A Brief Introduction to the SCPI Language

SCPI Language Basics

The following are some examples of good and bad commands. The examples are created from a theoretical instrument with the simple set of commands indicated below:

[:SENSe]

:POWer

[:RF] :ATTenuation 40dB

:TRIGger

[:SEQuence] :EXTernal [1]

:SLOPe POSitive

[:SENSe]

:FREQuency

:STARt

:POWer

[:RF]

:MIXer

:RANGe

[:UPPer]

Bad Command

Good Command

 

 

PWR:ATT 40dB

POW:ATT 40dB

 

 

The short form of POWER is POW, not PWR.

 

 

 

FREQ:STAR 30MHz;MIX:RANG

FREQ:STAR

-20dBm

30MHz;POW:MIX:RANG -20dBm

 

 

The MIX:RANG command is in the same :SENSE subsystem as FREQ, but executing the FREQ command puts you back at the SENSE level. You must specify POW to get to the MIX:RANG command.

FREQ:STAR 30MHz;POW:MIX RANG

FREQ:STAR

-20dBm

30MHz;POW:MIX:RANG -20dBm

 

 

MIX and RANG require a colon to separate them.

 

 

:POW:ATT 40dB;TRIG:FREQ:STAR

:POW:ATT 40dB;:FREQ:STAR

2.3GHz

2.3GHz

 

 

:FREQ:STAR is in the :SENSE subsystem, not the :TRIGGER subsystem.

 

 

:POW:ATT?:FREQ:STAR?

:POW:ATT?;:FREQ:STAR?

 

 

:POW and FREQ are within the same :SENSE subsystem, but they are two separate commands, so they should be separated with a semicolon, not a colon.

:POW:ATT -5dB;:FREQ:STAR

:POW:ATT 5dB;:FREQ:STAR

10MHz

10MHz

 

 

Attenuation cannot be a negative value.

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Agilent Technologies N9030a manual 362

N9030a specifications

Agilent Technologies, now known as Keysight Technologies, is recognized as a leader in providing advanced electronic measurement solutions. One of their highlighted products is the N9030A PXA X-Series Signal Analyser, a versatile instrument that caters to the needs of engineers and researchers in various fields, including telecommunications, aerospace, and defense.

The Agilent N9030A is designed to address the increasing complexity of modern signals. One of its standout features is its exceptional frequency range, spanning from 3 Hz to 50 GHz, making it suitable for both wideband and narrowband applications. This broad frequency coverage allows users to capture a wide array of signals, from low-frequency analog to high-frequency digital communications.

Another significant characteristic of the N9030A is its high dynamic range, which enables accurate measurements even in the presence of strong interfering signals. This capability is essential for testing and developing communication systems that operate in challenging environments, where signal integrity is paramount. The analyser also features a high sample rate of 5 GS/s, providing detailed resolution for even the most intricate signals.

The integrated measurement applications further enhance the instrument’s versatility, allowing for specific analyses related to modulation formats, spectral emissions, and time-domain events. Such applications streamline workflows and improve measurement efficiency, making it easier for users to obtain and interpret data.

One of the technological highlights of the N9030A is its advanced digital signal processing (DSP), which significantly improves measurement speed and performance. The DSP capabilities allow engineers to conduct real-time analysis, which is critical for applications that require immediate feedback, such as signal troubleshooting and validation.

The user-friendly interface of the N9030A, along with a myriad of connectivity options, ensures that integration into existing testing setups is seamless. Data can be easily exported to other software tools for further analysis, enhancing collaboration and report generation.

In conclusion, the Agilent N9030A PXA X-Series Signal Analyser stands out as a powerful tool for modern signal analysis. With its wide frequency range, high dynamic range, advanced DSP capabilities, and integrated measurement applications, it is tailored to meet the rigorous demands of today’s engineers and researchers. Whether for development, testing, or troubleshooting, the N9030A provides the performance and flexibility required for successful project outcomes.