PicoScope 7 T&M Early Access: a progress report
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| The PicoScope 7 software development team have really got into their stride in the past few weeks. Behind the scenes there are several sub teams who are working on different elements of the user interface. Their work is brought together into fresh releases of the software that we publish once every two weeks. The next version, 7.0.83, scheduled for Tuesday 12th October, unveils the following new capabilities: |
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Dark mode: presents the instrument controls, waveforms, measurements etc., on a black background. This is preferred by some users and will make it easier for them to use PicoScope in low ambient light conditions. There’s still some work to do on the settings to control waveform line thickness and a few other things, but this much requested feature is coming along on nicely.
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Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) controls have been added to the Signal Generator function. (Only applies to PicoScopes that have a Signal generator / AWG, of course!) This is a big job and the underlying code is still fresh, so the team have declared it as a “Beta” function at this stage. They’d like you to try it out and provide feedback, but don’t be too surprised if you find a bug or two at this stage!
Digital & Logic trigger types are now showing in the Trigger menu. Essentially this is a transfer of the PicoScope 6 trigger functionality into PicoScope 7. Logic triggering is especially important for users who are debugging digital circuits with PicoScope MSO models. The new triggers currently carry a “Beta” label, but please do give them a try and let us know what you think. It’s through your feedback that PicoScope 7 is evolving to become a state-of-the art UI that will serve PicoScope users for many years to come.
PicoScope 7 T&M Early Access for Windows / macOS and Linux operating systems is available as a free download on our website.
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The Pico T&M team is hiring!
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We are looking for passionate talented individuals to join us and are currently recruiting for an Applications Engineer / Senior Applications Engineer. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Applications Engineer able to help our customers with our RF and high-end oscilloscope products. If you are also talented at producing technical collateral including videos, articles, white papers etc. that would be a distinct advantage. If you would like to know more or arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please contact the recruitment lead, Monika Maziarska: monika.maziarska@picotech.com
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New SMBus decoders in beta
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PicoScope 6 and PicoScope 7 Early Access versions now include a decoder for System Management Bus (also known as SMBus) protocol.
SMBus is a two-wire interface, derived from the I²C serial bus, that is used extensively to monitor supply voltages and other critical parameters on PC motherboards and in embedded systems. Component and enclosure temperatures can be monitored and fan speeds controlled with ICs that are equipped with an SMBus interface. SMBus technology is also widely implemented in portable devices such as laptop computers, mobile devices, and cameras for efficient battery management.
When designing SMBus monitoring and control systems it is essential to validate that the complete system operates as expected. The PicoScope SMBus decoder provides a tabular view of SMBus communication packets between multiple devices and has search, filtering and timing analysis tools to accelerate debug and test of a system.
Crucially, error conditions that are observed in the tabular display can be correlated with events that are happening elsewhere in the system by probing signals with the PicoScope analog channels, thereby accelerating the development of an SMBus product or system.
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PicoScope 6000E Series in Silicon Chip magazine
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"The 6426E is an impressive machine with a comprehensive set of features. We did not find it wanting in any of the tests we threw at it. In fact, we struggled to get it anywhere near its limits."
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Our PicoScope 6426E USB Oscilloscope has recently made an appearance in Silicon Chip, the Australian electronics magazine. Reviewer Tim Blythman took a closer look at one of our 6000E Series oscilloscopes, putting its impressive sampling rate, capture memory, bit resolution, and unique FlexRes feature, to the test. Blythman details our range of scopes, software, user interface, features and menus, and much, much more.
The full review is available to read on the Silicon Chip website now. |
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The benefits of Pico products in education
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Pico Technology has been developing PC-based test and measurement instruments since 1991. Our real-time oscilloscopes, data loggers and RF products have generated a great deal of interest among upper-level science and technology programs especially the last few years.
In this video, we learn how Pico Technology can help successfully and cost-efficiently prepare students for electronics and engineering careers, whether this instruction and lab work is conducted in the classroom or remotely.
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PicoSource™ AS108 8 GHz Agile Synthesizer
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| The PicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer generates signals to meet the needs of both benchtop and integrated module applications. Its broad 300 kHz to 8 GHz frequency range, fast settling and programmable phase, frequency and amplitude match it to a wide range of applications, with the added advantages of low cost, small footprint and 12 to 15 V power requirement. |
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The AS108 has professional-grade performance that is effective in both static and parameter-agile applications, making it a bench or field instrument for developers, scientists, educators, students, and service and installation technicians. Its speed, external clock referencing, trigger capabilities and user programmable power-up mode all suit it to system integrations such as automated test, unmanned installations and multi-signal stimulus.
The AS108 is a full-function USB controlled vector (IQ) modulating signal synthesizer. It is supplied with an efficient user interface for Microsoft Windows, that controls its amplitude, frequency and phase agility; including modulations, sweeps, hopping and list modes. Multiple synthesizers can be controlled from multiple instances of the software running on a single controlling PC or device. Remote control is also possible using the API included. Prices start at $5,875 / €4,995 / £4,125.
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Key specifications are as follows:
300 kHz to 8 GHz operation
–15 dBm to +15 dBm dynamic range
Fast 55 μs frequency settling time to 10 ppm
Fast amplitude settling: < 25 μs to 1 dB and < 200 μs to 0.1 dB
Sweep, hop and list of frequency and level or list phase and level
−100 dBc/Hz phase noise typical at 1 GHz and 10 kHz offset
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