NF FRA5014, Instruction Manual

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5.1 Preparations for Use
FRA5014 5-2
5.1 Preparations for Use
The
FRA5014
can be remotely controlled via a GPIB, USBTMC (TMC: Test and Measurement
Class), or RS-232 interface. Control can be exercised by sending program messages from a
controller, or by receiving response messages regarding measured values, settings, etc.
•
For the GPIB, USB, and RS-232 interfaces, it is assumed that a good environment will be used.
Avoid using these interfaces in very noisy environments.
5.1.1 USB setup
Install a USBTMC class driver in the computer to be controlled and connect the computer using the
commercially available USB cable. This driver’s installation file can be downloaded from the
National Instruments Corporation web site. The operation steps for installing the driver are shown
below.
1) Go to the National Instruments Corporation web site and either search for the “VISA Run-time
Engine” page or go to the following URL and select “VISA driver downloads”.
http://www.ni.com/support/visa/
2) Download the VISA Run-time Engine from the VISA Run-time Engine page at the above website.
User registration will be required at that time. Also, make sure the downloaded VISA Run -time
Engine is Ver. 3.3 or a later version.
3) The downloaded file is a self-extracting file. After it is extracted, install this file.
4) When installation is completed normally, a USBTMC class driver has been installed.
The above information was current when this manual was written. For more details, see the
National Instruments Corporation web site. Note that the web site address and the services
described therein are subject to change.
5.1.2 GPIB setup
Insert a GPIB card or controller board into the computer to be used for control, and connect using a
commercially available GPIB cable. For more details, see the user’s manual for the GPIB card or
controller board to be used.