish to connect the 1256 directly to a modem instead of a Connecting to a computer or data terminal, the connection will be DCE-to-DCE. A...

  • Page 81: Figure 4-4A, Using The 1256 With A Computer

    1256E User Manual 9-PIN D-SUB 9-PIN D-SUB CONNECTOR CONNECTOR (MALE) (FEMALE) STRAIGHT-THROUGH NINE-PIN RS-232 CABLE CONNECT TO COMPUTER CONNECT TO 1256 CABLE CONNECTIONS PIN 2 (RXD) PIN 2 (RXD) PIN 3 (TXD) PIN 3 (TXD) PIN 7 (RTS) PIN 7 (RTS)
  • Page 82 1256E User Manual To use the RS-232 interface with the 1256, the RS-232 interface Selecting the must be selected via the front-panel controls, as follows: RS-232 Interface 1. Press the top key. Rotate the knob until the top line reads: >-----SETTINGS-----<...

  • Page 83: Setting The Flow Control Option

    1256E User Manual Description Setting the Flow Control Option Flow control is a means by which the data terminal (or host computer acting as a terminal) may pace the flow of data coming from the 1256 so that the terminal has time to properly receive the data.
  • Page 84 1256E User Manual 3. Rotate the knob until line 2 reads as shown below (lines 3 and 4 may differ): -----SETTINGS----- > Type: RS-232 < Option: Baud Rate Status: 9600 4. Press the third key to select line 3 of the display. Rotate the knob until line 3 indicates the “Flow Control”...

  • Page 85: Setting The Baud Rate

    1256E User Manual To set the baud rate (bit rate, in bits per second), proceed as Setting the Baud follows: Rate 1. Press the top key. Rotate the knob until the top line reads: >-----SETTINGS-----< 2. Select line 2 (next to top line) by pressing the second key. This...

  • Page 86: Setting The Message Termination Characters

    1256E User Manual NOTE Menu preferences are not normally retained after the power is removed from the instrument. To make (a) menu preference(s) permanent, make the desired change(s) to settings first and then proceed to the section Storing the Menu Preferences to make the changes permanent.

  • Page 87: Setting The Data Bits, Stop Bits, And Parity

    1256E User Manual Status: CR Only 5. If line 4 of the display already indicates the desired EOL terminator, then no action is necessary. Otherwise, press the fourth key. Rotate the knob until the desired EOL terminator shows on line 4. In this example, “CR/LF” is desired:...
  • Page 88 1256E User Manual (sum of all bits including parity bit is an even number or zero), and “odd” (sum of all bits including parity is an odd number). For most applications, this is set to “none”. To set these parameters, proceed as follows: 1.

  • Page 89: Using Microsoft Hyperterminal

    1256E User Manual NOTE Menu preferences are not normally retained after the power is removed from the instrument. To make (a) menu preference(s) permanent, make the desired change(s) to settings first and then proceed to the section Storing the Menu Preferences to make the changes permanent.

  • Page 90: Figure 4-5, Hyperterminal Connection Dialog Box

    1256E User Manual Figure 4-5, HyperTerminal Connection Dialog Box Enter a name, such as “1256”, for the new connection. Then click on OK. HyperTerminal then displays the Phone Number dialog box as shown in Figure 4-6 (your screen may differ slightly).

  • Page 91: Figure 4-7, Com Properties Dialog Box

    1256E User Manual On the Connect Using line, select the serial port you wish to use. This example uses Com 2. Click on OK. HyperTerminal then displays the COM Properties dialog box shown in Figure 4-7. Figure 4-7, COM Properties Dialog Box Set the baud rate to match the 1256 baud rate.

  • Page 92: Figure 4-8, Main Communications Screen

    1256E User Manual Figure 4-8, Main Communications Screen Click on the File menu, then on Properties, to display the Properties dialog box shown in Figure 4-9 (your screen may differ slightly). Racal Instruments © 2002 Computer Interfaces 4-28...

  • Page 93: Figure 4-9, Properties Dialog Box

    1256E User Manual Figure 4-9, Properties Dialog Box Click on the Settings tab. The Settings dialog box then appears as shown in Figure 4-10 (your screen may differ slightly). Figure 4-10, Settings Dialog Box Racal Instruments © 2002 Computer Interfaces 4-29...

  • Page 94: Figure 4-11, Ascii Setup Dialog Box

    *IDN? Then press Enter. The 1256 should respond with: Racal Instruments 1256 Switch System, 03.10 The number at the end of the response is the firmware revision number, which may differ from what is shown above.
  • Page 95 1256E User Manual NOTE The version of HyperTerminal that is shipped with Microsoft Windows may not echo characters to the screen properly. An updated version is available from Hilgraeve, Inc. at: http://www.hilgraeve.com The new version is called HyperTerminal Private Edition.
  • Page 96 1256E User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. Racal Instruments © 2002 Computer Interfaces 4-32...

