Ametek CSW Series Owner's manual

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CSW Series
SCPI Programming Manual

AMETEK Programmable Power CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual
2 CSW Series
SCPI Programming Reference Manual
CSW series AC/DC Power Systems

CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual AMETEK Programmable Power
CSW Series 3
About AMETEK
AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc., a Division of AMETEK, Inc., is a global leader in the design
and manufacture of precision, programmable power supplies for R&D, test and measurement,
process control, power bus simulation and power conditioning applications across diverse industrial
segments. From bench top supplies to rack-mounted industrial power subsystems, AMETEK
Programmable Power is the proud manufacturer of Elgar, Sorensen, California Instruments and
Power Ten brand power supplies.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical
devices with annualized sales of $2.5 billion. The Company has over 11,000 colleagues working at
more than 80 manufacturing facilities and more than 80 sales and service centers in the United
States and around the world.
Trademarks
AMETEK is a registered trademark of AMETEK, Inc. California Instruments is a trademark owned by
AMETEK, Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and roduct names are the ro erty of their
res ective owners and are used herein for identification ur oses only.
Notice of Copyright
CSW Series Programming Manual © 2015 AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc. All rights reserved.
Exclusion for Documentation
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, AMETEK PROGRAMMABLE POWER, INC. (“AMETEK”):
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY
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Date and Re ision
November 2017 Revision Rev D
Part Number
M162084-03
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone] (toll free in North America)
858 450 0085 (direct)
Fax: [phone]
Email: sales. [email protected]
service. [e-mail]
Web: www. rogrammable ower.com

AMETEK Programmable Power CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual
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Important Safety Instructions
Before applying power to the system, verify that your product is configured properly for your
particular application.
WARNING
Hazardous voltages may be present when covers are removed. Qualified
personnel must use extreme caution when servicing this equipment.
Circuit boards, test points, and output voltages also may be floating above
(below) chassis ground.
WARNING
The equipment used contains ESD sensitive parts. When installing
equipment, follow ESD Safety Procedures. Electrostatic discharges might
cause damage to the equipment.
Only qualified personnel who deal with attendant hazards in power supplies, are allowed to perform
installation and servicing.
Ensure that the AC power line ground is connected properly to the Power Rack input connector or
chassis. Similarly, other power ground lines including those to application and maintenance equipment
must be grounded properly for both personnel and equipment safety.
Always ensure that facility AC input power is de-energized prior to connecting or disconnecting any
cable.
In normal operation, the operator does not have access to hazardous voltages within the chassis.
However, depending on the user’s application configuration, HIGH VOLTAGES HAZARDOUS TO
HUMAN SAFETY may be normally generated on the output terminals. The customer/user must ensure
that the output power lines are labeled properly as to the safety hazards and that any inadvertent
contact with hazardous voltages is eliminated.
Guard against risks of electrical shock during open cover checks by not touching any portion of the
electrical circuits. Even when power is off, capacitors may retain an electrical charge. Use safety
glasses during open cover checks to avoid personal injury by any sudden component failure.
Neither AMETEK Programmable Power Inc., San Diego, California, USA, nor any of the subsidiary
sales organizations can accept any responsibility for personnel, material or inconsequential injury, loss
or damage that results from improper use of the equipment and accessories.
SAFETY SYMBOLS

CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual AMETEK Programmable Power
CSW Series 5

