3 Remote Interface Reference
Introduction to the SCPI Language
74 E364xA User’s and Service Guide
Introduction to the SCPI Language
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI)
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 the
third- level keyword. A colon (:) separates a command
keyword from a lower- level keyword.