  • Page 97: Chapter 5

    1256E User Manual Chapter 5 SCPI COMMAND BASICS The 1256 accepts commands over either the GPIB or serial SCPI Command interfaces. These commands follow the rules defined by the SCPI Overview standard. SCPI is an acronym for “Standard Commands For Programmable Instruments”, and defines standard command...
  • Page 98 1256E User Manual To illustrate the SCPI notation, a part of the ROUTE command subsystem is shown below: [:ROUTe] :CLOSe <channel list> :OPEN <channel list> :ALL ROUTE is the root keyword of the command. This keyword is optional, since it is shown enclosed in square brackets. CLOSE and OPEN are the next level keywords.

  • Page 99: Command Keyword Long Form And Short Form

    1256E User Manual Each keyword defined by SCPI has both a long form and a short Command form. The long form is formed by using all letters shown in the Keyword Long keyword. The short form is formed by using only those letters shown in upper-case in the command tree.

  • Page 100: Optional Keywords

    1256E User Manual Command keywords enclosed in square brackets are optional. For Optional Keywords example, the following commands are valid and equivalent: ROUTE:CLOSE (@5(0)) CLOSE (@5(0)) Most of the commands in SCPI have an equivalent query form. Querying Parameter The query is used to read the present state of the item that is set Setting with the command.
  • Page 101 1256E User Manual Because of the wide variability in termination schemes in serial mode, the 1256 must be configured through the front-panel user interface to indicate whether it should expect carriage returns only, linefeeds only, or carriage returns followed immediately by linefeeds.

  • Page 102: Ieee 488.2 Common Commands

    1256E User Manual The IEEE-488.2 common commands implemented by the 1256 are described later in this chapter. The 1256 complies with this standard for both GPIB and RS-232 operational modes. The 1256 supports all required IEEE-488.2 commands. In addition, IEEE 488.2 Common the optional *OPT?, *SAV, and *RCL commands are supported.

  • Page 103: Ieee-488.2 Status Description

    1256E User Manual The IEEE-488.2 Status Reporting Model is shown in Figure 5-1. IEEE-488.2 Status This figure shows how the status reporting data structures are Description implemented and the commands used to set and read each of the registers. While the GPIB operational mode of the 1256 is fully...

  • Page 104: Figure 5-1, Ieee-488.2 Status Reporting Model

    1256E User Manual Figure 5-1, IEEE-488.2 Status Reporting Model Racal Instruments © 2002 SCPI Command Basics 5-8...

  • Page 105: Standard Event Status Register

    1256E User Manual Figure 5-1 shows four related registers. The Standard Event Status Standard EVENT Register, the Standard Event Status Enable Register, the Status STATUS Register Byte Register, and the Service Request Enable Register. The Standard Event Status Register reflects the present status of the instrument.
  • Page 106 1256E User Manual Device Dependent Error Bit 3, Bit weight = 8 decimal = 8 hexadecimal This bit is set when a device-dependent error is detected. For example, a 1260-series relay module is read during power-up but contains an unknown identification byte value.
  • Page 107 1256E User Manual known as the “Event Summary Bit”, or ESB. For example, if the PON and QYE bits of the Standard Event Status Register are set, but the Standard Event Status Enable Register value is 0, then the ESB of the Status Byte Register will not be set.
  • Page 108 1256E User Manual ENABLE Register (Status Byte bit 1 AND SRE bit 1) (Status Byte bit 2 AND SRE bit 2) (Status Byte bit 3 AND SRE bit 3) (Status Byte bit 4 AND SRE bit 4) (Status Byte bit 5 AND SRE bit 5) (Status Byte bit 7 AND SRE bit 7) where the SRE is the Service Request Enable Register.

  • Page 109: Cls Command

    1256E User Manual *CLS Clear status *ESE Set the Standard Event Status Enable register *ESE? Read the Standard Event Status Enable register *ESR? Read the Standard Event Status register *SRE Set the Service Request Enable register *SRE? Read the Service Request Enable register...

  • Page 110: Ese Command

    1256E User Manual • The Questionable Status Event Register is cleared to 0. It is read using the STATUS:QUESTIONABLE:EVENT? Query. *ESE Command The *ESE command sets the value of the Standard Event Status Enable Register. The value of this register is logically ANDed with the contents of the Standard Event Status Register (see the *ESR? query description).

  • Page 111: Ese? Query

    1256E User Manual *ESE? Query This query reads the value presently programmed for the Standard Event Status Enable Register. This reads the value as programmed by the “*ESE” command. *ESR? Query This query reads the value of the Standard Event Status Register.

