Oscilloscope Analysis: From Definition to Principles, Understanding What Is Oscilloscope

What Is Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope is an important electronic measuring instrument used to display waveforms of signals. It can visually present signals in the form of an image by showing the amplitude change of the signal over time. This display process usually takes place on a screen or monitor, through the scanning and control of an electron beam, which results in real-time display of the signal waveform. Therefore, oscilloscopes are also known as waveform display instruments.

With a wide range of applications, oscilloscopes are not only used as voltmeters, ammeters,and wattmeters for electrical testing, but also as frequency meters and phase meters for testing a signal’s frequency and phase. They can also be used to measure pulse characteristics, damping oscillations, and other signal properties. This makes the oscilloscope a multi-functional testing instrument widely used in the electronics, power, and electrical industries.

Aside from the electronic field, oscilloscopes can also be used to measure other physical quantities such as pressure, vibration, sound, light, heat, and magnetism. By using external sensors, these physical quantities can be converted into electrical signals and displayed and measured through oscilloscopes. Therefore, oscilloscopes are also known as physical quantity measuring instruments.

The working principle of a digital oscilloscope is based on the analog-to-digital conversion technology. First, the input signal is transformed into an analog signal through amplification and filtering circuits, and then converted into a digital signal by a high-speed ADC (analog-to-digital converter) chip and stored in a buffer. The data in the buffer can be processed by the CPU (central processing unit), and when the processing is complete, it is converted back into an analog signal by a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) chip and displayed on a CRT screen.

How to use an oscilloscope to observe signal waveforms and determine signal performance:
The oscilloscope plays a crucial role in circuit design by observing signal waveforms to determine signal quality and performance. Through the oscilloscope, we can clearly see the characteristics of the signal such as waveforms, frequency, and amplitude, and use this information to adjust the circuit to meet design requirements. This technology has a wide application in the field of electronics, ensuring the stability and reliability of circuits. Proper use of the oscilloscope in the design process can improve efficiency and accuracy, providing users with high-quality products.

How to use an oscilloscope to measure electrical signal parameters:
Oscilloscopes are useful tools not only for displaying signal waveforms but also for measuring various electrical signal parameters such as voltage, current, frequency, phase difference, etc. Through precise measurements, we can optimize and adjust circuits to ensure stability and safety. For example, when testing power supply voltage, an oscilloscope can measure the power supply’s waveform and voltage to ensure normal operation.

In addition, the oscilloscope’s spectrum analysis function can help us further analyze signal waveform characteristics, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the circuit’s operation principles and performance. These features make the oscilloscope an indispensable tool, providing us with accurate and comprehensive circuit test data.

Using an oscilloscope for fault analysis:
When electronic devices encounter faults, the oscilloscope is a commonly used tool for analyzing the cause. Through observing signal waveforms and measuring signal parameters, we can accurately locate the fault and carry out appropriate repairs and maintenance. For example, in audio equipment, when there is noise or deteriorating sound quality, an oscilloscope can be used to observe the audio signal waveform and identify the root cause of the problem.

How to use an oscilloscope to detect signal quality:
Oscilloscopes have an important application in the communication industry, one of which is to detect signal quality. By observing signal waveforms and measuring signal parameters, we can determine whether the signal meets requirements and make necessary adjustments. For example, in wireless communication, oscilloscopes can be used to detect essential parameters such as amplitude and frequency to ensure signal transmission reliability and stability. This technology plays a vital role in the communication industry, helping to ensure communication quality and reliability.

There are two commonly used types of oscilloscopes: digital and analog oscilloscopes. As an instrument for displaying instantaneous signal changes, oscilloscopes have been widely used. They can convert electrical signals into visible images, allowing us to visually study the changes of various signals. Let us now learn more about digital oscilloscopes.

The working principle of a digital oscilloscope:
A digital oscilloscope is an instrument that uses high-speed chips to sample and digitize input signals, store digital sample points in a buffer, and read them out through signal processing circuitry. Subsequently, the digital signal is converted back into an analog signal by a DAC chip and displayed on a CRT screen. Its greatest difference from an analog oscilloscope is the difference in the sampling method. Digital oscilloscopes can store signals in digital form, achieve high precision and speed data processing, and significantly improve measurement accuracy and stability.

Overview of the functions and capabilities of a digital oscilloscope:
Digital oscilloscopes are high-precision instruments used for measuring and analyzing various electrical signal parameters. They have fast response and data acquisition capabilities, as well as a variety of advanced analysis functions, which can simultaneously measure multiple channels of signals and allow for remote control and data transmission.

1. High-precision signal measurement:
Digital oscilloscopes have high-precision measurement capabilities to accurately measure the amplitude, frequency, phase, and time of electrical signals. Through digital technology, oscilloscopes can process complex signals and use digital signal processors to precisely digitize measurement results.

2. Rapid response and data acquisition:
Digital oscilloscopes can quickly acquire electrical signals and display and analyze waveforms in a short period. At the same time, oscilloscopes have a large memory or external storage to store acquired data for subsequent analysis and processing.

3. Advanced analysis functions:
Digital oscilloscopes come equipped with a variety of analysis functions such as FFT analysis, decoding, waveform math processing, automatic measurement, and trigger functions to help users better analyze and process signals. These functions improve user analysis efficiency and accuracy.

4. Simultaneous measurement of multiple channels:
Digital oscilloscopes can simultaneously measure signals from multiple channels and display all measurements on one screen. This allows for easy comparison of signals from different channels for more accurate data analysis and processing.

5. Remote control and data transmission:
Digital oscilloscopes have network or USB interfaces, allowing for remote control and data transfer, allowing users to conveniently analyze and debug circuits remotely. This significantly improves user convenience and work efficiency.

In conclusion, digital oscilloscopes are high-precision, fast-responding, and reliable electronic measuring instruments with a wide range of applications. They can accurately measure various electrical signal parameters and come equipped with various high-level analysis functions to assist users in analyzing and processing data accurately. In the electronics and communication industries, digital oscilloscopes are essential tools that provide users with accurate and reliable test data to ensure the stability and reliability of circuits.

Lisun Instruments Limited was found by LISUN GROUP in 2003. LISUN quality system has been strictly certified by ISO9001:2015. As a CIE Membership, LISUN products are designed based on CIE, IEC and other international or national standards. All products passed CE certificate and authenticated by the third party lab.

Our main products are Goniophotometer, Integrating Sphere, Spectroradiometer, Surge Generator, ESD Simulator Guns, EMI Receiver, EMC Test Equipment, Electrical Safety Tester, Environmental Chamber, Temperature Chamber, Climate Chamber, Thermal Chamber, Salt Spray Test, Dust Test Chamber, Waterproof Test, RoHS Test (EDXRF), Glow Wire Test and Needle Flame Test.

Please feel free to contact us if you need any support.
Tech Dep: Service@Lisungroup.com, Cell/WhatsApp:+8615317907381
Sales Dep: Sales@Lisungroup.com, Cell/WhatsApp:+8618117273997

Tags：OSP1102