Basis of oscilloscope

1. Purpose
For oscilloscope is one of the fundamental observation device, is intended to understand the
operating principle.

2. Theory
Typically, the oscilloscope is a device for observing the cyclically varying voltage waveform.
Here for analog oscilloscope CRT type1), you learn the basic operating principle. Incidentally, in
recent years, as a device similar to an oscilloscope, so-called digital oscilloscope (DSO) is widely
used. But this is exactly because the measurement principle is different, here it is not mentioned, but
there is a need for a variety of care in use.
2.1 Electrostatic deflection type CRT
Figure 1 shows the principle of electrostatic deflection type CRT for use with an oscilloscope.
Inside of the CRT is kept in a vacuum, electrons emitted from the electron gun reach the phosphor
screen without colliding with gas molecules.

Figure 1: Electrostatic change type CRT of principle

The phosphor screen has a fluorescent agent is applied to emit light by electrons collide. In
deflector plate is placed between the electron gun of the fluorescent screen, the electric field
generated by applying a voltage to the plates, it passes through a section of the deflection plate,
electrons are bent path by an electrostatic force. Deviation of the electron trajectory, if the electron
speed when it is driven out from the electron gun is constant, determined by the magnitude of the
voltage applied to the deflection plates. Therefore, it is possible to control the voltage applied to the
deflection plates, it can be seen that it is possible to operate the electron arrival position on the
phosphor screen.
Therefore, by arranging the two axes perpendicular to the deflector (horizontal and vertical) axis,
it is possible to emit light anywhere in the phosphor screen. In addition, it is referred to as a bright
spot that point you have this emission in general. This is the principle of an electrostatic deflection
type CRT.
In addition, the deflection plates instead to provide a pair of electromagnets, there is a method of
controlling the electron trajectories in the Lorentz force to receive a magnetic field in generated
when the electrons pass through. But the CRT magnetic field control type is never used in an
oscilloscope2).
2.2 Horizontal scanning and vertical-axis control
Consider a way to visualize using a CRT when the voltage changes with time. As of now to
Figure 2 (a), it applied a saw-tooth wave VH (t) (A ramp waveform which repeats at a fixed period is
called a saw-tooth wave) on the horizontal axis. If the voltage applied at this time the vertical axis is
0, the inclined portion of the saw-tooth wave, the bright spot on the fluorescent tube surface moves
in a straight line from left to right. It says with a horizontal scanning. Bright spot you have arrived to
the right is again repeating the scan and return to the left. The afterglow and afterimage phenomenon
of the human eye of the fluorescent tube surface, so that the speed of the bright points moving on the
fluorescent tube surface becomes more constant to the human eye are depicted single horizontal line
on a CRT look.

(a) Horizontal scanning (b) Oscilloscope principle

Figure 2: Horizontal scanning and vertical-axis control

At this time, applying a signal VV (t) varying in time with respect to the vertical axis as shown in
Figure 2 (b), is on the CRT appear trajectory similar bright spot in V V (t). This is the principle of the
oscilloscope 3).
2.3 Trigger
So far, it has been found that it is possible to draw a voltage varying with time on the CRT as the
locus of the bright spot. However, not be the actual waveform measurements in this state. As in
Figure 3 (a), it assumed that VV with periodicity (t) is applied. If the period of the period T0 and VV
(t) of the saw-tooth VH (t) that scans the horizontal axis is different, the locus on the CRT become to
draw a different waveform for each one scanning, CRT can’t normal waveform observed for a
number of trajectories remains as an afterimage in the above. By the way, if the same is the period of
T0 and VV (t), the trajectory to draw each one becomes the same as, in this case, it means that the
apparent waveform overlap all trajectories look stationary 4).

(a) In case of don’t have a trigger function, (b) In case of the trigger function is used
Figure 3: Need for trigger

However, the slope of the VH (t) cannot be moved arbitrarily in order to determine the time the
bright spot moves on the CRT from left to right. (When arbitrarily to vary the inclination, the time
per one horizontal axis scale becomes unclear.)
Therefore, a method for the period and an integer multiple of the period of VV (t) of the VH (t)
by making the time to stop the scanning as shown in Figure 3 (b), instead of changing the slope is
taken. In this case, it is the trigger to signal the start of scan. In a normal oscilloscope, it generates a
trigger signal when the input waveform crosses a constant voltage at the positive slope or negative
slope. Note that positive and negative slope can be selected5).
2.4 Multi phenomenon measurement
The oscilloscope has a normal phenomenon 2 or more, it is possible to observe them at the same
time. However, since generally horizontal scanning system there is only one, has been devised for
drawing a plurality of waveforms at the same time. This way, there are usually two types (Figure 4).
 Figure 4: Two phenomenon sweeps

