Basic Concepts

XYZs of Analog
and Digital Oscilloscopes
070869001

First Printing: February 1993

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 Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Why Read This Book? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Need More Copies? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The Oscilloscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What Can You Do With It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Analog and Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
How Does an Oscilloscope Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Analog Oscilloscopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Digital Oscilloscopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sampling Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
RealTime Sampling with Interpolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
EquivalentTime Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Oscilloscope Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Measurement Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Types of Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sine Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Square and Rectangular Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sawtooth and Triangle Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Step and Pulse Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Waveform Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Frequency and Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Performance Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Rise Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vertical Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sweep Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Gain Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Time Base or Horizontal Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ADC Resolution (Or Vertical Resolution) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Record Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ground the Oscilloscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ground Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes i

 Table of Contents

Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
/'*% //'2# .+ #/                                   
/'*% !0'2# .+ #/                                    
/'*% 1..#*0 .+ #/                                   
&#.# 0+ (', 0&# .+1*" (',                           
Compensating the Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Display Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Vertical Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
+/'0'+* *" +(0/ ,#. '2'/'+*                           
*,10 +1,('*%                                         
*"3'"0& ')'0                                        
&**#( *2#.0                                         
(0#.*0# *" &+, '/,(4                              
0& ,#.0'+*/                                       
Horizontal Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
+/'0'+* *" #!+*"/ ,#. '2'/'+*                       
')# /# #(#!0'+*/                                   
.'%%#. +/'0'+*                                        
%*'$'!0'+*                                          
 +"#                                              
Trigger Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
.'%%#. #2#( *" (+,#                                 
.'%%#. +1.!#/                                        
.'%%#. +"#/                                         

.'%%#. +1,('*%                                       

.'%%#. +("+$$                                         
Acquisition Controls for Digital Oscilloscopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
!-1'/'0'+* +"#/                                      
0+,,'*% *" 0.0'*% 0&# !-1'/'0'+* 4/0#)             
),('*% #0&+"/                                     
Other Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Measurement Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
The Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Voltage Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Time and Frequency Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Pulse and Rise Time Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Phase Shift Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
What's Next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Written Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Written Exercise Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I1

ii Basic Concepts
 Introduction

The oscilloscope is an essential tool if you plan to design or repair electronic

equipment. It lets you see" electrical signals.
Energy, vibrating particles, and other invisible forces are everywhere in our
physical universe. Sensors can convert these forces into electrical signals
that you can observe and study with an oscilloscope. Oscilloscopes let you
see" events that occur in a split second.

Why Read This If you are a scientist, engineer, technician, or electronics hobbyist, you
should know how to use an oscilloscope. The concepts presented here
Book? provide you with a good starting point.
If you are using an oscilloscope for the first time, read this book to get a
solid understanding of oscilloscope basics. Then, read the manual provided
with your oscilloscope to learn specific information about how to use it in
your work. After reading this book, you will be able to:
H Describe how oscilloscopes work
H Describe the difference between an analog and digital oscilloscope
H Describe electrical waveform types
H Understand basic oscilloscope controls
H Take simple measurements
If you come across an unfamiliar term in this book, check the glossary in the
back for a definition.
This book serves as a useful classroom aid. It includes vocabulary and
multiple choice written exercises on oscilloscope theory and controls. You
do not need any mathematical or electronics knowledge. This book empha
sizes teaching you about oscilloscopes how they work and how to make
them work for you.

Need More Copies? Additional copies of this book are available on request through your local
Tektronix representative.
Individual copies are available by ordering part number 070-8690-01.
To order a packet of 50 copies (e.g., for classroom instruction), use part
number 062-9323-01.

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 1

Introduction

For More Information  !             
Tektronix, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Pittsfield, MA 01201
    ! !   
    

1-800-426-2200

2 Basic Concepts
 The Oscilloscope

) ( # $(!!$($% ,) # .$* $ ,) ) # $, $( ) ,$'
( ()$# #(,'( )( *#"#)! &*()$#(
 $(!!$($% ( (!!.  '%1(%!.# +
2 ) ',(  '%
$ # !)'! (#! # "$() %%!)$#( ) '% ($,( $, (#!(
# $+' )" ) +')!  -( '%'(#)( +$!) # ) $'/$#)!
 -( '%'(#)( )"  #)#(). $' ')#(( $ ) (%!. ( ($"1
)"( !! )  -(  *'  ( ("%! '% # )!! .$* "#.
)#( $*)  (#! ' '  ,
H $* # )'"# ) )" # +$!) +!*( $  (#!
H $* # !*!) ) '&*#. $ # $(!!)# (#!
H $* # ( ) 0"$+# %')( $  '*) '%'(#) . ) (#!
H $* # )!!   "!*#)$## $"%$##) ( ()$')# ) (#!
H $* # # $*) $, "* $  (#! ( ') *''#)  $' !)'#)1
# *''#) 

H $* # )!! $, "* $ ) (#! ( #$( # ,)' ) #$( (
## ,) )"

Y (voltage)

Y (voltage)
Z (intensity)
X (time)

Z (intensity)

X (time)

Figure 1:X, Y, and Z Components of a Displayed Waveform

# $(!!$($% !$$ (  !$) !   ("!! )!+($# () -%) )) ) (  '
',# $# )( ('# # "$' $#)'$!( )#  )!+($#  '$#) %#! $
# $(!!$($% #$'"!!. ( $#)'$! ()$#( + #)$ ')! $'/$#1

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 3

The Oscilloscope

    
     
  


   
 
     
      
  



Figure 2:The TAS 465 Analog Oscilloscope Front Panel

Figure 3:The TDS 320 Digital Oscilloscope Front Panel

4 Basic Concepts
 The Oscilloscope

What Can You Do     

             
     
           !
With It?   
                
    
            !
                       !
                 
            
            
 
              
     

    

Light Source

Photo Cell

Figure 4:Scientific Data Gathered by an Oscilloscope

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 5

The Oscilloscope

Analog and Digital %#  "&!%   ' % %( %*!$    %
Analog "&!% ( #$ (%  %& &$* '# ' %$ ( digital
"&!% ( #$ (% $#% #* &#$ %% * #!#$% ' %
$!$ # )!   '%  !  #! %&#% $   
'   !% $ !*# $  % '
$ $ !$ $       % %*!$    $ $ !
( #$ * #%* !!*  ' %  $&# %  %#  
 ' # $$ % $ $ ! $#  ' % %$ %  &!
  ( !# ! #% * %# % (' #  % $# $ '$ 
% !%&#  % (' #
  %#$%  % $ $ ! $!$ % (' #  &$$  ,
 ,% ,%  '#%#  # 
 %  '#% % ' %  $&# %
%  #%  % % &$$ %$ %  #%  % # $%#&% %
(' #  % $#

1010
0001
0010
ADC 0101

Analog Oscilloscopes Digital Oscilloscopes Sample

Trace Signals Signals and Construct Displays

Figure 5:Digital and Analog Oscilloscopes Display Waveforms

# * !!% $ %#    # % $ $ ! (    (,

'#  %*!  $ ! $$$$ $  &"& #%#$%$  %  #
# $$ $&%  # $! %$$
 ! % !##   $ $ !$ ( % $ ! #%% % $!*
#!* '#* $$  +# %  # $ %* &#
% $ $ !$  ( * & % !%&#  '( '%$ %% * !!
*  *  !# $$ % % (' # % # $ % % % 
 !&%#  # !# $$ $  %*  $% # % % (' # %  #
%# '(  !#%

6 Basic Concepts
 The Oscilloscope

How Does an # ''% ("%&'" ' #& #&#$ #"'%# & ,#( " '# "#*  '' 
!#% #(' #* #& #&#$& &$ ,  &"  " # #& #&#$& *#%
Oscilloscope Work? &#!*' %"' , '" ' #& #&#$& #*)% &)% # '
"'%" &,&'!& % &! % " # #& #&#$& % &#!*' &!$ % "
#"$' " % &% %&' # #* ,  &%$'#" # ' #& #/
&#$&

Analog Oscilloscopes
" ,#( #""' " #& #&#$ $%# '#  %(' ' )# ' &"
'%) & '%#( ' $%# '# ' )%' &,&'! # ' #& #&#$ (% 
&  &!$   # %! '' &#*& #* " " # #& #&#$ &$ ,& 
!&(% &" 

Vertical System
Display
System

%'
''"('#% !$ %

CRT

Probe

Horizontal System

Trigger System *$ #%-#"'

"%'#% !$ %

!$ !
&

Figure 6:Analog Oscilloscope Block Diagram

$"" #" #* ,#( &' ' )%' &  )# '&) #"'%#  " attenuator
%(& ' &" )# ' #% " amplifier "%&& ' &" )# '
+' ' &" '%) & %' , '# ' )%'  '#" $ '& # ' '#
%, '(  # ' $$  '# '&  '#" $ '& (&&   #*"
#' '# !#)  "  '%#" ! ''" $#&$#% "& '  %'& '
 #*" #' $#&') )# ' (&& ' #' '# !#) ($ *   "')
)# ' (&& ' #' '# !#) #*"
 &"  &# '%) & '# ' '%% &,&'! '# &'%' #% '%%  .#%-#"'
&*$ #%-#"' &*$ &  '%! %%%" '# ' '#" # ' #%-#"'
&,&'! (&" '  #*" #' '# !#) %#&& ' &%" %%" '

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 7

The Oscilloscope

'*!2'&,$ +1+,% -++ ,  '*!2'&,$ ,!% + ,' %'. ,  $'/!& ',
*'++ ,  +*& *'% $, ,' *! , /!, !&  +(!! ,!% !&,*.$ &1
+/(+ !& *(! +)-& -+ ,  %'.%&, ' ,  $'/!& ', ,' $&
!&,'  +'$! $!& , ! * +(+ ,  ', %1 +/( *'++ ,  +*& -(
,'  ,!%+  +'&
', * ,  '*!2'&,$ +/(!& ,!'& & ,  .*,!$ $,!'& ,!'&
,*+  *( ' ,  +!&$ '& ,  +*&   ,*!* !+ &++*1 ,' +,!3
$!2  *(,!& +!&$ , &+-*+ , , ,  +/( !&+ , ,  +% ('!&, '
 *(,!& +!&$ *+-$,!& !&  $* (!,-* + + '/& !& !-*


