HP 16500A 16500-90908 Logic Analysis System Programming Reference Vol I 1988

HP 16500A 16500-90908 Logic Analysis System Programming Reference Vol I 1988

This is the original Hewlett-Packard programming reference manual for the HP 16500A Logic Analysis System, Volume I, HP part number 16500-90908, printed September 1988. It covers the full command set and programming interface for the HP 16500A mainframe and its plug-in modules, addressing both HP-IB (GPIB) and RS-232C communication interfaces.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard (HP)
• For Instrument: HP 16500A Logic Analysis System
• HP Part Number: 16500-90908
• Document Type: Programming Reference, Volume I
• Print Date: September 1988
• Format: Printed hardcopy in original gray HP three-ring binder
• Language: English
• All pages present and legible
• Interfaces covered: HP-IB (IEEE-488) and RS-232C
• Compatible modules referenced: HP 14557A, 61062A, 82990A and others

Chapter coverage includes:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Programming an Instrument (programming syntax, HP-IB and RS-232C addressing, command structure)
• Chapter 2: Programming Over HP-IB (interface capabilities, commands, Group Execute Trigger, Interface Clear)
• Chapter 3: Programming Over RS-232C (interface operation, cable configurations, handshake, protocol)
• Chapter 4: Programming and Documentation Conventions (command tree, syntax diagrams, notation)
• Chapter 5: Common Commands (*CLS, *ESE, *IDN, *OPC, *RST, *TRG, *WAI, and more)
• Chapter 6: Mainframe Commands (BEEPer, CAPability, CARDassign, CESR, LOCKout, MENU, MESE, RMODe, SELect, SETColor, STARt, STOP)
• Chapter 7: SYSTem Subsystem (DATA, DSP, ERRor, HEADer, LONGform, PRINt, SETup)
• Chapter 8: MMEMory Subsystem (AUToload, CATalog, COPY, DOWNload, INITialize, LOAD, MSI, PACK, PURGe, RENAme, STORe, UPLoad)
• Chapter 9: INTermodule Subsystem (DELete, HTIMe, INPort, INSert, SKEW, TREE, TTIMe)
• Appendix A: Message Communication and System Functions (protocols, syntax overview, device listening/talking syntax)
• Appendix B: Status Reporting (event status register, serial poll, parallel poll, HP-IB commands)
• Appendix C: Error Messages (device dependent, command, execution, internal, query errors)
• Full Index

Applications

The HP 16500A was Hewlett-Packard's modular logic analysis mainframe of the late 1980s, designed to accept interchangeable plug-in measurement modules including logic analyzers, oscilloscope modules, and pattern generators. This programming reference is the essential document for engineers and technicians who need to automate, remote-control, or integrate the 16500A into an automated test system via HP-IB (IEEE-488/GPIB) or RS-232C. It documents every SCPI-style command, response format, and error code needed to write test programs — whether on an HP 9000 Series workstation, a PC, or any other IEEE-488 controller. The 16500A platform saw wide use in digital electronics development, VLSI verification, embedded systems debugging, and telecommunications testing through the late 1980s and into the 1990s. Original printed manuals like this remain in demand for legacy system maintenance, lab use with working 16500A mainframes, and as reference documents for engineers maintaining or repurposing vintage HP logic analysis equipment.