Rohde & Schwarz MXO 3 Brings Flagship Performance to Compact Oscilloscopes

Rohde & Schwarz has expanded its oscilloscope line-up with the new MXO 3 Series, a four- and eight-channel range that delivers flagship speed and precision in a smaller, more affordable form. It uses the same next-generation MXO technology found in the MXO 4 and MXO 5 families, bringing laboratory-grade performance to any bench without the bulk or price tag.

Fast Signal Capture and Real-Time Visibility

At its core sits the MXO-EP processing ASIC, the custom engine that powers every instrument in the MXO portfolio. The result is a capture rate of up to 4.5 million acquisitions per second, allowing engineers to see even the rarest events as they happen. Trigger performance reaches 600 000 events per second with flexible zone triggering for time, math, and frequency-domain analysis.

In practice, this means quicker fault detection and a smoother workflow when debugging or validating designs. Frequency-domain analysis is also faster, with 50 000 FFTs per second, while 600 000 math operations per second allow accurate calculations for power and harmonic testing. The numbers translate to a viewing experience that feels instantaneous.

Precision Engineering and High-Resolution Measurement

Every MXO 3 delivers 12-bit vertical resolution across all sample rates. For those chasing detail, its hardware-implemented HD Mode increases that figure to 18 bits, maintaining full speed while reducing noise. The instrument also offers a ±3 V offset at 1 mV/div on both 50 Ω and 1 MΩ inputs, so users can zoom in on small variations without losing the broader signal context.

In short, this scope sees what others miss. Small voltage steps, harmonic distortion, or hidden switching effects all become visible, making it a reliable tool for anyone dealing with sensitive or high-frequency designs.

Compact Design with Full-Scale Capability

Despite its performance, the MXO 3 weighs only about 4 kg and occupies 5 U of rack height. The 11.6-inch Full HD touchscreen makes control feel modern and intuitive, and the instrument operates quietly enough for long sessions at close range. Engineers can mount it with a VESA bracket, carry it across the lab, or integrate it into a test rack in minutes.

Accessibility and Expandability

The series is available from 100 MHz to 1 GHz bandwidths and includes the only eight-channel oscilloscope in its price class. The eight-channel model starts at € 12 500, while the four-channel version begins at € 5 350. Optional upgrades include mixed-signal capability with sixteen digital channels, a 50 MHz arbitrary waveform generator, bus decoding, and a frequency-response analyser.

Why It Matters

For years, engineers have had to choose between portability and performance. The MXO 3 makes that compromise obsolete. By pairing flagship-grade measurement accuracy with accessible pricing, Rohde & Schwarz is opening its advanced test technology to a much broader range of users. From education labs to production lines, the MXO 3 offers a professional-level experience that fits both the workspace and the budget.

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