2-2 Introduction to SCPI Programming Chapter 2 — Programming with SCPI
2-2 PN: 10580-00322 Rev. F S331L PM
SCPI Common Commands
Some common commands are defined in the IEEE-488.2 standard and must be implemented
by all SCPI compatible instruments. These commands are identified by the asterisk (*) at the
beginning of the command keyword. These commands are defined to control instrument
status registers, status reporting, synchronization, and other common functions. For
example, *IDN? is a common command supported by the Microwave Site Master.
SCPI Required Commands
The required SCPI commands supported by the instrument are listed in the Table 2-1.
SCPI Optional Commands
Table 2-2 lists the optional SCPI commands that comprise the majority of the command set
described in this document. These commands control most of the programmable functions of
the instrument.
The SCPI optional commands are sorted by measurement modes and commands may be
repeated in more than one mode.
• Chapter 3, “All Mode Commands”
• Chapter 4, “Cable & Antenna Analyzer Mode Commands”
Table 2-1. SCPI Required Commands
:STATus
:SYSTem
Table 2-2. SCPI Optional Commands
:ABORt
:CALCulate
:CALibration
:CONFigure
:DISPlay
:FETCh
:FORMat
:INITiate
:INPut
:INSTrument
:MEASure
:MMEMory
:READ
:SENSe
:SOURce
:TRACe
:TRIGger
:UNIT
:[SENSe]