5964 8198 N3300A N3307A DC Electronic Loads Programming Guide

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Keysight DC
Electronic Loads
Models N3300A, N3301A, N3302A, N3303A
N3304A, N3305A, N3306A, and N3307A

Programming Guide

Safety Summary
The beginning of the electronic load User’s Guide has a Safety Summary page. Be sure you are familiar
with the information on this page before programming the electronic load from a controller.

Printing History
The edition and current revision of this manual are indicated below. Reprints of this manual containing
minor corrections and updates may have the same printing date. Revised editions are identified by a new
printing date. A revised edition incorporates all new or corrected material since the previous printing
date. Changes to the manual occurring between revisions are covered by change sheets shipped with
the manual.
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of
this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior
consent of Keysight Technologies. The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.

Edition 1 _________August 2000
Update1 _________November 2000
Edition 2 _________March 2002
Edition 3 _________November 2014

Table of Contents
Safety Summary

Printing History

Table of Contents

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

About this Guide
Documentation Summary

External References
SCPI References
GPIB References

VXIplug&play Power Products Instrument Drivers
Supported Applications
System Requirements
Downloading and Installing the Driver
Accessing Online Help

2 - INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING

GPIB Capabilities of the Electronic Load
GPIB Address

RS-232 Capabilities of the Electronic Load
RS-232 Data Format
RS-232 Flow Control

Introduction to SCPI
Conventions Used in This Guide

Types of SCPI Commands
Multiple Commands in a Message
Moving Among Subsystems
Including Common Commands
Using Queries

Types of SCPI Messages
The Message Unit
Headers
Query Indicator
Message Unit Separator
Root Specifier
Message Terminator

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SCPI Data Formats
Numerical Data Formats

Suffixes and Multipliers
Response Data Types

SCPI Command Completion

Using Device Clear

RS-232 Troubleshooting

SCPI Conformance Information
SCPI Conformed Commands
Non-SCPI Commands

3 - PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES

Programming the Input
Power-on Initialization
Enabling the Input
Input Voltage
Input Current
Setting the Triggered Voltage or Current Levels

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Programming Transients
Continuous Transients
Pulse Transients
Toggled Transients

Programming Lists
Programming Lists for Multiple Channels

Triggering Transients and Lists
SCPI Triggering Nomenclature
List Trigger Model
Initiating List Triggers
Specifying a Trigger Delay
Generating Transient and List Triggers

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Making Measurements
Voltage and Current Measurements

Triggering Measurements
SCPI Triggering Nomenclature
Measurement Trigger Model
Initiating the Measurement Trigger System
Generating Measurement Triggers

Controlling Measurement Samples
Varying the Sampling Rate
Measurement Delay
Multiple Measurements

Synchronizing Transients and Measurements

Measuring Triggered Transients or Lists
Measuring Dwell-Paced Lists

Programming the Status Registers
Power-On Conditions
Channel Status Group
Channel Summary Group
Questionable Status Group
Standard Event Status Group
Operation Status Group
Status Byte Register
Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt
Servicing Standard Event Status and Questionable Status Events

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Programming Examples
CC Mode Example
CV Mode Example
CR Mode Example
Continuous Transient Operation Example
Pulsed Transient Operation Example
Synchronous Toggled Transient Operation Example
Battery Testing Example
Power Supply Testing Example
C++ Programming Example

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4 - LANGUAGE DICTIONARY

Introduction
Subsystem Commands
Common Commands
Programming Parameters

Calibration Commands
CALibrate:DATA
CALibrate:IMON:LEVel
CALibrate:IPR:LEVel
CALibrate:LEVel
CALibrate:PASSword
CALibrate:SAVE
CALibrate:STATe

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Channel Commands
CHANnel INSTrument

Input Commands
[SOURce:]INPut [SOURce:]OUTPut
[SOURce:]INPut:PROTection:CLEar [SOURce:]OUTput:PROTection:CLEar
[SOURce:]INPut:SHORt [SOURce:]OUTPut:SHORt
[SOURce:]CURRent
[SOURce:]CURRent:MODE
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe
[SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe

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[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW
[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative
[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:POSitive
[SOURce:]CURRent:TLEVel
[SOURce:]CURRent:TRIGgered
[SOURce:]FUNCtion [SOURce:]MODE
[SOURce:]FUNCtion:MODE
[SOURce:]RESistance
[SOURce:]RESistance:MODE
[SOURce:]RESistance:RANGe
[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW
[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:NEGative
[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:POSitive
[SOURce:]RESistance:TLEVel
[SOURce:]RESistance:TRIGgered
[SOURce:]VOLTage
[SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE
[SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive
[SOURce:]VOLTage:TLEVel
[SOURce:]VOLTage:TRIGgered

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Measurement Commands
ABORt
MEASure:ARRay:CURRent? FETCh:ARRay:CURRent?
MEASure:ARRay:POWer? FETCh:ARRay:POWer?
MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage? FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage?
MEASure:CURRent? FETCh:CURRent?
MEASure:CURRent:ACDC? FETCh:CURRent:ACDC?
MEASure:CURRent:MAXimum? FETCh:CURRent:MAXimum?
MEASure:CURRent:MINimum? FETCh:CURRent:MINimum?
MEASure:POWer? FETCh:POWer?
MEASure:POWer:MAXimum? FETCh:POWer:MAXimum?
MEASure:POWer:MINimum? FETCh:POWer:MINimum?
MEASure:VOLTage? FETCh:VOLTage?
MEASure:VOLTage:ACDC? FETCh:VOLTage:ACDC?
MEASure:VOLTage:MAXimum? FETCh:VOLTage:MAXimum?
MEASure:VOLTage:MINimum? FETCh:VOLTage:MINimum?
SENSe:CURRent:RANGe
SENSe:SWEep:POINts
SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval
SENSe:WINDow
SENSe:VOLTage:RANGe

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Port Commands
PORT0
PORT1

List Commands
[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent [SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe [SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe:POINts?

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW [SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:NEGative
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POSitive
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel [SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion [SOURce:]LIST:MODE [SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion:POINTs?
[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl [SOURce:]LIST:DWELl:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance [SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANGe [SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANGe:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW [SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:NEGative
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POSitive
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel [SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel:POINTs?
[SOURce:]LIST:STEP
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient [SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle [SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency [SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE [SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth [SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe:POINTs?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POINts?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel:POINts?

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Transient Commands
[SOURce:]TRANsient
[SOURce:]TRANsient:DCYCle
[SOURce:]TRANsient:FREQuency
[SOURce:]TRANsient:MODE
[SOURce:]TRANsient:LMODE
[SOURce:]TRANsient:TWIDth

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90

Status Commands
Bit Configuration of Channel Status Registers
STATus:CHANnel?
STATus:CHANnel:CONDition?
STATus:CHANnel:ENABle
STATus:CSUM?
STATus:CSUMmary:ENABle
Bit Configuration of Operation Status Registers
STATus:OPERation?
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
STATus:OPERation:ENABle
STATus:OPERation:NTRansition STATus:OPERation:PTRansition
Bit Configuration of Questionable Status Registers
STATus:QUEStionable?
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle

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System Commands
SYSTem:ERRor?
SYSTem:LOCal
SYSTem:REMote
SYSTem:RWLock

SYSTem:VERSion?
Trigger Commands
ABORt
INITiate:SEQuence INITiate:NAME
INITiate:SEQuence2 INITiate:NAME
INITiate:CONTinuous:SEQuence INITiate:CONTinuous:NAME
TRIGger
TRIGger:DELay
TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt
TRIGger:SOURce
TRIGger:TIMer
Common Commands
*CLS
*ESE
Bit Configuration of Standard Event Status Enable Register
*ESR?
*IDN?
*OPC
*OPT?
*PSC
*RCL
*RDT?
*RST
*SAV
*SRE
*STB?
Bit Configuration of Status Byte Register
*TRG
*TST?
*WAI

A - SCPI COMMAND TREE
Command Syntax

B - ERROR MESSAGES
Error Number List

C - COMPARING N3300A ELECTRONIC LOADS WITH EARLIER MODELS
Introduction

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1
General Information
About this Guide
This manual contains programming information for the Keysight Technologies N3301A, N3302A,
N3303A, N3304A, N3305A, N3306A, and N3307A Electronic Load modules when installed in a Keysight
Technologies N3300A and N3301A Electronic Load mainframes. These units will be referred to as
"electronic load" throughout this manual. You will find the following information in the rest of this guide:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C

Introduction to this guide.
Introduction to SCPI messages structure, syntax, and data formats.
Introduction to programming the electronic load with SCPI commands.
Dictionary of SCPI commands.
SCPI command tree.
Error messages
Comparison With Earlier Models

Documentation Summary
The following documents that are related to this Programming Guide have additional helpful information
for using the electronic load.
 Quick Start Guide - located in the front part of the User's Guide. Information on how to quickly get
started using the electronic load.
 User's Guide. Includes specifications and supplemental characteristics, how to use the front
panel, how to connect to the instrument, and calibration procedures.

External References
SCPI References
The following documents will assist you with programming in SCPI:


Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 1, Syntax and Style

Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 2, Command References

Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 3, Data Interchange Format

Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 4, Instrument Classes

To obtain a copy of the above documents, contact: Fred Bode, Executive Director, SCPI Consortium,
8380 Hercules Drive, Suite P3, Ls Mesa, CA 91942, USA

1 - General Information

GPIB References
The most important GPIB documents are your controller programming manuals - GW BASIC, GPIB
Command Library for MS DOS, etc. Refer to these for all non-SCPI commands (for example: Local
Lockout).
The following are two formal documents concerning the GPIB interface:
 ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation.
Defines the technical details of the GPIB interface. While much of 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.

VXIplug&play Power Products Instrument Drivers
VXIplug&play instrument drivers for Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT are now available on the
Web at http://www.keysight.com/find/drivers. These instrument drivers provide a high-level
programming interface to your Keysight Technologies electronic load. VXIplug&play instrument drivers
are an alternative to programming your instrument with SCPI command strings. Because the instrument
driver's function calls work together on top of the VISA I/O library, a single instrument driver can be
used with multiple application environments.

Supported Applications







Keysight VEE
Microsoft Visual BASIC
Microsoft Visual C/C++
Borland C/C++
National Instruments LabVIEW
National Instruments LabWindows/CVI

System Requirements
The VXIplug&play instrument driver complies with the following:





Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
HP VISA revision F.01.02
National Instruments VISA 1.1

Downloading and Installing the Driver
NOTE:

Before installing the VXIplug&play instrument driver, make sure that you have one of the
supported applications installed and running on your computer.

General Information - 1
1. Access Keysight Technologies Web site at http://www.keysight.com/find/drivers.
2. Select the instrument for which you need the driver.
3. Click on the driver, either Windows 95 or Windows NT, and download the executable file to your
PC.
4. Locate the file that you downloaded from the Web. From the Start menu select Run
:\kexxxx.exe - where is the directory path where the file is located, and kexxxx is
the instrument driver that you downloaded.
5. Follow the directions on the screen to install the software. The default installation selections will
work in most cases. The readme.txt file contains product updates or corrections that are not
documented in the on-line help. If you decide to install this file, use any text editor to open and
read it.
6. To use the VXIplug&play instrument driver, follow the directions in the VXIplug&play online help
for your specific driver under “Introduction to Programming”.

Accessing Online Help
A comprehensive online programming reference is provided with the driver. It describes how to get
started using the instrument driver with Keysight VEE, LabVIEW, and LabWindows. It includes
complete descriptions of all function calls as well as example programs in C/C++ and Visual BASIC.


To access the online help when you have chosen the default Vxipnp start folder, click on the Start
button and select Programs | Vxipnp | Kexxxx Help (32-bit).
- where Kexxxx is the instrument driver.

2
Introduction to Programming
GPIB Capabilities of the Electronic Load
All electronic load functions except for setting the GPIB address are programmable over the GPIB. The
IEEE 488.2 capabilities of the electronic load are described in Table 2-1. Refer to Appendix A of your
User's Guide for its exact capabilities.

GPIB Capabilities
Talker/Listener

Table 2-1. IEEE 488 Capabilities of Electronic Loads
Response

Interface
Function
AH1, SH1,
T6. L4

All electronic load functions except for setting the GPIB address are
programmable over the GPIB. The electronic load can send and
receive messages over the GPIB. Status information is sent using a
serial poll. Front panel annunciators indicate the present GPIB state
of the electronic load.
The electronic load sets the SRQ line true if there is an enabled
service request condition. Refer to Chapter 3 - Status Reporting for
more information.
In local mode, the electronic load is controlled from the front panel
but will also execute commands sent over the GPIB. The electronic
load powers up in local mode and remains in local mode until it
receives a command over the GPIB. Once the electronic load is in
remote mode the front panel RMT annunciator is on, all front panel
) are disabled, and the display is in normal
keys (except
metering mode. Pressing
on the front panel returns the
electronic load to local mode.
can be disabled using local
lockout so that only the controller or the power switch can return the
electronic load to local mode.
The electronic load will respond to the device trigger function.

Group Execute
Trigger

The electronic load will respond to the group execute trigger
function.

The electronic load responds to the Device Clear (DCL) and
Selected Device Clear (SDC) interface commands. They cause the
electronic load to clear any activity that would prevent it from
receiving and executing a new command (including *WAI and
*OPC?). DCL and SDC do not change any programmed settings.

Service Request
Remote/Local

GPIB Address
The electronic load operates from a GPIB address that is set from the front panel. To set the GPIB
address, press the Address key on the front panel and enter the address using the Entry keys. The
address can be set from 0 to 30. The GPIB address is stored in non-volatile memory.

2 - Introduction to Programming

RS-232 Capabilities of the Electronic Load
The electronic load provides an RS-232 programming interface, which is activated by commands located
under the front panel Address key. All SCPI commands are available through RS-232 programming.
When the RS-232 interface is selected, the GPIB interface is disabled.
The EIA RS-232 Standard defines the interconnections between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and
Data Communications Equipment (DCE). The electronic load is designed to be a DTE. It can be
connected to another DTE such as a PC COM port through a null modem cable.
NOTE:

The RS-232 settings in your program must match the settings specified in the front panel
Address menu. Press the front panel Address key if you need to change the settings.

RS-232 Data Format
The RS-232 data is a 10-bit word with one start bit and one stop bit. The number of start and stop bits is
not programmable. However, the following parity options are selectable using the front panel Address
key:
EVEN
ODD
MARK
SPACE
NONE

Seven data bits with even parity
Seven data bits with odd parity
Seven data bits with mark parity (parity is always true)
Seven data bits with space parity (parity is always false)
Eight data bits without parity

Parity options are stored in non-volatile memory.
Baud Rate
The front panel Address key lets you select one of the following baud rates, which is stored in non-volatile
memory:
300
600
1200
2400
4800
9600

RS-232 Flow Control
The RS-232 interface supports the following flow control options that are selected using the front panel
Address key. For each case, the electronic load will send a maximum of five characters after holdoff is
asserted by the controller. The electronic load is capable of receiving as many as fifteen additional
characters after it asserts holdoff.
The electronic load asserts its Request to Send (RTS) line to signal hold-off
RTS-CTS
when its input buffer is almost full, and it interprets its Clear to Send (CTS)
line as a hold-off signal from the controller.
There is no flow control.
NONE
Flow control options are stored in non-volatile memory.

Introduction to Programming - 2

Introduction to SCPI
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language for controlling
instrument functions over the GPIB and RS-232 interface. SCPI is layered on top of the hardware-portion
of IEEE 488.2. The same SCPI commands and parameters control the same functions in different
classes of instruments.

Conventions Used in This Guide
Angle brackets
Vertical bar

Square Brackets
Braces

Items within angle brackets are parameter abbreviations. For example,
indicates a specific form of numerical data.
Vertical bars separate alternative parameters. For example, NORM | TEXT
indicates that either "TEXT" or "NORM" can be used as a parameter.

Items within square brackets are optional. The representation [SOURce:].
VOLTage means that SOURce: may be omitted.

Braces indicate parameters that may be repeated zero or more times. It is
used especially for showing arrays. The notation {<,B>} shows that
parameter "A" must be entered, while parameter "B" may be omitted or
may be entered one or more times.

Computer font is used to show program lines in text.
OUTPUT 723 "TRIGger:COUNt:CURRent 10" shows a program line.

Types of SCPI Commands
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
♦

Common commands generally are not related to specific operation but to controlling overall
electronic load functions, such as reset, status, and synchronization. All common commands
consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded by an asterisk: *RST
*IDN?
*SRE 8

Subsystem commands perform specific electronic load functions. They are organized into an
inverted tree structure with the "root" at the top. 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.
ROOT

:MODE
:PROTection

[:LEVel]
:DELay

[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?

Figure 2-1. Partial Command Tree

2 - Introduction to Programming

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.

There is an implied header path that affects how commands are interpreted by the electronic
load.

The header path can be thought of as a string that gets inserted before each command within a
message. For the first command in a message, the header path is a null string. For each subsequent
command the header path is defined as the characters that make up the headers of the previous
command in the message up to and including the last colon separator. An example of a message with
two commands is:
CURR:LEV 3;PROT:STAT OFF
which shows the use of the semicolon separating the two commands, and also illustrates the header path
concept. Note that with the second command, the leading header "CURR" was omitted because after the
"CURR:LEV 3" command, the header path became defined as "CURR" and thus the instrument
interpreted the second command as:
CURR:PROT:STAT OFF
In fact, it would have been syntactically incorrect to include the "CURR" explicitly in the second
command, since the result after combining it with the header path would be:
CURR:CURR:PROT:STAT OFF
which is incorrect.

Moving Among Subsystems
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 beginning the command with a colon (:), which discards
any previous header path. 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:
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEAr;:STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
The following message shows how to combine commands from different subsystems as well as within the
same subsystem:
VOLTage:LEVel 20;PROTection 28; :CURRent:LEVel 3;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 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

Introduction to Programming - 2

Using Queries
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 electronic load.
Otherwise a Query Interrupted error will occur and the unreturned data will be lost.

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 electronic load. The message, which may be sent at any time, requests the
electronic load to perform some action.

A response message consists of data in a specific SCPI format sent from the electronic load to
the controller. The electronic load sends the message only when commanded by a program
message called a "query."

The following figure illustrates SCPI message structure:
Data

Query Indicator

Header Separator
Message Unit Separators

Message Terminator
Root Specifier

Figure 2-2. Command 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.
ABORt
VOLTage 20

Headers
Headers, also referred to as keywords, are instructions recognized by the electronic load. 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.

2 - Introduction to Programming

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 indicator 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 permitted messages
terminators are:
♦
♦
♦

newline (), which is ASCII decimal 10 or hex 0A.
end or identify ()
both of the above ().

In the examples of this guide, there is an assumed message terminator at the end of each message.
NOTE:

All RS-232 response data sent by the electronic load is terminated by the ASCII
character pair . This differs from GPIB response data which is
terminated by the single character with EOI asserted.

SCPI Data Formats
All data programmed to or returned from the electronic load is ASCII. The data may be numerical or
character string.

Numerical Data Formats
Symbol

Data Form
Talking Formats
Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right of the least-significant digit.
Examples: 273
Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example: .0273
Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent. Example: 2.73E+2
Listening Formats
Extended format that includes , and . Examples: 273 273. 2.73E2
Expanded decimal format that includes and MIN MAX. Examples: 273 273.
2.73E2 MAX. MIN and MAX are the minimum and maximum limit values that are
implicit in the range specification for the parameter.
Boolean Data. Example: 0 | 1 or ON | OFF

Introduction to Programming - 2

Suffixes and Multipliers
Class
Amplitude
Current
Power
Resistance
Slew Rate
Time

Suffix
V
A
W
OHM
A/s
R/s
V/s
s

Unit
volt
ampere
watt
ohm
amps/second
ohms/second
volts/second
second
Common Multipliers
1E3
K
1E-3
M
1E-6
U

Unit with Multiplier
MV (millivolt)
MA (milliampere)
MW (milliwatt)
MOHM (megohm)

MS (millisecond)
kilo
milli
micro

Response Data Types
Character strings returned by query statements may take either of the following forms, depending on the
length of the returned string:

Character Response Data. Permits the return of character strings.

Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of undelimited 7-bit ASCII. This data type
has an implied message terminator.

String Response Data. Returns string parameters enclosed in double quotes.

SCPI Command Completion
SCPI commands sent to the electronic load are processed either sequentially or in parallel. Sequential
commands finish execution before a subsequent command begins. Parallel commands allow other
commands to begin executing while the parallel command is still executing. Commands that affect trigger
actions are among the parallel commands.
The *WAI, *OPC, and *OPC? common commands provide different ways of indicating when all
transmitted commands, including any parallel ones, have completed their operations. The syntax and
parameters for these commands are described in chapter 4. Some practical considerations for using
these commands are as follows:
*WAI
This prevents the electronic load from processing subsequent commands until all
pending operations are completed.
*OPC?
This places a 1 in the Output Queue when all pending operations have completed.
Because it requires your program to read the returned value before executing the next
program statement, *OPC? can be used to cause the controller to wait for commands
to complete before proceeding with its program.
*OPC
This sets the OPC status bit when all pending operations have completed. Since your
program can read this status bit on an interrupt basis, *OPC allows subsequent
commands to be executed.
NOTE:

The trigger system must be in the Idle state in order for the status OPC bit to be true.
Therefore, as far as triggers are concerned, OPC is false whenever the trigger system is
in the Initiated state.

2 - Introduction to Programming

Using Device Clear
You can send a device clear at any time to abort a SCPI command that may be hanging up the GPIB
interface. The status registers, the error queue, and all configuration states are left unchanged when a
device clear message is received. Device clear performs the following actions:
♦

The input and output buffers of the electronic load are cleared.

The electronic load is prepared to accept a new command string.

The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB interface using GW BASIC:
CLEAR 705

IEEE-488 Device Clear

The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB interface using the GPIB
command library for C or QuickBASIC:
IOCLEAR (705)
NOTE:

For RS-232 operation, sending a Break will perform the same operation as the IEEE-488
device clear message.

RS-232 Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble communicating over the RS-232 interface, check the following:

The computer and the electronic load must be configured for the same baud rate, parity, number
of data bits, and flow control options. Note that the electronic load is configured for 1 start bit and
1 stop bit (these values are fixed).

The correct interface cables or adapters must be used, as described under RS-232 Connector.
Note that even if the cable has the proper connectors for your system, the internal wiring may be
incorrect.

The interface cable must be connected to the correct serial port on your computer (COM1,
COM2, etc.).

