We’re pleased to announce the release of a second Guided Test for the SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission) protocol in PicoScope 7 Automotive. Titled SENT Fast (Extended testing), this new test is designed to help users decode and recover live sensor data from SENT Fast Channel signals, going beyond the basic network health check provided in the SENT Slow (Standard testing) test we featured last month.
SENT is a digital communication protocol commonly used in modern vehicle powertrain systems. It transmits data from sensors, such as those measuring pressure, temperature, or position, to the ECU over a single wire. Designed as a cost-effective alternative to more complex protocols like CAN, SENT offers high-resolution data transfer, excellent noise immunity, and simple point-to-point communication.
The SENT Fast Channel is responsible for transmitting real-time, high-resolution data from sensors such as those monitoring pressure, temperature, or position. This Guided Test walks users through the process of capturing, decoding, and interpreting the Fast Channel data, making it easier to verify sensor output and identify any data-level issues that could affect engine performance or diagnostics.
As with all PicoScope Automotive Guided Tests, clear instructions are provided for probe connections and signal setup, along with example waveforms and explanations of what to look for. This extended testing approach enables technicians to not only confirm the presence of a valid SENT signal but also to extract meaningful sensor information directly from the data stream.
“SENT Fast (Extended Testing)” is available now and free within the latest versions of PicoScope 7 Automotive. Simply download the software at [picoauto.com/downloads](https://www.picoauto.com/downloads) and access the test from the Guided Tests menu.
Whether you’re tackling complex digital diagnostics or verifying sensor integrity, this new Guided Test gives you the tools to get deeper into the signal—and closer to the root cause.