SCPI Command Reference
Using SCPI Commands
196 Operating Manual for XDC Series Power Supply
Angle brackets ( < > ) identify where specific values must be entered for a
parameter. For example, in the example at the top of the page, the parameter
<current> appears in the command string. To set the current setpoint to 0.1A, the
syntax is CAL:CURR:LEV 0.1.
Square brackets ( [ ] ) identify optional parameters. If an optional parameter is
not sent with the command string, a default parameter is sent in its place.
Using
Minimum and
Maximum
In the following example, Minimum and Maximum are offered as alternative choices
to declaring a specific parameter value.
CAL:CURRent:LEVel {<current>|MIN|MAX}
The string CAL:CURR:LEV MIN sets the current calibration level to the minimum
model value.
Using
Queries
A question mark lets you query the present value for most parameters. For example,
to query the current calibration state use:
CAL:SEC:STAT?
You can also use the following to query minimum and maximum allowed values for
most parameters:
:VOLT? MIN
:VOLT? MAX
Terminating
Characters
Every command string must end with a terminating <new line> character. An
IEEE-488 EOI (end-or-identify) can be used instead of a <new line> character. It is
also acceptable to use a <carriage return> followed by a <new line>. Terminating a
command string always resets the SCPI command path to the root level.
Common
Commands
The IEEE-488.2 standard includes a set of common commands for functions such as
reset and self-test. These common commands always start with an asterisk (*),
contain 4 or 5 characters, and may have one or more parameters. The command is
always separated from the parameter by a blank space. Multiple commands sent in
the same string are separated by a semi-colon (;). The following is an example of
how 3 common commands can be sent together in the same string:
*OPC; *PSC Off; *TRG
Note If you send 2 queries, it is best to read and respond to the first response before trying
to read the second. Otherwise, you may receive an incomplete first response followed by a
complete second response. To avoid this, you can either wait for and read the first response
before sending the second query, or send a device clear message before sending the
second query.