Controling HP 11713A Attenuator/Switch via GPIB using Labview

[CJLam]

Hi,

I am looking for a simple method to control an HP 11713A Attenuator/Swtich device using LabVIEW via GPIB.  To my best understanding, I need to establish a handshaking protocal between the PC (talker) and the device (listener).  I am wondering if there is any existing LabVIEW component (e.g., a sub-VI) that lets me send the controlling message directly from the PC to this device, so that I don't need to care about setting up the handshaking?  Moreover, I realize that NI has an instrument driver that is compatible with this device (HP 11713A).  Are they related?

Sincerely,

CJLam

[Dennis_Knutson]

Using either the GPIB or VISA functions takes care of all the handshaking for you. All you have to do is send the correct command string.

You are asking whether the HP 11713A is related to the HP 11713A? Excuse me, but isn't that question a little silly? Download the driver. That's the component you want to use and if it's well written, you won't have to learn anything about the exact commands the instrument requires.

[ParthG]

I was wondering if there's a way to get the current attenuation set on the attenuator using GPIB commands?

Thanks,

Parth