AMETEK Programmable Power CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual
6 CSW Series
Product Family: CSW Series AC Power Source
Warranty Period: 1 Year
WARRANTY TERMS
AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc. (“AMETEK”), provides this written warranty covering the
Product stated above, and if the Buyer discovers and notifies AMETEK in writing of any defect in
material or workmanship within the applicable warranty period stated above, then AMETEK may, at
its option: repair or replace the Product; or issue a credit note for the defective Product; or provide
the Buyer with replacement parts for the Product.
The Buyer will, at its expense, return the defective Product or parts thereof to AMETEK in
accordance with the return procedure specified below. AMETEK will, at its expense, deliver the
repaired or replaced Product or parts to the Buyer. Any warranty of AMETEK will not apply if the
Buyer is in default under the Purchase Order Agreement or where the Product or any part thereof:
• is damaged by misuse, accident, negligence or failure to maintain the same as
s ecified or required by AMETEK;
• is damaged by modifications, alterations or attachments thereto which are not
authorized by AMETEK;
• is installed or o erated contrary to the instructions of AMETEK;
• is o ened, modified or disassembled in any way without AMETEK’s consent; or
• is used in combination with items, articles or materials not authorized by AMETEK.
The Buyer may not assert any claim that the Products are not in conformity with any warranty until
the Buyer has made all payments to AMETEK provided for in the Purchase Order Agreement.
PRODUCT RETURN PROCEDURE
Request a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from the re air facility (must be done in
the country in which it was purchased):
• In the USA, contact the AMETEK Re air De artment rior to the return of the
roduct to AMETEK for re air:
Tele hone: 800-733-5427, ext. 2295 or ext. 2463 (toll free North America)
858-450-0085, ext. 2295 or ext. 2463 (direct)
• Outside the United States, contact the nearest Authorized Service Center (ASC). A
full listing can be found either through your local distributor or our website,
www. rogrammable ower.com, by clicking Su ort and going to the Service Centers
tab.
When requesting an RMA, have the following information ready:
• Model number
• Serial number
• Descri tion of the roblem
NOTE: Unauthorized returns will not be accepted and will be returned at the shipper’s expense.
NOTE: A returned product found upon inspection by AMETEK, to be in specification is subject to an
evaluation fee and applicable freight charges.

CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual AMETEK Programmable Power
CSW Series 7
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................. 10
1.1 Documentation Summary ............................................................................................. 10
1.2 External References ..................................................................................................... 10
1.3 Introduction to Programming......................................................................................... 11
2. Introduction to SCPI................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 Conventions Used in This Manual................................................................................. 13
2.2 The SCPI Commands and Messages ........................................................................... 13
2.3 Using Queries............................................................................................................... 16
2.4 Structure of a SCPI Message........................................................................................ 16
2.5 SCPI Data Formats....................................................................................................... 20
3. System Considerations and Interface Setup............................................................................. 21
3.1 Assigning the IEEE-488 Address .................................................................................. 21
3.2 GPIB Controllers........................................................................................................... 21
3.3 RS232C Interface ......................................................................................................... 23
3.4 USB Interface ............................................................................................................... 25
3.5 LAN Interface Option .................................................................................................... 34
4. SCPI Command Reference...................................................................................................... 37
4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 37
4.2 Calibration Subsystem .................................................................................................. 38
4.3 Display Subsystem ....................................................................................................... 46
4.4 Instrument Subsystem .................................................................................................. 48
4.5 Array Measurement Subsystem .................................................................................... 50
4.6 Current Measurement Subsystem................................................................................. 57
4.7 Frequency Measurement Subsystem ............................................................................ 61
4.8 Phase Measurement Subsystem .................................................................................. 62
4.9 Power Measurement Subsystem .................................................................................. 63
4.10 Voltage Measurement Subsystem................................................................................. 65
4.11 Output Subsystem ........................................................................................................ 68
4.12 Source Subsystem - Current......................................................................................... 73
4.13 Source Subsystem - Frequency .................................................................................... 75
4.14 Source Subsystem - Function ....................................................................................... 78
4.15 Source Subsystem - Limit ............................................................................................. 80
4.16 Sense Subsystem - Sweep ........................................................................................... 82
4.17 Source Subsystem - List ............................................................................................... 84
4.18 Source Subsystem - Mode............................................................................................ 92
4.19 Source Subsystem - Phase........................................................................................... 93
4.20 Source Subsystem - PONSetup.................................................................................... 94
4.21 Source Subsystem - Pulse............................................................................................ 98
4.22 Source Subsystem - Voltage....................................................................................... 101
4.23 Status Subsystem Commands .................................................................................... 107
4.24 System Commands .................................................................................................... 111
4.25 Trace Subsystem Commands ..................................................................................... 117
4.26 Trigger Subsystem...................................................................................................... 119
5. Common Commands ............................................................................................................. 124
5.1 *CLS........................................................................................................................... 125
5.2 *ESE .......................................................................................................................... 126
5.3 *ESR? ........................................................................................................................ 126
5.4 *IDN? ......................................................................................................................... 127
5.5 *OPC.......................................................................................................................... 127
5.6 *OPT? ........................................................................................................................ 128

