3 Remote Interface Reference
96 Keysight E364xA User’s and Service Guide
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 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.