California Instruments 3000iL Programmers Guide

Revision D

September 1999

Copyright  1996,1997,1999
California Instruments
All rights reserved

P/N 5001-969

iL-Series AC Power

Source / Analyzers

SCPI Programming Manual

iL Series SCPI Programming Manual

Programming Manual
Refers to iL Series AC Power Source/Analyzers
Models: 3000iL, 4500iL, 4801iL

Copyright 1996,1997, 1999 California Instruments Company

September 1999

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Safety Summary

The beginning of the AC source User's Manual has a Safety Summary page. Be sure you are
familiar with the information on this page before programming the AC source from a controller.

ENERGY HAZARD: AC sources can supply 425 V peak at their output. DEATH on

contact may result if the output terminals or circuits connected
to the output are touched when power is applied.

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................1-1

1.1 DOCUMENTATION SUMMARY......................................................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 External References..............................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING............................................................................................................1-2

1.2.1 IEEE-488 Capabilities of the AC source..........................................................................................1-2

1.2.2 IEEE-488 Address.................................................................................................................................1-2

2. INTRODUCTION TO SCPI..................................................................................................................................2-1

2.1 CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL.......................................................................................................2-1

2.2 THE SCPI COMMANDS AND MESSAGES.......................................................................................................2-1

2.2.1 Types of SCPI Commands....................................................................................................................2-1

2.2.2 Types of SCPI Messages.......................................................................................................................2-1

2.2.3 The SCPI Command Tree.....................................................................................................................2-2

2.3 USING QUERIES................................................................................................................................................2-4

2.4 COUPLED COMMANDS....................................................................................................................................2-4

2.5 STRUCTURE OF A SCPI MESSAGE.................................................................................................................2-4

2.5.1 The Message Unit..................................................................................................................................2-4

2.5.2 Combining Message Units ..................................................................................................................2-5

2.5.3 Headers...................................................................................................................................................2-5

2.5.4 Query Indicator.....................................................................................................................................2-6

2.5.5 Message Unit Separator......................................................................................................................2-6

2.5.6 Root Specifier ........................................................................................................................................2-6

2.5.7 Message Terminator.............................................................................................................................2-6

2.6 SCPI DATA FORMATS.....................................................................................................................................2-7

2.6.1 Numerical Data Formats.....................................................................................................................2-7

2.6.2 Character Data .....................................................................................................................................2-7

3. SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................................3-1

3.1 ASSIGNING THE IEEE-488 ADDRESS IN PROGRAMS....................................................................................3-1

3.2 TYPES OF DOS DRIVERS.................................................................................................................................3-1

3.2.1 HP 82335A Driver ................................................................................................................................3-1

3.2.2 National Instruments GP-IB Driver...................................................................................................3-2

4. SCPI COMMAND REFERENCE..........................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................4-1

4.2 SUBSYSTEM COMMANDS................................................................................................................................4-2

4.2.1 Calibration Subsystem.........................................................................................................................4-3

4.2.2 Diagnostic Subsystem..........................................................................................................................4-7

4.2.3 Display Subsystem..............................................................................................................................4-10

4.2.4 Instrument Subsystem.........................................................................................................................4-12

4.2.5 Arrays Measurement Subsystem.......................................................................................................4-14

4.2.6 Current Measurement Subsystem.....................................................................................................4-19

4.2.7 Frequency Measurement Subsystem................................................................................................4-25

4.2.8 Power Measurement Subsystem.......................................................................................................4-26

4.2.9 Voltage Measurement Subsystem.....................................................................................................4-29

4.2.10 Output Subsystem................................................................................................................................4-32

4.2.11 Sense Subsystem - Sweep...................................................................................................................4-37

4.2.12 Source Subsystem - Current..............................................................................................................4-40

4.2.13 Source Subsystem - Frequency.........................................................................................................4-42

4.2.14 Source Subsystem - Function............................................................................................................4-46

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4.2.15 Source Subsystem - List..................................................................................................................... 4-49

4.2.16 Source Subsystem - Phase................................................................................................................. 4-57

4.2.17 Source Subsystem - Pulse.................................................................................................................. 4-59

4.2.18 Source Subsystem - Voltage ............................................................................................................. 4-62

4.2.19 Status Subsystem Commands........................................................................................................... 4-69

4.3 SYSTEM COMMANDS....................................................................................................................................4-78

4.3.1 Trace Subsystem Commands............................................................................................................ 4-81

4.3.2 Trigger Subsystem.............................................................................................................................. 4-83

4.4 COMMON COMMANDS.................................................................................................................................4-90

4.5 IEC 1000-2 COMMANDS................................................................................................................................4-99

5. PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES ............................................................................................................................5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................5-1

5.2 PROGRAMMING THE OUTPUT ......................................................................................................................5-2

5.2.1 Waveform Shapes...................................................................................................................................5-3

5.2.2 Individual Phases..................................................................................................................................5-5

5.2.3 Current Limit..........................................................................................................................................5-6

5.3 COUPLED COMMANDS...................................................................................................................................5-7

5.4 PROGRAMMING OUTPUT TRANSIENTS.......................................................................................................5-8

5.4.1 Transient System Model.......................................................................................................................5-9

5.5 STEP AND PULSE TRANSIENTS...................................................................................................................5-10

5.6 LIST TRANSIENTS..........................................................................................................................................5-11

5.7 TRIGGERING OUTPUT CHANGES................................................................................................................5-13

5.7.1 SCPI Triggering Nomenclature....................................................................................................... 5-13

5.7.2 Output Trigger System Model.......................................................................................................... 5-14

5.7.3 Initiating the Output Trigger System.............................................................................................. 5-15

5.7.4 Selecting the Output Trigger Source.............................................................................................. 5-15

5.7.5 Specifying a Trigger Delay............................................................................................................... 5-16

5.7.6 Synchronizing Output Changes to a Reference Phase Angle.................................................... 5-16

5.7.7 Generating Triggers .......................................................................................................................... 5-16

5.7.8 Specifying a Dwell Time for Each List Point................................................................................. 5-17

5.8 MAKING MEASUREMENTS..........................................................................................................................5-18

5.8.1 Voltage and Current Measurements............................................................................................... 5-18

5.8.2 Power Measurements......................................................................................................................... 5-19

5.8.3 Harmonic Measurements .................................................................................................................. 5-19

5.8.4 Simultaneous Output Phase Measurements.................................................................................. 5-20

5.8.5 Returning Voltage and Current Data From the Data Buffer ..................................................... 5-20

5.8.6 Triggering Measurements................................................................................................................. 5-20

5.8.7 SCPI Measurement Triggering Nomenclature ............................................................................. 5-21

5.8.8 Measurement Trigger System Model .............................................................................................. 5-21

5.8.9 Initiating the Measurement Trigger System.................................................................................. 5-21

5.8.10 Selecting the Measurement Trigger Source.................................................................................. 5-22

5.8.11 Generating Measurement Triggers................................................................................................. 5-22

5.8.12 Using the DFI Output to Indicate Error Conditions................................................................... 5-22

5.9 CONTROLLING THE INSTANTANEOUS V OLTAGE AND CURRENT DATA BUFFERS........................... 5-23

5.9.1 Varying the Voltage and Current Sampling Rate........................................................................ 5-23

5.9.2 Pre-event and Post-event Triggering ............................................................................................. 5-24

5.9.3 Regulatory-Compliant Measurement of Quasi-Stationary Harmonics.................................... 5-24

6. PROGRAMMING THE STATUS AND EVENT REGISTERS.........................................................................6-1

6.1 POWER-ON CONDITIONS...............................................................................................................................6-1

6.2 OPERATION STATUS G ROUP........................................................................................................................ 6-1

6.3 QUESTIONABLE STATUS G ROUP ................................................................................................................. 6-4

6.4 QUESTIONABLE INSTRUMENT ISUMMARY STATUS G ROUP................................................................... 6-5

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6.5 STANDARD EVENT STATUS G ROUP.............................................................................................................6-6

6.6 STATUS BYTE REGISTER ...............................................................................................................................6-7

6.7 EXAMPLES ........................................................................................................................................................6-8

6.7.1 Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt.................................................................................6-8

6.7.2 Servicing Questionable Status Events..............................................................................................6-8

6.7.3 Monitoring Both Phases of a Status Transition..............................................................................6-9

6.7.4 Programming the Trigger In and Trigger Out BNC Connectors.................................................6-9

6.8 REMOTE INHIBIT AND DISCRETE FAULT INDICATOR...........................................................................6-11

6.8.1 Remote Inhibit (RI) .............................................................................................................................6-11

6.8.2 Discrete Fault Indicator (DFI).........................................................................................................6-11

6.9 SCPI COMMAND COMPLETION..................................................................................................................6-12

APPENDIX A: SCPI COMMAND TREE.................................................................................................................... A-1

APPENDIX B: SCPI CONFORMANCE INFORMATION...................................................................................... B-1

APPENDIX C: ERROR MESSAGES .......................................................................................................................... C-1

Table of Figures

FIGURE 2-1 : PARTIAL COMMAND TREE.......................................................................................................................2-2

FIGURE 2-2 : COMMAND MESSAGE STRUCTURE ..........................................................................................................2-5

FIGURE 5-1 : MODEL OF TRANSIENT SYSTEM.............................................................................................................5-9

FIGURE 5-2 : MODEL OF OUTPUT TRIGGERS..............................................................................................................5-14

FIGURE 5-3 : MODEL OF MEASUREMENT TRIGGERS.................................................................................................5-21

FIGURE 5-4 : PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT TRIGGERING........................................................................................5-24

FIGURE 6-1 : AC SOURCE STATUS MODEL...................................................................................................................6-2

FIGURE 6-2 : BNC CONNECTOR TRIGGER MODEL .....................................................................................................6-10

Table of Tables

TABLE 2-1 : COMMAND PARAMETERS SUFFIXES AND MULTIPLIERS.....................................................................2-7

TABLE 4-1 : PULSE:HOLD = WIDTH PARAMETERS ................................................................................................4-60

TABLE 4-2 : PULSE:HOLD = DCYCLE PARAMETERS................................................................................................4-60

TABLE 4-3 : BIT CONFIGURATION OF STATUS OPERATION REGISTERS...............................................................4-70

TABLE 4-4 : BIT CONFIGURATION OF QUESTIONABLE REGISTERS........................................................................4-72

TABLE 4-5 : BIT CONFIGURATION OF QUESTIONABLE INSTRUMENT SUMMARY REGISTERS..........................4-74

TABLE 4-6 : BIT CONFIGURATION OF STANDARD EVENT STATUS ENABLE REGISTER.....................................4-91

TABLE 4-7 : FACTORY-DEFINED *RST STATES..........................................................................................................4-95

TABLE 4-8 : BIT CONFIGURATION OF STATUS BYTE REGISTER............................................................................4-97

TABLE 6-1 : OPERATION STATUS REGISTERS ..............................................................................................................6-1

TABLE 6-2 : BIT CONFIGURATIONS OF STATUS REGISTERS......................................................................................6-3

TABLE 6-3 : QUESTIONABLE STATUS REGISTERS........................................................................................................6-4

TABLE 6-4 : QUESTIONABLE INSTRUMENT ISUMMARY STATUS REGISTERS .........................................................6-5

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1. Introduction

This manual contains programming information for the iL Series AC source/Analyzers.
The expression "AC source" as used in the manual also applies to the same series. You will
find the following information in the rest of this manual:

Chapter 2 Introduction to SCPI
Chapter 3 System Considerations
Chapter 4 SCPI Command Reference
Chapter 5 Programming Examples
Chapter 6 Programming the Status and Event Registers
Appendix A SCPI command tree
Appendix B SCPI conformance information
Appendix C Error messages

1.1 Documentation Summary

The following document is related to this Programming Manual and may have additional
helpful information for using the AC source.

• User's Manual. Includes specifications and supplemental characteristics, how to use the
front panel, how to connect to the instrument, and calibration procedures.

1.1.1 External References

SCPI References

The following documents will assist you with programming in SCPI:

• Beginner's Manual to SCPI. Highly recommended for anyone who has not had previous
experience programming with SCPI.

• Controller programming manuals: consult the documentation supplied with the IEEE-488
controller or IEEE-488 PC plug in card for information concerning general IEEE-488.2
conventions and concepts.

The following are two formal documents concerning the IEEE-488 interface:

• ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable
Instrumentation. Defines the technical details of the IEEE-488 interface. While much of
the information is beyond the need of most programmers, it can serve to clarify terms
used in this manual 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.

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1.2 Introduction to Programming

This section provides some general information regarding programming IEEE-488 bus
instrumentation.

1.2.1 IEEE-488 Capabilities of the AC source

All AC source functions except for setting the IEEE-488 address are programmable over
the IEEE-488. The IEEE 488.2 capabilities of the AC source are listed in Chapter 5 of the
User's Manual.

1.2.2 IEEE-488 Address

The AC source operates from an IEEE-488 address that is set from the front panel. To
set the IEEE-488 address, press the Address key on the front panel and enter the address
using the Entry keys. Press the ENTER key to confirm your selection.

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2. Introduction to SCPI

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language
for controlling instrument functions over the IEEE-488. 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. For example, you would use the same
DISPlay command to control the AC source display and the display of a SCPI-compatible
multimeter.

2.1 Conventions Used in This Manual

Angle brackets <> Items within angle brackets are parameter abbreviations.

For example, <NR1> indicates a specific form of numerical
data.

Vertical bar | Vertical bars separate alternative parameters. For example,

NORM | TEXT indicates that either "TEXT" or "NORM" can
be used as a parameter.

Square Brackets [] Items within square brackets are optional. The

representation [SOURce:]LIST means that SOURce: may
be omitted.

Braces {} Braces indicate parameters that may be repeated zero or

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

2.2 The SCPI Commands and Messages

2.2.1 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 AC source 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 AC source functions. They are organized

into an inverted tree structure with the "root" at the top.
Some are single commands while others are grouped within
specific subsystems.

Refer to appendix A for the AC source SCPI tree structure.

2.2.2 Types of SCPI Messages

There are two types of SCPI messages, program and response.

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• A program message consists of one or more properly formatted SCPI commands sent
from the controller to the AC source. The message, which may be sent at any time,
requests the AC source to perform some action.

