Introduction to SCPI Programming

The Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) defines a set of standard programming commands for use by all SCPI compatible instruments. SCPI is intended to give the user a consistent environment for program development. It does so by defining controller messages, instrument responses, and message formats for all SCPI compatible instruments. SCPI commands are messages to the instrument to perform specific tasks. The MT822xB command set includes:

•	“SCPI Common Commands”

•	“SCPI Required Commands”

•	“SCPI Optional Commands”

Note	This instrument follows the SCPI standard but is not fully compliant with the standard.

SCPI Common Commands

Some common commands are defined in the IEEE-488.2 standard and must be implemented by all SCPI compatible instruments. These commands are identified by the asterisk (*) at the beginning of the command keyword. These commands are defined to control instrument status registers, status reporting, synchronization, and other common functions. The common commands supported by the BTS Master are shown below.

*IDN?

Title

Identification Query

Description

This command returns the following information in <string> format separated by commas: manufacturer name (“Anritsu”), model number/options, serial number, firmware package number. The model number and options are separated by a “/” and each option is separated by a “/”.

For example, the return string might look like: “Anritsu,MT822xB/3/2,62011032,1.23”

*RST

Title

Reset

Description

This command restores parameters in the current application as well as system settings to their factory default values.

System settings affected by this command are Ethernet configuration, language, volume and brightness. Note that the unit will power-cycle after this command is executed.

After executing this command communication will be lost. Wait a minimum of 60 seconds before re-establishing communication.

Front Panel Access:

Shift-8 (System), System Options, Reset, Factory Defaults

See Also:

:SYSTem:PRESet

SCPI Required Commands

The required SCPI commands supported by the MT822xB are listed in the Table: “SCPI Required Commands”. These command work in all measurement modes and are described in “All Mode Commands”“All Mode Commands”.

SCPI Required Commands

:STATus :SYSTem

SCPI Optional Commands

Table: “SCPI Optional Commands” lists the optional SCPI commands that comprise the majority of the command set described in this document. These commands control most of the programmable functions of the MT822xB.

SCPI Optional Commands

:ABORt :CALCulate :CALibration :CONFigure :DISPlay

:FETCh :FORMat :INITiate :INPut :INSTrument

:MEASure :MMEMory :READ :SENSe :SOURce

:TRACe :TRIGger :UNIT :[SENSe]

The SCPI optional commands are sorted by measurement modes and commands may be repeated in more than one mode.

•	“All Mode Commands”

•	“Cable & Antenna Commands”

•	“Spectrum Analyzer Commands”

•	“VSG Commands”

•	“GSM Commands”

•	“WCDMA Commands”

•	“TDSCDMA Commands”

•	“CDMA Commands”

•	“EVDO Commands”

•	“Fixed WiMAX Commands”

•	“Mobile WiMAX Commands”

 

Copyright 2010 Anritsu Company
	Anritsu Company
	1-800-ANRITSU
	10450-00024, Rev. B
	mmdtechpubs@anritsu.com