The Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) defines a set of standard programming commands for use by all SCPI compatible instruments. SCPI is intended to give the ATE user a consistent environment for program development. It does so by defining controller messages, instrument responses, and message formats for all SCPI compatible instruments. The IEEE 488 (GPIB) interface for the MS4640B is designed to conform to the requirements of SCPI 1999.0. The set of SCPI commands implemented by the MS4640B GPIB interface provides a comprehensive set of programming functions covering all of the major functions of the MS4640B.
Command Types
SCPI commands, which are also referred to as SCPI instructions, are messages to the instrument to perform specific tasks. The MS4640B command set, introduced in this chapter, includes these command types: