Pico Technology, represented locally by COMTEST, dives into why USB oscilloscopes, like PicoScopes, are rapidly becoming the “go-to” choice for engineers around the globe.
PicoScope helps to show time and frequency domains and serial decoders all at once, without losing sight of design data.
Switching between different test equipment can disrupt workflows and drain productivity, especially when engineers have to relearn unfamiliar software for each device. That’s where the PicoScope 7 Software steps in. With a single, unified interface for all real-time oscilloscopes – ranging from 10 MHz to 3 GHz –teams can work smarter, not harder. From entry-level models to high-performance solutions, the same intuitive platform adapts as needs grow.
Why this matters
As projects become more complex, engineers need tools that evolve without adding unnecessary friction. With the PicoScope 7 software, labs stays agile and ready to tackle any challenge, empowering teams with tools that make their job easier, from the first measurement to the final report.
- Streamlined Training:One training session equips teams to operate every scope in the line-up, reducing onboarding time for new hires.
- Seamless Upgrades:Scaling to higher bandwidth models is effortless—no steep learning curve or downtime.
- Consistent Workflow:Familiarity with the interface means faster setup, easier analysis, and uniform reporting, every time.
Test anywhere, anytime
Not all testing happens in the lab. A traditional benchtop oscilloscope is fundamentally quite big because of the built-in screen. For engineers on the go, bulky benchtop oscilloscopes can be impractical and difficult to transport.
Enter PicoScope: the portable solution designed with mobility in mind. Compact enough to fit in a laptop bag, PicoScopes make it easy to bring the power of the lab to the field. Many models are USB-powered, meaning it doesn’t even need a mains supply, even when testing in remote locations.
For Engineers on the go, this means:
- Effortless Portability:Lightweight and laptop-friendly, PicoScopes are built to travel wherever the job is. The built-in signal generator means one less piece of kit is needed.
- Lab-Grade Performance on the Go:Enjoy high-quality measurements without compromising capability, no matter where the testing need is.
- Minimise Downtime:Quickly set up and start testing. A PicoScope is small and light enough to carry, no heavy equipment, no shipping delays.
When site visits are part of the job, tools need tools need to work hard. PicoScope’s portability can handle challenges in the lab and in the field. With Pico, technicians can always be prepared to test, troubleshoot, and deliver results.
Capture what matters
When debugging, every millisecond counts. Yet so many oscilloscopes waste valuable record length capturing dead time between events, making analysis inefficient and frustrating. That’s where PicoScope’s deep memory and waveform buffer comes in.
The Scopes are designed from the ground up with memory segmentation in mind, ensuring every captured waveform focuses on what matters. By slicing captured memory, PicoScopes maximise efficiency and enable frame-to-frame analysis of what matters. This results in:
- Efficient Capture:Focus on key events with advanced triggers without wasting record length on irrelevant data.
- Faster Analysis:Search the waveform buffer with masks and advanced filters to quickly isolate issues for troubleshooting.
- Context without Compromise:The onboard Hardware Acceleration Engine maintains performance even when dealing with thousands of saved waveforms.
PicoScope empowers engineers to capture smarter. Whether chasing intermittent faults or isolating key signals, segmentation ensures the scope is efficient. This reduces dead time and delivers precision, performance and results – built for the real world.
Decode Without Limits
Nothing halts an embedded engineer’s momentum like realising the scope being used doesn’t have the correct protocol decoding options. With software, PicoScope 7, that’s never a problem. Every PicoScope comes with all serial protocol decoding options included as standard, with no hidden costs, no frustrating add-ons. Whether working with I²C, MODBUS, CANXL, 10BASE-T1S or another protocol, PicoScope has these covered, right out of the box. New protocols are continually being added, which are provided to everyone free of charge.
For embedded design, this means:
- Simplified debugging: Instantly visualise and decode serial data alongside analogue signals for faster analysis.
- In-depth analysis:Decode data into user-defined strings for faster insight into what the system is really doing.
- Cost-Effective:Forget about paying extra for essential features – PicoScope keeps it simple, transparent, and complete.
Whether it’s integrating a module or validating embedded software, PicoScope 7ensures equips test technicians with the tools they need to decode signals, debug systems and deliver results.
Harness the power of a PC
When every second counts, waiting for compute-heavy operations on an oscilloscope can bring workflow to a halt. PicoScope leverages the power of a PC for faster and more efficient analysis.
For validating designs this delivers:
- Lightning-Fast Analysis:Offload heavy computations to a PC, ensuring high-speed performance for even the most complex measurements.
- DeepMeasure:Quickly and conveniently gain insights with automated, real-time calculations of the most common measurements like rise time, frequency and amplitude.
- Custom math channels:Define the math channels to see precisely the data needed.
With PicoScope, the oscilloscope and PC work in harmony, turning compute-intensive tasks into seamless operations. Whether validating designs in the lab or testing performance in production, PicoScope won’t slow the process down.
Automation made simple
Automation doesn’t have to be complicated. With Actions and Events on the PicoScope 7 software, automated test sequences can be set up quickly and intuitively with no programming skills required. This includes Use events like measurement pass/fail conditions or mask violations to trigger actions like capturing data, exporting results or launching external applications. Actions and Events unlock the power of automation.
Why it matters for workflow:
- Code-Free Automation:Achieve automated testing sequences and workflows without relying on a software development team.
- Actions on Event:Define actions like starting a measurement, saving data or exporting results—all triggered by specific events like signals or conditions.
- Save Time and Effort:Streamline repetitive tasks, reduce human error and focus on interpreting results rather than managing tests.
