Specifications

To synchronize instruments, send a command to the first instrument to output data. The computer then waits
for the data to be returned before it sends the commands to the second instrument. A special IEEE 488.2
command known as
*OPC? was created to do this. This command outputs a “ 1” whenever the instrument
has completed executing all previous commands.
The following is an example that closes relays on a switch module, waits for the command to complete, and
then initiates a multimeter to make a measurement.
OUTPUT 80914;"CLOSE (@100,101,190);* OPC?" ! Close the relays
ENTER 80914;A ! Wait for relays to close
OUTPUT 80903;"READ?" ! Make the measurement
Automating the Debugging Steps
The previous information defines a general process for debugging programs that control VXI SCP
instruments. The following describes how to automate many debugging steps previously explained. The
following uses a program that detects errors and displays the information you need to debug your program.
RN13_RMB Program
The “ RN13_RMB” program used here uses IBASIC as the program language. This is an optional language
available in Agilent E1300/E1301 Mainframe. To fully understand this programming language, refer to the
its manual. However, several of the important debugging features are highlighted when describing the
theory of the “ RN13_RMB” program.
The program “ RN13_RMB” has been developed for the Agilent E1300/E1301 Mainframe and the Agilent
E1326
5 1/2 Digit Multimeter. The program is available on the “Verification and Example Programs Disk” that
came with the mainframe.
Using other Program Languages
The “ Verification and Example Programs Disk” also contains the “ RN13_RMB” program using other
program languages and libraries. These include the following:
• Visual BASIC using the Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library (SICL) - RN13_VB.FRM
program
• C/C+ + using the Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library (SICL) - RN13_VC.C program
• C using the GPIB Command Library - RN13_CC.C program
• QuickBASIC using the GPIB Command Library - RN13_QBC.BAS program
Note that the C or C/C+ + programs uses functions instead of subprograms to separate the different
program operations.
Debugging VXI SCPI Programs C-7