Introduction To Scpi; Conventions Used In This Manual; The Scpi Commands And Messages - Ametek 801RP Series User And Programming Manual

12.

Introduction to SCPI

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language for
controlling instrument functions over the RS232 or IEEE 488 bus. The same SCPI
commands and parameters control the same functions in different classes of instruments.
For example, you would use the same MEAS:VOLT? command to measure the AC source
output voltage or the output voltage of a SCPI-compatible multimeter.

12.1. Conventions Used in This Manual

Angle brackets<>
Vertical bar
Square Brackets[]
Boldface font
Upper case font

12.2. The SCPI Commands and Messages

This paragraph explains the syntax difference between SCPI Commands and SCPI
messages.
12.2.1. Types of SCPI Commands
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
Common commands are generally not related to specific operations but to controlling
overall AC source functions such as reset, status and synchronization. All common
commands consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded by an asterisk:
*RST
Subsystem commands perform specific AC source functions. They are organized into an
inverted tree structure with the "root" at the top. Some are single commands while others
are grouped within specific subsystems. You must include the root header in all
commands sent to the AC source.
Refer to appendix A for the AC source SCPI tree structure.
12.2.2. Types of SCPI Messages
There are two types of SCPI messages, program and response.
A program message consists of one or more properly formatted SCPI commands sent
from the controller to the AC source. The message, which may be sent at any time,
requests the AC source to perform some action.
RP Series
Items within angle brackets are parameter abbreviations. For
example, <NR1> indicates a specific form of numerical data.
Vertical bars separate alternative parameters. For example, 0 | 1
indicates that either "0" or "1" can be used as a parameter.
Items within square brackets are optional. The representation
[SOURce:]VOLT means that SOURce: may be omitted.
Boldface font is used to emphasize syntax in command definitions.
CURR <NRf> shows a command definition.
Upper case font is used to show program lines in text. OUTP 1
shows a program line.
*IDN? *SRE 255
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