1256E User Manual
Racal Instruments
©
2002
Computer Interfaces 4-1
Chapter 4
COMPUTER INTERFACES
Introduction
The 1256 Switching System provides the following remote
interfaces for controlling the 1256:
•
TCP/IP (Ethernet).
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) is a local area network (LAN) standard that
operates over long distances. The 1256 supports 10Base-T (10
M-bit/s) and 100Base-TX (100 M-bit/s) Ethernet networks.
•
IEEE-488.
Also known as the General-Purpose Interface Bus
(GPIB), IEEE-488 is commonly used in test and measurement
applications.
•
RS-232.
Originally developed for modems and data terminals,
the RS-232 interface is now common for controlling a wide
range of products.
The remote interface allows computers to access the operating
features of the 1256 by sending commands manually, or
automatically via a computer program.
Commands
The 1256 remote interfaces comply with the Standard
Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI), a universal
programming language for test and measurement instruments.
Chapter 5, SCPI COMMAND BASICS
introduces SCPI and
discusses the commands most frequently used with the 1256. For
a discussion of all commands that may be used via the 1256
remote interfaces, see
Chapter 6, SCPI COMMAND
REFERENCE.
