1 Introduction to Programming
12 Keysight U2722A/U2723A Programmer’s Reference
Introduction to the SCPI Language
SCPI, also known as the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments, is
an ASCII-based instrument command language designed for test and
measurement instruments. 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:
VOLTage:
RANGe <CPD>, (<(@1)|(@2)|(@3)>)
RANGe? (<(@1)|(@2)|(@3)>)
CURRent:
LIMit <CPD>, (<(@1)|(@2)|(@3)>)
LIMit? (<(@1)|(@2)|(@3)>)
SOURce is the root keyword of the command, VOLTage and CURRent are
second-level keywords, and RANGe and LIMit are third-level keywords.
A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword.
For example, in the above syntax statement, VOLT and VOLTAGE are both
acceptable forms. You can use upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore, VOLTAGE,
volt, and Volt are all acceptable. Other forms, such as VOL and VOLTAG, are not
valid and will generate an error.
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