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markuskreitzer

PicoScope MCP Server

get_channel_config

Retrieve current configuration settings for a specific channel (A, B, C, or D) on a PicoScope oscilloscope to view or verify signal acquisition parameters.

Instructions

Get current configuration of a channel.

Args: channel: Channel identifier (A, B, C, or D).

Returns: Dictionary containing current channel settings.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channelYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Implementation Reference

  • The handler function for the 'get_channel_config' tool. It retrieves the current channel configuration from the device_manager if connected and the channel is configured, returning success or error status.
    def get_channel_config(channel: Literal["A", "B", "C", "D"]) -> dict[str, Any]:
        """Get current configuration of a channel.
    
        Args:
            channel: Channel identifier (A, B, C, or D).
    
        Returns:
            Dictionary containing current channel settings.
        """
        try:
            if not device_manager.is_connected():
                return {
                    "status": "error",
                    "error": "No device connected",
                }
    
            # Get channel config from device manager
            if channel in device_manager.channel_configs:
                config = device_manager.channel_configs[channel]
                return {
                    "status": "success",
                    "channel": channel,
                    "enabled": config.enabled,
                    "coupling": config.coupling.value,
                    "voltage_range": config.voltage_range,
                    "analog_offset": config.analog_offset,
                }
            else:
                return {
                    "status": "error",
                    "error": f"Channel {channel} not configured",
                    "channel": channel,
                }
    
        except Exception as e:
            return {
                "status": "error",
                "error": str(e),
                "channel": channel,
            }
  • Registers the configuration tools (including get_channel_config) by calling register_configuration_tools(mcp). This is the top-level registration in the MCP server.
    register_discovery_tools(mcp)
    register_configuration_tools(mcp)
    register_acquisition_tools(mcp)
    register_analysis_tools(mcp)
    register_advanced_tools(mcp)
  • The function that defines and registers the configuration tools using @mcp.tool() decorators, including get_channel_config.
    def register_configuration_tools(mcp: Any) -> None:
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states this is a 'Get' operation, implying read-only behavior, but doesn't address permissions, error conditions, or whether it requires device connectivity (relevant given siblings like 'connect_device'). This leaves gaps in understanding the tool's operational context.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is efficiently structured with a clear purpose statement followed by Args and Returns sections. Every sentence adds value without redundancy, making it easy to parse and understand quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's moderate complexity (single parameter, read operation) and the presence of an output schema (implied by 'Returns: Dictionary...'), the description is adequate but incomplete. It covers the basic purpose and parameter semantics but lacks usage guidelines and behavioral context, which are important for a tool in a device configuration ecosystem.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds meaningful context beyond the schema: it explains that 'channel' is a 'Channel identifier' and lists the enum values (A, B, C, D) in the Args section. Since schema description coverage is 0%, this compensates well for the single parameter, though it doesn't elaborate on what these identifiers represent (e.g., physical channels).

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose as 'Get current configuration of a channel,' which is a specific verb+resource combination. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'configure_channel' or 'get_device_info,' which could provide related configuration information.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention sibling tools like 'configure_channel' (for setting configuration) or 'get_device_info' (for broader device information), leaving the agent without context for tool selection.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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