Simplified Programming Sequence - Agilent Technologies 34420A User Manual

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Simplified Programming Sequence

Simplified Programming Sequence
You can program the meter to take measurements from the remote
interface using the following seven-step sequence.
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used for SCPI
command syntax. Square brackets ( [] ) indicate optional keywords or
parameters. Braces ( {} ) enclose a list of parameters separated with a
vertical bar ( | ), use only one of the values . Triangle brackets ( <> )
indicate that you must substitute a value for the enclosed parameter.
1. Place the meter in a known state (often the reset state).
2. Change the meter's settings to achieve the desired configuration.
3. Set-up the triggering conditions.
4. Initiate or arm the meter for a measurement.
5. Trigger the meter to make a measurement.
6. Retrieve the readings from the output buffer or internal memory.
7. Read the measured data into your bus controller.
The MEASure? and CONFigure commands provide the most straight-
forward method to program the meter for measurements. You can select
the measurement function, range, and resolution all in one command.
The meter uses defaults for other measurement parameters.
Integration time, range, and resolution are local to the function or
channel used in the MEASure? and CONFigure commands. For example,
if you use the MEASure command to make a resistance measurement,
the range, resolution, and integration time set for voltage measurements
are not affected.
Other measurement parameters affect all measurement functions. When
you use the MEASure? and CONFigure commands the meter uses default
parameters. The default measurement parameters, common to all
functions or channels, used by the meter are shown in the table on the
next page.
Using the digital filter is not recommended from the remote interface,
see page 57.
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