Agilent ESG attenuator hold logic error

[GenDynEngineer]

I am using the "Agilent ESG Series"  Project-Style driver with a 4428C.  (this model was not supported, but I've added it locally to the list of accepted model numbers).

The problem I encountered is using the "Config Amplitude.vi" which has an input labeled "Atten Hold (F:OFF)"

Through trial and error I determined that the driver was doing the opposite of what I wanted.  I then looked at the code for the vi and discovered that the command that is being called is ::POW:ATT:AUTO which can have a value of ON or OFF.

The logic error appears to result from the fact that in order to turn ON the attenuator hold, you must send the command to turn OFF the automatic attenuator selection; and vice-versa to turn the hold off.

Can anyone else confirm this error? 

What is the process for getting the official driver corrected?

-chuck

[jjp377]

Hi,

From the manual

Automatic RF Output Level Attenuation

: POWer: ATTenuation: AUTO ON|OFF|1|0

With this function off (equivalent to attenuator-hold mode On), power drop-outs do not occur for power adjustments.

[GenDynEngineer]

jjp377,

Thanks for the reply.  However, I read that very same information in the manual which prompted me to post my findings in the first place.

My request is for confirmation that the driver has a bug and needs to be updated.

I also asked what the process for updating an NI certified/supported driver is.

[smercurio_fc]

It's not a bug. The driver is correct. In order to turn on the attenuator hold you have to turn off the automatic attenuation control. Sometimes the remote commands are not the same as the buttons you push on the instrument's front panel.


Message Edited by smercurio_fc on 05-20-2008 03:23 PM

[GenDynEngineer]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I aggree with that there is an inverse relationship between the button and the remote command.  However, the driver does not implement the command this way.

According to the block diagram for Config Amplitude (attached), the control is labeled "Atten Hold".

The block diagram and my personal experience with this driver seem to indicate that when I set Atten Hold to off, it will turn off the automatic attenuator setting (which is the same as turning the attenuator hold on.)  So instead of OFF=ON, you get OFF=OFF.

Am I missing something?

[smercurio_fc]

Ah, now that I see the way it was actually implemented I see what you mean. I was going by the descriptions of the push button and the remote command. Yup, the code is wrong.

[GenDynEngineer]

I should have posted the code in my original message to avoid confusion.  I'll make a mental note to do that in the future.

Can you, or anyone else, shed some light on the process for getting the driver updated.  Do I need to submit a corrected driver? If so, to whom?  Or does NI make the necessary changes because it is NI certified/supported?

[Dennis_Knutson]

At here, there is an email address - instrument.drivers@ni.com that you could try. Attaching the modified VI to the email and to a post would probably be of help as well.

[GenDynEngineer]

Thanks for the info.

I've attached the updated VI for the Agilent ESG Series project-style driver.

All I've done is negate the Atten Hold control input on the Block Diagram.

I'll send an email to the address you mentioned as soon as I submit this post.

-chuck

[Sputnikrent]

Hi chuck,

I have created a Corrective Action Request (CAR#111208) which will be sent to R&D. Thanks for pointing this out!