Vector Graphics

The Vector Graphics feature allows you to create and display custom shapes and patterns using XY mode, generate waveforms for animation, and export to arbitrary waveform generators (AWG). This guide covers creating vector graphics in the GUI.

Overview

Vector graphics mode uses the oscilloscope's XY display mode to draw shapes, patterns, and animations by controlling two channels as X and Y coordinates. The GUI provides tools to:

• Create basic shapes (circles, squares, triangles, etc.)
• Draw custom paths and Lissajous figures
• Generate waveform data for AWG output
• Animate shapes and patterns
• Export to external AWG/DAC devices
• Visualize parametric equations

Key Features

• Shape Library: Pre-defined shapes and patterns
• Custom Path Drawing: Draw freehand or define parametric equations
• Waveform Generation: Convert shapes to voltage waveforms
• Animation: Time-varying patterns and rotations
• AWG Export: Send to oscilloscope AWG or external generator
• Preview Mode: Real-time preview before output

Installation

Vector graphics features require the 'fun' extras package:

pip install "SCPI-Instrument-Control[fun]"

Dependencies:

• NumPy (for waveform calculations)
• SciPy (for signal processing)
• PyQt6 (for GUI)

Optional:

• PyQtGraph (for high-performance preview)

Accessing Vector Graphics

Using Menu

Tools → Vector Graphics or Ctrl+X

Opens the Vector Graphics panel

Using Toolbar

Click the Vector Graphics button (📐 icon)

Docking Panel

Vector Graphics can be:

• Docked to main window
• Floating window
• Tabbed with other panels

XY Mode Basics

What is XY Mode?

XY mode displays one channel on the X-axis and another on the Y-axis, creating 2D plots instead of time-domain waveforms.

Normal Time Mode:

Y-axis: Voltage
X-axis: Time

XY Mode:

Y-axis: Channel 2 Voltage
X-axis: Channel 1 Voltage

Enabling XY Mode

In GUI:

1. Vector Graphics panel
2. Click "Enable XY Mode"
3. Select channels for X and Y

Channel Assignment:

• X-axis: Usually Channel 1
• Y-axis: Usually Channel 2
• Adjustable in settings

XY Mode Applications

Lissajous Figures:

• Compare two sine waves
• Measure phase relationships
• Frequency ratio visualization

Example:

C1: sin(ωt) → X-axis
C2: sin(2ωt) → Y-axis
Result: Lissajous figure (2:1 ratio)

Shape Display:

• Circles, ellipses
• Custom closed paths
• Vector drawings

Parametric Equations:

• Rose curves
• Spirals
• Mathematical patterns

Shape Library

Pre-Defined Shapes

The GUI includes a library of common shapes:

Basic Shapes:

• Circle
• Square
• Triangle
• Pentagon
• Hexagon
• Star

Advanced Shapes:

• Heart
• Infinity symbol
• Trefoil
• Lemniscate
• Spiral

Lissajous Patterns:

• 1:1, 1:2, 2:3 ratios
• Various phase offsets
• Amplitude variations

Creating Shape from Library

Steps:

1. Open Vector Graphics panel
2. Click "Shape Library"
3. Select shape from list
4. Adjust parameters:
5. Size
6. Position
7. Rotation
8. Line width
9. Click "Generate"

Example: Circle

Shape: Circle
Radius: 1.0 V
Center X: 0.0 V
Center Y: 0.0 V
Points: 1000
Frequency: 1 kHz

Shape Parameters

Size:

• Radius for circles
• Width/Height for rectangles
• Scale factor for custom shapes

Position:

• X offset
• Y offset
• Centers the shape

Rotation:

• Angle in degrees
• 0° to 360°
• Rotates around center

Resolution:

• Number of points
• Higher = smoother curves
• Typical: 500-2000 points

Frequency:

• Waveform frequency
• Affects display speed
• Typical: 100 Hz - 10 kHz

Custom Path Drawing

Freehand Drawing

Interactive Drawing:

1. Click "Draw Custom Path"
2. Use mouse to draw on canvas
3. Path automatically smoothed
4. Click "Finish" when done

Features:

• Automatic path smoothing
• Point reduction for efficiency
• Closed path option
• Undo/redo support