Introduction to Programming - 2

SCPI Conformance Information
SCPI Conformed Commands
The Electronic Load conforms to SCPI Version 1995.0.
ABOR

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:VOLT:MAX

[SOUR]:RES[:LEV][:IMM][:AMP]

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:VOLT:MIN

[SOUR]:RES[:LEV]:TRIG[:AMP]

SENS:CURR[:DC]:RANG[:UPP]

[SOUR]:RES:MODE

[SOUR]:RES:RANG

INIT[:IMM]:NAME

[SOUR]:RES:SLEW

[SOUR]:VOLT[:LEV][:IMM][:AMP]

SENS:WIND[:TYPE]

[SOUR]:VOLT[:LEV]:TRIG[:AMP]

INP | OUTP[:STAT]

SENS:VOLT[:DC]:RANG[:UPP]

[SOUR]:VOLT:MODE

INP | OUTP:PROT:CLE

[SOUR]:CURR[:LEV][:IMM][:AMP]

[SOUR]:VOLT:RANG

MEAS | FETC:ARR:CURR[:DC]

[SOUR]:CURR[:LEV]:TRIG[:AMP]

[SOUR]:VOLT:SLEW

MEAS | FETC:ARR:POW[:DC]

[SOUR]:CURR:MODE

STAT:OPER[:EVEN]

MEAS | FETC:ARR:VOLT[:DC]

[SOUR]:CURR:PROT[:LEV]

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:CURR[:DC]

[SOUR]:CURR:PROT:STAT

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:CURR:MAX

[SOUR]:CURR:RANG

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:CURR:MIN

[SOUR]:CURR:SLEW

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:POW[:DC]

[SOUR]:LIST:COUN

STAT:QUES[:EVEN]

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:POW:MAX

[SOUR]:LIST:CURR

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:POW:MIN

[SOUR]:LIST:DWEL

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:VOLT[:DC]

[SOUR]:LIST:RES

[SOUR]:LIST:VOLT

[SOUR]:LIST:CURR:TLEV

[SOUR]:TRAN[:STAT]

[SOUR]:LIST:FUNC | MODE

[SOUR]:TRAN:DCYC

[SOUR]:LIST:RES:RANG

[SOUR]:TRAN:FREQ

[SOUR]:LIST:RES:SLEW[:BOTH]

[SOUR]:TRAN:MODE

[SOUR]:LIST:RES:SLEW:NEG

[SOUR]:TRAN:LMOD

CHAN | INST[:LOAD]

[SOUR]:LIST:RES:SLEW:POS

[SOUR]:TRAN:TWID

INP | OUTP:SHOR[:STAT]

[SOUR]:LIST:RES:TLEV

[SOUR]:VOLT:SLEW:NEG

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:CURR:ACDC

[SOUR]:LIST:STEP

[SOUR]:VOLT:SLEW:POS

MEAS | FETC[:SCAL]:VOLT:ACDC

[SOUR]:LIST:TRAN[:STAT]

[SOUR]:VOLT:TLEV

[SOUR]:LIST:TRAN:DCYC

STAT:CHAN[:EVEN]

[SOUR]:LIST:TRAN:FREQ

[SOUR]:CURR:PROT:DEL

[SOUR]:LIST:TRAN:MODE

[SOUR]:CURR:SLEW:NEG

[SOUR]:LIST:TRAN:TWID

STAT:CSUM[:EVEN]

[SOUR]:CURR:SLEW:POS

[SOUR]:LIST:VOLT:RANG

[SOUR]:CURR:TLEV

[SOUR]:LIST:VOLT:SLEW[:BOTH]

[SOUR]:FUNC | MODE

[SOUR]:LIST:VOLT:SLEW:NEG

[SOUR]:FUNC | MODE:MODE

[SOUR]:LIST:VOLT:SLEW:POS

[SOUR]:LIST:CURR:RANG

[SOUR]:LIST:VOLT:TLEV

[SOUR]:LIST:CURR:SLEW[:BOTH]

[SOUR]:RES:SLEW:NEG

[SOUR]:LIST:CURR:SLEW:NEG

[SOUR]:RES:SLEW:POS

[SOUR]:LIST:CURR:SLEW:POS

[SOUR]:RES:TLEV

Non-SCPI Commands

3
Programming Examples
Introduction
This chapter contains examples on how to program your electronic load. Simple examples show you how
to program:
 Input functions such as voltage, current, and resistance
 Transient functions, including lists
 Measurement functions
 The status and protection functions
NOTE:

These examples in this chapter show which commands are used to perform a particular
function, but do not show the commands being used in any particular programming
environment.

Programming the Input
Power-on Initialization
When the electronic load is first turned on, it wakes up with the input state set OFF. The following
commands are given implicitly at power-on:
*RST
*CLS
*SRE 0
*ESE 0
*RST is a convenient way to program all parameters to a known state. Refer to the *RST command in
chapter 4 to see how each programmable parameter is set by *RST. Refer to the *PSC command in
chapter 4 for more information on the power-on initialization of the *ESE and the *SRE registers.

Enabling the Input
To enable the input, use the command:
INPut ON

Input Voltage
The input voltage is controlled with the VOLTage command. For example, to set the input voltage to 25
volts, use:
VOLTage 25

3 - Programming Examples
Maximum Voltage
The maximum input voltage that can be programmed can be queried with:
VOLTage? MAXimum

Input Current
All models have a programmable current function. The command to program the current is:
CURRent
where is the input current in amperes.
Maximum Current
The maximum input current that can be programmed can be queried with:
CURRent? MAXimum
Overcurrent Protection
The electronic load can also be programmed to turn off its input if the current protection level is reached.
As explained in chapter 4, this protection feature is implemented the following command:
CURRent:PROTection:STATe ON | OFF
NOTE:

Use CURRent:PROTection:DELay to prevent momentary current limit conditions caused
by programmed input changes from tripping the overcurrent protection.

Setting the Triggered Voltage or Current Levels
To program voltage or current triggered levels, you must specify the voltage or current level that the input
will go to once a trigger signal is received. Use the following commands to set a triggered level:
VOLTage:TRIGgered

CURRent:TRIGgered
NOTE:

Until they are explicitly programmed, triggered levels will assume their corresponding
immediate levels. For example, if a electronic load is powered up and VOLTage:LEVel is
programmed to 6, then VOLTage:LEVel:TRIGger will also be 6 until you program it to
another value. Once you program VOLTage:LEVel:TRIGger to a value, it will remain at
that regardless of how you subsequently reprogram VOLTage:LEVel. Then, when the
trigger occurs, the VOLTage:LEVel is set to the VOLTage:LEVel:TRIGger value.

Generating Triggers
You can generate a single trigger by sending the following command over the GPIB:
TRIGger:IMMediate
Note that this command will always generate a trigger. Use the TRIGger:SOURce command to select
other trigger sources such as the mainframe's external trigger input.

Programming Examples - 3

Programming Transients
Transient operation is used to synchronize input changes with internal or external trigger signals, and
simulate loading conditions with precise control of timing, duration, and slew. The following transient
modes can be generated:
Continuous

Generates a repetitive pulse stream that toggles between two load levels.

Generates an load change that returns to its original state after some time period.

Generates a repetitive pulse stream that toggles between two load levels. Similar to
Continuous mode except that the transient points are controlled by explicit triggers
instead of an internal transient generator.

Before turning on transient operation, set the desired mode of operation as well as all of
the parameters associated with transient operation. At *RST all transient functions are
set to OFF.

Continuous Transients
In continuous operation, a repetitive pulse train switches between two load levels, a main level (which can
be either the immediate or triggered level) and a transient level. The rate at which the level changes is
determined by the slew rate (see slew rate descriptions for CV, CR, or CV mode as applicable). In
addition, the frequency and duty cycle of the continuous pulse train are programmable. Use the following
commands to program continuous transients:
TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous
CURRent 5
CURRent:TLEVel 10
TRANsient:FREQuency 1000
TRANsient:DCYCle 40
TRANsient ON
This example assumes that the CC mode is active and the slew rate is at the default setting (maximum
rate). The load module starts conduction at the main level (in this case 5 amps). When transient
operation is turned on (no trigger is required in continuous mode), the module input current will slew to
and remain at 10 amps for 40% of the period (400 µs). The input current will then slew to and remain at 5
amps for the remaining 60% (600 µs) of that cycle.

Pulse Transients
Pulsed transient operation generates a load change that returns to its original state after some time
period. It is similar to continuous operation with the following exceptions:
a. To get a pulse, an explicit trigger is required. To specify the trigger source, use
TRIGger:SOURce. See "Triggering Transients".
b. One pulse results from each trigger. Therefore, frequency cannot be programmed.
Use the following commands to program pulsed transients:

3 - Programming Examples
TRIGger:SOURce EXTernal
TRANsient:MODE PULSe
CURRent 5
CURRent:TLEVel 10
TRANsient:TWIDth .01
TRANsient ON
This example assumes that the CC mode is active, the slew rate is at the factory default setting
(maximum rate), and a trigger signal is connected to the mainframe's external trigger input. The load
module starts conduction at the main current level setting (5 amps). When the transient mode is turned
on and an external trigger signal is received, the input level starts increasing at a rate determined by the
slew rate. When the value specified by the transient level setting (10 amps) is reached, it stays there for
the remainder of the time determined by the pulse width setting (10 milliseconds). After this time has
elapsed, the input level decreases to the main level again at the rate specified by the slew setting and
remains there until another trigger is received. Any triggers that occur during the time the transient level
is in effect will re-trigger the pulse, extending the pulse by another pulse-width value.

Toggled Transients
Toggled transient operation causes the module input to alternate between two pre-defined levels as in
continuous operation except that the transient transitions are controlled by explicit triggers instead of the
internal transient generator. See "Triggering Transients". Use the following commands to program
toggled transients:
TRIGger:SOURce EXTernal
TRANsient:MODE TOGGle
CURRent 5
CURRent:TLEVel 10
TRANsient ON
This example assumes that the CC mode is active, the slew rate is at the factory default setting
(maximum rate), and a trigger signal is connected to the mainframe's external trigger input. Toggled
transient operation is similar to that described for continuous and pulse operation, except that each time a
trigger is received the input alternates between the main and transient input current levels.

Programming Lists
List mode lets you generate complex sequences of input changes with rapid, precise timing, which may
be synchronized with internal or external signals. This is useful when running test sequences with a
minimum amount of programming overhead.
You can program up to 50 settings (or steps) in the list, the time interval (dwell) that each setting is
maintained, the number of times that the list will be executed, and how the settings change in response to
triggers. All list data is can be stored in nonvolatile memory when saved in locations 0, 7, 8, or 9 using the
*SAV command. This means that the programmed data for any list will be retained when the electronic
load is turned off. Use the *RCL command to recall the saved state. *RST clears the presently active list
but will not clear the lists saved in locations 0, 7, 8, or 9.
List steps can be either individually triggered, or paced by a separate list of dwell times that define the
duration of each step. Therefore, each of the up to 50 steps has an associated dwell time, which
specifies the time (in seconds) that the input remains at that step before moving on to the next step. The
following procedure shows how to generate a simple 9-step list of current and voltage changes.

Programming Examples - 3
Step 1

Set the mode of each function that will participate in the sequence to LIST. For example:
CURRent:MODE LIST

Program the list of input values for each function. The list commands take a comma-separated
list of arguments. The order in which the arguments are given determines the sequence in
which the values will be input. For example, to vary the input current of the electronic load to
simulate a 25%, 50%, and 100% load, a list may include the following values:
LIST:CURRent[:LEVel] 15, 30, 60, 15, 30, 60, 15, 30, 60
You must specify a list for all current functions, whether or not the functions will be used. For
example, to synchronize the previous current list with another list that varies the slew rate from
0.01A/µs, to 0.1A/µs, to 1A/µs (programmed in A/s), the lists may include the following values:
LIST:CURRent[:LEVel] 15, 30, 60, 15, 30, 60, 15, 30, 60
LIST:CURRent:SLEW 1E+5, 1E+5, 1E+5, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+7, 1E+7, 1E+7
LIST:CURRent:RANGe 60
LIST:CURRent:TLEVel 0
All lists must have the same number of data values or points, or an error will occur when the list
system that starts the sequence is initiated. The exception is when a list has only one item or
point. In this case the single-item list is treated as if it had the same number of points as the
other lists, with all values being equal to the one item. For example:
LIST:CURRent 15, 30, 45, 60;SLEW 1E+6
is the same as:
LIST:CURRent 15, 30, 45, 60
LIST:CURRent:SLEW 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+6

Determine the time interval that the input remains at each level or point in the list before it
advances to the next point. The time is specified in seconds. For example, to specify five dwell
intervals, use:
LIST:DWELl 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3
The number of dwell points must equal the number of input points. If a dwell list has only one
value, that value will be applied to all points in the input list.

Determine the number of times the list is repeated before it completes. For example, to repeat
a list 10 times use:
LIST:COUNt 10
Entering INFinity makes the list repeat indefinitely. At *RST, the count is set to 1.

Determines how the list sequencing responds to triggers. For a closely controlled sequence of
input levels, you can use a dwell-paced list. To cause the list to be paced by dwell time use:
LIST:STEP AUTO
As each dwell time elapses, the next point is immediately input. This is the *RST setting.
If you need the input to closely follow asynchronous events, then a trigger-paced list is more
appropriate. In a trigger-paced list, the list advances one point for each trigger received. To
enable trigger-paced lists use:
LIST:STEP ONCE
The dwell time of each point determines the minimum time that the input remains at that point.
If a trigger is received before the previous dwell time completes, the trigger is ignored.
Therefore, to ensure that no triggers are lost, program the dwell time to "MIN".

Use the list trigger system to trigger the list. See "Triggering Transients and Lists".

3 - Programming Examples

Programming Lists for Multiple Channels
You can program separate lists for individual channels on a load mainframe. Once lists have been
programmed for each channel, they can all be triggered at the same time using the list trigger system.
NOTE:

All lists must have the same number of data values or points, or an error will occur when
the list system that starts the sequence is initiated.
Select the channel for which you want to program the list. All subsequent list commands will be
sent to this channel until another channel is selected.
CHANnel 1

Program the list of values for each function for that channel. The list commands take a commaseparated list of arguments. For example:
LIST:CURRent 15, 30, 60, 15, 30, 60, 15, 30, 60
LIST:CURRent:SLEW 1E+5, 1E+5, 1E+5, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+7, 1E+7, 1E+7
.
.
.
Add other list functions.

Select the next channel for which you want to program a list. All subsequent list commands will
now be sent to this channel.
CHANnel 2

Program the list of values for each function for that channel. You can program different
functions for each channel, however all functions must have the same number of steps
LIST:VOLTage 30, 60, 30, 30, 60, 30, 30, 60, 30
LIST:VOLTage:SLEW 1E+5, 1E+5, 1E+5, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+7, 1E+7, 1E+7
.
.
.
Add other list functions. You do not have to program the same number of functions for each
channel.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any other channel that you wish to program.

Use the list trigger system to trigger the list. This is described under "Triggering Transients and
Lists".

Programming Examples - 3

Triggering Transients and Lists
Continuous, pulse, and toggled transient modes respond to triggers as soon as the trigger is received.
This is not the case for lists. Lists have an independent trigger system that is similar to the measurement
trigger system. This section describes the list trigger system. The measurement trigger system is
described under "Triggering Measurements".

SCPI Triggering Nomenclature
In SCPI terms, trigger systems are called sequences. When more than one trigger system exists, they
are differentiated by naming them SEQuence1 and SEQuence2. SEQuence1 is the list trigger system
and SEQuence2 is the measurement trigger system. The electronic load uses aliases with more
descriptive names for these sequences. These aliases can be used instead of the sequence forms.
Sequence Form
SEQuence1
SEQuence2

Alias
LIST
ACQuire

List Trigger Model
Figure 3-3 is a model of the list trigger system. The rectangles represent states. The arrows show the
transitions between states. These are labeled with the input or event that causes the transition to occur.
INITiate:CONTinuous OFF

ABORt
*RST
*RCL

INITiate[:IMMediate]
INITIATED STATE

INITiate:CONTinuous ON
or
List not complete and
LIST:STEP ONCE

TRIGGER RECEIVED
DELAYING STATE
DELAY COMPLETED
LIST STEP CHANGE

LIST:STEP
AUTO?

YES
WAIT FOR DWELL
TO COMPLETE

Figure 3-3. Model of List Triggers

3 - Programming Examples

Initiating List Triggers
When the electronic load is turned on, the list trigger system is in the idle state. In this state, the list
system ignores all triggers. Sending the following commands at any time returns the list system to the Idle
state:
ABORt
*RST
*RCL
The INITiate commands move the list system from the Idle state to the Initiated state. This enables the
list system to receive triggers. INITiate commands are not channel-specific, they affect all installed load
modules. To initiate the list system for a single triggered action, use:
INITiate:SEQuence1

INITiate:NAME LIST
NOTE:

Whenever a list is initiated or triggered, the φ1 annunciator is lit on the front panel.

After a trigger is received and the action completes, the list system will return to the Idle state. Thus it will
be necessary to initiate the list system each time a triggered action is desired.
To keep the list system initiated for multiple actions without having to send an Initiate command for each
trigger, use:
INITiate:CONTinuous:SEQuence1 ON

INITiate:CONTinuous:NAME LIST, ON

Specifying a Trigger Delay
A time delay can be programmed betweent he receipt of the trigger system and the start of the triggered
action. This delay applies to both list and measurement triggers. At *RST the trigger delay is set to 0,
which mens there is no trigger delay. To program a trigger delay use:
TRIGger:DELay

Generating Transient and List Triggers
Use one of the following triggering methods to generate transients and lists:
TRIGger:SOURce BUS | EXTernal | HOLD | LINE | TIMer
After you have specified the appropriate trigger source, you can generate triggers as follows:
Single triggers over
the bus

Send one of the following commands over the GPIB:
TRIGger:IMMediate
*TRG
a group execute trigger

Continuous triggers
synchronized with the
ac line frequency

Send the following command over the GPIB:

Continuous triggers
synchronized with the
internal timer

Send the following commands over the GPIB:

TRIGger:SOURce LINE

TRIGger:TIMer
TRIGger:SOURce TIMer

External trigger

Apply a high to low signal to the external trigger input at the back of the
mainframe.

Programming Examples - 3

Making Measurements
The electronic load has the ability to make several types of voltage or current measurements. The
measurement capabilities of the electronic load are particularly useful with applications that draw current
in pulses.
All measurements are performed by digitizing the instantaneous input voltage or current for a defined
number of samples and sample interval, storing the results in a buffer, and then calculating the measured
result. Many parameters of the measurement are programmable. These include the number of samples,
the time interval between samples, and the method of triggering. Note that there is a tradeoff between
these parameters and the speed, accuracy, and stability of the measurement in the presence of noise.
There are two ways to make measurements:
♦

Use the MEASure commands to immediately start acquiring new voltage or current data, and
return measurement calculations from this data as soon as the buffer is full. This is the easiest
way to make measurements, since it requires no explicit trigger programming.

Use an acquisition trigger to acquire the data. Then use the FETCh commands to return
calculations from the data that was retrieved by the acquisition trigger. This method gives you the
flexibility to synchronize the data acquisition with a trigger. FETCh commands do not trigger the
acquisition of new measurement data, but they can be used to return many different calculations
from the data that was retrieved by the acquisition trigger.

Making triggered measurements with the acquisition trigger system is discussed under "Triggering
Measurements".
NOTE:

For each MEASure form of the query, there is a corresponding query that begins with the
header FETCh. FETCh queries perform the same calculation as their MEASure
counterparts, but do not cause new data to be acquired. Data acquired by an explicit
trigger or a previously programmed MEASure command are used.

Voltage and Current Measurements
The SCPI language provides a number of MEASure and FETCh queries, which return various
measurement parameters of voltage and current waveforms.
DC Measurements
To measure the dc input voltage or current, use:
MEASure:VOLTage?

MEASure:CURRent?
DC voltage and current is measured by acquiring a number of readings at the selected time interval,
optionally applying a Hanning window function to the readings, and averaging the readings. Windowing is
a signal conditioning process that reduces the error in dc measurements made in the presence of
periodic signals such as line ripple. At power-on and after a *RST command, the following parameters are
set:
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval 10E-6
SENSe:SWEep:POINts 1000
This results in a data acquisition time of 10 milliseconds. Adding a command processing overhead of
about 20 milliseconds results in a total measurement time of about 30 milliseconds per measurement
sample.

3 - Programming Examples
Ripple rejection is a function of the number of cycles of the ripple frequency contained in the acquisition
window. More cycles in the acquisition window results in better ripple rejection. If you increase the time
interval for each measurement to 45 microseconds for example, this results in 5.53 cycles in the
acquisition window at 60 Hz, for a ripple rejection of about 70 dB.
Note that the processing overhead time will vary, depending on the number of measurement samples. If
you reduce the number of sample points, you will also reduce the command processing overhead. If you
increase the number of sample point (up to a maximum of 4096) you increase the command processing
overhead.
RMS Measurements
To read the rms content of a voltage or current waveform, use:
MEASure:VOLTage:ACDC? or
MEASure:CURRent:ACDC?
This returns the total rms measurement, including the dc portion.
Minimum and Maximum Measurements
To measure the maximum or minimum voltage or current of a pulse or ac waveform, use:
MEASure:VOLTage:MAXimum?
MEASure:VOLTage:MINimum?
MEASure:CURRent:MAXimum?
MEASure:CURRent:MINimum?
Measurement Ranges
The electronic load has two current and two voltage measurement ranges. The commands that control
the measurement ranges are:
SENSe:CURRent:RANGe MIN | MAX
SENSe:VOLTage:RANGe MIN | MAX
When the range is set to MAX, the maximum current or voltage that can be measured is a function of the
current and voltage rating of the load module that is being programmed (see Table 4-1).
Returning Measurement Data From the Data Buffer
The MEASure and FETCh queries can also return all data values of the instantaneous voltage or current
buffer. The commands are:
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent?
FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage?
This is a useful feature if, for example, you have entered multiple measurements into the buffer as a
result of measuring the response to a triggered list. Data is returned from the buffer in the same order in
which it was entered into the buffer. Refer to "Synchronizing Transients and Measurements" for more
information.

Programming Examples - 3

Triggering Measurements
You can use the data acquisition trigger system to synchronize the timing of the voltage and current data
acquisition with a trigger source. Then use the FETCh commands to return different calculations from the
data acquired by the measurement trigger.

SCPI Triggering Nomenclature
In SCPI terms, trigger systems are called sequences. When more than one trigger system exists, they
are differentiated by naming them SEQuence1 and SEQuence2. SEQuence1 is the list trigger system
and SEQuence2 is the measurement trigger system. The electronic load uses aliases with more
descriptive names for these sequences. These aliases can be used instead of the sequence forms.
Sequence Form
SEQuence2

Measurement Trigger Model
Figure 3-1 is a model of the measurement trigger system. The rectangular boxes represent states. The
arrows show the transitions between states. These are labeled with the input or event that causes the
transition to occur.

ABORt
*RST
*RCL

INITiate[:IMMediate]
INITIATED STATE
TRIGGER RECEIVED
DELAYING STATE
DELAY COMPLETED
SENSe:SWEep:POINts
ACQUIRED

TRIGger:COUNt
COMPLETE?

Figure 3-1. Model of Measurement Triggers

3 - Programming Examples

Initiating the Measurement Trigger System
When the electronic load is turned on, the trigger system is in the idle state. In this state, the trigger
system ignores all triggers. Sending the following commands at any time returns the trigger system to the
Idle state:
ABORt
*RST
*RCL
The INITiate commands move the trigger system from the Idle state to the Initiated state. This enables
the electronic load to receive triggers. INITiate commands are not channel-specific, they affect all
installed load modules. To initiate a measurement trigger, use:
INITiate:SEQuence2
or
INITiate:NAME ACQuire
After a trigger is received and the data acquisition completes, the trigger system will return to the Idle
state unless multiple measurements are programmed using the TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt command.
Thus it will be necessary to initiate the system each time a triggered acquisition is desired.
NOTE:

You cannot initiate measurement triggers continuously. Otherwise, the measurement
data in the data buffer would continuously be overwritten.

