When it comes to measuring electronic circuits, a great oscilloscope is one of the most important tools that you can use. Oscilloscopes allow you to visualize voltage and current waveforms, measure frequency and signal spectrum, and much more. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common oscilloscope measurements, as well as a few of the less common measurements. We will also show you how to make these measurements using your perfect oscilloscope.
So let’s get started!
Common Oscilloscope Measurements
Visualizing Voltage Waveforms
One of the most common oscilloscope measurements is visualizing voltage waveforms. This can be helpful in a number of different situations, such as debugging an electronic circuit, analyzing a signal, or characterizing a device. To measure voltage with an oscilloscope, you will need to connect the positive lead of your probe to the point where you want to see visualized on the scope. The oscilloscope displays the shape of the voltage waveform. The vertical scale of the oscilloscope is volts per division. The horizontal scale is time per division. By viewing the shape or form of the signal, you’re able to learn about the signal being measured.
Measuring Frequency
Another common oscilloscope measurement that you can make with an oscilloscope is frequency. This is the number of times that a waveform repeats itself over a period of time, specifically one second. To measure frequency with a high quality oscilloscope, you will need to connect the positive lead of your probe to the node of the circuit to be measured. The oscilloscope can automatically display the frequency of the signal being measured.
Measuring Rise Time of a Pulse
Another common oscope measurement that you can make with an oscilloscope is rise time. Rise time is the amount of time it takes for a pulse to go from low to high. Depending on the type of oscilloscope and the features the rise and fall time measurements can be done automatically and in real-time by using internal triggers of the oscope. Another method to measure characteristics of the waveforms can be done by freezing the waveform and using the measurement dials and measurement bars.
Measuring Signal Spectrum
In addition to measuring the frequency of a signal, you can also use an oscilloscope measure the signal spectrum. The signal spectrum is a plot of the frequency components that make up a signal. To measure the signal spectrum with an oscilloscope, you will need to switch the test equipment from measuring in the time domain to measuring in the frequency domain. This can be done by pressing the “spectrum” button on the oscilloscope. The signal spectrum is then displayed on the screen.
Less Common Measurements
Visualizing Current Waveforms
One of the less common oscilloscope measurements is visualizing current waveforms. This can be helpful in a number of different situations, such as debugging an electronic circuit, analyzing a signal, or characterizing a device. To measure current with an oscilloscope, you will need to connect the probes of your test equipment in series with the current you’re trying to measure. The oscilloscope displays the shape of the current waveform. The vertical scale of the oscilloscope is amps per division. The horizontal scale is time per division. By viewing the shape or form of the signal, you’re able to learn about the signal being measured.
Measuring Capacitance
Another less common measurement that you can make with an oscilloscope is capacitance. Capacitance is the ability of a device to store energy in an electric field. To measure capacitance with an oscilloscope, you will need to connect the positive lead of your probe to one side of the capacitor and the negative lead of your probe to the other side of the capacitor. The oscilloscope measures the amount of time it takes for the voltage across the capacitor to reach its maximum value.
Measuring Differential Signals
Another less common oscilloscope measurement that you can make is measuring differential signals. Differential signals are two signals that are sent on different wires but have a common reference ground. To measure differential signals with an oscilloscope, you will need to connect one probe to each signal wire and then set the oscilloscope. Differential signals are often used in high speed digital interfaces such as USB.
Measuring Cable Length
Another less common measurement that you can make with an oscilloscope is measuring cable length. This can be helpful when you’re trying to troubleshoot a problem with a cable or determine the length of a cable. To measure cable length with an oscilloscope, you will need to connect one probe to each end of the cable. The oscilloscope measures the time it takes for a signal to travel from one end of the cable to the other.
Measuring Amplifier Gain
One final less common measurement that you can make with an oscilloscope is measuring amplifier gain. Amplifier gain is the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage and is very common on many types of analog circuits such as software defined radios. To measure amplifier gain with an oscilloscope, you will need to connect one probe to the input of the amplifier and one probe to the output of the amplifier. The oscilloscope measures the difference in voltage between the two probes.
As you can see, there are a variety of different measurements that you can make with an oscilloscope. A good oscilloscope, like these Rigel oscilloscopes are a valuable tool for anyone working with electronic circuits. By understanding the different measurements that you can make, you’ll be able to get the most out of your oscilloscope and use it to its full potential.
Do you have any tips for using an oscilloscope? Let us know in the comments below!
