Agilent Technologies 34980A

Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit

Getting Started Guide

Contents of Your Shipment.................................................1 Connecting the 34980A to Your Computer ................... 15

Front Panel at a Glance.......................................................2 Connecting Over LAN ..................................................15
Rear Panel at a Glance........................................................3 Selecting the LAN Network Type.........................15
Supplemental Safety Notices.............................................4 Connecting Via Site LAN........................................16
Removing a Slot Cover ........................................................5 Connecting Via Isolated (Non-Site) LAN.............17
Connecting Over GPIB .................................................18
Installing a Module ..............................................................5 Connecting Over USB...................................................19
Installing a Module for Use with Cables.................... 5
Installing a Module for Use with Terminal Blocks... 6 Communicating with the 34980A ................................... 20

Wiring and Installing a Terminal Block............................7 Exploring the 34980A Web Interface Over LAN........... 21
Wiring a Terminal Block................................................ 7 Launching the Web Interface.....................................21
Installing a Terminal Block........................................... 8 Displaying the Browser Web Control Page .............22
Selecting the “Allow Full Control” Mode.................22
Operating the Front Panel Keyboard.................................9 Closing and Opening Channel Relays .......................23
Menu Example: Selecting a Channel and Modifying the Channel Configuration.......................23
Operating the Channel Relay .................................... 9 Sending SCPI Commands Via the Web Interface...24
Menu Example: Setting the Date and Time............. 10
Using the Measure Keys............................................. 10 34980A Documentation Map............... Inside Rear Cover
Menu Example: Configuring the Internal DMM
for a Measurement ................................................... 11
Menu Example: Configuring a Channel for
a Measurement ......................................................... 12
Notices Warranty Safety Notices
The material contained in this document
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004, 2005 is provided “as is,” and is subject to CAUTION
No part of this manual may be being changed, without notice, in future
reproduced in any form or by any means editions. Further, to the maximum extent A CAUTION notice denotes a
(including electronic storage and retrieval permitted by applicable law, Agilent hazard. It calls attention to an
or translation into a foreign language) disclaims all warranties, either express operating procedure, practice, or
without prior agreement and written or implied, with regard to this manual
the like that, if not correctly
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. and any information contained herein,
as governed by United States and including but not limited to the implied performed or adhered to, could
international copyright laws. warranties of merchantability and result in damage to the product
fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent or loss of important data. Do not
Manual Part Number shall not be liable for errors or for
proceed beyond a CAUTION
incidental or consequential damages in
34980-90004
connection with the furnishing, use, or notice until the indicated
performance of this document or of any conditions are fully understood
Edition information contained herein. Should and met.
Second edition, April 2005 Agilent and the user have a separate
Printed in Malaysia written agreement with warranty terms
Agilent Technologies, Inc. covering the material in this document
that conflict with these terms, the WARNING
warranty terms in the separate
agreement shall control. A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
Technology Licenses
operating procedure, practice,
The hardware and/or software described
or the like that, if not correctly
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in performed or adhered to, could
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Restricted Rights Legend
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If software is for use in the performance
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Contents of Your Shipment
The following items are shipped with your 34980A mainframe:

• Agilent 34980A User’s Guide

• Agilent 34980A Getting Started Guide

• Agilent 34980A Product Reference CD-ROM. This CD-ROM is located on the inside back cover
of the 34980A User’s Guide and contains:

• Software and Drivers

• Product Documentation
• Product Data Sheet
• Application Notes
• Other product information

• LAN Crossover Cable for isolated (non-site) LAN connections

• Power cord for your country or geographical region

• Small flatblade screwdriver to connect field wiring to optional terminal blocks

• Agilent E2094 IO Libraries Suite

Any plug-in modules that you ordered will be shipped separately from the 34980A mainframe.
If you ordered optional terminal blocks or cables with your modules, they will be included in the shipment
with your modules. You will find information about the modules in the 34980A User’s Guide.

If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information about warranty, service,
or technical support, please contact Agilent Technologies:

In the United States: (800) 829-4444

In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345

Or, go to www.agilent.com/find/assist for more information on contacting Agilent in your specific location.
You can also contact your Agilent Technologies representative.

