User Manual

XScopes
User’s Manual
DS-XScopes-3.5 – December, 2014 Page | 40
10. Frequently Asked Questions
1) What tools do I need to develop my own programs on the XScope?
If you don’t need debugging capabilities, only a regular cable is needed to program the device. If you want to be able to
debug your code, you need an external debugger, such as the AVR JTAGICE mkII or the AVR ONE!.
Software Tools:
 Integrated Development Environment: AVR Studio 4 or Atmel Studio 6
 If using AVR Studio 4, the C compiler is a separate package, found in the WinAVR package.
2) Can the waveform generator and the oscilloscope run simultaneously?
Yes, the waveform generator runs on the background. (The AWG uses the DMA, so it doesn't need any CPU intervention).
3) How do I power the non-portable XScopes?
The XScope can be powered thru the micro USB port. Alternatively, the XScope can be powered by connecting a 5V power
supply on the 5V pin. Do not connect a 5V power supply and the USB at the same time.
4) Can I connect the XScope to the computer to control the oscilloscope and get the data?
Yes, you can use the XScope PC Interface. A UART to USB cable will be required for old hardware revisions 1.4 and 1.5.
5) Can I connect the XScope to the computer using the USB for firmware updates?
Yes. Only the old hardware revisions (1.4 and 1.5) need a PDI programmer for firmware updates.
6) How much power can the non-portable XScopes supply?
The XScope can also power external devices. This is the maximum current on each voltage:
+5V: Will be the same as the power source minus 60mA.
-5V: Approximately 50mA, but this subtracts from the available current on the +5V line.
+3.3V: Approximately 200mA, but this subtracts from the available current on the +5V line.
7) What is the maximum frequency that I can measure with the XScope?
The analog bandwidth is set at 200kHz. However, you can still measure frequencies up to almost Nyquist/2, i.e. 1MHz. The
FFT analysis will be particularly useful when measuring high frequencies. For digital signals, you can measure up to 16MHz.
8) Can I measure voltages above 20V?
The portable XScopes can use a 3.5mm to BNC adapter, and then you could use a standard 10:1 probe. On the non-
portable devices, you can add a 9Mohm resistor in series to the input. Since the input impedance of the device is 1Mohm,
the voltage will is divided by 10 (This is the equivalent of using a 10:1 probe).
9) Are the logic inputs 5V tolerant?
Only on the Portable devices. On the non-portable variants, the logic inputs are not 5V tolerant. An easy solution would be
to place a 3K resistor in series with the 5V signal, this will work for signals with a frequency lower than 200kHz. Another
solution would be to use a voltage translator chip, such as the 74LVC245.