Pico Communications Network Card PicoScope 2104 User Manual

PicoScope 2104 & 2105

PC Oscilloscopes

User guide

PS2100044-1.0

Introduction

Overview

1.1

The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC Oscilloscopes are low-cost handheld instruments

that are fully USB 2.0-capable and backwards-compatible with USB 1.1. There is no

need for an additional power supply, as power is taken from the USB port.

With the PicoScope software, you can use your instrument as a PC Oscilloscope and

spectrum analyser; and with the PicoLog software, you can use it as a data logger.

Each product pack contains the following items:

PicoScope 2104 or 2105 PC Oscilloscope

Software CD

Accessories kit

Quick start guide

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

the Installation instructions.

1.2

Safety symbols

Warning Triangle

This symbol indicates that a safety hazard exists on the indicated

connections if correct precautions are not taken. Ensure that you read

all safety documentation associated with the product before using it.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

1.3

Safety warning

We strongly recommend that you read the general safety information below before

using your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope for the first time. Safety protection built in to

the equipment may cease to function if the equipment is used incorrectly. This could

cause damage to your computer, or lead to injury to yourself and others.

Maximum input range

The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC oscilloscopes are designed to measure voltages in

the range -20 V to +20 V and are protected against continuous or transient

overvoltages of up to ±50 V. Any voltages in excess of ±50 V may cause permanent

damage to the oscilloscope or to your computer.

Measurement category

PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes are rated for use in measurement category I

(EN61010 CAT I), which covers measurements on circuits not connected to the

mains. You must not use your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to make measurements on

any circuit directly connected to the mains, unless you use a purpose-built isolating

probe rated for the appropriate voltage and measurement category.

Safety grounding

The PicoScope PC Oscilloscopes connect directly to the ground of a computer through

the interconnecting cable provided.

As with most oscilloscopes, avoid connecting the ground input to any source other

than ground. If in doubt, use a meter to check that there is no significant AC or DC

voltage between the ground input of the oscilloscope and the point to which you

intend to connect it. Failure to check may cause damage to your computer, or lead to

injury to yourself and others.

You should assume that the product does not have a protective safety earth.

Repairs

PicoScope PC Oscilloscopes contain no user-serviceable parts. Repair or calibration of

the unit requires specialised test equipment and must be performed only by Pico

Technology. Spare probe tips are available from Pico Technology and its authorised

distributors.

1.4

FCC notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A

digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to

provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is

operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can

radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference

in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

For safety and maintenance information see the safety warning.

PS2100044-1.0

Introduction

1.5

1.6

CE notice

The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC Oscilloscopes meet the intent of the EMC directive

89/336/EEC and have been designed to EN61326-1 (1997) Class A Emissions

and Immunity standard.

The devices also meet the intent of the Low Voltage Directive and have been

designed to meet the BS EN 61010-1:2001 IEC 61010-1:2001 (safety

requirements for electrical equipment, control, and laboratory use) standard.

Licence conditions

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.

Pico Technology Limited claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to, all material

(software, documents etc.) contained in this release. You may copy and distribute the

entire release in its original state, but must not copy individual items within the

release other than for backup purposes.

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

Because 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 usage

in mission-critical applications; for example, life-support systems.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

1.7

1.8

Trademarks

Delphi is a registered trademark of Borland Software Corporation.

LabView is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

Pico Technology Limited, PicoLog and PicoScope are internationally registered

trademarks.

VEE is a registered trademark of Agilent Technologies.

Windows, Excel and Visual Basic are registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation.

Warranty

Pico Technology warrants upon delivery, and for a period of 24 months 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.

1.9

Company details

Address:

Interworld Electronics & Computers Inc.

P.O. Box 1280

145 Tyee Drive, Suite 3120

Point Roberts, WA

98281

Phone:

Fax:

1-877-902-2979

1-877-FAX-IECI

Email:

Technical Support:

Sales:

sales@interworldna.com

Web site:

www.interworldna .com

PS2100044-1.0

Product information

Minimum system requirements

2.1

For the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to operate, a computer with the minimum system

requirements to run Windows or the following (whichever is the higher specification) is

required:

Processor

Memory

Pentium class processor or equivalent, minimum.

32 MB minimum.

Disk space

Operating system

Ports

10 MB minimum.

Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP.

