Pico Technical Support and Discussion Forum

rayblane · Guest

I am seriously considering buying a 3206 kit. However, the technical specification states a vertical sensitivity of +/- 100mV to +/- 20V/div. Elsewhere the sensitivity is stated as 10mV to 2V/div. Which is correct?
Also, the stated resolution is 8 bits - are 8 bits used at 100mV and also at 20V?

Michael · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:30 am Post subject:

Hello,

To clarify the resolution, I will show you how to calculate A-D converter steps.

The calculation goes like this with only two variables to change.
A-D mV steps = Voltage range ÷ Bit resolution

Now, you will need to compute the bit resolution like this: 2x10^n where n=bit resolution. Next you will need to compute the voltage range. A ±500mV range covers -500mV to +500mV, a range of 1000mV.

So the calculation now looks like this:
3.9mV = 1000mV ÷ 256 (2x10^8)

Hope this makes sense.

Best regards,
Michael

Carl Grotti · Guru Joined: 21 Nov 2002 Posts: 51 Location: Missouri, USA

Hello Michael,

I hope you don't mind me jumping in here.

Your step calculation makes perfect sense except for one thing. How does 2x10^8 =256? I'm not familiar with the "^" symbol.

Thanks,

Michael · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:42 am Post subject:

Hello Carl,

Sorry for my lack of ASCII codes, I was trying to represent 2 power 8 in symbol and used the carat symbol for lack of superscripts.

The calculator version would be like this: (2^8)
3.9mV = 1000mV ÷ 256 (2^8)

Sorry for the error.

Regards,
Michael

rayblane · Guest

Thanks for the replies. You have answered the question about resolution, but not about sensitivity.
Which of the two quoted vertical deflection ranges is correct, 10mV to 2V or 100mV to 20V?

Thanks.

Sarah · Guest

Hi

Thank you for your post.

The correct ranges are from 100mV to 20V - the maximum input is ±20V.

Best Regards

Pico Technology

Pico Technical Support and Discussion Forum