Operating instructions

Introduction to HPSL

Table 2-3. Most-Used Suffix Multipliers

Multiplier Mnemonic Definition

1E6 MA mega

1E3 K kilo

1E-3 M milli

1E-6 U micro

1E-9 N nano

Note You may construct compound suffixes of multipliers and elements. For example: 1 KHz for 1000 Hz;

1 A/

s for 1000000 A/s.

Numerical Data Conventions. In this guide, numerical data types are shown in emphasized text within angle brackets,

such as < NR1 > or < NRf > . On drawings, numerical data appears within boxes

Data suffixes are shown inside brackets within boxes

. The brackets around the suffix indicate that the entry is

optional. That is because there is a default suffix for the data that accompanies each command.

Character Data Formats. For command statements, the < NRF + > data format permits entry of required characters. For

query statements, character strings may be returned in either of the forms shown in Table 2-4, depending on the length of

the returned string.

Table 2-4. Query Character String Formats

Symbol Character Form

crd Character Response Data. Permits the return of up to 12 characters.

aard Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of undelimited 7-bit ASCII. This data

type is an implied message terminator (refer to “Separators and Terminators”).

Character Data Conventions. In this guide, character string parameters are emphasized similar to keywords, such as ON,

OFF, and CONTinuos. This applies both to text and drawings.

Separators and Terminators

In addition to keywords and parameters, HPSL program statements require the following:

Data Separators. Data must be separated from the previous command keyword by a space. This is shown in examples as a

space (VOLT 25) and on diagrams by the letters SP inside a circle.

Keyword Separators. Keywords (or headers) are separated by a colon (:), a semicolon (;), or both. For example:

• INP:SHOR

• MEAS:CURR?;VOLT?

• CURR 25;:VOLT 50

Important Proper use of the (:) and the (;) is very important to the construction of command messages. This is

explained in Chapter 3 - Introduction to Programming.