YOKOGAWA VB8300 User manual

User’s
Manual
Yokogawa Electric Corporation
VB8300
Baseband Signal Generator
Communication Interface
IM 703155-17E
1st Edition

i
IM 703155-17E
Thank you for purchasing the VB8300 Baseband Signal Generator.
This Communication Interface User’s Manual describes the functions of the Ethernet and
serial interfaces and command communications. To ensure correct use, please read this
manual thoroughly before beginning operation. After reading the manual, keep it in a
convenient location for quick reference whenever a question arises during operation.
Three manuals, including this one, are provided as manuals for the VB8300. Please
read all of them.
Manual Title Manual No. Description
VB8300 Baseband Signal IM 703155-01E Explains all functions and procedures of
Generator User’s Manual the VB8300 excluding the communication
functions.
VB8300 Baseband Signal IM 703155-17E This manual. Explains the communication
Generator Communication functions for controlling the VB8300 using
Interface User’s Manual communication commands.
VB8300 File Conversion IM 703155-61E Explains how to use the software utility that
Utility Software User’s creates waveform data or converts files into
Manual data that the VB8300 can use.
Note
•The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice as a result of
continuing improvements to the instrument’s performance and functions. The figures
given in this manual may differ from those that actually appear on your screen.
•Every effort has been made in the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy
of its contents. However, should you have any questions or find any errors, please
contact your nearest YOKOGAWA dealer as listed on the back cover of this manual.
•Copying or reproducing all or any part of the contents of this manual without the
permission of Yokogawa Electric Corporation is strictly prohibited.
Trademarks
• Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Adobe, Acrobat, and Acrobat Reader are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated.
•For purposes of this manual, the TM and symbols do not accompany their
respective trademark names or registered trademark names.
•Other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Revisions
1st Edition: August, 2004
1st Edition: August 2004 (YK)
All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2004 Yokogawa Electric Corporation

ii IM 703155-17E
How to Use This Manual
Structure of the Manual
This User’s Manual consists of the following sections.
Chapter 1 Serial (RS-232) Interface
Describes the functions and specifications of the serial interface.
Chapter 2 Ethernet Communication Interface
Describes the functions and specifications of the Ethernet communication
interface.
Chapter 3 Before Programming
Describes the syntax used to transmit commands.
Chapter 4 Commands
Describes all the commands one by one.
Chapter 5 Status Reports
Describes the status byte, various registers, queues, and other information.
Chapter 6 Sample Programs
Introduces program examples written in Visual Basic using a Windows PC.
Appendix
Describes reference material such as an ASCII character code table.
Index
Conventions Used in This Manual
Symbols Used for Notes and Units
Type Symbol Meaning
Units k 1000 Example: 100 kHz (clock frequency)
K1024 Example: 640 KB (file data size)
Safety Markings Note Calls attention to information that is important for proper operation
of the instrument.
Symbols Used in the Syntax
The following table indicates symbols that are used in the syntax mainly in chapter 4.
These symbols are referred to as BNF (Backus-Naur Form) symbols. For details on
the data, see pages 3-4 and 3-6.
Symbol Meaning Example Example of Input
<> Defined value OUTPut<x> <x> = 1 to 4 →OUTPUT2
{} Select from CLOCk:INPut{INTernal|EXTernal}? →CLOCK:INPUT:INTERNAL
values given in {}
|Exclusive OR