34980A Getting Started Guide 1

Front Panel at a Glance

1 On/Standby Switch. WARNING: This switch provides standby only.

To disconnect the mains from the instrument, be sure to remove the power cord.
2 Utility Menu. Configures the remote interface (LAN, GPIB, and USB), date and time,
and other system-related parameters.
3 Store/Recall Menu. Allows you to store and recall instrument states in non-volatile memory.
4 Control Keys. Provide access to immediate execute actions such as closing and opening channels.
5 Number Keypad. Allows you to enter numeric values such as channel numbers.
6 Exponent Key. Allows you to enter exponential values (e.g., 10E3).
7 Cancel Key. Exits a menu without saving any changes.
8 Arrow Keys. Move the cursor positions within a displayed menu item.
9 Knob. Enters alphanumeric characters, selects slots, channels, and navigates menus.
10 Enter Key. Steps you through a menu or stores a number entry.
11 Local Key. Returns the instrument to the “local” mode and enables the front-panel keyboard.
12 Configure Key Group. Select functions and set various measurement parameters on the selected channel.
13 Measure Key Group. Execute and monitor measurements. Depending on which measurement key you select,
you can have complete/direct control over the switching and measurement operations, or you can let the
34980A automatically control the switching and measurement.

For more information on using the front-panel menus, see the 34980A User’s Guide.

2 34980A Getting Started Guide

Rear Panel at a Glance

Safety Symbols Located on Rear Panel

Warning, risk of electric shock

Caution, refer to accompanying

description

Alternating Current

Frame or chassis terminal

Safety Symbols Located on Rear Panel:

Warning. Risk of electric shock.

Caution. Refer to accompanying

description.

Alternating current.

Mainframe chassis ground.

1 Access to Analog Buses (shown with cover installed). See 34980A User’s Guide for connector pinout.
2 Module shown installed in Slot 1
3 Slot Identifier (slots are numbered 1 through 8)
4 Module Chassis Ground Screw
5 Slot Cover
6 AC Power Connector
7 LAN Connector (10BaseT/100BaseTx)
8 USB 2.0 Connector
9 External Trigger/Alarm/Digital I/O Connector. See 34980A User’s Guide for connector pinout.
10 Internal DMM Option Marking. If you ordered the internal DMM option, this circle is marked black.
11 IEEE 488.2 GPIB Connector
12 Mainframe Chassis Ground Screw

34980A Getting Started Guide 3

Supplemental Safety Notices
In addition to safety notices and safety symbols mentioned elsewhere in this guide, the following general
safety precautions must also be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or instructions elsewhere in this guide violates
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies
assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

General
Do not use this instrument in any manner not specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of
this instrument may be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions.

Before Applying Power

Verify that all safety precautions are taken. Make all connections to the unit before applying power.

Ground the Instrument

This product is provided with protective earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard, the instrument must
be connected to the ac power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly
connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective
(grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock
hazard that could result in personal injury.

Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere

Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

Do Not Remove the Instrument Cover

Only qualified, service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove
instrument covers. Always disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the
instrument cover.

Do Not Modify the Instrument

Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the instrument. Return the
instrument to an Agilent Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features
are maintained.

In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against
unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified, service-trained personnel.

4 34980A Getting Started Guide

Removing a Slot Cover
Your 34980A is shipped from the factory with one slot uncovered and the remaining seven slots covered.
When performing tasks in this guide to become familiar with the instrument, you will install a plug-in
module into Slot 1. When you are ready to install additional modules, follow the procedure below to
remove a slot cover.

Using a flatblade screwdriver, pry each side of the

slot cover until the cover releases from the slot.
With the slot cover removed, you can now install
a module in this slot.

Hazardous voltages may be

exposed on analog bus connectors.

For proper module cooling,

all unused slots must be covered.

Do not block air intake or exhaust

vents at the sides of the instrument.

Installing a Module
The Safety Interlock feature prevents connections to the Analog Buses if no terminal block
or properly-wired cable is connected to a module (available on the multiplexer and matrix
modules only). If the proper connections are not present, the Analog Bus relays will be
disabled on that module and the front panel “Safety Interlock” display annunciator will
turn on. See the 34980A User’s Guide for additional information.

Installing a Module for Use with Cables

If you are planning to use cables for your external connections, follow the procedure below to install
a plug-in module. If you are planning to use an optional terminal block to connect your external wiring,
see the procedure on page 6.

1. Install the module into a mainframe slot until

it fully seats with the backplane connector.

2. Using a Pozidriv #1 screwdriver, tighten the

two screws to secure the module in the
mainframe. Installation is now complete.

