www.picotech.com/downloads
PicoSource® AS108
Agile Synthesizer
QUICK START GUIDE
DOWNLOAD THE PICOSYNTH™ 2 SOFTWARE FROM :
www.picotech.com/downloads
Quick Start Guide PicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer
Contents
English 1
Introduction ................................................................................... 1
Step 1: Installing the PicoSynth 2 software ................................. 1
Step 2: Safety information ............................................................ 1
Step 3: Connecting your AS108 Agile Synthesizer ...................... 3
Input and output connections ...................................................... 3
Additional information .................................................................. 4
iDO325-1 Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quick Start GuidePicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer
ii DO325-1Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quick Start Guide PicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer
English
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PicoSource AS108 Agile Synthesizer. The instrument is a
synthesized source of sine or modulated waveforms with adjustable, swept or stepped
frequency, phase or level. This guide explains how to install the PicoSynth 2 software and
connect your AS108. It also contains important safety information and advice on accessing
user manuals and technical support.
We recommend that you follow Steps 1 to 3 in order:
Step 1: Install the PicoSynth 2 software
Step 2: Read the AS108 safety information
Step 3: Connect the AS108
Control and Laboratory Use) and and EN61010-2-30: 2010 (Requirements for Testing and
Measuring Circuits). The product left the factory in a safe condition.
The following safety descriptions are found throughout this guide:
A WARNING identies conditions or practices that could result in injury or death.
A CAUTION identies conditions or practices that could result in damage to the product or
equipment to which it is connected.
2.1 Symbols
These safety and electrical symbols may appear on the product or in this guide.
Symbol Description
Chassis terminal
Step 1: Installing the PicoSynth 2 software
1.1 System requirements
To ensure that PicoSynth 2 operates correctly, you must use a computer with the system
requirements shown in the table below.
Item Specications
Operating system Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10, 32-bit and 64-bit versions
Processor, Memory,
Free disk space
Ports USB 2 or 3
As required by the operating system
1.2 Installing the software
1. Go to www.picotech.com/downloads, select the PicoSource AS108 from the list, then
select the latest PicoSynth 2 software. Download and run the installer.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. Do not connect the AS108 until
the installation is complete.
3. You can try out the software by clicking the new PicoSynth 2 icon on your desktop and
then selecting and connecting the demo device.
For more information on the software, please refer to the built-in help.
Step 2: Safety information
To prevent possible electrical shock, re, personal injury, or damage to the product, carefully
read this safety information before attempting to install or use the product. In addition, follow all
generally accepted safety practices and procedures for working with and near electricity.
The product has been designed and tested in accordance with the European standard
publication EN 61010-1: 2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
To prevent injury or death, use the product only as instructed and use only the accessories that
have been supplied or recommended. Protection provided by the product may be impaired if
used in a manner not specied by the manufacturer.
2.2 Maximum input and output ranges
Observe all terminal ratings and warnings marked on the product.
The table below and markings on the product indicate the overvoltage protection ranges for the
PicoSource AS108. These are the maximum voltages that will not damage the instrument.
To prevent electric shock, do not attempt to connect voltages outside the overvoltage
protection range.
Possibility of electric shock
Caution
Do not dispose of this product
as unsorted municipal waste
Appearance on the product indicates a need to
read these safety and operation instructions.
WARNING
WARNING
1DO325-1 Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Input/output Overvoltage protection
Main output 25 V DC pk and 20 dBm
Trigger input ±10 V DC + AC pk
Trigger output ±4 V DC + AC pk
10 MHz reference in
10 MHz reference out
FM/AM input ±5 V DC + AC pk
±4 V pk-pk AC ± 15 V DC
Quick Start GuidePicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer
2.4 External connections
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, only use the power cord and adaptor supplied with the product.
These are approved for the voltage and plug conguration in your country.
External DC power supply
Voltage Current Total power
12 to 15 V DC 0.9 A peak 12 W
WARNING
Signals exceeding the voltage limits in the table below are dened as “hazardous live” by EN
61010. All products from Pico Technology are suitable for connection to voltages that are
equal to or less than the EN 61010 limits in the table below.
Signal voltage limits of EN61010-1:2010
±70 V DC 33 V AC RMS ±46.7 V pk max.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, the AS108 must not be directly connected to the mains (line power).
CAUTION
Exceeding the overvoltage protection range on any cable, connector or accessory can cause
permanent damage to the AS108 and other connected equipment.
2.3 Grounding
WARNING
The AS108’s ground connection through the USB cable is for measurement purposes only. The
AS108 does not have a protective safety ground.
Never connect the ground input (chassis) to any electrical power source. To prevent personal
injury or death, use a voltmeter to check that there is no signicant AC or DC voltage between
the AS108 ground and the point to which you intend to connect it.
CAUTION
Applying a voltage to the ground input is likely to cause permanent damage to the AS108, the
attached computer, and other equipment.
