Hioki 3801-50 User manual

DIGITAL HiTESTER
REMOTE OPERATION MANUAL
3801-50
3802-50

Contents
i
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................1
Symbols......................................................................................1
Chapter 1
Remote Interface Overview____________________ 3
Chapter 2
Setting Remote Interface Parameters ___________ 5
Chapter 3
Commands Summary ________________________ 7
Chapter 4
Responding Message ________________________ 9
Chapter 5
Instructions of Command Sets________________ 13
5.1 IEEE 488 Common Commands..................................13
5.2 SCPI Commands ........................................................14
Chapter 6
Summary of SCPI Commands ________________ 27
Chapter 7
Remote Program Example Using Visual Basic 6 _ 31

Contents
ii

1
Introduction
Introduction
The Section describes how to operate the meter via an optical
interface.
• It also explains the detail information of all interface command sets
of Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) used
in the meter.
• The remote control operation enables the user either to manually
operate the meter via a terminal or to execute a host computer
program automatically.
Trademars Visual Basic is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Symbols
Safety Symbol The following symbols in this manual indicate the relative importance
of cautions and warnings.
Other symbols
Indicates advisory items related to performance or
correct operation of the instrument.
Indicates the reference.
*Iterminology explained at the bottom of the word.

Symbols
2

3
Chapter 1 Remote Interface Overview
Fig. 1 shows a connection between the 3801-50/ 3802-50 and a computer via
an optical cable.
Either a USB or an RS-232C interface optical cable can be used for
communication.
Procedure
1. Connect the cable to the connector or USB port.
2. Once the USB cable is connected and the USB driver is installed, a
virtual RS-232COM port is created on the computer. (Only when using
a USB optical cable)
• The remote interface is a serial binary data interchange, which
operates from 2400 to 19200 baud rate.
• The communication port of the 3801-50, 3802-50 is designed in full
duplex, which makes the meter more reliable and efficient in data
taking.
Cable connection for Communication
Remote Interface
Overview Chapter 1
RS-232C interface optical
cable to the 9-pin Type D male connector on the
computer.
USB optical cable Connect to the USB port on the computer.
When connecting the communication cable to the meter, ensure that
the label RS-232C INTERFACE label faces upwards as shown in
Fig. 1.

Chapter 1 Remote Interface Overview
4

5
Chapter 2 Setting Remote Interface Parameters
In order to operate the meter via a host computer or terminal, the
parameters in interface within the 3801-50, 3802-50 have to match the
parameters in the serial interface provided by the host or terminal.
The following procedures will guide the user to set up interface
parameters within the 3801-50, 3802-50 to comply interface with the host.
The default settings of the meter at factory are 9600-baud rate, non-
parity check , 8 data lengths, and 1 stop bit (9600, n, 8, 1).
The following table indicates the factory settings and user selectable
communication parameters by using remote interface.
response
With response ON, the meter responsees (returns) all the characters
whatever it receives.
data output
• The remote indicator of the 3801-50, 3802-50 is flashing when the
meter is set to data output ON.
• If the remote interface of the 3801-50, 3802-50 is under data output
mode, the 3801-50, 3802-50 will print out the measured data when
the measurement cycle is completed.
• The 3801-50, 3802-50 auto-sends the newest data to a host
continuously.
• The 3801-50, 3802-50 doesn't accept any commands under data
output mode.
Setup Procedures for Communication Parameter
To ensure the remote interface will operate appropriately, user may
need to configure the remote interface parameters on power on
option. Please refer to operation procedures of POWER-ON OPTION.
❖3801-50, 3802-50 instruction manual ”Power-On Options”
Setting Remote Interface
Parameters Chapter 2
Remote Interface Parameters
Item Parameter Factory
Setting Selectable Parameter
1Baud Rate 9600 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200
2parity check None None, Odd or Even
3data length 8 7 or 8
4response OFF ON or OFF
5data output OFF ON or OFF

Chapter 2 Setting Remote Interface Parameters
6

7
Chapter 3 Commands Summary
Overview of Command Type and Format
• All commands must be entered in the upper case.
• There are two types of the 3801-50, 3802-50 programming
commands: IEEE 488 common commands and Standard
Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI).
• Some commands are device-specific to the 3801-50, 3802-50. They
are not included in the version 1999.0 of the SCPI standard.
However, these commands are designed with the SCPI format in
mind and they follow the syntax rules of the standard.
Common Command Format
• The IEEE 488 standard defines the common commands as
commands that perform functions like reset and system query.
• Common commands usually come with the asterisk "∗" character,
and may include parameters. Some examples of Common
command like: *IDN?, *RST, *CLS, GTL, LLO.
SCPI Command Format and Query Format
• The SCPI commands control instrument functions.
• A subsystem command has a hierarchical structure that usually
consists of a top-level (or root) keyword, one or more lower level
keywords, and parameters.
• The following example shows a command and its associated query:
Commands
Summary Chapter 3
A. CONFigure:VOLTage:DC 0.5: Set the main display to the DC
voltage measurement , and
select the 510.00mV range.
B. CONFigure? : Return the function of the main
display measurement.
• CONFigure is a root level keyword with the second level
keyword, VOLTage, and 0.5 is the command parameter.
• The query command ends with a question mark "?".
SCPI stems from IEEE488.1 and IEEE 488.2. Although the IEEE
488.2 standard addressed some instrument measurements, it
principally dealt with common commands and syntax or data formats.
Please refer to the IEEE488.2 and SCPI reference manual for more
information.

