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Chapter 3 Programming Your Universal Counter for Remote Operation
Elements of SCPI Commands
NOTE: sp = space. ASCII character decimal 32
Figure 3-3. Simplified Common Command Syntax Diagram
Abbreviated Commands
The command syntax shows most keywords as a mixture of upper and lower case
letters. Upper case letters indicate the abbreviated spelling for the command. For
better program readability, you may send the entire keyword. The HP
53131A/132A accepts either command form and is not case sensitive.
For example, if the command syntax shows CALCulate, then CALC and
CALCULATE are both acceptable forms. Other forms of CALCulate, such as
CALCU or CALCULA will generate an error. You may use upper and/or lower
case letters. Therefore, CALCULATE, calculate, and CaLcUlAtE are all
acceptable.
Keyword Separator
A colon (:) always separates one keyword from the next lower-level keyword as
shown below:
:INPut:COUPling?
Optional Keyword
Optional keywords are those which appear in square brackets ([ ]) in the command
syntax. (Note that the brackets are not part of the command and are not sent to the
Counter.)
Suppose you send a second level keyword without the preceding optional keyword.
In this case, the Counter assumes you intend to use the optional keyword and
responds as if you had sent it.
Programming Guide
3-9
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