The correct way to account for attenuated probes (e.g. x10)

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YossiP
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The correct way to account for attenuated probes (e.g. x10)

Post by YossiP »

Hello,

We are using PicoScop2205MSO to read samples directly into a C# .net in-house application.

Recently we changed the probes we are using to 10x attenuated probes, naturally all readings were scaled by factor of 10, so 6 volt are sampled as 600 Milli-volt.

Reducing the range and manually multiplying the values seems to do the trick, however is there a better way to account for probe attenuation when using the API?

The PC software (PicoScope 6) has a built-in selection for probes, what parameters/API calls will match the PC selection?

Best regards,
Yossi

Hitesh

Re: The correct way to account for attenuated probes (e.g. x

Post by Hitesh »

Hi Yossi,

The driver returns raw ADC count values, so your application will need to convert the data to volts (or any other relevant unit of measurement) and also take into account the probe setting being used.

The probes provided provide some form of scaling using a formula or manual scaling.

Regards,

rahulbond8888
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Re: The correct way to account for attenuated probes (e.g. x10)

Post by rahulbond8888 »

Hi Hitesh,
Do you know of a way to properly compensate the output for 10X probe setting?
I tried searching Pico scope website, but they have not provided any satisfactory solution for this problem

Martyn
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Re: The correct way to account for attenuated probes (e.g. x10)

Post by Martyn »

Read the ADC counts from the device, convert to voltages according the range you are using then multiply the result by 10

Please note that if for example you have a 4V signal coming into the device set on the 5V range with a x1 probe, then switch to x10 and apply the above procedure the signal you get will be much noisier. For this case you would change the range to 500mV before you start, select the appropriate range to match the level of signal after it has been attenuated by the probe.
Martyn
Technical Support Manager

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