A digital storage oscilloscope (often abbreviated DSO) is an oscilloscope which stores and analyses

the signal digitally rather than using analog techniques. It is now the most common type of
oscilloscope in use because of the advanced trigger, storage, display and measurement features
which it typically provides.[1]

The input analogue signal is sampled and then converted into a digital record of the amplitude of the
signal at each sample time. The sampling frequency should be not less than the Nyquist rate to avoid
aliasing. These digital values are then turned back into an analogue signal for display on a cathode
ray tube (CRT), or transformed as needed for the various possible types of output—liquid crystal
display, chart recorder, plotter or network interface.[2]

Comparison with analog storage

The principal advantage over analog storage is that the stored traces are as bright, as sharply
defined, and written as quickly as non-stored traces. Traces can be stored indefinitely or written out
to some external data storage device and reloaded. This allows, for example, comparison of an
acquired trace from a system under test with a standard trace acquired from a known-good system.
Many models can display the waveform prior to the trigger signal.

Digital oscilloscopes usually analyze waveforms and provide numerical values as well as visual
displays. These values typically include averages, maxima and minima, root mean square (RMS) and
frequencies. They may be used to capture transient signals when operated in a single sweep mode,
without the brightness and writing speed limitations of an analog storage oscilloscope.[4]

The displayed trace can be manipulated after acquisition; a portion of the display can be magnified
to make fine detail more visible, or a long trace can be examined in a single display to identify areas
of interest. Many instruments allow a stored trace to be annotated by the user.

Many digital oscilloscopes use flat panel displays similar to those made in high volumes for
computers and television displays.