Programming Guide

KONSTANTER SPL
3-349-710-03
SPL Series Electronic Load SCPI Programming Guide 3/12.20

( :ROOT)

[SOURce:]

MODE TRANsient
INPut
CURRent [:STATe] STATus
[:STATe]
[:LEVel] :MODE :QUEStionable
:SHORt
[:IMMediate] :LTIMe [:EVENt]?
[:STATe]
[:AMPLitude]
:CONDition?
:LATCh
:LOW
:ENABle
LIST [:STATe]
:HIGH
:ENABle?
[:STATe] :VOLTage
:TRIGgered
:OPERation
:MEMO [:LEVel]
[:AMPLitude]
:NUMBer
:RISE MEASure SYSTem
:COUNt
:RATE [:SCALar] :ERRor
:CHAin
VOLTage
:CURRent [:NEXT]?
[:LEVeI] :SAVE
[:DC]? :VERSion?
[:IMMediate] :CLEar
:VOLTage :REMote
[:AMPLitude]
[:DC]? :LOCal
BATTery
:LOW
:REMote
[:STATe]
TRIGger
RESistance :UPDate
:TERMinate
[:IMMediate]
[:LEVeI] :UPDate
:VOLTage
[:IMMediate] :SOURce
:CODE
:CAPacity
[:AMPLitude] :FUNCtion
:CLEar
:LOW ABORt

POWer

[:LEVeI]

[:IMMediate]

[:AMPLitude]
Content Page
1 SCPI Introduction ............................................................. 2 1 SCPI Introduction
1.1 What is SCPI? ...............................................................2
1.2 Command Syntax ..........................................................2 1.1 What is SCPI?
1.2.1 SCPI Keywords .............................................................2 SCPI is the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
1.2.1.1 Forms of Keywords .....................................................2 based on the IEEE488.1 and IEEE488.2 Standards. It conforms
1.2.1.2 Keyword Conventions .................................................3 to IEEE754 Standard for Floating-Point Arithmetic, ISO646 7-bit
1.2.2 Separators .....................................................................3 Coded Character Sets for Information Exchange, and other kinds
1.2.3 Parameters ....................................................................3 of standards.
1.2.3.1 Parameter Formats ......................................................3 SCPI Commands for SPL Series Electronic Load can be divided
1.2.3.2 Data Unit .....................................................................3 into two types: one is IEEE488.2 common commands; the other
1.2.4 Terminators ...................................................................3 is specific commands for the load.
1.3 Examples .......................................................................3 Some generic commands and queries for instruments are
1.3.1 Simple Command Statements .......................................3 defined by the IEEE488.2 common commands. All IEEE488.2
common commands consist of “*” and the mnemonic symbol of
1.3.2 Compound Command Statements ................................3
three characters. (For example: *IDN?, *SAV, *WAI etc.)
1.3.3 Simple Command Queries .............................................3
The specific commands are used to execute settings, testing,
1.3.4 Compound Command Queries ......................................3
and measuring etc. functions of the load. These commands are
organized in the form of the command tree. Each command con-
2 SCPI Commands Descriptions .......................................... 4 tains several mnemonic symbols. The nodes are separated by the
2.1 IEEE488.2 Common Commands ...................................4 character “:”, see figure 1-1. The top part of the command tree is
2.2 SCPI Root Commands ..................................................6 called “ROOT”. The entire path from “ROOT” to leaf node is a
2.2.1 ABORt ...........................................................................6 complete programming command.
2.2.2 CURRent Subsystem .....................................................6
2.2.3 VOLTage Subsystem .....................................................7
2.2.4 RESistance Subsystem ..................................................8 1.2 Command Syntax
2.2.5 POWer Subsystem ........................................................8 SCPI Commands for SPL Series Electronic Load carry on and
2.2.6 INPut Subsystem ...........................................................8 expand IEEE488.2 Standards. The programming command con-
2.2.7 TRANsient Subsystem ...................................................9 sists of keywords, separators, parameters, and terminators etc.
Take the following command as an example:
2.2.8 LIST Subsystem ..........................................................10
2.2.9 MODE ..........................................................................10 CURRent:PROTection:STATe ON
2.2.10 MEASure .....................................................................11 CURRent, PROTection, STATe are the keywords; “:” and
2.2.11 STATus Subsystem .....................................................11 spaces are separators; ON is the parameter (some commands
have several parameters; they are separated by “,”); the carriage
2.2.12 SYSTem ......................................................................12
return after the command is a terminator.
2.2.13 TRlGger Subsystem .....................................................12
To make it easy to describe, the various follow-up symbols
2.2.14 ATTery Subsystem .......................................................13
represent:
Square brackets ([]) represent the optional keywords or the
3 Error Messages .............................................................. 13 parameter can be omitted.
Braces ({}) represent the parameter options in the command
4 Status Register Reporting .............................................. 14 string.
Angle brackets (<>) represent that it is necessary to provide a
5 Product Support ............................................................. 16 numeric parameter.
Vertical line (|) is used to separate multiple parameter options.

1.2.1 SCPI Keywords

1.2.1.1 Forms of Keywords

Each keyword has two forms: long form and short form.
Long Form It consists of one word or a phrase. If it is a word, the
long form keyword should be the complete word; if it is a phrase,
the long form keyword should consist of the first letter of each
word and the whole letters of the last word. The long form key-
word for STATUS is STATus; the long form keyword for LOW
LEVEL is LLEVel.
Short Form The word contains only the first three or four letters of
the long form. The short form keyword for STATUS is STAT; the
short form keyword for LOW LEVEL is LLEV.
Short forms are constructed according to the following rules:
• If the keyword consists of four or fewer letters, then all the let-
ters are used.
• If the keyword consists of five or more letters,
and the fourth letter is not a vowel,
then the first four letters are used;
and the fourth letter is a vowel,
then only the first three letters are used.