2.4.1 Alternate mode

After this mode is that you have finished drawing the waveform of CH.1, to draw the waveform
of CH.2, repeat the drawing of drawing again after CH.1 the waveform of CH.2. Feature of this
method is to write the same as one of the emission lines and CH.2 also CH.1, when although the
screen when compared with the drawing of only one channel is dark, to measure the very low
frequency wave one because it takes time to draw for each book is long, that flickering screen
afterimage disappear is a disadvantage.
2.4.2 Chop mode
This mode is a method to continue to draw while increments a very short time intervals CH.1 and
CH.2. This method is suitable to observe the lower frequency waveform in contrast to the alternate
mode. However, since it depicts a basically waveform by a dotted line, it can appear dark throughout
repeatedly increases, so conspicuous that it is Written by dotted lines.
And may differ depending on the model, as a boundary before and after 100 Hz, chop mode
when observing the lower frequency of the waveform than this, it is preferable to use an alternate
mode at higher.
2.5 Overall structure
In Based on the above, the principle configuration example of the oscilloscope (outline) is shown
in Figure.5. Easily you will describe each adjustment and switching in the Figure.
2.5.1 Input switching
First it makes the switch mode of input (vertical axis). Normally it is measured in DC coupling
mode. Since the DC component is removed to the AC coupling mode, it is useful when you want to
see only the variation of the signal. Signal is disconnected when to GND.

Figure5: Example configure ration of typical oscilloscope

2.5.2 Vertical range switching / vertical position adjustment

You adjust the range and position of the vertical axis. In general, the range switching (Volts / div
or V / div: one voltage per scale) and only in many cases are labeled. In the vertical range switch,
usually Variable need to keep the (Some models also if it is denoted as such Vermeer) the CAL
position. The knob can be in a position other than CAL, but becomes a vertical range can be
continuously adjusted, the voltage per scale case becomes not make sense.
For oscilloscope, it is hardly to be wrong switching range result in fatal consequences as analog
instrument. However, since there are problems such as losing sight the position of the bright line, the
analog instrument similarly, should start measuring from a sufficiently large range than expected for
measured.
2.5.3 Vertical drawing mode switching
Switch to select what to draw as vertical axis: 2 cases of phenomenon oscilloscope, and adding a
simultaneous only CH.1 CH.2 only CH.1 and CH.2 (ALT / CHOP), CH.1 and CH.2 mode of is
provided in general.
2.5.4 Trigger source switching
Switch for selecting a signal source for generating a trigger. Normally, the signal you want to
observation (when you want to see, for example, CH.1 is CH.1) is selected as the trigger source.
2.5.5 Trigger level / trigger mode
To do the switching of the trigger level adjustment and trigger modes. Trigger mode switching
may be a normal AUTO. If you leave the AUTO, shifts in free-run mode when the trigger is not
applied. However, because depending on the observed object there is a case in which not to apply (if
noise is included in many especially the observation target) trigger, you may see this time to try
Normal mode. Moreover, in most oscilloscopes, it is possible to switch the DC / AC-coupling such
as also trigger input.
2.5.6 Sweep speed switching
Changing the slope of the saw-tooth wave is determined the range of the horizontal axis at the
time sweep mode. It should be noted that this switching sweep speed Variable knob is attached,
usually it's this knob keep the CAL are the same in the case of the vertical range switching.
Moreover, the oscilloscope translation horizontal axis can also be in a horizontal position adjustment
knob (x-position hereinafter).
2.5.7 Horizontal drawing mode selection
Normally, the oscilloscope is the horizontal axis is the time, it is also possible to use as original
XY scope. That is, it can be assigned to the vertical axis CH.2 the horizontal axis CH.16).
2.5.8 Screen Adjustment
In general CRT adjustments can brightness and focus adjustment, the focus adjustment is
performed in a state of bright point. It is also possible blurring during use is adjusted to a minimum.
Since the oscilloscope will become darker more you fast horizontal scanning, it is necessary to adjust
the brightness to match the sweep rate. Note, if you do not use an oscilloscope certain time, is not
recommended to turn off the power supply frequently (to suppress the temperature change of the
inside). When not used for a certain time to prevent sticking to the CRT, it is generally to leave off
the brightness.
2.6 Probe
Probe is not a connection cable mere signal for an oscilloscope, is one of the important
components of the oscilloscope, a large influence on the measurement. Here we will briefly describe
the structure of the probe. Normally, the probe body is 1: 1 and 10: 1 selector switch is present.
When switched to 1:1, the input of the probe end and an oscilloscope directly connected, when it is
to 10:1, and a connection provided by an equivalent circuit as shown in Figure.6.
Here Ci and Ri are the input resistance and the equivalent input capacitance of the oscilloscope,
Cc is the capacitance of the coaxial cable from the probe to the oscilloscope, Rp, Cp is a correction
capacitor and the damping resistor in the probe. Input resistance Ri of the oscilloscope is 1 MΩ, Ci is
about 20 pF. Here, if the Rp = 9 MΩ and the Equation (1) holds, regardless of the frequency of the
input signal, that 1/10 voltage of the voltage applied to the probe end is applied to the input of the
oscilloscope become.

