2
Remote Control
2.1 Remote control basis
7
1)
“Programmable Commands” in this manual;
2)
“Appendix A Quick Search Table of SCPIs” in this manual;
3) Related manuals for each measurement function.
2.1.3.2 SCPI description
General terms
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Command type
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Instrument-specific command syntax
Command tree
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Command parameter and response
Systems of values in command.......................................................
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Command line structure.............................................................
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1) General terms
For the purpose of this section, the following terms should apply. It is necessary to know about the exact
definitions of these terms for a better understanding of the content in various chapters.
Controller
The controller is any computer used to communicate with the SCPI equipment. The controller may be a
personal computer, a small computer or a card inserted onto a cage. Some artificial intelligence
equipment can also be used as a controller.
Equipment
The equipment is any device that supports SCPI. Most equipment is electronic measuring or excitation
equipment and use the GPIB interface for communication.
Remote control message
The remote control message is a combination of one or more correctly formatted SCPIs. It guides the
equipment to measure and output the signal.
Response message
The response message is a data set that specifies the SCPI format. It is always sent from the equipment
to the controller or listener to remind the controller of the internal condition or measured value of the
equipment.
Command
A command is an instruction in compliance with the SCPI standard. The combination of controller
commands forms a message. In general, a command includes the keyword, parameter and punctuation.
Event command
An event-type SCPI can't be queried. An event command generally has no corresponding key settings
on front panel. Its function is to trigger an event at a particular moment.
Query
Query is a special command. When the controller is queried, it is necessary to return to the response
message in conformity with syntax requirement of the controller. The query statement is always ended
with a question mark.
2) Command type
There are two types of SCPI commands: common commands and instrument-specific commands.
Figure 5.2 shows the difference between two commands. Common commands are defined in IEEE
