3 - Programming the DC Source
34
Questionable Status Group
The Questionable Status registers record signals that indicate abnormal operation of the dc source. As
shown in figure 3-7, the group consists of the same type of registers as the Status Operation group. The
outputs of the Questionable Status group are logically-ORed into the QUEStionable summary bit (3) of the
Status Byte register.
Register
Command
Description
Condition
STAT:QUES:COND?
A register that holds real-time status of the circuits being
monitored. It is a read-only register.
PTR Filter
STAT:QUES:PTR <n>
A positive transistion filter that functions as described under
STAT:QUES:NTR|PTR
commands in chapter 4. It is a
read/write register.
NTR Filter
STAT:QUES:NTR <n>
A negative transition filter that functions as described under
STAT:QUES:NTR|PTR
commands in chapter 4. It is a
read/write register.
Event
STAT:QUES:EVEN?
A register that latches any condition that is passed through the
PTR or NTR filters. It is a read-only register that is cleared
when read.
Enable
STAT:QUES:ENAB <n>
A register that functions as a mask for enabling specific bits
from the Event register. It is a read/write register..
Standard Event Status Group
This group consists of an Event register and an Enable register that are programmed by Common
commands. The Standard Event event register latches events relating to instrument communication status
(see figure 3-7). It is a read-only register that is cleared when read. The Standard Event enable register
functions similarly to the enable registers of the Operation and Questionable status groups.
Command
Action
*ESE
programs specific bits in the Standard Event enable register.
*PSC ON
clears the Standard Event enable register at power-on.
*ESR?
reads and clears the Standard Event event register.
The PON (Power On) Bit
The PON bit in the Standard Event event register is set whenever the dc source is turned on. The most
common use for PON is to generate an SRQ at power-on following an unexpected loss of power. To do
this, bit 7 of the Standard Event enable register must be set so that a power-on event registers in the ESB
(Standard Event Summary Bit), bit 5 of the Service Request Enable register must be set to permit an SRQ
to be generated, and *PSC OFF must be sent. The commands to accomplish these conditions are:
*PSC OFF
*ESE 128
*SRE 32
Status Byte Register
This register summarizes the information from all other status groups as defined in the
IEEE 488.2
Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation
. The bit configuration is shown in Table 3-1.
Command
Action
*STB?
reads the data in the register but does not clear it (returns MSS in bit 6)
serial poll
clears RQS inside the register and returns it in bit position 6 of the response.