User manual

Programming with the PicoScope 6000 Series8

3.5.1

Block mode

In block mode, the computer prompts a PicoScope 6000 series oscilloscope to collect

a block of data into its internal memory. When the oscilloscope has collected the

whole block, it signals that it is ready and then transfers the whole block to the

computer's memory through the USB port.

Block size. The maximum number of values depends upon the size of the

oscilloscope's memory. The memory buffer is shared between the enabled

channels, so if two channels are enabled, each receives half the memory. These

features are handled transparently by the driver. The block size also depends on

the number of memory segments in use (see ps6000MemorySegments).

Sampling rate. A PicoScope 6000 Series oscilloscope can sample at a number of

different rates according to the selected timebase and the combination of channels

that are enabled. See the PicoScope 6000 Series User's Guide for the specifications

that apply to your scope model.

Setup time. The driver normally performs a number of setup operations, which can

take up to 50 milliseconds, before collecting each block of data. If you need to

collect data with the minimum time interval between blocks, use rapid block mode

and avoid calling setup functions between calls to ps6000RunBlock, ps6000Stop

and ps6000GetValues.

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

downsampling factor and examine the data. Downsampling is a process that

reduces the amount of data by combining adjacent samples. 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 ps6000MemorySegments.

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

the settings are changed, or the scope is powered down.

See Using block mode for programming details.