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A Brief
Introduction
Operating
Principles
Controls &
Indicators
Basic
Operating
Instructions
Applications
of the
Oscilloscope
Glossary
Whats Inside?
As you can see in the diagram above, an analog scope has two major signal
paths. The first is the vertical signal path, which ultimately is responsible
for deflecting the CRT beam vertically in response to the input signal. The
second path is the horizontal. It triggers the scope and moves the beam from
left to right across the screen. In a typical display, time is represented
horizontally and voltage is represented by the vertical axis.
Triggering
The triggering portion plays a very important part in the operation of a
scope-it determines where (in time) the trace starts. In essence, the
triggering circuits tell the horizontal section when to start moving the beam
from the left side of the CRT to the right. If the trace starts too early, the
part of interest on the signal won't be seen. The same is true if it starts too
late. The figure below gives you an idea of what happens.
How does the trigger circuit know when to trigger? It gets a replica of the
signal, called the sync pickoff, from the selected trigger source. This sync
pickoff is compared to a pre-set trigger voltage that is set with the front
panel trigger level knob. Most analog scopes let you specify a slope as well
as a trigger voltage. This allows you to trigger at a specific point on a rising
or falling transition.
When the trigger circuit finds a voltage and transition from the source that
matches those set with the trigger controls, it tells the horizontal sweep
circuits to start moving the beam from left to right. The speed of the beam
is determined by the seconds/division knob on the front panel. As the beam
is moved horizontally across the screen, the vertical amplifiers move the
beam up and down, relative to the input voltage.
Both the horizontal sweep and vertical deflection information have to arrive
at the CRT at the same time. If they don't, the scope won't be able to display
the voltage information properly.
Look at the block diagram at the top of this section. Since the delays in the
horizontal path are longer, vertical information will reach the CRT before
the horizontal information. The solution to the problem is to put a calibrated
delay into the vertical path so both horizontal and vertical signals will get to
the CRT at the same time. When properly adjusted, an analog scope does
not display the signal fluctuations before the trigger event.
The Horizontal Section
For external triggering, the horizontal path of an analog scope has an
attenuator like the vertical channels. This attenuator serves the same
purpose as those in the vertical channels, i.e., impedance matching and
scaling the external trigger signal. However, the horizontal attenuator is
followed by trigger comparison circuits, instead of a preamp, as in the
vertical channels.
The horizontal portion of the scope, which is responsible for moving the
trace along the time or horizontal axis, directly affects the time accuracy of
an analog scope. The horizontal beam movement is controlled by a voltage
ramp (called the sweep ramp); the time interval accuracy of the scope
depends heavily on this ramp.
Once the trigger comparator has found a valid trigger, it tells the horizontal
sweep ramp generator to start. As the ramp rises, it causes the beam to
move from left to right across the CRT. Since the left to right movement
represents time on the CRT, the ramp must be very linear. If the ramp has
non-linearities, the beam moves at different rates across the screen.
Typically, ramp linearity controls time interval accuracy of an analog scope
within 3%.
The CRT
The last major portion of an analog scope is the display or CRT. Analog
CRTs are vector displays that can move the beam to any point directly. A
signal from the vertical amplifier moves the beam in the vertical direction.
This may seem obvious, but it brings up a very important point. The CRT
and its drivers must be able to deflect the beam vertically as fast as the
signal rises. What this means is that the CRT bandwidth must be the same
as the input bandwidth of the scope! High bandwidth CRTs pose several
problems. As CRT bandwidth goes up, the following happens:
Cost of the CRT goes up;
Accuracy of the CRT goes down;
Reliability of the CRT goes down.
To keep the cost of the CRT down while keeping the accuracy and
reliability up, the scope must use as low a bandwidth CRT as possible.
However, since the CRT must have the same bandwidth as the scope, high
bandwidth analog scopes demand high bandwidth CRTs. The only real
solution is to move to a new architecture.
