pico Technology PicoScope 4000 Series User manual

Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 4000 Series
User's Guide
ps4000.en r6
PC Oscilloscopes

IPicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
Contents
....................................................................................................................................11 Welcome
....................................................................................................................................22 Introduction
........................................................................................................................................2
1 Safety information
......................................................................................................................................................................3
1 Symbols
......................................................................................................................................................................4
2 Maximum input ranges
......................................................................................................................................................................5
3 Grounding
......................................................................................................................................................................5
4 Environment
......................................................................................................................................................................6
5 Care of the instrument
........................................................................................................................................6
2 Conformance
......................................................................................................................................................................6
1 FCC notice
......................................................................................................................................................................6
2 CE notice
........................................................................................................................................7
3 Software licence conditions
........................................................................................................................................8
4 Trademarks
........................................................................................................................................8
5 Warranty
........................................................................................................................................8
6 Company details
....................................................................................................................................93 Product information
........................................................................................................................................9
1 Pack contents
........................................................................................................................................9
2 Optional extras
........................................................................................................................................10
3 Minimum PC requirements
........................................................................................................................................10
4 Installation instructions
........................................................................................................................................11
5 Connections for the PicoScope 4224 and 4424
........................................................................................................................................12
6 Connections for the PicoScope 4262
........................................................................................................................................13
7 Connections for the PicoScope 4224 IEPE
........................................................................................................................................14
8 Connections for the PicoScope 4824
....................................................................................................................................154 Glossary
....................................................................................................................................17
Index

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 1
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
1 Welcome
Thank you for buying a Pico Technology product!
The PicoScope 4000 Series of PC Oscilloscopes from
Pico Technology is a range of compact units designed to
replace and out-perform traditional bench-top models
costing many times the price. This guide covers the
various PicoScope 4000 Series Oscilloscopes.
The following models are available in the PicoScope 4000 series:
PicoScope 4262
5
MHz 16-bit 2-channel oscilloscope
PicoScope 4224
20
MHz 12-bit 2-channel oscilloscope
PicoScope 4224 IEPE
20
MHz 12-bit 2-channel IEPE oscilloscope
PicoScope 4424
20
MHz 12-bit 4-channel oscilloscope
PicoScope 4824
20
MHz 12-bit 8-channel oscilloscope
For detailed specifications on each model see the accompanying data sheet, available
to download from www.picotech.com.
Here are some of the benefits provided by your new PicoScope 4000 Series PC
Oscilloscope:
Portability: Take the unit with you and simply plug it in to any Windows PC.
Performance: Industry leading high precision low distortion inputs, up to 16-bit
resolution, large buffer with up to 256 Msamples, fast USB 3.0 or 2.0 interface.
Flexibility: Use as an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, high performance signal
generator (selected models) or high-speed data acquisition interface.
Programmability: The PicoScope 4000 Series APIs allow you to write your own
programs in your chosen programming language and to control all the features of
the scope.
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. The PicoScope 4000 Series scope unit contains the special
hardware you need and nothing more.
Convenience: The software makes full use of the large display, storage, user
interface and networking built in to your PC.
IEPE capability: The PicoScope 4224 two-channel IEPE (Integrated Electronics
Piezo Electric) model allows you to connect industry-standard sensors such as
accelerometers and microphones without requiring an external IEPE power supply.
Programming with the PicoScope 4000 Series
An Application Programming Interface (API) is supplied free of charge with the
PicoScope 4000 Series scopes. You can download and install the correct API for your
product from our website at www.picotech.com. The software includes a
Programmer's Guide in PDF format.

Introduction2
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
2 Introduction
2.1 Safety information
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, personal injury, or damage to the product,
carefully read this safety information before attempting to install or use the product.
In addition, follow all generally accepted safety practices and procedures for working
with and around electricity.
The product has been designed and tested in accordance with the European standard
publication EN 61010-1: 2010, and left the factory in a safe condition.
The following safety descriptions are found throughout this guide:
A WARNING identifies conditions or practices that could result in injury or death.
A CAUTION identifies conditions or practices that could result in damage to the
product or equipment to which it is connected.
Each of these safety instructions applies to all of the 4000 Series oscilloscopes covered
by this User's Guide, unless otherwise specified.

