CRO (CATHODE RAY OSCILLOSCOPE)
The CRO stands for a cathode ray oscilloscope. The cathode ray oscilloscope is an electronic
test instrument; it is used to obtain waveforms when the different input signals are given. In the
early days, it is called as an Oscillograph. The oscilloscope observes the changes in the electrical
signals over time, thus the voltage and time describe a shape. The standard four components of a
Cathode ray oscilloscope. Display, vertical controllers, horizontal controllers, and triggers.
The Main Components of a CRO
A typical Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO) consists of the following major components -
Let us understand the function of each of these components of CRO.
Cathode Ray Tube - It is a vacuum tube which acts as the main component in a CRO. The
function of CRT in a CRO is to convert the electric signal into visual waveforms.
Electron Gun - It is a part of the cathode ray tube which consists of a heater and two terminals.
It is the component that emits the high energy electrons to produce an electron ray. The electron
gun is excited by a high voltage supply.
Fluorescent Screen - In CRO, a fluorescent screen is used for displaying waveforms of electric
signals measured. This screen is made by using a fluorescent material which emits a light when
the high energy electron beam strikes to it.
Deflection Plates - The electron ray coming out from the electron gun passes through the two
sets of deflection plates. These plates are referred to as vertical deflection plate and horizontal
deflection plate. These plates are used for moving the waveform vertically and horizontally
across the screen.
Horizontal and Vertical Amplifiers - These amplifiers are used for amplifying input signals.
These amplified signals are then used for deflecting the electron ray vertically and horizontally.
The function of these amplifiers is to adjust the scaling and sensitivity of the waveform displayed
on the screen.
Time Base Generator - The time base generator is an electronic circuit used for producing a
time reference signal for horizontal axis. This time reference signal controls the rate at which the
electron ray moves across the CRT screen. In other words, this signal sets the time scale of the
waveform of the input electric signal on the screen.
Trigger Circuit - The trigger circuit in a CRO is provided to synchronize the vertical and
horizontal deflections of the electron ray. It is important for the stable and clear display of the
waveform of the input signal on the screen.
The Working Principle of a CRO
When the electron is injected through the electron gun, it passes through the control grid. The
control grid controls the intensity of electron in the vacuum tube. If the control grid has high
negative potential, then it allows only a few electrons to pass through it. Thus, the dim spot is
produced on the lightning screen. If the negative potential on the control grid is low, then the
bright spot is produced. Hence the intensity of light depends on the negative potential of the
control grid.
After moving the control grid the electron beam passing through the focusing and accelerating
anodes. The accelerating anodes are at a high positive potential and hence they converge the
beam at a point on the screen.
After moving from the accelerating anode, the beam comes under the effect of the deflecting
plates. When the deflecting plate is at zero potential, the beam produces a spot at the [Link] the
voltage is applied to the vertical deflecting plate, the electron beam focuses at the upward and
when the voltage is applied horizontally the spot of light will be deflected horizontally.
Advantages of Using a CRO
Listed below are some of the major advantages of using a CRO that make it a valuable tool in the
field of electronics -
CRO allows us to represent and visualize electric signals in real-time.
CRO represents electric signals graphically in the form of waveforms, which make their
analysis easier.
CRO is capable of displaying high-frequency electric signals with a high accuracy.
The electrical and electronic measurements performed using CRO have high accuracy
and precision.
CRO is a versatile device as it can be used to perform various functions like testing,
measurement, waveform generation, frequency or time domain analysis of signals,
troubleshooting of electric circuits, etc.
CRO has a human friendly interface, hence it is easy to use.
CRO has a compact and light weight design which makes it portable.
Disadvantages of Using a CRO
CRO has several advantages as listed above, however it also has certain disadvantages. Some of
the common disadvantages of CRO are given below -
CRO is relatively more expensive as compared to other measuring instruments.
It is quite tough to repair a CRO if it got damaged.
As compared to other measuring instruments, CRO has a larger physical size and heavier
weight. Hence, it is relatively difficult to carry from one place to another.
CRO consumes more power than other instruments.
Since, a CRO has several controls and ports which makes it slightly difficult to
understand.
Applications of a CRO
CRO is a versatile device having numerous applications in various fields of electrical,
electronics, physics, etc. The following are some key applications of CRO -
CRO is widely used for repairing and troubleshooting a variety of electrical and
electronic circuits.
It is also used for measuring and analyzing electrical signals.
CRO can be used to measure the amplitude, time period, frequency, distortion, and phase
of electric signals.
CRO is also employed for time or frequency domain analysis of signals.
CRO is used for generating different types of waveforms like sinusoidal, square,
triangular, or any other type of waveforms.
In medical systems, CRO can be used for measuring and analyzing physiological signals
for diagnosis purpose.
CRO is also used in radio stations to observe the transmitting and receiving signals.
It is also used for determine the characteristics of AM or FM circuits.
In electromagnetism, CRO is used for tracing the BH curves of materials.