5. General Operation
Preface
The following instructions and feature descriptions apply to a BIT-2100 Series Switch System with
firmware revision 2.00 or later.
VISA Connection
The BIT-2100 is intended to be programmed by sending SCPI command through a VISA connection.
To establish a VISA connection and start sending remote commands, you need to conduct the
following steps:
•
install appropriate software on your PC (see section “Keysight IO Libraries”)
•
connect the BIT-2100 to your PC, either through a network (see page 15) or via USB (see
page 19)
•
obtain the instrument’s VISA address (also explained in the corresponding sections
mentioned in previous point)
•
connect to the instrument and send SCPI commands (see page 23)
Keysight IO Libraries
In order to have all necessary drivers and software, it is recommended to install the Keysight IO
Libraries Suite. This manual uses the Keysight IO Libraries Suite 2018 as a reference.
Network Connection
You can establish a VISA socket or VXI-11 connection via the network.
Additionally, the instrument will create a locally accessible web interface (see page 17), which
provides information about the instrument, and allows to conduct firmware updates and system
upgrades (see page 20).
Connecting to LAN
Connecting to a BIT-2100 can simply be done via Ethernet. You can connect over a company network,
or directly to a PC. You can use cross-link cables as well as regular cables.
The instrument has two Ethernet connectors, labeled “1” and “2”. The default configurations are:
•
left connector, “1”: static IP 192.168.5.100/24
•
right connector, “2”: DHCP and auto-IP
The current IP address will be shown on the instrument’s display.
Most software applications will allow you to use a host name instead of an IP address, which might
be more convenient for the user. Each BIT-2100 unit has an individual host name with the format
“bit2100-
serial
.local”, where “
serial
” is the serial number that you can find on the type plate of the
instrument (see also figure 12). For example, if your instrument has serial number DE000042, you use
the host name “bit2100-de000042.local” to access the instrument via a web browser or VISA
connection.
The Ethernet configuration of each port can be changed, either using the web interface (see page
17), or remote commands (see page 34). You can bring the Ethernet connectors back into their
default configuration by pressing and holding the “LAN Reset” push-button at the front side of the
instrument for at least five seconds. The reset will be indicated on the display.
BIT-2100B User Manual
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