HP 8920B Manual

1
HP 8920B RF Communications Test Set
HP-IB Programmer’s Guide
Firmware Versions: HP 8920B B.05.00 and above
HP Part No. 08920-90222
Printed in U. S. A.
September 1997
Rev. B
DUPLETXRX PREV TESTS
CONFIHELPMSSG HOLD PRINT
SCREEN CONTROL
LOCAL
ADRS
RECAL
SAVE MEAS PRESE
INSTRUMENT STATE
DATA FUNCTIONS
INCR
REF INCR METER INCR AVG
LO HI
CURSOR CON-
PUSH TO
CANCE
SHIFT
k1
k1’
k2
k2’
k3
k3’
k4
ASSIG
k5
RELEA
USER DATA
789
456
123
0+
_
ENTER
GHz
dB
MHz
%
kHz
s
Hz
ms
%
Ω
ppm
NO
ON/OFF
YES
MEMO
AUDIO IN LOHI
!MAX !MAX
AUDIOSQUELCVOL-
MIC/
MA X POW ER 200
!
ANT INDUPLEX OUTRF IN/OUT
!MAX POWER
POWE
OF O

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Copyright © Hewlett-Packard Company 1995
Notice Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior
written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.
This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to
the Copyright License under the clause at DFARS 52.227-7013 (APR 1988).
Hewlett-Packard Company
Learning Products Department
24001 E. Mission
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-9599
U.S.A.

3
Manufacturer’s
Declaration This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of
the German Sound Emission Directive, from 18 January 1991.
This product has a sound pressure emission (at the operator
position) < 70 dB(A).
• Sound Pressure Lp < 70 dB(A).
• At Operator Position.
• Normal Operation.
• According to ISO 7779:1988/EN 27779:1991 (Type Test).
Herstellerbescheinigu
ng Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der
Maschinenlärminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991.
• Schalldruckpegel Lp < 70 dB(A).
• Am Arbeitsplatz.
• Normaler Betrieb.
• Nach ISO 7779:1988/EN 27779:1991 (Typprüfung).

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Safety Considerations GENERAL
This product and related documentation must be reviewed for familiarization
with safety markings and instructions before operation.
This product is a Safety Class I instrument (provided with a protective earth
terminal).
SAFETY EARTH GROUND
A uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided from the main power
source to the product input wiring terminals, power cord, or supplied power
cord set.
CHASSIS GROUND TERMINAL
To prevent a potential shock hazard, always connect the rear-panel chassis
ground terminal to earth ground when operating this instrument from a dc
power source.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Indicates instrument damage can occur if indicated operating limits are
exceeded.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground) terminal
WARNING A WARNING note denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or
the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal
injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
CAUTION A CAUTION note denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operation
procedure, 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
product. Do not proceed beyond an CAUTION note until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.
!

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Safety Considerations for this Instrument
WARNING: This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earthing ground
incorporated in the power cord) The mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet
provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the protective conductor
inside or outside of the product is likely to make the product dangerous. Intentional
interruption is prohibited.
Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument must
be made inoperative and be secured against any unintended operation.
If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer (for voltage
reduction), make sure the common terminal is connected to the earth terminal of
the power source.
If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the equipment
could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition (in which all
means for proctection are intact) only.
No operator serviceable parts in this product. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers.
Servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electrical
shock, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
The opening of covers or removal of parts is likely to expose dangerous
voltages. Disconnect the product from all voltage sources while it is being
opened.
Adjustments described in the manual are performed with power supplied to the
instrument while protective covers are removed. Energy available at many points
may, if contacted, result in personal injury.
The power cord is connected to internal capacitors that my remain live for
5 seconds after disconnecting the plug from its power supply.
For continued protection against fire hazard, replace the line fuse(s) only with
250 V fuse(s) or the same current rating and type (for example, normal blow or
time delay). Do not use repaired fuses or short circuited fuseholders.
CAUTION: Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this product. Failure to
ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may cause product
damage.
This product has autoranging line voltage input, be sure the supply voltage is
within the specified range.

