PICO PicoScope 9000 Series User manual

PicoScope 9000 Series
PC Sampling Oscilloscopes
DO134-8
Quick Start GuiDe

DO134-8
PicoScope 9000 Series
PC Sampling Oscilloscopes
Quick Start G
uide

DO134-8
Issue record:
17.07.08 First version.
20.11.08 Added 9211.
27.04.10 Changed part no. to 9211A.
06.06.11 Added 9221A & 9231A. Added 64-bit Windows & Win7.
12.12.11 Simplified cover.
01.02.13 Various small updates.
20.06.13 Added 9300 Series. Updated safety & setup information.
12.11.13 Added PicoScopes 9311, 9312, and 9321.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 3
CONTENTS
1Introduction 4
2Safety information 4
2.1 Symbols 4
2.2 Maximum input ranges 5
2.3 Grounding 5
2.4 External connections 6
2.5 Environment 6
2.6 Care of the product 6
3Conformance 7
3.1 FCC notice 7
3.2 CE notice 7
4System requirements 7
5Included with your PicoScope 8
6Installing the PicoScope 9000 and PicoSample 3 software 9
7Using your oscilloscope 10
7.1 Connection diagrams 10
7.2 Getting started with the software 10
7.3 Adding measurements 13
7.4 Configuring the display 14
8Free newsletter 15
9Software updates and replacement 15
10 Specifications 15
11 Technical support 15

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
4 DO134-8
1Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PicoScope 9000 Series PC Sampling Oscilloscope, a
high-bandwidth, high-effective-sampling-rate measuring instrument specifically
designed for capturing and analysing cyclical waveforms or clocked data streams.
Once you have finished the basic installations described here, the User’s Guide will
provide further information about setting up and using the hardware and
software. To open the User’s Guide, click the Help button in the PicoScope 9000
or PicoSample 3 software, or read it in PDF format directly from the software disc.
2Safety 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.
2.1 Symbols
These safety and electrical symbols may appear on the product or in this guide.
Symbol
Description
Direct current
Alternating current
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.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 5
2.2 Maximum input ranges
Safe input range ±2 V relative to ground
Operating input range ±1 V relative to ground
1 V pk-pk amplitude
Observe all terminal ratings and warnings marked on the product.
WARNING
Operate within the safe input range to prevent electric shock and injury.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, PicoScope 9000 Series oscilloscopes must not
be connected to the mains (line power), either directly or through any
probe, adaptor, attenuator, or connector, except the AC adaptor supplied
with the product.
CAUTION
Operation outside of the safe input range is likely to cause permanent
damage to the oscilloscope and other equipment.
CAUTION
To prevent permanent damage, do not directly connect the high-voltage
differential step generator of the PicoScope 9311 to channel inputs or
other equipment. Do not remove the 20 dB pads fitted to the generator
outputs, as they ensure the signal is reduced to safe levels. Do not
replace the pads with smaller values unless safety is ensured by other
test circuit losses and peak ratings.
2.3 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
Do not 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.

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
6 DO134-8
2.4 External connections
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, only use the power cord and adaptor supplied
with the product. These are approved for the voltage and plug
configuration in your country.
WARNING
To prevent injury, ensure that light or laser light sources are extinguished
during connection or disconnection to optical fibre inputs. Never direct an
optical source towards a naked eye.
CAUTION
Take care to avoid mechanical stress or tight bend radii for all connected
leads, including all fibre and connectors for the optical fibre input on the
PicoScope 9321. Doing so will cause deformation of sidewalls, and will
degrade performance and measurement accuracy.
2.5 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 +50 °C
+5 °C to +35 °C
Humidity ≤95% RH
(non-condensing)
≤85% RH at 35 °C
(non-condensing)
2.6 Care of the product
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.
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.
CAUTION
Do not tamper with or disassemble the oscilloscope, connectors or
accessories. Internal damage will affect performance.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 7
CAUTION
Do not block the air vents at the back or front of the instrument as
overheating will damage the oscilloscope.
CAUTION
When cleaning the product, use a soft cloth and a solution of mild soap or
detergent in water. Do not allow water to enter the oscilloscope casing,
as this will cause damage to the electronics inside.
CAUTION
To prevent dirt ingress, fit dust caps to all unmated connectors, and
remove them only during connection.
3Conformance
3.1 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 which the user will be required to correct at their own
expense.
3.2 CE notice
The PicoScope 9300 Series PC Sampling Oscilloscopes meet the intent of the EMC
directive 89/336/EEC and are designed, tested, and certified to the EN61326-1
(1997) Class B Emissions and Basic Immunity standard.
The oscilloscopes also meet the intent of the Low Voltage Directive and are
designed to the BS EN 61010-1:2010 / IEC 61010-1:2010 (safety
requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use) standard.
4System requirements
Minimum system requirements
Processor
Pentium-class processor or equivalent
Memory
1 GB
Disk space
40 MB
Operating
system
Microsoft Windows XP (SP2), Windows Vista, Windows 7,
Windows 8. 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Ports
USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 3.0) and LAN

