VNA2180 - api?

[wb0gaz]

Interested in VNA2180 for application in a semi-automated environment, controlled by a separate computer application; is there a published api (dll? usb/serial protocol? command line batch mode with spreadsheet import/export? linux tool/application?) or other way to drive the unit's operation unattended?

[Bob]

The VNA2180 can be controlled by another program running on the PC. This master control program can be written in any language. The VNA will handle the calculations and pass the final results to the user's program. The data is in a format for graphing by user program or for decision making in an industrial test environment.

Refer to Appendix 9 in the manual (the manual is zipped with the latest program). Let me know if you have specific requirements that are not covered yet.

73/Bob

[wb0gaz]

Thanks, Bob, I believe Chapter 9 covers what I was interested in.

[klaus]

I got the 2180 two weeks ago and I am still fascinated how accurate the results are. I did many tests with our HP4195 and compared them with the 2180 and it is unbelivable having such a big monster substituted by this small device - but I would not throw my HP away ;-)

For our production stuff the VNA application is too much overhead and so I want to develop a simple application for our facilities to measure inductance of some produced coil (see other thread). The HP has GPIB and I want use the same Labview application we have and write a conversion layer for the 2180. For doing this it would be necessary to have a protocol definition. I think that I saw such document somewhere, but maybe it was deleted?

Klaus

[Bob]

I haven't prepared a programmer's guide for the VNA but there is one for the AIM which is essentially the same as the VNA for port A.

www.w5big.com/AIM_ProgrammersGuide082708.pdf
This is not exactly what is needed for the VNA but it will give you an idea of the scope of the problem.
I recommend using the external control method shown in the VNA manual since that takes care of the calibration and raw data processing. These details are very involved if you start from scratch.

The VNA exe program takes less than 1 meg of ram. The whole zip package is larger because it includes the help and application files and the manual. These items are not necessary. Almost any small computer with Win98 or later will run it. A dedicated computer could run the VNA program and then be interfaced to your main computer with your own program.

-- 73/ Bob