Generating Measurement Triggers
Use one of the following triggering methods to generate measurements:
TRIGger:SOURce BUS | EXTernal | HOLD | LINE | TIMer
After you have specified the appropriate source, you can generate measurement triggers as follows:
Single triggers over
the bus

Send one of the following commands over the GPIB:
TRIGger:IMMediate (this overrides TRIG:SOUR HOLD)
*TRG
a group execute trigger

Continuous triggers
synchronized with the
ac line frequency

Send the following command over the GPIB:

Continuous triggers
synchronized with the
internal timer

Send the following commands over the GPIB:

External trigger

Apply a low to high signal to the external trigger input at the back of the
mainframe.

TRIGger:SOURce LINE

TRIGger:TIMer
TRIGger:SOURce TIMer

When the acquisition finishes, any of the FETCh queries can be used to return the results. Once the
measurement trigger is initiated, if a FETCh query is sent before the data acquisition is triggered or
before it is finished, the response data will be delayed until the trigger occurs and the acquisition
completes. This may tie up the controller if the trigger condition does not occur immediately.
One way to wait for results without tying up the controller is to use the SCPI command completion
commands. For example, you can send the *OPC command after INITialize, then occasionally poll the
OPC status bit in the standard event status register for status completion while doing other tasks. You
can also set up an SRQ condition on the OPC status bit going true, and do other tasks until an SRQ
interrupt occurs.

Programming Examples - 3

Controlling Measurement Samples
Varying the Sampling Rate
You can vary both the number of data points in a measurement sample, as well as the time between
samples. You can also specify a delay from the trigger to the start of the measurement. This is illustrated
in the following figure.
SENS:SWE:POIN
SENS:SWE:TINT

Figure 3-2. Sense Commands Used to Vary the Sampling Rate
At power-on, the input voltage and current sampling rate is 10 microseconds. This means that, not
accounting for the command processing overhead, it takes about 41 milliseconds to fill up 4096 data
points in the data buffer. You can vary this data sampling rate with:
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval
SENSe:SWEep:POINts
For example, to set the time interval to 50 microseconds per sample with 500 samples, use:
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval 50E-6;POINts 500.

Measurement Delay
You can delay the start of a measurement in relation to the trigger. This is useful if you do not want to
start taking measurements at the beginning of an input transient or list step during the time that the input
voltage or current is still slewing or settling into its programmed value. To offset the measurement from
the beginning of the input transient or list step, use:
SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet 10E-3
In this example, the measurement occurs 10 milliseconds after the start of the trigger. The offset can be
set to a negative value, but this number cannot exceed the TRIGger:DELay value.

Multiple Measurements
The electronic load also has the ability to set up several acquisition triggers in succession and
concatenate the results from each acquisition in the measurement buffer. This is useful for making
measurements from lists. To set up the trigger system for a number of sequential acquisitions use:
TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt

3 - Programming Examples
With this setup, the instrument performs each acquisition sequentially, storing the digitized readings in the
internal measurement buffer. A trigger signal is required to make each measurement. It is only necessary
to initialize the measurement once at the start; after each completed acquisition the instrument will wait
for the next valid trigger condition to start another. The results returned by MEASure or FETCh will be
the average of the total data acquired.
If you do not want the instrument to average the acquisition data, use the FETCh:ARRay commands to
return the raw data from the voltage or current measurement buffer.
NOTE:

The total number of data points cannot exceed 4096. This means that the trigger count
multiplied by the number of points cannot exceed 4096; otherwise an error will occur.

Synchronizing Transients and Measurements
The transient and measurement systems are independent of each other. However, it possible to
synchronize the two systems through the use of triggers. This is because when both transient and
measurement systems have been initialized, the same trigger signal will affect both systems. For
example, you may have an application where you need to measure the effects of a list step.

Measuring Triggered Transients or Lists
Measuring triggered transients or lists is generally a straightforward process because you are using the
same trigger to generate the output transient and simultaneously take the measurement. The following
example illustrates how to make measurements from a simple 3-step trigger paced list. Each list step has
a duration of two seconds. Each step-measurement consists of three data points with an offset of 100
milliseconds.
Step 1

Set the mode of each function that will participate in the sequence to LIST. For example:
CURRent:MODE LIST

Program the list of input values for each function.
LIST:CURRent 15, 30, 60
LIST:CURRent:SLEW 1E+6, 1E+6, 1E+6
LIST:CURRent:RANGe 60
LIST:CURRent:TLEVel 0

Specify the number of triggered measurements that will be taken.
TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt 3
The number of measurements should match the number of steps in the list.

Specify the time interval and the number of points in each triggered measurement.
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval 100E-3
SENSe:SWEep:POINts 3
In this example, three measurements or data points are taken at each list step, separated by
100ms intervals. Make sure that all of the measurement samples complete within the step
time interval. If another trigger occurs while a measurement is in progress, the measurement
system will ignore the trigger. Also note that the number of data points specified in this step
multiplied by the measurement count specified in step 3 cannot exceed 4096.

Specify a delay time from the start of the trigger until the measurement is taken.
SENSe:SWEep:OFFset 100E-6
This specifies the offset in seconds, in this case, 100 microseconds

Programming Examples - 3
Step 6

Initiate both the transient (list) and the measurement trigger systems.
INITiate:SEQuence1
INITiate:SEQuence2

Specify the trigger source and the timing that will control the list steps and the measurements.
TRIGger:TIMer 2
TRIGger:SOURce TIMer
In this example the trigger source is the internal trigger. Because the internal timer starts
running as soon as the TRIGger:SOURce:TIMer command is executed, the trigger that starts
the list and measurement will not occur until the end of the two-second timer window within
which the trigger is received. After the initial trigger occurs, the list will remain at each step for
two seconds before the next trigger occurs.

Return the current measurements from the data array. In this case, a total of nine
measurements were taken, three at each list step. To return the measurement data you must
first dimension an array, then fetch the data.
Dimension an array here
FETch:CURRent:ARRay ARRAY1

Each load module retains its measurement data. If multiple lists have been executed, you
must select each channel in turn, and fetch the measurement data from that channel.

Measuring Dwell-Paced Lists
The main difference between a trigger-paced list and a dwell-paced list is that no triggers occur between
steps in a dwell-paced list. Only one measurement will be taken during the time the list is executed.
Therefore, to capture measurement data for the entire time the list is executed, the total measurement
time of a dwell paced list (time interval X number of points) must equal the total dwell time of the list.
Step 1

Program the list as previously described under "Measuring Triggered Transients or Lists."

Specify a dwell time for each list step. For example:
LIST:DWELl 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3

Add up the total number of dwell times to determine the time of the entire list. For the previous
example, the total dwell time adds up to 10 seconds. This is the time it takes to execute the
list.

Specify the time interval and the number of points for the measurement.
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval 100E-3
SENSe:SWEep:POINts 100
In this example, the measurement interval is set to take 100 measurement points at 100ms
intervals. The total time of the measurement therefore equals the total dwell time of the list.

Return the measurements from the data array.
Dimension an array here
FETch:CURRent:ARRay ARRAY1
When you read back the measurement from the array, you must determine at what point
during the list that the measurement occurred. One way to do this is to multiply the
measurement number by the measurement interval. For example, multiply measurement #5
by 100ms, and you get 500ms, which is the time that the measurement was made.

3 - Programming Examples

Programming the Status Registers
You can use status register programming to determine the operating condition of the electronic load at
any time. For example, you may program the electronic load to generate an interrupt (assert SRQ) when
an event such as a current protection occurs. When the interrupt occurs, your program can then act on
the event in the appropriate fashion.
Table 3-1 defines the status bits. Figure 3-4 shows the status register structure of the electronic load. The
Standard Event, Status Byte, and Service Request Enable registers and the Output Queue perform
standard GPIB functions as defined in the IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for Programmable
Instrumentation. The Operation Status and Questionable Status registers implement functions that are
specific to the electronic load.
Table 3-1. Bit Configurations of Status Registers
Bit

Meaning
Operation Status Group
Calibrating. The electronic load is computing new calibration constants
Waiting. The electronic load is waiting for a trigger
Channel Status Group
Voltage Fault. Either an overvoltage or a reverse voltage has occurred. This bit reflects
the active state of the FLT pin on the back of the unit. The bit remains set until the
condition is removed and INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Overcurrent. An overcurrent condition has occurred. This occurs if the current exceeds
102% of the rated current or if it exceeds the user-programmed current protection level.
Removing the overcurrent condition clears the bit. If the condition persists beyond the
user programmable delay time, bit 13 is also set and the input is turned off. Both bits
remain set until the condition is removed and INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Overpower. An overpower condition has occurred. This occurs if the unit exceeds the
rated power of the input. Removing the overpower condition clears the bit. If the condition
persists for more than 3 seconds, bit 13 is also set and the input is turned off. Both bits
remain set until the condition is removed and INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Overtemperature. An overtemperature condition has occurred. Both this bit and bit 13 are
set and the input is turned off. Both bits remain set until the unit is cooled down and
INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Extended Power Unavailable. When EPU status is true, an overpower condition that
persists for more than 3 seconds will cause the input to be shut off and bit 13 to be set.
When EPU satus is false, an overpower condition will be reported in bit 3, but this will not
cause the input to be turned off. The state of the EPU bit is dependent on the internal
temperature of the load.
Remote Reverse Voltage. A reverse voltage condition has occurred on the sense
terminals. Both this bit and bit 0 are set. Removing the reverse voltage clears this bit but
does not clear bit 0. Bit 0 remains set until INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Unregulated. The input is unregulated. When the input is regulated the bit is cleared.
Local Reverse Voltage. A reverse voltage condition has occurred on the input terminals.
Both this bit and bit 0 are set. Removing the reverse voltage clears this bit but does not
clear bit 0. Bit 0 remains set until INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Overvoltage. An overvoltage condition has occurred. Both this bit and bit 0 are set and
the FETs are turned on as hard as possible to lower the voltage. Both bits remain set
until the condition is removed and INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.
Protection Shutdown. The protection shutdown circuit has tripped because of an
overcurrent, overpower, or overtemperature condition. The bit remains set until
INP:PROT:CLE is programmed.

Programming Examples - 3
Table 3-1. Bit Configurations of Status Registers (continued)
Questionable Status Group
Same as Channel Status Group
0

Standard Event Status Group
Operation Complete. The load has completed all pending operations. *OPC must be
programmed for this bit to be set when pending operations are complete.
Query Error. The output queue was read with no data present or the data was lost. Errors
in the range of −499 through −400 can set this bit.
Device-Dependent Error. Memory was lost or self test failed. Errors in the range of −399
through −300 can set this bit.
Execution Error. A command parameter was outside its legal range, inconsistent with the
load's operation, or prevented from executing because of an operating condition. Errors
in the range of −299 through −200 can set this bit.
Command Error. A syntax or semantic error has occurred or the load received a
within a program message. Errors in the range of −199 through −100 can set this bit.
Power-On. The unit has been turned off and then on since this bit was last read.
Status Byte and Service Request Enable Registers

Channel Summary. Indicates if an enabled channel event has occurred.

Questionable Status Summary. Indicates if an enabled questionable event has occurred.

Message Available Summary. Indicates if the Output Queue contains data.

Event Status Summary. Indicates if an enabled standard event has occurred.

Master Status Summary. For an *STB? query, MSS is returned without being cleared.

Request Service. During a serial poll, RQS is returned and cleared.

Operation Status Summary. Indicates if an operation event has occurred.

3 - Programming Examples
CHANNEL STATUS
(IDENTICAL REGISTERS FOR EACH CHANNEL)
EVENT

CHANNEL SUMMARY
EVENT

CHAN 4
CHAN 5
CHAN 6

QUESTIONABLE STATUS
CHAN 1 VF
CHAN 2
SAME
AS
CHAN 1

CHAN 3
CHAN 4
CHAN 5
CHAN 6

STANDARD EVENT
STATUS

OUTPUT QUEUE
DATA

QUEUE
NOT
EMPTY

SERVICE
REQUEST
ENABLE

STATUS BYTE
0,1

OPERATION STATUS
PTR/NTR

CONDITION
CAL
N.U.

Figure 3-4. Electronic Load Status Model

SERVICE
REQUEST
GENERATION

Programming Examples - 3

Power-On Conditions
Refer to the *RST command description in chapter 4 for the power-on conditions of the status registers.

Channel Status Group
The Channel Status registers record signals that indicate abnormal operation of a specific channel of the
electronic load. As shown below, the group consists of a Condition, Event, and Enable register. The
outputs of the Channel Status registers are logically-ORed into the Channel Summary Registers.
Register
Condition

Command
STAT:CHAN:COND?

STAT:CHAN:EVEN?

Description
A read-only register that holds real-time status of the channel
being monitored.
A read-only register that latches any condition. It is cleared
when read.
A read/write register that functions as a mask for enabling
specific bits in the Event register.

Channel Summary Group
The Channel Summary registers summarize the abnormal operation of all channels of the electronic load.
As shown below, the group consists of an Event and Enable register. The outputs of the Channel
Summary registers are logically-ORed into the Channel SUMmary bit (2) of the Status Byte register.
Register
Event

Command
STAT:CSUM:EVEN?

Description
A read-only register that latches any condition from all
channels. It is cleared when read.
A read/write register that functions as a mask for enabling
specific bits in the Enable register.

Questionable Status Group
The Questionable Status registers record signals that indicate abnormal operation of the electronic load
from all of the channels. The group consists of the same type of registers as the Channel Status group.
The outputs of the Questionable Status group are logically-ORed into the QUEStionable summary bit (3)
of the Status Byte register.
Register
Condition

Command
STAT:QUES:COND?

STAT:QUES:EVEN?

Description
A read-only register that holds real-time logically ORed status
of all channels of the mainframe.
A read-only register that latches any condition. It is cleared
when read.
A read/write register that functions as a mask for enabling
specific bits in the Enable register.

Standard Event Status Group
This group consists of an Event register and an Enable register that are programmed by Common
commands. The Standard Event event register latches events relating to instrument communication
status (see figure 3-4). It is a read-only register that is cleared when read. The Standard Event enable
register functions similarly to the enable registers of the Operation and Questionable status groups.

3 - Programming Examples
Command
*ESE
*PSC ON
*ESR?

Action
programs specific bits in the Standard Event enable register.
clears the Standard Event enable register at power-on.
reads and clears the Standard Event event register.

The PON (Power On) Bit
The PON bit in the Standard Event event register is set whenever the electronic load is turned on. The
most common use for PON is to generate an SRQ at power-on following an unexpected loss of power. To
do this, bit 7 of the Standard Event enable register must be set so that a power-on event registers in the
ESB (Standard Event Summary Bit), bit 5 of the Service Request Enable register must be set to permit an
SRQ to be generated, and *PSC OFF must be sent. The commands to accomplish these conditions are:
*PSC OFF

Operation Status Group
The Operation Status registers record signals that occur during normal operation. As shown below, the
group consists of a Condition, PTR/NTR, Event, and Enable register. The outputs of the Operation Status
register group are logically-ORed into the OPER(ation) summary bit (7) of the Status Byte register.
Register
Condition

Command
STAT:OPER:COND?

STAT:OPER:EVEN?

Description
A read-only register that holds real-time status of the circuits
being monitored.
A read/write positive transition filter that functions as described
in chapter 4 under STAT:OPER:NTR|PTR.
A read/write negative transition filter that functions as
described in chapter 4 under STAT:OPER:NTR|PTR.
A read-only register that latches any condition that is passed
through the PTR or NTR filters. It is cleared when read.
A read/write register that functions as a mask for enabling
specific bits from the Event register.

Status Byte Register
This register summarizes the information from all other status groups as defined in the IEEE 488.2
Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation. The bit configuration is shown in Table 3-1.
Command
*STB?
serial poll

Action
reads the data in the register but does not clear it (returns MSS in bit 6)
clears RQS inside the register and returns it in bit position 6 of the response.

The MSS Bit
This is a real-time (unlatched) summary of all Status Byte register bits that are enabled by the Service
Request Enable register. MSS is set whenever the electronic load has one or more reasons for
requesting service. *STB? reads the MSS in bit position 6 of the response but does not clear any of the
bits in the Status Byte register.
The RQS Bit
The RQS bit is a latched version of the MSS bit. Whenever the electronic load requests service, it sets
the SRQ interrupt line true and latches RQS into bit 6 of the Status Byte register. When the controller
does a serial poll, RQS is cleared inside the register and returned in bit position 6 of the response. The
remaining bits of the Status Byte register are not disturbed.

Programming Examples - 3
The MAV Bit and Output Queue
The Output Queue is a first-in, first-out (FIFO) data register that stores electronic load-to-controller
messages until the controller reads them. Whenever the queue holds one or more bytes, it sets the MAV
bit (4) of the Status Byte register.

Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt
You can determine the reason for an SRQ by the following actions:
Step 1

Determine which summary bits are active. Use:
*STB?

Read the corresponding Event register for each summary bit to determine which events
caused the summary bit to be set. Use:
STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt?
STATus:OPERation:EVENt?
ESR?
When an Event register is read, it is cleared. This also clears the corresponding summary
bit.

Remove the specific condition that caused the event. If this is not possible, the event may
be disabled by programming the corresponding bit of the status group Enable register or
NTR|PTR filter if there is one. A faster way to prevent the interrupt is to disable the service
request by programming the appropriate bit of the Service Request Enable register

Servicing Standard Event Status and Questionable Status Events
This example assumes you want a service request generated whenever the electronic load experiences
a command execution error, or whenever the electronic load's overcurrent, overpower, or
overtemperature circuits have tripped. From figure 3-4, note the required path for a condition at bit 4
(EXE) of the Standard Event Status register to set bit 6 (RQS) of the Status Byte register. Also note the
required path for Questionable Status conditions at bits 1, 3, and 4 to generate a service request (RQS)
at the Status Byte register. The required register programming is as follows:
Step 1

Program the Standard Event Status register to enable an event at bit 4. This allows the
event to be summed into the ESB bit of the Status Byte Register. Use:
*ESE 4

Program the Questionable Status register to allow an event at bits 1, 3, or 4 to be summed
into the Questionable summary bit. Use:
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle 26

Program the Service Request Enable register to allow both the Standard Event Status and
the Questionable summary bits from the Status Byte register to generate RQS. Use:
*SRE 40

(2 + 8 + 16 = 26)

When you service the request, read the event registers to determine which Operation
Status and Questionable Status Event register bits are set, and clear the registers for the
next event. Use:
STATus:OPERation:EVENt;QUEStionable:EVENt?

3 - Programming Examples

Programming Examples
NOTE:

Because of the wide variety of input ratings between load modules, not all of the values
used in the following programming examples will work with every module.

CC Mode Example
This example selects channel 1, sets the current level to 1.25 A and reads back the actual current value.
10 OUTPUT 705; "CHAN 1"
20 OUTPUT 705;"INPUT OFF"
30 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC CURR"
40 OUTPUT 705;"CURR:RANG MIN"
50 OUTPUT 705;"CURR 1.25"
60 OUTPUT 705;"INPUT ON"
70 OUTPUT 705;"MEAS:CURR?"
80 ENTER 705;A
90 DISP A
100 END
Line 10:
Line 20:
Line 30:
Line 40:
Line 50:
Line 60:
Line 70:
Line 80:
Line 90:

Selects the channel 1 module.
Turns off the input.
Selects the CC mode.
Selects the low current range.
Sets the current level to 1.25 amps.
Turns on the input.
Measures the actual input current and stores it in a buffer inside the electronic load.
Reads the input current value into variable A in the computer.
Displays the measured current value on the computer's display.

CV Mode Example
This example selects channel 2, presets the voltage level to 10 volts, and selects the external trigger
source. When the external trigger signal is received, the channel 2 CV level will be set to 10 volts.
10 OUTPUT 705; "CHAN 2;:INPUT OFF"
20 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC VOLT"
30 OUTPUT 705;"VOLT 0"
40 OUTPUT 705;"VOLT:TRIG 10"
50 OUTPUT 705;"TRIG:SOUR EXT"
60 OUTPUT 705;"INPUT ON"
70 END
Line 10:
Line 20:
Line 30:
Line 40:
Line 50:
Line 60:

Selects channel 2 and turns off the input.
Selects the CV mode.
Sets the initial voltage level to 0 volts.
Sets the triggered voltage level to 10 volts.
Selects the external input as the trigger source.
Turns on the channel 2 input.

Programming Examples - 3

CR Mode Example
This example selects channel 1, sets the current protection limit to 2 amps, programs the resistance level
to 100 ohms, and reads back the computed power.
10 OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 1;:INPUT OFF"
20 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC RES"
30 OUTPUT 705;"CURR:PROT:LEV 2;DEL 0.5"
40 OUTPUT 705;"CURR:PROT:STAT ON"
50 OUTPUT 705;"RES:RANG MAX"
60 OUTPUT 705;"RES 1000"
70 OUTPUT 705;”INPUT ON"
80 OUTPUT 705;”MEAS:POW?"
90 ENTER 705;A
100 DISP A
110 END

Line 10:
Line 20:
Line 30:
Line 40:
Line 50:
Line 60:
Line 70:
Line 80:
Line 90:
Line 100:

Selects channel 1 and turns off the input.
Selects the CR mode.
Sets the current protection limit to 2 amps with a trip delay of 5 seconds.
Enables the current protection feature.
Selects the high resistance range.
Sets the resistance level to 1000 ohms.
Turns on the input.
Reads the computed input power value and stores it in a buffer inside the electronic load.
Reads the computed input power level into variable A in the computer.
Displays the computed input power level on the computer's display.

Continuous Transient Operation Example
This example selects channel 2, sets the CC levels and programs the slew, frequency, and duty cycle
parameters for continuous transient operation.
10 OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 2;:INPUT OFF"
20 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC CURR"
30 OUTPUT 705;"CURR 1"
40 OUTPUT 705;"CURR:TLEV 2;SLEW MAX"
50 OUTPUT 705;"TRAN:MODE CONT;FREQ 5000;DCYC 40"
60 OUTPUT 705;"TRAN ON;:INPUT ON"
70 END

Line 10:
Line 20:
Line 30:
Line 40:
Line 50:

Selects channel 2 and turns the input off
Selects the CC mode.
Sets the main current level to 1 ampere.
Sets the transient current level to 2 amps and the slew rate to maximum.
Selects continuous transient operation, sets the transient generator frequency to 5 kHz, and sets the duty
cycle to 40%.
Line 60: Turns on the transient generator and the input.

3 - Programming Examples

Pulsed Transient Operation Example
This example selects channel 1, sets the CR levels, selects the bus as the trigger source, sets the fastest
slew rate, programs a pulse width of 1 millisecond, and turns on transient operation. When the *TRG
command is received, a 1 millisecond pulse is generated at the channel 1 input.
10 OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 1;:INPUT OFF"
20 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC RES"
30 OUTPUT 705;"RES:RANG MAX; LEV 1000"
40 OUTPUT 705;"RES:TLEV 2000"
50 OUTPUT 705;"TRIG:SOUR BUS"
60 OUTPUT 705;"RES:SLEW MAX"
70 OUTPUT 705;"TRAN:MODE PULS;TWID .001"
80 OUTPUT 705;"TRAN ON;:INPUT ON"
200 OUTPUT 705;"*TRG"
210 END

Line 10:
Line 20:
Line 30:
Line 40:
Line 50:
Line 60:
Line 70:
Line 80:

Selects channel 1 and turns the input off.
Selects the CR mode.
Selects the high resistance range and sets the main resistance level to 100 ohms.
Sets the transient resistance level to 50 ohms.
Selects the HP-IB as the trigger source.
Sets the CR slew rate to the maximum value.
Selects pulsed transient operation and sets the pulse width to 1 millisecond.
Turns on the transient generator and the input.
Other commands are executed

Line 200: The *TRG command generates a 1 millisecond pulse at the channel 1 input.

