1256E User Manual
Introduction 1-2
Racal Instruments
©
2002
Features
Ease Of Use
The 1256 Switching System has many design features to make it
easy and convenient to use:
•
Fast Setup.
There are no configuration jumpers or switches
to be set. The 1256 is ready to use as soon as the plug-ins
have been inserted.
•
Flexible Controller Interface.
The controller (host
computer) may communicate with the 1256 using Ethernet,
IEEE-488 (GPIB), or RS-232 interfaces. This allows an
external computer to automate the operation of the 1256.
•
Front-Panel Controls
. The front-panel controls provide an
intuitive user interface for manually controlling the plug-ins
and setting user preferences. The front-panel controls also
provide access to all interface parameters, such as Ethernet
IP address, GPIB address, and RS-232 baud rates. These
controls are often helpful during system setup.
•
Command Set Commonality.
The 1256 supports the
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI)
Language. This command set is used in other Racal
Instruments switching platforms such as 1260-Series VXI.
For an introduction to the SCPI command set and its usage,
see
Chapter 5, SCPI COMMAND BASICS
. For a complete
description of all SCPI commands for the 1256, see
Chapter
6, SCPI COMMAND REFERENCE
.
Front and Rear
Panels
Figures 1-2 and 1-3 show the features of the front and rear panels,
respectively. Figure 1-4 gives the physical dimensions of the 1256
chassis.
Figure 1-2, 1256 Features, Front Panel
1256
SWITCHING SYSTEM
Display
Keypad and LEDs
Speaker
Knob
