In this section:Introduction to SCPI ................................................................. 6-1SCPI command programming notes ........................................ 6-2Introduction to SCPIThe Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) standard is a syntax and set ofcommands that is used to control test and measurement devices.The following information describes some basic SCPI command information and how SCPI is usedwith the Series 2280 and presented in the Series 2280 documentation.Command messagesA command message is made up of one or more command words sent by the controller to theinstrument.SCPI commands contain several command words that are structured to create command messages.The command words are separated by colons (:). For example, the command words used to enablean average filter are::SENSe:CONCurrent:AVERage:STATe ONMany commands have query options. If there is a query option, it is created by adding a questionmark (?) to the command. For example, to query the present state of the average filter, send::SENSe:CONCurrent:AVERage:STATe?Commands often take parameters. Parameters follow the command words and a space. Forexample, to turn on the output, send::OUTPut:STATe ONSCPI can also use common commands, which consist of an asterisk (*) followed by three letters. Forexample, you can reset the instrument by sending the following command:*RSTThe examples above show commands that are sent individually. You can also group commandmessages when you send them to the instrument. To group a set of commands, separate them withsemicolons. For example, to reset the instrument, enable relative offset, and set a relative offset of0.5 for the current function in the same message, send the command:*RST; :SENSe:CURRent:REFerence:STATe ON; :SENSe:CURRent:REFerence 0.5Section 6Introduction to SCPI commands
