HP 54620A, Programmer'S Manual

Page: 2 / 92

Programming the Logic Analyzer
When you attach an interface module to the rear of the HP 54620A or
HP 54620C (color) Logic Analyzer, the analyzer becomes
programmable. That is, you can hook a controller (such as a PC or
workstation) to the analyzer, and write programs on that controller to
automate analyzer setup and data capture. Both HP-IB (also known as
GP-IB, IEEE-488) and RS-232-C interfaces are available.
The following figure shows the basic structure of every program you
will write for the analyzer.
Initialize
To ensure consistent, repeatable performance, you need to start the
program, controller, and analyzer in a known state. Without correct
initialization, your program may run correctly in one instance and not
in another. This might be due to changes made in configuration by
previous program runs or from the front panel of the logic analyzer.
•
Program initialization defines and initializes variables, allocates
memory, or tests system configuration.
•
Controller initialization ensures that the interface to the analyzer
(either HP-IB or RS-232) is properly setup and ready for data
transfer.
•
Analyzer initialization sets the channel configuration and labels,
threshold voltages, trigger specification and mode, timebase, and
acquisition type.
2