Pico Technology 5000 A, B Flexible Resolution Oscilloscope User's Guide
Below you will find brief information for Flexible Resolution Oscilloscope 5000 A, Flexible Resolution Oscilloscope 5000 B. The PicoScope 5000 Series of Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes from Pico Technology are a range of high-specification real-time measuring instruments that connect to the USB port of your computer. With the PicoScope software you can use these devices as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers. With various options of portability, resolution, deep memory, fast sampling rates and high bandwidth, these highly versatile oscilloscopes suit a wide range of applications.
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PicoScope
®
5000 A and B
Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes
User's Guide
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
Contents
I
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
1 Welcome
Thank you for buying a PicoScope 5000 Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscope from Pico Technology!
1
The PicoScope 5000 A and B Series of Flexible
Resolution Oscilloscopes from Pico Technology are a range of high-specification real-time measuring instruments that connect to the USB port of your computer. With the PicoScope software you can use these devices as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.
With various options of portability, resolution, deep memory, fast sampling rates and high bandwidth, these highly versatile oscilloscopes suit a wide range of applications.
A
www.picot
ech.com
B
PicoScope 5
000 Series
Ext
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5V
Pic oS co pe
A
www.picot
ech.com
B
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PicoScope 5
000 Series
Ext
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Pic oS cop e
The A models are high-speed portable oscilloscopes with a function generator:
PicoScope 5242A PicoScope 5243A PicoScope 5244A
PicoScope 5442A PicoScope 5443A PicoScope 5444A
The B models are as the A models, but feature an arbitrary waveform generator and deeper memory:
PicoScope 5242B PicoScope 5243B PicoScope 5244B
PicoScope 5442B PicoScope 5443B PicoScope 5444B
Here are some of the benefits provided by the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes:
Flexibility: Whether you want 8, 12, 14, 15 or 16-bit resolution, the PicoScope
5000 Series Oscilloscopes will suit your needs.
Portability: Take the unit with you and plug it in to any Windows PC.
Performance: Up to 1 GS/s sampling, 200 MHz bandwidth and 512 MS buffer.
Programmability: The PicoScope 5000A SDK lets you write your own programs, in your chosen programming language, to control all the features of the scope. Using the API functions, you can develop your own programs to collect and analyze data from the oscilloscope. Refer to the PicoScope 5000 Series (A API) Programmer's
Guide for more information.
Long-term support: Software upgrades are available to download from our website . You can also call our technical specialists for support. You can continue to use both of these services free of charge for the lifetime of the product.
Value for money: You don't have to pay twice for all the features that you already have in your PC, as the PicoScope 5000 Series oscilloscope contains the special hardware you need and nothing more.
Convenience: The software makes full use of the full-sized display, disk storage, user interface and networking built in to your PC.
Five-year warranty: Your oscilloscope is covered for five years from the day of purchase against manufacturing faults. We don't charge a penny extra for this benefit.
For further information on the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes, see the
in this manual, and the specifications tables in the PicoScope 5000
Series data sheets available on our website .
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
2
2 Introduction
2.1
Safety symbols
Warning Triangle
This symbol indicates that a safety hazard exists on the indicated connections if correct precautions are not taken. Read all safety documentation associated with the product before using it.
Introduction
2.2
Safety warning
We strongly recommend that you read the general safety information below before using your oscilloscope for the first time. Safety protection built in to equipment may cease to function if the equipment is used incorrectly. This could cause damage to your computer, or lead to injury to yourself and others.
Maximum input range
The PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Oscilloscopes are designed to measure voltages in the range -20 V to +20 V. Attempting to measure voltages outside this range (other than using a differential or isolating probe specifically designed for this purpose) may expose the user to a risk of electric shock.
The analog inputs of the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Oscilloscopes are protected to
±100 V. Contact with voltages outside the protection range may cause permanent damage to the unit.
Mains (line) voltages
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes are not designed for use with mains (line) voltages. To measure mains (or line) voltage, use a differential isolating probe specifically designed for that purpose.
Safety grounding
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Oscilloscopes connect directly to the ground of a computer through the USB cable provided to minimize interference.
Avoid connecting the ground input to any potential other than ground. The outer shells of the BNC connectors are all at the same potential (shorted together). If in doubt, use a meter to check that there is no significant AC or DC voltage between the ground input of the oscilloscope (and also, if your oscilloscope is connected to a laptop, mains ground) and the point to which you intend to connect it, as this may cause a large current to flow. Failure to check may cause damage to your computer and connected equipment, or lead to injury to yourself and others.
