HP 81200 User manual

HP 81200 System
Installation Guide

2

HP 81200 System Installation Guide
Documentation History
All Editions and Updates of this manual and their creation date are listed below. The first Edition of the manual is Edition 1. The
Edition number increments by 1 whenever the manual is revised. New Editions are complete revisions of the guide reflecting alter-
ations in the functionality of the instrument. Updates are occasionally made to the guide between editions.
Edition 1.1 July 1998 related to HP E4873A Software Version 1.10 or higher
Literature Number: E4849-91012
Edition 2 April 1999 related to HP E4873A Software Version 2.00 or higher
Literature Number: E4849-91013
Trademarks
Windows NT 4.0 is registered trademark
of Microsoft Corp. in US and other coun-
tries
Pentium is registered trademark of Intel
Corp. in US and other countries
Acrobat Reader is registered trademark
of Adobe Corp. in US and other coun-
tries.
All other brand and product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.
On-line Information
Please check the following Internet ad-
dress on a regular base for additional in-
formation or updates:
http://www.hp.com/go/dvt
and
http://www.hp.com/go/hp81200_support

4

General Safety and Warranty 5
General Safety and Warranty Information
General Safety and Warranty Information
Notice
Copyright
©1999 Hewlett-Packard GmbH
Herrenberger Str. 130
71034 Böblingen
Federal Republic of Germany
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adapta-
tion or translation without prior written per-
mission is prohibited, except as allowed
under the copyright laws.
Warranty
The information contained in this document
is subject to change without notice.
Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any
kind with regard to this material, including,
but not limited to, the implied warranties or
merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or conse-
quential damages in connection with the fur-
nishing, performance, or use of this material.
Safety
This is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided
with terminal for protective earthing). Before
applying power, verify that the correct safety
precautions are taken (see the following
warnings). In addition, note the external
markings on the instrument that are
described under Safety Symbols. Do not
operate the instrument with its covers
removed. Replace fuse only with specified
type.
Warning
Before turning on the instrument, you must
connect the protective earth terminal of the
instrument to the protective earth conductor
of the (mains) power cord. The mains plug
must only be inserted in a socket outlet with
a protective earth contact. Do not negate the
protective action by using an extension
power cord without a protective grounding
conductor. Grounding one conductor of a
two-conductor outlet is not sufficient protec-
tion.
Service instructions are for trained service
personnel. To avoid dangerous electric
shock, do not perform any service unless
qualified to do so. Do not attempt internal
service or adjustment unless another person,
capable of rendering first aid and resuscita-
tion, is present.
If you energize this instrument using an
auto-transformer (for voltage reduction)
make sure that the common terminal is con-
nected to the earth terminal of the power
source.
Whenever it is likely that the ground protec-
tion is impaired, you must make the instru-
ment inoperative and secure it against any
unintended operation.
Do not operate the instrument in the pres-
ence of flammable gases or fumes.Operation
of any electrical instrument in such an envi-
ronment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
Do not install substitute parts or perform any
unauthorized modification to the instrument.
Capacitors inside the instrument may retain a
charge even if the instrument is disconnected
from its source of supply.
Safety Symbols
The instrument is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for you to refer to the
instruction manual in order to avoid the haz-
ard of electric shock.
The instrument is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for you to refer to the
instruction manual in order to protect against
external voltage to the instrument.
The instrument is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for you to refer to the
instruction manual in order to protect against
electrostatic discharge to the instrument.
Protected conductor symbol
WARNING
The Warning symbol calls attention to a pro-
cedure, practice, or the like, which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or loss of life. Do
not proceed beyond a Warning symbol until
the indicated conditions are fully understood
and met.
CAUTION
The Caution symbol calls attention to a pro-
cedure, practice, or the like, which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could
result in damage to or destruction of part or
all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond
a Caution symbol until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and met.

