HP 132A, 53131A Optional Keyword, Keyword Separator, Abbreviated Commands, Elements of SCPI Commands, Figure 3-3.Simplified Common Command Syntax Diagram

Chapter 3 Programming Your Universal Counter for Remote Operation

Elements of SCPI Commands

NOTE: sp = space. ASCII character decimal 32

Figure 3-3. Simplified Common Command Syntax DiagramAbbreviated Commands

The command syntax shows most keywords as a mixture of upper and lower case letters. Upper case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. For better program readability, you may send the entire keyword. The HP 53131A/132A accepts either command form and is not case sensitive.

For example, if the command syntax shows CALCulate, then CALC and CALCULATE are both acceptable forms. Other forms of CALCulate, such as CALCU or CALCULA will generate an error. You may use upper and/or lower case letters. Therefore, CALCULATE, calculate, and CaLcUlAtE are all acceptable.

Keyword Separator

A colon (:) always separates one keyword from the next lower-level keyword as shown below:

:INPut:COUPling?

Optional Keyword

Optional keywords are those which appear in square brackets ([ ]) in the command syntax. (Note that the brackets are not part of the command and are not sent to the Counter.)

Suppose you send a second level keyword without the preceding optional keyword. In this case, the Counter assumes you intend to use the optional keyword and responds as if you had sent it.

Programming Guide 3-9