Do not rely on the product to provide a protective safety earth.
Repairs
The oscilloscope contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair or calibration of the oscilloscope requires specialized test equipment and must be performed by
Pico Technology.
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
2.3
FCC notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 Subpart B of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.
For safety and maintenance information see the
2.4
CE notice
The PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Oscilloscopes meet the intent of the EMC
directive 89/336/EEC and have been tested to EN61326-1:2006 Class A
Emissions and Immunity standard.
The product also meets the intent of the Low Voltage Directive and has been designed to meet BS EN 61010-1:2010 Safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use standard.
3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
4 Introduction
2.5
License conditions
The software supplied with this product is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology Limited grants a license to the person who installs this software, subject to the conditions listed below:
Access. The licensee agrees to allow access to this software only to persons who have been informed of these conditions and agree to abide by them.
Usage. The software in this release is for use only with Pico Technology products or with data collected using Pico Technology products.
Copyright. Pico Technology Limited claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to, all material (software, documents etc.) contained in this release. You may copy and distribute the entire release in its original state, but must not copy individual items within the release other than for backup purposes.
Liability. Pico Technology and its agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury, howsoever caused, related to the use of Pico Technology equipment or software, unless excluded by statute.
Fitness for purpose. Because no two applications are the same, Pico Technology cannot guarantee that its equipment or software is suitable for a given application. It is your responsibility, therefore, to ensure that the product is suitable for your application.
Mission-critical applications. This software is intended for use on a computer that may be running other software products. For this reason, one of the conditions of the license is that it excludes usage in mission-critical applications; for example, lifesupport systems.
Viruses. This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production, but you are responsible for virus-checking the software once it is installed.
Support. If you are dissatisfied with the performance of this software, please contact our technical support staff, who will try to fix the problem within a reasonable time. If you are still dissatisfied, please return the product and software to your supplier within
14 days of purchase for a full refund.
Upgrades. We provide upgrades, free of charge, from our website at www.picotech.com. We reserve the right to charge for updates or replacements sent out on physical media.
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide 5
2.6
Trademarks
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and other countries.
Pico Technology Limited and PicoScope are trademarks of Pico Technology Limited registered in the United Kingdom and other countries.
2.7
Warranty
Pico Technology warrants upon delivery, and for a period of 5 years unless otherwise stated from the date of delivery, that the Goods will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
Pico Technology shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty if the defect has been caused by fair wear and tear, willful damage, negligence, abnormal working conditions or failure to follow Pico Technology's spoken or written advice on the storage, installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Goods or (if no advice has been given) good trade practice; or if the Customer alters or repairs such Goods without the written consent of Pico Technology.
2.8
Company details
Address:
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
St Neots
Cambridgeshire PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Phone:+44 (0) 1480 396 395
Fax: +44 (0) 1480 396 296
Email:
Technical Support: [email protected]
Sales: [email protected]
Web site:
www.picotech.com
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
6 Introduction
2.9
Minimum system requirements
To ensure that your PicoScope 5000 Series Oscilloscope operates correctly, you must have a computer with at least the minimum system requirements as shown in the following table. The performance of the oscilloscope will be better with a more powerful PC, and will benefit from a multi-core processor.
Item
Operating system
Specification
Windows 7, Windows 8 (not Windows RT), Windows 10*. 32 bit and 64 bit versions.
Beta software is also available for Linux and OS X operating systems.
Processor
Memory
Free disk space
As required by the operating system
Ports
* PicoScope version 6.11 and SDKs are compatible with Windows XP SP3 and
Vista SP2 in addition to the Windows versions listed above. For best performance we recommend Windows 7 or later.
2.10
Cleaning
Clean the oscilloscope using a soft cloth dampened with a solution of mild soap or detergent in water.
CAUTION: Do not allow water to enter the oscilloscope casing, as this could damage the sensitive electronic components inside.
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
3 Pack contents
A PicoScope 5000 A or B Series Oscilloscope is supplied with the following items:
Standard USB cable (4-channel scopes only)
Double-headed USB cable
AC adaptor (4-channel scopes only)
Software and Reference CD
Installation Guide
2 or 4 x Probes (see
Model Comparison table for probe details)
7
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
8 Installation
4 Installation
Please note the various power supply options below. Consult the appropriate section relating to the intended use of the oscilloscope and the instructions in the Installation
Guide and the leaflet included with your product package.
