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Description
The SendCommand() function is the main function you'll use for controlling instrument func-
tions and parameters. The 3155 is using Standard Commands for Programmable Instru-
ments (SCPI). The following paragraphs describe SCPI syntax, structure and format. In gen-
eral, you can program the instrument by sending one command at a time. However, the inbuf
has a capacity to accept up to 256-character strings.
Using SCPI language should look familiar to programmers familiar with GPIB or VXI instru-
ments. The command structure and syntax is exactly the same, which makes it even easier
to program the 3155. However, do not get discouraged if you are not familiar with SCPI pro-
gramming. A SCPI introduction and command examples are given later in this chapter. If you
feel that the introduction in this manual is not enough for you, you may consider purchasing
the SCPI specification book from the SCPI consortium.
A simple example of the SendCommand() function is given below:
This single command line is equivalent to a series of commands as shown below:
Hints
1. Later in this chapter, you'll find all of the commands that are used for programming the
instrument. This reference is the complete and only source you'll need for your applica-
tion. However, if you want to save some time and not study the complete chapter, you
can use the log feature in WaveCAD to view commands as you click on buttons and
change parameters and then simply copy these commands into your application. To ac-
cess the log file, invoke WaveCAD select the View menu and click on Log File. Inside the
Log File View check the Show Commands Only. From this point, every time you change
anything on the panel, the action is recorded in the log file using the exact syntax that
you should use in your application.
2. You can use the SendCommand() function to download arbitrary waveform data to mem-
ory. In this case, you'll have to prepare an external file that has the waveform data in bi-
nary format and concatenate the file name with the trace# command. The file structure
for waveform data is shown in the SendBlock() command description.
Programming Reference 4-10
SendCommand(0, outp 1;:outp:sync on;:func:shap squ;:volt 1;offs 0.5;:freq 1.234e6)
SendCommand(0, outp 1)
SendCommand(0, outp:sync on)
SendCommand(0, func:shap squ)
SendCommand(0, volt1;offs0.5)
0.5V
SendCommand(0, freq 1.234e6)
\\ Turns the main output ON
\\ Turns the SYNC output ON
\\ Modifies output waveform shape to square
\\ Modifies amplitude to 1V and offset to
\\ Modifies frequency to 1.234 MHz
User Manual 3155
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