Synchronous Toggled Transient Operation Example
This example programs channels 1 and 2 to generate synchronous transient waveforms. The channels
can then be paralleled for increased current input. Each channel is set up to operate in the CC mode with
toggled transient operation turned on. The electronic load's internal trigger oscillator is set up to produce
trigger pulses at a frequency of 2 kHz in order to generate synchronous waveforms at the channel 1 and
channel 2 inputs.
10 OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 1;:INPUT OFF"
20 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC CURR"
30 OUTPUT 705;"CURR 25"
40 OUTPUT 705;"CURR:TLEV 50; SLEW MAX"
50 OUTPUT 705;"TRAN:MODE TOGG"
60 OUTPUT 705; "CHAN 2;:INPUT OFF"
70 OUTPUT 705;"FUNC CURR"
80 OUTPUT 705; "CURR 25"
90 OUTPUT 705; "CURR:TLEV 50; SLEW MAX"
100 OUTPUT 705;"TRAN:MODE TOGG"
110 OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 1;:TRAN ON;:INPUT ON;:CHAN 2;:TRAN ON;:INPUT ON"
120 OUTPUT 705;"TRIG:TIM .0005"
130 OUTPUT 705; "TRIG:SOUR TIM"
140 END

Programming Examples - 3
Line 10:
Line 20:
Line 30:
Line 40:
Line 50:
Line 60:
Line 70:
Line 80:
Line 90:
Line 100:
Line 110:
Line 120:
Line 130:

Selects channel 1 and turns the input off.
Selects the CC mode.
Sets the main current level to 25 A.
Sets the transient current level to 50 A and the slew rate to maximum.
Selects toggled transient operation.
Selects channel 2 and turns the input off.
Selects the CC mode.
Sets the main current level to 25 A.
Sets the transient current level to 50 A and the slew to maximum.
Selects toggled transient operation.
Enables transient operation and turns on the input on channels 1 and 2.
Sets the internal trigger oscillator frequency to 2 kHz (period of pulses = 0.0005).
Selects the electronic load's internal oscillator as the trigger source. The oscillator starts running as
soon as this line is executed.

Battery Testing Example
The principal measurement of a battery's performance is its rated capacity. The capacity of a fully
charged battery, at a fixed temperature, is defined as the product of the rated discharge current in
amperes and the discharge time in hours, to a specified minimum termination voltage in volts (see figure
3-5). A battery is considered completely discharged when it reaches the specified minimum voltage called
the "end of discharge voltage" (EODV).

Figure 3-5. Typical Discharge Curve
In this example, the electronic load discharges three nickel-cadmium batteries to determine their
discharge rates at a fixed temperature (see Figure 3-6). The batteries are connected in series so that
when the EODV is reached, it is still above the minimum operating voltage of the electronic load. The
EODV for nickel-cadmium batteries is typically 1.0 volts.

3 - Programming Examples

Figure 3-6. Batteries in Series
Battery Test Example Program
l0
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
l00
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300

! Battery Test Example Program
!
Eodv=l.0
! End of discharge voltage for single cell
Number_of_cells=3
! Number of cells to be discharged in series
Discharge_at=.05
! Constant current discharge rate in amperes
!
OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 1;:INPUT OFF"
! Selects Chan 1; Disables input
OUTPUT 705;"FUNCTION CURRENT"
! Sets CC mode
OUTPUT 705;"CURRENT:LEVEL";Discharge_at
! Sets the CC level
OUTPUT 705;"INPUT ON"
! Enables the input
!
Start_time=TIMEDATE
! Records test start time
!
Start_test:
! Starts test routine that
OUTPUT 705;"MEASURE:VOLTAGE?"
! continuously measures and reads
ENTER 705;Sum_of_volts
! back the voltage and current
OUTPUT 705;"MEASURE:CURRENT?"
! until batteries are completely
ENTER 705;Actual_current
! discharged
!
PRINT "Total cell voltage: ";Sum_of_volts
PRINT "Actual current: ";Actual_current
PRINT "Elapsed time in seconds: ";TIMEDATE-Start_time
!
IF Sum_of_volts>(Number_of_cells*Eodv) THEN GOTO Start_test
!
Checks if the total voltage is less than the
!
sum of the minimum cell voltages of all cells
!
OUTPUT 705;"INPUT OFF"
! Disables the input
!
END

Programming Examples - 3

Power Supply Testing Example
A typical use for electronic loads when testing power supplies involves power supply burn-in. One of the
problems associated with burn-in is what to do if the power supply fails before the test is over. One
solution involves continuously monitoring the supply and removing the load if the supply fails during the
test (see figure 3-7).
In this example, the electronic load is used to burn-in a power supply at its rated output current. Because
the electronic load is operating in CC mode, if the power supply's output current drops below the rated
output current during the test, the UNR (unregulated) condition will be set on the electronic load. This can
be used to indicate that a failure has occurred on the power supply. If the unregulated condition persists
for a specified time, the inputs of the electronic load are turned off.
The purpose of this example is not to illustrate power supply testing, but to explain how to program and
use the status registers on the electronic load. The part of the program that runs the test simply monitors
the supply at the rated output current for one hour and stops the test. You can replace this portion of the
program with your own routine to test the power supply. Although SRQ (service request) is enabled to
interrupt only on the UNR bit in this example, you can modify the program to interrupt on other conditions.

Figure 3-7. Typical Burn-In Test
Power Supply Test Example Program
l0
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
l00
110
120
130
140
l50
160
170
180
190
200
210
220

! Power Supply Test Example Program
!
Current=10
! Load current in amperes
Burn_in_time=36000
! One hour burn-in time
!
ON INTR 7 GOSUB Srq_service
! Set up interrupt linkage
ENABLE INTR 7;2
! Enable interrupts for SRQs
!
! Selects Chan 1; Disables input
OUTPUT 705;"CHAN 1;:INPUT OFF"
OUTPUT 705;"*SRE 4"
! Enable SRQ (SRQ enable for CSUM)
OUTPUT 705;"STAT:CSUM:ENAB 2"
! Enable Chan 1 (channel summary)
OUTPUT 705;"STAT:CHAN:ENAB l024"
! Enable UNR bit (channel status)
OUTPUT 705;"FUNCTION CURRENT"
! Sets CC mode
OUTPUT 705;"CURRENT:LEVEL";Current
! Sets the CC level
OUTPUT 705;"INPUT ON"
! Enables the input
!
PRINT "Burn-in test started at ";TIME$(TIMEDATE)
!
FOR I=1 TO Burn_in_time
! Loop on wait You can write your
WAIT .1
! own power supply test routine and
NEXT I
! insert it in this section
!

3 - Programming Examples
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370
380
390
400
410
420
430
440
450
460
470
480
490
500

OUTPUT 705;"INPUT OFF"
! Disables the input at end of test
PRINT "Burn-in test complete at ";TIME$(TIMEDATE)
STOP
!
Srq_service
! Service request subroutine
Load_status=SPOLL(705)
! Conduct serial poll
IF BIT(Load_status, 6) THEN
! Check if SRQ bit is set
GOSUB Check_unr
ELSE
PRINT "A condition other than UNR generated SRQ at ";TIME$(TIMEDATE)
END IF
! You can also check the other bits
ENABLE INTR 7
! Re-enable interrupts before return
RETURN
!
Check_unr
! Check if UNR bit still set
WAIT 1
! Wait 1 s before reading UNR bit
OUTPUT 705;"STAT:CHAN:COND?"
! Read channel condition register
ENTER 705;Value
IF Bit(Value, l0)=0 THEN
! Return value for UNR bit only
OUTPUT 705;"*CLS"
! If 0, clear channel event register
PRINT "UNR was momentarily asserted at ";TIME$(TIMEDATE)
ELSE
OUTPUT 705;"INPUT OFF"
! Disables the inputs
PRINT "UNR is asserted at ";TIME$(TIMEDATE);" Input is turned off"
STOP
END IF
RETURN
END

C++ Programming Example
This program demonstrates the use of lists and triggered measurements in a Keysight N3300A Electronic
Load. The load is programmed to step through three values of current at 1 second intervals. At each
current step, the load measures its own current by sampling it 50 times at 10 microsecond intervals. The
program reads back all of the data, averages the 50 samples for each of the three current steps, and
outputs the results. After each current step, the measurement is delayed by 100us to allow the current to
settle.
#include
#include
#include "sicl.h"
#define MEAS_BUF_SIZE 4096 /* Size of measurement buffer in load. */
/* SICL error handler */
void ErrorHandler(INST id, int error)
{
printf("SICL error %d\n", error);
exit(1);
}
/* Each triggered measurement consists of nPoints samples. If multiple
* triggered measurements are taken, all of the samples (nPoints times the
* number of measurements) are placed in the load's measurement buffer.
* This function averages the samples in the buffer that are associated
* with one triggered measurement. When nIndex is 0, the first set of
* nPoints samples are averaged; when nIndex is 1, the 2nd set of nPoints
* samples are averaged; etc.
*/

Programming Examples - 3
double Average(double *pData, int nPoints, int nIndex)
{
int nStart, nEnd, i;
double dSum = 0.0;
nStart = nIndex * nPoints;
nEnd = nStart + nPoints;
for (i = nStart; i < nEnd; ++i)
dSum += pData[i];
return dSum / nPoints;
}
void main(int argc, char **argv)
{
INST
Load;
int
i, nListSteps, nTotalPoints;
double aMeasData[MEAS_BUF_SIZE];
/* This array contains the load current values, in Amps. */
double aListData[] = {0.5, 1.0, 1.5};
/* The current steps occur at 1 sec intervals. */
double dListPeriod = 1.0;
/* 50 measurement samples are taken at each current step. */
int
nMeasPoints = 50;
/* The measurement samples are taken at 10us intervals. */
double dMeasPeriod = 10e-6;
/* The measurements are delayed by 100us after each current step. */
double dMeasDelay = 100e-6;
/* The total number of measurement samples may not exceed the size of
* the load's measurement buffer.
*/
nListSteps = sizeof(aListData) / sizeof(aListData[0]);
nTotalPoints = nMeasPoints * nListSteps;
if (nTotalPoints > MEAS_BUF_SIZE) {
printf("Total number of measurement points exceeds buffer size.\n");
exit(1);
}
/* Set up the SICL error handler. */
ionerror(ErrorHandler);
/* Assume the load is set to the address shown here. */
Load = iopen("hpib7,5");
itimeout(Load, 10000);
/* Put the load current into List mode. */
iprintf(Load, "curr:mode list\n");
/* Send the list of currents to the load. */
iprintf(Load, "list:curr %.4,*lf\n", nListSteps, aListData);
/* Since current is in List mode, all parameters associated with current
* must also have lists programmed. All lists must be of the same
* length, or they may have a single value as shown below.
*/
iprintf(Load, "list:curr:slew max\n");
iprintf(Load, "list:curr:range max\n");
iprintf(Load, "list:curr:tlevel 0\n");

3 - Programming Examples
/* We are using trigger-paced lists, so set the list of dwell times to
* minimum so no triggers are lost.
*/
iprintf(Load, "list:dwell min\n");
/* Set trigger-paced lists. */
iprintf(Load, "list:step once\n");
/* Set up the
iprintf(Load,
iprintf(Load,
iprintf(Load,

parameters for each triggered measurement. */
"sense:sweep:points %d\n", nMeasPoints);
"sense:sweep:tinterval %lf\n", dMeasPeriod);
"sense:sweep:offset %lf\n", dMeasDelay);

/* Make sure the load's trigger timer is off by setting the trigger
* source to something else.
*/
iprintf(Load, "trig:source bus\n");
/* Set the period of the trigger timer. */
iprintf(Load, "trig:timer %lf\n", dListPeriod);
/* Set the measurement trigger count, so the measurement system can
* be triggered multiple times (by the timer) after being initiated
* only once.
*/
iprintf(Load, "trig:seq2:count %d\n", nListSteps);
/* Initiate the list system and the measurement system. */
iprintf(Load, "init:name list\n");
iprintf(Load, "init:name acq\n");
/* Set the trigger source to Timer. This also starts the timer, so
* execution of the load current list and measurements will start here.
*/
iprintf(Load, "trig:source timer\n");
/* Fetch the array of data. The iscanf() call will not return until
* all measurements are complete and the data is available.
*/
iprintf(Load, "fetch:array:curr?\n");
iflush(Load, I_BUF_READ);
iscanf(Load, "%,#lf", &nTotalPoints, &aMeasData);
/* For each list step, average the measurement samples and output the
* results.
*/
for (i = 0; i < nListSteps; ++i)
printf("%8.3lf\n", Average(aMeasData, nMeasPoints, i));

/* To output all the measurement samples, uncomment this loop.
*/
for (i = 0; i < nTotalPoints; ++i)
printf("%8.3lf\n", aMeasData[i]);

4
Language Dictionary
Introduction
This section gives the syntax and parameters for all the IEEE 488.2 SCPI subsystem and common
commands used by the electronic loads. It is assumed that you are familiar with the material in chapter 2
"Introduction to Programming". Because the SCPI syntax remains the same for all programming
languages, the examples given for each command are generic.
Syntax Forms

Syntax definitions use the long form, but only short form headers (or "keywords")
appear in the examples. Use the long form to help make your program selfdocumenting.

Most commands require a parameter and all queries will return a parameter. The
range for a parameter may vary according to the model of electronic load. Parameters
for all models are listed in the Specifications table in the User’s Guide.

If a command only applies to individual channels of a mainframe, the entry Channel
Selectable will appear in the command description.

Related
Commands

Where appropriate, related commands or queries are included. These are listed
because they are either directly related by function, or because reading about them
will clarify or enhance your understanding of the original command or query.

Order of
Presentation

The dictionary is organized as follows:
 Subsystem commands, arranged by subsystem
 IEEE 488.2 common commands

Subsystem Commands
Subsystem commands are specific to functions. They can be a single command or a group of commands.
The groups are comprised of commands that extend one or more levels below the root. The description
of common commands follows the description of the subsystem commands.
The subsystem command groups are arranged according to function: Calibration, Channel, Input, List,
Measurement, Port, Status, System, Transient, and Trigger. Commands under each function are grouped
alphabetically under the subsystem. Commands followed by a question mark (?) take only the query
form. When commands take both the command and query form, this is noted in the syntax descriptions.
Appendix A lists all subsystem commands in alphabetical order.

4 - Language Dictionary

Common Commands
Common commands begin with an * and consist of three letters (command) or three letters and a ?
(query). They are defined by the IEEE 488.2 standard to perform common interface functions. Common
commands and queries are categorized under System, Status, or Trigger functions and are listed at the
end of this chapter.

Programming Parameters
The following table lists the electronic load programming parameters. Refer to Appendix A of the User's
Guide for programming accuracy and resolution.
Table 4-1. Programming Parameters
Parameter
CURR
CURR:TLEV
CURR:TRIG
CURR:RANG
CURR:SLEW
(amperes/second)
RES
RES:TLEV
RES:TRIG

Code1
L
H
L
H
B
1
2
3
4

N3302A
0 - 3A
0 - 30A

N3303A
0 - 1A
0 - 10A

≥0 & ≤3A
>3 & ≤30A

≥0 & ≤1A
>1 & ≤10A

500 - 25kA/s
50k - 2.5MA/s

Model and Value
N3304A
N3305A
0 - 6A
0 - 6A
0 - 60A
0 - 60A
≥0 & ≤6A
>6 & ≤60A

167 - 8330A/s
1k - 50kA/s
16.7k - 833kA/s 100k - 5MA/s

0.067 - 4Ω
0.2 - 48Ω
3.6 - 40Ω
44 - 480Ω
36 - 400Ω
440 - 4.8kΩ
360 - 2kΩ
4.4k - 12kΩ
≥0 & ≤4Ω
≥0 & ≤48Ω
>4& ≤40Ω
>48&≤480Ω
>40 & ≤400Ω >480&≤4.8kΩ
>400 & ≤2kΩ >4.8k&≤12kΩ

0.033 - 2Ω
1.8 - 20Ω
18 - 200Ω
180 - 2kΩ
≥0 & ≤2Ω
>2&≤20Ω
>20&≤200Ω
>200& ≤2kΩ

≥0 & ≤6A
>6 & ≤60A
1k - 50kA/s
100k - 5MA/s

N3306A
0 - 12A
0 - 120A

N3307A
0 - 3A
0 - 30A

≥0 & ≤12A
>12 & ≤120A

≥0 & ≤3A
>3 & ≤30A

2k - 100kA/s
200k - 10MA/s

0.033 - 5Ω
0.017 - 1Ω
4.5 - 50Ω
0.9 - 10Ω
45 - 500Ω
9 - 100Ω
450 - 2.5kΩ
90 - 1kΩ
≥0 & ≤5Ω
≥0 & ≤1Ω
>5 & ≤50Ω
>1 & ≤10Ω
>50 & ≤500Ω >10 & ≤100Ω
>500&≤2.5kΩ >100 & ≤1kΩ

500 - 25kA/s
50k - 2.5MA/s

0.067 - 10Ω
9 - 100Ω
90 - 1kΩ
900 - 2.5kΩ
≥0 & ≤10Ω
>10 & ≤100Ω
>100 & ≤1kΩ
>1k & ≤2.5kΩ

RES:SLEW
(ohms/second)

44 - 1125Ω/s
2250 - 34kΩ/s

540 - 13.5kΩ/s
27k - 408kΩ/s

22 - 560Ω/s
1120 - 17kΩ/s

55 - 1400Ω/s
2800 -42.5kΩ/s

11 - 280Ω/s
560 - 8.5kΩ/s

110 - 2800Ω/s
5600 - 85kΩ/s

440-11.25kΩ/s
22.5k-340kΩ/s
4.4k-112.5kΩ/s
225k- 3.4MΩ/s
44k-1.125MΩ/s
2.25M-34MΩ/s

5.4k - 135kΩ/s
270k-4.08MΩ/s
54k - 1.35MΩ/s
2.7M- 40.8MΩ/s
540k- 13.5MΩ/s
27M - 408MΩ/s

220 - 5600Ω/s
11.2k-170kΩ/s
2.2k - 56kΩ/s
112k-1.7MΩ/s
22k - 560kΩ/s
1.12M- 17MΩ/s

550 - 14kΩ/s
28k - 425kΩ/s
5.5k - 140kΩ/s
280k-4.25MΩ/s
55k - 1.4MΩ/s
2.8M-42.5MΩ/s

110 - 2800Ω/s
5600 - 85kΩ/s
1.1k - 28kΩ/s
56k - 850kΩ/s
11k - 280kΩ/s
560k - 8.5MΩ/s

1.1k - 28kΩ/s
56k - 850kΩ/s
11k - 280kΩ/s
560k - 8.5MΩ/s
110k - 2.8MΩ/s
5.6M - 85MΩ/s

0 - 24V
0 - 240V

0 - 15V
0 - 150V

0 - 15V
0 - 150V

≥0 & ≤6V
>6 & ≤60V

≥0 & ≤24V
>24 & ≤240V

≥0 & ≤6V
>6 & ≤60V

≥0 & ≤15V
>15& ≤150V

≥0 & ≤6V
>6 & ≤60V

≥0 & ≤15V
>15& ≤150V

3
4
VOLT
VOLT:TLEV
VOLT:TRIG
VOLT:RANG

VOLT:SLEW
(volts/second)
CURR:PROT 2
CURR:PROT:DEL
TRAN:FREQ
TRAN:DCYC
TRAN:TWID
TRIG:TIM
TRIG:DEL
1

1k - 50kV/s
4k - 200kV/s
100k - 500kV/s 400k - 2MV/s

1k - 50kV/s
100k - 500kV/s

2.5k - 125kV/s 1k - 50kV/s
250k -1.25MV/s 100k - 500kV/s

0 - 61.2A
0 - 60s
0.25Hz - 10kHz
1.8% - 98.2%
50µs - 4s
8µs - 4s
0 - 0.032s

2.5k - 125kV/s
250k -1.25MV/s

Code: L = Low range
1 = Resistance range 1
3 = Resistance range 3
H = High range
2 = Resistance range 2
4 = Resistance range 4
B = Both ranges
2
CURR:PROT - A fixed offset equivalent to 1% of the unit’s full-scale rated current (H) is automatically added to the programmed value. So, for
example, if you are programming the current protection of an N3306A to 100A, the actual setting will be 101.2A (programmed value + 1% of full-scale
rated current).

Language Dictionary - 4

Calibration Commands
Calibration commands let you:
 Enable and disable the calibration mode
 Change the calibration password
 Calibrate the input functions, current monitor offset and gain, and store new calibration constants
in nonvolatile memory.

CALibrate:DATA
This command is only used in calibration mode. It enters a calibration value that you obtain by reading an
external meter. You must first select a calibration level (with CALibrate:LEVel) for the value being
entered. These constants are not stored in nonvolatile memory until they are saved with CALibrate:SAVE.
If CALibrate:STATE OFF is programmed without a CALibrate:SAVE, the previous calibration constants
are restored.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

CALibrate:DATA {,,}

CAL:DATA 3222.3
CAL:DATA 5.000
CAL:STAT CAL:SAV

CALibrate:IMON:LEVel
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It is used to set the two calibration points of the
analog current monitor signal.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

CALibrate:IMON:LEVel
P1 | P2
CAL:LEV P2
CAL:STAT CAL:SAV

CALibrate:IPR:LEVel
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It is used to set the four calibration points for
calibrating the gains of the analog current monitor signal and the analog current programming signal.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

CALibrate:IPRog:LEVel
P1 | P2 | P3 | P4
CAL:LEV P2
CAL:STAT CAL:SAV

CALibrate:LEVel
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It is used to set the two calibration points of the
presently selected FUNCtion and RANGe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

CALibrate:LEVel
P1 | P2
CAL:LEV P2
CAL:STAT CAL:SAV

4 - Language Dictionary

CALibrate:PASSword
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It allows you to change the calibration password.
The new password is not saved until you send the CALibrate:SAVE command. If the password is set to 0,
password protection is removed and the ability to enter the calibration mode is unrestricted.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

CALibrate:PASSword
0 (default)
CAL:PASS N3301A
CAL:PASS 02.1997
CAL:STAT

CALibrate:SAVE
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It saves any new calibration constants (after a
current or voltage calibration procedure has been completed) in nonvolatile memory.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

CALibrate:SAVE
None
CAL:SAVE
CAL:STAT

CALibrate:STATe
This command enables and disables calibration mode. The calibration mode must be enabled before the
load will accept any other calibration commands. The first parameter specifies the enabled or disabled
state. The second parameter is the password. It is required if the calibration mode is being enabled and
the existing password is not 0. If the password is not entered or is incorrect, an error is generated and the
calibration mode remains disabled. The query statement returns only the state, not the password.
Whenever the calibration state is changed from enabled to disabled, any new calibration constants are
lost unless they have been stored with CALibrate:SAVE.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

CALibrate:STATe [,]
0 | 1 | OFF | ON [,]
OFF
CAL:STAT 1, N3301A CAL:STAT OFF
CALibrate:STATe?

CAL:PASS CAL:SAVE

Language Dictionary - 4

Channel Commands
These commands program the channel selection capability of the electronic load. The CHANnel and
INSTrument commands are equivalent.

