Picotronix modular oscilloscope uses dual Raspberry Pi Pico 2 boards, launches crowdfunding

Thort Werx Pty Ltd has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Picotronix, a modular test instrument built around two Raspberry Pi Pico 2 boards. The device functions as a two-channel digital storage oscilloscope, 8-channel logic analyzer expandable to 14 channels, and frequency meter, with a 320 x 240 color LCD display and three expansion ports for optional picoPod modules. A standard Pico 2 handles signal processing while a Pico 2 W manages the display and wireless connectivity. The system is programmable in MicroPython with direct access to the RP2350's PIO state machines, and the developers indicate that part of the codebase will be open-sourced to enable community extension.

The campaign targets $10,000 AUD in funding, with the main module priced at approximately $134 USD and deliveries expected by March 2027. Optional picoPods add capabilities including high-speed ADCs up to 100 MSPS, a 12-bit waveform generator, differential analog inputs, and a logic state analyzer supporting multiple logic families. The project includes a PC emulator for offline MicroPython script development, though full hardware schematics and firmware licensing terms remain unspecified at this stage.

Hardware architecture and expansion system

• Dual RP2350 architecture: The main module splits processing between a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 for signal acquisition and a Pico 2 W for display driving and wireless connectivity, leveraging the RP2350's 12-bit ADC for analog capture with timebases from 5 ms to 10 µs per division.
• Analog input flexibility: The base unit accepts 3 Vpp or 16.6 Vpp at 1 MΩ through dedicated inputs, with additional BNC AC/DC connections; an auxiliary input functions independently as a logic probe or voltmeter without requiring either Pico board.
• picoPod expansion ecosystem: Three expansion ports support plug-in modules including the ADC-100 (dual 100 MSPS ADCs), MSO-12 (100 MSPS 8-bit ADC with 8 logic inputs), Wave-05 (12-bit R2R DAC with programmable offset), and a 12-bit logic state analyzer sampling at 150 MSPS across three independently configurable 4-bit ports.
• Software programmability: Users can write MicroPython code with direct PIO state machine access for timing-critical operations, and a PC emulator allows development without hardware present.
• Power and portability: The unit operates from USB, a 9-12 V plug pack, or four AAA cells, supporting field use without tethered power.

Why it matters

The Picotronix represents a growing class of affordable, programmable test equipment built on widely available Raspberry Pi microcontroller boards, lowering the barrier to entry for hobbyists and educators who need oscilloscope and logic analyzer capabilities. If the developers follow through on open-sourcing portions of the firmware, the project could attract community contributions that extend its functionality beyond the initial hardware design, similar to how open-source firmware projects like PulseView have enriched the logic analyzer ecosystem. The modular picoPod approach also creates a potential platform for third-party hardware extensions, though the lack of confirmed open hardware licensing for the main module and expansion designs leaves the project's long-term openness uncertain.