Specifications

86 Using the DMM and ARB Chapter 4
Creating a Data File
The data file is an ASCI file that contains waveform data. The data can be
entered and added manually where each segment data point is a line in the
file. You can also use the “WaveformDataWrite” action to store the data into
the file. For example, you can use the action to store a waveform read by the
E1563A Analog to Digital Converter into a file which then can be
downloaded to the Arb and output.
Memory
Requirements for
Downloading
Waveforms
In order for the Arb to achieve high throughput, it downloads all waveforms
that are to be used in the testplan into memory. A waveform can then be
output in any part of the testplan.
Although the Arb can download many waveforms, there is a limit on how
many waveforms can be stored. This depends on the size of the waveforms.
Normally, the Arb has sufficient memory for all the waveforms in a testplan.
However, for testplans that use a very large number of waveforms (or
several long waveforms), the available memory may be insufficient to hold
them all. The Arb driver will then generate an error; normally an “
Segment
count too big during download” error
(see “Agilent E6173A Arbitrary Waveform
Generator Error Messages” below).
In case of a memory overflow, the only way for the Arb to receive new
waveforms is to remove the current waveforms from memory. To do this,
use the “arbReleaseWaveforms” action. This action will then remove all
waveforms downloaded for the selected channel.
Note It it becomes necessary to use the “arbReleaseWaveforms” action, place the
action both at the beginning of the testplan and at the point where more
waveforms need to be added.
Agilent E6173A
Arbitrary Waveform
Generator Error
Messages
The following lists the error numbers in hex and corresponding error
messages the Arb can generate. Use the messages to troubleshoot the
testplan or Arb, if needed.
Table 4-1. Agilent E6173A Error Codes and Descriptions
Error Number Description
21 Unimplemented function call
22 Timeout waiting for arbStop
23 Illegal segment voltage
24 Segment count too big during download
25 Segment range error (setSegment)
26 Sequence range error (setSequence)
27 Illegal trigger input
28 Not channel 1 or 2
29 Sequence function without a segment fn
2A Segment funct. without a sequence fn
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