Whether used for data analysis, quality assurance or as an example for automation courses in test and measurement, the MPO-2000 Series – named after the abbreviation for “Multi-function Programmable Oscilloscope” – offers a wide range of applications. Not only does it combine five instruments in one, but it also has an integrated Python scripting function. This makes it a versatile and cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications and projects.
Versatile and innovative
The GW Instek MPO-2000 Series offers an impressive 5-in-1 architecture that combines an oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, arbitrary waveform generator, digital multimeter and DC power supply in a single unit:
- Oscilloscope: Captures and visualises electrical signals in real time. Ideal for analysing the amplitude, frequency and waveform of a signal and diagnosing faults in electrical circuits.
- Spectrum analyser: Analyses the frequency components of a signal, helps determine the spectrum and frequency distribution, and identifies unwanted interference or noise.
- Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG): Generates user-defined signals for testing and simulating circuits. Allows you to check the response of devices to different input signals.
- Digital Multimeter: Measures basic electrical quantities such as voltage, current and resistance with high accuracy. Useful for checking the characteristics and functionality of individual components.
- DC Power Supply: Provides stable DC power to circuits during tests and measurements, and is also used to check the power consumption and efficiency of equipment.
The multifunction capabilities of the MPO-2000 Series oscilloscopes make them indispensable tools for engineers, technicians and researchers. The innovative integration of the Python scripting function allows users to programme and control a small automated test system. This can be done as a single test or as a multi-test without a PC. This opens up a wide range of applications including web development, data analysis and machine learning.
Models and differences
The MPO-2000 is available in both Basic and Professional versions.
The main differences between the Basic version, such as the MPO-2102B, and the Professional version, like the MPO-2204P, are bandwidth and advanced bus decoding functions. In addition, the professional version has more programme memory and provides more system resources for processing longer waveform data.
| Basic version | Professional version | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz | 200 MHz |
| Number of channels | Available with 2 or 4 channels | Available with 2 or 4 channels |
| Bus decoding | CAN FD, USB 2.0 | CAN FD, USB 2.0, FlexRay, USB-PD, I2S |
| Python script execution | With executable demo programs and user-created Python programs | with executable demo programs and integrated Python GUI library |
| Program memory | 1M | 20 M |
USB-CDC device control allows multiple devices to be controlled simultaneously, which is extremely useful for collaborative projects in research and industry. For example, this feature facilitates the synchronisation and management of multi-unit tests.
A unique feature of the Professional version is the Python GUI library, which allows users to customise the built-in Python APP or write their own programs. This makes it easy to create custom curve plots and GUI operating menus that can be integrated into third-party Python programs.
Python – for unmatched adaptability
A special feature of the MPO 2000 Series is the integrated Python programming language. Not only is it one of the world’s most popular programming languages, with a large user community, but it also brings a number of benefits to the series:
- Compatibility: The widely used programming language makes the oscilloscopes compatible with many other applications.
- Suitable for beginners and experts: Python has a clear and easy-to-understand syntax, making it suitable for beginners.
- Save costs: Reduce cost of ownership by creating your own test systems or by having free access to many libraries and resources.
- Automation: Complex test processes can be automated with Python scripts, e.g. in production lines.
- Save time: Simple and intuitive programming in Python means that test processes can be quickly developed and executed independently, significantly reducing the time from development to implementation.
- Flexibility: Product tests can be repeated and adapted at any time.
- Cloud connectivity: Python integration allows test results to be easily uploaded to the cloud, making data quickly and securely available for further analysis and reporting.
The MPO-2000 Series comes with a set of Python applications pre-installed and ready to use:
- BJT Output Characteristics: Analyse the output characteristics of bipolar transistors
- LC oscillator circuit: Examine frequency and temperature characteristics
- Fuse test: Perform fuse tests to check protection circuits
- LED Bias Characteristics: Determine the bias characteristics of LEDs
- Barcode scanner measurement application: Application to measure and analyse barcode scanners
Uniquely versatile
The GW Instek MPO-2000 Series is uniquely versatile, offering a wide range of applications and benefits. It is ideal for automated small-scale production testing, component tolerance testing in quality assurance, and a variety of test and measurement tasks in research and industry. It is also suitable for test and measurement automation in education and training. All in all, the multifunctional programmable oscilloscope with integrated Python scripting function supports increased work efficiency through automation and integrated functions – all at an excellent price/performance ratio.
Images: GW-Instek
