USB-based oscilloscopes simplify PC-driven analysis tasks, as the transfer step can be omitted before processing information. With the 3000E series, PicoTech improves usability, leading to an even better performance.

The made-in-UK PicoScope series provided designers with a reliable PC oscilloscope for many years. With the 3000E, Pico Technology harnesses the advantages of USB 3.0 to create a better usability experience. This version gains the power required for its operation from the workstation. Thus, no external power supply is needed when using the oscilloscope on the go.

Improved signal processing for data capture and higher fidelity

The improved speed of USB 3.0 accelerates the oscilloscope's ADC. The 3000E samples with up to 5GSpS. The ADC is backed up by memory able to hold 2 GS—at the highest acquisition speed, this leads to a total active time of 200ms. Alternatively, segmented memory permits the oscilloscope to acquire many individual waveforms that can be analyzed in a DPO-esque fashion. In terms of maximum bandwidth, two different SKUs are provided. The 3417E SKU provides a maximum bandwidth of 350 MHz, while the 3418E maxes out at 500 MHz.

Automotive applications greatly benefit from the availability of customizable filters, which reduce the amount of noise in the output waveform. In the case of the 3000E, multiple different notches are provided—designers can select between 20 MHz, 50 MHz, 100 MHz, and 200 MHz to achieve the best screen display.

Finally, an ERES-like feature can be used to boost the ADC's resolution to up to 14 bits. The figure combines a sine and a square wave, showing interesting progress in the analysis.

The availability of workstation-class compute performance means the implementation on the Picoscope is not purely analog. Instead, the workstation provides additional signal fidelity improvements, leading to a clear display even on a 4k screen.

Advanced digital analysis and signal decoding

Oscilloscope decoders often are purchased seperately. In the case of the Picoscope, the PC software supports a wide variety of protocol decoders similar to the one shown. It furthermore gets free upgrades regularly, which provide cutting edge protocol analysis to devices already in the field.

If the 3000E is intended to monitor digital signals, the SKUs 3417E MSO and 3418E MSO become attractive. They combine the 350 or 500 MHz versions of the oscilloscope with a 16-bit logic analyzer.

Finally, the Picoscope software, which frequently receives updates, is available on all major operating systems. This means that process computers can also be used, qualifying the Picoscope as the ideal Raspberry Pi oscilloscope for high-end applications. Should spectral analysis be required, the Picoscope software additionally provides an FFT module that can generate spectra on the fly.

Colour-coded probes for better comfort

The Picoscope software permits developers to select the colors used to display individual phenomena. RGB LEDs provide a direct color correlation between the BNC-connected probes and the colors of the traces shown on the screen.

Thanks to the BNC connector, the Picoscope can reuse most existing oscilloscope probes. If a complete package is requested, PicoTech is willing to sell probes as an accessory.

Conclusion

With the Picoscope 3000E series, PicoTech provides a high-performance solution at a very affordable price. Frequent companion software updates mean new protocol decoders get added for free—even many years after the oscilloscope's original purchase. This way, oscilloscope depreciation should not be a significant issue—this product will provide value for years to come.