10-14 Remote Operations Model 2750 Multimeter/Switch System User’s Manual
Long-form and short-form versions
An SCPI command word can be sent in its long-form or short-form version. The command
subsystem tables in Section 15 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.
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