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
8 DO134-8
5Included with your PicoScope
The main oscilloscope kit contains:
9000 Series oscilloscope
Software disc
Quick start guide
USB 2.0 cable, 1.8 m
Storage and carry case
SMA/PC3.5/2.92 wrench
Power supply 12 V DC at 3.5 A, universal input
Each scope comes with a number of additional accessory kits.
Model
Kits included
Model
Kits included
9201
TA170 x2
9301
TA170 x2, TA076
9211
PP896, PP898, TA170 x2, TA076
9302
PP899, TA170 x2, TA076
9221
PP898, TA170 x3
9311
PP897 x2, PP899 x2, TA170 x2,
TA173 x2, TA076
9231
PP896, PP898, TA170 x3, TA076
9312
PP897 x2, PP899 x2, TA170 x2,
TA172 x2, TA076
9321
PP899, TA170 x2, TA076
Description
Order
number
Contents
9200 120 ps TDR kit
PP896
Precision coaxial lead 80 cm 50 Ω SMA (m-m)
SMA (f-f) adaptor
SMA (m) load and short
9200 divider kit
PP898
Precision coaxial lead 30 cm 50 Ω SMA (m-m) x2
SMA (f-f-f) 3-resistor divider
9300 TDR kit
PP897
80 cm 50 Ω SMA (m-m) cable
SMA (f-f) adaptor
SMA (m) 50 Ω load
SMA (m) short circuit
9300 divider kit
PP899
Precision coaxial lead 30 cm 50 Ω SMA (m-m) x2
3-resistor divider SMA (f-f-f)
Connector saver
adaptor
TA170
Connector saver adaptor 18 GHz 50 Ω SMA (m-f)
N to SMA adaptor
TA172
N (f) –SMA (m) adaptor
20 dB attenuator
TA173
Attenuator 20 dB 10 GHz SMA
LAN cable
TA076
LAN cable, 1 m
Some product packs may contain additional items. For a full list of all available kits
and additional accessories, see the User’s Guide or visit www.picotech.com.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 9
6Installing the PicoScope 9000 and PicoSample 3 software
1. Insert the Pico software disc into your CD-ROM drive. It should
start automatically, but if it does not simply go to My Computer
and select the Pico CD.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the appropriate software. Do not
connect the oscilloscope until the installation is complete.
3. Connect the mains lead (line cord) to the mains adaptor, and plug it into a mains
power socket. Then connect the DC power lead to the back of the oscilloscope,
and switch on the mains power.
4. Connect the oscilloscope to the PC using the USB cable supplied. Windows may
display some warnings which can be ignored, such as This device can perform
faster or USB2 device connected to USB1 hub. Alternatively, for information on
using a LAN connection see the User’s Guide or separate LAN leaflet.
5. Follow the instructions in the Windows New Hardware Found wizard, which will
run automatically. If the wizard asks to connect to Windows Update, select No. If
a warning about Windows Logo Testing appears, select Continue Anyway.
6. The New Hardware Found wizard may run twice. If this happens, repeat the
previous step.
Stop! Do not connect the oscilloscope until the software has been
successfully installed.
For 9200 series scopes, the PicoScope 9000 software will be installed.
For 9300 series scopes, the PicoSample 3 software will be installed.
1. PC
2. PicoScope PC
oscilloscope
3. USB cable
4. USB port
5. USB port
6. DC power lead
from adaptor
1
2
3
4
5
6

