4 – 6
Remote Operation
4.3
Introduction
Remote operation of the SR124 is through a simple command lan-
guage documented in this chapter. Both set and query forms of
most commands are supported, allowing the user complete control
of the lock-in from a remote computer through RS-232, or through
the optical fiber and the SX199 interface to GPIB, RS-232, or ethernet
interfaces.
Where applicable, the corresponding front-panel interface to each
command is also indicated. Most instrument settings are retained in
non-volatile memory. Upon power-on, these settings are restored to
their values before the power was turned o
ff
. Where appropriate, the
default value for parameters is listed in
boldface
in the command
descriptions.
Note that remote commanding does not function when the “Control
Inhibit” toggle switch is in the upper position.
4.3.1
Interface configuration
Both RS-232 and optical fiber interfaces are fixed configuration, 9600
baud, 8-bit, with no parity or flow control.
4.3.2
Buffers
The SR124 stores incoming bytes from the remote interfaces in sepa-
rate 128-byte input bu
ff
ers. Characters accumulate in the input bu
ff
er
until a command terminator (
h
CR
i
or
h
LF
i
) is received, at which point
the message is parsed and enqueued for execution. Query responses
from the SR124 are bu
ff
ered in interface-specific 256-byte output
queues. Queries are returned to the interface from which they were
received (RS-232 or optical).
If an input bu
ff
er overflows, then all data in the input bu
ff
er are
discarded, and an error is recorded in the ESR status register.
4.3.3
Remote / local
Any time the SR124 receives a remote command terminator (
h
CR
i
or
h
LF
i
), the instrument transitions into the “Remote” state. When in
Remote (indicated by the
REM
annunciator in the Reference display
block), no keypad input or knob adjustment is allowed. To return to
front panel operation, press the [Recall] button (which also functions
as the “local” key).
Alternatively, the SR124 can be returned to Local mode by sending
the
LOCL
LOCAL
command.
SR124
Analog Lock-In Amplifier