Why should I use one waveform data encoding method over another when I program my oscilloscope?

Why should I use one waveform data encoding method over another when I program my oscilloscope?

One way to speed up the transfer of data from your scope to your PC is with the format you choose for your data. You can format it in several ways, such as in ASCII, RP binary or RI binary format. The scope’s default RI binary data should come over to your PC faster than other formats, but to use in many applications, you must process it back to ASCII at the PC.

In choosing a format, consider that although your scope can format the data for you, your program will typically run faster if you convert data in your PC rather than in your scope. In other words, use binary formats for speedier operation.

Speaking of binary formats, the difference between RP Binary and RI Binary is that RP Binary goes from 0 to 255 and RI Binary goes from –127 to +128.

Remember that you need to match the decoding portion of your program to the coding portion. In other words, if you change data encoding formats, then remember to change the decoding portion of your program as well.