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

2.2.3 The SCPI Command Tree

As previously explained, the basic SCPI communication method involves sending one or
more properly formatted commands from the SCPI command tree to the instrument as
program messages. Figure 2-1 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

:OUTPut

:STATus

Figure 2-1 : Partial Command Tree

The Root Level

Note the location of the ROOT node at the top of the tree. Commands at the root level are at
the top level of the command tree. The SCPI interface is at this location when:

• the AC source is powered on

• a device clear (DCL) is sent to the AC source

• the SCPI interface encounters a message terminator (LF)

• the SCPI interface encounters a root specifier (:)

Active Header Path

In order to properly traverse the command tree, you must understand the concept of the
active header path. When the AC source is turned on (or under any of the other conditions
listed above), the active path is at the root. That means the SCPI interface is ready to accept
any command at the root level, such as OUTPut or STATe.
If you enter OUTPut, the active header path moves one colon to the right. The interface is
now ready to accept :STATe, :COUPling,:DFI, or :PROTection as the next header. You must
include the colon, because it is required between headers.
If you now enter :PROTection, the active path again moves one colon to the right. The
interface is now ready to accept either :CLEar or :DELay as the next header.

[:STA Te]

:COUPling

:DFI

:PROTection

:OPERation

[:STA Te]

:SOURce

:CLEar
:DELay

[:EVEN]?
:CONDit ion?

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If you now enter :CLEar, you have reached the end of the command string. The active
header path remains at :CLEar. If you wished, you could have entered :CLEar;DELay 20 and
it would be accepted as a compound message consisting of:

1. OUTPut:PROTection:CLEAr and

2. OUTPut:PROTection:DELay 20.
The entire message would be:

OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar;DELay 20
The message terminator after DELay 20 returns the path to the root.

The Effect of Optional Headers

If a command includes optional headers, the interface assumes they are there. For
example, if you enter OUTPut OFF, the interface recognizes it as OUTPut:STATe OFF. This
returns the active path to the root (:OUTPut). But if you enter OUTPut:STATe OFF, then the
active path remains at :STATe. This allows you to send
OUTPut:STATe OFF;PROTection:CLEar
in one message. If you tried to send
OUTPut OFF;PROTection:CLEar
the header path would return to :OUTPut instead of :PROTection.

The optional header [SOURce] precedes the current, frequency, function, phase, pulse,
list, and voltage subsystems. This effectively makes :CURRent,:FREQuency, :FUNCtion,
:PHASe, :PULse, :LIST, and :VOLTage root -level commands.

Moving Among Subsystems

In order to combine commands from different subsystems, you need to be able to restore
the active path to the root. You do this with the root specifier (:). For example, you could
clear the output protection and check the status of the Operation Condition register as
follows:
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEAr
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Because the root specifier resets the command parser to the root, you can use the root
specifier and do the same thing in one message:
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 70;PROTection 80;: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.

Note: The "Enhanced Tree Walking Implementation" given in appendix A of the IEEE 488.2

standard is not implemented in the AC source.

Including Common Commands

You can combine common commands with system 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 active header path; you may
insert them anywhere in the message.
VOLTage:TRIGger 7.5;INITialize;*TRG
OUTPut OFF;*RCL 2;OUTPut ON

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2.3 Using Queries

Observe the following precautions with queries:

• Set up the proper number of variables for the returned data.

• Read back all the results of a query before sending another command to the AC source.

Otherwise a Query Interrupted error will occur and the unreturned data will be lost.

2.4 Coupled Commands

When commands are coupled it means that the value sent by one command is affected by
the settings of the other commands. The following commands are coupled in the AC source:

• the voltage and function shape commands

• the step, pulse, and list commands that control output voltages and function shapes

• the pulse commands that program the width, duty cycle, period, and the hold parameter

• the voltage range and current limit commands

As explained later in chapter 4, the order in which data is sent by these coupled commands
can be important when more than one parameter is changed.

2.5 Structure of a SCPI Message

SCPI messages consist of one or more message units ending in a message terminator. The
terminator is not part of the syntax, but implicit in the way your programming language indicates the
end of a line (such as a newline or end-of-line character).

2.5.1 The Message Unit

The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a command header
(or keyword) followed by a message terminator.
ABORt<newline>
VOLTage?<newline>
The message unit may include a parameter after the header. The parameter usually is
numeric, but it can be a string:
VOLTage 20<newline>
VOLTage MAX<newline>

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2.5.2 Combining Message Units

The following command message is briefly described here, with details in subsequent
paragraphs.

Data

M essage Unit

Headers

VOLT : LEV 80 ; PROT 88 ; : CURR? <NL>

Query Indi cator

Figure 2-2 : Command Message Structure

The basic parts of the above message are:

Message Component Example

Headers VOLT LEV PROT CURR
Header Separator The colon in VOLT:LEV
Data 80 88
Data Separator The space in VOLT 80 and PROT 88
Message Units VOLT:LEV 80 PROT 88 CURR?
Message Unit Separator The semicolons in VOLT:LEV 80; and PROT 88;
Root Specifier The colon in PROT 88;:CURR?
Query Indicator The question mark in CURR?
Message Terminator The <NL> (newline) indicator. Terminators are not part of

2.5.3 Headers

Header

Separator

Message

Unit

Separator

Message

Term inator

Root Spec ifier

the SCPI syntax

Headers are instructions recognized by the AC source. Headers (which are sometimes
known as "keywords") may be either in the long form or the short form.

Long Form The header is completely spelled out, such as VOLTAGE,

STATUS, and DELAY.

Short Form The header has only the first three or four letters, such as

VOLT, STAT, and DEL.

The SCPI interface is not sensitive to case. It will recognize any case mixture, such as
TRIGGER, Trigger, TRIGger. Short form headers result in faster program execution.

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Header Convention

In the command descriptions in chapter 3 of this manual, headers are emphasized with
boldface type. The proper short form is shown in upper-case letters, such as DELay.

Header Separator
If a command has more than one header, you must separate them with a colon
(VOLT:PROT OUTPut:RELay:POLarity).

Optional Headers
The use of some headers is optional. Optional headers are shown in brackets, such as
OUTPut[:STATe] ON. As previously ex plained under "The Effect of Optional Headers", if you
combine two or more message units into a compound message, you may need to enter the
optional header.

2.5.4 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).

2.5.5 Message Unit Separator

When two or more message units are combined into a compound message, separate the
units with a semicolon (STATus:OPERation?;QUEStionable?).

2.5.6 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. Note the difference between root specifiers and header separators in the following
examples:

OUTPut:PROTection:DELay .1 All colons are header separators
:OUTPut:PROTection:DELay .1 Only the first colon is a root specifier
OUTPut:PROTection:DELay .1;:VOLTage 12.5 Only the third colon is a root specifier

Note: You do not have to precede root-level commands with a colon; there is an implied

colon in front of every root-level command.

2.5.7 Message Terminator

A terminator informs SCPI that it has reached the end of a message. Three permitted
messages terminators are:

• newline (<NL>), which is ASCII decimal 10 or hex 0A.

• end or identify (<END>)

• both of the above (<NL><END>).

In the examples of this manual, there is an assumed message terminator at the end of
each message. If the terminator needs to be shown, it is indicated as <NL> regardless of the
actual terminator character.

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2.6 SCPI Data Formats

All data programmed to or returned from the AC source is ASCII. The dat a may be
numerical or character string.

2.6.1 Numerical Data Formats

Symbol Data Form

Talking Formats

<NR1> Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right of

the least-significant digit. Examples: 273
<NR2> Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example: .0273
<NR3> Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent.

Example: 2.73E+2
<Bool> Boolean Data. Example: 0 | 1or ON | OFF

Listening Formats

<Nrf> Extended format that includes <NR1>, <NR2> and <NR3>.

Examples: 273 273. 2.73E2
<Nrf+> Expanded decimal format that includes <Nrf> 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.
<Bool> Boolean Data. Example: 0 | 1

Class Suffix Unit Multiplier

Amplitude V Volt MV (millivolt)
Current A Ampere MA (milliamp)
Frequency Hz Hertz KHZ (kilohertz)
Time s second MS (millisecond)
Common Multipliers
1E3 K kilo
1E-3 M milli
1E-6 U micro

Table 2-1 : Command parameters Suffixes and Multipliers

2.6.2 Character Data

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

• <CRD> Character Response Data. Permits the return of character strings.

• <AARD> Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of undelimited 7-bit

ASCII. This data type has an implied message terminator.

• <SRD> String Response Data. Returns string parameters enclosed in double

quotes.

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3. System Considerations

This chapter addresses some system issues concerning programming. Specifically,
these are AC source addressing and the use of the following IEEE-488 system interfaces:

• PC controller with National Instruments GPIB -PCII Interface/Handler

• HP82335A PC Interface controller card

3.1 Assigning the IEEE-488 Address in Programs

The AC source address cannot be set remotely. It must be set from the front panel.
Once the address is set, you can assign it inside programs. The following examples assume
that the IEEE-488 select code is 7, and the AC source will be assigned to the variable ACS.

1070 ACS 706 !HP82335A Interface
1070 ASSIGN @ACS TO 706 !HP BASIC Interface

For systems using the National Instruments DOS driver, the address is specified in the
software configuration program (IBCONFIG.EXE) and assigned a symbolic name. The
address then is referenced only by this name within the application program (see the National
Instruments GP-IB documentation).

3.2 Types of DOS Drivers

The HP 82335A and National Instruments GPIB.COM are two popular DOS drivers. Each
is briefly described here. See the software documentation supplied with the driver for more
details.

3.2.1 HP 82335A Driver

For GW -BASIC programming, the IEEE-488 library is implemented as a series of
subroutine calls. To access these subroutines, your application program must include the
header file SETUP.BAS, which is part of the DOS driver software.
SETUP.BAS starts at program line 5 and can run up to line 999. Your application
programs must begin at line 1000. SETUP.BAS has built-in error checking routines that
provide a method to check for IEEE-488 errors during program execution. You can use the
error-trapping code in these routines or write your own code using the same variables as
used by SETUP.BAS.

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3.2.2 National Instruments GP-IB Driver

Your program must inc lude the National Instruments header file DECL.BAS. This
contains the initialization code for the interface. Prior to running any applications programs,
you must set up the interface with the configuration program (IBCONF.EXE).
Your application program will not include the AC source symbolic name and IEEE-488
address. These must be specified during configuration (when you run IBCONF.EXE). Note
that the primary address range is from 0 to 30 but any secondary address must be specified
in the address range of 96 to 126. The power source expects a message termination on EOI
or line feed, so set EOI w/last byte of Write. It is also recommended that you set Disable
Auto Serial Polling.
All function calls return the status word IBSTA%, which contains a bit (ERR) that is set if
the call results in an error. When ERR is set, an appropriate code is placed in variable
IBERR%. Be sure to check IBSTA% after every function call. If it is not equal to zero, branch
to an error handler that reads IBERR% to extract the specific error.

Error Handling
If there is no error-handling code in your program, undetected errors can cause
unpredictable results. This includes "hanging up" the controller and forcing you to reset the
system. Both of the above DOS drivers have routines for detecting program execution errors.

Note: Use error detection after every call to a subroutine.

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4. SCPI Command Reference

4.1 Introduction

This chapter provides a complete listing of all SCPI commands supported by the iL
Series of AC sources. Commands are grouped by function according the root level
commands. Some general command related issues are:

Phases
If a command can apply to individual phases of an AC source, the entry “Phase
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.

This chapter is organized as follows:

• Subsystem commands, arranged by subsystem

• IEEE 488.2 common commands

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4.2 Subsystem Commands

Subsystem commands are specific to AC source 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 listed in alphabetical order and the commands
within each subsystem 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.
You will find the subsystem command groups discussed on the following pages:

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4.2.1 Calibration Subsystem

The commands in this subsystem allow you to do the following:

• Enable and disable the calibration mode

• Change the calibration password

• Calibrate the current and voltage output levels, and store new calibration constants in

nonvolatile memory.
Subsystem Syntax
CALibrate

:CURRent
:AC Begin ac current programming calibration sequence
:MEASure Begin current measurement calibration sequence
:DATA <n> Input a calibration measurement
:IMPedance Begin output impedance calibration sequence
:LEVel <level> Advance to next calibration step (P1|P2|P3|P4)
:PASSword <n> Set calibration password
:SAVE Save new cal constants in non-volatile memory
:STATE <bool> [,<n>] Enable or disable calibration mode
:VOLTage
:AC Begin ac voltage calibration sequence
:PROTection Begin voltage protection calibration sequence
:RTIMe Begin realtime voltage calibration sequence

CALibrate:CURRent:AC

Phase Selectable
This command can only be used in the calibration mode. It initiates the calibration of the

ac current limit and metering circuits.

Command Syntax CALibrate:CURRent:AC
Parameters None
Examples CAL:CURR:AC
Related Commands CAL:STAT CAL:SAVE CAL:LEV

CALibrate:CURRent:MEASure

4801iL Only

This command is used to initiate the calibration of the current metering circuits. It can
only be used in the calibration mode.

Command Syntax CALibrate:CURRent:MEASure
Parameters None
Examples CAL:CURR:MEAS
Related Commands CAL:STAT CAL:SAVE CAL:LEV

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CALibrate:DATA

Phase Selectable
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 CALibrate:DATA<NRf>
Parameters <external reading>
Unit A (amperes)
Examples CAL:DATA 3222.3 MA CAL:DATA 5.000
Related Commands CAL:SAVE CAL:STAT

CALibrate:IMPedance

4801iL Only
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It calibrates the output impedance

circuits. The AC source automatically performs the calibration and stores the impedance
constant in nonvolatile memory. CALibrate:IMPedance is a sequential command that takes
several seconds to complete.

Command Syntax CALibrate:IMPedance
Parameters None
Examples CAL:IMP
Related Commands CAL:SAVE CAL:STAT

CALibrate:LEVel

Phase Selectable
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It is used to advance to the next

state in the calibration sequence.

Command Syntax CALibrate:LEVel<level>
Parameters P1 | P2 | P3 | P4
Examples CAL:LEV P2
Related Commands CAL:STAT CAL:SAVE

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CALibrate:PASSword

This command can only be used in calibration mode. It allows you to change the
calibration password. A new password is automatically stored in nonvolatile memory and
does not have to be stored with CALibrate:SAVE.
If the password is set to 0, password protection is removed and the ability to enter the
calibration mode is unrestricted.

Command Syntax CALibrate:PASScode<NRf>
Parameters <model number> (default)
Examples CAL:PASS 4500 CAL:PASS 06. 1994
Related Commands 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: CALibrate:SAVE
Parameters None
Examples CAL:SAVE
Related Commands CAL:CURR CAL:VOLT CAL:STAT

CALibrate:STATe

This command enables and disables calibration mode. The calibration mode must be
enabled before the AC source 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: CALibrate:STATe<bool>[,<NRf>]
Parameters 0|1|OFF|ON[,<password>]
*RST Value OFF
Examples CAL:STAT 1,4500 CAL:STAT OFF
Query Syntax CALibrate:STATe?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Related Commands CAL:PASS CAL:SAVE

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CALibrate:VOLTage:AC

Phase Selectable
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It initiates the calibration of the ac

voltage programming and metering circuits.