NEXT STEP: Go to “Operating the Front Panel

Keyboard” on page 9.

34980A Getting Started Guide 5

Installing a Module for Use with Terminal Blocks

All of the 34980A plug-in modules, except the RF and microwave modules, can be used with a
compatible terminal blocks (optional accessories 349xxT). The optional terminal blocks provide screw
terminals or solder cup connections for your external wiring. If you plan to use an optional terminal block,
follow the procedure below.

Step 1a. Using a Pozidriv #1 screwdriver, Module

remove the panhead grounding screw
located between the module connectors.

Step 1b. Remove the two flathead screws

from the support sleeve.

Support Sleeve

Step 2. Fit the terminal block support Step 3. Replace the panhead screw.
sleeve against the module so the openings Then replace and tighten the two flathead
on the sleeve line up with the connectors screws to secure the sleeve to the module.
and the center screw hole as shown.

Step 4. Install the module into a

mainframe slot until it fully seats with the
backplane connector. Using a Pozidriv #1
screwdriver, tighten the two screws to
secure the module in the mainframe.
Installation is now complete.

NEXT STEP: Go to “Wiring and Installing

a Terminal Block” on page 7.

6 34980A Getting Started Guide

Wiring and Installing a Terminal Block
If you are planning to use an optional terminal block with your plug-in modules, refer to the instructions
below to connect your external wiring and install a terminal block.

Wiring a Terminal Block

Before you begin this task, make sure you have disconnected power from all external
field wiring you will be connecting to the terminal block.

For plug-in module pinout diagrams and additional information, refer to the 34980A
User’s Guide, which is shipped with your 34980A mainframe.

Step 1. To remove the terminal block Step 2. While pushing the tab (Step 1),
cover, insert a screwdriver through the lift the clear plastic cover from the edge near
hole in the cover as shown. Gently push the D-sub connectors. Slide the cover from
the tab in the direction of the arrow. under the tab holders and remove the cover.

NOTE: If you are wiring to screw-type

terminals, use the small flathead screwdriver
included with your 34980A.

Step 3. Use a 2.5 mm cable tie as Step 4. To replace the terminal block cover,
shown for additional strain relief. slide the cover tabs into the tab holders on
the terminal block as shown. Press down on
the cover until it snaps securely into place.

Wire Size: 20 AWG Typical

6 mm

34980A Getting Started Guide 7

Installing a Terminal Block

Use the following steps to install an optional terminal block to a plug-in module. See page 7 to connect
your external field wiring to the terminal block.

Step 1. Push the levers on the terminal

block to the fully-open position as shown
below. Then slide the terminal block into …until the terminal block stops at the
the instrument-mounted support sleeve... two points indicated by the arrows below.

Terminal Block

Support Sleeve

34980A Mainframe

Step 2. Carefully rotate the levers …until both levers are locked in the
upward as shown… closed position.

NEXT STEP: Go to “Operating the Front

Panel Keyboard” on page 9.

8 34980A Getting Started Guide

Operating the Front Panel Keyboard
This section gives an overview on operating the 34980A from the front panel keyboard. For additional
information, see the 34980A User's Guide.

Before you can operate the front panel keyboard, connect the power cord to the 34980A
and turn on the power. If the instrument does not power on properly, contact Agilent
Technologies (see page 1 for more information).

At power on, all segments on the front panel are displayed and all lighted keys temporarily turn on.
The front panel is ready for operation when the keys are no longer lit and the green channel field on the
display shows the first slot in which a module is installed.

Menu Example: Selecting a Channel and Operating the Channel Relay

Use the following instructions for any of the multiplexer modules (34921A, 34922A, 34923A, 34924A,
or 34925A). The example illustrations below show the 34921A module installed in slot 1.

1. Using the number 2

keypad, press 1 to select
the slot containing the
multiplexer module.

2. Select channel 27 on the

module by pressing 2 and
then 7.

3. Press the lighted ENTER

key to complete your
channel selection.

