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Xantrex Technology GPIB-M-XT User Manual

Page 103

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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 character. An
IEEE-488 EOI (end-or-identify) can be used instead of a character. It is
also acceptable to use a followed by a . 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.

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