Command Synt ax CALibrate:VOLTage:AC
Parameters None
Examples CAL:VOLT:AC
Related Commands CAL:SAVE CAL:STAT

CALibrate:VOLTage:PROTection

This command can only be used in calibration mode. It calibrates the overvoltage
protection (OV) circuit. The AC source automatically performs the calibration and stores the
new OV constant in nonvolatile memory. CALibrate:VOLTage:PROTection is a sequential
command that takes several seconds to complete.

Command Syntax: CALibrate:VOLTage:PROTection
Parameters None
Example CAL:VOLT:PROT
Related Commands CAL:STAT CAL:SAVE

CALibrate:VOLTage:RTIMe

4801iL Only
This command can only be used in calibration mode. It calibrates the realtime voltage

programming circuit.

Command Syntax CALibrate:VOLTage:RTIMe
Parameters None
Example CAL:VOLT:RTIM
Related Commands CAL:STAT CAL:SAVE

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4.2.2 Diagnostic Subsystem

These subsystem commands perform diagnostic functions which include reading and
writing to the EEPROM, resetting the AC source and reading temperature.

Subsystem Syntax
DIAGnostic

:CURRent? Returns low resolution rms current
:EEPRom<n>,<n>,<n>[,INTeger | FLOat] Write address, size, value, format
:FAN
:MODE AUTO | MANual Sets fan speed mode
:SPEed
:AUTO? Returns auto fan speed
:MANUAL <n> Sets manual fan speed
:NOP Null execution function
:RESet Force power-on reset
:Rwlongform <n> Set value of dummy function
:TEMPerature
:AMBient? Returns ambient temperature in °C

DIAGnostic:CURRent?

Phase Selectable
This query returns the current measured by the detector used in the rms current limit

circuit. The rms converter output is monitored with an 8-bit DAC.

Query Syntax DIAGnostic:CURRent?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Examples DIAG:CURR?
Related Commands None

DIAGnostic:EEPRom

This command sets or reads the values in nonvolatile memory. The first argument is the
nonvolatile memory address of the data, the second argument is the size of the data in units
of basic machine storage, and the third argument is the value. The third argument is not used
in the query. The only allowable value for the size argument is 1. The optional INTeger or
FLOat argument describes the internal storage format of the number. INTeger is assumed if
no format is specified.

Note: Access to this command is password protected. The instrument must be in

calibration mode before this command can be given.

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Command Syntax DIAGnostic:EEPRom <NRf>,<NRf>,<NRf>[,INTeger | FLOat]
Parameters <start_address>,<size>,<value> | INTeger | FLOat
Query Syntax DIAGnostic:EEPRom? <NRf>,<NRf>[,INTeger | FLOat]
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Examples DIAG:EEPR 24, 1, 1024, INT
Related Commands CAL:STATE

DAIGnostic:FAN:MODE

This command sets or reads the mode of fan speed control. When AUTO is selected, the
fan speed is a function of load current and internal temperature. When MANual is selected,
the fan speed is set by the DIAGnostic:FAN:SPEed:MANual command.

Command Syntax DIAGnostic:FAN:MODE <mode>
Parameters AUTO | MANual
*RST Value AUTO
Examples DIAG:FAN:MODE AUTO
Query Syntax DIAGnostic:FAN:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands None

DIAGnostic:FAN:SPEed:MANual

This command sets the fan speed control when the fan mode is MANual. The fan speed
is expressed as a percentage of its maximum speed. The range of values is 0 through 100.

Note: The AC Source requires sufficient air flow to prevent overheating. When manual fan

speed is selected, it becomes the user’s responsibility to set the fan speed high
enough to prevent the unit from overheating.

Command Syntax DIAGnostic:FAN:SPEed:MANual <NRf>
Parameters 0 to 100
Unit % of maximum speed
*RST Value 50
Examples DIAG:FAN:SPE:MAN 85
Query Syntax DIAGnostic:FAN:SPE:MAN?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands None

DIAGnostic:FAN:SPEed:AUTO?

This query returns the value of the automatic fan speed control. The fan speed is returned
as a percentage of its maximum speed.

Query Syntax DIAGnostic:FAN:SPEed:AUTO?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Unit % of max imum speed
Examples DIAG:FAN:SPE:AUTO?
Related Commands None

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DIAGnostic:NOP

This command is a null function which does absolutely nothing. It is used for test
purposes. The query form of this command always returns a zero.

Command Syntax DIAGnostic:NOP
Parameters None
Examples DIAG:NOP
Query Syntax DIAGnostic:NOP?
Returned Parameters <NR1>

DIAGnostic:RESet

This commands forces a power-on reset.

Command Syntax DIAGnostic:RESet
Parameters None
Examples DIAG:RES
Related Commands *RST

DIAGnostic:RWlongform

This command stores its NRf argument and allows it to be read back using the query
form. It is used to test the GPIB driver, parser and floating point numeric functions in the
firmware. It has no effect on the output of the AC source.

Command Syntax DIAGnostic:RWlongform <NRf>
Parameters any NRf value
Examples DIAG:RW 342
Query Syntax DIAGnostic:RWlongform?
Returned Parameters <NR3>

DIAGnostic:TEMPerature:AMBient?

This query returns the temperature measured at the ambient sense thermistor in degrees
C.

Query Syntax DIAGnostic:TEMPerature:AMBient?
Parameters None
Examples DIAG:TEMP:AMB?
Returned Parameters <NR3>

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4.2.3 Display Subsystem

This subsystem programs the front panel display of the iL Series.
Subsystem Syntax
DISPlay

[:WINDow]
[:STATe] <bool> Enable/disable front panel display
:MODE NORMal | TEXT Set display mode
:TEXT
[:DATA] <display_string> Set text displayed in text mode

DISPlay

This command turns the front panel display on and off. It does not affect the
annunciators.

Command Syntax DISPlay[:WINDow]:STAT<bool>
Parameters 0|1|OFF|ON
*RST Value ON
Examples DISP:STAT 1 DISP:STAT OFF
Query Syntax DISPlay[:WINDow]:STAT?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands DISP:MODE DISP:TEXT

DISPlay:MODE

This command sets the display to show either normal instrument functions, or to show a
text message. Text messages are defined with DISPlay:TEXT:DATA.

Command Syntax DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE<mode>
Parameters NORMal|TEXT
*RST Value NORMal
Examples DISP:MODE TEXT
Query Syntax DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands DISP DISP:TEXT

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DISPlay:TEXT

This command sets the character string that is displayed when the display mode is set
to TEXT. The argument is a quoted string limited to upper case alpha characters and
numbers. The display is capable of showing up to 14 characters. If the string exceeds the
display capacity, it will be truncated.

Command Syntax DISPlay[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA]<display_string>
Parameters <display string>
*RST Value null string
Examples DISP:TEXT "DO TEST1”
Query Syntax DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE?
Returned Parameters <SRD> (the last programmed string)
Related Commands DISP DISP:TEXT

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4.2.4 Instrument Subsystem

This subsystem programs the three-phase output capability of the 3000iL and the 4500iL.
Subsystem Syntax

INSTrument
:COUPle ALL | NONE Couple all phases for programming
:NSELect <n> Select the output phase to program (1|2|3)
:SELect <output> Select the output phase to program (OUTP1|OUTP2|OUTP3)

INSTrument:COUPle

In a three-phase power source it is convenient to set parameters of all three output
phases simultaneously with one programming command. When INST:COUP ALL is
programmed, sending a command to any phase will result in that command being sent to all
three phases.
INSTrument:COUPle only affects the operation of subsequent commands. It does not by
itself immediately affect the AC source's output. The commands that are affected by
INSTrument:COUPle are those with the designation: Phase Selectable.
INSTrument:COUPle has no affect on queries. There is no way to query more than one
phase with a single command. Directing queries to individual phases is done with
INSTrument:NSELect.

Command Syntax INSTrument:COUPle<coupling>
Parameters ALL|NONE
*RST Value ALL
Examples INST:COUP ALL
Query Syntax INSTrument:COUPle?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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INSTrument:NSELect

INSTrument:SELect

These commands allow the selection of individual outputs in a three-phase model for
subsequent commands or queries. Their operation is dependent on the setting of
INSTrument:COUPle. If INST:COUP NONE is programmed, then the phase selectable
commands are sent only to the particular output phase set by INSTrument:NSELect. If
INST:COUP ALL is programmed, then all commands are sent to all three output phases.
INSTrument:NSELect selects the phase by its number, while INSTrument:SELect
references it by name. These commands also select which output phase returns data when a
query is sent.

Command Syntax INSTrument:NSELect <NR1>
INSTrument:SELect <output>
Parameters For INST:NSEL: 1 | 2 | 3
For INST:SEL: OUTPut1 | OUTPut2 | OUTPut3
*RST Value 1 or OUTPut1
Examples INST:NSEL 3
Query Syntax INSTrument:NSELect?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Related Commands INST:COUP

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4.2.5 Arrays Measurement Subsystem

This subsystem lets you retrieve arrays containing measurements data. Only current and
voltage measurements are stored in an array. 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.
Individual outputs of a three-phase source are specified by the setting of
INSTrument:NSELect.

Subsystem Syntax
MEASure | FETCh

:ARRay
:CURRent
[:DC]? Returns the digitized instantaneous current
:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]? Returns amplitudes of the first 50 harmonics
:PHASe? Returns phase angles of the first 50 harmonics
:NEUTral
[:DC]? Returns the neutral digitized instantaneous current

:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]? Returns neutral current harmonic amplitude
:PHASe? Returns neutral current harmonic phase
:VOLTage
[:DC]? Returns the digitized instantaneous voltage
:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]? Returns amplitudes of the first 50 harmonics
:PHASe? Returns phase angles of the first 50 harmonics

(3-phase only)

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MEASure:ARRay:CURRent?

FETCh:ARRay:CURRent?

Phase Selectable
These queries return an array containing the instantaneous output current in amperes.

The output voltage and current are digitized whenever a measure command is given or
whenever an acquire trigger occurs. If digitization is caused by a measure command, the
time interval between samples is determined by the output frequency. For frequencies greater
than 45 Hz, the time interval is 25 microseconds. If digitization is caused by an acquire
trigger, the time interval 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:POINts.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:CURR?FETC:ARR:CURR?
Returned Parameters 4096 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL SENS:SWE

MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic?

FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic?

Phase Selectable
These queries return an array of harmonic amplitudes of output current in rms amperes.

The first value returned is the dc component, the second value is the fundamental
frequency, and so on up to the 50th harmonic. Harmonic orders can be measured up to the
fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system, which is 12.6kHz. Thus,
the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the output frequency. Any
harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6k Hz are returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:CURR:HARM? FETC:ARR:CURR:HARM?
Returned Parameters 51 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?

FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?

Phase Selectable
These queries return an array of harmonic phases of output current in degrees,

referenced to the positive zero crossing of the fundamental component.
The first value returned is the dc component (always returned as 0 degrees phase) , the
second value is the fundamental frequency, and so on up to the 50th harmonic. Harmonic
orders can be measured up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement
system, which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent
on the output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?<NRf>
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?<NRf>
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:CURR:HARM:PHAS?
FETC:ARR:CURR:HARM:PHAS?
Returned Parameters 51 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral?

FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral?

These queries return an array containing the instantaneous output current of the neutral
output terminal in amperes.
The output voltage and current are digitized whenever a measure command is given or
whenever an acquire trigger occurs. If digitization is caused by a measure command, the
time interval between samples is determined by the output frequency. For frequencies greater
than 45 Hz, the time interval is 25 microseconds. If digitization is caused by an acquire
trigger, the time interval 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:POINts.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral[:DC]?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:CURR:NEUT? FETC:ARR:CURR:NEUT?
Returned Parameters 4096 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL SENS:SWE

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MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic?

FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic?

These queries return an array of harmonic amplitudes of output current of the neutral
output terminal in rms amperes.
The first value returned is the dc component, the second value is the fundamental
frequency, and so on up to the 50th harmonic. Harmonic orders can be measured up to the
fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system, which is 12.6kHz. Thus,
the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the output frequency. Any
harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:CURR:NEUT:HARM?
FETC:ARR:CURR:NEUT:HARM?
Returned Parameters 51 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic:PHASe?

FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic:PHASe?

These queries return an array of harmonic phases of output current of the neutral output
terminal in degrees, referenced to the positive zero crossing of the fundamental component.
The first value returned is the dc component (always returned as 0 degrees phase) , the
second value is the fundamental frequency, and so on up to the 50th harmonic. Harmonic
orders can be measured up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement
system, which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent
on the output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic:PHASe?
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic:PHASe?
Parameters None
Example MEAS:ARR:CURR:NEUT:HARM:PHAS?
FETC:ARR:CURR:NEUT:HARM:PHAS?
Returned Parameters 51 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage?

FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage?

Phase Selectable
These queries return an array containing the instantaneous output voltage in volts.

The output voltage and current are digitized whenever a measure command is given or
whenever an acquire trigger occurs. If digitization is caused by a measure command, the
time interval between samples is determined by the output frequency. For frequencies greater
than 45 Hz, the time interval is 25 microseconds. If digitization is caused by an acquire
trigger, the time interval 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:POINts.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]?
FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:VOLT? FETC:ARR:VOLT?
Returned Parameters 4096 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL SENS:SWE

MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage:HARMonic?

FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage:HARMonic?

Phase Selectable
These queries return an array of harmonic amplitudes of output voltage in rms volts.

The first value returned is the dc component, the second value is the fundamental
frequency, and so on up to the 50th harmonic. Harmonic orders can be measured up to the
fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system, which is 12.6kHz. Thus,
the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the output frequency. Any
harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?
FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:ARR:VOLT:HARM? FETC:ARR:VOLT:HARM?
Returned Parameters 51 NR3 values
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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4.2.6 Current Measurement Subsystem

This subsystem programs the current measurement capability of the 3000iL and the
4500iL. Two measurement commands are available: MEASure and FETCh.
MEASure triggers the acquisition of new measurement data before returning a reading.
FETCh returns a reading computed from previously acquired data.
Individual outputs of a three-phase source are specified by the setting of
INSTrument:NSELect.

Subsystem Syntax
MEASure | FETCh

[:SCALar]
:CURRent
[:DC]? Returns dc component of the current
:AC? Returns ac rms current
:ACDC? Returns ac+dc rms current
:AMPLitude
:MAX? Returns peak current
:CREStfactor? Returns current crestfactor
:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]? <n> Returns amplitude of the Nth harmonic of current
:PHASe? <n> Returns phase of the Nth harmonic of current
:THD? Returns % of total harmonic distortion of current
:NEUTral
[:DC]? Returns neutral dc current (3-phase only)
:AC? Returns neutral ac rms current (3-phase only)
:ACDC? Returns neutral ac+dc rms current (3-phase only)

:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]? <n> Returns neutral current harmonic amplitude

:PHASe? <n> Returns neutral current harmonic phase

MEASure:CURRent?

