Pico Technology solves multi-channel positioning problem
Oscilloscopes with more than two channels present a problem when the user has to hold the oscilloscope probes – they don’t have enough hands! Pico Technology says it has solved this problem which means engineers do not have to enlist the help of colleagues or solder the probes to the device under test.
A flexible, goose neck probe holding and positioning system holds the PCB under test firmly in place and positions as many test probes as required, so that the user has their hands free to operate the oscilloscope or other test equipment.
The goose neck probe holding and positioning system uses the Pico 2.5 mm fine pitch probe which is supplied with the PicoScope 6000 Series oscilloscopes. The key to its balance and flexibility is a weighted probe holder that exploits the force of gravity to push the sprung probe tip just enough to make a good contact with the board or component under test, explains Pico Technology.
With a PCB held firmly in place by four magnetic pillars, the system can be used for inspection or for soldering. Additionally, a rigid but lightweight steel baseplate keeps the pillars and probe holders in place. A mirror finish on one side enables the user to see any status LEDs that may be on the underside of the PCB.
The probe positioning system is available as a kit with four 500 MHz BNC-connected passive probes for users with any BNC oscilloscope up to 500 MHz, or as a kit without the probes for existing PicoScope 6000 Series customers. Additional probe arms can also be purchased separately, so users can upgrade their kits.
Pico Technology develops and manufactures PC oscilloscopes and data loggers; its eastern Europe office specialises in RF and microwave.
The company has a portfolio of small footprint, high performance products and software, including the PicoScope PC sampling oscilloscope range, real time oscilloscopes with fixed and flexible hardware resolutions, the TC-08 and PT-104 temperature data loggers and the award winning automotive oscilloscope kit.
