Tektronix TDS 410A Owner's manual

Programmer Manual
TDS Family Digitizing Oscilloscopes
(TDS 410A, 420A, 460A, 520A, 524A, 540A, 544A,
620A, 640A, 644A, 684A, 744A & 784A)
070-8709-07

Copyright ETektronix, Inc. 1995. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its suppliers
and are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the
Commercial Computer Software – Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19, as applicable.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supercedes
that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years
from the date of shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either
will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the
defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the
warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid.
Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any
other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting
from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) to service a product that has been
modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or
difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX
AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual i
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Overview of the Manual 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up Remote Communications 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Syntax and Commands
Command Syntax 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command and Query Structure 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearing the TDS Family Oscilloscope 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Entry 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constructed Mnemonics 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Argument Types 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Syntax Diagrams 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Groups 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition Commands 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alias Commands 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Application Menu Commands 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calibration and Diagnostic Commands 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cursor Commands 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Commands 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
File System Commands 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hardcopy Commands 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal Commands 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limit Test Commands 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement Commands 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Miscellaneous Commands 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS-232 Commands 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save and Recall Commands 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Status and Error Commands 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trigger Commands 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Commands 2–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Commands 2–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zoom Commands 2–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Descriptions 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Status and Events
Registers 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Queues 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Event Handling Sequence 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronization Methods 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Messages 3–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming Examples
Compiling the Example Programs 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
Appendices
Appendix A: Character Charts A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Reserved Words B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Interface Specifications C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GPIB Function Subsets C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interface Messages C–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix D: Factory Initialization Settings D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary and Index

Table of Contents
TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual iii
List of Figures
Figure 1–1: Common Message Elements 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–2: Functional Groupings and an Alphabetical List of
Commands 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–3: Service Requests (SRQs) Provide for Event (Interrupt)
Driven Programs 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–4: The Disks That Accompany This Manual 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–5: GPIB Connector Location 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–6: How to Stack GPIB Connectors 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–7: Typical GPIB Network Configurations 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–8: Selecting the I/O System in the Main Menu 1–5. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–9: Selecting the GPIB Address in the GPIB Configuration
Side Menu 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–1: Command Message Elements 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–2: Block Argument Example 2–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–3: Typical Syntax Diagrams 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–4: Message Window Coordinates 2–197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–5: LESSThan and MOREThan Arguments 2–239. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–1: The Standard Event Status Register (SESR) 3–2. . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–2: The Status Byte Register (SBR) 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–3: The Device Event Status Enable Register (DESER) 3–3. . . .
Figure 3–4: The Event Status Enable Register (ESER) 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–5: The Service Request Enable Register (SRER) 3–4. . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–6: Status and Event Handling Process 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–7: Command Processing Without Using Synchronization 3–8.
Figure 3–8: Processing Sequence With Synchronization 3–8. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–1: Equipment Needed to Run the Example Programs 4–1. . . . .

