Programming instructions

Command Reference
SCPI Basics
Chapter 4 139
SCPI Basics
This section describes the general use of the Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI) language for the PSG Family of signal generators. It is not intended to
teach you everything about the SCPI language; the SCPI Consortium or IEEE can provide
that level of detailed information. For a list of the specific commands available for the signal
generator, refer to the Table of Contents.
For additional information, refer to the following publications:
• IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable
Instrumentation. New York, NY, 1998.
• IEEE Standard 488.2-1992, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols and Command
Commands for Use with ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987. New York, NY, 1998.
Common Terms
The following terms are used throughout the remainder of this section:
Command A command is an instruction in SCPI consisting of mnemonics
(keywords), parameters (arguments), and punctuation. You
combine commands to form messages that control instruments.
Controller A controller is any device used to control the signal generator, for
example a computer or another instrument.
Event Command Some commands are events and cannot be queried. An event has
no corresponding setting. It initiates an action at a particular
time.
Program Message A program message is a combination of one or more properly
formatted commands. Program messages are sent by the
controller to the signal generator.
Query A query is a special type of command used to instruct the signal
generator to make response data available to the controller. A
query ends with a question mark. You can query any command
value that you set.
Response Message A response message is a collection of data in specific SCPI
formats sent from the signal generator to the controller.
Response messages tell the controller about the internal state of
the signal generator.