The figure above shows the device firmware upgrade window. This window is necessary because the software for USB oscilloscope consists of two programs:

• shell program that the user works with (a Windows application), and
• embedded program firmware uploaded in the microcontroller.

The embedded firmware performs the preliminary processing of the measured signals and transmits them using the USB bus to the shell program running on a PC, and the shell application receives this information and formats it in a user-friendly presentation on the PC screen.

Shell upgrade

Shell upgrades are inevitable. There will ineviatably be minor defects and errors in the program that go unnoticed by the author/programmer, usually for minor functions or aesthetic defects. These are frequently correcrted in new releases, and can be eliminated in previously installed software by downloading the latest shell version and exchanging the old file usb_osc2.exe (installed into the C:\Program Files\USB Oscilloscope folder by default) for the new file. For the latest shell updates, see: Download.

Embedded Program Firmware Upgrades

If it is necessary to upgrade the embedded firmware (I.e., changes, improvements, and fixes which cannot be accomplished just by changing the shell file, e.g. to organize the additional 8 analog channels of the recorder instead of the bus A of the logic generator). The firmware upgrade window allows you to download and install the latest version of microcontroller firmware.

• open the firmware file by pressing the Open button, and then
• the Upgrade button becomes active and information about the firmware file size and version will be displayed. When opening this file, any error conditions will be displayed. Read these carefully, and fix them before proceeding (usually by redownloading the firmware file)
• press the Upgrade button and the device firmware upgrade will start. The progress indicator displays (above the status panel) a message about the upgrade status. Upon completing the upgrade a verifcation message window will appear. IMPORTANT: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE USB CABLE OR SHUT OFF THE PC UNTIL THIS PROCESS COMPLETES.

Attention! Under no circumstances should you attempt to upload an inappropriate file to the microcontroller (be SURE to use only appropriate files downloaded from Download) - typically with a filename like "OSC_USB_v2.4.BIN" - by right clicking its link and choosing 'Save As'. DO NOT open this file using any other programs (like a text editor, web browser, etc.), as you may corrupt the file (possibly with characters that are not displayed).

It is important to follow these instructions carefully, because upon completing the updated firmware upload, microcontroller control is transferred to the uploaded program, which in turn enables communications with the loading program. If the uploaded program fails to communicate with the loading program, your device will be completely inoperable, and the working firmware version cannot be uploaded any more (since the device no longer communicates).