INSTRUCTION MANUALGP-IB INTERFACE UNIT
PU SERIES

B71-0134-00

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■ About the Instruction Manual
Permission from the copyright holder is needed to reprint the contents of this manual, in whole or in part. Be aware thatthe product specifications and the contents of this manual are subject to change for the purpose of improvement.

CONTENTS
USING THE PRODUCT SAFELY ........................................................................................................ Ⅰ-Ⅱ

1. THE DIGITAL (GP-IB-488.2 SCPI) PROGRAMMING OPTION __________________ 1
1-1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1
1-2. Scope of manual ................................................................................................................. 1
1-3. Using digital programming ................................................................................................... 1
1-3-1. The GP-IB-488.2 interface........................................................................................................1

1-4. Configuring the GP-IB interface ........................................................................................... 2
1-4-1. Setting the GP-IB select switch ................................................................................................2
1-4-2. Figuring the GP-IB controller ....................................................................................................2

1-5. The interface input buffer ..................................................................................................... 3
1-6. Getting started with the software ......................................................................................... 3
1-6-1. Example session using the ‘IBIC’ console ...............................................................................3
1-6-2. Example program written in visual basic ..................................................................................4
1-6-3. Example program written in labVIEW ......................................................................................4

2. PROGRAMMING COMMANDS __________________________________________ 5
2-1. Command notes .................................................................................................................. 5
2-2. Programming and measurement commands ....................................................................... 6
2-2-1. Program output voltage ............................................................................................................6
2-2-2. Read programmed voltage command ......................................................................................6
2-2-3. Measure voltage command ......................................................................................................6
2-2-4. Program output current command............................................................................................6
2-2-5. Read programmed current command ......................................................................................7
2-2-6. Measure current command ......................................................................................................7
2-2-7. Enable the supply output command .........................................................................................7
2-2-8. Disable the supply output command ........................................................................................7
2-2-9. Read output enable command .................................................................................................7
2-2-10. Go to local mode command ...................................................................................................7
2-2-11. Go to remote mode command ................................................................................................8
2-2-12. Go to remote with local lock out command ............................................................................8
2-2-13. Read programming mode command......................................................................................8

2-3. Output protection commands............................................................................................... 8
2-3-1. Over voltage protection ............................................................................................................8
2-3-2. Current fold back protection .....................................................................................................92-4. Operating condition commands ......................................................................................... 10
2-4-1. System error enable command ..............................................................................................10
2-4-2. Read system fault command ..................................................................................................10
2-4-3. Read supply output mode command .....................................................................................10

2-4-4. Set power supply power-up mode command ......................................................................... 11
2-4-5. Report power supply power mode command ........................................................................ 11
2-4-6. Read SCPI version command ................................................................................................ 11

2-5. Common commands ..........................................................................................................11
2-5-1. Clears status command .......................................................................................................... 11
2-5-2. Set service request enable command .................................................................................... 11
2-5-3. Read service request enable command................................................................................. 11
2-5-4. Read status byte command ....................................................................................................12
2-5-5. Set standard event status ‘ENABLE’ register command ........................................................12
2-5-6. Read standard event status ‘ENABLE’ register command ....................................................12
2-5-7. Read standard event status ‘EVENT’ register command .......................................................12
2-5-8. Read identity command ..........................................................................................................12
2-5-9. Reset command .....................................................................................................................13
2-5-10. Self test query command......................................................................................................13
2-5-11. Operation complete command .............................................................................................13
2-5-12. Read operation complete command ....................................................................................13
2-5-13. Save power supply setting command ..................................................................................13
2-5-14. Recall power supply settings command ...............................................................................13

2-6. Status commands .............................................................................................................. 14
2-6-1. Read operational condition ‘EVENT’ register command ........................................................142-6-2. Read operational condition ‘CONDITION’ register command................................................14
2-6-3. Sset operational condition ‘ENABLE’ register command .......................................................14
2-6-4. Read operational condition ‘ENABLE’ register command......................................................14
2-6-5. Read questionable condition ‘EVENT’ register command .....................................................15
2-6-6. Read questionable condition ‘CONDITION’ register command .............................................15
2-6-7. Set questionable condition ‘ENABLE’ tegister command ......................................................15
2-6-8. Read questionable condition ‘ENABLE’ register command ...................................................15
2-6-9. Status preset command ..........................................................................................................15

2-7. Using error and status registers ......................................................................................... 16
2-7-1. Overview: register fan-out ......................................................................................................16
2-7-2. Glossary of register terms ......................................................................................................16
2-7-3. Clear all status registers .........................................................................................................16
2-7-4. Service requests and status byte register ..............................................................................16
2-7-5. Standard event status ‘EVENT’ register .................................................................................17
2-7-6. The operational registers ........................................................................................................18
2-7-7. The questionable condition registers......................................................................................19

3. SYSTEM: ERROR MESSAGES _________________________________________ 20

USING THE PRODUCT SAFELY■ Preface
To use the product safely, read instruction manual to the end.
Before using this product, understand how to correctly use it.
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IUSING THE PRODUCT SAFELY! WARNING! CAUTION■ Do not remove the product's covers and panels
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Otherwise, the user's electric shock or fire may be incurred.

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product. Use the product, observing the following warning and caution items.

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If smoke or fire is generated from the product while in use, stop using the product, turn off the switch, and remove thepower cord plug from the outlet. After confirming that no other devices catch fire, ask us or your local dealer.

■ Calibration
Although the performance and specifications of the product are checked under strict quality control during shipmentfrom the factory, they may be deviated more or less by deterioration of parts due to their aging or others.
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Use the product correctly and safely, observing the above warning and caution items.
Because the instruction manual indicates caution items even in individual items, observe those caution items to correctly
use the product.
If you have questions or comments about the manuals, ask us or E-Mail us.