Summary
In this first section we have talked about how an analog scope works. We
also pointed out some of the shortcomings of current analog scope
architecture. Here are some of the key points to remember about analog
scopes:
There are two major signal paths-horizontal and vertical;
Everything (including the CRT) must work at the same speed as the
input signal;
All input channels are usually multiplexed through a single vertical
path to the CRT;
The horizontal path is responsible for triggering;
The scope triggers on a voltage level and rising or falling slope;
As input bandwidth goes up, cost of the CRT also goes up, while
reliability and accuracy of the CRT go down.
The Cathode Ray Tube Many logic analysers and some DSOs use
magnetically deflected c.r.t.s either as monochrome or colour. This is the
type of display technology used in TV sets.
In the c.r.t. storage oscilloscope, the cathode ray tube is basically similar to
the electrostatistically deflected type of tube described below; but with the
addition of one or more storage meshes.
The potential at the focus electrode is adjusted to obtain a very small round
spot on the end of the tube. Unfortunately, if no other control were
provided, it would often be found that the focus control setting for
minimum spot width was different from that for minimum spot height. This
is avoided by providing an astigmatism control. In the case of a simple
cathode ray tube this consists of a potentiometer that adjusts the voltage on
the final anode and screen relative to the deflection plate voltages. Alternate
adjustments of the focus and astigmatism controls then permit the smallest
possible spot size to be achieved. With more complicated tubes using a high
post deflection acceleration ratio another electrode is often needed. This is a
'geometry' electrode and is connected to another preset potentiometer,
which is adjusted for minimum 'pincushion' or 'barrel' distortion of the
display. When an electron beam passes between two horizontal plates that
have a potential difference of V volts between them it is deflected vertically
by an amount:
where
L = Length of the plates
D = distance between the plates and the point on the axis where the
deflection is measured
d = distance between the plates
Va = acceleration voltage applied to the beams at the level of the plates
K = a constant relating the charge of an electron to its mass
TUBE SENSITIVITY
The deflection plates of a c.r.t. are connected to amplifiers, which can be
relatively simple design when the required output amplitude is low; it is
therefore desirable for the tube sensitivity to be as high as possible. To
enable the amplifier to have a wide bandwidth, the capacity between the
plates must be kept low, so they must be small and well seperated. On the
other handm in order to obtain a suitably clear trace of a signal with low
repitition frequency (or single shot) the energy of the beam must be high.
But the ideal tube must be:
Short (not cumbersome) : D small
Bright (high acceleration voltage) : Va large
And with low acceleration deflection-plate capacity: L small, d large.
This gives the tubes with very low sensitivity, considering the formulae:
The requirements for high sensitivity contradicts the terms of the equation.
Practical cathode ray tubes are therefore the result of a compromise.
However, techniques have been developed to improve a selected parameter
without prejudice to the others.
Rotation of this knob will adjust the vertical position of the Channel 1 waveform on the
screen. In the X-Y operation, rotation adjusts vertical position of display.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
2. CH1 Volts/Div Control & Variable Control
For the Volts/Div Control, it is a vertical attenuator for channel 1. Provides step adjustment
of verticaal sensitivity in 1-2-5 sequence. VARIABLE control is turned to the CAL
position, the calibrated vertical sensitivity is obtained. In X-Y operation, this control serves
as the attenuator for Y-axis.
Rotation of the variable control provides fine control of channel 1 vertical sensitivity. In
the fully clockwise (CAL) position, the vertical attenuator is calibrated. In X-Y operation,
this control serves as the Y-axis attenuation fine adjustment.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
This switch is the Channel 1 vertical axis coupling mode selector, for X-Y operation, the
Y-Axis coupling mode control.
AC: AC Input coupling with blocking of any DC signal
component.
GND: Vertical amplifier is disconnected from the input signal
and connected to ground. This mode is useful in
determining the zero reference.
DC: DC Coupling, with both the DC and AC components of
the input signal displayed on the CRT.
