User manual
G-4 GPIB 488.1 Protocol 2400 Series SourceMeter
®
 User’s Manual 
Using SCPI-based programs
In general, an existing SCPI-based program will run properly and faster in the 
488.1 protocol as long as it meets the above guidelines and limitations.
NRFD hold-off
*OPC, *OPC?, and *WAI are still functional but are not needed for the 488.1 pro-
tocol. When sending commands, the GPIB is automatically held off when it 
detects a terminator. The hold-off is released when all the commands have fin-
ished executing, or if there is some parser or command error. An exception is an 
initiate command, which releases the hold-off immediately and does not wait for 
all of the readings to be acquired. This immediate release of bus hold-off is done 
to support GET, SDC, IFC, *TRG, *RCL, *RST, SYSTem:PRESet, and ABORt 
during data acquisition.
NDAC hold-off
NDAC hold-off is included with the GPIB 488.1 protocol mode to allow a single 
instrument to hold off all others on the bus until it is finished executing a com-
mand. The following command controls NDAC hold-off:
SYSTem:MEP:HOLDoff ON |  OFF
The default is OFF, but NRFD hold-off will still be enabled and will prevent an 
instrument from accepting further commands. See Figure G-1 for the complete 
IEEE-488 handshake sequence.
Figure G-1
IEEE-488 handshake sequence
DATA
DAV
SOURCE
SOURCE
VALID
ALL READY
ACCEPTOR
NRFD
NDAC
ALL ACCEPTED
ACCEPTOR