iii
IM 703155-17E
Contents
How to Use This Manual .................................................................................................................ii
Chapter 1 Serial (RS-232) Interface
1.1 Names and Functions of Parts ......................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Serial (RS-232) Interface Functions and Specifications .................................................. 1-2
1.3 Connection via the Serial (RS-232) Interface .................................................................. 1-3
1.4 Combination of Handshaking Methods ............................................................................ 1-5
1.5 Combination of Data Formats .......................................................................................... 1-6
1.6 Setting the VB8300 (Serial) .............................................................................................. 1-7
Chapter 2 Ethernet Communication Interface
2.1 Names and Functions of Parts ......................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Ethernet Communication Interface Functions and Specifications .................................... 2-2
2.3 Connection Using the Ethernet Communication Interface ............................................... 2-3
2.4 Setting the VB8300 (Ethernet) ......................................................................................... 2-4
Chapter 3 Before Programming
3.1 Messages ......................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Commands ....................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Responses ....................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.4 Data ................................................................................................................................. 3-4
3.5 Synchronization with the Controller ................................................................................. 3-6
Chapter 4 Commands
4.1 A List of Commands ......................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 APPLication Group .......................................................................................................... 4-8
4.3 ASUM Group .................................................................................................................. 4-10
4.4 CALibration Group ......................................................................................................... 4-12
4.5 CLOCk Group ................................................................................................................ 4-13
4.6 COMMunicate Group ..................................................................................................... 4-14
4.7 DISPlay Group ............................................................................................................... 4-16
4.8 FILE Group .................................................................................................................... 4-37
4.9 NETWork Group ............................................................................................................ 4-42
4.10 OUTPut Group ............................................................................................................... 4-46
4.11 PRINt Group .................................................................................................................. 4-53
4.12 SETup Group .................................................................................................................4-56
4.13 STARt Group .................................................................................................................. 4-57
4.14 STATus Group ................................................................................................................4-58
4.15 STOP Group ..................................................................................................................4-60
4.16 SYSTem Group .............................................................................................................. 4-61
4.17 TEST Group ................................................................................................................... 4-63
4.18 TRANSmit Group ........................................................................................................... 4-65
4.19 TRIGger Group .............................................................................................................. 4-66
4.20 Common Command Group ............................................................................................ 4-68
1
2
3
4
5
6
App
Index

iv IM 703155-17E
Chapter 5 Status Reports
5.1 Overview of the Status Report ......................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Status Byte ....................................................................................................................... 5-2
5.3 Standard Event Register .................................................................................................. 5-3
5.4 Extended Event Register ................................................................................................. 5-4
5.5 Error Queue ..................................................................................................................... 5-5
Chapter 6 Sample Programs
6.1 Before Programming ........................................................................................................ 6-1
6.2 Sample Program .............................................................................................................. 6-2
Appendix
Appendix 1 ASCII Character Codes ......................................................................................App-1
Appendix 2 Error Messages ................................................................................................... App-2
Index
Contents

1-1
IM 703155-17E
1
Serial (RS-232) Interface
Chapter 1 Serial (RS-232) Interface
1.1 Names and Functions of Parts
Front Panel
REMOTE indicator
Tu r ns ON when the VB8300 is in the remote mode.
SHIFT key + KEY LOCK key
MISC key
Press this key to configure communications.
RESET
kHz/mV
MHz/V
BACK
SPACE
ENTERSPACE
DISPLAY
ON/OFF
KEY
LOCK
INITIALIZE
BASEBAND SIGNAL GENERATOR
VB8300
POWER
ESC
ESC
SELECT
HDD
OPTION
PRINT
MISC
FILE
CLOCK
MANUAL
TRIG
WAVE SEQ TRIGDISP
OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4
APPLI START/STOP
REMOTE
UNLOCK
OFF
PRESET
ON/OFF
OUTPUT
OUT 1 50 OUT 2 50 OUT 3 50 OUT 4 50
QIQIQIQI
789
456
1
0
23
.+ / -
A B C@ . / : D E F
J K LG H I M N O
T U VP Q R S W XY Z
SHIFT
Press this key to clear the remote mode (controlled via
communications) and enter the local mode in which key
operations are enabled.
However, this act is invalid if the instrument has been set
to Local Lockout mode (see page 1-2) by the controller.
Rear Panel
Serial interface connector
(EIA-574 (9-pin EIA-232 (RS-232))
Connector used to connect the
VB8300 to the controller (PC) using
an interface cable.
For the connection procedure, see
section 1.3.
1.1 Names and Functions of Parts

