HP 8360 SCPI, Getting Started with, Definitions of Terms, query

Getting Started withSCPI

This section of Chapter 1 describes the use of the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments language (SCPI).

This section explains how to use SCPI commands in general. The instrument command summary (at the end of this chapter) lists the specific commands available in your instrument. This section presents only the basics of SCPI. If you want to explore the topic in greater depth, see the paragraph titled, “Related Documents.”

Definitions of Terms This section defines most terms when they are first used, you need a general understanding of the terms listed below before you continue.

controller	A controller is any computer used to communicate
	with a SCPI instrument. A controller can be a
	personal computer, a minicomputer, or a plug-in card
	in a card cage. Some intelligent instruments can also
	function as controllers.
instrument	An instrument is any device that implements SCPI.
	Most instruments are electronic measurement or
	stimulus devices, but this is not a requirement.
	Similarly, most instruments use an HP-IB interface
	for communication. The same concepts apply
	regardless of the instrument function or the type of
	interface used.
program	A program message is a combination of one
message	or more properly formatted SCPI commands.
	Program messages always go from a controller to an
	instrument. Program messages tell the instrument
	how to make measurements and output signals.
response	A response message is a collection of data in specific
message	SCPI formats. Response messages always go from an
	instrument to a controller or listening instrument.
	Response messages tell the controller about the
	internal state of the instrument and about measured
	values.
command	A command is an instruction in SCPI. You
	combine commands to form messages that control
	instruments. In general, a command consists of
	mnemonics (keywords), parameters, and punctuation.
query	A query is a special type of command. Queries
	instruct the instrument to make response data
	available to the controller. Query mnemonics always
	end with a question mark.

Getting Started Programming 1-63