
SCPI Command Set
SCPI Command Set
This section is a SCPI reference guide for controlling the ThinkRF WSA5000 Wireless
Signal Analyzer. The WSA5000 supports the Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI) standard version 1999.0 as described in the following sections. SCPI
lends itself to a command line interface and scripting, is supported by the major
instrument vendors and provides a high level of familiarity for instrument users.
Note:
ThinkRF's version of SCPI does not provide commands for network connection.
The WSA5000 receives SCPI commands and sends query responds over port 37001.
See
SCPI Language Overview
In the early 1990s, a group of instrument manufacturers developed Standard Commands
for Programmable Instrumentation (SCPI) for controlling programmable instruments via a
communication link, such as RS232, USB, LAN, etc. SCPI specifies the command
structure and syntax using ASCII characters to provide some basic standardization and
consistency to the control commands. SCPI commands, hence, lend themselves to
communications with equipments via command line interface, scripting and/or
programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB
®
, Python, etc.
The SCPI language is based on a hierarchical or tree structure as illustrated in
an example command set. The top level of the tree is the root node, which is followed by
one or more lower-level nodes.
Figure 11:
SCPI Language Hierarchical or Tree Structure Example
SCPI defines a measurement function block that is directly applicable to the ThinkRF
WSA. The measurement function converts a physical signal into an internal data form
that is available for formatting into bus data. It may perform the additional tasks of signal
conditioning and post-conversion calculation. The measurement function box is
subdivided into three distinct parts: INPut, SENSe, and CALCulate as seen in
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ThinkRF WSA5000 Wireless Signal Analyzer Programmer's Guide
STATus?
STOP
BLOCk
STReam
SPPacket
TRACe
STARt