A History of PC-based Test and Measurement Equipment

At Pico we have been designing and manufacturing PC-based test and measurement equipment since 1991. Our innovation, experience and passion — combined with your feedback — have helped us to push the boundaries of test equipment design and give you the innovative and affordable instruments you desire.

Use the timeline below to view the history of our test and measurement equipment. Click the links provided for full details of current products.

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1991

1991 saw the release of the ADC-10 and ADC-12. These PC-based devices could be used as both data loggers and oscilloscopes.

  • ADC-10 Data Logger / Oscilloscope
  • ADC-12 Data Logger / Oscilloscope

1992

1993

  • ADC-11 11-Channel Data Logger

1995

The ADC-100, our first dual-channel oscilloscope, was released in ’95. We also released the TC-08 — an 8-channel thermocouple data logger.

  • ADC-100 Dual-Channel Oscilloscope
  • TC-08 Thermocouple Data Logger

1996

1996 saw the launch of the EnviroMon network-based data logging and alarm system.

1997

In 1997 we drove into the automotive diagnostics market with the release of the ADC-101 automotive oscilloscope.

  • ADC-40 8-bit PC Oscilloscope
  • ADC-42 12-bit PC Oscilloscope
  • ADC-101 Automotive Oscilloscope
  • ADC-200/100 PC Oscilloscope

1999

2000

DrDAQ was released in 2000. This low-cost data logger rapidly became a favourite with hobbyists, and in education facilities all over the world.

2002

Launched in 2002, the Automotive Diagnostics Kit was designed to turn your laptop or desktop PC into a powerful tool for faulty finding on any modern vehicle.

2003

2004

‘USB’ was the name of the game in 2004 with the launch of our first USB oscilloscopes and data loggers.

2005

In 2005 we expanded our PicoScope PCO range with the release of 4-channel general purpose and automotive oscilloscopes.

2006

In 2006 we released the world’s fastest USB oscilloscope. With 1 GS/s real-time sampling and 250 MHz bandwidth the PicoScope 5000 Series were the vanguard of PC oscilloscope design.

2007

In 2007 we produced an automotive kit aimed squarely at motorcyclists. 4 wheels good, 2 wheels better.

2008

In 2008 we have continued to be the front-runner in PC-based test and measurement. At less than half the price of comparable sampling oscilloscopes our new PicoScope 9000 Series of sampling oscilloscopes represents another quantum leap in PC Oscilloscope design.

2009

In 2009 we upgraded our Automotive Diagnostics Kits, released the PicoLog 1000 Series and two scopes that represent the ultimate in USB oscilloscope performance — the PicoScope 6402 and 6403.

2010

Don’t worry — we have plenty planned for this year. Check back soon…