CAUTION
Take care to avoid mechanical stress or tight bend radii for all connected leads, including
all coaxial leads and connectors. Mishandling will cause deformation of sidewalls, and will
degrade performance and accuracy.
WARNING
Containment of radio frequencies
The instrument incorporates a swept or CW radio frequency signal source (300 kHz to
8.192GHz at 15 dBm max.). The instrument and supplied accessories are designed to contain
and not radiate radio frequencies that could interfere with the operation of other equipment or
radio control and communications. To prevent injury or death, connect only to appropriately
specied connectors, cables, accessories and test devices, and do not connect to an antenna
except within approved test facilities or under otherwise controlled conditions.
2.5 Environment
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, do not use in wet or damp conditions, or near explosive gas or
vapor.
CAUTION
To prevent damage, always use and store your AS108 in appropriate environments.
Temperature Humidity (RH, non-condensing)
Storage Operating Storage Operating
−20°C to +50°C +5°C to +40°C 80 %rh 80 %rh
Altitude Pollution degree
2000m Pollution degree 2
2 DO325-1Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quick Start Guide PicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer
2.6 Care of the product
The product contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair, servicing and adjustment require
specialized test equipment and must only be performed by Pico Technology or an approved
service provider. There may be a charge for these services unless covered by the Pico three-year
warranty.
Inspect the instrument and all probes, connectors, cables and accessories before use for signs
of damage.
WARNING
To prevent injury or death, do not use the product if it appears to be damaged in any way, and
stop use immediately if you are concerned by any abnormal operations.
To prevent electric shock do not tamper with or disassemble the AS108, case parts,
connectors or accessories.
When cleaning the AS108, use a soft cloth and a solution of mild soap or detergent in water.
To prevent electric shock, do not allow water to enter the casing, as this will compromise the
electronics or insulation inside.
CAUTION
Do not block the air vents at the back of the AS108 as overheating will damage the instrument.
Do not insert any objects through the air vents as internal interference will cause damage to
the instrument.
To prevent dirt ingress, t dust caps to all unmated connectors and remove them only during
connection.
Step 3: Connecting your AS108 Agile Synthesizer
1. Make sure that you have installed the PicoSynth 2 software. You will not be able to
congure the AS108 without it.
2. If the software is running in demo mode, close it before you connect the AS108.
3. Connect the AS108 to your PC using the USB cable supplied. See the diagram below.
a. PicoSource device
b. PicoSource USB port
c. Pico USB cable
d. PC USB port
e. PC
f. PicoSource RF output
d
c
b
a
e
f
4. Wait for your computer to install the device. While doing so it will display a message or
icon in the taskbar telling you it has found the device.
5. Run the software by clicking the new PicoSynth 2 icon on your desktop. PicoSynth 2 will
automatically detect and identify your AS108.
6. In the Connect Device dialog that appears, select the AS108 and click Connect Device. You
are now ready to set up the synthesizer.
For more detailed instructions on setting up your PicoSource device, see the User’s Guide and
Data Sheet.
Input and output connections
The PicoSource AS108 User’s Guide contains a complete description of input and output
connections.
3DO325-1 Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Additional information
33
Documentation
The Data Sheet contains the latest specications for your PicoSource device. We recommend
that you print a copy and keep it for easy reference. For detailed information on operating and
installing your product, you should consult its User’s Guide. You can download PDF copies
of all documentation relevant to your synthesizer, including the Programmer’s Guide, from
www.picotech.com/downloads.
Software updates and replacement
You can download the latest versions of the PicoSynth 2 software free of charge from
www.picotech.com/downloads.
Writing your own software
A software development kit with all the drivers and other les you will need to develop your own
custom programs is installed with the PicoSynth 2 software. Pico also maintains repositories of
examples in various programming languages on GitHub, at github.com/picotech.
Technical support
Regularly updated technical support information can be found on the Pico Technology technical
support web page and users’ forum at www.picotech.com/tech-support.
Warranty and returns
Your Agile Synthesizer is supplied with a three-year return-to-manufacturer warranty. All
accessories are guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase. You may also return your
AS108 for any reason within 14 days of purchase for a refund. For terms and conditions, visit
www.picotech.com/about.
Free newsletter
Pico Technology sends out a free monthly newsletter by email. This gives news of product
launches, software upgrades and application notes as well as hints and advice. We treat your
email details as condential and will not pass them on to any third party. To subscribe, visit
www.picotech.com/signup.
Quick Start GuidePicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer
YEAR WARRANTY
4 DO325-1Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Quick Start GuidePicoSource AS100 Series
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Pico Technology
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United Kingdom
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Pico Technology
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Texas 75702
United States
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Shanghai 200070
PR China
+44 (0) 1480 396 395
+44 (0) 1480 396 296
sales@picotech.com
Pico Technology is an internationally registered trademark of Pico Technology Ltd. PicoSource and PicoSynth are trademarks of Pico
Technology Ltd.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
DO325-1. Copyright © 2018 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
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+1 620 272 0981
sales@picotech.com
+86 21 2226-5152
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