5-2
6517B-900-01 Rev. A / Jun 2008
Section 5: Remote Operation
Model 6517B Electrometer User’s Manual
Overview
For remote operation, the Keithley Instruments Model 6517B can use the IEEE-488 interface or
the RS-232 interface. Common commands and Standard Commands for Programmable
Instrumentation (SCPI) can be used with either interface.
For IEEE-488 operation, you can select the device dependent command (DDC) language mode.
In this mode, you use DDCs instead of common commands and SCPI commands. This mode
allows you to use the Model 6517B as an easy replacement for the Model 617 Electrometer. The
6517B can use existing programs written for the Model 617 without any code modifications.
Appendix G of the Reference Manual lists the DDCs for the Model 6517B.
Software support
LabView driver
This driver allows you to use the Model 6517B with the National Instruments LabView package
and is free upon request. Contact the Keithley Instruments applications group for details at
1-888-KEITHLEY (1-888-534-8453) within the U.S. and Canada.
Remote interfaces
IEEE-488 bus
Standards
For remote operation, the Model 6517B can use the IEEE-488 bus for communication between
instrumentation and the controller (computer). The IEEE-488 bus is also known as the General
Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB).
In addition to conforming to the IEEE-488-1978 and IEEE-488.1-1987 standards, the Model 6517B
also conforms to the IEEE-488.2-1987 standard and the SCPI 1994 standard. These two
standards allow most instrument operations to be performed with the use of common commands
and SCPI commands.
IEEE-488 bus connections
The Model 6517B is connected to the IEEE-488 bus using a cable terminated with standard
IEEE-488 connectors.
shows a typical connection scheme for a multi-unit test system.
Note that connectors can be stacked to accommodate the parallel connection scheme.
To minimize interference caused by electromagnetic radiation, only use shielded IEEE-488 cables,
such as the Keithley Instruments Model 7007-1 and Model 7007-2.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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