Untriggered Triggered
Display Display

Figure 7:Triggering Stabilizes a Repeating Waveform

& '&$-+!'& ,' -+ & &$' '+!$$'+'( 1'- & ,' "-+, , * +!
+,,!&+ ,' '%%', & !&'%!& +!&$
H   ,,&-,!'& '* %($!!,!'& ' ,  +!&$ + ,  .'$,+!. '&,*'$ ,'
"-+, ,  %($!,- ' ,  +!&$ '* !, !+ (($! ,' ,  .*,!$
$,!'& ($,+
H   ,!% + + ,  +!. '&,*'$ ,' +, ,  %'-&, ' ,!% (*
!.!+!'& *(*+&, '*!2'&,$$1 *'++ ,  +*&
H   ,*!*!& ' ,  '+!$$'+'( + ,  ,*!* $.$ ,' +,!$!2 
*(,!& +!&$ + /$$ + ,*!*!& '&  +!&$ .&,
$+' "-+,!& ,  '-+ & !&,&+!,1 '&,*'$+ &$+ 1'- ,' *, 
+ *( .!+!$ !+($1

Digital Oscilloscopes
'% ' ,  +1+,%+ , , %# -( !!,$ '+!$$'+'(+ * ,  +% +
, '+ !& &$' '+!$$'+'(+ '/.* !!,$ '+!$$'+'(+ '&,!& !3
,!'&$ , (*'++!& +1+,%+  !-*  !, ,   +1+,%+ , 
!!,$ '+!$$'+'( '$$,+ , '* ,  &,!* /.'*% & , & !+($1+ !,
 & 1'- ,,  !!,$ '+!$$'+'( (*' ,'  !*-!, ,  .*,!$ +1+,%
"-+,+ ,  %($!,- ' ,  +!&$ "-+, + !& ,  &$' '+!$$'+'(
0, ,  &$'3,'3!!,$ '&.*,*  !& ,  )-!+!,!'& +1+,% +%3
($+ ,  +!&$ , !+*, ('!&,+ !& ,!% & '&.*,+ ,  +!&$+ .'$, ,
, + ('!&,+ ,' !!,$ .$-+ $$ sample points   '*!2'&,$ +1+,%+

8 Basic Concepts
 The Oscilloscope

  ! $ ! !  !    ! !
$ !  '!    !  !    "  
 
  !  !   !  %  waveform points

 !   ! %  "  $# !
! ! $# !  "  $# record  "
 $# ! "  !   $#    ! record
length  ! % ! ! ! !!  ! !  ! (
   % # !   ! !  !  %
  ! !  %"    !   
!  ! % !   !  % ! % 
# $ %" !  #!  ! ! !

Display

Acquisition System

Vertical System  

 ! Digital
!
!!"! !
% Display

#! System

Horizontal System
Probe


Trigger System

   

Figure 8:Digital Oscilloscope Block Diagram

"!% $!  !     $!     

%"  ! " ! ! #! &!  ! !! ! ! 
 "!

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 9

The Oscilloscope

Sampling Methods
 & #! '" '& ' ' "&"&"# "* '" "' & #
#"!'& "% &"*, !! &!&  ' "&"&"# &, "'&
"% '! !"( & # #"!'& '" "!&'%(' ! (%' #'(% "*)%
"% &'% &!& "* &' #!& "! ' "&"&"#& + ( & #
%' ' "&"&"# !!"' "' !"( & #&  ' "&".
&"# ! " '*" '!&
H ' ! "'  * & # #"!'& " ' &! !  &! #&& ! real
time & #! " ! '! (& interpolation !'%#"'"! & 
#%"&&! '!$( '" &' ' *' ' *)"% ""&  &
"!  * #"!'&
H ' ! (  #'(% " ' *)"% ")% '  & "! & ' &!
%#'& '& equivalenttime & #! "

RealTime Sampling with Interpolation

' "&"&"#& (& %.'  & #! & ' &'!% & #!
'" ! %.'  & #! ' "&"&"# "'& & !, & #&
& ' ! & ' &! "(%&  (%
 "% &!.&"' "% '%!&!'
&!& ,"( (&' (& % '  & #!

Waveform Constructed
with Sample Points

Sampling Rate

Figure 9:Realtime Sampling

' "&"&"#& (& !'%#"'"! '" &#, &!& '' % &" &' ''
' "&"&"# ! "!, "'  * & # #"!'& !'%#"'"! -"!.
!'& ' "'&
!% !'%#"'"! & #, "!!'& & # #"!'& *' &'%' !& !
!'%#"'"! "% sin x over x !'%#"'"! "!!'& & # #"!'& *'
(%)&  (%  Sin x over x !'%#"'"! &  ' ' #%"&&
& % '" ' -")%& #! (& ! " #' & #,%& ' &! !'%.
#"'"! #"!'& % (' '"  ! ' '  '*! ' % & #&
&! '& #%"&&  &! '' & & # "!,  * ' & !  ,
!  (%', &#, "% ! ' & " ' " #' & #,%
(%', #, 

10 Basic Concepts
 The Oscilloscope


Sine Wave Reproduced 
using Sine Interpolation

Sine Wave Reproduced

using Linear Interpolation 


Figure 10:Linear and Sine Interpolation

EquivalentTime Sampling
 !     "  "#!&!  ! !" #%
 ! !  
"#!&!   !"!  !"  
!!#  % !"  !! !  !   !!
 "  "  ! $# $% " "   !  !
  &%& ! sequential sampling ! !   !
! !  " $! random sampling ! !  %
 ! $#

Waveform Constructed
with Sample Points

1st Acquisition Cycle

2nd Acquisition Cycle

3rd Acquisition Cycle

nth Acquisition Cycle

Figure 11:Equivalenttime Sampling

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 11

The Oscilloscope

12 Basic Concepts
 Oscilloscope Terminology

  "   !!   " ! $  
     "       
        

Measurement Terms         !    wave
&  
"!  "!  "!  ! "!   
     ! "!
 cycle   "! 
    "!    waveform    
  "!  ! "! "    % #  !
  ! #
!   $        $  $  
      "! $ "  !  
$      %  $ "      
          
&  
  !   $      "!   
    "  "!     " 
    "!

Sine Wave Damped Sine Wave

Square Wave Rectangular Wave

Sawtooth Wave Triangle Wave

Step Pulse

Figure 12:Common Waveforms

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 13

Oscilloscope Terminology

Figure 13:Sources of Common Waveforms

14 Basic Concepts
 Oscilloscope Terminology

Types of Waves  &  $$*  $% ('$ % %$ %*!$

H  ('$
H "&#  #%&# ('$
H #  $(% % ('$
H %!  !&$ $!$

Sine Waves
 sine wave $ % &% (' $!  # $'# #$ $ % $
#  &$ %% !# !#%$
- % $ % $ $ $! * & *
' $%&   $  %#  %#* $$  ' %  * &# (
&%% '#$ $  $ (' $% $$ !# & * % $% # #&% 
 $ #% # # % $ ('$  $%
 ! (# $ &#$ !# &
$ ('$ AC $%$  # %#% &##% % & % ' % %#,
%$ %  DC $%$  # #% &##% ( $  $%* &##% 
' % $& $  %%#* !# &$
 damped sine wave $  $! $ * & * $   #&% %% $,
%$ &% ($  ( '# %
&#  $ ($ )!$  $  ! $ ('$

Sine Wave Damped Sine Wave

Figure 14:Sine and Damped Sine Waves

Square and Rectangular Waves

 square wave $  %#    (' $! $*  $"&# ('
$  ' % %% %&#$     #  $    ( % #&# %#'$
% $  $%# ('  # %$% !#$
-   !#$ #$ %
!%&   $"&# (' (% & $% #%  '$  #  
 !&%# #&%#* % &$ $"&# ('$  # % $$
 rectangular wave $  % $"&# (' )!% %% %    (
% %#'$ #  %  "& % % $ !#%&#* ! #%% ( *+,
 % #&%#*
&#  $ ($ )!$  $"&#  #%&# ('$

Square Wave Rectangular Wave

Figure 15:Square and Rectangular Waves

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 15

Oscilloscope Terminology

Sawtooth and Triangle Waves

Sawtooth  Triangle waves !#"    #"! ! " "  $")
!  ' !# ! "  (" !%    !!  "
!" !   "$!  " !"! "% $" $!  "!
%$!  "  !"" " ! " !"!    ramps
#   !%! &!  !%""  "  %$!

Sawtooth Wave Triangle Wave

Figure 16:Sawtooth and Rectangular Waves

Step and Pulse Shapes

! !# ! steps  pulses "" ' #     singleshot
 transient !!  !" "!  !#   $" 
%" '# %# !  '# "#    % !%"  #! "!
%" '# %# !  '# "#   % !%"   "   "
"  !"  "   " " $ " #  #"  #" 
" "   glitch  "    #"
"  #!! " $ ""  "!  pulse train.
" )
"!   #" #" %"  " #! #!! #!!  
!   &) '  #"! #"
#   !%! &!  !"  #! !!   #! " 

Step Pulse Pulse Train

Figure 17:Step, Pulse, and Pulse Train Shapes

16 Basic Concepts
 Oscilloscope Terminology

Waveform !' '%  + &$% &! %$ & &+"% ! %'$ &% && +!' &
)& +!'$ !%!%!" % %&! %$% %! ! & !%& !!
Measurements %'$ &%   &$%

Frequency and Period

  %  $"&% & %  frequency  $#' + % %'$  $&,
 ,   #'% & '$ ! &% & %  $"&% &%  !  %! 
& +% "$ %!   $"&  %  %! %  period
. &% % &
!' & ! & & &% & %  &! !"& !  + $!   $-
#' + $ $"$!% !  !&$ %! && "$! #'% & $#' +
  $#' + #'% & "$! ! !$ *" & %  )(  -
'$
 %  $#' + !  ,    "$! !  %! 

