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SCPI Command Introduction

Chapter1 SCPI Command Introduction

1.1 Overview

SCPI is short for Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments which

defines 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

system, Relevant Command is returned to a common node or root, so that a

subsystem 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

synchronization. All common

commands consist of a three-letter mnemonic

preceded by an asterisk: *RST *IDN? *SRE 8.

 Subsystem commands perform specific instrument functions. They are

organized into an inverted tree structure with the "root" at the top. The

following figure shows a portion of a subsystem command tree, from which

you access the commands located along the various paths.

Multiple commands in a message

Multiple SCPI commands can be combined and sent as a single

message with one message terminator. There are two important

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