PicoScope Automotive Hardware
Future-proof
Pico has been designing, manufacturing, and improving PicoScopes for over 20 years. Our objective is simple: to make the best automotive oscilloscope in the world.
Sixth Generation PicoScopes
The latest sixth-generation, 4225A and 4425A PicoScopes replace the 4225 and 4425. These scopes are very rugged and are designed for general workshop use. The Specifications are almost identical to the previous 4x25 Scopes except that the latest 'A-series' PicoScopes have PicoBNC+ inputs. PicoBNC+ inputs still have a BNC connector and are therefore backward compatible. This means that all legacy BNC accessories such as current clamps, pressure sensors, etc. can be used with the 'A-series' PicoBNC+ inputs.
PicoBNC+ Accessories
A new range of PicoBNC+ accessories are available. The PicoBNC+ interface allows the scope to identify the accessory as soon as it is plugged in. The software automatically re-configures itself and sets up the channel to suit the accessory. For instance, the display will change to amps for a current probe or ohms for a resistance probe. Another advantage is that the scope can provide power to the accessories, so PicoBNC+ current clamps don't need batteries.
PicoBNC+ Status Lights
The PicoBNC+ channel status lights help you to quickly and confidently set up your PicoScope by showing you which probes and channels to connect and their status.
| R 18,339.00 ex VAT | R 2,750.85 VAT | R 21,089.85 inc VAT |
| R 29,337.00 ex VAT | R 4,400.55 VAT | R 33,737.55 inc VAT |
| R 52,305.00 ex VAT | R 7,845.75 VAT | R 60,150.75 inc VAT |
8-Channel 4823 PicoScope
A 4823, 8-Channel Automotive PicoScope has also been introduced for demanding applications that require more than four channels. This scope has standard BNC inputs and is intended for complex diagnostic tasks where extra channels are necessary as well as for automotive development. All the latest scopes are powerful enough for the next generation of vehicles with new technologies such as CAN-FD.
Other PicoScope hardware innovations include:
- Floating inputs for non-grounded measurements and voltage drop tests (two and four-channel instruments only)
- Higher voltage ranges (up to 200 V - 2 and 4-channel instruments only)
- ConnectDetect® to ensure you have a good connection
- Advanced triggers to capture intermittent faults
- Hardware filters and frequency measurement
- USB 3.0 connected and powered.
PicoScope Hardware and Software Long-Term Support
When you purchase any diagnostic tool, you not only spend money, but you also spend time learning how to use it. We protect that investment in two ways: Firstly, we develop hardware and software that is straightforward-to-use for those starting out with oscilloscopes yet has the power and features demanded by experienced users. Secondly, we do not compromise on quality or specifications, so expect the PicoScope hardware you buy today to still be an essential part of your diagnostic toolbox at least 10 years from now.
By way of example, PicoScope 7 software still supports third, fourth, and fifth generation PicoScopes, i.e. since 2003. The current list of supported PicoScopes in PicoScope 7 is: 3223, 3423, 4223, 4423, 4823, 4225, 4425, 4225A, and 4425A.
Floating Inputs and Higher Input Voltages — 4x25 and 4x25A PicoScopes Only
Floating input channels are a unique new technology that allows safe, low-noise measurements even in situations where none of the inputs are grounded. Floating inputs allow a single input to perform voltage drop tests (for example, along the battery to starter motor cable) and measurements on non-grounded signals like hybrid electric motor resolvers. With floating inputs the maximum allowable voltage difference between any two channel grounds is 30 V. The inputs can now measure up to 200 V, a large improvement compared to the 4823 eight-channel and the old 4x23 PicoScopes).
Remember that on a floating input scope, grounding one input does not ground all the others. You must provide signal and return (ground) connections for each input that you are using. You can think of them as two or four independent multi-meters. The Stackable 4 mm ground connectors on our 10:1 probes and test leads help with grounding multiple channels to the same point, e.g. Battery Negative.
USB 3.0 for Power, Speed, and Simplicity
As with our previous generations of PicoScope oscilloscopes, no external power supply is required and there are no batteries to go flat, just a simple reliable connection to the USB port.
The 4425A PicoScope is equipped with a 5 V power input which does not need to be used with any of the currently available accessories. USB power is more than adequate. It was added just in case accessories might need more power in the future.
The PicoScope 4225A, 4425A, and 4823 have the latest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port to interface to your PC. Don't worry if your PC only has USB 2.0 ports – the PicoScopes are fully compatible with these too. If you have USB 3.0 on your PC, you will notice slightly faster screen update rates, faster file saving, and USB streaming. As more of our customers move to PCs with USB 3.0, free software updates will ensure that you get the full benefits available from the new standard.
Our unique fast USB streaming allows continuous gap-free data to be collected straight to PC memory. This makes features like our cylinder balance, battery test, and (optional) NVH tests possible. It also allows the oscilloscope to display live, real-time data without waiting for the screen to refresh.
Advanced Features
Most new users start by using the guided tests to configure all the settings automatically. As your experience grows, there are many advanced features to explore. These include:
- Advanced digital triggers. Unique among automotive oscilloscopes, these trigger modes allow you to trigger when there is too long a time gap (such as when an injector fails to fire). They can also be set to trigger and sound an alarm when a sensor signal goes out of range.
- Filters. Some signals are noisy as wires in the loom pick up noise from other wires. The ECU filters this noise out. The PicoScope 4225A and 4425A have selectable hardware filters to remove this noise, so you see what the ECU sees.
- Hardware frequency measurement. Flow sensors and some airflow sensors output a digital frequency signal. Most oscilloscopes can't extract usable diagnostic information from this, but your PicoScope can convert it to a conventional analogue waveform (as shown in this MAF sensor example).
- A Software Development Kit (SDK) is available which allows you to develop your own applications for all Automotive PicoScopes.
Every aspect of your PicoScope hardware has been designed for a long working life, and it has the performance to ensure it will not be obsoleted by the changing technology in new vehicles. The hardware is robust and reliable with no moving parts or batteries to fail. Combine this with free support and free software updates for the life of the product, and it is easy to see why a PicoScope is the best choice for professional diagnostics.