The PicoScope 3204 has an impressive 50 MHz analogue bandwidth and a single-shot sampling rate of 50 MS/s. Using Equivalent Time Sampling (ETS) for repetitive signals, the sampling rate is increased to a staggering 2.5 GS/s. Large memory buffers allow the capture of fast and complex signals. With 256 KB of memory, the 3204 allows you to capture complex waveforms in great detail even if they last for long periods of time. USB powered.
As a general purpose oscilloscope, the large memory and high bandwidths of the PicoScope 3000 range of PC oscilloscopes make them ideal for use in all areas of test and measurement — from manufacturing and repair to research and development.
Powerful enough to replace benchtop oscilloscopes
All three PicoScopes in the 3000 series feature high bandwidths and sampling rates previously not available with PC-based oscilloscopes. The PicoScope 3204 has an impressive 50 MHz analogue bandwidth and a single-shot sampling rate of 50 MS/s. Using Equivalent Time Sampling (ETS) for repetitive signals, the sampling rate is increased to a staggering 2.5 GS/s.
- PicoScope PC oscilloscopes have the following advantages over traditional bench top instruments:
- Waveform storage is limited only by the PC's storage capability
- Captured waveforms and instrument settings can easily be shared with others
- New functionality through free software upgrades
- Compact and portable design
Large memory buffers allow the capture of fast and complex signals
All digital oscilloscopes collect data into a waveform buffer, the bigger the buffer memory the longer the scope can collect data without reducing its sampling rate. PicoScope 3000 PC oscilloscopes all feature large buffer memories — from an impressive 256 thousand samples for the PicoScope 3204 up to a remarkable one million samples for the PicoScope 3206.
Most oscilloscopes in the same price bracket as the PicoScope 3206 have buffer memories of below 32 kB. With 1 MB of memory, the 3206 can capture at least 30 times as much data allowing complex waveforms to be captured in great detail even if they last for long periods of time. Once captured, PicoScope oscilloscope software allows you to zoom-in on your signal at up to 2000 times magnification — allowing you to examine every last details of the signal.
USB 2.0 for fast data transfer
PicoScope 3000 series PC oscilloscopes are connected to the USB port on any modern laptop or desktop PC. The fast USB 2.0 (480 Mb/s) interface ensures a quick screen update rate, even when collecting large amounts of data, whilst still retaining backward compatibility with PC's using USB 1.1
PicoScope USB oscilloscopes can be powered directly by the USB bus, eliminating the need for an external power supply in most applications, eliminating the need for an external power supply, and making the PicoScope 3000 series ideal for use both in the lab and in the field.
Built-in Signal Generator
The PicoScope 3204 can output a fixed 1 kHz square wave for compensating oscilloscope probes.
Documents available for download:
PicoScope 3000 - Leaflet
| Specification |
| Bandwidth |
50 MHz |
Sampling rate
(repetitive signals) |
2.5 GS/s |
Sampling rate
(single shot) |
50 MS/s |
| Channels |
2 + Ext trigger |
| Oscilloscope timebases |
5 ns/div to 50 s/div |
| Timebase accuracy |
50 ppm |
| Spectrum ranges |
0 to 25 MHz |
| Dynamic range |
50 dB |
| Signal generator |
Fixed 1 kHz square wave |
| Trigger modes |
Free Run, Auto, Repeat, Single and Save To Disk On Trigger |
| Pre/post trigger |
-100% to +100% |
| Buffer size |
256 kB |
| Resolution |
8 bits |
| Accuracy |
±3% |
| Ranges |
±100 mV to ±20 V |
| Input impedance |
1 MΩ |
| Overload protection |
±100 V (signal input)
±30 V (signal generator / external trigger)
±50 V (between grounds) |
| PC connection |
USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible) |
| Power Supply |
from USB port* |
| Dimensions |
140 x 190 x 45 mm |
| Supplied software |
PicoScope (oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, meter), PicoLog (data logger), Drivers and examples (C, Delphi and Visual Basic, Labview, Agilent VEE6.1 and Excel)
Software is supplied on CD and is compatible with Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP |
* In normal operation the PicoScope 320x is powered either from a USB port on your computer or from a powered hub. It is not possible to power this device from an unpowered USB hub. If both the PC and the device under test are referenced to the same ground (earth) then noise/offset problems may occur. This problem is only likely to occur when using a mains powered desktop PC whilst measuring DC coupled (earth referenced) signals of a small amplitude. If this situation occurs a mains power adaptor (supplied) will have to be used to power the unit.
