The TA197 is designed for measuring automotive signals such as fuel injector and primary ignition voltages (nominally 6, 12 or 24 volts). Do not use this attenuator to measure mains voltages, secondary ignition or other hazardous voltages.
Fuel injector and primary ignition signals contain short-duration high-voltage spikes: “inductive kicks”. We therefore recommend the use of two ground connections between the oscilloscope and the vehicle under test. Make one ground connection using the measurement test lead. Connect a second ground lead between one of the BNC connectors on the oscilloscope and a secure ground point on the vehicle such as the negative terminal of the battery. Misconfiguration and/or failure to follow these warnings may cause damage to the product and/or computer and could cause injury to yourself or others.
| Attenuation |
10:1 |
| Input impedance |
8 MΩ |
| Input capacitance |
27 pF |
| Bandwidth |
20 MHz
(–3 dB) |
| Max. input |
400 V |
Product Description
With high bandwidth and fault protection, the 10:1 attenuator allows you to measure fuel injector and primary ignition waveforms using PicoScope oscilloscopes.
The TA197 is a passive 10:1 attenuator. This means that, for example, a 10 V signal at its input appears as a 1 V signal on its output. It allows voltages of up to 400 V at its input. It is designed for ground-referenced signals only, as it attenuates the signal path but not the ground path.
The TA197 attenuator also increases the input impedance of the oscilloscope from 1 MΩ to 8 MΩ, so can be used when measuring the output of high-impedance sensors such as piezo knock sensors where connecting an automotive scope can attenuate the signal or induce a fault code.
Note : When using a PicoScope 4225 or 4425 oscilloscope, the attenuator is not normally needed for measuring injectors as the voltage spike is usually under 200 V. It will be required, however, when using older generations of PicoScopes that measure to only 50 V or 100 V. The 10:1 attenuator is an improved version of the 20:1 attenuator previously available from Pico.
