I-Tech IT8000 Series Operating instructions

Regenerative DC Electronic
Load
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Model: IT8000 Series
Version: V1.0/12,2019

Notices
© Itech Electronic, Co.,
Ltd. 2019
No part of this manual
may be reproduced in any
form or by any means (in-
cluding electronic storage
and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language)
without prior permission
and written consent from
Itech Electronic, Co., Ltd.
as governed by interna-
tional copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
Trademarks
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trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
Microsoft, Visual Studio,
Windows and MS Win-
dows are registered
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Corporation in the United
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tries and regions.
Warranty
The materials contained in this docu-
ment are provided “as is”, and is sub-
ject to change, without prior notice, in
future editions. Further, to the maxi-
mum extent permitted by applicable
laws, ITECH disclaims all warrants, ei-
ther express or implied, with regard to
this manual and any information con-
tained herein, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchant-
ability and fitness for a particular pur-
pose. ITECH shall not be held liable
for errors or for incidental or indirect
damages in connection with the fur-
nishing, use or application of this
document or of any information con-
tained herein. Should ITECH and the
user enter into a separate written
agreement with warranty terms cover-
ing the materials in this document that
conflict with these terms, the warranty
terms in the separate agreement shall
prevail.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software de-
scribed herein are furnished under a li-
cense and may be used or copied only
in accordance with the terms of such
license.
Restricted Rights Legend
Restricted permissions of the U.S.
government. Permissions for software
and technical data which are author-
ized to the U.S. Government only in-
clude those for custom provision to
end users. ITECH follows FAR 12.211
(technical data), 12.212 (computer
software). DFARS 252.227-7015
(technical data–commercial products)
for national defense and DFARS
227.7202-3 (permissions for commer-
cial computer software or computer
software documents) while providing
the customized business licenses of
software and technical data.
Safety Notices
A CAUTION sign denotes
a hazard. It calls attention
to an operating procedure
or practice that, if not cor-
rectly performed or ad-
hered to, could result in
damage to the product or
loss of important data. Do
not proceed beyond a
CAUTION sign until the in-
dicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
A WARNING sign denotes
a hazard. It calls attention
to an operating procedure
or practice that, if not cor-
rectly performed or ad-
hered to, could result in
personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING sign until the
indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
A NOTE sign denotes im-
portant hint. It calls atten-
tion to tips or
supplementary informa-
tion that is essential for
users to refer to.

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. I
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Quality Certification and Assurance
We certify that series instrument meets all the published specifications at time
of shipment from the factory.
Warranty
ITECH warrants that the product will be free from defects in material and work-
manship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery
(except those described in the Limitation of Warranty below).
For warranty service or repair, the product must be returned to a service center
designated by ITECH.
•The product returned to ITECH for warranty service must be shipped PRE-
PAID. And ITECH will pay for return of the product to customer.
•If the product is returned to ITECH for warranty service from overseas, all
the freights, duties and other taxes shall be on the account of customer.
Limitation of Warranty
This Warranty will be rendered invalid in case of the following:
•Damage caused by circuit installed by customer or using customer own
products or accessories;
•Modified or repaired by customer without authorization;
•Damage caused by circuit installed by customer or not operating our prod-
ucts under designated environment;
•The product model or serial number is altered, deleted, removed or made il-
legible by customer;
•Damaged as a result of accidents, including but not limited to lightning, mois-
ture, fire, improper use or negligence.

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. II
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Safety Symbols
Direct current ON ( power)
Alternating
current
OFF ( power)
Both direct and
alternating
current
Power-on state
Chassis (earth
ground) symbol.
Power-off state
Earth ( ground)
terminal
Reference
terminal
Caution Positive terminal
Warning ( refer to
this manual for
specific Warning
or Caution
information)
Negative terminal
A chassis
terminal
- -
Safety Precautions
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of opera-
tion of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or specific warn-
ings elsewhere in this manual will constitute a default under safety standards of
design, manufacture and intended use of the instrument. ITECH assumes no li-
ability for the customer’s failure to comply with these precautions.

