Chapter 5 Remote Interface Reference

An Introduction to the SCPI Language

Command Format Used in This Manual

The format used to show commands in this manual is shown below:

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

The command syntax shows most commands (and some parameters) as a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters. The upper-case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, send the abbreviated form. For better program readability, send the long form.

For example, in the above syntax statement, VOLT and VOLTAGE are both acceptable forms. You can use upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore, VOLTAGE, volt, and Volt are all acceptable. Other forms, such as VOL and VOLTAG, will generate an error.

Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command string. The braces are not sent with the command string.

A vertical bar ( ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given command string.

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Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter. For example, the above syntax statement shows the range parameter enclosed in triangle brackets. The brackets are not sent with the command string. You must specify a value for the parameter (such as "VOLT:DC:RANG 10").

Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). The brackets indicate that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not sent with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an optional parameter, the instrument chooses a default value.

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