Models 2500 and 2502 User’s Manual Remote Operations 13-13
Case sensitivity
Common commands and SCPI commands are not case sensitive. You can use upper or
lower case and any case combination. Examples:
*RST = *rst
:DATA? = :data?
:SYSTem:PRESet = :system:preset
NOTE Using all upper case will result in slightly faster command response times.
Long-form and short-form versions
A SCPI command word can be sent in its long-form or short-form version. The command
subsystem tables in Section 17 provide the long-form version. However, the short-form
version is indicated by upper case characters. Examples:
:SYSTem:PRESet long-form
:SYST:PRES short-form
:SYSTem:PRES long-form and short-form combination
Note that each command word must be in long-form or short-form, and not something in
between. For example, :SYSTe:PRESe is illegal and will generate an error. The command
will not be executed.
Short-form rules
Use the following rules to determine the short-form version of any SCPI command:
• If the length of the command word is four letters or less, no short form version exists.
Example:
:auto = :auto
These rules apply to command words that exceed four letters:
• If the fourth letter of the command word is a vowel (including “y”), delete it and all the
letters after it. Example:
:immediate = :imm
• If the fourth letter of the command word is a consonant, retain it but drop all the letters
after it. Example:
:format = :form
• If the command contains a question mark (?; query) or a non-optional number included
in the command word, you must include it in the short-form version. Example:
:delay? = :del?
• Command words or characters that are enclosed in brackets ([ ]) are optional and need
not be included in the program message.
NOTE For fastest response to commands, always use short forms.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com