II1. THE DIGITAL (GP-IB-488.2 SCPI) PROGRAMMING OPTION
1-1. Introduction
The internal factory installed GP-IB interface allows to operate the PU Power supply from a computer via GP-IB-488
communication bus.
The GP-IB interface allows the user complete remote control of the power supply, including output voltage and current
limit programming, setting the Over Voltage Protection, Under Voltage Limit and Foldback protection. The Output
Voltage and Output Current can be measured and the power supply status can be monitored.
Commands that are standard with digital programming include:· Program Voltage· Measure Voltage· Over-Voltage Shutdown· GP-IB-488.2 Compliant· Program Current· Measure Current· Current Fold Back Shutdown· SCPI Compliant

1-2. Scope of manualThis manual contains the information needed to operate the optional embedded digital interface used in the Power
Supply. This manual does not include specifications for digital accuracy and response rate. These values are only
valid for the power supply in which the interface is installed, so the specifications are given in the User Manual for the
power supply.

1-3. Using digital programming
1-3-1. The GP-IB-488.2 interface
The GP-IB-488 digital programming interface (also called the GP-IB interface) is a popular way to connect instruments
to a computer. It uses a specialized 24-pin cable with connector that allows cables to be ‘stacked’ together. Thereare eight data wires, eight control wires and eight ground wires. If the system runs from a personal computer, there
are numerous vendors of GP-IB controller cards and software.
The GP-IB-488 standard has gone through several upgrades. The GP-IB-488.1 focused on the handshaking of theeight control lines. The GP-IB-488.2 added status registers inside each instrument and it added common commands
to make programming groups of instrument easier. The latest specification, SCPI, adds guidelines for the command
syntax so one vendor’s power supply will use the same commands as another’s. The Interface follows all of thesestandards.
Because many instruments may be connected and independently controlled by a single GP-IB controller, each
instrument must have a unique address. The GP-IB controller automatically sets its address equal to the power
supply address.

11-4. Configuring the GP-IB interface
1-4-1. Setting the GP-IB select switch
The interface contains a two position DIP switch that is accessible from the rear of the Power Supply and located next
to the GP-IB cable connector. Switch 2, located to the right of Switch1, is not used. Refer to Fig 1-1 for location of
the GP-IB connector and the GP-IB select switch at the rear panel of the supply.

GP-IB select switch

GP-IB-488 connector

Fig 1-1: GP-IB connector and GP-IB select switch location
Placing Switch 1 in the ON Position, Up, will activate this interface and deactivate the Power Supply’s Serial I/O
capability. Placing Switch 1 in the OFF Position, Down, will deactivate this interface and activate the Power Supply’s
Serial I/O capability.
The position of Switch 1 may be changed at any time; but, if a new setting is to take effect, the Power Supply input
power must be power cycled.

ON

1

2

OFF
unusedFig 1-2: GP-IB select switch

1-4-2. Figuring the GP-IB controller
A typical GP-IB controller is a personal computer with an GP-IB interface card. Each card vendor supplies its own
configuration instructions and interface software.
Each time the software is executed, the controller must be configured as follows:- Controller Address = 0. This is factory default for all controllers.
- EOI Flag = TRUE. The “End or Identify” is a control line in the GP-IB cable that is asserted when the last
character of a message string is sent. It is required for this interface.
- EOS Flag = FALSE: The “End of String”, used in some instruments to indicate the last character of a message, is
not supported by this interface.

21-5. The interface input buffer
The Interface contains a 208 byte input buffer to save commands as they are received from the GP-IB-488.2 bus.
The buffer is divided into sixteen 13-byte fields. Thus the command:
SOURCE: VOLTAGE: AMPLITUDE 123.45 will consume 4 fields and the command:: VOLTAGE 123.45 will consume 2 fields.
The user may enter more than 1 concatenated command, separated by semicolons, to be executed. The interface
will process all commands before returning any data/status to the GP-IB bus or accepting any new commands toexecute. Messages returned to the user will be the result of the last command executed.
If a command error exists, or an error is reported by the Power Supply, all subsequent commands in the buffer will beterminated and the status returned to the user.
If the user enters more that 16 fields an error will be generated.
field, an error will be generated.

Also, if the user enters more than 13 bytes in any

1-6. Getting started with the software
A computer can use a variety of controllers, programs, and programming languages for the GP-IB bus.
Here is an example showing a minimal program to set the voltage, set the current and measure the voltage from a
power supply.

1-6-1. Example session using the ‘IBIC’ console
A popular console program is National Instruments “Win32 Interactive Control” (file: ibic.exe). As the operator types
each command on the computer, at the colon prompt, it is immediately sent to the power supply. This example works
only for computers with National Instruments and compatible GP-IB controller cards.

Win32 Interactive Control
Copyright 1996 National Instruments Corporation
All rights reserved.
Type ‘help’ for help or ‘q’ to quit.
: ibdev
enter board index: 0
enter primary address: 6
enter secondary address: 0
enter timeout: 12
enter ‘EOI on last byte’ flag: 1
enter end-of-string mode/byte: 10

Controller address
Supply address

ud0: ibwrt “sour: volt 100”[0100] (cmpl)
count: 12

Program supply to
100 volts output

ud0: ibwrt “sour: curr 5”[0100] (cmpl)
count: 11

Program supply to
5 amps output

ud0: ibwrt “meas: volt?”[0100] (cmpl)
count: 10

Query: “What is output voltage?”

ud0: ibrd 50[2100] (end cmpl)
count: 11

Read response

31 30 30 2e 30 38 0a

Supply reported output voltage
100.08.