FETCh:CURRent?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the dc component of the output current being sourced at the output

terminals.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR? FETC:CURR?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:CURRent:AC?

FETCh:CURRent:AC?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the ac component rms current being sourced at the output

terminals.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:AC?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:AC?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:AC? FETC:CURR:AC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:ACDC?

FETCh:CURRent:ACDC?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the ac and dc components of the rms current being sourced at the

output terminals.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:ACDC?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:ACDC?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:ACDC? FETC:CURR:ACDC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:AMPLitude:MAXimum?

FETCh:CURRent:AMPLitude:MAXimum?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the absolute value of the peak current as sampled over one

measurement acquisition of 4096 data points.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:AMPLitude:MAXimum?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:AMPLitude:MAXimum?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:AMPL:MAX? FETC:CURR:AMPL:MAX?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:CURRent:CREStfactor?

FETCh:CURRent:CREStfactor?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the output current crest factor. This is the ratio of peak output

current to rms output current.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:CREStfactor?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:CREStfactor?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:CRES? FETC:CURR:CRES?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:HARMonic?

FETCh:CURRent:HARMonic?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the rms amplitude of the Nth harmonic of output current.

The parameter is the desired harmonic number. Queries sent with a value of 0 return the
dc component. A value of 1 returns the fundamental output frequency. Harmonic orders can
be queried up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system,
which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the
output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?<NRf>
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 50
Examples MEAS:CURR:HARM? 3
FETC:CURR:HARM? 1
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?

FETCh:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the phase angle of the Nth harmonic of output current, referenced to

the positive zero cros sing of the fundamental component.
The parameter is the desired harmonic number. Queries sent with a value of 0 return the
dc component. A value of 1 returns the fundamental output frequency. Harmonic orders can
be queried up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system,
which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the
output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?<NRf>
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:HARMonic:PHASe?<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 50
Examples MEAS:CURR:HARM:PHAS? 3 FETC:CURR:HARM:PHAS? 1
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:HARMonic:THD?

FETCh:CURRent:HARMonic:THD?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the percentage of total harmonic distortion and noise in the output

current.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:HARMonic:THD?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:HARMonic:THD?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:HARM:THD? FETC:CURR:HARM:THD?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:CURRent:NEUTral?

FETCh:CURRent:NEUTral?

These queries return the dc current in the neutral output terminal of a three-phase AC
source.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral[:DC]?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:NEUT? FETC:CURR:NEUT?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:NEUTral:AC?

FETCh:CURRent:NEUTral:AC?

These queries return the ac rms current in the neutral output terminal of a three-phase
AC source.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:AC?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:AC?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:NEUT:AC? FETC:CURR:NEUT:AC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:NEUTral:ACDC?

FETCh:CURRent:NEUTral:ACDC?

These queries return the ac+dc rms current in the neutral output terminal of a three-phase AC
source.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:ACDC?
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:ACDC?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:CURR:NEUT:ACDC? FETC:CURR:NEUT:ACDC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic?

FETCh:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic?

These queries return the rms amplitude of the Nth harmonic of current in the neutral
output terminal of a three-phase AC source.
The parameter is the desired harmonic number. Queries sent with a value of 0 return the
dc component. A value of 1 returns the fundamental output frequency. Harmonic orders can
be queried up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system,
which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the
output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]?<NRf>
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]?<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 50
Examples MEAS:CURR:NEUT:HARM? 3 FETC:CURR:NEUT:HARM? 1
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic:PHASe?

FETCh:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic:PHASe?

These queries return the phase angle of the Nth harmonic of current in the neutral output
terminal of a three-phase , referenced to the positive zero crossing of the fundamental
component.
The parameter is the desired harmonic number. Queries sent with a value of 0 return the
dc component. A value of 1 returns the fundamental output frequency. Harmonic orders can
be queried up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system,
which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the
output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic
:PHASe?<NRf>
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent:NEUTral:HARMonic
:PHASe?<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 50
Examples MEAS:CURR:NEUT:HARM:PHAS? 3
FETC:CURR:NEUT:HARM:PHAS? 1
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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4.2.7 Frequency Measurement Subsystem

This subsystem programs the frequency measurement capability of the iL Series. Two
measurement commands are available: MEASure and FETCh. MEASure triggers the
acquisition of new measurement data before returning a reading. FETCh returns a reading
computed from previously acquired data.

Subsystem Syntax
MEASure | FETCh

[:SCALar]
:FREQuency? Returns the output frequency

MEASure:FREQuency?

FETCh:FREQuency?

This query returns the output frequency in Hertz.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:FREQuency?
FETCh[:SCALar]:FREQuency?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:FREQ? FETC:FREQ?
Returned Parameters <NR3>

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4.2.8 Power Measurement Subsystem

This subsystem programs the power measurement capability of the iL Series. Two
measurement commands are available: MEASure and FETCh. MEASure triggers the
acquisition of new measurement data before returning a reading. FETCh returns a reading
computed from previously acquired data.
Individual outputs of a three-phase source are specified by the setting of
INSTrument:NSELect.

Subsystem Syntax
MEASure | FETCh

[:SCALar]
:POWer
[:DC]? Returns the dc component of power
:AC
[:REAL]? Returns real power
:APParent? Returns VA
:REACtive? Returns VAR
:PFACtor? Returns power factor
:TOTal? Returns real 3-phase total power

MEASure:POWer?

FETCh:POWer?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the dc component of the power being sourced at the output

terminals in watts.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:POW? FETC:POW?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:POWer:AC?

FETCh:POWer:AC?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the in-phase component of power being sourced at the output

terminals in watts.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:AC[:REAL]?
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer:AC[:REAL]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:POW:AC? FETC:POW:AC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:POWer:AC:APParent?

FETCh:POWer:AC:APParent?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the apparent power being sourced at the output terminals in volt-

amperes.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:APParent?
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:APParent?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:POW:AC:APP? FETC:POW:AC:APP?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:POWer:AC:REACtive?

FETCh:POWer:AC:REACtive?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the reactive power being sourced at the output terminals in volt-

amperes reactive. Reactive power is computed as:
VAR = sqrt(square(apparent power) - square(real power))

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:REACtive?
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:REACtive?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:POW:AC:REAC? FETC:POW:AC:REAC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:POWer:AC:PFACtor?

FETCh:POWer:AC:PFACtor?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the output power factor. The power factor is computed as:

pfactor = real power/apparent power

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:PFACtor?
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:PFACtor?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:POW:AC:PFAC? FETC:POW:AC:PFAC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:POWer:AC:TOTal?

FETCh:POWer:AC:TOTal?

These queries return the total power being sourced at the output terminals of a three­phase AC source.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:TOTal?
FETCh[:SCALar]:POWer:AC:TOTal?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:POW:AC:TOT? FETC:POW:AC:TOT?
Returned Parameters <NR3>

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4.2.9 Voltage Measurement Subsystem

This subsystem programs the voltage measurement capability of the iL Series. Two
measurement commands are available: MEASure and FETCh. MEASure triggers the
acquisition of new measurement data before returning a reading. FETCh returns a reading
computed from previously acquired data.
Individual outputs of a three-phase source are specified by the setting of
INSTrument:NSELect.

Subsystem Syntax
MEASure | FETCh

[:SCALar]
:VOLTage
[:DC]? Returns the dc component of the voltage
:AC? Returns ac rms voltage
:ACDC? Returns ac+dc rms voltage
:HARMonic
[:AMPLitude]? <n> Returns amplitude of the Nth harmonic of voltage
:PHASe? <n> Returns phase of the Nth harmonic of voltage
:THD? Returns % of total harmonic distortion of voltage

MEASure:VOLTage?

FETCh:VOLTage?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the dc component of the output voltage being sourc ed at the output

terminals.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:VOLT? FETC:VOLT?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:VOLTage:AC?

FETCh:VOLTage:AC?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the ac rms voltage being sourced at the output terminals.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:AC?
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage:AC?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:VOLT:AC? FETC:VOLT:AC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:VOLTage:ACDC?

FETCh:VOLTage:ACDC?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the ac or dc rms voltage being sourced at the output terminals.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:ACDC?
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage:ACDC?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:VOLT:ACDC? FETC:VOLT:ACDC?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:VOLTage:HARMonic?

FETCh:VOLTage:HARMonic?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the rms amplitude of the Nth harmonic of output voltage.

The parameter is the desired harmonic number. Queries sent with a value of 0 return the
dc component. A value of 1 returns the fundamental output frequency. Harmonic orders can
be queried up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system,
which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the
output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?<NRf>
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HARMonic[:AMPLitude]?<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 50
Examples MEAS:VOLT:HARM? 3
FETC:VOLT:HARM? 1
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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MEASure:VOLTage:HARMonic:PHASe?

FETCh:VOLTage:HARMonic:PHASe?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the phase angle of the Nth harmonic of output voltage, referenced to

the positive zero crossing of the fundamental component.
The parameter is the desired harmonic number. Queries sent with a value of 0 return the
dc component. A value of 1 returns the fundamental output frequency. Harmonic orders can
be queried up to the fundamental measurement bandwidth of the measurement system,
which is 12.6kHz. Thus the maximum harmonic that can be measured is dependent on the
output frequency. Any harmonics that represent frequencies greater than 12.6kHz are
returned as 0.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HARMonic:PHASe?<NRf>
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HARMonic:PHASe?<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 50
Examples MEAS:VOLT:HARM:PHAS? 3
FETC:VOLT:HARM:PHAS? 1
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

MEASure:VOLTage:HARMonic:THD?

FETCh:VOLTage:HARMonic:THD?

Phase Selectable
These queries return the percentage of total harmonic distortion and noise in the output

voltage.

Query Syntax MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HARMonic:THD?
FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage:HARMonic:THD?
Parameters None
Examples MEAS:VOLT:HARM:THD? FETC:VOLT:HARM:THD?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands INST:NSEL

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4.2.10 Output Subsystem

This subsystem controls the main outputs, the signal outputs, the power-on state, and
the output protection function of the iL Series.

Subsystem Syntax
OUTPut

[:STATe] <bool> Enable/disable output voltage, current, power, etc.
:DFI
[:STATE] <bool> Enable/disable DFI output
:SOURce <source> Selects an event source

:IMPedance
[:STATE] <bool> Enable/disable output impedance programming
:REAL <n> Sets resistive part of output impedance
:REACtive <n> Sets inductive part of output impedance
:PON
:STATe RST | RCL0 Set power-on state to *RST or *RCL0
:PROTection
:CLEar Reset latched protection
:DELay <n> Delay after programming/before protection
:RI
:MODE <mode> set remote inhibit input (LATC|LIVE|OFF)
:TTLTrg
[:STATE] <bool> Enable/disable trigger out drive
:SOURce <source> Selects a TTLTrg source (BOT|EOT|LIST)

(QUES|OPER|ESB|RQS|OFF)

OUTPut

This command enables or disables the AC source output. The state of a disabled output
is an output voltage amplitude set to 0 volts, with output relays opened.

The query form returns the output state.

Command Syntax OUTPut[:STATe]<bool>
Parameters 0 | OFF | 1 | ON
*RST Value OFF
Examples OUTP 1 OUTP:STAT ON
Query Syntax OUTPut[:STATe]?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands *RCL *SAV

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OUTPut:DFI

This command enables or disables the discrete fault indicator (DFI) signal to the iL Series.

Command Syntax OUTPut:DFI[:STATe]<bool>
Parameters 0|1|OFF|ON
*RST Value OFF
Examples OUTP:DFI 1 OUTP:DFI OFF
Query Syntax OUTPut:DFI[:STATe]?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands OUTP:DFI:SOUR

OUTPut:DFI:SOURce

This command selects the source for DFI events. The choices are:
QUEStionable Questionable summary bit

OPERation Operation summary bit
ESB Standard Event summary bit
RQS Request Service summary bit
OFF Never true

Command Syntax OUTP:DFI:SOUR<source>
Parameters QUES | OPER | ESP | RQS | OFF
*RST Value OFF
Examples OUTP:DFI:SOUR OPER
Query Syntax OUTPut:DFI:SOUR?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands OUTP:DFI

OUTPut:IMPedance

4801iL Only
This command enables or disables the output impedance programming capability of the

AC source.

Command Syntax OUTPut:IMPedance[:STATe]<bool>
Parameters 0 | 1 | OFF | ON
*RST Value OFF
Examples OUTP:IMP 1 OUTP:IMP OFF
Query Syntax OUTPut:IMP[:STATe]?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands OUTP:IMP:REAL OUTP:IMP:REAC

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OUTPut:IMP:REAL

4801iL Only
This command sets the real part of the output impedance of the AC source.

OUTPut:IMPedance:STATe must be enabled for the programmed impedance to affect the
output.

Command Syntax OUTP:IMP:REAL<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 1 (ohms)
*RST Value 0 ohms
Examples OUTP:IMP:REAL 0.25
Query Syntax OUTPut:IMP:REAL?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands OUTP:IMP OUTP:IMP:REAC

OUTPut:IMP:REACtive

4801iL Only
This command sets the reactive part of the output impedance of the AC source.

OUTPut:IMPedance:STATe must be enabled for the programmed impedance to affect the
output.

Command Syntax OUTP:IMP:REACtive<NRf>
Parameters 0.00002 to 0.001 (Henrys)
*RST Value 0.00005 Henrys
Examples OUTP:IMP:REAC 100E -6
Query Syntax OUTPut:IMP:REACtive?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands OUTP:IMP OUTP:IMP:REAL

OUTPut:PON:STATe

This command selects the power-on state of the AC source. The following states can be
selected:

RST Sets the power-on state to *RST. Refer to the *RST command as described

later in this chapter for more information.

RCL0 Sets the power-on state to *RCL 0. Refer to the *RCL command as

described later in this chapter for more information.

Command Syntax OUTPut:PON:STATE <state>
Parameters RST | RCL0
Examples OUT P:PON:STAT RST
Query Syntax OUTPut:PON:STATe?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands *RST *RCL

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OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar

This command clears the latch that disables the output when an overvoltage (OV),
overcurrent (OC), overtemperature (OT), or remote inhibit (RI) fault condition is detected. All
conditions that generated the fault must be removed before the latch can be cleared. The
output is then restored to the state it was in before the fault condition occurred.

