Definitions Of Terms - HP 83751A Programming Manual

Definitions of Terms

You need a general understanding of the terms listed below before you
continue.
controller A controller is any computer used to communicate with a
SCPI instrument. A controller can be a personal computer,
a minicomputer, or a plug-in card in a card cage. Some
intelligent instruments can also function as controllers.
instrument An instrument is any device that implements SCPI. Most
instruments are electronic measurement or stimulus devices,
but this is not a requirement. Similarly, most instruments
use an HP-D3 interface for communication. The same
concepts apply regardless of the instrument function or the
type of interface used.
A program message is a combination of one or more
message properly formatted SCPI commands. Program messages
always go from a controller to an instrument. Program
messages tell the instrument how to make measurements
and output signals.
response A response message is a collection of data in spetic SCPI
message formats. Response messages always go from an instrument
to a controller or listening instrument. Response messages
tell the controller about the internal state of the instrument
and about measured values.
command A command is an instruction in SCPI. You combine
commands to form messages that control instruments. In
general, a command consists of mnemonics (keywords),
parameters, and punctuation.
A query is a special type of command. Queries instruct the
instrument to make response data available to the controller.
Query mnemonics always end with a question mark.
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