USB 1.1 compliant port minimum. USB 2.0 compliant port

recommended. Must be connected direct to the port or a

powered USB hub. Will not work on a passive hub.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

2.2

Installation instructions

Important

Do not connect the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to your PC until you have

installed the software.

Install the software by following the steps in the installation guide supplied with

your oscilloscope.

Connect the oscilloscope's USB cable to the PC.

There is no need for an additional power supply as power is drawn from the USB

port.

Checking the installation

Once you have installed the software, ensure that the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope is

connected to the PC and then start the PicoScope or PicoLog 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. PicoLog, once configured for a PicoScope 2000

Series oscilloscope, should show a small noise voltage.

Input connector

The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC Oscilloscopes have a built-in oscilloscope probe. This

can be unscrewed if damaged, and replaced with a spare part available from Pico

Technology or its authorised distributors.

Connectors and controls

1.USB cable. After installing the Pico software, plug the free end of this cable into

your computer's USB port.

2.Probe. Touch this to the signal to be measured. You can fit a probe hook or

insulating collar to the end of the probe. All these accessories are supplied with the

oscilloscope.

3.Ground clip. You must connect this clip, which is supplied in the accessories pack,

to the ground reference point of the circuit or equipment under test. Do not rely on

your computer to supply a ground connection through the USB cable.

4.Illuminated button. Press this briefly to start or stop the oscilloscope. Press and

hold to activate automatic setup when running PicoScope. The light glows or flashes

green when the oscilloscope is running, and glows red when the instrument is

stopped.

PS2100044-1.0

Product information

2.3

Specifications

Variant

PicoScope 2104

PicoScope 2105

Vertical Resolution

Analog Bandwidth

8 bits

10 MHz

25 MHz

Maximum Sampling Rate

Real-time

Repetitive (using ETS)

50 MS/s

1 GS/s

100 MS/s

2 GS/s

Timebases

Buffer Size

Input

10 ns/div to 50 s/div 5 ns/div to 50 s/div

8k samples 24k samples

Oscilloscope probe

1 MW impedance

AC/DC coupling

Voltage Ranges

Accuracy

±100 mV to ±20 V in 1, 2, 5 steps

3 % (voltage)

100 ppm (time)

Linearity

< 1 LSB at 25 °C

Environmental Limits

Operating temperature

0 °C to 45 °C

(20°C to 30°C for quoted accuracy)

5% to 80% RH, non-condensing

-20°C to +60°C

Operating humidity

Storage temperature

Storage humidity

5% to 95% RH, non-condensing

Overload Protection

±50 V (input to ground)

PC Connection

USB 2.0

Compatible with USB 1.1

Power Supply

From USB port: 4.6 to 5.25 V @ 300 mA

Maximum Dimensions

220 mm long (probe only)

3 m long (including cable)

32 mm diameter

Compliance

CE standard; FCC standard

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

Technical reference

Driver

3.1

Once you have installed the PicoScope and PicoLog software, Windows will

automatically install the driver when the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope is plugged in for

the first time.

The Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/2003 32-bit driver,

, is installed in the

picopp.sys

Windows directory. It is loaded using an

file,

picopp.inf

inf

3.2

Driver error codes

This section is aimed at those people who intend to write their own programs for use

with the driver. A description of the driver error codes is given below. If the PicoScope

or PicoLog software reports an error, refer to the FAQ.

Code Enumeration

Description

PS2000_OK

The PicoScope 2000 Series unit is functioning

correctly.

Attempts have been made to open more than

PS2000_MAX_UNITS_OPENED

units.

PS2000_MAX_UNITS

PS2000_MEM_FAIL

Not enough memory could be allocated on the

host machine.

PS2000_NOT_FOUND

PS2000_FW_FAIL

No PicoScope 2000 Series unit could be found.

Unable to download firmware.

The PicoScope 2000 Series unit is not responding

to commands from the PC.

PS2000_NOT_RESPONDING

PS2000_CONFIG_FAIL

The configuration information in the oscilloscope

has become corrupt or is missing.

The operating system is not one of the supported

products: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and

2003.

PS2000_OS_NOT_SUPPORTED

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.3

Functions

3.3.1

ps2000_close_unit

short ps2000_close_unit ( short handle )

This function shuts down a PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscope.

Arguments

Returns

, the handle, returned by ps2000_open_unit(), of the unit

being closed.

handle

if a valid handle is passed, if not.

3.3.2

ps2000_flash_led

short ps2000_flash_led ( short handle )

This function flashes the red light in the unit's pushbutton three times, and returns

within one second.