CHANnel
INSTrument
These commands select the multiple electronic load channel to which all subsequent channel-specific
commands will be directed. If the specified channel number does not exist or is outside the MIN/MAX
range, an error code is generated (see appendix C). Refer to the installation section of the User's Guide
for more information about channel number assignments.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters

CHANnel[:LOAD]
INSTrument[:LOAD]
1-6
1
CHAN:LOAD 3
INST 2
CHANnel? (NOTE: Use CHAN? MAX to return the number of
channels installed in a load mainframe)

4 - Language Dictionary

Input Commands
These commands control the input of the electronic load. The INPut and OUTput commands are
equivalent. The CURRent, RESistance and VOLTage commands program the actual input current,
resistance, and voltage.

[SOURce:]INPut
[SOURce:]OUTPut
Channel Specific
These commands enable or disable the electronic load inputs. The state of a disabled input is a high
impedance condition.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]INPut[:STATe]
[SOURce:]OUTPut[:STATe]
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
ON
INP 1
OUTP:STAT ON
INPut[:STATe]?
OUTPut[:STATe]?
0|1
*RCL *SAV

[SOURce:]INPut:PROTection:CLEar
[SOURce:]OUTput:PROTection:CLEar
Channel Specific
These commands clear the latch that disables the input when a protection condition such as overvoltage
(OV) or overcurrent (OC) is detected. All conditions that generated the fault must be removed before the
latch can be cleared. The input is then restored to the state it was in before the fault condition occurred.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

[SOURce:]INPut:PROTection:CLEar
[SOURce:]OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar
None
OUTP:PROT:CLE
OUTP:PROT:DEL *SAV *RCL

[SOURce:]INPut:SHORt
[SOURce:]OUTPut:SHORt
Channel Specific
This command programs the specified electronic load module to the maximum current that it can sink in
the present operating range.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]INPut:SHORt
[SOURce:]OUTPut:SHORt
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
OFF
INP:SHOR 1
OUTP:SHOR ON
INPut:SHORt?
0|1
INP
OUTP

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]CURRent
Channel Specific
This command sets the current that the load will regulate when operating in constant current mode. Refer
to Table 4-1 for model-specific programming ranges.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
MINimum
CURR 5
CURR:LEV .5
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?

CURR:TLEV
CURR:MODE

[SOURce:]CURRent:MODE
Channel Specific
This command determines whether the current settings are controlled by values in a list or by the
CURRent command setting.
FIXed
LIST

The current settings are determined by the CURRent command.
The current settings are determined by the active list.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:MODE
FIXed | LIST
FIXed
CURR:MODE FIX
[SOURce:]CURRent:MODE?

CURR: CURR:TRIG

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection
Channel Specific
This command sets the soft current protection level. If the input current exceeds the soft current
protection level for the time specified by CURR:PROT:DEL, the input is turned off. Refer to Table 4-1 for
model-specific programming ranges. (Use CURR:PROT:DEL to prevent momentary current limit
conditions caused by programmed changes from tripping the overcurrent protection.)
NOTE:

A fixed offset equivalent to 1% of the unit’s full-scale rated current is automatically added to the
programmed value. So, for example, if you are programming the current protection of an
N3306A to 100A, the actual setting will be 101.2A (programmed value + 1% of rated current).
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
MAXimum
CURR:PROT 10
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection?

CURR:PROT:DEL CURR:PROT:STAT

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay
Channel Specific
This command specifies the time that the input current can exceed the protection level before the input is
turned off.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay
0 to 60 seconds
seconds
0
CURR:PROT:DEL .5
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay?

CURR:PROT CURR:PROT:STAT

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe
Channel Specific
This command enables or disables the over-current protection feature.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
OFF
CURR:PROT:STAT 1
CURR:PROT:STAT ON
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe?

[SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe
Channel Specific
This command sets the current range of the electronic load module. There are two current ranges.
High Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
Low Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
When you program a range value, the load automatically selects the range that corresponds to the value
that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the load selects the range with the
highest resolution.
NOTE:

When this command is executed, the IMMediate, TRANsient, TRIGgered, and SLEW
current settings are adjusted as follows:
If the existing settings are within the new range:
No adjustment is made.
If the existing settings are outside the new range:
The levels are set to the
maximum value of the new range.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
MAXimum (high range)
SOUR:CURR:RANGE MIN
[SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe?

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate for all programmed changes in the input current level of the electronic
load. This command programs both positive and negative going slew rates. Although any slew rate value
may be entered, the electronic load selects a slew rate that is closest to the programmed value.
MAXimum sets the slew to the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate. Slew
rates less than the minimum value are set to MINimum. Slew rates greater than the maximum value are
set to MAXimum.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW[:BOTH]
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
A (amps per second)
MAXimum
CURR:SLEW 50
CURR:SLEW MAX
[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW[:BOTH]?

CURR:SLEW:NEG CURR:SLEW:POS

[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate of the current for negative going transitions. MAXimum sets the slew to
the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
A (amps per second)
MAXimum
CURR:SLEW:NEG 50
CURR:SLEW:NEG MAX
[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative?

[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:POSitive
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate of the current for positive going transitions. MAXimum sets the slew to
the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:POSitive
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
A (amps per second)
MAXimum
CURR:SLEW:POS 50
CURR:SLEW:POS MAX
[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:POSitive?

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]CURRent:TLEVel
Channel Specific
This command specifies the transient level of the input current. The transient function switches between
the immediate setting and the transient level. Refer to Table 4-1 for model-specific programming ranges.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent:TLEVel
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
MAXimum
CURR:TLEV 5
CURR:TLEV .5
[SOURce:]CURRent:TLEVel?

[SOURce:]CURRent:TRIGgered
Channel Specific
This command sets the current level that will become active when the next trigger occurs.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]
refer to Specifications Table in User’s Guide
A (amperes)
MINimum
CURR:TRIG 15
[SOURce:]CURRent:TRIG?
(if the trigger level is not programmed, the immediate
level is returned)
CURR: CURR:MODE

[SOURce:]FUNCtion
[SOURce:]MODE
Channel Specific
These equivalent commands select the input regulation mode of the electronic load.
CURRent
RESistance
VOLTage

constant current mode
constant resistance mode
constant voltage mode

Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands
Equivalent Commands

[SOURce:]FUNCtion
[SOURce:]MODE
CURRent | RESistance | VOLTage
CURRent
FUNC RES
MODE VOLT
[SOURce:]FUNCtion?
[SOURce:]MODE?

FUNC MODE FUNC TRIG VOLT
MODE:CURR
MODE:RES
MODE:VOLT

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]FUNCtion:MODE
Channel Specific
This command determines whether the input regulation mode is controlled by values in a list or by the
FUNCtion command setting.
FIXed
LIST

The regulation mode is determined by the FUNCtion or MODE command.
The regulation mode is determined by the active list.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]FUNCtion:MODE
FIXed | LIST
FIXed
FUNC:MODE FIX
[SOURce:]FUNCtion:MODE?

[SOURce:]RESistance
Channel Specific
This command sets the resistance of the load when operating in constant resistance mode. Refer to
Table 4-1 for model-specific programming ranges.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
Ω (ohms)
MAXimum
RES 5
RES:LEV .5
[SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?

RES:TLEV
RES:MODE

[SOURce:]RESistance:MODE
Channel Specific
This command determines whether the resistance setting is controlled by values in a list or by the
RESistance command setting.
FIXed
LIST

The resistance setting is determined by the RESistance command.
The resistance setting is determined by the active list.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance:MODE
FIXed | LIST
FIXed
RES:MODE FIX
[SOURce:]RESistance:MODE?

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]RESistance:RANGe
Channel Specific
This command sets the resistance range of the electronic load module. There are four resistance ranges,
the values of which are model dependent. Refer to Table 4-1 for the resistance ranges of each electronic
load model.
When you program a range value, the load automatically selects the range that corresponds to the value
that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the load selects the range with the
highest resolution.
NOTE:

When this command is executed, the IMMediate, TRANsient, TRIGgered, and SLEW
resistance settings are adjusted as follows:
If the existing settings are within the new range:
No adjustment is made.
If the existing settings are outside the new range:
The levels are set to either the
maximum or minimum value of the new range, depending on which they are closest to.

Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance:RANGe
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
Ω (ohms)
MAXimum (high range)
RES:RANG 15
SOUR:RES:RANGE MIN
[SOURce:]RESistance:RANGe?

[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate for all programmed changes in the resistance level of the electronic
load. This command programs both positive and negative going slew rates. Although any slew rate value
may be entered, the electronic load selects a slew rate that is closest to the programmed value.
MAXimum sets the slew to the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate. Slew
rates less than the minimum value are set to MINimum. Slew rates greater than the maximum value are
set to MAXimum.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW[:BOTH]
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
Ω (ohms/second)
MAXimum
RES:SLEW 50
RES:SLEW MAX
[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW[:BOTH]?

RES:SLEW:POS RES:SLEW:NEG

[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:NEGative
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate of the resistance for negative going transitions. MAXimum sets the slew
to the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate.

Language Dictionary - 4

Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:NEGative
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
Ω (ohms/second)
MAXimum
RES:SLEW:NEG 50
RES:SLEW:NEG MAX
[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:NEGative?

[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:POSitive
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate of the resistance for positive going transitions. MAXimum sets the slew
to the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:POSitive
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
Ω (ohms/second)
MAXimum
RES:SLEW:POS 50
RES:SLEW:POS MAX
[SOURce:]RESistance:SLEW:POSitive?

[SOURce:]RESistance:TLEVel
Channel Specific
This command specifies the transient level of the resistance. The transient function switches between the
immediate setting and the transient level. Refer to Table 4-1 for model-specific programming ranges.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance:TLEVel
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
Ω (ohms)
MAXimum
RES:TLEV 5
RES:TLEV .5
[SOURce:]RESistance:TLEVel?

[SOURce:]RESistance:TRIGgered
Channel Specific
This command sets the resistance level that will become active when the next trigger occurs.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]
refer to Specifications Table in User’s Guide
Ω (ohms)
MAXimum
RES:TRIG 120
RES:LEV:TRIG 150
[SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?
(if the trigger level is not programmed, the immediate
level is returned)
RES RES:MODE

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]VOLTage
Channel Specific
This command sets the voltage that the load will regulate when operating in constant voltage mode. Refer
to Table 4-1 for model-specific programming ranges.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
V (volts)
MAXimum
VOLT 5
VOLT:LEV .5
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?

VOLT:TLEV
VOLT:MODE

[SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE
Channel Specific
This command determines whether the voltage setting is controlled by values in a list or by the VOLTage
command setting.
FIXed
LIST

The voltage setting is determined by the VOLTage command.
The voltage setting is determined by the active list.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE
FIXed | LIST
FIXed
VOLT:MODE FIX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE?

VOLT: VOLT:TRIG

[SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe
Channel Specific
This command sets the voltage range of the electronic load module. There are two voltage ranges.
High Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
Low Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
When you program a range value, the load automatically selects the range that corresponds to the value
that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the load selects the range with the
highest resolution.
NOTE:

When this command is executed, the IMMediate, TRANsient, TRIGgered, and SLEW
voltage settings are adjusted as follows:
If the existing settings are within the new range:
No adjustment is made.
If the existing settings are outside the new range:
The levels are set to the
maximum value of the new range.

Language Dictionary - 4
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
V (volts)
MAXimum (high range)
VOLT:RANG 15
SOUR:VOLT:RANGE MIN
[SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe?

[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate for all programmed changes in the input voltage level of the electronic
load. This command programs both positive and negative going slew rates. Although any slew rate value
may be entered, the electronic load selects a slew rate that is closest to the programmed value.
MAXimum sets the slew to the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate. Slew
rates less than the minimum value are set to MINimum. Slew rates greater than the maximum value are
set to MAXimum.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:BOTH]
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
V (volts per second)
MAXimum
VOLT:SLEW 50
VOLT:SLEW MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:BOTH]?

VOLT:SLEW:POS VOLT:SLEW:NEG

[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate of the voltage for negative going transitions. MAXimum sets the slew to
the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
V (volts per second)
MAXimum
VOLT:SLEW:NEG 50
VOLT:SLEW:NEG MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative?

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive
Channel Specific
This command sets the slew rate of the voltage for positive going transitions. MAXimum sets the slew to
the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
V (volts per second)
MAXimum
VOLT:SLEW:POS 50
VOLT:SLEW:POS MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive?

[SOURce:]VOLTage:TLEVel
Channel Specific
This command specifies the transient level of the input voltage. The transient function switches between
the immediate setting and the transient level. Refer to Table 4-1 for model-specific programming ranges.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage:TLEVel
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
V (volts)
MAXimum
VOLT:TLEV 5
VOLT:TLEV .5
[SOURce:]VOLTage:TLEVel?

[SOURce:]VOLTage:TRIGgered
Channel Specific
This command sets the voltage level that will become active when the next trigger occurs.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]
refer to Specifications Table in User’s Guide
V (volts)
MAXimum
VOLT:TRIG 120
VOLT:LEV:TRIG 150
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?
(if the trigger level is not programmed, the immediate
level is returned)
VOLT VOLT:MODE

Language Dictionary - 4

Measurement Commands
Measurement commands consist of measurement and sense commands.
Two measurement commands are available: MEASure and FETCh. MEASure triggers the acquisition of
new data before returning the readings from the array. FETCh returns previously acquired data from the
array. Only input current and voltage are actually measured. Power is calculated from the stored voltage
and current data. The input voltage and current are digitized whenever a measure command is given or
whenever an acquire trigger occurs. The time interval of the measurement is set by
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval, and the position of the trigger relative to the beginning of the data buffer is
determined by SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet.
Sense commands control the measurement range, the acquisition sequence, and the measurement
window of the electronic load.

ABORt
This command resets the measurement and list trigger systems to the Idle state. Any measurement or list
that is in progress is immediately aborted. ABORt also resets the WTG bit in the Operation Condition
Status register (see chapter 3 under “Programming the Status Registers”). ABORt is executed at power
turn-on and upon execution of *RCL, RST, or any implied abort command (see List Commands).
NOTE:

If INITiate:CONTinuous ON has been programmed, the trigger system initiates itself
immediately after ABORt, thereby setting the WTG bit.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

ABORt
None
ABOR
INIT *RST

MEASure:ARRay:CURRent?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent?
Channel Specific
These queries return an array containing the instantaneous input current.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]?
None
MEAS:ARR:CURR?
FETC:ARR:CURR?
4096 NR3 values
MEAS:ARR:VOLT?

MEASure:ARRay:POWer?
FETCh:ARRay:POWer?
Channel Specific
These queries return an array containing the instantaneous input power. The power is calculated from the
instantaneous voltage and current data points.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:ARRay:POWer[:DC]?
FETCh:ARRay:POWer[:DC]?
None
MEAS:ARR:POW?
FETC:ARR:POW?
4096 NR3 values
MEAS:ARR:VOLT?

4 - Language Dictionary

MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage?
FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage?
Channel Specific
These queries return an array containing the instantaneous input voltage.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]?
FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]?
None
MEAS:ARR:VOLT?
FETC:ARR:VOLT?
4096 NR3 values
MEAS:ARR:CURR?

MEASure:CURRent?
FETCh:CURRent?
Channel Specific
These queries return the average value of the input current.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
FETCh:[SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
None
MEAS:CURR?
FETC:CURR?

MEASure:CURRent:ACDC?
FETCh:CURRent:ACDC?
Channel Specific
These queries return the total rms measurement, including the dc portion.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:CURRent:ACDC?
FETCh:[SCALar]:CURRent:ACDC?
None
MEAS:CURR:ACDC?
FETC:CURR:ACDC?

MEAS:VOLT:ACDC? MEAS:CURR:AMPL:MAX?

MEASure:CURRent:MAXimum?
FETCh:CURRent:MAXimum?
Channel Specific
These queries return the value of the maximum data point in the input current measurement.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:CURRent:MAXimum?
FETCh:[SCALar]:CURRent:MAXimum?
None
MEAS:CURR:MAX?
FETC:CURR:MAX?

MEAS:CURR:ACDC?

Language Dictionary - 4

MEASure:CURRent:MINimum?
FETCh:CURRent:MINimum?
Channel Specific
These queries return the value of the minimum data point in the input current measurement.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:CURRent:MINimum?
FETCh:[SCALar]:CURRent:MINimum?
None
MEAS:CURR:MIN?
FETC:CURR:MIN?

MEAS:CURR:ACDC?

MEASure:POWer?
FETCh:POWer?
Channel Specific
These queries return the average value of the input power in watts.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
FETCh:[SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
None
MEAS:POW?
FETC:POW?

MEASure:POWer:MAXimum?
FETCh:POWer:MAXimum?
Channel Specific
These queries return the value of the maximum data point in the input power measurement.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:POWer:MAXimum?
FETCh:[SCALar]:POWer:MAXimum?
None
MEAS:POW:MAX?
FETC:POW:MAX?

MEAS:POW? MEAS:POW:MIN?

MEASure:POWer:MINimum?
FETCh:POWer:MINimum?
Channel Specific
These queries return the value of the minimum data point in the input power measurement.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:POWer:MINimum?
FETCh:[SCALar]:POWer:MINimum?
None
MEAS:POW:MIN?
FETC:POW:MIN?

MEAS:POW? MEAS:POW:MAX?

4 - Language Dictionary

MEASure:VOLTage?
FETCh:VOLTage?
Channel Specific
These queries return the average value of the input voltage.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?
FETCh:[SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?
None
MEAS:VOLT?
FETC:VOLT?

MEAS:CURR? MEAS:VOLT:ACDC?

MEASure:VOLTage:ACDC?
FETCh:VOLTage:ACDC?
Channel Specific
These queries return the rms value of the input voltage. This returns the total rms measurement,
including the dc portion.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:VOLTage:ACDC?
FETCh:[SCALar]:VOLTage:ACDC?
None
MEAS:VOLT:ACDC?
FETC:VOLT:ACDC?

MEAS:CURR:ACDC? MEAS:VOLT?

MEASure:VOLTage:MAXimum?
FETCh:VOLTage:MAXimum?
Channel Specific
These queries return the maximum value of the input voltage.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:VOLTage:MAXimum?
FETCh:[SCALar]:VOLTage:MAXimum?
None
MEAS:VOLT:MAX?
FETC:VOLT:MAX?

MEAS:VOLT:ACDC?
MEAS:VOLT?

MEASure:VOLTage:MINimum?
FETCh:VOLTage:MINimum?
Channel Specific
These queries return the minimum value of the input voltage.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

MEASure:[SCALar]:VOLTage:MINimum?
FETCh:[SCALar]:VOLTage:MINimum?
None
MEAS:VOLT:MIN?
FETC:VOLT:MIN?

MEAS:VOLT:ACDC? MEAS:VOLT?

Language Dictionary - 4

SENSe:CURRent:RANGe
Channel Specific
This command sets the current measurement range. There are two current measurement ranges:
High Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
Low Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
A value of infinity is returned if the measured value is outside the specified current measurement range.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters

SENSe:CURRent:RANGe
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
MAX (high range)
SENS:CURR:RANGE MIN
SENSe:CURRent:RANGe?

SENSe:SWEep:POINts
Channel Specific
This command specifies how many data points are taken in any measurement. Applies to both voltage
and current measurements. The number of points can be specified, from 1 to 4096.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

SENSe:SWEep:POINts
1 through 4096 | MINimum | MAXimum
1000
SENS:SWE:POIN 2048
SENSe:SWEep:POINts?

SENS:SWE:TINT
MEAS:ARR

SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet
Channel Specific
This command specifies a delay time after the trigger, but before the measurement is taken. The delay is
specified in seconds. The measurement offset can be either positive or negative with respect to the
trigger.
NOTE:

Negative measurement offsets can only be programmed in conjunction with delayed
triggers. The negative measurement offset cannot exceed the trigger delay value.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet
0 through 0.032 | MINimum | MAXimum
seconds
0 (zero)
SENS:SWE:OFFS 0.01
SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet?

SENS:SWE:TINT
MEAS:ARR

4 - Language Dictionary

SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval
Channel Specific
This command defines the time period between measurement points. The time interval can be
programmed from 0.00001 to 0.032 seconds in 10 microsecond increments.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval
0.00001 - 0.032 | MAXimum | MINimum
seconds
10 µs
SENS:SWE:TINT 100E-6
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval?

SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN
MEAS:ARR

SENSe:WINDow
Channel Specific
This command sets the window function that is used in dc and ac+dc rms measurement calculations. The
following functions can be selected:
A signal conditioning window that reduces errors in dc and rms measurement
HANNing
calculations in the presence of periodic signals such as line ripple. It also reduces
jitter when measuring successive pulses. The Hanning window multiplies each point
in the measurement sample by the function cosine4. Do not use the Hanning
window when measuring single-shot pulses.
RECTangular A window that returns measurement calculations without any signal conditioning.
NOTE:

Neither window function alters the voltage or current data in the measurement array.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters

SENSe:WINDow[:TYPE]
RECTangular | HANNing
RECTangular
SENS:WIND HANN
SENSe:WINDow?

SENSe:VOLTage:RANGe
Channel Specific
This command sets the voltage measurement range. There are two voltage measurement ranges:
High Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
Low Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
A value of infinity is returned if the measured value is outside the specified voltage measurement range.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

SENSe:VOLTage:RANGe[:UPPer]
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
V (voltage)
MAX (high range)
SENS:VOLT:RANGE MIN
SENSe:VOLTage:RANGe?

SENS:SWE:TINT
MEAS:ARR

Language Dictionary - 4

Port Commands
These commands control the general purpose digital port on the electronic load modules.

PORT0
Channel Specific
This command sets the state of the general purpose digital port on the specified electronic load module.
A value of 1 sets the state high, a 0 sets the state low.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

PORT0[:STATe]
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
OFF
PORT0 1
PORT0 0N
PORT0[:STATe]?
0|1
PORT1

PORT1
This command sets the state of the two general purpose digital ports on the mainframe. The value that
you send is the equivalent of a 2-bit binary word. Use the following values to set the individual bits. Note
that the digital port on the mainframe can also be programmed using lists.
value
0
1
2
3

Dig 2
Lo
Lo
Hi
Hi

Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

Dig 1
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
PORT1[:LEVel]
0|1|2|3
0
PORT1 1
PORT1 3
PORT1?

4 - Language Dictionary

List Commands
List commands let you program complex sequences of input changes with rapid, precise timing, and
synchronized with trigger signals. Each function for which lists can be generated has a list of values that
specify the input at each list step. MODE commands such as VOLTage:MODE LIST are used to activate
specific functions. LIST:COUNt determines how many times the unit sequences through a list before that
list is completed. LIST:DWELl specifies the time interval that each value (step) of a list is to remain in
effect. LIST:STEP determines if a trigger causes a list to advance only to its next step or to sequence
through all of its steps.
NOTE:

The LIST:DWELl command is active whenever any function is set to list mode. Therefore,
a LIST:DWELl time must always be specified whenever any list function is programmed.

The list data is given in the list command parameters, which are separated by commas. The order in
which the data is entered determines the sequence in which the data is programmed when a list is
triggered. Changing list data while a list is running generates an implied ABORt.
All functions that are set to LIST mode must have the same number of steps (up to 50), or an error is
generated when the INITiate command is sent. The only exception is a list consisting of only one step.
Such a list is treated as if it had the same number of steps as the other lists, with all of the implied step
having the same value as the one specified step. All list point data can be stored in nonvolatile memory.

[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt
This command sets the number of times that the list is executed before it is completed. The command
accepts parameters in the range 1 through 9.9E37, but any number greater than 2E9 is interpreted as
infinity. Use INFinity to execute a list indefinitely. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the
entire mainframe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt | INFinity
1 to 9.9E37 | MINimum | MAXimum | INFinity
1
LIST:COUN 3
LIST:COUN INF
[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt?

