Pico Technology, represented locally by Comtest, has announced a further development in its PicoScope 6000E Series mixed-signal oscilloscopes (MSOs) with the launch of four new 4-channel models, each of which can be configured with 16 optional digital channels. With bandwidths of 750 MHz or 1 GHz, 8-bit or 8/10/12-bit flexible resolution and up to 4 GS deep capture memory, the MSOs enhance the existing PicoScope 6000E portfolio, adding to the 350 MHz and 500 MHz models which were introduced in 2020.

The award-winning PicoScope 6000E Series compact oscilloscopes deliver a cost-effective test and debugging solution for engineers, developers and scientists working on high-performance digital and mixed-signal designs.
The optional A3000 Series high-impedance active probes are designed for use with the PicoScope 6000E intelligent probe interface. The interface provides power to the probe and enables the oscilloscope to sense when an A3000 probe is connected, automatically switching the oscilloscope input impedance to 50 Ω and setting the correct attenuation and scaling.
With an input capacitance of just 0.9 pF in parallel with 1 MΩ resistance, the probes deliver the full 750 MHz or 1 GHz scope bandwidth to the probe tip.
“The extension of the 6000E Series addresses high-performance debugging and design verification requirements faced by engineers developing advanced electronic systems. The PicoScope 6000E Series, coupled with the popular and proven PicoScope 6 application software, provides advanced debugging tools to accelerate the development of high-end embedded systems, signal processing, power electronics, motor drives, and automotive designs,” said Trevor Smith, Business Development Manager at Pico Technology. “The new series includes a number of unique features as standard, such as a four Giga sample capture buffer, 21 serial protocol decoder/analysers, spectrum analysis capability, a 50 MHz arbitrary waveform generator, and user-defined maths and alarm functions for in-depth analysis and long-term unattended testing. With starting prices for 1 GHz bandwidth, the products are affordable, fully capable waveform analysis solutions supported by Pico’s world-class technical experts.”
Dimensions of 245 x 192 x 62 mm mean the PicoScope 6000E Series oscilloscopes can fit on any workbench easily, whether in a laboratory or a home office. The PC-based instruments are ideal for engineers who need professional-grade test equipment.
A free-of-charge Software Development Kit, PicoSDK, is available to download, enabling users to write their applications around the PicoScope 6000E hardware. The SDK includes instrument drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux, and C, C#, C++ and Python code examples. Drivers are also provided to interface with popular third-party software packages such as Microsoft Excel, NI LabVIEW and MathWorks MATLAB. Pico is an approved MathWorks Connections Program Partner with extensive in-house MATLAB developer experience.
The full capabilities of the PicoScope 6000E hardware are exposed to the programmer by the SDK, which enables the development of virtually unlimited customised and OEM applications for scientific, research, industrial, automotive and power sectors.
The total cost of ownership of PicoScope PC-based instruments compares favourably with conventional benchtop instruments. Software updates are provided free-of-charge throughout the lifetime of the products. Furthermore, new PC and display technologies can be swapped in as they become available, upgrading the performance of the instruments to meet future needs.
For more information visit: www.comtest.co.za