MultiScope MS8 DIFF USB oscilloscope

The 8 differential channel MultiScope packed with technology

Base price:  2,642.00

The 1 GSa/s 14 bit 8 differential channel High Resolution Oscilloscope packed with technology.

Key specifications

  • 8 differential inputs
  • 8, 12, 14, 16 bit resolution, 0.25 % DC vertical accuracy, 0.1 % typical
  • Up to 1 GSa/s sampling, up to 250 MHz bandwidth
  • Up to 256 Mpoints memory per channel
  • Up to 200 MSa/s continuous streaming
  • 1 ppm time base accuracy

Full specifications Request info

Base model:
  • MultiScope MS8 DIFF-1000
  • MultiScope MS8 DIFF-500
  • MultiScope MS8 DIFF-200
  • MultiScope MS8 DIFF-100

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This powerful USB 3.0 super speed MultiScope combines fast sampling up to 1 GSa/s with high resolutions of 12, 14 and 16 bit and a large memory of 64 Mpoints on all eight channels. The oscilloscope supports continuous streaming measurements up to 200 MSa/s and can be synchronized with other oscilloscopes using the CMI interface to form a multi channel combined instrument with synchronized time base. The CMI interface is available by default on the MultiScope MS8 DIFF. Optionally, the MultiScope MS8 DIFF can be delivered with SureConnect connection test and resistance measurement on each channel. Also, the MultiScope MS8 DIFF can be delivered with SafeGround option. With SafeGround you can switch the differential inputs of the MultiScope MS8 DIFF into single ended inputs with ground protection. It allows to make measurements using standard attenuating probes and protects the scope when a short circuit to ground is created.

MultiScope MS8 DIFF composition

The MultiScope MS8 DIFF is an 8 channel USB oscilloscope, created by combining and synchronizing two Handyscope HS6 DIFFs, using a TP-C50H CMI Coupling cable.

The Handyscope HS6 DIFF is equipped with a sophisticated CMI synchronization bus, allowing to connect multiple units to each other by means of TP-C50H CMI Coupling cables, to use them as the MultiScope MS8 DIFF. All units will measure at the same sample frequency (0 ppm deviation!). Apart from a synchronization bus, the CMI also contains a trigger bus and a detection bus.

Read more about CMI multi oscilloscope synchronisation

MultiScope MS8 DIFF

SafeGround

SafeGround gives the possibility to use the oscilloscope inputs both as single-ended and as differential. When SafeGround is active and you accidentally create a wrong connection that causes a short circuit, SafeGround will disconnect the ground of the input channel without damaging the oscilloscope or PC.

Read SafeGround details

SafeGround

SureConnect

While measuring, the revolutionary SureConnect connection test feature of the MultiScope MS8 DIFF checks in real time whether your test probe or clip actually makes electrical contact with your test subject.

Read more about SureConnect View the SureConnect video

SafeGround

High accuracy

The MultiScope MS8 DIFF measures with high resolutions of 14 and 16 bit. A signal measured with the Handyscope HS6 DIFF therefore has 256 times more resolution than most standalone oscilloscopes, which usually have a low resolution of 8 or 9 bit. The high resolution of the MultiScope MS8 DIFF precision oscilloscope allows for measuring signals with more accuracy, because the quantization error is much lower.

Read more about high accuracy

Zoomed in to 8 mV range

Large memory

When measuring at high sample rates, a long record length/large memory is necessary to be able to record a complete signal in the acquisition buffer. Where most oscilloscopes have 2.5 kpoints or 100 kpoints memory, the MultiScope MS8 DIFF has up to 256 Mpoints memory per channel, depending on the selected resolution and the number of active channels. When measuring at 14 bit resolution and all eight channels, the available memory is 32 Mpoints per channel. This gives the user 300 to 100000 times more memory. An advantage of a large memory is that once-only fast phenomena can be captured accurately or complete serial communication signal blocks can be measured all at once. For example complete serial communications, like CAN bus signals, can be measured all in one record to be reviewed and analyzed afterwards.

Read more about large memory

Zoom in 1 million times

Bandwidth limit

It seems reasonable to assume that more bandwidth is better, but a wider bandwidth gives more noise. To reduce your noise you can switch on a bandwidth limiter for each channel of the MultiScope MS8 DIFF.