1 2 3

Frequency
3 Cycles per
Second = 3 Hz

Period

1 Second

Figure 18:Frequency and Period

Voltage
Voltage % & !' & ! &$ "!& &    ! %  %&$ & &)
&)! "! &%   $'& %'+ !  ! &% "! &% % $!'  ,$! (!&% '&
!& )+%
. +!' + ) & &! %'$ & (!& $! & *'
" &! &  ' " !  )(!$ $$$ &! & & "-&!-"
(!&  )!$ "&' !! + $$% &! & *' (!& ! 
%  %'$ $! $!'  !$ ,$! (!&%  )(!$ %!)  '$

%  "&' ! !  (!&    "-&!-" (!& ! &)! (!&%

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 17

Oscilloscope Terminology

Phase
Phase & &' +$ " , ##" '  &" *) " *)& % & #"
%( % !#'#" "  %  &   " ,  #  &" *) &   &
&#*" " (%  &" %& ,#( " %% '# ' $& "  # 
&" *) *" ,#( *"' '# &% #* !( # ' $%# &  $&

0 90 180 270 360

+1

-1

Figure 19:Sine Wave Degrees

Phase shift &%& ' %" " '!" '*" '*# #'%*& &! %
&" & " (%
 ' *)#%!   -(%%"' & & '#   #(' #
$& *' ' *)#%!   -)# ' &" ' *)& % &! %
$#"'& " '% , & +' ,  #  ,  $%'     & &'&
% #!!#" "  '%#"&

Voltage

Current

Phase = 90

Figure 20:Phase Shift

18 Basic Concepts
 Oscilloscope Terminology

Performance Terms  '% & &% ! '& &'"! , "  (# ! ,"(% &(&&"!& "('
"&"&"# #%"% ! !%&'!! '& '% & * # ,"( )('
! " #% ,"(% "&"&"# *' "'% "&

Bandwidth
 !*' &#'"! '& ,"( ' %$(!, %! ' "&"&"#
(%', &(%&
& &! %$(!, !%&& ' #', " ' "&"&"# '" (%'/
, %&#"! %&& , "!)!'"! ' !*' '& ,"( ' %$(!,
' * ' &#, &! %(& '"
  " ' ## &! *)
&! &
  #"!' & %%% '" & ' .  #"!'  '% &
"!  "%'  &

Rise Time
& '  & !"'% *, " &%! ' (&( %$(!, %! " !
"&"&"# & '  ,   "% ##%"#%' #%"% ! "!&%/
'"! *! ,"( +#' '" &(% #(&& ! &'#& ! "&"&"# !/
!"' (%', &#, #(&& *' %& ' & &'% '! ' &# %&
'  " ' "&"&"#

Vertical Sensitivity
 )%' &!&')', !'& "* ( ' )%'  #% !  #,
 * &! %' &!&')', & (&(, )! ! )"'&   #% )/
&"!  & &' )"'  !% #(%#"& "&"&"# ! '' &
',#, "('   #% )%' &%! )&"!

Sweep Speed
"% !" "&"&"#& '& &#'"! !'& "* &' ' '% !
&*# %"&& ' &%! "*! ,"( '" & ! '&  &'&' &*#
&# " ! "&"&"# & (&(, )! ! !!"&"!& )

Gain Accuracy
 ! (%, !'& "* (%', ' )%' &,&' ''!('&
"%  #&  &! & & (&(, &' &  #%!' %%"%

Time Base or Horizontal Accuracy

 '  & "% "%-"!' (%, !'& "* (%', ' "%-"!'
&,&' &#,& ' ' ! "  &! & & (&(, &' &  #%!'
%%"%

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 19

Oscilloscope Terminology

Sample Rate
 # """ # " !# #" & ( "" !
" # 
 #!! # ""   $! '$
" !#" ! $"$( %  "" ! "  " 
"#! # ""  " # ! $!#( #  !!"# 
#"   "# "  $ " !# ( "  !## 
($  #  # "&(  "" %!  !"  #
(( # " !# " &# "  # # "% #!
# #  "## $!  &%! #"  # &%! !!

ADC Resolution (Or Vertical Resolution)

 !"$#  #"  # 
 #!! # # ""
#" & !"( #  #$! $# %#" # # %$" $*
# # $"  !% # #% !"$#

Record Length
 !! #   # "" #" & ( &%!
#" # "" "  #  $! !  &%! !! 
# """ # ($ $"# # !! #  '$ !!
# "  # $#  !(  ($! ""  #
""  ( "#!  # $!  &%! #" #! " 
#!* #& !! #  !! # $   $! #! 
# #$!   " !  "!# !  # # "" )"
$  &%! #" $( !  "" # #$! !  ! !
 #  """ # ($  ! !( # !" #
!! # ! " #"

20 Basic Concepts
 Setting Up

" "# !( "!" & # "# $  "#!# $"  "*
"
+ "( & # !$ # "" "# # #!" 
"#! "#"  "# # !

Grounding !! !$ "  !## "# & "## $ # # "$!*
#" ! &!   !$# !!( !$ # "" !##" ($
!  )!$" "  !$ ($!" !##" ($! !$#" !


Ground the Oscilloscope

!$ # "" " ""!( ! "#(    %# ##"
# "   $!$ "" ( !#  # " $
" ## ! "$# #  % ($  " &%! &#  !*
!( !$ "" # $!!# #!%" #!$ # !$ #
# !# !$ !#! # #!$ 
 # !# !$
 !$ # "" " # # # #  #!( $#!
!! # "$ " !# !$
!$ ($! "" ( $*
 #" #!*! &! ! #  $## !$ # !# !$

!$ " " ""!( ! # $!# "$!#" &# ($!
""  "" " # "! # " !$ " (
!$#" ($ ! #"#
 """  # ! $! # "!# # # !# !$
" """ % "$# ""  #!" & " (
"" " )! &( ! # $"!

Ground Yourself
 ($ ! &! &# #!# !$#" " ($ "  # !$
($!" #!# !$#" % #( $# #" ##   *
 ( "## #!#( ## $" $  ($! ( $  !$  '*
"%  "( ( & !""  !# ! #   "&#!  #
#$ # "  #   "% #" ! &!  !$ "#!
" $!
 " "#! "( "" "## !"  ($! ( # !#
!$

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 21

Setting Up

Connect to Earth
Ground

Figure 21:Typical Wrist Type Grounding Strap

Setting the Controls #! $  # ""  #   # # !#  # " %
# #!  "#"  Vertical Horizontal  Trigger $! "(
"  ' % #! "#"    #   #'  
! #

# #  $# #!"  '$! ""  " " &! '$ ##
!" "# "" " % # "# #&  $# "  
  " '  &%!  # "! $#  " ! '
!  ! &%!"

Intensity Focus Vertical Horizontal Trigger

Control Control Section Section Section

Figure 22:Front Panel Control Sections of an Oscilloscope

 "" " %   !   $## ## "#" $ #
#!"   "# # #  "  '$! ""  " #
% #" #$! # "  $ # "# # #!" # "#! "#" !
# "$!#"

22 Basic Concepts
 Setting Up

+%) '&* + &%* %#, + &##&. %

H + + &* ##&*&' +&  *'#0 %%# 
H + + -&#+* - * &% *# +&  $ 2)% '&* + &%
H ,)% & + -) # -&#+* - * &%
H ,)% & ## $%  + &% *++ %*
H + + %%#  %',+ &,'# % +& 
H + + +) ) $& +& ,+&
H + + +) ) *&,) +& %%# 
H ,)% +) ) &#& +& $ % $,$ &) &
H + + %+%* +0 &%+)&# +&  %&$ %# - . % #-#
H !,*+ + &,* &%+)&# &)  *)'  *'#0
* ) %)# %*+),+ &%* &) *++ % ,' 0&,) &* ##&*&'  0&, ) %&+
*,) &. +& & %0 & +* *+'* )) +& + $%,# ++ $ . + 0&,)
&* ##&*&'  Controls *+ &%  %% % &% '

*) * +
&%+)&#* % $&) + #

Probes &. 0&, ) )0 +& &%%+  ')& +& 0&,) &* ##&*&' + * $'&)+%+
+& ,*  ')& * % +& .&)" . + 0&,) &* ##&*&'  ')& * $&)
+%  # . +  # '2&% + ' + *   2(,# +0 &%%+&) ),##0 2
* % %&+ +& ' " ,' *+)0 ) & % '&.) # % %& *
)&* ) * % %&+ +& %#,% + - &) & +  ), + 0&, )
+*+ % &.-) %& $*,)$%+ -  % + *  ')+#0 %- * #
&*)-)  ,% %+%+ &%# %+)+ &% & + ')& % &* ##&*&' . +
+  ), +  % +*+ * ## circuit loading & $ % $ 1  ), + #& %
0&, . ## ')&#0 ,*   ++%,+&) '** - ')&
&,) &* ##&*&' ')&#0 )) - . +  '** - ')& *  *+%)
**&)0 ** - ')&* ')&-  0&, . + % /##%+ +&&# &) %)#2',)2
'&* +*+ % % +)&,#*&&+ % &) $&) *'   $*,)$%+* &) +*+*
$%0 &+) +0'* & ')&* / *+ .& /$'#* ) + - % ,))%+
')&*
*) '+ &%* & +* ')&* &##&. . + $&) $'* *  -% +& + '*2
* - ')& * % + * * + ')& +0' ++ ##&.* 0&, + $&*+ #/  # +0 &
,*

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 23

Setting Up

Using Passive Probes

Most passive probes have some degree of attenuation factor, such as 10X,
100X, and so on. By convention, attenuation factors, such as for the 10X
attenuator probe, have the X after the factor. In contrast, magnification
factors like X10 have the X first.
The 10X (read as ten times") attenuator probe minimizes circuit loading and
is an excellent generalpurpose passive probe. Circuit loading becomes
more pronounced at higher frequencies, so be sure to use this type of probe
when measuring signals above 5 kHz. The 10X attenuator probe improves
the accuracy of your measurements, but it also reduces the amplitude of the
signal seen on the screen by a factor of 10.
Because it attenuates the signal, the 10X attenuator probe makes it difficult
to look at signals less than 10 millivolts. The 1X probe is similar to the 10X
attenuator probe but lacks the attenuation circuitry. Without this circuitry,
more interference is introduced to the circuit being tested. Use the 10X
attenuator probe as your standard probe, but keep the 1X probe handy for
measuring weak signals. Some probes have a convenient feature for switch
ing between 1X and 10X attenuation at the probe tip. If your probe has this
feature, make sure you are using the correct setting before taking measure
ments.
Many oscilloscopes can detect whether you are using a 1X or 10X probe
and adjust their screen readouts accordingly. However with some oscillo
scopes, you must set the type of probe you are using or read from the
proper 1X or 10X marking on the volts/div control.
The 10X attenuator probe works by balancing the probe's electrical proper
ties against the oscilloscope's electrical properties. Before using a 10X
attenuator probe you need to adjust this balance for your particular oscillo
scope. This adjustment is called compensating the probe and is further
described on page 26. Figure 23 shows a simple diagram of the internal
workings of a probe, its adjustment, and the input of an oscilloscope.

