PicoLog 1000 Series

The PicoLog 1000 Series multichannel data logger is designed for engineers, laboratories, educational institutions, test departments and system developers who need to measure and record multiple voltage signals using a computer-based data acquisition system.

The series consists of two models:

• PicoLog 1012: 12 analog input channels with 10-bit resolution
• PicoLog 1216: 16 analog input channels with 12-bit resolution

Both devices provide a fixed 0 to +2.5 V single-ended input range, USB connectivity and multiple acquisition modes for applications ranging from long-duration data logging to faster transient capture.

Multichannel Voltage Data Acquisition

The PicoLog 1000 Series is designed primarily for general-purpose voltage, sensor and transducer logging.

Typical measurements can include signals from:

• Voltage-output sensors
• Pressure transducers
• Light sensors
• Position sensors
• Environmental sensors
• Industrial measurement circuits
• Laboratory experiments
• Electronic prototypes
• Process-monitoring systems
• Custom sensor interfaces

The PicoLog 1012 provides 12 analog inputs, while the PicoLog 1216 provides 16 analog inputs, allowing multiple measurement points to be monitored using one USB data logger.

Expandable Up to 320 Analog Channels

PicoLog software can operate with up to 20 Pico data loggers simultaneously.

Using twenty PicoLog 1216 units can therefore create a system with up to:

20 × 16 = 320 analog input channels

This expandable architecture is useful for applications where the required channel count may grow beyond the capability of one data logger.

Multiple Pico data-logging products can also be used within the same PicoLog software environment, making it possible to build larger or mixed measurement systems.

Flexible Sampling Modes

The PicoLog 1000 Series supports different acquisition modes depending on the required measurement speed and recording duration.

PicoLog Software Logging

Using PicoLog software, measurements can be recorded continuously at up to:

• 1 kS/s

The available recording duration is primarily limited by available computer storage rather than the logger's internal buffer.

This mode is suitable for applications such as:

• Environmental monitoring
• Process measurements
• Sensor characterization
• Long-duration experiments
• Battery testing
• Slow-changing electrical measurements

PicoSDK Streaming Mode

With PicoSDK streaming mode, the PicoLog 1000 Series supports sampling up to:

• 100 kS/s

This allows developers to build custom applications requiring faster continuous acquisition than standard PicoLog logging.

PicoScope / PicoSDK Block Mode

For faster acquisition, the logger supports sampling up to:

• 1 MS/s

This maximum rate is available through PicoScope or PicoSDK block-mode operation and applies under the conditions specified by Pico for high-speed acquisition.

The 1 MS/s capability makes the PicoLog 1000 Series useful for capturing shorter-duration signal events in addition to conventional long-term data logging.

Model-Specific Measurement Accuracy

The two PicoLog 1000 models provide different resolution and accuracy levels.

PicoLog 1012

• 12 analog inputs
• 10-bit resolution
• Accuracy: 1% of full scale

PicoLog 1216

• 16 analog inputs
• 12-bit resolution
• Accuracy: 0.5% of full scale

The PicoLog 1216 is therefore the better choice when additional channels and higher measurement resolution are required.

Fixed 0 to +2.5 V Input Range

Both models use a:

• 0 to +2.5 V input voltage range
• Single-ended input configuration
• Unipolar measurement architecture
• DC input coupling
• 1 MΩ input impedance

Because the standard input range is fixed, sensors producing signals outside this range require appropriate signal conditioning or scaling before connection.

Optional Terminal Board for Sensor Connections

The PP545 Small Terminal Board is available for the PicoLog 1012 and PicoLog 1216.

It provides screw terminals that allow sensor wires to be connected without soldering. The board also includes locations where resistors can be installed to offset or extend the effective input measurement range.

This is useful for:

• Bare-wire sensor connections
• Prototype measurement systems
• Educational experiments
• Custom voltage-divider circuits
• Industrial sensor interfaces
• Permanent laboratory installations

The terminal board is optional unless purchased as part of a package that specifically includes it. Pico offers both logger-only and logger-with-terminal-board configurations.

Digital Outputs and Control Functions

The PicoLog 1000 Series also provides digital output capabilities.

PicoLog 1012:

• 2 digital outputs

PicoLog 1216:

• 4 digital outputs
• 1 PWM output

The digital outputs provide approximately:

• Logic low: 100 mV typical
• Logic high: 3.3 V
• Output protection: 1 kΩ series resistance

The PicoLog 1216 PWM output supports:

• Period: 100 µs to 1800 µs
• Duty cycle: 0% to 100%
• Adjustment: 1% steps

These outputs can be useful for simple control, triggering and experiment automation.

Sensor Power Output

The PicoLog 1000 Series provides a sensor power output rated at:

• 2.5 V
• 10 mA
• Current limited

This output may be used to power suitable low-power sensors or external circuitry within the manufacturer's specified limits.

PicoLog 6 Data Logging Software

PicoLog 6 provides a graphical environment for configuring channels, recording measurements and viewing acquired data.

Functions include:

• Real-time data collection
• Channel configuration
• Data visualization
• Graph and table displays
• Calculated channels
• Alarm functionality
• Data export
• Multiple logger support
• Long-duration recording

The software is designed for both straightforward measurement setups and more complex multichannel acquisition systems.

PicoLog Cloud Support

The PicoLog 1000 Series currently supports PicoLog Cloud.

PicoLog Cloud allows compatible loggers to send capture data to Pico's cloud service and share measurement data using a link that can be opened in a browser on:

• PCs
• Phones
• Tablets

Pico also provides a cloud API that allows live capture data to be transferred into compatible third-party software or databases.

This can be useful for:

• Remote monitoring
• Distributed engineering teams
• Cloud-based test reporting
• Database integration
• Custom dashboards
• Remote experiment review

PicoSDK for Custom Applications

Pico provides an SDK and programming resources for developers who need to integrate the PicoLog 1000 Series into custom test or automation software.

The current programmer's guide identifies:

• PicoLog 1012: Part number PP543
• PicoLog 1216: Part number PP544

PicoSDK can be used for applications such as:

• Automated test systems
• Custom data acquisition software
• Production test equipment
• Research instrumentation
• Database-connected monitoring
• Laboratory automation

Typical Applications

The PicoLog 1000 Series is suitable for:

• General-purpose data acquisition
• Multichannel voltage logging
• Sensor and transducer monitoring
• Laboratory measurements
• Industrial process monitoring
• Educational experiments
• Electronic product development
• Research and development
• Environmental monitoring
• Automated test systems
• Production monitoring
• Long-duration data recording
• Prototype validation
• Custom DAQ systems