A standardized instrument programming language based on IEEE STD 488.2

The author describes the features of the Test and Measurement System Language (TMSL) and how they relate to compatibility. TMSL implements a tree-structured command set, rather than a traditional flat instrument language, allowing keywords to be reusable and identifiable in context. Reusable keywords allow for simple and regular mnemonic generation rules. TMSL has also addressed parameters through the use of regular parameter forms, a say-what-you-mean philosophy for discrete switch setting and the minimization of obscure side effects. TMSL addresses the need for horizontally compatible, signal oriented measurements, as well as the traditional programming of the specific instrument-specific hardware. The author also discusses a model of an instrument developed for TMSL and the importance of such a standardized model. He outlines the advantages realized, including the ease of adding capabilities in the future, the ease of learning, the self-documenting features, the opportunities for reuse of instrument firmware including increased reliability of parsers, and the ease of integrating instruments into existing test systems