PICO PicoScope 5000 A User manual

User's Guide
ps5000ab.en r5
Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes
PicoScope® 5000 A and B

Contents
I
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.ps5000ab.en r5
Contents
1 Welcome ............................................................................................................................. 1
2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 2
1 Safety information .................................................................................................................................. 2
1 Symbols ...................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Product usage ............................................................................................................................ 3
3 Maximum input ranges .............................................................................................................. 3
4 Grounding ................................................................................................................................... 4
5 External connections ................................................................................................................. 4
6 Environment ............................................................................................................................... 5
7 Care of the instrument ............................................................................................................... 5
2 Conformance .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1 FCC notice .................................................................................................................................. 6
2 CE notice ..................................................................................................................................... 6
3 Software license conditions .................................................................................................................. 6
4 Trademarks ............................................................................................................................................ 7
5 Warranty .................................................................................................................................................. 7
6 Minimum system requirements ............................................................................................................ 7
3 Pack contents ..................................................................................................................... 8
4 Installation .......................................................................................................................... 9
5 Product information ......................................................................................................... 10
1 Model comparison tables .................................................................................................................... 10
2 Connector diagrams ............................................................................................................................ 11
3 Connector information ......................................................................................................................... 12
4 Probe compensation ............................................................................................................................ 13
6 Glossary ............................................................................................................................ 14
Index ..................................................................................................................................... 16

PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes User's Guide 1
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. ps5000ab.en r5
1 Welcome
Thank you for buying a PicoScope 5000 Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscope from PicoTechnology!
The PicoScope 5000 A and B Series of Flexible Resolution
Oscilloscopes from PicoTechnology are a range of high-
specification real-time measuring instruments that connect to the
USB port of your computer and use the PicoScope software to work
as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers. With various options of
portability, resolution, deep memory, fast sampling rates and high
bandwidth, these highly versatile oscilloscopes suit a wide range of
applications.
B
5V
A
Ext G
PicoScope
www.picotech.com
PicoScope 5000 Series
BCD
5V
A
Ext G
PicoScope
www.picotech.com
PicoScope 5000 Series
The A models are high-speed portable oscilloscopes with a function generator:
PicoScope 5242A
PicoScope 5243A
PicoScope 5244A
PicoScope 5442A
PicoScope 5443A
PicoScope 5444A
The B models are as the A models, but feature an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and deeper memory:
PicoScope 5242B
PicoScope 5243B
PicoScope 5244B
PicoScope 5442B
PicoScope 5443B
PicoScope 5444B
Here are some of the benefits provided by the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes:
· Programmability: The PicoScope 5000A SDK lets you write your own programs, in your chosen
programming language, to control all the features of the scope. Using the API functions, you can develop
your own programs to collect and analyze data from the oscilloscope. Refer to the PicoScope 5000 Series
(A API) Programmer's Guide for more information.
· Long-term support: Software upgrades and beta versions are available to download from our website.
You can also call or email our technical specialists for support, or visit our support forum. All of these
services are available free of charge for the lifetime of the product.
· Five-year warranty: Your oscilloscope is covered for five years from the date of purchase against
manufacturing faults.
For further information on the PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes, see the model comparison
tables in this manual and the specifications tables in the PicoScope 5000 Series data sheet, available on our
website.

Introduction2
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.ps5000ab.en r5
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 near 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 PicoScope 5000 Series oscilloscopes covered by this
User's Guide, unless otherwise specified.
2.1.1 Symbols
These safety and electrical symbols may appear on the product and throughout this guide.
Symbol
Description
Direct current
Alternating current
Earth (ground) terminal
The terminal can be used to make a
measurement ground connection. The terminal is
NOT a safety or protective earth.
Chassis ground terminal
The ground terminals of connectors marked with
this symbol are all connected together, and
connected to the host PC via the screen of the
USB cable.
Possibility of electric shock
Caution
Appearance on the product indicates a need to
read this Safety and operation instruction.
Static awareness. Static discharge can damage part(s).
IEC 61010 overvoltage category
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal
waste

PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes User's Guide 3
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. ps5000ab.en r5
2.1.2 Product usage
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, use the product only as instructed and use only accessories
supplied or recommended. Protection provided by the product may be impaired if used in a
manner not specified by the manufacturer.
2.1.3 Maximum input ranges
Observe all terminal ratings and warnings marked on the product.
The table below indicates the full scale measurement range and overvoltage protection range for each
oscilloscope model. The full scale measurement ranges are the maximum voltages that can be accurately
measured by the instrument. The overvoltage protection ranges are the maximum voltages that will not
damage the instrument.
WARNING
To prevent electric shock, do not attempt to measure voltages outside the specified full scale
measurement range below.
Model
Full scale measurement
range
Overvoltage protection (voltages that will not damage)
Input channels / External
trigger
Signal generator
All PicoScope 5000 A and B
Series oscilloscopes
±20V
±100 V pk max.
±20 V pk max.
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 5000 Series 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 overvoltage protection range on any connector can cause permanent damage to
the oscilloscope and other connected equipment.