3

1-6-2. Example program written in visual basic
Microsoft’s Visual Basic is a windows programming language that may be used to create “virtual instruments” andautomation programs. Here is a simple program, which sends commands to a power supply to set the voltage, set
the current and measure the voltage. The program’s window only contains two items: a “Start” button and a text box
to show the measured voltage. The syntax of the CALLed functions is correct only for National Instruments andcompatible GP-IB controllers. Don’t forget to add the forms “Ni-global.bas” and “Vbib-32.bas” to your project.
Example Program Written in Visual Basic
Option Explicit
Dim SupplyUD As Integer
Dim strMeasVolt As String * 50

‘supply device descriptor‘buffer for reading input message

Private Declare Function GetTickCount Lib “kernel32” () As Long
Private Sub cmdStart_Click()‘start program here after “Start” button clicked‘open GP-IB port, get “User Device Description” = SupplyUD‘assume power supply address is set to “6” on DIP switch
Call ibdev (0, 6, 0, T3s, 1, 10, SupplyUD)
Call ibwrt (SupplyUD, “:volt 100”) ‘program output to 100 volts
Call ibwrt (SupplyUD, “: curr 2”)‘program output to 2 amps
Wait 500‘wait 0.5 sec to settle
Call ibwrt (SupplyUD, “meas: volt?”) ‘ask “What is output voltage?”
Call ibrd (SupplyUD, strMeasVolt) ‘read back output voltage
txtOutVolt.Text = strMeasVolt‘display output voltage on window
End Sub
Private Sub Wait (mSecWait As Long)‘subroutine to wait “mSecWait” milliseconds
Dim StartTime As Long
StartTime = GetTickCount
Do
Loop While (GetTickCount - StartTime < mSecWait)
End Sub

1-6-3. Example program written in labVIEW
The National Instruments LabVIEW programming language is a popular language, which is optimized for instrument
control and data analysis. It is a graphical language where functions are shown as icons with connection points anddata flows along drawn lines.
Here is a simple program, which sends commands to a power supply to set thevoltage, set the current and measure the voltage. The program’s window only contains two items: a numeric control
for the supply GP-IB address and a text indicator to show the measured voltage.

Pwr Supply Address

Address
I16
500

GP-IB Initialization
0

T F

0

1

0

0

SEND

SEND

SEND

SEND

0
SEND

Wait(ms)

Receive

SEND

1

1

abc

1

Controller Address

Simple Error Handler. vi: VOLT 25
T F

Open GP-IB Port

Output Voltage

RECEIVE

Error String
Maintains
Sequence
Program Output to
25 Volts: CURR 40

Program Output to
40 Amps

Wait 0.5 Sec

4MEAS : VOLT?

50

Ask “Voltage?”

Read Voltage

Error

?!

Display
voltage2. PROGRAMMING COMMANDS
2-1. Command notes
Expressions enclosed in square brackets, [ ], are optional and entered without the [ or ].
Expressions enclosed in greater than/less than, < >, are programming values and entered without the< or >.
The expression <SP> represents a one character ASCII Space.
In all commands upper case characters can be interchanged with lower case characters.
WORD

CAN BE REPLACED WITH

: AMPLITUDE: AMPL: CONDITION: COND: CURRENT: CURR: ENABLE: ENAB: ERROR?

: ERR?

: EVENT: EVEN: IMMEDIATE: IMM: LEVEL: LEV: LIMIT: LIM

MEASURE

MEAS

MODE?

MOD?

: OPERATION: OPEROUTPUT

OUTP: PRESET: PRES: PROTECTION: PROT: QUESTIONABLE: QUES

SOURCESOUR: STATE: STATSTATUSSTATSYSTEMSYST: TRIPPED: TRIP: VERSION: VERS: VOLTAGE: VOLT

5

2-2. Programming and measurement commands
2-2-1. Program output voltage
The output voltage can be programmed by sending the command:[SOURce]: VOLTage [:IMMediate][:LEVel][:AMPLitude]<SP><value>
Where <value> is any valid voltage with or without a decimal place.
Alternate Format:
SOURCE: VOLTAGE<SP><value>: VOLTAGE: AMPLITUDE<SP><value>: VOLTAGE<SP><value>
Examples:
SOURCE: VOLTAGE: AMPLITUDE 15.77: VOLTAGE 3.25

2-2-2. Read programmed voltage command
To read what voltage the supply was programmed to, regardless of the actual voltage, send the following command
and read the response message.
[SOURce]: VOLTage [: AMPLitude]?
Alternate Format:
SOURCE: VOLTAGE?
: VOLTAGE: AMPLITUDE?
: VOLTAGE?
Examples:
SOURCE: VOLTAGE: AMPLITUDE?
: VOLTAGE?

2-2-3. Measure voltage command
The output voltage can be measured by sending the command:
MEASure: VOLTage?
When the controller does the next GP-IB Read, the interface will send the measured voltage to it.
Example:MEASURE: VOLTAGE?

2-2-4. Program output current command
The output current is programmed by sending the command:[SOURce]: CURRent [:IMMediate][: LEVel][: AMPLitude]<SP><value>
Where < value > is any valid current with or without a decimal place.
Alternate Formats:
SOURCE: CURRENT<SP><value>: CURRENT: AMPLITUDE<SP><value>: CURRENT<SP><value>
Examples:
SOURCE: CURRENT: AMPLITUDE 15.77: CURRENT 3.25

6

2-2-5. Read programmed current command
To read what current the supply was programmed to, regardless of the actual current, send the following command
and read the response message.
[SOURce]: CURRent [: AMPLitude]?
Alternate Format:
SOURCE: CURRENT?
: CURRENT: AMPLITUDE?
: CURRENT?
Examples:
SOURCE: CURRENT: AMPLITUDE?
: CURRENT?

