User Manual

PicoScope 4000 Series Programmer's Guide 9

Aggregation. When the data has been collected, you can set an optional

aggregation factor and examine the data. Aggregation is a process that reduces

the amount of data by combining adjacent samples using a maximum/minimum

algorithm. It is useful for zooming in and out of the data without having to

repeatedly transfer the entire contents of the scope's buffer to the PC.

Memory segmentation. The scope's internal memory can be divided into

segments so that you can capture several waveforms in succession. Configure this

using ps4000MemorySegments.

Data retention. The data is lost when a new run is started in the same segment

or the scope is powered down.

See Using block mode for programming details.

4.6.1.1

Using block mode

This is the general procedure for reading and displaying data in block mode using a

single memory segment:

1. Open the oscilloscope using ps4000OpenUnit.

2. Select channel ranges and AC/DC coupling using ps4000SetChannel.

3. Using ps4000GetTimebase, select timebases until the required nanoseconds

per sample is located.

4. Use the trigger setup functions

[1] [2] [3]

to set up the trigger if required.

5. Start the oscilloscope running using ps4000RunBlock.

6. Wait until the oscilloscope is ready using the ps4000BlockReady callback.

7. Use ps4000SetDataBuffer to tell the driver where your memory buffer is.

8. Transfer the block of data from the oscilloscope using ps4000GetValues.

9. Display the data.

10. Repeat steps 5 to 9.

11. Stop the oscilloscope using ps4000Stop.

12. Request new views of stored data using different aggregation parameters: see

Retrieving stored data.