Vertical input for channel 1 trace in normal sweep operation. Y-axis input for X-Y
operation.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
CH2 Position:
Rotation adjusts vertical position of channel 2 trace.
INV:
Push-pull swtich selects channel 2 signal inverted when pulled out.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
6. CH2 Volts/Div Control & Variable Control
Volts/Div Knob:
For the Volts/Div Control, it is a vertical attenuator for channel 1. Provides step adjustment
of verticaal sensitivity in 1-2-5 sequence. VARIABLE control is turned to the CAL
position, the calibrated vertical sensitivity is obtained. In X-Y operation, this control serves
as the attenuator for X-axis.
Variable Control:
Rotation of the variable control provides fine control of channel 1 vertical sensitivity. In
the fully clockwise (CAL) position, the vertical attenuator is calibrated. In X-Y operation,
this control serves as the X-axis attenuation fine adjustment.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
Vertical input for channel 2 trace in normal sweep operation. X-axis input in X-Y
operation.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
9. MODE Switch
Provides 1 kHz, 1 V peak-to-peak square wave signal. This is useful for probe
compensation adjustment.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
12. EXT Trigger Input Jack
SCALE ILLUM:
Brightness adjustment of the scale of the CRT. For photographing, rotate the knob to adjust
bright to prevent halation caused by too bright illumination.
TRACE ROTA:
Tilt adjustment of the horizontal bright line in the case where goemagnetism influences the
bright line to tilt.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
Range select dial of 17 ranges from 50ms/div to 0.2us/div. Set this dial to a value same as
the A SWEEP Time/Div Control or higher than it.
A SWEEP Variable Control
Fine sweep time adjustment. In the fully clockwise (CAL) position, the sweep time is
calibrated.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
LEVEL:
Trigger level adjustment determines point on triggering waveform where A sweep
triggered.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
HOLD OFF:
Adjusts holdoff (trigger inhibit period beyond sweep duration). Clockwise rotation from
the NORM position increases holdoff time, up to 10 times at the MAX position (fully
clockwise).
Trace Seperation Control
Adjusts vertical seperation between A sweep and B sweep (control has effect only in the
ALT of HORIZ. MODE).
Clockwise rotation increases seperation; B sweep moves down with respect to A sweep up
to 4 divisions.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
Ready Indicator
When the reset is single-sweep operation, this lamp lights and remains lit until the sweep
operation is completed.
Back to Oscilloscope Diagram
CRT Screen
PROBE COMPENSATION
For an accurate measurement, perform appropriate probe correction prior to measurement.
1. Connect a probe to the INPUT terminal, and set each switch so that normal sweep is
displayed.
2. Connect the probe to the CAL terminal on the front panel, and adjust the SWEEP
TIME/DIV switch so that several cycles of this signal are displayed.
3. Adjust compensation trimmer on probe for optimum square wave waveshape (minimum
overshoot, rounding offm and tilt).
TRACE ROTATION COMPENSATION
Rotation from a horizontal trace position can be the cause of measurement errors.
Adjust the controls for a single display. Set the AC-GND-DC switch to GND and TRIG
MODE to AUTO. Adjust the CH1 position control such that the trace is over the centre
horizontal graticule line. If the trace appears to be rotated from horizontal, align it with the
centre graticule line using the TRACE ROTATION control located on the front panel.
1. DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
2. MEASUREMENT OF THE VOLTAGE BETWEEN TWO POINTS ON THE
WAVEFORM
AC
(Alternating Current) A signal in which the current and voltage vary in
a repeating pattern over time.
ADC
(Analog-to-Digital Converter) A digital electronic component that
converts an electrical signal into discrete binary values.
Alternate Mode
A display mode of operation in which the oscilloscope completes
tracing one channel before beginning to trace another channel.
Amplitude
The magnitude of a quantity or strength of a signal. In electronics,
amplitude usually refers to either voltage or power.
Attenuation
A decrease in signal voltage during its transmission from one point to
another.
Averaging
A processing technique used by digital oscilloscopes to eliminate noise
in a signal.
