Real Time

Interface Problems

If you experience problems communicating with or controlling instruments over the LAN or GPIB, check the following items. If they do not solve the problem, refer to the Connection Expert utility, installed with Keysight IO Libraries Suite. Older versions of Keysight IO Libraries use the IO Config utility. For information on using the Connection Expert utility and for further troubleshooting information, see the IO libraries online help and the PDF documentation accessed through the Start menu.

Troubleshooting the GPIB Interface

Ensure that the GPIB cable and all connectors are undamaged.
Verify that the GPIB cable connections are securely attached to the PC and the signal generator.
Verify that the instrument you are trying to communicate with is turned on.
Verify that the GPIB address of the instrument is correct and matches the address entered in the Connection Expert:

In the software tree view, select Hardware to display the GPIB address in the property page.
Verify that the instrument you are trying to communicate with is using the SCPI language. For example, the signal generator supports 8656B, 8657A/B languages as well as SCPI. Refer to the instrument's user guide for information on available languages and how to select the SCPI language.
Validate the connection:
1. In the software tree view, select Hardware and click the Test I/O Connections button.
2. Observe the results.

National Instruments (NI) 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.

Uninstall any Keysight IO Libraries that you have previously installed.
Ensure that you have both the NI PCI card drivers and NI VISA installed, and verify that the NI card is working.
Reinstall Keysight IO Libraries version 14.2. 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.

Open National's Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX).
Select Tools > NI-Visa > Visa Options > Passports. Ensure that the NiVisaTulip.dll box is checked.

Troubleshooting the LAN Interface

Ensure that the LAN cable and all connectors are undamaged.
Check the LAN connection between the PC and the signal generator.
Ensure that the instrument LAN connectors are active: flashing green or yellow lights on the signal generator's LAN connector indicate LAN activity.
Verify that the hostname or IP address of the instrument is correct and matches the address entered in the Connection Expert:

In the software tree view, select Hardware to display the LAN address in the property page.
Validate the connection:
1. In the software tree view, select Hardware, then click the Test I/O Connections button.
2. Observe the results.
Run the ping program:
1. From the computer, go to Start > Run, type command then click OK.
2. At the C:\> prompt, type ping <IP address>, where <IP address> is the signal generator's IP address or hostname.
3. If the signal generator does not respond, contact your IP department.
4. Type exit in the command prompt window then press Enter.