Quantum Composers 9730 Series - Manual (Page 32)

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Ethernet Interface Overview
The Ethernet interface used in the 9730 is a “Digi Connect ME” module supplied by Digi
Connectware, Inc. There are several ways to successfully communicate with the pulse
generator over Ethernet. The two most popular methods are raw TCP/IP (such as
LabVIEW
or programming with VISA libraries) and by mapping your computer’s COM
port usin g the Digi Connectware’s “Realport Drivers”.
Whatever method of Ethernet communication is ultimately desired, the utilities supplied
by Digi Connectware (included on the disc shipped with the Ethernet-optioned pulse
generator) will be critical to implementing the communications. Please install these
utilities.
Ethernet communication notes:
 The Digi Connectware’s “Digi Device Discovery” can be used to determine what
IP address was assigned by the local DHCP server (if any).
 “Digi Device Discovery” can also be used to open a web interface to the Ethernet
module. Simply double-click on the IP address that is displayed in the Digi
Device Discovery utility.
o
Username: “root”
o Password: “dbps”

If a mapped COM port is the desired communication method, the Digi
Co nnectware’s “Realport Drivers” setup must be used to install the COM port on
your computer. Please refer to the Digi Connectware documentation supplied on
the disc, or call Quantum Composers technical support.
Programming Command Types and Format
The 9730 Pulse Generator uses two types of programming commands: IEEE 488.2
Common Commands and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI).
The format is the same for all interfaces. HyperTerminal (in Windows) or any other
generic terminal program may be used to interactively test the commands using the
RS232 interface. The format of each type is described in the following paragraphs.
Line Termination
The pulse generator uses text-style line terminations. When a command is sent to the
unit the firmware is programmed to read characters from a communication port until it
reads the line termination sequence.
The command string is parsed and executed after reading these characters. These
characters are the “carriage return” and “linefeed”. They are ASCII character set values
13 & 10 respectively (hex 0x0D and 0x0A). All command strings need to have these
characters appended.
When the pulse generator responds to a command, whether it is a query or a parameter
change, it also appends its return strings with these characters. Coded applications