PicoScope® 4000A Series

Power measurements

The PicoScope 4000A Series is ideal for making a range of power measurements on high voltages and currents and low-voltage control signals. For the best results, use a Pico

differential voltage probe (TA041 or TA057) in combination with a current clamp (TA167) or probes (TA167, TA325 or TA326). To improve the efficiency and reliability of power

designs, the scope can display and analyze standby power dissipation, inrush current, and steady-state power consumption. PicoScope’s built-in measurements and statistics of

parameters such as true RMS, frequency, peak-to-peak voltage and THD allow accurate analysis of power quality.

Nonlinear loads and modern power-conversion equipment produce complex waveforms with significant harmonic content. These harmonics reduce efficiency by causing increased

heating in equipment and conductors, misfiring in variable speed drives, and torque pulsations in motors. The 12-bit PicoScope 4000A Series has the precision to measure

distortion typically up to the 100th harmonic. On the supply side, power quality issues such as sags and dips, swells and spikes, flicker, interruptions and long-term voltage and

frequency variations can also be checked for regulatory compliance.

In a 3-phase distribution system, it is important to characterize and balance loads across phases. With up to 8 channels, the PicoScope 4000A Series can monitor waveforms

of current and voltage on all 4 conductors of a 3-phase-plus-neutral system. This helps to identify mismatches that can cause breaker tripping, or transformer and conductor

overheating.