4-Channel, 16-GHz Oscilloscope Grabs 22-ps Transitions

Jan. 28, 2020

The PicoScope 9404-16 boasts four high-resolution 12-bit channels driven by up to 5-TS/s (0.2 ps) equivalent-time sampling.

David Maliniak

The PicoScope 9404-16, a 16-GHz sampler-extended, real-time oscilloscope (SXRTO) developed by Saelig Co., analyzes repetitive or clock-derived signals on four high-resolution 12-bit channels driven by up to 5-TS/s (0.2 ps) equivalent-time sampling (ETS). The wideband inputs accurately measure transitions as fast as 22 ps and pulses down to 45 ps wide, and permit clock performance and eye-diagram analysis of up to 11-Gb/s signals (to third harmonic).

In addition, the instrument’s real-time broadband sampling modes support analysis for other common RF signals, such as wireless frequencies of 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.5 GHz. The SXRTO instrument architecture reduces the cost of broadband time-domain sampling for repetitive signal or clock-related applications.

In contrast to “sampling oscilloscopes,” the ETS technique supports trigger and pre-trigger capture and brings the familiarity, convenience, and ease of real-time oscilloscope operation. SXRTO technology seamlessly transitions to single-event, real-time waveform capture at sampling rates at and below 500 MS/s. Both sampling modes capture to memory of 250,000 samples (single channel). This is particularly valuable for the capture of slower system signals, modulation envelopes, and repeating pulse or data patterns, for example.

Compact enough to sit on the workbench in close proximity to the device under test (DUT), the USB-controlled PicoScope 9404-16 comes with PicoSample 4 software. A touch-compatible GUI controls the instrument and presents waveforms, measurements, and statistics on an attached PC display. It offers full support for available Windows display resolutions, allowing for the inspection of waveform detail or presentation of measurements on 4k monitors or projectors, or across multiple monitors.

A wide range of automated and user-configurable signal-integrity measurements, mathematics, statistical views, and limit-test facilities are included for validation and trending of pulse and timing performance, jitter, and return-to-zero and non-return-to-zero (RZ and NRZ) eye diagrams. Industry-standard communications mask tests such as PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial ATA are included as standard. The PicoScope 9404 has an active SMA interface to support future configurations and accessories on this product architecture.

For detailed specifications, technical assistance, or additional information, visit https://www.saelig.com/product/9404-16.htm.

About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

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About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.