PICO PicoScope 3000 Series User manual

Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.
PicoScope 3000 Series
User's Guide
PS3000.en-3
PC Oscilloscopes

ContentsI
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en
Contents
.....................................................................................................................................11 Welcome
.....................................................................................................................................22 Introduction
...........................................................................................................................................2
1 Safety symbols
...........................................................................................................................................3
2 Safety warning
...........................................................................................................................................3
3 FCC notice
...........................................................................................................................................4
4 CE notice
...........................................................................................................................................4
5 Licence conditions
...........................................................................................................................................5
6 Trademarks
...........................................................................................................................................5
7 Warranty
...........................................................................................................................................5
8 Company details
.....................................................................................................................................63 Product information
...........................................................................................................................................6
1 Minimum system requirements
...........................................................................................................................................6
2 Installation instructions
...........................................................................................................................................8
3 Specifications
.....................................................................................................................................94 Troubleshooting
...........................................................................................................................................9
1 Software error codes
...........................................................................................................................................10
2 Powering the 3204, 3205 and 3206
.....................................................................................................................................115 Glossary
.....................................................................................................................................146 Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity
..............................................................................................................................................17
Index

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 1
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
1 Welcome
The PicoScope 3000 Series of PC Oscilloscopes from Pico Technology is a range of
high-specification, real-time measuring instruments that connect to the USB port of your
computer. The oscilloscopes obtain their power supply through the USB cable, so they
do not need an additional power supply and are therefore highly portable. The 3000
Series consists of two ranges:
General-purpose range (PicoScope 3204, 3205 and 3206 variants)
High-precision range (PicoScope 3224 and 3424 variants)
With the PicoScope software you can use PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscopes as
oscilloscopes and spectrum analysers; and with the PicoLog software you can use them
as data loggers. Alternatively, using the API functions, you can develop your own
programs to collect and analyse data from the oscilloscope. Refer to the Programmers
Guide (PS3000pg.en) for more information.
A typical PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope is supplied with the following items:
USB cable, for use with USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports
Software and Reference CD
Installation Guide

Introduction2
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en
2 Introduction
2.1 Safety symbols
Symbol 1: Warning Triangle
This symbol indicates that a safety hazard exists on the indicated
connections if correct precautions are not taken. Read all safety
documentation associated with the product before using it.
Symbol 2: Equipotential
This symbol indicates that the outer shells of the indicated BNC
connectors are all at the same potential (shorted together). You must
therefore take necessary precautions to avoid applying a potential
across the return connections of the indicated BNC terminals as this
may cause a large current to flow, resulting in damage to the product
and/or connected equipment.

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 3
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
2.2 Safety warning
We strongly recommend that you read the general safety information below before using
your oscilloscope for the first time. Safety protection built in to 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
PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscopes are designed to measure voltages in the range
-20 V to +20 V. Inputs are protected to ±100 V (±30 V for external trigger). Contact with
voltages outside the protection range may cause permanent damage to the unit.
Mains voltages
Pico Technology products are not designed for use with mains voltages. To measure
mains, use a differential isolating probe specifically designed for a high source voltage.
Safety grounding
PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscopes connect direct to the ground of a computer
through the interconnecting cable provided to minimise interference.
As with most oscilloscopes, avoid connecting the ground input to any potential 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 not rely on the product to provide a protective safety earth.
Repairs
The oscilloscope contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair or calibration of the
oscilloscope requires specialised test equipment and must be performed by Pico
Technology.
2.3 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 warning .
3

Introduction4
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en
2.4 CE notice
The PicoScope 3000 Series 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.
PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscopes 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.
2.5 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 3000 Series User Guide 5
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
2.6 Trademarks
Windows, Excel and Visual Basic are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the USA and other countries. Delphi is a registered trademark of Borland
Software Corporation. Agilent VEE is a registered trademark of Agilent Technologies,
Inc. LabView is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.
Pico Technology Limited, PicoLog and PicoScope are trademarks of Pico Technology
Limited, registered in the United Kingdom and other countries.
2.7 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.
2.8 Company details
Address:
Pico Technology Limited
James House,
Colmworth Business Park,
Eaton Socon,
St Neots,
Cambridgeshire PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email:
Technical Support: [email protected]
Sales: [e-mail]
Web site: www.picotech.com

