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PicoScope 2000 Series

PC Oscilloscopes
Programmer's Guide

ps2000pg.en r10
Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide I

Contents
1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................1
........................................................................................................................................1
2 Minimum system requirements
3 Legal information ........................................................................................................................................2
4 Trademarks ........................................................................................................................................3
5 Warranty ........................................................................................................................................3
6 Company details ........................................................................................................................................3

2 Product information
....................................................................................................................................4
1 System requirements........................................................................................................................................4
........................................................................................................................................4
2 Installation instructions

3 Programming
....................................................................................................................................5
the 2000 Series Oscilloscopes
1 General procedure ........................................................................................................................................5
2 Driver ........................................................................................................................................5
3 Voltage ranges ........................................................................................................................................5
4 Triggering ........................................................................................................................................6
5 Signal generator ........................................................................................................................................6
6 AC/DC coupling ........................................................................................................................................6
7 Oversampling ........................................................................................................................................6
8 Scaling ........................................................................................................................................6

4 Sampling modes
....................................................................................................................................7
1 Block mode ........................................................................................................................................7
......................................................................................................................................................................7
1 Using block mode
2 Streaming mode ........................................................................................................................................8
......................................................................................................................................................................8
1 Compatible streaming mode
2 Fast streaming......................................................................................................................................................................9
mode
........................................................................................................................................10
3 ETS (Equivalent Time Sampling)
......................................................................................................................................................................10
1 Using ETS mode
5 Combining....................................................................................................................................11
several oscilloscopes

6 API Functions
....................................................................................................................................12
1 ps2000_close_unit ........................................................................................................................................13
2 ps2000_flash_led ........................................................................................................................................14
........................................................................................................................................15
3 ps2000_get_streaming_last_values
........................................................................................................................................16
4 ps2000_get_streaming_values
........................................................................................................................................18
5 ps2000_get_streaming_values_no_aggregation
........................................................................................................................................20
6 ps2000_get_timebase
........................................................................................................................................21
7 ps2000_get_times_and_values
........................................................................................................................................23
8 ps2000_get_unit_info
9 ps2000_get_values ........................................................................................................................................24
........................................................................................................................................25
10 ps2000_last_button_press

11 ps2000_open_unit........................................................................................................................................26
........................................................................................................................................27
12 ps2000_open_unit_async
........................................................................................................................................28
13 ps2000_open_unit_progress
........................................................................................................................................29
14 ps2000_overview_buffer_status
15 ps2000_ready ........................................................................................................................................30
16 ps2000_run_block........................................................................................................................................31
........................................................................................................................................32
17 ps2000_run_streaming
........................................................................................................................................33
18 ps2000_run_streaming_ns
........................................................................................................................................34
19 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions
......................................................................................................................................................................35
1 PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS structure
........................................................................................................................................36
20 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelDirections
........................................................................................................................................37
21 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties
......................................................................................................................................................................38
1 PS2000_TRIGGER_CHANNEL_PROPERTIES structure
........................................................................................................................................39
22 ps2000SetAdvTriggerDelay
........................................................................................................................................40
23 ps2000_set_channel
24 ps2000_set_ets ........................................................................................................................................41
25 ps2000_set_light ........................................................................................................................................42
26 ps2000_set_led ........................................................................................................................................43
........................................................................................................................................44
27 ps2000SetPulseWidthQualifier
......................................................................................................................................................................45
1 PS2000_PWQ_CONDITIONS structure
........................................................................................................................................46
28 ps2000_set_sig_gen_arbitrary
........................................................................................................................................48
29 ps2000_set_sig_gen_built_in
30 ps2000_set_trigger........................................................................................................................................50
........................................................................................................................................51
31 ps2000_set_trigger2
32 ps2000_stop ........................................................................................................................................52
........................................................................................................................................53
33 my_get_overview_buffers

7 Programming
....................................................................................................................................55
examples
1C ........................................................................................................................................55
2 Visual Basic ........................................................................................................................................56
3 Delphi ........................................................................................................................................56
4 Excel ........................................................................................................................................56
5 LabVIEW ........................................................................................................................................56

8 Driver error
....................................................................................................................................57
codes

9 Glossary ....................................................................................................................................58

Index ....................................................................................................................................61

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 1

1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes are low-cost , high-performance
instruments that are fully USB 2.0-capable and also backwards-compatible with
USB 1.1. There is no need for an additional power supply, as power is taken from the
USB port.

This manual explains how to develop your own programs for collecting and analyzing
data from the PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscopes. This manual describes the
application programming interface (API) for the devices shown below.

PicoScope 2104 PicoScope 2202 PicoScope 2204A

PicoScope 2105 PicoScope 2203 PicoScope 2205A
PicoScope 2204
PicoScope 2205

Drivers and example code are available on the Pico Technology Software and
Reference CD-ROM and on our website at www.picotech.com.

The oscilloscopes are also supplied with the ready-to-use PicoScope oscilloscope
software and PicoLog data logging software, which include their own on-line User's
Guides.

Please read the important information in this introductory section and then proceed to
the Installation instructions.

1.2 Minimum system requirements

To ensure that your PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscope operates correctly,
you must have a computer with at least the minimum system requirements to run one
of the supported operating systems, as shown in the following table. The performance
of the oscilloscope will be better with a more powerful PC, and will benefit from a
multi-core processor.

Please note the PicoScope software is not installed as part of the SDK.

Item Specification
Operating Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
system (Not Windows RT)
32 bit and 64 bit versions supported
Processor
Memory As required by Windows

Free disk space

Ports USB 1.1 compliant port (absolute minimum)*
USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 compliant port

* The oscilloscope will run slowly on a USB 1.1 port. This configuration is not
recommended.

Using with custom applications

Drivers are available for Windows XP (SP3 or later), Windows Vista, Windows 7 and
Windows 8.

1.3 Legal information

The material contained in this release is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology Limited
grants a licence to the person who installs this software, subject to the conditions
listed below.

Access. The licensee agrees to allow access to this software only to persons who have
been informed of these conditions and agree to abide by them.

Usage. The software in this release is for use only with Pico products or with data
collected using Pico products.

Copyright. Pico Technology Ltd. claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to, all
material (software, documents, etc.) contained in this SDK except the example
programs. You may copy and distribute the SDK without restriction, as long as you do
not remove any Pico Technology copyright statements. The example programs in the
SDK may be modified, copied and distributed for the purpose of developing programs
to collect data using Pico products.

Liability. Pico Technology and its agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage or
injury, howsoever caused, related to the use of Pico Technology equipment or
software, unless excluded by statute.

Fitness for purpose. As no two applications are the same, Pico Technology cannot
guarantee that its equipment or software is suitable for a given application. It is your
responsibility, therefore, to ensure that the product is suitable for your application.

Mission-critical applications. This software is intended for use on a computer that

may be running other software products. For this reason, one of the conditions of the
licence is that it excludes use in mission-critical applications, for example life support
systems.

Viruses. This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production, but
you are responsible for virus-checking the software once it is installed.

Support. If you are dissatisfied with the performance of this software, please contact
our technical support staff, who will try to fix the problem within a reasonable time. If
you are still dissatisfied, please return the product and software to your supplier
within 28 days of purchase for a full refund.

Upgrades. We provide upgrades, free of charge, from our web site at

www.picotech.com. We reserve the right to charge for updates or replacements sent
out on physical media.

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 3

1.4 Trademarks
Pico Technology Limited and PicoScope are internationally registered trademarks.

Pico Technology Limited and PicoScope are internationally registered

trademarks.
Delphi is a registered trademark of Borland Software Corporation.
LabVIEW is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.
Windows, Excel and Visual Basic are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.

1.5 Warranty
Pico Technology warrants upon delivery, and for a period of 5 years unless otherwise
stated from the date of delivery, that the Goods will be free from defects in material
and workmanship.

Pico Technology shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty if the defect has been
caused by fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, abnormal working conditions
or failure to follow Pico Technology's spoken or written advice on the storage,
installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Goods or (if no advice has
been given) good trade practice; or if the Customer alters or repairs such Goods
without the written consent of Pico Technology.

1.6 Company details

You can obtain technical assistance from Pico Technology at the following address:

Address: Pico Technology

James House
Colmworth Business Park
St Neots
Cambridgeshire PE19 8YP
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0) 1480 396 395

Fax: +44 (0) 1480 396 296

Email:
Technical Support: [email protected]
Sales: [email protected]

Web site: www.picotech.com

2 Product information
2.1 System requirements
General requirements
See Minimum PC requirements.

USB
The ps2000 driver offers several methods of recording data, all of which support both
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0, although the fastest transfer rates are achieved using USB 2.0.
The driver is also compatible with USB 3.0, with which it will run at the same speed as
USB 2.0.

2.2 Installation instructions

Important
Do not connect the PC Oscilloscope to your PC until you have installed the software.

Install the software by following the steps in the printed Installation Guide supplied
with your oscilloscope. You must install the PicoScope 6 PC Oscilloscope software
even if you do not intend to use it, as it includes the driver and API DLL that you
will need to write your own software.
Connect the oscilloscope's USB port to the PC using the USB cable supplied. There
is no need for an additional power supply, as the oscilloscope obtains its power
from the PC.