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1.2.1.2 Keyword Conventions 1.2.3.2 Data Unit
The short form part of each keyword is emphasized in boldface Numeric data may be followed by the unit. When no unit follows
uppercase letters to help you remember it. the numeric data, the data unit is the standard unit of this com-
• TRIGger mand. See list1-2 for Data Unit, and see list 1-3 for Most-Used
Unit Multipliers.
• IMMediate
• RESistance Class Preferred Unit Secondary Unit Referenced Unit
• SHORt Current A Ampere
The SCPI parser is not sensitive to case. It will accept Trig, trig, Resistance OHM Ohm
trigger, TRIGGER, etc. Regardless of which form you use, the
MOHM Megohm
load only recognizes the accurate long form and short form. For
example, RESI or TRI will not be recognized as the right com- Time s Second
mand. Amplitude v Volt
Power w Watt
1.2.2 Separators
List1-2 Data Unit
The colon “ : ” is used to separate the keywords of two adjacent
levels in command tree. For example: “INPut:PROTection:CLEar”. Multiplier Mnemonic Definition
The colon “:” can be regarded as the first character of the com- 1E6 MA Mega
mand to indicate this command is a root command.
1E3 K Kilo
The space “ ” is used to separate the command and the parame-
ter. 1E-3 M milli
The semicolon is used to separate multiple commands without 1E-6 U micro
changing the level of the present commands. For example: 1E-9 N nano
CURR:PROT:LEV 3;DEL 10. This command is equivalent of the List1-3 Most-Used Unit Multipliers
following two commands:
CURR:PROT:LEV 3 1.2.4 Terminators
CURR:PROT:DEL 10 The command string sent to the load must be terminated by a
Using semicolon and colon properly can simplify the description <new line> symbol (carriage return character). IEEE-488 EOI (End
of command level. e.g. CURR 25;:VOLT 50. Please note that the Or Identify) can be regarded as <new line> symbol to be the ter-
maximum length of a command should not exceed 100 bytes. If a minator of the command. It is acceptable if there is a <new line>
command exceeds this length, it will be given up by the load and symbol after the <carriage return character>.
a remote error “-521 Input buffer overflow” will occur.
The comma “,” is used to separate multiple parameters. 1.3 Examples

1.2.3 Parameters 1.3.1 Simple Command Statements

Parameters are data values or character strings, which follow The simple command statement consists of a command, or key-
behind certain keywords, and are separated by spaces from key- word, usually followed by a parameter:
words. VOLT 25
CURR 50
1.2.3.1 Parameter Formats TRIG
The parameters formats have numerical data format, character
data format and Bool format etc. The character format and Bool- 1.3.2 Compound Command Statements
ean format are similar to the keywords format, such as: ON, OFF When two or more keywords are connected by colons, it creates
and CONTinuos. All parameters are ASCII. See the list 1-1 for a compound command statement. Usually, the last keyword is
Parameter Formats. followed by a parameter, and is separated by a space:
VOLT:SLEW 1000
Symbol Description Example CURR:RANG 6
< NRl> Digits with no decimal point. 2730, 02730 TRIG:SOUR BUS
The decimal point is as-
sumed to be to the right of If the compound command statement contains “[“,”]”, the keyword
the least-significant digit. of this part is dispensable.
< NR2> Digits with a decimal point. 27.30, .02730。 CURRent:LEVeI:TRIGgered 0.5
< NR3> Digits with a decimal point 2.730 E+2, 2.730E-2 CURRent:TRIGgered 0.5
and an exponent. These two commands are the same.
< NRf> Flexible decimal form that 2730, 27.30, 2.730E+2。
includes NR1 or NR2 or 1.3.3 Simple Command Queries
NR3.
The simple command query consists of a keyword followed by a
< NRf+> Expanded decimal form that 2730, 27.30, 2.730E-2, question mark (?):
includes NRf and NRf and MIN, MAX
MIN, MAX. MIN and MAX VOLT?
are the minimum and maxi- CURR?
mum limit values for the pa-
rameter. 1.3.4 Compound Command Queries
< Bool> Bool data ON|OFF
When two or more keywords are connected by colons and fol-
< crd > Character data CV lowed by a question mark (?), it creates a compound query state-
< aard > Return ASCII data. It`s al- ment.
lowed to return undelimited VOLT:TRIG?
7-bit ASCII. This data type is
an implied terminator. CURR:PROT?
List1-1 Parameter Formats MEAS:POW?

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2 SCPI Commands Descriptions *OPC
This command causes Bit 0 of the Standard Event Status Regis-
2.1 IEEE488.2 Common Commands ter to be set “1” when the load has completed all pending opera-
Common commands are defined by the IEEE488.2 standard to tions.
perform some of the basic instrument functions, such as recalling, *OPC does not prevent processing of subsequent commands. All
saving, and reset etc. IEEE488.2 Common Commands have no pending operations are complete including all pending trigger lev-
hierarchical structure. els have triggered.
Command Syntax: *OPC
Parameters: None
*CLS
Related Commands: *WAI *OPC?
Clears the following registers:
• Standard Event register
• Questionable Status Event register *OPC?
• Operation Status Event register This query causes the load to place an ASCII “1” in the Output
Queue when all pending operations are completed. Unlike *OPC,
• Status Byte Event register *OPC? prevents processing of all subsequent commands. If there
• Clears the Error Queue are triggers, and the trigger source has not been previously set to
Command Syntax: *CLS EXT at this time, in this case, the only programmable way to
Parameters: None restore operation is by sending the load a GPIB DCL (Device Clear)
command.
Query Syntax: *OPC?
*ESE Returned Parameter: <NR1>
This command sets the condition of the Standard Event Status Related Commands: *OPC TRIG:SOUR *WAI
Enable register. A “1” in the bit position enables the correspond-
ing event and report this even to the Status Byte register. Refer to
the description about the Standard Event Status Enable register *PSC
in Status Register Reporting This command controls the request service at power turn-on.
Command Syntax: *ESE <NRf> 1: When the load is power on, the settings of Status Byte Enable
Parameter: 0~255 register and Standard Event Enable register are cleared to be 0.
Power-on Value: refers to *PSC command 0: The present settings of Status Byte Enable register and Stan-
Example: *ESE 100 dard Event Enable register are saved in nonvolatile memory. The
Query Syntax: *ESE? next time the load is turned on, the Standard Event Enable regis-
ter will be programmed according to the saved settings.
Returned Parameter: <NR1> 0-255
Command Syntax: *PSC <bool>
Related Commands: *PSC *STB?
Parameter: 0 | 1
Query Syntax:*PSC?
*ESR? Returned Parameter: 0 | 1
This query reads the Standard Event register. Reading the register Related Commands: *SRE *ESE
clears it. See the list below for the bit configuration of this register.