Product information6
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en
3 Product information
3.1 Minimum system requirements
To ensure that your PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope operates correctly, you
must have a computer with the minimum system requirements to run Windows or the
following (whichever is the higher specification):
Processor
Pentium-class processor or equivalent, or better.
Memory
256 MB minimum.
Disk space
10 MB minimum.
Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Vista, or Windows 7.
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.
3.2 Installation instructions
Important
Do not connect your PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope to the PC
until you have installed the software.
Procedure
Follow the instructions in the Installation Guide included with your product package.
Connect your PC Oscilloscope to the PC using the USB cable supplied.
There is no need for an additional power supply, as the unit obtains its power from the
USB port.
Checking the installation
Once you have installed the software and connected the PC Oscilloscope to the PC, start
the PicoScope or PicoLog software. The software should now display any signal
connected to the scope inputs. If you are using the PicoScope software and have a probe
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 .
Standard oscilloscope connectors
PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscopes have standard oscilloscope connectors. The
input impedance is also standard, so the x10 function on scope probes works correctly.

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 7
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
Connector diagrams
3204
3205
3206
3224
3424
1 USB port
2 LED: lights when the oscilloscope is sampling data
3 Power socket: 12 V DC at 500 mA
A Input channel A
B Input channel B
C Input channel C
D Input channel D
E External trigger input / signal generator output *
* The BNC connector labelled 'E' on the 3204/5/6 models has two functions. In normal
use it is the external trigger input with an adjustable threshold. Alternatively, on some
oscilloscopes, it can also be used to output sine, square and triangle waveforms which
can be swept back and forth at a user-defined frequency. The integrated signal generator
can be controlled by the PicoScope software or by API calls. The signal generator can
also be used to compensate x10 scope probes when set to output a square wave.
Ground loops
If you experience excessive noise or voltage offsets when using the PicoScope 3204/5/6
variants, you may have a ground loop problem. See Powering the 3204/5/6 for advice
on overcoming this.
Moving your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope to another USB port
When you install the PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope by plugging it into a USB
port, Windows associates 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, simply follow the steps listed in the Installation Guide after the
instruction "Connect the PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope to the PC..." As all the
software you need is already installed on your computer, there is no need to insert the
Pico Software and Reference CD again.
10

Product information8
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en
3.3 Specifications
Variant
3204
3205
3206
3224
3424
Vertical resolution
8 bits
12 bits
Analog bandwidth
50 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
10 MHz
Max. sampling rate
One channel in use
Two channels in use
3 or 4 channels in use
Repetitive signals
50 MS/s
50 MS/s
-
2.5 GS/s
100 MS/s
100 MS/s
-
5 GS/s
200 MS/s
100 MS/s
-
10 GS/s
20 MS/s
10 MS/s
-
-
20 MS/s
10 MS/s
5 MS/s
-
Trigger bandwidth
50 MHz
100 MHz
150 MHz
10 MHz
Buffer size
(samples per channel)
One channel in use
Two channels in use
3 or 4 channels in use
256 K
128 K
-
512 K
256 K
-
1 M
512 K
-
512 K
256 K
-
512 K
256 K
128 K
Inputs
2 BNC channels
4 BNC
channels
1 M impedance
AC/DC coupling
20 pF capacitance
Outputs
Signal generator
Fixed (Note 1)
Variable (Note 2)
None
External trigger
1 BNC input shared with signal generator
Variable trigger threshold ± 20 V
Rising/falling
12.2 mV resolution
1 M impedance
None
Voltage ranges
± 100 mV to ± 20 V in 8 ranges
± 20 mV to ± 20 V in
10 ranges
Accuracy
3% voltage
50 ppm time
1% voltage
50 ppm time
Operating environment
Temperature range
Humidity
0°C to 70°C (25°C for quoted accuracy)
25% to 75% RH
0°C to 70°C
(20°C to 30°C for
quoted accuracy)
25% to 75% RH
Overload protection
Channels
External trigger
± 100 V
± 30 V
± 100 V
-
PC connection
USB 2.0
Compatible with USB 1.1
Power supply
From USB port: 4.6 to 5.25 V 500 mA
External power supply is not required
From USB port
Dimensions
140 mm x 200 mm x 45 mm
Weight
374g
Compliance
CE standard ; FCC Part 15
(1) 1 BNC shared with external trigger. Fixed frequency 1 kHz. 5 V square wave. 600 output
impedance.
(2) 1 BNC shared with external trigger. Variable frequency 100 Hz to 1 MHz. 5 V square wave, 1 V
sine wave and triangle functions. Repeat sweep function. Dual slope function. 600 output
impedance.
4 3