Arguments

Returns

, the handle of the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope.

handle

if a valid handle is passed, if not.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.3.3

ps2000_get_timebase

short ps2000_get_timebase ( short

handle,

short

long

short

long

timebase,

no_of_samples,

* time_interval_ns,

* time_units,

oversample,

* max_samples)

This function discovers which timebases are available on the oscilloscope. This

function should be called after channel and ETS options have been set.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

, a code between 0 and the maximum timebase number

timebase

(depending on variant). Timebase 0 is the fastest timebase, equal to

the maximum sampling frequency ( ) given in the Specifications.

Each successive timebase is half the frequency of the previous one.

the sampling frequency, is given by:

, the number of samples required. This value is used to

no_of_samples

calculate the most suitable time unit to use.

, a pointer to the time interval, in nanoseconds,

time_interval_ns

between readings at the selected timebase. If a null pointer is passed,

nothing will be written here.

, a pointer to the most suitable time units to return data

time_units

in, when calling ps2000_get_times_and_values(). A list of values

for is given under ps2000_get_times_and_values(). If a

time_units

null pointer is passed, nothing will be written here.

, the oversampling factor required, between 1 and 256.

oversample

See oversampling for an explanation.

, a pointer to the maximum number of samples

max_samples

available. The number may vary depending on the number of

channels enabled, the timebase chosen and the

selected.

oversample

If this pointer is null, nothing will be written here.

Returns

if all parameters are in range, otherwise .

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.3.4

ps2000_get_times_and_values

long ps2000_get_times_and_values(

short

long

handle,

* times,

short

long

* buffer_a,

* buffer_b,

* buffer_c,

* buffer_d,

* overflow,

time_units,

no_of_values )

This function is used to get values and times. It will not return any valid times if the

unit is in streaming mode. It is essential for ETS operation.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

, a pointer to the buffer for the times. Each time is the interval

times

between the trigger event and the corresponding sample. Times

before the trigger event are negative, and times after the trigger

event are positive.

pointer to the buffer that receives data from the

buffer_a,

oscilloscope. If the pointer is

, nothing will be written to it. See

NULL

Scaling for details of data format.

buffer_b,

buffer_c,

not used

buffer_d,

overflow.

time_units

Bit 0 indicates whether an overflow has occurred.

, which can be one of the following:

( ) = femtoseconds,

PS2000_FS 0

( ) = picoseconds,

PS2000_PS 1

( ) = nanoseconds (default),

PS2000_NS 2

( ) = microseconds,

PS2000_US 3

( ) = milliseconds, or

PS2000_MS 4

( ) = seconds.

PS3000_S 5

the number of data points to return. In streaming

no_of_values,

mode, this is the maximum number of values to return.

Returns

The actual number of data values returned, which may be less than

the

if streaming.

no_of_values

is returned if one or more of the parameters are out of range or if

the times will overflow with the

requested. Use

time_units

ps2000_get_timebase() in order to acquire the most suitable

time_units

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.3.5

ps2000_get_unit_info

short ps2000_get_unit_info (

short

char

short

handle,

* string,

string_length,

info )

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

fails to open, only information types and are available to explain why the last open

unit call failed.

Arguments

, the handle to the device from which

is required. If an

info

handle

invalid handle is passed, the error code from the last unit that failed

to open is returned.

, a pointer to the character string buffer in the calling

* string

function where the unit information string (selected with

) will be

info

stored. If a null pointer is passed, no information will be written.

, the length of the character string buffer. If the string

string_length

is not long enough to accept all of the information, only the first

characters are returned.

string_length

, an enumerated type specifying what information is required

info

from the driver.

Returns

The length of the string written to the character string buffer,

string

by the function. If one of the parameters is out of range, or a null

pointer is passed for , zero will be returned.

string

info

Information returned

Example

"1, 3, 0, 0"

PS2000_DRIVER_VERSION (0)

PS2000_USB_VERSION (1)

Version number of the DLL used by the

PicoScope 2000 Series driver.

Type of USB connection that is being used "2.0"

to connect the oscilloscope to the

computer.

PS2000_HARDWARE_VERSION

(2)

Hardware version of the attached

oscilloscope.

Model of PicoScope 2000 Series unit that is "2105"

attached to the computer.

"4"

PS2000_VARIANT_INFO (3)

PS2000_BATCH_AND_SERIAL

(4)

Batch and serial number of the

oscilloscope.

