Hello,
I am looking for some ideas on how to set-up my test to use different equipment. Basically the test I have written uses OLD HP (now Agilent) equipment:
-8756A Scalar Analyzer
-438A Power Meter
-8350B Sweep Generator.
The 8756 and 8350 are set-up where the 8756 is the controller to the 8350. GPIB goes to the 438A and 8756A.
Now I have a newer bench that consists of:
-8757D
-83640B
-E4419B
I have the 83640 in the HP compatible mode and it is connected that same as the older system above. I had the E4419B in compatible mode, but changed the commands an made it a specific program to use SCPI commands (more flexible).
Soon we will have a new ESG series Generator, now it too will work in HP compatible mode for the older commands but again, limited functions.
Now what I am looking for is ideas on how to set-up a look up table in Excel or notepad which when I initially run the test it will know what equipment is connected. The stumbling blocks I have right now are that the older equipment does not have any type of IDN command. Also the computers and Test rack are mobile, so I will not always have the same computer and test rack.
I think one way to handle it would be if the IDN command is not recognized on a specific address it could default to the older equipment commands, then the newer stuff would be able to respond.
Like I said any ideas to help me get started would be excellent.
As for the OS and such:
LabVIEW 6.0.2 is used, I cannot use VISA drivers as I am utilizing I/O Tech GPIB cards and they only support 488.2.
Machine OS.. Win XP (my DEV machine) Win98SE and WIN2K for Test.
Jeff