Programming Syntax - Keithley 2002 User Manual

3.9

Programming syntax

The following information covers syntax for both common commands and SCPI commands.
For information not covered here, refer to the IEEE-488.2 and SCPI standards.
Command words
Program messages are made up of one or more command words.
1. Commands and command parameters: Common commands and SCPI commands may
or may not use a parameter. Examples:
*SAV <NRf>
*RST
:INITiate:CONTinuous <b>
:SYSTem:PRESet
Note that there must be at least one space between the command word and the parameter.
Brackets [ ]: There are command words that are enclosed in brackets ([]). These brackets
are used to denote an optional command word that does not need to be included in the pro-
gram message. For example:
:INITiate[:IMMediate]
The brackets indicate that :IMMediate is implied (optional) and does not have to be used.
Thus, the above command can be sent in one of two ways:
:INITiate or :INITiate:IMMediate
Notice that the optional command is used without the brackets. Do not include the brack-
ets when using an optional command word.
Parameter types: Some of the more common parameter types are explained as follows:
<b> Boolean: Used to enable or disable an instrument operation. 0 or OFF dis-
ables the operation, and 1 or ON enables the operation. Example:
:CURRent:AC:RANGe:AUTO ON
AC|DC Explicit: This is an example of two explicit parameters to choose from; AC
or DC. Example:
:CURRent:AC:COUPling AC
<name> Name parameter: Select a parameter name from a listed group. Example:
<name> = NEVer
:TRACe:FEED:CONTrol PRETrigger
Parameter (NRf) required.
No parameter used.
Parameter (<b>) required.
No parameter used.
= NEXt
= ALWays
= PRETrigger
IEEE-488 Reference
Enable auto-ranging.
Select AC coupling
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