LIST:CURR LIST:FREQ LIST:TTLT LIST:VOLT

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command specifies the current setting for each list step. Refer to Table 4-1 for model-specific
programming ranges. LIST:CURRent:POINts returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent[:LEVel] {,}
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
LIST:CURR 2.5,3.0,3.5
LIST:CURR MAX,3.5,2.5,MIN
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent[:LEVel]?
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:POINts?
{,}
CURR

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the current range for each list step. There are two current ranges.
High Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
Low Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
When you program a range value, the load automatically selects the range that corresponds to the value
that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the load selects the range with the
highest resolution. LIST:CURRent:RANGe:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
NOTE:

If the existing IMMediate, TRANsient, and TRIGgered current list settings are outside the
new range, a list error is generated when the list is initiated and the list does not execute.

Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe {,}
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
A (amperes)
MAXimum (high range)
LIST:CURR:RANGE MIN
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe?
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:RANGe:POINts?
{,}
CURR:RANG

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the current slew rate for each step. This command programs both positive and
negative going slew rates. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to
its slowest rate. LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW[:BOTH] {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
A (amperes per second)
MAXimum
LIST:CURR:SLEW 50
LIST:CURR:SLEW MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW[:BOTH]?
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POINts?
{,}
CURR:SLEW

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:NEGative
Channel Specific
This command sets the negative current slew rate for each step. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest
possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:NEGative {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
A (amperes per second)
MAXimum
LIST:CURR:SLEW:NEG 50
LIST:CURR:SLEW:NEG MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:NEGative?
{,}
CURR:SLEW:NEG

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POSitive
Channel Specific
This command sets the positive current slew rate for each step. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest
possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POSitive {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
A (amperes per second)
MAXimum
LIST:CURR:SLEW:POS 50
LIST:CURR:SLEW:POS MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:SLEW:POSitive?
{,}
CURR:SLEW:POS

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command specifies the transient current level for each step. The transient function switches between
the immediate setting and the transient level. LIST:CURRent:TLEVel:POINts? returns the number of
points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel {,}
refer to Specifications Table in User’s Guide
A (amperes)
MAXimum
LIST:CURR:TLEV 5
LIST:CURR:TLEV .5
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel?
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:TLEVel:POINts?
{,}
CURR:TLEV

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion
[SOURce:]LIST:MODE
[SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion:POINTs?
Channel Specific
These equivalent commands specify the regulation mode for each list step. LIST:FUNCtion:POINts?
returns the number of points programmed.
CURR
RES
VOLT

constant current mode
constant resistance mode
constant voltage mode
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion {,}
[SOURce:]LIST:MODE {,}
CURRent | RESistance | VOLTage
CURRent
LIST:FUNC RES, RES, RES, VOLT
[SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion?
[SOURce:]LIST:FUNCtion:POINts?
{,}
MODE FUNC

[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl
[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl:POINts?
This command sets the sequence of list dwell times. Each value represents the time in seconds that the
input will remain at the particular list step point before completing the step. At the end of the dwell time,
the input of the electronic load depends upon the following conditions:
 If LIST:STEP AUTO has been programmed, the input automatically changes to the next
point in the list.
 If LIST:STEP ONCE has been programmed, the input remains at the present level until a
trigger sequences the next point in the list.
The order in which the points are entered determines the sequence in which they are executed when a
list is triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an implied ABORt. This
command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe. LIST:DWELl:POINts? returns the
number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters

[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl {,}
0 - 10s | MINimum | MAXimum
s (seconds)
LIST:DWEL 2.5,1.5,.5
[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl?
[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl:POINts?
{,}

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command specifies the resistance setting for each list step. Refer to Table 4-1 for model-specific
programming ranges. LIST:RESistance:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance[:LEVel] {,}
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
Ω (ohms)
LIST:RES 2.5,3.0,3.5
LIST:RES MAX,3.5,2.5,MIN
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance[:LEVel]?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:POINts?
{,}
RES

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANGe
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANGe:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the resistance range for each list step. There are four resistance ranges, the values
of which are model dependent. Refer to Table 4-1 for the resistance ranges of each Electronic Load
model.
When you program a range value, the load automatically selects the range that corresponds to the value
that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the load selects the range with the
highest resolution. LIST:RESistance:RANGe:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
NOTE:

If the existing IMMediate, TRANsient, and TRIGgered resistance list settings are outside
the new range, a list error is generated when the list is initiated and the list does not
execute.

Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANGe {,}
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
Ω (ohms)
MAXimum (high range)
LIST:RES:RANGE MIN
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANGe?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:RANG:POINts?
{,}
RES:RANG

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the resistance slew rate for each step. This command programs both positive and
negative going slew rates. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to
its slowest rate. LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW[:BOTH] {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
Ω (ohms per second)
MAXimum
LIST:RES:SLEW 50
LIST:RES:SLEW MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW[:BOTH]?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POINts?
{,}
RES:SLEW

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:NEGative
Channel Specific
This command sets the negative resistance slew rate for each step. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest
possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:NEGative {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
Ω (ohms per second)
MAXimum
LIST:RES:SLEW:NEG 50
LIST:RES:SLEW:NEG MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:NEGative?
{,}
RES:SLEW:NEG

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POSitive
Channel Specific
This command sets the positive resistance slew rate for each step. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest
possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POSitive {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
Ω (ohms per second)
MAXimum
LIST:RES:SLEW:POS 50
LIST:RES:SLEW:POS MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:SLEW:POSitive?
{,}
RES:SLEW:POS

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel:POINTs?
Channel Specific
This command specifies the transient resistance level for each step. The transient function switches
between the immediate setting and the transient level. LIST:RESistance:TLEVel:POINts? returns the
number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel {,}
refer to Table 4-1
Ω (ohms)
MAXimum
LIST:RES:TLEV 5
LIST:RES:TLEV .5
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel?
[SOURce:]LIST:RESistance:TLEVel:POINts?
{,}
RES:TLEV

[SOURce:]LIST:STEP
This command specifies how the list sequencing responds to triggers. The following parameters may be
specified. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
ONCE
AUTO

Causes the list to advance only one point after each trigger. Triggers that arrive during a
dwell delay are ignored
Causes the entire list to be executed sequentially after the starting trigger, paced by its
dwell delays. As each dwell delay elapses, the next point is immediately executed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:STEP
ONCE | AUTO
AUTO
LIST:STEP ONCE
[SOURce:]LIST:STEP?

LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command turns the transient generator on or off for each step. LIST:TRANsient:POINts? returns the
number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient[:STATe] {,}
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
OFF
LIST:TRAN 1
LIST:TRAN 0
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient[:STATe]?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:POINts?
{,}
TRAN

Language Dictionary - 4

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the transient duty cycle for each step when the generator is in CONTinuous mode.
LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Units
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle {,}
1.8% - 98.2% | MAXimum | MINimum
percent
50%
LIST:TRAN:DCYC 10.5
LIST:TRAN:DCYC 50
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:DCYCle:POINts?
{,}
TRAN:DCYC

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the transient frequency for each step when the generator is in CONTinuous mode.
LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency {,}
0.25Hz - 10kHz | MAXimum | MINimum
Hertz
MAXimum
LIST:TRAN:FREQ 50
LIST:TRAN:FREQ 5
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:FREQuency:POINts?
{,}
TRAN:FREQ

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command selects the transient operating mode for each step. LIST:TRANsient:MODE:POINts?
returns the number of points programmed.
CONTinuous
PULSe

The transient generator puts out a continuous pulse stream.
The transient generator puts out a single pulse upon receipt of a trigger.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax

Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE {,}
CONTinuous | PULSe
CONTinuous
LIST:TRAN:MODE PULS
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:MODE:POINTs?
{,}
TRAN:MODE

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the transient pulse width for each step when the generator is in PULSe mode.
LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:] LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth {,}
0.00005s - 4s | MAXimum | MINimum
seconds
0.0005s
LIST:TRAN:TWID .005
LIST:TRAN:TWID 5E-4
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth?
[SOURce:]LIST:TRANsient:TWIDth:POINts?
{,}
TRAN:TWID

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command specifies the voltage setting for each list step. Refer to Table 4-1 for model-specific
programming ranges. LIST:VOLTage:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage[:LEVel] {,}
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
V (volts)
LIST:VOLT 2.5,3.0,3.5
LIST:VOLT MAX,3.5,2.5,MIN
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage[:LEVel]?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:POINts?
{,}
VOLT

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe:POINTs?
Channel Specific
This command sets the voltage range for each list step. There are two voltage ranges.
High Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
Low Range: model dependent, see Table 4-1
When you program a range value, the load automatically selects the range that corresponds to the value
that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the load selects the range with the
highest resolution. LIST:VOLTage:RANGe:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
NOTE:

If the existing IMMediate, TRANsient, and TRIGgered voltage list settings are outside the
new range, a list error is generated when the list is initiated and the list does not execute.

Language Dictionary - 4

Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe {,}
0 through MAX | MINimum | MAXimum
V (volts)
MAX (high range)
LIST:VOLT:RANGE MIN
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:RANGe:POINTs?
{,}
VOLT:RANG

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command sets the voltage slew rate for each step. This command programs both positive and
negative going slew rates. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to
its slowest rate. LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POINts? returns the number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW[:BOTH] {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
V (volts per second)
MAXimum
LIST:VOLT:SLEW 50
LIST:VOLT:SLEW MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW[:BOTH]?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POINts?
{,}
VOLT:SLEW

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative
Channel Specific
This command sets the negative voltage slew rate for each step. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest
possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
V (volts per second)
MAXimum
LIST:VOLT:SLEW:NEG 50
LIST:VOLT:SLEW:NEG MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:NEGative?
{,}
VOLT:SLEW:NEG

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive
Channel Specific
This command sets the positive voltage slew rate for each step. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest
possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive {,}
0 to 9.9E37 | MAXimum | MINimum
V (volts per second)
MAXimum
LIST:VOLT:SLEW:POS 50
LIST:VOLT:SLEW:POS MAX
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POSitive?
{,}
VOLT:SLEW:POS

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel:POINts?
Channel Specific
This command specifies the transient voltage level for each step. The transient function switches
between the immediate setting and the transient level. LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel:POINts? returns the
number of points programmed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel {,}
refer to Table 4-1
V (volts)
MAXimum
LIST:VOLT:TLEV 5
LIST:VOLT:TLEV .5
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel?
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:TLEVel:POINts?
{,}
VOLT:TLEV

Language Dictionary - 4

Transient Commands
These commands program the transient generator of the electronic load. The transient generator
programs a second (transient) level at which the electronic load can operate without changing the original
programmed settings.
See also [SOURce:]CURRent:TLEVel, [SOURce:]RESistance:TLEVel, and [SOURce:]VOLTage:TLEVel
in the Input Commands section.

[SOURce:]TRANsient
Channel Specific
This command turns the transient generator on or off.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]TRANsient[:STATe]
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
OFF
TRAN 1
TRAN 0
[SOURce:]TRANsient[:STATe]?

TRAN:MODE
TRAN:FREQ

[SOURce:]TRANsient:DCYCle
Channel Specific
This command sets the duty cycle of each of the transients when the generator is in CONTinuous mode.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Unit
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]TRANsient:DCYCle
1.8% - 98.2% | MAXimum | MINimum
50%
percent
TRAN:DCYC 10.5
TRAN:DCYC 50
[SOURce:]TRANsient:DCYCle?

TRAN:MODE
TRAN:FREQ

[SOURce:]TRANsient:FREQuency
Channel Specific
This command sets the frequency of the transients when the generator is in CONTinuous mode.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]TRANsient:FREQuency
0.25Hz - 10kHz | MAXimum | MINimum
Hertz
MAXimum
TRAN:FREQ 50
TRAN:FREQ 5
[SOURce:]TRANsient:FREQuency?

4 - Language Dictionary

[SOURce:]TRANsient:MODE
Channel Specific
This command selects the operating mode of the transient generator as follows.
CONTinuous
PULSe
TOGGle

The transient generator puts out a continuous pulse stream.
The transient generator puts out a single pulse upon receipt of a trigger.
The transient generator toggles between two levels upon receipt of a trigger.

Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]TRANsient:MODE
CONTinuous | PULSe | TOGGle
CONTinuous
TRAN:MODE FIX
[SOURce:]TRANsient:MODE?

[SOURce:]TRANsient:LMODE
Channel Specific
This command selects whether the transient generator uses immediate or list values for the transient
settings.
The transient generator uses the fixed or immediate values (set by the
TRANsient function commands)
The transient generator uses the transient values programmed by the list.

Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]TRANsient:LMODE
FIXed | LIST
FIXed
TRAN:LMODE FIX
[SOURce:]TRANsient:LMODE?

[SOURce:]TRANsient:TWIDth
Channel Specific
This command sets the pulse width of the transients when the generator is in PULSe mode.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

[SOURce:]TRANsient:TWIDth
0.00005s - 4s | MAXimum | MINimum
seconds
0.0005s
TRAN:TWID .005
TRAN:TWID 5E-4
[SOURce:]TRANsient:TWIDth?

Language Dictionary - 4

Status Commands
These commands program the electronic load status registers. The electronic load has five groups of
status registers; Channel Status, Channel Summary, Questionable Status, Standard Event Status, and
Operation Status. Refer to chapter 3 under “Programming the Status Registers” for more information.

Bit Configuration of Channel Status Registers
Bit Position

Bit Weight
8192
4096
2048 1024
VF
voltage fault has occurred
OC
over-current condition has occurred
OP
over-power condition has occurred
OT
over-temperature condition has occurred
RRV
reverse voltage on the sense terminals

256
EPU
UNR
LRV
OV
PS

16
8
4
2
1
extended power unavailable
input is unregulated
reverse voltage on the input terminals
over-voltage condition has occurred
protection shutdown circuit has tripped

STATus:CHANnel?
Channel Specific
This query returns the value of the Channel Event register. The Event register is a read-only register
which holds (latches) all events that are passed into it. Reading the Channel Event register clears it.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:CHANnel[:EVENt]?
None
STAT:CHAN:EVEN?
(register value)
*CLS

STATus:CHANnel:CONDition?
Channel Specific
This query returns the value of the Channel Condition register. The particular channel must first be
selected by the CHAN command.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:CHANnel:CONDition?
None
STAT:CHAN:COND?
(register value)
STAT:CHAN?

STATus:CHANnel:ENABle
Channel Specific
This command sets or reads the value of the Channel Enable register for a specific channel. The
particular channel must first be selected by the CHAN command.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:CHANnel:ENABle
channel number
STAT:CHAN:ENAB 3
STATus:CHANnel:ENABle?
(register value)
*CLS

4 - Language Dictionary

STATus:CSUM?
This query returns the value of the Channel Event summary register. The bits in this register correspond
to a summary of the channel register for each input channel. Reading the Channel Event summary
register clears it. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:CSUMmary[:EVENt]?
None
STAT:CSUM:EVEN?
(register value)
*CLS

STATus:CSUMmary:ENABle
This command sets or reads the value of the Channel Enable summary register. This command is not
channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:CSUMmary:ENABle
channel number
STAT:CSUM:ENAB 3
STATus:CSUMmary:ENABle?
(register value)
*CLS

Bit Configuration of Operation Status Registers
Bit Position
15–5
5
Bit Name
not used
WTG
Bit Weight
32
CAL = Interface is computing new calibration constants

0
CAL
1
WTG = Interface is waiting for a trigger.

STATus:OPERation?
This query returns the value of the Operation Event register. The Event register is a read-only register
that holds (latches) all events that are passed by the Operation NTR and/or PTR filter. Reading the
Operation Event register clears it. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire
mainframe.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
None
STAT:OPER:EVEN?
(register value)
*CLS STAT:OPER:NTR STAT:OPER:PTR

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
This query returns the value of the Operation Condition register. That is a read-only register that holds the
real-time (unlatched) operational status of the electronic load. This command is not channel specific, it
applies to the entire mainframe.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
None
STAT:OPER:COND?
(register value)
STAT:QUES:COND?

Language Dictionary - 4

STATus:OPERation:ENABle
This command and its query set and read the value of the Operation Enable register. This register is a
mask for enabling specific bits from the Operation Event register to set the operation summary bit
(OPER) of the Status Byte register. The operation summary bit is the logical OR of all enabled Operation
Event register bits. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Default Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:OPERation:ENABle
0 to 32767 | MAXimum | MINimum
0
STAT:OPER:ENAB 32
STAT:OPER:ENAB 1
STATus:OPERation:ENABle?
(register value)
STAT:OPER?

STATus:OPERation:NTRansition
STATus:OPERation:PTRansition
These commands set or read the value of the Operation NTR (Negative-Transition) and PTR (PositiveTransition) registers. These registers serve as polarity filters between the Operation Enable and
Operation Event registers to cause the following actions. This command is not channel specific, it applies
to the entire mainframe.
 When a bit in the Operation NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-to-0 transition of the corresponding
bit in the Operation Condition register causes that bit in the Operation Event register to be set.
 When a bit of the Operation PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-to-1 transition of the corresponding
bit in the Operation Condition register causes that bit in the Operation Event register to be set.
 If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 1, then any transition of that bit at the
Operation Condition register sets the corresponding bit in the Operation Event register.
 If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then no transition of that bit at the
Operation Condition register can set the corresponding bit in the Operation Event register.
NOTE:

Setting a bit in the PTR or NTR filter can of itself generate positive or negative events in
the corresponding Operation Event register.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Default Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:OPERation:NTRansition
STATus:OPERation:PTRansition
0 to 32767 | MAXimum | MINimum
0
STAT:OPER:NTR 32
STAT:OPER:PTR 1
STATus:OPERation:NTRansition?
STATus:OPERation:PTRansition?
(register value)
STAT:OPER:ENAB

4 - Language Dictionary

Bit Configuration of Questionable Status Registers
Bit Position

Bit Weight
VF
OC
OP
OT
RRV

voltage fault has occurred
over-current condition has occurred
over-power condition has occurred
over-temperature condition has occurred
reverse voltage on the sense terminals

EPU
UNR
LRV
OV
PS

extended power unavailable
input is unregulated
reverse voltage on the input terminals
over-voltage condition has occurred
protection shutdown circuit has tripped

STATus:QUEStionable?
This query returns the value of the Questionable Event register. The Event register is a read-only register
that holds (latches) all events that pass into it. Reading the Questionable Event register clears it. This
command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
None
STAT:QUES:EVEN?
(register value)
*CLS

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
This query returns the value of the Questionable Condition register. That is a read-only register that holds
the real-time (unlatched) questionable status of the electronic load. This command is not channel specific,
it applies to the entire mainframe.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
None
STAT:QUES:COND?
(register value)
STAT:OPER:COND?

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
This command sets or reads the value of the Questionable Enable register. This register is a mask for
enabling specific bits from the Questionable Event register to set the questionable summary (QUES) bit
of the Status Byte register. This bit (bit 3) is the logical OR of all the Questionable Event register bits that
are enabled by the Questionable Status Enable register. This command is not channel specific, it applies
to the entire mainframe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Default Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
0 to 32767 | MAXimum | MINimum
0
STAT:QUES:ENAB 32
STAT:QUES:ENAB 1
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
(register value)
STAT:QUES?

Language Dictionary - 4

System Commands
System commands control the system-level functions of the electronic load that are not directly related to
input control or measurement functions.

SYSTem:ERRor?
This query returns the next error number followed by its corresponding error message string from the
remote programming error queue. The queue is a FIFO (first-in, first-out) buffer that stores errors as they
occur. As it is read, each error is removed from the queue. When all errors have been read, the query
returns “0, No Error”. If more errors are accumulated than the queue can hold, the last error in the queue
is “-350, Too Many Errors”.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Returned Parameters
Examples

SYSTem:ERRor?
None
,
SYST:ERR?

SYSTem:LOCal
This command places the electronic load in local mode during RS-232 operation. The front panel keys
are functional.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Example
Related Commands

SYSTem:LOCal
None
SYST:LOC
SYST:REM SYST:RWL

SYSTem:REMote
This command places the electronic load in remote mode during RS-232 operation. This disables all front
panel keys except the Local key. Pressing the Local key while in the remote state returns the front panel
to the local state.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Example
Related Commands

SYSTem:REMote
None
SYST:REM
SYST:LOC SYST:RWL

SYSTem:RWLock
This command places the electronic load in remote mode during RS-232 operation. All front panel keys
including the Local key are disabled. Use SYSTem:LOCal to return the front panel to the local state.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Example
Related Commands

SYSTem:RWLock
None
SYST:RWL
SYST:REM SYST:LOC

SYSTem:VERSion?
This query returns the SCPI version number to which the electronic load complies. The value is of the
form YYYY.V, where YYYY is the year and V is the revision number for that year.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Returned Parameters

SYSTem:VERSion?
None
SYST:VERS?

4 - Language Dictionary

Trigger Commands
Trigger commands controls the triggering of the electronic load. Chapter 3 under "Triggering Changes"
provides an explanation of the Trigger System.
See also [SOURce:]CURRent:TRIGgered, [SOURce:]RESistance:TRIGgered, and
[SOURce:]VOLTage:TRIGgered in the Input Commands section.
The list and measurement commands must first be enabled using the INITiate commands
or no action due to triggering will occur. This does not apply to transient triggers.

ABORt
This command resets the list and measurement trigger systems to the Idle state. Any list or measurement
that is in progress is immediately aborted. ABORt also resets the WTG bit in the Operation Condition
Status register (see chapter 3 under “Programming the Status Registers”). ABORt is executed at power
turn-on and upon execution of *RCL, RST, or any implied abort command (see List Commands).
NOTE:

If INITiate:CONTinuous ON has been programmed, the trigger system initiates itself
immediately after ABORt, thereby setting the WTG bit.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

ABORt
None
ABOR
INIT *RST

INITiate:SEQuence
INITiate:NAME
These equivalent commands prepare the list for the execution of the next trigger. These commands are
not channel specific, they apply to the entire mainframe. If the trigger system is not in the Idle state, they
are ignored. INITiate:SEQuence references the list sequence by a number, while INITiate:NAME
references the list sequence by the name LIST.
Sequence Number
1 (the default)

Sequence Name
LIST

Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

Description
List trigger sequence

INITiate[:IMMediate]:SEQuence[ 1 ]
INITiate[:IMMediate]:NAME LIST
For INIT:NAME: LIST
INIT:SEQ1
INIT:NAME LIST
ABOR INIT:CONT TRIG *TRG

INITiate:SEQuence2
INITiate:NAME
These equivalent commands prepare the measurement system to take a measurement on the next
trigger. These commands are not channel specific, they apply to the entire mainframe. If the trigger
system is not in the Idle state, they are ignored. INITiate:SEQuence references the measurement
sequence by a number, while INITiate:NAME references the measurement sequence by the name
ACQuire.
Sequence Number
2

Sequence Name
ACQuire

Description
Measurement acquire trigger sequence

Language Dictionary - 4

Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

INITiate[:IMMediate]:SEQuence2
INITiate[:IMMediate]:NAME ACQuire
For INIT:NAME: ACQuire
INIT:SEQ2
INIT:NAME ACQ
ABOR INIT:CONT TRIG *TRG

INITiate:CONTinuous:SEQuence
INITiate:CONTinuous:NAME
These equivalent commands prepare the list to respond to trigger commands. ON or 1 continuously
initiates the list. OFF or 0 turns off continuous initiation. Upon the receipt of a trigger with continuous
initiation on, one of the following actions occur:
 If LIST:STEP is set to ONCe, the list will progress to the next step in the sequence.
 If LIST:STEP is AUTO, each trigger will start the list again.
These commands are not channel specific, they apply to the entire mainframe. If the trigger system is not
in the Idle state and therefore already initiated, the initiate commands are ignored.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

INITiate:CONTinuous:SEQuence[1]
INITiate:CONTinuous:NAME LIST,
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
INIT:CONT:SEQ1 ON
INIT:CONT:NAME LIST, 1
ABOR INIT:CONT TRIG *TRG

TRIGger
When the trigger system has been initiated, this command generates a trigger signal regardless of the
selected trigger source. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Examples
Related Commands

TRIGger[:IMMediate]
None
TRIG
ABOR TRIG:SOUR

TRIGger:DELay
Channel Specific
This command sets the time delay between the detection of a trigger signal and the start of any
corresponding trigger action. After the time delay has elapsed, the trigger is implemented. This command
only applies to the selected channel.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

TRIGger:DELay
0 - 0.032s | MINimum | MAXimum
seconds
0
TRIG:DEL .025
TRIG:DEL MAX
TRIGger:DELay?