  • Page 112: Stb? Query

    1256E User Manual This query reads the value of the Status Byte Register. Each bit of *STB? Query this register indicates a true/false status condition. When the bit is set, the corresponding condition is TRUE; when the bit is cleared, the condition is FALSE.

  • Page 113: Idn? Query

    This query requests the instrument to identify itself. The EMS *IDN? Query responds to this query with the following reply: Racal Instruments 1256 Switch System,<revision> This reply indicates the manufacturer of the instrument is Racal Instruments, that it is a 1256 Switch System, and the current firmware revision.
  • Page 114 1256E User Manual Table 5-1, Power-On and Reset State Attribute Related Command(s) Reset State Relay States *RCL 0 The states are recalled from non-volatile memory location 0 (power-up state). As OPEN shipped from the factory, these are all in the OPEN position.

  • Page 115: Tst? Query

    1256E User Manual *TST? Query The *TST? query is supported only to be compliant with the IEEE- 488.2 standard. The 1256 performs an extensive self-test at every power-up. If the system detects any failures, the condition is indicated directly on the front-panel display. Normally self-test errors are considered to be fatal conditions and result in a system halt.

  • Page 116: Spe Command

    1256E User Manual If <location> is specified, it must be in the range from 0 through 100. If <location> is not specified, the instrument state will be saved into non-volatile memory location 100. State 0 is recalled at power-up. The 1256 is shipped without any data in state 0.

  • Page 117: Trg Command

    1256E User Manual NOTE When bit 7 of the status byte (Service Requested) is set to show that SRQ is asserted, the 1256 will not respond to any GPIB commands until the interrupt has been serviced. Servicing may be done with a serial poll.
  • Page 118 1256E User Manual This bit is set when a trigger event occurs on a 1260-114 digital IO card. Waiting For Arm Bit 6, Bit weight = 64 decimal = 40 hexadecimal This bit is set when a Scan List has been defined, but the 1256 is not armed.
  • Page 119 1256E User Manual Questionable Status Event Register may be programmed and queried, but will have no effect on the operation of the 1256. The following SCPI command tree shows the syntax of the SCPI STATUS commands: :STATus :OPERation [:EVENt]? :CONDition?

  • Page 120: Numeric Parameters

    1256E User Manual used in program messages and response messages. Type Commands that require numeric parameters will accept all Numeric Parameters commonly used decimal representations of numbers including optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation. TRIG:DELAY 0.035 When a real, non-integer value is returned in a reply from the 1256, the floating point notation will be used.

  • Page 121: Boolean Parameters

    1256E User Manual be specified using either the long form or the short form. Whenever a discrete parameter is used, the query form of the command returns the SHORT form of the parameter value, in upper-case characters. That is, the command may be specified using either “IMMEDIATE”...
  • Page 122 1256E User Manual through the RS-232 or GPIB interfaces. The input buffer is 1024 Buffer characters in length. If the input buffer fills to capacity and the GPIB interface is the active interface, the NRFD signal is asserted on the GPIB bus.

  • Page 123: Reply Output Buffer

    1256E User Manual control. To select a different power-up state, this setting like all other menu options can be saved to non-volatile memory. For further details on front-panel usage refer to Chapter 3: USING THE FRONT PANEL CONTROLS. The 1256 waits for a linefeed (carriage return or carriage...
  • Page 124 1256E User Manual MAV, bit of the status byte is set. The status byte of the 1256 may be read using the GPIB serial poll feature. Racal Instruments © 2002 SCPI Command Basics 5-28...

  • Page 125: Specifying Channels In Commands

    1256E User Manual To select a single channel in a command, both the address of the Specifying relay plug-in which contains the relay, and the channel number for the relay must be specified. The syntax to describe a single Channels in...

  • Page 126: Naming Relay Cards

    1256E User Manual A range of relays and a list of single relays may be mixed in a command. For example, the command: CLOSE (@3(1:10,12,15,17:19)) Closes channels 1 through 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, and 19 on the plug- in with address 3.
  • Page 127 1256E User Manual NOTE The module name may be 44 characters. However, to maintain true SCPI compatibility, it must not exceed 12 characters. Examples of valid commands are as follows. Assigns name to plug-in module 1 (slot 1): MOD:DEF A,1...

  • Page 128: Removing Module Names

    1256E User Manual Close Power relay channels 7 through 12: CLOSE (@Power(7:12)) Closes relays on two modules: CLOSE (@Power(8),matrix(102:104)) The MODULE:DELETE command may be used to delete a single Removing Module plug-in module name from the list of known module names. The...

