3156B User Manual
Racal Instrument © 2005
Using the Instrument 3-1
Chapter 3
USING the INSTRUMENT
Overview
This chapter contains information about how to operate the Model
3156B. Unlike bench-type instruments, the Model 3156B must be
programmed to turn on functions, change parameters and configure
various operating modes. Two graphical interfaces are available for
programming the instrument: VXIbus Plug&Play SFP’s (soft front
panels) and WaveCAD 3.2. Plug&Play drivers and a set of function
calls are available for the experienced programmers. Function calls for
the Model 3156B are listed in Table 4-1. The following paragraphs
describe how to set up the 3156B for different modes and operations
with the aid of WaveCAD examples.
Inter-Channel
Dependency
The Model 3156B has two output channels. In general, each channel
can generate different signals however, there are some limitations that
should be observed that are not acceptable for the instrument. These
conditions, when applied will cause setting conflicts. Inter-channel
dependency limitations are summarized in the table below. When both
channels are placed in waveform generation mode that does not
present a setting conflict, each channel can separately have its own
waveform and parameters such as amplitude, offset etc.
Having a single sample clock source, the two channels are tightly
synchronized. Both channels start the waveforms from the first point
and at the same time. Also, the start phase of the two channels is the
same except if programmed to a different value.
Table 3-1 Inter-Channel Dependencies
Channel A
Waveform
Channel B
Waveform
3156B Run
Mode
Setting
Conflict
Standard Standard All No
Sequenced
All
Yes
Modulated Continuous No
Modulated
Triggered
Yes
Modulated
Gated
Yes
