Figure 1-9 Hierarchical Structure Of Scpi; An Introduction To The Scpi Language; Mnemonic Forms; Using A Colon (:) - Agilent Technologies U2000 Series Manual

1 Power Sensor Remote Operation

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 1-9 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 down one level
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"A" Subsystem
:D
:E :F
"B" Subsystem
:G :H :I
:M
:N=:B:H:N
"C" Subsystem
:J :K :L=:C:L
U2000 Series Programming Guide