Table of Contents
iv TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
List of Tables
Table 2–1: BNF Symbols and Meanings 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–2: Command Message Elements 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–3: Comparison of Header Off and On Responses 2–3. . . . . . . . .
Table 2–4: Acquisition Commands 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–5: Alias Commands 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–6: Application Menu Commands 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–7: Calibration and Diagnostic Commands 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–8: Cursor Commands 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–9: Display Commands 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–10: File System Commands 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–11: Hardcopy Commands 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–12: Horizontal Commands 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–13: Limit Test Commands 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–14: Measurement Commands 2–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–15: Miscellaneous Commands 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–16: RS-232 Commands 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–17: Save and Recall Commands 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–18: Status and Error Commands 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–19: Trigger Commands 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–20: Vertical Commands 2–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–21: Waveform Commands 2–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–22: Zoom Commands 2–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–23: Waveform Data Points Supported for Reference
Locations 2–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–24: Commands that Affect BUSY? Response 2–60. . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–25: Offset Ranges for the TDS 4XXA, 54XA, 6XXA, & 7XXA
(All Channels) and the TDS 520A & 524A
(Channel 1 & Channel 2) using a 1x Probe 2–65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–26: Offset Ranges for the TDS 520A & 524A (Aux 1 & Aux 2)
using a 1x Probe 2–65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–27: DATa and WFMPre Parameter Settings 2–90. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–28: XY Format Pairs 2–112. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–30: Record Length Values (<NR1>) 2–154. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–31: Commands that Generate an Operation Complete
Message 2–201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–32: Additional WFMPre Commands 2–295. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual v
Table 3–1: SESR Bit Functions 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–2: SBR Bit Functions 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–3: No Event Messages 3–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–4: Command Error Messages – CME Bit 5 3–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–5: Execution Error Messages – EXE Bit 4 3–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–6: Device Error Messages – DDE Bit 3 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–7: System Event Messages 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–8: Execution Warning Messages – EXE Bit 4 3–18. . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–9: Internal Warning Messages 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–1: The TDS Character Set A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–2: ASCII & GPIB Code Chart A–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table C–1: TDS Family Oscilloscope Standard Interface Message C–2. .
Table D–1: Factory Initialization Settings D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
vi TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual

TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual vii
Preface
This programmer manual covers the TDS 410A, 420A, 460A, 520A, 524A,
540A, 544A, 620A, 640A, 644A, 684A, 744A, & 784A. It also covers Advanced
DSP Math (optional on the TDS420A, 460A, 520A, 540A, 620A, & 640A), the
RS-232/Centronics Interface (optional on the TDS 410A, 420A, 460A, 520A,
540A, 620A, & 640A), and the Option 05 Video Trigger. This manual provides
information on operating your oscilloscope using the General Purpose Interface
Bus (GPIB) interface.
Related Manuals
Table i lists other documentation for the TDS 410A, 420A, 460A, 520A, 524A,
540A, 544A, 620A, 640A, 644A, 684A, 744A, & 784A digitizing oscilloscopes.
Table i: Other Documentation
Manual Tek Part Number
  
TDS 410A, 420A, & 460A 070–8034–XX
TDS 520A, TDS 524A, TDS 540A, & TDS 544A 070–8710–XX
TDS 620A, TDS 640A, & TDS 644A 070–8715–XX
TDS 684A, 744A, & 784A 070–8991–XX
TDS 500A & 600A Option 05 Video Trigger 070–8748–XX
TDSReference
TDS 410A, 420A, & 460A 070–8035–XX
TDS 500A & TDS 600A 070–8711–XX
TDS 684A, 744A, & 784A 070–8999–XX
TDSPerformanceVerification
TDS 410A, 420A, & 460A 070–8721–XX
TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A 070–8712–XX
TDS 620A, 640A, & 644A 070–8717–XX
TDS 684A, 744A, & 784A 070–8990–XX

Preface
viii TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
Table i: Other Documentation (Cont.)
Manual Tek Part Number
TDSServiceManual
TDS 410A, 420A, & 460A 070–8036–XX
TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A 070–8713–XX
TDS 620A, 640A, & 644A 070–8718–XX
TDS 684A, 744A, & 784A 070–8992–XX

TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual 1–1
Getting Started
You can write computer programs that remotely set the oscilloscope front panel
controls or take measurements and read those measurements for further analysis
or storage.
To help you get started with programmng the oscilloscope, this section includes
the following:
HOverview of the Manual – summarizes the type of programming information
contained in each major section of this manual.
HSetting Up Remote Communications – describes how to physically connect
the oscilloscope to a controller and set the appropriate front panel controls.
Overview of the Manual
The information contained in each major section of this manual is described
below.
The Syntax and Commands section (Section 2) describes the structure and
content of the messages your program sends to the digitizing oscilloscope.
Figure 1–1 shows a syntax diagram and command parts as described in the
Command Syntax subsection.
Comma
 