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. III
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
•Do not use the instrument if it is damaged. Before operation, check
the casing to see whether it cracks. Do not operate the instrument
in the presence of inflammable gasses, vapors or dusts.
•The instrument is provided with a power cord during delivery and
should be connected to a socket with a protective earth terminal, a
junction box or a three-phase distribution box. Before operation, be
sure that the instrument is well grounded.
•Please always use the provided cable to connect the instrument.
•Check all marks on the instrument before connecting the instru-
ment to power supply.
•Ensure the voltage fluctuation of mains supply is less than 10% of
the working voltage range in order to reduce risks of fire and elec-
tric shock.
•Do not install alternative parts on the instrument or perform any un-
authorized modification.
•Do not use the instrument if the detachable cover is removed or
loosen.
•To prevent the possibility of accidental injuries, be sure to use the
power adapter supplied by the manufacturer only.
•We do not accept responsibility for any direct or indirect financial
damage or loss of profit that might occur when using the
instrument.
•This instrument is used for industrial purposes, do not apply this
product to IT power supply system.
•Never use the instrument with a life-support system or any other
equipment subject to safety requirements.

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. IV
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
•SHOCK HAZARD Ground the Instrument. This product is provided
with a protective earth terminal. To minimize shock hazard, the in-
strument must be connected to the AC mains through a grounded
power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical
ground (safety ground) at the power outlet or distribution box. Any
interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnec-
tion of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock
hazard that could result in injury or death.
•Before applying power, verify that all safety precautions are taken.
All connections must be made with the instrument turned off, and
must be performed by qualified personnel who are aware of the
hazards involved. Improper actions can cause fatal injury as well as
equipment damage.
•SHOCK HAZARD, LETHAL VOLTAGES This product can input the
dangerous voltage that can cause personal injury, and the operator
must always be protected from electric shock. Ensure that the input
electrodes are either insulated or covered using the safety covers
provided, so that no accidental contact with lethal voltages can
occur.
•Never touch cables or connections immediately after turning off the
instrument. Verify that there is no dangerous voltage on the electro-
des or sense terminals before touching them.
•Failure to use the instrument as directed by the manufacturer may
render its protective features void.
•Always clean the casing with a dry cloth. Do not clean the internals.
•Make sure the vent hole is always unblocked.
Environmental Conditions
The instrument is designed for indoor use and an area with low condensation.
The table below shows the general environmental requirements for the
instrument.
Environmental Conditions Requirements
Operating temperature 0°C～40°C
Operating humidity 20%～80%( non-condensation)

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. V
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Environmental Conditions Requirements
Storage temperature -10°C～70 °C
Altitude Operating up to 2,000 meters
Installation category II
Pollution degree Pollution degree 2
In order to ensure the accuracy of measurement, it is recommended to oper-
ate the instrument half an hour after start-up.
Regulation Tag
The CE tag shows that the product
complies with the provisions of all rel-
evant European laws (if the year is
shown, it indicates that the year when
the design is approved).
This instrument complies with the
WEEE directive (2002/96/EC) tag re-
quirements. This attached product
tag shows that the electrical/elec-
tronic product cannot be discarded in
household waste.
This symbol indicates that no danger
will happen or toxic substances will
not leak or cause damage in normal
use within the specified period. The
service life of the product is 10 years.
The product can be used safely within
the environmental protection period;
otherwise, the product should be put
into the recycling system.

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. VI
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) Directive
Waste electrical and electronic equip-
ment (WEEE) directive, 2002/96/EC
The product complies with tag re-
quirements of the WEEE directive
(2002/96/EC). This tag indicates that
the electronic equipment cannot be
disposed of as ordinary household
waste. Product Category
According to the equipment classifi-
cation in Annex I of the WEEE direc-
tive, this instrument belongs to the
“Monitoring” product.
If you want to return the unnecessary
instrument, please contact the near-
est sales office of ITECH.