Powering 2-channel scopes
Connect your 5000 Series 2-channel oscilloscope to two free, powered USB ports on the PC or USB hub using the double-headed USB cable supplied (see image 1 below).
Powering 4-channel scopes
When using one or two channels of the 4-channel 5000 Series oscilloscopes, you have two options for power.
1. If your computer or USB hub does not have two free, powered USB ports, connect your 5000 Series oscilloscope to the PC or hub using the single-headed USB cable supplied. Plug the power adaptor into the mains and connect the DC cable to the
on the rear of the oscilloscope (see image 2 below).
2. If your computer or USB hub has two free, powered USB ports, connect your 5000
Series oscilloscope to two ports on the PC or hub using the double-headed USB cable supplied (see image 1 below).
When using three or four channels on the 4-channel 5000 Series oscilloscopes, connect your oscilloscope to the PC or hub using the single-headed USB cable supplied. Plug the power adaptor into the mains and connect the DC cable to the
on the rear of the oscilloscope (see image 2 below).
Note: If you connect or disconnect the AC adaptor while the oscilloscope is in operation it will restart automatically and any unsaved data will be lost.
Checking the installation
Once you have installed the software and connected the oscilloscope to the PC, start the PicoScope software. The software should now display any signal connected to the scope inputs. If you have a probe connected to your oscilloscope, you should see a small 50 or 60 hertz signal in the oscilloscope window when you touch the probe tip with your finger.
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
5 Product information
Standard oscilloscope connectors
The PicoScope 5000 Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes have input channels with standard BNC connectors and standard input impedance. They are therefore compatible with most oscilloscope probes including x10 and switched x1/x10 types.
The probes supplied with the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes have been trimmed specifically for use with the scopes they are supplied with. For optimum performance, please use the probes supplied. Although other oscilloscope probes can be used, the specified performance cannot be guaranteed. Replacement probes matched to your PicoScope 5000 can be ordered from Pico Technology.
Signal generator (Gen) output
The Gen connector is the output of the oscilloscope's built-in signal generator, which can generate a number of built-in waveforms as well as user-defined arbitrary waveforms (B Models only).
If you are using the PicoScope 6 program, refer to the PicoScope 6 User's Guide for information on how to configure the signal generator.
If you are writing your own software, refer to the PicoScope 5000 Series (A API)
Programmer's Guide.
External trigger (Ext) input
The Ext input can be used as a trigger source. It is selected using the trigger dropdown menu in the PicoScope software, or using a function call if you are writing your own software.
The Ext input uses dedicated circuitry with a software-configurable threshold to detect a trigger signal. This has the advantage of freeing the analog channels for viewing signals. The Ext input has the same characteristics as a scope channel so that a supplied probe can be trimmed on one of the channels and then used with the Ext input to give best vertical accuracy. If trigger timing accuracy is critical, we recommend using one of the main input channels as the trigger source. These channels use digital triggering (accurate to one sample period) and have a vertical resolution of 1 LSB.
9
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
10
PicoScope 2-channel models overview
Model
5242A
Maximum
Bandwidth
60 MHz
Memory
8-bit
16 MS
≥ 12-bit
8 MS
5242B
5243A
5243B
5244A
5244B
60 MHz
100 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
200 MHz
32 MS
64 MS
128 MS
256 MS
512 MS
16 MS
32 MS
64 MS
128 MS
256 MS
Waveform Output
Func. Gen.
Func. Gen. and AWG
Func. Gen.
Func. Gen. and AWG
Func. Gen.
Func. Gen. and AWG
Product information
5.1
Model comparison table
For full specifications, refer to the 5000 Series data sheets on your Software and
Reference CD or to the 5000 Series page on
www.picotech.com.
Probes
Supplied
2 x 60 MHz
2 x 60 MHz
2 x 150 MHz
2 x 150 MHz
2 x 250 MHz
2 x 250 MHz
PicoScope 4-channel models overview
Model Maximum
Bandwidth
Memory
8-bit ≥ 12-bit
5442A
5442B
60 MHz
60 MHz
16 MS
32 MS
8 MS
16 MS
5443A
5443B
5444A
5444B
100 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
200 MHz
64 MS
128 MS
256 MS
512 MS
32 MS
64 MS
128 MS
256 MS
Waveform Output
Func. Gen.
Func. Gen. and AWG
Func. Gen.
Func. Gen. and AWG
Func. Gen.
