User`s guide

66 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
3 Features and Functions
Basic Operating Modes
The 34980A has two basic operating modes: Front Panel Operation and
Remote Interface Operation.
The ability to configure the instrument, control circuits and make
measurements from the front panel is useful when the devices being tested
are in close proximity to the 34980A. However, for most test applications,
the 34980A will be located remotely from the devices under test, and you
will send commands to it using its remote interface connectivity modes
(e.g. LAN, GPIB or USB) and your choice of software (e.g. direct SCPI
commands, Web Browser Interface).
For all subsequent sections in this chapter (and in the individual User’s
Guides accompanying the plug- in modules); each feature of the 34980A
mainframe is documented in the following order, as applicable:
• A description of the feature, its application and available choices.
• Instructions for Front Panel Operation.
• Programming instructions/examples for Remote Interface Operation.
The instructions under the heading Front Panel Operation either describe how
to navigate the front panel menus or specify specific menu settings. The
instructions under the heading Remote Interface Operation specify the
required SCPI commands.
SCPI Commands
The instrument complies with the rules and conventions of the present
version of SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments).
SCPI Language Conventions
Throughout this guide, the following conventions are used for SCPI
command syntax for remote interface programming:
• Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command
string. The braces are not sent with the command string.
• A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given
command string.
• Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the
enclosed parameter. The brackets are not sent with the command string.
• Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). This indicates
that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not
sent with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an
optional parameter, the instrument chooses a default value.
NOTE
For complete details on the SCPI commands, see the Programmer’s
Reference Help file included on the Agilent 34980A Product Reference CD.