6General Safety and Warranty
General Safety and Warranty Information
Notice Continued
Warranty
This Hewlett-Packard product has a warranty
against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of three year from date of ship-
ment. During the warranty period, Hewlett-
Packard Company will, at its option, either
repair or replace products that prove to be
defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product
must be returned to a service facility desig-
nated by Hewlett-Packard. The Buyer shall
pay Hewlett-Packard’s round-trip travel
expenses.
For products returned to Hewlett-Packard for
warranty service, the Buyer shall prepay
shipping charges to Hewlett-Packard and
Hewlett-Packard shall pay shipping charges
to return the product to the Buyer. However,
the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges,
duties and taxes for products returned to
Hewlett-Packard from another country.
Hewlett-Packard warrants that its software
and firmware designated by Hewlett-Packard
for use with an instrument will execute its
programming instructions when properly
installed on that instrument.
Hewlett-Packard does not warrant that the
operation of the instrument software, or
firmware, will be uninterrupted or error free.
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to
defects resulting from improper or inade-
quate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-sup-
plied software or interfacing, unauthorized
modification or misuse, operation outside of
the environmental specifications for the
product, or improper site preparation or
maintenance.
No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Hewlett-Packard specifically disclaims the
implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
Exclusive Remedies
The remedies supplied are the Buyer’s sole
and exclusive remedies. Hewlett-Packard
shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,
special, incidental, or consequential dam-
ages, whether based on contract, tort or any
other legal theory.
Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other
customer assistance agreements are available
for Hewlett-Packard products.
For any assistance, contact your nearest
Hewlett-Packard Sales Office.
Certification
Hewlett-Packard Company certifies that this
product met its published specifications at
the time of shipment. Hewlett-Packard fur-
ther certifies that its calibration measure-
ments are traceable to the United States
Institute of Standards and Technology, to the
extent allowed by the Institute’s calibrating
facility, and to the calibration facilities of
other International Standards Organization
members.
End-User License Agreement
1) The HP 81200 System contains intellec-
tual property, i.e. software programs, that is
licensed for the end-user, customer’s use
(hereinafter “End-User”).
2) This is not a sale of such intellectual prop-
erty.
3) The End-User shall not copy, disassem-
ble, reverse engineer, or decompile the soft-
ware program.
4) The Microsoft software programs are pro-
vided to the End-User as is “without war-
ranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including but not limited to, warran-
ties or non-infringent, merchantability, and/
or fitness for particular purpose. The entire
risk of the quality and performance of the
software program is with you.”.
5) Hewlett-Packard’s suppliers shall not be
held to any liability for any damages suf-
fered or injured by the End-User (including,
but not limited to, general, special, conse-
quential or incidental damages including
damages for loss of business profits, busi-
ness interruption, loss of business informa-
tion and the like), arising from or in
conjunction with the delivery, use or perfor-
mance of the software program.

7
Chapter 1 Getting Started ..........................................................................11
Steps to Get Started .......................................................................................12
Initial Inspection ..............................................................................................12
Determine Your System ...................................................................................12
Additional Information ....................................................................................13
Chapter 2 Setting up a proprietary System ..............................................15
The Small and Economical System Configuration ..........................................16
The Medium System Configuration ................................................................16
The Extended System Configuration ...............................................................17
Setting up an HP 81200 System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe 18
Connecting external peripherals ......................................................................18
Apply AC Line Voltage to the HP 81200 System ...........................................21
Next Step ..........................................................................................................21
Setting up an HP 81200 System based on HP E4849A/B Mainframe .......22
Connecting external peripherals ......................................................................23
Apply AC Line Voltage to the HP 81200 System ...........................................25
Next Step ..........................................................................................................25
Setting up an Extended HP 81200 System based on HP E4849A/B
and HP E4848A/B Mainframes ....................................................................26
Connecting external peripherals ......................................................................27
MXI/VXI and INTX Interconnection ..............................................................28
Clock Reference Interconnection .....................................................................31
Apply AC Line Voltage to the HP 81200 System ...........................................34
Next Step ..........................................................................................................34
First steps to use the Touchpad of the Option 001 Display and Entry Panel 35
Display Control Panel ....................................................................................36
Chapter 3 Setting up an Open VXI System ..............................................39
System Configuration Overview ...................................................................40
Embedded PC VXI System ..............................................................................40
External PC VXI System .................................................................................41
Installing HP 81200 Modules into Embedded PC VXI Systems ...............42
Install VXI hardware .......................................................................................42
Configure your PC ...........................................................................................42

