Instruction manual

onlinecomponents.com

4080 series Function & Arbitrary/Function Generators –Instruction Manual

5. REMOTE INTERFACE REFERENCE

5.1 Introduction

An Introduction to the SCPI Language

SCPI (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

SOURCE subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.

SOURce:

FREQuency:

STARt {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

FREQuency:

STARt? [MINimum|MAXimum]

FREQuency:

STOP {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum}

FREQuency:

STOP? [MINimum|MAXimum]

SOURce is the root keyword of the command, FREQuency is the second-level keywords, and

STARt and STOP are third-level keywords. A colon (: ) separates a command keyword from a

lower-level keyword.

Preparations for Remote Operation

The Arbitrary/Function Generator series 4080 can be remotely controlled from a PC via the

standard RS232 interface. Make sure to configure the RS232 interface to match the settings on your

PC by setting the parameters in the Systems menu accordingly. The instrument enters the remote

state after any remote command is received at which time all keys except of the 【Local】 key (Shift)

are locked When in Remote mode, the instrument can be returned to Local mode by pressing the

【Local】 key or by sending a “LOCAL instruction via the RS232 interface.

5.2 Overview and syntax of SCPI instructions

This section summarizes the SCPI commands available to program the function generator over the

remote interface. Refer to the later sections in this chapter for more details on each command.

Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used for SCPI command syntax.

• Square brackets ([ ]) indicate optional keywords or parameters.

• Braces ({ }) enclose parameters within a command string.

• Triangle brackets (< >) indicate that you must substitute a value for the enclosed parameter.

• A vertical bar (|) separates multiple parameter choices.

Command Summary

APPLY instruction