Agilent Technologies 3458A User Manual

Chapter 6 Command Reference 151
Introduction
Chapter 6 Command Reference
Introduction
The first part of this chapter discusses the multimeter's language. This includes
core commands, command termination, parameters, query commands, lists of
commands by functional group, and a table relating commands to measurement
functions. The remainder of the chapter consists of detailed descriptions of each
command (listed in alphabetical order, by command).
Before using this chapter, you should read about the multimeter functions you
need to use in the preceding tutorial chapters (Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5). The tutorial
chapters describe each multimeter function and identify which commands you
need to use. You can then use this chapter to learn more about the individual
commands. The commands in this chapter are described using the following
format:
Command Header
Command Description
Syntax Statement
shows the command format and
its parameters. Parameters
shown in brackets ([]) are
optional (have default values).
Parameters shown without
brackets have no default values
and must be specified.
Parameter Description
describes the parameter and
shows the choices or ranges
available.
Power-On Value
shows the parameter used when
power is applied.
Default Value
shows the parameter used if you
execute the command but do not
specify a parameter.
Remarks
contains special information
about the command.
Examples
show typical BASIC language
programs or statements
(multimeter at address 722).
Program syntax is applicable to
HP Series 200/300 Computers.

Agilent Technologies 3458A Specifications

General

Model	3458A
Manufacturer	Agilent Technologies
Category	Multimeter
Digits	8.5
Sampling Rate	100, 000 readings/second
Interface	GPIB

Summary

Safety Symbols and Warnings

General Safety Precautions (WARNINGS)

Outlines essential safety precautions for operating, servicing, and repairing the product to prevent injury or damage.

Chapter 2 Getting Started

Operating from the Front Panel

Covers using front panel keys, making measurements, changing functions, and controlling display settings.

Operating from Remote

Explains how to control the multimeter remotely via GPIB, including address management and command sending.

Chapter 3 Configuring for Measurements

General Configuration

Configuring for DC or Resistance Measurements

Details how to configure the multimeter for DC voltage, DC current, and 2-wire or 4-wire resistance measurements.

Configuring for AC Measurements

Explains how to configure the multimeter for AC voltage, AC current, frequency, or period measurements.

Chapter 4 Making Measurements

Triggering Measurements

Explains the three-event triggering hierarchy (arm, trigger, sample) and various event choices.

Using Reading Memory

Sending Readings Across the Bus

Increasing the Reading Rate

Discusses the multimeter's high-speed mode and factors affecting reading rate and transfer speed.

Math Operations

Explains real-time and post-process math operations, enabling/disabling them, and math registers.

Chapter 5 Digitizing

Digitizing Methods

Details DCV, Direct-Sampling, and Sub-sampling methods, summarizing their characteristics and signal paths.

The Sampling Rate

Level Triggering

Describes how to specify voltage and slope for sampling initiation, with examples for DCV and direct-sampling.

DCV Digitizing

Direct-Sampling

Explains direct-sampling using track-and-hold, its bandwidth, and specifying ranges via max._input parameter.

Sub-Sampling

Covers sub-sampling fundamentals, advantages, and how to specify effective interval and number of samples.

Chapter 6 Command Reference

ACAL

Instructs the multimeter to perform self-calibrations (ALL, DCV, AC, OHMS) and discusses autocalibration security.

NRDGS

OFORMAT

PRESET

Configures the multimeter to one of three predefined states: NORM, FAST, or DIG for different operation modes.

SUB

Stores a series of commands as a subprogram, assigning a name for later execution.

TARM

Defines the trigger arm event to enable the trigger event and can be used for multiple measurement cycles.

TEST

Causes the multimeter to perform a series of internal self-tests to check hardware and software integrity.

TRIG

Specifies the trigger event that initiates a measurement, working with TARM and NRDGS.

Chapter 7 BASIC Language for the 3458A

BASIC Language Commands

Subprograms

Explains how to store, execute, and manage BASIC language subprograms for system control and automation.

Appendix B GPIB Commands

TRIGGER (GET)

Appendix C Procedure to Lock Out Front/Rear Terminals and Guard Terminal Switches

Procedure

Outlines the steps for installing the switch lockout kit, including covers and pushrod removal.

Appendix D Optimizing Throughout and Reading Rate

Maximizing the Testing Speed

Covers strategies like tailoring communication paths, program memory, and state storage for optimal testing speed.

DC Volts, DC Current and Resistance

Explains the measurement paths (DCV, track-and-hold) and trade-offs for DC measurements.

AC Volts and AC Current

Details the three ACV measurement techniques (Analog, Synchronous, Random) and their trade-offs.

Frequency and Period

Optimizing the Testing Process Through Task Allocation

Discusses allocating tasks between the DMM and computer using math functions, memory, and program structure.

Math Operations

State Storage and Program Memory

A Benchmark

Appendix E High Resolution Digitizing With the 3458A

Speed with Resolution

Details the multimeter's flexibility in speed and resolution for audio frequency bandwidth.

Digitizing Analog Signals

Avoiding Aliasing

Provides methods to avoid signal distortion caused by aliasing, ensuring accurate waveform representation.

Choice of Two Measurement Paths

Describes the standard DCV path and the track-and-hold path for digitizing and sampling.

Capturing the Data

High Speed Data Transfers

Errors in Measurements