User Manual 3153
SCPI Command Reference 4-1
Chapter 4
SCPI COMMAND REFERENCE
What’s In This
Chapter
This chapter contains reference information for programming the Model
3153. Standard Commands For Programmable Instruments (SCPI)
convention rules and syntax are explained in detail. Table 4-1 lists all
SCPI commands used for programming the Model 3153. The command
summary for each SCPI model is also included in this chapter.
This chapter teaches you how to use SCPI commands to control
functions, modes, waveforms and other aspects of the instrument. Prior
understanding of SCPI programming is necessary for low level
programming of the Model 3153.
Introduction To
SCPI Language
Commands to program the instrument over the MXI interface bus are
defined by the SCPI 1993.0 standard. The SCPI standard defines a
common language protocol. It goes one step further than IEEE-STD-
488.2 and defines a standard set of commands to control every
programmable aspect of the instrument. It also defines the format of
command parameters and the format of values returned by the
instrument.
SCPI is an ASCII-based instrument command language designed for test
and measurement instruments. SCPI commands are based on a
hierarchical structure known as a tree system. In this system, associated
commands are grouped together under a common mode or root, thus
forming subsystems. Throughout this manual, the following conventions
are used for SCPI command syntax.
Square Brackets ( [ ] )
Enclose optional keywords or
parameters
Braces ( { } )
Enclose parameters within a command
string
Triangle Brackets ( < > )
Substitute a value for the
enclosed parameter
Vertical Bar ( | )
Separate multiple parameter choices
Bold Typeface Letters
Designate factory default values
Part of the OUTPut subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree
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