User Manual 2460 Series
Programming The 2461 Module 4-2
Racal Instruments
2003
Operation Via The
SCPI Command Set
A brief description of the SCPI syntax is provided to allow
basic operation. For a more detailed definition of SCPI the
appropriate specification should be consulted.
SCPI Principles
SCPI, in conjunction with IEEE 488.2, lays down rules for
syntax and protocols for instrument control. If these rules are
violated then a defined error process occurs.
The basic SCPI protocol relies on the bus controller sending
information to an instrument. An instrument will never send
information to the controller unless requested, or command to
so by the bus controller. The controller can illicit responses
from the 2461 by sending a query command (a command
containing the ? character).
Commands sent to the 2461 conform to SCPI guidelines. The
SCPI command set is a tree structure. All SCPI commands
are grouped into various sub-systems (SENSE, CONFIGURE,
MEASURE, INPUT, OUTPUT, CALCULATE, CALIBRATE,
SOURCE, TEST, INSTRUMENT, STATUS and SYSTEM etc).
The basic form of a SCPI command is:
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