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 9
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
4 Troubleshooting
4.1 Software error codes
Consult this section if your are a PicoScope 5 or PicoLog user. If you are writing your own
program, refer to the Programmer's Guide (PS3000pg.en).
Error code
Meaning
1
More than 4 PicoScope 3000 Series oscilloscopes are opened on one
machine using PicoLog. It is not possible to use more than 4
oscilloscopes with PicoLog.
2
The driver cannot allocate enough of the computer's memory to operate
the oscilloscope. Consult the system requirements section for more
information.
3
A PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope could not be found on your
machine. Make sure the software is installed before the oscilloscope is
plugged into the USB socket and restart your computer.
4, 5 or 6
There is a problem with the oscilloscope itself. These problems could
arise from configuration settings being corrupted, or a firmware or
hardware error.
7
The operating system is not recent enough to support the PicoScope
3000 Series PC Oscilloscope. Consult the system requirements
section for more information.
6
6

Troubleshooting10
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en
4.2 Powering the 3204, 3205 and 3206
The PicoScope 3204, 3205 and 3206 PC Oscilloscopes are normally powered from the
USB port of the computer. If the computer and the equipment under test (labelled "EUT"
in the diagram below) are both referenced to the same ground, a "ground loop" may be
created. This may degrade the DC accuracy and noise performance when measuring
small signals.
Typically, a ground loop is created when the oscilloscope is connected to a mains-
powered computer and is used to measure a signal on another mains-powered device. In
this case the ground loop is created through mains earth, as illustrated below:
The majority of laptop power supplies (chargers) are floating and have no ground
reference. If, however, connecting your grounded laptop power supply causes noise/
offset problems, you can either use the oscilloscope with the laptop running on its
batteries or power the oscilloscope using the supplied mains adaptor.
If necessary, you should plug the mains adaptor into the socket on the back of the
oscilloscope (near the USB socket). It can be safely connected and disconnected during
operation without risk of damage to the oscilloscope.

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 11
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
5 Glossary
AC/DC switch
To switch from AC coupling to DC coupling, or vice versa, select AC or DC from the
control on the oscilloscope toolbar of the PicoScope software application. The AC setting
filters out any DC component of the input signal, and is suitable for viewing small AC
signals superimposed on a DC or slowly-changing offset. In this mode you can measure
the peak-to-peak amplitude of an AC signal but not its absolute value. Use the DC setting
for measuring the absolute value of a signal.
Analog bandwidth
The input frequency at which the measured signal amplitude is 3 decibels below its true
value.
API
Application Programming Interface. A set of function calls that give programmers access
to the PicoScope 3000 Series driver.
Block mode
A sampling mode in which the computer prompts the oscilloscope to collect a block of
data into its internal memory before stopping the oscilloscope and transferring the whole
block into computer memory. Choose this mode of operation when the input signal being
sampled contains high frequencies. Note: To avoid sampling errors, the maximum input
frequency must be less than half the sampling rate.
Buffer size
The size of the oscilloscope buffer memory, measured in samples. In block mode, the
buffer memory is used by the oscilloscope to store data temporarily. This allows the
oscilloscope to sample data independently of the speed at which it can transfer data to
the computer.
Device Manager
Device Manager is a Windows program that displays the current hardware configuration
of your computer. Right-click on 'My Computer,' choose 'Properties', then click the
'Hardware' tab and the 'Device Manager' button.
Driver
A program that controls a piece of hardware. The driver for the PicoScope 3000 Series
PC Oscilloscopes is supplied in the form of a 32-bit Windows DLL, ps3000.dll. This is
used by the PicoScope and PicoLog software, and by user-designed applications, to
control the oscilloscopes.
ETS
Equivalent Time Sampling. ETS constructs a picture of a repetitive signal by
accumulating information over many similar wave cycles. This means the oscilloscope
can capture fast-repeating signals that have a higher frequency than the maximum
sampling rate. Note: ETS should not be used for one-shot or non-repetitive signals.
External trigger
This is the BNC socket marked E on the PicoScope 3204/5/6 PC Oscilloscopes. It can be
used to start a data collection run but cannot be used to record data. As it shares the
same connector as the signal generator output, these two functions cannot be used at
the same time. It is possible, however, to use the output from the signal generator as a
trigger.

