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SCPI Command Reference
Understanding SCPI Commands
Release 2.1 101
Using Queries
A question mark lets you query the present value for most parameters. For example,
to query the current calibration state use:
CAL:SEC:STAT?
Most commands that include a parameter can be queried to determine the present
setting.
You can also use the following to query minimum and maximum allowed values for
most parameters:
:VOLT? MIN
:VOLT? MAX
Terminating Characters
Every command string must end with a terminating <new line> character. An
IEEE-488 EOI (end-or-identify) can be used instead of a <new line> character. It is
also acceptable to use a <carriage return> followed by a <new line>. Terminating a
command string always resets the SCPI command path to the root level.
Common Commands
The IEEE-488.2 standard includes a set of common commands for functions such as
reset and self-test. These common commands always start with an asterisk (*) and
may have one or more parameters. The command is always separated from the
parameter by a blank space. Multiple commands sent in the same string are separated
by a semi-colon (;). The following is an example of how 3 common commands can
be sent together in the same string:
*OPC; *PSC Off; *TRG
Note If you send 2 queries, it is best to read and respond to the first response before trying
to read the second. Otherwise, you may receive an incomplete first response followed by a
complete second response. To avoid this, you can either wait for and read the first response
before sending the second query, or send a device clear message before sending the
second query.