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5.7 *PSC...........................................................................................................................130
5.8 *RCL...........................................................................................................................130
5.9 *RST...........................................................................................................................131
5.10 *SAV...........................................................................................................................132
5.11 *SRE...........................................................................................................................132
5.12 *STB? .........................................................................................................................133
5.13 *TRG ..........................................................................................................................134
5.14 *WAI ...........................................................................................................................134
6. Programming Examples .........................................................................................................135
6.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................135
6.2 Programming the Output .............................................................................................136
6.3 Coupled Commands ...................................................................................................141
6.4 Programming Output Transients..................................................................................142
6.5 Triggering Output Changes .........................................................................................147
6.6 Acquiring Measurement Data ......................................................................................150
6.7 Controlling the Instantaneous Voltage and Current Data Buffers..................................156
6.8 Trigger System Summary............................................................................................158
7. Status Registers.....................................................................................................................159
7.1 Power-On Conditions ..................................................................................................159
7.2 Operation Status Group ..............................................................................................159
7.3 Questionable Status Group .........................................................................................162
7.4 Standard Event Status Group......................................................................................163
7.5 Status Byte Register ...................................................................................................163
7.6 Examples ....................................................................................................................164
7.7 SCPI Command Completion........................................................................................165
8. Option Commands .................................................................................................................166
8.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................166
8.2 IEC 1000-4-11 (-411) ..................................................................................................167
8.3 IEC 1000-4-13 (-413) ..................................................................................................171
8.4 RTCA/DO-160D (-160)................................................................................................184
8.5 MIL-STD 704E (-704) ..................................................................................................185
8.6 Airbus ABD0100.1.8 Test Option (-ABD) .....................................................................185
8.7 Airbus A350 ABD0100.1.8.1 Test Option (-A350) ........................................................185
8.8 Airbus AMD24 Test Option (-AMD)..............................................................................185
8.9 Boeing B787-0147 Test Option (-B787).......................................................................185
8.10 Watt Hour Meter (-WHM).............................................................................................185
Appendix A: SCPI Command tree.................................................................................................187
Appendix B: SCPI Conformance Information.................................................................................193
Appendix C: Error Messages ........................................................................................................194
Index ............................................................................................................................................200

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Table of Figures
Figure 2-1 : Partial Command Tree .....................................................................................................................14
Figure 2-2: Command Message Structure...........................................................................................................17
Figure 3-1: DB25 to DB9 Adaptor pinout .............................................................................................................24
Figure 3-2: Windows XP Device Manager - USB Port.........................................................................................28
Figure 3-3: Windows XP Device Manager – Virtual Com Port.............................................................................32
Figure 3-4: Gui Interface Settings for use of USB port. .......................................................................................33
Figure 3-5: Pinging AC Source LAN IP address. .................................................................................................36
Figure 6-1: Output transient system ..................................................................................................................143
Figure 6-2: Transient Trigger System Model .....................................................................................................147
Figure 6-3: Measurement Acquisition Trigger Model .........................................................................................154
Figure 6-4: Pre-event and Post-event Triggering...............................................................................................157
Figure 6-5: Trigger system block diagram .........................................................................................................158
Figure 7-1: Status System Model ......................................................................................................................160
Table of Tables
Table 4-1 : PULSe:HOLD = WIDTh parameters.................................................................................................99
Table 4-2 : PULSe:HOLD = DCYCle parameters ................................................................................................99
Table 5-1 : *RST default parameter values .......................................................................................................131
Table 7-1: Operation Status Register ................................................................................................................159
Table 7-2: Configuration of Status Register.......................................................................................................161
Table 7-3: Questionable Status Register...........................................................................................................162
Table 8-4 : Error Messages ...............................................................................................................................199

