Interface Problems

If you experience problems communicating with or controlling instruments over the LAN or GPIB, check the following items. If this does not solve the problem, refer to the utility Connection Expert, installed with the Keysight IO Libraries. Full information on using Connection Expert is available in the IO Libraries Suite Online Help.

Troubleshooting the GPIB Interface

  1. Ensure that the cable and all connectors are undamaged.

  2. Ensure that the GPIB cable is securely connected to the PC and the signal generator.

  3. Verify that the GPIB address entered in the software matches that of the ESG. In the software, click Hardware in the tree view to view the GPIB settings.

  4. Validate the connection. Select an ESG connection and click Test I/O Connection. Observe the results to verify that the software is connecting to the ESG.

  5.  Review the information about installing Keysight I/O libraries.

 

National Instruments GPIB Card

If you are using a National Instruments (NI) GPIB card and errors occur when you download a waveform, follow steps 1-3 below. If you have both an Keysight and a National Instruments GPIB card installed, and you want to use the Keysight card, you will also need to perform steps 4-5.

  1. Uninstall any Keysight IO Libraries that you have previously installed.

  2. Ensure that you have both the NI PCI card drivers and NI VISA installed, and verify that the NI card is working.

  3. Reinstall Keysight IO Libraries version 15.1. If you select a "Custom” installation, make sure the "Keysight VISA as primary VISA” is unchecked in the Select Features window. This is the default setting for a "Typical” installation.

 Continue with steps 4-5 only if you have both Keysight and NI GPIB cards installed.

  1.  Open National's Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX).

  2. Select Tools > NI-Visa > Visa Options > Passports. Ensure the NiVisaTulip.dll box is checked.

 

Troubleshooting the LAN Interface

 

If the ESG is connected directly to a computer, use a crossover LAN cable; if the ESG is connected to a network/external server, use a standard LAN cable.

 

  1. Ensure that the cable and all connectors are undamaged.

  2. Ensure that the LAN cable is securely connected to the PC and the signal generator.

  3. Ensure that the instrument LAN connectors are active: flashing green or yellow lights indicate LAN activity.

  4. Verify that the Hostname or IP address entered in the software matches that of the signal generator. In the software, click Hardware in the tree view to view the LAN settings.

  5. Validate the connection. Select an ESG connection and click Test I/O Connection. Observe the results to verify that the software is connecting to the ESG.

  6. Run the 'ping' program:

  1. On the computer go to Start > Programs > Command Prompt (or DOS).

  2. At the C:\> prompt, enter ping <IP address>,
    where <IP address> is the ESG's IP address.

  3. If the signal generator does not respond, contact your IT department for help.