Glossary12
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Maximum sampling rate
A figure indicating the maximum number of samples the oscilloscope can acquire per
second. Maximum sample rates are usually given in MS/s (megasamples per second) or
GS/s (gigasamples per second.) The higher the sampling rate of the oscilloscope, the
more accurate the representation of the high-frequency details in a fast signal.
Oversampling
Oversampling is taking more than one measurement during a time interval and returning
an average. If the signal contains a small amount of noise, this technique can increase
the effective vertical resolution of the oscilloscope.
PC Oscilloscope
The instrument formed by connecting a PicoScope 3000 Series PC Oscilloscope to a
computer running the PicoScope software application.
PicoLog software
This is a software product that accompanies all our oscilloscopes. It turns your PC into a
data logger and chart recorder.
PicoScope 3000 Series
An oscilloscope range comprising the PicoScope 3204, 3205, 3206, 3224 and 3424 PC
Oscilloscopes.
PicoScope software
This is a software product that accompanies all our oscilloscopes. It turns your PC into an
oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, and meter display.
Signal generator
This is a feature of some oscilloscopes which allows a signal to be generated without an
external input device being present. The signal generator output is the BNC socket
marked E on the oscilloscope. If you connect a BNC cable between this and one of the
channel inputs, you can send a signal into one of the channels. On some units, the signal
generator can generate a simple TTL square wave, while on others it can generate a
sine, square or triangle wave that can be swept back and forth. Consult the specifications
for further details.
Note: The signal generator output is physically the same as the external trigger input, so
these two functions cannot be used at the same time. It is possible, however, to use the
output from the signal generator as a trigger.
Streaming mode
A sampling mode in which the oscilloscope samples data and returns it to the computer in
an unbroken stream. This mode allows the capture of data sets whose size is not limited
by the size of the scope's memory buffer, at sampling rates up to a few million samples
per second.
Temperature range
The minimum and maximum temperatures between which the oscilloscope is guaranteed
to meet its specifications. The 3204/5/6 PC Oscilloscopes are specified at a nominal
temperature of 25°C, and the 3224/3424 are specified over the range 20°C to 30°C.
8

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 13
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
Timebase
The timebase controls the time interval that the width of the scope display represents. If
you select Timebase is time per division in the Preferences dialog box, it works like a
traditional bench top scope. There are ten divisions across the screen, so the total time
interval is ten times the timebase.
Trigger bandwidth
The maximum frequency at which the trigger circuit will reliably generate a trigger event.
USB 1.1
Universal Serial Bus (Full Speed). This is a standard port that enables you to connect
external devices to PCs. A typical USB 1.1 port supports a data transfer rate of 12
megabits per second, and is much faster than a serial port.
USB 2.0
Universal Serial Bus (High Speed). This is a standard port that enables you to connect
external devices to PCs. A typical USB 2.0 port supports a data transfer rate 40 times
faster than USB 1.1, and all USB 2.0 ports are backwards-compatible with USB 1.1.
Vertical resolution
A value, in bits, indicating the degree of precision with which the oscilloscope can convert
input voltages to digital values.
Voltage range
The range of input voltages that the oscilloscope will measure in a given mode.

Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity14
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6 Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 15
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Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity16
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.PS3000.en

PicoScope 3000 Series User Guide 17
Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. PS3000.en
Index
A
Accuracy 8
Analog bandwidth 8
B
Bandwidth (analog) 8
BNC connector 6
Buffer size 8
C
Calibration 3
Company information 5
Compliance 8
Contact details 5
D
Device Manager 9
Dimensions 8
Driver 9
E
Error codes 9
External trigger 6, 8
I
Inputs 8
L
Licence conditions 4
M
Maximum input range 3, 8
Maximum sampling rate 8
O
Operating environment 8
Oscilloscope probe 6
Outputs 8
Overload protection 8
P
PC connection 8
Pico Technical Support 5, 9
PicoScope 3000 Series 3, 4, 6, 9
PicoScope software 6
Power supply 8
R
Repair 3
Resolution, vertical 8
S
Safety
symbols 2
warning 3
Sampling rate 8
Scope probe 6
Signal generator 6, 8
Software error codes 9
Specifications 8
Square wave 6
System requirements 6
T
Technical support 5, 9
Test equipment 3
Trademarks 5
Triggering
trigger bandwidth 8
U
USB 6
port 9
V
Vertical resolution 8
Voltage ranges 8
W
Warranty 5

18
PS3000.en Copyright 2006-2010 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.