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 3
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
2.1.1 Symbols
These safety and electrical symbols may appear on the product and throughout this
guide.
Symbol
Description
Direct current.
Alternating current.
Chassis ground terminal. This symbol is now used in
place of the equipotential symbol which may appear on
older products.
Equipment protected throughout by double insulation
or reinforced insulation.
Possibility of electric shock.
Caution.
Static awareness. Static discharge can damage part(s).
IEC 61010 overvoltage category.
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal
waste.

Introduction4
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
2.1.2 Maximum input ranges
Observe all terminal ratings and warnings marked on the product.
The table below indicates the full scale measurement range and overload protection
range for each oscilloscope model. The full scale measurement ranges are the
maximum voltages that can be accurately measured by each instrument. The overload
protection ranges are the maximum voltages that can be applied without damaging
the oscilloscope.
WARNING
To prevent electric shock, do not attempt to measure voltages outside the
specified full scale measurement range below.
Model
Full scale
measurement
range
Overload protection
Input channels
/ EXT trigger
Signal generator
PicoScope 4262
±20 V
±50 V pk max.
±10 V pk max.
PicoScope 4224 IEPE
±20 V
±100 V pk max.
-
PicoScope 4824
±50 V
±100 V pk max.
±10 V pk max.
PicoScope 4224
±100 V
±200 V pk max.
-
PicoScope 4424
WARNING
Signals exceeding the voltage limits in the table below are defined as
"hazardous live" by EN 61010. To prevent electric shock, take all necessary
safety precautions when working on equipment where hazardous live voltages
may be present.
Signal voltage limits of EN 61010
±70 V DC
33 V AC RMS
±46.7 V pk max.
WARNING
The PicoScope 4262, PicoScope 4224 IEPE, and PicoScope 4824
oscilloscopes are not designed to measure hazardous live signals as defined
by EN 61010. To prevent electric shock, do not attempt to measure voltages
outside of the limits shown in the table above or the specified full scale
measurement range, whichever is lower.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, the oscilloscope must not be directly connected to
the mains (line power). To measure mains voltages, use a differential
isolating probe specifically rated for mains use, such as the TA041 listed on
the Pico website.
CAUTION
Exceeding the overload protection range on any connector can cause
permanent damage to the oscilloscope and other connected equipment.
CAUTION
Ensure no voltage is present when selecting IEPE Interface Mode, and no
voltage is applied when in use. Failure to comply with this warning could
result in damage to the PicoScope 4224 IEPE oscilloscope.

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 5
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
2.1.3 Grounding
WARNING
The oscilloscope's ground connection through the USB cable is for
measurement purposes only. The oscilloscope does not have a protective
safety ground.
WARNING
Never connect the ground input (chassis) to any electrical power source. To
prevent personal injury or death, use a voltmeter to check that there is no
significant AC or DC voltage between the oscilloscope ground and the point to
which you intend to connect it.
CAUTION
Applying a voltage to the ground input is likely to cause permanent damage
to the oscilloscope, the attached computer, and other equipment.
CAUTION
To prevent measurement errors caused by poor grounding, always use the
high-quality USB cable supplied with the oscilloscope.
2.1.4 Environment
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, do not use in wet or damp conditions, or around
explosive gas or vapor.
CAUTION
To prevent damage, always use and store your oscilloscope in appropriate
environments.
Storage
Operating
Temperature
–20 °C to +60 °C
0 °C to +45 °C
(+20 to +30 °C for quoted accuracy)
Humidity
5% to 95% RH
(non-condensing)
5% to 80% RH
(non-condensing)

Introduction6
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
2.1.5 Care of the instrument
The oscilloscope and its accessories contain no user-serviceable parts. Repair and
servicing require specialized test equipment and must only be performed by Pico
Technology or an approved service provider. There may be a charge for these services
unless covered by the Pico five year warranty.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, do not use the instrument if it appears to be
damaged in any way, and stop use immediately if you are concerned by any
abnormal operations.
WARNING
When cleaning the oscilloscope, use a soft cloth and a solution of mild soap or
detergent in water. To prevent electric shock, do not allow liquids to enter the
casing, as this will cause damage to the electronics or insulation inside.
CAUTION
Do not tamper with or disassemble the oscilloscope, connectors or
accessories. Internal damage will affect performance.
2.2 Conformance
2.2.1 FCC notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 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 safety information.
2.2.2 CE notice
The product meets the intent of the EMC directive 2004/108/EC and has been
tested to EN61326-1:2006 Class A Emissions and Basic Immunity.
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.