Chapter 3 Commands Summary
8
Terminator
A terminator is a character sent by a host, which identifies the end of a
command string. A valid terminator consists of two-byte data:
<CR> (Carriage Return, ASC(&H0D))
<LF> (Line Feed, ASC(&H0A))

9
Chapter 4 Responding Message
Return result
• After the meter executes a query command the return of the result
will be in the following format:
• If communication of the meter is under data output mode, the meter
will print out the measured data when the measurement cycle is
completed. The printed data are only for primary display.
The format of printed data will be shown as following:
• On the meter warning the return of the prompt will be in the following
format except Xon and Xoff:
Data Types
• Returned message is the ASC II string from the meter responding to
a query.
• A query is a command followed by a question mark.
The following table is explanation for data types.
Responding
Message Chapter 4
<Result> + <CR> <LF>
<Measurement Data> + <CR> <LF>
<Prompt> + <CR> <LF>
Data Types of Responding Message and Parameter
Data Type Explanation Example
<NR1> An integer
+10000, -10000, 123, -100
<NR2> This numeric
representation has an
explicit radix point. +13.234, -.00002, 3.4567
<NR3> This representation has
an explicit radix point and
an exponent.
-1.20000000E+02,
+9.90000000E+37*
<Boolean> Single ASCII-encoded
byte, is return for the
setting query. 0 or 1,OFF or ON

Chapter 4 Responding Message
10
<Literal>
ASCII-encoded bytes
corresponding to the
short form of the literal
used as the command
parameter.
AVER, PEAK
*: +9.90000000E+37 means positive overload,
-9.90000000E+37 means negative overload.
Data Types of Responding Message and Parameter
Data Type Explanation Example

11
Chapter 4 Responding Message
Prompts
When the meter comes up any system warnings, the meter sends a
prompt string to the host through remote interface.
The meter returns one of the prompts as shown on the following table.
1
Return Prompts
Prompts Description
*L Into local mode
*E Remote command's error warning
*B Battery low warning
*I
Input warning
• When a test lead is connected to the "A" terminal
while the function switch is set to a function other
than mA.A
• When the input voltage exceeds 1010 V during
voltage measurement
*0 Function switch position: V
*1 Function switch position: V
*2 Function switch position: mV
*3 Function switch position: Ω
*4 Function switch position:
*5 Function switch position:
*6 Function switch position: μA
*7 Function switch position: mA.A
*8 Function switch position: (Only 3801-50)
ASC(&H11) Xon: The meter is available.
ASC(&H13) Xoff: The meter is busy.
• On Model 3802-50, undetermined characters such as「∗」or「∗8」
may be returned when the function switch is turned from mA.A to
OFF. This occurs when the meter is sending the function switch
status at the moment it is switched off. This response should be
ignored.
• You can confirm the input warning status from the N and O items
returned in response to the STAT? command.
❖26p

Chapter 4 Responding Message
12

13
Chapter 5 Instructions of Command Sets
*CLS
*IDN?
*RST
LLO
GTL
Instructions of
Command Sets Chapter 5
5.1 IEEE 488 Common Commands
Description Clear the System Error Queue.
Description Query the Meter identification.
Response Returns instrument maker name, model number,serial number
and firmware version.
Description Put the meter to power-on-reset state, but no affect the Output
Queue and interface parameter.
The reset operation is executed for 3 seconds at least. Be sure to execute
other commands then.
Description Put the meter into the local lockout state when in remote
control. This means no local key operation at the front panel is
allowed during remote control.
Description Put the meter into the local state, clearing the remote state and
front panel lockout.