2-2-6. Measure current command
The output current can be measured by sending the SCPI command:
MEASure: CURRent?
When the controller does the next GP-IB Read, the supply will return the amperes of current being produced
Example:MEASURE: CURRENT?

2-2-7. Enable the supply output command
The power supply output can be turned on by sending this command:
OUTPut: STATe<SP>1
The output will immediately jump to the last programmed voltage and current.
Example:OUTPUT: STATE 1
Notes:
1 can be replaced with ON

2-2-8. Disable the supply output command
The power supply output can be shut off by sending this command:
OUTPut: STATe<SP>0This command is equivalent to programming the output to zero volts.
Example:OUTPUT: STATE 0
Notes:
0 can be replaced with OFF

2-2-9. Read output enable command
Reads the Power Supply output enable.
is disabled.

Places a 1 in the output queue if the supply is enabled and a 0 if the supply

Syntax:
OUTPut: STATe?
Example:OUTPUT: STATE?

2-2-10. Go to local mode command
Places the supply under control of the Front Panel Controls.
Syntax:SYSTem: SET<SP><0>
Example:SYSTEM: SET 0
Notes:
0 can be replaced with LOC

7

2-2-11. Go to remote mode command
Places the supply under control of the GP-IB Interface.
Syntax:SYSTem: SET<SP><1>
Example:SYSTEM: SET 1
Notes:
1 can be replaced with REM

2-2-12. Go to remote with local lock out command
Places the supply under control of the GP-IB Interface and disables the Front Panel go to Local Button.
Syntax:SYSTem: SET<SP><2>
Example:SYSTEM: SET 2
Notes:
2 can be replaced with LLO

2-2-13. Read programming mode command
Reads the mode of the Power Supply. Place a 0 in the output queue if the supply is in Local Mode, a 1 if the supply isin Remote Mode and a 2 if the supply is in Remote Mode with Local Lock Out.
Syntax:SYSTem: SET?
Example:SYSTEM: SET?

2-3. Output protection commands
2-3-1. Over voltage protection
2-3-1-1. Set the over voltage protection level command
Set the over voltage protection level of the Power Supply to <value>, where <value> is a number between zero and the
maximum supply output voltage. A decimal point is optional.
Syntax:[SOURce]: VOLTage: PROTection: LEVel<SP><value>
Alternate Format:: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: LEVEL<SP><value>
Examples:
SOURCE: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: LEVEL 25.00
SOURCE: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: LEVEL MAX
Notes:
If <value> equals MAX, the supply will set its over voltage to its maximum level.

2-3-1-2. Read the over voltage protection level command
Read the over voltage protection level of the Power Supply.
Syntax:[SOURce]: VOLTage: PROTection: LEVel?
Alternate Format: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: LEVEL?
Example:SOURCE: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: LEVEL?

8

2-3-1-3. Read over voltage tripped state command
Read if the Power Supply over voltage has tripped.
Syntax:[SOURce]: VOLTage: PROTection: TRIPped?
Alternate Format:: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: TRIPPED?
Example:SOURCE: VOLTAGE: PROTECTION: TRIPPED?
Read the response number. The normal response is “0” (zero).
occurred and the output is shut down.

2-3-1-4. Set the under voltage protection level command
Set the under voltage protection level of the Power Supply.
Syntax:[SOURce]: VOLTage: LIMit: LOW<SP><value>
Alternate Format:: VOLTAGE: LIMIT: LOW<SP><value>
Example:SOURCE: VOLTAGE: LIMIT: LOW 25.00

2-3-1-5. Read the under voltage protection level command
Read the under voltage protection level of the Power Supply.
Syntax:[SOURce]: VOLTage: Limit: LOW?
Alternate Format: VOLTAGE: LIMIT: LOW?
Example:SOURCE: VOLTAGE: LIMIT: LOW?

2-3-2. Current fold back protection
2-3-2-1. Set current fold back protection command
Turn on the current fold back protection of the Power Supply.
Syntax:[SOURce]: CURRent: PROTection: STATe<SP><1>
Alternate Format:: CURRENT: PROTECTION: STATE<SP>1
Example:SOURCE: CURRENT: PROTECTION: STATE 1

2-3-2-2. Clear current fold back protection command
Turn off the current fold back protection of the Power Supply.
Syntax:[SOURce]: CURRent: PROTection: STATe<SP><0>
Alternate Format:: CURRENT: PROTECTION: STATE<SP>0
Example:SOURCE: CURRENT: PROTECTION: STATE 0

9

If a “1”(one) is returned, an over voltage has

2-3-2-3. Read current fold back state command
Read if the Fold back is enabled or disabled.
if not set.

The interface will return an ON if Fold Back Protection is set or an OFF

Syntax:[SOURce]: CURRent: PROTection: STATe?
Alternate Format:: CURRENT: PROTECTION: STATE?
Example:SOURCE: CURRENT: PROTECTION: STATE?

2-3-2-4. Read fold back tripped state command
Read if the Power Supply Current Fold Back has tripped.
tripped or a 0 if not tripped.

The interface will return a 1 if Fold Back Protection has

Syntax:[SOURce]: CURRent: PROTection: TRIPped?
Alternate Format:: CURRENT: PROTECTION: TRIPPED?
Example:SOURCE: CURRENT: PROTECTION: TRIPPED?

2-4. Operating condition commands
2-4-1. System error enable command
Clears the Error Queue and enables all error messages to be placed in the Error Queue.
Syntax:SYSTem: ERRor: ENABle
Action:Direct the interface to save error messages.
Example:SYSTEM: ERROR: ENABLE

2-4-2. Read system fault command
The oldest error message is removed from the Error Queue and placed in the Output Queue.
empty, a 0 is placed in the Output Queue.

