PICO PicoScope 2104 User manual

Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 2104 & 2105
User guide
PS2100044-1.0
PC Oscilloscopes

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User GuideI
Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PS2100044-1.0
Table of Contents
.............................................................................................1
1 Introduction
...................................................................................................1
1 Overview
...................................................................................................1
2 Safety symbols
...................................................................................................2
3 Safety warning
...................................................................................................2
4 FCC notice
...................................................................................................3
5 CE notice
...................................................................................................3
6 Licence conditions
...................................................................................................4
7 Trademarks
...................................................................................................4
8 Warranty
...................................................................................................4
9 Company details
.............................................................................................5
2 Product information
...................................................................................................5
1 Minimum system requirements
...................................................................................................6
2 Installation instructions
...................................................................................................7
3 Specifications
.............................................................................................8
3 Technical reference
...................................................................................................8
1 Driver
...................................................................................................8
2 Driver error codes
...................................................................................................9
3 Functions
...................................................................................................20
4 Advanced features
...................................................................................................24
5 Using different modes
...................................................................................................25
6 Programming
.............................................................................................27
4 Troubleshooting
...................................................................................................27
1 Software error codes
.............................................................................................28
5 Glossary
......................................................................................................30
Index

Introduction 1
Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS2100044-1.0
1Introduction
1.1 Overview
The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC Oscilloscopes are low-cost handheld instruments
that are fully USB 2.0-capable and backwards-compatible with USB 1.1. There is no
need for an additional power supply, as power is taken from the USB port.
With the PicoScope software, you can use your instrument as a PC Oscilloscope and
spectrum analyser; and with the PicoLog software, you can use it as a data logger.
Each product pack contains the following items:
PicoScope 2104 or 2105 PC Oscilloscope
Software CD
Accessories kit
Quick start guide
Please read the important information in this introductory section and then proceed to
the Installation instructions.
1.2 Safety symbols
Warning Triangle
This symbol indicates that a safety hazard exists on the indicated
connections if correct precautions are not taken. Ensure that you read
all safety documentation associated with the product before using it.

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide
2
Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS2100044-1.0
1.3 Safety warning
We strongly recommend that you read the general safety information below before
using your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope for the first time. Safety protection built in to
the equipment may cease to function if the equipment is used incorrectly. This could
cause damage to your computer, or lead to injury to yourself and others.
Maximum input range
The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC oscilloscopes are designed to measure voltages in
the range -20 V to +20 V and are protected against continuous or transient
overvoltages of up to ±50 V. Any voltages in excess of ±50 V may cause permanent
damage to the oscilloscope or to your computer.
Measurement category
PicoScope 2000 Series PC Oscilloscopes are rated for use in measurement category I
(EN61010 CAT I), which covers measurements on circuits not connected to the
mains. You must not use your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to make measurements on
any circuit directly connected to the mains, unless you use a purpose-built isolating
probe rated for the appropriate voltage and measurement category.
Safety grounding
The PicoScope PC Oscilloscopes connect directly to the ground of a computer through
the interconnecting cable provided.
As with most oscilloscopes, avoid connecting the ground input to any source other
than ground. If in doubt, use a meter to check that there is no significant AC or DC
voltage between the ground input of the oscilloscope and the point to which you
intend to connect it. Failure to check may cause damage to your computer, or lead to
injury to yourself and others.
You should assume that the product does not have a protective safety earth.
Repairs
PicoScope PC Oscilloscopes contain no user-serviceable parts. Repair or calibration of
the unit requires specialised test equipment and must be performed only by Pico
Technology. Spare probe tips are available from Pico Technology and its authorised
distributors.
1.4 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 own expense.
For safety and maintenance information see the safety warning.

Introduction 3
Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS2100044-1.0
1.5 CE notice
The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC Oscilloscopes meet the intent of the EMC directive
89/336/EEC and have been designed to EN61326-1 (1997) Class A Emissions
and Immunity standard.
The devices also meet the intent of the Low Voltage Directive and have been
designed to meet the BS EN 61010-1:2001 IEC 61010-1:2001 (safety
requirements for electrical equipment, control, and laboratory use) standard.
1.6 Licence conditions
The material contained in this 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 Limited claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to, all material
(software, documents etc.) contained in this release. You may copy and distribute the
entire release in its original state, but must not copy individual items within the
release other than for backup purposes.
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; for example, life-support systems.

