Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments: Difference between revisions

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The '''Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments''' ('''SCPI'''; often pronounced "skippy") defines a standard for syntax and commands to use in controlling programmable test and measurement devices, such as [[automatic test equipment]] and [[electronic test equipment]].<ref name="SCPI-1999-spec">[http://www.ivifoundation.org/docs/scpi-99.pdf SCPI-1999 Specification; SCPI Consortium.]</ref>

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== Overview ==

SCPI was defined as an additional layer on top of the {{nowrap|IEEE 488.2-1987}} specification "Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols, and Common Commands".<ref>[http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3419 ni.com - History of GPIB - Developer Zone]</ref> The standard specifies a common [[syntax]], [[command (computing)|command]] structure, and [[Data type|data format]]s, to be used with all instruments. It introduced generic commands (such as <code>CONFigure</code> and <code>MEASure</code>) that could be used with any instrument. These commands are grouped into subsystems. SCPI also defines several classes of instruments. For example, any controllable [[power supply]] would implement the same <code>DCPSUPPLY</code> base functionality class. Instrument classes specify which subsystems they implement, as well as any instrument-specific features.