Header
Mnemonics ArgumentsSpace

     
Command Parts
Syntax Diagram
Figure 1–1: Common Message Elements
Section 2 also describes the effect of each command and provides examples of
how you might use it. The Command Groups subsection provides a list by
functional area. The Command Descriptions subsection arranges commands
alphabetically (Figure 1–2).
Syntax and Commands

Getting Started
1–2 TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
Zoom
Zoom
Commands Grouped in Functional Areas Commands Listed Alphabetically
ACQuire? (Query Only)
Syntax: . . .
Group: . . .
Examples: . . .
ACQuire:MODe
S
G
E
ACQuire:NUMACq? (Query Only)
S
G
E
AcquisitionCommands
ACQuire:MODe
ACQuire:NUMACq?
ACQuire:NUMAVg
ACQuire:NUMEnv
ACQuire:REPEt
ACQuire:STATE
ACQuire:STOPAfter
AliasCommands
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Application Menu Commands
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
and
Figure 1–2: Functional Groupings and an Alphabetical List of Commands
The program may request information from the oscilloscope. The oscilloscope
provides information in the form of status and error messages. Figure 1–3
illustrates the basic operation of this system.
The Status and Events section (Section 3) starting on page 3–1 describes how to
use service requests (SRQs) and various event messages in your programs.
Digitizing Oscilloscope (Rear Panel)
Your program requests
status and event reports. TDS sends status and event reports.
GPIB Cable
Controller
Figure 1–3: Service Requests (SRQs) Provide for Event (Interrupt) Driven Programs
The Programming Examples section (Section 4) starting on page 4–1 describes
some example digitizing oscilloscope programs and how to compile them. The
disks that come with this manual (Figure 1–4) have an executable and a
Microsoft QuickBASIC 4.5 and a Microsoft QuickC 2.5 source code version of
each program.
Status and Events
Programming Examples

Getting Started
TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual 1–3
TDS Example
Programs
TDS Example
Programs
Figure 1–4: The Disks That Accompany This Manual
Setting Up Remote Communications
Even the best instrument control program will not do much if the instrument is
not connected to the controller.
The digitizing oscilloscope has a 24-pin GPIB connector on its rear panel, as
shown in Figure 1–5. This connector has a D-type shell and conforms to IEEE
Std 488.1–1987.
Attach an IEEE Std 488.1–1987 GPIB cable (available from Tektronix as part
number 012–0991–00) to this connector.
GPIB Connector Port
Figure 1–5: GPIB Connector Location

Getting Started
1–4 TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
If needed, you can stack GPIB connectors as shown in Figure 1–6.
Figure 1–6: How to Stack GPIB Connectors
Observe these rules when you use your digitizing oscilloscope with a GPIB
network:
HAssign a unique device address to each device on the bus. No two devices
can share the same device address.
HDo not connect more than 15 devices to any one bus.
HConnect one device for every 2 meters (6 feet) of cable used.
HDo not use more than 20 meters (65 feet) of cable to connect devices to a
bus.
HTurn on at least two-thirds of the devices on the network while using the
network.
HConnect the devices on the network in a star or linear configuration as shown
in Figure 1–7. Do not use loop or parallel configurations.
GPIB Requirements

Getting Started
TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual 1–5
GPIB Device
GPIB Device
GPIB Device
GPIB Device
GPIB Device
GPIB Device
GPIB Device
Figure 1–7: Typical GPIB Network Configurations
Appendix C: Interface Specifications gives more information on the GPIB
configuration of the digitizing oscilloscope.
You need to set the GPIB parameters of the digitizing oscilloscope to match the
configuration of the bus. Once you have set these parameters, you can control the
digitizing oscilloscope through the GPIB interface.
1. Press the UTILITY (SHIFT DISPLAY) button to display the Utility menu.
2. Press the System button in the main menu until it highlights the I/O
selection in the pop-up menu. See Figure 1–8.
Figure 1–8: Selecting the I/O System in the Main Menu
Setting the GPIB
Parameters