Oscilloscope Input
10X Probe
One Tenth of Signal
(1 Vpp ) at Input
9 MW

10 Vpp x pF
Signal
1 MW
20 pF
Probe Compensation
Adjustment

Figure 23:Typical Probe/Oscilloscope 10to1 Divider Network

24 Basic Concepts
 Setting Up

$!  "&"  #' ""% !  " ""!" # $" &#
# !

Marker Ring
Adjustment
Tool

Marker Ring
Retractable
Hook Tip

IC Protector Tip BNC Connector

Alligator Clip
Ground Lead

Figure 24:A Typical Passive Probe with Accessories

Using Active Probes

 !" !% #! & # ! !! " #! #' 
!# # !"" # " ! ' # # # "" "
#'"  !"  "% !" "$ " !$#  ! !! #"#"
 "" " # !"$#" # # "" #% !" ! $! 
&! "$! ! #! !#

Using Current Probes

$!!# !"  '$ # !#' "!%  "$! $!!#
&%!" ' ! % ! "$! #  
$!!#
$!!# !" $" &" ##  !$ # &! !!' # $!!# "
" # $ $ " #' ! # #  "!" &# # !$#
#' #!! $" ## !  #!!  # !$#

Where to Clip the Ground Clip

"$!  " ! $!" #& #" # ! # # 
 !$ # !"  &#  #!( ### !
!$ # ! # # !$# $! #"#  !# '$  #
!$  #  & !$  # !$# "$ " # # """ 
 "#! '$ ! !!  #$ # ! # #  #"# #  #
!$#

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 25

Setting Up

Compensating the  


     
 
!  

 

  


      
Probe 
  
          

  
 
  
 



  
 
  
 
  

  
 

Probe Compensated Correctly

Probe Note Proper

Adjustment Amplitude
Signal of a 1 MHz
Test Signal

Probe Undercompensated

Probe Note Reduced

Adjustment Amplitude of a
Signal 1 MHz Test
Signal

Probe Overcompensated

Probe Note Increased

Adjustment Amplitude of a
Signal 1 MHz Test
Signal

Figure 25:The Effects of Improper Probe Compensation

26 Basic Concepts
 Setting Up

  !    "!   !   

            
   #
H         
H           
H            
H "    "!  
H               
  "!   

 #     "#  # #  # "
        !  #     "#
          " # 
 

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 27

Setting Up

28 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

This section briefly describes the basic controls found on analog and digital
oscilloscopes. Remember that some controls differ between analog and
digital oscilloscopes; your oscilloscope probably has controls not discussed
here.

Display Controls Display systems vary between analog and digital oscilloscopes. Common
controls include:
H An intensity control to adjust the brightness of the waveform. As you
increase the sweep speed of an analog oscilloscope, you need to
increase the intensity level.
H A focus control to adjust the sharpness of the waveform. Digital oscillo
scopes may not have a focus control.
H A trace rotation control to align the waveform trace with the screen's
horizontal axis. The position of your oscilloscope in the earth's magnetic
field affects waveform alignment. Digital oscilloscopes may not have a
trace rotation control.
H Other display controls may let you adjust the intensity of the graticule
lights and turn on or off any onscreen information (such as menus).

Vertical Controls Use the vertical controls to position and scale the waveform vertically. Your
oscilloscope also has controls for setting the input coupling and other signal
conditioning, described in this section. Figure 26 shows a typical front panel
and onscreen menus for the vertical controls.

DC
AC
GND
VERTICAL
MENU
Button CPLG Off
VAR On

INV
Off
BW On

20 MHz
Full

Figure 26:Vertical Controls

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 29

The Controls

Position and Volts per Division

  -)+!$ ('*!+!'& '&+)'$ $+* 0', %'- +  .-')% ,( ') '.& +'
/+$0 . ) 0', .&+ !+ '& +  *)&
  -'$+* () !-!*!'& ,*,$$0 .)!++& -'$+*!- *++!& -)!* +  *!1 ' + 
.-')% '& +  *)& '' &)$ (,)('* '*!$$'*'( & ,2
)+$0 !*($0 *!&$ $-$* )'% ',+
%!$$!-'$+* +'
 -'$+*
  -'$+*!- *++!& !*  *$ +') ') /%($ ! +  -'$+*!- *++!& !*

-'$+* + &  ' +  ! + -)+!$ !-!*!'&* )()*&+*  -'$+* & + 
&+!) *)& & * '.
 -'$+* )'% '++'% +' +'( **,%!&  )+!,$
.!+ ! + %"') !-!*!'&*  +  *++!& !* 
-'$+*!- +  *)& &
!*($0

-'$+* )'% '++'% +' +'( & *' '&   %/!%,% -'$+ 0',
& !*($0 '& +  *)& !* +  -'$+*!- *++!& +!%* +  &,%) ' -)+!$
!-!*!'&* $$ + + +  ()' 0', ,*  ')  $*' !&$,&* + 
*$ +') ', %,*+ !-! +  -'$+*!- *$ 0 +  ++&,+!'& +') '
+  ()' ! +  '*!$$'*'( '* &'+ ' !+ ') 0',
+& +  -'$+*!- *$ * !+ )  -)!$ !& ')  !& !& '&+)'$ ')
*$!&  !*($0 *!&$ +'  )+!& &,%) ' !-!*!'&* * + !* '&+)'$
+' +# )!* +!% %*,)%&+*

Input Coupling
',($!& %&* +  %+ ' ,* +' '&&+ & $+)!$ *!&$ )'% '&
!),!+ +' &'+ ) & + !* * +  !&(,+ ',($!& !* +  '&&+!'& )'% 0',)
+*+ !),!+ +' +  '*!$$'*'(   ',($!& &  *+ +'   ')
)',&  ',($!& * '.* $$ ' & !&(,+ *!&$  ',($!& $'#* + 
 '%('&&+ '  *!&$ *' + + 0', * +  .-')% &+) + 1)'
-'$+* !,)  !$$,*+)+* + !* !)&    ',($!& *++!& !* &0
. & +  &+!) *!&$ $+)&+!& ($,* '&*+&+ '%('&&+* !* +'' $)
') +  -'$+*!- *++!&

DC Coupling of a 1 Vpp Sine AC Coupling of

Wave with a 2 V DC Component the Same Signal




 

Figure 27:AC and DC Input Coupling

30 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

! *'-& +,,"& "+'&&,+ ,! "&(-, +" &$ *'% ,! .*,"$ +0+,%
/!"! $,+ 0'- + /!* 1*' .'$,+ "+ '& ,! +*& ",! *'-& "&(-,
'-($"& & -,' ,*" * %' 0'- +  !'*"1'&,$ $"& '& ,! +*& ,!,
*(*+&,+ 1*' .'$,+ /",!"& *'%  ,' *'-& & #  "& "+ 
!&0 /0 ' %+-*"& +" &$ .'$,  $.$+ /",! *+(, ,' *'-&

Bandwidth Limit
'+, '+"$$'+'(+ !.  "*-", ,!, $"%",+ ,! &/",! ' ,! '+"$$'3
+'( 0 $"%","& ,! &/",! 0'- *- ,! &'"+ ,!, +'%,"%+
((*+ '& ,! "+($0 /.'*% (*'.""& 0'- /",!  %'* "&
+" &$ "+($0

Channel Invert
'+, '+"$$'+'(+ !. & "&.*, -&,"'& ,!, $$'/+ 0'- ,' "+($0  +" &$
2-(+"3'/& !, "+ /",! $'/ .'$,  , ,! ,'( ' ,! +*& & !" !
.'$,  , ,! ',,'%

Alternate and Chop Display

& &$' +'(+ %-$,"($ !&&$+ * "+($0 -+"& ",!* & $,*&,
'* !'( %' " ",$ '+"$$'+'(+ ' &', &'*%$$0 -+ !'( '* $,*&,
%'
$,*&, %' */+ ! !&&$ $,*&,$0
4 ,! '+"$$'+'( '%3
($,+ '& +/( '& !&&$  ,!& '& +/( '& !&&$
  +'&
+/( '& !&&$  & +' '& + ,!"+ %' /",! %"-%3 ,' !" !3+(
+" &$+ /!& ,! +". +$ "+ +, ,'  %+ '* +,*
!'( %' -++ ,! '+"$$'+'( ,' */ +%$$ (*,+ ' ! +" &$ 0
+/",!"& # & '*,! ,/& ,!% ! +/",!"& *, "+ ,'' +, '*
0'- ,' &'," +' ,! /.'*% $''#+ /!'$ '- ,0("$$0 -+ ,!"+ %' /",!
+$'/ +" &$+ *)-"*"& +/( +(+ ' %+ (* "."+"'& '* $++ " -*

+!'/+ ,! "*& ,/& ,! ,/' %'+ , "+ ',& -+-$ ,' ."/ ,!
+" &$ ',! /0+ ,' %# +-* 0'- !. ,! +, ."/

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 31

The Controls

Alternate Mode: Chop Mode:

Channel 1 and Channel 2 Drawn Alternately Segments of Channel 1 and Channel 2 Drawn Alternately

Drawn
First

Drawn
Second

Figure 28:Multi-Channel Display Modes

Math Operations

             
          
          
         
              
             
           
      

Channel 1 Display

ADD Mode: Channel 1 and

Channel 2 Combined

Channel 2 Display

Figure 29:Adding Channels

32 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

Horizontal Controls Use the horizontal controls to position and scale the waveform horizontally.
Figure 30 shows a typical front panel and onscreen menus for the horizon
tal controls.

HORIZONTAL
MENU MAIN
Button DELAY
XY
VAR
TRCSEP
TRIG POS
REC LENGTH

Figure 30:Horizontal Controls

Position and Seconds per Division

The horizontal position control moves the waveform from left and right to
exactly where you want it on the screen.
The seconds per division (usually written as sec/div) setting lets you select
the rate at which the waveform is drawn across the screen (also known as
the time base setting or sweep speed). This setting is a scale factor. For
example, if the setting is 1 ms, each horizontal division represents 1 ms and
the total screen width represents 10 ms (ten divisions). Changing the sec/div
setting lets you look at longer or shorter time intervals of the input signal.
As with the vertical volts/div scale, the horizontal sec/div scale may have
variable timing, allowing you to set the horizontal time scale in between the
discrete settings.

Time Base Selections

Your oscilloscope has a time base usually referred to as the main time base
and it is probably the most useful. Many oscilloscopes have what is called a
delayed time base a time base sweep that starts after a predetermined
time from the start of the main time base sweep. Using a delayed time base
sweep allows you to see events more clearly or even see events not visible
with just the main time base sweep.
The delayed time base requires the setting of a delay time and possibly the
use of delayed trigger modes and other settings not described in this book.
Refer to the manual supplied with your oscilloscope for information on how
to use these features.

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 33

The Controls

Trigger Position
 %## "!$%! ! %#! *  !%  % !#+! % ! %#! $%!
! *!&# !$!$!" % %&* #"#$ %$ ,% horizontal "!$%! ! %
%##  % ('!# #!# !#+! % %## "!$%! ! %#! $ ! *
' ! % !$!$!"$
#*  % !#+! % %## "!$%! !($ *!& %! "%&# (%  $ 
 before  %## ' %  pretrigger viewing
% !$!$!"$  "#!' "#%## '(  &$ %* ! $% %*
"#!$$ %  "&% $  (%#  %## $  #' !# !%

$%* $%# ! % !($ %#!& % !$!$!" % %## #* %$
% !$!$!" %! $' % "#$ % %  !#*  ! %#$%  !
!$!$!"$ ! * $"* % $  %# #'  % %##
#%## '(  $  '& %#!&$!!%   !# )"   "#!-
 !&#$  %#%% %* *!&  %## ! % "#! #!# % ' %$
%%  &" %! %   "!$$*   % &$

Magnification
!&# !$!$!" * ' $" !#+! %  %! $%% $ %% %
*!& $"*    $%! ! % ('!# ! -$# 

XY Mode
!$% !$!$!"$ ' % "%* ! $"*   $!   
$  !  % -)$  $% ! % $ $   ! *!& (  
 ! # $&$$! ! "


34 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

Trigger Controls # /-$"" - *)/-*'. ' / 3*0 ./$'$4 - + /$)" 21 !*-(. ) +/0-
.$)"' 5.#*/ 21 !*-(. $"0-  .#*2.  /3+$' !-*)/ +) ' ) *)5.- )
( )0. !*- /# /-$"" - *)/-*'.

0/*
0/*  1 '
*-('
$)"'  ,0 )
$ * $)
$ * $ '
* 1 ) */#

 -/
#
TRIGGER #
MENU  

0//*)  $)
 
 



*$.  % /
  % /

  % /

$.$)"
''$)"

$)
-$'

Figure 31:Trigger Controls

# /-$"" - (& . - + /$)" 21 !*-(. ++ - .//$ *) /# *.$''*.*+

$.+'3 ("$) /# %0(' *) /# .- ) /#/ 2*0' - .0'/ $! # .2 +
./-/  /  $!! - )/ +' *) /# .$")' . $"0- 

Figure 32:Untriggered Display

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 35

The Controls

Trigger Level and Slope

!  % " "  %   !  
" !           %
   % % !    ! %! 
 !  !        %
     "     "  
   
  !       !     " 
"              %!
       
H       #         
            "    
    " 
H  "     #       !
!  # %! #     "     #
 #"  %

Positive Negative
Slope Slope

Triggering on the
Zero Volts  Positive Slope with
Input Signal the Level Set to 3 V

Triggering on the
 Negative Slope with
the Level Set to 3 V

Figure 33:Positive and Negative Slope Triggering

Trigger Sources
    % "      
!
" !    #
H % ! 
H  $  !         ! 
H  # ! 
H    %   %  

36 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

"&' " ' '  ,"( ! ) ' "&"&"# &' '" '%% "! ' !!
&#,
"' '' ' "&"&"# ! (& ! '%!' '%% &"(% *'%
&#, "% !"' " ,"( ) '"  %( !"' '" (!*''!, '%% "! "%
+ # !!  * &#,! !! 

Trigger Modes
 '%% " '% !& *'% "% !"' ' "&"&"# %*& 
*)"%  ' "& !"' ''  '%% " "! '%% "& !(

 !

! !"%  " ' "&"&"# "!, &*#&  ' !#(' &! %& '
&' '%% #"!' "'%*& "! ! !" "&"&"# ' &%! & !
"% "!  ' "&"&"# %"-! "! ' &' $(% *)"%  "% 
" !  &"%!'! &! ,"( , !"' & ' &! ' %&'  ' )
"!'%" & !"' (&' "%%',

('" " (&& ' "&"&"# '" &*# )! *'"('  '%%  !"
&! & #%&!'  ' % ! ' "&"&"# '%%& ' &*# & !&(%.
& '' ' &#, * !"' &##%  ' &! %"#& '" &  )"'& '
& &" ' &' " '" (&  ,"( % ""! ' !, &!& ! " !"'
*!' '" "'% &''! ' '%%  ' 
! #%' ,"( * #%", (& "' "& !"%  " (& ' &
"% )%&' ! ('" " (& ' %$(%& && (&' !'
"  "&"&"#& &" !( &# "& "% &! &*#& '%%.
! "! )" &!& "% ('" ', &''! ' '%% )

Trigger Coupling
(&' & ,"( ! &' '%
 "%  "(#! "% ' )%' &,&'  ,"(
! ""& ' ! " "(#! "% ' '%% &!
&&
 !  "(#! ,"(% "&"&"# , &" )  %.
$(!, %'"! "* %$(!, %'"! ! !"& %'"! '%% "(.
#! & &# &''!& % (&( "%  !'! !"& %" ' '%%
&! '" #%)!' & '%%!

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 37

The Controls

Trigger Holdoff
 
       
 


 
  
"  
 
 
  
 

 

 
 


       

   
    "
   !

 
  
   "     
            



 
"

Acquisition Acquisition
Interval Interval

Trigger Points

Trigger Level

Holdoff Holdoff No Triggering Recognized Holdoff

During Holdoff Time

With Holdoff Without Holdoff

Figure 34:Trigger Holdoff

38 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

Acquisition Controls
" !!! $ !""! "" " '# "  % " #!"
!'!"  !!!  !  $ " #!" "!  '# "
for Digital !! % '#  "! ! " #   !%! '#  &(
Oscilloscopes    #!" #

Figure 35:Example of an Acquisition Menu

Acquisition Modes
#!" ! "  % %$  "!    #   !
"!    "  !" !" "" ! "!   " " $#!
""   "' #"  " ("(
"( $ " 
  "
"% ! "! !  " ! " $ $  "!  
" " $#! ""   !"    '  !' "   " %$(
   " $#   "% %$  "! !  "
%$  " $  ! " $  " %$  " $ '  #"
 "  " ! ! " ! " " &!"  !$   "
#!" !  %  %$  " !  #   !$ 
!#"' #  ! "! "' %$  "!  
 "    !"  ! "! "   #" #!"!
% ! " " !"  #!" !  ! "  " !"
' #! #!" ! %!
H Sample Mode: ! ! " !!" #!"   !!
 "!  %$  " ' !$  ! " #  
%$  " $

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 39

The Controls

H Peak Detect Mode:  !%!%!" %(% &  '   *'

(' %" "! &% & '$  &)! )(!$  &$(%   '%% &%
%"% % & &)! !$$%"!   )(!$ "! &% & !%!-
%!"% )& " && ! $' & 
&  %& %" $& (
& ($+ %!) & % %&& % !  )(!$  &$(   $  &!
"&'$ %& %   % && )!' !'$ &) & )(!$
"! &%   %" !  && ! % "$&'$+ '%' !$
%  $$!) "'%% %" $ "$&  &
H Hi Res Mode:  " &&  $% ! %  )+ ! &&  !$
 !$&!  %% ) & 
 %" %&$ & & &
% %&&  $#'$%  &% % '&" %"% & )& ! 
)(!$  &$( $ ($ &!&$ &! "$!' !  )(!$
"! &  $%'& %  $%  !%    "$!( &  $%!'-
&! !$ !) %" % %
H Envelope Mode:  (!" ! % %$ &! " && ! !)-
($   (!" ! &  '   *' )(!$ "! &%
$! '&" #'%&! % $ !  &! !$  )(!$ && %!)%
 *  % !($ &  && ! % '%'+ '% &! -
#'$ & $!$% && $ !  &! !$ &  (!" )(!$
H Average Mode:  ($ ! & !%!%!" %(% !  %"
"! & '$   )(!$  &$( %  %" ! !)($
)(!$ "! &% $! ! %'&( #'%&! % $ & ($ &!-
&$ &! "$!' &   %"+ )(!$ ($ ! $'%
!% )&!'& !%% !  )& '& $#'$%  $"&  % 

