Traditional benchtop oscilloscopes have dominated engineering labs for decades, but PC-based USB oscilloscopes are emerging as a compelling alternative for engineers seeking greater flexibility and portability. Pico Technology, represented locally by Comtest, highlights how USB oscilloscopes like PicoScopes are becoming increasingly popular among engineers worldwide.
Unified interface streamlines operations
The PicoScope 7 Software offers a single, unified interface for all real-time oscilloscopes ranging from 10 MHz to 3 GHz. This approach eliminates the need for engineers to learn different software packages for various devices, streamlining training and reducing onboarding time for new team members.
The consistent interface enables seamless upgrades to higher bandwidth models without steep learning curves or operational downtime. Engineers can maintain familiar workflows whilst scaling capabilities as project requirements evolve.
Portability addresses field testing challenges
Traditional benchtop oscilloscopes present significant portability challenges due to their size and built-in screens. PicoScopes address this limitation by offering compact, laptop-bag-friendly designs that enable engineers to conduct lab-grade measurements in field environments.
Many PicoScope models operate via USB power, eliminating the need for mains supply connections during remote testing. The integrated signal generator reduces the amount of additional equipment required for field work.
Advanced memory management improves efficiency
PicoScopes feature deep memory and waveform buffers designed with memory segmentation capabilities. This technology focuses on capturing memory on relevant events rather than dead time between occurrences, improving analysis efficiency during debugging sessions.
The approach enables frame-to-frame analysis of critical events using advanced triggers without wasting record length on irrelevant data. Engineers can search waveform buffers using masks and advanced filters to isolate issues quickly during troubleshooting.
Comprehensive protocol decoding included
Every PicoScope includes all serial protocol decoding options as standard, covering protocols including I²C, MODBUS, CANXL, and 10BASE-T1S. New protocols are continuously added and provided free of charge, eliminating additional licensing costs.
The software enables instant visualisation and decoding of serial data alongside analogue signals, with the ability to decode data into user-defined strings for enhanced system analysis.
PC processing power enhances performance
PicoScopes leverage PC processing power for compute-intensive operations, eliminating delays associated with onboard processing limitations. The DeepMeasure feature provides automated, real-time calculations for common measurements, including rise time, frequency, and amplitude.
Engineers can define custom math channels to display specific data requirements, whilst the Hardware Acceleration Engine maintains performance when handling thousands of saved waveforms.
Code-free automation simplifies testing
The PicoScope 7 software includes Actions and Events functionality, enabling automated test sequences without programming requirements. Events such as measurement pass/fail conditions or mask violations can trigger actions, including data capture, result export, or external application launch.
This approach streamlines repetitive tasks, reduces human error, and allows engineers to focus on result interpretation rather than test management.
Flexible interface design maximises workspace
PicoScope 7 software adapts dynamically to single laptops or multiple high-resolution monitors. Engineers can separate oscilloscope functions across different windows for analogue traces, serial protocol decoding, time-domain analysis, and measurements.
Customisable layouts enable drag-and-resize functionality for waveforms, measurements, and decoders across one or multiple screens with different resolutions.
High-speed API supports automation
PicoScope's C-based API provides maximum throughput for automated test environments, outperforming SCPI-based solutions that can create system bottlenecks. The API supports high-resolution waveform collection, rapid test sequences, and gapless data streaming.
Example code for third-party software integration is available on Pico's GitHub repository, including examples for LabView, MATLAB, Excel, C, C#, C++, VB.NET, and Python.
Collaboration and data sharing simplified
All test data is stored directly on PC systems, facilitating immediate use in reports, presentations, and further analysis. The free PicoScope software enables team members to view and analyse data without additional licensing requirements.
Engineers can share results via email, cloud storage, or team collaboration tools, supporting efficient workflows across multiple locations.
Future-proof investment protection
PicoScope software receives continuous updates delivering new capabilities and performance enhancements at no additional cost. The software operates on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms, ensuring compatibility as PC systems evolve.
Pico Technology provides a five-year warranty with free expert support directly from design engineers, eliminating repair concerns and additional support costs.
The shift towards PC-based USB oscilloscopes reflects engineering requirements for greater flexibility, portability, and integration capabilities while maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability.
