Instruction manual

13). Before sending the unit into talk mode it is also advisable to

Flush out the controller’s data-in buffer by giving a dummy read. This is required

because some controller can keep the last data latched into its data-in Buffer.

14). If you send more than one query in a <PROGRAM MESSAGE>, only the LAST

correct query will be processed and response will be given for last query.

15). No response can be read without giving a query. Otherwise the query error bit will

be set & an error message is generated.

6.5 An Introduction to 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 “SUB-

SYSTEMS”) positioned at the top, with multiple levels below each root level com-

mand. 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 be-

tween 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 the 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.

: SOURce:VOLTage 10.55:SOURce:CURRent 2.50

: SOURce: VOLTage 10.55;CURRent 2.50

USING A COMMA (,)

If a command requires more than one parameter, you must separate the

adjacent parameters using a comma.