In block mode, the computer prompts a PicoScope 6000E series oscilloscope to collect a block of data into its internal memory. When the oscilloscope has collected the whole block, it signals that it is ready and then transfers the whole block to the computer's memory through the USB port.
 | Block size. The maximum number of values depends upon the size of the oscilloscope's memory. The memory buffer is shared between the enabled channels, so if two channels are enabled, each receives half the memory. These features are handled transparently by the driver. The block size also depends on the number of memory segments in use (see ps6000aMemorySegments()) and the sampling resolution. |
| Sampling rate. A PicoScope 6000E Series oscilloscope can sample at a number of different rates according to the selected timebase and the combination of channels that are enabled. See the PicoScope 6000E Series Data Sheet for the specifications that apply to your scope model. |
| Setup time. The driver normally performs a number of setup operations, which can take up to 50 milliseconds, before collecting each block of data. If you need to collect data with the minimum time interval between blocks, use rapid block mode and avoid calling setup functions between calls to ps6000aRunBlock(), ps6000aStop() and ps6000aGetValues(). |
| Downsampling. When the data has been collected, you can set an optional downsampling factor and examine the data. Downsampling is a process that reduces the amount of data by combining adjacent samples. It is useful for zooming in and out of the data without having to repeatedly transfer the entire contents of the scope's buffer to the PC. |
| Data retention. The data is lost when a new run is started in the same segment, the settings are changed, or the scope is powered down. |
See Using block mode for programming details.
