Operation Manual
112 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
SECULIFEESXTRA
The communication protocol provides a means to completely configure and use the SECULIFE ESXTRA
from a PC. All of the functions available through the front panel can be performed through the
communication ports. All of the measurements made by the SECULIFE ES
XTRA are accessible as well.
This provides for hands free or automated operation of the SECULIFE ES
XTRA.
Communication Ports
The SECULIFE ESXTRA has three USB ports that can be used to connect to a PC. The connection must
be made using an FTDI USB null modem cable (GOSSEN METRAWATT Part number BC20-41360).
This cable allows the PC to see the connection to the SECULIFE ES
XTRA as a serial port. To determine
the serial port number, refer to the Ports section of the Device Manager on the PC. The Serial port is
configured as 115,200 Baud Rate, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, and No Parity.
Command Syntax
The command description is broken into 3 columns; the KEYWORD, the PARAMETER FORM, and
COMMENTS.
Keyword
The KEYWORD column provides the name of the command. The actual name of the command consists
of one or more keywords since SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also known as a
tree system.
In such a system, associated commands are grouped together under a common node in the hierarchy,
analogous to the way leaves at a same level are connected at a common branch. This and similar
branches are connected to fewer and thicker branches, until they meet at the root of the tree. The closer
to the root, the higher a node is considered in the hierarchy. To activate a particular command, the full
path to it must be specified.
This path is represented in the following tables by placing the highest node in the left-most position.
Further nodes are indented one position to the right, below the parent node.
The highest level node of a command is called the Keyword, followed by the Node, Subnode, and then
the value.
Not all commands require the complexity of the full command path. For example, the Status? command
doesn't have a Node or Subnode.
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL