Introduction To Programming 15
Table 2-1. Numerical Data Formats
Symbol Data Form
Talking Formats
<NR1> Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right of the least-significant
digit. Examples: 273 0273
<NR2> Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example: 273. .0273
<NR3> Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent. Example: 2.73E+2 273.0E-2
Listening Formats
<NRf> Extended format that includes <NR1>, <NR2> and <NR3>. Examples: 273 273.
2.73E2
<NRf+> Expanded decimal format that includes <NRf> and MIN MAX. Examples: 273 273.
2.73E2 MAX. MIN and MAX are the minimum and maximum limit values that are
implicit in the range specification for the parameter.
Table 2-2. Suffixes and Multipliers
Class Suffix Unit Unit with Multiplier
Current A Ampere MA (milliampere)
Amplitude V Volt MV (millivolt)
Time S second MS (millisecond)
Common Multipliers
lE3 K kilo
1E-3 M milli
1E-6 U micro
Boolean Data
Either form 1 | 0 or ON | OFF may be sent with commands. Queries always return 1 or 0.
OUTPut OFF
CURRent:PROTection 1
String Data
Strings are used for both program (listening) and response (talking) data. String content is limited to the characters required
for the link command parameters (see "Chapter 3 - Language Dictionary").
Note The IEEE 488.2 format for a string parameter requires that the string be enclosed within either single
(’ ’) or double (" ") quotes. Be certain that your program statements comply with this requirement.
Character Data
Character strings returned by query statements may take either of the following forms, depending on the length of the
returned string:
<CRD> Character Response Data. Permits the return of character strings.
<AARD> Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of undelimited 7-bit ASCII. This data type has an
implied message terminator.