User`s guide

1-3

Introduction to Programming

Talking to the Instrument

Computers acting as controllers communicate with the instrument by sending

and receiving messages over a remote interface. Instructions for programming

normally appear as ASCII character strings embedded inside the output

statements of a host language available on your controller. The input statements

of the host language are used to read in responses from the oscilloscope.

For example, HPBASIC uses the OUTPUT statement for sending commands

and queries. After a query is sent, the response is usually read in using the

ENTER statement.

Messages are placed on the bus using an output command and passing the

device address, program message, and terminator. Passing the device address

ensures that the program message is sent to the correct interface and

instrument.

The following HP BASIC statement sends a command which turns on label

display.

OUTPUT < device address > ;":CHANNEL1:BWLIMIT ON"<terminator>

The < device address > represents the address of the device being programmed.

Each of the other parts of the above statement are explained in the following

pages.