I'm a beginner trying to automate my lab's E5061B network analyzer - not sure where to start, would really appreciate any help!!

[kerkestl]

Hi guys, I'm working with this driver in LabVIEW to automate my lab's E5061B network analyzer. I haven't really found a manual that explains in some detail what each VI does, so I'm having trouble getting started with it even taking a look at some of the examples provided. For reference, I'm starting my 2nd year in a computer engineering undergrad and I am a programming newbie working as a lab assistant. I have successfully connected the NA to my laptop (responds to *IDN? query) through LAN w/ an Ethernet cable, so now the work begins lol.

Basically, the network analyzer displays two graphs. The top/1st graph displays a voltage differential it automatically calculates vs frequency, and the bottom/2nd graph displays voltage vs frequency.  I'm planning to create the markers on the NA itself, to avoid the "configure markers" step.  I need my program to:

1. Select 1st marker

2. Set the marker to find max value on 2nd graph

3. Output x coordinate of marker

4. Select 2nd marker

5. Set marker to find min value on 2nd graph

6. Output x coordinate of marker

7. Select 3rd marker

8. Set marker to find min value on 1st graph

9. Output x coordinate of marker

10. Repeat above steps every 5 minutes

So far I have a program that initializes the device and closes the VISA, and that's it lol.  I think I need to work with the "configure active marker" and "configure marker search" subVIs, but they have a lot going on and the context help window isn't giving me much info. Any help/guidance? I really wish there was a manual describing the functions of the driver in more detail. Thanks!

[cstorey]

I don't have any experience with the E5061B, but have a lot with the N5245a which uses similar commands.  Here's how I monitor a single cursor vs. time.  (Note that you need to do your cal, save the setup, then run the program without reseting the instrument to default values.)  You can extend this example to monitor multiple cursors.

Post your code here for further help.

Craig