List 2-1 Bit Definition of Standard Event Register *RCL

Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 This command recalls the saved parameters of the load. The
Bit PON N.U CME EXE DDE QYE N.U OPC
recalled parameters need to be previously stored in memory.
Name When the saved parameters are recalling, the specified location of
these parameters must be used. *RCL also does the following:
PON Power On. This bit is set when DDE Device Dependent Error.
the load is turned on. QYE Query Error. When an error occurs to the 1 Force an ABORt command before resetting any parameters.
N.U Null, Reserved Bit. query, QYE bit will be set. (This removes all pending trigger levels.)
CME Command Error. N.U Null, Reserved Bit. 2 After all parameter have been recalled, executes an
EXE Execution Error. OPC Operation Complete.
INP:PROT:CLE to clear the load‘s protection status. At power
turn-on, the equivalent of an *RCL 0 is executed. Recalling the
Query Syntax: *ESR? unsaved location is defaulted to recall the location 0.
Parameters: None Command Syntax: *RCL <NR1>
Returned Parameter: <NRl> Parameter: 0~9
Related Commands: *CLS *OPC Example: *RCL 5
Related Commands: *RST *SAV
*IDN?
Query the relevant information of the load. *RST
Query Syntax: *IDN? This command sets the load to its factor-defined state. Force an
Parameters: None ABORt command before resetting any parameters. After all
parameters have been reset, executes an INP:PROT:CLE to clear
Returned Parameter: <aard>
the load‘s protection status.
Command Syntax: *RST
Parameter: None
Related Commands: *RCL *SAV

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*SAV
This command saves the parameters of the load in the nonvolatile
memory. There are 10 storage space in total (locations 0 through
9).
Command Syntax: *SAV <NR1>
Parameter: 0~9
Example: *SAV 5
Related Commands: *RCL *RST

*SRE
This command sets the condition of the Status Byte Enable regis-
ter. The programming parameters determine whether or not a 0 to
1 transition in the Status Byte register will set the RQS bit of the
Status Byte register. See Status Reporting for more details concern-
ing the Status Byte register.
Command Syntax: *SRE <NR1>
Parameter: 0~255
Query Syntax: *SRE?
Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Related Commands: *PSC

*STB?
This query reads the Status Byte register. The Status Byte register
is cleared when this query has been executed. The *STB? query
and a serial poll share the same returned parameter, but the ser-
vice request bit (bit 6) of the Status Byte register will not be
cleared when a serial poll is sent. See Status Reporting for more
details concerning the Status Byte register.

Query Syntax: *STB?

Parameter: None
Returned Parameter: <NR1>

*TRG
This command which is essentially the same as the Group Exe-
cute Trigger (<GET>), generates a trigger to the load only if
TRIG:SOUR is set to BUS. This command becomes effective only
when the trigger source is set to BUS.
Command Syntax: *TRG
Parameter: None
Related Commands: TRIG TRIG:SOUR

*TST?
This query causes the load to go through a limited self-test. The
testing does not alter the mode or parameter settings of the load.
Command Syntax: *TST?
Returned Parameter: <NR1> 0 = test passed None0= a self-
test failure

*WAI
This command instructs the load not process any further com-
mands until all pending operations are completed. All pending
operations are complete including all pending trigger levels have
triggered. *WAI can be aborted only by sending the load a GPIB
DCL (Device Clear) command.
Parameter: None
Related Commands: *OPC *OPC?

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2.2 SCPI Root Commands [SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVeI]:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude]
Specifies the current trigger level for the load. It shares the same
( :ROOT) current range with the immediate current. The current trigger level
becomes the immediate current level only when the trigger signal
[SOURce:]
has been received.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent [:LEVel]:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude]
<NRf+>
MODE TRANsient
INPut Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
CURRent [:STATe] STATus
[:STATe] Unit: A|mA
[:LEVel] :MODE :QUEStionable
:SHORt Example: CURR:TRIG 5A CURR:TRIG 50mA
[:IMMediate] :LTIMe [:EVENt]?
[:STATe] Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVeI]:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude]?
[:AMPLitude]
:CONDition?
:LATCh Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
:LOW
:ENABle
LIST [:STATe] Example: CURR:TRIG? CURR:TRIG? MIN CURR:TRIG? MAX
:HIGH
:ENABle?
[:STATe] :VOLTage Returned Parameter: <NR3>
:TRIGgered
:OPERation
:MEMO [:LEVel] Related Commands: INIT, INIT:CONT
[:AMPLitude]
:NUMBer
:RISE MEASure SYSTem
:COUNt
:RATE [:SCALar] :ERRor [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]
:CHAin
VOLTage
:CURRent [:NEXT]? Specifies the current limit at which software protection occurs.
:SAVE
[:LEVeI]
[:DC]? :VERSion?
The current limit range is 0-30 A respective 0-40 A. When the cur-
[:IMMediate] :CLEar rent protection is enabled, the actual current exceeds or equals to
:VOLTage :REMote
[:AMPLitude] the current limit for software protection, and the load enters into
:LOW
BATTery
[:DC]? :LOCal the current protection status. When the input current reaches the
[:STATe]
:REMote current limit for the specified delay period, the load input is turned
RESistance :TERMinate
TRIGger
:UPDate off.
[:LEVeI]
[:IMMediate]
:UPDate Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]
:VOLTage
[:IMMediate] :SOURce
:CODE
<NRf+>
:CAPacity
[:AMPLitude] :FUNCtion Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
:CLEar
:LOW ABORt Unit: A|mA
POWer
Example: CURR:PROT 15A
[:LEVeI]
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]?
[:IMMediate] Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
[:AMPLitude] Example: CURR:PROT? CURR:PROT? MIN CURR:PROT? MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: CURR:PROT:STAT, CURR:PROT:DEL,
INP:PROT:CLE

