Agilent Technologies E3646A, User Manual, Page: 63 / 211

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features
GPIB Interface Reference
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GPIB Interface Reference
The GPIB connector on the rear panel connects your power supply to the computer
and other GPIB devices. Chapter 2 lists the cables that are available from Agilent
Technologies. A GPIB system can be connected together in any configuration (star,
linear, or both) as long as the following rules are observed:
Each device on the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface must have a unique address. You can
set the power supply’s address to any value between 0 and 30. The address is set to
‘‘5’’ when the power supply is shipped from the factory. The GPIB address is
displayed at power-on.
You can set the GPIB address from the front panel only.
• The address is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power
has been off or after a power-on reset (
*RST
command).
• Your computer's GPIB interface card has its own address. Be sure to avoid using
the computer's address for any instrument on the interface bus. Agilent
Technologies GPIB interface cards generally use address ‘‘21’’.
• The total number of devices including the computer is no more than 15.
• The total length of all the cables used is no more than 2 meter times the number
of devices connected together, up to a maximum of 20 meters.
• Do not stack more than three connector blocks together on any GPIB connector.
Make sure that all connectors are fully seated and that the lock screws are firmly
finger tightened.
See page 50 for more information on configuring the power supply for remote
interface from the front panel.
N o t e
IEEE-488 states that you should exercise caution if your individual cable lengths
exceed 4 meters.