Calibration date of the oscilloscope.

"INR73/6"

PS2000_CAL_DATE (5)

"17Jan06"

"0"

PS2000_ERROR_CODE (6)

One of the Error codes.

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.3.6

ps2000_get_values

long ps2000_get_values( short

handle,

short

long

* buffer_a,

* buffer_b,

* buffer_c,

* buffer_d,

* overflow,

no_of_values )

This function is used to get values. It does nothing if ETS triggering is enabled.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

pointer to the buffer that receives data from the

buffer_a,

oscilloscope. If the pointer is

, nothing will be written to it. See

NULL

Scaling for details of data values.

buffer_b,

buffer_c,

unused pointers

buffer_d,

The least-significant bit indicates whether an overflow has

overflow.

occurred.

. The number of data points to return. In streaming

no_of_values

mode, this is the maximum number of values to return.

Returns

The actual number of data values returned, which may be less than

if streaming.

is returned if one of the parameters

no_of_values

FALSE

is out of range.

3.3.7

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.

Arguments

Returns

handle of the device

handle -

– No button press registered

– Short button press registered

– Long button press registered

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.3.8

ps2000_open_unit

short ps2000_open_unit ( void )

This function opens a PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscope. The API driver can

support up to four units.

Arguments None

Returns

if the unit fails to open,

if no unit found,

-1

(handle) if the unit opened

3.3.9

ps2000_ready

short ps2000_ready ( short handle )

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

operation. It does nothing if the unit is in streaming mode.

Arguments

Returns

, the handle to the required device.

handle

(meaning 'ready') is returned when the unit has collected a complete

block of data or the auto trigger timeout has been reached.

If an invalid handle is passed, or the unit is in streaming mode, it

returns ( meaning 'not ready').

(meaning 'device not attached') is returned if the endpoint transfer

-1

fails, indicating that the unit may well have been unplugged.

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.3.10

ps2000_run_block

short ps2000_run_block (

short

long

short

long

handle,

no_of_samples,

timebase,

oversample,

* time_indisposed_ms )

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

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

, the number of samples to return.

no_of_samples

, a code between 0 and the maximum timebase (depending

timebase

on variant). Timebase 0 is the fastest timebase, equal to the

maximum sampling frequency ( ) given in the specifications. Each

successive timebase is half the frequency of the previous one. , the

sampling frequency, is given by:

, the oversample factor, a number between 1 and 256.

oversample

See oversampling for more information.

, a pointer to the

time_indisposed_ms

. This is

time_indisposed_ms

the approximate time, in milliseconds, that the ADC will take to collect

data. If a trigger is set, it is measured from the trigger event. It is

calculated as:

(sample interval) x (number of samples required)

Note: The actual time may differ from computer to computer,

depending on how fast the computer can respond to I/O requests.

Returns

if one of the parameters is out of range, otherwise .

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.3.11

ps2000_run_streaming

short ps2000_run_streaming ( short

handle,

short

long

short

time_interval_ms,

max_samples,

windowed )

This function tells the unit to start collecting data in streaming mode. If the function is

called when a trigger has been enabled, the trigger settings will be ignored.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

time_interval_ms

samples. This can be no shorter than 1 ms.

, the time interval, in milliseconds, between

, the maximum number of samples that the driver is to

max_samples

store. This can be no greater than 60 000. It is the caller's

responsibility to retrieve data before the oldest values are overwritten.

If this is , only the values taken since the last call to get

windowed.

values are returned. If it is 1, the number of values requested by

ps2000_get_values()are returned, even if they have already been

read by ps2000_get_values(). See streaming mode for details.

Returns

if streaming has been enabled correctly,

if a problem occurred or a value was out of range.

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.3.12

ps2000_set_channel

short ps2000_set_channel ( short

handle,

short

channel,

enabled,

dc,

range )

Specifies whether a channel is to be enabled, the position of the AC/DC switch and the

input range.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

, an enumerated type, must be

or .

channel

PS2000_CHANNEL_A

, specifies whether the channel is active:

= active,

enabled

TRUE

= inactive.

FALSE

, specifies the position of the AC/DC switch:

= DC,

= AC.

TRUE

FALSE

, a code between 3 and 10. See the table below.

range

Returns

if unsuccessful, or if one or more of the arguments are out of range.

if successful.