ABOR TRIG TRIG:SOUR TRIG:TIM

4 - Language Dictionary

TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt
This command sets up a successive number of triggers for measuring data. With this command, the
trigger system needs to be initialized only once at the start of the acquisition period. After each completed
measurement, the instrument waits for the next valid trigger condition to start another measurement. This
continues until the count has completed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt
1 to 100
1
TRIG:SEQ2:COUN 5
TRIGger:SEQuence2:COUNt?

TRIGger:SOURce
This command selects the trigger source. This command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire
mainframe.
BUS

Accepts a GPIB signal or a *TRG command as the trigger source. This selection
guarantees that all previous commands are complete before the trigger occurs.

Selects the electronic load’s trigger input as the trigger source. This trigger is processed
as soon as it is received.

Only the TRIG:IMM command will generate a trigger in HOLD mode. All other trigger
commands are ignored.

This generates triggers that are in synchronization with the ac line frequency.

This generates triggers that are in synchronization with the electronic load's internal
oscillator as the trigger source. The internal oscillator begins running as soon as this
command is executed. Use TRIG:TIM to program the oscillator period.
Command Syntax
Parameters
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

TRIGger:SOURce
BUS | EXTernal | HOLD | LINE | TIMer
HOLD
TRIG:SOUR BUS
TRIG:SOUR EXT
TRIGger:SOURce?

ABOR TRIG TRIG:DEL TRIG:SYNC

TRIGger:TIMer
This command specifies the period of the triggers generated by the internal trigger generator. This
command is not channel specific, it applies to the entire mainframe.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Unit
*RST Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

TRIGger:TIMer
8µs to 4s | MINimum | MAXimum
seconds
0.001
TRIG:TIM .25
TRIG:TIM MAX
TRIGger:TIMer?

ABOR TRIG TRIG:SOUR TRIG:DEL

Language Dictionary - 4

Common Commands
Common commands begin with an * and consist of three letters (command) IEEE 488.2 standard to
perform some common interface functions. The electronic loads respond to the required common
commands that control status reporting, synchronization, and internal operations. The electronic loads
also respond to optional common commands that control triggers, power-on conditions, and stored
operating parameters.
Common commands and queries are listed alphabetically. If a command has a corresponding query that
simply returns the data or status specified by the command, then both command and query are included
under the explanation for the command. If a query does not have a corresponding command or is
functionally different from the command, then the query is listed separately. The description for each
common command or query specifies any status registers affected. Refer to chapter 3 under
“Programming the Status Registers”, which explains how to read specific register bits and use the
information that they return.

*CLS
This command clears the following registers (see chapter 3 under “Programming the Status Registers” for
descriptions of all registers):
 Standard Event Status
 Operation Status Event
 Questionable Status Event
 Status Byte
 Error Queue
Command Syntax
Parameters

*ESE
This command programs the Standard Event Status Enable register bits. The programming determines
which events of the Standard Event Status Event register (see *ESR?) are allowed to set the ESB (Event
Summary Bit) of the Status Byte register. A "1" in the bit position enables the corresponding event. All of
the enabled events of the Standard Event Status Event Register are logically ORed to cause the Event
Summary Bit (ESB) of the Status Byte Register to be set. See chapter 3 under “Programming the Status
Registers” for descriptions of the Standard Event Status registers.
The query reads the Standard Event Status Enable register.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Power-On Value
Examples
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

*ESE
0 to 255
see *PSC
*ESE 129
*ESE?

4 - Language Dictionary

Bit Configuration of Standard Event Status Enable Register
Bit Position
7
Bit Name
PON
Bit Weight
128
PON
Power-on
CME
Command error
EXE
Execution error

4
EXE
16
DDE
QYE
OPC

3
2
1
DDE
QYE
not used
8
4
Device-dependent error
Query error
Operation complete

*ESR?
This query reads the Standard Event Status Event register. Reading the register clears it. The bit
configuration of this register is the same as the Standard Event Status Enable register (see *ESE). See
chapter 3 under “Programming the Status Registers” for a detailed explanation of this register.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

*ESR?
None
(register value)
*CLS *ESE *ESE?

*IDN?
This query requests the electronic load to identify itself. It returns the data in four fields separated by
commas.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Returned Parameters

Field
Information
Agilent Technologies manufacturer
model number
xxxxA
nnnnA-nnnnn
serial number or 0
.xx.xx
firmware revision
$JLOHQW Technologies, N3300A, 0, A.00.01

*OPC
This command causes the interface to set the OPC bit (bit 0) of the Standard Event Status register when
the electronic load has completed all pending operations. (See *ESE for the bit configuration of the
Standard Event Status registers.) Pending operations are complete when:
 All commands sent before *OPC have been executed. This includes overlapped commands.
Most commands are sequential and are completed before the next command is executed.
Overlapped commands are executed in parallel with other commands. Commands that affect
trigger actions are overlapped with subsequent commands sent to the electronic load. The *OPC
command provides notification that all overlapped commands have been completed.
 All triggered actions are completed and the trigger system returns to the Idle state.
*OPC does not prevent processing of subsequent commands but Bit 0 will not be set until all pending
operations are completed. The query causes the interface to place an ASCII "1" in the Output Queue
when all pending operations are completed.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

*OPC
None
*OPC?

Language Dictionary - 4

*OPT?
This query requests the electronic load to identify any options that are installed. Options are identified by
number. A 0 indicates no options are installed.
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters

*PSC
This command controls the automatic clearing at power-on of the Service Request Enable and the
Standard Event Status enable registers as follows (see chapter 3 under “Programming the Status
Registers” for register details):
1 or ON
0 or OFF

Prevents the register contents from being saved, causing them to be cleared at power-on.
This prevents a PON event from clearing SRQ at power-on.
Saves the contents of the Service Request Enable and the Standard Event Status enable
registers in non-volatile memory and recalls them at power-on. This allows a PON event
to generate SRQ at power-on.

The query returns the current state of *PSC.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Example
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

*PSC
0 | 1 | OFF | ON
*PSC 0
*PSC 1
*PSC?
0|1
*ESE *SRE

*RCL
This command restores the electronic load to a state that was previously stored in memory with a *SAV
command to the specified location. All states are recalled with the following exceptions:
 CAL:STATe is set to OFF
 The trigger system is set to the Idle state by an implied ABORt command (this cancels any
uncompleted trigger actions)
NOTE:

The device state stored in location 0 is automatically recalled at power turn-on. Lists are
only restored if they have been saved in non-volatile memory locations 0, 7, 8, and 9.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Example
Related Commands

*RCL
0 to 9
*RCL 3
*PSC *RST

4 - Language Dictionary

*RDT?
This query reads the model numbers of the modules installed in the mainframe. It returns the data in
comma-separated fields.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Returned Parameters
Example

*RDT?
None
model numbers separated by commas
CHAN1:N3302A; CHAN2:N3302A; CHAN3:N3304A

*RST
This command resets ALL channels of the electronic load to the following factory-defined states:
CAL:STAT
CHAN
INP
INP:SHOR
PORT0
PORT1
SENS:CURR:RANG
SENS:SWE:POIN
SENS:SWE:OFFS
SENS:SWE:TINT
SENS:VOLT:RANG
SENS:WIND
[SOUR:]CURR
[SOUR:]CURR:MODE
[SOUR:]CURR:PROT
[SOUR:]CURR:PROT:DEL
[SOUR:]CURR:PROT:STAT
[SOUR:]CURR:RANG
[SOUR:]CURR:SLEW
[SOUR:]CURR:SLEW:NEG
[SOUR:]CURR:SLEW:POS
[SOUR:]CURR:TLEV
[SOUR:]CURR:TRIG
[SOUR:]FUNC
[SOUR:]LIST:COUN
[SOUR:]LIST:STEP

OFF
1
ON
OFF
OFF
0
MAX
1
0
0.00001
MAX
RECT
MIN
FIX
MAX
15 s
OFF
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MIN
MIN
CURR
1
AUTO

MAX
FIX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
OFF
50%
10000
CONT
0.0005
MAX
FIX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX
0
HOLD
1
0.001

 *RST does not clear any of the status registers or the error queue, and does not
affect any interface error conditions.
 *RST sets the trigger system to the Idle state.
 *RST clears the presently active list.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Related Commands

[SOUR:]RES
[SOUR:]RES:MODE
[SOUR:]RES:RANG
[SOUR:]RES:SLEW
[SOUR:]RES:SLEW:NEG
[SOUR:]RES:SLEW:POS
[SOUR:]RES:TLEV
[SOUR:]RES:TRIG
[SOUR:]TRAN
[SOUR:]TRAN:DCYC
[SOUR:]TRAN:FREQ
[SOUR:]TRAN:MODE
[SOUR:]TRAN:TWID
[SOUR:]VOLT
[SOUR:]VOLT:MODE
[SOUR:]VOLT:RANG
[SOUR:]VOLT:SLEW
[SOUR:]VOLT:SLEW:NEG
[SOUR:]VOLT:SLEW:POS
[SOUR:]VOLT:TLEV
[SOUR:]VOLT:TRIG
TRIG:DEL
TRIG:SOUR
TRIG:SEQ2:COUN
TRIG:TIM

Language Dictionary - 4

*SAV
This command stores the present state of the electronic load to a specified location in memory. Up to 10
states can be stored. States in saved in locations 1-6 are volatile, the data will be lost when power is
turned off. States in locations 0, 7, 8, and 9 are nonvolatile, the data will be saved when power is
removed. If a particular state is desired at power-on, it should be stored in location 0. It then will be
recalled at power-on if the power-on state is set to RCL0. Use *RCL to retrieve instrument states. Any
lists associated with a device state are also saved if they are stored in locations 0, 7, 8, or 9.
NOTE:

*SAV does not save the programmed trigger values ([SOURce:]CURRent:TRIGGer,
[SOURce:]RESistance:TRIGGer, [SOURce:]VOLTage:TRIGGer). Programming an *RCL
or a *RST command causes the triggered settings to revert to their [IMMediate] settings.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Example
Related Commands

*SAV
0 to 9
*SAV 3
*PSC *RST

*SRE
This command sets the condition of the Service Request Enable Register. This register determines which
bits from the Status Byte Register (see *STB for its bit configuration) are allowed to set the Master Status
Summary (MSS) bit and the Request for Service (RQS) summary bit. A 1 in any Service Request Enable
Register bit position enables the corresponding Status Byte Register bit and all such enabled bits then
are logically ORed to cause Bit 6 of the Status Byte Register to be set.
When the controller conducts a serial poll in response to SRQ, the RQS bit is cleared, but the MSS bit is
not. When *SRE is cleared (by programming it with 0), the electronic load cannot generate an SRQ to the
controller. The query returns the current state of *SRE.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Default Value
Example
Query Syntax
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

*SRE
0 to 255
see *PSC
*SRE 128
*SRE?
(register binary value)
*ESE *ESR *PSC

*STB?
This query reads the Status Byte register, which contains the status summary bits and the Output Queue
MAV bit. Reading the Status Byte register does not clear it. The input summary bits are cleared when
the appropriate event registers are read (see chapter 3 under “Programming the Status Registers” for
more information). A serial poll also returns the value of the Status Byte register, except that bit 6 returns
Request for Service (RQS) instead of Master Status Summary (MSS). A serial poll clears RQS, but not
MSS. When MSS is set, it indicates that the electronic load has one or more reasons for requesting
service.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Returned Parameters
Related Commands

*STB?
None
(register value)
*SRE *ESR *ESE

4 - Language Dictionary

Bit Configuration of Status Byte Register
Bit Position
7
6
Bit Name
OPER
MSS/RQS
Bit Weight
128
64
OPER
operation status summary
MSS
master status summary
RQS
request for service
ESB
event status byte summary

4
MAV
16
MAV
QUES
CSUM

3
2
1-0
QUES
CSUM
not used
8
message available
questionable status summary
channel summary

*TRG
This command generates a trigger to any system that has BUS selected as its source (for example,
TRIG:SOUR BUS). The command has the same affect as the Group Execute Trigger () command.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Related Commands

*TST?
This query causes the electronic load to do a self-test and report any errors.
Query Syntax
Parameters
Returned Parameters

0 indicates the electronic load has passed selftest.
Non-zero indicates an error code (see appendix C)

*WAI
This command instructs the electronic load not to process any further commands until all pending
operations are completed. Pending operations are complete when:
 All commands sent before *WAI have been executed. This includes overlapped commands. Most
commands are sequential and are completed before the next command is executed. Overlapped
commands are executed in parallel with other commands. Commands that affect input voltage or
state, relays, and trigger actions are overlapped with subsequent commands sent to the
electronic load. The *WAI command prevents subsequent commands from being executed
before any overlapped commands have been completed.
 All triggered actions are completed and the trigger system returns to the Idle state.
*WAI can be aborted only by sending the electronic load a GPIB DCL (Device Clear) command.
Command Syntax
Parameters
Related Commands

A
SCPI Command Tree
Command Syntax
ABORt
CALibrate
:DATA {,,}
:IMON:LEVel
:IPRog:LEVel
:LEVel
:PASSword
:SAVE
:STATE [,]
CHANnel | INSTrument
[:LOAD]
INITiate
[:IMMediate]
:SEQuence[1] | :SEQuence2
:NAME LIST | ACQuire
CONTinuous
:SEQuence[1]
:NAME LIST
INPut | OUTput
[:STATe]
:PROTection
:CLEar
:SHORt
[:STATe]
MEASure | FETCh
:ARRay
:CURRent[:DC]?
:POWer[:DC]?
:VOLTage[:DC]?
[:SCALar]
:CURRent[:DC]?
:ACDC?
:MAX?
:MIN?
:POWer[:DC]?
:MAX?
:MIN?
:VOLTage[:DC]?
:ACDC?
:MAX?
:MIN?

PORT0 [:STATe]
PORT1 [:LEVel]

Resets the trigger system to the Idle state
Enters the calibration data
Set cal points for current monitor offset (P1 | P2)
Set cal points for current monitor & programming (P1|P2|P3|P4)
Set cal points for the selected function (P1 | P2)
Set calibration password
Save new cal constants in non-volatile memory
Enable or disable calibration mode
Selects a channel in the mainframe
Initiates a specific numbered sequence
Initiates a specific named sequence
Sets continuous initialization
Sets continuous initialization
Enables/disables the input
Reset latched protection
Enables/disables the input short
Returns the digitized instantaneous current
Returns the digitized instantaneous power
Returns the digitized instantaneous voltage
Returns the input current
Returns the total rms current (ac+dc)
Returns maximum current
Returns minimum current
Returns the input power measurement
Returns the maximum input power measurement
Returns the minimum input power measurement
Returns the input voltage
Returns the total rms voltage (ac+dc)
Returns maximum voltage
Returns minimum voltage

Enables/disables the general purpose digital port
Programs the general purpose digital port

A - SCPI Command Tree
SENSe
:CURRent
:RANGe
:SWEep
:OFFSet
:POINts
:TINTerval
:WINDow [:TYPE]
:VOLTage
:RANGe
[SOURce:]
CURRent
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude]
:MODE
:PROTection
[:LEVel]
:DELay
:STATe
:RANGe
:SLEW
[:BOTH]
:NEGative
:POSitive
:TLEVel
FUNCtion | MODE
:MODE
LIST
:COUNt
:CURRent
[:LEVel] {,}
:POINts?
:RANGe {,}
:POINts?
:SLEW
[:BOTH] {,}
:POINts?
:NEGative {,}
:POSitive {,}
:TLEVel {,}
:POINts?
:DWELl {,}
:POINts?
:FUNCtion | MODE {,}
:POINts?
:RESistance
[:LEVel] {,}
:POINts?
:RANGe {,}
:POINts?

Selects the current measurement range
Defines the data offset in the measurement
Define the number of data points in the measurement
Sets the digitizer sample spacing
Sets the measurement window function (HANN | RECT)
Selects the voltage measurement range

Sets the input current
Sets the triggered input current
Sets the current mode (FIX |LIST)
Sets the current protection level
Sets the delay before the current protection is activated
Enables/disables current limit protection
Sets the input current range
Sets the current slew rate
Sets the current slew rate for negative transitions
Sets the current slew rate for positive transitions
Sets the transient input current
Sets the regulation mode (CURR | RES | VOLT)
Selects what controls the regulation mode (FIX | LIST)
Specifies the number of times the list is cycled
Specifies the current setting for each step
Returns the number of current list points
Specifies the current range for each step
Returns the number of current range list points
Sets the current slew rate for each step
Returns the number of current slew list points
Sets the negative current slew rate for each step
Sets the positive current slew rate for each step
Sets the transient input current for each step
Returns the number of current transient list points
Specifies the time period of each step
Returns the number of dwell list points
Sets the list regulation mode (CURR | RES | VOLT)
Returns the number of function list points
Specifies the resistance setting for each step
Returns the number of resistance list points
Specifies the resistance range for each step
Returns the number of resistance range list points

SCPI Command Tree - A

[SOURce:]LIST (continued)
:SLEW
[:BOTH] {,}
:POINts?
:NEGative {,}
:POSitive {,}
:TLEVel {,}
:POINts?
:STEP
:TRANsient
[:STATe] {,}
:POINts?
:DCYCle {,}
:POINts?
:FREQuency {,}
:POINts?
:MODE {,}
:POINts?
:TWIDth {,}
:POINts?
:VOLTage
[:LEVel] {,}
:POINts?
:RANGe {,}
:POINts?
:SLEW
[:BOTH] {,}
:POINts?
:NEGative {,}
:POSitive {,}
:TLEVel {,}
:POINts?
RESistance
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude]
:MODE
:RANGe
:SLEW
[:BOTH]
:NEGative
:POSitive
:TLEVel
TRANsient
[:STATe]
:DCYCle
:FREQuency
:MODE
:LMODE
:TWIDth

Sets the resistance slew rate for each step
Returns the number of resistance slew list points
Sets the negative resistance slew rate for each step
Sets the positive resistance slew rate for each step
Sets the transient resistance for each step
Returns the number of resistance transient list points
Sets the method of incrementing steps (ONCE | AUTO)
Enables/disables the transient level for each step
Returns the number of transient list points
Sets the transient duty cycle for each step
Returns the number of transient duty cycle list points
Sets transient frequency for each step
Returns the number of transient frequency list points
Sets the mode of the transient generator (CONT | PULS)
Returns the number of transient mode list points
Sets the transient pulse width of each step
Returns the number of transient pulse width list points
Specifies the voltage setting for each step
Returns the number of voltage list points
Specifies the voltage range for each step
Returns the number of voltage range list points
Sets the voltage slew rate for each step
Returns the number of voltage slew list points
Sets the negative voltage slew rate for each step
Sets the positive voltage slew rate for each step
Sets the transient voltage for each step
Returns the number of voltage transient list points
Sets the input resistance
Sets the triggered input resistance
Sets the resistance mode (FIX |LIST)
Sets the input resistance range
Sets the resistance slew rate
Sets the resistance slew rate for negative transitions
Sets the resistance slew rate for positive transitions
Sets the transient input resistance
Enables/disables the transient generator
Sets transient duty cycle in continuous mode
Sets transient frequency in continuous mode
Sets the transient mode (CONT | PULS | TOGG )
Selects transient settings source (FIX | LIST)
Sets the transient pulse width in pulse mode

A - SCPI Command Tree

[SOURce:](continued)
VOLTage
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude]
:MODE
:RANGe
:SLEW
[:BOTH]
:NEGative
:POSitive
:TLEVel
STATus
:CHANnel
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
:CSUMmary
[:EVENt]?
:ENABle
:OPERation
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
:NTRansition
:PTRansition
:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
SYSTem
:ERRor?
:VERSion?
:LOCal
:REMote
:RWLock
TRIGger
[:IMMediate]
:DELay
:SOURce
:TIMer
:SEQuence2
:COUNt

Sets the input voltage
Sets the triggered input voltage
Sets the voltage mode (FIX |LIST)
Sets the input voltage range
Sets the voltage slew rate
Sets the voltage slew rate for negative transitions
Sets the voltage slew rate for positive transitions
Sets the transient input voltage
Returns the value of the channel event register
Returns the value of the channel condition register
Enables specific bits in the channel event register
Returns the value of the channel summary event register
Enables specific bits in the channel summary event register
Returns the value of the operation event register
Returns the value of the operation condition register
Enables specific bits in the operation event register
Sets the negative transition filter
Sets the positive transition filter
Returns the value of the event register
Returns the value of the condition register
Enables specific bits in the Event register
Returns the error number and error string
Returns the SCPI version number
Go to local mode (for RS-232 operation)
Go to remote mode (for RS-232 operation)
Go to remote with local lockout (for RS-232 operation)
Sends a trigger immediately
Sets the trigger delay
Sets the trigger source (BUS |EXT | HOLD | LINE | TIM)
Sets the period of the trigger generator.
Specifies the number of triggers that will cause the
specified measurement after an INIT command.

B
Error Messages
Error Number List
This appendix gives the error numbers and descriptions that are returned by the electronic load. Error
numbers are returned in two ways:
♦

Error numbers are displayed on the front panel

Error numbers and messages are read back with the SYSTem:ERRor? query. SYSTem:ERRor?
returns the error number into a variable and returns two parameters, an NR1 and a string.

