Introduction to SCPI
Introduction
Keywords
Queries
Command Separators and Terminators
Syntax Conventions
Parameter Types
Device Clear
Typical Command Processing Times
Introduction
This manual describes instrument programming using Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI) over LAN, USB, and GPIB (optional). Select the interface type from the front panel,
and be sure to understand the SCPI syntax and functions before you send SCPI commands and
queries.
The SCPI language is an ASCII-based programming language for test and measurement instruments.
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands
The IEEE-488.2 standard defines common commands that perform functions such as reset, self-test,
and status operations. Common commands always begin with an asterisk ( * ), are three characters
long, and may include parameters. The command keyword is separated from the first parameter by a
space.
Subsystem Commands
Subsystem commands perform specific instrument functions. They extend one or more levels below
the root in a hierarchical structure, or tree. Associated commands are grouped together under a
common node, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the OUTPut subsystem is shown below to
illustrate the tree system. Note that the brackets around a keyword, such as in [:STATe], indicate an
optional keyword.
:OUTPut
[:STATe] ON|1|OFF|0
:COUPling AC|DC|ACDC
:PROTection
:CLEar
3SCPI Programming Reference
96 Keysight AC6800B Series Operating and Service Guide
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