6
CERTIFICATION Hewlett-Packard Company certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Hewlett-Packard
further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United
States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed
by the Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members
WARRANTY This Hewlett-Packard instrument product in warranted against defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment.
During the warranty period, Hewlett-Packard Company will at its option,
either repair or replace products which prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service
facility designated by HP. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to HP and HP
shall pay shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to HP from
another country.
HP warrants that its software and firmware designated by HP for use with an
instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed
on that instrument. HP does not warrant that the operation of the instrument,
or software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.
LIMITATION OF
WARRANTY The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or
inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied 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. HP
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTIDCULAR
PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE
REMEDIES THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. HP SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASE 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 and Service Office.

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer’s Name: Hewlett-Packard Company
Manufacturer’s Address: Spokane Division
24001 E. Mission Ave.
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-9599
Declares that the product(s):
Product Name: RF Communications Test Set
Model Number(s): HP 8920A, 8920B
Product Options: All
Conforms to the following product specifications.
Safety: HD 401/IEC 348
EMC: EN 55011 (1991) /CISPR 11 (1990): ‘Group 1, Class A
EMC: EN 50082-1 (1992) /IEC 801-2 (1991): 4 kV CD, 8 kv AD
/IEC 801-3 (1991): 3 V/m
/IEC 801-4 (1991): 1k V Power Lines
0.5 kV Signal Lines
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC and EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
Spokane,
Washington
Date Vince Roland, SKD Quality Manager
European Contact: Your local Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office or Hewlett-
Packard GmbH. Dept. ZQ/Standards Europe, Herrenberger StarBe 130, D-7030
Boblingen (Fax: [phone]).

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In this Book Chapter 1, Using HP-IB, describes the general guidelines for using HP-IB and how
to prepare the Test Set for HP-IB usage. This chapter includes example programs for
controlling the basic functions of the Test Set.
Chapter 2, HP-IB Command Guidelines, contains information about sequential
and overlapped commands, command syntax, units of measure, and measurement
states. A short example program is also presented to familiarize the user with remote
operation of the Test Set.
Chapter 3, HP-IB Commands, contains command syntax diagrams, equivalent
front-panel key commands, IEEE 488.2 Common Commands and triggering
commands.
Chapter 4, Advanced Operations, includes information about increasing
measurement throughput, status reporting, error reporting, service requests,
instrument initialization, and passing control.
Chapter 5, Memory Cards/Mass Storage, describes the types of mass storage
(RAM disk, ROM disk, external disk drives, SRAM cards, and ROM cards) and the
file system formats (DOS, LIF) available in the Test Set.
Chapter 6, IBASIC Controller, describes how to develop Instrument BASIC
(IBASIC) programs for use on the Test Set’s built-in IBASIC Controller. Topics
discussed are: interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using the serial ports, overview
of the three program development methods, entering and editing IBASIC programs,
program control using the PROGram Subsystem, and an introduction to writing
programs for the TESTS subsystem.
Chapter 7, Programming the Call Processing Subsystem, describes how to
control the Test Set’s Call Processing Subsystem using the Call Processing
Subsystem’s remote user interface. Topics discussed are: accessing the Call
Processing Subsystem screens, handling error messages, controlling program flow
using the Call Processing Status Register Group, and how to query data messages
received from the mobile station. Example programs are provided showing how to
control the Call Processing Subsystem using service requests and register polling.
Error Messages describes the Text Only HP-IB Errors and the Numbered HP-IB
Errors. This section also describes other types of error messages that the Test Set
displays and where to find more information about those types of error messages.

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Trademark
Acknowledgements Microsoft ®, Microsoft® Windows, and MS-DOS® are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
ProComm® is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES,
INC.
Conventions Used In
This Manual The generic abbreviation "PC" is used to represent computers compatible with the
IBM personal computer (PC) running the MS-DOS operating system.
The term "workstation" is used to represent HP 9000 Series 200/300 System
Controllers.
The acronym IBASIC is used throughout this manual to refer to Instrument BASIC, a
subset of the Hewlett-Packard Rocky Mountain BASIC programming language. The
term IBASIC Controller refers to the Test Set’s built-in IBASIC Controller.
A field on the Test Set’s display is represented in the following manner:
AF Anl In.
A front-panel keycap is represented in the following manner: [TESTS].
When keys are pressed one-at-a-time, they are separated by commas. For
example, [SHIFT], [TESTS] means to press and release the [SHIFT]key,then
press and release the [TESTS] key.
When keys are pressed simultaneously, they are connected by a plus sign, +.
For example, [Alt]+[ P ] means to hold down the [Alt] key and press [ P ].
Definition of Test Set The generic term "Test Set" is used interchangeably in the manual for the
HP 8920B.

