SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments), often pronounced "skippy," is a standardized command language designed for controlling electronic test and measurement devices. It was created to provide a common, high-level command set for instruments from different manufacturers, promoting interoperability and simplifying test system development. SCPI defines a standard syntax, command structure, and data formats.
It does not define the physical communication layer; SCPI commands are simply ASCII text strings that can be sent over any interface, such as GPIB, USB, LAN, or RS-232C. The command structure is hierarchical, utilizing a colon (:) to separate keywords. For example, the command to set the voltage on the first output channel might be :SOURce1:VOLTage:LEVel 5.0. Many commands have both a long form (e.g., VOLTAGE) for readability and a short form (e.g., VOLT) for efficiency. Commands that query the instrument for a value typically end with a question mark, such as MEASure:VOLTage?.
By standardizing commands across different classes of instruments (like power supplies and multimeters), SCPI allows programmers to use similar code to control various devices, significantly reducing the learning curve and development time. As a cornerstone of automated test programming, SCPI is supported by many modern instruments.
Matsusada Precision offers a wide range of DC power supplies and instruments compliant with SCPI protocols to ensure seamless integration into industrial and research systems. For example, the REK/REKJ series supports SCPI, allowing users to choose between standardized commands or Matsusada's proprietary high-speed command formats depending on their application requirements.