4. With channel 1027

1 3
selected (shown in green
channel field on display),
toggle the Close and
Open keys to close and
open the selected
channel. Note that the
display shows OPEN or
CLOSED, indicating the
status of the channel. 4

34980A Getting Started Guide 9

Menu Example: Setting the Date and Time

In this example, you will learn the

Utility
fundamentals of using the 34980A
front-panel menus by setting the date ... Additional Choices
and time. Begin by pressing the
Utility menu key as shown in the REMOTE I/O DATE / TIME
diagram to the right. Follow the menu Utility
Use the knob
prompts as they are displayed. to scroll through
the choices on YEAR and
the same level.
A list of menu hints is provided below. Utility
Also use the knob
to enter alpha-
Use this information as you navigate numeric characters.
through the menu structure. For an MONTH
overview of the front panel keys,

...
Use the arrow keys
see page 2. to move the display
MINUTE and cursor position.
Menu Hints:

• The navigation structure of the front panel menus is hierarchical, and the menus are self-guiding;
as you use the front panel, you may be prompted to enter specific parameters.
• To make another choice at the same level within a menu, use the knob.
• To select a displayed parameter and move to the next parameter, press either the lighted menu key
(e.g., Utility key) or the ENTER key.
• To save changes, keep other parameters at their same value, and immediately exit the menu,
press the EXIT MENU key.
• To exit a menu without saving any changes, press the CANCEL key (located next to number keypad).
• To select slots and channels so they appear in the green channel field, use the knob.
• To enter alphanumeric characters, use the knob. To enter numbers, use the number keypad or knob.
• To move the display cursor position, use the left and right arrow keys.
• When you have entered all required parameters, the lighting on the menu key will turn off.

Using the Measure Keys

In the following examples, you will use keys in the front-panel Measure group. The three keys in the
Measure group control the initiation of measurements (conversely, the menu keys in the Configure group
allow you to set parameters for measurements). Depending on which measurement key you select,
you can have complete/direct control over the switching and measurement operations, or you can allow
the 34980A to automatically control the measurement to capture the desired data.

DMM When you press DMM, the internal DMM takes continuous measurements on
whatever signal you have routed to the DMM (allows the most flexibility). In this mode,
you must manually control the opening and closing of relays.

Channel When you press Channel, the 34980A controls the relays needed for the
internal DMM to make continuous measurements on a single selected channel.
The measurement configuration used for a particular channel (as specified in the Channel
menu in the Configure group) is stored and recalled whenever you select that channel.

Scan When you press Scan, the 34980A controls all the relays required to make a series
of sequential measurements, even across multiple channels with unlike measurement
functions. Scan takes the measurements and stores the results in volatile memory.

10 34980A Getting Started Guide

Menu Example: Configuring the Internal DMM for a Measurement

This example uses the internal DMM for a measurement. If you have disabled your
internal DMM, or don’t have one installed in your 34980A, skip this example.

Use the following instructions for any of the multiplexer modules (34921A, 34922A, 34923A, 34924A,
or 34925A).

1. Make sure you have a 2

multiplexer module installed
in slot 1. Select any channel
on this module (the channel
number is shown in green
channel field on display).

2. Within the Configure key

group, press the DMM key
to set the measurement
parameters for the internal
DMM. Note that the DMM
key lights.
7
3. Using the knob to navigate
through the menu choices,
select the AC VOLTS
function.
3

4. Press the lighted DMM

menu key to accept the
ac voltage function.

5. Using the knob, select 10V, 5

which indicates the range
parameter for ac voltage.

6. Press the EXIT MENU key

to save your selections
(ac voltage, 10 volt range) 7
and immediately exit the
menu. All unmodified
parameters within the menu
remain unchanged.
In This Example:
7. Within the Measure key • You configured the internal DMM for ac voltage measurements.
group, press the DMM key. • You started measurements, viewed continuous measurement
Note that the key lights and results, and stopped the measurements.
continuous ac voltage
measurements are made Since you didn’t open or close any channels, no module or Analog
using the internal DMM. Bus relays were exercised in this example. The internal DMM
acted as a stand-alone instrument and measured whatever
8. To stop the measurements, ac voltages happened to be present on the Analog Buses.
press the DMM key (in the Pressing the DMM key (in Measure key group) also allowed you
Measure key group). to continuously monitor measurements on the front panel.

34980A Getting Started Guide 11

Menu Example: Configuring a Channel for a Measurement

Use the following instructions for any of the multiplexer modules (34921A, 34922A, 34923A, 34924A,
or 34925A).

1. Make sure you have a

multiplexer module installed
in slot 1. 2

2. Using the knob to navigate

or using the number keypad,
select Channel 1016
(the green channel field
displays 1016).