2.2.1 ABORt
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay
This command cancels all pending [:LEVel]:TRIG operations (such Specifies time for which protection current limit may be exceeded.
as CURR:TRIG). As a result, subsequent triggers have no effect The delay period is calculated after the actual current reaches or
on the input level. ABORt has no effect on the Transient operation exceeds the protection current limit. When the delay period is
and List (Sequence) operation. reached, the load input will be turned off.
Command Syntax: ABORt Command Syntax: CURRent:PROTection:DELay <NRf+>
Parameter: None Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Example: ABOR Unit: s|ms
Query Syntax: None Example: CURRent:PROTection:DELay 0.5
Related Commands: CURR[:LEVel]:TRIG, VOLT[:LEVel]:TRIG, Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay?
RES[:LEV]:TRIG, STAT:OPER:COND?
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Example: CURR:PROT:DEL? ; CURR:PROT:DEL?MIN ;
2.2.2 CURRent Subsystem CURR:PROT:DEL? MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel] [:IMMediate] [:AMPLitude] Related Commands: INP:PROT:CLE, CURR:PROT
Specifies the immediate current level for the load. CURR? MIN
and CURR? MAX return the maximum and minimum current level
for the present range. If the set level exceeds the range, an error [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe
will be generated. Disables/Enables current protection function.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent [:LEVel] [:IMMediate] Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe
<NRf+> <bool>
Parameters: Digits |MIN|MAX Parameter: ON|OFF
Unit: A|mA Example: CURR:PROT:STAT ON
Example: CURR 25A Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe?
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel] [:IMMediate] [:AMPLitude]? Parameter: None
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Example: CURR:PROT:STAT?
Example: CURR? CURR? MIN CURR? MAX Returned Parameter: <NR1> Value 0=OFF, 1=ON
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Related Commands: CURR:PROT, INP:PROT:CLE
Related Commands: CURR:LOW; CURR:TRIG, CURR:RISE:RATE

6 Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

[SOURce:]CURRent:[LEVel]:LOW 2.2.3 VOLTage Subsystem
Specifies the transient current low level, which shares the same
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVeI][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
range with the immediate current level.
Specifies the immediate voltage level for the load. VOLT? MIN and
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:[LEVel]:LOWl <NRf+>
VOLT? MAX return the maximum and minimum voltage level for
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX the present range. If the set level exceeds the range, an error will
Unit: A|mA be generated.
Example: CURR:LOW 3 Command Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:[LEVel]:LOW? <NRf+>
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Example: CURR:[LEVel]:LOW? CURR:[LEVel]:LOW? MIN Unit: V|mV
CURR:[LEVel]:LOW? MAX Example: VOLT 5V
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Query Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?
Related Commands: CURR:LOW Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Example: VOLT? VOLT? MIN VOLT? MAX
[SOURce:]CURRent:[LEVel]:HIGH Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Specifies the transient current high level, which shares the same Related Commands: CURRent, RESistance
range with the immediate current level.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:[LEVel]:HIGHl <NRf+>
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVeI]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]
Unit: A|mA Specifies the voltage trigger level for the load. It shares the same
range with the immediate voltage. The voltage trigger level
Example: CURR:HIGH 3 becomes the immediate voltage level only when the trigger signal
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:[LEVel]:HIGH? has been received.
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Command Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]
Example: CURR:[LEVel]:HIGH? CURR:[LEVel]:HIGH? MIN <NRf+>
CURR:[LEVel]:HIGH? MAX Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Unit: V|mV
Related Commands: CURR:HIGH Example: VOLT:TRIG 5V
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?
[SOURce:]CURRent:RISE:RATE Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Specifies the current rise rate in CC mode. CURR:RISE:RATE? Example: VOLT:TRIG? VOLT:TRIG? MIN VOLT:TRIG? MAX
MIN and CURR:RISE:RATE? MAX return the maximum and mini- Returned Parameter: <NR3>
mum rise rate for the present range. Related Commands: INIT, INIT:CONT, TRIG
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:RISE:RATE <NRf+>
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:[LEVel]:LOW
Unit: A|mA/us
Specifies the transient voltage low level, which shares the same
Example: CURRent:RISE:RATE 3A range with the immediate voltage level.
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:RISE:RATE? Command Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage:[LEVel]:LOW <NRf+>
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Example: CURR:RISE:RATE? CURR:RISE:RATE? MIN Unit: V|mV
CURR:RISE:RATE? MAX
Example: VOLT:LOW 5V
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage:[LEVel]:LOW?
Related Commands: CURR:FALL:RATE
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Example: VOLT::LOW? VOLT::LOW? MAX VOLT::LOW? MIN
[SOURce:]CURRent:FALL:RATE Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Specifies the current fall rate in CC mode, which shares the same Related Commands: VOLT:HIGH, TRAN:LTIM
range with the current rise rate.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:FALL:RATE <NRf+>
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX [SOURce:]VOLTage:[LEVel]:HIGH
Unit: A|mA/us Specifies the transient voltage high level, which shares the same
range with the immediate voltage level.
Example: CURR:FALL:RATE 3A
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage:[LEVel]:HIGH <NRf+>
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent:FALL:RATE?
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Unit: V|mV
Example: CURR:FALL:RATE? CURR:FALL:RATE? MIN
CURR:FALL:RATE? MAX Example: VOLT:HIGH 5V
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Query Syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage:[LEVel]:HIGHl?
Related Commands: CURR:RISE:RATE Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Example: VOLT:HIGH? VOLT:HIGH? MIN VOLT:[LEVel]:HIGH? MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: VOLT:LOW, TRAN:HTIM

Gossen Metrawatt GmbH 7

2.2.4 RESistance Subsystem 2.2.5 POWer Subsystem
[SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVeI][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVeI] [:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
Specifies the immediate resistance level for the load. RES? MIN Specifies the power level. POW? MIN and POW? MAX return the
and RES? MAX return the maximum and minimum resistance maximum and minimum power level for the present range. If the
level for the present range. If the set level exceeds the range, an set level exceeds the range, an error will be generated.
error will be generated. Command Syntax: [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVeI][:IMMediate]
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVeI][:IMMediate] [:AMPLitude]<NRf+>
[:AMPLitude] <NRf+> Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX Unit: W|mW
Unit: OHM|mOHM|kOHM Example: POW 10W
Example: RES 10 OHM Query Syntax: [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVeI][:IMMediate]? Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Example: POW? POW? MIN POW? MAX
Example: RES? RES? MIN RES? MAX Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Related Commands: POWer:TRIGgered
Related Commands: CURRent, VOLTage