If the Error Queue was

Syntax:SYSTem: ERRor?
Example:SYSTEM: ERROR?

2-4-3. Read supply output mode command
Read if the Power Supply is in the Constant Voltage, Constant Current or Output Off Mode. The interface will return a
CV if the supply is in Constant Voltage Mode, a CC if the supply is in Constant Current Mode or an OFF if the supply
output is off.
SyntaxSOURce: MODe?:
Example:SOURCE: MODE?:

102-4-4. Set power supply power-up mode command
Set the Power Supply for Auto-Restart or Safe-Start operation upon power up.
Syntax:
OUTPut: PON<SP><value>
Where value = 0 for Safe-Start or value = 1 for Auto-Restart
Examples:OUTPUT: PON 0,
OUTPUT: PON 1
Notes:
This command is in addition to the SCPI compliance requirements.

2-4-5. Report power supply power mode command
Report the Power Supply Auto-Restart or Safe-Start operation upon power up mode. The interface will return an ON
if the supply is Auto-restart operation or an OFF if the supply is in Safe-Start operation
Syntax:
OUTPut: PON?
Example:OUTPUT: PON?
Notes:
This command is in addition to the SCPI compliance requirements.

2-4-6. Read SCPI version command
Read the SCPI Compliance year that this interface adheres to.
Syntax:SYSTem: VERSion?
Example:SYSTEM: VERSION?

2-5. Common commands
2-5-1. Clears status command
Clears all event registers and stored error messages.

Relays the command to the Power Supply

Syntax:*CLS
Example:*CLS

2-5-2. Set service request enable command
Set the Service Request Enable Register.
Syntax:*SRE<SP><value>
Example:*SRE 140
Notes:<value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 255.

2-5-3. Read service request enable command
Read the value of the Service Request Enable Register.
Syntax:*SRE?
Example:*SRE?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 255.

11

2-5-4. Read status byte command
Read the value of the Status Register. The Status Byte Register contains eight bits, which are set to show that someother register has recorded an event or an error. See Figure 3-1.
The response to this query will be a binary weighted number from 0 to 255.
Syntax:*STB?
Example:*STB?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 255.

2-5-5. Set standard event status ‘ENABLE’ register command
Set Event Status Enable Register to a value. See Figure 3-1.
Syntax:*ESE<SP><value>
Example:*ESE 74
Notes:<value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 255.

2-5-6. Read standard event status ‘ENABLE’ register command
Read the value of the Event Status Enable Register.

See Figure 3-1.

Syntax:*ESE?
Example:*ESE?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-5-7. Read standard event status ‘EVENT’ register command
Read the value of the Event Status Register. See Figure 3-1.
Syntax:*ESR?
Example:*ESR?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-5-8. Read identity command
Read Company Logo, Power Supply ranges, Serial Number and Revision of the Power Supply and Version of thisGP-IB Interface. When the controller reads the output from the power supply, a single-line identity string will be
returned. A typical identity string format is:
Manufacturer/Model <max volt>-<max curr>, S/N <supply serial>,
REV <power supply revision-GP-IB interface version>
Syntax:*IDN?
Example:*IDN?

12

2-5-9. Reset command
Resets the Power Supply
Syntax:*RST
Example:*RST

2-5-10. Self test query command
Test that the Interface and the Power Supply are operational. This will be accomplished by sending a measure
voltage command to the power supply. The result of the measure voltage command is ignored. The result will betested for completion and/or error.
Syntax:*TST?
Example:*TST?

2-5-11. Operation complete command
Set the Operation Complete Bit in the Standard Event Status Register when all operations have finished
Syntax:*OPC
Example:*OPC

2-5-12. Read operation complete command
Place a 1 in the Output Queue when all operations have finished.
Syntax:*OPC?
Example:*OPC?

2-5-13. Save power supply setting commandSends a command to the Power Supply causing it to save its operating settings: Programmed voltage, Current, Over
Voltage, Under Voltage, Remote/Local Mode, Auto/Safe Restart, Current Fold Back, etc. can be stored in Electrically
Erasable Programmable read-only Memory (EEPROM). These values are the powerup default settings.
To change one or more settings, enter the one or more commands with new settings and then enter this command.
Syntax:*SAV<SP><0>
Example:*SAV 02-5-14. Recall power supply settings commandSends a command to the Power Supply causing it to recall its operating settings:
Programmed voltage, Current, Over Voltage, Under Voltage, Remote/Local Mode, Auto/Safe Restart and Current Fold
Back
Syntax:*RCL<SP><0>
Example:*RCL 013

2-6. Status commands
2-6-1. Read operational condition ‘EVENT’ register command
Reads the Operational Condition Event Register and puts the result in the Output Queue.
Syntax:STATus: OPERation [: EVENt]?
Alternate Format:
STATUS: OPERATION?
Example:STATUS: OPERATION: EVENT?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the event bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-6-2. Read operational condition ‘CONDITION’ register command
Reads the Operational Condition Register and puts the result in the Output Queue.
Syntax:STATus: OPERation: CONDition?
Example:STATUS: OPERATION: CONDITION?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the condition bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-6-3. Sset operational condition ‘ENABLE’ register command
Sets the Operational Condition Enable Register.
Syntax:STATus: OPERation: ENABle<SP><value>
Example:STATUS: OPERATION: ENABLE 53
Notes:The <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-6-4. Read operational condition ‘ENABLE’ register command
Reads the Operational Condition Enable Register.
Syntax:STATus: OPERation: ENABle?
Example:STATUS: OPERATION: ENABLE?
Notes:The <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

14

2-6-5. Read questionable condition ‘EVENT’ register command
Reads the Questionable Condition Event Register and puts the result in the Output Queue.
Syntax:STATus: QUEStionable [: EVENt]?
Alternate Format:
STATUS: QUESTIONABLE?
Example:STATUS: QUESTIONABLE: EVENT?
Notes:The returned <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the event bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-6-6. Read questionable condition ‘CONDITION’ register command
Reads the Questionable Condition Register and puts the result in the Output Queue.
Syntax:STATus: QUEStionable: CONDition?
Example:STATUS: QUESTIONABLE: CONDITION?