8
Installing HP 81200 Modules into External PC VXI Systems ...............43
Configure your PC .......................................................................................43
Install VXI Hardware ...................................................................................43
Connect Interface Cable ...............................................................................44
Install Libraries and User Software ..............................................................44
Chapter 4 Start the System .....................................................................45
Select your kind of Display ........................................................................46
How to Set the Kind of Display ...................................................................46
How to Set the Resolution of a CRT Display ..............................................46
Select the System Operating Mode ...........................................................48
Select Auto Start Option ..............................................................................49
Build your System ........................................................................................49
Define your I/O Interface .............................................................................49
How to Start the HP 81200 User Software ...............................................50
Getting Help .................................................................................................50
How to Test your System ...........................................................................51
Chapter 5 Software Installation & Update ............................................53
Installing/Updating the HP E4873A User Software ................................54
Prerequisites .................................................................................................54
Installation Procedure ...................................................................................54
Using a different Controller .........................................................................56
Standalone or Connecting to the LAN .........................................................56
Updating the Firmware (BIOS) ....................................................................56
Chapter 6 Modify Your System ..............................................................57
Adding a Module ........................................................................................58
Removing Modules .....................................................................................60
Adding the Trigger Input Pod ...................................................................61
Prerequisites .................................................................................................61
Installing the Trigger Input Pod ...................................................................61
Replacement .................................................................................................62
Connecting a CD-ROM Drive to the HP 81200 System .........................63

9
Connecting a Local Printer to the HP 81200 System .................................65
Installing a Local Printer ..................................................................................66
Installing a Network Printer .........................................................................68
Connecting the HP 81200 System to LAN ...................................................69
Receiving Administrator Privileges .................................................................69
Configuring the HP 81200 System for LAN Connection ................................70

10

11
Chapter 1 Getting Started
This Installation Guide should guide you through a set of steps to identify, install and configure your
HP 81200 System or any component of this system.
The HP 81200 is a modular platform consisting of front-ends, modules, mainframes and user
interfaces which can be tailored to your specific test needs and how you want to integrate the HP
81200 into your test environment. In general two different fundamental possibilities in configuring the
system are provided:
1. The HP 81200 can be used as a proprietary system means that you cannot combine it with other
VXI modules in one system. It can be controlled by a LAN or HPIB interface.
Typically that system is factory pre-installed and only a small amount of activities is required to
get this system up and running.
2. The modules of the HP 81200 system can be combined with other VXI modules to build an open
VXI system.
Due to the flexibility of that solution a different set of activities must be done to integrate these
modules into a new or existing VXI system. In addition during system installation you must take
care of the other system components building up your complete test system. Therefore please use
the manuals coming with the other system components in addition to this one.
This guide is addressing:
• the installation procedure for both system combinations
• the software installation procedure for not factory pre-installed systems
• the software update procedure from a previous version
• required system modifications like adding printers or network connections
As soon as the user interface is running you should switch to on-line help or on-line documentation.

