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PicoScope (Pico Technology PC oscilloscopes and PicoScope 7 software)

A PicoScope is an oscilloscope without its own screen. The small box plugs into a computer's USB port, and the free PicoScope 7 software turns the laptop or PC into the display and controls. An oscilloscope draws how a voltage changes over time, so you can see a signal's shape, measure its frequency or catch a glitch that a multimeter would miss. Pico Technology has made PC-based instruments since 1991. The 2000 Series covers 10 to 100 MHz by model and is USB-powered with a built-in signal generator; some models add 16 digital inputs for checking logic signals. This profile focuses on the 2000 Series.

Profile overall:Evidence: InferredLast reviewed 2026-10-19 · audited

Models on BenchRove

Specs live on each model's page, not here.

History & Evolution

  1. 1991 Evidence: Unverified

    Alan Tong and Mike Green found Pico Technology; its first product is the ADC-10, a PC-connected converter used as a PC oscilloscope.

    Disputed: Pico describes the ADC-10 as "the world's first PC oscilloscope"; this is a vendor claim not independently checked (class 3).

    • Evidence: UnverifiedPico claims the ADC-10 was the world's first PC oscilloscope, as reported by Electronics Weekly (6 Jul 2021) (vendor claim, not independently verified).
    Evidence (3)

    • Electronics Weekly (6 July 2021), citing the company, reports that Alan Tong and Mike Green founded Pico Technology in 1991. Evidence: Documented

      Electronics Weekly · UK scope maker Pico Technology celebrates 30th anniversary (July 2021) · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • Pico states the ADC-10 was its first product, released in 1991. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Discontinued products page, intro and Released column · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • Pico claims the ADC-10 was the world's first PC oscilloscope, as reported by Electronics Weekly (6 Jul 2021) (vendor claim, not independently verified). Evidence: Unverified

      Electronics Weekly · UK scope maker Pico Technology celebrates 30th anniversary (July 2021) · retrieved 2026-10-19

  2. 2002 Evidence: Documented

    PicoScope 2202, the earliest 2000-numbered model on Pico's discontinued-products list, is released.

    Evidence (1)

    • Pico's discontinued-products list gives release years of PicoScope 2202 (2002), 2203-2208 (2008) and 2206A-2208A (2013). Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Discontinued products page, intro and Released column · retrieved 2026-10-19

  3. 2008 Evidence: Documented

    PicoScope 2203 to 2208 models are released (all now discontinued).

    Evidence (1)

    • Pico's discontinued-products list gives release years of PicoScope 2202 (2002), 2203-2208 (2008) and 2206A-2208A (2013). Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Discontinued products page, intro and Released column · retrieved 2026-10-19

  4. 2013 Evidence: Documented

    PicoScope 2206A, 2207A and 2208A are released (now discontinued; today's line uses 2204A/2205A and B models).

    Evidence (1)

    • Pico's discontinued-products list gives release years of PicoScope 2202 (2002), 2203-2208 (2008) and 2206A-2208A (2013). Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Discontinued products page, intro and Released column · retrieved 2026-10-19

  5. 14 October 2026 Evidence: Documented

    PicoScope 7.2.30 (stable) released, per Pico downloads page.

    Evidence (1)

    • On 2026-10-18 the Pico downloads page lists PicoScope 7.2.30 (T&M, stable, released 14 Oct 2026) as compatible with all non-automotive USB PC Oscilloscopes; the release notes say the PS2205MSO is no longer supported in this version. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7.2.30 stable release page (Windows download), header and release notes · retrieved 2026-10-18

The release date of PicoScope 7 itself (the move from PicoScope 6) was not found in a fetched primary source and is not given.

How it works Evidence: Documented

Connect a probe from the circuit to a channel on the PicoScope and plug the scope into USB, which also powers it. In PicoScope 7, set the voltage range (how tall the screen is), the timebase (how much time fits across the screen) and a trigger (the level that starts each capture so the picture holds still). The software then shows the waveform and can measure frequency, amplitude and more. The built-in signal generator can feed a test signal into your circuit.

More detail (advanced)

The hardware digitises each channel at up to the model's sample rate into a capture buffer and streams or transfers blocks over USB; bandwidth, resolution, memory and AWG figures differ by model and live in the model records (2000 Series maxima are series maxima). PicoScope 7 adds measurements and built-in serial protocol decoding in software. For automated tests, PicoSDK exposes block and streaming capture and the function generator through drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux, with examples for C, C#, Python, LabVIEW and MATLAB. On Raspberry Pi 4B/5, Pico supports PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7.