2-6-7. Set questionable condition ‘ENABLE’ tegister command
Sets the Questionable Condition Enable Register.
Syntax:STATus: QUEStionable: ENABle<SP><value>
Example:STATUS: QUESTIONABLE: ENABLE 53
Notes:The <value> is a decimal number representing the sum of all the enabled bits.
The range of <value> is 0 to 16,767.

2-6-8. Read questionable condition ‘ENABLE’ register command
Reads the Questionable Condition Enable Register.
Syntax:STATus: QUEStionable: ENABle?
Example:STATUS: QUESTIONABLE: ENABLE?

2-6-9. Status preset command
Presets all Operation Enable and Questionable Enable Registers.
Syntax:STATus: PRESet
Example:STATUS: PRESET

15

2-7. Using error and status registers
2-7-1. Overview: register fan-out
The GP-IB Interface board has a set of status and error registers. They are defined by the GP-IB-488.2 specificationas part of the GP-IB-488.2 Common Command set required by all compliant instruments. These registers allow the
GP-IB controller to examine the operational state of the supply in detail. A “fan-out” architecture is used so only one
summary register needs to be read to know if an event occurred in any other register. This fan-out allows automatic
test programs to efficiently manage the remote programming mode. A diagram of the register structure is shown in
Figure 3-1. This diagram does not show all the registers in the GP-IB-488.2 specification. It only shows the registers
typically used in the power supply.

2-7-2. Glossary of register terms･ SERVICE REQUEST: When an instrument on the GP-IB bus asserts the SRQ line in the cable,
it tells the controller that it has completed its task or that an error has occurred.
・ SERIAL POLL: An GP-IB function which reads back the data in an instrument’s Status Byte Register.
The controller should perform this function after every command to verify the command was successful.
・ REGISTER QUERIES: Read the contents of registers. The contents are returned as a binary weighted decimal
number.
・ CONDITIONAL REGISTERS. These contain bits that are set when a condition or error occurs. The bits are only
cleared when the condition or error is cleared. The contents may be read but not changed.
・ ENABLE REGISTERS: The various Enable Registers can be set to allow the status and errors to be detectable by aSerial Poll.
・ EVENT REGISTERS: These contain bits that are set when an event or error occurs. The bits are cleared when thecontents of the register are queried.

2-7-3. Clear all status registers*CLS
This command clears all event registers and stored error messages.
registers.

It will not affect the Conditional or the Enable

2-7-4. Service requests and status byte register
The Status Byte Register contains the bits that are set when an event occurs in:
Questionable Condition Event Register,
Operational Condition Event Register,Standard Event Status Register,or when: a message is available in the Output Queueor when: an Error Message is available in the Error Queue.
If any of these bits are set, and the corresponding bit is set in the Service Request Enable Register the Service
Request Bite (SRQ) bit will become set.
The SRQ bit will assert a signal onto the Service Request (SRQ) line in the GP-IB cable. The controller program candetect the SRQ, read what the problem is from the power supply, and clear the SRQ.
The bit assignments for the Status Byte Register are:Table 2-1 The Status Byte Register
BIT SYMBOLBIT NUMBER

DECIMAL VALUE

0
1
2
3

1
2
4
8

SYS
QUE

4

16

MAV

5

32

ESB

6

64

SRQ

7

128

OPR

DESCRIPTION
Bsuy-1=Busy, 0=Ready
Not Used
System Error. Message Available in Error Que.
Questionable Summary
Message Available in Output Que.
Set after query message is received
Standard Event Summary
Request For Service. Is set if SYS, QUE, MAV, ESB
and/or OPR are enabled and set.
Operational Summary16

2-7-4-1. The service request enable register
See the SET SERVICE REQUEST ENABLE COMMAND (*SRE). With two exceptions, the Service Request Enable
Register is a mirror of the Status Byte Register. Bit 0 (Busy) and Bit 6 (SRQ) will be ignored. Also note that Bits 1 is
not used in this interface and will have no effect.
To enable a Service Request, the user should refer to Table 1 and determine which events need to be enabled tocause the request, add up the decimal value for those events and supply that value to the *SRE command.
The power up value of the Service Request Enable Register is zero, which means no Service Requests are Enabled.

2-7-5. Standard event status ‘EVENT’ register
See the READ STANDARD EVENT STATUS ‘EVENT’ REGISTER COMMAND(*ESR?). The Standard Event Status Register has seven bits that indicate status and errors for the power supply andthe interface.
The response message will be a binary weighted number from 0 to 255. Zero is returned if there are no errors or
events. The contents of the Standard Event Status Register will be cleared to zeroes after the *ESR? Command is
executed.
The bit assignments for this register are:Table 2-2 The Standard Event Status Register
BIT NUMBER

DECIMAL VALUEBIT SYMBOLDESCRIPTION

0

1

OPC

1

2

0

Not Used

2

4

QYE

Query Error

3

8

DDE

Device Dependant Error

4

16

EXE

Execution Error

5

32

CME

Command Error

6

64

URQ

User Request

7

128

PON

Power On.

Operation complete

Set when power is switched on.