Stopping and Starting the Acquisition System

  ! & $&%& ( &% ! & !%!%!"% % &$ &+ &! %&!$
)(!$% !$ &$ ()  ! &%   &$ $ '%'+ !  !$ !$
'&&! % ! & $! & "  && !) +!' &! %&!"   %&$& & #'%&!
%+%& %! +!'   +, )(!$% & +!'$ %'$ &! + +!' +
) & & !%!%!" &! '&!&+ %&!" #'$  &$ !  #'%&! %
!"& !$ &$ !  %& ! $!$% %  &'$   &!   (!" !$
($ )(!$ % &'$ % !! +  %  %)" !$ % 
%#'    &% ! &$!% $ '%'+ !'  &$ )& & !&$ #'%&!
! &$!% !$ )& & &$$ ! &$!%

Sampling Methods
 & !%!%!"% &&  '% &$ $-& %"  !$ #'( &-
& %"  % %$ ! "
 & #'%&! ! &$!% ) !)
+!' &! !!% ) !  &! '% !$ #'$  % % !& && &% !
% ! $  !$ %!) & % %&& %   ! + %  & )
& 
 !& %" %&  !' &!  & $!$ )& )(!$ "! &% 
!  "%%

40 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

Other Controls
              
    !      

   ! 
H  
H !      !
H   
H    !    
        !   ! 
         

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 41

The Controls

42 Basic Concepts
 Measurement Techniques

) )*%$ *) .%+ ) #)+(#$* *$'+)  *-% #%)*
) #)+(#$*) .%+ $ #! ( ,%"* $ *# #)+(#$*)
+)* %+* ,(. %*( #)+(#$* ) ) %$ %$ % *) *-% +$0
#$*" *$'+)
) )*%$ )+))) #*%) %( *!$ #)+(#$*) ,)+"". -* *
%)""%)%& )($ $. *" %)""%)%&) , $*($" )%*-( **
-"" *! *) #)+(#$*) +*%#*"". $%-$ %- *% *! * #0
)+(#$*) #$+"". -"" "& .%+ +$()*$ $ ! * +*%#*
#)+(#$*) % * *" %)""%)%&)

The Display !  "%%! * * %)""%)%& )&". %* * ( #(!$) %$ *
)($
1 *) #(!$) (* * graticule  ,(*" $ %(/%$*"
"$ %$)**+*)  major division  (*+" ) +)+"". " %+* $ $
0.0  ,)%$ &**($ "$ %$ * %)""%)%& %$*(%") )+ )
,%"*), $ ), "-.) (() *% # %( ,)%$)  *! #(!) %$ *
$*( %(/%$*" $ ,(*" (*+" "$) ) +(
 ( "" #$%(
,)%$)
$. %)""%)%&) )&". %$ * )($ %- #$. ,%"*)  ,(*"
,)%$ (&()$*) $ %- #$. )%$)  %(/%$*" ,)%$ (&(0
)$*) $. %)""%)%&) ")% ,    $  #(!$) %$
* (*+" ) +(
 *% "& #! () *# #)+(#$*) 0
)( %$ &
.


Rise Time 
Marks




Minor Major
Division Marks Division

Figure 36:An Oscilloscope Graticule

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 43

Measurement Techniques

Voltage &#+ * + $&,%+ & #+)  '&+%+ # /')** % -&#+* +.% +.&
'& %+* %   ), + *,##0 &% & +* '& %+* * )&,% 1)& -&#+* ,+ %&+
Measurements #.0* &#+* % #*&  $*,) )&$ '"2+&2'"
3 )&$ +
$/ $,$ '& %+ &  * %# +& +* $ % $,$ '& %+ &, $,*+  ),# +&
*' 0 .  -&#+ 0&, $%
 &* ##&*&' * ') $) #0  -&#+2$*,) % -  % 0&, -
$*,) + -&#+ &+) (,%+ + * ) !,*+  #,#+ &% .0 &)
/$'# $* #. *++* ++ -&#+ +.% +.& '& %+* %   ), +
(,#* + ,))%+ + $* + )* *+% )&$ %0 +.& & +* (,%+ + *
0&, % #,#+ + + )
%&+) %0 &)$,# * + '&.) #. +
'&.) &   * %# (,#* + -&#+ + $* + ,))%+ #,#+ &%* )
$&) &$'# + &)
 * %#* ,+ + '& %+ ) * ++ $*,) % +
-&#+ * +  )*+ *+' +&.)* #,#+ % &+) (,%+ + *

$* .
&#+ + ,))%+ * *+%
&#+
,))%+ +
* *+%
&#+
* *+% +
,))%+

&.) .
&.) + &#+ ,))%+

,)  *&.* + -&#+ & &% '" ' % + '"2+&2'" -&#+
'2' .  * ,*,##0 +.  ' * +  )&&+2$%2*(,) -&#+
 +& #,#+ + '&.) & %
 * %#

Voltage Peak

Voltage Peaktopeak

Zero Volts

Rms Voltage

Figure 37:Voltage Peak and Peaktopeak Voltage

&, +" -&#+ $*,)$%+* 0 &,%+ % + %,$) &  - * &%* 

.-&)$ *'%* &% + &* ##&*&'* -)+ # *#
!,*+ % + * %# +&
&-) $&*+ & + *)% -)+ ##0 +% +" % + $*,)$%+ #&% +

44 Basic Concepts
 Measurement Techniques

#! %!# !#$  % # "! %"" " ! # "#
%# "$!#"  ! "! ! '$ $" # ! $!#'
'$  ! ! # "!

Take Amplitude
Measurements
at Center Vertical
Graticule Line

Figure 38:Measure Voltage on the Center Vertical Graticule Line

' """ % )"!
 ## # '$ # &%!
"$!#" $##' )"! &#$# % # $# !#$
!" "' $!"!" ! #& !(# " ! %# "$!#"
 #& %!# " ! # "$!#" ## '$  % !$ #
"!  !$# "&" # %# ! # # #! "#"

Time and Frequency $ # # "$!#" $" # !(# "  # ""
 "$!#" $ "$! # ! $" &#  #
Measurements  $""
! $' " # !!  # ! "  '$ & #
! # ! $' "  % ' # !  %# "$!)
#" # "$!#" ! ! $!# & '$ $"# # !#
 # " #  "$! # %!  ! !  # "!  #
"$!#  # #! !(# !#$  % "!
%"" " ! # "# # "$!#"  
$! 

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 45

Measurement Techniques

Take Time Measurements

at Center Horizontal Graticule Line

Figure 39:Measure Time on the Center Horizontal Graticule Line

Pulse and Rise Time  (  #" # #"   $"" "  !  !## $""
  "#!#  $"  # !$# # $#  #
Measurements #  $""   $" #! " # "#
#! $" "$!#" ! pulse width  pulse rise time "
# " # $#  #  $" #" #  ! # & #  %#
( %# # !" # " "$! !  #
  # $ %#
 # $" " #" ( !!$!#" # # $"" #!"# !)
!" " " ' " &( "# "" " %  
 !)
"  #! "! $" &# " # $#  # # $" #" # 
! & #    # &  ( %# # $" &# "
"$! #   $ %#  $!  ! #" "$!#
#"

Rise Time Fall Time





Voltage

Pulse Width




Figure 40:Rise Time and Pulse Width Measurement Points

46 Basic Concepts
 Measurement Techniques

'% %'$ &% !& $#'$  -&'   & &$$  ! ! 

*"$& & "&'$  "'%% +!' %!' $ !) &! '% &$$ !!  
!) &! %& & & !%!%!" &! "&'$ "$&$$ & % %$
$$  &
 %&!  !$,! &  &! %  !&$ '%'
&'$ !$ %'$  "'%% %  & !)% +!' &! %   &% !  %&
"'%

Phase Shift  !$,! & ! &$! %&! + (   ! && &% +!' %"+ 
 "'& %  $&$ & & & % ! & !$,! & *%  %!
Measurements & !%!%!"% &% %  %"+ ! %&&  % ! ! !"$&!
!" % '"  )! ) $ ! "% %& %'$ & & #'%
 "% !  )( % & !' & ! & && "%%% $! &   
!  + &! &    ! & *& + %'$  $% %
%& %$% & $   &  &) &)! !&$)%  &
"$! % %
  &! !$ %'$  "% %& % &! '%  ! %  (!(%
 "'&&  !  %   &! & ($& %+%& % '%'   &  !&$ % 
 &! & !$,! & %+%& % &! ! + )!$%  !& % % $ % 
)(% % %& '" %    %'$ & '% !& &    
*% $ &$  (!&%  )(!$ $%'&  $! &% $$  & %
  %%!'% "&&$   !$
$  "+%%& '%  &!  %%-
!'%   "$! !'  -%-,!!
$! & %" ! & %%!'% "&-
&$  +!'  & & "% $  &) & &)! % % !'  %!
& &$ $#' + $&!
'$  %!)% %%!'% "&&$ % !$ ($!'%
$#' + $&!%   "% %&%

Phase Shift
X:Y Ratio
Frequency
1:1
0 45 90 180 270 360

1:2
0 2230 45 90 135 180

1:3

0 15 30 60 90 120

1:4

0 1115 2230 45 6730 90

Figure 41:Lissajous Patterns

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 47

Measurement Techniques

What's Next?  

 
 
 
  
 
     

   



       
    
 
         
   
  
       
 
       

   


           
   

48 Basic Concepts
 Written Exercises

 

  
 
     
 
          
 
      

H The Oscilloscope
H Oscilloscope Terminology
 
     

H Setting Up
H The Controls
H Measurement Techniques

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 49

Written Exercises

Part I Exercises
The following exercises cover information presented in these sections:
H The Oscilloscope
H Oscilloscope Terminology
Check how well you have absorbed the information in these sections by
doing this short selftest. Answers begin on page 58.

