Understanding Oscilloscopes: Types & Uses
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ScribdTranslationsUnderstanding Oscilloscopes: Types & Uses
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ScribdTranslationsUniversity of Carabobo
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Physics
Physics Laboratory II
Section: 04
THE OSCILLOSCOPE
Made by:
Eva Armas
19.553.532
Oscilloscope
The oscilloscope is basically a graphical display device that
shows variable electrical signals over time. With it, we can not only
to find out the value of a magnitude, but, among many other things, it can be
knowing the shape of that magnitude, that is, we can obtain the graph that
it represents it. The vertical axis, hereafter referred to as Y, represents the voltage;
while the horizontal axis, called X, represents time.
How does the Oscilloscope work?
It consists of a vacuum tube where a beam of cathode rays is produced.
(electrons), which are focused on a luminous screen. Although it varies
depending on the type of oscilloscope it is.
Types of oscilloscopes
1.- Analog: they allow for a faithful reproduction of the evolution to be seen on the screen.
temporal of the signal, obviously the greater or lesser fidelity depends on the
quality of the instrument. They allow measurements on the waveform
visualized.
2.- Digital: they sample the signal to be represented and store the data.
obtained. They allow saving waveforms corresponding to different
measurements (including non-periodic waves) for subsequent visualization.
They also have cursors that can be moved to facilitate measurement.
about the image, as well as facilities for calculating wave parameters
(mean value, effective, etc.) and different analysis functions.
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. The analog ones are
preferable when it is a priority to visualize rapid variations of the signal of
real-time entry. Digital oscilloscopes are used when one wants
visualize and study non-repetitive events (tension peaks that occur
randomly).
Parts of an Oscilloscope
Generally, an oscilloscope consists of:
Screen: where the signals introduced by the input channel will be seen.
- Input channel: consists of a terminal for receiving the signal, thus
like a rotary switch for each channel, which allows to vary the
signal amplification factor according to the Y axis.
Time base: it is vital in the oscilloscope for recording signals
that vary over time. The value of the input signal voltage
appears on the vertical axis and the signal is represented as a function of the
time according to the horizontal axis.
What can we use the Oscilloscope for?
Directly determine the period and voltage of a signal.
Indirectly determine the frequency of a signal.
Determine which part of the signal is DC and which is AC.
Locate faults in a circuit.
Measure the phase between two signals.
Determine which part of the signal is noise and how this varies over time.
Types of waves recorded by the Oscilloscope
Sine waves: They are the fundamental waves and that for several reasons: They have a
very interesting mathematical properties, the signal obtained from the measurements of
the current of any house has this form, the test signals produced by the
The oscillator circuits of a signal generator are also sinusoidal, most of the
AC power sources produce sinusoidal signals.
Square and rectangular waves: Square waves are basically waves that pass
from one state to another of tension, at regular intervals, in a very short time. They are
usually used to test amplifiers (this is due to the fact that this type of)
signals contain all frequencies within themselves). Television, radio and
computers use this type of signals a lot, fundamentally as clocks and
timers.
Triangular and sawtooth waves: They occur in circuits designed for
control voltages linearly, such as sweeping, for example
horizontal of an analog oscilloscope or the sweep both horizontal and
vertical of a television. The transitions between the minimum and maximum level
the signal changes at a constant rate. These transitions are called
ramps.
- Pulses and edges or steps: Signals, such as edges and pulses, that only are
presented only once are called transient signals. A slope or step indicates a
sudden change in voltage. The pulse would indicate that the switch has been connected and in
a certain time has been disconnected. Generally, the pulse represents a bit of
information traversing a digital computer circuit or also a small
defect in a circuit. It is common to find signals of this type in computers, equipment
of X-rays and communications.