Parametric Equations

Define Custom Shapes:

Enter X and Y as functions of parameter t:

Example: Rose Curve

X(t) = cos(3t) * cos(t)
Y(t) = cos(3t) * sin(t)
t: 0 to 2π
Points: 1000

Example: Spiral

X(t) = t * cos(10t)
Y(t) = t * sin(10t)
t: 0 to 2π
Points: 2000

Example: Lissajous (3:2 ratio)

X(t) = sin(3*ω*t)
Y(t) = sin(2*ω*t + π/2)
ω = 2π * frequency

Supported Functions

Mathematical:

• sin(x), cos(x), tan(x)
• sqrt(x), exp(x), log(x)
• abs(x), sign(x)

Constants:

• pi (π)
• e (Euler's number)
• Custom constants

Operations:

• +, -, *, /
• ** (power)
• Parentheses

Path Editor

Edit Points:

• Add/remove points
• Drag points to adjust
• Bezier curve handles
• Snap to grid

Path Operations:

• Scale
• Rotate
• Mirror (horizontal/vertical)
• Reverse direction

Path Properties:

• Total length
• Number of points
• Bounding box
• Closed/open path

Waveform Generation

Converting Shape to Waveform

The shape is converted to two waveforms (X and Y):

Process:

1. Shape path defined (library or custom)
2. Path sampled at N points
3. X coordinates → Channel 1 waveform
4. Y coordinates → Channel 2 waveform
5. Both waveforms synchronized

Example:

Circle at origin, radius 1V, 1000 points:

X[n] = cos(2π * n/1000)
Y[n] = sin(2π * n/1000)
n = 0 to 999

Waveform Parameters

Sample Rate:

• Determines time resolution
• Higher rate = smoother display
• Typical: 1 kSa/s to 1 MSa/s

Frequency:

• How fast shape is drawn
• Lower frequency = slower, smoother
• Higher frequency = faster, may flicker
• Typical: 100 Hz - 5 kHz

Amplitude:

• Voltage range
• X and Y independent
• Must fit within oscilloscope range
• Typical: ±1V to ±5V

DC Offset:

• Center position
• X and Y independent
• Shifts shape on screen
• Typical: 0V (centered)

Waveform Preview

Real-Time Preview:

• Shows generated waveforms
• Time domain view (both channels)
• XY mode preview
• FFT spectrum view

Preview Controls:

• Zoom in/out
• Pan
• Measure points
• Cursors

Updates:

• Automatic when parameters change
• Adjustable update rate
• Pause preview for performance

Animation

Animated Shapes

Types of Animation:

Rotation:

• Rotate shape over time
• Speed adjustable
• Clockwise/counter-clockwise

Scaling:

• Grow/shrink
• Pulsing effect
• Sine wave modulation

Translation:

• Move shape
• Circular orbit
• Linear path

Morphing:

• Transition between shapes
• Smooth interpolation

Animation Parameters

Rotation Animation:

Rotation Speed: 30°/s
Direction: Clockwise
Loop: Continuous

Implemented as:

angle(t) = angle_start + rotation_speed * t
X_rotated = X * cos(angle) - Y * sin(angle)
Y_rotated = X * sin(angle) + Y * cos(angle)

Pulsing Animation:

Pulse Frequency: 2 Hz
Min Scale: 0.5
Max Scale: 1.5

Implemented as:

scale(t) = 1.0 + 0.5 * sin(2π * 2 * t)
X_scaled = X * scale(t)
Y_scaled = Y * scale(t)

Animation Timeline

Timeline Editor:

• Keyframe-based animation
• Drag keyframes on timeline
• Interpolation between keyframes
• Loop/ping-pong modes

Keyframes:

• Position
• Scale
• Rotation
• Opacity (via amplitude)

Playback Controls:

• Play/pause
• Speed control
• Frame-by-frame stepping
• Export as image sequence

Outputting to AWG

Internal AWG (if available)

Some Siglent oscilloscopes have built-in AWG:

Output to AWG:

1. Generate waveform
2. Click "Send to AWG"
3. Select AWG channels
4. Configure output settings
5. Enable AWG output

AWG Settings:

• Frequency
• Amplitude
• Offset
• Output impedance (50Ω / High-Z)

Example:

AWG Ch1 (X): Circle X-component
  Frequency: 1 kHz
  Amplitude: 1 Vpp
  Offset: 0 V

AWG Ch2 (Y): Circle Y-component
  Frequency: 1 kHz
  Amplitude: 1 Vpp
  Offset: 0 V

External AWG/DAC

Export Waveform Data:

Formats:

• CSV (time, voltage)
• WAV (audio format, for some AWGs)
• Binary (raw samples)
• Arbitrary waveform format (manufacturer-specific)

Export Steps:

1. Generate waveform
2. File → Export Waveform
3. Choose format
4. Save files (X and Y separate or combined)
5. Load into external AWG

CSV Format Example:

Time (s), X Voltage (V), Y Voltage (V)
0.000000, 1.000000, 0.000000
0.000001, 0.999500, 0.031411
0.000002, 0.998001, 0.062791
...

Synchronization

Critical for XY Display:

• Both channels must be synchronized
• Same sample rate
• Same start time
• Same number of points

Synchronization Tips:

• Use same AWG for both outputs
• If using two AWGs, use external sync
• Check relative phase
• Verify with oscilloscope XY mode

Display Settings

XY Mode Display

Aspect Ratio:

• 1:1 (square) - Default
• 4:3 (standard)
• 16:9 (widescreen)
• Custom

Persistence:

• Infinite persistence shows complete path
• Short persistence for animated shapes
• Adjustable decay time

Line Style:

• Solid line
• Dotted/dashed (shows direction)
• Color gradient (shows time progression)
• Brightness modulation

Grid:

• Show/hide grid
• Grid spacing
• Polar grid option (for circular shapes)

Color and Brightness

Color Modes:

• Single color
• Gradient (start to end)
• Rainbow (full spectrum)
• Custom palette

Brightness:

• Constant
• Modulated (shows speed)
• Fades at endpoints

Practical Examples

Example 1: Display a Circle

Objective: Display a perfect circle in XY mode

Steps:

1. Open Vector Graphics panel
2. Shape Library → Circle
3. Parameters:
   Radius: 2.0 V
   Center: (0, 0)
   Points: 1000
   Frequency: 1 kHz
4. Click "Generate"
5. Enable XY Mode
6. Adjust oscilloscope:
   C1: 1 V/div, 0 V offset
   C2: 1 V/div, 0 V offset
7. View circle on screen

Result: Perfect circle displayed on oscilloscope

Example 2: Lissajous Figure (3:2)

Objective: Create a 3:2 Lissajous pattern

Custom Equation:

X(t) = sin(3 * 2π * f * t)
Y(t) = sin(2 * 2π * f * t)
f = 100 Hz
t: 0 to 1 s
Sample rate: 10 kSa/s

Settings:

Amplitude X: 2 V
Amplitude Y: 2 V
Offset: 0 V

Result: Three-lobed Lissajous figure

Example 3: Rotating Square

Objective: Animate a rotating square

Steps:

1. Shape Library → Square
2. Size: 2V × 2V
3. Animation:
   Type: Rotation
   Speed: 45°/s
   Loop: Continuous
4. Generate and preview
5. Send to AWG (if available)
   Or preview in real-time

Result: Square rotates continuously

Example 4: Heart Shape

Objective: Display a heart using parametric equations

Parametric Equations:

X(t) = 16 * sin³(t)
Y(t) = 13*cos(t) - 5*cos(2t) - 2*cos(3t) - cos(4t)
t: 0 to 2π
Scale: 0.1 (to fit ±5V range)

Steps:

1. Custom Path → Parametric
2. Enter equations above
3. Set t range and points
4. Generate and preview
5. Adjust scale to fit display

Result: Heart shape displayed

Example 5: Spiral Animation

Objective: Expanding/contracting spiral

Parametric with Animation:

X(t, anim) = anim * t * cos(10t)
Y(t, anim) = anim * t * sin(10t)
t: 0 to 2π
anim: 0.5 to 1.5 (sine wave modulation)

Animation:

anim(time) = 1.0 + 0.5 * sin(2π * 1 Hz * time)

