Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope is a type of electronic test i instrument that h allows ll observation b i of f constantly l varying signal Voltage, usually as a two-dimensional graph. graph p p instruments are used for General-purpose maintenance of electronic equipment and laboratory work. Special-purpose oscilloscopes may be used for such purposes as analyzing an automotive ignition system, or to display the waveform of the heartbeat as an ECG. ECG

Limitations of Analog Oscilloscope The frequency range is limited by CRT. For slow freq signal, signal the waveform seem as moving dot. dot For high frequency, it is depends on writing speed of the CRT and display p y becomes too dim to see. e.g. the most commonly used phosphor, P31, the light output decays to a level that is just discernible in normal room light in about 38 s. Another limitation of analogue oscilloscopes is their inability to look ahead of the trigger point. point

Limitations of Analog Oscilloscope

Another limitation of analogue based oscilloscopes

is that their measurements are based on analogue ramps with accuracy specified as a percentage of full scale. Analog Oscilloscope is used to view a steady, repetitive waveform but many events which require investigation are either unique transients, or if recurring do so at unpredictable times. recurring, times

Digital Oscilloscope

With the rapid advancement of semiconductor technology memories, technology, memories data converters and processors have become extremely inexpensive compared p with the p price of CRTs. The digital means that the scope can display any frequency within its range with equal stability, bright ness and clarity. The signal can analyzed, archived, printed and otherwise processed.

Digital Oscilloscope

The primary reasons for using storage oscilloscopes are: observing g single g shot events stopping low repetition rate flicker comparing waveforms unattended monitoring of transient events, record keeping, and observing changes during circuit adjustments. adjustments

Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Digital storage oscilloscopes (DSO) capture and view transients. transients A DSO is ideal for low-repetition-rate or singleshot, high-speed, g p multi-channel design g applications. T i l specifications-Typical ifi ti
Bandwidths from 60 MHz to 6 GHz Sample p rates from 1.0 GS/s / to 10 GS/s on all channels simultaneously Full bandwidth capture on all channels Advanced triggering and analysis

High Level Block diagram of DSO

High Level Block diagram of DSO

Digitizing Oscilloscope

Block Diagram of DSO

Sampling Techniques
In all digital storage scopes and waveform digitisers the input waveforms are sampled before digitisers, the A/D conversion process. There are two fundamental digitising techniques, (i) real sampling, and (ii) equivalent time sampling.

Acquiring Data of a Waveform

Real-time Sampling
When measuring high-frequency signals, the oscilloscope p may y not be able to collect enough g samples in one sweep. Then use equivalent-time or interpolation sampling techniques.

Equivalent-Time Sampling The sampling rate of a digital storage oscilloscope is limited by b the conversion con ersion time of the ADC used. To capture capt re a waveform a eform in real time at a time base speed setting of 100ns/division (with 100 points of display per division) would require an ADC with a sampling rate of 1000Ms/s or a l ns conversion time. 1000Ms/s, time Such devices are available, but are very expensive.

Equivalent-Time Sampling
Equivalent E l time mode d capitalizes i li on this hi to provide id an economical digital storage oscilloscope design employing a less expensive p ADC, , by y arranging g g for the latter to acquire q only, say, ten points on any given time base sweep. On further sweeps, additional points are acquired, building up a complete picture over many sweeps. sweeps

Equivalent-Time Sampling

Equivalent-Time Sampling

Real-Time Sampling with I t Interpolation l ti

Interpolators connect data points on the scope. Two different types of interpolator are available, both of which can solve the visual aliasing problem with the use of dots. These are linear interpolators and curve interpolators. Linear interpolation A useful display reconstruction technique is sine interpolation, which is specifically designed for reproducing sinewaves.

Real-Time Sampling with I t Interpolation l ti

Sine interpolation A useful display reconstruction technique is sine interpolation, which is specifically designed for reproducing sine waves. Modified sine interpolation To eliminate the drawbacks of sine interpolation when displaying pulses, pulses modified sine interpolation uses a digital pre-filter. Sine x/x interpolation This interpolation technique used in Tektronix and LeCroy oscilloscopes uses rise time measurements where it fits g between sample p p points to create a smooth curve segments waveform.

Real-Time Sampling with I t Interpolation l ti

Real-Time Sampling with I t Interpolation l ti

Perceptual Aliasing due to eyes without connecting dots