SCPI Programming for Triple Output DC Power Supplies

What is SCPI?

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is the industry-standard, text-based language used to control test and measurement equipment. Whether you are using an oscilloscope, a digital multimeter, or a programmable triple output DC power supply, SCPI provides a unified syntax for automation.

Premium bench power supplies feature communication interfaces such as USB, LAN (LXI compliant), or legacy GPIB. By sending SCPI strings over these interfaces, engineers can automate repetitive testing, log data over long periods, and simulate complex power environments without touching the front panel.

Python Automation Example (Using PyVISA)

Python has become the dominant language for hardware automation. Using the PyVISA library, you can easily establish a connection to your triple output DC power supply and script complex test sequences, such as voltage sweeps, margin testing, or battery discharge simulations.

import pyvisaimport time# 1. Initialize the Resource Manager and connect to the power supply# Replace with your instrument's actual IP address or USB VISA resource stringrm = pyvisa.ResourceManager() psu = rm.open_resource('TCPIP0::192.168.1.100::INSTR')# 2. Identify the instrument to ensure connectionidn = psu.query('*IDN?') print(f"Connected to: {idn}")# 3. Configure Channel 1 (e.g., 12V output, 2A current limit)psu.write('INSTrument CH1') psu.write('VOLTage 12.0') psu.write('CURRent 2.0')# 4. Turn on the outputpsu.write('OUTPut ON') print("Power supply output enabled.")# 5. Wait for the circuit to stabilize, then measure actual current drawtime.sleep(2) actual_current = psu.query('MEASure:CURRent?') print(f"Actual Current draw: {actual_current} A")# 6. Safely turn off the output and close the connectionpsu.write('OUTPut OFF') psu.close()