Read more about bandwidth limit

Bandwidth limit

Sophisticated Software Development Kit

Do you want to make your own dedicated software for your MultiScope MS8 DIFF?
Or embed the instrument into your own product with its own custom software?
Creating an automated test setup for your production facility?

The libtiepie-hw Software Development Kit is a cross platform SDK to use the TiePie engineering instruments in your own software. The comprehensive API gives your software full access to all functionality of the instruments. Use your preferred programming language to develop your software.

Read more on the SDK...

SDK

Versatile Multi Channel oscilloscope software

The MultiScope MS8 DIFF is delivered with the versatile Multi Channel oscilloscope software, which transforms the MultiScope MS8 DIFF into an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, data logger, multimeter and protocol analyzer.

Some of the powerful features of the Multi Channel oscilloscope software are indicated below, for a full description of the Multi Channel oscilloscope software, refer to the Multi Channel oscilloscope software pages.

Quick Setup

To simplify setting up the measurements, the Multi Channel oscilloscope software contains a large number of Quick Setups, for almost any application. A Quick Setup contains the basic settings for a specific measurement as well as additional information regarding the selected Quick Setup, like e.g. how your Handyscope and/or accessories need to be connected. Quick Setups can also contain reference signals. After loading the Quick Setup, that specific measurement can be performed and if needed, small adjustments to the setup can be made.

The Quick Setups are carefully organized in a tree structure, ordered by application. Just a few mouse clicks allow to perform a complex measurement.

Read more on the Quick Setups...

Flexible signal displays

The Multi Channel oscilloscope software scope, spectrum analyzer and datalogger offer an ultimately flexible way to display all aspects of the measured signals. They can have one or more graphs, each displaying one or more signals, where each graph can display different parts of a signal. Graphs can display the signal(s) of your Handyscope in Yt mode, in XY mode or as frequency spectrum, with or without interpolation. Colors of all items in a graph can be set to any required value. Graph dimensions can be adjusted to any required size, graphs can be located in one single window or in separate windows, which can be located anywhere on the desktop.

Read more on Graphs...

Many automatic measurements

The Multi Channel oscilloscope software features many automatic measurements, that can be performed on the measured signals of your Handyscope or on a selection of the measured signals. Using the automatic measurements in the oscilloscope, any detail of your signal is revealed. Two sets of cursors, both horizontal and vertical, can be used to indicate a part of the signal that needs to be examined thoroughly. The automatic measurements include e.g.: Mininum, Maximum, Top-Bottom, RMS, Mean, Variance, Standard deviation, Frequency.

The measurement results are shown in a special value window that can be positioned anywhere on your computer screen. A convenient toolbar allows you to enable or disable a measurement with a single click. The measurement results can be copied to the clipboard e.g. to use them in reports. When printing the graphs, the cursors and measurements results are also included.

Read more on cursors and measurements...

High detail spectrum analyzer

The high detail Multi Channel oscilloscope software spectrum analyzer takes full benefit of the deep memory of the high resolution USB Handyscopes. Not only gives the deep memory an incredible low resolution bandwidth of just 7.45 Hz at a frequency span of 500 MHz, it also gives a vertical dynamic range of 140 dB. The fast and powerful FFT routines with many user selectable window functions allow you to see the smallest frequency components in your signals.

The multi display option of the Multi Channel oscilloscope software spectrum analyzer allows viewing multiple parts of the spectrum at the same time, giving a better understanding of the signals that are analyzed.

Read more on the Spectrum analyzer...

Advanced triggers

To control the advanced trigger capabilities of your Handyscope, the Multi Channel oscilloscope software provides for a convenient trigger properties dialog. It allows to view and set all properties of the trigger, like e.g. trigger source, trigger type, all levels and hystereses and optional time conditions. Additionally, it gives an explanation on the selected trigger type and examples that do cause a trigger (left column) and do not cause a trigger (right column).

Read more on trigger...

Unlimited zoom

When measuring at high sample rates, a long record length is a must, otherwise the acquisition buffer is full before the signal is measured. Therefore, our Handyscopes can have up to 256 MSamples record length per channel.

To view all that data conveniently and yet being able to see all details of the signals, the Multi Channel oscilloscope software scope, spectrum analyzer and data logger support sophisticated signal drawing routines with unlimited zooming capabilities. The full signal can be shown on any display size, without loss of information. Yet, you can zoom in to any required level, to see the finest details in the signals. Zooming factors of 1 million of even more are no problem, you can zoom in far beyond sample level.

Read more about the oscilloscope...

Oscilloscope

Analyze fast serial communication protocols

To analyze or debug your serial communications, simply measure the signal(s) transferring the protocol with your Handyscope and have them analyzed and decoded by one of the Multi Channel oscilloscope software protocol analyzers. The decoded information from the serial communications can be shown in tables, in graphs and in the multimeter.

A protocol analyzer is a useful tool when developing a hardware and/or software implementation of a communication bus. It can also be used when debugging device or bus failures.

Read more on Protocol analyzers...

24/7 Data logging

Measuring long term signal changes with your Handyscope is done with the Multi Channel oscilloscope software Data logger. The data logger logs your signal, continuously uninterrupted at high speed, 24 hour a day, 7 days a week. Results are immediately shown on the screen and all data can be stored to disk. A convenient toolbar lets you navigate through the stored files to find the important moments in the measurement.

Read more on the Data logger...

More features

To discover more features of the comprehensive Multi Channel oscilloscope software for your MultiScope MS8 DIFF, visit the Multi Channel oscilloscope software pages for a full description.

MultiScope MS8 DIFF specifications

The MultiScope MS8 DIFF consists of two Handyscope HS6 DIFFs. The individual specifications can be viewed here:

The tables below show detailed specifications of the MultiScope MS8 DIFF when operated as combined instrument. Jump to specifications regarding

When multiple instruments are combined, the list of sub instruments is ordered according how they are connected to each other by the coupling cables. The list starts with the sub instrument at one of the ends of the list with the lowest serial number and then follows the coupling cables. Channel numbering of the MultiScope MS8 DIFF starts with the sub instrument at the beginning of the list.

MultiScope composition

MultiScope MS8 DIFF compositionMS8 DIFF-1000MS8 DIFF-500MS8 DIFF-200MS8 DIFF-100
Handyscope HS6 DIFF2 x HS6 DIFF-10002 x HS6 DIFF-5002 x HS6 DIFF-2002 x HS6 DIFF-100

Acquisition system

Number of input channels8 analog
CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7, CH8Isolated female BNC
TypeDifferential input
ResolutionUser selectable in software
Native8, 12, 14 bit
Enhanced16 bit
DC Accuracy0.25 % (0.1 % typical) of full scale ± 1 LSB at 20°C to 25°C
To achieve rated accuracy, allow the instrument to settle for 20 minutes. When subjected to extreme temperatures, allow additional time for internal temperatures to stabilize.
Noise305 µVrms (200 mV range, 12 bit, 50 MSa/s)
90 µVrms (200 mV range, 16 bit, 6.25 MSa/s)
Ranges (full scale)±200 mV
±400 mV
±800 mV
±2 V
±4 V
±8 V
±20 V
±40 V
±80 V
CouplingAC/DC
Impedance2 MOhm / 12 pF ± 1 %
1 MOhm / 20 pF ± 1 % when SafeGround enabled
Maximum voltage200 V (DC + AC peak < 10 kHz)
Maximum Common Mode voltage200 mV to 800 mV ranges : 2 V
2 V to 8 V ranges : 20 V
20 V to 80 V ranges : 200 V
Common Mode Rejection Ratio-47 dB
BandwidthMS8 DIFF-1000MS8 DIFF-500MS8 DIFF-200MS8 DIFF-100
-3dB at 75 % of full scale input250 MHz250 MHz250 MHz100 MHz
Limit, selectable per channelOff (250 MHz)
150 MHz
100 MHz
50 MHz
Off (250 MHz)
150 MHz
100 MHz
50 MHz
Off (250 MHz)
150 MHz
100 MHz
50 MHz
Off (100 MHz)
75 MHz
50 MHz
25 MHz
AC coupling cut off frequency (-3dB)±1.5 Hz
Channel Isolation500 V
Channel Separation-80 dB
SureConnectOptionally available (option S)
Maximum voltage on connection200 V (DC + AC peak < 10 kHz)
Resistance measurementOptionally available (option S)
Ranges (Full scale)100 Ω
200 Ω
500 Ω
1 kΩ
2 kΩ
5 kΩ
10 kΩ
20 kΩ
50 kΩ
100 kΩ
200 kΩ
500 kΩ
1 MΩ
2 MΩ
Accuracy1 % of full scale
Response time (to 95%)< 10 µs
SafeGroundOptionally available (option G)
Maximum voltage on connection200 V (DC + AC peak < 10 kHz)
Maximum switch off current500 mA
Response time< 100 ns
 