Code

Enumeration

Range

±100 mV

±200 mV

±500 mV

±1 V

PS2000_100MV

PS2000_200MV

PS2000_500MV

PS2000_1V

PS2000_2V

PS2000_5V

±2 V

±5 V

PS2000_10V

PS2000_20V

±10 V

±20 V

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.3.13

ps2000_set_ets

long ps2000_set_ets (

short

handle,

mode,

ets_cycles,

ets_interleave )

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

the ETS parameters.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

handle

mode:

( ) - disables ETS,

- PS2000_ETS_OFF 0

( ) - enables ETS and provides

- PS2000_ETS_FAST 1

ets_cycles

data, which may contain data from previously returned cycles,

( ) - enables ETS and provides fresh data every

- PS2000_ETS_SLOW 2

cycles. This takes longer to provide each data set, but the

ets_cycles

data sets are more stable and are unique.

, specifies the number of cycles to store: the computer can

ets_cycles

then select

cycles to give the most uniform spread of

ets_interleave

should be between two and five times the value

samples.

ets_cycles

ets_interleave

, specifies the number of ETS interleaves to use. If

ets_interleave

the sample time is 20 ns and the interleave 10, the approximate time

per sample will be 2 ns.

Returns

If ETS is enabled, the effective sample time will be returned.

if ETS is disabled or one of the parameters is out of range.

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.3.14

ps2000_set_trigger

short ps2000_set_trigger ( short

handle,

short

source,

threshold,

direction,

delay,

auto_trigger_ms )

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

not available in streaming mode.

Arguments

, the handle to the required device.

, specifies where to look for a trigger.

handle

source

Use

( ) or

PS2000_CHANNEL_A 0

( ).

PS2000_NONE 5

, the threshold for the trigger event. This is scaled in 16-bit

threshold

ADC counts at the currently selected range.

. Specifies the edge on which to trigger. Use

direction

( ) or

PS2000_RISING 0

( ).

PS2000_FALLING 1

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

delay

samples, between the trigger event and the start of the block. It

should be in the range -100% to +100%. Thus, 0% means that the

the trigger event is at the first data value in the block, and -50%

means that it is in the middle of the block.

, the delay in milliseconds after which the unit will

auto_trigger_ms

collect samples if no trigger event occurs. If this is set to zero, the unit

will wait for a trigger indefinitely.

Returns

if one of the parameters is out of range, otherwise .

3.3.15

ps2000_stop

void ps2000_stop ( short handle )

Call this function to stop the unit sampling data. If this function is called before a

trigger event occurs, the unit may not contain valid data.

Arguments

Returns

, the handle to the required device.

handle

if an invalid handle is passed, otherwise .

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.4

Advanced features

3.4.1

Sampling modes

A PicoScope PC Oscilloscope can run in various sampling modes. At high sampling

rates, the oscilloscope collects data much faster than a PC can read it. To compensate

for this, the oscilloscope stores a block of data in an internal memory buffer, delaying

transfer to the PC until a preset number of data points has been sampled. This is

called block mode. At very low sampling rates, you may want to switch to

streaming mode. This allows accurately timed data to be transferred back to the PC,

without gaps. Real-time continuous mode is also provided for use at low sampling

rates, and allows capture of data from multiple converters.

Sampling mode support in Pico software

Block Streaming Real-time

continuous

PicoScope Yes * † Yes * †

PicoLog Yes * Yes *

Yes

Only with a single converter

†

PicoScope automatically selects block or streaming mode

3.4.2

More on streaming mode

In streaming mode, the computer prompts the unit to start collecting data. The data

are then transferred back to the PC without being stored in oscilloscope memory. Data

can be sampled with a period between 1 millisecond and 60 seconds.

Data can be transferred by the PicoScope 2000 Series driver to a computer program in

either normal or windowed mode.

Normal mode

In normal mode, any data collected since the last data transfer operation are returned

in their entirety. This mode is useful if the computer program requires only fresh data

on every transfer.

Windowed mode

In windowed mode, a fixed number of samples is returned, even if the oldest samples

have been returned before. Windowed mode is useful when the program requires data

from a constant time interval.

Notes

Once the unit is collecting data in streaming mode, any setup changes (for example,

changing a channel range or AC/DC setting in the PicoScope software application) will

cause a restart of the data stream.

The driver can buffer up to 32K samples of data per channel, but the user must ensure

that the ps2000_get_values()function is called frequently enough to avoid buffer

overrun.

