User`s manual

Chapter 3 System Overview

3488 Mode Differences

This manual describes using the Agilent 3499A/B/C in the 3488 mode of

operation. In general, the SCPI mode of operation is recommended. All

the features and functions of 3499A/B/C system and plug-in modules are

supported in SCPI mode. The 3488 mode is a subset and does not support

all available features.

Some of the major differences in 3488 mode of operation are summarized

below:

• The RS-232 interface is not supported in 3488 mode. You must use

the GPIB interface for remote programming.

• The 3488 mode does not provide as much control over the scanning

process as SCPI mode. You cannot use the arm and trigger layers of

scan control.

• The 3488 mode only provides access to the status byte register. You

cannot use the Standard Event or Operation Status registers.

• With firmware revision 4.0, you can store up to 40 setups (50 setups

in SCPI mode).

• Scan lists are not saved after cycling power.

• The relay cycle count feature is only available from the front-panel.

• The N2260A and N2266A can only be used in 40-channel 2-wire

mode.

• The 3488 Mode does not support the following plug-in modules:

N2272A, N2276A/B, or N2282A.

• Port numbering for Digital I/O modules is different.