Test and Measurement News

May 2021

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May 2021

This month we bring you a look at the PicoScope 3000 Series and at the latest PicoLog 6 Beta, plus a video on PRBS analysis using the PicoScope 9400 Series.

There's also news for podcast fans and users of the PicoVNA 3 software, plus a tech tip for Apple users.

We're hiring – why not check out our latest vacancies?

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Product focus: PicoScope 3000 Series

2- and 4-channel PicoScope 3000 Series oscilloscopes and MSOs grouped around a laptop displaying a waveform.

The PicoScope 3000 Series is an ideal choice when looking for a general-purpose oscilloscope at a competitive price. Choosing a 2-channel model is the most cost-effective way of purchasing a 200 MHz PicoScope, with prices starting from $1405 / €1185 / £979 for the PicoScope 3206D.

8-bit resolution is coupled with fast sampling rates of up to 1 GS/s and class-leading deep buffer memories of up to 512 MS. The PicoScope 3000 Series is available with either two or four analog channels and optionally 16 digital channels when an MSO version is specified. All models have a built in function / arbitrary waveform generator, 20 serial protocol decoders and a 5-year warranty as standard. All customers benefit from software updates supplied free of charge for the life of the product.

Video: PRBS measurements with Pico products

In this new video, Mark Ashcroft, RF Business Development Manager here at Pico, demonstrates how to make absolute and relative pulse and PRBS measurements using the PicoScope 9400 Series sampler-extended real-time oscilloscopes (SXRTOs) and PicoConnect 900 Series low-impedance passive browser probes.

Software update for PicoVNA 3

Picture of the PicoVNA 108 vector network analyzer.

We've just released PicoVNA 3.1.7, the latest version of the UI application supporting the PicoVNA 108 vector network analyzer. This version adds a phase meter utility (enabling you to use ports 1 and 2 of the instrument as receivers to measure amplitude and relative phase) and the ability to save your measurement routine in R+jX format, as well as a number of other improvements and bug fixes.

If you already use PicoVNA 3, please note that you may need to update the firmware. Instructions for this are included on the software download page.

The latest beta version of PicoLog 6 works with all Pico USB data loggers and PicoScope real-time oscilloscopes, and now features the option of secure and reliable cloud data storage, allowing you to view your live and saved data on any device with an internet browser, anywhere in the world. But even if you lose your network connection, you'll still have continuous data collection.

On top of this, PicoLog Cloud 6.2.0 Beta has all the features you're used to from the latest stable release, PicoLog 6.1.18. You can find more information on this release, or download the software now.

Podcast appearance for Pico engineer

Picture of a microphone in a recording studio.

ElectroCastt is a podcast hosted by James Leyland, a postgraduate electronics engineering student, where he chats to a variety of electronics professionals about their careers, work and favourite projects. He recently had a chat with one of our Senior Hardware Development Engineers, Peter Wootton.

This is a fun listen, so if you'd like to find out more about Pete or life at Pico, sit back and tune in!

Did you know...

...that PicoScope 6 Beta for macOS is compatible with all Mac computers, including the new Arm-based M1 processors?

Our software team works hard to make sure we sustain support for existing devices in spite of any changes to the platform they operate on. So if you've got a new Mac, why not try it out with PicoScope?

Careers at Pico

Flexibility • Family • Respect • Trust • Inspiring

These are words that Pico staff use to describe working here. Benefits include flexible working, a generous budget for personal development and training and an active social committee organizing events and treats for staff year-round (yes, even in lockdown).

Pico Technology has enjoyed nearly 30 years of continuous growth, and we're hiring. Current vacancies include:

St Neots, UK

Software: C++ Engineer • C# Software Engineer • Software Development Manager
Hardware: Hardware Engineer • FPGA Engineer • Digital Design Engineer

Manchester, UK

Software: Software Development Manager • C# Software Engineer

For more information, other vacancies, or to make a speculative application, visit pico.jobs. We look forward to hearing from you!