Oscilloscopes & Function / Waveform Instruments

About Oscilloscopes & Function / Waveform Instruments

What is an oscilloscope? Essentially it's a bench-mounted, hand-held, or PC-powered device that measures voltage and time (the duration of a frequency) from an input signal of constantly varying voltages. They are sometimes simply referred to as scopes and in some circles as a CRO, which stands for cathode-ray oscilloscope. A modern digital storage oscilloscope may be referred to as a DSO.

The essential elements are:

Display screen with a focus control
Vertical control for wave/signal amplitude
Horizontal control for time/based display setting
A trigger that controls each time-based "sweep"
A scope probe

The screen can display vertical wave amplitude and horizontal time-based signal output. Screens were originally all CRT but there is now an increase in LCDs, particularly for hand-held models. We stock a huge range of hand-held devices made by Extech and Fluke.

What Type of Oscilloscope Do I Need?

Depending on the signal analysis taking place, it's important to use the correct type of scope probe, since there are many different types, some for high voltage, some for low voltage, and some that are more sensitive than others or more sensitive to particular signals.

Oscilloscopes have been used for quite some time to troubleshoot malfunctioning electronic systems and equipment. Because it can graphically represent a signal it can tell us that an electrical circuit is oscillating whereas a voltmeter would only be able to tell us that there is an unexpected voltage. In all types of electronic equipment, including devices such as a car ignition system, an oscilloscope can be used to probe each stage of the system for expected signal shapes.

Newly designed electrical circuitry, particularly digital circuitry can malfunction due to electrical noise, harmful voltage levels, or simple design errors. Modern digital storage scopes are great devices for the analysis of this kind of circuitry error, particularly because they allow you to see signals at different points in the circuit.

Oscilloscopes are often used with a function generator, an additional piece of electronic equipment that generates electrical waveforms and signals which can, for example, be introduced into a circuit as a deliberate signal error to compare against existing system signal output.

Popular Products

Siglent SDS1202X-E Bench Oscilloscope: 200 MHz bandwidth, 1 GSa/s sample rate, and 14 Mpts memory depth. Its 7-inch TFT-LCD display ensures clear waveforms, while advanced triggering options (edge, slope, pulse, and video) enhance versatility. USB and LAN connectivity is ideal for both professional and educational use.
Chauvin Arnoux Metrix DOX2000B Series Benchtop Digital Oscilloscope: Compact benchtop oscilloscopes with a 7-inch WVGA display and 25, 70, or 100 MHz bandwidths. They offer up to 1 GS/s sampling, 2 Mpts memory, and advanced functions, combining ease of use, portability, and robust performance.
Siglent SDS1104X-E Super Phosphor Oscilloscope: A 100 MHz Super Phosphor Oscilloscope with a 1 GSa/s sample rate, 14 Mpts memory, and a 7-inch TFT LCD. It features advanced SPO technology, multiple triggering modes, and serial bus decoding for various protocols, making it suitable for diverse applications.
Aim-TTi PFM3000 3GHz Handheld Frequency Counter: Handheld frequency counter with a range of 3 Hz to 3 GHz. It features high sensitivity, a noise-reducing filter, continuous reciprocal measurement, an 8+ digit display, and battery operation with auto power-down.
Aim-TTi TG2000 20MHz DDS Function Generator: DDS function generator with a 0.001 Hz to 20 MHz range, 1 mHz resolution, and 1 ppm stability. It features low distortion, multiple modulation modes, and 5 mV to 20 V peak-to-peak amplitude. It also includes USB and RS-232 connectivity.
Siglent SDG2042X Waveform Generator: Dual-channel waveform generator with 40 MHz bandwidth, 1.2 GSa/s sampling, and 16-bit resolution. It offers low-jitter signals, multiple modulation options, and a 4.3-inch touch screen.
Extech MS420 20MHz 2-Channel Digital Oscilloscope: 20 MHz, 2-channel oscilloscope with a 3.8-inch colour LCD. It offers peak detection, FFT, auto measurements, waveform math, 100 MS/s sampling, 6K points memory, and USB connectivity.
Fluke 125B 2-Channel ScopeMeter Handheld Oscilloscope: Durable 2-channel ScopeMeter with 40 MHz bandwidth and 400 kS/s sampling. It integrates an oscilloscope, multimeter, and high-speed recorder, featuring advanced measurements and a 5.7-inch colour display, with support for Fluke Connect and FlukeView.
Siglent SHA850A Series Handheld Spectrum Analyzer, Cable and Antenna Analyzer: Handheld spectrum and cable-and-antenna analyzers with a 9 kHz to 3.6/7.5 GHz range, high sensitivity, and low phase noise. Features an 8.4-inch touch screen, four-hour battery life, and supports GPS logging.

FAQs

What is an oscilloscope used for?
An oscilloscope graphically displays voltage changes over time, helping analyze signal properties and troubleshoot electrical circuits across various industries.
How does an oscilloscope work?
An oscilloscope displays electrical signals as waveforms, with time on the horizontal axis and voltage on the vertical axis. It captures and processes signals to help diagnose and troubleshoot electrical systems.
How do you use an oscilloscope to measure voltage and frequency?
Connect the probes, and adjust the vertical scale for voltage, or the horizontal scale for frequency. Calculate voltage by counting vertical divisions and frequency from the period in horizontal divisions. Modern oscilloscopes often provide automatic measurements.
What are the key features to look for in an oscilloscope?
When choosing an oscilloscope, consider bandwidth for frequency range, sampling rate for signal accuracy, triggering for waveform stability, memory depth for data storage, and the number of channels for simultaneous observation. Also, evaluate connectivity options, display quality, and ease of use for a better experience.
How do you interpret oscilloscope waveforms?
To interpret oscilloscope waveforms, analyze the shape, amplitude, and frequency of the signal. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage. Irregularities can indicate noise or faults.
How can I troubleshoot with an oscilloscope?
To troubleshoot with an oscilloscope, connect the probes, observe the waveform, and compare it to expected values. Look for anomalies like spikes or noise, use triggering to isolate issues, and analyze different circuit points to identify and fix problems.
What are the best practices for using oscilloscopes in circuit debugging?
For circuit debugging, use calibrated probes, match bandwidth and sampling rate to the signal, and use triggering to stabilize waveforms. Check power and ground connections, compare waveforms to expected values, document findings, and maintain a clean workspace.
How do function generators and waveform generators differ?
Function generators produce standard waveforms for basic testing, while waveform generators create custom waveforms for complex simulations. Function generators are versatile for simple tasks, whereas waveform generators offer advanced flexibility and precision.
What are the key features to look for in a function generator?
Choose a function generator with a wide frequency range, multiple waveform types, stable amplitude and frequency, and modulation capabilities. Look for ease of use and connectivity options like USB or LAN.
What are the key features to look for in a waveform generator?
Select a waveform generator with a wide frequency range, matching impedance (50 ohms), low harmonic distortion, and arbitrary waveform capabilities. Ensure it has modulation options and a user-friendly interface with good connectivity, like USB or LAN.