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. VII
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Compliance Information
Complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European
Directives, and carries the CE marking accordingly:
•Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU
•Low-Voltage Directive (Safety) 2014/35/EU
Conforms with the following product standards:
EMC Standard
IEC 61326-1:2012/ EN 61326-1:2013 ¹²³
Reference Standards
CISPR 11:2015+A1:2016 Ed 6.1
IEC 61000-3-2: 2018 RLV
IEC 61000-3-3: 2013+A1:2017
IEC 61000-4-2:2008
IEC 61000-4-3 2006+A1:2007+A2:2010/ EN 61000-4-3 A1:2008+A2:2010
IEC 61000-4-4:2012
IEC 61000-4-5:2014+A1:2017
IEC 61000-4-6:2013+cor1:2015
IEC 61000-4-11:2004+A1:2017
1. The product is intended for use in non-residential/non-domestic environments. Use of the
product in residential/domestic environments may cause electromagnetic interference.
2. Connection of the instrument to a test object may produce radiations beyond the specified
limit.
3. Use high-performance shielded interface cable to ensure conformity with the EMC standards
listed above.
Safety Standard
IEC 61010-1:2010+A1:2016

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. VIII
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
Content
Quality Certification and Assurance .................................................................................. I
Warranty ............................................................................................................................ I
Limitation of Warranty........................................................................................................ I
Safety Symbols................................................................................................................. II
Safety Precautions............................................................................................................ II
Environmental Conditions................................................................................................ IV
Regulation Tag ................................................................................................................. V
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive ....................................... VI
Compliance Information.................................................................................................. VII
1 SCPI Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Command Type of SCPI .......................................................................................... 1
1.3 Message Type of SCPI ............................................................................................ 4
1.4 Response Data Type ............................................................................................... 6
1.5 Command Format .................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Data Type............................................................................................................... 10
1.7 Remote Interface Connections .............................................................................. 11
2 SYSTem Subsystem ........................................................................................................ 12
SYSTem:POSetup <CPD>............................................................................................. 12
SYSTem:POSetup?........................................................................................................ 13
SYSTem:VERSion?........................................................................................................ 13
SYSTem:ERRor? ........................................................................................................... 14
SYSTem:CLEar .............................................................................................................. 15
SYSTem:REMote ........................................................................................................... 15
SYSTem:LOCal .............................................................................................................. 16
SYSTem:RWLock........................................................................................................... 17
SYSTem:BEEPer:IMMediate ......................................................................................... 18
SYSTem:BEEPer[:STATe] <CPD> ................................................................................ 18
SYSTem:BEEPer[:STATe]? ........................................................................................... 19
SYSTem:DATE <yyyy>,<mm>,<dd> ............................................................................. 20
SYSTem:DATE?............................................................................................................. 21
SYSTem:TIME <hh>,<mm>,<ss> .................................................................................. 21
SYSTem:TIME?.............................................................................................................. 22
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SELect <CPD> ....................................................................... 23
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SELect? .................................................................................. 24
SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess <NR1>.......................................................... 25
SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:ADDRess? .................................................................... 25
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUDrate <CPD> ...................................................... 26
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SERial:BAUDrate? ................................................................. 27
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IP[:CONFiguration] <SPD> ............................................ 28
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IP[:CONFiguration]?....................................................... 28
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IP[:CONFiguration]:MODE <CPD> ................................ 29
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:IP[:CONFiguration]:MODE?........................................... 30
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk <SPD> ............................................................... 31
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:SMASk?.......................................................................... 31
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DGATeway <SPD> ........................................................ 32
SYSTem:COMMunicate:LAN:DGATeway? ................................................................... 33
3 ABORt Subsystem ........................................................................................................... 34
