SIGLENT SDM3055A, User Manual, Page: 142 / 236

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SDM3055/SDM3055A 2
SCPI Command
Introduction to the SCPI Language
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-based
programming language for test and measurement instruments. SCPI commands use a
hierarchical structure known as a tree system. Associated commands are grouped under
a common node or root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the SENSe subsystem
illustrates this, below.
SENSe:
VOLTage:
DC:RANGe {< range >|MIN|MAX|DEF}
DC:RANGe? [MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault]
SENSe is the root keyword of the command, VOLTage is a second-level keyword, and DC
is a third-level keyword. A colon ( : ) separates consecutive keywords.
Syntax Conventions
The command syntax format is illustrated below:
VOLTage:DC:RANGe {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF}
Most commands (and some parameters) are a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters.
The upper-case letters indicate the command's abbreviated spelling, which yields shorter
program lines. For better program readability, use the long form.
For example, consider the keyword VOLTage, above. You can type VOLT or VOLTage in
any combination of upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore, VolTaGe, volt and Volt are all
acceptable. Other forms, such as VOL and VOLTAG, will generate an error.
 Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices. The braces are not sent with the
command string.
 A vertical bar ( | ) separates parameter choices. For example,
{< range >|MIN|MAX|DEF} in the above command indicates that you can specify a
numeric range parameter, or "MIN", "MAX" or "DEF". The bar is not sent with the
command string.

Angle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed
parameter. For example, the above syntax statement shows the < range > parameter
in angle brackets. Do not send the brackets with the command string. You must
specify a value for the parameter (for example "VOLT:DC:RANG 10") unless you
select one of the other options shown in the syntax (for example "VOLT:DC:RANG
MIN").
 Optional parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). The brackets are not sent
with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an optional parameter, the
instrument uses a default value.