3. Press the Channel key

(in the Configure key group)
3
to access the configure
menu for Channel 1016.
Note that the Channel key
lights while in the menu. 4

4. Using the knob to navigate

through the menu choices,
select the DC VOLTS
function.
6
5. Press the lighted Channel
key to select this function
and proceed to the next
parameter in the menu.
7
6. Use the knob to select
the 100 mV range for the
dc voltage function.

7. Continue pressing the lighted

Channel key until CHANNEL 8
LABEL is shown.

8. At the CHANNEL LABEL

choice, use the knob
(to select alphanumeric 9
characters) and the arrow
keys (to select the cursor
position) to enter a custom
channel label.

9. Press the lighted Channel

key to save the assigned
channel label and all other
changes you made.

Continued on next page…

12 34980A Getting Started Guide

10. Press the Channel key in
the Measure key group.
Note that the Channel key
lights, the required relays
automatically close, and
dc voltage measurements
begin.

11. To stop the continuous

measurements, press the
Channel key again. Note that
as you press the Channel
key, you will hear the relays 10
automatically opening.

12. Using steps 1 through 6 on

the previous page, set the 10
following configuration for
Channel 1014. For this
example, don’t change any
other measurement
parameters.
14
• Channel 1014
• AC VOLTS function
• 1V range

13. Press the EXIT MENU key to

accept the new settings and
retain all other parameters in
this menu.

14. With Channel 1014 selected,

press the Channel key in the
Measure key group.
The Channel key lights,
the required relays
automatically close,
and measurements begin.

15. With the Channel key still

lighted, turn the knob to
display channel 1016.
You should see
measurements start for
DC VOLTS (your previously
configured function for
channel 16).

Continued on next page…

34980A Getting Started Guide 13

16. With the Channel key still
active, turn the knob between
16
channels 1016 and 1014 to
monitor the measurement
results for each channel.
As you pass Channel 1015,
which is not configured for a
measurement, notice that the
associated channel relay is 17
open and measurement is off.

17. Press the Channel key so

the light is off. Notice that
Monitoring is now turned off,
but you can continue to view
the measurement parameters
on channels 1014 and 1016.

In This Example:
• You configured channel 16 for dc voltage measurements.
• With the Channel key (in Measure key group), you started, viewed results, and stopped
continuous dc voltage measurements on channel 16.
• You configured channel 14 for ac voltage measurements.
• With the Channel key (in Measure key group), you started, viewed results, and stopped
continuous ac voltage measurements on channel 14.
• You monitored channels with the Channel key (in Measure key group) activated.
Using the knob, you scrolled between channels 14 and 16 to alternatively start, view,
and stop continuous measurements on the channels.

14 34980A Getting Started Guide

Connecting the 34980A to Your Computer
To easily connect the 34980A to your PC, configure and verify your connection, you can
use the Agilent IO Libraries Suite, the E2094M Agilent IO Libraries for Windows,
or an equivalent.

• Agilent IO Libraries Suite for Windows 98/2000/ME/XP. For information and to install, use the
Automation-Ready CD with Agilent IO Libraries Suite, which is shipped with the 34980A.

• E2094M Agilent IO Libraries for Windows 98/NT/2000/ME/XP. You can find information and
install this application via the Web at www.agilent.com/find/iolib.

• You can also access other information about Agilent IO Libraries at www.agilent.com/find/iolib.

The procedures in this section refer to the Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces
Connectivity Guide. If you have installed the IO Libraries Suite, you can access the
Connectivity Guide via the Agilent IO Libraries Control icon. Or, you can access the
Connectivity Guide via the Web at www.agilent.com/find/connectivity.

Connecting Over LAN

Selecting the LAN Network Type Typical Site LAN Networks

You can connect and configure your 34980A for To Site LAN
Example
Site LAN or Isolated (non-site) LAN operation. Direct
Connection
PC Instrument
• A Site LAN network is defined as a local
area network (LAN) in which computers and Ethernet Hub or Switch
Example To Site LAN
LAN-enabled instruments are connected to Switch
a site LAN (workgroup LAN, Intranet, or Connection
PC
enterprise LAN) via optional routers, hubs,
and/or switches.