Checking the installation

Once you have installed the software, ensure that the oscilloscope is connected to the
PC and then start the PicoScope software. PicoScope should show a small 50 Hz or
60 Hz mains signal in the oscilloscope window when you touch the probe tip with your
finger.

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 5

3 Programming the 2000 Series Oscilloscopes

3.1 General procedure
The ps2000.dll library in your PicoScope installation directory allows you to
program a PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscope using standard C function calls.

A typical program for capturing data consists of the following steps:

Open the oscilloscope.

Set up the input channels with the required voltage ranges and coupling mode.
Set up triggering.
Start capturing data. (See Sampling modes, where programming is discussed in
more detail.)
Wait until the oscilloscope is ready.
Copy data to a buffer.
Stop capturing data.
Close the oscilloscope.

Numerous sample programs are included in the SDK. These show how to use the
functions of the driver software in each of the modes available.

3.2 Driver
Important
Ensure the PicoScope driver is installed by one of the following methods.

Before plugging the oscilloscope into your computer for the first time, either:

1) Install (or already have installed) the PicoScope software, which includes the driver
for the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope.

Note: Once you have installed the PicoScope software, Windows will automatically
install the driver when you plug in the oscilloscope for the first time.

2) If you do not want or need an installation of PicoScope, manually run the required
dpinst.exe which can be found in the system\amd64 or system\x86 folder of the
SDK.

Note: For an x86 operating system you will also need to copy picopp.inf to
SYSTEMROOT\inf and picopp.sys to SYSTEMROOT\system32\drivers.

The Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 32-bit driver,
picopp.sys, is installed under the control of an information file, picopp.inf.

If you do plug in an oscilloscope before installing the driver, Windows will designate
the device as Unknown. You will then need to manually delete the device using the
Device Manager before you can install the correct driver.

3.3 Voltage ranges

It is possible to set the gain for each channel with the ps2000_set_channel() function.
The input voltage ranges available depend on which type of oscilloscope is
connected.

Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps2000pg.en r10
6 Programming the 2000 Series Oscilloscopes

3.4 Triggering
PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes can either start collecting data immediately,
or be programmed to wait for a trigger event to occur. In both cases you need to use
the ps2000_set_trigger() function or, for scopes that support advanced triggering,
the ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions() function. A trigger event can occur on
any of the conditions available in the simple and advanced triggering modes.

Applicability Available in block mode and fast streaming mode only. Calls to the
ps2000_set_trigger() and
ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions() functions have no effect
in compatible streaming mode.

3.5 Signal generator

The PicoScope 2203, 2204(A) and 2205(A) PC Oscilloscopes have a built-in signal
generator which is set up using ps2000_set_sig_gen_built_in().

Applicability PicoScope 2203, 2204(A) and 2205(A) oscilloscopes only.

3.6 AC/DC coupling

Using the ps2000_set_channel() function, each channel can be set to either AC or DC
coupling. When AC coupling is used, any component of the signal below about 1 Hz is
filtered out.

3.7 Oversampling
When the oscilloscope is operating at sampling rates less than the maximum, it is
possible to oversample. Oversampling is taking more than one measurement during
a time interval and returning an average. If the signal contains a small amount of
noise, this technique can increase the effective vertical resolution of the oscilloscope
by the amount given by the equation below:

Increase in resolution (bits) = (log oversample) / (log 4)

Applicability Available in block mode only.

3.8 Scaling
The driver normalises all readings to 16 bits, regardless of the vertical resolution of
the oscilloscope. The following table shows the relationship between the reading from
the driver and the signal level.

Constant Reading Voltage

PS2000_LOST_DATA -32 768 Indicates a buffer overrun in fast streaming
mode.
PS2000_MIN_VALUE -32 767 Negative full scale
0 0 Zero volts
PS2000_MAX_VALUE 32 767 Positive full scale

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 7

4 Sampling modes
PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes can run in various sampling modes.

Block mode. At the highest sampling rates, the oscilloscope collects data much
faster than a PC can read it. In this case, the oscilloscope stores a block of data in
an internal memory buffer, delaying transfer to the PC until the required number of
data points have been sampled.
Streaming modes. At all but the highest sampling rates, these modes allow
accurately timed data to be transferred back to the PC without gaps. The computer
instructs the oscilloscope to start collecting data. The oscilloscope then transfers
data back to the PC without storing it in its own memory, so the size of the data
set is limited only by the size of the PC's memory. Sampling intervals from less
than one microsecond (depending on model) to 60 seconds are possible. There are
two streaming modes:
Compatible streaming mode
Fast streaming mode

4.1 Block mode

In block mode, the computer prompts the oscilloscope to collect a block of data in 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.

The maximum number of values depends upon the size of the oscilloscope's memory.
A PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscope can sample at a number of different rates that
correspond to the maximum sampling rate divided by 1, 2, 4, 8 and so on.

There is a separate memory buffer for each channel. When a channel is unused, its
memory can be borrowed by the enabled channels. This feature is handled
transparently by the driver.

The driver normally performs a number of setup operations before collecting each
block of data. This can take up to 50 milliseconds. If it is necessary to collect data with
the minimum time interval between blocks, avoid calling setup functions between calls
to ps2000_run_block(), ps2000_ready(), ps2000_stop() and ps2000_get_values().

See Using block mode for programming details.

4.1.1 Using block mode

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

1. Open the oscilloscope using ps2000_open_unit().

2. Select channel ranges and AC/DC coupling using ps2000_set_channel().
3. Using ps2000_set_trigger(), set the trigger if required.
4. Using ps2000_get_timebase(), select timebases until you locate the required
time interval per sample.
5. Start the oscilloscope running using ps2000_run_block().
6. Wait until the oscilloscope says it is ready using ps2000_ready().
7. Transfer the block of data from the oscilloscope using ps2000_get_values() or
ps2000_get_times_and_values().
8. Display the data.
9. Repeat steps 5 to 8.
10. Stop the oscilloscope using ps2000_stop().

4.2 Streaming mode

Streaming mode is an alternative to block mode that can capture data without gaps
between blocks.

In streaming mode, the computer prompts the oscilloscope to start collecting data.
The data is then transferred back to the PC without being stored in the oscilloscope's
memory. Data can be sampled with a period between 1 µs or less and 60 s, and the
maximum number of samples is limited only by the amount of free space on the PC's
hard disk.

There are two varieties of streaming mode:

Compatible streaming mode

Fast streaming mode

4.2.1 Compatible streaming mode

Compatible streaming mode is a basic streaming mode that works at speeds from
one sample per minute to a thousand samples per second.

The oscilloscope's driver transfers data to a computer program using either normal or
windowed mode. In normal mode, any data collected since the last data transfer
operation is returned in its entirety. Normal mode is useful if the computer program
requires fresh data on every transfer. In windowed mode, a fixed number of samples
is returned, where the oldest samples may have already been returned before.
Windowed mode is useful when the program requires a constant time period of data.

Once the oscilloscope is collecting data in streaming mode, any setup changes (for
example, changing a channel range or AC/DC setting) will cause a restart of the data
stream. The driver can buffer up to 32 K samples of data per channel, but the user
must ensure that the ps2000_get_values() function is called frequently enough to
avoid buffer overrun.

See Using compatible streaming mode for programming details.

Applicability Not available on PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 or 2205A.

Does not support triggering.

The ps2000_get_times_and_values() function always returns FALSE

(0) in streaming mode.

4.2.1.1 Using compatible streaming mode

This is the general procedure for reading and displaying data in compatible streaming
mode:

1. Open the oscilloscope using ps2000_open_unit().

2. Select channel ranges and AC/DC switches using ps2000_set_channel().
3. Start the oscilloscope running using ps2000_run_streaming().
4. Transfer the block of data from the oscilloscope using ps2000_get_values().
5. Display the data.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as necessary.
7. Stop the oscilloscope using ps2000_stop().

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 9

4.2.2 Fast streaming mode

Fast streaming mode is an advanced streaming mode that can transfer data at
speeds of a million samples per second or more, depending on the computer's
performance. This makes it suitable for high-speed data acquisition, allowing you
to capture very long data sets limited only by the computer's memory.

Fast streaming mode also provides data aggregation, which allows your application to
zoom in and out of the data with the minimum of effort.

Applicability PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Works with triggering.

See Using fast streaming mode for programming details.

4.2.2.1 Using fast streaming mode

This is the general procedure for reading and displaying data in fast streaming mode:

1. Open the oscilloscope using ps2000_open_unit().

2. Select channel ranges and AC/DC switches using ps2000_set_channel().
3. Set the trigger using ps2000_set_trigger().
4. Start the oscilloscope running using ps2000_run_streaming_ns().
5. Get a block of data from the oscilloscope using
ps2000_get_streaming_last_values().
6. Display or process the data.
7. If required, check for overview buffer overruns by calling
ps2000_overview_buffer_status().
8. Repeat steps 5 to 7 as necessary or until auto_stop is TRUE.
9. Stop fast streaming using ps2000_stop().
10. Retrieve any part of the data at any time scale by calling
ps2000_get_streaming_values().
11. If you require raw data, retrieve it by calling
ps2000_get_streaming_values_no_aggregation().
12. Repeat steps 10 to 11 as necessary.
13. Close the oscilloscope by calling ps2000_close_unit().