2-7-5-1. The standard event status ‘ENABLE’ register
See the SET STANDARD EVENT STATUS ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER COMMAND (*ESE).
The STANDARD EVENT STATUS ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER is a mirror of the
STANDARD EVENT STATUS ‘EVENT’ REGISTER.
If any bit is set in the Standard Event Status Event Register and enabled in the Standard Event Status Enable Register,
the event will propagate to the Status Byte Register as a Standard Event Summary. By writing a binary weighted
value to the Standard Event Status Enable Register, the bits in the Standard Event Status Register may be individuallyenabled so only selected events will cause a service request.
The power-up default is all zeroes in the enable register. This means no status or errors will be sent to the Status
Byte Register. However, even if no bits are enabled, the contents of the Standard Event Status Register may always
be read with the *ESR? query.
The contents of the Standard Event Enable Register may be read by sending:*ESE?
The response will be a bit weighted number whose bits correspond to Table 217

2-7-6. The operational registers
The Operational Registers are three 16-bit registers whose bits are not defined by the GP-IB specification but are
specific to the GP-IB device.
The bit assignments for the Operational Registers are:Table 2-3 The Operational Registers
BIT NUMBER

DECIMAL VALUEBIT SYMBOLDESCRIPTION

0

1

CV

Set high if Constant Voltage Operation

1

2

CC

Set high if Constant Current Operation

2

4

NFLT

No Fault

3

8

N/A

Not used

4

16

AST

Auto Start Enabled

5

64

FBE

Foldback Enable

6

64

LLO

Local Lockeout

7

128

PEM

Remote/Local Mode

8to15

N/A

N/A

Not used

2-7-6-1. The operational condition ‘CONDITION’ register
See the READ OPERATIONAL CONDITION ‘CONDITION’ REGISTER COMMAND(STATUS:OPERATION: CONDITION?) and Table 3. The bits, as listed in Table 3 reflect the conditions under which
the power supply is operating.

2-7-6-2. The operational condition ‘ENABLE’ register
See the READ OPERATIONAL CONDITION ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER COMMAND(STATUS:OPERATION: ENABLE?), the SET OPERATIONAL CONDITION ‘ENABLE’
REGISTER COMMAND (STATUS:OPERATION: ENABLE) and Table 3.
The OPERATIONAL CONDITION ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER is a mirror of the OPERATIONALCONDITION ‘CONDITION’ REGISTER.
If any bit is set in the Operational Condition ‘Condition’ Register and enabled in this register, the condition willpropagate to the Operational Condition ‘Event’ Register as an event.

2-7-6-3. The operational condition ‘EVENT’ register
See the READ OPERATIONAL CONDITION ‘EVENT’ REGISTER COMMAND(STATUS:OPERATION: EVENT?) and Table 3.
The OPERATIONAL CONDITION ‘EVENT’ REGISTER is a mirror of the OPERATIONALCONDITION ‘CONDITION’ REGISTER.
If any event is set in this Register, it will propagate to the Status Byte Register as an Operational Summary event.

18

2-7-7. The questionable condition registers
The Questionable Condition Registers are three 16-bit registers whose bits are not defined by the GP-IB specification
but are specific to the GP-IB device.
The bit assignments for the Questionable Condition Registers are:Table 2-4 The Questionable Registers
BIT NUMBER

DECIMAL VALUEBIT SYMBOLDESCRIPTION

0

1

N/A

Not used

1

2

AC

AC Fail

2

4

OTP

Over Temperature

3

8

FLD

Fold Back Protect

4

16

OVP

Over Voltage Protection

5

64

SO

Shut Off

6

64

OFF

Output Off

7

128

ENA

Output Enable

8

256

INPC

Input Overflow

9

512

INTO

Internal Overflow

10

1024

ITMC

Internal Time Out

11

2048

COMM

Internal Comm Error

12 to15

N/A

N/A

Not used

2-7-7-1. The questionable condition ‘CONDITION’ register
See the READ QUESTIONABLE CONDITION ‘CONDITION’ REGISTER COMMAND (STATUS: QUESTIONABLE:
CONDITION?) and Table 4. The bits, as listed in Table4 reflect the questionable error conditions under which thepower supply is operating.

2-7-7-2. The questionable condition ‘ENABLE’ register
See the READ QUESTIONABLE CONDITION ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER COMMAND (STATUS: QUESTIONABLE:ENABLE?), the SET QUESTIONABLE CONDITION ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER COMMAND (STATUS: QUESTIONABLE:ENABLE) and Table 4. The QUESTIONABLE CONDITION ‘ENABLE’ REGISTER is a mirror of the QUESTIONABLE
CONDITION ‘CONDITION’ REGISTER.
If any bit is set in the Questionable Condition ‘Condition’ Register and enabled in this register, the condition willpropagate to the Questionable Condition ‘Event’ Register as an event.

2-7-7-3. The questionable condition ‘EVENT’ register
See the QUESTIONABLE CONDITION ‘EVENT’ REGISTER COMMAND (STATUS:QUESTIONABLE: EVENT?) and Table 3.
The QUESTIONABLE CONDITION ‘EVENT ’ REGISTER is a mirror of the QUESTIONABLE CONDITION‘CONDITION’ REGISTER.
If any event is set in this Register, it will propagate to the Status Byte Register as a Questionable Summary event.

19

3. SYSTEM: ERROR MESSAGESThe Status and Error Registers described in the previous section is only one of the status methods in the GP-IB board.
There is also a SCPI requirement for error messages that are in the form of:<Error Number><Comma><Quote><Error Description><Quote>
The user sends the “SYST: ERR?” query to read the error message. The messages are stored in a first-in/first-out
queue. The SYST: ERR queue can buffer up to TEN error messages, although the tenth is replaced by the–350,”Queue Overflow” if an eleventh message is generated. After the queue overflow, only the first ten messages
are stored and the later messages are lost.
The SYST: ERR queue is cleared by:
A. Reading the messages one at a time using “SYST: ERR?” until 0, ”No error” is read.
B. The *CLS (Clear Status) command.
If any message is in the SYST: ERR queue (except “No error”), then bit 2 of the Status Byte is set. A Service Request
is generated if enabled.