• An Isolated LAN network is defined as a

Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument
local area network (LAN) in which
computers and LAN-enabled instruments
are not connected to a site LAN.
Use the crossover cable provided with the Typical Isolated (Non-Site) LAN Networks
34980A to make a direct connection
between the 34980A and your computer. Example
Crossover cables are also supported Direct
Connection CAT5 Crossover Cable
by many newer LAN switches or routers. PC Instrument

The diagrams to the right show examples of Ethernet Hub or Switch

Example
typical site LAN and isolated LAN networks. Switch
Select the LAN network type that you will use Connection
PC
to connect the 34980A to your computer.
Then follow the corresponding procedures
shown on page 16 or 17.
Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument

34980A Getting Started Guide 15

Connecting Via Site LAN

To Network
Interface Card
(NIC) To LAN Port
To Site LAN
Example
Site LAN
Connection
PC 34980A

1. Using a standard LAN patch cable, connect your

computer and the 34980A to LAN wall outlets.

2. Make sure power is applied to your computer and verify

that the operating system is fully booted. Then apply
power to the 34980A. Front-Panel Navigation

3. Using the flow diagram shown to the right, navigate Utility

through the 34980A front-panel Utility menu to verify
that DHCP is ON (ON is the factory default state). Remote I/O
NOTE: If your LAN does not support DHCP, refer to
the Connectivity Guide. Utility

4. Press EXIT MENU, which saves any changes and I/O PORT
defaults all other parameters in the Utility menu. LAN GPIB USB
(Use knob to select LAN)

5. Wait for the DHCP server to assign a valid address Utility

(this operation can take between 30 seconds and
one minute to complete). ENABLE LAN
NO YES
(Use knob to select YES)
6. From the Utility menu, navigate to the LAN SETTINGS
choice and select VIEW. Using the flow diagram as a Utility
guide, view the instrument’s IP address and other LAN
settings. Write down the IP address in the space below: LAN SETTINGS
Utility VIEW MODIFY Utility

34980A IP Address: ___________________________ (Use knob to make selection)

7. Press EXIT MENU. LAN STATUS DHCP

DHCP BOOT OFF ON
(Use knob to select (Use knob to select ON)
8. Now you can use the 34980A Web Browser Interface to IP_ADDRESS)
access and control the instrument. See page 21 for more EXIT
MENU
information on using the Web Interface.
IP_ADDRESS
xxx.xxx.xx.xx
9. If you plan to program the instrument over LAN or use
such programs, make sure you have installed the EXIT
required I/O software on your computer. MENU

10. Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO

Libraries Suite to add the 34980A and verify a
connection. When identifying the instrument, it is easiest
if you use the IP address noted in step 6 above.
NOTE: If you have installed any other I/O software,
refer to documentation included with that software.

11. Now you can use various programming environments to

control the 34980A. For an overview on programming
instruments via LAN, refer to the Connectivity Guide.

16 34980A Getting Started Guide

Connecting Via Isolated (Non-Site) LAN

To Network
Interface Card
(NIC) To LAN Port
Example
Isolated (Non-Site)
LAN Connection CAT5 Crossover Cable
PC 34980A

1. Using the CAT5 crossover cable provided with the 34980A, connect your computer to the 34980A.

2. Make sure power is applied to your computer and verify that the operating system is fully booted.
Then apply power to the 34980A.

3. Using the flow diagram on page 16, navigate through the 34980A front-panel Utility menu and set
DHCP to OFF.

4. Press EXIT MENU, which saves any changes and defaults all other parameters in the Utility menu.

5. From the Utility menu, navigate to the LAN SETTINGS choice and select VIEW. Using the flow
diagram as a guide, view the instrument’s IP address and other LAN settings. Write down the IP
address in the space below:

34980A IP Address: ___________________________

6. Press EXIT MENU.

7. Now you can use the 34980A Web Browser Interface to access and control the instrument.
See page 21 for more information on using the Web Interface.

8. If you plan to program the instrument over LAN or use such programs, make sure you have installed
the required I/O software on your computer.

9. Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO Libraries Suite to add the 34980A and verify a
connection. When identifying the instrument, it is easiest if you use the IP address noted in
step 5 above. NOTE: If you have installed any other I/O software, refer to documentation included
with that software.

10. Now you can use various programming environments to control the 34980A. For an overview on
programming instruments via LAN, refer to the Connectivity Guide.

34980A Getting Started Guide 17

Connecting Over GPIB

1. Make sure you have installed the required I/O software Front-Panel Navigation
on your computer.
Utility
2. Follow the instructions included with your GPIB interface
card to install the GPIB hardware in your computer.
Remote I/O
3. Connect a GPIB cable (not provided) between your
computer and the 34980A.
Utility

4. Make sure power is applied to your computer and verify

that the operating system is fully booted. Then apply
I/O PORT
power to the 34980A.
GPIB USB LAN
(Use knob to select GPIB)
5. Configure your GPIB hardware as instructed by the
documentation provided the hardware vendor.
Utility

6. Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO

Libraries Suite to add the 34980A and verify a
ENABLE GP-IB
connection. NOTE: If you have installed any other
NO YES
I/O software, refer to documentation included with (Use knob to select YES)
that software.

