This chapter provides a general description of the GPIB and the bus data transfer and control functions. It also contains a listing of the MS464xB GPIB interface function subset capability and response to IEEE 488 interface function messages.
The GPIB information presented in this chapter is general in nature. For complete and specific information, refer to the following documents, available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers:
• ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation
• ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1987 IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols, and Common Commands
These documents precisely define the total specification of the mechanical and electrical interface, and of the data transfer and control protocols.
The final section in this chapter, Minimum/Maximum Instrument Frequency and Related Parameters, provides a listing of the VNA instrument minimum and maximum frequency settings and related parameters such as default frequency span. These values are provided for standalone VectorStar VNAs as well as for VNAs configured with ME7828A or MS7838A Broadband/Millimeter-Wave/Multiple Source Test Sets.
Note
When operating the VectorStar VNA through remote programming, the front panel user interface and controls are disabled. To return to local front panel control, press the front panel Clear/Tab key [Clr -->|], keyboard Esc key, or send the RTL command.