Programming the VectorStar Series VNAs

VectorStar™ MS4640A SeriesMicrowave Vector Network Analyzer : Programming the VectorStar Series VNAs

Programming the VectorStar Series VNAs

Introduction to SCPI Programming

IEEE 488.2 Commands

System Commands

Required SCPI Commands

Native SCPI Commands

Anritsu Lightning VNA Commands

Using Anritsu Lightning VNA Commands

VectorStar VNA Language Set to Lightning

HP8510 Commands

Command Requirements

Hierarchical Command Structure

Data Parameters

Notational Conventions

General Notations

Parameter Notations

Notational Examples

Numeric Data Suffix Reference

Data Transmission Methods

<ASCII> or <Arbitrary ASCII>

<block> or <arbitrary block>

Formatting Data Output

ASCII or Binary Data Format

Calculating the Byte Size

Numbers Output-per-Data Point (NODP)

Bytes Output-per-Number (BOPN)

Size of Data Block (SODB)

Number of Bytes Output (NBO)

GPIB Input Buffer Size and NRFD Holdoff

Synchronization of GPIB Commands

Forcing the Parser to Stop Waiting

How Can I Abort an RF or Hardware Calibration

GPIB Time-Out Settings

Trace Type Parameters and Coefficients

Input/Output Data Files

Status System Reporting

Status Group Registers

Status Group Reporting

Calibration Component Parameters

Loads and Through Lines

Other Connector Coefficients

W1 Calibration Kit

Sliding Load Cutoff Frequency

Microstrip Kit Common Values

Notes on Calibration Commands

Setting Up a Two-Port Calibration

Setting Up a Four-Port Calibration

Defining the Calibration Standards

Performing the Calibration

LRL Calibration

Command Script Example – Limit Lines

Limit Lines for Single Rectilinear Trace Display

Required Equipment

DUT Requirements

Channel and Trace Display Requirements

VNA General Setup and Configuration

Frequency and Sweep Settings

Limit Lines Setup

Clear Previous Limit Lines

Create and Configure Limit Line Segment 1

Create and Configure Limit Line Segment 2

Create and Configure Limit Line Segment 3

Create and Configure Limit Line Segment 4

Configure AutoCal Calibration

Ready for Measurements

Introduction

This chapter provides an introduction to programming the VectorStar VNA with the SCPI programming language. It also includes descriptions of the command types that the MS4640A accepts, program command structures, data parameters and input/output specifications, and notational conventions. Information on the MS4640A status system and trigger system programming is also provided.

Introduction to SCPI Programming

The Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) defines a set of standard programming commands for use by all SCPI compatible instruments. SCPI is intended to give the ATE user a consistent environment for program development. It does so by defining controller messages, instrument responses, and message formats for all SCPI compatible instruments. The IEEE 488 (GPIB) interface for the MS4640A is designed to conform to the requirements of SCPI 1999.0. The set of SCPI commands implemented by the MS4640A GPIB interface provides a comprehensive set of programming functions covering all of the major functions of the MS4640A.

Command Types

SCPI commands, which are also referred to as SCPI instructions, are messages to the instrument to perform specific tasks. The MS4640A command set, introduced in this chapter, includes these command types:

• IEEE 488.2 Commands

• System Commands

• SCPI Commands

• Native SCPI Commands

• Anritsu Lightning VNA Commands

• HP8510 Commands