AMETEK Programmable Power CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual
10 CSW Series
1. Introduction
This manual contains programming information for the CSW Power Sources. This manual
contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Introduction to SCPI
Chapter 3 System Considerations and Interface Setup
Chapter 4 SCPI Command Reference
Chapter 5 Common Commands
Chapter 6 Programming Examples
Chapter 7 Status Registers
Chapter 8 Option Commands
Appendix A SCPI command tree.
Appendix B SCPI conformance information.
Appendix C Error messages
1.1 Documentation Summary
This SCPI programming manual covers the California Instruments CSW AC/DC power
sources. A separate User Manual is also supplied with all models in this product series. For
front panel operation and general service and calibration information on these produces,
please refer to the User Manual. The programming manual covers issue related to operating
the CSW Series remotely using an instrument controller.
The following documents are related to this Programming Manual and contain additional
helpful information for using these products in a remote control environment.
•User Maual . Includes specifications and supplemental characteristics, how to use the
front panel, how to connect to the instrument, and calibration procedures. Distributed on
the same CD as the programming manual.
1.2 External References
SCPI References
The following documents will assist you with programming in SCPI:
•Beginner's Guide to SCPI.
Highly recommended for anyone who has not had previous experience programming with
SCPI.
IEEE-488 References
The most important IEEE-488 documents are your controller programming manuals -IEEE-
488 Command Library for Windows
®
, etc. Refer to these for all non-SCPI commands (for
example: Local Device Clear and Group Execute Trigger bus commands.)
•IEEE-488 command library for Windows
®
.
•IEEE-488 controller programming
The following are two formal documents concerning the IEEE-488 interface:
•ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable
Instrumentation. Defines the technical details of the IEEE-488 interface. While much of

CSW Series SCPI Programming Manual AMETEK Programmable Power
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the information is beyond the need of most programmers, it can serve to clarify terms
used in this guide and in related documents.
•ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.2-1987 IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols, and Common
Commands. Recommended as a reference only if you intend to do fairly sophisticated
programming. Helpful for finding precise definitions of certain types of SCPI message
formats, data types, or common commands.
The above two documents are available from the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers), 345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA.
1.3 Introduction to Programming
This section provides some general information regarding programming instrumentation and
available interface types.
1.3.1 IEEE-488 Capabilities of the AC/DC Source
All AC/DC source functions are programmable over the IEEE-488 or RS232C interface bus.
Newer models also offer USB and Ethernet (LAN). The IEEE 488.2 capabilities of the AC/DC
source are listed in appendix A of the User's Guide.
IEEE-488 Address
The AC/DC source operates from a single IEEE-488 address that may be set from the front
panel or programmatically through the IEEE-488 bus. To set the IEEE-488 address from the
front panel, select the Utility entry from the menu screen. Care must be used when setting
the IEEE-488 address programmatically since the next statement sent to the source must
reflect the new address.
1.3.2 USB Capabilities of the AC source
All AC source functions are programmable over the USB interface. The USB capabilities of
the AC source are listed in Chapter 2 of the User's Manual. Some capabilities support on
the GPIB interface such as ATN, GET and SRQ interrupts do not apply to the USB interface.
The USB interface operates internally at a fixed baudrate of 460800 baud but USB 2.0 burst
transfer rates are supported.
To set up the USB interface on a Windows XP PC, refer to section 3.4, “USB Interface”.
The USB interface may be used to install updated firmware for the controller if needed.
Firmware updates and a Flash Loader utility program and instructions are available from the
AMETEK Programmable Power website for this purpose. ( www.programmablepower.com )
Multiple USB connections to same PC:
The Windows driver used to interface to the power source’s USB port emulates a serial com
port. This virtual com port driver is unable to reliable differentiate between multiple units
however so the use of more than one AC power source connected to the same PC via USB
is not recommended. Use of the GPIB interface is recommended for these situations.
1.3.3 LAN Capabilities of the AC source
All AC source functions are programmable over the LAN (Ethernet) interface if the –LAN
option is installed. The LAN capabilities of the AC source are listed in Chapter 2 of the
User's Manual. Some capabilities support on the GPIB interface such as ATN, GET and
SRQ interrupts do not apply to the LAN interface. The LAN interface operates internally at a
fixed baudrate of 460800 baud but autodetection of 10Base-T, 100Base-T and 1000Base-T
is supported.

