HP 8340b Operating Instructions

HP-IB Programming
INTRODUCTION
HP-IB, the Hewjett-Packard Interface Bus, is the instrument-to-instrument communication system
between the HP 8340B/41B and up to 14 other instruments. Any instrument having HP-IB capability
can be interfaced to the HP 8340B/41B, including non-HP instruments that have “GPIB,” “IEEE-488,”
“ANSI MC1.1,” or “IEC-625” capability (these are common generic terms for HP-IB; all are electrically
equivalent although IEC-625 uses a unique connector). This portion of the manual specifically
describes interfacing the HP 8340B/41B to one very special type of instrument: a computer.
INTERCONNECTIVE CABLING
Figure 3-20 shows the HP 8340B/41B rear-panel HP-IB connector and suitable cables, and describes
the procedures and limitations for interconnecting instruments. Cable length restrictions, also
described in Figure 3-20, must be observed to prevent transmission line propogation delays that
might disrupt HP-IB timing cycles.
INSTRUMENT ADDRESSES
Each instrument in an HP-IB network must have a unique address, ranging in value from 00-30
(decimal). The default address for the HP 8340B/41B is 19, but this can be changed by the [SHIFT]
[LOCAL] function as described in Figure 3-12 (the examples in this section use 19 as the address for
the HP 8340B/41B). Other instruments use a variety of procedures for setting the address, as
described in their operating manuals, but typically either a rear panel switch or a front panel code is
used.
HP-IB INSTRUMENTS NOMENCLATURE
HP-IB instruments are categorized as “listeners,” “talkers,” or “controllers,” depending on their
current function in the network.
Listener
A listener is a device that is capable of receiving data or commands from other instruments. Any
number of instruments in the HP-IB network can simultaneously be listeners.
Talker
A talker is a device that is capable of transmitting data or commands to other instruments. To avoid
confusion, an HP-IB system allows only one device at a time to be an active talker.
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Operating Information
HP 8340B/41B

HP 8340b Specifications

General

Brand	HP
Model	8340b
Category	Inverter
Language	English