An Introduction To The Scpi Language; Mnemonic Forms; Using A Colon (:) - Agilent Technologies N1911A Programming Manual

An Introduction to the SCPI Language

Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) defines how
you communicate with an instrument from a bus controller. The SCPI
language uses a hierarchical structure similar to the file systems used by
many bus controllers. The command tree is organized with root- level
commands (also called subsystems) positioned at the top, with multiple
levels below each root- level command. You must specify the complete path
to execute the individual lower- level commands.
Figure 1-10 Hierarchical structure of SCPI

Mnemonic Forms

Each keyword has both a long and a short form. A standard notation is
used to differentiate the short form keyword from the long form keyword.
The long form of the keyword is shown, with the short form portion
shown in uppercase characters, and the rest of the keyword shown in
lowercase characters. For example, the short form of TRIGger is TRIG.

Using a Colon (:)

When a colon is the first character of a command keyword, it indicates
that the next command mnemonic is a root- level command. When a colon
is inserted between two command mnemonics, the colon moves the path
N1911A/1912A P-Series Power Meters Programming Guide
"A" Subsystem
:D
:E :F
Power Meter Remote Operation
"B" Subsystem
:G :H :I
:M
:N=:B:H:N
"C" Subsystem
:J :K :L=:C:L
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