Vocabulary Exercise
Write the number of the definitions in the right column next to the correct
words in the left column.

Term Definition
1. Acquisition A The unit of electric potential difference.
2. Analog B A performance measurement indicating the precision of an ADC, measured
in bits.

3. Bandwidth C Term used when referring to degree points of a sine wave.

4. Digital D The number of times a signal repeats in one second.

5. Frequency E The amount of time it takes a wave to complete one cycle.

6. Glitch F A stored digital value that represents the voltage of a signal at a specific
point in time.

7. Period G A common waveform shape that has a rising edge, a width, and a falling
edge.

8. Phase H A performance measurement indicating the fastest edge a given oscillo

scope can accurately display.

9. Pulse I Oscilloscope circuitry that controls the timing of the sweep.

10. Waveform Point J An intermittent error in a circuit.

11. Rise Time K A signal measured by an oscilloscope that only occurs once.

12. Sample Point L The oscilloscope's process of collecting sample points from the ADC,
processing them, and storing them in memory.

13. Time Base M Something that operates with continuous values.

14. Transient N Something that operates with discrete values.

15. ADC Resolution O A frequency range.

16. Volt P The raw data from an ADC used to calculate waveform points.

50 Basic Concepts
 Written Exercises

Using Oscilloscopes Exercise

&  ( '( "'+&' #&  '((!"( #! '((!"(' * !#&
(" #" &( "'+&
 ( " #' #'#$ -#) "

  ) ( ( &%)"- #  '" 

 " ! )"(#""  (& #!$#""('
 " -. &  '
  ( #*
  &" (+" " # " ( #' #'#$' '

 " # #' #'#$' # "#( * #"/'&" !")'

 " # #' #'#$' $$ -  !')&!"( *# ( &( - (# (
'$ - '-'(! +  ( #' #'#$' &'( #"*&( ( *# (
"(# ( * )'
 " # #' #'#$' !')& " #' +&' ( #' #/
'#$' !')& ('
 " # #' #'#$' # "#( * " %)'(#" '-'(!
 " #' #'#$' *&( '(#" #' ( # #+"

 %)&' '!$  $#"(' +( "  

 (&('  #&.#"( '+$
 (' -#) )'( ( &("'' # ( '$ -
 ((")(' #& !$ ' ( "$)( '" 
  (! ' #"(&# # ( #' #'#$ #' ( # #+"

 )'(' ( *&( ' 

 #+' -#) ( )&&"( (! # -
 (' ( !#)"( # (! &$&'"( - ( #&.#"( +( # (
'&"
 "'   # $) ' (# ( $&#
 " " #' #'#$ '$ -

 # ( ' #" ( *&( ,' " (! ' #" ( #&.#"( ,'
  '(&( #" (& !"' *# ( ' "" (  '(-
&(
   ( #&.#"( (& !"' *# ( ' #"'("(
  ( #*

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 51

Written Exercises

  !# &%" % # & !!#"

  ! $' "$!  !#(
  ! "$!  ""
  &# "$!  !#(
  # %
  '$ ! "  $#! &#  "" '$ ! ' #
 # & #'"  ""
 $" #!"
  &%"
  &%"
  # %
  %$# # !!    "" "
#" '$ # "! !
  &#
  %!# ""#%#'
  
!"$#
  "& "

52 Basic Concepts
 Written Exercises

Part II Exercises The following exercises cover information presented in these sections:
H Setting Up
H The Controls
H Measurement Techniques
Check how well you have absorbed the information in these sections by
doing this short selftest. Answers begin on page 58.

Vocabulary Exercise
Write the letter of the definitions in the right column next to the correct words
in the left column.

Term Definition
1. Averaging Mode A The unintentional interaction of the probe and oscilloscope with the circuit
being tested which distorts a signal.
2. Circuit Loading B A conductor that connects electrical currents to the Earth.

3. Compensation C A sampling mode in which the digital oscilloscope collects as many sam
ples as it can as the signal occurs, then constructs a display, using inter
polation if necessary.

4. Coupling D A sampling mode in which the digital oscilloscope constructs a picture of a

repetitive signal by capturing a little bit of information from each repetition.

5. Earth Ground E A device that converts a specific physical quantity such as sound, pres
sure, strain, or light intensity into an electrical signal.

6. EquivalentTime F A test device for injecting a signal into a circuit input.

7. Graticule G A processing technique used by digital oscilloscopes to eliminate noise in a

signal.

8. Interpolation H The method of connecting two circuits together.

9. Real Time I A connectthedots" processing technique to estimate what a fast

waveform looks like based on only a few sampled points.

10. Signal Generator J The grid lines on a screen for measuring oscilloscope traces.

11. Single Sweep K A trigger mode that triggers the sweep once, must be reset to accept
another trigger event.

12. Transducer L A probe adjustment for 10X attenuator probes that balances the electrical
properties of the probe with the electrical properties of the oscilloscope.

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 53

Written Exercises

Using Oscilloscopes Exercise

!(# *  )* %)-() &(  )**$%* &$ )**$%*) , $&(
* % &% (! * %)-(
 & &'(* % &)!##&)&' )#/ /&+ ) &+#
 (&+% *  &)!##&)&' -!* *  '(&'( * (1'(&% '&-( &(
 (% *& (&%!0 '&*%*!##/ %(&+) #*(!# &$'&%%*)
 ,&! *&+ !% .'&) &%%*!&%) !%  !(+!* !% *)* ,% !
*  '&-( !) &
 ## *  &,
 (&+%!% % &)!##&)&' !) %))(/
 &( )*/ ()&%)
 & '(&,!  ((% '&!%* &( $"!% $)+($%*)
 & #!% *  *( -!* *  )(%) &(!0&%*# .!)
 ## *  &,
 !(+!* #&!% !) +) /
 % !%'+* )!%# ,!% *&& #(  ,&#*
   '(& % &)!##&)&' !%*(*!% -!* *  !(+!* !% *)*
   **%+*&( '(& !% +%&$'%)*
 +**!% *&& $+ -! * &%  !(+!*
 &$'%)*!%  '(& !) %))(/ *&
 #% *  #*(!# '(&'(*!) & *   **%+*&( '(& -!* * 
&)!##&)&'
 (,%* $!% *  !(+!* !% *)*
 $'(&, *  +(/ & /&+( $)+($%*)
 ## *  &,

   *( (&**!&% &%*(&# !) +)+# &(
 #!% -,&($) &% *  )(%
 **!% )!% -, )!%#)
 #!%!% *  -,&($ *( -!* *  )(%) &(!0&%*# .!) &% %
%#& &)!##&)&'
 )+(!% '+#) -!* 

54 Basic Concepts
 Written Exercises

  ,%"*) &(  , ) %$ %$*(%" ) +) *%

 "  -,%(# ,(* "".

 %) * %$  -,%(# ,(* "".
 **$+* %( #&" . $ $&+* ) $"
 * * $+#() % ,%"*)   , ) %$ (&()$*)
 ** $ * ,(* " $&+* %+&" $ *% (%+$ %) * %""%- $

  )%$$*) * $&+* ) $" (%# * %) ""%)%&

 +))  %( /%$*"  )&". *% &&( %$ * )($
 *) .%+ ) -( /(% ,%"*) ) %$ * )($
 "" * %,
  *( ( ) $))(. *%

 * " / (&* $ -,%(#) %$ * )($

 &*+( ) $"0)%* -,%(#)
 (!  &(* +"( &% $* % $ '+ ) * %$
 "" * %,
   ($ *-$ +*% $ $%(#" *( ( #% )

 $ $%(#" #% * %) ""%)%& %$". )-&) %$ $ *$ )*%&)
 $ $%(#" #% * %) ""%)%& %$". )-&)  * $&+* ) $"
() * *( ( &% $* %*(- ) * )($ ) "$!
 +*% #% #!) * %) ""%)%& )-& %$* $+%+)". ,$ - *0
%+*  $ *( (
 "" * %,
    *" %) ""%)%&) '+ ) * %$ %$*(%") "* .%+ )& .

 *( * %) ""%)%& +)) ("0* # %( '+ ,"$*0* # )#&" $

*% %""* )#&" &% $*)
 *( *% ,(  %""* %$ % (%() *% %(#  -,%(#
 %- )#&" &% $*) ( &(%)) *% %(# -,%(# &% $*)
 "" * %,
  '+ ) * %$ #% ** )* (+) $% ) $  (&* $ ) $" )

 #&" #%
 ! ** #%
 $,"%& #%
 ,( $ #%

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 55

Written Exercises

12. The two most basic measurements you can make with an oscilloscope
are:
a. Time and frequency measurements.
b. Time and voltage measurements.
c. Voltage and pulse width measurements.
d. Pulse width and phase shift measurements.
13. If the volts/division is set at 0.5, the largest signal that can fit on the
screen (assuming an 8 10 division screen) is:
a. 62.5 millivolts peaktopeak.
b. 8 volts peaktopeak.
c. 4 volts peaktopeak.
d. 0.5 volts peaktopeak.
14. If the seconds/division is set at 0.1 ms, the amount of time represented
by the width of the screen is:
a. 0.1 ms.
b. 1 ms.
c. 1 second.
d. 0.1 kHz.
15. By convention, pulse width is measured:
a. At 10% of the pulse's maximum voltage.
b. At 50% of the pulse's maximum voltage.
c. At 90% of the pulse's maximum voltage.
d. At 10% and 90% of the pulse's maximum voltage.
16. You attach a probe to your test circuit but the screen is blank. You
should:
a. Check that the screen intensity is turned up.
b. Check that the oscilloscope is set to display the channel that the
probe is connected to.
c. Set the trigger mode to auto since norm mode blanks the screen.
d. Set the vertical input coupling to AC and set the volts/division to its
largest value since a large DC signal may go off the top or bottom of
the screen.
e. Check that the probe isn't shorted and make sure it is properly
grounded.
f. Check that the oscilloscope is set to trigger on the input channel
you are using.

