User`s manual

Command Types
Commands are separated into two types: IEEE 488.2 Common Commands and
SCPI Commands.
Common
Command
Format
The IEEE 488.2 standard defines the Common Commands that perform functions like
reset, self-test, status byte query, etc. Common commands are four or five characters in
length, always begin with the asterisk character (*), and may include one or more
parameters. The command keyword is separated from the first parameter by a space
character. Some examples of Common Commands are shown below:
*RST, *CLS, *ESE <unmask>, *OPC?, *STB?
SCPI Command Format
The functions of the AFG are programmed using SCPI commands. 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 AFG’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.
284 Command Reference Chapter 8