Technical data

1 Introduction to Programming
2 U2751A Programmer’s Reference Guide
Introduction to the SCPI Language
SCPI, also known as the Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments, is an ASCII-based instrument command language designed for
test and measurement instruments. 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 subsystems. A portion of the ROUTe subsystem is shown
below to illustrate the tree system.
ROUTe:
CLOSe (@<ch_list>)
CLOSe? (@<ch_list>)
OPEN (@<ch_list>)
OPEN? (@<ch_list>)
ROUTe is the root keyword of the command, CLOSe and OPEN are
second-level keywords. A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a
lower-level keyword.
For example, in the above syntax statement, ROUT and ROUTE are both
acceptable forms. You can use upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore,
ROUTE, Rout, and rout are all acceptable. Other forms, such as ROU, are
not valid and will generate an error.