1-2 IM 703155-17E
1.2 Serial (RS-232) Interface Functions and Specifications
Reception Function
You can specify the same settings as those specified by front panel key operations.
Receives output requests for setup data and error codes.
Transmission Function
Able to output setup data and the status byte.
Outputs error codes that have occurred.
Serial (RS-232) Interface Specifications
Electrical characteristics: Conforms to EIA-574 (9-pin EIA-232 (RS-232))
Connection: Point-to-point
Transmission mode: Full-duplex
Synchronization: Start-stop synchronization
Baud rate: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200
Start bit: Fixed to 1 bit
Data length: 7 or 8 bits
Parity: Even, odd, or no parity
Stop bits: 1 or 2 bits
Connector: D-sub 9 pin
Flow control: Select hardware handshaking using RS/CS or no flow
control
Switching between Remote and Local Mode
When Switching from Local to Remote Mode
The VB8300 switches to remote mode (SYSTem:KEYLock ON is also enabled) when it
receives a :COMMunicate:REMote ON command from a PC in local mode.
•All keys except SHIFT+KEYLOCK are disabled.
•Settings entered in local mode are retained even when the VB8300 switches to
remote mode.
When Switching from Remote to Local Mode
Pressing the SHIFT+KEYLOCK key when the VB8300 is in remote mode causes the
VB8300 to switch to local mode. However, this is void when the VB8300 has received a
“:COMMunicate:LOCKout ON” command from the PC (local lockout condition). VB8300
also switches to local mode when it receives a :COMMunicate:REMote OFF command
for the PC. However, if local lockout is enabled, an error occurs and the switch to local
mode is not possible.
•Key operations are enabled.
•Settings entered in remote mode are retained even when the VB8300 switches to
local mode.
1.2 Serial (RS-232) Interface Functions and Specifications

1-3
IM 703155-17E
1
Serial (RS-232) Interface
1.3 Connection via the Serial (RS-232) Interface
When you connect the VB8300 to a PC, you must set the VB8300 so that the
handshaking method, baud rate, data format, and other parameters match those on the
PC.
For details on the settings, see the following pages. In addition, use an interface cable
that meets the specifications of the VB8300.
Connectors and Signal Names
DELC-J9PAF-13L6 or equivalent
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2RD(Received Data): Received data from the PC.
Signal direction ..... input
3SD(Send Data): Transmitted data to the PC.
Signal direction ..... output
5SG(Signal Ground): Signal ground.
7RS(Request to Send): Handshaking used to receive data from the PC.
Signal direction ..... output
8CS(Clear to Send): Handshaking used to send data to the PC.
Signal direction ..... input
*Pins 1, 4, 6, and 9 are not used.
9-pin to 25-pin Adapter and Signal Names
58723
(2) (3) (4) (5) (7)
The numbers inside the parentheses are pin numbers for the 25-pin connector.
Signal Direction
The following figure shows the direction of the signals used by the serial (RS-232)
interface of the VB8300.
PC VB8300
RS [Request to send ... Ready to receive]
SD [Transmitted data]
RD [Received data]
2
3
8
7
CS [Clear to send ... Ready]
1.3 Connection via the Serial (RS-232) Interface

1-4 IM 703155-17E
RS-232 Standard Signals and Their JIS and CCITT Abbreviations
Signal Table
Pin No.
(9-pin connector)
Abbreviation
RS-232
Name
CCITT JIS
5
3
2
8
7
AB (GND)
BA (TXD)
BB (RXD)
CB (CTS)
CA (RTS)
102 SG
103
104
106
105
SD
RD
CS
RS
Signal ground
Send data
Request to send
Receive data
Clear to send
Signal Wiring Example
The pin numbers are for the 9-pin connector.
In general, use a cross cable.
SD
RD
RS
CS
SG
SD
RD
RS
SG
• OFF-OFF / XON-XON
PC VB8300
SD
RD
RS
CS
SG
SD
RD
RS
SG
• CTS-RTS (CS-RS)
PC VB8300
CS CS
2
3
8
7
5
2
3
8
7
5
2
3
8
7
5
2
3
8
7
5
1.3 Connection via the Serial (RS-232) Interface