The ps2000_get_times_and_values() function will always return

FALSE (0)

streaming mode.

3.4.4

3.4.5

Triggering

The unit can either start collecting data immediately, or it can be programmed to wait

for a trigger event to occur. In either case, you need to use the

ps2000_set_trigger()function. A trigger occurs when the input crosses a threshold

voltage on either a rising or a falling edge.

ETS (Equivalent Time Sampling)

ETS is a way of increasing the effective sample rate when working with repetitive

signals. It is not possible to use ETS with one-shot signals. ETS is controlled by the

ps2000_set_trigger() and ps2000_set_ets() functions, and is available in block

mode only. Calls to the ps2000_set_trigger()function have no effect in streaming

mode. As ETS will return random time intervals, the

ps2000_get_times_and_values()function must be used. The ps2000_get_values()

function will return

FALSE (0)

3.4.6

Voltage ranges

It is possible to set the gain for each channel with the ps2000_set_channel()

function. This allows you to set an input voltage range between ±100 mV and ±20 V.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.4.7

AC/DC operation

Using the ps2000_set_channel()function, the input can be set to either AC or DC

coupling. When AC coupling is used, any DC component of the signal is filtered out.

3.4.8

Oversampling

When the unit is operating in block mode at speeds less than the maximum, it is

possible to oversample, which means taking more than one measurement during a

time interval and returning an average. This reduces the effects of noise, and

increases the effective vertical resolution of the oscilloscope.

Setting an oversampling factor of n increases the time interval by a factor of n and

reduces the maximum number of samples by the same factor. At the same time it

increases the effective resolution by the amount given by the equation:

increase in resolution (bits) = ( log oversample ) / ( 2 log 2 )

For example, an oversampling factor of four increases the resolution by one bit.

The ps2000_run_block()function controls oversampling.

3.4.9

Scaling

PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes have a resolution of 8 bits, but the

oscilloscope driver normalises all readings to 16 bits. This enables it to take advantage

of noise reduction from oversampling, when this is enabled. The following table shows

the relationship between the reading from the driver and the voltage of the signal.

Reading

-32 767

Voltage

Negative full scale

Zero volts

32 767

Positive full scale

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.4.10

Combining oscilloscopes

With PicoLog or your own program, it is possible to collect data using up to four

PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes at the same time. Each unit must be

connected to a separate USB port, or, if a USB hub is used, it must be a powered hub.

The ps2000_open_unit()function returns a handle to a unit, and all of the other

functions require this handle for unit identification. For example, to collect data from

two units at the same time:

handle1 = ps2000_open()

handle2 = ps2000_open()

ps2000_set_channel(handle1)

... set up unit 1

ps2000_run(handle1)

ps2000_set_channel(handle2)

... set up unit 2

ps2000_run(handle2)

ready1 = FALSE

ready2 = FALSE

while not ready1

ready1 = ps2000_ready(handle1)

while not ready2

ready2 = ps2000_ready(handle2)

ps2000_get_values(handle1)

ps2000_get_values(handle2)

Note: It is not possible to synchronise the collection of data between PicoScope PC

Oscilloscopes that are being used in combination.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.5

Using different modes

3.5.1

Introduction

The previous section on advanced features supplied the programmer with extended

information on PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes. The C sample program,

, demonstrates how to use the functions of the driver software, and

ps2000con.c

includes examples showing how to use each of the modes available.

3.5.2

Using block mode

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

1.Open the unit using ps2000_open_unit()

2.Select channel range and AC/DC switch using ps2000_set_channel()

3.Using ps2000_set_trigger(), set the trigger if required

4.Using ps2000_get_timebase(), select timebases until the required time per sample

in nanoseconds is located

5.Start the unit running using ps2000_run_block()

6.Wait until the unit says it is ready using ps2000_ready()

7.Transfer the block of data from the unit using ps2000_get_values()or

ps2000_get_times_and_values()

8.Display the data

9.Repeat steps 5 to 8 as many times as necessary

10.Stop the unit using ps2000_stop().

