Test and Measurement Forum

I can't see sample rate mentioned anywhere in the guide or on the website. I need to sample some 400kHz signals so require 800 ks/s from the 'scope. Can it do this?
thanks,
Paul Stubbs

Hi

For the data loggers, we give conversion times rather than sampling rates. The spec for the ADC20 can be found here: http://www.picotech.com/precision-data-acquisition.html

It has a range of conversion times that can be selected and faster conversion times will reduce the resolution. The following conversion times are available: 660 ms, 340 ms, 180 ms, 100 ms, 60 ms.

For your application, it sounds as if you require an oscilloscope. Have a look at the 2200 range, or if you require higher resolution, the PicoScope 3224.

Hope this helps

Robin

I require twelve channels of mixed analogue and digital input at an upper frequency of 200 kHz. The data needs to be logged in real time onto a hdd. Signals should not exceed 5V pk-pk at any point.
Do you have any hardware that can do this?
If not, can four x three channel 'scopes be used on USB?
Thanks,
Paul Stubbs

Hi Paul

The most channels we have in a scope is four (PicoScope 3424).

It may be possible to use three of these scopes if you write your own software. However, I would need to look in to it further.

How long do you wish to collect the data for? Are you sure that 800 kS/s is high enough? Such a low sampling rate will not give you an accurate picture of the wave form.

Regards

Robin

Robin,
The maximum frequency that we will be sampling is 400kHz so i assumed (based on nyquist) that i would get away with 800ks/s. i aggree that it would limit the usefulness of the kit, and that perhaps 2Msps would be better, but i was just trying to get a feel for what's available.
I think the writing of our own front end is unlikely, to be honest, but it is a possibility.
thanks,
Paul Stubbs

Just an update, I realised that I didn't answer all of your questions.
I would need to record data for a maximum of several hours.

Is there a method to record 12 channels of data at 800ks/s for this durations?

Thanks,
Paul Stubbs

Hi Paul

To do this, you would need to write your own software. You would end up with a lot of data if you are logging for hours (77 Mbits/s or 34.6 GB per hour). Can you not use a trigger to eliminate this long collection time and only start recording on a particular event?

Robin