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SCPI Introduction
This chapter describes in detail the command types, parameter types and other
related information about SCPI.
1.1 Overview
SCPI is short for Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments which de-
fines a communication method of bus controller and instrument. It is based on
ASCII and supply for testing and measuring instruments. SCPI command is
based on hierarchical architecture which also known as tree system. In this sys-
tem, Relevant Command is returned to a common node or root, so that a sub-
system is formed. A part of OUTPut subsystem is listed below:
OUTPut:
•
SYNC {OFF|0|ON|1}
•
SYNC:
–
MODE {NORMal|CARRier
}
–
POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}
OUTPut is the root class keyword, SYNC is the second keyword, MODE and
POLarity are the third keyword. Colon(:) is used for separating the command
keyword and the next level keyword.
1.2 Command Type of SCPI
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
•
Common commands generally are not related to specific operation but to
controlling overall instrument functions, such as reset, status, and synchroni-
zation. All common commands consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded
by an asterisk:
*RST *IDN? *SRE 8
.
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