Programming instructions

Table Of Contents
Program Data Syntax Rules
Program data is used to convey a variety of types of parameter information
related to the command header. At least one space must separate the
command header or query header from the program data.
<program mnemonic><separator><data><terminator>
When a program mnemonic or query has multiple program data a comma
separates sequential program data.
<program mnemonic><separator><data>,<data><terminator>
For example, :MEASURE:TVOLT 1.0V,2 has two program data: 1.0V and 2.
There are two main types of program data which are used in commands:
character and numeric program data.
Character Program Data
Character program data is used to convey parameter information as alpha or
alphanumeric strings. For example, the :TIMEBASE:MODE command can be
set to normal, delayed, XY, or ROLL. The character program data in this case
may be NORMAL, DELAYED, XY, or ROLL. The command
:TIMEBASE:MODE DELAYED sets the time base mode to delayed.
The available mnemonics for character program data are always included
with the instruction’s syntax definition. When sending commands, either the
long form or short form (if one exists) may be used. Uppercase and
lowercase letters may be mixed freely. When receiving query responses,
uppercase letters are used exclusively.
Numeric Program Data
Some command headers require program data to be expressed numerically.
For example, :TIMEBASE:RANGE requires the desired full scale range to be
expressed numerically.
For numeric program data, you have the option of using exponential notation
or using suffix multipliers to indicate the numeric value. The following
numbers are all equal:
28 = 0.28E2 = 280e-1 = 28000m = 0.028K = 28e-3K.
When a syntax definition specifies that a number is an integer, that means
that the number should be whole. Any fractional part would be ignored,
truncating the number. Numeric data parameters which accept fractional
values are called real numbers.
Introduction to Programming
Program Data Syntax Rules
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