A Raspberry Pi Pico 2-based instrument can measure electrical signals, monitor digital circuits and support waveform generation. Read on to find out.
Thort Werx, a small Aussie tech company, has made Picotronix live on Kickstarter, a modular oscilloscope and logic analyser. The company claims that the Picotronix can be a game-changer in maker-space test and measurement. It is built on two Raspberry Pi Pico 2 boards. The main module can measure two electrical signals at the same time using a two-channel scope. It can also monitor eight digital signals using an eight-channel logic analyser and measure signal frequency with a frequency meter. The results are displayed on a colour LCD.
The additional modules are autoconfiguring picoPods, which can be attached to add more functions, such as faster signal measurement, monitoring digital signals at higher speeds, measuring differences between two electrical signals, handling high-voltage inputs, generating waveforms and conducting electronics experiments. It supports MicroPython, a programming language that allows you to write your own programmes and customise its functions. It lets a PC, phone or AI work with live captures.
The modular oscilloscope and logic analyser can help you test electronic circuits, understand how digital circuits work and observe electrical signals. The release states that it is much more than a simple scope, as it has a capable base unit, expands only where you want, connects to your phone or PC, and is built for AI. Picotronix includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and is operable from the unit, by a remote device (e.g. a PC or smartphone), or through a mix of local and remote operation.
Without any pods attached, the device has two inputs that can measure electrical signals. It can measure signals from 0 to 3 volts or stronger signals up to 16.6 volts. The same signal can be measured in two ways. One gives a general view, while the other can zoom in to show more detail. Picotronix works on phase-lerp technology, which is a special method that helps the device measure very fast, repeating signals even though its normal sampling speed is low.
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