Command Syntax OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar
Parameters None
Examples OUTP:PROT:CLE
Related Commands OUTP:PROT:DEL *RCL *SAV

OUTPut:PROTection:DELay

This command sets the delay time between the programming of an output change that
produces a CL or UNREG status condition and the recording of that condition by the Status
Operation Condition register. The delay prevents momentary changes in status that can
occur during programming from being registered as events by the status subsystem. In most
cases these temporary conditions are not considered an event, and to record them as such
would be a nuisance.

Command Syntax OUTPut:PROTection:DELay<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 100|MIN|MAX
Unit S (seconds)
*RST Value 100 milliseconds
Examples OUTP:PROT:DEL 75E -1
Query Syntax OUTPut:PROTection:DELay?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands OUTP:PROT:CLE *RCL *SAV

OUTPut:RI:MODE

This command selects the mode of operation of the Remote Inhibit protection. The following
modes can be selected:

LATChing A TTL low at the RI input latches the output in the protection shutdown

state, which can only be cleared by OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar.

LIVE The output state follows the state of the RI input. A TTL low at the RI input

turns the output off; a TTL high turns the output on.

OFF The instrument ignores the RI input.
Command Syntax OUTPut:RI:MODE <mode>

Parameters LATChing | LIVE | OFF
*RST Value OFF
Examples OUTP:RI:MODE LIVE
Query Syntax OUTPut:RI:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands OUTP:PROT:CLE

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OUTPut:TTLTrg

This command enables or disables the AC source Trigger Out signal, which is available at a
BNC connector on the rear of the iL Series units.

Command Syntax OUTPut:TTLTrg[:STATe]<bool>
Parameters 0|1|OFF|ON
*RST Value OFF
Examples OUTP:TTLT 1 OUTP:TTLT OFF
Query Syntax OUTPut:TTLTrg[:STATe]?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands OUTP:TTLT:SOUR

OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce

This command selects the signal source for the Trig Out signal as follows:

• BOT Beginning of transient output

• EOT End of transient output

• LIST Specified by the TTLTrg list

When an event becomes true at the selected TTLTrg source, a pulse is sent to the BNC
connector on the rear of the AC source.

Command Syntax OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce<source>
Parameters BOT | EOT | LIST
*RST Value BOT
Examples OUTP:TTLT:SOUR LIST
Query Syntax OUTPut:TTLTrg:SOURce?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands OUTP:TTLT

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4.2.11 Sense Subsystem - Sweep

This subsystem controls the measurement current range, the data acquire sequence,
and the harmonic measurement window of the AC source.

Subsystem Syntax
SENSe

:CURRent
:ACDC
:RANGe
[:UPPer]<n> Sets measurement current range
:SWEep
:OFFSet
:POINts <n> Define trigger points relative to the start of

the digitizer data record
:TINTerval <n> Sets the digitizer sample spacing
:WINDow
[:TYPE] KBESsel | RECTangular Sets measurement window type

SENSe:CURRent:ACDC:RANGe

4801iL Only
This command sets the current measurement range. There are two current measurement

ranges:
High Range: 0 through 57.1342 A

Low Range: 0 through 5.71342 A

( -80.8 A

rms

( -8.08 A

rms

through + 80.8 A

peak

through + 8.08 A

peak

peak

peak

)

)

The high range covers the maximum current measurement capability of the instrument.
The low range increases the low current measurement sensitivity by a factor of 10 for greater
accuracy and resolution.

The value that you program with SENS:CURR: ACDC:RANG must be the maximum rms
current that you expect to measure. Based on this value, the instrument will select the range
that gives the best resolution in measuring a sinusoidal waveform of that rms value. The
crossover value of the two ranges is 5. 71342 A

rms

.

Command Syntax SENSe:CURRent:ACDC:RANGe[:UPPer]<NRf+>
Parameters 0 through 80.8 | MINimum | MAXimum
*RST Value MAX (high range)
Examples SENS:CURR:ACDC:RANGE 10
Query Syntax SENSe:CURR:ACDC:RANGe?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands SENS:SWE:TINT MEAS:ARR

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SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet:POINts

This command defines the trigger point relative to the start of the returned data record
when an acquire trigger is used. The values can range from -4095 to 2E9. When the values
are negative, the values in the beginning of the data record represent samples taken prior to
the trigger.

Command Syntax SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet:POINts<NRf+>
Parameters 4096 through 2E9 | MINimum | MAXimum
*RST Value 0
Examples SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN -2047
Query Syntax SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands SENS:SWE:TINT MEAS:ARR

SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval

This command defines the time period between samples when voltage and current
digitization is controlled by the acquire trigger sequence. The sample period can be
programmed from 25 to 250 microseconds in 25 microsecond increments.
All the MEASure commands use the ACQuire trigger sequence implicitly. These
commands always set the sample period to 25 microseconds.

Command Syntax SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval<NRf+>
Parameters 25.037 through 250.37 (microseconds)
*RST Value 25.037 s
Examples SENS:SWE:TINT 100
Query Syntax SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN MEAS:ARR

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SENSe:WINDow

Phase Selectable
This command sets the window function which is used in harmonic measurements.

KBESsel is the preferred window and should be used for most measurements. RECTangular
is available for mak ing harmonic measurements that comply with regulatory requirements for
quasi-stationary harmonics.
When RECTangular is selected, the output frequency is constrained to frequencies that
give an integer number of cycles in the acquired waveform buffers, and the measurement
acquisition time is set to 0.1 seconds. Any programmed output frequency will be routed to
the closest frequency that has this attribute. These frequencies are exact multiples of

10.000207 Hz

Command Syntax SENSe:WINDow [:TYPE]<window>
Parameters RECTangular or KBESsel
*RST Value KBESsel
Examples SENS:WIN KBE
Query Syntax SENSe:WINow?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands MEAS:ARR:CURR:HARM MEAS:ARRAY:VOLT:HARM

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4.2.12 Source Subsystem - Current

This subsystem programs the output current of the AC source.
Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

CURRent
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:AMPLitude] <n> Sets the rms current limit
:PROTection
:STATe <bool> Enable/Disable rms current limit protection

CURRent

Phase Selectable
This command sets the rms current limit of the specified output phase. If the output

current exceeds this limit, the output voltage amplitude is reduced until the rms current is
within the limit. The CL bit of the questionable status register indicates that the current limit
control loop is active. If the current protection state is programmed on, the output latches into
a disabled state when current limiting occurs.
Note that the CURRent command is coupled with the VOLTage:RANGe.This means that
the maximum current limit that can be programmed at a given time depends on the voltage
range setting in which the unit is presently operating. Refer to Section 5.3 under "Coupled
Commands" for more information.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]<NRf+>
Parameters
Unit A (rms amperes)
*RST 1
Examples CURR 5 CURR:LEV .5
Query Syntax [SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands CURR:PROT:STAT VOLT:RANG

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CURRent:PROTection:STATe

This command enables or disables the AC source overcurrent (OC) protection function. If
the overcurrent protection function is enabled and the AC source exceeds the programmed
level, then the output is disabled and the Questionable Condition status register OC bit is set
(see Chapter 6). An overcurrent condition can be cleared with OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar
after the cause of the condition is removed.
Use OUTP:PROT:DEL to prevent momentary current limit conditions caused by
programmed output changes from tripping the overcurrent protection.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe<bool>
Parameters 0 | 1 | OFF | ON
*RST Value OFF
Examples CURR:PROT:STAT 0 CURR:PROT:STAT OFF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands OUTP:PROT:CLE OUTP:PROT:DEL

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4.2.13 Source Subsystem - Frequency

This subsystem programs the output frequency of the AC source.
Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

FREQuency
[:CW | :IMMediate] <n> Sets the frequency
:MODE <mode> Sets frequency mode (FIX|STEP|PULS|LIST)
:SLEW
[:IMMediate] <n> | INFinity Sets the frequency slew rate
:MODE <mode> Sets frequency slew mode (FIX|STEP|PULS|LIST)
:TRIGgered <n> | INFinity Sets the triggered frequency slew rate
:TRIGgered <n> Sets the triggered frequency

FREQuency

This command sets the frequency of the output waveform.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency[:CW|:IMMediate]<NRf+>
Parameters 45 to 5000
Unit HZ (Hertz)
*RST Value 60 Hz
Examples FREQ 50
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands FREQ:MODE FREQ:SLEW

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FREQuency:MODE

This command determines how the output frequency is controlled during a triggered
output transient. The choices are:

FIXed The output frequency is unaffected by a triggered output transient.
STEP The output frequency is programmed to the value set by

FREQuency:TRIGgered when a triggered transient occurs.

PULSe The output frequency is changed to the value set by FREQuency:TRIGgered

for a duration determined by the pulse commands.

LIST The output frequency is controlled by the frequency list when a triggered

transient occurs.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:MODE<mode>
Parameters FIXed | STEP | PULSe | LIST
*RST Value FIXed
Examples FREQ:MODE FIX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands FREQ FREQ:TRIG

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FREQuency:SLEW

This command sets the rate at which frequenc y changes for all programmed changes in
output frequency. Instantaneous frequency changes can be obtained by sending MAXimum
or INFinity. The SCPI keyword INFinity is represented by the number 9.9E37.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:SLEW[:IMMediate]<NRf+>
|INFinity
Parameters 0 to 9.9E37 | INFinity
Unit HZ (Hertz per second)
*RST Value MAXimum
Examples FREQ:SLEW:IMM 75 FREQ:SLEW MAX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:SLEW?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands FREQ:SLEW:MODE FREQ

FREQuency:SLEW:MODE

This command determines how the frequency slew rate is controlled during a triggered
output transient. The choices are:

FIXed The frequency slew rate is unaffected by a triggered output transient.
STEP The frequency slew rate is programmed to the value set by

FREQuency:TRIGgered when a triggered transient occurs.

PULSe The frequency slew rate is changed to the value set by

FREQuency:TRIGgered for a duration determined by the pulse commands.

LIST The frequency slew rate is controlled by the frequency list when a triggered

transient occurs.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:SLEW:MODE<mode>
Parameters FIXed | STEP | PULSe | LIST
*RST Value FIXed
Examples FREQ:SLEW:MODE FIX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:SLEW:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands FREQ FREQ:SLEW:TRIG

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FREQency:SLEW:TRIGgered

This command sets the rate at which frequency changes during a triggered output transient.
Instantaneous frequency changes can be obtained by sending MAXimum or INFinity. The
SCPI keyword INFinity is represented by the number 9.9E37.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:SLEW:TRIGgered<NRf+>
|INFinity
Parameters 0 to 9.9E37 | INFinity
Unit HZ (Hertz per second)
*RST Value MAXimum
Examples FREQ:SLEW:TRIG 75 FREQ:SLEW:TRIG MAX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:SLEW:TRIG?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands FREQ:SLEW:MODE FREQ

FREQuency:TRIGgered

This command programs the frequency that the output will be set to during a triggered step or
pulse transient.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:TRIGgered<NRf+>
Parameters Refer to specifications table in User Manual
Unit HZ (Hertz)
*RST Value 60 Hz
Example FREQ:TRIG 50
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FREQuency:TRIGgered?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands FREQ FREQ:MODE

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4.2.14 Source Subsystem - Function

This subsystem programs the output function of the AC source.
Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

FUNCtion
[:SHAPe]
[:IMMediate] <shape> Sets the periodic waveform shape

:MODE <mode> Sets the waveform shape mode
:TRIGgered <shape> Sets the triggered transient shape
:CSINusoid <n> [THD] Sets the % of peak at which the clipped sine clips

FUNCtion

(SIN|SQU|CSIN|<user-defined>)
(FIX|STEP|PULS|LIST)
(SIN|SQU|CSIN|<user-defined>)
(or % TH D)

This command selects the shape of the output voltage waveform as follows:
SINusoid A sinewave is output

SQUare A squarewave is output
CSINusoid The output is a clipped sine waveform. Both positive and negative peak

amplitudes are clipped at a value determined by the
SOURce:FUNCtion:SHAPe:CSINusoid setting.

<user_defined> The output shape is described by one of the user-defined waveform

tables.

The maximum peak voltage that the AC source can output is 425 V peak. This includes
any combination of voltage and function shape values. Therefore, the maximum value that can
be programmed depends on the peak -to-rms ratio of the selected waveform. For a sinewave,
the maximum voltage that can be programmed is 300 V rms.

Before programming a different waveform shape, the output voltage should be
programmed to zero volts. After the shape is changed, the voltage maybe programmed to
the desired value.

Note: You cannot program a voltage that produces a higher volt-second on the output than

a 300V rms sinewave.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe][:IMMediate]<shape>
Parameters SINusoid|SQUare|CSINusoid|<waveform_name>
*RST Value SINusoid
Examples FUNC SIN FUNC TABLE1
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands FUNC:MODE FUNC:TRIGVOLT

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FUNCtion:MODE

This command determines how the waveform shape is controlled during a triggered
output transient. The choices are:

FIXed The waveform shape is unaffected by a triggered output transient.
STEP The waveform shape is programmed to the value set by FUNCtion:TRIGgered

when a triggered transient occurs.

PULSe The waveform shape is changed to the value set by FUNCtion:TRIGgered for

a duration determined by the pulse commands.

LIST The waveform shape is controlled by the waveform shape list when a

triggered transient occurs.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]:MODE<mode>
Parameters FIXed | STEP | PULSe | LIST
*RST Value FIXed
Examples FUNC:MODE FIX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands FUNC FUNC:TRIG

FUNCtion:TRIGgered

This command selects the shape of the output voltage waveform when a triggered step or
pulse transient occurs. The parameters are:

SINusoid A sinewave is output
SQUare A squarewave is output
CSINusoid The output is a clipped sine waveform. Both positive and negative

peak amplitudes are clipped at a value determined by
SOURce:FUNCtion:SHAPe:CSINusoid.

<waveform_name> The output shape is described by one of the user-defined waveform

tables.

The maximum peak voltage that the AC source can output is 425 V peak. This includes any
combination of voltage and function shape values. Therefore, the maximum value that can be
programmed depends on the peak -to-rms ratio of the selected waveform. For a sinewave, the
maximum voltage that can be programmed is 300 V rms.

Note: You cannot program a voltage that produces a higher volt-second on the output than

a 300V rms sinewave.

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Command Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]:TRIGgered<shape>
Parameters SINusoid|SQUare|CSINusoid|<waveform_name>
*RST Value SINusoid
Examples FUNC:TRIG SIN FUNC:TRIG TABLE1
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]:TRIGgered?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands FUNC FUNC:MODEVOLT

FUNCtion:CSINusoid

This command sets the clipping level when a clipped sine output waveform is selected. The
clipping characteristics can be specified in two ways:

• The clipping level is expressed as a percentage of the peak amplitude at which clipping
occurs. The range is 0 to 100 percent. These are the default units when the optional THD
suffix is not sent.

