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

ParameterValue
InterfacesOptically isolated RS-232 / USB interface (requires optional PM9080 or OC4USB cable)
Display5.7-inch color active matrix TFT, 320 x 240 pixels
Recommended Calibration Interval1 year
Real-time ClockBuilt-in, provides time and date stamp

Physical

ParameterValue
Power SupplyRechargeable NiMH battery pack (BP190) or external mains adapter/charger (BC190, 115 V / 230 V)
Operating Temperature0 °C to 50 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)256 mm × 169 mm × 64 mm
Weight2.0 kg

Vertical System (Oscilloscope)

ParameterValue
Bandwidth100 MHz
Number of Channels2 isolated channels plus 1 multimeter input
Real-time Sample Rate1 GS/s per channel
Input CouplingAC, DC
Input Impedance1 MΩ ± 1% // 15 pF ± 2 pF
Vertical Sensitivity Range2 mV/div to 100 V/div
Vertical Resolution8-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 IsolationUp to 1000 V between inputs, instruments, and ground
Probe Attenuation Settings1x, 10x, 100x, 1000x

Horizontal System (Oscilloscope)

ParameterValue
Time Base Range5 ns/div to 5 s/div
Record Length / Memory Depth3,000 points per channel (Scope mode), 27,500 points per channel (ScopeRecord mode)
Time Base Accuracy±(0.01% + 1 pixel)
Acquisition ModesNormal, Single Shot, Roll, Envelope, Smooth, Glitch Capture
Glitch Capture / Peak Detect50 ns
Horizontal ZoomUp to 100x

Trigger System

ParameterValue
Trigger SourcesInput A, Input B, External (via DMM input)
Trigger ModesConnect-and-View, Free Run, Single Shot, Edge, Delay, Video, Pulse Width
Trigger CouplingAC, DC, HF-reject, Noise-reject
Video Trigger FormatsNTSC, PAL, SECAM, Non-interlaced (up to 2800 lines)
Pulse Width TriggeringPulse width range 15 ns to 40 s

Digital Multimeter (DMM) Functions

ParameterValue
Multimeter Resolution (Counts)5000 counts
DC Voltage Ranges500 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 Ranges500 Ω, 5 kΩ, 50 kΩ, 500 kΩ, 5 MΩ, 30 MΩ
Resistance Accuracy±(0.6% + 5 counts)
Continuity ThresholdAudible beep < 50 Ω (± 30 Ω)
Diode Test Open Circuit VoltageUp to 2.8 V
Capacitance Ranges50 nF, 500 nF, 5 µF, 50 µF, 500 µF
Capacitance Accuracy±(2% + 10 counts)

Recorder Functions (TrendPlot & ScopeRecord)

ParameterValue
TrendPlot Recording DurationUp to 22 days
TrendPlot Measurement ParametersAny DMM or Scope measurement (with MIN, MAX, AVG)
ScopeRecord Sampling Rate20 MS/s max (timebase 5 ms/div to 2 min/div)
ScopeRecord Memory Capacity27,500 points per channel
Glitch Capture in Record Mode8 ns glitch capture capability

Display & User Interface

ParameterValue
Display TypeColor Active Matrix TFT
Display Size115 mm x 86 mm (144 mm / 5.7 inch diagonal)
Display Resolution320 x 240 pixels
Waveform Math FunctionsA+B, A-B, A*B, FFT (Frequency Spectrum Analysis)
Cursor MeasurementsSingle, 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 FunctionAutomatic capture and replay of the last 100 screens

Connectivity & Interfaces

ParameterValue
Isolation Barrier Rating1000 V between inputs, instrument ground, and PC interface
PC Software CompatibilityFlukeView ScopeMeter Software (SW90W)

Power Supply & Battery Life

ParameterValue
Battery TypeNickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable (BP190)
Battery Operating TimeUp to 4 hours
Battery Charge Time4 hours
AC Power Adapter/Charger InputBC190 (115 VAC ±10% or 230 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz)

Environmental Specs & Durability

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-20 °C to +60 °C
Maximum Operating Altitude3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
IP Rating (Ingress Protection)IP51 (drip proof, dust protected)

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

ParameterValue
Electrical Safety StandardsIEC/EN 61010-1
Overvoltage Category Rating1000 V CAT II / 600 V CAT III
EMC/EMI ComplianceEN 61326-1

Standard & Optional Accessories

ParameterValue
Included Voltage ProbesVPS200-R (red) and VPS200-G (grey) 10:1 voltage probes
Warranty Term3 years (instrument), 1 year (accessories)

Vertical System

ParameterValue
Rise Time< 3.5 ns

Measurements

ParameterValue
Phase Measurement Range-180° to +180°
Phase Measurement Resolution
Crest Factor Measurement Range1.0 to 10

Frequency Counter

ParameterValue
Frequency Counter Resolution5 digits
Frequency Counter Maximum Frequency100 MHz

Environmental

ParameterValue
Shock and Vibration ResistanceMIL-PRF-28800F Class 2

Multimeter

ParameterValue
DMM Input Impedance1 MΩ 1%
DMM Diode Test Current0.5 mA

Triggering

ParameterValue
Continuous Auto-setHands-off auto-setting (Connect-and-View™)

Power

ParameterValue
Battery Voltage7.2 V
Mains Adapter ModelFluke BC190

Trigger

ParameterValue
External Trigger InputVia meter test jacks
External Trigger Input Impedance1 MΩ 1%
External Trigger Sensitivity0.5 V (DC to 10 MHz)
External Trigger Maximum Input Voltage1000 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

ParameterValue
AC Coupling Lower Frequency Limit< 10 Hz without probe (-3 dB), < 1 Hz with 10:1 probe (-3 dB)

TrendPlot

ParameterValue
TrendPlot Maximum Memory Capacity18,000 points per input

Display

ParameterValue
Display BacklightCold Cathode Fluorescent (CCFL)

Technology

Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO)

Applications

Industrial electronic troubleshooting, field service, three-phase power systems analysis, and electro-mechanical systems diagnostic