4.3 ETS (Equivalent Time Sampling)

ETS is a way of increasing the effective sampling rate when working with repetitive
signals. It is controlled by the ps2000_set_trigger() and ps2000_set_ets() functions.

ETS works by capturing many instances of a repetitive waveform, then combining

them to produce a composite waveform that has a higher effective sampling rate than
the individual instances. The maximum effective sampling rates that can be achieved
with this method are listed in the Specifications table for your oscilloscope.

Because of the high sensitivity of ETS mode to small time differences, you must set up
the trigger to provide a stable waveform that varies as little as possible from one
capture to the next.

Applicability Block mode only.

PicoScope 2104, 2105, 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A

oscilloscopes.

As ETS returns random time intervals, the

ps2000_get_times_and_values() function must be used. The
ps2000_get_values() function will return FALSE (0).

Stable, repetitive signals only.

4.3.1 Using ETS mode

This is the general procedure for reading and displaying data in ETS mode:

1. Open the oscilloscope using ps2000_open_unit().

2. Select channel ranges and AC/DC switches using ps2000_set_channel().
3. Using ps2000_set_trigger(), set the trigger if required.
4. Set ETS mode using ps2000_set_ets().
5. Start the oscilloscope running using ps2000_run_block().
6. Wait until the oscilloscope says it is ready using ps2000_ready().
7. Transfer the block of data from the oscilloscope using
ps2000_get_times_and_values().
8. Display the data.
9. Repeat steps 6 to 8 as necessary.
10. Stop the oscilloscope using ps2000_stop().

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 11

5 Combining several oscilloscopes

The 2000 Series driver can collect data from up to 64 PicoScope 2000 Series PC
Oscilloscopes at the same time. Each oscilloscope must be connected to a separate
USB port. If a USB hub is used it must be a powered hub.

To begin, call ps2000_open_unit() to obtain a handle for each oscilloscope. All the
other functions require this handle for oscilloscope identification. For example, to
collect data from two oscilloscopes at the same time:

handle1 = ps2000_open_unit()
handle2 = ps2000_open_unit()

ps2000_set_channel(handle1)
... set up unit 1
ps2000_run_block(handle1)

ps2000_set_channel(handle2)
... set up unit 2
ps2000_run_block(handle2)

ready = FALSE
while not ready
ready = ps2000_ready(handle1)
ready &= ps2000_ready(handle2)

ps2000_get_values(handle1)
ps2000_get_values(handle2)

It is not possible to synchronise the collection of data between multiple 2000 Series
oscilloscopes.

6 API Functions
The PicoScope 2000 Series API exports the following functions for you to use in your
own applications:

ps2000_close_unit
ps2000_flash_led
ps2000_get_streaming_last_values
ps2000_get_streaming_values
ps2000_get_streaming_values_no_aggregation
ps2000_get_timebase
ps2000_get_times_and_values
ps2000_get_unit_info
ps2000_get_values
ps2000_last_button_press
ps2000_open_unit
ps2000_open_unit_async
ps2000_open_unit_progress
ps2000_overview_buffer_status
ps2000_ready
ps2000_run_block
ps2000_run_streaming
ps2000_run_streaming_ns
ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions
ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelDirections
ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties
ps2000SetAdvTriggerDelay
ps2000_set_channel
ps2000_set_ets
ps2000_set_led
ps2000_set_light
ps2000SetPulseWidthQualifier
ps2000_set_sig_gen_arbitrary
ps2000_set_sig_gen_built_in
ps2000_set_trigger
ps2000_set_trigger2
ps2000_stop

The following user-defined function is also described here:

my_get_overview_buffers

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 13

6.1 ps2000_close_unit
short ps2000_close_unit (
short handle
)

Shuts down a PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscope.

Applicability All modes

Arguments handle: the handle, returned by ps2000_open_unit(), of the
oscilloscope being closed.
Returns non-zero: if a valid handle is passed.
0: if handle is not valid.

6.2 ps2000_flash_led
short ps2000_flash_led (
short handle
)

Flashes the LED on the front of the oscilloscope (or in the pushbutton, for the
PicoScope 2104 and 2105 oscilloscopes) three times and returns within one second.

Applicability All modes

Arguments handle: the handle of the PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscope.
Returns non-zero: if a valid handle is passed.
0: if handle is invalid.

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 15

6.3 ps2000_get_streaming_last_values
short ps2000_get_streaming_last_values (
short handle
GetOverviewBuffersMaxMin lpGetOverviewBuffersMaxMin
)

This function is used to collect the next block of values while fast streaming is
running. You must call ps2000_run_streaming_ns beforehand to set up fast
streaming.

Applicability Fast streaming mode only.

PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Not compatible with ETS triggering. Function has no effect in ETS

mode.
Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

lpGetOverviewBuffersMaxMin: a pointer to the

my_get_overview_buffers() callback function in your application
that receives data from the streaming driver.
Returns 1: if the callback will be called.
0: if the callback will not be called, either because one of the inputs
is out of range or because there are no samples available.

6.4 ps2000_get_streaming_values
unsigned long ps2000_get_streaming_values (
short handle,
double *start_time,
short *pbuffer_a_max,
short *pbuffer_a_min,
short *pbuffer_b_max,
short *pbuffer_b_min,
short *pbuffer_c_max,
short *pbuffer_c_min,
short *pbuffer_d_max,
short *pbuffer_d_min,
short *overflow,
unsigned long *triggerAt,
short *triggered,
unsigned long no_of_values,
unsigned long noOfSamplesPerAggregate
)

This function is used after the driver has finished collecting data in fast streaming
mode. It allows you to retrieve data with different aggregation ratios, and thus zoom
in to and out of any region of the data.

Before calling this function, first capture some data in fast streaming mode, stop fast
streaming by calling ps2000_stop(), then allocate sufficient buffer space to receive the
requested data. The function will store the data in your buffer with values in the
range PS2000_MIN_VALUE to PS2000_MAX_VALUE. The special value
PS2000_LOST_DATA is stored in the buffer when data could not be collected because
of a buffer overrun. (See Scaling for more on data values.)

Each sample of aggregated data is created by processing a block of raw samples. The
aggregated sample is stored as a pair of values: the minimum and the maximum
values of the block.

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 17

Applicability Fast streaming mode only.

PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Not compatible with ETS triggering - function has no effect in ETS

mode.
Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

start_time: the time in nanoseconds, relative to the trigger

point, of the first data sample required.

pbuffer_a_max, pbuffer_a_min: pointers to two buffers into

which the function will write the maximum and minimum
aggregated sample values from channel A.

pbuffer_b_max, pbuffer_b_min: as above but for channel B

(two-channel scopes only).

pbuffer_c_max, pbuffer_c_min, pbuffer_d_max,

pbuffer_d_min: not used

overflow: on exit, the function writes a bit field here indicating

whether the voltage on each of the input channels has overflowed:

Bit 0: Ch A overflow
Bit 1: Ch B overflow

triggerAt: on exit, the function writes an index value here. This

is the offset, from the start of the buffer, of the sample at the
trigger reference point. It is valid only when triggered is TRUE.

triggered: a pointer to a Boolean indicating that a trigger has

occurred and triggerAt is valid.

no_of_values: the number of values required.

noOfSamplesPerAggregate: the number of samples that the

driver should combine to form each aggregated value pair. The pair
consists of the maximum and minimum values of all the samples
that were aggregated. For channel A, the minimum value is stored
in the buffer pointed to by pbuffer_a_min and the maximum
value in the buffer pointed to by pbuffer_a_max.
Returns The number of values written to each buffer, if successful.
0: if a parameter was out of range.

6.5 ps2000_get_streaming_values_no_aggregation
unsigned long ps2000_get_streaming_values_no_aggregation (
short handle,
double *start_time,
short *pbuffer_a,
short *pbuffer_b,
short *pbuffer_c,
short *pbuffer_d,
short *overflow,
unsigned long *triggerAt,
short *trigger,
unsigned long no_of_values
)

This function retrieves raw streaming data from the driver's data store after fast
streaming has stopped.

Before calling the function, capture some data using fast streaming, stop streaming
using ps2000_stop(), and then allocate sufficient buffer space to receive the requested
data. The function will store the data in your buffer with values in the range
PS2000_MIN_VALUE to PS2000_MAX_VALUE. The special value PS2000_LOST_DATA
is stored in the buffer when data could not be collected because of a buffer overrun.
(See Scaling for more details of data values.)

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 19

Applicability Fast streaming mode only.

PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Not compatible with ETS triggering - has no effect in ETS mode.

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

start_time: the time in nanoseconds of the first data sample

required.

pbuffer_a, pbuffer_b: pointers to buffers into which the

function will write the raw sample values from channels A (all
scopes) and B (two-channel scopes only).

pbuffer_c, pbuffer_d: not used.

overflow: on exit, the function will write a bit field here

indicating whether the voltage on each of the input channels has
overflowed. Bit 0 is the LSB. The bit assignments are as follows:

Bit 0 - Ch A overflow
Bit 1 - Ch B overflow

triggerAt: on exit, the function writes an index into the buffers

here. The index is the number of the the sample at the trigger
reference point. It is valid only when trigger is TRUE.

trigger: on exit, the function writes a Boolean here indicating

that a trigger has occurred and triggerAt is valid.

no_of_values: the number of values required.

