Notational Conventions

The SCPI interface standardizes command syntax and style that simplifies the task of programming across a wide range of instrumentation. As with any programming language, the exact command keywords and command syntax must be used. Unrecognized commands or improper syntax will not function.

Notational Conventions

:	A colon links command keywords together to form commands. The colon is not an actual part of the keyword, but is a signal to the SCPI interface parser. A colon must precede a root keyword immediately following a semicolon (see “Notational Examples”).
;	A semicolon separates commands if multiple commands are placed on a single program line.
[ ]	Square brackets enclose one or more optional keywords.
{ }	Braces enclose one or more keyword or command parameters that may be included one or more times.
|	A vertical bar indicates “or” and is used to separate alternative parameter options. Example: ON | OFF is the same as ON or OFF.
< >	Angle brackets enclose parameter descriptions.
::=	Means “is defined as” For example: <a>::=<b><c> indicates that <b><c> can replace <a>.
sp	Space, referred to as white space, must be used to separate keywords from their associated data parameters. It must not be used between keywords or inside keywords.
XXX	Indicates a root command name

For further information about SCPI command syntax and style, refer to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) 1999.0 document.

 

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