The following table lists the errors that are associated with SCPI syntax errors and interface problems. It
also lists the device dependent errors. Information inside the brackets is not part of the standard error
message, but is included for clarification. When errors occur, the Standard Event Status register records
them in bit 2, 3, 4, or 5:
Table B-1. Error Numbers
Error
#
–100
–101
–102
–103
–104
–105
–108
–109
–112
–113
–121
–123
–124
–128
–131
–138
–141
–144
–148
–150
–151
–158
–160
–161

Error String [Description/Explanation/Examples]
Command Errors –100 through –199 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #5)
Command error [generic]
Invalid character
Syntax error [unrecognized command or data type]
Invalid separator
Data type error [e.g., "numeric or string expected, got block data"]
GET not allowed
Parameter not allowed [too many parameters]
Missing parameter [too few parameters]
Program mnemonic too long [maximum 12 characters]
Undefined header [operation not allowed for this device]
Invalid character in number [includes "9" in octal data, etc.]
Numeric overflow [exponent too large; exponent magnitude >32 k]
Too many digits [number too long; more than 255 digits received]
Numeric data not allowed
Invalid suffix [unrecognized units, or units not appropriate]
Suffix not allowed
Invalid character data [bad character, or unrecognized]
Character data too long
Character data not allowed
String data error
Invalid string data [e.g., END received before close quote]
String data not allowed
Block data error
Invalid block data [e.g., END received before length satisfied]

B – Error Messages
–168
–170
–171
–178
–200
–221
–222
–223
–224
–225
–270
–272
–273
–276
–277
–310
–350
–400
–410
–420
–430
–440
0
1
2
3
4
5
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
20
40
41
80

Block data not allowed
Expression error
Invalid expression
Expression data not allowed
Execution Errors –200 through –299 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #4)
Execution error [generic]
Settings conflict [check current device state]
Data out of range [e.g., too large for this device]
Too much data [out of memory; block, string, or expression too long]
Illegal parameter value [device-specific]
Out of memory
Macro error
Macro execution error
Illegal macro label
Macro recursion error
Macro redefinition not allowed
System Errors –300 through –399 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #3)
System error [generic]
Too many errors [errors beyond 9 lost due to queue overflow]
Query Errors –400 through –499 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #2)
Query error [generic]
Query INTERRUPTED [query followed by DAB or GET before response complete]
Query UNTERMINATED [addressed to talk, incomplete programming message received]
Query DEADLOCKED [too many queries in command string]
Query UNTERMINATED [after indefinite response]
Selftest Errors 0 through 99 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #3)
No error
Module Initialization Lost
Mainframe Initialization Lost
Module Calibration Lost
Non-volatile RAM STATE section checksum failed
Non-volatile RAM RST section checksum failed
RAM selftest
CVDAC selftest 1
CVDAC selftest 2
CCDAC selftest 1
CCDAC selftest 2
CRDAC selftest 1
CRDAC selftest 2
Input Down
Flash write failed
Flash erase failed
Digital I/O selftest error
Device-Dependent Errors 100 through 32767 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #3)

Error Messages - B
213
216
217
218
220
221
222
223
224
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
600
601
602
603
604
605
610
611

RS-232 buffer overrun error
RS-232 receiver framing error
RS-232 receiver parity error
RS-232 receiver overrun error
Front panel uart overrun
Front panel uart framing
Front panel uart parity
Front panel buffer overrun
Front panel timeout
CAL switch prevents calibration
CAL password is incorrect
CAL not enabled
Computed readback cal constants are incorrect
Computed programming cal constants are incorrect
Incorrect sequence of calibration commands
CV or CC status is incorrect for this command
Output mode switch must be in NORMAL position
Lists inconsistent [lists have different list lengths]
Too many sweep points
Command only applies to RS-232 interface
FETCH of data that was not acquired
Measurement overrange
Command not allowed while list initiated
Corrupt update data
Not Updating

C
Comparing N3300A Series Electronic Loads with
Earlier Models
Introduction
The Keysight N3300A Series Electronic Loads covered by this manual are compatible in many ways with
the previous HP/Keysight 6050B, 6051B, 60501B, 60502B, 60503B, 60504B, 60507B Electronic Loads.
This means that in most cases, programs written for earlier electronic loads will run on the N3300A Series
Electronic Loads. However, be aware that there are also many differences between the previous version
and the N3300A Series loads that will require you to modify previous electronic load programs.
If you are using Keysight N3300A Series Electronic Loads in test systems or with software designed for
6050B, 6051B, 60501B, 60502B, 60503B, 60504B, 60507B Electronic Loads, you may experience some
of the differences documented in Table C-1. If so, refer to the possible reason for the difference in Table
C-2 for suggestions on what to do about the difference.
It is not the intent of Table C-2 to provide an exhaustive list of all the differences between previous
version electronic loadss and the N3300A Series loads or all possible solutions to problems with
previously written software. This table only highlights the areas that affect the behavior of the instrument
in normal use.
NOTE:

For additional information, please contact your Keysight Sales and Support Office listed
at the back of the User's Guide.
Table C-1. Examples of Operating Differences
Difference Noticed

Possible Reason (see table C-2)

Values read back on the display and over the bus are
slightly different than on previous electronic load units.

Values read back on the display and over the bus are
significantly different than on previous electronic load units.

Values on front panel display fluctuate more than on
previous electronic load units.

Unit unexpectedly turns off; Prot annunciator is on.

Response to analog programming input is different than on
previous electronic load units.

Err annunciator comes on when program is run.
Unit under test occasionally behaves unexpectedly.
Trig Out signal has its polarity reversed

#8, #9, #10, #13
#1, #7
#24

C – Comparison With Earlier Models

Table C-2. Reasons for Differences
Item
1. Command
Execution Time

2. Voltage
Programming and
Readback Range

3. Current Readback
Range

4. Measurement Mode

5. Programming
Accuracy
(300W model shown)

6. Programming
Resolution
(300W model shown)

HP/Keysight Series 6050x
Keysight Series N3300A
70 milliseconds (typical)
5 milliseconds (typical)
If external equipment is connected to the load, the decreased command
execution time of the N3300A Series loads may not allow sufficient settling
time for the equipment under test. You may need to insert wait statements in
your program if the equipment under test requires a certain amount of
settling time after a load change before a measurement can be made.
1 range (model dependent):
2 ranges (model dependent):
0-60 volts or
0-6, 0-60 volts or
0-150 volts or
0-15, 0-150 volts or
0-240 volts
0-24, 0-240 volts
The addition of voltage programming and readback ranges provides 16-bit
accuracy with the N3300A Series loads. Existing programs may need to be
modified to take advantage of the improved accuracy provided with the
additional ranges.
1 range (model dependent):
2 ranges (model dependent):
0-10 amps or
0-1, 0-10 amps or
0-30 amps or
0-3, 0-30 amps or
0-60 amps or
0-6, 0-60 amps or
0-120 amps
0-12, 0-120 amps
The addition of current readback ranges provides greater accuracy with the
N3300A Series loads. Existing programs may need to be modified to take
advantage of the improved accuracy provided with the additional ranges.
Single measurement occurs at
Multiple measurements at command
command execution.
execution. Average value is returned.
Number of samples and time interval
between samples is programmable.
This feature provides greater accuracy and noise immunity when making
measurements. The time required to make measurements with the N3300A
Series loads may vary considerably, depending on the type of measurement
specified. The default measurement settings on the N3300A Series loads
are faster than measurements on previous electronic loads.
Voltage (60V) = 0.1% +50mV
Voltage (60V) = 0.1% +8mV
Current (60A) = 0.1% +75mA
Current (60A) = 0.1% +15mA
Resistance (1Ω) = 0.8% +8mΩ
Resistance (2Ω) = 0.4% +12mΩ
Resistance (100Ω) = 0.3% +8mS
Resistance (20Ω) = 3% +40mΩ
Resistance (10kΩ) = 0.03% +8mS Resistance (200Ω) = 20% +120mΩ
Resistance (2kΩ) = -50% +2000%
This feature provides greater accuracy with the N3300A Series loads.
Existing programs may need to be modified to take advantage of the
improved programming accuracy provided with the additional ranges.
Voltage (60V) = 16mV
Voltage (60V) = 1mV
Current (60A) = 16mA
Current (60A) = 1mA
Resistance (1Ω) = 0.27mΩ
Resistance (2Ω) = 0.035mΩ
Resistance (100Ω) = 0.27mS
Resistance (20Ω) = 0.35mΩ
Resistance (10kΩ) = 0.027mS
Resistance (200Ω) = 3.5mΩ
Resistance (2kΩ) = 35mΩ
This feature provides greater accuracy with the N3300A Series loads.
Existing programs may need to be modified to take advantage of the
improved programming resolution.

Comparison With Earlier Models – C

Table C-2. Differences (continued)
Item
7. Mode/Range
Change Performance

9. Resistance Ranges
(300W model shown)

10. Resistance Slew
Rate

11. UNR Status
Reporting

12. *SAV 0 Storage
Location

13. Error Messages

14. Query Response

HP/Keysight Series 6050x
Keysight Series N3300A
Firmware turns the input off
Firmware does not turn the input off
between mode and range changes. between mode and range changes.
The input is no longer programmed off when modes and ranges change.
During mode changes however, limited current or voltage dropouts may still
occur. In general, these dropouts may be of a much shorter duration than
was the case with previous electronic loads.
Calibration procedure for previous
Refer to the calibration procedure in
loads is documented in the
the N3300A Series User's Guide.
Operating manual.
Existing programs must be modified to correctly calibrate the N3300A Series
loads.
3 ranges: 0-1Ω, 1-1kΩ, 10-10kΩ
4 ranges: 0-2Ω, 1.8-20Ω, 18-200Ω,
180-2kΩ,
Resistance transients may not work in some cases. For example if you are
transitioning from 1Ω to 1kΩ (in previous electronic loads), the command will
not work with the resistance ranges in the N3300A Series loads. You can
only transition within a specific resistance range (180Ω to 2kΩ for example).
Slew rates are programmed in ohms/
1Ω range slew rate uses the value
second. Each resistance range has
programmed for the voltage slew.
1kΩ and 10kΩ range slew rate uses its own slew rate. Refer to Appendix A
in the N3300A Series User's Guide.
the values programmed for the
current slew.
The addition of resistance slew rates provides greater capability when
programming input resistance. Existing programs must be modified to
correctly program resistance slew rates.
Applied in constant current mode
Applies in all operating modes and
and in 1kΩ and the 10kΩ resistance ranges.
mode.
This feature provides more comprehensive status reporting. Programs that
use the UNR status reporting to generate service requests may need to be
modified to account for the additional operating modes and ranges that may
cause an unregulated status condition to be reported.
Module settings are saved in
All module settings are saved in the
individual modules.
mainframe.
This feature saves all power up settings in the mainframe, not the module.
This will cause the modules to behave according to the settings stored in
each mainframe when swapped. Previous load modules cannot be installed
in N3300A Series mainframes. N3300A Series modules cannot be installed
in previous mainframes.
Error messages for previous loads
Refer to the error message table in
are documented in the Operating
the N3300A Series User's Guide.
manual.
This feature adds more error messages. Existing programs need to be
modified to trap the additional error messages.
*IDN? and *RDT? = Hewlett*IDN? and *RDT? = Agilent
Packard and earlier model
Technologies and N3300A Series
numbers.
model numbers; query number
formats may also be different.
This changes the company name and model numbers. Existing programs
may need to be modified if the *IDN? and *RDT? queries are used.

C – Comparison With Earlier Models

Table C-2. Differences (continued)
Item
15. CC and CV Analog
Programming
Accuracy
(300W model shown)
16. CR Analog
Programming

17. List Programming

18. Front Panel

19. Reverse Voltage
Protection
20. Mainframe RS-232
Connector

21. Mainframe Digital
Port

22. Module
Interconnections

23. Line Voltage
Selection

24. Trig Out signal

HP/Keysight Series 6050x
Keysight Series N3300A
Current (60A) = 4.5% +75mA
Refer to Appendix A in the N3300A
Voltage (60V) = 0.8% +200mV
Series User's Guide.
This feature improves analog programming accuracy in both constant
current and in constant voltage mode. Existing programs may need to be
modified to take advantage of the improved analog programming accuracy.
Not available
A 0-to-10V signal at the analog
programming input corresponds to the
minimum to full scale input resistance
of the selected resistance range.
This feature adds analog programming in constant resistance mode.
Existing programs will need to be modified to use the analog programming
available in constant resistance mode.
Not available
Lists containing up to 100 steps can be
programmed and downloaded to each
electronic load module. They can be
run simultaneously in response to an
external trigger.
This feature adds list programming to the current, voltage, resistance,
transient, and port functions. Existing programs will need to be modified to
use lists. Refer to the N3300A Series User's Guide for details.
Deleted keys
Added keys
Range
Short on/off
Ident
Sense
Tran Level
Tran on/off
Channel
Protect
Slew
Freq
Step

Dcycl
Mode
List
Trigger
Func
Trigger Control
This feature adds additional keys and menus to the front panel. This results
in significant differences in front panel operation between previous and
N3300A Series loads. Refer to the N3300A Series User's Guide for more
information.
Available on input terminals
Available on input and sense terminals
This feature adds reverse voltage protection on the sense terminals. Load
modules will shut down with reverse voltage on remote sense terminals.
Not available
An RS-232 connector is available on
the 2-pin user-programmable digital
output port is available on the back of
the mainframe.
Existing programs must be modified to use the digital port on the mainframe.
Not available
A 2-pin user-programmable digital
output port is available on the back of
the mainframe.
Existing programs must be modified to use the digital port on the mainframe.
3 ribbon cables including ac line
1 ribbon cable with no ac line
distribution.
distribution.
Previous load modules cannot be installed in N3300A Series mainframes.
N3300A Series modules cannot be installed in previous mainframes.
Accomplished via internal switches No switching required.
on the mainframe.
This feature eliminates manual line voltage selection. The line input of the
N3300A Series mainframe is rated from 85 - 264 Vac.
Trig Out signal is low true.
Trig Out signal is high true.
The polarity of the Trig Out signal is reversed on the Keysight Series N3300A.

Index
—A—
AARD, 19

—C—
calibration subsystem, 55
CALibrate DATA, 55
CALibrate IMON LEVel, 55
CALibrate IPRog LEVel, 55
CALibrate LEVel, 55
CALibrate PASSword, 56
CALibrate SAVE, 56
CALibrate STATe, 56
channel status group, 41
channel status registers
bit configuration, 89, 92
channel subsystem, 57
CHANnel, 57
INSTrument, 57
character strings, 19
combine commands
common commands, 16
from different subsystems, 16
root specifier, 16
command completion, 19
common command syntax, 54
common commands, 97
*CLE, 97
*ESE, 97
*ESR?, 98
*IDN?, 98
*OPC, 98
*OPT?, 99
*PSC, 99
*RCL, 99
*RDT?, 100
*RST, 100
*SAV, 101
*SRE, 101
*STB?, 101
*TRG, 102
*TST?, 102
*WAI, 102
compatibility
commands, 112
language, 111
conventions used in this guide, 15
CRD, 19
current, 24
maximum, 24
measurement range, 32
measurements, 31

—D—
dc measurements, 31
delaying triggers, 30
determining cause of interrupt, 43
device clear, 20
DTR-DSR, 14

—E—
enabling the output, 23
error numbers, 107

—F—
fetch commands, 31

—G—
generating measurement triggers, 34
generating triggers, 30
GPIB
command library for MS DOS, 10
controller programming, 10
IEEE Std for standard codes, 10
IEEE Std for standard digital interface, 10
GPIB References, 10

—H—
Hanning, 74
header, 17
long form, 17
short form, 17
history, 2
HP-IB
address, 13
capabilities of the dc source, 13

—I—
initialization, 23
initiating list triggers, 30
initiating measurement trigger system, 34
input subsystem, 58
INPut, 58
INPut PROTection CLEar, 58
INPut SHORt, 58
OUTPut, 58
OUTPut PROTection CLEar, 58
OUTPut SHORt, 58
internally triggered measurements, 33

—L—
language, 111
language dictionary, 53
list transients, 28
list trigger system model, 29
lists, 26
programming, 26

—M—
making measurements, 31
MAV bit, 43
maximum measurements, 32
measure commands, 31
measurement subsystem, 69
FETCh ARRay CURRent STEP?, 69
FETCh ARRay CURRent?, 69
FETCh ARRay POWer STEP?, 69
FETCh ARRay POWer?, 69
FETCh ARRay VOLTage STEP?, 70
FETCh ARRay VOLTage?, 70
FETCh CURRent ACDC STEP?, 70
FETCh CURRent ACDC?, 70
FETCh CURRent MAXimum STEP?, 70
FETCh CURRent MAXimum?, 70
FETCh CURRent MINimum STEP?, 71
FETCh CURRent MINimum?, 71
FETCh CURRent STEP?, 70
FETCh CURRent?, 70
FETCh POWer MAXimum STEP?, 71
FETCh POWer MAXimum?, 71
FETCh POWer MINimum STEP?, 71
FETCh POWer MINimum?, 71
FETCh POWer STEP?, 71
FETCh POWer?, 71
FETCh VOLTage ACDC STEP?, 72
FETCh VOLTage ACDC?, 72
FETCh VOLTage MAXimum STEP?, 72
FETCh VOLTage MAXimum?, 72
FETCh VOLTage MINimum STEP?, 72
FETCh VOLTage MINimum?, 72
FETCh VOLTage STEP?, 72
FETCh VOLTage?, 72
MEASure ARRay CURRent?, 69
MEASure ARRay POWer?, 69
MEASure ARRay VOLTage?, 70
MEASure CURRent ACDC?, 70
MEASure CURRent MAXimum?, 70
MEASure CURRent MINimum?, 71
MEASure CURRent?, 70
MEASure POWer MAXimum?, 71
MEASure POWer MINimum?, 71
MEASure POWer?, 71
MEASure VOLTage ACDC?, 72
MEASure VOLTage MAXimum?, 72
MEASure VOLTage MINimum?, 72
MEASure VOLTage?, 72
measurement trigger system model, 33
message terminator, 18
end or identify, 18

newline, 18
message unit
separator, 18
minimum measurements, 32
moving among subsystems, 16
MSS bit, 42
multiple measurements, 35

—N—
numerical data formats, 18

—O—
OCP, 24
operation status group, 42
optional header
example, 16
output queue, 43
overcurrent protection, 24

—P—
PON (power on) bit, 42
port subsystem, 75
PORT0, 75
PORT1, 75
power-on conditions, 41
power-on initialization, 23
print date, 2
programming parameters, 54
programming status registers, 36, 38, 44
programming the output, 23

—Q—
queries, 17
query
indicator, 18
questionable status group, 41

—R—
Rectangular, 74
returning voltage or current data, 32
rms measurements, 32
root specifier, 18
RQS bit, 42
RS-232
capabilities of the dc source, 14
data format, 14, 20
data terminator, 18
flow control, 14
RTS-CTS, 14

—S—
safety summary, 2
SCPI
command completion, 19

Index
command syntax, 53
command tree, 15
common commands, 15
conformance, 21
data format, 18
device clear, 20
header path, 16
message structure, 17
message types, 17
message unit, 17
multiple commands, 16
non-conformance, 21
program message, 17
response message, 17
subsystem commands, 15, 53
triggering nomenclature, 29, 33
SCPI References, 9
sense subsystem, 76
SENSe CURRent RANGe, 73
SENSe SWEep OFFSet, 73
SENSe SWEep POINts, 73
SENSe SWEep TINTerval, 74
SENSe SWEep WINDow, 74
SENSe VOLTage RANGe, 74
SENSe WINDow, 74
servicing operation status, 43
servicing questionable status events, 43
setting output trigger system, 24
source subsystem
CURRent, 59
CURRent MODE, 59
CURRent PROTection, 59
CURRent PROTection DELay, 60
CURRent PROTection STATe, 60
CURRent RANGe, 60
CURRent SLEW, 61
CURRent SLEW NEGative, 61
CURRent SLEW POSitive, 61
CURRent TLEVel, 62
CURRent TRIGgered, 62
FUNCtion, 62
FUNCtion MODE, 63
LIST COUNt, 76
LIST CURRent, 76
LIST CURRent POINts, 76
LIST CURRent RANGe, 77
LIST CURRent RANGe POINts, 77
LIST CURRent SLEW, 77
LIST CURRent SLEW NEGative, 78
LIST CURRent SLEW POINts?, 77
LIST CURRent SLEW POSitive, 78
LIST CURRent TLEVel, 78
LIST CURRent TLEVel POINts?, 78
LIST DWELl, 79
LIST DWELl POINts?, 79
LIST FUNCtion, 79
LIST FUNCtion POINts?, 79
LIST MODE, 79
LIST RESistance, 80
LIST RESistance POINts?, 80
LIST RESistance RANGe, 80

LIST RESistance RANGe POINts?, 80
LIST RESistance SLEW, 81
LIST RESistance SLEW NEGative, 81
LIST RESistance SLEW POINts?, 81
LIST RESistance SLEW POSitive, 81
LIST RESistance TLEVel, 82
LIST RESistance TLEVel POINts?, 82
LIST STEP, 82
LIST TRANsient, 82
LIST TRANsient DCYCle, 83
LIST TRANsient DCYCle POINts?, 83
LIST TRANsient FREQuency, 83
LIST TRANsient FREQuency POINts?, 83
LIST TRANsient MODE, 83
LIST TRANsient MODE POINts?, 83
LIST TRANsient POINTs, 82
LIST TRANsient TWIDth, 84
LIST TRANsient TWIDth POINts?, 84
LIST VOLTage, 84
LIST VOLTage POINts?, 84
LIST VOLTage RANGe, 85
LIST VOLTage RANGe POINts?, 85
LIST VOLTage SLEW, 85
LIST VOLTage SLEW NEGative, 85
LIST VOLTage SLEW POINts?, 85
LIST VOLTage SLEW POSitive, 86
LIST VOLTage TLEVel, 86
LIST VOLTage TLEVel POINts?, 86
MODE, 62
RESistance, 63
RESistance MODE, 63
RESistance RANGe, 64
RESistance SLEW, 64
RESistance SLEW NEGative, 64
RESistance SLEW POSitive, 65
RESistance TLEVel, 65
RESistance TRIGgered, 65
TRANsient, 87
TRANsient DCYCle, 87
TRANsient FREQuency, 87
TRANsient LMODE, 88
TRANsient MODE, 88
TRANsient TWIDth, 88
VOLTage, 66
VOLTage MODE, 66
VOLTage RANGe, 64, 67
VOLTage SLEW, 67
VOLTage SLEW NEGative, 67
VOLTage SLEW POSitive, 68
VOLTage TLEVel, 68
VOLTage TRIGgered, 68
source subsystem, list, 76
source subsystem, transient, 87
SRD, 19
standard event status enable register
bit configuration, 98
standard event status group, 41
status bit configurations, 38, 39
status byte register, 42
bit configuration, 102
status model, 41

Index
status operation registers
bit configuration, 90
status subsystem, 89
STATus CHANnel CONDition?, 89
STATus CHANnel ENABle, 89
STATus CHANnel?, 89
STATus CSUMmary ENABle, 90
STATus CSUMmary?, 90
STATus OPERation CONDition?, 90
STATus OPERation ENABle?, 91
STATus OPERation NTRansition, 91
STATus OPERation PTRansition, 91
STATus OPERation?, 90
STATus QUEStionable CONDition?, 92
STATus QUEStionable ENABle, 92
STATus QUEStionable?, 92
suffixes, 19
system commands
SYST LANG, 111
SYST LOC, 93
SYST REM, 93
SYST RWL, 93
SYSTem ERRor?, 93
SYSTem VERSion?, 93
system errors, 107

ABORt, 69, 94
INITiate ACQuire, 94
INITiate CONTinuous LIST, 95
INITiate CONTinuous SEQuence, 95
INITiate LIST, 94
INITiate SEQuence, 94
INITiate SEQuence2, 94
TRIGger, 95
TRIGger DELay, 95
TRIGger SEQuence2
COUNt, 96
TRIGger SOURce, 96
TRIGger TIMer, 96
triggering output changes, 29
triggers
continuous, 30
single, 30
types of SCPI commands, 15

—V—
varying voltage or current sampling, 35
voltage, 23
maximum, 24
measurements, 31

—T—
transients, 25
continuous, 25
multiple channels, 28
programming, 25
pulse, 25
toggled, 26
trigger subsystem, 94

—W—
waiting for measurement results, 34

—X—
XON-XOFF, 14

This information is subject to change without notice.
© Keysight Technologies 2000, 2002, 2014
Edition 3, November 2014

*5964-8198*
5964-8198
www.keysight.com

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