1-5
IM 703155-17E
1
Serial (RS-232) Interface
1.4 Combination of Handshaking Methods
When using the serial (RS-232) interface for transferring data, it is necessary for
equipment on both sides to agree on a set of rules to ensure the proper transfer of data.
The set of rules is called handshaking. Because there are various handshaking methods
that can be used between the VB8300 and the PC, you must make sure that the same
method is chosen by both the VB8300 and the PC.
You can choose either of the two methods in the table below.
Data Transmission Control
(Control used when sending data to a computer)
Data Reception Control
(Control used when receiving data from a computer)
Software
handshaking
Software
handshaking
Table of Handshaking Methods (“Yes” indicates that it is supported)
None
VB8300 menu
Hard
OFF-OFF
CS-RS
Handshaking Method No
handshaking
No
handshaking
Hardware
handshaking
Hardware
handshaking
Yes
Yes Yes
Yes
Stops
transmission
when X-OFF
is received.
Resume
when X-ON is
received.
Stops
transmission
when CB (CTS) is
false. Resume
when it is true.
Send X-OFF
when the
received data
buffer is 3/4th
filled. Send X-
ON when the
received data
buffer becomes
1/4th filled.
Set CA (RTS) to
False when the
received data buffer
is 3/4th filled. Set to
True when the
received data buffer
becomes 1/4th filled.
OFF-OFF
Data Transmission Control
There is no handshaking between the VB8300 and the PC. The “X-OFF” and “X-ON”
signals are treated as data, and the CS signal is ignored.
Data Reception Control
There is no handshaking between the VB8300 and the PC.
CS-RS
Data Transmission Control
Hardware handshaking is performed between the VB8300 and the PC. When the CS
signal becomes False while sending data to the PC, the VB8300 stops the data
transmission. When the CS signal becomes True, the VB8300 resumes the data
transmission. The “X-OFF” and “X-ON” signals are treated as data.
Data Reception Control
Hardware handshaking is performed between the VB8300 and the PC.
1.4 Combination of Handshaking Methods

1-6 IM 703155-17E
1.5 Combination of Data Formats
The serial (RS-232) interface of the VB8300 performs communications using start-stop
synchronization. In start-stop synchronization, characters are transmitted one at a time.
Each character consists of a start bit, data bits, a parity bit, and a stop bit (see the
following figure).
Data bit
(7 or 8 bits)
1 character
Stop bits
1
1 or 2
2
Parity bit
Odd, even,
or none
Start bit
Circuit idle
state
Return to the idle
state (dotted line) or
the start bit of the
next data character
(solid line)
1.5 Combination of Data Formats

1-7
IM 703155-17E
1
Serial (RS-232) Interface
1.6 Setting the VB8300 (Serial)
Procedure
Selecting the Communication Interface
1. Press MISC.
2. Press the Communication soft key.
3. Press the Device soft key and select RS232.
4. Press SELECT.
Selecting the Baud Rate, Data Format, and Other Parameters
5. Press the Baud Rate, Data Format, Rx-Tx, and Delimiter soft keys one at a
time. Turn the rotary knob to select each item and press the SELECT key. For
the setup procedure, see section 3.7 in the VB8300 User’s Manual IM703155-
01E.
1.6 Setting the VB8300 (Serial)

1-8 IM 703155-17E
Explanation
Enter the following settings when using a controller to set information that can be
specified through key operation on the VB8300 or when sending setup data or waveform
data to the controller.
Selecting the Baud Rate
Select the baud rate from below.
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200
Selecting the Data Format
Select the combination of data length, parity, and stop bit from the following:
8-NO-1, 7-Even-1, 7-Odd-1, or 7-NO-2
Selecting the Handshaking Method
Select the transmit data control and receive data control from the following.
None or Hard
Selecting the Terminator
Select the baud rate from below. On the VB8300 menu, select the terminator that is
used when transmitting data from the VB8300. Use “LF” or “CR+LF” for the terminator
for receiving data on the VB8300.
LF or CR+LF
1.6 Setting the VB8300 (Serial)