Func. Gen. and AWG
Probes
Supplied
4 x 60 MHz
4 x 60 MHz
4 x 150 MHz
4 x 150 MHz
4 x 250 MHz
4 x 250 MHz
Resolution vs sampling rate
Resolution
8-bit
12-bit
14-bit
15-bit
16-bit
Sampling rate vs. number of channels in use
Any 1 channel Any 2 channels Any 3 channels All channels
1 GS/s
500 MS/s
125 MS/s
125 MS/s
62.5 MS/s
500 MS/s
250 MS/s
125 MS/s
125 MS/s
-
250 MS/s
125 MS/s
125 MS/s
-
-
250 MS/s
125 MS/s
125 MS/s
-
-
For further information see the specifications tables in the PicoScope 5000 Series data sheets available on our website .
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
5.2
Connector diagrams
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes
11
A
B
A
www.pico
tech.com
B
1
2
3
PicoScope
5000 Serie s
Ext
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50 p e co oS
Pic
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B
A
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tech.com
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PicoScope
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Pic oS co pe
5V DC
5
6
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m ch w.p
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Pic oS co pe
A. Input channel A
B. Input channel B
C. Input channel C
D. Input channel D
1. Probe compensation output
2. LED: red when scope is connected but not operating. Flashes green when the oscilloscope is capturing data.
3. External trigger input
4. Signal generator output
5. DC power socket: for use with the AC adaptor supplied. See
6. USB 2.0 port: connects to your PC using the Hi-Speed USB cable supplied. See
Installation for powering options.
7. Earth terminal: Some laptop power supplies can produce electrical noise which may interfere with your measurements. If this occurs, the earth terminal can be connected to an external ground point (for example, on the system you are testing) to provide a ground reference for the scope. This can help to avoid external noise interfering with your measurements. Alternatively you can run the laptop using battery power.
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
12 Product information
5.3
Moving to another USB port
The process is automatic. When you move the device from one port to another,
Windows displays an "Installing device driver software" message and then a
"PicoScope 5000 Series PC Oscilloscope" message. The oscilloscope is then ready for use.
5.4
Compensating probes
We recommend that you compensate each oscilloscope probe before using it with your
PicoScope. Compensation instructions specific to the probe are included in the leaflet supplied with the probe.
Connecting a probe for compensation
1. Plug the probe's BNC connector into the appropriate input channel on the scope.
2. Fit the spring hook (supplied with the probe) on the probe tip.
3. Attach the spring hook to the probe compensation output
located on the front panel.
4. Attach the ground lead (supplied) to the probe and connect the crocodile clip to the ground shell of one of the scope's BNC inputs.
5. Run the PicoScope software. Set the input coupling to AC and then click Auto Setup, which ensures that the correct range and timebase are selected.
6. Follow the compensation (or 'trimming') instructions in the probe leaflet.
Note: if the probe is moved to a different scope channel, the compensation procedure must be repeated.
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide 13
6 Glossary
API. Application Programming Interface. A set of function calls that give programmers access to the PicoScope 5000 A/B Series driver.
Bandwidth. The range of input frequencies over which the measured signal amplitude is no more than 3 decibels below its true value.
Buffer size. The size of the oscilloscope buffer memory, measured in samples. In block mode, the buffer memory is used by the oscilloscope to store data temporarily.
This allows the oscilloscope to sample data independently of the speed at which it can transfer data to the computer.
Driver. A program that controls a piece of hardware. The driver for the PicoScope
5000 A and B Series Oscilloscopes is supplied in the form of a 32-bit Windows DLL, ps5000a.dll. This is used by the PicoScope software, and by user-designed applications, to control the oscilloscopes.
External trigger. This is the BNC connector marked Ext on the PicoScope 5000 A and
B Series oscilloscopes. It can be used as a trigger source but not as a waveform input.
Flexible Resolution Oscilloscope. The instrument formed by connecting a PicoScope
5000 A and B Series Oscilloscope to a computer running the PicoScope software application.
Maximum sampling rate. A figure indicating the maximum number of samples the oscilloscope can acquire per second. Maximum sample rates are usually given in MS/s
(megasamples per second) or GS/s (gigasamples per second.) The higher the sampling rate of the oscilloscope, the more accurate the representation of the highfrequency details in a fast signal.
MS/s. Megasamples per second. Used to quantify the sampling rate of an oscilloscope.
PicoScope software. This is a software product that accompanies all our oscilloscopes. It turns your PC into an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, and meter display.
Signal generator. A built-in circuit that generates signals suitable for driving an external device under test. Its output is on the BNC connector marked Gen on the oscilloscope. If you connect a BNC cable between this and one of the channel inputs, you can send a signal into the channel.