ABORt:ACQuire.............................................................................................................. 34
ABORt:ARB .................................................................................................................... 34
4 INITiate Subsystem .......................................................................................................... 36
INITiate[:IMMediate]:ACQuire ........................................................................................ 36
INITiate[:IMMediate]:ARB............................................................................................... 37
INITiate:CONTinuous:ARB <Bool> ................................................................................ 37
INITiate:CONTinuous:ACQuire <Bool>.......................................................................... 38

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. IX
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
5 CONFigurable Subsystem ............................................................................................... 40
[CONFigurable:]IO:SELect <NR1> ................................................................................ 40
[CONFigurable:]IO:SELect? ........................................................................................... 41
[CONFigurable:]IO:DIRection <NRL>, <Bool>............................................................... 41
[CONFigurable:]IO:DIRection? <NRL> .......................................................................... 42
[CONFigurable:]IO:REVerse <NRL>, <Bool> ................................................................ 43
[CONFigurable:]IO:REVerse? <NRL>............................................................................ 44
[CONFigurable:]IO:PWM[:ENABle] <NRL>, <Bool>...................................................... 45
[CONFigurable:]IO:PWM[:ENABle]? <NRL> ................................................................. 46
[CONFigurable:]IO:PWM:FREQuency <NRL>, <NRf+>................................................ 47
[CONFigurable:]IO:PWM:FREQuency? <NRL>[, ][MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault] ........................................................................................................... 48
[CONFigurable:]IO:PWM:DUTY <NRL>, <NR1>........................................................... 48
[CONFigurable:]IO:PWM:DUTY? <NRL> ...................................................................... 49
[CONFigurable:]IO:PULSe:WIDTh <NRL>, <NRf+>...................................................... 50
[CONFigurable:]IO:PULSe:WIDTh? <NRL>[, ][MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault] ............ 51
[CONFigurable:]IO:TYPE <NRL>, <CPD>..................................................................... 51
[CONFigurable:]IO:TYPE? <NRL>................................................................................. 53
[CONFigurable:]IO:TRIGger:TYPE <CPD> ................................................................... 54
[CONFigurable:]IO:TRIGger:TYPE? .............................................................................. 55
[CONFigurable:]IO:TRIGin:SOURce <CPD>................................................................. 56
[CONFigurable:]IO:TRIGin:SOURce?............................................................................ 57
[CONFigurable:]IO:OUTPut:LEVel <NRL>, <CPD> ...................................................... 57
[CONFigurable:]IO:OUTPut:LEVel? <NRL> .................................................................. 58
[CONFigurable:]IO:INPut:LEVel? <NRL> ...................................................................... 59
6 TRIGger Subsystem......................................................................................................... 61
TRIGger:ACQuire[:IMMediate]....................................................................................... 61
TRIGger:ACQuire:MODE <CPD> .................................................................................. 62
TRIGger:ACQuire:SOURce <CPD>............................................................................... 62
TRIGger:ACQuire:VOLTage:SLOPe <CPD>................................................................. 64
TRIGger:ACQuire:VOLTage[:LEVel] <NRf+>................................................................ 65
TRIGger:ACQuire:VOLTage:HYSTeresis:HIGH <NRf+> .............................................. 66
TRIGger:ACQuire:VOLTage:HYSTeresis:LOW <NRf+>............................................... 66
TRIGger:ACQuire:CURRent:SLOPe <CPD>................................................................. 67
TRIGger:ACQuire:CURRent[:LEVel] <NRf+>................................................................ 68
TRIGger:ACQuire:CURRent:HYSTeresis:HIGH <NRf+> .............................................. 69
TRIGger:ACQuire:CURRent:HYSTeresis:LOW <NRf+>............................................... 70
TRIGger:ARB[:IMMediate] ............................................................................................. 71
TRIGger:ARB:SOURce <CPD> ..................................................................................... 72
7 STATus Subsystem.......................................................................................................... 73
STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?................................................................................... 76
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <NR1> ........................................................................ 77
STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansition <NR1> ................................................................. 78
STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition <NR1> ................................................................. 79
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? .............................................................................. 80
STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?........................................................................................ 81
STATus:OPERation:ENABle <NR1> ............................................................................. 82
STATus:OPERation:PTRansition <NR1> ...................................................................... 83
STATus:OPERation:NTRansition <NR1>...................................................................... 84
STATus:OPERation:CONDition? ................................................................................... 85
STATus:PRESet............................................................................................................. 86
8 FETCh Subsystem ........................................................................................................... 88
