Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes
MSO3000 vs PicoScope 3000D MSO
Compare the Acute MSO3000 mixed-signal oscilloscope with the PicoScope 3000D MSO. 16 digital channels, 120+ decoders, and cascading vs PicoScope's ecosystem.
The MSO3000 combines a 4-channel oscilloscope with a 16-channel logic analyzer and 120+ protocol decoders in one USB 3.0 instrument. Compared to the PicoScope 3000D MSO's 16 digital channels and ~20 decoders, the MSO3000 offers the same digital channel count with 3.5x more protocol coverage, and unique capabilities like 2 GHz logic timing analysis, device cascading, and power sequence validation — features the PicoScope does not offer.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | MSO3000 Series | Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Channels | 4 | 2 or 4 |
| Digital Channels | 16 | 16 |
| Bandwidth | Up to 200 MHz | Up to 200 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1 GS/s | 1 GS/s |
| Logic Timing Analysis | 2 GHz | Not specified |
| Protocol Decoders | 120+ | ~20 |
| Cascading | Yes | No |
| Power Sequence Validation | Yes (16–128 ch) | No |
| Interface | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Software Platform | Windows + Linux (beta) | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Starting Price | $2,500 | $2,095 |
Analog Channels
MSO3000 Series
4
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
2 or 4
Digital Channels
MSO3000 Series
16
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
16
Bandwidth
MSO3000 Series
Up to 200 MHz
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
Up to 200 MHz
Sample Rate
MSO3000 Series
1 GS/s
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
1 GS/s
Logic Timing Analysis
MSO3000 Series
2 GHz
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
Not specified
Protocol Decoders
MSO3000 Series
120+
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
~20
Cascading
MSO3000 Series
Yes
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
No
Power Sequence Validation
MSO3000 Series
Yes (16–128 ch)
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
No
Interface
MSO3000 Series
USB 3.0
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
USB 3.0
Software Platform
MSO3000 Series
Windows + Linux (beta)
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
Windows, Mac, Linux
Starting Price
MSO3000 Series
$2,500
Pico Technology PicoScope 3000D MSO
$2,095
Choose Acute when you need:
- 16 digital channels with 2 GHz timing analysis
- 120+ protocol decoders for diverse bus types
- Device cascading for expanded channel count
- Power sequence validation (16–128 channels)
- Local NA engineering support
Consider Pico Technology when you need:
- Cross-platform Mac/Linux support
- Larger community and app note library
- Slightly lower entry price point
- Wider range of probe accessories