2009-11-10

BitScope DSO Release

DSO 2.2 | Unified Cross-Platform Release | Online Guide

DSO 2.2 is the latest BitScope DSO release and the first to offer unified cross-platform operation.

Available now for Windows 7, Vista and XP or Linux (debian or rpm based distributions or as a tarball for manual installation).

DSO 2.2 is compatible with all current and most older BitScopes (way back to BS300 originally released in 2003) and is available as a freely downloadable upgrade.

It unifies DSO operation regardless of the BitScope model connected. For example the waveform generator control works the same for BS100U+DWG100 and BS325.

We've fixed many of the bugs you told us about and we've added some requested enhancements (probe support, user input calibration, new phosphor modes) but DSO continues to work similarly to earlier versions (back to DSO 1.3) so there's nothing new to learn to make full use of it.

There is of course a new online guide fully updated for the new features of DSO 2.2 and we've split future releases into two streams so early adopters can enjoy the latest developments.

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2009-10-01

BitScope Product Review

Nuts & Volts | A Practical Guide to Using a BitScope

Nuts & Volts, the premier magazine for the electronics hobbyist, recently published a hands-on guide to using a USB BitScope 100 including several practical test cases.

In this comprehensive but readable guide, author Michael Simpson walks through the main features of BitScope and then applies this knowledge to show how to use a BS100U to solve a number of interesting real world problems.

Learn why mixed signal capture is so important in many design, development and diagnostic situations.

As Michael explains by example, BS100U combines a digital scope and logic analyzer in a single test instrument making it an ideal tool to debug mixed signal devices such as an IR Remote and an SPI A/D converter.

See how to use the large capture buffers to zoom in and view long bit streams or analyze serial protocols in detail.

Learn about the advanced delay timebase to see very high speed signals regardless of far behind the trigger they are.

We recommend this guide as good introduction to some of the main features of BS100U. You can download a print ready PDF copy via Nuts & Volts Online here (note: it's big, about 18MB).

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2009-09-07

BitScope Model 325

BitScope 325 | Isolated Mixed Signal Scope | USB or Ethernet

Introducing BitScope Model 325, the newest member of the BitScope family.

BS325 is a classic design high performance PC based Mixed Signal Oscilloscope that builds on the success of its popular predecessor.

New features include huge capture buffers, built-in record/replay waveform generator, external trigger input and probe calibration, full electrical isolation and simultaneous waveform capture on all 10 channels (2 analog + 8 logic).

BS325 also deploys a new software controlled integrated mixed signal capture engine.

While supporting all the features of earlier models, this new engine design extends the core BitScope architecture to allow full speed dual channel analog capture, 10 channel mixed signal capture, waveform synthesis with dual channel analog capture and even logic pattern generation.

Superb analog performance is assured by employing independent multi-range analog front end electronics and analog prescalers all housed in a solid low profile aluminum case with full electrical isolation from the PC for accurate measurement and exceptional noise immunity.

BS325 is available now in two versions: BS325U (USB Model) and BS325N (Ethernet Model).

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2008-10-01

DSP Waveform & Timing Generator

DSP Waveform & Timing Generator

BitGen (DWG100) is an integrated waveform and timing generator solution for BS100U.

Installed inside BS100U it generates all the standard wave-functions including sinusoids, triangle, sawtooth, square and many others using crystal referenced DDS techniques that offer extremely high frequency precision.

However BitGen is much more than just a continuous wave function generator.

You can also use it to generate clocks, trigger events, waveform bursts, chirps, noise, user programmable arbitrary waveforms or even replay live waveforms captured with BS100U.

BitGen is controlled using the same DSO software that drives the BS100U itself so setup is fast and easy and triggers and clocks can be sample synchronized with capture for precise event timing.

BitGen also includes a separate timing/event channel for use with external triggers and clocks or it can be used to generate triggers or clocks for use by BS100U or other devices.

It even offers some handy special features such as a logic level shifter, a scope probe calibration signal, an adjustable voltage reference and a programmable pseudo random sequence generator.

DWG100 may be purchased online as an option for a new BS100U or as an upgrade pack.

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2007-10-01

USB BitScope 100

Opto-Isolated USB BitScope 100

Meet the new opto-isolated BS100U BitScope.

