Keysight M8070A Programming Guide 89SCPI Command Language 4Definite Length Arbitrary Block DataBlock data is used when a large quantity of related data is being returned.A definite length block is suitable for sending blocks of 8-bit binaryinformation when the length is known beforehand. An indefinite lengthblock is suitable for sending blocks of 8-bit binary information when thelength is not known beforehand or when computing the length beforehandis undesirable.It has the following format:# is a single integer that contains the number of digits in, which in turn contains the length of the data. Forexample, a 512-byte pattern would be defined as:#3512Important Points about SCPIImportant Points about SCPI - ConceptsThere are a number of key areas to consider when using SCPI for the firsttime. These are as follows:• Instrument Model• Command Syntax• Optional Parts of Commands• Sending Commands• Command Separators• SCPI Command StructureInstrument ModelSCPI guidelines require that the M8020A/M8030A/M8040A is compatiblewith an instrument model. This ensures that when using SCPI, functionalcompatibility is achieved between instruments that perform the sametasks. For example, if two different instruments have a programmableclock frequency setting, then both instruments would use the same SCPIcommands to set their frequency. The instrument model is made up of anumber of subsystems.The sub-system defines a group of functions within a module and has aunique identifier under SCPI, which is called the Root Keyword.