Returns The number of values written to each buffer, if successful.
0: if a parameter was out of range.

6.6 ps2000_get_timebase
short ps2000_get_timebase (
short handle,
short timebase,
long no_of_samples,
long *time_interval,
short *time_units,
short oversample,
long *max_samples
)

This function discovers which timebases are available on the oscilloscope. You should
set up the channels using ps2000_set_channel() and, if required, ETS mode using
ps2000_set_ets() first. Then call this function with increasing values of timebase,
starting from 0, until you find a timebase with a sampling interval and sample count
close enough to your requirements.

Applicability All modes

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

timebase: a code between 0 and the maximum timebase

(depending on the oscilloscope). Timebase 0 is the fastest
timebase. Each successive timebase has twice the sampling interval
of the previous one.

no_of_samples: the number of samples that you require. The

function uses this value to calculate the most suitable time unit to
use.

time_interval: on exit, this location will contain the time

interval, in nanoseconds, between readings at the selected
timebase. If time_interval is NULL, the function will write
nothing.

time_units: on exit, this location will contain an enumerated

type indicating the most suitable unit for expressing sample times.
You should pass this value to ps2000_get_times_and_values(). If
time_units is null, the function will write nothing.

oversample: the amount of oversample required. For example, an

oversample of 4 results in a time_interval 4 times larger and a
max_samples 4 times smaller. At the same time it increases the
effective resolution by one bit. See Oversampling for more details.

max_samples: on exit, this location contains the maximum

number of samples available. The number may vary depending on
the number of channels enabled, the timebase chosen and the
oversample multiplier selected. If max_samples is null, the
function will write nothing.
Returns non-zero: if all parameters are in range.
0: on error.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 21

6.7 ps2000_get_times_and_values
long ps2000_get_times_and_values (
short handle
long *times,
short *buffer_a,
short *buffer_b,
short *buffer_c,
short *buffer_d,
short *overflow,
short time_units,
long no_of_values
)

This function is used to get values and times in block mode after calling
ps2000_run_block().

Applicability Block mode only. It will not return any valid times if the
oscilloscope is in streaming mode.

Essential for ETS operation.

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

times: a pointer to a buffer for the sample times in time_units.

Each time is the interval between the trigger event and the
corresponding sample. Times before the trigger event are negative,
and times after the trigger event are positive.

buffer_a, buffer_b: pointers to buffers that receive data from

the channels A and B. A pointer will not be used if the oscilloscope
is not collecting data from that channel. If a pointer is NULL,
nothing will be written to it.

buffer_c, buffer_d: not used.

overflow: a bit pattern indicating whether an overflow has

occurred and, if so, on which channel. Bit 0 is the LSB. The bit
assignments are as follows:
Bit 0 - Ch A overflow
Bit 1 - Ch B overflow

time_units: can be one of the following:

PS2000_FS (0), femtoseconds,
PS2000_PS (1), picoseconds,
PS2000_NS (2), nanoseconds [default]
PS2000_US (3), microseconds,
PS2000_MS (4), milliseconds,
PS2000_S (5), seconds

no_of_values: the number of data points to return. In streaming

mode, this is the maximum number of values to return.
Returns The actual number of data values per channel returned, which may
be less than no_of_values if streaming.

0: if one or more of the parameters are out of range, or if the times

will overflow with the time_units requested (use
ps2000_get_timebase() to acquire the most suitable time_units),
or if the oscilloscope is in streaming mode.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 23

6.8 ps2000_get_unit_info
short ps2000_get_unit_info (
short handle,
char *string,
short string_length,
short line
)

This function writes oscilloscope information to a character string. If the oscilloscope

failed to open, only line types 0 and 6 are available to explain why the last open unit
call failed.

Applicability All modes

Arguments handle: the handle of the oscilloscope from which information is
required. If an invalid handle is passed, the error code from the last
oscilloscope that failed to open is returned.

string: a pointer to the character string buffer in the calling

function where the function will write the oscilloscope information
string selected with line. If string is NULL, no information will be
written.

string_length: the length of the character string buffer. If the

string is not long enough to accept all of the information, only the
first string_length characters are returned.

line: a value selected from enumerated type PS2000_INFO (see

table below) specifying what information is required from the driver.
Returns The length of the string written to the string buffer.
0: if one of the parameters is out of range or string is NULL.

PS2000_INFO value Example

PS2000_DRIVER_VERSION (0), the version number of the "1, 0, 0, 2"
DLL used by the oscilloscope driver.
PS2000_USB_VERSION (1), the type of USB connection that "1.1" or "2.0"
is being used to connect the oscilloscope to the computer.
PS2000_HARDWARE_VERSION (2), the hardware version of "1"
the attached oscilloscope.
PS2000_VARIANT_INFO (3), the variant of PicoScope 2000 "2203"
PC Oscilloscope that is attached to the computer.
PS2000_BATCH_AND_SERIAL (4), the batch and serial "CMY66/052"
number of the oscilloscope.
PS2000_CAL_DATE (5), the calibration date of the "14Jan08"
oscilloscope.
PS2000_ERROR_CODE (6), one of the Error codes. "4"
PS2000_KERNEL_DRIVER_VERSION (7), the version "1,1,2,4"
number of the kernel driver.

6.9 ps2000_get_values
long ps2000_get_values (
short handle
short *buffer_a,
short *buffer_b,
short *buffer_c,
short *buffer_d,
short *overflow,
long no_of_values
)

This function is used to get values in compatible streaming mode after calling
ps2000_run_streaming(), or in block mode after calling ps2000_run_block().

Applicability Compatible streaming mode and block mode only.

Does nothing if ETS triggering is enabled. Use

ps2000_get_times_and_values() instead.

Do not use in fast streaming mode. Use

ps2000_get_streaming_last_values() instead.
Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

buffer_a, buffer_b: pointers to the buffers that receive data

from the specified channels (A and B). A pointer is not used if the
oscilloscope is not collecting data from that channel. If a pointer is
NULL, nothing will be written to it.

buffer_c, buffer_d: not used.

overflow: on exit, contains a bit pattern indicating whether an

overflow has occurred and, if so, on which channel. Bit 0 is the least
significant bit. The bit assignments are as follows:
Bit 0 - Ch A overflow
Bit 1 - Ch B overflow

no_of_values: the number of data points to return. In streaming

mode, this is the maximum number of values to return.
Returns The actual number of data values per channel returned, which may
be less than no_of_values if streaming.
0: if one of the parameters is out of range or the oscilloscope is not
in a suitable mode.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 25

6.10 ps2000_last_button_press
short ps2000_last_button_press (
short handle
)

This function returns the last registered state of the pushbutton on the PicoScope
2104 or 2105 PC Oscilloscope and then resets the status to zero.

Applicability PicoScope 2104 and 2105 only

Arguments handle: handle of the oscilloscope
Returns 0: no button press registered
1: short button press registered
2: long button press registered

6.11 ps2000_open_unit
short ps2000_open_unit (
void
)

This function opens a PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscope. The driver can support up to
64 oscilloscopes.

Applicability All modes

Arguments None
Returns -1: if the oscilloscope fails to open.
0: if no oscilloscope is found.
>0 (oscilloscope handle): if the oscilloscope opened. Use this as the
handle argument for all subsequent API calls for this oscilloscope.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 27

6.12 ps2000_open_unit_async
short ps2000_open_unit_async (
void
)

This function opens a PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscope without waiting for the
operation to finish. You can find out when it has finished by periodically calling
ps2000_open_unit_progress() until that function returns a non-zero value and a valid
oscilloscope handle.

The driver can support up to 64 oscilloscopes.

Applicability All modes

Arguments None
Returns 0: if there is a previous open operation in progress.
non-zero: if the call has successfully initiated an open operation.

6.13 ps2000_open_unit_progress
short ps2000_open_unit_progress (
short *handle,
short *progress_percent
)

This function checks on the progress of ps2000_open_unit_async().

Applicability All modes.

Use only with ps2000_open_unit_async().

Arguments handle: a pointer to where the function should store the handle of
the opened oscilloscope.

0 if no oscilloscope is found or the oscilloscope fails to open,

handle of oscilloscope (valid only if function returns 1)

progress_percent: a pointer to an estimate of the progress

towards opening the oscilloscope. The function will write a value
from 0 to 100, where 100 implies that the operation is complete.
Returns >0: if the driver successfully opens the oscilloscope
0: if opening still in progress
-1: if the oscilloscope failed to open or was not found

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 29

6.14 ps2000_overview_buffer_status
short ps2000_overview_buffer_status (
short handle,
short *previous_buffer_overrun
)

This function indicates whether or not the overview buffers used by

ps2000_run_streaming_ns() have overrun. If an overrun occurs, you can choose to
increase the overview_buffer_size argument that you pass in the next call to
ps2000_run_streaming_ns().

Applicability Fast streaming mode only.

PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Not compatible with ETS triggering - function has no effect in ETS

mode.
Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

previous_buffer_overrun: a pointer to a Boolean indicating

whether the overview buffers have overrun. The function will write
a non-zero value to indicate a buffer overrun.
Returns 0: if the function was successful.
1: if the function failed due to an invalid handle.

6.15 ps2000_ready
short ps2000_ready (
short handle
)

This function checks to see if the oscilloscope has finished the last data collection
operation.

