character to terminate the instrument responses and to
test the instrument's IDN response. If the instrument
supports the VXI-11 Discovery method, the 4865B can
AutoFind it. The 4865B can also convert IEEE-488.1
GPIB Commands such as GET, SDC, etc. and GPIB
events such as IFC or local/remote changes into a user
specified command strings if the instrument has similar
capabilities. If SRQs and Serial Polls are enabled, the
4865B performs a background check of the instrument's
Status Register with the *STB? query to create a virtual
Status Byte Register and asserts an SRQ on the GPIB
bus is a Service Request is detected.
Minimal Programming changes
In most cases, existing programs that can control
the instrument in its LAN environment or that ran
the older version of the instrument through its GPIB
interface can be used with the 4865B and the new
instrument. The only requirement is that the new
instrument must understand the existing commands.
The 4865B works with any IEEE-488.2 compatible
GPIB controller and can be used with LabVIEW,
VEE, Visual Basic and C language programs. The
4865B and VXI-11.3 instrument combination supports
most 488.1 GPIB commands except for Remote with
Lockout and Local with Lockout.
When used with a raw socket instrument, the com-
bination will have reduced GPIB capability that can be
augmented when configuring the 4865B. Depending
upon the instrument's capability, the user can enable
AutoFind, IDN queries, IDN confirmation, SRQ gen-
eration and Serial Polling. The 4865B can also be set
to send the instrument substitute command strings for
Device Trigger, Device Clear, GTL, Local/Remote,
IFC received and power turn-on or reset.
connections
While the 4865B is normally used in a back-to-back
connection with its companion instrument as shown
in Figure 1, it can be connected to the instrument in
other ways. Figure 2 shows the 4865B connected to
the instrument through an Ethernet hub or switch.
This is a typical lab bench connection. It lets a user
configure the 4865B through the hub while developing
the GPIB program.
The 4865B instrument connection can be expanded
across the company network as shown in Figure 3 or
further if the instrument is VXI-11 compatible. The
4865B provides standard GPIB control over the instru-
ment no matter where it is located.
Figure 2 4865B Instrument Hub Connection
Figure 3 4865B Instrument Network Connection
4865B APPLICATIONS
setup & Installation
The 4865B is very easy to install. Plug the 4865B into a network
access point adjacent to your computer as shown in Figure 2 or use
an Ethernet cable to connect the 4865B directly to a PC's network
port. Launch a web browser and point it to the 4865B's default AutoIP
address of 169.254.48.65. The 4865B's Welcome page provides all of
the information about the 4865B's current settings. If the 4865B is
being used with a VXI-11 compatible instrument that has an AutoIP
address, no configuration is required.
Else, select the Configuration Page where you can select and set
a static IP address or DHCP with AutoIP, change the 4865B's GPIB
address, enable AutoFind or set a fixed IP address for the companion
instrument, and select the instrument protocol (VXI-11 or raw socket).
For raw socket instruments, you can enter strings that the 4865B will
send to the instrument in place of GPIB Commands or events. Set
the remaining parameters, save the settings, reboot and the 4865B is
ready to be connected to the instrument and to the GPIB bus.
A rear panel LAN Reset button is provided to reset the 4865B's
network settings to the factory default settings in case the 4865B's
configuration needs to be reset.
4865B Differences
The 4865B has a faster processor and faster Ethernet interface than
the original 4865. In addition, the 4865B adds support for raw socket
instruments. The result is a 2.5x to 10x faster interface depending
upon the command, the protocol and the companion instrument.
4865B LAN <=>GPIB Interface
GPIB
LAN Instrument
Line to Company Network
8065 Ethe
rnet to GPIB
Ethernet Cables
4865B LAN <=>GPIB Interface
GPIB
LAN Instrument
8065 Ethernet
to GPIB
Company Network
