FlexDCA Connection Setup Dialog

Making Connections
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Use this dialog to establish a connection from N1010A FlexDCA on a PC to FlexDCA on a DCA-X oscilloscope.

Click Setup > DCA Connection Setup to open the dialog.

Connect Using

Select a connection via the LAN, GPIB, or USB to the DCA-X. Most users prefer a LAN connection so this is the default setting. For GPIB, you can use a USB-to-GPIB adapter or install a GPIB card in the PC.

Hostname field (LAN connection)

LAN

Hostname is the computer name of the DCA-X or its IP address. On the DCA-X, click Help > About and scoll down to the end of the list to locate the computer name.

GPIB

Enter the SICL Interface and GPIB Address for the DCA-X.

USB Device field (USB connection)

FlexDCA autodetects the DCA-X when the USB cable is connected. The identification string includes the DCA-X's serial number. Although the DCA-X displays Under Remote Control, control is reserved and you must click the dialog's Connect button to establish full control.

DCA Connection Mode

Select Standard for most connections. This ensures that you will be able to use the mini (one-slot) modules, such as the N1055A TDR/TDT module as well as TDR/TDT mode. This requires that the version of both DCA-X's FlexDCA and the N1010A FlexDCA be greater than A.05.30. It is recommended that they also be the same version.

Selecting Compatibility mode allows you to use some older two-slot modules.

Starting with firmware release A.06.90, 86100D compatibility mode is no longer being actively tested and supported.

On Connect / Disconnect

When Standard (Recommended) is selected, select Pull State from Instrument on Connect and when Connect is clicked, the instrument state of FlexDCA on the DCA-X is copied to N1010A FlexDCA on the PC. Select Push State to Instrument on Disconnect and when Connect is clicked, the current state of N1010A FlexDCA on the PC is copied to the FlexDCA on the DCA-X.

When Compatibility is selected, make one of the following selections:

  • Restore. Starts the application with the settings that the application used when it was last closed. The 86100D is set to the same settings.
  • Transfer Basic. Sets the application to the current setting of the DCA-X, if connected.
  • No Changes. Preserves the current state of N1010A FlexDCA, including simulated and extended module configuration.
  • Default. Starts the application in its default settings and sets the DCA-X to the same settings.
  • File. Starts the application with settings that have been saved to a setup file (.setx). The DCA-X is set to the same settings. By default, setup files are saved to the "My Documents/Keysight/FlexDCA/Setups" folder located on the PC. To save a setup file, click File > Instrument Setups.

Click Connect to make the connection. When the connection is made, the DCA-X's display and front-panel keys are locked and do not respond to user input. The connection status icon displayed in the menu bar shows the connection status.

N1010A Connection Status Icons
Icon Description
FlexDCA is not connected to DCA-X
FlexDCA is connected to DCA-X