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.

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 7
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
2.3 Software licence conditions
The material contained in this software release is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology
Limited grants a licence to the person who installs this software, subject to the
conditions listed below.
Access. The licensee agrees to allow access to this software only to persons who have
been informed of these conditions and agree to abide by them.
Usage. The software in this release is for use only with Pico products or with data
collected using Pico products.
Copyright. Pico Technology Ltd. claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to, all
material (software, documents etc.) contained in this release. You may copy and
distribute the PicoScope and PicoLog software and drivers with no modifications,
additions or omissions. You may copy and modify the SDK example programs.
Liability. Pico Technology and its agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage or
injury, howsoever caused, related to the use of Pico Technology equipment or
software, unless excluded by statute.
Fitness for purpose. Because no two applications are the same, Pico Technology
cannot guarantee that its equipment or software is suitable for a given application. It
is your responsibility, therefore, to ensure that the product is suitable for your
application.
Mission-critical applications. This software is intended for use on a computer that
may be running other software products. For this reason, one of the conditions of the
licence is that it excludes usage in mission-critical applications such as life-support
systems.
Viruses. This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production, but
you are responsible for virus-checking the software once it is installed.
Support. If you are dissatisfied with the performance of this software, please contact
our technical support staff, who will try to fix the problem within a reasonable time. If
you are still dissatisfied, please return the product and software to your supplier
within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
Upgrades. We provide upgrades, free of charge, from our web site at
www.picotech.com. We reserve the right to charge for updates or replacements sent
out on physical media.

Introduction8
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
2.4 Trademarks
Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the USA
and other countries.
Pico Technology Limited and PicoScope are trademarks of Pico Technology
Limited, registered in the United Kingdom and other countries.
PicoScope and Pico Technology are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
ICP is an acronym for "integrated circuit piezoelectric", and is a registered trademark
of PCB Group, Inc.
2.5 Warranty
Pico Technology warrants upon delivery, and for a period of 5 years unless otherwise
stated from the date of delivery, that the Goods will be free from defects in material
and workmanship.
Pico Technology shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty if the defect has been
caused by fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, abnormal working conditions
or failure to follow Pico Technology's spoken or written advice on the storage,
installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Goods or (if no advice has
been given) good trade practice; or if the Customer alters or repairs such Goods
without the written consent of Pico Technology.
2.6 Company details
Address:
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Phone:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
Email
Technical Support:
[email protected]
Sales:
[e-mail]
Web site:
www.picotech.com

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 9
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
3 Product information
3.1 Pack contents
Your PicoScope 4000 Series PC Oscilloscope kit or product pack contains the following
items:
Part
Description
PicoScope 4000 Series oscilloscope model number
4224
(scope
only)
4224
(kit)
4224
IEPE
4424
(scope
only)
4424
(kit)
4262
4824
-
Oscilloscope
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MI007
x1/x10 60 MHz scope probe
2
4
2
MI106
USB 2.0 cable
1
1
1
1
1
1
TA146
USB 2.0 cable, double-headed
1
TA155
USB 3.0 cable
1
DI025
Software and reference CD
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
DO115
Installation Guide
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MI136
Carry case
1
1
3.2 Optional extras
For a complete list of optional accessories, please visit www.picotech.com.
Part
Description
MI007
x1/x10 60 MHz passive voltage probe*
TA041
x10/x100 25 MHz active differential probe, ±700 V CAT III
TA057
x20/x200 25 MHz active differential probe, ±1400 V CAT III
PS008
Optional power supply for TA041 and TA057 probes
TA167
2000 A AC/DC current clamp
TA095
IEPE accelerometer with BNC connector**
TA096
Mounting magnet for IEPE accelerometer**
* Already included with some PicoScope 4000 Series oscilloscope kits.
** For use with IEPE oscilloscopes only.
TA095
TA096
MI007

Product information10
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
3.3 Minimum PC requirements
To ensure that your PicoScope 4000 Series PC Oscilloscope operates correctly, you
must have a computer with at least the minimum system requirements to run one of
the supported operating systems, as shown in the following table. The performance of
the software will increase with more powerful PCs, including those with multi-core
processors.
Item
Specification
Operating
system
Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
(not Windows RT). 32 bit and 64 bit versions.
Processor
As required by Windows
Memory
Free disk space
Ports
USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
USB 1.1 port (absolute minimum)*
* The oscilloscopes will run slowly on a USB 1.1 port. Not recommended.
3.4 Installation instructions
IMPORTANT
Do not connect your PicoScope 4000 Series scope to the PC before you have installed
the Pico software. If you do, Windows might not recognise the scope device correctly.
Procedure
Follow the instructions in the USB Oscilloscope Installation Guide included with
your product package.
Connect your PC Oscilloscope to the PC using the USB cable supplied.
Checking the installation
Once you have installed the software and connected the PC Oscilloscope to the PC,
start the PicoScope software. PicoScope should now display any signal connected to
the scope inputs. If a probe is connected to your oscilloscope, you should see a small
50 or 60 hertz signal in the oscilloscope window when you touch the probe tip with
your finger.
Moving your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to another USB port
Windows XP (SP3)
When you first installed the PicoScope 4000 Series PC Oscilloscope by plugging it into
a USB port, Windows associated the Pico driver with that port. If you later move the
oscilloscope to a different USB port, Windows will display the New Hardware Found
wizard again. When this occurs, just click Next in the wizard to repeat the installation.
If Windows gives a warning about Windows Logo Testing, click Continue Anyway. As
all the software you need is already installed on your computer, there is no need to
insert the Pico Software CD again.
Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8
The process is automatic. When you move the device from one port to another,
Windows displays an Installing device driver software message and then a
PicoScope 4000 series PC Oscilloscope message. Your PC oscilloscope is then
ready for use.

