User`s manual

DEBUG1 : Sending SCPI Commands
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) is an
ASCII-based instrument command language designed for test and
measurement instruments. The Agilent E1406/05 Command Module
interprets the ASCII command strings for its register-based servant
modules. Agilent Technologies message-based modules have an on-board
microprocessor which makes them capable of interpreting the command
strings themselves.
SCPI Command
Structure
SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also known as a tree
system. In this system, associated commands are grouped together under a
common node or root, thus, forming subtrees or subsystems. An example is
the Agilent E1445A Arbitrary Function Generator’s "ARM" subsystem.
ARM
[:STARt|SEQuence[1]]
[:LAYer[1]]
:COUNt <number>
:LAYer2
:COUNt <number>
[:IMMediate] [no query]
:SLOPe <edge>
:SOURce <source>
:SWEep|SEQuence3
:COUNt <number>
[:IMMediate] [no query]
:LINK <link>
:SOURce <source>
ARM is the root keyword of the command, :STARt|SEQuence1 and
:SWEep|SEQuence3 are second level keywords, :LAYer1 and :LAYer2 are
third level keywords, and so on. A colon (:) always separates a command
keyword from a lower level keyword as shown below.
ARM:LAY2:SOUR EXT
A semicolon (;) is used to separate two commands within the same
subsystem, and can also save typing. For example, sending this command
message:
ARM:LAY2:SOUR EXT;SLOP POS;COUN 10
is the same as sending these three commands:
C-Size Configuration Guide System Programming and Debugging 6-7