Operation
R&S
®
FPC
27
User Manual 1178.4130.02 ─ 07
Note:
If you have a device that does not support ad-hoc connections, you have to
connect both devices to an existing wireless infrastructure (for example through a
router). When you connect both the mobile device and the R&S
FPC to the infra-
structure, you can use the app just like with an ad-hoc connection.
Remote operation (SCPI commands)
Remote operation with SCPI commands is a method to automate measurements by
writing scripts or programs that contain all instructions required for the measurement.
When you start the program, the measurement is done automatically from start to fin-
ish. Manual configuration of a measurement with function keys, softkeys or apps is no
longer necessary.
Remote operation is thus a useful tool for measurements that you perform repeatedly
and for which you know the configuration and for which the configuration is always the
same. Testing devices during production is an example for such measurement tasks.
Each device needs to be tested under the same conditions.
You can operate an instrument remotely using SCPI commands (Standard Commands
for Programmable Instruments). Sending a SCPI command initiates one or more
actions on the instrument, for example change the state of a parameter or start a mea-
surement. Usually, each parameter available in the firmware has a corresponding SCPI
command.
Example: The SCPI command to change the center frequency is
[SENSe:]FREQuency:CENTer
.
When you send a succession of these commands, you can configure and perform
complete measurements.
There are several tools that allow you to connect to an instrument, send an individual
(or more) command(s) and compile automated test sequences.
One of these tools is delivered with the R&S
VISA library that is available for download
on the Rohde
&
Schwarz website (search term: "r&s visa"). The VISA library itself pro-
vides input and output functions that are required to communicate with the instrument.
Another tool with more complex scripting functions is R&S
Forum, also available for
download on the Rohde
&
Schwarz website (search term: "forum"). It allows you to run
and edit example script sequences and to write your own script files, as well as on-the-
fly remote control of instruments. Script files can range from simple command sequen-
ces (Winbatch syntax) to complex programs using the programming language Python.
User documentation and background information is available for both tools. If you want
to learn more about their features, refer to the corresponding user manuals and appli-
cation notes.
The following basic introduction to remote control is based on the tool that is delivered
with the R&S
VISA.
1. Install R&S VISA on a desktop PC or notebook.
2. Connect the R&S
FPC to the computer with a LAN cable or a USB cable.
3. Start the RsVisaTester software (search for "tester" in the start menu). Use the 32-
bit or 64-bit version, depending on your operating system.
Remote Operation
