Remote Control
R&S
®
ZNC
330
User Manual 1173.9557.02 ─ 13
5 Remote Control
This chapter provides instructions on how to set up the analyzer for remote control, a
general introduction to remote control of programmable instruments, and the description
of the analyzer's remote control concept. For reference information about all remote con-
trol commands implemented by the instrument, complemented by comprehensive pro-
gram examples, refer to
chapter 6, "Command Reference"
5.1 Introduction to Remote Control
The instrument is equipped with different interfaces for remote control:
●
A GPIB bus interface according to standard IEC 625.1/IEEE 488.1. The GPIB bus
connector for control of the analyzer from a controller is located on the rear panel of
the instrument.
●
Analyzers connected to a Local Area Network can be controlled via the RSIB, VXI-11,
or HiSLIP protocols. Two connectors for LAN connection are located on the rear
panel. A VISA installation on the
controller
is required.
●
The network analyzer can itself act as a master and control external power meters
via LAN, USB, or GPIB interface.
A VISA installation on the
analyzer
is a prerequisite for this remote control type. The
Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) library is included in the VNA firm-
ware; no additional installation is required.
Visa library
VISA is a standardized software interface library providing input and output functions to
communicate with instruments. The I/O channel (LAN or TCP/IP, USB...) is selected at
initialization time by means of the channel–specific resource string (also termed address
string) or by an appropriately defined VISA alias (short name). A VISA installation on the
master device is a prerequisite for remote control over LAN interface and for control of
external devices from the analyzer.
To control external devices via USB, the "IVI Visa Shared Components" must be installed
in addition. You can easily perform the installation from the "Start" menu of your analyzer.
For more information about VISA refer to the user documentation.
HiSLIP protocol
The HiSLIP (High Speed LAN Instrument Protocol) is a protocol for TCP-based instru-
ments specified by the IVI foundation. Compared to its predecessor VXI-11, it provides
speed and other improvements. HiSLIP is encapsulated in VISA; the resource string
reads
TCPIP::<R&S ZNC IP address>::hislip0
.
The internal VISA library of the R&S ZNC supports HiSLIP. If the connection fails, access
the Windows control panel of the controlled instrument and open port 4880 for incoming
connections.
Introduction to Remote Control