Bandwidth
A frequency range.
CRT
(Cathode-Ray Tube) An electron-beam tube in which the beam can be
focused on a luminescent screen and varied in both position and
intensity to produce a visible pattern. A television picture tube is a
CRT.
Chop Mode
A display mode of operation in which small parts of each channel are
traced so that more than one waveform can appear on the screen
simultaneously.
Circuit Loading
The unintentional interaction of the probe and oscilloscope with the
circuit being tested, distorting the signal.
Compensation
A probe adjustment for 10X probes that balances the capacitance of
the probe with the capacitance of the oscilloscope.
Coupling
The method of connecting two circuits together. Circuits connected
with a wire are directly coupled; circuits connected through a capacitor
or a transformer are indirectly (or AC) coupled.
Cursor
An on-screen marker that you can align with a waveform to take
accurate measurements.
DC (Direct Current)
A signal with a constant voltage and current.
Division
Measurement markings on the CRT graticule of the oscilloscope.
Earth Ground
A conductor that will dissipate large electrical currents into the Earth.
Envelope
The outline of a signal's highest and lowest points acquired over many
repetitions.
Equivalent-time Sampling
A sampling mode in which the oscilloscope constructs a picture of a
repetitive signal by capturing a little bit of information from each
repetition.
Focus
The oscilloscope control that adjusts the CRT electron beams to
control the sharpness of the display.
Frequency
The number of times a signal repeats in one second, measured in Hertz
(cycles per second). The frequency equals 1/period.
Gigahertz (GHz)
1,000,000,000 Hertz; a unit of frequency.
Glitch
An intermittent error in a circuit.
Graticule
The grid lines on a screen for measuring oscilloscope traces.
Ground
1. A conducting connection by which an electric circuit or equipment is
connected to the earth to establish and maintain a reference voltage
level.
2. The voltage reference point in a circuit.
Hertz (Hz)
One cycle per second; the unit of frequency.
Kilohertz (kHz)
1000 Hertz; a unit of frequency.
Interpolation
A "connect-the-dots" processing technique to estimate what a fast
waveform looks like based on only a few sampled points.
Megahertz (MHz)
1,000,000 Hertz; a unit of frequency.
Megasamples per second (MS/s)
A sample rate unit equal to one million samples per second.
Microsecond
A unit of time equivalent to 0.000001 seconds.
Millisecond (ms)
A unit of time equivalent to 0.001 seconds.
Nanosecond (ns)
A unit of time equivalent to 0.000000001 seconds.
Noise
An unwanted voltage or current in an electrical circuit.
Oscilloscope
An instrument used to make voltage changes visible over time. The
word oscilloscope comes from "oscillate," since oscilloscopes are
often used to measure oscillating voltages.
Peak - V[p]
The maximum voltage level measured from a zero reference point.
Peak-to-peak - V[p-p]
The voltage measured from the maximum point of a signal to its
minimum point, usually twice the V[p] level.
Peak Detection
An acquisition mode for digital oscilloscopes that lets you see the
extremes of a signal.
Period
The amount of time it takes a wave to complete one cycle. The period
equals 1/frequency.
Phase
The amount of time that passes from the beginning of a cycle to the
beginning of the next cycle, measured in degrees.
Probe
An oscilloscope input device, usually having a pointed metal tip for
making electrical contact with a circuit element and a flexible cable for
transmitting the signal to the oscilloscope.
Pulse
A common waveform shape that has a fast rising edge, a width, and a
fast falling edge.
RMS
Root mean square.
Real-time Sampling
A sampling mode in which the oscilloscope collects as many samples
as it can as the signal occurs.
Record Length
The number of waveform points used to create a record of a signal.
Rise Time
The time taken for the leading edge of a pulse to rise from its
minimum to its maximum values (typically measured from 10% to
90% of these values).
Sample Point
The raw data from an ADC used to calculate waveform points.
Screen
The surface of the CRT upon which the visible pattern is produced -
the display area.
