Specifications

Overview of the Algorithm Language
The VT1419A’s Algorithm Language is a limited version of the ‘C’ programming
language. It is designed to provide the necessary control constructs and algebraic
operations to support measurement and control algorithms. There are no loop
constructs, multi-dimensional arrays, or transcendental functions. Further, an
algorithm must be completely contained within a single function subprogram
‘ALGn.’ The algorithm can not call another user-written function subprogram.
It is important to note that, while the VT1419A’s Algorithm Language has a limited
set of intrinsic arithmetic operators, it also provides the capability to call special
user defined functions “f(x).” The Agilent VEE example programs “fn_1419.vee”
and “eufn1419.vee” in Chapter 5 will convert functions into piece-wise linear
interpolated tables and give them user defined names. The VT1419A can extract
function values from these tables in under 18 µs regardless of the function’s
original complexity. This method provides faster algorithm execution by moving
the complex math operations off-board.
This section assumes that the user already programs in some language. If already
programming in the ‘C’ language, this chapter is probably all that will be needed to
create algorithms. If unfamiliar with the C programming language, study the
“Program Structure and Syntax” section before beginning to write custom
algorithms.
This section will present a quick look at the Algorithm Language. The complete
language reference is provided later in this chapter.
Arithmetic Operators add +, subtract -, multiply *, divide /
NOTE: Also see “Calling User Defined Functions” on page 114.
Assignment Operator: =
Comparison Functions less than <, less than or equal <=, greater than >,
greater than or equal >=, equal to ==, not equal to !=
Boolean Functions: and && or ||, not !
Variables scalars of type static float, and single dimensioned arrays of
type static float limited to 1024 elements.
The Algorithm Language and Environment
Overview of the Algorithm Language
106 Chapter 4
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