[SOURce:]POWer[:LEVeI]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]
[SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVeI]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] Specifies the power trigger level. It shares the same range with
Specifies the resistance trigger level for the load. It shares the the power level. The power trigger level becomes the power level
same range with the immediate resistance level. The resistance only when the trigger signal has been received.
trigger level becomes the immediate resistance level only when Command Syntax: [SOURce:]POWer[:LE'Vel]:TRIGgered
the trigger signal has been received. [:AMPLitude]<NRf+>
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
[:AMPLitude] <NRf+> Unit: W|mW
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX Example: POW:TRIG 10w
Unit: OHM|mOHM|kOHM Query Syntax: [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?
Example: RES: TRIG 3 OHM Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? Example: POW:TRIG? POW:TRIG? MIN POW:TRIG? MAX
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Example: RES:TRIG? RES:TRIG? MIN RES:TRIG? MAX Related Commands: INIT, INIT:CONT
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: INIT, INIT:CONT
2.2.6 INPut Subsystem
[SOURce:]RESistance:[LEVel]:LOW INPut[:STATe]
Specifies the transient resistance low level, which shares the Enables/Disables the load input.
same range with the immediate resistance level. Command Syntax: INPut[:STATe] <bool>
Parameter: ON |OFF
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance:[LEVel]:LOW <NRf+> Example: INP ON
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX Query Syntax: INPut[:STATe]?
Unit: OHM Parameter: None
Example: RES:LOW 3 OHM Example: INP?
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance:LOW? Returned Parameter: <NRI> Value:0(OFF) 1(ON)
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Related Commands: INP:SHOR
Example: RES:LOW? RES:LOW? MIN RES:LOW? MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
INPut:SHORt[:STATe]
Related Commands: RESistance:HIGH, TRAN:HTIMe
Enables/Disables the short circuit of the load.
Command Syntax: INPut:SHORt[:STATe] <bool>
[SOURce:]RESistance:[LEVel]:HIGH Parameter: ON |OFF
Specifies the transient voltage high level, which shares the same Example: INP:SHOR ON
range with the immediate resistance level. Query Syntax: INPut:SHORt[:STATe]?
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance:[LEVel]:HIGH <NRf+> Parameter: None
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX Example: INP:SHOR?
Unit: OHM Returned Parameter: <NR1> Value:0(OFF) 1(ON)
Example: RES:HIGH 3 OHM Related Commands: INP[:STAT]
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]RESistance[:LEVEL]:HIGH?
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Example: RES:HIGH? RES:HIGH? MIN RES:HIGH? MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: RESistance:HIGH, TRAN:HTIMe

8 Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

INPut:PROTection:CLEar TRANsient:MODE
Clears the protection status (OC, OV, OP, OT, RV) of the load. Sets the transient operating mode. There are three transient oper-
Command Syntax: INPut:PROTection:CLEar ating modes: Continuous, Pulsed, and Toggled.
Parameter: None Command Syntax: TRANsient:MODE <aard>
Example: INP:PROT:CLE Parameter: CONTinuous|PULSe|TOGGle
Query Syntax: None Example: TRAN:MODE PULS
Related Commands: INP Query Syntax: TRANsient:MODE?
Returned Parameter: <aard>CONT, PULS, or TOGG
INPut:LATCh:VOLTage[:LEVEL]
Related Commands: TRIGger
Specifies the Von voltage point. If the load is power on, it will be
enabled when the external input voltage reaches or exceeds the
Von point. TRANsient:HTIMe
Command Syntax: INPut:LATCh:VOLTage[:LEVEL] <NRf+> Sets transient high level time.
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX Command Syntax: TRANsient:HTIMe <NRf+>
Unit: V|mV Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Example: INP:LATC:VOLT 2 Unit: mS|uS
Query Syntax:INPut:LATCh:VOLTage[:LEVEL]? Example: TRANsient:HTIMe 500ms
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Query Syntax: TRANsient:HTIMe?
Example: INP:LATC:VOLT?; INP:LATC:VOLT?MIN; INP:LATC:VOLT?MAX Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Example: TRAN:HTIMe? TRAN:HTIMe? MIN TRAN:HTIMe?
Related Commands: INP:LATC MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: TRAN:LTIM
INPut:LATCh[:STATe]
Enalbes/Disables the Von Latch of the load. If the actual voltage is
less than Von point after the load has been enabled, there are two TRANsient:LTIMe
circumstances for the load at this time: if the Von Latch is Sets transient low level time.
enabled, the load continues operating; if the Von Latch is dis- Command Syntax: TRANsient:LTIMe <NRf+>
abled, the load is turned off.
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Command Syntax: INPut:LATCh[:STATe] <bool>
Unit: mS|uS
Parameter: ON/OFF
Example: TRANsient:LTIMe 500ms
Example: INP:LATC ON
Query Syntax: TRANsient:LTIMe?
Query Syntax: INPut:LATCh[:STATe]?
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Parameter: None
Example: TRAN:LTIMe? TRAN:LTIMe? MIN TRAN:LTIMe? MAX
Example: INP:LATC?
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Returned Parameter: <NRI> Value:0(OFF) 1(ON)
Related Commands: TRAN:HTIM
Related Commands: INP:LATC:VOLT
TRANsient:RTIMe
INPut:LIMit[:CV]:CURRent Sets the time for transient rising edge.
Sets the maximum current limit when the load is in the CV mode. Command Syntax: TRANsient:RTIMe <NRf+>
Command Syntax: INPut:LIMit[:CV]:CURRent <NRf+>, Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX Unit: mS|uS
Unit: A|mA Example: TRANsient:RTIMe 500ms
Example: INP:LIM:CURR 20 Query Syntax: TRANsient:RTIMe?
Query Syntax: INPut:LIMit[:CV]:CURRent? Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX Example: TRAN:RTIMe? TRAN:RTIMe? MIN TRAN:RTIMe? MAX
Example: INP:LIM:CURR? INP:LIM:CURR? MIN Returned Parameter: <NR3>
INP:LIM:CURR? MAX Related Commands: TRAN:FTIM
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: CURRent
TRANsient:FTIMe
2.2.7 TRANsient Subsystem Sets the time for transient falling edge.
Command Syntax: TRANsient:FTIMe <NRf+>
[SOURce:]TRANsient [:STATe]
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX
Enables/Disables the transient operation.
Unit: mS|uS
Command Syntax: TRANsient[:STATe] <bool>
Example: TRANsient:FTIMe 200ms
Parameter: ON|OFF
Query Syntax: TRANsient:FTIMe?
Example: TRAN ON
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX
Query Syntax: TRAN[:STATe]?
Example: TRAN:FTIMe? TRAN:FTIMe? MIN TRAN:FTIMe? MAX
Returned Parameter: <NR1> Value:0 for OFF, 1for ON
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
Related Commands: TRAN:RTIM

