PicoScope 2000 Series USB PC Compact Oscilloscope, 2/4 channels, up to 100MHz

Included: USB oscilloscope from the PicoScope2000 series (PS 2204A, 2205A, 2206B, 2207B, 2208B, 2405A, 2406B, 2407B, or 2408B), ▸PicoScope7 software and user manual (download), USB cable, 2x or 4x x1/x10 probes - *except PP917/966 models (which come without probes).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Can a device at the price of the PicoScope 2000 be a true and full oscilloscope?

Answer: All PicoScopes work with the same software, although of course some functions are hardware-dependent. Therefore, even the "small" PicoScopes are full-fledged true oscilloscopes and probably the best in their class. Of course, an oscilloscope with its technical data must always be selected to match the application, i.e. to match the signals to be analyzed. With the low-cost PicoScope 2000 model with a bandwidth of 10 MHz and sample rate of 100 MS/s, the analysis of high-frequency signals and analysis of very fine details will not be possible and/or only within the limits of the technical data. But not all applications and signals require the highest possible specifications, especially since these have a significant impact on the price. Especially for education, practical training labs (large quantities) and experiment in the private/hobbyist sector the devices are very interesting. In addition, many embedded applications have simpler requirements for the oscilloscopes, but require compact size and an interesting price for large quantities.

Question: Does the PicoScope software cost extra?

Answer: No, the software is available via free download from the manufacturer's website. Many functions can also be tried out without the scope hardware in a kind of simulation mode before purchasing the hardware. Pico Technology even offers free unlimited updates of the software.

Question: What is the difference between a bench oscilloscope and a PC oscilloscope and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Answer: Bench-top oscilloscopes are self-contained, stand-alone measuring instruments. Accordingly, they have a front panel with knobs/keys, a display (LCD, touch screen depending on the model) and interfaces to the PC such as USB, Ethernet or GPIB. Via the interfaces, the instruments can be controlled from the PC or measurement data can be exchanged (however, this is not mandatory). Thanks to modern, highly integrated, specially developed ASIC chips, the performance and accuracy of these devices is currently increasing while prices are often falling.

The PicoScopes are embedded or PC oscilloscopes for USB. The oscilloscope module itself contains the pure measurement hardware and only works together with a PC/laptop. The software in the PC takes over a large part of the oscilloscope's tasks. So the user needs an additional PC/laptop in any case, but saves on the oscilloscope proportionally the costs for the display and the front panel.

PicoScopes are a very compact, space-saving and flexible solution. The measurement data is immediately available in the PC for further processing, analysis, transmission/e-mailing, etc. The software can be equipped with many additional functions and can easily be kept up to date by upgrades (but may to some users not have the feel of a "real" front panel with buttons).

PicoScopes are particularly suitable for space-critical and embedded applications, in test stands or when a laptop is already "in the bag" for mobile use anyway.