Timebase. A timer that controls the speed at which the scope device captures data.
At slow timebases this process is visible as PicoScope draws the trace across the scope view from left to right, but at fast timebases PicoScope draws the whole trace in a single operation. The timebase is measured in units of time (such as seconds) per division. There are ten divisions across the scope view, so the total time across the width of the view is ten times the "per division" setting.
USB 1.1. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard port that enables you to connect external devices to PCs. A typical USB 1.1 port supports a data transfer rate of 12
Mbps (12 megabits per second), much faster than an RS232 port.
USB 2.0. A typical USB 2.0 port supports a data transfer rate that is 40 times faster than USB 1.1. USB 2.0 is backwards-compatible with USB 1.1.
USB 3.0. A USB 3.0 port uses signaling speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second and is backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.
Vertical resolution. A value, in bits, indicating the precision with which the oscilloscope converts input voltages to digital values. The resolution enhancement function in PicoScope can improve the effective vertical resolution.
Voltage range.The range of input voltages that the oscilloscope can measure. For example, a voltage range of ±20 V means that the oscilloscope can measure voltages between —20 V and +20 V. Input voltages outside this range will not be measured correctly, but will not damage the instrument as long as they remain within the protection limits stated in the specifications.
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
ps5000ab.en r3
14 Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity
7 Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity
ps5000ab.en r3
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
A
Arbitrary waveform generator 9
B
C
Connections
Arbitrary waveform generator 11
E
F
G
L
M
PicoScope 5000 A and B Series PC Oscilloscopes User's Guide
Index
O
P
Pack contents
R
S
Safety
T
U
W
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
15
ps5000ab.en r3
UK headquarters
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
St. Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1480 396 395
Fax: +44 (0) 1480 396 296 [email protected]
www.picotech.com
USA headquarters
Pico Technology
320 N Glenwood Blvd
Tyler
Texas 75702
United States
Tel: +1 800 591 2796
Fax: +1 620 272 0981 ps5000ab.en r3 2015-12-02
Copyright © 2013–2015 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.

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Key features
High-specification real-time measuring instruments
Connect to the USB port of your computer
Can be used as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers
Various options of portability, resolution, deep memory, fast sampling rates and high bandwidth.
Frequently asked questions
To ensure that your PicoScope 5000 Series Oscilloscope operates correctly, you must have a computer with at least the minimum system requirements as shown in the following table. The performance of the oscilloscope will be better with a more powerful PC, and will benefit from a multi-core processor.
Connect your 5000 Series 2-channel oscilloscope to two free, powered USB ports on the PC or USB hub using the double-headed USB cable supplied. When using one or two channels of the 4-channel 5000 Series oscilloscopes, you have two options for power. If your computer or USB hub does not have two free, powered USB ports, connect your 5000 Series oscilloscope to the PC or hub using the single-headed USB cable supplied. Plug the power adaptor into the mains and connect the DC cable to the DC power socket on the rear of the oscilloscope. If your computer or USB hub has two free, powered USB ports, connect your 5000 Series oscilloscope to two ports on the PC or hub using the double-headed USB cable supplied. When using three or four channels on the 4-channel 5000 Series oscilloscopes, connect your oscilloscope to the PC or hub using the single-headed USB cable supplied. Plug the power adaptor into the mains and connect the DC cable to the DC power socket on the rear of the oscilloscope.
Here are some of the benefits provided by the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes: Flexibility: Whether you want 8, 12, 14, 15 or 16-bit resolution, the PicoScope 5000 Series Oscilloscopes will suit your needs. Portability: Take the unit with you and plug it in to any Windows PC. Performance: Up to 1 GS/s sampling, 200 MHz bandwidth and 512 MS buffer. Programmability: The PicoScope 5000A SDK lets you write your own programs, in your chosen programming language, to control all the features of the scope. Using the API functions, you can develop your own programs to collect and analyze data from the oscilloscope. Refer to the PicoScope 5000 Series (A API) Programmer's Guide for more information. Long-term support: Software upgrades are available to download from our website. You can also call our technical specialists for support. You can continue to use both of these services free of charge for the lifetime of the product. Value for money: You don't have to pay twice for all the features that you already have in your PC, as the PicoScope 5000 Series oscilloscope contains the special hardware you need and nothing more. Convenience: The software makes full use of the full-sized display, disk storage, user interface and networking built in to your PC. Five-year warranty: Your oscilloscope is covered for five years from the day of purchase against manufacturing faults. We don't charge a penny extra for this benefit.