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 11
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
3.5 Connections for the PicoScope 4224 and 4424
Standard oscilloscope connectors
PicoScope 4000 Series PC Oscilloscopes have BNC oscilloscope connectors. The inputs
have an impedance of 1 M , so they are compatible with all standard scope probes
including x1, x10 and switched types.
Connector diagrams
Front panel
A. Input channel A
B. Input channel B
C. Input channel C
D. Input channel D
E. LED: shows when the
oscilloscope is sampling
data
PicoScope 4224
PicoScope 4424
Rear panel
H. USB 2.0 port

Product information12
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
3.6 Connections for the PicoScope 4262
Standard oscilloscope connectors
The PicoScope 4262 PC Oscilloscope has BNC oscilloscope connectors. The inputs have
an impedance of 1 M , so they are compatible with all standard scope probes
including x1, x10 and switched types.
Connector diagrams
Front panel
A. Input channel A
B. Input channel B
C. LED: shows when the
oscilloscope is sampling
data
D. Function generator/
arbitrary waveform
generator output
Rear panel
E. External trigger input
F. USB 2.0 port

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 13
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
3.7 Connections for the PicoScope 4224 IEPE
Standard oscilloscope connectors
The PicoScope 4224 IEPE PC Oscilloscope has two BNC oscilloscope connectors. The
inputs have an impedance of 1 M , so they are compatible with all standard scope
probes including x1, x10 and x1/x10 switched types. When used in IEPE Interface
Mode, the connector outputs are rated at 4 mA (up to 24 V).
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 PC Oscilloscope unit.
IEPE mode is intended only for use with a suitable transducer. Other
connections and particularly other sources of voltage or current should
not be connected.
Connector diagrams
Front panel
A. Input channel A
B. Input channel B
E. LED: shows when the
oscilloscope is sampling
data
Rear panel
H. USB 2.0 port

Product information14
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
3.8 Connections for the PicoScope 4824
Standard oscilloscope connectors
The PicoScope 4824 PC Oscilloscope has 8 BNC oscilloscope connectors. The inputs
have an impedance of 1 M , so they are compatible with all standard scope probes
including x1, x10 and switched types.
Connector diagrams
Front panel
A. Input channel A
B. Input channel B
C. Input channel C
D. Input channel D
E. Input channel E
F. Input channel F
G. Input channel G
H. Input channel H
Rear panel
I. Arbitrary waveform
generator output
J. Earth terminal
K. USB 3.0 port

PicoScope 4000 Series User's Guide 15
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. ps4000.en r6
4 Glossary
AC/DC switch. To switch between AC coupling and DC coupling, select AC or DC from
the control on the PicoScope toolbar. When AC coupling is selected the signal is
capacitively coupled. The DC portion of the signal is blocked and low frequencies
attenuated.
Analog bandwidth. The input frequency at which the measured signal amplitude is 3
decibels below the true signal amplitude.
Buffer size. The size of the oscilloscope buffer memory, measured in samples. The
buffer allows the oscilloscope to sample data at a fast sampling rate before
transferring the data to the computer at a slower rate. Once the buffer fills up, the
scope must stop sampling, so on longer timebases the buffer size places an upper
limit on the sampling rate that can be used.
IEPE Interface Mode. When in this mode the connected probes are powered by a
current from the two BNC IEPE connectors.
Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric (ICP®Registered to the PCB Group). See IEPE.
Integrated Electronics Piezoelectric (IEPE). An industry standard for
accelerometers and other sensors with built-in electronics. IEPE connections use a DC
current to power a small pre-amplifier embedded in the probe, enabling the use of
long cables without a remote power supply. 'ICP' is one of several proprietary names
for the same system.
GS/s. Gigasamples (billions of samples) per second.
Maximum sampling rate. A figure indicating the maximum number of samples the
oscilloscope can acquire per second. The higher the sampling rate of the oscilloscope,
the more accurate the representation of the high-frequency details in a fast signal.
MS/s. Megasamples (millions of samples) per second.
PC Oscilloscope. A virtual instrument formed by connecting a PicoScope 4000 Series
oscilloscope to a computer running the PicoScope software.
PicoScope 4000 Series. Pico Technology's high-resolution PC Oscilloscopes.
PicoScope software. A program that accompanies all Pico PC Oscilloscopes. It turns
your PC into an oscilloscope, spectrum analyser and measuring instrument.
Real-time sampling. The normal operating mode of a digital oscilloscope. The scope
collects a single, unbroken sequence of samples at or below its maximum sampling
rate.
(Vertical) Resolution (bit). The number of bits used to digitize an input signal. The
higher the resolution, the smaller the voltage change that can be detected.
Timebase. The time base controls the time intervals marked on the horizontal
divisions of the scope view. There are ten divisions across the scope view, so the total
time across the view is ten times the time base per division.
USB 1.1. This is an early version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, which
may be found on older PCs. Although your PicoScope will work with a USB 1.1 port, its
operation will be greatly improved by using the recommended USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.

Glossary16
Copyright © 2008-2014 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.ps4000.en r6
USB 2.0. The second generation of USB interface. The port supports a data transfer
rate of up to 480 megabits per second.
USB 3.0. A USB 3.0 port uses signaling speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second and is
backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.
Voltage range. The range of input voltages that the oscilloscope can measure. For
example, a voltage range of ±100 mV means that the oscilloscope can measure
voltages between -100 mV and +100 mV. Input voltages outside this range will not
damage the instrument as long as they remain within the protection limits stated in
the relevant specifications table.