56 Basic Concepts
 Written Exercise

Answers to the written exercises are on the back of this sheet.

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 57

Written Exercise

Written Exercise #$* *" +$'& ()'-$!"* +#" &*.")* +' %% .)$++"& "/") $*"* $& +#" ()"-$',*
*" +$'&*
Answers
Part I: Vocabulary Exercise Answers

       
 
     

        

      
 

Part I: Oscilloscope Usage Exercise Answers

       
   
   

Part II: Vocabulary Exercise Answers

       
       

 
     

Part II: Oscilloscope Usage Exercise Answers

       
 
     

        

      
 

58 Basic Concepts
 Glossary

AC
 " "
# " !  % " # "  $" $ &  
" ""  $ "
ADC
 '"'"
$ "  " "  " "" '
$ "!  "  ! " ! "  & $#!
Alternate Mode
!&    "  % " !! "! " 
     " "  " 
Amplitude
 "#   #""&  !" "   !  " !
"# #!#&  ! " " $"  % 
Attenuation
 !  ! $" #  "! " !!!    " "
" 
Averaging
 !! "# #! & " !!! " " !
  !
Bandwidth
 #& 
CRT

"' & #  " ' "#  % "   
#!   #!" !   $   " !"  "'
!"& "  #  $! ""  "$! "#  "# ! 

Chop Mode
!&    "  % !  "!     
"  ! ""   "  %$     " ! 
!#"#!&
Circuit Loading
 #"" " "  "    !! %" "
 #"  "!" !" " " !
Compensation
  #!""    ! "" ! " "  "
  %" " "  " !!
Coupling
 "  " "%  #"! "" 
 #"! " %"
 %     "& #  #"! " " #  "  
" !     "& 
 #

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes G1

Glossary

Cursor
" #"/'&" !&& (( ,#) "  " +(  +*#&! (# ( )/
&( !')&!"('
DC (Direct Current)
'" +(  #"'("( *# ( " )&&"(
Division
')&!"( !&"' #" (  &()  # ( #' #'#$
Earth Ground
#")(#& (( + ''$( &  (& )&&"(' "(# ( &(
Envelope
 #)( " #  '" ' '( " #+'( $#"(' %)& #*& !",
&$((#"'
Equivalenttime Sampling
'!$ " !# " + ( #' #'#$ #"'(&)('  $()& # 
&$((* '" , $()&"  ((  ( # "#&!(#" &#!  &$(/
(#"
Focus
 #' #'#$ #"(&# (( )'(' (   (&#" !' (# #"(&#
( '&$"'' # ( '$ ,
Frequency
 ")!& # (!'  '" &$(' " #" '#" !')& " &(-
, ' $& '#"  &%)", %) '
$&#
Gigahertz (GHz)

   &(-  )"( # &%)",
Glitch
" "(&!(("( &&#& "  &)(
Graticule
 & "' #"  '&" #& !')&" #' #'#$ (&'
Ground

 #")(" #""(#" , + "  (& &)( #& %)$!"( '
#""( (# ( &( (# '( ' " !"("  &&" *# (
* 
  *# ( &&" $#"( "  &)(
Hertz (Hz)
" ,  $& '#" ( )"( # &%)",
Kilohertz (kHz)

&(-  )"( # &%)",
Interpolation
.#""(/(/#(' $&#''" ("%) (# '(!( +(  '(
+*#&! ##'  ' #" #" ,  + '!$  $#"('
Megahertz (MHz)

  &(-  )"( # &%)",

G2 Basic Concepts
 Glossary

Megasamples per second (MS/s)

          
Microsecond (ms)
        
Millisecond (ms)
        
Nanosecond (ns)
        
Noise
 !       
Oscilloscope
           

!    %    
    
Peak (Vp)

 "       $  
Peaktopeak (Vpp)

     "       &
  # !    
Peak Detection
        #   "&
   
Period

       !     #
 
 #
Phase

           #  
   " #   
Probe
     #       
   !      "    
     
Pulse
  !          !  
  
RMS
  
Realtime Sampling
    !     # 
      
Record Length

    !          

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes G3

Glossary

Rise Time
 '  '! "% ' !  "  #(& '" %& %" '& ! (
'" '& + ( )(& ',#, &(% %"
 '"   " '&
)(&
Sample Point
 %* ' %" !  (& '" (' *)"% #"!'&
Screen
 &(% " '  (#"! * ' )& #''%! & #%"( /
' &#, %
Signal Generator
'&' ) "% !'!  &! !'"  %(' !#(' ' %('& "('#('
& '! % , ! "&"&"#
Sine Wave
" "! (%) *) &# '' & ' ', !
Single Shot
&! &(% , ! "&"&"# '' "!, "(%& "! &" 
 '%!&!' )!'
Single Sweep
'%% " "% &#,! "! &%!( "  &! ! '! &'"#.
#!
Slope
!  %# "% ! "&"&"# &%! ' %'" "  )%' &'! '" 
"%-"!' &'! #"&') &"# !%&& %" ' '" %' * 
!') &"# %&& %" ' '" %'
Square Wave
" "! *) &# "!&&'! " %#'! &$(% #(&&
Sweep
! "%-"!' #&& " ! "&"&"#& '%"!  %" ' '" %'
%"&& '  &%!
Sweep Speed
  & ' '  &
Time Base
&"&"# %('%, '' "!'%"& ' ' ! " ' &*#  ' 
& & &' , ' &"!&)&"! "!'%"
Trace
 )& &#& %*! "!   , ' ") !' " ' '%"!
 
Transducer
) '' "!)%'&  &# #,& $(!'', &( & &"(!
#%&&(% &'%! "% ' !'!&', !'" ! '% &!
Transient
&! &(% , ! "&"&"# '' "!, "(%& "! &" 
 &!.&"' )!'

G4 Basic Concepts
 Glossary

Trigger
             

       
Trigger Holdoff
                
  
   
  
Trigger Level
                
      
Volt
     
 
Voltage

      
   

Waveform
         
Waveform Point

                
      
   


 
Zaxis
              
    


XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes G5

Glossary

G6 Basic Concepts
 Index

A B D
!%#"  &# 19  15
 G1  G1  G2
 G1 &# # 31 ' #!! 33
  G1
 G2 # """ 8

( G2 "' #!" 29
( G2
( G2 C %"  G2
( G2 %"" 43
m" G3 $#"
" G3 $!!# 44
" G3 &! 44
" G3
 G3
!""# 44
%# 44
E
 G3
) G3  %!# 31 !# !$ 21
 "'  31  G2
 15
 G1    G1 % 40
 G2
 $"# #!" 39 !$#  23 25
 G1  $%#)# " 11
 $"# " 39
 G2
%! 40 "#  G1
% 40
#! "##" ' 23
 !" 40
 ## 40 #!"
" 39 !(# 22
#!! 22
F
 $"# "'"# 8
%!# 22
#% !" 25 " #!! # 37
%!#! )#)# 6
 6 $"  G2
$
 G1 $" #! 29
 30
 !"$# 20  30 ! $' 17
  32  G1  G2

!$ 30 ! $' "$!#" 45
#!# "'  31
  7 ! $' !#" 47
#!#   G1  G1
! 7 !#  #!" 22
$!!# !" 25
#$  G1 $!"!  G2
 """ 7 $!"!" 45
##$#  G1 ' 13
##$#! 7
$# #!! 37
$#"# 22
%! 40
 G1

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes I1

Index

G L 
  7
  8
  ! $ 19  !   47      6
  %  G2 # $ # 7
!  5
  16
 G2
 ! 43
M
 G2
!  G2
  %  34 P
  
!  25  "  24
 # " 32
!    21 !    # " 32    G3
!   21  !  13      40
! $! 21  !        G3
!$ 45
 & &  17 44
  44
 G3
 & &  44

H  45
! #  45
   43
   19
  43
 %  G2  45  17
"  44  G3
  40
  %  G2   18
%   G3
  33      
   7 G3     18

%  ! $ 19   G3     !  47

%    33   G3 #  # 44

%  $  7   22

  9
 34
N   G3
I   

  G3 #  26
!   22
  G3 #    24
! ! 30
  37  23
  $   29 ! 16
 G3
   10
 G2 !  !  46
"  32
O !   16

  # 44

K  G3
#    3

 %  G2

I2 Basic Concepts
 Index

R $! &% 15
 G4

!! "("# 7

## #!#( 21
" 16
# 16
 " 11
&  G4
V
*# " 10
 G3 & " 19
!  30
 G4
! 9 !# "# #! 30
! # 9 20 !# #!" 29
 G3
!# !"$# 20
#$! &% 15 T !# " 30
"$# 20
!# ""#%#( 19
" # 19
!( 13 20
 G4 !# "("# 7

 " 7 33
   G3  G4 #  G5
( 33 # 17
 33  G5

 " $!( 19  44

S
 "$!#" 45
*#* 44
!" 44

!  G4 # "$!#
#( 21

! !## 29 $" $!"!" 45
 39 $" !#$ 44

!"$! 5
 # 39  G4 # "$!#" 44
 G4

!"# 16 #" ! %" #! 30
 #" 8  G4
 !# 8
! &% 16
'$ 20

!!
  G5 W
 $%#*# 10 #(" 36
#!# 10 %! 13

!! #!" 35
!*# 10  G5

!! $
 " 10 %! #  G5
 37
&## &% 16  37 %! #" 9 39
 43  ! $( !# 37
& ! $( !# 37
!  G4 " !# 37
" ! %" 33
 $# " 11

!!  38
 G5
X
 !#!  G4
!! % 36   34 47
 G5
 &%  G4

!! "
 &%" 15
$# 37
 15
 "#  G4
! 37

!! "# !)# 34
Z
 "&  G4

!! " 36 *'"  G5
*"# 16

!! "$! 36
  G4

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes I3

Index

I4 Basic Concepts