Applicability Block mode only. Does nothing if the oscilloscope is in streaming

mode.
Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.
Returns >0: if ready. The oscilloscope has collected a complete block of data
or the auto trigger timeout has been reached.
0: if not ready. An invalid handle was passed, or the oscilloscope is
in streaming mode, or the oscilloscope is still collecting data in
block mode.
-1: if the oscilloscope is not attached. The USB transfer failed,
indicating that the oscilloscope may well have been unplugged.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 31

6.16 ps2000_run_block
short ps2000_run_block (
short handle,
long no_of_samples,
short timebase,
short oversample,
long *time_indisposed_ms
)

This function tells the oscilloscope to start collecting data in block mode.

Applicability Block mode only.

Arguments handle: the oscilloscope of the required oscilloscope.

no_of_samples: the number of samples to return.

timebase: a code between 0 and the maximum timebase available

(consult the driver header file). Timebase 0 gives the maximum
sample rate available, timebase 1 selects a sample rate half as fast,
timebase 2 is half as fast again and so on. For the maximum sample
rate, see the specifications for your oscilloscope. The number of
channels enabled may affect the availability of the fastest
timebases.

oversample: the oversampling factor, a number between 1 and

256. See Oversampling for details.

time_indisposed_ms: a pointer to the approximate time, in

milliseconds, that the ADC will take to collect data. If a trigger is
set, it is the amount of time the ADC takes to collect a block of data
after a trigger event, calculated as (sample interval) x (number of
points required). The actual time may differ from computer to
computer, depending on how quickly the computer can respond to
I/O requests.
Returns 0: if one of the parameters is out of range.
non-zero: if successful.

6.17 ps2000_run_streaming
short ps2000_run_streaming (
short handle,
short sample_interval_ms,
long max_samples,
short windowed
)

This function tells the oscilloscope to start collecting data in compatible streaming
mode. If this function is called when a trigger has been enabled, the trigger settings
will be ignored.

For streaming with the PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A variants, use
ps2000_run_streaming_ns() instead.

Applicability PicoScope 2202, 2104 and 2105 only.

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

sample_interval_ms: the time interval, in milliseconds, between

data points. This can be no shorter than 1 ms.

max_samples: the maximum number of samples that the driver is

to store. This can be no greater than 60 000. It is the application's
responsibility to retrieve data before the oldest values are
overwritten.

windowed: if this is 0, only the values taken since the last call to
ps2000_get_values() are returned. If this is 1, the number of values
requested by ps2000_get_values() are returned, even if they have
already been read by ps2000_get_values().
Returns non-zero: if streaming has been enabled correctly.
0: if a problem occurred or a value was out of range.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 33

6.18 ps2000_run_streaming_ns
short ps2000_run_streaming_ns (
short handle,
unsigned long sample_interval,
PS2000_TIME_UNITS time_units,
unsigned long max_samples,
short auto_stop,
unsigned long noOfSamplesPerAggregate,
unsigned long overview_buffer_size
)

This function tells the oscilloscope to start collecting data in fast streaming mode. It
returns immediately without waiting for data to be captured. After calling it, you
should next call ps2000_get_streaming_last_values() to copy the data to your
application's buffer.

Applicability PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

sample_interval: the time interval, in time_units, between

data points.

time_units: the units in which sample_interval is measured.

max_samples: the maximum number of samples that the driver

should store from each channel. Your computer must have enough
physical memory for this many samples, multiplied by the number
of channels in use, multiplied by the number of bytes per sample.

auto_stop: a Boolean to indicate whether streaming should stop

automatically when max_samples is reached. Set to any non-zero
value for TRUE.

noOfSamplesPerAggregate: the number of incoming samples

that the driver will merge together (or aggregate: see aggregation)
to create each value pair passed to the application. The value must
be between 1 and max_samples.

overview_buffer_size: the size of the overview buffers,

temporary buffers used by the driver to store data before passing it
to your application. You can check for overview buffer overruns
using the ps2000_overview_buffer_status() function and adjust the
overview buffer size if necessary. We recommend using an initial
value of 15,000 samples.
Returns non-zero: if streaming has been enabled correctly.
0: if a problem occurred or a value was out of range.

6.19 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions
short ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions(
short handle,
PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS *conditions,
short nConditions
)

This function sets up trigger conditions on the scope's inputs. The trigger is defined by
a PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS structure.

Applicability PicoScope 2202, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

conditions: a pointer to a PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS

structure specifying the conditions that should be applied to the
current trigger channel. If NULL, triggering is switched off.

nConditions: should be set to 1 if conditions is non-null,

otherwise 0.
Returns 0: if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of
range.
non-zero: if successful.

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 35

6.19.1 PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS structure

A structure of this type is passed to ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions() in the
conditions argument to specify the trigger conditions, and is defined as follows: -

typedef struct tPS2000TriggerConditions

{
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelA;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelB;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelC;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelD;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE external;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE pulseWidthQualifier;
} PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS;

Applicability See ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions().

Members channelA, channelB: the type of condition that should be
applied to each channel. Use these constants: -
CONDITION_DONT_CARE (0)
CONDITION_TRUE (1)
CONDITION_FALSE (2)

channelC, channelD: not used

external: not used

pulseWidthQualifier: the type of condition to apply to the

pulse width qualifier. Choose from the same list of constants given
under channelA, channelB.

Remarks
The channels that are set to CONDITION_TRUE or CONDITION_FALSE must all meet
their conditions simultaneously to produce a trigger. Channels set to
CONDITION_DONT_CARE are ignored.

The oscilloscope can use only a single input channel (either channel A or channel B)
for the trigger source. Therefore you may define CONDITION_TRUE or
CONDITION_FALSE for only one of these channels at a time. You can, optionally, set
up the pulse width qualifier in combination with one of the input channels.

6.20 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelDirections
short ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelDirections(
short handle,
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION channelA,
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION channelB,
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION channelC,
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION channelD,
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION ext
)

This function sets the direction of the trigger for each channel.

Applicability PicoScope 2202, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope

channelA, channelB: specify the direction in which the signal

must pass through the threshold to activate the trigger. The
allowable values for a PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION variable
are listed in the table below.

channelC, channelD: not used

ext: not used

Returns 0: if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of
range.
non-zero: if successful.

PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION constants
ABOVE for gated triggers: above a threshold
BELOW for gated triggers: below a threshold
RISING for threshold triggers: rising edge
FALLING for threshold triggers: falling edge
RISING_OR_FALLING for threshold triggers: either edge
INSIDE for window-qualified triggers: inside window
OUTSIDE for window-qualified triggers: outside window
ENTER for window triggers: entering the window
EXIT for window triggers: leaving the window
ENTER_OR_EXIT for window triggers: either entering or leaving the window
NONE no trigger

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 37

6.21 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties
short ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties(
short handle,
PS2000_TRIGGER_CHANNEL_PROPERTIES *channelProperties,
short nChannelProperties,
long autoTriggerMilliseconds
)

This function is used to enable or disable triggering and set its parameters.

Applicability PicoScope 2202, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

channelProperties: a pointer to a
PS2000_TRIGGER_CHANNEL_PROPERTIES structure describing the
requested properties. If NULL, triggering is switched off.

nChannelProperties: should be set to 1 if

channelProperties is non-null, otherwise 0.

autoTriggerMilliseconds: the time in milliseconds for which

the oscilloscope will wait before collecting data if no trigger event
occurs. If this is set to zero, the oscilloscope will wait indefinitely for
a trigger.
Returns 0: if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of
range.
non-zero: if successful.

6.21.1 PS2000_TRIGGER_CHANNEL_PROPERTIES structure

A structure of this type is passed to ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties() in the
channelProperties argument to specify the trigger mechanism, and is defined as
follows: -

typedef struct tPS2000TriggerChannelProperties

{
short thresholdMajor;
short thresholdMinor;
unsigned short hysteresis;
short channel;
PS2000_THRESHOLD_MODE thresholdMode;
} PS2000_TRIGGER_CHANNEL_PROPERTIES

Applicability See ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties()

Members thresholdMajor: the upper threshold at which the trigger event
is to take place. This is scaled in 16-bit ADC counts at the currently
selected range for that channel.

thresholdMinor: the lower threshold at which the trigger event is

to take place. This is scaled in 16-bit ADC counts at the currently
selected range for that channel.

hysteresis: the hysteresis that the trigger has to exceed before it

will fire. It is scaled in 16-bit counts.

channel: the channel to which the properties apply.

thresholdMode: either a level or window trigger. Use one of these

constants:
LEVEL (0)
WINDOW (1)

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PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 39

6.22 ps2000SetAdvTriggerDelay
short ps2000SetAdvTriggerDelay(
short handle,
unsigned long delay,
float preTriggerDelay
)

This function sets the pre-trigger and post-trigger delays. The default action, when
both these delays are zero, is to start capturing data beginning with the trigger event
and to stop a specified time later. The start of capture can be delayed by using a non-
zero value of delay. Alternatively, the start of capture can be advanced to a time
before the trigger event by using a negative value of preTriggerDelay. If both
arguments are non-zero then their effects are added together.