  • Page 129: Reading The Module Address For A Module Name

    1256E User Manual For example, suppose the following commands have been executed: MODULE:DEFINE scanner,1 MODULE:DEFINE matrix,2 MODULE:DEFINE power,5 MODULE:DEFINE rf_mux,4 Then the query: MOD:CAT? returns the reply: SCANNER,MATRIX,RF_MUX,POWER The module address associated with a module name may be read Reading the Module using the MODULE:DEFINE? query.

  • Page 130: Naming A Path

    1256E User Manual [:ROUTe] :MODule :SAVe :RECall These commands are NOT defined in the SCPI standard. These commands follow the syntax rules of SCPI to implement this functionality. A group of channels may also be assigned a name. When a group Naming a Path of channels is named, it is called a “path”.
  • Page 131 1256E User Manual The <close channel list> and the optional <open channel list> follows the syntax rules described in the “Specifying Relays in Commands” section of this chapter. The following examples illustrate the use of a path name. This associates the name path1 with the close channel list...

  • Page 132: Removing Path Names

    1256E User Manual then the path definition in effect when the INCLUDE command was defined is used. For the example shown then, channel 0 on module 5 and channel 0 on module 7 are affected; channel 17 on module 6 and channel 23 on module 8 are NOT affected.

  • Page 133: Reading The Channel List For A Path Name

    1256E User Manual PATH:DEFINE dmm_2_pin2,(@1(116),2(14),7(23)) PATH:DEFINE cntr_2_pin1,(@1(217),2(24)) PATH:DEFINE cntr_2_pin2,(@1(216),2(37),7(3)) Then the query: PATH:CAT? returns the reply: DMM_2_PIN1,DMM_2_PIN2,CNTR_2_PIN1, CNTR_2_PIN2 Reading the Channel List The module address associated with a module name may be read using the PATH:DEFINE? query. The syntax for this command is:...

  • Page 134: Closing Relays

    1256E User Manual The CLOSE command may be used to close channels. To say a Closing Relays channel is closed, it means either: a. The input of the channel is connected to the output (Single- Pole Single Throw). b. The input of the channel is disconnected from the “normally closed”...

  • Page 135: Opening Relays

    1256E User Manual 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Command: CLOSE? (@7(0)) Reply: Command: CLOSE? (@7(3, 20, 31)) Reply: 1 1 1 The OPEN command may be used to open channels. To say a...

  • Page 136: Checking For Installed Plug-Ins

    1256E User Manual The MOD:LIST? command may be used to query the 1256 for the Checking for types and slot numbers of the cards present in the system. Installed Plug-Ins [ROUTe] :MODule :LIST? [module address] As an example, if a 1256 contains a 1260-136A, 1260-167B, and a...

  • Page 137: System Commands

    1256E User Manual The 1256 instrument supports several system commands. These System commands generally access errors, SCPI standard information, as Commands well as user-interface issues. Additionally, the 1256 uses a special command to update non-volatile memory. Whenever an error is encountered by the 1256, it will perform two...

  • Page 138: Scpi Compliance Information

    1256E User Manual For example, the reply: 0,”No error” indicates that no errors remain on the error queue, while the reply: -102,”Syntax error ; missing @ sign” indicates that a syntax error was detected in a previous command to the 1256. The reply: -350,”Queue overflow”...

  • Page 139: Non-Volatile Update

    1256E User Manual For example, the command: SYST:KLOCK ON will cause the 1256 to display a remote operation screen on the display with a message indicating that local mode is in a lockout condition. The command: SYST:KLOCK OFF will also display a remote operation screen, however, the fourth line will indicate a local option the user can activate by pressing the fourth line soft key.
  • Page 140 1256E User Manual both initiate and determine whether a non-volatile update cycle is in progress. To improve system reliability and eliminate the need for batteries, the 1256 stores configuration information into flash memory. The downside of flash memory is that it updates more slowly than battery-backed memories.

  • Page 141: Chapter 6

    1256E User Manual Chapter 6 SCPI COMMAND REFERENCE This section contains a detailed description of each command that General is either specific to the 1256 or common to multiple switch modules. The commands are presented in Table 6-1. The commands accepted by the 1256 are shown using the SCPI syntax notation.
  • Page 142 1256E User Manual This example shows the following: The ROUTE command keyword is optional, since it is enclosed in square braces The ROUTE command keyword may be specified as ROUTE (long form) or as ROUT (short form), since the last character is displayed in lower-case The CLOSE keyword must be followed by a <channel list>.
  • Page 143 1256E User Manual Table 6-1, Commands Implemented by the 1256 Command Default See page Notes ROUTE Subsystem: 6-1, 8-1 [:ROUTe] 5-2, 5-25 :CLOSe <channel list> 5-2, 5-28 :CLOSe? 5-38, 6-1 :OPEN <channel list> 5-2, 5-27 :OPEN? 5-37, 6-1 :ALL (Command Only) 5-2, 6-1 :SCAN <scan list>...
  • Page 144 1256E User Manual Command Default See page Notes :MASK? <channel list> :SAVE :RECALL [:STATE ON | OFF| 1 | 0] :VERify? <channel list or path name> :VERify:ALL? (Query Only) SYSTEM Subsystem: 5-36 :SYSTem :ERRor? (Query Only) 5-40 :VERSion? (Query Only) 1994.0...
  • Page 145 1256E User Manual Command Default See page Notes :IMMediate ON | OFF | 1 | 0 (Command Only) :CONTinuous ON | OFF | 1 | 0 (Command Only) :ABORt DIGITAL Subsystem: :DIGital* :STATe <port list> , { ON | OFF | 1 | 0 } :CONFigure <port>...
  • Page 146 1256E User Manual Racal Instruments © 2002 SCPI Command Reference 6-6...