Getting Started
1–6 TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
3. Press the Port button in the main menu until it highlights the GPIB
selection in the pop-up menu. See Figure 1–9.
4. Press the Configure button in the main menu to display the GPIB Configu-
ration side menu. See Figure 1–9.
5. Press the Talk/Listen Address side menu button, and set the GPIB address
using either the general purpose knob or, if available, the keypad.
Figure 1–9: Selecting the GPIB Address in the GPIB Configuration Side Menu
The digitizing oscilloscope is set up for bidirectional communication with your
controller. If you wish to isolate the digitizing oscilloscope from the bus:
HPress the Off Bus side menu button. This disables all communication with
the controller.
If you wish to enter a special mode of operation to communicate directly with
non-488.2 hard copy devices:
HPress the Hardcopy side menu button to have the digitizing oscilloscope
send hard copy information only when you press the HARDCOPY button
(and accept a HARDCOPY ABORT command).

TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual 2–1
Command Syntax
You can control the digitizing oscilloscope through the GPIB interface using
commands and queries. This section describes the syntax these commands and
queries use. It also describes the conventions the digitizing oscilloscope uses to
process them. The next section, entitled Command Groups, lists the commands
and queries themselves.
You transmit commands to the digitizing oscilloscope using the enhanced
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) character
encoding. Appendix A: Character Charts on page A–2 contains a chart of the
ASCII character set.
This manual describes commands and queries using Backus-Naur Form (BNF)
notation and syntax diagrams.
This manual uses the following BNF symbols:
Table 2–1: BNF Symbols and Meanings
Symbol Meaning
 Definedelement
 Is defined as
ExclusiveOR
 Group; one element is required
 Optional; can be omitted
 Previouselement(s)may be repeated
 Comment
Command and Query Structure
Commands consist of set commands and query commands (usually simply called
commands and queries). Commands modify instrument settings or tell the
digitizing oscilloscope to perform a specific action. Queries cause the digitizing
oscilloscope to return data and information about its status.
Most commands have both a set form and a query form. The query form of the
command differs from the set form by its question mark on the end. For
example, the set command  has a query form .
Not all commands have both a set and a query form. Some commands have set
only and some have query only.

Command Syntax
2–2 TDS Family Oscilloscope Programmer Manual
A command message is a command or query name followed by any information
the digitizing oscilloscope needs to execute the command or query. Command
messages may contain five element types, defined in Table 2–2 and shown in the
example in Figure 2–1.
Table 2–2: Command Message Elements
Symbol Meaning
<Heade > The basic command name. If the header ends with a question
mark, the command is a query. The header may begin with a
colon (:) character. If the command is concatenated with other
commands, the beginning colon is required. Never use the
beginning colon with command headers beginning with a star
(*).
<Mnemonic> A header subfunction. Some command headers have only one
mnemonic. If a command header has multiple mnemonics, a
colon (:) character always separates them from each other.
<A gument> A quantity, quality, restriction, or limit associated with the
header. Some commands have no argument while others have
multiple arguments. A <Space> separates arguments from the
header. A <Comma> separates arguments from each other.
<Comma> Asingle comma between arguments of multiple-argument
commands. It may optionally have white space characters
before and after the comma.
<Space> A white space character between command header and
argument. It may optionally consist of multiple white space
characters.
Comma
SAVe:WAVEfo m CH1,REF3
Header
Mnemonics ArgumentsSpace
<wfm>
SAVe : WAVEfo m REF <x><Space> <Comma>
Command Parts
Syntax Diagram
Figure 2–1: Command Message Elements
Commands have the structure:
H[:]<Heade >[<Space><A gument>[<Comma><A gument>]...]
Commands