Measurement Computing Analyzer488 - Manual (Page 13)

Section 1 Introduction
1.1
Introduction
1.1 Description
The Analyzer488 IEEE 488 Bus Analyzer is a multifunction IEEE 488 device
that can monitor, capture, and analyze IEEE 488 bus events. The Analyzer488 can
function as a full-featured IEEE 488 bus controller, providing full IEEE 488-1978 bus
implementation. The Analyzer488 can also operate as an instrument simulator,
emulating any one of hundreds of IEEE 488 instruments, such as digital oscilloscopes
and multimeters. Data for several different waveforms can be retrieved from the
Analyzer488.
The Analyzer488 can be operated from the front panel or from a personal
computer or terminal connected to the serial port. Analyst488 software is included
that runs on an IBM PC to provide all the Analyzer488 functions using a menu driven
approach.
As a high level controller, the Analyzer488 interprets simple high level
commands sent from the computer's serial port and performs the necessary, and
usually complex, bus control and handshaking. The commands and protocol are
similar to those used by the Hewlett Packard HP-85 computer. As a low level
controller, The Analyzer488 offers complete control of bus management, data, and
handshaking lines.
Front panel operation allows a user to configure the Analyzer488, control the
IEEE 488 bus, view bus transactions, record bus transactions, and print recorded bus
events to a serial or IEEE 488 printer.