User`s manual

242 Chapter 8
O:\Manuals\E6380A_Progguid\Book\Ibasic.fm
IBASIC Controller
Choosing Your Development Method
Method 1
Using a BASIC language computer (either an HP technical computer or
a PC running BASIC with HP-IB) is the best method for developing any
size program. This is because the program can be debugged directly on
the external computer before downloading the program into the Test
Set. Using this approach the programmer can observe the Test Set’s
display to see changes in state and easily verify the correct
measurements.
Method 2
If a BASIC language computer is not available, program development
can be done directly on the Test Set using the IBASIC EDIT mode. A PC
connected to the Test Set through RS-232, as described earlier in this
chapter, is used as the CRT and keyboard for the internal controller. In
this method, the program always resides in the Test Set and can be run
at any time. Mass storage is usually a PC card. When running IBASIC
programs on the Test Set’s internal controller, the Test Set displays only
the IBASIC screen, not the individual instrument screens as the
program executes. This makes troubleshooting larger programs more
difficult.
Method 3
The third method of program development is to use a word processor on
a PC with RS-232, and then download the program into the Test Set for
execution. This is the least favorable choice for development because
downloading code into the Test Set over RS-232 requires a loader utility
program running in the Test Set and a PC card present as an
intermediate storage location before running the program. (For shorter
programs, the intermediate storage location is not necessary.) No
IBASIC command syntax is checked until the program is run after
downloading. Also, when running IBASIC programs on the Test Set’s
internal controller, the Test Set displays only the IBASIC screen, not
the individual instrument screens as the program executes. This makes
troubleshooting larger programs more difficult.