Maximum sampling rateMS8 DIFF-1000MS8 DIFF-500MS8 DIFF-200MS8 DIFF-100
8 bit 
measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF1 GSa/s500 MSa/s200 MSa/s100 MSa/s
measuring 2 channels per HS6 DIFF500 MSa/s200 MSa/s100 MSa/s50 MSa/s
measuring 3 or 4 channels per HS6 DIFF200 MSa/s100 MSa/s50 MSa/s20 MSa/s
12 bit 
measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF500 MSa/s200 MSa/s100 MSa/s50 MSa/s
measuring 2 channels per HS6 DIFF200 MSa/s100 MSa/s50 MSa/s20 MSa/s
measuring 3 or 4 channels per HS6 DIFF100 MSa/s50 MSa/s20 MSa/s10 MSa/s
14 bit100 MSa/s50 MSa/s20 MSa/s10 MSa/s
16 bit6.25 MSa/s3.125 MSa/s1.25 MSa/s625 kSa/s
 
Maximum streaming rate 1MS8 DIFF-1000MS8 DIFF-500MS8 DIFF-200MS8 DIFF-100
8 bit 
measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF200 MSa/s2100 MSa/s240 MSa/s20 MSa/s
measuring 2 channels per HS6 DIFF100 MSa/s350 MSa/s320 MSa/s10 MSa/s
measuring 3 or 4 channels per HS6 DIFF50 MSa/s425 MSa/s410 MSa/s5 MSa/s
12 bit 
measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF100 MSa/s350 MSa/s320 MSa/s10 MSa/s
measuring 2 channels per HS6 DIFF50 MSa/s425 MSa/s410 MSa/s5 MSa/s
measuring 3 or four 4 per HS6 DIFF25 MSa/s512.5 MSa/s55 MSa/s2.5 MSa/s
14 bit 
measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF100 MSa/s350 MSa/s320 MSa/s10 MSa/s
measuring 1 channels per HS6 DIFF50 MSa/s425 MSa/s410 MSa/s5 MSa/s
measuring 3 or 4 channels per HS6 DIFF25 MSa/s512.5 MSa/s55 MSa/s2.5 MSa/s
16 bit6.25 MSa/s63.125 MSa/s1.25 MSa/s625 kSa/s
  1. On some computers, the highest streaming rates may not be available, due to computer restrictions.
  2. ≤ 40 MSa/s when connected to USB 2.0
  3. ≤ 20 MSa/s when connected to USB 2.0
  4. ≤ 10 MSa/s when connected to USB 2.0
  5. ≤ 5 MSa/s when connected to USB 2.0
  6. ≤ 3.125 MSa/s when connected to USB 2.0
Sampling clock source 
InternalTCXO
Accuracy± 0.0001 %
Stability± 1 ppm over 0°C to 55°C
Time base aging±1 ppm/year
ExternalLVDS, on CMI connectors
Input frequency10 MHz ± 1 %
16.369 MHz ± 1 %
 
MemoryStandard modelXM option
8 bit resolution 
Measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF1 Mpts per channel256 Mpts per channel
Measuring 2 channels per HS6 DIFF512 Kpts per channel128 Mpts per channel
Measuring 3 or 4 channels per HS6 DIFF256 Kpts per channel64 Mpts per channel
12, 14, 16 bit resolution 
Measuring 1 channel per HS6 DIFF512 Kpts per channel128 Mpts per channel
Measuring 2 channels per HS6 DIFF256 Kpts per channel64 Mpts per channel
Measuring 3 or 4 channels per HS6 DIFF128 Kpts per channel32 Mpts per channel
 
