Overview of Messages
The information that is exchanged between the controller (computer) and the device (PAT-T
series) is called a message.
The PAT-T uses the SCPI language for the messages.
There are two types of messages, commands that are sent from the computer to the PAT-T
and responses that are sent from the PAT-T to the computer.
Command hierarchy
SCPI commands are ASCII-based commands designed for test and measurement devices.
The command hierarchy is structured around the common root or node, which is the
construction block of the SCPI sub system. A command consists of a program header,
parameters, and punctuations.
The hierarchy is explained using the SOURce subsystem as an example.
Program header
parameter Hierarchy of node
SOUR:
Root node
CURR
Secound level
[:PROT]
Third level
[:LEV] <numeric> Forth level
:STAT <bool>
Forth level
VOLT
Secound level
[:PROT]
Third level
[:LEV] <numeric> Forth level
:STAT <bool>
Forth level
A higher node is separated from a lower node using a colon (:).
Command Syntax
This manual denotes SCPI commands using the following format.
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
{<current>|MINimum|MAXimum}
SCPI commands can be issued using the short form. The short form of a SCPI command is
the section of the command written in uppercase.
SCPI commands can be sent in the long form or short form. Since SCPI commands are not
case-sensitive, CURR, Curr, and curr are all accepted as the short form of CURRent. In the
long form, CURRENT, Current, and current are all acceptable.
• A space is required between the program header section and the parameter section.
• Multiple parameters, when available, are concatenated using commas.
• Commands are concatenated using semicolons (compound command).
SOURce:CURRent MINimum;VOLTage MINimum
In the second command, SOURce is omitted. This is because the path is set to SOURce by
the first command SOURce:CURRent MINimum.
This compound command is the same as entering the following commands.
SOURce:CURRent MINimum
SOURce:VOLTage MINimum
An error occurs if a node that is not defined in the current path is designated.
Commands of different subsystems can be concatenated using a colon and a semicolon
together.
SOURce:CURRent MINimum;:MEASure:CURRent?
This compound command contains two root nodes, SOURce and MEASure.
When the second or subsequent command starts with a colon, the path specified by the
Overview
Setup
Overview of Messages
Command
(function search)
Protection and Clear the Alarm
Setting Changes using triggers
Command
(ABC search)
Command
(Sub-system search)
Appendix
Tutorial
PAT-T series Communication Interface Manual
KIKUSUI ELECTRONICS CORP.
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