  • Page 147: Chapter 7

    1256E User Manual Chapter 7 DIGITAL MODULE OPERATION The 1256 may be used to control the 1260-114TTL, 1260- General 114CMOS, 1260-114OC, and 1260-114HVOC digital modules. These modules may be programmed to work in either the synchronous or asynchronous modes of operation. The...

  • Page 148: Synchronous Digital Operation

    1256E User Manual When the 1260-114 modules are programmed to operate in the Synchronous Digital synchronous mode, data will be clocked in and out of the module Operation by using the CLKIN line on the module’s edge connector. To output data in the synchronous mode, one must: A) Enable the drivers on the ports.

  • Page 149: Specifying Ports On A Digital Module

    1256E User Manual synchronous mode, and ports 8 through 11 will use the asynchronous mode. The following paragraphs describe the commands used to operate the 1260-114 modules. When a <port> is shown on the command syntax, it represents the Specifying Ports on combination of the module address and the port number.

  • Page 150: Selecting The Mode Of Operation

    1256E User Manual Examples of <port list> are shown below. Port 0 on module 7: (@7(0)) Ports 0 and 11 on module 7: (@7(0,11)) Ports 0 through 11 on module 7: (@7(0:11)) Port 0 on module 7; port 4 on module 8: (@7(0),8(4)) Ports 0, 2 and 3 on module 7;...

  • Page 151: Enabling And Disabling The Ports

    1256E User Manual The DIGITAL:OUTPUT:STATE command is used to enable or Enabling and disable the output drivers on one or more ports of the 1260-114 Disabling the Ports module. The 1260-114OC and 1260-114HVOC modules have open collector outputs, and so this command has no effect.
  • Page 152 1256E User Manual more ports on the 1260-114 modules. The <port list> defines which port or ports to be written. The <data list> is a list of comma-separated numeric values, each of which is in the range 0 to 255. The number of data bytes in the <data list>...

  • Page 153: Using The Synchronous Mode Of Operation

    1256E User Manual 38,44,255,0,94,77 which indicates that port 6 read a value of 38, port 5 read a value of 44, port 4 read a value of 255, and so on. When data is read from an enabled output port, the data should...
  • Page 154 1256E User Manual port. Use the DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:DATA command to load the data bytes which will be clocked out. For each Synchronous Input Port: Use the DIGITAL:STATE command to disable the port. DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:POINTS command to define the number of data points that will be acquired and stored for the port.

  • Page 155: Setting Up The Synchronous Test

    1256E User Manual The DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:DATA command is used to load Setting Up the data into the memory of the 1260-114. This defines the data that Synchronous Test will be clocked out, one byte per CLKIN pulse. Each synchronous output port may hold up to 256 data bytes.
  • Page 156 1256E User Manual After executing the command: DIG:SYNC:DATA (@7(4)),50,60,70,80,90 the memory buffer for port 4 of module 7 tracks that depicted in Figure 7-1 (B). There are now a total of nine bytes loaded. The index for this port now points to the next available position in the buffer.

  • Page 157: Figure 7-1 (A), Port 4 Data After Dig:sync:data (@7(4)),10,20,30,40

    1256E User Manual Location Data Index -> 4 Figure 7-1 (A), Port 4 Data after DIG:SYNC:DATA (@7(4)),10,20,30,40 Location Data Index -> 9 Figure 7-1 (B), Port 4 Data after DIG:SYNC:DATA (@7(4)),50,60,70,80,90 Racal Instruments © 2002 Digital Module Operation 7-11...

  • Page 158: Figure 7-1 (C), Port 4 Data After Dig:sync:index (@7(4)),3

    1256E User Manual Location Data Index -> 3 Figure 7-1 (C), Port 4 Data after DIG:SYNC:INDEX (@7(4)),3 Location Data Index -> 5 Figure 7-1 (D), Port 4 Data after DIG:SYNC:DATA (@7(4)),77,78 Racal Instruments © 2002 Digital Module Operation 7-12...

