Operating instructions

Introduction to HPSL
13
Keyword Parameters
Parameters are data values that the parser expects to find after certain keywords. All data programmed to or returned from
the electronic load is ASCII. The data may be numerical data or character strings. HPSL uses the parameter forms in
Section 7 of IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation with the additions described here.
Numerical Data Formats HPSL accepts the first four numerical data types listed in Table 2-1 and described in Section 7
of IEEE 488. 2 Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation. In addition, HPSL recognizes an expanded
form of decimal numeric value known as < NRf > . This allows the characters MIN and MAX to be entered for the minimum
and maximum values that the parameter can be set to under the existing operating conditions.
Table 2-1. Numerical Data Formats
Symbol Data Form
NR1
Digits with no decimal point. The decimal point is assumed to be to the right of the least-significant
digit. For example, 273, 0273
NR2 Digits with a decimal point. E.g.,273., 27.3, .0273
NR3 Digits with a decimal point and an exponent. E.g., 2.73E+2, 2.73E-2
NRf Flexible decimal form that induces NR1 or NR2 or NR3. E.g., 273, 27.3, 2.73E+2
NRf + Expanded decimal form that includes NRf and MIN,MAX. E.g., 273, 27.3, 2.73E-2, MIN, MAX. MIN
and MAX are the minimum and maximum limit values for the parameter and are implicit in the range
specification for the parameter.
Numerical Data Suffixes and Multipliers. Numeric data may be followed by a suffix that dimensions the data. A suffix
may be preceded by a multiplier. Section 7 of IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation
describes the approved data suffixes and multipliers. Where no suffix is entered, the dimension is implied by the syntax of
the command. The electronic loads make use of the suffixes and multipliers listed in Table 2-2 and Table 2-3. Note the
special consideration given to the multiplier for mega. In most cases, mega is represented by MA. However, there are
exceptions made for megahertz (MHZ) and megohm (MOHM). In only these two cases, M is understood to be lE + 6. Do not
confuse the mega multiplier MA with the combination suffix and multiplier MA, which represents milliamperes (lE-3).
Table 2-2. Suffix Elements
Class
Preferred
Suffix
Secondary
Suffix
Referenced
Unit
Current A Ampere
Frequency Hz
MHZ
Hertz
Megahertz
Resistance OHM
MOHM
ohm
Megohm
Time s Second
Amplitude V Volt
Power W Watt
Slew Rate A/s
V/s
Amperes/Second
Volts/Second