Specifications

Getting Started
1-18
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
The VISA standard, developed by the VXI plug & play Systems Alliance,
provides a common Input/Output (I/O) library for software developers so that
software from different vendors can run on the same platform. All applications
that communicate with the Ethernet must use a VISA.
A Tektronix version of VISA, referred to in this document as TekVisa, is
available for download from the www.tek.com Web site.
NOTE. If you are connecting the oscilloscope to a network only to print screen
hard copy data, or if you are using e*scope capabilities in a browser, you do not
need to install or configure a VISA.
Setting Up GPIB Remote Communications
The TDS3GM and TDS3GV communication modules have D-type shell GPIB
connectors that conform to IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 standards. Attach an IEEE Std
488.1-1987 GPIB cable (available from Tektronix as part number 012-0991-00)
to this connector. If needed, you can stack GPIB connectors as shown in
Figure 1--11.
Follow these rules when you connect your oscilloscope to a GPIB network:
H Assign a unique device address to each device on the bus. No two devices
can share the same device address.
H Do not connect more than 15 devices to any one bus.
H Connect one device for every 2 meters (6 feet) of cable used.
H Do not use more than 20 meters (65 feet) of cable to connect devices.
H Turn on at least two-thirds of the devices on the network while using the
network.
H Connect the devices on the network in a star or linear configuration as shown
in Figure 1--12 on page 1--19. Do not use loop or parallel configurations.
H Avoid using GPIB address 0. This is typically reserved for controllers.
Appendix C: Interface Specifications gives more information on the GPIB
configuration of the oscilloscope. If needed, you can stack GPIB connectors as
shown in Figure 1--11.
Ethernet, VISA, and
TekVisa
GPIB Requirements