Evidence (5)

  • PicoSDK provides drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux exposing full hardware functionality (block and streaming capture, function generator), with GitHub examples for Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C#, C++, VB.NET and Python. Evidence: Documented

    Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Pico states PicoScope 7 serial protocol decoders are built in and included as standard (per-protocol availability by model not checked). Evidence: Documented

    Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 software page · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • All PicoScope 2000 Series models are powered from the USB port and connect over USB 2.0. Evidence: Documented

    From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Every model includes a built-in function generator and arbitrary waveform generator. Evidence: Documented

    From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • The series is supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; Raspberry Pi 4B/5 support is limited to PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7. Evidence: Documented

    From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

What can you build or do with it?

  • See a signal's shape for the first time (learning what a scope does) Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Entry 2000 Series scope plus PicoScope 7, using the built-in generator as the source
    You also need
    x1/x10 probe (supplied with most models)
    Difficulty
    Beginner

    Measure signals with a PC oscilloscope

    Evidence (1)

    • All PicoScope 2000 Series models include a built-in function generator and arbitrary waveform generator, so a test signal can be produced from the same USB device. Evidence: Documented

      From Measure signals with a PC oscilloscope · Pico Technology · PicoScope 2000 Series data sheet: first page; USB connectivity; Arbitrary waveform and function generator; PicoLog 6 note · retrieved 2026-10-18

  • Try the software before buying hardware Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    PicoScope 7 free download (demo mode, as shown in Pico's getting-started video)
    You also need
    Computer only
    Difficulty
    Beginner

    PicoScope 7

    Evidence (1)

    • The Pico Technology PicoScope 7 page lists the software as available on Windows, macOS and Linux and as a free download. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 Software product page, header and overview · retrieved 2026-10-18

  • Debug I2C/SPI/UART on an Arduino or ESP32 project Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    MSO model captures analog plus 16 digital lines; software decodes serial buses
    You also need
    MSO model and digital test clips
    Difficulty
    Intermediate

    PicoScope 2208B

    Evidence (2)

    • MSO models add 16 digital channels with ±20 V input range and 100 MHz (200 Mb/s) maximum input frequency. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

    • Pico states PicoScope 7 serial protocol decoders are built in and included as standard (per-protocol availability by model not checked). Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 software page · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Check PWM or a power-supply ripple on a hobby board Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Scope measures timing and amplitude
    You also need
    Probes; awareness of probe ground (bench, low-voltage circuits only)
    Difficulty
    Intermediate

    PicoScope 2204A

    Evidence (1)

    • PicoScope 2204A: 10 MHz bandwidth (-3 dB), 100 MS/s maximum real-time sampling, 8 kS block-mode buffer, 8-bit vertical resolution, 2 analog channels. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2204A · Pico Technology · Specification tables: Vertical, Horizontal, Function generator, Arbitrary waveform generator, Software, General · retrieved 2026-10-18

  • Teaching lab where every student needs a scope Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Low-cost USB scopes on lab PCs
    You also need
    Lab PCs (Windows, macOS or Linux)
    Difficulty
    Beginner

    PicoScope 2000 Series

    Evidence (2)

    • All PicoScope 2000 Series models are powered from the USB port and connect over USB 2.0. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

    • The Pico Technology PicoScope 7 page lists the software as available on Windows, macOS and Linux and as a free download. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 Software product page, header and overview · retrieved 2026-10-18

  • Automated production or lab test Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    PicoSDK driven from Python, C#, LabVIEW or MATLAB
    You also need
    PicoSDK; test software
    Difficulty
    Advanced

    Maker documentation

    Evidence (1)

    • PicoSDK provides drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux exposing full hardware functionality (block and streaming capture, function generator), with GitHub examples for Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C#, C++, VB.NET and Python. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Long-term logging on a Raspberry Pi Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Pico drivers / PicoLog 6 on Raspberry Pi 4B or 5 (not PicoScope 7)
    You also need
    Raspberry Pi 4B or 5
    Difficulty
    Advanced

    Raspberry Pi 5

    Evidence (1)

    • The series is supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; Raspberry Pi 4B/5 support is limited to PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

  • USB-powered and compact; the laptop is the display. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • All PicoScope 2000 Series models are powered from the USB port and connect over USB 2.0. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Software is a free download on Windows, macOS and Linux, with free updates. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (2)

    • The Pico Technology PicoScope 7 page lists the software as available on Windows, macOS and Linux and as a free download. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 Software product page, header and overview · retrieved 2026-10-18

    • Pico advertises free software updates and lifetime support for PicoScope. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 software page · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Every 2000 Series model has a built-in function generator/AWG; MSO models add 16 digital channels. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (2)

    • Every model includes a built-in function generator and arbitrary waveform generator. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

    • MSO models add 16 digital channels with ±20 V input range and 100 MHz (200 Mb/s) maximum input frequency. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Documented SDK with multi-language examples for automation. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • PicoSDK provides drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux exposing full hardware functionality (block and streaming capture, function generator), with GitHub examples for Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C#, C++, VB.NET and Python. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19