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To set up the LAN interface on a Windows XP PC, refer to section 3.5, “LAN Interface
Option”.
1.3.4 RS232C Capabilities of the AC source
All AC source functions are programmable over the RS232C interface. The RS232C
capabilities of the AC source are listed in Chapter 2 of the User's Manual. Some capabilities
support on the GPIB interface such as ATN, GET and SRQ interrupts do not apply to the
RS232C interface. Baudrates from 9600 to 115200 are supported on units that have both
USB and RS232. For units with only RS232, the maximum baudrate is 38400.
To set up the RS232C interface, refer to section 3.3, “RS232C Interface”.
The RS232C interface may be used to install updated firmware for the controller if needed.
Firmware updates and a Flash Loader utility program and instructions are available from the
AMETEK Programmable Power website for this purpose. ( www.programmablepower.com )

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2. Introduction to SCPI
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language for
controlling instrument functions over the IEEE-488. SCPI is layered on top of the hardware-
portion of IEEE 488.1. The same SCPI commands and parameters control the same
functions in different classes of instruments. For example, you would use the same
MEAS:VOLT? command to measure the AC/DC source output voltage or the output voltage
measured using a SCPI-compatible multimeter.
2.1 Conventions Used in This Manual
Angle brackets<> Items within angle brackets are parameter abbreviations. For
example, <NR1> indicates a specific form of numerical data.
Vertical bar Vertical bars separate alternative parameters. For example, FIX |
STEP indicates that either "FIX" or "STEP" can be used as a
parameter.
Square Brackets [ ] Items within square brackets are optional. The representation
[SOURce:]LIST means that SOURce: may be omitted.
Braces Braces indicate parameters that may be repeated zero or more
times. It is used especially for showing arrays. The notation <A>
<,B> shows that parameter "A" must be entered, while parameter
"B" may be omitted or may be entered one or more times.
Boldface font Boldface font is used to emphasize syntax in command definitions.
TRIGger:SOURCe<NRf> shows a command definition.
Computer font Computer font is used to show program lines in text.
TRIGger:SOURCe INT
shows a program line.
2.2 The SCPI Commands and Messages
This paragraph explains the syntax difference between SCPI Commands and SCPI
messages.
2.2.1 Types of SCPI Commands
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
•Common commands are generally not related to specific operations but to controlling
overall AC source functions such as reset, status and synchronization. All common
commands consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded by an asterisk:
*RST
*IDN?
*SRE 256
•Subsystem commands perform specific AC/DC source functions. They are organized
into an inverted tree structure with the "root" at the top. Some are single commands
while others are grouped within specific subsystems.
Refer to appendix A for the AC source SCPI tree structure.

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2.2.2 Types of SCPI Messages
There are two types of SCPI messages, program and response.
•A program message consists of one or more properly formatted SCPI commands sent
from the controller to the AC/DC source. The message, which may be sent at any time,
requests the AC/DC source to perform some action.
•A response message consists of data in a specific SCPI format sent from the AC source
to the controller. The AC source sends the message only when commanded by a
program message called a "query."
2.2.3 The SCPI Command Tree
As previously explained, the basic SCPI communication method involves sending one or
more properly formatted commands from the SCPI command tree to the instrument as
program messages. The following figure shows a portion of a subsystem command tree,
from which you access the commands located along the various paths (you can see the
complete tree in appendix A).
Figure 2-1 : Partial Command Tree
The Root Level
Note the location of the ROOT node at the top of the tree. Commands at the root level are
at the top level of the command tree. The SCPI interface is at this location when:
•The AC/DC source is powered on
•A device clear (DCL) is sent to the AC source
•The SCPI interface encounters a message terminator
•The SCPI interface encounters a root specifier
Active Header Path
In order to properly traverse the command tree, you must understand the concept of the
active header path. When the AC/DC source is turned on (or under any of the other
conditions listed above), the active path is at the root. That means the SCPI interface is
ready to accept any command at the root level, such as SOURCe or MEASurement
If you enter SOURCe the active header path moves one colon to the right. The interface is
now ready to accept :VOLTage :FREQuency, or :CURRent as the next header. You must
include the colon, because it is required between headers.