Trigger Only available in scope/block mode, not in streaming mode
SystemDigital, 2 levels
Source 
AnalogCH1
CH2
CH3
CH4,
CH5
CH6
CH7
CH8,
DigitalEXT1(HS6 DIFF-1)
EXT2(HS6 DIFF-1)
EXT1(HS6 DIFF-2)
EXT2(HS6 DIFF-2)
CombinationAny sources can be OR'ed
Trigger modesRising edge, Falling edge, Any edge
Inside window, Outside window, Enter window, Exit window (time conditions only on HS6 DIFF Ch1)
Pulse width (only on HS6 DIFF Ch1)
Interval (only on HS6 DIFF Ch1)
Level adjustment0 to 100 % of full scale
Hysteresis adjustment0 to 100 % of full scale
Resolution0.006 % (14, 16 bits) / 0.025% (12 bits)
Pre trigger0 to selected record length, 1 sample resolution
Post trigger0 to selected record length, 1 sample resolution
Trigger hold-off0 to 63 MSamples, 1 sample resolution
Trigger delay0 to 8 GSamples, 1 sample resolution
Digital external trigger 
InputExtension connector pins 1 and 2
Range0 to 2.5 V (TTL)
CouplingDC
Jitter≤ 1 sample

Multi-instrument synchronization

Using CMISynchronizing instruments via CMI is available when all instruments are connected via USB.
Maximum number of instrumentsLimited by number of available USB ports
Synchronization accuracy0 ppm
CMI interface2x, CMI 1, CMI 2
Required coupling cableTP-C50H CMI Coupling cable
Maximum coupling cable length50 cm

Probe calibration

OutputExtension connector pins 3 (signal) and 6 (ground)
SignalSquare wave
Level-1 V to 1 V
Frequency1 kHz

Interface

InterfaceUSB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit/s);
(USB 2.0 HighSpeed compatible)

Power Requirements

PowerFrom USB port or external input
Consumption5 VDC 1200 mA max
External powerFrom second USB port or power adapter

Physical

Instrumentper unit
Height25 mm (1 inch)
Length170 mm (6.7 inch)
Width140 mm (5.2 inch)
Weight500 g (17.6 ounce)
USB cord length1.8 m (70 inch)

I/O connectors

Channel 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Isolated BNC, female
USB2 x Fixed cable with USB 3.0 type A connector, 1.8 m
Extension connector2 x D-sub 9 pins female
Power2 x 3.5 mm power socket
CMI I/O connectors4 x HDMI type C socket

System requirements

PC I/O connectionUSB 2.0, USB 3.0 or USB 3.1
Operating systemWindows 10 / 11, 64 bits
Linux (via libtiepie-hw SDK)

Environmental conditions

Operating 
Ambient temperature20°C to 25°C (10°C to 40°C without specifications)
Relative humidity10 % to 90 %, non condensing
Storage 
Ambient temperature-20°C to 70°C
Relative humidity5 % to 95 %, non condensing

Certifications and Compliances

CE mark complianceYes
RoHSYes
EN 55011:2009/A1:2010Yes
EN 55022:2006/A1:2007Yes
EN 61000-6-1:2007Yes
EN 61000-6-3:2007Yes

Package contents

Instrument2 x Handyscope HS6 DIFF
Coupling cable1 x TP-C50H CMI Coupling cable
Measure leads8 x Measure lead TP-C812B, Differential BNC -> 4 mm banana plug
Differential attenuator8 x Differential attenuator TP-DA10
Alligator clips, large2 x Alligator Clip TP-AC80I - Set of 8: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, 4 Black, 8 large alligator clips
Alligator clips, medium2 x Alligator Clip TP-AC10I - Set of 8: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, 4 Black, 8 medium alligator clips
Alligator clips, small2 x Alligator Clip TP-AC5 - Set of 8: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, 4 Black, 8 small alligator clips
Accessories2 x Handyscope / WiFiScope power supply,
2 x external power cable for USB port,
2 x Probe compensation cable TP-DB9-BNC-30 (only with option SafeGround)
Softwarefor Windows 10 / 11, 64 bits, via website
Driversfor Windows 10 / 11, 64 bits, via website
Software Development Kitfor Windows 10 / 11, 64 bits, and Linux, via website
Manualsinstrument manual and software user's manuals
color printed and digital, via website

