Models 707B and 708B Switching Matrix Reference Manual
Section 3: Functions and features
707B-901-01 Rev. B / January 2015
3-5
Basic scan procedure
It is always better to configure all channel attributes before creating a scan.
You cannot use an external trigger event, like digital I/O, for the channel stimulus setting of the
trigger model when using the front panel
STEP
key. For more information, see Scanning and
(on page 3-1).
To perform a scan:
1. Configure the channels for scanning as needed.
2. Build the scan list:
Front panel
: Press the INS key. The steps are executed in the order in which they are
added.
Remote interface:
Send the
scan.create()
,
scan.add()
, or
scan.addimagestep()
command.
3. Configure the scan settings (for example, scan count, bypass, mode, and so on).
4. To start the scan:
Front panel
: Press the
STEP
key
or the
SCAN
key and select the
BACKGROUND
menu
item.
Remote interface
: Send the command
scan.execute
or
scan.background
.
5. The trigger model leaves the idle state and performs actions on the channels involved in
scanning.
Front panel:
When you press the
STEP
key, the Models 707B and 708B leave the idle state
and perform the channel action associated with the first step in the scan list.
While scanning is enabled, pressing most front panel keys will cause the instrument to display error
code 5522, "Scan Running, Must Abort Scan."
6. The channels are scanned or stepped in the order they were added to the list.
Front panel
: If you are stepping through the scan, press the
STEP
key to proceed to the next
step in the list.
Remote interface
: You cannot step a scan remotely over the bus.
7. To abort the scan:
Front panel
: Press the
EXIT
key.
Remote interface
: Use the
scan.abort()
ICL command.
Even if the scan is aborted, channel states match the aborted state of channels in terms of which are
closed and opened.
If configured to scan the channels in the scan list again, the Model 707B or 708B waits at the control
source for another trigger event. After the scan is complete, the Model 707B or 708B outputs another
trigger pulse, if configured to do so. After all requested scans are complete, the instrument returns to
the idle state with the channels associated with last scan step closed.