Applicability All modes. PicoScope 2202, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only
Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

delay: the post-trigger delay, measured in sample periods. This is

the time between the trigger event and the sample at time t = 0.
For example, at a timebase of 50 MS/s, or 20 ns per sample, and
with delay = 100, the post-trigger delay would be 100 × 20 ns =
2 µ s.
Range: [0, 232–1]

preTriggerDelay: the location of the sample at time t = 0

within the data block, as a percentage of the data block length. 0%
places t = 0 at the start of the block, –50% places it in the middle,
and –100% places it at the end. Positive values can also be used to
place t = 0 before the beginning of the data block, but the delay
argument is more convenient for this purpose as it has a wider
range.
Range: [–100%, +100%]
Returns 0: if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of
range.
non-zero: if successful.

Example 1: Example 2:
delay = 0, delay = 1 ms,
preTriggerDelay = –50% preTriggerDelay = –50%

6.23 ps2000_set_channel
short ps2000_set_channel (
short handle,
short channel,
short enabled,
short dc,
short range
)

Specifies if a channel is to be enabled, the AC/DC coupling mode and the input range.

Note: The channels are not configured until capturing starts.

Applicability All modes

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

channel: an enumerated type specifying the channel. Use

PS2000_CHANNEL_A (0) or PS2000_CHANNEL_B (1).

enabled: specifies if the channel is active:

TRUE = active
FALSE = inactive

dc: specifies the AC/DC coupling mode:

TRUE: DC coupling
FALSE: AC coupling

range: a code between 1 and 10. See the table below, but note
that each oscilloscope variant supports only a subset of these
ranges.
Returns 0: if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of
range
non-zero: if successful

Code Enumeration Range

1 PS2000_20MV ±20 mV
2 PS2000_50MV ±50 mV
3 PS2000_100MV ±100 mV
4 PS2000_200MV ±200 mV
5 PS2000_500MV ±500 mV
6 PS2000_1V ±1 V
7 PS2000_2V ±2 V
8 PS2000_5V ±5 V
9 PS2000_10V ±10 V
10 PS2000_20V ±20 V

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 41

6.24 ps2000_set_ets
long ps2000_set_ets (
short handle,
short mode,
short ets_cycles,
short ets_interleave

)
This function is used to enable or disable ETS (equivalent time sampling) and to set
the ETS parameters.

Applicability Not PicoScope 2202.

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

mode:
PS2000_ETS_OFF (0) - disables ETS

PS2000_ETS_FAST (1) - enables ETS and provides

ets_cycles cycles of data, which may contain data from
previously returned cycles

PS2000_ETS_SLOW (2) - enables ETS and provides fresh data

every ets_cycles cycles. PS2000_ETS_SLOW takes longer to
provide each data set, but the data sets are more stable and
unique

ets_cycles: the number of cycles to store. The computer can

then select ets_interleave cycles to give the most uniform
spread of samples. ets_cycles should be between two and five
times the value of ets_interleave.

ets_interleave: the number of ETS interleaves to use. If the

sample time is 20 ns and the interleave 10, the approximate time
per sample will be 2 ns.
Returns The effective sample time in picoseconds, if ETS is enabled.
0: if ETS is disabled or one of the parameters is out of range.

6.25 ps2000_set_light
short ps2000_set_light (
short handle,
short state
)

This function controls the white light that illuminates the probe tip on a handheld
oscilloscope.

Applicability PicoScope 2104 and 2105 handheld oscilloscopes only.

Arguments handle: handle of the oscilloscope

state:
0: light off
1: light on
Returns 0: the function failed, for example if a PicoScope 2000 Series
oscilloscope was not found.
non-zero: success.

ps2000pg.en r10 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2000 Series Programmer's Guide 43

6.26 ps2000_set_led
short ps2000_set_led (
short handle,
short state
)

This function turns the LED on the oscilloscope on and off, and controls its colour.

Applicability PicoScope 2104 and 2105 handheld oscilloscopes only.

Arguments handle: handle of the oscilloscope

state:
3: off
1: red
2: green
Returns 0: the function failed, for example if a PicoScope 2000 Series
oscilloscope was not found.
non-zero: success.

6.27 ps2000SetPulseWidthQualifier
short ps2000SetPulseWidthQualifier(
short handle,
PS2000_PWQ_CONDITIONS *conditions,
short nConditions,
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION direction,
unsigned long lower,
unsigned long upper,
PS2000_PULSE_WIDTH_TYPE type
)

This function sets up pulse width qualification, which can be used on its own for pulse
width triggering or combined with other triggering to produce more complex triggers.
The pulse width qualifier is set by defining a conditions structure.

Applicability All modes

PicoScope 2202, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only

Arguments handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope.

conditions: a pointer to a PS2000_PWQ_CONDITIONS structure

specifying the conditions that should be applied to the trigger
channel. If conditions is NULL then the pulse width qualifier is
not used.

nConditions: should be set to 1 if conditions is non-null,

otherwise 0.

direction: the direction of the signal required to trigger the

pulse.

lower: the lower limit of the pulse width counter.

upper: the upper limit of the pulse width counter. This parameter
is used only when the type is set to PW_TYPE_IN_RANGE or
PW_TYPE_OUT_OF_RANGE.

type: the pulse width type, one of these constants:

PW_TYPE_NONE do not use the pulse width
qualifier
PW_TYPE_LESS_THAN pulse width less than lower
PW_TYPE_GREATER_THAN pulse width greater than lower
PW_TYPE_IN_RANGE pulse width between lower and
upper
PW_TYPE_OUT_OF_RANGE pulse width not between lower
and upper
Returns 0: if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of
range.
non-zero: if successful.

6.27.1 PS2000_PWQ_CONDITIONS structure

A structure of this type is passed to ps2000SetPulseWidthQualifier() in the
conditions argument to specify the pulse-width qualifier conditions, and is defined
as follows: -

typedef struct tPS2000PwqConditions

{
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelA;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelB;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelC;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE channelD;
PS2000_TRIGGER_STATE external;
} PS2000_PWQ_CONDITIONS

Applicability Pulse-width-qualified triggering

Members channelA, channelB: the type of condition that should be
applied to each channel. Choose from these constants:
CONDITION_DONT_CARE (0)
CONDITION_TRUE (1)
CONDITION_FALSE (2)

channelC, channelD, external: not used

6.28 ps2000_set_sig_gen_arbitrary
short ps2000_set_sig_gen_arbitrary (
short handle,
long offsetVoltage,
unsigned long pkToPk,
unsigned long startDeltaPhase,
unsigned long stopDeltaPhase,
unsigned long deltaPhaseIncrement,
unsigned long dwellCount,
unsigned char *arbitraryWaveform,
long arbitraryWaveformSize,
PS2000_SWEEP_TYPE sweepType,
unsigned long sweeps
)
This function programs the signal generator to produce an arbitrary waveform.

The arbitrary waveform generator uses direct digital synthesis (DDS). It maintains a
32-bit phase accumulator that indicates the present location in the waveform. The top
bits of the phase accumulator are used as an index into a buffer containing the
arbitrary waveform. The remaining bits act as the fractional part of the index, enabling
high-resolution control of output frequency and allowing the generation of lower
frequencies.

The generator steps through the waveform by adding a deltaPhase value between 1
and phaseAccumulatorSize-1 to the phase accumulator every ddsPeriod (1 /
ddsFrequency). If the deltaPhase is constant, the generator produces a waveform at a
constant frequency that can be calculated as follows:

outputFrequency = ddsFrequency × ( phaseAccumulatorSize

deltaPhase
) × ( arbitraryWaveformSize
awgBufferSize
)
where:

outputFrequency = repetition rate of the complete arbitrary waveform

ddsFrequency = clock rate of phase accumulator (not the same as the
DAC update rate)
deltaPhase = user-specified delta phase value
phaseAccumulatorSize = 232 for all models
awgBufferSize = AWG buffer size
arbitraryWaveformSize = length in samples of the user-defined waveform

Parameter Value
phaseAccumulatorSize 232
awgBufferSize 4096
ddsFrequency 48 MHz
ddsPeriod (= 1/ddsFrequency) 20.833 ns (= 1/48 MHz)

It is also possible to sweep the frequency by continually modifying the deltaPhase.

This is done by setting up a deltaPhaseIncrement that the oscilloscope adds to the
deltaPhase at intervals specified by dwellCount.

Applicability All modes. PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.
Arguments
handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope

offsetVoltage: the voltage offset, in microvolts, to be applied to the waveform

pkToPk: the peak-to-peak voltage, in microvolts, of the waveform signal

startDeltaPhase: the initial value added to the phase counter as the generator
begins to step through the waveform buffer

stopDeltaPhase: the final value added to the phase counter before the generator
restarts or reverses the sweep

deltaPhaseIncrement: the amount added to the delta phase value every time
the dwellCount period expires. This determines the amount by which the generator
sweeps the output frequency in each dwell period.

dwellCount: the time, in multiples of ddsPeriod, between successive additions of

deltaPhaseIncrement to the delta phase counter. This determines the rate at
which the generator sweeps the output frequency.

arbitraryWaveform: a pointer to a buffer that holds the waveform pattern as a

set of samples equally spaced in time.

arbitraryWaveformSize: the size of the arbitrary waveform buffer.

sweepType: determines whether the startDeltaPhase is swept up to the

stopDeltaPhase, or down to it, or repeatedly swept up and down. Use one of the
following values:
UP
DOWN
UPDOWN
DOWNUP

sweeps: the number of times to sweep the frequency after a trigger event,
according to sweepType.
Returns 0: if one of the parameters is out of range.
non-zero: if successful.

