Operating instructions

Introduction to HPSL
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Introduction To HPSL
What Is HPSL?
HPSL is a system programming language developed by Agilent Technologies for controlling instrument functions. HPSL is
intended to function with standard GPIB hardware. HPSL conforms to the IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for
Programmable Instrumentation. This standard provides codes, formats, protocols, and common commands not defined in
the original IEEE 488.1 standards. Unless you intend to do some very intricate programming, you need not be expert in the
IEEE 488.2 standard, although it is a good reference document to have available.
Note TMSL (Test and Measurement Systems Language) is a later version of HPSL that has been made
available outside of Agilent Technologies for industry use. Although it is very similar, the HPSL used in
the electronic loads may not be totally compatible with TMSL.
HPSL Statements
HPSL statements are instrument control commands and queries. A command statement sends an instruction to the electronic
load and a command query requests information from the electronic load.
Simple Command Statements
The simplest command statement consists of a command, or keyword, usually followed by a parameter or data:
VOLT 25 Simple command statements
CURR 50
TRIG
Compound Command Statements
When two or more keywords are connected by colons (2:), it creates a compound command statement. The last keyword
usually is followed by a parameter or data.
VOLT:SLEW 1000 Compound common statements
CURR:RANG 6
TRIG:SOUR BUS
Simple Command Queries
The simplest command query consists of a keyword followed by a question mark:
VOLT? Simple command queries
CURR? CHAN?