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Contents
11
1 Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set 18
Getting Started 26
Remote Operation 39
Addressing 41
IEEE 488.1 Remote Interface Message Capabilities 42
Remote/Local Modes 45
2 Methods For Reading Measurement Results
Background 50
HP BASIC ‘ON TIMEOUT’ Example Program 52
HP BASIC ‘MAV’ Example Program 56
3 HP-IB Command Guidelines
Sequential and Overlapped Commands 62
Guidelines for Operation 63
4 HP-IB Commands
HP-IB Syntax Diagrams 86
Adjacent Channel Power (ACP) 89
AF Analyzer 91

Contents
12
AF Generator 1 94
AF Generator 2 Pre-Modulation Filters 95
AF Generator 2/Encoder 96
Configure, I/O Configure 111
Call Processing 117
Decoder 157
Display 161
Measure 163
Oscilloscope 170
Program 175
Save/Recall Registers 176
RF Analyzer 177
RF Generator 179
Radio Interface 180
Spectrum Analyzer 181
HP-IB Only Commands 183
Status 184
System 185
Tests 186
Trigger 189

Contents
13
Integer Number Setting Syntax 190
Real Number Setting Syntax 191
Multiple Real Number Setting Syntax 192
Number Measurement Syntax 193
Multiple Number Measurement Syntax 195
Equivalent Front-Panel Key Commands 196
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands 224
Common Command Descriptions 225
Triggering Measurements 243
5 Advanced Operations
Increasing Measurement Throughput 252
Status Reporting 260
HP-IB Service Requests 311
Instrument Initialization 321
Passing Control 334
6 Memory Cards/Mass Storage
Default File System 346
Mass Storage Device Overview 348

Contents
14
Default Mass Storage Locations 355
Mass Storage Access 357
DOS and LIF File System Considerations 358
Using the ROM Disk 364
Using Memory Cards 365
Backing Up Procedure and Library Files 371
Copying Files Using IBASIC Commands 372
Using RAM Disk 374
Using External Disk Drives 376
7 IBASIC Controller
Introduction 378
The IBASIC Controller Screen 379
Important Notes for Program Development 381
Program Development 382
Interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using Serial Ports 384
Choosing Your Development Method 398
Method #1. Program Development on an External BASIC Language
Computer 400
Method #2. Developing Programs on the Test Set Using the IBASIC
EDIT Mode 408

Contents
15
Method #3. Developing Programs Using Word Processor on a PC
(Least Preferred) 413
Uploading Programs from the Test Set to a PC 420
Serial I/O from IBASIC Programs 421
PROGram Subsystem 424
The TESTS Subsystem 452
8 Programming The Call Processing Subsystem
Description of the Call Processing Subsystem’s Remote User
Interface 460
Using the Call Processing Subsystem’s Remote User Interface 464
Programming The CALL CONTROL Screen 474
Programming The AUTHENTICATION Screen 510
Programming The CALL DATA Screen 519
CALL DATA Screen Message Field Descriptions 525
Programming The CALL BIT Screen 546
CALL BIT Screen Message Field Descriptions 561
Programming The ANALOG MEAS Screen 612
Programming The CALL CONFIGURE Screen 620
Example Programs 624

Contents
16
9 Error Messages
Index 673

17
1
Using HP-IB

18
Chapter 1, Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Overview of the Test Set
The Test Set combines up to 22 separate test instruments and an Instrument
BASIC (IBASIC) Controller into one package. All of the Test Set’s functions can
be automatically controlled through application programs running on the built-in
IBASIC Controller or on an external controller connected through HP-IB.
Developing programs for the Test Set is simplified if the programmer has a basic
understanding of how the Test Set operates. An overview of the Test Set’s
operation is best presented in terms of how information flows through the unit.
The simplified block diagrams shown in figure 1 on page 24 and figure 2 on page 25
depict how instrument control information and measurement result information
are routed among the Test Set’s instruments, instrument control hardware, built-in
IBASIC controller, and other components.
The Test Set has two operating modes: Manual Control mode and Automatic
Control mode. In Manual Control mode the Test Set’s operation is controlled
through the front panel keypad/rotary knob. There are two Automatic Control
modes: Internal and External. In Internal Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s
operation is controlled by an application program running on the built-in IBASIC
Controller. In External Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation is
controlled by an external controller connected to the Test Set through the HP-IB
interface.

