4 Remote Interface Reference
198 Keysight 34420A User’s Guide
An Introduction to the SCPI Language
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) defines how you
communicate with an instrument from a bus controller. The SCPI language uses a
hierarchical structure similar to the file systems used by many bus controllers. The
command “tree” is organized with root-level commands (also called
“subsystems”) positioned at the top, with multiple levels below each root-level
command. You must specify the complete path to execute the individual
lower-level commands.
Using a Colon (:) When a colon is the first character of a command keyword, it
indicates that the next command mnemonic is a root-level command. When a
colon is inserted between two command mnemonics, the colon moves the path
down one level in the present path (for the specified root-level command) of the
command tree. You must separate command mnemonics from each other using a
colon. You can omit the leading colon if the command is the first of a new
program line.
Using a Semicolon (;) Use a semicolon to separate two commands within the
same command string. The semicolon does not change the present path
specified. For example, the following two statements are equivalent.
:TRIG:DELAY 1;:TRIG:COUNT 10
:TRIG:DELAY 1;COUNT 10
Using a Comma (,) If a command requires more than one parameter, you must
separate adjacent parameters using a comma.
Using Whitespace You must use whitespace characters, [tab], or [space] to
separate a parameter from a command keyword. Whitespace characters are
generally ignored only in parameter lists.
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