Limitations

  • Needs a computer; no stand-alone screen or knobs. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • All PicoScope 2000 Series models are powered from the USB port and connect over USB 2.0. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Entry models have modest bandwidth (2204A 10 MHz); match the model to your signal. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (2)

    • PicoScope 2204A: 10 MHz bandwidth (-3 dB), 100 MS/s maximum real-time sampling, 8 kS block-mode buffer, 8-bit vertical resolution, 2 analog channels. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2204A · Pico Technology · Specification tables: Vertical, Horizontal, Function generator, Arbitrary waveform generator, Software, General · retrieved 2026-10-18

    • The 2000 Series data sheet lists bandwidths of 10 MHz (2204A), 25 MHz (2205A, 2405A, 2205A MSO), 50 MHz (2206B, 2406B), 70 MHz (2207B, 2407B) and 100 MHz (2208B, 2408B). Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · PicoScope 2000 Series data sheet, model selector tables and Specifications (Bandwidth -3 dB rows); General: PC connectivity · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • PicoScope 7 does not run on Raspberry Pi; only PicoLog 6 and drivers do. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • The series is supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; Raspberry Pi 4B/5 support is limited to PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Older models drop out of new software releases (e.g. PS2205MSO not supported in 7.2.30). Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • On 2026-10-18 the Pico downloads page lists PicoScope 7.2.30 (T&M, stable, released 14 Oct 2026) as compatible with all non-automotive USB PC Oscilloscopes; the release notes say the PS2205MSO is no longer supported in this version. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7.2.30 stable release page (Windows download), header and release notes · retrieved 2026-10-18

Alternatives & comparisons

Integrations

Grouped by how well each one is supported. Each label shows the weakest evidence behind the entry.

Documented integrations (6)

  • PicoScope 7 software (current 7.2.30) Evidence: Documented

    Versions
    7.2.30 stable (14 Oct 2026)
    OS
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Evidence (2)

    • The Pico Technology PicoScope 7 page lists the software as available on Windows, macOS and Linux and as a free download. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 Software product page, header and overview · retrieved 2026-10-18

    • On 2026-10-18 the Pico downloads page lists PicoScope 7.2.30 (T&M, stable, released 14 Oct 2026) as compatible with all non-automotive USB PC Oscilloscopes; the release notes say the PS2205MSO is no longer supported in this version. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7.2.30 stable release page (Windows download), header and release notes · retrieved 2026-10-18

  • PicoSDK drivers Evidence: Documented

    OS
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Evidence (1)

    • PicoSDK provides drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux exposing full hardware functionality (block and streaming capture, function generator), with GitHub examples for Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C#, C++, VB.NET and Python. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • SDK examples for Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C#, C++, VB.NET, Python (GitHub) Evidence: Documented

    LabVIEW examples (picosdk-ni-labview-examples): Windows prerequisites only, LabVIEW Base Development System 10 or later (32- or 64-bit). That Pico publishes the examples is documented; that LabVIEW works with PicoScope is not stated by Pico or NI (inferred).

    Evidence (1)

    • PicoSDK provides drivers for Windows, macOS and Linux exposing full hardware functionality (block and streaming capture, function generator), with GitHub examples for Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C#, C++, VB.NET and Python. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • pyPicoSDK Python package Evidence: Documented

    Evidence (1)

    • Pico documents a pyPicoSDK Python package with examples. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • PicoLog 6 and drivers on Raspberry Pi 4B/5 Evidence: Documented

    Revisions
    Raspberry Pi 4B, 5
    Evidence (1)

    • The series is supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; Raspberry Pi 4B/5 support is limited to PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • USB 2.0 host connection (USB-powered) Evidence: Documented

    Protocols
    USB 2.0
    Evidence (1)

    • The data sheet lists USB 2.0 PC connectivity and describes the scopes as USB-powered. Evidence: Documented

      Pico Technology · PicoScope 2000 Series data sheet, model selector tables and Specifications (Bandwidth -3 dB rows); General: PC connectivity · retrieved 2026-10-19

Plausible (not documented by the maker) (1)

  • Decoding buses on Arduino / ESP32 projects with an MSO model Evidence: Documented

    Typical use; not tested by BenchRove.