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Chapter 1, Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Manual Control Mode
The Test Set’s primary instruments are shown on the left side of figure 1 . There
are two classes of instruments in the Test Set: signal analyzers (RF Analyzer, AF
Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Signaling Decoder) and signal
sources (RF Generator, AF Generator #1, AF Generator #2/Signaling Encoder).
The Test Set’s measurement capability can be extended by adding application
specific “top boxes” such as the HP 83201A Dual Mode Cellular Adapter.
Since so many instruments are integrated into the Test Set, it is not feasible to
have an actual “front panel” for each instrument. Therefore, each instrument’s
front panel is maintained in firmware and is displayed on the CRT whenever the
instrument is selected. Only one instrument front panel can be displayed on the
CRT at any given time (up to four measurement results can be displayed
simultaneously if desired). Just as with stand alone instruments, instrument front
panels in the Test Set can contain instrument setting information, measurement
result(s), or data input from the DUT.
Using the Test Set in Manual Control mode is very analogous to using a set of
bench or rack-mounted test equipment. To obtain a measurement result with a
bench or racked system, the desired measurement must be “active.” For example,
if an RF power meter is in the bench or racked system and the user wishes to
measure the power of an RF carrier they must turn the power meter on, and look at
the front panel to see the measurement result. Other instruments in the system
may be turned off but this would not prevent the operator from measuring the RF
power.
Conceptually, the same is true for the Test Set. In order to make a measurement or
input data from a DUT, the desired measurement field or data field must be
“active.” This is done by using the front panel keypad/rotary knob to select the
instrument whose front panel contains the desired measurement or data field and
making sure that the desired measurement or data field is turned ON.
Figure 1 shows that instrument selection is handled by the To Screen control
hardware which routes the selected instrument’s front panel to the CRT for
display. Once an instrument’s front panel is displayed on the CRT, the user can
manipulate the instrument settings, such as turning a specific measurement or data
field on or off, using the keypad/rotary knob. Figure 1 also shows that instrument
setup is handled by the Instrument Control hardware which routes setup
information from the front panel to the individual instruments.
An HP-IB/RS-232/Parallel Printer interface capability is available in the Test Set.
In Manual Control mode this provides the capability of connecting an external
HP-IB, serial, or parallel printer to the Test Set so that display screens can be
printed.

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Chapter 1, Using HP-IB
Overview of the Test Set
Internal Automatic Control Mode
In Internal Automatic Control mode the Test Set’s operation is controlled by an
application program running on the built-in Instrument BASIC (IBASIC)
Controller. The built-in controller runs programs written in IBASIC, a subset of
the Hewlett-Packard BASIC programming language used on the HP 9000 Series
200/300 System Controllers. IBASIC is the only programming language
supported on the built-in IBASIC Controller.
Similarities Between the Test Set’s IBASIC Controller and Other Single-Tasking
Controllers
The architecture of the IBASIC Controller is similar to that of other single-tasking
instrumentation controllers. Only one program can be run on the IBASIC
Controller at any given time. The program is loaded into RAM memory from
some type of mass storage device. Five types of mass storage devices are
available to the Test Set: SRAM memory cards, ROM memory cards, external
disk drives connected to the HP-IB interface, internal RAM disc, and internal
ROM disc. Three types of interfaces are available for connecting to external
instruments and equipment: HP-IB, RS-232, and 16-bit parallel (available as Opt
020 Radio Interface Card).
Figure 2 shows how information is routed inside the Test Set when it is in Internal
Automatic Control mode. In Manual Control mode certain Test Set resources are
dedicated to manual operation. These resources are switched to the IBASIC
Controller when an IBASIC program is running. These include the serial interface
at select code 9, the HP-IB interface at select code 7, the parallel printer interface
at select code 15, and the CRT. In Manual Control mode, front panel information
(instrument settings, measurement results, data input from the DUT) is routed to
the CRT through the To Screen control hardware. In Internal Automatic Control
mode the measurement results and data input from the DUT are routed to the
IBASIC Controller through a dedicated HP-IB interface. Also, in Internal
Automatic Control mode, the CRT is dedicated to the IBASIC Controller for
program and graphics display. This means instrument front panels cannot be
displayed on the CRT when an IBASIC program is running.