Remote control interfaces and protocols

Remote operation with SCPI commands automates the operation of the instrument. Scripts or programs control the software or firmware of the instrument to execute tests or generate signals.

SCPI stands for Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments.

SCPI compatibility

The SCPI standard is based on standard IEEE 488.2. It aims at the standardization of instrument-specific commands, error handling and status registers. The tutorial Automatic Measurement Control - A tutorial on SCPI and IEEE 488.2 from John M. Pieper (Rohde & Schwarz order number 0002.3536.00) offers detailed information on concepts and definitions of SCPI. The instrument supports the latest SCPI version 1999.

SCPI-confirmed commands are typically explicitly marked in the command reference chapters. Commands without SCPI label are instrument-specific. However, their syntax follows SCPI rules. See also "SCPI command structure".

Typically, Rohde & Schwarz instruments support at least one interface for remote control via SCPI.