2-1
IM 703155-17E
2
Ethernet Communication Interface
Chapter 2 Ethernet Communication Interface
2.1 Names and Functions of Parts
Front Panel
REMOTE indicator
Turns ON when the VB8300 is in the remote mode.
SHIFT key + KEY LOCK key
MISC key
Press this key to configure communications.
RESET
kHz/mV
MHz/V
BACK
SPACE
ENTERSPACE
DISPLAY
ON/OFF
KEY
LOCK
INITIALIZE
BASEBAND SIGNAL GENERATOR
VB8300
POWER
ESC
ESC
SELECT
HDD
OPTION
PRINT
MISC
FILE
CLOCK
MANUAL
TRIG
WAVE SEQ TRIGDISP
OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4
APPLI START/STOP
REMOTE
UNLOCK
OFF
PRESET
ON/OFF
OUTPUT
OUT 1 50 OUT 2 50 OUT 3 50 OUT 4 50
QIQIQIQI
789
456
1
0
23
.+ / -
A B C@ . / : D E F
J K LG H I M N O
T U VP Q R S W XY Z
SHIFT
Press this key to clear the remote mode (controlled via
communications) and enter the local mode in which key
operations are enabled.
However, this act is invalid if the instrument has been set
to Local Lockout mode (see page 2-2) by the controller.
Rear Panel
Ethernet port
(Ethernet 100Base-TX port)
Connector used to connect to the controller (PC)
via the network or by a one-to-one connection.
For the connection procedure, see section 11.1
in the User's Manual IM703155-01E.
2.1 Names and Functions of Parts

2-2 IM 703155-17E
2.2 Ethernet Communication Interface Functions and Specifications
Reception Function
You can specify the same settings as those specified by front panel key operations.
Receives output requests for setup data and error codes.
Transmission Function
Able to output setup data and the status byte.
Outputs error codes that have occurred.
Ethernet Communication Interface Specifications
Communication port: 1
Electrical and mechanical specifications: Conforms to IEEE 802.3
Transmission system: 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T
Data rate: 100 Mbps maximum
Communication protocol: TCP/IP
Connector type: RJ-45 connector
Port number: 16385/tcp
Switching between Remote and Local Mode
When Switching from Local to Remote Mode
The VB8300 switches to remote mode (SYSTem:KEYLock ON is also enabled) when it
receives a :COMMunicate:REMote ON command from a PC in local mode.
•All keys except SHIFT+KEYLOCK are disabled.
•Settings entered in local mode are retained even when the VB8300 switches to
remote mode.
When Switching from Remote to Local Mode
Pressing the SHIFT+KEYLOCK key when the VB8300 is in remote mode causes the
VB8300 to switch to local mode. However, this is void when the VB8300 has received a
“:COMMunicate:LOCKout ON” command from the PC (local lockout condition). VB8300
also switches to local mode when it receives a :COMMunicate:REMote OFF command
for the PC. However, if local lockout is enabled, an error occurs and the switch to local
mode is not possible.
•Key operations are enabled.
•Settings entered in remote mode are retained even when the VB8300 switches to
local mode.
2.2 Ethernet Communication Interface Functions and Specifications