Introduction4
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.ps5000ab.en r5
2.1.4 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.
2.1.5 External connections
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, when supplied use only the power cord and adaptor supplied with the
product. These are approved for the voltage and plug configuration in your country.
Power supply options and ratings
Model
USB 2.0 cable
External DC power supply
Single-headed
Double-headed
Voltage (V)
Current (A)
Power (W)
2-channel models
ü
N/A
N/A
N/A
4-channel models
ü
ü
5 V
1.5 A pk
7.5 W
For instructions on connecting your oscilloscope, see Installation.
CAUTION
Take care to avoid mechanical stress or tight bend radii for all connected leads, including all
coaxial leads and connectors. Mishandling will cause deformation of sidewalls, and will degrade
performance and measurement accuracy.

PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes User's Guide 5
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. ps5000ab.en r5
2.1.6 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 +40°C
(+20°C to +30°C for quoted accuracy)
Humidity
5% to 95% RH
(non-condensing)
5% to 80% RH
(non-condensing)
Altitude
2000 m (maximum)
Pollution degree
2 (maximum)
2.1.7 Care of the instrument
The product contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair, servicing and calibration 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 product if it appears to be damaged in any way, and
stop use immediately if you are concerned by any abnormal operations.
WARNING
To prevent electric shock, do not tamper with or disassemble the oscilloscope, case parts,
connectors or accessories.
WARNING
When cleaning the product, 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 oscilloscope casing, as this will
compromise the electronics or insulation inside.

Introduction6
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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 Subpart B 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 which the user will be required to correct at their
own expense.
2.2.2 CE notice
The PicoScope 5000 A and B Series oscilloscopes meet the intent of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Directive 2014/30/EU and have been tested to EN 61326-1:2013 Class A Emissions and Immunity
standard.
The oscilloscopes also meet the intent of Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU and have been designed
to the BS EN 61010-1:2010 (safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use) standard.
2.3 Software license conditions
Grant of license. The material contained in this release is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology Limited ('Pico')
grants a license 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
and agree to abide by these conditions.
Usage. The software in this release is for use only with Pico products or with data collected using Pico
products.
Copyright. Pico claims the copyright of and reserves the rights to all material (software, documents etc)
contained in this release.
Liability. Pico and its agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage, howsoever caused, related to the use
of Pico equipment or software, unless excluded by statute.
Fitness for purpose. No two applications are the same, so Pico cannot guarantee that its equipment or
software is suitable for a given application. It is therefore the user's responsibility to ensure that the product
is suitable for the user's application.
Mission-critical applications. Because the software runs on a computer that may be running other software
products, and may be subject to interference from these other products, this license specifically excludes
usage in 'mission-critical' applications, for example life-support systems.
Viruses. This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production. However, the user is
responsible for virus checking the software once it is installed.
Support. No software is ever error-free, but if you are dissatisfied with the performance of this software,
please contact our technical support staff.

PicoScope 5000 A and B Series Flexible Resolution Oscilloscopes User's Guide 7
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved. ps5000ab.en r5
2.4 Trademarks
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.
Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
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, willful 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 Minimum system requirements
To ensure that your PicoScope 5000 Series oscilloscope operates correctly, you must have a computer with
at least the minimum system requirements as shown in the following table. The performance of the
oscilloscope will be better with a more powerful PC, and will benefit from a multi-core processor.
Specification
Operating system
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10*. 32 bit and 64 bit versions.
Beta software is also available for Linux and OS X operating systems.
Processor
As required by the operating system
Memory
Free disk space
Ports
USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port(s)
*PicoScope version 6.11 and PicoSDK are compatible with Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP2 in
addition to the Windows versions listed above. For best performance we recommend Windows 7 or later.

Pack contents8
Copyright © 2013–2017 Pico Technology Limited. All rights reserved.ps5000ab.en r5
3Pack contents
A PicoScope 5000 A or B Series oscilloscope is supplied with the following items:
· Standard USB cable (4-channel scopes only)
· Double-headed USB cable
· AC adaptor (4-channel scopes only)
· Software and Reference CD
· Quick Start Guide
· Two or four probes (see model comparison tables for probe details)