• The clipping level is expressed at the percentage of total harmonic distortion in the output
voltage. The range is 0 to 43 percent. The optional THD suffix is sent to program in these
units.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]:CSINusoid<NRf>[THD]
Parameters 0 to 100% | 0 to 43% THD
*RST Value 100% | 0% THD (no clipping)
Examples FUNC:CSIN 80 FUNC:CSIN 10 THD
Query Syntax [SOURce:]FUNCtion[:SHAPe]:CSINusoid?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands FUNC:MODE

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4.2.15 Source Subsystem - List

This subsystem controls the generation of complex sequences of output changes with
rapid, precise timing and synchronized with internal or external signals. Each subsystem
command for which lists can be generated has an associated list of values that specify the
output at each list step. LIST:COUNt determines how many times the AC source sequences
through a list before that list is completed. LIST:DWELl specifies the time interval that each
value (point) of a list is to remain in effect. LIST:STEP detemines if a trigger causes a list to
advance only to its next point or to sequence through all of its points.
All active subsystems that have their modes set to LIST must have the same number of
points (up to 100), or an error is generated when the first list point is triggered. The only
exception is a list consisting of only one point. Such a list is treated as if it had the same
number of points as the other lists, with all of the implied points having the same value as the
one specified point. All list point data is stored in nonvolatile memory.
MODE commands such as VOLTage:MODE LIST are used to activate lists for specific
functions (See . However, the LIST:DWELl command is active whenever any function is set to
list mode. Therefore, LIST:DWELl must always be set either to one point, or to the same
number of points as the active list.

Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

LIST
:COUNt <n> | INFinity Sets the list repeat count
:DWELl <n>{,<n>} Sets the list of dwell times
:POINts? Returns the number of dwell list points
:FREQuency
[:LEVel] <n>{,<n>} Sets the frequency list
:POINts? Returns the number of frequency points
:SLEW <n>{,<n>} Sets the frequency slew list
:POINts? Returns the number of frequency slew points
:PHASe <n>{,<n>} Sets the phase list
:POINts? Returns the number of phase list points
:SHAPe <shape>{,<shape>} Sets the waveform shape list
:POINts? Returns the number of shape list points
:STEP ONCE | AUTO Defines whether list is dwell- or trigger-paced
:TTLTrg <bool>{,<bool>} Defines the output marker list
:POINts? Returns the number of output marker list points
:VOLTage
[:LEVel] <n>{,<n>} Sets the voltage list
:POINts? Returns the number of voltage level points
:SLEW <n>{,<n>} Sets the voltage slew list
:POINts? Returns the number of voltage slew points

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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.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:COUNt<NRf+> | INFinity
Parameters 1 to 9.9E37 | MINimum | MAXimum | INFinity
*RST Value 1
Examples LIST:COUN 3 LIST:COUN INF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:COUNt?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:CURRLIST:FREQ
LIST:TTLTLIST:VOLT

LIST:DWELl

This command sets the sequence of list dwell times. Each value represents the time in
seconds that the output will remain at the particular list step point before completing the
step. At the end of the dwell time, the output of the AC source depends upon the following
conditions:

• If LIST:STEP AUTO has been programmed, the output automatically changes to the next
point in the list.

• If LIST:STEP ONCE has been programmed, the output 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
output when a list is triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode
generates an implied ABORt.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:DWELl<NRf+>{,<NRf+>}
Parameters 3-phase mode: 0 to 1.07533E6|MINimum|MAXimum
1-phase mode: 0 to 4.30133E5|MINimum|MAXimum
Unit S (seconds)
Examples LIST:DWEL .5,.5,1.5
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:DWEL?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:FREQ LIST:TTLT LIST:VOLT

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LIST:DWELl:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:DWELl. Note that it returns only
the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:DWELl:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:DWEL:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:DWEL

LIST:FREQuency

This command sets the sequence of frequency list points. The frequency points are given
in the command parameters, which are separated by commas.
The order in which the points are entered determines the sequence in which they are
output when a list is triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode
generates an implied ABORt.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:FREQuency[:LEVel]<NRf+>{,<NRf+>}
Parameters 45 to 5000
Unit HZ (Hertz)
Examples LIST:FREQ 60,65,70
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:FREQ?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:FREQ:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP
LIST:FREQ:SLEW

LIST:FREQuency:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:FREQuency. Note that it
returns only the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:FREQ[:LEVel]:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:FREQ:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:FREQ

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LIST:FREQuency:SLEW

This command sets the sequence of frequency slew list points. The frequency points are
given in the command parameters, which are separated by commas. The order in which the
points are entered determines the sequence in which they are output when a list is triggered.
Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an implied ABORt.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:FREQuency:SLEW<NRf+>{,<NRf+>}
Parameters 0 to 9.9E31 | INFinity
Unit HZ (Hertz) per second
Examples LIST:FREQ:SLEW 10, 1E2, INF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:FREQ:SLEW?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:FREQ:SLEW:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP
LIST:FREQ

LIST:FREQuency:SLEW:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:FREQuency:SLEW. Note that it
returns only the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:FREQ:SLEW:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:FREQ:SLEW:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:FREQ:SLEW

LIST:PHASe

Phase Selectable
This phase selectable command sets the sequence of phase list points. The phase

points are given in the command parameters, which are separated by commas. The order in
which the points are entered determines the sequence in which they are output when a list is
triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an implied ABORt.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:PHASe<NRf+>{,<NRf+>}
Parameters 360 through +360
Examples LIST:PHAS 90,120,135
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:PHAS?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:PHAS:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP

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LIST:PHASe:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:PHASe. Note that it returns
only the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax SOURce:]LIST:PHASe:POINts?
Returned Parameters NR3>
Example IST:PHAS:POIN?
Related Commands IST:FREQ LIST:DWEL

LIST:SHAPe

This command sets the sequence of the waveform shape entries. The order in which the
shapes are given determines the sequence in which the list of shape will be output when a
list transient is triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an
implied ABORt. The following shapes may be specified:

SINusoid A sinewave is output
SQUare A squarewave is output
CSINusoid The output is a clipped sine waveform. Both positive and negative

peak amplitudes are clipped at a value determined by the
SOURce:FUNCtion:SHAPe:CSINusoid setting.

<waveform_name> The output shape is described by one of the user-defined waveform

tables.

The maximum peak voltage that the AC source can output is 425 V peak. This includes
any combination of voltage and function shape values. Therefore, the maximum value that can
be programmed depends on the peak -to-rms ratio of the selected waveform. For a sinewave,
the maximum voltage that can be programmed is 300 V rms.

Note: You cannot program a voltage that produces a higher volt-second on the output than

a 300V rms sinewave.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:SHAPe<shape>{,<shape>}
Parameters SINusoid|SQUare|CSINusoid|<waveform_name>
Examples LIST:SHAP
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:SHAP?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands LIST:SHAP:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP

LIST:VOLT

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LIST:SHAPe:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:SHAP. Note that it returns only
the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:SHAPe:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:SHAP:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:SHAP

LIST:STEP

This command specifies how the list sequencing responds to triggers.
ONCE causes the list to advance only one point after each trigger. Triggers that arrive
during a dwell delay are ignored.
AUTO causes the entire list to be output sequentially after the starting trigger, paced by
its dwell delays. As each dwell delay elapses, the next point is immediately output.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:STEP<step>
Parameters ONCE | AUTO
*RST Value AUTO
Examples LIST:STEP ONCE
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:STEP?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL

LIST:TTLTrg

This command sets the sequence of Trigger Out list points. Each point which is set ON
will cause a pulse to be output at Trigger Out when that list step is reached. Those entries
which are set OFF will not generate Trigger Out pulses. The order in which the list points are
given determines the sequence in which Trigger Out pulses will be output when a list
transient is triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an
implied ABORt.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:TTLTrg<bool>{,<bool>}
Parameters 0 | 1 | OFF | ON
Examples LIST:TTLT 1,0,1 LIST:TTLT ON,OFF,ON
Query Syntax LIST:TTLT?
Returned Parameters 0 | 1
Related Commands LIST:TTLT:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP
OUTP:TTLT:STAT OUTP:TTLT:SOUR

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LIST:TTLTrg:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:TTLT. Note that it returns only
the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:TTLTrg:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:TTLT:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:TTLT

LIST:VOLTage

This command specifies the output voltage points in a list. The voltage points are given in
the command parameters, which are separated by commas. The order in which the points
are entered determines the sequence in which the list will be output when a list transient is
triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an implied ABORt.
The maximum peak voltage that the AC source can output is 425 V peak. This includes
any combination of voltage, voltage offset, and function shape values. Therefore, the
maximum value that can be programmed depends on the peak -to-rms ratio of the selected
waveform. For a sinewave, the maximum vo ltage that can be programmed is 300 V rms.

Note: You cannot program a voltage that produces a higher volt-second on the output than

a 300V rms sinewave.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage[:LEVel] <NRf+>{,<NRf+>}
Parameters 0 to 300 (for sinewaves)
Unit V (rms voltage)
Examples LIST:VOLT 2.0,2.5,3.0
LIST:VOLT MAX,2.5,MIN
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage[:LEVel]?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:VOLT:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP
LIST:SHAP LIST:VOLT:OFFS

LIST:VOLTage:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:VOLT. Note that it returns only
the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:VOLT:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:VOLT

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LIST:VOLTage:SLEW

This command specifies the output offset slew points in a list. The slew points are given
in the command parameters, which are separated by commas. The order in which the points
are entered determines the sequence in which the list will be output when a list transient is
triggered. Changing list data while a subsystem is in list mode generates an implied ABORt.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW <NRf+>{,<NRf+>}
Parameters 0 to 9.9E37 | INFinity
Unit V/S (volts per second)
Example LIST:VOLT:SLEW 10, 1E2, INF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands LIST:VOLT:SLEW:POIN? LIST:COUN LIST:DWEL LIST:STEP

LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POINts?

This query returns the number of points specified in LIST:VOLTage:SLEW. Note that it
returns only the total number of points, not the point values.

Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:SLEW:POINts?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Example LIST:VOLT:SLEW:POIN?
Related Commands LIST:VOLT:SLEW

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4.2.16 Source Subsystem - Phase

This subsystem programs the output phases of the AC source. When phase commands
are used to program single-phase units, the only discernible effect in using the phase
commands is to cause an instantaneous shift in the output waveform phase.

Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

PHASe
[:IMMediate] <n> Sets the output phase
:MODE <mode> Sets the phase mode (FIX|STEP|PULS|LIST)
:TRIGgered <n> Sets the triggered phase (step or pulse mode only)

PHASe

Phase Selectable
This commands sets the phase of the output voltage waveform relative to an internal

reference. The phase angle is programmed in degrees. Positive phase angles are used to
program the leading phase, and negative phase angles are used to program the lagging
phase.
The PHASe command is not influenced by INSTrument:COUPle ALL. It applies only to
the current output phase selected by INSTrument:NSELect.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PHASe[:ADJust|:IMMediate]<NRf+>
Parameters 360º through +360º
*RST Value phase ø1 = 0°, phase ø2 = 240°, phase ø3 = 120°
Examples PHAS 45 PHASE MAX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PHASe?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands PHAS:MODE PHAS:TRIG

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PHASe:MODE

Phase Selectable
This command determines how the output phase is controlled during a triggered output

transient. The choices are:
FIXed The output phase is unaffected by a triggered output transient.

STEP The output phase is programmed to the value set by PHASe:TRIGgered

when a triggered transient occurs.

PULSe The output phase is changed to the value set by PHASe:TRIGgered for a

duration determined by the pulse commands.

LIST The waveform shape is controlled by the phase list when a triggered

transient occurs.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PHASe:MODE<mode>
Parameters FIXed | STEP | PULSe | LIST
*RST Value FIX
Examples PHAS:MODE LIST PHAS:MODE FIX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PHASe:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands PHAS:TRIG PHAS

PHASe:TRIGgered

Phase Selectable
This command sets the output phase when a triggered step or pulse transient occurs.

The phase of the output voltage waveform is expressed relative to an internal reference. The
phase angle is programmed in degrees. Positive phase angles are used to program the
leading phase, and negative phase angles are used to program the lagging phase.
The PHASe command is not influenced by INSTrument:COUPle ALL. It applies only to
the current output phase selected by INSTrument:NSELect.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PHASe:TRIGgered<NRf+>
Parameters 360° through +360°
*RST Value triggered phase ø1 = 0°, triggered
phase ø2 = 120°, triggered phase ø3 = 240°
Examples PHAS:TRIG 120 PHASE MAX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PHASe:TRIGgered?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands PHAS:MODE PHAS

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4.2.17 Source Subsystem - Pulse

This subsystem controls the generation of output pulses. The PULSe:DCYCle,
PULSe:HOLD, PULSe:PERiod, and PULSe:WIDTh commands are coupled, which means
that the values programmed by any one of these commands can be affected by the settings
of the others. Refer to the tables under PULSe:HOLD for an explanation of how these
commands affect each other.

Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

PULSe
:COUNt <n> | INFinity Selects transient pulse count
:DCYCle <n> Selects pulse duty cycle
:HOLD WIDTh |DCYCle Selects parameter that is held constant
:PERiod <n> Selects pulse period when the count is greater than

1

:WIDTh <n> Selects width of the pulses

PULSe:COUNt

This command sets the number of pulses that are output when a triggered output
transient occurs. The command accepts parameters in the range 1 through 9.9E37. If
INFinity or MAXimum is sent, the output pulse repeats indefinitely.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:COUNt<NRf+> | INFinity
Parameters 1 to 9.9E37 | MINimum | MAXimum | INFinity
*RST Value 1
Examples PULS:COUN 3 PULS:COUN MIN PULS:COUN INF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PULS:COUNt?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands PULS:DCYC PULS:HOLD PULS:PER PULS:WIDT

PULSe:DCYCle

This command sets the duty cycle of the triggered output pulse. The duty cycle units are
specified in percent.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:DCYCle<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 100%|MINimum|MAXimum
*RST Value 50%
Examples PULS:DCYC 75 PULS:DCYC MAX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:DCYCle?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands PULS:COUN PULS:HOLD PULS:PER PULS:WIDT

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PULSe:HOLD

This command specifies whether the pulse width or the duty cycle is to be held constant
when the pulse period changes. The following tables describe how the duty cycle, period, and
width are affected when one, two, or all three parameters are set in a single program
message.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:HOLD<parameter>
Parameters WIDTh|DCYCle
*RST Value WIDTh
Examples PULS:HOLD DCYC
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:HOLD?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands PULS:COUN PULS:DCYC PULS:PER PULS:WIDT

Parameter Set Action

DCYCle PERiod WIDTh

√ Sets WIDTh. If WIDTh < PERiod, recalculates DCYCle;

√ Sets PERiod. If WIDTh < PERiod, recalculates DCYCle;

√ √ Sets WIDTh. If WIDTh < PERiod, sets the PERiod and

√ Sets DCYCle and recalculates PERiod
√ √ Sets DCYCle and WIDTh and recalculates PERiod
√ √ Sets DCYCle and PERiod and recalculates WIDTh
√ √ √ Sets WIDTh. If WIDTh < PERiod, sets the PERiod and

otherwise, recalculates the PERiod and DCYCle.

otherwise, recalculates the PERiod and DCYCle.

recalculates DCYCle; otherwise, recalculates the PERiod
and DCYCle

recalculates DCYCle; otherwise, recalculates the PERiod
and DCYCle

Table 4-1 : PULSe:HOLD = WIDTh parameters

Parameter Set Action

DCYCle PERiod WIDTh

√ Sets WIDTh and recalculates the PERiod
√ Sets PERiod and recalculates the WIDTh
√ √ Sets WIDTh. If WIDTh < PERiod, sets the PERiod and

recalculates DCYCle; otherwise, recalculates the PERiod
and DCYCle

√ Sets DCYCle and recalculates PERiod
√ √ Sets DCYCle and WIDTh and recalculates PERiod
√ √ Sets DCYCle and PERiod and recalculates WIDTh
√ √ √ Sets WIDTh. If WIDTh < PERiod, sets the PERiod and

recalculates DCYCle; otherwise, recalculates the PERiod
and DCYCle

Table 4-2 : PULSe:HOLD = DCYCle parameters

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PULSe:PERiod

This command sets the period of a triggered output transient The command parameters
are model-dependent.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:PERiod<NRf+>
Parameters 3-phase models: 0 to 1.07533E6 | MINimum | MAXimum
1-phase models: 0 to 4.30133E5 | MINimum | MAXimum
Unit s (seconds)
*RST Value 0.03333
Examples PER 0.001 PER MIN
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PERiod?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands PULS:COUN PULS:DCYC PULS:HOLD PULS:WIDT

PULSe:WIDTh

This command sets the width of a transient output pulse. The command parameters are
model-dependent.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:WIDTh<NRf+>
Parameters 3-phase models: 0 to 1.07533E6 | MINimum | MAXimum
1-phase models: 0 to 4.30133E5 | MINimum | MAXimum
Unit s (seconds)
*RST Value 0.01667 (equals the period of a single 60 Hz cycle)
Examples PULS:WIDT 0.001 PULS:WIDT MIN
Query Syntax [SOURce:]PULSe:WIDTh?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands PULS:COUN PULS:DCYC PULS:HOLD PULS:PER

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4.2.18 Source Subsystem - Voltage

This subsystem programs the output voltage of the 3000iL and the 4500iL.
Subsystem Syntax
[SOURce:]

VOLTage
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:AMPLitude] <n> Sets the ac rms voltage amplitude
:TRIGgered
[:AMPLitude] <n> Sets the transient voltage amplitude
:MODE <mode> Sets the voltage mode (FIX|STEP|PULS|LIST)
:PROTection
[:LEVel] <n> Sets the overvoltage protection threshold
:STATe <bool> Sets the overvoltage protection state
:RANGe <n> Sets the vo ltage range
:SENSe | ALC
:DETector RTIMe | RMS Sets sense detector for the voltage control loop
:SOURce INTernal | EXTernal Sets voltage sense source
:SLEW
[:IMMediate] <n> | INFinity Sets the voltage slew rate
:MODE <mode> Sets voltage slew mode (FIX|STEP|PULS|LIST)
:TRIGgered <n> | INFinity Sets the transient voltage slew rate

VOLTage

Phase Selectable
This command programs the ac rms output voltage level of the AC source. The maximum

peak voltage that the AC source can output is 425 V peak. This includes any combination of
voltage and function shape values. Therefore, the maximum value that can be programmed
depends on the peak -to-rms ratio of the selected waveform. For a sinewave, the maximum
voltage that can be programmed is 300 V rms.

Note: You cannot program a voltage that produces a higher volt-second on the output than

a 300V rms sinewave.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 300 (for sinewaves)
Unit V (rms voltage)
*RST Value 1 volt
Examples VOLT 250 VOLT:LEV 25
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands VOLT:MODE VOLT:TRIG FUNC:SHAP

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VOLTage:TRIGgered

Phase Selectable
This command selects the ac rms amplitude that the output waveform will be set to

during a triggered step or pulse transient.
The maximum peak voltage that the AC source can output is 425 V peak. This includes
any combination of voltage, and function shape values. Therefore, the maximum value that
can be programmed depends on the peak -to-rms ratio of the selected waveform. For a
sinewave, the maximum voltage that can be programmed is 300 V rms.

Note: You cannot program a voltage that produces a higher volt-second on the output than

a 300V rms sinewave.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered :AMPLitude]<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 300 (for sinewaves)
Unit V (rms voltage)
*RST Value 0 volt
Examples VOLT:TRIG 120 VOLT:LEV:TRIG 120
Query Syntax SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered:AMPLitude]?
Returned Parameters <NR3> If the TRIG level is not programmed, the IMM level is

returned.

Related Commands VOLT VOLT:MODE FUNC:SHAP

VOLTage:MODE

Phase Selectable
This command determines how the ac rms output voltage is controlled during a triggered

output transient. The choices are:
FIXed The voltage is unaffected by a triggered output transient.

STEP The voltage is programmed to the value set by VOLTage:TRIGgered when a

triggered transient oc curs.

PULSe The voltage is changed to the value set by VOLTage:TRIGgered for a

duration determined by the pulse commands.

LIST The voltage is controlled by the voltage list when a triggered transient

occurs.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE<mode>
Parameters FIXed | STEP | PULSe | LIST
*RST Value FIX
Examples VOLT:MODE LIST VOLT:MODE FIX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands VOLT:TRG VOLT

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________________________________________________________________________

Note:

Affects: VOLT:MODE command on 3000iL and 4500iL only.
Version of the iL Series firmware A.00.03 or older have a firmware bug that causes

improper execution of the VOLT:MODE FIX command when in three phase mode.
Thus, when one or more phases is set to VOLT:MODE LIST and the remaining phase(s)
to VOLT:MODE FIX, the VOLT:MODE FIX is not implemented. Instead, all three phases will
operate in LIST mode.
To work around this problem, it is recommended to program those phases that should
not be part of the transient list execution to VOLT:MODE LIST instead of VOLT:MODE FIX
and set the LIST:VOLT and LIST:VOLT:SLEW to the nominal voltage for the phase in
question. By setting only one list point for the affected phase, the iL firmware automatically
extends this point to the length of the list programmed for the phases that are programmed
with a complete list.

Example:
Instead of :
'Transient V drop on phase A only. Also results in drop on B and C
ABORT

VOLT 120
FREQ 60
OUTP ON
INST:COUP NONE
FUNC:MODE FIX
FREQ:MODE FIX
INST:NSEL 2
VOLT:MODE FIX
INST:NSEL 3
VOLT:MODE FIX
INST:NSEL 1
VOLT:MODE LIST
LIST:VOLT 0,120
LIST:VOLT:SLEW INF,INF
LIST:DWELL 0.02,1.00
LIST:COUN 1
TRIG:TRAN:SOUR IMM
INIT:NAME TRAN

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Use :
'Workaround for transient V drop on phase A only. Results in no drop on B and C
ABORT

VOLT 120
FREQ 60
OUTP ON
INST:COUP ALL
FUNC:MODE LIST / * sets all phases to list mode
INST:COUP NONE
INST:NSEL 2
LIST:VOLT 120 / * sets all list points for phase B to 120 V
LIST:VOLT:SLEW INF
INST:NSEL 3
LIST:VOLT 120 / * sets all list points for phase C to 120 V
LIST:VOLT:SLEW INF
INST:NSEL 1
VOLT:MODE LIST
LIST:VOLT 0,120 / * programs a voltage drop on phase A
LIST:VOLT:SLEW INF,INF
LIST:DWELL 0. 02,1.00 / * drops for 20 msec
LIST:COUN 1
TRIG:TRAN:SOUR IMM
INIT:NAME TRAN
_______________________________________________________________________

VOLTage:PROTection

Phase Selectable
This command sets the overvoltage protection (OVP) level of the AC source. If the peak

output voltage exceeds the OVP level, then the AC source output is disabled and the
Questionable Condition status register OV bit is set (see Section 6 under Programming the
Status and Event Registers ). An overvoltage condition can be cleared with the
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar command after the condition that caused the OVP trip is
removed. The OVP always trips with zero delay and is unaffected by the
OUTPut:PROTection:DELay command.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 500
Unit V (peak voltage)
*RST Value MAX
Examples VOLT:PROT 400 VOLT:PROT:LEV MAX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands OUTP:PROT:CLE

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VOLTage:RANGe

Phase Selectable
This command sets the voltage range of the AC source. Two voltage ranges are available:

a 150 volt range and a 300 volt range. Sending a parameter greater than 150 selects the 300
volt range, otherwise the 150 volt range is selected.
When the range is set to 150, the maximum rms voltage that can be programmed for a
sine wave is 150 volts. For other waveshapes, the maximum programmable voltage may be
different, depending on the waveform crest factor.
The VOLTage:RANGe command is coupled with the CURRent command. This means
that the maximum current limit that can be programmed at a given time depends on the
voltage range setting in which the unit is present ly operating. Refer to chapter 4 under
"Coupled Commands" for more information.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe<NRf+>
Parameters 150 | 300
*RST Value MAX
Examples VOLT:RANG 150 VOLT:RANG MIN
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands VOLT

VOLTage:SENSe:DETector VOLTage:ALC:DETector

4801iL Only
These commands select the type of closed loop feedback that is used by the output

power circuits of the AC source. The commands are interchangeable; they both perform the
same function. The following closed loop feedbacks can be selected:

RTIMe This feeds the instantaneous output voltage back to the error amplifier
and compares it to the reference wave form.
RMS This converts the rms output voltage to dc and compares it to a dc
reference.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SENSe:DETector<type>
[SOURce:]VOLTage:ALC:DETector<type>
Parameters RTIMe | RMS
*RST Value RTIMe
Examples VOLT:SENS:DET RTIM VOLT:ALC:DET RMS
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SENSe:DETector?
[SOURce:]VOLTage:ALC:DETector?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands VOLT:SENS:SOUR

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VOLTage:SENSe:SOURce VOLTage:ALC:SOURce

These commands select the source from which the output voltage is sensed. The
commands are interchangeable; they both perform the same function. The following voltage
sense sources can be selected:

INTernal This senses the voltage at the output of the power amplifier on the inboard

side of the output disconnect relay.

EXTernal This senses the output voltage at the user's sense terminals, which allows

remote voltage sensing at the load.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SENSe:SOURce<source>
[SOURce:]VOLTage:ALC:SOURce<source>
Parameters INTernal | EXTernal
*RST Value INTernal
Examples VOLT:SENS:SOUR INT VOLT:ALC:SOUR EXT
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SENSe:SOURce?
[SOURce:]VOLTage:ALC:SOURce?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands VOLT:SENS:DET

VOLTage:SLEW

This command sets the slew rate for all programmed changes in the ac rms output
voltage level of the AC source. A parameter of MAXimum or INFinity will set the slew to its
maximum possible rate. The SCPI representation for INFinity is 9.9E37. This command does
not affect the rate at which programmed dc offset changes occur.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:IMMediate]<NRf+>|INFinity
Parameters 0 to 9.9E37 | INFinity
Unit V/S (volts per second)
*RST Value INFinity
Examples VOLT:SLEW 1 VOLT:SLEW MAX VOLT:SLEW INF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:IMMediate]?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands VOLT:SLEW:MODE VOLT:SLEW:TRIG

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VOLTage:SLEW:MODE

Phase Selectable
This command determines how the out put voltage slew rate is controlled during a

triggered output transient. The choices are:
FIXed The slew rate is unaffected by a triggered output transient.

STEP The slew rate is programmed to the value set by VOLTage:SLEW:TRIGgered

when a triggered transient occurs.

PULSe The slew rate is changed to the value set by VOLTage:SLEW:TRIGgered for

a duration determined by the pulse commands.

LIST The slew rate is controlled by the voltage slew list when a triggered transient

occurs.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:MODE<mode>
Parameters FIXed | STEP | PULSe | LIST
*RST Value FIX
Examples VOLT:SLEW:MODE LIST VOLT:SLEW:MODE FIX
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:MODE?
Returned Parameters <CRD>
Related Commands VOLT:SLEW:TRG VOLT:SLEW

VOLTage:SLEW:TRIGgered

Phase Selectable
This command selects the slew rate that will be set during a triggered step or pulse

transient. A parameter of MAXimum or INFinity will set the slew to its maximum possible
rate. The SCPI representation for infinity is 9.9E37.

Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:TRIGgered<NRf+>|INFinity
Parameters 0 to 9.9E37 | INFinity
Unit V/S (volts per second)
*RST Value INFinity
Examples VOLT:SLEW:TRIG 1 VOLT:SLEW:TRIG MAX
VOLT:SLEW:TRIG INF
Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW:TRIGgered?
Returned Parameters <NR3>
Related Commands VOLT:SLEW:MODE VOLT:SLEW

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4.2.19 Status Subsystem Commands

This subsystem programs the iL Series status registers. There are four
groups of status registers; Operation, Questionable, Questionable Instrument
ISummary and Standard Event. The Standard Event group is programmed with Common
commands. The Operation, Questionable, and Instrument ISummary status groups each
consist of the following five registers:

Condition Enable Event NTR Filter PTR Filter

Refer to Chapter 6 for more information about the status registers.
Subsystem Syntax
STATus

:PRESet Presets all enable and transition registers to power-

on
:OPERation
[:EVENt] Returns the value of the event register
:CONDition Returns the value of the condition register
:ENABle <n> Enables specific bits in the Event register
:NTRansition<n> Sets the Negative transition filter
:PTRansition<n> Sets the Positive transition filter
:QUEStionable
[:EVENt] Returns the value of the event register
:CONDition Returns the value of the condition register
:ENABle <n> Enables specific bits in the Event register
:NTRansition<n> Sets the Negative transition filter
:PTRansition<n> Sets the Positive transition filter
:INSTrument
:ISUMmary
[:EVENt] Returns the selected phase's event register value
:CONDition Returns the selected phase's condition register

value
:ENABle <n> Enables specific bits in the selected phase's Event

register
:NTRansition<n> Sets the selected phase's Negative transition filter
:PTRansition<n> Sets the selected Phase's Positive transition filter

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STATus:PRESet

This command sets the Enable, PTR, and NTR registers of the status groups to their
power-on values. These values are:

Enable Registers: all bits set to 0 (OFF)
PTR Registers: all defined bits set to 1 (ON)
NTR Registers: all bits set to 0 (OFF)

Command Syntax STATus:PRESet
Parameters None
Examples STAT:PRES

Bit Position 15-9 8 7-6 5 4-1 0

Bit Name not

used
Bit Weight 256 32 1
CAL Interface is computing new calibration constants
WTG Interface is waiting for a trigger.
CV Output voltage is regulated.