Result: Spiral that grows and shrinks

Advanced Features

Multi-Path Compositions

Combine Multiple Shapes:

• Draw several shapes sequentially
• Rapid switching between paths
• Creates composite images

Implementation:

• Switch between waveforms rapidly
• Use blanking signal to control visibility
• Requires fast AWG or pattern generator

3D Projections

Project 3D shapes to 2D:

• Define shape in 3D (X, Y, Z)
• Apply rotation matrix
• Project to XY plane
• Animate rotation for 3D effect

Example: Rotating Cube

# Define cube vertices in 3D
# Apply rotation matrix
# Project to 2D (X, Y)
# Connect vertices with lines
# Animate rotation angles

Bitmap to Vector

Convert Images to Vector Paths:

1. Import bitmap image
2. Edge detection
3. Trace edges to paths
4. Simplify path (reduce points)
5. Export as waveform

Use Cases:

• Display logos
• Custom artwork
• Text rendering

Text Rendering

Display Text:

• Use vector font
• Convert characters to paths
• Generate waveform
• Display in XY mode

Font Options:

• Hershey vector fonts
• Single-stroke fonts
• Custom fonts

Troubleshooting

Shape Not Displaying

Problem: XY mode enabled but no shape visible

Solutions:

1. Check Channels Enabled
2. Both X and Y channels must be on

3. Verify in Channels tab

4. Verify Voltage Scales

5. Shape may be off-screen
6. Adjust V/div to see full shape

7. Use Auto Scale

8. Check Waveform Generated

9. Preview shows waveforms
10. Non-zero amplitude

11. Correct frequency

12. Verify AWG Output

13. AWG enabled and running
14. Cables connected correctly
15. Output impedance correct

Distorted Shape

Problem: Shape is stretched or squashed

Solutions:

1. Match Voltage Scales
2. Set C1 and C2 to same V/div

3. Equal scales for equal aspect ratio

4. Check Probe Ratios

5. Both channels same probe ratio

6. Usually 1X for AWG output

7. Verify Calibration

8. Oscilloscope calibrated
9. AWG calibrated
10. Check with known signal (circle)

Flickering Display

Problem: Shape flickers or is unstable

Solutions:

1. Adjust Frequency
2. Too high: Flickers
3. Too low: Draws slowly

4. Sweet spot: 500 Hz - 2 kHz

5. Check Synchronization

6. X and Y must be synchronized
7. Same start time

8. Use same AWG for both

9. Persistence Settings

10. Enable infinite persistence
11. Or increase persistence time
12. Helps with slower shapes

Incomplete Shape

Problem: Shape not closed or has gaps

Solutions:

1. Increase Points
2. More points = smoother curve

3. Try 1000-2000 points

4. Check Path Closure

5. For closed shapes, first point = last point

6. Enable "Close Path" option

7. Adjust Sample Rate

8. Higher sample rate
9. More samples per cycle

Animation Jerky

Problem: Animation not smooth

Solutions:

1. Increase Frame Rate
2. Higher update rate

3. May impact performance

4. Reduce Animation Speed

5. Slower animations appear smoother

6. Adjust speed parameter

7. Check CPU Load

8. Close unnecessary apps
9. Reduce preview resolution
10. Use PyQtGraph if available

Tips and Best Practices

Shape Design

!!! tip "Good Shapes for XY Display" - Closed paths work best (circle, square) - Smooth curves display better than sharp angles - Equal aspect ratio requires matching X and Y scales - 1000-2000 points is optimal resolution

Frequency Selection

!!! tip "Choosing Frequency" - 100-500 Hz: Best for complex shapes - 500-2000 Hz: Good balance for most shapes - 2-5 kHz: Simple shapes, faster animation - >5 kHz: May flicker, test on scope

Amplitude Range

!!! tip "Voltage Levels" - Stay within ±5V for most scopes - Use full range for best resolution - Match AWG output to scope input range - Account for probe attenuation

Performance

!!! tip "Optimizing Performance" - Use PyQtGraph for preview (10x faster) - Reduce points for faster generation - Disable preview during parameter adjustment - Export to AWG for best display quality

