SICL: Validate Instruments Read Me

This sample program confirms the GPIB and USB connections, the analog connections between the instruments, and verifies the basic functionality of the instruments and then demonstrates how to program basic communications between the computer and the instruments.

Date: Sep 2003

Version: 1.0

Language: Agilent VEE Pro

Instruments: Frequency Counters, DMMs, Function Generators, Oscilloscopes, Power Supplies, Switches

OS Requirements: Microsoft® Windows® 98 SE, NT® 4.0, ME, 2000, or XP

Additional Software: Agilent IO Libraries M.01.01.04 (or later)

The System Verifier program has two purposes the first is to confirm the GPIB and USB connections between the computer and the instruments, the analog connections between the instruments, and verify the basic functionality of the instruments. This will give the user confidence that the instrument setup is complete and correct. The second purpose of the program is to demonstrate how to program basic communications between the computer and the instruments. While the advanced computer programmer would have used classes to isolate the instruments programming language and limitations from the needs of the program, and would have used multiple forms to break down the program into smaller sections, these techniques were avoided in order to keep things simpler for the novice. Also, the method of sending SCPI strings with VISA COM has been used in order to keep things simple. Advanced users may wish to try IVI or VXIplug&play drivers.

AGILENT PROVIDES THIS FREE SOFTWARE "AS IS". ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, REASONABLE CARE AND SKILL, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. Agilent shall not be liable in any way whatsoever for any damages of any nature arising from its use. In no event shall Agilent be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to: procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability or tort (including negligence or otherwise) except if caused by willful misconduct or gross negligence arising in any way out of the use of this software, even if advised of the possibility of such damage and if it has been ensured that such data can be reconstructed with reasonable expenditure from data material provided in machine-readable form.

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