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If you now enter :VOLTage, the active path again moves one colon to the right. The interface
is now ready to accept either :RANGe or :LEVel as the next header.
If you now enter :RANGe you have reached the end of the command string. The active
header path remains at :RANGe If you wished, you could have entered :RANGe 135 ;LEVel
115 and it would be accepted as a compound message consisting of:
SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe 156.
SOURce:VOLTage:LEVel 115.
The entire message would be:
SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe 156;LEVel 115
The message terminator after LEVel 115 returns the path to the root.
The Effect of Optional Headers
If a command includes optional headers, the interface assumes they are there. For example,
if you enter [SOURCe]:VOLTage 115, the interface recognizes it as
[SOURce]:VOLTage:LEVel 115. This returns the active path to the root (:VOLTage). But if
you enter [SOURce]:VOLTage:LEVel 115 then the active path remains at :LEVel This allows
you to send
[SOURce]:VOLTage:LEVel 115;RANGe 156
in one message. If you did not send LEVel you are allowed to send the following command:
[SOURce]:VOLTage 115;FREQuency 60
The optional header [SOURce] precedes the current, frequency, function, phase, pulse, list,
and voltage subsystems. This effectively makes :CURRent,:FREQuency, :FUNCtion,
:PHASe, :PULse, :LIST, and :VOLTage root-level commands.
Moving Among Subsystems
In order to combine commands from different subsystems, you need to be able to restore the
active path to the root. You do this with the root specifier (:). For example, you could open
the output relay and check the status of the Operation Condition register as follows:
OUTPut:STATe ON
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Because the root specifier resets the command parser to the root, you can use the root
specifier and do the same thing in one message:
OUTPut on; :STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
The following message shows how to combine commands from different subsystems as well
as within the same subsystem:
VOLTage:RANGe 156;LEVel 115;:CURRent 10;PROTection:STATe ON
Note the use of the optional header LEVel to maintain the correct path within the voltage and
current subsystems and the use of the root specifier to move between subsytems. The
"Enhanced Tree Walking Implementation" given in appendix A of the IEEE 488.2 standard is
not implemented in the AC/DC source.

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16 CSW Series
Including Common Commands
You can combine common commands with system commands in the same message. Treat
the common command as a message unit by separating it with a semicolon (the message
unit separator). Common commands do not affect the active header path; you may insert
them anywhere in the message.
VOLTage:TRIGger 7.5;*TRG
OUTPut OFF;OUTPut ON;*RCL 2
2.3 Using Queries
Observe the following precautions with queries:
•Set up the proper number of variables for the returned data.
•Read back all the results of a query before sending another command to the AC
source. Otherwise a Query Interrupted error will occur and the unreturned data will be
lost.
2.4 Structure of a SCPI Message
SCPI messages consist of one or more message units ending in a message terminator. The
terminator is not part of the syntax, but implicit in the way your programming language
indicates the end of a line (such as a newline or end-of-line character).
2.4.1 The Message Unit
The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a command header (or
keyword) followed by a message terminator.
FREQuency?<newline>
VOLTage?<newline>
The message unit may include a parameter after the header. The parameter usually is
numeric, but it can be a string:
VOLTage 20<newline>
VOLTage MAX<newline>