Synchronization

!!! tip "Keeping X and Y in Sync" - Use same AWG for both channels - If separate AWGs, use external clock sync - Check phase alignment with simple shapes - Test with circle before complex shapes

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl+X	Open Vector Graphics panel
Ctrl+N	New shape
Ctrl+G	Generate waveform
Ctrl+P	Preview
Ctrl+E	Export to AWG
Space	Play/pause animation
Arrow keys	Fine-tune position
Ctrl+Arrow	Large position steps
+/-	Increase/decrease size
R	Rotate 90°

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: Quick Circle Test

Purpose: Verify XY mode is working

1. Vector Graphics → Shape Library
2. Select "Circle"
3. Keep defaults (radius=1V, 1kHz)
4. Click "Generate"
5. Enable XY Mode
6. Adjust scope: C1 and C2 to 500mV/div
7. Should see perfect circle

Time: 30 seconds

Workflow 2: Custom Logo Display

Purpose: Display company logo on oscilloscope

1. Import logo image (bitmap)
2. Vector Graphics → Bitmap to Vector
3. Adjust edge detection threshold
4. Simplify path (reduce points to <2000)
5. Scale to fit ±5V range
6. Generate waveform
7. Export to AWG
8. Display on oscilloscope

Time: 5-10 minutes

Workflow 3: Animated Presentation

Purpose: Create animated shape for demo

1. Design shape (heart, star, etc.)
2. Add rotation animation (30°/s)
3. Add pulsing (2 Hz sine)
4. Preview animation
5. Adjust timing and speeds
6. Export animation keyframes
7. Send to AWG with automation

Time: 10-15 minutes

Integration with Other Features

With Live View

Real-Time XY Display:

• Enable Live View
• Switch to XY mode
• See shape update in real-time
• Adjust parameters dynamically

With FFT Analysis

Analyze Waveform Components:

• Generate shape waveform
• Run FFT on X and Y channels
• See frequency components
• Verify harmonic content

With Measurements

Measure Shape Properties:

• Vpp (size of shape)
• Frequency (drawing speed)
• Phase (X vs Y offset)
• Duty cycle (for non-symmetric shapes)

With Reference Waveforms

Compare Shapes:

• Save current shape as reference
• Generate new shape
• Overlay in XY mode
• See differences

Mathematical Background

Parametric Equations

General Form:

X = f(t)
Y = g(t)
t ∈ [t_start, t_end]

Common Parametric Shapes:

Circle:

X(t) = R * cos(t)
Y(t) = R * sin(t)
t: 0 to 2π

Ellipse:

X(t) = a * cos(t)
Y(t) = b * sin(t)
t: 0 to 2π

Lissajous (m:n ratio):

X(t) = A * sin(m*ω*t + φ)
Y(t) = B * sin(n*ω*t)

Rose Curve (k petals):

X(t) = cos(k*t) * cos(t)
Y(t) = cos(k*t) * sin(t)

Rotation Matrix

Rotate point (x, y) by angle θ:

X' = x*cos(θ) - y*sin(θ)
Y' = x*sin(θ) + y*cos(θ)

For animation:

θ(t) = ω * t
ω = rotation speed (rad/s)

Scaling Transform

Scale by factor s:

X' = s * X
Y' = s * Y

Anisotropic scaling:

X' = sx * X
Y' = sy * Y

Safety and Limitations

AWG Limitations

!!! warning "AWG Output Limits" - Check maximum voltage rating - Don't exceed current limits - Verify load impedance - Use appropriate cables

Oscilloscope Input

!!! warning "Protect Oscilloscope Inputs" - Stay within ±400V (typical max input) - Check probe rating - Don't connect AWG directly to HV circuits - Use proper grounding

Frequency Limits

Sample Rate Nyquist:

• AWG sample rate ≥ 2 × max frequency component
• Higher sample rate for smoother curves
• Check AWG specifications

Display Refresh:

• Some shapes require higher persistence
• Flickering possible at high frequencies
• Adjust based on oscilloscope capabilities

Next Steps

• Interface Guide - Learn all GUI controls
• Live View - Use XY mode in real-time display
• FFT Analysis - Analyze waveform harmonics
• User Guide: Advanced Features - Programmatic waveform generation