6243/44 DC Voltage Current Source/Monitor Operation Manual
5.2 GPIB Remote Programming
5-4
5.2
GPIB Remote Programming
The 6243/44 comes with a GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) conforming to the
IEEE standard 488-1978 as standard enabling remote control from an external controller.
5.2.1
What GPIB Is
GPIB is a high-performance bus for integrating computers and measuring instruments.
The operation of GPIB is defined by the IEEE standard 488-1978. Since GPIB interface has bus structure,
each device is specified by assigning a unique address. Up to 15 devices can be connected in parallel on
one bus. Each GBIP device features one or more of the following functions.
•
Talker:
The device specified for sending data to the bus is referred to as “talker.” On the
GPIB bus, only one device can function as the active talker.
•
Listener:
Devices specified for receiving data on the bus are referred to as “listeners.” The
GPIB bus accommodates multiple devices operating as active listeners.
•
Controller:
The device specifying the talker and the listeners is referred to as the “controller.”
On the GPIB bus, only one device can operate as the active controller. Those con-
trollers that can control IFC and REN messages are referred to as “system control-
lers.”
Only one system controller is allowed on one single GPIB bus. If multiple controllers are on the same bus,
the system controller becomes the active controller for the system start-up, and other devices with control-
ler capacity function as addressable units.
To make another controller the active controller, the Take Control (TCT) interface message is used. At this
time, the active controller becomes a non-active controller. The controller controls the entire system by
sending interface messages and device messages to each measuring instrument. These message types have
the following functions.
•
Interface messages:
Control the GPIB bus.
•
Device messages:
Control the measuring instruments.
5.2.2
GPIB Setup
(1) GPIB connection
The following explains the standard GPIB connection and the precautions for the connection.
Secure the GPIB connectors with the two screws provided to prevent the connectors from coming
loose during use.
