Specifications

2-4
Programming the HP 71612 Series
Important Points about SCPI
NOTE The response of the instrument to the *RST, *RCL or
SYSTEM:PRESET commands may be up to 3 seconds. Any GP-IB
program using these commands should have a time-out of greater than
3 seconds.
Important Points about SCPI
There are a number of key areas to consider when using SCPI for the first time.
These are as follows:
• Instrument Model.
• Layered Command Structure.
• Command Syntax.
• Optional Commands.
• Sending Commands.
• Command Separators.
Instrument Model
SCPI guidelines require that the Agilent 71612 Series conforms to an instrument model.
This ensures that when using SCPI, functional compatibility is achieved between
instruments which perform the same tasks. For example, if two different instruments have
a programmable clock frequency setting then both instruments would use the same SCPI
commands to set their frequency. The instrument model is made up of a number of
subsystems. Each subsystem is associated with a particular module in the modular
measurement system (MMS).
The sub-system defines a group of functions within a module and has a unique identifier
under SCPI which is called the Root Keyword.
For more detail on the instrument model refer to chapter 5, System Command Reference
Section.
Layered Command Structure
The SCPI command structure is best explained by equating it with the Agilent 71612
Series instrument model. The top layer in SCPI identifies a sub-system within the modular
measurement system (MMS). The next layer down is a command relating to that module
or instrument within the MMS. The bottom layer is any parameter that is associated with
that given command.