Signal Generator
A test device for injecting a signal into a circuit input; the circuit's
output is then read by an oscilloscope.
Sine Wave
A common curved wave shape that is mathematically defined.
Single Shot
A signal measured by an oscilloscope that only occurs once (also
called a transient event).
Single Sweep
A trigger mode for displaying one screenful of a signal and then
stopping.
Slope
On a graph or an oscilloscope screen, the ratio of a vertical distance to
a horizontal distance. A positive slope increases from left to right,
while a negative slope decreases from left to right.
Square Wave
A common wave shape consisting of repeating square pulses.
Sweep
One horizontal pass of an oscilloscope's electron beam from left to
right across the CRT screen.
Sweep Speed
Same as the time base.
Time Base
Oscilloscope circuitry that controls the timing of the sweep. The time
base is set by the seconds/division control.
Trace
The visible shapes drawn on a CRT by the movement of the electron
beam.
Transducer
A device that converts a specific physical quantity such as sound,
pressure, strain, or light intensity into an electrical signal.
Transient
A signal measured by an oscilloscope that only occurs once (also
called a single-shot event).
Trigger
The circuit that initiates a horizontal sweep on an oscilloscope and
determines the beginning point of the waveform.
Trigger Holdoff
A control that inhibits the trigger circuit from looking for a trigger
level for some specified time after the end of the waveform.
Trigger Level
The voltage level that a trigger source signal must reach before the
trigger circuit initiates a sweep.
Volt
The unit of electric potential difference.
Voltage
The difference in electric potential, expressed in volts, between two
points.
Waveform
A graphic representation of a voltage varying over time.
Waveform Point
A digital value that represents the voltage of a signal at a specific point
in time. Waveform points are calculated from sample points and stored
in memory.
Z-axis
The signal in an oscilloscope that controls electron-beam brightness as
the trace is formed.
a. Press the POWER switch to supply power, and the POWER LED lights
up.
b. A bright line appears in the CRT Centre. If it is not in the centre, adjust
its position to the centre with the CH 1 POSITION controller. Then adjust
the brightness with the INTENSITY controller, and the focus with the
FOCUS controller as required for easy observation.
c. Supply input signal into the CH1 INPUT jack. Rotate the VOLTS/DIV
control to adjust waveform to appropriate dimensions.
Set the MODE select switch to CH2. Then supply the inpu signal to the
CH2 INPUT jack. Its waveform is displayed on the CRT in the same
precedures with channel 1.
When the MODE select switch is set to ADD, the composite waveforms of
CH1 and CH2 (the algebric sum of CH1 + CH2) is displayed on the CRT.
In this status, if CH2 INV is engaged by pulling out the CH2 POSITION,
the algebriac difference between CH1 and CH2 (CH1-CH2) will be
displayed.
The sensitivity of the ADDed waveform becomes the sames as the value
inficated by VOLT/DIV provided that the same as VOLTS/DIV value has
been set for the waveforms of the two channels.
When the MODE select swtich is set to ALT, the channel 1 and channel 2
waveforms are displayed alternatively in every sweep. Waveforms of each
channel is triggered independently. If the MODE select switch is set to
CHOP, channel 1 and channel 2 waveforms through chopped triggering are
displayed. If the SOURCE select switch is set to V.MODE, the channel 1
signal only is triggered. To made the channel 2 signal triggered, set the
SOURCE select switch to CH2.
The display on the screen will probably be unsynchronized. Refer to
TRIGGERING procedure below for adjusting synchronization and sweep
speed to obtain a stable display showing the desired number of waveform.
TRIGGERING
The input signal must be properly triggered for stable waveform
observation. TRIGGERING is possible the input signal INTernally to create
a trigger or with an EXTernally provided signal of timimng relationship to
the observed signal, applying such a signal to the EXT. TRIG INPUT jack.
1. The selection of a signal that serves as a trigger signal is made using the
SOURCE switch.
