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Introduction to SCPI ................................................................. 5-1

SCPI command programming notes ........................................ 5-2

Introduction to SCPI

The Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) standard is a syntax and set of

commands that is used to control test and measurement devices.

The following information describes some basic SCPI command information and how SCPI is used

with the Model 2450 and presented in the Model 2450 documentation.

Command execution rules

Command execution rules are as follows:

• Commands execute in the order that they are presented in the command message.

• An invalid command generates an error and is not executed.

• Valid commands that precede an invalid command in a command message are executed.

• Valid commands that follow an invalid command in a command message are ignored.

Command messages

A command message is made up of one or more command words sent by the controller to the

instrument.

SCPI commands contain several command words that are structured to create command messages.

The command words are separated by colons (:). For example, to configure an ethernet connection,

the command words are:

:SYSTem:COMMunication:LAN:CONFigure

Many commands have query options. If there is a query option, it is created by adding a question

mark (?) to the command. For example, to query the present ethernet settings, send:

:SYSTem:COMMunication:LAN:CONFigure?

Commands often take parameters. Parameters follow the command words and a space. For

example, to set the instrument to automatically detect the ethernet settings, send:

:SYSTem:COMMunication:LAN:CONFigure AUTO

SCPI can also use common commands, which consist of an asterisk (*) followed by three letters. For

example, you can reset the instrument by sending the following command:

*RST

Section 5

Introduction to SCPI commands

Keithley 2450 User Manual

Other manuals for Keithley 2450