3.5.3

Using streaming mode

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

1.Open the unit using ps2000_open_unit()

2.Select channel range and AC/DC switch using ps2000_set_channel()

3.Start the unit running using ps2000_run_streaming()

4.Transfer the block of data from the unit using ps2000_get_values()

5.Display the data

6.Repeat steps 4 to 5 as necessary

7.Stop the unit using ps2000_stop()

3.5.4

Using ETS mode

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

1.Open the unit using ps2000_open_unit()

2.Select channel range and AC/DC switch 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 unit running using ps2000_run_block()

6.Wait until the unit says it is ready using ps2000_ready()

7.Transfer the block of data from the unit using ps2000_get_times_and_values()

8.Display the data

9.Repeat steps 5 to 8 as necessary

10.Stop the unit using ps2000_stop()

PS2100044-1.0

Technical reference

3.6

Programming

3.6.1

There are two C example programs: one is a simple GUI application, and the other is 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

ps2000.rc

and

(Borland 32-bit applications); or

(Microsoft Visual C 32-bit applications)

ps2000bc.lib

ps2000.lib

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

(Borland 32-bit applications); or

(Microsoft Visual C 32-bit applications).

ps2000bc.lib

ps2000.lib

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

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

3.6.2

Visual Basic

The

subdirectory contains the following files:

Win32\

- project file

- procedure prototypes

- form and program

ps2000.vbp

ps2000.bas

ps2000.frm

Note: The functions that return a

value return 0 for

and 1 for

TRUE/FALSE

FALSE

TRUE

whereas Visual Basic expects 65 535 for . To avoid this problem, check for

TRUE

> 0

rather than

= TRUE

3.6.3

3.6.4

Delphi

The program

Oscilloscopes. The file

ps2000.inc

in your own programs. Other required files include

demonstrates how to operate PicoScope 2000 Series PC

ps2000.dpr

contains procedure prototypes that you can include

and

ps2000.res ps2000fm.dfm

. This has been tested with Delphi version 3.

ps2000fm.pas

Excel

1. Load the spreadsheet

2. Select Tools | Macro

3. Select GetData

4. Select Run

ps2000.xls

Note: The Excel Macro language is similar to Visual Basic. The functions which return

value, return 0 for

and 1 for

, whereas Visual Basic expects

TRUE

TRUE/FALSE

FALSE

65 535 for

. Check for

TRUE

rather than

= TRUE

> 0

3.6.5

3.6.6

Agilent VEE

The example function

that are defined in

is in the

drivers\

. It was tested using Agilent VEE version 5.

ps2000.vh

subdirectory. It uses procedures

ps2000.vee

LabVIEW

The

example in the

subdirectory shows how to access

Drivers\Win32\

ps2000.vi

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

subdirectory.

Drivers\

PS2100044-1.0

Troubleshooting

Software error codes

4.1

Consult this section if you are a PicoScope or PicoLog user. If you are writing your own

program, refer to the driver error codes section.

PicoLog reports error code .

This error is reported when you try to open more than 4 PicoScope PC Oscilloscopes on

one machine. It is not possible to use more than 4 units with PicoLog.

PicoScope or PicoLog reports error code .

This error is reported when the driver cannot allocate enough of the computer's

memory to operate the unit. Consult the system requirements section for more

information.

PicoScope or PicoLog reports error code .

This error indicates that a PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscope could not be found

on your machine. Make sure the software is installed before the unit is plugged into

the USB socket, and restart your computer.

Ensure that the Windows Device Manager mentions the PicoScope 2000 Series unit. If

the unit is not mentioned there, contact Pico Technical Support for further advice.

PicoScope or PicoLog reports error code , or .

4 5 6

These errors are reported when there is a problem with the unit itself. They could arise

from configuration settings being corrupted, or a firmware or hardware error.

Unplug the unit, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it to the USB port. If the error is

still reported, consult Pico Technical Support for further advice.

PicoScope or PicoLog reports error code .

This error is reported if the operating system is not recent enough to support the

PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscope. Consult the system requirements section for

more information.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

Glossary

AC/DC switch

To switch between measuring alternating current and direct current, select AC or DC

from the control on the oscilloscope toolbar of the PicoScope software application.

Choose the setting to suit the characteristics of the input signal.

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 PC Oscilloscope to collect a block

of data into its internal memory before stopping the unit and transferring the whole

block into computer memory. This is the best mode to use when the input signal being

sampled contains high frequencies. Note: 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 PicoScope PC Oscilloscope buffer memory. The unit 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.

Driver

A software application that controls a piece of hardware. The driver for the PicoScope

2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes is supplied in the form of a 32-bit Windows DLL. This is

used by the PicoScope and PicoLog software to control the units.

ETS

Equivalent time sampling. The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 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 unit 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.

PC Oscilloscope

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

software application.

