I Need some info about interfacing the PC or laptop to Spectrum analyzer using Labview

[geetu]

we need to control  the spectrum analyzer using an interface   that will    be   developed  using  Labview  .

Spectrum analyzer will be connected to tha PC using RS 232C and the waveform observed will be seen in the PC interface of spectrum analyzer.

Pls send some info regarding dis.

[ssk]

Hi,

The information you need should be in the user manual for the spectrum analyser. There should be a serial protocol section that will list the commands and settings required to get the required data from the machine.

ssk

[LV_Pro]

Using a spectrum analyzer with LabVIEW is a pretty common application, my first program 15 years ago did this. What we need to know to help you though is what model spectrum analyzer are you planning on using? Most of the ones I'm familiar with use the GPIB interface rather than RS232, but that isn't a major issue, the spectrum analyzers command set is the important one. There are a lot of LabVIEW drivers available for a larger number of analyzers, here on the National Instruments' site. Although most use the GPIB interface (or ethernet), they can be used as a starting point to develop an RS232 driver if one isn't available, assuming that there is a driver for the model that you have, or a closely related one (manufacturers frequently use similar command sets within a model type).

So, what type analyzer are you using, and what types of things are you planning on doing with it?

[Dennis_Knutson]

Why don't you provide some useful information such as the make and model of the instrument? the is the Instrument Driver Network that you can search for a driver for the instrument and also find information on how to use a driver, what a driver is, etc. Without a driver, you are going to have to develop most of the code yourself. The Instrument I/O Assistant can be used. I would recomend that you first experiment with the instrument in Hyperterminal to get an understanding of the commands and to make sure you have a good connection.

[geetu]

Actually we need to develop a low cost PC interface of spectrum analyzer without using GPIB

we jus want to interface IFR 2398 spectrum analyzer which we have in OUR college laboratory

[Dennis_Knutson]

Since there is no existing driver for that model from NI, you might want to contact the vendor and see if they have something. Since it seems like it's quite old, you may be out of luck there as well.

What you do will depend on how the instrument will be used. If it's for a single program, then the Instrument I/O Assistant might be sufficient. If you have multiple instruments and they will be used in multiple programs, then you might want to write a full driver. In LabVIEW 8.x, there is Tools>Instrumentation>Create Instrument Driver Project to help you get started and the Instrument Driver Guidelines are under Tools>Instrumentation>Advanced Development.

[geetu]

Need some info regarding

Development of Spectrum Analyzer based on LabVIEW 6i and Digital Oscilloscope TDS220

If possible pls send some sites

[Dennis_Knutson]

You now want to use a scope as a spectrum analyzer and not use the spectrum analyzer you already have? You might want to look at the shipping examples. There are several that use an NI DAQ board to acquire a signal and then use the analysis routines (i.e. FFT Power Spectrum). You would have to replace the DAQ functions with functions that read the scope.

There is a driver for that scope here but a version 6 driver is not available for download. I don't have the ability to convert the 7.0 driver to 6.0 right now. If you were to download the 7.0 version and then in a new question, attach the llb file and ask for help in converting it to 6.0, you'll probably get someone else to do it.

[GovBob]

The IFR 2398 has been discontinued according to this site

http://www.aeroflex.com/products/gentest/specanalyzers/discontinued.cfm

However I have a couple of these in our shop which have GPIB ports and they came with full Programming Manual which mentions that they can be controlled with RS-232C as well as GPIB. It also has some example programs. You could try to contact Aeroflex and see if you can get a copy.

[geetu]

Hiii everyone

thanks for ur replies

Need sone info regarding IFR 2398 in net if possible pls send some links

I jus want to know the functionalites in 2398

and if possible its internal structure