Atec HP-Agilent-35660A - Manual (Page 2)

Structural Analysis
The HP 35660A uses force and exponential windows to perform
frequency response testing of mechanical devices and structures.
Using HP Instrument BASIC, the analyzer can simplify data collec-
tion for your modal surveys. Fot complete modal analysis, you can
choose from several third party modal packages.
Acoustics
Another major application area for the HP 35660A is acoustics
and noise measurements. This includes testing for room and device
responses, noise identification and level, and underwater acoustic
tests such as sono-buoy and sonar transducer testing. Acoustic inten-
sity measurements are available with third party software.
Limit and Data tables for fast, consistent results
Spectrum and network analyzers are frequently used to test signals
and device response against certain specifications. The HP 35660A
i mproves this process by providing built-in limit testing. A limit line
defines acceptable minimum and maximum values at specific X-axis
points (in both time and frequency domains). Users can specify an
upper and lower limit for every point in the trace, as well as specifying
acceptable bands and slopes. During a test, the HP 35660A checks
the trace level against the limit lines, then displays PASS or FAIL on
the screen. Limit testing is especially powerful when used with HP
Instrument BASIC. For example, a program can quickly pull limit
lines of disc and use them as a reference against a series of traces.
Data tables are another key feature of the HP 35660A. A data
table eliminates the need to move markers along a trace to read multi-
ple values. This is particularly useful for such applications as noise
level monitoring at multiple frequencies. Enter up to 400 X-axis loca-
tions in a data table, and the HP 35660A fills in the table with a Y-
axis value for each X entry. You can display, print, or store a complet-
ed table. For repeated measurements, you can create a unique table
for each test and quickly recall each table from disc.
In addition to data tables and limit testing, the analyzer includes
extensive markers to highlight harmonics and sidebands and to search
for minimum, maximum, and target values.
HP-113 System Control
When used with HP Instrument BASIC, the HP 35660A can serve
as a test system controller. A system might include peripherals such
as hard discs, printers and plotters, as well as other instruments such
as switch matrices, voltmeters and signal generators. You can auto-
mate smaller systems without the cost of an external computer, while
conserving rack or bench space.
HP 35680A Instrument BASIC
To simplify automation and test analysis, the HP 35660A includes
a powerful new feature: a subset of HP Series 200/300 BASIC run-
ning inside the analyzer. HP 35680A Instrument BASIC adds deci-
sion-making, branching, I/O including control of other instruments,
and custom user interfaces. IIP Instrument BASIC is fully syntax-
compatible with HP BASIC, so current IIP workstation owners can
easily merge the HP 35660A and HP Instrument BASIC into their
test systems.
A Language for Programmers and Non-Programmers
With over 150 BASIC commands, HP Instrument BASIC is a
powerful tool for programmers. But it also includes a feature that
makes it easy for non-programmers to automate analyzer functions.
Keystroke recording automatically creates a program as the user
makes measurements from the front panel. An entire test sequence
can be recorded and saved with no programming required.
HP Instrument BASIC programs can be developed on an HP 9000
Series 200/300 BASIC workstation and then transferred to the ana-
lyzer via a 3.5 inch floppy disc (files must be saved in LIE format).
Programs developed on the HP 35660A will also run on a worksta-
tion. If desired, the analyzer portion of a computer-aided test (CAT)
can be created with keystroke recording, then merged with the main
program written on an external computer. The HP 35660A is also
fully IIP-IB programmable from an external computer, using any
language you choose.
Custom solutions with the HP 35660A
Applications that involve long and repetitive testing can benefit sig-
nificantly from custom solutions available with the HP 35660A. For
example, in a production environment, HP Instrument BASIC pro-
grams can automatically recall test setups and prompt a technician
for date, time, and other important information. Limit testing can
quickly indicate the presence of spurs or undesired harmonics. Opera-
tor interaction is further reduced with routines that automatically
catalog results to a printer/plotter or to disc.
The HP 35681A Analysis Pack provides examples of how to cus-
tomize the HP 35660A for specific applications. The Analysis Pack is
a set of network and spectrum application programs that enhance the
power of the HP 35660A analyzer.
Written in IIP Instrument BASIC, the Analysis Pack provides sev-
eral ready-to-use application tests, including distortion testing, filter
parameter testing, and modulation and peak analysis. The Analysis
Pack shows how easy it is to customize tests and provides a set of
tested, documented routines you can re-use in your own custom appli-
cations.