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CSW Series 17
2.4.2 Combining Message Units
The following command message is briefly described here, with details in subsequent
paragraphs.
Figure 2-2: Command Message Structure
The basic parts of the above message are:
Message Component Example
Headers VOLT LEV RANG CURR
Header Separator The colon in VOLT:LEV
Data 8 156
Data Separator The space in VOLT 8 and RANG 156
Message Units VOLT:LEV 8 RANG 156 CURR?
Message Unit
Separator
The semicolons in VOLT:LEV 8; and RANG 156;
Root Specifier The colon in RANG 156;:CURR?
Query Indicator The question mark in CURR?
Message Terminator The <NL> (newline) indicator. Terminators are not part of
the SCPI syntax

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18 CSW Series
2.4.3 Headers
Headers are instructions recognized by the AC/DC source. Headers (which are sometimes
known as "keywords") may be either in the long form or the short form.
Long Form The header is completely spelled out, such as VOLTAGE,
STATUS, and OUTPUT.
Short Form The header has only the first three or four letters, such as
VOLT, STAT, and OUTP.
The SCPI interface is not sensitive to case. It will recognize any case mixture, such as
TRIGGER, Trigger, TRIGger. Short form headers result in faster program execution.
Header Convention
In the command descriptions in Chapter 3.4 of this manual, headers are emphasized with
boldface type. The proper short form is shown in upper-case letters, such as DELay.
Header Separator
If a command has more than one header, you must separate them with a colon
(VOLT:LEVel
OUTPut:RELay ON).
Optional Headers
The use of some headers is optional. Optional headers are shown in brackets, such as
OUTPut[:STATe] ON. As previously explained under "The Effect of Optional Headers", if you
combine two or more message units into a compound message, you may need to enter the
optional header.
2.4.4 Query Indicator
Following a header with a question mark turns it into a query (VOLTage?,
VOLTage:RANGe?). If a query contains a parameter, place the query indicator at the end of
the last header (VOLTage:LEVel? MAX).
2.4.5 Message Unit Separator
When two or more message units are combined into a compound message, separate the
units with a semicolon (STATus:OPERation?;QUEStionable?).

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2.4.6 Root Specifier
When it precedes the first header of a message unit, the colon becomes the root specifier. It
tells the command parser that this is the root or the top node of the command tree. Note the
difference between root specifiers and header separators in the following examples:
CURRent:PROTection:DELay .1 All colons are header separators
:CURRent:PROTection:DELay .1 Only the first colon is a root
specifier
CURRent:PROTection:DELay .1;:VOLTage 12.5 Only the third colon is a root
specifier
You do not have to precede root-level commands with a colon; there is an implied colon in
front of every root-level command.
2.4.7 Message Terminator
A terminator informs SCPI that it has reached the end of a message. Three permitted
message terminators are:
•newline (<NL>), which is ASCII decimal 10 or hex 0A.
•end or identify (<END>)
•both of the above (<NL><END>).
In the examples of this manual, there is an assumed message terminator at the end of each
message. If the terminator needs to be shown, it is indicated as <NL> regardless of the
actual terminator character.

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2.5 SCPI Data Formats
All data programmed to or returned from the AC source is in ASCII. The data type may be
numerical or character string.
2.5.1 Numerical Data Formats
Symbol Data Form
Talking Formats
<NR1> Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right of the
least-significant digit.
Example: 273
<NR2> Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example:.0273
<NR3> Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent.
Example: 2.73E+2
<Bool> Boolean Data.
Example: 0 | 1 or ON | OFF
Listening Formats
<Nrf> Extended format that includes <NR1>, <NR2> and <NR3>.
Examples: 273 273.0 2.73E2
<Nrf+> Expanded decimal format that includes <Nrf> and MIN, MAX.
Examples: 273, 273.0, 2.73E2, MAX.
MIN and MAX are the minimum and maximum limit values that
are implicit in the range specification for the parameter.
<Bool> Boolean Data
Example: 0 | 1
2.5.2 Character Data
Character strings returned by query statements may take either of the following forms,
depending on the length of the returned string:
<CRD> Character Response Data. Permits the return of character strings.
<AARD> Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of undelimited 7-bit
ASCII. This data type has an implied message terminator.
<SRD> String Response Data. Returns string parameters enclosed in double
quotes.