New PicoScope drivers for MATLAB®
We've updated our MATLAB Instrument Driver package for the PicoScope 3000 Series to support the new PicoScope 3000D and 3000D MSO oscilloscopes. The MATLAB Generic Instrument Driver allows you to acquire data from the PicoScope 3000 Series High-Performance Oscilloscopes and control the signal generator. The data could be processed in MATLAB using functions from Toolboxes such as the Signal Processing Toolbox.
Download from the PicoScope® 3000 Series - MATLAB® Generic Instrument Driver page on MathWorks MATLAB Central. Example code for the PicoScope 3000D Series is in the BETA folder within the download.
Programmers' Corner: Triggering a PicoScope signal generator using the API
Most PicoScope oscilloscopes include a built-in signal generator or arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) that can be triggered by an external event. This is easy to set up using the PicoScope 6 software, but programmers using the PicoScope SDK may need some assistance. We've published a new guide, Triggering a PicoScope Signal Generator using the API, to help you. If you have any questions, there's a new thread on our forum dedicated to the subject.
More about PicoScope SDKs
Programmers' Corner: Connecting to PicoLog with Node.js
PicoLog®, the software for Pico Technology data loggers, includes the ability to transmit results over a network using IP sockets. Forum user deskomat has recently blogged about using Node.js to capture this data. On our forum you'll find a link to the blog post and the Javascript code.
Video of the month: PicoScope 6000 Triggering Example & ETS
Colin O'Flynn has published a number of YouTube videos on the subject of PicoScope oscilloscopes. Our choice this month is PicoScope 6000 Triggering Example & ETS, which demonstrates the advanced digital triggering available on most PicoScopes. You will see how to set up a pulse width trigger to find a glitch in a clock waveform, and how to use persistence mode to measure the typical skew between two waveforms. Colin also shows how equivalent-time sampling (ETS) mode can hugely increase the timing resolution, but only when the waveform is stable.
More on Advanced Triggering
New science experiment: decomposition of grass cuttings
The latest addition to our science experiments library is Decomposition of grass cuttings. This experiment, using a DrDAQ data logger with a temperature sensor (and, optionally, humidity and oxygen sensors) teaches the principles of life processes, decay and decomposition, the action of microorganisms and the recycling of chemical elements in the environment. It is suitable for use in KS3 to KS5 science classes in the UK curriculum and in similar courses everywhere.
There is a wide range of Pico science experiments covering topics in biology, chemistry, physics and electronics. Each one has setup instructions, teachers' notes and graphs of results.
Tech Tip: PicoScope waveform averaging
Averaging is a good way to clean up a noisy waveform. Unlike filtering, averaging preserves the high-frequency content of the signal. PicoScope's waveform averaging feature is under the control of the Tools > Math Channels command and is explained in Waveform averaging. You can average a collection of up to 10,000 waveforms stored in segmented memory, or you can apply continuous averaging to a live waveform.
More about Math Channels
Events
Please visit Pico Exhibitions for the latest list of exhibitions and trade shows that Pico and its representatives will be attending.
We're hiring!
Thanks to our continuing success and growth Pico are always seeking talented people to join our company.
Please visit https://jobs.picotech.com/ to see our current vacancies. We look forward to hearing from you!
Software releases
Our latest software releases are available as free downloads. To check which release you are using, start the software and select Help > About.
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Pico Technology, James House, Colmworth Business Park, St. Neots,
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Tel.: 01480 396395 (+44 1480 396395)
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