Getting Started
Steps to Get Started
12
Steps to Get Started
Initial Inspection
When you receive your HP 81200 system inspect the container and its contents.
NOTE: If the contents are incomplete, if there is mechanical damage or if the instrument does not pass the
selftest, notify your nearest Hewlett-Packard office. Keep the shipping materials for inspection by
the carrier. The HP office will arrange for repair or replacement without awaiting settlement.
1Inspect the shipping container and its contents for damage.
If the container or cushioning material is damaged, keep it until the contents of shipment have
been checked for completeness and the instrument has been verified both mechanically and
electrically.
WARNING To avoid the hazard of electric shock, do not perform electrical tests when there are signs of
shipping damage to any of the instrument’s outer covers or panels.
2Check the contents of shipment.
NOTE: See the packing list which accompanied your system for exact details.
Determine Your System
Please use the box content list to determine your system configuration, than follow the setting up
instructions provided for that system type.
Factory pre-installed as a proprietary system, the HP 81200 System has the following major
configurations
• Based on the 3-slot small mainframe HP E4840A, see setup instructions “Setting up an HP 81200
System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe” on page 18
• Based on the 10-slot mainframe HP E4849A/B, see setup instructions “Setting up an HP 81200
System based on HP E4849A/B Mainframe” on page 22
• Based on the mainframe HP E4849A/B and extender frame HP E4848A/B, see setup instructions
“Setting up an Extended HP 81200 System based on HP E4849A/B and HP E4848A/B
Mainframes” on page 26
An extended HP 81200 system includes up to two HP E4848A/B Expander Frames, each equipped
with an MXI/VXI Interface Card HP E1482B. Each Expander Frame has 12 free slots.
The HP E4849A/B mainframe includes also an HP E1482A MXI/VXI Interface card, so there are
9 free slots.
If the HP 81200 System components are ordered to be used in an open VXI system your shipment may
contain:
• at least on clock module, either an HP E4805A Central Clock Module or the HP E4831A Clock &
Data Module.
• a number of HP E4841A Data Generator & Analyzer Modules equipped with the ordered front-
ends.

Getting Started
Steps to Get Started
13
• the HP E4873A HP 81200 User Software on CD-ROM
To install modules and User Software into a new or existing test system, see “Setting up an Open
VXI System” on page 39
Additional Information
On-line Help
As soon as the HP 81200 User Software is installed, you can access on-line help via the HELP buttons
or by pressing F1.
On-line Documentation
Via the on-line help system you can also launch several guides stored on your system. These guides
are displayed using the Acrobat Reader also coming with this system. You can print the whole guide
or just the required part using the Acrobat Reader’s printing features:
• The User Guide provides a system introduction and how to use the features and functions.
• The Programming Reference gives an programming overview and a complete reference to SCPI
commands for remote control of the instrument.
• The System Specification summarizes the specification for all components available for the HP
81200 System.
To verify the warranted performance of this system a Performance Verification Procedure is provide
at:
drive:\HP81200\Dsr\Doc\perf_ver.pdf
Use the Acrobat Reader installed on your system to open and view this file.
If you are not familiar in using and configuring VXI systems and you would like to learn how to get
started with VXI, we recommend to download the newest version of the “Getting Started with VXI
Guide” from the Web available at:
www.tmo.hp.com/tmo/support/English/VXI_getting_started.html
World Wide Web
For latest information, frequently asked questions and related documentation, please check the
following URL:
www.hp.com/go/hp81200_support

Getting Started
Steps to Get Started
14

15
Chapter 2 Setting up a proprietary System
As the HP 81200 System is a very modular system which can be tailored to specific application needs,
but offers the possibility to be upgraded for future requirements, there are mainly three pre-installed
system configurations possible to order.
The initial setup of these HP 81200 System configuration is easy because the system is supplied fully
hardware and software installed. Only some additional connections to peripherals or to interconnect
the frames of an extended system need to be done.
NOTE: Large system configurations have higher power consumptions, so please make sure that the overall
system power requirements can be satisfied and is present at the place where the system has to be
installed.
For the next steps, please select from the following list the system configuration you have ordered and
received, then go to the section mentioned and perform the steps to set up the HP 81200 System from
the components you have received.
The HP 81200 System has the following major configurations
• Based on the 3-slot small mainframe HP E4840A, see setup instructions “Setting up an HP 81200
System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe” on page 18
• Based on the 10-slot mainframe HP E4849A/B, see setup instructions “Setting up an HP 81200
System based on HP E4849A/B Mainframe” on page 22
• Based on the mainframe HP E4849A/B and extender frame HP E4848A/B, see setup instructions
“Setting up an Extended HP 81200 System based on HP E4849A/B and HP E4848A/B
Mainframes” on page 26
An extended HP 81200 system includes up to two HP E4848A/B Expander Frames, each equipped
with an MXI/VXI Interface Card HP E1482B. Each Expander Frame has 12 free slots.
The HP E4849A/B mainframe includes also an HP E1482A MXI/VXI Interface card, so there are
9 free slots.