7. The 34980A is shipped from the factory with a default Utility

GPIB address of 9. To change the address, refer to the

flow diagram shown to the right.
GPIB ADDRESS
8. Now you can use various programming environments to 9
Factory Address: 9
control the 34980A. For an overview on programming (Use knob and arrow keys
instruments via GPIB, refer to the Connectivity Guide. to select different address)

Utility

18 34980A Getting Started Guide

Connecting Over USB

Before connecting the USB cable (not provided), make sure that I/O software is installed
on your computer. See page 15 for more information on installing the Agilent IO Libraries
software.

1. After installing the required I/O software on your computer, connect a standard USB cable between
your computer and the 34980A.

2. Make sure power is applied to your computer and verify that the operating system is fully booted.
Then apply power to the 34980A.

3. The Found New Hardware Wizard will automatically start and guide you through configuring the
34980A as a USB device. To install the software automatically, accept all defaults.

NOTE: If you installed the Agilent IO Libraries software, this also installed the required low-level
software drivers. Therefore, you do not need to insert the CD when the Found New Hardware Wizard
instructs you to do so.

4. Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO Libraries Suite to verify that the 34980A is
displayed under the USB interface.

NOTE: If you have installed any other I/O software, refer to documentation included with
that software.

5. Now you can use various programming environments to control the 34980A. For an overview on
programming instruments via USB, refer to the Connectivity Guide.

34980A Getting Started Guide 19

Communicating with the 34980A
You can use either instrument drivers or SCPI commands (in any programming environment) to
communicate with the 34980A. However, Agilent has designed drivers that work best in recommended
environments, as shown in the table below. To install drivers and their associated Help files, refer to the
34980A Product Reference CD-ROM, which is included with the 34980A User’s Guide. This CD-ROM
also contains a collection of example programs for your reference.

Programming Environment Driver(s)

Microsoft Visual C version 6.0, Visual C++, and ANSI C IVI-C, IVI-COM
 
Microsoft Visual Basic version 6.0 IVI-C, IVI-COM
 
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET for C#, C, and Visual Basic IVI-COM
Agilent VEE IVI-C

National Instrument’s LabVIEW LabVIEW  Plug and Play
(native mode), IVI-C
National Instrument’s LabWindows/CVI IVI-C

20 34980A Getting Started Guide

Exploring the 34980A Web Interface Over LAN
You can use the 34980A’s Web Browser Interface for remote access and control of the instrument via a
®
Java-enabled Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer. Using the Web Interface, you can
configure, troubleshoot, and monitor your system remotely.

This section provides an overview of the 34980A Web Interface. The Web Interface works with the
34980A mainframe and all installed plug-in modules. For the examples provided in this section,
the 34921A multiplexer module is used for illustration purposes.

The following tasks assume you have configured the 34980A for LAN communication and
have verified connection to a LAN network. See pages 16 and 17 for more information.

Launching the Web Interface

1. Open your Internet browser from 5 2

your computer.

2. From the Tools>Internet

Options menu, navigate to
Connections (exact navigation
depends on your browser),
and then select LAN Settings.

3. From the LAN Settings dialog,

select/activate bypass proxy
server for local addresses
(exact terminology depends
on your browser).

4. Exit the Options window.

5. Enter the IP address of the

34980A in the Address field and
press return. Either refer to the
IP address you wrote on page 16
or 17, or use the 34980A’s front
panel Utility menu to read the
IP address. Click here for Help

6. After entering the appropriate

IP address, the 34980A Web
Interface’s Welcome Window
should appear.

The procedures in this section will help you understand tasks commonly performed
using the 34980A’s Web Interface. For additional help on using the interface, click the
?Help with the Page tab on the lower-left corner of the Web Interface window.

34980A Getting Started Guide 21

Displaying the Browser Web Control Page

1. From the Welcome Window, 1

click the Browser Web Control
tab on the left side of the window
to display the Brower Web Control
page.

2. From this page, you can view

and modify the configuration of
the modules currently installed
in the 34980A.

