Specifications

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Remote Operation
Interface Types
Interface Types
There are two communications interfaces used in the Agilent 71612 Series. The MS-IB
(Measurement System Interface Bus) and the GP-IB (General Purpose Interface Bus).
MS-IB The Measurement System Interface Bus is the interface used for internal
communication between system modules on the Modular Measurement
System (MMS).
GP-IB The General Purpose Interface Bus is the interface used for communication
between a controller and external devices such as the Agilent 71612 Series.
The GP-IB conforms to IEEE standard 488-1978, ANSII standard MC 1.1 and
IEC Recommendation 625-1.
NOTE If you are using the GP-IB or MS-IB interfaces for the first time read
this section first. More information about configuring the Agilent
71612 Series is contained in the Installation chapter
General Purpose Interface Bus (GP-IB)
What is the GP-IB?
The General Purpose Interface Bus (GP-IB) is the implementation of IEEE standard 488-
1978, ANSII standard MC 1.1 and IEC Recommendation 625-1.
The GP-IB Interface is easy to use. It allows flexibility in both communicating and
controlling data between a controller and the Agilent 71612. It is also one of the easiest
methods of constructing automatic test systems.
Devices on the bus fall into one of two categories, controller or non-controller. For
example, the simplest system (two non-controllers) where one instrument is configured to
send data continuously - known as TALKING and the other instrument (such as a printer)
is configured to receive data continuously - known as LISTENING. Most devices can
perform both roles, TALK or LISTEN, but not simultaneously. Usually a controller
controls which instrument TALKS and which instrument LISTENS. The Agilent 71612
Series can TALK and LISTEN when instructed to do so by a suitable controller. In
addition it can operate without a controller when logging results or screen dumping to an
external printer.