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?.................................................................................. 88
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]:HIGH? ....................................................................... 89
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]:LOW? ........................................................................ 89
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]:MAXimum?................................................................ 90
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]:MINimum?................................................................. 91

Copyright © Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. X
IT8000 Series Programming Guide
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?.................................................................................. 91
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]:HIGH? ....................................................................... 92
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]:LOW? ........................................................................ 93
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]:MAXimum?................................................................ 94
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]:MINimum?................................................................. 94
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? ..................................................................................... 95
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]:MAXimum? ................................................................... 96
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]:MINimum?..................................................................... 97
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]? [<start_index>, <points>]............................................ 97
FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]? [<start_index>, <points>]............................................ 98
FETCh:ARRay:POWer[:DC]? [<start_index>, <points>] ............................................... 99
FETCh[:SCALar]?......................................................................................................... 100
FETCh:ACMeter:EACStage? ....................................................................................... 101
FETCh:ACMeter:EACTotal? ........................................................................................ 101
9 MEASure Subsystem ..................................................................................................... 103
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?............................................................................ 103
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:HIGH?.......................................................................... 104
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:LOW?........................................................................... 104
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:MAXimum? .................................................................. 105
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:MINimum? ................................................................... 106
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?............................................................................ 107
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HIGH?.......................................................................... 107
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:LOW? .......................................................................... 108
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:MAXimum? .................................................................. 109
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:MINimum? ................................................................... 110
MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? ............................................................................... 110
MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:MAXimum?...................................................................... 111
MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:MINimum?....................................................................... 112
MEASure:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]?............................................................................... 113
MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]?............................................................................... 113
MEASure:ARRay:POWer[:DC]? .................................................................................. 114
MEASure[:SCALar]?..................................................................................................... 115
10 PARallel Subsystem..................................................................................................... 116
PARallel:ROLE <CPD> ................................................................................................ 116
PARallel:NUMBer <NR1>............................................................................................. 117
11 SENSe Subsystem....................................................................................................... 118
[SOURce:]REMote:SENSe[:STATe] <Bool> ............................................................... 118
SENSe:ACQuire:POINts <NRf+>................................................................................. 119
SENSe:ACQuire:OFFSet:POINt <NRf+>..................................................................... 119
SENSe:ACQuire:TINTerval <NRf+> ............................................................................ 120
12 SOURce Subsystem .................................................................................................... 122
12.1 [SOURce:]FUNCtion <CPD>............................................................................. 122
12.2 [SOURce:]LOOP:SPEed <CPD> ...................................................................... 123
12.3 [SOURce:]FUNCtion:MODE <CPD>................................................................. 124
12.4 [SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+>....................... 125
12.5 [SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW[:BOTH] <NRf+> .................................................... 126
12.6 [SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:POSitive <NRf+>.................................................. 126
12.7 [SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative <NRf+> ................................................ 127
12.8 [SOURce:]CURRent[:OVER]:PROTection:STATe <Bool>............................... 128
12.9 [SOURce:]CURRent[:OVER]:PROTection[:LEVel] <NRf+> ............................. 129