6.29 ps2000_set_sig_gen_built_in
short ps2000_set_sig_gen_built_in (
short handle,
long offsetVoltage,
unsigned long pkToPk,
PS2000_WAVE_TYPE waveType,
float startFrequency,
float stopFrequency,
float increment,
float dwellTime,
PS2000_SWEEP_TYPE sweepType,
unsigned long sweeps
)

This function sets up the signal generator to produce a signal from a list of built-in
waveforms. If different start and stop frequencies are specified, the oscilloscope will
sweep either up, down or up and down.

Applicability PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Arguments
handle: the handle of the required oscilloscope

offsetVoltage: the voltage offset, in microvolts, to be applied to the waveform

pkToPk: the peak-to-peak voltage, in microvolts, of the waveform signal

waveType: the type of waveform to be generated by the oscilloscope. See the table
below.

startFrequency: the frequency at which the signal generator should begin. For
allowable values see ps2000.h.

stopFrequency: the frequency at which the sweep should reverse direction or

return to the start frequency

increment: the amount by which the frequency rises or falls every dwellTime
seconds in sweep mode

dwellTime: the time in seconds between frequency changes in sweep mode

sweepType: specifies whether the frequency should sweep from startFrequency

to stopFrequency, or in the opposite direction, or repeatedly reverse direction.
Use one of these values of the enumerated type enPS2000SweepType:
PS2000_UP
PS2000_DOWN
PS2000_UPDOWN
PS2000_DOWNUP

sweeps: the number of times to sweep the frequency

Returns 0: if one of the parameters is out of range.
non-zero: if successful.

waveType values
PS2000_SINE sine wave
PS2000_SQUARE square wave
PS2000_TRIANGLE triangle wave
PS2000_RAMP_UP rising sawtooth
PS2000_RAMP_DOWN falling sawtooth
PS2000_DC_VOLTAGE DC voltage

6.30 ps2000_set_trigger
short ps2000_set_trigger (
short handle,
short source,
short threshold,
short direction,
short delay,
short auto_trigger_ms
)

This function is used to enable or disable basic triggering and its parameters.

For oscilloscopes that support advanced triggering, see

ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions(), ps2000SetAdvTriggerDelay() and related
functions.

Applicability Triggering is available in block mode and fast streaming mode.

Arguments handle, the handle of the required oscilloscope.

source, where to look for a trigger. Use PS2000_CHANNEL_A

(0), PS2000_CHANNEL_B (1) or PS2000_NONE(5). The number
of channels available depends on the oscilloscope.

threshold, the threshold for the trigger event. This is scaled in

16-bit ADC counts at the currently selected range.

direction, use PS2000_RISING (0) or PS2000_FALLING (1).

delay, the delay, as a percentage of the requested number of data

points, between the trigger event and the start of the block. It
should be in the range -100% to +100%. Thus, 0% means that the
trigger event is at the first data value in the block, and -50% means
that it is in the middle of the block. If you wish to specify the delay
as a floating-point value, use ps2000_set_trigger2() instead.

auto_trigger_ms, the delay in milliseconds after which the

oscilloscope will collect samples if no trigger event occurs. If this is
set to zero the oscilloscope will wait for a trigger indefinitely.
Returns 0: if one of the parameters is out of range.
non-zero: if successful.

6.31 ps2000_set_trigger2
short ps2000_set_trigger2 (
short handle,
short source,
short threshold,
short direction,
float delay,
short auto_trigger_ms
)

This function is used to enable or disable triggering and its parameters. It has the
same behaviour as ps2000_set_trigger(), except that the delay parameter is a
floating-point value.

For oscilloscopes that support advanced triggering, see

ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions() and related functions.

Applicability Triggering is available in block mode and fast streaming mode only.
Arguments handle, the handle of the required oscilloscope.

source, specifies where to look for a trigger. Use

PS2000_CHANNEL_A (0), PS2000_CHANNEL_B (1) or
PS2000_NONE (5).

threshold, the threshold for the trigger event. This is scaled in

16-bit ADC counts at the currently selected range.

direction, use PS2000_RISING (0) or PS2000_FALLING (1).

delay, specifies the delay, as a percentage of the requested

number of data points, between the trigger event and the start of
the block. It should be in the range -100% to +100%. Thus, 0%
means that the trigger event is at the first data value in the block,
and -50% means that it is in the middle of the block. If you wish to
specify the delay as an integer, use ps2000_set_trigger() instead.

auto_trigger_ms, the delay in milliseconds after which the

6.32 ps2000_stop
short ps2000_stop (
short handle
)

Call this function to stop the oscilloscope sampling data. If this function is called
before a trigger event occurs, the oscilloscope may not contain valid data.

Applicability All modes.

Arguments handle, the handle of the required oscilloscope.
Returns 0: if an invalid handle is passed.
non-zero: if successful.

6.33 my_get_overview_buffers
void my_get_overview_buffers (
short **overviewBuffers,
short overflow,
unsigned long triggeredAt,
short triggered,
short auto_stop,
unsigned long nValues
)

This is the callback function in your application that receives data from the driver in
fast streaming mode. You pass a pointer to this function to
ps2000_get_streaming_last_values(), which then calls it back when the data is ready.
Your callback function should do nothing more than copy the data to another buffer
within your application. To maintain the best application performance, the function
should return as quickly as possible without attempting to process or display the data.

The function name my_get_overview_buffers() is arbitrary. When you write this

function, you can give it any name you wish. The PicoScope driver does not need to
know your function's name, as it refers to it only by the pointer that you pass to
ps2000_get_streaming_last_values().

For an example of a suitable callback function, see the C sample code included in the
PicoScope 2000 Series SDK.

Applicability Fast streaming mode only.

PicoScope 2203, 2204, 2204A, 2205 and 2205A only.

Not compatible with ETS triggering - has no effect in ETS mode.

Arguments overviewBuffers, a pointer to a location where
ps2000_get_streaming_last_values() will store a pointer to its
overview buffers that contain the sampled data. The driver creates
the overview buffers when you call ps2000_run_streaming_ns() to
start fast streaming. overviewBuffers is a two dimensional array
containing an array of length nValues for each channel
(overviewBuffers[4][nValues]). Disabled channels return a
null pointer resulting in four overview pointers whether all channels
are enabled or not.

overviewBuffer [0] ch_a_max

overviewBuffer [1] ch_a_min
overviewBuffer [2] ch_b_max
overviewBuffer [3] ch_b_min

overflow, a bit field that indicates whether there has been a

voltage overflow and, if so, on which channel. The bit assignments
are as follows:
Bit 0 - Ch A overflow
Bit 1 - Ch B overflow

triggeredAt, an index into the overview buffers, indicating the

sample at the trigger event. Valid only when triggered is TRUE.

triggered, a Boolean indicating whether a trigger event has

occurred and triggeredAt is valid. Any non-zero value signifies
TRUE.

auto_stop, a Boolean indicating whether streaming data capture

has automatically stopped. Any non-zero value signifies TRUE.

nValues, the number of values in each overview buffer.

Returns nothing

7 Programming examples
7.1 C
There are two C example programs: a simple GUI application, and a more
comprehensive console mode program that demonstrates all of the facilities of the
driver.

GUI example
The GUI example program is a generic Windows application - that is, it does not use
Borland AppExpert or Microsoft AppWizard. To compile the program, create a new
project for an Application containing the following files:

ps2000.c
resource.h

and

ps2000.lib (Microsoft Visual C 32-bit applications)

The following files must be in the compilation directory:

ps2000.rch
ps2000.h

and the following file must be in the same directory as the executable.

ps2000.dll

Console example
The console example program is also a generic Windows application - that is, it does
not use Borland AppExpert or Microsoft AppWizard. To compile the program, create a
new project for an Application containing the following files:

ps2000con.c

and

ps2000.lib (Microsoft Visual C 32-bit applications).

The following files must be in the compilation directory:

ps2000.h

and the following file must be in the same directory as the executable.

ps2000.dll

7.2 Visual Basic

The Examples subdirectory contains the following files:

ps2000.vbp - project file

ps2000.bas - procedure prototypes
ps2000.frm - form and program

The project was created using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0.

Return values
The functions that return a TRUE/FALSE value return 0 for FALSE and 1 for TRUE,
whereas Visual Basic expects 65535 for TRUE. To avoid this problem, check for > 0
rather than = TRUE.

7.3 Delphi
The program ps2000.dpr demonstrates how to operate PicoScope 2000 Series PC
Oscilloscopes. The file ps2000.inc contains procedure prototypes that you can
include in your own programs. Other required files include:

ps2000.res
ps2000fm.dfm
ps2000fm.pas

This has been tested with Delphi version 3.

7.4 Excel
1. Load the spreadsheet ps2000.xls
2. Select Tools | Macro
3. Select GetData
4. Select Run

Note: the Excel Macro language is similar to Visual Basic. The functions which return
a TRUE/FALSE value, return 0 for FALSE and 1 for TRUE, whereas Visual Basic
expects 65 535 for TRUE. Check for > 0 rather than = TRUE.

