Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
An Introduction to the SCPI Language
115
4
An 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 81 for an introduction to
the basic techniques used to program the power supply 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 SOURce subsystem is shown below
to illustrate the tree system.
[SOURce:]
CURRent {
<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
CURRent? [MIN|MAX]
CURRent:
TRIGgered {
<current>|MIN|MAX}
TRIGgered?{MIN|MAX}
VOLTage {
<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
VOLTage? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage:
TRIGgered {
<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
TRIGgered? {MIN|MAX}
SOURce is the root keyword of the command, CURRent and VOLTage are second-
level keywords, and TRIGgered is third-level keywords. A colon (:) separates a
command keyword from a lower-level keyword.
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