PicoLog software

This is a software product that accompanies all our oscilloscopes. It turns your PC into

a data logger and chart recorder.

PicoScope 2000 Series

A range of low-cost PC Oscilloscopes that includes the PicoScope 2202 entry-level unit

and 2104 and 2105 variants.

PS2100044-1.0

Glossary

PicoScope software

This is a software product that accompanies all our oscilloscopes. It turns your PC into

an oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, and meter display.

Real-time continuous mode

A sampling mode in which the software repeatedly requests single samples from the

PC 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 PC 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

The timebase controls the time interval represented across the width of the

oscilloscope screen. If you select "Scope timebase is time per division" in the Scope

Advanced Options dialog box in the PicoScope application (Settings | Options,

Advanced), it works like a traditional bench-top oscilloscope. There are ten divisions

across the screen, so the total time interval is ten times the timebase.

USB 1.1

Universal Serial Bus (Full Speed). This is a standard port that enables you to connect

external devices to PCs. A typical USB 1.1 port supports a data transfer rate of 12

megabits per second, and is much faster than an RS-232 or COM port.

USB 2.0

Universal Serial Bus (High Speed). This is a standard port that enables you to connect

external devices to PCs. A typical USB 2.0 port supports a data transfer rate 40 times

faster than USB 1.1. USB 2.0 is backwards-compatible with USB 1.1.

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 PC 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 98 or Windows ME,

right click on My Computer, select Properties and click the Device Manager tab.

On Windows 2000 or Windows XP, right-click My Computer, choose Properties, click

the Hardware tab and then the Device Manager button.

PS2100044-1.0

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide

ps2000_get_times_and_values 11

ps2000_get_unit_info 12

ps2000_get_values 13

ps2000_last_button_press 13

ps2000_open_unit 14

ps2000_ready 14

ps2000_run_block 15

ps2000_run_streaming 16

ps2000_set_channel 17

ps2000_set_ets 18

Index

AC coupling 22

AC/DC switch 17, 21, 24

Accuracy

ADC 20, 22

Agilent VEE 26

Aliasing 22

ps2000_set_trigger 19

ps2000_stop 19

Analog bandwidth

Gain 21

Ground clip

Block mode 15, 20, 21, 22, 24

Buffer memory 20, 21

Buffer size

Humidity

C programming 24, 25

Calibration

Channel 10, 13, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24

Compliance

Illuminated button 6, 9

Input

Input connector

Input range, maximum

Contact details

Installation

Data logger

DC coupling 22

LabView driver 26

Licence conditions

Light 6, 9

Delphi programming 26

Dimensions, maximum

Driver 8, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27

Driver error codes 8, 27

Linearity

Macros in Excel 26

Error codes 8, 27

Memory buffer 20, 21

Multi-unit operation 23

ETS 7, 10, 11, 13, 18, 21, 24

Excel macros 26

Normal mode 21

Functions 21, 22, 23, 24

ps2000_close_unit

ps2000_flash_led

ps2000_get_timebase 10

PS2100044-1.0

Index

Temperature

Test equipment

Threshold voltage 21

Time interval 21, 22

Timebase 7, 10, 15

One-shot signal 21

Operating environment

Overload protection

Oversampling 22

Trademarks

Triggering 21

USB

USB cable

USB hub 23

USB port 27

PC connection

PC oscilloscopes 1, 3

Pico Technical Support 27

PicoLog software 1, 8

picopp.inf

picopp.sys

PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes 1,

2, 3, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27

Vertical resolution 7, 22

PicoScope software 1, 8

Visual Basic programming 26

Power supply

Pre-trigger 21

Probe

Voltage ranges

Warranty

Programming

Agilent VEE 26

24, 25

Windowed mode 21

Windows Device Manager 27

Dephi 26

Excel 26

LabView 26

Visual Basic 26

Real-time continuous mode 20

Repair

Resolution, vertical 22

Safety symbols

Safety warning

Sampling rate 21

Sampling rate, maximum

Software error codes 27

Spectrum analyser

Streaming mode 16, 20, 21, 24

System requirements, minimum

Technical support 27

PS2100044-1.0

Interworld Electronics & Computers Inc.

P.O. Box 1280

145 Tyee Drive, Suite 3120

Point Roberts, WA 98281

Tel: 1-877-902-2979

Fax: 1-877-FAX-IECI

Web: www.interworldna.com

PS2100044-1.0 31.3.06

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