Introduction 7
1
Introduction

About This Guide

You will find the following information in the rest of this guide:
Chapter 2 Introduction to SCPI messages structure, syntax, and data formats. Examples of SCPI programs.
Chapter 3 Dictionary of SCPI commands. Table of module programming parameters.
Chapter 4 Description of the status registers.
Chapter 5 Description of synchronizing outputs with triggers and lists.
Chapter 6 Error messages.
Appendix A SCPI conformance information.
Appendix B Application programs that illustrate features of the power module.
Note Instructions for the Agilent 60001A MPS Keyboard are in the User’s Guide supplied with each module.

Documentation Summary

The following related documents shipped with the system have information helpful to programming the power module:
• Mainframe User’s Guide. Information on the GPIB address switch, trigger connections, fault (FLT) and
remote inhibit (INH) connections.
• Module User’s Guide. Includes specifications and supplemental characteristics, use of the module
configuration switch, device related error messages, calibration procedures and use of the MPS keyboard.

External References

SCPI References
The following documents will assist you with programming in SCPI:
• Beginner’s Guide to SCPI. Part No. H2325-90001. Highly recommended for anyone who has not had previous
experience programming with SCPI.
• Tutorial Description of the GPIB . Part No. 5952-0156. Highly recommended for those not familiar with the
IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 standards.
To obtain a copy of the above documents, contact your local Agilent Technologies Sales and Support Office.
GPIB References
The most important GPIB documents are your controller programming manuals - GW BASIC, GPIB Command Library for
MS DOS, etc. Refer to these for all non-SCPI commands (for example: Local Lockout).
The following are two formal documents concerning the GPIB interface:
• 2 ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation . Defines
the technical details of the GPIB interface. While much of the information is beyond the need of most
programmers, it can serve to clarify terms used in this guide and in related documents.
• 2 ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.2-1987 IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols, and Common Commands .
Recommended as a reference only if you intend to do fairly sophisticated programming. Helpful for finding
precise definitions of certain types of SCPI message formats, data types, or common commands.
The above two documents are available from the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), 345 East 47th
Street, New York, NY 10017, USA.