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The RP2040 datasheet states that the clock source for the built-in ADC must be 48MHz and that each ADC conversion takes 96 clock cycles. This gives a maximum sample rate of 500kS/s (ie. 48000000 / 96 = 500000). This in turn limits the maximum bandwidth achievable by any oscilloscope that relies on the built-in ADC of the RP2040 MCU.

However, if we ignore the datasheet and clock the ADC at a higher rate then we can achieve higher sample rates.

The Scoppy Android app allows us to choose from 3 different values for the maximum sample rate. They are:

  • 500kS/s - The default - the ADC is clocked at 48MHz
  • 1.3MS/s - The ADC is clocked at 125MHz
  • 2.0MS/s - The ADC is clocked at 192MHz

The following tests were performed to allow us to determine if overclocking the ADC adversely affects performance of the oscilloscope.

All tests were performed using an FSCOPE-500K board as the analog front-end to the RP2040 ADC. For the 200kHz sine wave tests, the MCP6002 op-amp on the board was replaced with an amplifier with higher GBW and slew rate.

Tests

The 3 different Max. Sample Rate settings were tested with a 1kHz sine wave, 200kHz sine wave, 30kHz square wave and DC. The FFT of the 1kHz sine wave was also recorded.

1kHz Sine Wave

The results were very similar except at the 2.0MS/s setting where there is small but visible distortion at about 0V.

500kS/s

1kHz sine wave at 500kS/s


1.3MS/s

1kHz sine wave at 1.3MS/s


2.0MS/s

1kHz sine wave at 2.0MS/s

The red circle shows an area of distortion that is not visible at the lower max. sample rate settings.

200kHz Sine Wave

Using the default 500kS/s setting the waveform is extremely wonky! The higher sample rates result in a much less distorted waveform.

500kS/s

200kHz sine wave at 500kS/s


1.3MS/s

200kHz sine wave at 1.3MS/s


2.0MS/s

200kHz sine wave at 2.0MS/s


30kHz Square Wave

500kS/s

30kHz square wave at 500kS/s


2.0MS/s

30kHz square wave at 2.0MS/s


1kHz Sine Wave FFT

Changing the max. sample rate setting has very little affect on distortion. Measured using the amplitude of the 3rd and 5th harmonics.

500kS/s

FFT of 1kHz sine wave at 500kS/s


1.3MS/s

FFT of 1kHz sine wave at 1.3MS/s


2.0MS/s

FFT of 1kHz sine wave at 2.0MS/s


DC

The signal generator was set to 2.0V. The voltage measured at the scope input with a DMM was 2.07V. Increasing the max. sample rate setting does affect the measured voltage of DC signals (approx. 2%).

500kS/s

Measured voltage = 2.08V


1.3MS/s

Measured voltage = 2.13V


2.0MS/s

Measured voltage = 2.13V


See Also

RP2040 Max. Sample Rate Setting

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