2-3
IM 703155-17E
2
Ethernet Communication Interface
2.3 Connection Using the Ethernet Communication Interface
Connection Procedure
Connect a UTP (Unshielded Twisted-Pair) cable or an STP (Shielded Twisted-Pair)
cable that is connected to a hub, for example, to the 100BASE-TX port on the rear panel
of the VB8300.
Hub or router that supports 100BASE-TX
Controller
(PC or workstation)
UTP cable or STP cable
(Straight cable)
Ethernet NIC
RESET
kHz/mV
MHz/V
BACK
SPACE
ENTERSPACE
DISPLAY
ON/OFF
KEY
LOCK
INITIALIZE
BASEBAND SIGNAL GENERATOR
VB8300
POWER
ESC
ESC
SELECT
HDD
OPTION
PRINT
MISC
FILE
CLOCK
MANUAL
TRIG
WAVE SEQ TRIGDISP
OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4
APPLI START/STOP
REMOTE
UNLOCK
OFF
PRESET
ON/OFF
OUTPUT
OUT 1 50 OUT 2 50 OUT 3 50 OUT 4 50
QIQIQIQI
789
456
1
0
23
.+ / -
A B C@ ./ : D E F
J K LG H I M N O
T U VP Q R S W XY Z
SHIFT
100-120/220-240VAC
300V
AMAX50/60Hz
FUSE250VT5 A
OFF
IQ
DIGIT
AL
OUT
EVENT
OUT
0
1
ON
WAR NI NG
Donotoperatewithout
readingsafetyprecautionsin
user's manual.
USB1 USB2
ETHERNET
LINK
100BASE-T
ACT
RJ-45 modular jack
ETHERNET 100BASE-TX port
LINK indicator
Illuminates when the link between
the port on the VB8300 and the
connected device is established and
communication is mutually possible.
ACT indicator
Blinks when packet
transmission is normal.
Precautions to Be Taken When Making Connections
•Be sure to use a straight cable via a hub for the connection between the VB8300 and
the controller. Operation is not guaranteed when the VB8300 and the controller are
connected one-to-one using a cross cable.
•Use either of the following cables.
•UTP (Unshielded Twisted-Pair) cable (category 5 or better)
•STP (Shielded Twisted-Pair) cable (category 5 or better)
2.3 Connection Using the Ethernet Communication Interface

2-4 IM 703155-17E
2.4 Setting the VB8300 (Ethernet)
Procedure
Selecting the Communication Interface
1. Press MISC.
2. Press the Communication soft key.
3. Press the Device soft key and select Network.
4. Press SELECT.
2.4 Setting the VB8300 (Ethernet)

2-5
IM 703155-17E
2
Ethernet Communication Interface
Explanation
Enter the following settings when using a controller to set information that can be
specified through key operation on the VB8300 or when sending setup data or waveform
data to the controller.
Entering TCP/IP Settings
To use the Ethernet communication interface function, the following TCP/IP settings
must be entered.
•DHCP
•Host name
•IP address
•Subnet mask
•Broadcast segment
•Default gateway
For details on how to enter these parameters, see section 11.2, “Setting the TCP/IP” in
the
VB8300 User’s Manual IM703155-01E .
Entering DNS Settings
To use the Ethernet communication interface function, the following DNS settings must
be entered.
•Domain name
•DNS server
•Domain suffix
For details on how to enter these parameters, see section 11.2, “Setting the TCP/IP” in
the
VB8300 User’s Manual IM703155-01E .
Entering Samba Settings
To use the Ethernet communication interface function, the following Samba settings
must be entered.
•NetBIOS name
•Group name
For details on how to enter these parameters, see section 11.4, “Setting the File Server
Function” in the
VB8300 User’s Manual IM703155-01E .
2.4 Setting the VB8300 (Ethernet)