  • Page 159: Arming The Digital Modules

    1256E User Manual The query form of the command may be used to read the present index location for the specified port. For example, the command: DIGITAL:SYNC:INDEX? (@7(4)) would return the reply: The DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:DATA? query may be used to read the data that has been previously loaded to a synchronous output port.

  • Page 160: Checking For Data Transfer Completion

    1256E User Manual DIG:SYNC:STATE (@3,5,9),ON Arm the digital modules at module addresses 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 11: DIG:SYNC:STATE (@3:6,11,9),ON After the module has been armed, it will remain armed until: A) The DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:STATE command is used to disarm the module; OR:...

  • Page 161: Reading Data From A Synchronous Input Port

    1256E User Manual Once the data transfer is complete, each of the synchronous input Reading Data from a ports may be read. The DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:DATA? query Synchronous Input is used to read data from the synchronous input ports. Port The following examples illustrate the use of this query.

  • Page 162: Clearing Data From Synchronous Input And Output Ports

    1256E User Manual Data may be cleared from all synchronous input and output ports Clearing Data from with DIGITAL:SYNCHRONOUS:CLEAR command. This Synchronous Input command does the following: and Output Ports A) Clears any data loaded into a synchronous output port.

  • Page 163: Synchronous And Asynchronous Example

    1256E User Manual and may be set back to active high using the command: DIG:SYNC:BUSY NORMAL To illustrate a command sequence, assume module 7 is a 1260- Synchronous and 114 module. The following command sequence may be used to: Asynchronous Example A) Select ports 0 and 1 as synchronous output ports.
  • Page 164 1256E User Manual DIG:SYNC:POINTS (@7(3)),256 Outputs 44 to port 4, 55 to port 5, 88 to port 8, and 99 to port 9: DIG:OUTPUT (@7(4,5,8,9)),44,55,88,99 Commands the 1260-114 to read the data. The reply will be a set of 4 data byte values, in decimal format, separated by commas:...

  • Page 165: Chapter 8

    1256E User Manual Chapter 8 ADVANCED SCPI OPERATIONS The 1256 Switching System offers a number of advanced functions Introduction to give you precise control over the instrument. These functions can be accessed only via the IEEE-488 (GPIB) and RS-232 interfaces.

  • Page 166: Include Lists

    1256E User Manual The 1256 provides the capability to define sets of relays which Include Lists operate together. This feature is called an “include list”. When a relay on an include list is closed, all relays on that include list are closed.
  • Page 167 1256E User Manual Any command which opens any of these relays will open all of them; and any command which closes any of these relays will close all of them. MOD:DEF power,3 MOD:DEF matrix,5 PATH:DEF thispath,(@8(0,4,12),power(14)) INCL (@power(15),matrix(323),thispath) The first three commands define module names and a path. The last command shows that the INCLUDE command can use these definitions in an include list.
  • Page 168 1256E User Manual For the remainder of this discussion of the INCL? query, assume the following commands have been executed: INCL (@1(0),2(0),4(0)) INCL (@2(7:10)) INCL (@3(16,19)) INCL (@1(3,5)) INCL (@4(1:4,14,23)) These commands define five distinct include groups. The reply to the query be one of the following:...

  • Page 169: Using Exclude Lists

    1256E User Manual (@1(0),2(0),4(0),(@1(3,5)),(@2(7:10)), (@3(16,19)),(@4(1:4,14,23)) The INCLUDE? query with no parameters passed returns all presently defined include groups. Each group is separated from each other by a comma. Note that if there are many include lists defined, the query may result in a reply which is longer than the length of the output reply buffer (1024 characters).
  • Page 170 1256E User Manual following definitions result in an error: INCLUDE:DEF (@1(0:10)) EXCLUDE:DEF (@1(0,11:15,6)) The error occurs because channels 1(0) and 1(6) are on an include list together and they are on an exclude list together. This creates a conflict since an attempt to close channel 1(0) would attempt to close channel 1(6) due to the include list association, but would be prevented from doing so by the exclude list.

  • Page 171: Using External Triggering

    1256E User Manual EXCLUDE (@1(1,14)) EXCLUDE (@1(2,15)) CLOSE (@1(0)) After these commands have been executed, channel 0 of module 1 is closed. Also, channels 1 through 4, 10 and 12 are closed, since these are on the same include list as channel 0.
  • Page 172 1256E User Manual IMMediate | EXT } The possible trigger sources are: The GPIB bus trigger, or the “*TRG” command, advances to the next scan list element. HOLD Triggers are ignored, and the scan list will not advance. IMMediate The scan list, once initiated, advances as fast as possible after considering the relay settling time, trigger input delay, and trigger output delay.

