Agilent Technologies 34970A, User Manual, Page: 61 / 356

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Chapter 3 System Overview
Data Acquisition System Overview
3
The configuration on the previous page offers the following advantages:
• You can use the 34970A/34972A to perform data storage, data
reduction, mathematical calculations, and conversion to engineering
units. You can use the PC to provide easy configuration and data
presentation.
• You can remove the analog signals and measurement sensors from
the noisy PC environment and electrically isolate them from both the
PC and earth ground.
• You can use a single PC to monitor multiple instruments and
measurement points while performing other PC-based tasks.
The Computer and Interface Cable (34970A only)
Computers and operating systems are not discussed in this chapter. In
addition to the computer and operating system, you will need a serial
port (RS-232) or GPIB port (IEEE-488) and an interface cable.
Serial (RS-232) GPIB (IEEE-488)
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages
Often built into the
computer; no additional
hardware is required.
Cable length is limited to
45 ft (15 m).*
Speed; faster data and
command transfers.
Cable length is limited to
60 ft. (20m).*
Drivers usually included
in the operating system.
Only one instrument or
device can be connected
per serial port
Additional system
flexibility, multiple
instruments can be
connected to the same
GPIB port.
Requires an expansion
slot plug-in card in PC
and associated drivers.
Cables readily available
and inexpensive.
The 34970A is shipped
with a serial cable (if
internal DMM is ordered).
Cabling is susceptible to
noise, causing slow or
lost communications.
Varying connector ys and
styles
Direct Memory Transfers
are possible.
Requires special cable
Data transfers up to
85,000 characters/sec.
Data transfers up to
750,000 characters/sec.
*
You can overcome these cable length limitation using special communications hardware.
For example, you can use the Agilent E5810A LAN-to-GPIB Gateway interface or a serial modem.
34970A Refresh UG.book Page 61 Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:34 PM