BS100U is unique among USB connected PC based scopes because like our Network models it is electrically isolated from the PC.

You can ground reference it independently so USB drop-outs due to ground-loops or glitches when looking at high power electrical or automotive systems are never a problem.

Another feature to make its debut in BS100U is a powerful flash programmable DSP waveform generator option. Operating independently of the scope's capture engine it allows complex waveforms to be synthesised concurrently with waveform capture and display.

And BS100U is very power efficient with a standby mode designed for long life on battery power.

Also included is an adjustable external trigger input in addition to its 2 analog and 8 logic channels and it supports a wide range of crystal accurate capture rates, especially useful for RF work.

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2007-05-25

BitScope Application Library

BitLib Application Programming Library

BitScope has always been programmable but now there is an easier way to write BitScope software applications.

BitLib is a dynamic runtime library that takes care of all the low level details of BitScope programming. To get you started it comes with three new BitScope software applications:

• Digital Storage Oscilloscope with diagnostics.
• 4 Channel Digital Multimeter with large displays.
• Data Acqusition Spreadsheet with live updates.

They're all BitLib based and include source so you can see exactly how they work. You can also modify them to suit your needs or use them as a starting point for your own BitScope software.

BitLib is also ideal when integrating BitScope with third party software tools. The DAQ spreadsheet provides one example but we'll be releasing a number of others over the coming months based on your feedback. Email us at projects and send us your requests.

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2006-11-03

BitScope Product Review

USB BitScope 310 and DSO Product Review

Silicon Chip Magazine, Australia's world class electronics magazine, has conducted an independent review of BitScope BS310U and the new BitScope DSO software for their November 2006 edition.

If you're in Australia, you can pick up a copy at most newsagents now.

Silicon Chip is aimed at professionals, trades people and enthusiasts in the electronics, electrical, computer and related fields. Each month they add to their huge collection of electronics projects and articles which are now all available globally via online subscription.

You can download a PDF copy of the review Silicon Chip have kindly sent us here.

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2006-10-01

BitScope DSO Version 1.3

Offline Replay & Display Export

Using the newly released DSO Data Recorder Version 1.3 it is now possible replay, inspect and analyse waveforms and logic previously captured with BitScope on a PC which has no BitScope connected.

It's ideal for sharing information with colleagues, students or customers.

Send data recordings as DDR files to others and they can replay and analyse them "live". It's as if your BitScope is connected to their PC.

Alternatively use your own reference recordings for comparison or benchmarking new test results.

Export your data as images and embed them in word or other documents, post them on the web or send them as email attachments. You can even sequence exported images to create animations.

Download DSO Version 1.3 and try it yourself. We've posted a set of example files to explore.

For what you can expect to see, check out Display Export and the offline replay DSO tutorial.

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2006-08-01

Network BitScope 442

New Multichannel Network BitScope

Meet the new 4 + 8 channel BS442N Network BitScope.

This brand new BitScope replaces BS440N as our top of the range 12 channel networked MSO and Data Acquisition System.

Like other network models it is fully isolated and networked which means you can use it in the same room on a local network or half way around the world via the Internet.

Updated BitScope DSO software is included supporting the additional channels and new features.

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2006-05-25

Data Recorder for Pocket Analyzer

The BitScope DSO Data Recorder is now available for Pocket Analyzer.

You can now use this diminutive BitScope in PC based Data Acquistion just like its larger brethren.

About the same size and weight as a Pocket PC, the USB powered Pocket Analyzer needs no bulky accessories. With the same mixed signal, analog and logic capture capabilities as all BitScopes, Pocket Analyzer sets the standard for portable PC based test gear.

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2006-03-24

BitScope Data Recorder

The BitScope DSO Data Recorder (DDR) is now in production release !

Whether saving a single waveform to disk or logging frames continuously 24x7, DDR is the tool for the job and now it's a standard part of BitScope DSO.

DDR listens to all enabled channels, recording waveform and logic data to a buffer or files. DDR files may be loaded for replay and comparison with new data or reviewed with another BitScope DSO or even loaded into a numerical analysis tools like Microsoft Excel or Mathworks MatLab.

DDR works with all current BitScopes and may be downloaded as part of the latest DSO release.

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