Gossen Metrawatt GmbH 9

2.2.8 LIST Subsystem [SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:DELete
Deletes one specified step.
[SOURce:]LIST:CLEar
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]: DELete <NR1>
Initializes the list data of the present list.
Parameter: 1~50
Command Syntax: LIST:CLEar
Unit: None
Parameter: None
Example: LIST:DELete 2
Example: LIST:CLEar
Related Commands: LIST:ADD, LIST:INS

[SOURce:]LIST[:STATe]
[SOURce:]LIST:CLEar
Enables/Disables the list operation.
Deletes all steps for list operation.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST[:STATe] <bool>
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:CLEar
Parameter: On|Off
Parameter: None
Example: LIST on LIST off
Example: LIST:SAVE
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST[:STATe]?
Related Commands: LIST:CLE
Returned Parameter: <NR1> Value:0 for OFF, 1for ON
Related Commands: LIST:NUMB, LIST:CONT
[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt
Sets the cycle times (Count) for list operation.
[SOURce:]LIST:MEMO
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:COUNt <NR1>
Sets the Memo of the list.
Parameter: 0~65535
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST: MEMO “<aard>”
Unit: None
Parameter: “0x20-0x7f”
Example: LIST:COUNt 10
Example: LIST: MEMO “GMC”
Query Syntax: LIST:COUNt?
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:MEMO?
Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Returned Parameter: <aard>
Related Commands: LIST:NUMB, LIST:EDIT
Related Commands: LIST:NUMB, LIST:CONT

[SOURce:]LIST:CHAIn
[SOURce:]LIST:NUMBer
Sets the chained list for the present list.
Sets the list number for the list operation.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:CHAIn <NR1>
Command Syntax: LIST:NUMBer <NR1>
Parameter: 0~6|OFF
Parameter: 0~6
Example: LIST:CHA 2
Example: LIST:NUMB 2
Query Syntax: LIST:CHA?
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:NUMBer?
Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Returned Parameter: <NR1> 0~6
Related Commands: LIST:NUMB, LIST:MEMO
Related Commands: LIST:ADD, LIST:CONT

[SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:ADD [SOURce:]LIST:SAVe
Saves the list date according to the list number.
Adds a new step. The values for each new step include operating
mode, load value, operating time. Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:SAVe
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:ADD Parameter: None
<aard>,<NRf>,<NRf> Example: LIST:SAVE
Parameter: CCL|CCH|CRL|CRM |CRH|CV, Digits |MIN|MAX, Digits Related Commands: LIST:CLE
|MIN|MAX
Unit: None, Current Unit| Voltage Unit| Resistance Unit, s
Example: LIST:ADD cch,1a,1s 2.2.9 MODE
Related Commands: LIST:DEL, LIST:INS MODE
Sets the basic test mode for the load.
CC Mode CCL CCH
[SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:INSert
CV Mode CV
Inserts a new step at specified step.
CP Mode CPC CPV
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:INSert
<NR1>,<aard>,<NRf>,<NRf> CR Mode CRL CRM CRH
Parameter: 1~50,CCL|CCH|CRL|CRM |CRH|CV, Digits |MIN|MAX, Command Syntax: MODE <AARD>
Digits |MIN|MAX Parameter: CCL|CCH|CRL| CRM|CRH|CV|CPC|CPV
Unit: None, None, Current Unit| Voltage Unit| Resistance Unit, s Example: MODE CCL
Example: LIST:INSert 2,cch,2a,1s Query Syntax: [SOURce:]MODE?
Related Commands: LIST:DEL, LIST:ADD Returned Parameter: <AARD> CCL|CCH|CRL|
CRM|CRH|CV|CPC|CPV

[SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:EDIT
Edits one specified step.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]LIST[:STEP]:EDIT
<NR1>,<aard>,<NRf>,<NRf>
Parameter: 1~50,CCL|CCH|CRL|CRM |CRH|CV, Digits|MIN|MAX,
Digits|MIN|MAX
Unit: None, None, Current Unit| Voltage Unit| Resistance Unit, s
Example: LIST:EDIT 2,cch,3a,1s

