port, the company says.

GAOTek's GAO4446 is the first Windows-powered oscilloscope we've come across, though Agilent has apparently offered models in the past that run Windows XP Pro (for details, see the latter company's website, here). Like other digitizing oscilloscopes, the Windows CE device accepts analog inputs, digitizing them via internal A-to-D circuitry but displaying them much as an analog oscilloscope would have.

On the GAO4446, waveforms are displayed via a 6.4-inch TFT screen with 640 x 480 resolution, according to GAOTek. Meanwhile, unlike a desktop or laptop computer running oscilloscope software, the device offers the advantage of dedicated front-panel controls, storing settings in its non-volatile memory. The device may be operated entirely in Chinese, the company adds.

According to GAOTek, the GAO4446 has a "bandwith" of 500MHz, enabling sampling rates (presumably for both channels) up to 1000MSa/s. Record lengths up to 1Mpts/ch are supported, although the standard 1MB/ch of memory can be upgraded for longer lengths, the company said. The extra memory is said to permit "time window zooming," allowing better measurement of a waveform's details.

GAOTek says the GAO446 offers GPIB (general purpose interface bus) and USB connectivity. Unlike analog oscilloscopes of the past, the device also has a parallel port, capable of driving a printer directly, according to the company.

Features and specifications listed by GAOTek for the GAO4446 include:

• Operating system -- Windows CE
  
• Processor -- n/s
  
• Display -- 640 x 480 TFT
  
• I/O:
  • RS232
    
  • Parallel
    
  • GPIB (general purpose interface bus)
    
  • USB
• Bandwidth -- 500MHz
  
• Record length -- 1MB/channel record length
  
• Vertical resolution -- 8-bit
  
• Display dynamic range -- 100dB
  
• Adjustable delay sweep
  
• Automatic pulse parameter measurement -- Frequency, period, pulse persist time, rise time, fall time, pulse amplitude, positive pulse width, negative pulse width, undershoot, overshoot, duty ratio, and RMS voltage
  
• Advanced trigger functions -- Glitch, pattern, peak detection
  
• Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C (32 to 122 deg. F)
  
• Dimensions -- 14.96 x 14.17 x 6.69 inches (380 x 360 x 170mm)
  
• Weight -- 22 pounds (10kg)

Further information

GAOTek did not provide pricing for the GAO4446, but the device appears to be available now. Detailed specifications can be found on the company's website, here.

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