12.10 [SOURce:]CURRent[:OVER]:PROTection:DELay <NRf+> ............................ 130
12.11 [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+> .................... 131
12.12 [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:BOTH] <NRf+>.................................................. 131
12.13 [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive <NRf+>................................................ 132
12.14 [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative <NRf+> .............................................. 133
12.15 [SOURce:]VOLTage:ON[:LEVel] <NRf+> ....................................................... 134
12.16 [SOURce:]VOLTage:UNDer:PROTection:STATe <Bool> .............................. 135

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12.17 [SOURce:]VOLTage:UNDer:PROTection[:LEVel] <NRf+> ............................ 136
12.18 [SOURce:]VOLTage:UNDer:PROTection:DELay <NRf+> ............................. 136
12.19 [SOURce:]VOLTage:UNDer:PROTection:WARM <NRf+>............................. 137
12.20 [SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+> ................. 138
12.21 [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+> ........................ 139
12.22 [SOURce:]POWer:PROTection:STATe <bool> .............................................. 140
12.23 [SOURce:]POWer:PROTection[:LEVel] <NRf+> ............................................ 141
12.24 [SOURce:]POWer:PROTection:DELay <NRf+> ............................................. 141
12.25 [SOURce:]POWer:SLEW[:BOTH] <NRf+>...................................................... 142
12.26 [SOURce:]POWer:SLEW:POSitive <NRf+> ................................................... 143
12.27 [SOURce:]POWer:SLEW:NEGative <NRf+> .................................................. 144
12.28 [SOURce:]VOLTage[:ON]:LATCh[:STATe] <Bool> ........................................ 145
12.29 [SOURce:]VOLTage:ON:HYSTeresis[:LEVel] <NRf+>................................... 145
12.30 [SOURce:]EXTern[:STATe] <Bool> ................................................................ 146
12.31 [SOURce:]ACMeter:EACStage:CLEar............................................................ 147
13 INPut Subsystem.......................................................................................................... 149
13.1 [SOURce:]INPut[:STATe] <CPD> ..................................................................... 149
13.2 [SOURce:]INPut:DELay:FALL <NRf+> ............................................................. 150
13.3 [SOURce:]INPut:DELay:RISE <NRf+> ............................................................. 150
13.4 [SOURce:]INPut:SHORt[:STATe] <CPD>......................................................... 151
14 BATTery Subsystem .................................................................................................... 153
14.1 BATTery:SHUT:CAPacity <NRf+> .................................................................... 153
14.2 BATTery:SHUT:TIME <NRf+>........................................................................... 154
14.3 BATTery:SHUT:VOLTage <NRf+>.................................................................... 154
15 ARB Subsystem ........................................................................................................... 156
15.1 ARB:UDEFined:COUNt <NR1>......................................................................... 156
15.2 ARB:FUNCtion <CPD>...................................................................................... 157
15.3 ARB:UDEFined:LEVel <NR1>,<NRf+>............................................................. 157
15.4 ARB:UDEFined:DWELl <NR1>,<NRf+> ........................................................... 158
15.5 ARB:UDEFined:SLEW <NR1>,<NRf+> ............................................................ 159
15.6 ARB:COUNt <NRf+> ......................................................................................... 160
15.7 ARB:SAVE <NR1>............................................................................................. 161
15.8 ARB:RECall <NR1> ........................................................................................... 161
16 IEEE-488 Common Commands................................................................................... 163
*CLS.............................................................................................................................. 163
*ESE <NR1> ................................................................................................................. 164
*ESE? ........................................................................................................................... 165
*ESR? ........................................................................................................................... 165
*IDN? ............................................................................................................................ 166
*OPC............................................................................................................................. 167
*OPC?........................................................................................................................... 168
*RST ............................................................................................................................. 169
*SRE <NR1>................................................................................................................. 171
*SRE? ........................................................................................................................... 172
*STB?............................................................................................................................ 173
*TRG ............................................................................................................................. 174
*SAV <NR1> ................................................................................................................. 174
*RCL <NR1> ................................................................................................................. 175
*TST?............................................................................................................................ 176
*WAI.............................................................................................................................. 177
*PSC <Bool>................................................................................................................. 178
*PSC? ........................................................................................................................... 178
17 Error Messages ............................................................................................................ 180

SCPI Introduction
1SCPI Introduction
This chapter describes in detail the command types, parameter types and other
related information about SCPI.
