We are planning on using multiple Picoscopes on one PC and powering them using external power supplies.
Without connecting any USB cable, when the power adapter jack is connected to the Picoscope the LED doesn't light up. On the other hand, without connecting external power and data USB cable, if only power USB is connected, the LED turns red.
What is the correct method to confirm through hardware, Picoscope software or library that the power has been connected correctly?
The power from the USB is always required for PicoScope devices. It is the USB power that is used for the initial loading of the firmware into the device. Once the firmware is loaded, as part of the start up process, it will switch on the external supply if one is connected.
Thanks for the quick response Martyn but I did not get a full answer from your reply. Since there is a USB power connector and USB data connector, please clarify which one are you referring to when you say
The power from the USB is always required for PicoScope devices
.
Also, you did not mention about how to make sure the external power supply has been connected successfully?
Sorry didn't realise you were talking about the dual headed USB cable.
The scope requires a live full USB data connection to power up and light the LED, that is the connector labelled Data, the dual headed cable has an additional Power connector to provide additional power if a single port does not provide sufficient.
3000 series scopes will more often than not work with only the Data USB connector, the power supply and additional USB power connector are there if you have difficulties. For example when using a laptop that sticks rigidly to the 500mA current limit.
5000 scopes with 4 channel models will not operate with channels C and D unless the external power supply is connected.
The PicoScope software and the SDK will both report if there are issues with powering.