Chapter 5 Instructions of Command Sets
14
This subsection describes the SCPI subsystem commands for the
meter. The meter only accepts the UPPER CASE part of command. It
is unnecessary to send complete command characters.
CONFigure Subsystem:
CONFigure
:CURRent
:DC [<range>]
:AC [<range>]
:ACDC [<range>]
:PERCent
5.2 SCPI Commands
Some SCPI Symbol Conventions
Text Symbol Meaning
[ ] Option: can be omitted
|Exclusive OR
< > Defined element
( ) Comment
?Question mark
:Separated two command
keywords
;Compound commands
Description • Set to DC, AC or AC+DC current measurement.
(Only 3801-50: AC+DC)
The function switch is at current measuring.
When measuring DCmA, select the % conversion. Use the
SYST:CPER command to select the 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA
scale.
Parameter • If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
• Enter the current measurement range to <range>.
The function switch is at μA measuring: 500u, 5000u
500u(510.00 μA), 5000u(5100.0 μA)
The function switch is at mA.A measuring: 0.05, 0.5, 5 or 10
0.05(51.000 mA), 0.5(510.00 mA), 5(5.1000 A), 10(10.000 A)
Example CONF:CURR:DC : Set to DC current.
CONF:CURR:AC 0.5 : Set to AC current and 510.00 mA
range.
CONF:CURR:PERC :For DCmAmeasurements,selectthe
% conversion..

15
Chapter 5 Instructions of Command Sets
CONFigure
:VOLTage
:DC [<range>]
:AC [<range>]
:ACDC [<range>]]
CONFigure
:FCOUnter
:PREScale<1 / 100>
CONFigure:FREQuency [<range>]
Description Set to DC, AC or AC+DC voltage measurement. (Only 3801-
50: AC+DC)
The function switch is at mV measuring or V measuring.
Parameter • If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
• Enter the voltage measurement range to <range>:
The function switch is at mV measuring : 0.05 0.5 or 1
0.05(51.000 mV), 0.5(510.00 mV), 1(1000.0 mV)
The function switch is at V measuring: 5, 50, 500 or 1000
5(5.1000 V), 50(51.000 V), 500(510.00 V), 1000(1000.0 V)
Example CONF:VOLT:DC : Set to DC voltage measuring.
CONF:VOLT:AC 0.5 : Set to AC voltage and 510 mV
range.
Description Select frequency counter prescaling. (Only 3801-50)
The function switch is at diode measuring. Range is auto range.
Parameter 1 :Disables frequency counter prescaling (divisor = 1).
100 :Disables frequency counter prescaling (divisor = 100).
Example CONF:FCOU:PRES 1: Disables frequency counter
prescaling (divisor = 1).
Description Frequency measurement can beselected for voltageor current
measurement.
The function switch is at voltage or current measuring.
Thedisplayshowsbothmainandsubdisplayssimultaneously.
The frequency range changes when measuring frequency.
(Only 3801-50)
The function switch is at D(Hz).
Parameter • If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
• Enter the resistance measurement range to <range>. (Unit:
Hz)
: 100, 1000, 10K, 100K, 1000K, 10M∗, or 100M∗(Only
frequency measurement)
∗Only 3801-50 frequency counter measurement.
Example CONF:FREQ 10k : Set to frequency measuring and 9.9999
kHz range.

Chapter 5 Instructions of Command Sets
16
CONFigure
:PULSe
:PWIDth [<range>]
:NWIDth [<range>]
:PDUTycycle
:NDUTycycle
CONFigure:RESistance [<range>]
CONFigure:CONTinuity [<range>]
CONFigure:CONDuctance
CONFigure:CAPacitance [<range>]
Description Set to pulse width measurement, pulse duty measurement.
This can be selected when voltage, current or frequency
counter∗(divisor = 1) measurement is selected.
∗Only 3801-50
Parameter • If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
• Enter the pulse measurement range to <range>:
• Set the parameter to 5 to select the 1999.9 ms range for
pulse width measurement.
:0.5, 5
0.5(510.00 ms), 5(1999.9 ms)
Example CONF:PULS:NWID 0.5 :Sets negative pulse width
measurement in the 510.00 ms range.
CONF:PULS:NDUT :Measures negative pulse duty.
Description Set to 2-wire resistance measuring.
The function switch is at resistance measuring.
Parameter • If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
• Enter the resistance measurement range to <range>. (Unit:
Ω): 500, 5K, 50K, 500K, 5M, 50M or 500M∗
∗Only 3801-50
Example CONF:RES 50k : Set to resistancemeasuring and 51.000 kΩ
range.
Description Set to 2-wire resistance measuring with the continuity test.
The function switch is at resistance measuring.
Parameter • If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
• Enter the resistance measurement range to <range>.(Unit:
Ω): 500, 5K, 50K, 500K, 5M, 50M or 500M∗.
∗Only 3801-50
Example CONF:CONT 500 : Set to resistance measuring with the
continuity test and 510.00 Ωrange.
Description • Set to conductance measuring . The function switch is at
resistance measuring.
Example • CONF:COND : Set to conductance measuring.
Description Set to capacitance measurement . The function switch is at C
measuring.
Parameter If parameter is omitted, the meter is set to auto range.
Capacitance measurement range to <range>.(Unit: F)
: 10n, 100n, 1000n, 10u, 100u, 1000u, 10m or 100m
Example CONF:CAP 100u: Set to capacitance measurement and
99.99 μFrange.