Setting up a proprietary System
16
The Small and Economical System Configuration
If you have received a small mainframe like the following, then go to“Setting up an HP 81200 System
based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe” on page 18
Figure 1 Small and Economical System Configuration
The Medium System Configuration
If you have received one 13-slot mainframe like the following, then go to “Setting up an HP 81200
System based on HP E4849A/B Mainframe” on page 22
Figure 2 Medium System Configuration

Setting up a proprietary System
17
The Extended System Configuration
If you have received two or three 13-slot mainframes like the following, then go to “Setting up an
Extended HP 81200 System based on HP E4849A/B and HP E4848A/B Mainframes” on page 26
Figure 3 Extended System Configuration

Setting up a proprietary System
Setting up an HP 81200 System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe
18
Setting up an HP 81200 System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe
The HP 81200 System consists of the bundled HP E4840A small mainframe. The HP E4840A is a 3-
slot frame with built-in Pentium Processor, 32 MB RAM, 3.5” disk drive, Windows NT 4.0, HP
E4873A user software, and HP SICL installed. An installation guide is also part of the shipment (you
are actually reading it).
In addition there is in minimum one module installed, the HP E4831A, the Clock and Data Generator
module.
It is possible to add up to two HP E4841A modules to this systems.
Figure 4 A typical HP 81200 System based on HP E4849A/B Mainframe including Option 001,
Display and Entry Panel
WARNING The HP HP 81200 System is not designed for outdoor use. Do not expose the HP 81200
System to rain or other excessive moisture. Protect the HP 81200 System from humidity and
temperature changes which could cause condensation within the instrument.
The systems comes along with all cable connections possible to do at the factory. Nevertheless it is
recommended to check these connections as they can get loose during transportation
1. Check that all generator/analyzer modules are connected to the clock module by the clock
distribution cable, HP part number E4805-61601.
Connecting external peripherals
For displaying and data entry with the HP E4840A based systems it is possible to connect either an
optional available display and entry panel (Option 001), or a monitor, keyboard and mouse
A. Connecting the Option 001, Display and Entry Panel
On the Display and Entry Panel there are three cables. One cable has the label “Keyboard’, another
cable has the label “Touchpad”, and the third cable is the display cable.
1. Connect the cable with the label “Keyboard” to the connector on the front panel of the mainframe
with the keyboard symbol

Setting up a proprietary System
Setting up an HP 81200 System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe
19
2. Connect the cable with the label “Touchpad” to the connector on the front panel of the mainframe
with the mouse symbol.
3. The third cable has to be connected to the connector named “DISPLAY & ENTRY” on the front
panel.
Figure 5 Option 001 Connections on the Front Panel
Figure 6 Option 001 connected to a standard HP E4840A small mainframe

Setting up a proprietary System
Setting up an HP 81200 System based on HP E4840A Small Mainframe
20
B. Connecting a monitor, keyboard and mouse to the system
If you have not ordered a display and entry panel (option #001), the following devices are required
• Super VGA monitor
• Keyboard with PS2 connector.
• Mouse with PS2 connector.
NOTE: Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse are not supplied as part of the HP 81200 Data Generator and
Analyzer System.
1. Connect the video cable of the monitor to the video in connector of the mainframe, this connector
is on the right-side of the mainframe
2. Connect the keyboard cable to the connector with the keyboard symbol on the mainframe front
panel
3. Connect the mouse cable to the connector with the mouse symbol on the mainframe front panel.
Figure 7 Mouse and Keyboard to connect on the Front Panel of the HP E4840A Small Mainframe