Table 4-3 : Bit Configuration of Status Operation Registers

STATus:OPERation?

This query returns the value of the Operation Event register. The Event register is a read-only
register which holds (latches) all events that are passed by the Operation NTR and/or PTR
filter. Reading the Operation Event register clears it.

Query Syntax STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
Parameters None
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register Value)
Examples STAT:OPER:EVEN?
Related Commands *CLS STAT:OPER:NTR STAT:OPER:PTR

CV not

used

WTG not

used

CAL

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?

This query returns the value of the Operation Condition register. This is a read-only
register which holds the real-time (unlatched) operational status of the iL Series.

Query Syntax STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Parameters None
Examples STAT:OPER:COND?
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register value)

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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.

Command Syntax STATus:OPERation:ENABle <NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 32727
Default Value 0
Examples STAT:OPER:ENAB 32
STAT:OPER:ENAB 1
Query Syntax STATus:OPERation:ENABle?
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register value)
Related Commands STAT:OPER:EVEN

STATus:OPERation:NTR STATus:OPERation:PTR

These commands set or read the value of the Operation NTR (Negative -Transition) and
PTR (Positive -Transition) registers. These registers serve as polarity filters between the
Operation Enable and Operation Event registers to cause the following actions:

• 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 STATus:OPERation:NTRansition<NRf+>
STATus:OPERation:PTRansition<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 32727
Default Value 0
Examples STAT:OPER:NTR 32 STAT:OPER:PTR 1
Query Syntax STATus:OPERation:NTR?
STATus:OPERation:PTR?
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register value)
Related Commands STAT:OPER:ENAB

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Bit

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8-5 4 3 2 1 0

Position

Bit Name

Bit Weight

not

used

not

Isum CL

used

8192 4096 2048 512 16 8 2 1

Table 4-4 : Bit Configuration of Questionable Registers

OV over-voltage protection has tripped
OCP over-current protection has tripped
UNR output is unregulated
TO over-temperature protection has tripped
RI remote inhibit is active
Rail loss of input phase detected
CL rms rms current limit is active
Isum summary of Isum registers

STATus:QUEStionable?

This query returns the value of the Questionable Event register. The Event register is a
read-only register which holds (latches) all events that are passed by the Questionable NTR
and/or PTR filter. Reading the Questionable Event register clears it.
On the 3000iL and the 4500iL, each signal that is fed into the Questionable Status
Condition register is logically-ORed from three corresponding status signals that originate
from each phase.

Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
Parameters None
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register Value)
Examples STAT:QUES:EVEN?
Related Commands *CLS STAT:QUES:NTR STAT:QUES:PTR

rms

Rail not

used

RI not

used

TO UNR not

use

d

OCP OV

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?

This query returns the value of the Questionable Condition register. That is a read-only
register which holds the real-time (unlatched) questionable status of the AC source.

Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Example STAT:QUES:COND?
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register value)

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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.

Command Syntax STATus:QUESionable:ENABle <NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 32727
Default Value 0
Examples STAT:QUES:ENAB 18
Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register value)
Related Commands STAT:QUES:EVEN?

STATus:QUEStionable:NTR

STATus:QUEStionable:PTR

These commands allow the values of the Questionable NTR (Negative -Transition) and
PTR (Positive -Transition) registers to be set or read. These registers serve as polarity filters
between the Questionable Enable and Questionable Event registers to cause the following
actions:

• When a bit of the Questionable NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-to-0 transition of the
corresponding bit of the Questionable Condition register causes that bit in the
Questionable Event register to be set.

• When a bit of the Questionable PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-to-1 transition of the
corresponding bit in the Questionable Condition register causes that bit in the
Questionable 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 Questionable Condition register sets the corresponding bit in the Questionable
Event register.

• If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then no transition of that bit
at the Questionable Condition register can set the corresponding bit in the Questionable
Event register.

Note: Setting a bit in the PTR or NTR filter can of itself generate positive or negative

events in the corresponding Questionable Event register.

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Command Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition<NRf+>
STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansition<NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 32727
Default Value 0
Examples STAT:QUES:NTR 16 STAT:QUES:PTR 512
Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition?
STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansitiion?
Returned Parameters <NR1>(Register value)
Related Commands STAT:QUES:ENAB

Bit
Position

Bit Name not

Bit Weight 4096 2048 512 16 8 2 1

15 13 12 11 10 9 8-5 4 3 2 1 0

CL

used

Table 4-5 : Bit Configuration of Questionable Instrument Summary Registers

OV = over-voltage protection has tripped
OCP = over-current protection has tripped
UNR = output is unregulated
TO = over-temperature protection has tripped
RI = remote inhibit is active
Rail = loss of input phase voltage detected
CL rms = rms current limit is active

rms

Rail not

used

RI not

used

TO UNR not

used

OCP OV

STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary?

Phase Selectable
This command returns the value of the Questionable Event register for a specific output of

a three-phase AC source. The particular output phase must first be selected by INST:NSEL.
The Event register is a read-only register which holds (latches) all events that are passed
by the Questionable NTR and/or PTR filter. Reading the Questionable Event register clears
it.

Query Syntax STATus:QUESionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary[:EVENt]?
Parameters None
Returned Parameters <NR1> (Register Value)
Examples STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:EVEN?
Related Commands *CLS STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:NTR STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:PTR

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STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:CONDition?

Phase Selectable
This query returns the value of the Questionable Condition register for a specific output of

a three-phase AC source. The particular output phase must first be selected by INST:NSEL.
The Condition register is a read-only register which holds the real-time (unlatched)
questionable status of the iL Series.

Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:CONDition?
Example STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:COND?
Returned Parameters <NR1> (Register value)

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STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:ENABle

Phase Selectable
This command sets or reads the value of the Questionable Enable register for a specific

output of a three-phase AC source. The particular output phase must first be selected by
INST:NSEL.
The Enable register is a mas k 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.

Command Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:ENABle <NRf+>
Parameters 0 to 32767
Default Value 0
Examples STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:ENAB 18
Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:ENABle?
Returned Parameters <NR1> (Register value)
Related Commands STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:EVEN?

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STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:NTR
STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:PTR

These commands allow the values of the Questionable NTR (Negative -Transition) and
PTR (Positive -Transition) registers to be set or read for a specific output of a three-phase AC
source. The particular output phase must first be selected by INST:NSEL.
The NTR and PTR registers serve as polarity filters between the Questionable Enable and
Questionable Event registers to cause the following actions:

• When a bit of the Questionable NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-to-0 transition of the
corresponding bit of the Questionable Condition register causes that bit in the
Questionable Event register to be set.

• When a bit of the Questionable PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-to-1 transition of the
corresponding bit in the Questionable Condition register caus es that bit in the
Questionable 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 Questionable Condition register sets the corresponding bit in the Questionable
Event register.

• If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then no transition of that bit
at the Questionable Condition register can set the corresponding bit in the Questionable
Event register.

Note: Setting a bit in the PTR or NTR filter can of itself generate positive or negative

events in the corresponding Questionable Event register.

Command Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary
:NTRansition<NRf>
STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary
:PTRansition<NRf>
Parameters 0 to 32727
Default Value 0
Examples STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:NTR 16
STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:PTR 512
Query Syntax STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:NTRansition?
STATus:QUEStionable:INSTrument:ISUMmary:PTRansition?
Returned Parameters <NR1> (Register value)
Related Commands STAT:QUES:INST:ISUM:ENAB

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4.3 System Commands

The system commands control the system-level functions of the iL Series.

Subsystem Syntax

SYSTem
:CONFiguration
:NOUTputs <n> Selects the number of output phases
:ERRor? Returns the error number and error string
:VERSion? Returns the SCPI version number
:LANGuage Sets the programming language
:LOCal Go to local mode (RS-232 only)
:REMote Go to remote mode (RS -232 only)
:RWLock Go to remote with lockout mode (RS -232 only)

SYSTem:CONFigur:NOUTputs

This command selects the number of outputs phases for the AC source. This requires
that the AC source is capable of switching between single and three phase mode. Both the
4500iL and the 3000iL have this capability.

Note: Execution of this command disables all outputs, clears lists and *RCL states to the

initialization default values, reconfigures current readback and programming
calibration constants, and reboots the product.

Once configured, the instrument behaves transparently as either a single phase source
or as a three phase source depending on the selected configuration.

Note: The AC source must be calibrated in the three phase mode to properly execute this

command.

This bus command corresponds to the “NOUTPUTS” item found behind the ADDRESS
key on the front panel.

Command Syntax SYSTem:CONFigure:NOUTputs <n>
Parameters 1 or 3
Examples SYSTem:CONFigure:NOUT 3
Query Syntax SYSTem:CONFigure:NOUT?
Returned Parameters <NR1>
Related Commands CAL:CURR

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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 SYSTem:ERRor?
Parameters None
Returned Parameters <NR1>,<SRD>
Example SYST:ERR?

SYSTem:VERSion?

This query returns the SCPI version number to which the AC source complies. The
returned value is of the form YYYY.V, where YYYY represents the year and V is the revision
number for that year.

Query Syntax SYSTem:VERSion?
Parameters None
Returned Parameters <NR2>
Example SYST:VERS?

SYSTem:LANGuage

Sets the command language of the AC Power Source to either SCPI or Elgar Model 9012
PIP. The language selection is stored in non-volatile memory and is retained after power-off.
Both the command and query form can be given regardless of the current language.

Command Syntax SYStem:LANGuage:<language>
Parameters SCPI or E9012
Example SYST:LANG:SCPI
Query Syntax SYSTem LANGuage?
Returned Parameters <CRD>

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SYSTem:LOCal

This command can only be used with the RS -232 interface. It sets the interface in Local
state, which enables the front panel controls.

Command Syntax SYSTem:LOCal
Parameters None
Example SYST:LOC
Related Commands SYST:REM SYST:RWL

SYSTem:REMote

This command can only be used with the RS -232 interface. It sets the interface in the
Remote state, which disables all front panel controls ex cept the Local key. Pressing the
Local key while in the Remote state returns the front panel to the Local state.

Command Syntax SYSTem:LOCal
Parameters None
Example SYST:LOC
Related Commands SYST:LOC SYST:RWL

SYSTem:RWLock

This command can only be used with the RS -232 interface. It sets the interface in the
Remote-Lockout state, which disables all front panel controls including the Local key. Use
SYSTem:LOCal to return the front panel to the Local state.

Command Syntax SYSTem:RWLock
Parameters None
Example SYST:RWL
Related Commands SYST:LOC SYST:REM

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4.3.1 Trace Subsystem Commands

This subsystem programs the output waveform of the 3000iL and the 4500iL. Two
waveform commands are available: TRACe and DATA. These commands are
interchangeable; they both perform the same function.

Subsystem Syntax
TRACe | DATA

:CATalog? Return list of defined

waveforms

[:DATA] <waveform_name>, <n> , <n> Assign values to a

waveform

:DEFine <waveform_name>[, <waveform_name>|1024] Create and name new

waveform
:DELete
[:NAME] <waveform_name> Delete waveform to free its

memory

TRACe

DATA

These commands set the values of a user-defined waveform table. The first parameter is
the name of a waveform that was previously defined with TRACe:DEFine. Following the name
are 1024 data points that define the relative amplitudes of exactly one cycle of the waveform.
The first data point defines the relative amplitude that will be output at 0 degrees phase
reference. An error will occur if exactly 1024 data points are not sent with the command.
Data points can be in any arbitrary units. The AC source scales the data to an internal
format that removes the dc component and ensures that the correct ac rms voltage is output
when the waveform is selected. When queried, trace data is returned as normalized values in
the range of ±1. You can query the predefined SINusoid, SQUare, or CSINusoid waveform
shapes, but you cannot use the predefined names as names for your waveform.
Waveform data is stored in nonvolatile memory and is retained when input power is
removed. Up to 12 user-defined waveforms may be created and stored. The *RST and *RCL
commands have no effect on user-defined waveforms.
A waveform can be selected for output using the FUNCtion:SHAPe,
FUNCtion:SHAPe:TRIGgered, or LIST:SHAPe commands.

Command Syntax: TRACe[:DATA]<waveform_name>,<NRf> {,<NRf>}
DATA[:DATA]<waveform_name>,<NRf>{,<NRf>}
Parameters <waveform_name>, <amplitude>

Example TRAC flattop,0.1,0.3,0.7,.....-0.7,-0.3,-0.1

Query Syntax: TRACe[:DATA]?<waveform_name>
DATA[:DATA]?<waveform_name>
Returned Parameters <NR3> (a total of 1024 data points)
Related Commands TRAC:DATA TRAC:DEL FUNC:SHAP

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TRACe:CATalog

DATA:CATalog

These commands return a list of defined waveform names. The list includes both pre-defined
waveforms such as SINusoid, SQUare, and CSINusoid, as well as any user-defined
waveforms.

Query Syntax: TRACe:CATalog?
DATA:CATalog?
Returned Parameters <SRD>
Example TRAC:CAT?
Related Commands TRAC:DATA TRAC:DEL FUNC:SHAP

TRACe:DEFine

DATA:DEFine

These commands define a new waveform with the name <waveform_name> and allocates
storage for its data. The waveform name can then be referenced by the TRACe:DATA
command to define its data values.
An optional second argument is accepted for SCPI compatibility although it serves no
useful purpose in the AC source. The second argument can be the name of an existing
waveform, or the number of points in the trace. When a second name is sent, the data from
the first waveform name is copied to the second. When the number of points in the trace is
sent, only the number 1024 is accepted.

Command Syntax: TRACe:DEFine <waveform_name> [, <waveform_name>|1024]
DATA:DEFine <waveform_name> [, <waveform_name>|1024]
Parameters <waveform_name>
Example TRAC:DEF flattop
Related Commands TRAC:DATA TRAC:DEL FUNC:SHAP

TRACe:DELete

DATA:DELete

These commands delete the user-defined waveform table with the name
<waveform_name> and makes its memory available for other waveforms.

Command Syntax: TRACe:DELete[:NAME]<waveform_name>
DATA:DELete[:NAME]<waveform_name>
Parameters <waveform name>
Example TRAC:DEL flattop
Related Commands TRAC:DATA TRAC:DEL FUNC:SHAP

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