Internal Sync
When the SOURCE selector is set to V.MODE, CH1, CH2, or LINE, the
input signal is connected to the internal trigger circuit. In this position, a
part of the input signal is fed to the INPUT jack or is applied from the
vertical amplifier to the trigger circuit to cause the trigger signal
synchronously with the input signal to drive the sweep circuit. If the
SOURCE select switch is set to V.MODE, the trigger signal is selected in
compliance with the vertical MODE selector setting. Setting the vertical
MODE selector to ALT causes independent trigger to the channel 1 and
channel 2 signals respectively, enabling two signals with no time
relationship to be observed.
If the SOURCE select swtich is set to CH1 or CH2, triggering is made by
the channel 1 and channel 2 signals respectively, regardless of MODE
setting. Setting the SOURCE select switch to LINE causes synchronisation
with commercial power frequency.
External Sync
When the SOURCE selection is in EXT, th input signal at the EXT TRIG
INPUT jack becomes the trigger. This signal must have a time or frequency
relationship to the signal being observed to synchronise the display.
External sync is preferred for waveform observation in many applications.
For example, the figure below
shows that the sweep circuit is driven bt the gate signal when the gate signal
in the burst signal is applied to the EXT. TRIG INPUT jack.
Shows the input/output signals, where the burst signal generated from the
signal is applied to the instrument under test. Thus, accurate triggering can
be achieved without regard to the input signal fed to the INPUT or jack so
that no further triggering is required even when the input signal is varied.
2. After the SOURCE has been set, the trigger point can be set by rotating
LEVEL/SLOPE control.
AC:
The trigger signal is capacitatively coupled, so its DC component is cut,
giving a stable trigger which is not affected by the DC component. With
this advantage, this position of the coupling switch is conveniently selected
for ordinary applications. However, id the trigger signal is lower than 10Hz,
the trigger signal level becomes attenuated, resulting in difficulty in
triggering.
HFrej:
The trigger signal is supplied through a low pass filter to eliminate the high
frequency component (higher than 10 kHz), giving a stable triggering with
low frequency component. When high-frequency noise is superimposed
over te trigger signal as shown in Fig 9, the high frequency noise is cut to
provide a stable trigger.
DC:
Permits triggering from DC to over 60MHz. Couples DC component of
sync trigger signal. Useful for triggering from very low frequency signals
(below 10 Hz) ot ramp waveforms with slow repeating DC.
BACK TO MENU
MAGNIFIED SWEEP OPERATION
BACK TO MENU
ALTERNATE SWEEP OPERATION
FIG12
FIG 13
Note that for this type operation both the DELAY TIME POSITION and
TRIG LEVEl affect the start of the B sweep so that the delay time is used as
a reference point.
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X-Y OPERATION
BACK TO MENU
SINGLE SWEEP OPERATION
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DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
Example
For the example, the point being measured is 3.8 divisions from the
reference level (ground potential).
If the VOLTS/DIV was set to 0.2 V and 10:1 probe was used.
Substituting the given values:
DC level = 3.8 (div) X 0.2 (V) X 10 = 7.6 V
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MEASUREMENT OF THE VOLTAGE BETWEEN
TWO POINTS ON THE WAVEFORM.
Back to Menu
ELIMINATION OF UNDESIRED SIGNAL
COMPONENTS
The ADD feature can be conveniently used to cancel out the effect of an
undesired signal component which superimposed on the signal you wish to
observe.
Procedure:
1. Apply the signal containing an undesired component to CH1 INPUT jack
and the undesired signal itself alnoe to the CH2 INPUT jack.
2. Set the vertical MODE switch to CHOP and SOURCE switch to CH2.
Verify that CH2 represents the unwanted signal in reverse polarity. Reverse
the polarity by setting CH2 INV as required.
3. Set the vertical MODE to ADD, SOURCE to V.MODE and CH2
VOLTS/DIV and VARIABLE so that the undesired signal component is
cancelled as much as possible. The remaining signal you wish to observe
alone and free of the unwanted signal.