10 Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

2.2.10 MEASure STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
Sets the bits of the Questionable Status Enable register. The pro-
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?
gramming parameters determine whether or not a 0 to 1 transition
Queries the input voltage of the load. in the Questionable Event register will set the QUES bit of the Sta-
Command Syntax: MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]? tus Byte register. See Status Reporting for more details concern-
Parameter: None ing the Questionable Status Enable register.
Query Syntax: MEAS:VOLT? Command Syntax: STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <NRf>
Returned Parameter: <NR3> Parameter: 0?65535
Related Commands: MEAS:CURR?, MEAS:RES?, MEAS:POW? Power-on Value: refers to *PSC command
Example: STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle 64
Query Syntax: STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Queries the input current of the load.
Related Commands: *PSC
Command Syntax: MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
Parameter: None
Query Syntax: MEAS:CURR? STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
Returned Parameter: <NR3> This query reads the Operation Event register. Reading this regis-
Related Commands: MEAS:VOLT?, MEAS:RES?, MEAS:POW? ter resets it to zero. See Status Reporting for more details con-
cerning the Operation Event register.
Query Syntax: STATus:OPERation [:EVENt]?
MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]? Parameter: None
Queries the input power of the load. Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Command Syntax: MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer[:DC]?
Parameter: None
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Query Syntax: MEAS:POW?
This query reads the Operation Status Condition register. Each 0
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
to 1 transition of the condition of the Operation Condition register
Related Commands: MEAS:CURR?, MEAS:VOLT?, MEAS:RES? will set the corresponding bit of the Operation Event register. See
Status Reporting for more details concerning the Operation Sta-
tus Condition register.
MEASure[:SCALar]:RESistance[:DC]?
Query Syntax: STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Queries the input resistance of the load.
Parameter: None
Command Syntax: MEASure[:SCALar]:RESistance[:DC]?
Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Parameter: None
Query Syntax: MEAS:RES?
Returned Parameter: <NR3> STATus:OPERation:ENABle
Related Commands: MEAS:CURR?, MEAS:VOLT?, MEAS:RES? Sets the bits of the Operation Status Enable register. The pro-
gramming parameters determine whether or not a 0 to 1 transition
2.2.11 STATus Subsystem in the Operation Event register will set the OPER bit of the Status
Byte register. See Status Reporting for more details concerning
STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? the Operation Status Enable register.
This query reads the Questionable Status Event register, and Command Syntax: STATus:OPERation:ENABle <NRf>
returns a decimal value, which equals to the total weighted value Parameter: 0?255
of all binary bits. Reading this register resets it to zero. See Status
Reporting for more details concerning the Questionable Status Power-on Value: refers to *PSC command
Event register. Example: STATus:OPERation:ENABle 128
Query Syntax: STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? Query Syntax: STATus:OPERation:ENABle?
Parameter: None Returned Parameter: <NR1>
Returned Parameter: <NR1> Related Commands: *PSC

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
This query reads the Questionable Status Condition register. Each
0 to 1 transition of the condition of the Questionable Condition
register will set the corresponding bit of the Questionable Status
Event register. See Status Reporting for more details concerning
the Questionable Status Condition register.
Query Syntax: STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Parameter: None
Returned Parameter: <NR1>

Gossen Metrawatt GmbH 11

2.2.12 SYSTem 2.2.13 TRlGger Subsystem
SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]? TRIGger[:IMMediate]
Queries the error code and error message of the load. When the This command generates a trigger signal to the load, regardless
“ERR” annunciator on the front panel is turned on, one or more of which trigger source is currently in effect. It has the same func-
errors have occurred to the load. At most 20 error records can be tion as the *TRG command.
saved in the load. It will be not saved if the error records exceed Command Syntax: TRIGger[:IMMediate]
20. Parameter: None
1 The error queue operates in a FIFO (first-in, first-out) mode to Related Commands: TRIG:SOUR
save and read the error. The first returned error is the first
saved error. When all errors have been read, the ““ERR”
annunciator will be turned off automatically. TRIGger:SOURce
2 If the error records exceed 20, the last error in the error queue Selects the load trigger source. There are three trigger sources:
will be replaced by 350, “Too many errors”. The load will not BUS, EXTernal, HOLD.
save any additional error message, unless you clear or read BUS: Accepts a GPIB <GET> signal or *TRG command as the
errors from the queue. trigger source.
3 If there is no error occurs to the executing command, “No EXTernal: Selects the External trigger input terminal or key on the
error” will be returned. front panel as the trigger source. The input signal at the External
*CLS can clear the error queue, while *RST can not. All error trigger input terminal is TTL; the falling edge is triggered.
records will be lost after the load is turned off. HOLD: Only the TRIGger:IMMediate command causes a trigger in
Command Syntax: SYST:ERR[:NEXT]? this mode. All others, including *TRG, are ignored.
Parameter: None Command Syntax: TRIGger:SOURce <aard>
Returned Parameter: <NR1>?<AARD> Parameter: BUS| EXTernal| HOLD
Example: TRIG:SOUR EXT
Query Syntax: TRIGger:SOURce?
SYSTem:VERSion?
Returned Parameter: <aard>
Queries the software version number, e.g. V1.00.
Command Syntax: SYST:VERS?
Parameter: None TRIGger:FUNCtion
Returned Parameter: <AARD>?<NR2> Sets Transient (Tran) or List function for the trigger object.
Command Syntax: TRIGger:FUNCtion <aard>
Parameter: Tran| List
SYSTem:REMote
Query Syntax: TRIGger:FUNCtion?
Sets the load in Remote status. An error message will be gener-
ated when the load is communicated via GPIB port. Example: TRIG:FUNC LIST
Command Syntax: SYSTem:REMote Returned Parameter: <aard>Tran| List
Parameter: None
Returned Parameter: None INITiate[:IMMediate]
Related Commands: SYSTem:LOCal Activates the trigger input terminal once. After a trigger signal has
been received it is automatically deactivated again
Command Syntax:INITiate [:IMMediate]
SYSTem:LOCal Paramater: None
Sets the load in Local status. An error message will be generated Example: INIT
when the load is communicated via GPIB port. Related Commands: *TRG
Command Syntax: SYSTem:LOCal
Parameter: None INITiate:CONtinuous
Returned Parameter: None Activates the trigger input terminal permanently.
Related Commands: SYSTem:REMote Command Sytax: INITiate:CONtinuous 1
Parameter: ON(1) OFF(0)
Example: INIT:CONT1
Returned Parameter: <NR1> Value: 0 for OFF, 1 for ON
Related Commands: *TRG

