The Fluke 196C is a high-performance 100 MHz handheld ScopeMeter that combines a dual-channel digital storage oscilloscope, a 5000-count digital multimeter, and a paperless chart recorder into a rugged, battery-powered form factor. Designed for demanding industrial troubleshooting, it features a high-brightness color TFT display, a maximum real-time sampling rate of 1 GS/s per input, and isolated inputs rated up to 1000 V CAT II.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | Optically isolated RS-232 / USB interface (requires optional PM9080 or OC4USB cable) |
| Display | 5.7-inch color active matrix TFT, 320 x 240 pixels |
| Recommended Calibration Interval | 1 year |
| Real-time Clock | Built-in, provides time and date stamp |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Rechargeable NiMH battery pack (BP190) or external mains adapter/charger (BC190, 115 V / 230 V) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 50 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 256 mm × 169 mm × 64 mm |
| Weight | 2.0 kg |
Vertical System (Oscilloscope)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 isolated channels plus 1 multimeter input |
| Real-time Sample Rate | 1 GS/s per channel |
| Input Coupling | AC, DC |
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ ± 1% // 15 pF ± 2 pF |
| Vertical Sensitivity Range | 2 mV/div to 100 V/div |
| Vertical Resolution | 8-bit |
| DC Gain Accuracy | ±(1.5% of reading + 0.04 range/div) |
| Maximum Input Voltage (CAT Rating) | 1000 V CAT II / 600 V CAT III |
| Channel Isolation | Up to 1000 V between inputs, instruments, and ground |
| Probe Attenuation Settings | 1x, 10x, 100x, 1000x |
Horizontal System (Oscilloscope)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Time Base Range | 5 ns/div to 5 s/div |
| Record Length / Memory Depth | 3,000 points per channel (Scope mode), 27,500 points per channel (ScopeRecord mode) |
| Time Base Accuracy | ±(0.01% + 1 pixel) |
| Acquisition Modes | Normal, Single Shot, Roll, Envelope, Smooth, Glitch Capture |
| Glitch Capture / Peak Detect | 50 ns |
| Horizontal Zoom | Up to 100x |
Trigger System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trigger Sources | Input A, Input B, External (via DMM input) |
| Trigger Modes | Connect-and-View, Free Run, Single Shot, Edge, Delay, Video, Pulse Width |
| Trigger Coupling | AC, DC, HF-reject, Noise-reject |
| Video Trigger Formats | NTSC, PAL, SECAM, Non-interlaced (up to 2800 lines) |
| Pulse Width Triggering | Pulse width range 15 ns to 40 s |
Digital Multimeter (DMM) Functions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Multimeter Resolution (Counts) | 5000 counts |
| DC Voltage Ranges | 500 mV, 5 V, 50 V, 500 V, 1000 V |
| DC Voltage Accuracy | ±(0.5% + 5 counts) |
| AC Voltage Ranges (True RMS) | 500 mV, 5 V, 50 V, 500 V, 1000 V |
| AC Voltage Accuracy | ±(1.0% + 10 counts) |
| Resistance Ranges | 500 Ω, 5 kΩ, 50 kΩ, 500 kΩ, 5 MΩ, 30 MΩ |
| Resistance Accuracy | ±(0.6% + 5 counts) |
| Continuity Threshold | Audible beep < 50 Ω (± 30 Ω) |
| Diode Test Open Circuit Voltage | Up to 2.8 V |
| Capacitance Ranges | 50 nF, 500 nF, 5 µF, 50 µF, 500 µF |
| Capacitance Accuracy | ±(2% + 10 counts) |
Recorder Functions (TrendPlot & ScopeRecord)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| TrendPlot Recording Duration | Up to 22 days |
| TrendPlot Measurement Parameters | Any DMM or Scope measurement (with MIN, MAX, AVG) |
| ScopeRecord Sampling Rate | 20 MS/s max (timebase 5 ms/div to 2 min/div) |
| ScopeRecord Memory Capacity | 27,500 points per channel |
| Glitch Capture in Record Mode | 8 ns glitch capture capability |
Display & User Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Color Active Matrix TFT |
| Display Size | 115 mm x 86 mm (144 mm / 5.7 inch diagonal) |
| Display Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Waveform Math Functions | A+B, A-B, A*B, FFT (Frequency Spectrum Analysis) |
| Cursor Measurements | Single, Dual (time, voltage, rise/fall time, frequency, phase) |
| Waveform Storage Capacity (Internal) | 10 memories for dual-waveforms |
| Setup Storage Capacity (Internal) | 10 user setups |
| Replay Function | Automatic capture and replay of the last 100 screens |
Connectivity & Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Isolation Barrier Rating | 1000 V between inputs, instrument ground, and PC interface |
| PC Software Compatibility | FlukeView ScopeMeter Software (SW90W) |
Power Supply & Battery Life
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable (BP190) |
| Battery Operating Time | Up to 4 hours |
| Battery Charge Time | 4 hours |
| AC Power Adapter/Charger Input | BC190 (115 VAC ±10% or 230 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz) |
Environmental Specs & Durability
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -20 °C to +60 °C |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) |
| IP Rating (Ingress Protection) | IP51 (drip proof, dust protected) |
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical Safety Standards | IEC/EN 61010-1 |
| Overvoltage Category Rating | 1000 V CAT II / 600 V CAT III |
| EMC/EMI Compliance | EN 61326-1 |
Standard & Optional Accessories
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Included Voltage Probes | VPS200-R (red) and VPS200-G (grey) 10:1 voltage probes |
| Warranty Term | 3 years (instrument), 1 year (accessories) |
Vertical System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rise Time | < 3.5 ns |
Measurements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Phase Measurement Range | -180° to +180° |
| Phase Measurement Resolution | 1° |
| Crest Factor Measurement Range | 1.0 to 10 |
Frequency Counter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Counter Resolution | 5 digits |
| Frequency Counter Maximum Frequency | 100 MHz |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Shock and Vibration Resistance | MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 |
Multimeter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| DMM Input Impedance | 1 MΩ 1% |
| DMM Diode Test Current | 0.5 mA |
Triggering
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous Auto-set | Hands-off auto-setting (Connect-and-View™) |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery Voltage | 7.2 V |
| Mains Adapter Model | Fluke BC190 |
Trigger
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Trigger Input | Via meter test jacks |
| External Trigger Input Impedance | 1 MΩ 1% |
| External Trigger Sensitivity | 0.5 V (DC to 10 MHz) |
| External Trigger Maximum Input Voltage | 1000 V CAT II, 600 V CAT III |
| Edge Trigger Sensitivity (Channels A & B) | 0.5 div or 5 mV (DC to 5 MHz), 1.5 div (at 100 MHz) |
Vertical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AC Coupling Lower Frequency Limit | < 10 Hz without probe (-3 dB), < 1 Hz with 10:1 probe (-3 dB) |
TrendPlot
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| TrendPlot Maximum Memory Capacity | 18,000 points per input |
Display
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display Backlight | Cold Cathode Fluorescent (CCFL) |
Technology
Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO)
Applications
Industrial electronic troubleshooting, field service, three-phase power systems analysis, and electro-mechanical systems diagnostic