Optional Accessories

Optional accessories for the MultiScope MS8 DIFF need to be ordered separately
Oscilloscope probeOscilloscope Probe 1:1-1:10 - HP-3250I, only with SafeGround option G
Measure lead single-endedMeasure lead TP-BNCI-100, only with SafeGround option G

Customer service

TiePie engineering instruments are designed, manufactured and tested to provide high reliability. In the unlikely event you experience difficulties, the TiePie engineering instruments are fully warranted for two years.
This warranty includesAll parts and labor (excluding probes and/or measure leads)
No charge for return shipping
Long-term 7 year support
Upgrade to the latest software at no charge
Optionally availableExtension to five year warranty, option W5

The MultiScope MS8 DIFF is available in several different base models:

Order codeMax. sampling speedMax. streaming speed
MS8-DIFF-10001 GSa/s200 MSa/s
MS8-DIFF-500500 MSa/s100 MSa/s
MS8-DIFF-200200 MSa/s40 MSa/s
MS8-DIFF-100100 MSa/s20 MSa/s

Available options for the MultiScope MS8 DIFF are:

  • XM: With the extended memory option, up to 256 Mpoints memory per channel is available. Without this option, the models have up to 1 Mpoints memory per channel.
  • S: With the SureConnect option, connection test and resistance measurement are available on all channels.
  • G: With the SafeGround option, the differential inputs can be switched to single-ended inputs, with a protection against shorts circuits to ground.
  • W5: With the extended warranty option, warranty is five years on parts and labor. Without this option, the models have two years warranty on parts and labor.

View complete list of all models

The MultiScope MS8 DIFF is delivered with:

Carry case 2 x Carry case BB391
Instrument 2 x Handyscope HS6 DIFF
CMI coupling cable 1 x TP-C50H CMI Coupling cable
Measure leads 8 x Measure lead TP-C812B, Differential BNC -> 4 mm banana plug
Differential attenuator 8 x Differential attenuator TP-DA10
Alligator clips, large 2 x Alligator Clip TP-AC80I - Set of 8: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, 4 Black
Alligator clips, medium 2 x Alligator Clip TP-AC10I - Set of 8: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, 4 Black
Alligator clips, small 2 x Alligator Clip TP-AC5 - Set of 8: Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, 4 Black
Accessories 2 x Handyscope / WiFiScope power supply,
2 x external power cable for USB port,
2 x Probe compensation cable TP-DB9-BNC-30 (only with option SafeGround)
Software for Windows 10 / 11, 64 bits, via website
Drivers for Windows 10 / 11, 64 bits, via website
Software Development Kit for Windows 10 / 11, 64 bits, and Linux, via website
Manuals Handyscope HS6 DIFF instrument manual
Multi Channel oscilloscope software users manual
color printed and digital, via website
Complete set
Complete set
TP-C50H CMI Coupling cable

Several downloads for the MultiScope MS8 DIFF are listed below, including Multi Channel oscilloscope software, drivers and manuals.

Driver & Software

DescriptionVersionRemarksSize
WinUSB driver10.0.2Windows 10 / 11, 64 bit1.73 MB download
Multi Channel software1.48.0Windows 10 / 11, 64 bit, including PDF manual104.80 MB download

Manuals & Documents

DescriptionVersionRemarksSize
Multi Channel software manual 1.11English3.13 MB download
Handyscope HS6 DIFF Instrument manual2.55English1.17 MB download
Handyscope HS6 DIFF DatasheetEnglish3.80 MB download

Software Development Kit (SDK)

Interfacing the MultiScope MS8 DIFF with third party software and developing own software requires the libtiepie-hw Software Development Kit. Detailed information on the libtiepie-hw SDK, downloads for Windows and Linux platforms and bindings and programming examples for various programming environments can be found in the libtiepie-hw pages.

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