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3.2.2
Message format
One message unit consists of a header, the data, and a header separator that divides these two
major parts.
(Example) :VOLT:APER 10
a.
Header
The header consists of ASCII characters. The header is composed of one to four mnemonic
parts separated by a colon (:) and expresses the function or operation of this instrument.
The string in the example above is a command used when setting up this instrument.
When the string is a query that looks for a setting (in which cases, this instrument creates
response data), the header ends with a question mark "?".
b.
Header separator
This code separates the header and the data. The header separator is a space code (ASCII
characters) of at least one character. The white space character defined in IEEE 488.2 may be
used.
The command without the data part does not need the header separator.
Additionally, it is not allowed to omit the data part except for commands without the data part in
this instrument.
c.
Data
The data is a parameter describing the concrete setting of the function specified in the header.
This part may consist of mnemonics (strings) or numerical values.
When multiple parameters are needed, a comma "," is used to separate respective
parameters.
The number of parameters and the configuration depend on the command. For details on the
data format, see the description of relevant command.
3.2.3
Multi-commands
Multiple message units can be assembled to configure one message.
Respective message units are separated and connected with a semicolon ";".
(Example) :VOLT:AC:NULL ON ; :VOLT:DC:NULL ON
The instrument-specific commands for this instrument are a hierarchical command called "compound
command program header." For example, the parent command INPA can be combined with
subcommands such as AC and DC to build a header (e.g., :VOLT:AC or :VILT:DC). When the
message units, each of which has a header composed of a common parent command, are combined
to build one message, the parent command may be omitted on the second and following message
units.
Data
Header separator
Header
Message unit
Message unit separator
Message unit
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