♦Overview
♦Command Type of SCPI
♦Message Type of SCPI
♦Response Data Type
♦Command Format
♦Data Type
♦Remote Interface Connections
1.1 Overview
SCPI is short for Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments which de-
fines a communication method of bus controller and instrument. It is based on
ASCII and supply for testing and measuring instruments. SCPI command is
based on hierarchical architecture which also known as tree system. In this sys-
tem, Relevant Command is returned to a common node or root, so that a sub-
system is formed. A part of OUTPut subsystem is listed below:
OUTPut:
•SYNC {OFF|0|ON|1}
•SYNC:
–MODE {NORMal|CARRier}
–POLarity {NORMal|INVerted}
OUTPut is the root class keyword, SYNC is the second keyword, MODE and
POLarity are the third keyword. Colon(:) is used for separating the command
keyword and the next level keyword.
1.2 Command Type of SCPI
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
•Common commands generally are not related to specific operation but to
controlling overall instrument functions, such as reset, status, and synchroni-
zation. All common commands consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded
by an asterisk: *RST *IDN? *SRE 8.
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•Subsystem commands perform specific instrument functions. They are or-
ganized into an inverted tree structure with the "root" at the top. The follow-
ing figure shows a portion of a subsystem command tree, from which you
access the commands located along the various paths.
Multiple commands in a message
Multiple SCPI commands can be combined and sent as a single message with
one message terminator. There are two important considerations when sending
several commands within a single message:
•Use a semicolon to separate commands within a message.
•Head paths influence how the instrument interprets commands.
We consider the head path as a string which will be inserted in front of every
command of a message. As for the first command of a message, the head path
is a null string; for each subsequent command, the head path is a string which is
defined to form the current command until and including the head of the last co-
lon separator. A message with two combined commands:
CURR:LEV 3;PROT:STAT OFF
The example indicates the effect of semicolon and explains the concept of head
path. Since the head path is defined to be "CURR" after "curr: lev 3", the head
of the second command, "curr", is deleted and the instrument explains the sec-
ond command as:
CURR:PROT:STAT OFF
If "curr" is explicitly included in the second command, it is semantically wrong.
Since combining it with the head path will become "CURR:CURR:PROT:STAT
OFF", resulting in wrong command.
Movement in the subsystem
In order to combine commands from different subsystems, you need to be able
to reset the header path to a null string within a message. You do this by begin-
ning the command with a colon (:), which discards any previous header path.
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For example, you could clear the output protection and check the status of the
Operation Condition register in one message by using a root specifier as
follows:
PROTection:CLEAr;:STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
The following message shows how to combine commands from different sub-
systems as well as within the same subsystem:
POWer:LEVel 200;PROTection 28; :CURRent:LEVel 3;PROTection:
STATeON
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 subsystems.
Including common commands
You can combine common commands with subsystem 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 header path; you may insert them anywhere in the message.
VOLTage:TRIGgered 17.5;:INITialize;*TRG
OUTPut OFF;*RCL 2;OUTPut ON
Case sensitivity
Common commands and SCPI commands are not case sensitive. You can use
upper or lower, for example:
*RST = *rst
:DATA? = :data?
:SYSTem:PRESet = :system:preset
Long-form and short-form versions
A SCPI command word can be sent in its long-form or short-form version. How-
ever, the short-form version is indicated by upper case characters. Examples:
:SYSTem:PRESet long-form
:SYST:PRES short form
:SYSTem:PRES long-form and short-form combination
Note that each command word must be in long-form or short-form, and not
something in between.
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For example, :SYSTe:PRESe is illegal and will generate an error. The com-
mand will not be executed.
Query
Observe the following precautions with queries:
•Set up the proper number of variables for the returned data. For example, if
you are reading back a measurement array, you must dimension the array
according to the number of measurements that you have placed in the
measurement buffer.
•Read back all the results of a query before sending another command to the
instrument. Otherwise a Query Interrupted error will occur and the unre-
turned data will be lost.
1.3 Message Type of SCPI
There are two types of SCPI messages, program and response.
•Program message: A program message consists of one or more properly
formatted SCPI commands sent from the controller to the instrument. The
message, which may be sent at any time, requests the instrument to perform
some action.