With PicoScope’s Actions and Events can effortlessly scale testing efficiency, whether debugging embedded systems or validating product designs. Don’t let automation intimidate. With PicoScope, testing is simple and smart.
Take control of the interface
When juggling complex signals, measurements and protocol decodes, a single small screen just doesn’t cut it. That’s why PicoScope can maximise the workspace by taking full control of the interface. Whether working on multiple high-resolution monitors or a single laptop, PicoScope 7 software dynamically adjusts to fit the setup.
Separating the oscilloscope and the screen lets each part do what it does best. Let the PC handle separate windows for analogue traces, serial protocol decoding, time-domain analysis, and measurements. It makes multitasking simple so users can focus on what matters most.
Why it matters in the lab:
- Customisable layouts:Drag and resize windows to arrange waveforms, measurements and decoders exactly where the user wants them across one screen or many.
- Optimised multiscreen support:PicoScope intelligently adapts to multiple monitors with different resolutions, maximising the screen real estate.th
- Focused efficiency:Keep critical data front and centre while moving secondary tasks like protocol decoding or deep measurements to a separate screen.
PicoScope 7 gives the freedom to design the workspace, so users can work the way they want—no more cramped layouts or constant toggling between views—just a streamlined interface built for productivity. Whether analysing signals in detail, decoding protocols, or collaborating with colleagues, PicoScope puts the user in control of their tools and workflow.
With PicoScope, workspace grows with ambitions.
Fast, Efficient, Reliable
In automated test environments, speed is everything. That’s why PicoScope’s C-based API is built for maximum throughput, unlike SCPI-based solutions that can bottleneck test systems. Whether collecting high-resolution waveforms, running rapid test sequences or streaming gapless data, Pico’s API ensures that data flows without delays.
Why it matters in the system build:
- Blazing-Fast Throughput:Our C-based DLLs provide direct, low-latency communication, delivering data faster than traditional SCPI-based solutions. Example code for interfacing to third-party software is available on the Pico GitHub, with examples in LabView, MATLAB, Excel, C, C#, C++, VB.NET and Python.
- Compact Form Factor:Save valuable rack real estate with space-efficient hardware that doesn’t compromise on performance.
- Seamless Integration:Easily integrate PicoScopes into existing test systems and automation frameworks using a lightweight, powerful API.
With Pico, there is no need to choose between speed, size and capability. Our scopes are designed to fit effortlessly into ATE setups while outperforming the competition on data throughput and test speed. Automation has never been this streamlined.
Simplify collaboration
Hybrid working and global teams shouldn’t mean disconnected workflows. With PicoScope, sharing data and collaborating on test results has never been easier. Since all of the data is stored directly on the PC, creating reports, analysing results and sharing files with colleagues is straightforward and stress-free.
Whether troubleshooting in the lab or analysing data remotely, PicoScope ensures the team stays connected and productive.
Why it matters for cross-functional teams:
- Instant access:All test data can be saved directly to the PC, ready for immediate use in reports, presentations or further analysis.
- Free software for all:PicoScope’s free software ensures anyone on the team can view and analyse data without needing additional licenses.
- Seamless collaboration:Easily share results via email, cloud storage, or team collaboration tools, enabling efficient workflows across locations.
PicoScope helps break down barriers to collaboration, ensuring teams can work together effortlessly—whether they’re in the same building or across the globe. Data sharing should be simple.
With PicoScope, hybrid work becomes seamless, enabling users to share insights and deliver results with ease.
Future-proof the investment
With PicoScope, there’s no need to go back to a manager to request costly upgrades or new licenses for already-owned tools. Free, continually updated software ensures the oscilloscope grows with needs, adapting to new challenges without extra expense. Unlike traditional benchtop scopes, PicoScopes aren’t tied to ageing, built-in operating systems. By leveraging the power of PCs, PicoScopes ensure that testing capability keeps pace with modern technology, without requiring the replacement of an instrument.
When investing in test equipment, tools should deliver long-term reliability and value without surprise costs down the line. That’s why Pico goes above and beyond to reduce total costs of ownership.
Why it matters for future-proofing the lab:
- Continuous updates:Regular software updates deliver new capabilities and performance enhancements at no extra charge.
- OS-independent:PicoScope 7 software is available on Windows, Mac and Linux, and the scope stays current as the PC evolves—no more being held back by outdated operating systems.
- Comprehensive support and 5-Year warranty:Enjoy peace of mind with Pico’s industry-leading 5-year warranty, eliminating repair worries for years to come. Plus, get free expert support directly from the engineers who design the scopes—answers from the source, with no extra costs.
PicoScope is designed to protect users’ investment and give them the confidence to tackle any problem, now or in the future. The oscilloscope grows with needs, delivering value and adaptability for years to come.
The future the test and measurement toolkit
PC-based USB oscilloscopes are revolutionising the field of electronic measurement. Compact, cost-effective and high-performing, they seamlessly combine the reliability of traditional scopes with the power and versatility of modern technology.
For those in the market for their next oscilloscope, PicoScope belongs at the top of the list. It’s more than just a tool—it’s a smarter, more efficient way to work.
Ready for an evaluation? Take The Pico Challenge:
- Test one of our oscilloscopes side-by-side with any competitor.
- Experience first-hand how PicoScope delivers performance, effortless integration, and exceptional support.
Pico’s confidence isn’t just in the products—it’s in the trust earned from engineers worldwide.
Click for product information about PicoTech’s PC-BASED USB Oscilloscope
Contacts for COMTEST:
Tel: +27 10 595 1821
