PQ226 PicoScope 4425A, 4-Channel "Standard" Kit

The PicoScope 4425A is a PC-based 4-channel automotive oscilloscope with 12-bit resolution (up to 16-bit with resolution enhancement) and up to 20 MHz bandwidth. This gives you significantly more detail than many 8-bit workshop scopes. The maximum sampling rate is up to 400 MS/s (1 channel), and the input ranges go from ±50 mV to ±200 V in 12 steps.
In short: higher resolution, larger dynamic range, better memory depth and professional PC software – ideal for complex diagnostics and for documentation.

With the 4-channel Standard Kit, you can cover virtually all common automotive systems:

• Sensors (Hall, inductive, pressure, temperature, etc.)

• Actuators (injectors, motors, valves, relays)

• Ignition systems (primary/secondary, COP, multi-spark)

• Current draw of consumers, starter, alternator using current clamps

• LIN, CAN and other bus signals (signal quality, levels, interference)

The Standard Kit comes with a range of leads, ignition pickups, clips and current clamps so you can connect to most components on modern vehicles straight away.

Yes – the PicoScope 4425A itself is an oscilloscope that can also be used for HV and EV diagnostics, as long as you use appropriate high-voltage rated probes and adapters. Pico offers dedicated automotive kits and accessories for hybrid and electric vehicles (e.g. EV kits with suitable current clamps, differential probes and safety gear).

Important: high-voltage measurements may only be performed with proper safety equipment, HV-certified accessories and adequately trained personnel.

All inputs on the PicoScope 4425A are PicoBNC+ connectors. In practice this means:

• Mechanically similar to BNC, but “push-on, pinch & pull” – no twisting required

• Power supply for “active” probes directly from the scope (e.g. current clamps)

• Digital communication: the probe identifies itself to the software

• Automatic channel setup (range, scaling, probe type) and auto-zero for current clamps

This shortens setup time, reduces user error and makes recurring measurements faster and more repeatable in everyday workshop use.

In summary:

• Channels: 4 galvanically isolated channels

• Bandwidth: up to 20 MHz (10 MHz in the most sensitive range)

• Vertical resolution: 12-bit, up to 16-bit with resolution enhancement

• Input voltage ranges: ±50 mV to ±200 V (12 ranges)

• Input impedance: 1 MΩ || approx. 20–24 pF

• Maximum sampling rate:

  • 1 channel: up to 400 MS/s

  • 2 channels: up to 200 MS/s

  • 3–4 channels: up to 100 MS/s

• Buffer memory: up to 250 M samples, large waveform buffer

• Overvoltage protection: up to ±250 V (DC + AC peak)

This is extremely comfortable for automotive diagnostics, especially for fast signals and long captures (e.g. cranking, intermittent faults).

The PicoScope 4425A is a PC-based oscilloscope and connects to the computer via USB (USB 3.0, backward compatible with USB 2.0).

Recommended for smooth workshop operation:

• Windows PC or laptop (current 64-bit Windows version)

• At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended if you often analyse long recordings)

• SSD storage for fast data handling

• Free USB 3.0 port

• Optional: large external monitor for training and customer/technician discussions

The PicoScope Automotive software is available as a free download; there are usually no ongoing licence fees for standard functionality.

The PicoScope Automotive software is provided free of charge and can be used without recurring licence fees. Pico regularly releases updates with new features, vehicle libraries and example waveforms.

Particularly useful in practice:

• Predefined test presets for common automotive systems (incl. reference waveforms and step-by-step instructions)

• Integrated help texts and waveform library to support interpretation

• Regular updates to keep up with new sensor and system technologies

This means the 4425A is not just an oscilloscope – it’s a diagnostic platform with a continuously growing knowledge base.

Yes, in many cases you can continue using existing BNC accessories by using an adapter from BNC to PicoBNC+. The PicoBNC+ inputs themselves are single-ended, floating connectors.

Important:

• Check that the existing accessory matches the electrical input specification (voltage range, safety rating, shielding)

• Use only approved accessories for HV measurements

• You won’t benefit from the “intelligent” features of PicoBNC+ probes (auto-identification, power, auto-zero etc.) with classic BNC probes – but for simple signals they can still be used.

The 4425A Standard Kit is the “all-round kit” for automotive workshops. It includes considerably more accessories than the Starter Kit (e.g. additional current clamps, ignition pickups, fuse adapters, etc.), but is still more compact and cost-effective than the very extensive Advanced or Master kits, which may include pressure transducers (WPS500X), more current clamps and specialised accessories.

In practice:

• Starter Kit: entry level, basic signals, ideal for first oscilloscope steps

• Standard Kit (your product page): very good compromise for day-to-day workshop diagnostics

• Advanced / Master Kits: maximum coverage, including pressure and NVH diagnostics plus extensive special accessories

PicoScope Automotive oscilloscopes are generally supplied with a multi-year warranty (often 2 years – please check the exact terms with PSE / the manufacturer). The unit is robustly designed, with input protection up to ±250 V and floating inputs, making it well suited to everyday workshop use.

Calibration:

• For everyday workshop diagnostics, regular calibration is often not mandatory, but it does increase confidence in your measurements – particularly for expert reports, legal documentation and training centres.

• If required, the oscilloscope can be calibrated and certified by specialist calibration labs or via the manufacturer/distributor.

Long-term: Since the software and test presets are continuously updated, your 4425A system remains up to date for many years, as long as your PC platform is supported.