User`s manual

234 Chapter 8
O:\Manuals\E6380A_Progguid\Book\Ibasic.fm
IBASIC Controller
Interfacing to the IBASIC Controller using Serial Ports
PC Configuration
To prepare for IBASIC program development, the external PC or
terminal must be configured to operate with the Test Set. This
configuration includes
• Hardware
• Terminal Emulator Software
PC Serial Port Configuration
Connect the Test Set’s Serial Port 9 to a serial I/O (input/output) port on
the PC. On many PCs, a serial port is available as either a 25-pin DB-25
(female) connector or a 9-pin DB-9 (male) connector. This port can be
configured as COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4 (communications port 1,
2, 3, or 4) depending on the installed PC hardware and user-defined
setup. Refer to the instructions shipped with the PC for hardware and
software configuration information.
Terminal Emulator Configuration Information
A “terminal emulator” is an application program running on the PC
that communicates with one of the serial communication ports installed
in the PC. It provides a bi-directional means of sending and receiving
ASCII characters to the Test Set’s serial port.
In general, a “terminal emulator” enables the PC to act like a dedicated
computer terminal. This type of terminal was used before PCs to allow
remote users to communicate through RS232 with central mainframe
computers. An ANSI-compatible terminal like the Digital Equipment
Corporation VT-100 can be used to directly communicate with the Test
Set. PC terminal emulation application programs have been designed to
have setup fields much like these older technology terminals.