A-14
A
A1.3.2 Command Structure and Examples
SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure that eliminates
the need for most multi-word mnemonics. Each key word in the
command steps the device parser out along the decision branch -
similar to a squirrel hopping from the tree trunk out on the branches
to the leaves. Subsequent keywords are considered to be at the same
branch level until a new complete command is sent to the device.
SCPI commands may be abbreviated as shown by the capital letters
in Figure A-4 or the whole key word may be used when entering a
command. Figure A-4 shows some single SCPI commands for setting
up and querying a serial interface.
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUD 9600 <nl>
Sets the baud rate to 9600 baud
SYST:COMM:SER:BAUD? <nl>
Queries the current baud setting
SYST:COMM:SER:BITS 8 <nl>
Sets character format to 8 data bits
Figure A-4 SCPI Command Examples
Multiple SCPI commands may be concatenated together as a compound
command using semi colons as command separators. The first
command is always referenced to the root node. Subsequent commands
are referenced to the same tree level as the previous command.
Starting the subsequent command with a colon puts it back at the root
node. IEEE 488.2 common commands and queries can be freely
mixed with SCPI messages in the same program message without
affecting the above rules. Figure A-5 shows some compound command
examples.
