The BK Precision 2512B handheld digital storage oscilloscope combines floating measurement and recorder capabilities with a built-in digital multimeter (DMM), all in one portable and lightweight package.

This versatile scope provides two analog channels with a maximum bandwidth of 200 MHz and a maximum sample rate of 1 GSa/s. Additionally, the 12 Mpts memory depth, sequence mode, and 400,000 waveforms per second update rate, allow users to capture transients and long-term signal behavior with excellent signal fidelity.

The built-in 6000-count multimeter allows users to quickly transition from an oscilloscope to a DMM to measure DC/AC voltage and current, resistance, and capacitance, including diode and continuity tests.

This handheld DSO features many useful recording functions, such as scope recorder and trend plot, which allows data logging from the oscilloscope and multimeter inputs. The scope recorder function provides sample rates up to 25 kSa/s, 50 MB internal memory, and support to write directly to an external drive for up to 2 GB. The trend plot feature allows users to log oscilloscope or meter measurements at a slower rate.

The 2512B handheld oscilloscope is ideal for industrial applications, power systems, electronic design, and field test and service.

Floating and Differential Measurements

Many industrial applications such as power electronics require measurements of high voltages and currents that are not referenced to ground. Traditional line-powered oscilloscopes typically have signal common connected to earth ground, which is usually the chassis of the oscilloscope. This means that all measurements must be made relative to earth ground, which prevents users from making differential measurements where none of the test points are referenced to ground.

As a workaround, some people choose to "float" an oscilloscope by removing the connection between the instrument’s chassis (including the outside of BNC jacks) and the power line ground. Floating a scope is not recommended as it can put the user at a safety risk as well as yield poor measurement results due to parasitic capacitance, which can cause ringing and invalidates the measurement. The 2512B allows engineers and technicians to make accurate and safe measurements when the signal reference is floating and neither of the two test points is referenced to earth ground.