•Response message: A response message consists of data in a specific
SCPI format sent from the instrument to the controller. The instrument sends
the message only when commanded by a program message called a
"query."
The next figure illustrates SCPI message structure:
The message unit
The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a command
header (or keyword) followed by a message terminator. The message unit may
include a parameter after the header. The parameter can be numeric or a string.
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SCPI Introduction
ABORt<NL>
VOLTage 20<NL>
Headers
Headers, also referred to as keywords, are instructions recognized by the instru-
ment. Headers may be either in the long form or the short form. In the long form,
the header is completely spelled out, such as VOLTAGE, STATUS and DELAY.
In the short form, the header has only the first three or four letters, such as
VOLT, STAT and DEL.
Query indicator
Following a header with a question mark turns it into a query (VOLTage?，
VOLTage:PROTection?). If a query contains a parameter, place the query indi-
cator at the end of the last header(VOLTage:PROTection?MAX).
Message unit separator
When two or more message units are combined into a compound message,
separate the units with a semicolon (STATus:OPERation?;QUEStionable?).
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.
Message terminator
A terminator informs SCPI that it has reached the end of a message. Three per-
mitted message terminators are:
•newline (<NL>), decimal 10 or hexadecimal 0X0A in ASCII.
•end or identify (<END>)
•both of the above (<NL><END>).
In the examples of this guide, there is an assumed message terminator at the
end of each message.
Command execution rules
•Commands execute in the order that they are presented in the program
message.
•An invalid command generates an error and, of course, is not executed.
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•Valid commands that precede an invalid command in a multiple command
program message are executed.
•Valid commands that follow an invalid command in a multiple command pro-
gram message are ignored.
1.4 Response Data Type
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.
•<Block>: arbitrary block data.
Response messages
A response message is the message sent by the instrument to the computer in
response to a query command.
Sending a response message
After sending a query command, the response message is placed in the Output
Queue. When the instrument is then addressed to talk, the response message
is sent from the Output Queue to the computer
Multiple response messages
If you send more than one query command in the same program message, the
multiple response messages for all the queries is sent to the computer when the
instrument is addressed to talk. The responses are sent in the order that the
query commands were sent and are separated by semicolons (;). Items within
the same query are separated by commas (,). The following example shows the
response message for a program message that contains four single item query
commands:
0; 1; 1; 0
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Response message terminator (RMT)
Each response is terminated with an LF (line feed) and EOI (end or identify).
The following example shows how a multiple response message is terminated:
0; 1; 1; 0; <RMT>
Message exchange protocol
Two rules summarize the message exchange protocol:
•Rule 1: You must always tell the instrument what to send to the computer.
The following two steps must always be performed to send information from
the instrument other computer:
1. Send the appropriate query command(s) in a program message.
2. Address the instrument to talk.
•Rule 2: The complete response message must be received by the computer
before another program message can be sent to the instrument.
1.5 Command Format
Formats for command display are as follows:
[SOURce[1|2]:]VOLTage:UNIT {VPP|VRMS|DBM}
[SOURce[1|2]:]FREQuency:CENTer {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum|
DEFault}
Based on the command syntax, most commands (and certain Parameter) are
expressed in both upper and lower cases. Upper case refers to abbreviation of
commands. Shorter program line may send commands in abbreviated format.
Long-format commands may be sent to ensure better program readability.
For example, both formats of VOLT and VOLTAGE are acceptable in the above
syntax statements. Upper or lower case may be used. Therefore, formats of
VOLTAGE, volt and Volt are all acceptable. Other formats (such as VOL and
VOLTAG) are invalid and will cause errors.
•Parameter options with given command strings are included in the brace ({
}). The brace is not sent along with command strings.
•Vertical stripes (|) separate several parameter options with given command
strings. For example, {VPP|VRMS|DBM} indicates that you may assign
"APP", "VRMS" or "DBM" in the above commands. Vertical stripes are not
sent along with command strings.
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