  • Page 173: Selecting The Trigger Count

    1256E User Manual The trigger count determines how many elements will be scanned Selecting the in the scan list. That is, if the trigger count is 10, then the scan list Trigger Count will advance 10 times before halting. Any triggers received from the selected trigger source will be ignored after the trigger count has been satisfied.

  • Page 174: Arming And Disarming The 1256

    1256E User Manual Before scanning of channels can be performed, the 1256 must be Arming and armed. Arming is accomplished with the INITIATE command. The Disarming the 1256 syntax for the INITIATE command is: :INITiate :IMMediate {ON|1|OFF|0} :CONTinuous {ON|1|OFF|0} The INITIATE:IMMEDIATE command arms the 1256. This enables the 1256 to accept new triggers and continue scanning.

  • Page 175: Generating A Single Trigger

    1256E User Manual diagram shows that the 1256 must be armed before it responds to triggers. Once it is armed, it remains armed and sequences through the scan list until the number of triggers equal to the trigger count is received. After that, it is disarmed and must be rearmed again.
  • Page 176 1256E User Manual This command may be used to execute the next step of a scan list. The 1256 may be programmed to generate an output trigger pulse Output Trigger Signals each time a relay operation has been completed. The output...

  • Page 177: Using Scan Lists And External Trigger Input

    1256E User Manual read it. Any delay over 10 milliseconds rounds the delay to the nearest 10 milliseconds. Trigger In Trigger Out Trigger In/Out Electrical Characteristics Logic levels: TTL Trigger In Input Impedance: 10 K-ohms Trigger Out Drive Current: Sink/Source 4 mA...
  • Page 178 1256E User Manual A) Program the 1256 to close a channel B) Wait/Query the 1256 to ensure the channel is closed C) Program the DMM to take a reading D) Program the 1256 to open a channel With the Scan List feature, the DMM and 1256 are programmed to trigger each other for each DMM reading.
  • Page 179 1256E User Manual select input and output trigger sources, and so on. Racal Instruments © 2002 Advanced SCPI Operations 8-15...

  • Page 180: Defining A Scan List

    1256E User Manual A Scan List may be defined using the SCAN command. The syntax Defining a Scan List for the SCAN command is shown below: [:ROUTe] :SCAN <scan list> :DELete [:ALL] :SCAN? The <scan list> is the same as a <channel list> used with the...
  • Page 181 1256E User Manual Using the SCAN command example above, the following sequence of actions occurs: A) After a trigger is received, channel 323 of module 1 is closed B) After the next trigger, channel 1(323) is opened, channel 4(0) is closed...

  • Page 182: Advance Verification Features

    1256E User Manual SCAN:DELETE command. The presently defined scan list may be read using the SCAN? command. For example, if the scan list shown for the example above is presently defined, the query: SCAN? will generate the reply: (@1(323),9(0:2),10(8:5),example,1(0), state14,1(224)) The reply will NOT include module names, even if the SCAN command used to define the list included module names.

  • Page 183: Using Relay Verification

    1256E User Manual If any relay is not in the correct state and Confidence Mode is enabled, the 1256 pushes an error message onto the system error queue and asserts the “Execution Error” bit in the Event Status Register. If the 1256 is accessed through the GPIB interface, this condition can further be made to generate an SRQ interrupt.
  • Page 184 1256E User Manual utilizing open-drain drivers (virtually all 1260-series relay cards), the readback signal will be pulled low by the driver when the driver is enabled (high or on state). For relay cards, the verification mask should be manually set to the inverted mode of operation.

  • Page 185: Saving/Recalling The Verification Masks

    1256E User Manual As was the case earlier, channel 11 is excluded by the mask and will not show up in the error report. In addition, the 1256 will show only the first ten failures it finds when a large number of channels are specified in a query.
  • Page 186 1256E User Manual :RECall :STATE {OFF | ON | 0 | 1} :STATE? When a state of ON or 1 is specified, a special flag is stored inside the 1256 non-volatile memory structure that instructs it to automatically load any stored verification masks each time power is applied to the 1256.

  • Page 187: Chapter 9

    For worldwide support and the office closes to your facility, refer to the Support Offices section on the following page. Use the original packing material when returning the 1256E to Reshipment Racal Instruments for calibration or servicing. The original shipping...

  • Page 188: Support Offices

    Tel: +44 (0) 1202 872800; Fax: +44 (0) 1202 870810 Via Milazzo 25, 20092 Cinisello B, Milan, Italy Tel: +39 (0)2 6123 901; Fax: +39 (0)2 6129 3606 Racal Instruments Group Limited, Technologie Park, D-51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany Tel: +49 2204 844205; Fax: +49 2204 844219 Racal Instruments ©...
  • Page 189 Repair and Calibration Request Form To allow us to better understand your repair requests, we suggest you use the following outline when calling and include a copy with your instrument to be sent to the Racal Instruments Repair Facility. Model Serial No.
  • Page 190 1256E User Manual This page was left intentionally blank. Racal Instruments © 2002 Product Support 9-4...