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
10 DO134-8
7Using your oscilloscope
7.1 Connection diagrams
Basic setups for all 9200 and 9300 Series PicoScopes.
PicoScope 9211 and 9231 TDR single-ended setup.
PicoScope 9211 and 9231 TDT single-ended setup.
Clock recovery setup for PicoScope 9231, 9302, and 9321.
PicoScope 9311 TDR single-ended and differential setups.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 11
PicoScope 9311 TDT single-ended and differential setups.
PicoScope 9312 TDR single-ended and differential setups.
PicoScope 9312 TDT single-ended and differential setups.
PicoScope 9221 and 9321 optical input setup.
Differential connection
Positive pulse head
Alternative connection
Negative pulse head
Optical connection
Low
-pass filter (optional)
Splitter
3 dB attenuator
(optional)
Diagram key
CAUTION
Refer to the advice
regarding PicoScope 9311
outputs in section 2.2.
CAUTION
Refer to the advice
regarding cable bend radii
in section 2.4.
Note: the arrangement of
the front panel connectors
varies between models.
Always check the labelling
on the front panel of your
scope before connecting
any equipment.

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
12 DO134-8
7.2 Getting started with the software
In this example we will use the PicoSample 3 software and the PicoScope 9300 Series
oscilloscope's built-in pulse generator (labelled Aux Out on the rear panel) as the
signal source.
1. Select PicoSample 3 (or PicoScope 9000) from the Windows Start menu.
2. You may be asked to calibrate the timebase and channels of your scope. If it’s
appropriate to do so, select Ok.
3. Connect the Aux Out to Channel 1.
4. Select Aux In/Out from the bottom menu bar. A new side menu will appear to
the left.
5. Select Pulse, NRZ, RZ, or 500 MHz Clock from the Waveform menu.
6. You should now see a signal waveform in the oscilloscope window. If it is not
shown, make sure the Run button is active. The waveform may be unstable or
incorrectly scaled at this stage.
Tip
When opening a new side menu, right-click on the appropriate button to open
the menu to the right of the waveform display, or left-click to open it on the left.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 13
7. Select Auto Scale from the top menu bar.
8. Adjust the basic amplitude and timebase controls.
You have now captured your first waveform using a PicoScope 9300 Series
oscilloscope!
7.3 Adding measurements
1. With the 500 MHz Clock waveform chosen, select Measure from the bottom
menu bar.
2. Select Parameters from the side menu.
3. Select up to 10 defined parameters. (The control layout is slightly different in
the PicoScope 9000 software. Click one of the category buttons such as
X Parameters to reveal the list of measurements).
4. View the results in the Measure area beneath the waveform.
5. Select Statistics from the side menu for a wider numeric perspective.
6. Resize the Measure area by selecting the min, mid, max, and auto tabs,
which each display different data sets.
Tip
If you are using a 9000 Series oscilloscope which does not have a built-in pulse
generator, select Demo when starting the software to use the demonstration
signal generator.

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
14 DO134-8
7.4 Configuring the display
1. With the NRZ waveform chosen, select Display
from the bottom menu bar.
2. Select Var Color Grading from the side menu
to adjust the view of the waveform.
3. Click on the waveform and drag it to the left, as
shown below.
4. Set a faster timebase using the basic controls.
OR
5. Click outside the waveform to drag out a zoom window.
6. Click within the zoom window to zoom. A second 'B' timebase starts and is
displayed.
You have now covered the basic working principles of the scope software. For further
detailed information, see the User’s Guide and the Help files within the software.

Pico Technology PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide
DO134-8 15
8Free newsletter
Pico Technology sends out a free monthly newsletter by email. This gives news of
product launches, software upgrades and application notes, as well as hints and
advice. We treat your e-mail address and other details as confidential and will not
pass them to any third party. To subscribe, visit
www.picotech.com/newsletter/
9Software updates and replacement
The latest versions of all Pico software and manuals can be downloaded free of charge
at
www.picotech.com
If you require a new software disc, please contact Pico Technology or your distributor.
There may be a small charge for this service.
10 Specifications
The User’s Guide and Data Sheet contain the latest specifications for your PicoScope
PC Sampling Oscilloscope. We recommend that you print a copy of the specification
table for easy reference.
11 Technical support
Regularly updated technical support information can be found at the Pico Technology
technical support website and users’ forum here:
www.picotech.com/support/

PC Sampling Oscilloscope Quick Start Guide Pico Technology
16 DO134-8
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
St. Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.picotech.com
Email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2008-2013 Pico Technology. All rights reserved.

PicoScope 9000 Series
PC Sampling Oscilloscopes
DO134-8
Quick Start GuiDe