There are generally two Data Processor (DP) modes when Yohkoh is taking scientific data, FLARE mode and QUIET mode. Yohkoh uses the WBS HXS and SXS instruments to monitor solar activity and when a threshold is passed the spacecraft (S/C) enters FLARE mode. There are times when Yohkoh is in FLARE mode but there is no flare.
There are three different telemetry rates, but only two are used when observing the sun. HIGH rate is 32 Kbits/s (a major frame every 2 s) and MEDIUM is 4 Kbits/s (a major frame every 16 s). When first entering FLARE mode, the DP goes into HIGH rate. After 10 minutes, it will go into MEDIUM rate if the intensity of the flare has subsided, but is not below a minimum threshold.