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide
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Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS2100044-1.0
1.7 Trademarks
Delphi is a registered trademark of Borland Software Corporation.
LabView is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Pico Technology Limited, PicoLog and PicoScope are internationally registered
trademarks.
VEE is a registered trademark of Agilent Technologies.
Windows, Excel and Visual Basic are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
1.8 Warranty
Pico Technology warrants upon delivery, and for a period of 24 months 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.
1.9 Company details
Address:
Interworld Electronics & Computers Inc.
P.O. Box 1280
145 Tyee Drive, Suite 3120
Point Roberts, WA
98281
Phone:[phone]
Fax:1-877-FAX-IECI
Email:
Technical Support:
Sales:[e-mail]
Web site:www.interworldna.com

Product information 5
Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS2100044-1.0
2Product information
2.1 Minimum system requirements
For the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to operate, a computer with the minimum system
requirements to run Windows or the following (whichever is the higher specification) is
required:
Processor Pentium class processor or equivalent, minimum.
Memory 32 MB minimum.
Disk space 10 MB minimum.
Operating system Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP.
Ports USB 1.1 compliant port minimum. USB 2.0 compliant port
recommended. Must be connected direct to the port or a
powered USB hub. Will not work on a passive hub.

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide
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Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS2100044-1.0
2.2 Installation instructions
Important
Do not connect the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to your PC until you have
installed the software.
Install the software by following the steps in the installation guide supplied with
your oscilloscope.
Connect the oscilloscope's USB cable to the PC.
There is no need for an additional power supply as power is drawn from the USB
port.
Checking the installation
Once you have installed the software, ensure that the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope is
connected to the PC and then start the PicoScope or PicoLog software. PicoScope
should show a small 50 Hz or 60 Hz mains signal in the oscilloscope window when you
touch the probe tip with your finger. PicoLog, once configured for a PicoScope 2000
Series oscilloscope, should show a small noise voltage.
Input connector
The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 PC Oscilloscopes have a built-in oscilloscope probe. This
can be unscrewed if damaged, and replaced with a spare part available from Pico
Technology or its authorised distributors.
Connectors and controls
1.USB cable. After installing the Pico software, plug the free end of this cable into
your computer's USB port.
2.Probe. Touch this to the signal to be measured. You can fit a probe hook or
insulating collar to the end of the probe. All these accessories are supplied with the
oscilloscope.
3.Ground clip. You must connect this clip, which is supplied in the accessories pack,
to the ground reference point of the circuit or equipment under test. Do not rely on
your computer to supply a ground connection through the USB cable.
4.Illuminated button. Press this briefly to start or stop the oscilloscope. Press and
hold to activate automatic setup when running PicoScope. The light glows or flashes
green when the oscilloscope is running, and glows red when the instrument is
stopped.

Product information 7
Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS2100044-1.0
2.3 Specifications
Variant PicoScope 2104 PicoScope 2105
Vertical Resolution 8 bits
Analog Bandwidth 10 MHz 25 MHz
Maximum Sampling Rate
Real-time
Repetitive (using ETS)50 MS/s 1 GS/s 100 MS/s 2 GS/s
Timebases 10 ns/div to 50 s/div 5 ns/div to 50 s/div
Buffer Size 8k samples 24k samples
Input Oscilloscope probe
1 MWimpedance
AC/DC coupling
Voltage Ranges ±100 mV to ±20 V in 1, 2, 5 steps
Accuracy 3 % (voltage)
100 ppm (time)
Linearity < 1 LSB at 25 °C
Environmental Limits
Operating temperature
Operating humidity
Storage temperature
Storage humidity
0 °C to 45 °C
(20°C to 30°C for quoted accuracy)
5% to 80% RH, non-condensing
-20°C to +60°C
5% to 95% RH, non-condensing
Overload Protection ±50 V (input to ground)
PC Connection USB 2.0
Compatible with USB 1.1
Power Supply From USB port: 4.6 to 5.25 V @ 300 mA
Maximum Dimensions 220 mm long (probe only)
3 m long (including cable)
32 mm diameter
Compliance CE standard; FCC standard

PicoScope 2104 & 2105 PC Oscilloscope User Guide
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Copyright 2006 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS2100044-1.0
3Technical reference
3.1 Driver
Once you have installed the PicoScope and PicoLog software, Windows will
automatically install the driver when the PicoScope PC Oscilloscope is plugged in for
the first time.
The Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/2003 32-bit driver, picopp.sys, is installed in the
Windows directory. It is loaded using an inf file, picopp.inf.
3.2 Driver error codes
This section is aimed at those people who intend to write their own programs for use
with the driver. A description of the driver error codes is given below. If the PicoScope
or PicoLog software reports an error, refer to the FAQ.
Code Enumeration Description
0PS2000_OK The PicoScope 2000 Series unit is functioning
correctly.
1PS2000_MAX_UNITS_OPENED Attempts have been made to open more than
PS2000_MAX_UNITS units.
2PS2000_MEM_FAIL Not enough memory could be allocated on the
host machine.
3PS2000_NOT_FOUND No PicoScope 2000 Series unit could be found.
4PS2000_FW_FAIL Unable to download firmware.
5PS2000_NOT_RESPONDING The PicoScope 2000 Series unit is not responding
to commands from the PC.
6PS2000_CONFIG_FAIL The configuration information in the oscilloscope
has become corrupt or is missing.
7PS2000_OS_NOT_SUPPORTED The operating system is not one of the supported
products: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and
2003.