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8 Programming the 575
Personal Computer to Pulse Generator Communication
The 575 ships standard with an RS232 serial and USB interface. Ethernet and
GPIB interfaces are available as an option. All menu settings can be set and
retrieved over the computer interface using a simple command language. The
command set is structured to be consistent with the Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments. Although due to the high number of special features
found in the 575, many of the commands are not included in the specification.
The syntax is the same for all interfaces. The amount of time required to receive,
process, and respond to a command at a Baud rate of 115200 is approximately
10 ms. Sending commands faster than 10 ms may cause the unit to not respond
properly. It is advised to wait until a response from the previous command is
received before sending the next command.
WARNING
:
When communicating with the unit (USB, Serial or Ethernet), avoid
sending any commands that include the “*” character as the unit is booting up.
This may result in an undesired lockup of the instrument.
RS232 Interface Overview
The serial port is located on the back of the 575 and uses a 9-pin D-type
connector with the following pinout (as viewed from the back of the unit):
1
No Connection
2
Tx - Transmit (to computer)
3
Rx - Receive (from computer)
4
DTR - Connected to pin 6
5
Ground
6
DSR - Connected to pin 4
7
RTS - Connected to pin 8
8
CTS - Connected to pin 7
9
No Connection
The serial port parameters should be set as follows:
Baud Rate
4800, 9600 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200*
Data Bits
8
Parity
None
Stop Bits
1
*The default baud rate for the RS232 is 115200.