Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 11.1
PicoScope software display showing multiple windows providing
conventional oscilloscope waveform display, spectrum analyser display,
frequency display, and voltmeter display
•
digital voltmeters;
•
signal generators (AF, wideband, and RF);
•
function generators (sine, square, triangle, and ramp waves);
•
arbitrary waveform generators;
•
spectrum analysers;
•
logic analysers.
Note that several of the above functions may be combined into a single instru-
ment. For example, a DSO can easily provide functions associated with a digital
voltmeter, digital frequency meter, and a spectrum analyser (see Figure 11.1).
Instrument connection options
Various connection options for virtual instruments are listed in the table below:
Instrument connection
Comments
Notes
PCI, compact PCI, and
High-performance applications based
See Chapter 2 for
PXI adapter cards
on dedicated PCs. Can be expensive.
further information.
USB ports
Flexible low-cost solution but can have
See Chapter 2 for
speed limitations.
further information.
PC parallel ports
Usually requires an enhanced parallel port. May
See Chapter 1 for
require an additional parallel port adapter.
further information.
RS-232 serial ports
Traditional solution allowing
See Chapter 1 for
connection of multiple instruments but
further information.
with limited speed.
(
continued
)