  • Page 191: Index

    1256E User Manual INDEX AC power, 2-1, 2-2 GPIB interface, 5-4, 5-25 automatic lockout, 5-42 half-duplex, 5-5 bus trigger, 5-21 IEEE-488, 2-6, 5-6, 5-6, 5-7, 5-8, 5-12, 5-13, 5-15, 5-15, 5-17, 5-19, 5-21, 5-23, 5-27 CLOSE, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, 5-18, 5-22, 5-27, 5-28,...
  • Page 192 1256E User Manual Query Error, 5-10 service, 9-1 Questionable Status Enable Register, 5-13 Service Request Enable Register, 5-9, 5-12, 5-13, 5-15, 5-16 Questionable Status Event Register, 5-13, 5- SRQ, 5-7, 5-12, 5-16, 5-21 QYE, 5-10, 5-11, 5-27 Standard Event Status Enable Register, 5-9,...

  • Page 193: Appendix A: Specifications

    1256E User Manual Appendix A SPECIFICATIONS General Switch Plug-In Interface Compliant with Racal Instruments Adapt-a-Switch™ platform Compatible with all Adapt-a-Switch modules Eight plug-in slots Vacuum fluorescent display Front Panel Menu soft keys Optically-encoded knob IEEE-488 (standard GPIB) Rear-Panel Connectors RS-232 (9-pin D-SUB)
  • Page 194 1256E User Manual Remote Interface Compliance: IEEE-488.2 IEEE-488 (GPIB) Address Selection: Manual, via front-panel controls Hardware Protocol: Data Communications Equipment (DCE). RS-232 Connects directly to computer COM port with straight-through cable; no null modem. Baud Rates: 1,200 2,400 4,800 9,600...
  • Page 195 1256E User Manual Electrical Switched-mode PWM Power Supply Type 90VAC to 250VAC, auto-ranging, 47-63Hz, AC Input 180VA max. DC Supply Output +5VDC @ 20A Environmental MIL-T-28800E Type III, Class 5, Style F General Temperature Operating: to +60 Storage: C to +70...
  • Page 196 1256E User Manual EN61326, Class A, Table 1 Immunity EN61326, Class A, Table 3 Emissions Safety CE, EN61010-1 Safety Reliability 42,390 hours (with fan) MTBF Mechanical 3.5” high Dimensions 16.6” wide 11.3” deep 7 lbs., 11 oz. (3.5 kg) Chassis Weight...

  • Page 197: Appendix B: Rack Mounting

    They are the top and the bottom screws. Refer to the diagram in Figure B-1. 3. Secure rack mount ear (Item 1) to the unit, using 6X32 panhead screws (Item 2) as shown. Figure B-1, Installing the Rack-Mount Ears Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix B-1...
  • Page 198 Secure the instrument in place using two (each side) Phillips Pan-Head #6-32 x 3/4 screws (Item 2) Fixed Rack Mount installation is now complete. Right angle runners (already installed) Figure B-2, Rack Mounting Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix B-2...

  • Page 199: Appendix C: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING If you have difficulty using the 1256 Switching System, refer to How to Use this following troubleshooting tables. If you are still unable to Section resolve the problem, contact the Racal Instruments Customer Support Department (refer Chapter PRODUCT SUPPORT).
  • Page 200 If display reads: mode. *REMOTE OPERATION* (RS-232 is active) Local Mode Lockout then the 1256 is in Manual Lockout mode. To restore controls, send a SYST:KLOCK OFF command to the 1256 via remote interface. Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix C-2...
  • Page 201 Set number of stop bits of 1256 response (usually when to 2 (see Chapter 4, GPIB and using an older terminal). RS-232 Interfaces, under the heading Setting the Data Bits, Stop Bits, and Parity). Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix C-3...
  • Page 202 (local echo) mode. Consult the typed. duplex (local echo). terminal user’s manual for instructions. • • HyperTerminal (included Download newer version, with Microsoft Windows) known as “HyperTerminal can fail to echo characters Private Edition” from: properly. http://www.hilgraeve.com Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix C-4...
  • Page 203 Then slots. press it firmly to seat its connector with the backplane connector. When properly installed, the panel of the plug- in is flush with the rear panel of the 1256. Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix C-5...
  • Page 204 SRAM. By saving the image to non-volatile memory just one time instead of performing a separate block write for each piece of data, the slow non-volatile write cycle is encountered just once. Racal Instruments © 2002 Appendix C-6...

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