User manual

Relay Multiplexer Command Reference 59Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Relay Multiplexer Command Reference
About This Chapter
This chapter describes Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI) and IEEE 488.2 Common Commands for the
E1460A Relay Multiplexer module. See the appropriate command
module user’s manual for additional information on SCPI and Common
Commands. This chapter contains the following sections:
• Command Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
• SCPI Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
• IEEE 488.2 Common Commands Quick Reference. . . . . . . . .95
• SCPI Commands Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Command Types
Commands are separated into two types: IEEE 488.2 Common
commands and SCPI commands.
Common
Commands Format
The IEEE 488.2 standard defines the Common commands that perform
functions like reset, self-test, status byte query, etc. Common commands
are four or five characters in length, always begin with an asterisk (*), and
may include one or more parameters. The command keyword is
separated from the first parameter by a space character. Some
examples of Common commands are:
*RST, *ESE <mask>, *STB?
SCPI Commands
Format
SCPI commands perform functions like closing switches, making
measurements, and querying instrument states or retrieving data.

A subsystem command structure is a hierarchical structure that usually
consists of a top-level (or root) command, one or more lower-level
commands, and their parameters. The following example shows part of
a typical subsystem:
[ROUTe:]
CLOSe <channel_list>
SCAN <channel_list>
:MODE?
[ROUTe:] is the optional root command, CLOSe and SCAN are
second-level commands with parameters, and :MODE? is a third-level
command. [ROUTe:] is an implied command and is, therefore, optional.