Technical data

5-44
Operating Concepts
GPIB Operation
magnitude and phase response should be used, such as the N1011A Verification Kit. National standard
traceable or Agilent standards are recommended to achieve verifiable measurement accuracy.
NOTE The published specifications for this network analyzer system include accuracy
enhancement with compatible calibration kits. Measurement calibrations made with
user-defined or modified calibration kits are not subject to the analyzer specifications,
although a procedure similar to the system verification procedure may be used.
GPIB Operation
This section contains information on the following topics:
• local key
• GPIB controller modes
• instrument addresses
• using the parallel port
Local, Key
This key is allows you to return the analyzer to local (front panel) operation from remote (computer
controlled) operation. This key will also abort a test sequence or hardcopy print/plot. In this local mode,
with a controller still connected on GPIB, you can operate the analyzer manually (locally) from the front
panel. This is the only front panel key that is not disabled when the analyzer is remotely controlled over
GPIB by a computer. The exception to this is when local lockout is in effect: this is a remote command that
disables the Local, key, making it difficult to interfere with the analyzer while it is under computer control.
In addition, the Local, key accesses the GPIB menu, where you can set the controller mode, and to the
address menu, where you can enter the GPIB addresses of peripheral devices and select plotter/printer
ports. You can also set the mode of the parallel port here.
The GPIB menu consists of the following softkeys:
• SYSTEM CONTROLLER,
• TALKER/LISTENER,
• USE PASS CONTROL,
• SET ADDRESS,
• PARALLEL [ ],
• GPIB DIAG on OFF,
• DISK UNIT NUMBER,
• VOLUME NUMBER,
The analyzer is factory-equipped with a remote programming interface using the General Purpose
Interface Bus (GPIB). This enables communication between the analyzer and a controlling computer as
well as other peripheral devices. This menu indicates the present GPIB controller mode of the analyzer.
Three GPIB modes are possible: system controller, talker/listener, and pass control.