SYSTEM ERROR CODESERR No.
0

ERROR DESCRIPTION“No error”-100“Command error”-101“Invalid Character”-102“Syntax error”-104“Data type error”-109“Missing parameter”-112“Program word too long”-350“Queue Overflow”+300“Execution error”+301“PV above OVP”

+302

“PV below UVL”

+303

“OVP above rating”+304“OVP below PV”+305“UVL below zero”+306“UVL above PV”

+307
+320
+321
+322
+323
+324
+325
+326
+327
+340

“On during fault”“Fault shutdown”“AC fault shutdown”“Over-Temperature shutdown”“Fold-Back shutdown”“Over-Voltage shutdown”“Analog shut-off ”“Output-Off shutdown”“Interlock Open shutdown”“Internal message fault”+341“Input overflow”+342“Internal overflow”

+343
+344

“Internal timeout”“Internal comm error”+344“Internal checksum error”+345“Internal checksum error”+3XX“Unknown Error”

ERROR EVENT
No error reported
GP-IB receives command with unspecified error or Display micro
returns C00 in response to command.
A character was received that is not:a-z, A-Z, 0-9,?, *, :, ;, period, space, CR, LF
GP-IB receives unrecognized command word or Display micro
returns “C01” in response to command.
GP-IB receives command parameter with wrong type of data or
Display micro returns “C03” in response to command.
Example: receives letter where number expected.
Valid command received but not enough parameters or Display
micro returns “C02” in response to command.
Command word had more than 12 characters before separator(space or colon) was foundToo many SYST: ERR messages are stored in this queue and thenewest messages are discarded
General execution error or Display micro returns E00 in response tocommand.
Attempt to program voltage above OVP setting, so Display micro
returned “E01” response.
Attempt to program voltage below UVL setting, so Display micro
returned “E02” response.
Attempt to set OVP above max voltage rating, so Display micro
returned “E03” response.
Attempt to set OVP below voltage setting,so Display micro returned “E04” response.
Attempt to set UVL below zero, so Display micro returned “E05”response.
Attempt to set UVL above voltage setting,so Display micro returned “E06” response.
Attempt to set supply output “ON” when a fault exists
General message for non-specified shutdown
Brown-out or phase-loss shutdown occurred
Over-temperature shutdown occurred
Fold-Back shutdown occurred
Over-Voltage shutdown occurred
Shut-Off occurred from rear panel J1
Output-Off occurred from front panel buttonInterlock Open occurred from rear panel J1General non-specified Internal message fault
GP-IB receive data buffer is too full.
Receive buffer is 5 words, 12 chars each
Serial receive buffer in GP-IB is full because
Display micro sent too many characters
GP-IB did not receive response from Display before timeout period
GP-IB received bad response, or checksum error, from Display micro
Display micro detected checksum error and returned “C04” inresponse to command.
GP-IB detected checksum error in message from Display micro
No known error reported by the Display Micro

20

ERROR EXAMPLE

V%LT 50
VOLT, 50
BEAS: VOLT?
VOLTS 150
CURRENT NA
OUTPUT DC
VOLTMEASUREVOLTAGE?

Questionable Condition

LSB 0

Spare

1

AC Fail2

Over Temperature

3

Fold Back Prot

4

Over Voltage Prot

5

Shut Off6

Output Off

8Internal Input Overflow

9Internal Overflow

10Internal Timeout

11

Internal Comm Error

Event

0

.

N

0

E

R

R

0

0

1

2

2

.

E

R

R

AC

AC

5

4

.

B

A

D

OTP

OTP

1

2

2

E

R

FLD

FLD

OVP

OVP

SO

SO

OFF

OFF

ENA

ENA

INPO

INPO

INTO

INTO

ITMO

ITMO

COM

MSB 15
STAT: QUES: COND?

Enable0

SYST : ERR : ENAB
SYST : ERR?

COM

0

0

0

0

0

0

STAT: QUES: ENAB nn

STAT: QUES: EVEN?

STAT: QUES: ENAB?
Busy
Not Used

Output Queue
M

E

S

S

A

G

0
1

System Error

2

Questionable Summary

3

Message Available

4

E

Standard Event Summary 56Standard Event Status
Event
EnableOperation Complete

LSB 0
1

Not Used2

Query Error
Device Dependant Error
Execution Error
Command Error
User Request
Power On

3
4
5
6

MSB 7

Operational Summary0

No Fault

1
2
3

Spare
Auto Start Enabled
Foldback Enabled

4
5
6

Spare
Local/Remote

7

MSB 15
STAT: OPER: COND?

0

0

0

SYS
QUE
OR
MAV
ESB
RQS

0

OPR
＊SRE nn
＊SRE?

QYE
DDE
OR
EXE

Service Request

CME
0

0

PON

Condition

Constant Current

Service Request Enable

BSY

＊STB?

0

＊ESE nn＊ESE?

Positive Logic:
0 = No Event
1 = Event Occurred

Operational Condition

LSB 0

7

Status Byte

OPC

＊ESR?

Constant Voltage

R

OR

7

Output Enable

Condition

Enable

Event

CV

CV

CC

CC

NFLT

NFLT

0

0

0

AST

0

0

FBE

0

0

0

0

OR
0

LOC

LOC

0

0

0

0

0

0

STAT: OPER: ENAB nn
STAT: OPER: ENAB?

STAT: OPER: EVEN?

Fig 3-1 Status and Error Register Tree

21

22

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