Back to Menu
TIME MEASUREMENTS
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TIME DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENTS
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PULSE WIDTH MEASUREMENTS
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PULSE RISETIME AND FALLTIME
MEASUREMENTS
For risetime and falltime measurements, the 10% and 90% amplitude points
are used as starting and ending reference points.
Procedure:
1. Apply a signal to the INPUT jack. Set the vertical MODE to the channel
to be used.
Use the VOLTS/DIV and VARIABLE to adjust the waveform peak-to-peak
height to five divisions.
2. Using the vertical POSITION control and the other controls, adjust the
display sich that the wavedoem is centered vertically in the display. Set the
SWEEP TIME/DIV to as fast a setting as possible consistent with
observation of both the 10% and 90% points. Set the SWEEP VARIABLE
control to CAL position.
3. Use the horizontal POSITION control to adjust the 10% point to coincide
with a vertical graduation line and measure the distance in divisions
between the 10% and 90% points on the waveform. Multiply this by the
SWEEP TIME/DIV and also by 1/10 if "X10MAG" mode was used.
NOTE:
The graticule on the CRT includes the 0, 10, 90, and 100 % lines assuming
that 5 divisions correspond to 100 %. Use them as a reference for accurate
measurements.
Using the formula:
Risetime = Horizontal distance (div) X (SWEEP TIME/DIV setting) / "X10
MAG" value.
Example
For the example, the horizontal distance is 3.3 divisions. The SWEEP
TIME/DIV is 2 (us/div)
Substituting the given value:
Risetime = 3.3 (div) X 2 (us/div) = 6.6 us
Risetime and falltime can be measured by making use of the alternate step 3
as described below as well.
4. Use the Horizontal POSITION control to set the 10% point to coincide
with the center vertical graduation line and measure the horizontal distance
to the point of the intersection of the waveform with the center horizontal
line. Let this distance be D1. Next adjust the waveform position such that
the 90% point coincides with the vertical centerline and measure the
distance from that line to the intersection of the waveform with the
horizontal centerline. This distance is D2 and the total horizontal distance is
then D1 plus D2 for use in the above relationship in calculating the risetime
or falltime.
Using the formula:
Risetime = (D1 + D2) (div) X (SWEEP TIME/DIV setting) / "X10 MAG"
value.
Example
For the example, the measured D1 is 1.6 divisions while D2 is 1.4
divisions. If SWEEP TIME/DIV is 2 us/div we use the following
relationship.
Substituting the given value:
Risetime = (1.6 + 1.4) (div) X 2 (us/div) = 6 us
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PHASE DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENTS
Phase difference between two sine waves of the same frequency can be
measured as follows:
Procedure:
1. Apply the 2 signals to the CH1 and CH2 INPUT jacks, setting the
vertical MODE to either CHOP or ALT mode.
2. Set the controls to obtain normal sweep. Set the SOURCE switch to
select the signal which is leading in phase, and adjust the VOLTS/DIV and
vertical VARIABLE controls such that the two signals are equal in
amplitude.
3. Use the SWEEP TIME/DIV and SWEEP VARIABLE to adjust the
display such that one cycle of the signals occupies 8 divisions of horizontal
display.
Operate the vertical POSITION to shift the two signals on the center of the
scale.
Having set up the display as above, one division now represents 45 degrees
in phase.
4. Measure the horizontal distance between corresponding points on the two
waveforms.
Using the formula:
Phase difference = Horizontal distance (div) X 45 degrees/div
Example
For the example, the horizontal distance is 1.7 divisions.
Substituting the given value:
The phase difference = 1.7 (div) X 45 degrees/div = 76.5 degrees.
The above setup allows 45 degrees per division but if more accuracy is
required the SWEEP TIME/DIV may be changed and magnified without
touching the VARIABLE control and if necessat the trigger level can be
readjusted.