    Evidence (1)

    • MSO models add 16 digital channels with ±20 V input range and 100 MHz (200 Mb/s) maximum input frequency. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

Alternatives to an integration (1)

  • PicoLog 6 instead of PicoScope 7 for slow, long-duration logging Evidence: Documented

    Evidence (1)

    • The data sheet notes PicoLog 6 (a data-logging application) is available for Windows, macOS and Linux including Raspberry Pi OS; the audited 2000 Series record states Raspberry Pi 4B/5 support is limited to PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7. Evidence: Documented

      From Measure signals with a PC oscilloscope · Pico Technology · PicoScope 2000 Series data sheet: first page; USB connectivity; Arbitrary waveform and function generator; PicoLog 6 note · retrieved 2026-10-18

Known incompatibilities (2)

  • PicoScope 7 on Raspberry Pi Evidence: Documented

    Evidence (1)

    • The series is supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; Raspberry Pi 4B/5 support is limited to PicoLog 6 and drivers, not PicoScope 7. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 2000 Series · Pico Technology · Overview text; specification tables (Vertical, Horizontal, Software, General) · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • PS2205MSO (older model) with PicoScope 7.2.30 Evidence: Documented

    Revisions
    PS2205MSO (not 2205A MSO)
    Evidence (1)

    • On 2026-10-18 the Pico downloads page lists PicoScope 7.2.30 (T&M, stable, released 14 Oct 2026) as compatible with all non-automotive USB PC Oscilloscopes; the release notes say the PS2205MSO is no longer supported in this version. Evidence: Documented

      From PicoScope 7 · Pico Technology · PicoScope 7.2.30 stable release page (Windows download), header and release notes · retrieved 2026-10-18

Tutorials & learning resources

Official material first, then beginner to advanced.

  1. PicoScope 7 software page (Pico Technology)

    writtenBeginnerOfficial

  2. PicoScope 2000 Series Overview

    videoBeginnerOfficial

    Pico Technology · published 2023-07-28

    BenchRove read the description and transcript; not watched. Content not verified.

    Vendor marketing overview.

  3. Getting started with PicoScope 7

    videoBeginnerOfficial

    Pico Technology · published 2025-09-11

    BenchRove read the description and transcript; not watched. Content not verified.

    Demonstrated on a 3000E (3418E), not a 2000 Series; shows 7.1.50 (current is 7.2.x); OS list dated.

  4. Getting started with PicoScope 7 [part 1] - Installing and Connecting (and Part 2 - Channels)

    videoIntermediateOfficial

    Pico Technology · published 2022-03-24

    BenchRove read the description and transcript; not watched. Content not verified.

    Only pick shown on 2000 Series hardware (2208B MSO); early PicoScope 7 UI.

  5. PicoScope 2000 Series data sheet

    referenceIntermediateOfficial

  6. Oscilloscope SDK (PicoSDK) and GitHub examples

    referenceAdvancedOfficial

Where to buy

Links go to the maker or the maker's own list of official sellers. BenchRove shows no prices or stock and earns nothing from these links.

Choosing a model

  • Bandwidth first: compare the datasheet bandwidth with your signal. Datasheet bandwidths: 2204A 10 MHz, 2205A 25 MHz, 2206B 50 MHz, 2207B 70 MHz, 2208B 100 MHz; 4-channel 2405A-2408B 25-100 MHz.
  • Need to see digital buses alongside analog - choose an MSO model (2205A MSO to 2208B MSO, 16 digital inputs).
  • Need four analog channels - choose a 2400-series model.
  • Higher resolution or bandwidth than the 2000 Series - look at Pico's higher series (not covered by BenchRove yet).
  • Check that your model is supported by the current PicoScope 7 release before buying used.

Related on BenchRove

Sources & last review

Last reviewed 2026-10-19. Audited by BenchRove. Labels: Documented (from a primary source), Inferred (reasoned from sources), Unverified (not confirmed). How we verify

  1. Electronics Weekly · UK scope maker Pico Technology celebrates 30th anniversary (July 2021) · retrieved 2026-10-19
  2. Pico Technology · Discontinued products page, intro and Released column · retrieved 2026-10-19
  3. Pico Technology · PicoScope 7 software page · retrieved 2026-10-19
  4. Pico Technology · Oscilloscope SDK page, PicoSDK section · retrieved 2026-10-19
  5. Pico Technology · PicoScope 2000 Series data sheet, model selector tables and Specifications (Bandwidth -3 dB rows); General: PC connectivity · retrieved 2026-10-19
  6. Pico Technology · 2000 Series overview page (pricing on page deliberately not used) · retrieved 2026-10-19
  7. Pico Technology · Distributors page header · retrieved 2026-10-19
  8. Pico Technology (YouTube) · YouTube metadata + transcript, per exemplar_videos.md P1 · retrieved 2026-10-19
  9. Pico Technology (YouTube) · YouTube metadata + transcript, per exemplar_videos.md P2; prior clip audit 2026-10-17 · retrieved 2026-10-19
  10. Pico Technology (YouTube) · YouTube metadata + transcript, per exemplar_videos.md P3 (+ Part 2 ApJ3PJsq0nw) · retrieved 2026-10-19
  11. Pico Technology · PicoScope 7.2.30 stable release page (Windows download), header and release notes · retrieved 2026-10-18 · via PicoScope 7