7.5 LabVIEW
The ps2000.vi example in the Examples subdirectory shows how to access the
driver functions using LabVIEW. It was tested using version 6.1 of LabVIEW for
Windows. To use the example, copy these files to your LabVIEW directory:

ps2000.vi
open_unit.vi
set_channel.vi
setup_data_collection.vi

You will also need

ps2000.dll

from the installation directory.

8 Driver error codes

Code Name Description
0 PS2000_OK The oscilloscope is functioning correctly.
1 PS2000_MAX_UNITS_OPENED Attempts have been made to open more
than PS2000_MAX_UNITS oscilloscopes.
2 PS2000_MEM_FAIL Not enough memory could be allocated on
the host machine.
3 PS2000_NOT_FOUND An oscilloscope could not be found.
4 PS2000_FW_FAIL Unable to download firmware.
5 PS2000_NOT_RESPONDING The oscilloscope is not responding to
commands from the PC.
6 PS2000_CONFIG_FAIL The configuration information in the
oscilloscope has become corrupt or is
missing.
7 PS2000_OS_NOT_SUPPORTED The operating system is not supported by
this driver.

9 Glossary
Aggregation. In fast streaming mode, the PicoScope 2000 driver can use a method
called aggregation to reduce the amount of data your application needs to process.
This means that for every block of consecutive samples, it stores only the minimum
and maximum values. You can set the number of samples in each block, called the
aggregation parameter, when you call ps2000_run_streaming_ns() for real-time
capture, and when you call ps2000_get_streaming_values() to obtain post-processed
data.

Analog bandwidth. The input frequency at which the signal amplitude has fallen by
3 dB, or by half the power, from its nominal value.

Block mode. A sampling mode in which the computer prompts the oscilloscope to
collect a block of data into its internal memory before stopping the oscilloscope and
transferring the whole block into computer memory. This is the best mode to use
when the input signal being sampled contains high frequencies. To avoid aliasing
effects, the sampling rate must be greater than twice the maximum frequency in the
input signal.

Buffer size. The size of the oscilloscope's buffer memory. The oscilloscope uses this
to store data temporarily so that it can sample data independently of the speed at
which it can transfer data to the computer.

Coupling mode. This mode selects either AC or DC coupling in the oscilloscope's

input path. Use AC mode for small signals that may be superimposed on a DC level.
Use DC mode for measuring absolute voltage levels. Set the coupling mode using
ps2000_set_channel().

Driver. A piece of software that controls a hardware device. The driver for the
PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes is supplied in the form of a 32-bit Windows
DLL, which contains functions that you can call from your application.

ETS. Equivalent time sampling. Some PicoScope 2000 Series oscilloscopes can collect
data over a number of cycles of a repetitive waveform to give a higher effective
sampling rate than is possible for a single cycle. Equivalent time sampling allows the
oscilloscope to use faster timebases than those available in real-time mode.

Maximum sampling rate. A figure indicating the maximum number of samples the
oscilloscope is capable of acquiring per second. Maximum sample rates are usually
given in MS/s (megasamples per second) or GS/s (gigasamples per second). The
higher the sampling speed of the oscilloscope, the more accurate the representation of
the high-frequency details in a fast signal.

Oversampling. A method of increasing the effective resolution of a measurement by

sampling faster than the required sampling rate, then averaging the extra samples. An
oversampling factor of four increases the effective resolution by one bit, but this
increased resolution comes at the expense of reducing the maximum sampling rate by
the same factor.

Overview buffer. A buffer in the PC's memory in which the PicoScope 2000 Series
driver temporarily stores data on its way from the oscilloscope to the application's
buffer.

PC Oscilloscope. A virtual instrument consisting of a PicoScope PC Oscilloscope and a

software application.

PicoScope 2000 Series. A range of low-cost PC Oscilloscopes that includes the

PicoScope 2202, 2203, 2204 and 2205 two-channel oscilloscopes and the PicoScope
2104 and 2105 handheld oscilloscopes.

PicoScope software. This is an application that accompanies all our PC

Oscilloscopes. Although you do not need it if you are writing your own application, you
should install it anyway, because it includes the drivers that you will need to control
the oscilloscope.

Real-time continuous mode. A sampling mode in which the software repeatedly

requests single samples from the oscilloscope. This mode is suitable for low sampling
rates when you require the latest sample to be displayed as soon as it is captured.

Streaming mode. A sampling mode in which the oscilloscope samples data and
returns it to the computer in an unbroken stream. This mode of operation is suitable
when the input signal being sampled contains only low frequencies.

Timebase. A number that is supplied to the driver to specify a sampling rate for the
oscilloscope. Each oscilloscope model has a different range of possible sampling
frequencies, as specified in the User's Guide for that model.

USB 1.1—An early version of the Universal Serial Bus standard found on older PCs.
Although your PicoScope will work with a USB 1.1 port, it will operate much more
slowly than with a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.

USB 2.0—Universal Serial Bus (High Speed). A standard port used to connect external
devices to PCs. The high-speed data connection provided by a USB 2.0 port enables
your PicoScope to achieve its maximum performance.

USB 3.0—A faster version of the Universal Serial Bus standard. Your PicoScope is fully
compatible with USB 3.0 ports and will operate with the same performance as on a
USB 2.0 port.

Vertical resolution. A value, in bits, that indicates the number of input voltage levels
that the oscilloscope can distinguish. Calculation techniques can improve the effective
resolution.

Voltage range. The range of input voltages that the oscilloscope will measure in a
given mode.

Windows Device Manager. Windows Device Manager is a component of Microsoft

Windows that displays the current hardware configuration of your computer. On
Windows XP or Vista, right-click My Computer, choose Properties, click the
Hardware tab and then the Device Manager button.

Index ps2000_get_streaming_last_values
ps2000_get_streaming_values 16
15

ps2000_get_streaming_values_no_aggregation
18
A ps2000_get_timebase 20
ps2000_get_times_and_values 21
AC/DC switch 6, 40 ps2000_get_unit_info 23
Advanced triggering 34, 36, 37, 44 ps2000_get_values 24
Aggregation 9, 16, 33 ps2000_last_button_press 25
Aliasing 6 ps2000_open_unit 26
Arbitrary wveform generator 46 ps2000_open_unit_async 27
AWG 46 ps2000_open_unit_progress 28
ps2000_overview_buffer_status 29
B ps2000_ready 30
ps2000_run_block 31
Block mode 6, 7, 10, 31
ps2000_run_streaming 32

C ps2000_run_streaming_ns
ps2000_set_channel 40
33

C example code 55 ps2000_set_ets 41

Callback 53 ps2000_set_led 43
Channel 5, 6, 40, 50, 51 ps2000_set_light 42
Closing a unit 13 ps2000_set_sig_gen_arbitrary 46
Compatible streaming mode 8 ps2000_set_sig_gen_built_in 48
Contact details 3 ps2000_set_trigger 50
ps2000_set_trigger2 51
D ps2000_stop 52
ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelConditions 34
Data acquisition 9 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelDirections 36
Data logger 1 ps2000SetAdvTriggerChannelProperties 37
Delayed trigger 39 ps2000SetAdvTriggerDelay 39
Delphi example code 56 ps2000SetPulseWidthQualifier 44
Driver 5
error codes 57
G
E Gain 5
Ground clip 4
Error codes 57
ETS 10, 41
Example code H
C 55 Headlight 42
Delphi 56 High-precision scopes 9
Excel 56
LabVIEW 56
Visual Basic 56
I
Excel macros 56 Illuminated button 4
Input connector 4

F Installation 4

Fast streaming mode 9

Functions 12
L
my_get_overview_buffers 53 LabVIEW driver 56
ps2000_close_unit 13 LED 14, 43
ps2000_flash_led 14 Licence conditions 2

Light 4, 42 windowed 8
Sweep 6
M System requirements, minimum 1

Macros in Excel
Memory in scope
56
7
T
Multi-unit operation 11 Threshold voltage 6
Time interval 6, 10
N Timebase 20, 31
Trademarks 3
Normal mode 8
Trigger delay 39
Triggering 6, 10, 50, 51
O
One-shot signal 10 U
Opening a unit 26, 27, 28 USB 1
Oversampling 6 cable 4
Overview buffer 29 hub 11

P V
PC Oscilloscope 1
Vertical resolution 6
PicoLog software 1 Visual Basic example code 56
picopp.inf 5
picopp.sys 5
PicoScope 2000 Series 1, 11, 57
W
PicoScope software 1, 5, 57 Warranty 3
Post-trigger delay 39 Windowed mode 8
Pre-trigger 6
Pre-trigger delay 39
Probe 4
PS2000_PWQ_CONDITIONS structure 45
PS2000_THRESHOLD_DIRECTION constants 36
PS2000_TRIGGER_CHANNEL_PROPERTIES
structure 38
PS2000_TRIGGER_CONDITIONS structure 35

R
Resolution, vertical 6

S
Sampling modes 7
Sampling rate 10
Signal generator 6, 7
arbitrary waveforms 46
built-in waveforms 48
Spectrum analyser 1
Stopping sampling 52
Streaming mode
compatible 8
fast 9
normal 8

Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps2000pg.en r10
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
ST. NEOTS
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1480 396 395
Fax: +44 (0) 1480 396 296
www.picotech.com

ps2000pg.en r10 2013-11-26

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