HP Sander 16500C manual Instruction Terminator, White Space, Instruction Parameters

Introduction to Programming

Instruction Terminator

When you look up a query in this programmer’s reference, you’ll find a paragraph labeled "Returned Format" under the one labeled "Query." The syntax definition by "Returned Format" will always show the instruction header in square brackets, like [:SYSTem:MENU], which means the text between the brackets is optional. It is also a quick way to see what the header looks like.

White Space

White space is used to separate the instruction header from the instruction parameters. If the instruction does not use any parameters, white space does not need to be included. White space is defined as one or more spaces. ASCII defines a space to be a character, represented by a byte, that has a decimal value of 32. Tabs can be used only if your controller first converts them to space characters before sending the string to the system.

Instruction Parameters

Instruction parameters are used to clarify the meaning of the command or query. They provide necessary data, such as whether a function should be on or off, which waveform is to be displayed, or which pattern is to be looked for. Each instruction’s syntax definition shows the parameters, as well as the range of acceptable values they accept. This chapter’s "Parameter Data Types" section has all of the general rules about acceptable values.

When there is more than one parameter, they are separated by commas (,). White space surrounding the commas is optional.

Instruction Terminator

An instruction is executed after the instruction terminator is received. The terminator is the NL (New Line) character. The NL character is an ASCII linefeed character (decimal 10).

The NL (New Line) terminator has the same function as an EOS (End Of String) and EOT (End Of Text) terminator.

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