Scpi Command Reference; What's In This Chapter; Introduction To Scpi Language - Racal Instruments 3151 User Manual

3151 And 3151A User Manual
What's In This
Chapter
Introduction To
SCPI Language

SCPI Command Reference

This chapter contains reference information for programming the
Model 3151/3151A. Standard Commands For Programmable
Instruments (SCPI) convention rules and syntax are explained in
detail. Table 4-1 lists all SCPI commands used for programming the
Model 3151/3151A. The command summary for each SCPI model is
also included in this chapter.
This chapter teaches you how to use SCPI commands to control
functions, modes, waveforms and other aspects of the instrument.
Prior understanding of SCPI programming is necessary for low level
programming of the Model 3151/3151A.
Commands to program the instrument over the MXI interface bus are
defined by the SCPI 1993.0 standard. The SCPI standard defines a
common language protocol. It goes one step further than IEEE-STD-
488.2 and defines a standard set of commands to control every
programmable aspect of the instrument. It also defines the format of
command parameters and the format of values returned by the
instrument.
SCPI is an ASCII-based instrument command language designed for
test and measurement instruments. SCPI commands are based on a
hierarchical structure known as a tree system. In this system,
associated commands are grouped together under a common mode
or root, thus forming subsystems. Throughout this manual, the
following conventions are used for SCPI command syntax.
Square Brackets ( [ ] ) Enclose optional keywords or parameters
Braces ( { } )
Triangle Brackets ( < > )
Enclose parameters within a command
string
Substitute a value for the enclosed
parameter
SCPI Command Reference 4-1
Chapter 4