Chapter 5 Remote Interface Reference

An Introduction to the SCPI LanguageAn Introduction to the SCPI Language

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-based instrument command language designed for test and measurement instruments. Refer to “Simplified Programming Overview,” starting on page 201, for an introduction to the basic techniques used to program the instrument over the remote interface.

SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also known as a tree system. In this system, associated commands are grouped together under a common node or root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the SENSE subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.

SENSe:

VOLTage

:DC:RANGe {<range>MINimumMAXimum}[,(@<ch_list>)]

VOLTage

:DC:RANGe? [{(@<ch_list>)MINimumMAXimum}]

FREQuency

:VOLTage:RANGe {<range>MINimumMAXimum}[,(@<ch_list>)]

FREQuency

:VOLTage:RANGe? [{(@<ch_list>)MINimumMAXimum}]

RESistance

:OCOMpensated {OFFON}[,(@<ch_list>)]

RESistance

:OCOMpensated? [(@<ch_list>)]

TEMPerature

:RJUNction? [(@<ch_list>)]

SENSe is the root keyword of the command, VOLTage and FREQuency are second-level keywords, and DC and VOLTage are third-level keywords. A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword.

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