Pico Technology Unveils the PicoScope 6428E-D: A High-Performance Oscilloscope Optimized for Speed
15th February 2024
Pico Technology, a leading provider of test and measurement equipment, introduces the PicoScope 6428E-D oscilloscope, a cutting-edge device designed for applications demanding superior performance in signal analysis. The new oscilloscope extends the capabilities of the existing PicoScope 6000E Series, making it an ideal tool for scientists and researchers working in high-energy physics, LIDAR, VISAR, spectroscopy, accelerators, and other high-speed applications.
The PicoScope 6428E-D boasts a maximum 3 GHz bandwidth with up to 10 GS/s sampling rate and up to 12-bit FlexRes® flexible resolution. Featuring four ranges between ±50 mV and ±500 mV, it seamlessly integrates into various systems requiring 50 Ω measurements. When paired with active or passive probes and other accessories detailed in the datasheet, its capabilities are further enhanced.
Key differentiators:
- Bandwidth and sampling rate: The 3 GHz bandwidth and 10 GS/s sampling rate make the PicoScope 6428E-D an ideal choice for high-speed measurements, offering comparable performance to a general-purpose oscilloscope at a more cost-effective price point.
- Flexible resolution: 8-bit to 12-bit FlexRes ADC capable of flexible resolution with up to 4 GS capture memory.
- Flexibility with BNC inputs: Equipped with BNC inputs, the oscilloscope accommodates common 50 Ω probes or utilizes a high-quality SMA adaptor (TA313) for increased connectivity options.
- Feature-rich design with classic PicoScope USB connectivity: In addition to four analog channels, the oscilloscope boasts up to 16 digital channels.
- PicoScope 7, amongst other capabilities, supports a large range of advanced triggering, serial protocol decoders and mask testing and provides a consistent user interface (UI) / experience across the suite of Pico real-time oscilloscopes (from 2000 to 6000 series).
- PicoSDK® (software development kit) provides drivers provided drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux as well as support code for external packages such as LabView, MathWorks. It also provides the capability to support the synchronizing of multiple units, through the 10 MHz input or aux trigger input.
James Niblock, Director of Business Development at Pico, said “We are excited to launch this new variant, which extends the capabilities of the PicoScope 6000E series, to the market. The 6428E-D oscilloscope has been engineered to enable scientists to monitor and analyze their systems with ease and precision. The form factor, high speed PC interface, comprehensive SDK and high-integrity signal interfacing will enable our customers to rapidly build, deploy and gather crucial results from their systems, whether on the benchtop, in the lab or from a ‘big physics’ facility.”
What’s different in this variant of the 6000E series?
The PicoScope 6428E-D variant has been optimized for performance at higher bandwidths (removal of the 1 MΩ inputs). The 6428E-D extends the analog bandwidth of the PicoScope 6000E real-time family of oscilloscopes up to 3 GHz and supports up to 10 GS/s in 8-bit mode. In dual channel mode the sample rate reduces to 5 GS/s and 2.5 GS/s on all four analog channels.
It benefits from ultradeep memory of 4 GS, coupled with a fast data transfer rate exceeding 300 MS/s, ensuring efficient data transfer without compromising sample integrity.
With the aforementioned enhancements coupled with its ultra-competitive price positioning, the PicoScope 6428E-D is the ideal solution for continuous measurements in systems where space and cost considerations are paramount. Its compact form factor and versatile connectivity options make it easy to integrate into any system. Remote control capabilities are facilitated through PicoScope 7 software or the PicoSDK. The table below compares the new oscilloscope against the existing 6000E series.
Comparison table for the new PicoScope 6428E-D and PicoScope 6426E oscilloscopes
Pico SDK integration for customised solutions
Users can leverage the PicoSDK to develop bespoke software solutions for the PicoScope 6428E-D. Compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux, PicoSDK provides flexibility and control. GitHub-hosted examples demonstrate integration with software such as NI LabVIEW and MATLAB, or programming languages including C, C++, and C#, Visual Basic (.NET) and Python.
The PicoScope 6428E-D oscilloscope also features streaming mode allowing for continuous data capture, directly to the PC’s RAM or hard disk with the capture size limited only by the available storage. This makes it an ideal tool for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or system integration applications. More details on such use cases can be found on the dedicated Pico OEM page.
Unmatched support and updates
As with all Pico Technology products, the PicoScope 6428E-D oscilloscope comes with frequent software updates, free access to serial decoding protocols and dedicated customer support.