When you first launch this page,

the configuration of the module in
the lowest numbered slot is shown
(shown in bold text). To view the
configuration of a different module,
click on the desired module name
from the list (slots are numbered
1 through 8).
2

Selecting the “Allow Full Control” Mode

Select the Allow Full Control radio

button as shown. Once enabled,
this mode allows you to open and
close channel relays and modify the
state of the installed modules.

If desired, you can use the 34980’s

front panel Utility menu to assign a
password for use with the 34980A
Web Interface. Once specified,
the password must be provided to
transition from the Observe Only
mode to the Allow Full Control mode.

22 34980A Getting Started Guide

Closing and Opening Channel Relays

You must be in the Allow Full Control mode to close and open channels.

1. To close a channel, left-click 2

directly on the graphic of the
desired relay. To open a
closed channel, click again on
the relay graphic.

2. You can also open and close

the four Analog Bus relays by
left-clicking the graphics of
these relays. The Analog Bus
Overview display located near
the top of the window shows
the slot-by-slot status of the
four Analog Buses.

Modifying the Channel Configuration

You must be in the Allow Full Control mode to modify the channel configuration.

1. To modify the measurement 1

configuration of individual channels
(e.g., add channel labels, select function
and range, etc.), right-click directly on
the graphic of the desired relay.
The Channel Configuration dialog box
for that channel is displayed.

2. As an example, change the label on

Channel 1001 to “DUT_1”. Click OK.

34980A Getting Started Guide 23

Sending SCPI Commands Via the Web Interface

You must be in the Allow Full Control mode to send instrument commands to the 34980A.

The Web Interface provides a utility to send SCPI commands to the 34980A via the SCPI Command
Interface window. The procedure below shows how to access this window and send commands.

1. Press the Commands button at the

1
top of the Web Browser Control page
to launch the SCPI Command
Interface window.

2. The SCPI Command Interface

window allows you to:

a. Set the time to wait for a

command response from
the instrument.

b. Select commonly used

commands to send to 2a
the instrument.

c. Enter SCPI commands to send

to the instrument:

1. Use Write to send the

command to the instrument.

2. Use Read to read the

response back from
the instrument.

3. Use Write & Read to send 2b

a query to the instrument
and read back the response.

3. In the Command History field,

you can view the last 20 commands
sent to the instrument.

4. You can use the SCPI Quick

Reference button to access a syntax
summary of all SCPI commands for
2c
the 34980A.

24 34980A Getting Started Guide

Agilent 34980A Documentation Map

If you want to… Go here… Additional Comments

Install Agilent IO Libraries Suite Automation-Ready CD The Automation-Ready CD is shipped
with the 34980A.

You can find installation instructions

and additional information at:
www.agilent.com/find/iolib.
Install 34980A instrument drivers 34980A Product Reference The 34980A Product Reference
CD-ROM CD-ROM is shipped with the 34980A.

Or download the 34980A drivers

from the Agilent Web site at:
www.agilent.com/find/drivers.
Read the Agilent Connectivity Automation-Ready CD The Automation-Ready CD is shipped
Guide with the 34980A.

Or download the Connectivity Guide

from the Agilent Web site at:
www.agilent.com/find/connectivity.
Learn more about the 34980A Web Interface Click on the ?Help with this Page tab
Web Browser Interface On-Line Help system on the Web Interface window.
Learn about the 34980A front- 34980A User’s Guide Shipped as a printed manual with the
panel menu content and operation 34980A and a PDF file on the 34980A
Product Reference CD-ROM.

Or download the User’s Guide

from the Agilent Web site at:
www.agilent.com/find/34980A.
Learn more about the 34980A 34980A User’s Guide Shipped as a printed manual with the
mainframe and the available 34980A and a PDF file on the 34980A
plug-in modules Product Reference CD-ROM.

Or download the User’s Guide

from the Agilent Web site at:
www.agilent.com/find/34980A.
Learn about the SCPI 34980A Programmer’s You can find the Programmer’s
programming commands used Reference On-line Help Reference Help file and the Quick
with the 34980A Reference Guide on the 34980A
Quick Reference Guide Product Reference CD-ROM.

Or download the information

from the Agilent Web site at:
www.agilent.com/find/34980A.
Update 34980A instrument www.agilent.com/find/34980A
firmware
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Printed in Malaysia
Edition 2
April 2005 E0405

*34980-90004*
Getting Started Guide
34980-90004