3-1
IM 703155-17E
3
Before Programming
Chapter 3 Before Programming
<Program Data>
If certain conditions are required in executing a
command, program data is added. A space (ASCII
code “20H”) separates the program data from the
header. If there are multiple sets of program data, they
are separated by commas (,).
For details, see page 3-4.
Ex. :CLOCk:REFerence INTernal<PMT>
Header Data
Response Messages
<Response Message Unit>
A response message consists of one or more
response message units; each response message unit
corresponds to one response.
Response message units are separated by a
semicolon (;).
Ex.
Unit Unit
:CLOCk:REFrence:INTernal;INPut INTernal<RMT>
<RMT>
<RMT> is a response message terminator. It is NL.
Response Message Unit Format
The response message unit format is shown below.
<RMT>
;
<Response message unit>
<Response Header>
A response header sometimes precedes the response
data. A space separates the data from the header.
For details, see page 3-3.
<Response Data>
Response data contains the content of the response.
If there are multiple sets of response data, they are
separated by commas (,). For details, see page 3-4.
Ex.
100.00E-3<RMT> :CLOCk:REFerence INTernal<RMT>
HeaderData Data
If there are multiple queries in a program message,
responses are made in the same order as the queries.
In most cases, a single query returns a single
response message unit, but there are a few queries
that return multiple units. The first response message
unit always corresponds to the first query, but the nth
response unit may not necessarily correspond to the
nth query. Therefore, if you want to make sure that
every response is retrieved, divide the program
messages into individual messages.
3.1 Messages
Messages
Messages are used to exchange information between
the controller and the instrument. Messages that are
sent from the controller to the instrument are called
program messages and messages that are sent back
from the instrument to the controller are called
response messages.
If a program message contains a message unit that
requests a response (a query), the instrument returns
a response message upon receiving the program
message. A single response message is always
returned in response to a single program message.
Program Messages
The program message format is shown below.
<PMT>
;
<Program message unit>
<Program Message Unit>
A program message consists of one or more program
message units; each unit corresponds to one
command. The instrument executes the received
commands in order.
Each program message unit is separated by a
semicolon (;).
For details regarding the format of the program
message unit, see the next section.
Example
Unit Unit
:CLOCk:REFerence INTernal;INPut INTernal<PMT>
<PMT>
PMT is a program message terminator.
NL (New Line): Same as LF (Line Feed). ASCII code
“0AH”
Program Message Unit Format
The program message unit format is shown below.
,
<Program header> <Program data>Space
<Program Header>
The program header indicates the command type. For
details, see page 3-2.
3.1 Messages

3-2 IM 703155-17E
3.2 Commands
Commands
There are three types of commands (program headers)
that are sent from the controller to the instrument.
They differ in their program header formats.
Common Command Header
Commands that are defined in the IEEE 488.2-1992
are called common commands. The header format of
a common command is shown below. An asterisk (*)
is always placed in the beginning of a command.
*<mnemonic> ?
Common command example: *CLS
Compound Header
Dedicated commands used by the instrument are
classified and arranged in a hierarchy according to
their functions. The format of a compound header is
shown below. A colon (:) must be used to specify a
lower hierarchy.
:
<mnemonic> ?:
Compound header example: :CLOCk:REFerence
Simple Header
These commands are functionally independent and do
not have a hierarchy.
<mnemonic> ?
:
Simple header example: :STARt
Note
A <mnemonic> is a character string made up of alphanumeric
characters.
When Concatenating Commands
Groups
A command group is a group of commands that have
common compound headers arranged in a hierarchy.
A command group may contain sub-groups.
Example Group of commands related to the clock
:CLOCk?
:CLOCk:FREQuency
:CLOCk:REFerence
:CLOCk:INPut
When Concatenating Commands of the Same Group
The instrument stores the hierarchical level of the
command that is currently being executed, and
performs analysis on the assumption that the next
command sent will also belong to the same level.
Therefore, common header sections can be omitted for
commands belonging to the same group.
Example :CLOCk:REFerence EXTernal;
INPut INTernal<PMT>
When Concatenating Commands of Different Groups
If the following command does not belong to the same
group, a colon (:) is placed in front of the header
(cannot be omitted).
Example :CLOCk:INPut EXTernal;
:SYSTem:LCD ON<PMT>
When Concatenating Simple Headers
If a simple header follows another command, a colon
(:) is placed in front of the simple header (cannot be
omitted).
Example :CLOCk:INPut
EXTernal;:STARt<PMT>
When Concatenating Common Commands
Common commands that are defined in the IEEE
488.2-1992 are independent of hierarchy. Colons (:)
are not needed before a common command.
Example :CLOCk:REFerence
EXTernal;*CLS;
:CLOCk:INPut INTernal<PMT>
When Separating Commands with <PMT>
If a terminator is used to separate two commands,
each command is a separate message. Therefore, the
common header must be specified for each command
even when commands belonging to the same
command group are being concatenated.
Example :CLOCk:INPut EXTernal;
:STARt<PMT>:CLOCk:
INPut EXTernal;:STOP<PMT>
3.2 Commands