12 Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

2.2.14 ATTery Subsystem 3 Error Messages
[SOURce:]BATTery[:STATe] Table 3-1 lists the error numbers and associated error messages
Enables/Disables the Battery Discharge operation. that apply to the electronic load.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery[:STATe] <bool> Table 3-1. Summary of Error Messages
Parameter: ON|OFF
Example: BATT on; Error Number Error Description
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery[:STATe]? -103 Invalid separator
Example: BATT? There is invalid separator existed in command string. You may use
the comma to replace the colon, semicolon, or space; or you may
Returned Parameter: <NR1> Value:0(OFF) 1(ON) use the space to replace the colon.
Related Commands: INP ON -104 Data type error
You may specify a digit where the character string is required, or you
may specify a character string where a digit is required.
[SOURce:]BATTery:TERMinate:VOLTage
-108 Missing parameter, or Parameter not allowed.
Sets termination voltage value for the battery discharge operation. Received few parameters. One or more parameters are missing; Re-
The battery voltage can not be less than the termination voltage ceived too many parameters. You may have input extra parameters,
value, or the battery discharge test will be stopped automatically. or added the parameter into the command where no parameter is al-
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery:TERMinal:VOLTage <NRf+> lowed.
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX -113 Undefined header
You may have misspelled the command, or the command is invalid. If
Unit: V|mV you use the command of short form, only four letters can be included
Example: BATT:TERM:VOLT 2V at most.
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX -123 Exponent too large
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery:TERMinal:VOLTage:? -131 Invalid suffix
Example: BATT:TERM:VOLT? BATT:TERM:VOLT? MAX; You may misspell a wrong suffix.
BATT:TERM:VOLT? MIN -170 Expression error
Returned Parameter: <NR3> You may start an expression with single quotation mark, and end it
with a double quotation mark.
Related Commands: VOLT?
-210 Command not allowed with GPIB
-221 LIST out of range
[SOURce:]BATTery:DIScharge:CURRent -222 Data out of range
Sets the battery discharge current. -223 Too much data
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery:DIScharge:CURRent Received the character string, but it can not be executed because the
<NRf+> string length exceeds the allowed character numbers.
Parameter: Digits |MIN|MAX -330 Self-test failed
One or more errors are detected when it is self-testing.
Unit: A|mA
-350 Too many errors
Example: BATT:CURR 1A The existing errors exceed 20, and the error queue becomes full. The
Query Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery[:DIScharge]:CURRent? error queue cannot save any new error unless the existing errors
Parameter: None |MIN|MAX have been deleted. Turning off the power or executing *CLS com-
mand will clear the error queue.
Returned Parameter: <NR3>
-410 Query INTERRUPTED
Related Commands: BATT:VOLT Receive the command to send data to the output buffer, but the data
sent by the previous command is contained in the output butter (the
[SOURce:]BATTery:CAPAcity:CLEar previous data is not covered). Turning off the power or executing
Queries the discharged capacity of the battery. *RST command will clear the output buffer.
Command Syntax: BATTery:CAPAcity:CLEar -440 Query UNTERMINATED
Parameter: None Addressed to talk (sending data via the interface), but the command
of sending data to the output buffer is not received.
Example: BATT:CAPA:CLE
Returned Parameter: <NR3>

[SOURce:]BATTery[:DISCharge]:TIME?
Queries the discharged time of the battery.
Command Syntax: [SOURce:]BATTery[:DISCharge]:TIME?
Example: BATT:TIME?
Returned Parameter: <NR1>:<NR1>:<NR1>(Hour: Minute: Second)
Related Commands: BATT:VOLT

Gossen Metrawatt GmbH 13

4 Status Register Reporting
BIT Signal Meaning
SCPI Status Register Operation Status register
The electronic load has four status register to record its status. 0 CAL A calibration calculation is in progress.
They are the Status Byte register, the Standard Event register, the 1 WTG Waiting for trigger.
Questionable Status register, and the Operation Status register. Questionable Status register
The Status Byte register summarizes all of the status events from
all status registers. The list below is the description for all status 0 VF Voltage Error
It is caused by the reversed voltage or the over-voltage;
registers. VF remains set till the “INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
1 OV Over-voltage
When the Over-voltage occurs, the load is turned off, and
OV/OF is set at the same time. OV/OF remain set till the
over-voltage condition is removed and the
“INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
2 OC Over-current
When the current exceeds the protection current limit, OC
is set, and remains set till the over-current condition is re-
moved. However, if OC remain set for the specified delay
period, PS will be set, and the load is turned off. In this
case, PS/OC remain set till the over-current condition is
removed, and the “INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
3 OP Over-power
When over-power occurs, the load is turned off, and OP/
PS are set. OP/PS remain set till the over-power condition
is removed, and the “INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
4 RV Reverse Voltage on input
When reverse voltage occurs, RV/VF are set. RV is reset
after the reverse voltage is removed, but VF remains set
till the “INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
5 OT Over-temperature
When over-power occurs, the load is turned off, and OP/
PS are set. OP/PS remain set till the temperature is re-
duced by the fan and the “INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
6 CC Constant Current mode
7 CV Constant Voltage mode
8 CP Constant Power mode
9 CR Constant Resistance mode
13 PS Protection Shutdown
The electronic load is turned off due to over-current, over-
power or over-temperature; the PS is set and remain set
till the “INP:PROT:CLE” is received.
Standard Event register
0 OPC Operation Complete
The load has completed all pending operations. Program-
ming *OPC causes this bit to be set when the load com-
pletes al pending operations.
2 QYE Query Error
The output queue was read when no data was present.
Errors in the range of -499 to -400 can set QYE.
3 DDE Device Dependent Error
Memory was lost. Errors in the range of -399 to -300 can
set DDE.
4 EXE Execution Error
A command parameter was outside the legal range or incon-
sistent with the electronic load` s operation, or the command
could not be executed due to some operating condition. Er-
rors in the range of -299 to -200 can set EXE.
5 CME Command Error
A syntax or semantic error has occurred. Errors in the
range of -199 to -100 can set CME.
7 PON Power On
This bit is always set when the load is turned on.
Status Byte register
3 QUES Questionable
If an enabled questionable status register is affected, the
QUES is set.
4 MAV Message Available
If the Output Queue contains data, the MAV is set.
5 ESB Event Status Bit
If a Standard Event Enable register is affected, the ESB is set.
6 MSS RQS During a serial poll, RQS (Request Service) is returned and
cleared. For an *STB? query, MSS (Master Summary Sta-
tus) is returned without being cleared.
7 OPER Operation
If an enabled Operation Status register is affected, the
OPER is set.

14 Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

The following diagram shows the relationship among the load‘s
status registers.

Gossen Metrawatt GmbH 15

5 Product Support
If required please contact:

Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

Product Support Hotline
Phone: +49-911-8602-0
Fax: +49 911 8602-709
E-mail: [email protected]

© Gossen Metrawatt GmbH

Edited in Germany • Subject to change, errors excepted • PDF version available on the Internet

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