Chapter 4 Command Reference

Measurement Instructions (:CONFigure, :FETCh, :MEASure, :READ)

 

Measurement Instructions (:CONFigure,

 

:FETCh, :MEASure, :READ)

 

The purpose of these commands is to acquire data using a set of high-level

 

instructions. These commands are structured to allow you to trade off

 

interchangeability with fine control of the measurement process. The :MEASure

 

query provides a complete capability where the instrument is configured, a

 

measurement is taken, and the results are stored in the Output Queue in one

 

operation.

 

When more precise control of the measurement is required,

 

the :CONFigure and :READ? commands can be used. :CONFigure performs the

 

configuration portion of the measurement.

 

:READ? performs the data acquisition and post processing (if any), and then it

 

places the results in the Output Queue. This allows generic configuration of the

 

instrument using :CONFigure, and then customization of the measurement with

 

other commands

 

(for example, from the [:SENSe] subsystem). :READ? completes the measurement

 

process.

 

The :READ? command, in turn, is composed of the :INITiate[:IMMediate] and

 

:FETCh? commands. :INITiate[:IMMediate] performs the data acquisition. :FETCh?

 

performs the post-processing function (if any) and places the result in the Output

 

Queue. This allows more than one FETCh? on a single set of acquired data.

 

 

 

 

Summary of the Measurement Instruction Commands

 

 

 

 

:MEASure query

This command is the simplest to use, but allows few additional possibilities. This

 

 

command lets the Counter configure itself for an optimal measurement, initiate

 

 

measurement, and return the result; that is, it provides complete measurement sequence

 

 

(:MEAS query is equivalent to the :CONF, :INIT, :FETC? command sequence, but with

 

 

no flexibility.)

 

 

 

 

:CONFigure

The combined use of these two commands allows for more control when the Counter

 

:READ?

performs measurement, initiates measurement, and returns the result. Use this command

 

 

sequence if you are planning for the Counter to perform something in between the

 

 

measurement setup and acquisition.

 

 

 

 

:CONFigure

This combination of commands allows for the most flexibility . This command sequence

 

:INITiate

configures the Counter, initiates the measurement as specified, and returns the result.

 

:FETCh?

 

 

 

 

 

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Programming Guide