In this case, the phase difference can be obtained from the SWEEP
TIME/DIV setting for 8 divisions.cycle and the new SWEEP TIME/DIV
setting changed for higher accuracym by using the following formula:
Phase difference = Horizontal distance of new sweep range X 45
degrees/div
X New SWEEP TIME/DIV setting
Original SWEEP TIME/DIV setting
Another simple method of obtaining more accuracy quickly is to simply use
X 10 MAG for a scale of 4.5 degrees/division.
Back to Menu
FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS
Procedure
1. Following the procedure described in section 5 "Time Measurement",
measure the time of each cycle. The figure obtained in the signal period.
2. Frequency is the the reciprocal of the period measured.
Example
A period of 40us is observed and measured.
Assuming that SWEEP TIME/DIV indicated 5 us/div, sustituting the given
value:
Frequency = 1/(40us) = 25 kHz
While the above method relies on the measurement directly of the period of
one cycle, the frequency may also be measured by counting the number of
cycles present in a given time period.
1. Apply the signal to the INPUT jack. Set the vertical MODE to the
channel to be used and adjusting the various controls for a normal display.
Set the VARIABLE control to CAL position.
2. Count the number of cycles of waveform between a chosen set of
graticules in the vertical axis direction. Using the horizontal distance
between the vertical lines used above and the SWEEP TIME/DIV, the time
span may be calculated. Multiply the reciprocal of this value by the number
of cycles present in the given time span. If "X10 MAG" is used multiply
this by a further 10.
Note that errors will only occur for displays having only a few cycles.
Using the formula :
Frequency =
Example
For the example, within 7 divisions, there are 10 cycles. The SWEEP
TIME/DIV is 5us/div.
Substituting the given value:
Freq =
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RELATIVE MEASUREMENTS
Example
For the example, the VOLTS/DIV is 1V/div.
The reference signal is 2 Vrms. Using the VARIABLE, adjust so that the
amplitude of the reference signal is 4 divisions.
Substituting the given value:
Vertical coefficient =
Then measure the unknown signal and VOLTS/DIV is 5V and vertical
amplitude is 3 divisions.
Substituting the given value:
Effective value of unknown signal = 3 (div) X 0.5 X 5
Period
Setting the relative sweep coefficient with respect to a reference frequency
signal.
Procedure:
1. Appy the reference signal to the INPUT jack, using the VOLTS/DIV and
VARIABLE to obtain an easily observed waveform display.
Using the SWEEP TIME/DIV and VARIABLE adjust one cycle of the
reference signal to occupy a fixed number of scale divisions accurately.
After this is done be sure not to disturb the setting of the VARIABLE
control.
2. The sweep (horizontal) calibration coefficient is then the period of the
reference signal divided bt the product of the number of divisions used in
step 1 for setup of the reference and seting of the SWEEP TIME/DIV
control.
Using the formula:
Sweep coefficient =
3. Remove the reference signal and input the unknown signal, adjusting the
SWEEP TIME/DIV conrtol for easy observation.
Measure the width of one cycle in divisions and use the following
relationship to calculate the actual period.
Using the formula:
Period of unknown signal =
Example
SWEEP TIME/DIV is 0.1 ms and apply 1.75 kHz reference signal. Adjust
the VARIABLE so the the distance of one cycle is 5 divisions.
Substituting the given values.
Horizontal coefficient =
Then, SWEEP TIME/DIV is 0.2 and horizontal amplitude is 7 div
Substituting the given value:
Pulse width = 7 (div) X 1.143 X 0.2 = 1.6 ms
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SWEEP MULTIPLICATION (MAGNIFICATION)
Frequency measurement
1. Connect the sine wave of known frequency to the channel 2 input jack of
the oscilloscope and select X-Y operation. This provides external horizontal
input.
2. Connect the vertical input probe (CH1 INPUT) to the unknown
frequency.
3. Adjust the channel 1 and 2 size controls for convenient, easy to read size
of display.
4. The resulting pattern, called a Lissajous pattern, shows the ratio between
the two frequncies.
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