BNC 835 Programmer Manual - Manual (Page 6)

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation 2955 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 415-453-9955, Fax: 415-453-9956, Email: [email protected], Web: www.berkeleynucleonics.com
2 Programming the instrument
All instruments described in this manual can be accessed through LAN, USB or GIPB interface. All
interfaces use standard SCPI command set to pass commands to the device.
While LAN is the preferred interface for Berkeley Nucleonics instruments, GPIB is only optionally
available for some models.
2.1 Ethernet LAN
All Berkeley Nucleonics signal generators are preferably remotely programmed via a
10/100/1000Base-T LAN interface and LAN-connected computer using one of several LAN interface
protocols. The LAN allows instruments to be connected together and controlled by a LAN- based
computer. LAN and its associated interface operations are defined in the IEEE 802.2 standard.
All instruments support the following LAN interface protocols:
• Socket based LAN: The application programming interface (API) provided with the
instrument supports general programming using the LAN interface under Windows operating
system.
• VXI-11
• Telephone Network (TELNET): TELNET is used for interactive, one command at a time
instrument control.
• Internet protocol optionally supported
For LAN operation, the signal generator must be connected to the LAN, and an IP address must be
assigned to the signal generator either manually or by using DHCP client service. Your system
administrator can tell you which method to use. Most current LAN networks use DHCP.
DHCP Configuration
If the DHCP server uses dynamic DNS to link the hostname with the assigned IP address, the
hostname may be used in place of the IP address. Otherwise, the hostname is not usable.
2.1.1 Ethernet Interface Connection and Setup
The instrument fully supports the IEEE-802.3 standard. Most front panel functions (except power
on/off) can be remotely controlled via a network server and an Ethernet connection. The instrument
firmware supports the TCP/IP network protocol.
Ethernet uses a bus or star topologies where all of the interfacing devices are connected to a central
cable called the bus or are connected to a hub. Ethernet uses the CSMA/CD access method to handle
simultaneous transmissions over the bus. CSMA/CD stands for Carrier Sense Multiple
Access/Collision Detection. This standard enables network devices to detect simultaneous data
channel usage, called a collision, and provides for a contention protocol. When a network device
detects a collision, the CSMA/CD standard dictates that the data will be retransmitted after waiting a