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B Format
The B format allows you to receive or send trace data in a binary format. The B format
provides the fastest data transfer and requires the least amount of memory to store data.
Each data point is transferred in binary as two 8-bit bytes. The data points are in the internal
representation of measurement units (0 to 8000). Unlike the A-block format, the B format does
not send a header. An end-or-identify (EOI) is sent with the last byte of data.
Example of Using the B Format
This example sends trace data from the spectrum analyzer in B format. The trace data format
must be changed to A-block format to return the trace data to the spectrum analyzer. See
following example.
Note
It is not possible to return data to the spectrum analyzer using binary format.
You must use either A-block or I-block format to return the trace data to the
spectrum analyzer.
10 INTEGER
Tra_binary(l:401)
20 ASSIGN
QSa
TO
718;FORMAT
OFF
Tra3inary
stores the trace data.
30 OUTPUT
OSa;"IP;CF
300MZ;SP
20MZ;SNGLS;TS;"
T&kesameasurenwntsweep.
40 OUTPUT
@Sa;"MDS
W;TDF
B;TRA?;"
50 ENTER
OSa;Tra,binary(*)
60 OUTPUT
@Sa*"TDF
A*"
,
J
70 OUTPUT
6Sa;"MOV
TRA,O;"
80 DISP "PRESS CONTINUE WHEN READY"
90 PAUSE
100 OUTPUT
@Sa
USING
"#,K,W";"TRA#A",802
110 OUTPUT
OSa;Tra,binary(*)
120 OUTPUT
OSa;"VIEW
TRA;"
130 LOCAL 718
140 END
Outputs trace A data.
Changes the trace
data
format to A-
block format.
lb
ve@fy
that the trace data is sent
back to the spectrum
analyq
move
all zeros into trace A.
Prepares the spectrum analyzer for
the trace
data.
Transfers the trace data back to the
spectrum
analyzevz
The result is transmitted as binary information. The MDS command can be used to change the
data format from two 8-bit bytes to one 8-bit byte. For more detailed information about the B
format and the MDS command, see the descriptions for TDF and MDS in Chapter 5.
Binary data can be converted to
dBm
or volts. For example, use the following equation to
change the trace data (in measurement units) to a real logarithmic number
(dBm):
dBm
= ((trace data
-
8000) x 0.01) + reference level(in
dBm)
To
change the trace data (in measurement units) to linear data (volts):
volts =
reference level
8000
>
x trace data
3-22 Programming Topics