Keysight Truevolt Serie Mode D'emploi page 194

Introduction to the SCPI Language
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-based programming language for
test and measurement instruments. SCPI commands use a hierarchical structure known as a tree system.
Associated commands are grouped under a common node or root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of
the SENSe subsystem illustrates this, below.
SENSe:
VOLTage:
DC:RANGe {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF}
DC:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault]
SENSe is the root keyword of the command, VOLTage is a second-level keyword, and DC is a third-level
keyword. A colon ( : ) separates consecutive keywords.
Syntax Conventions
The command syntax format is illustrated below:
VOLTage:DC:RANGe {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF}
Most commands (and some parameters) are a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters. The upper-case
letters indicate the command's abbreviated spelling, which yields shorter program lines. For better pro-
gram readability, use the long form.
For example, consider the keyword VOLTage, above. You can type VOLT or VOLTage in any combination
of upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore, VolTaGe, volt and Volt are all acceptable. Other forms, such as
VOL and VOLTAG, generate errors.
Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices. The braces are not sent with the command string.
A vertical bar ( | ) separates parameter choices. For example, {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF} in the above com-
mand indicates that you can specify a numeric range parameter, or "MIN", "MAX" or "DEF". The bar is not
sent with the command string.
Angle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter. For example, the
above syntax statement shows the <range> parameter in angle brackets. Do not send the brackets with
the command string. You must specify a value for the parameter (for example "VOLT:DC:RANG 10")
unless you select one of the other options shown in the syntax (for example "VOLT:DC:RANG MIN").
Optional parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). The brackets are not sent with the command
string. If you do not specify a value for an optional parameter, the instrument uses a default value.
Keysight Truevolt Series Operating and Service Guide
SCPI Programming Reference
195