RpCp = Ri (Cc + Ci) (1)

 Figure 6: (10: 1) input circuit during range

By the way, the impedance at the time the probe end is turned 10 MΩ, it is to 10 times the
impedance of the probe when 1:1 (Ri becomes itself when the 1:1 probe). Since the oscilloscope can
also be considered as a kind of voltmeter effects towards the internal resistance is high has on the
non-measuring circuit is reduced. Also, since even less equivalent input capacitance can be seen
from the Figure, it is also advantageous for measurements at high frequencies.
However, if not satisfied Equation (1) is, it becomes the attenuation has a frequency
characteristic, it would be observed distorted waveform. Therefore, when using the 10:1 probe, it is
necessary to perform the capacity adjustment prior to use. This varying the Cp or is performed by
varying the capacitance is inserted in parallel with Cc.
2.7 Notes on the ground terminal of the probe
In a typical oscilloscope, grounding of all input channels (GND) is connected to the common
housing. That is, all of the input channels and the housing is the same potential is grounded7).
For this reason, it is very dangerous to the connection as shown in Figure. 7, since the cause of the
accident be careful. Following points to prevent accidents it is to be checked, particularly stringent.

Figure 7: Example of probe connection that causes accident

 1. When using multiple probes simultaneously, in principle ground grip probes using only one as
the other grip to avoid contact with the vicinity of the wire. However, although the high-
frequency measurement is that it must be ground to the probe, in this case, the destination of
the ground grip all of the probes and the same potential, to ensure that it is grounded place.
2. Where to connect the ground grip of the probe has to be ground location measuring circuit
(reference point of the potential).

3. Experimental Methods
3.1 Initial adjustment of the oscilloscope
To perform the oscilloscope of adjustment in the following steps before you begin the
experiment.
3.1.1 Adjustment and confirmation of focus, brightness and rotation
First, GND input selector switch, and a trigger to AUTO to power. Next, the XY sweep switches
from the level of luminance. Gradually increase the brightness from this state, to display a bright
spot on the tube surface. You do focus adjustment so that the magnitude of the bright spots is
minimized.
Once focus adjustment is completed, immediately subjected to sweeping by switching the sweep
time switch, bright line to appear on the tube surface. When a long time to display a bright spot,
because the seizure occurs in the cathode-ray tube, work up here quickly performed.
Then, to adjust the vertical position adjustment knob as bright line coincides with the horizontal
axis of the center of the screen. Here, you will confirm whether the emission line is tilted. To adjusts
the rotation when the horizontal axis is tilted.
3.1.2 Inspection of probe
Here, you will confirm if the probe to work properly. CH. 1 of input switch what is the
changeover switch of the probe to the DC is 1:1, and further the voltage range of about 0.1V / div,
connecting the probe to the CAL pin oscilloscope. Adjust the sweep rate, so that a square wave is
displayed on the tube surface. In this case, be sure that the fine adjustment knob such as sweep speed
and vertical range is in the position of CAL. In case there is no specific reason, it must be always
kept to the position of the CAL. Here, it is confirmed that the peak value of the square wave that is
displayed on the tube surface is consistent with the voltage being displayed near CAL pin
oscilloscope. If or when a rectangular wave with a large wave differ is not displayed, such as the
probe abnormality can be considered.
 (a) Normal, (b) Essential adjustments, (C) Essential adjustments
Figure 8: (10: 1) observation example when using probe

Next, when there is a changeover switch of the probe, which is switched to10:1, by a voltage
range of about 10mV / div, similarly to observe the square wave from the CAL pin. In this case,
Figure. 8 (b), it is necessary to adjust the probe when it is a waveform such as (c). You do set in the
same manner also CH.2.
3.2 Basis of waveform observation by the oscilloscope
The block diagram and appearance of the arbitrary waveform generator are shown in Figure 9(a),
(b). Connect the grounding clip of the probe to the GND terminal, and performs observation of the
waveform by connecting the probe end to the output terminal of the waveform generator.
Relationship between the signal waveform output to the selected waveform and the terminal 1 of
the waveform generator is shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Waveform selection number and relationship of output waveform

Waveform selection number Output waveform
1 Sinusoidal wave
2 Square wave
3 Trapezoidal wave
4 Arbitrary waveform
In addition, the rated power supply voltage of the instrument is 5V.

Figure 9: Arbitrary waveform generator

3.2.1 Basis of waveform observation

Observed the trapezoidal wave and the sine wave, it is possible to extract these parameters to
acquire the most basic operation of the oscilloscope.
Here, connect the probe, as shown in Figure 10, to observe the output signal of the terminal 1. In
this case, input switch able to keep the DC-coupled.

Figure 10: Basic waveform observation by oscilloscope

(a) Trapezoidal wave observation of (pulse waveform)

Figure 11: Definition of parameters of pulse

 Observes the trapezoidal wave to determine the basic parameters of the repetitive pulse in
reference to Figure 11, the pulse width td, rise time tr, fall time tf, the period T, pulse amplitude
(Vp-p), respectively.
(b) Sinusoidal wave of observation
Observes the sinusoidal wave, calculate when the output voltage V (t) at terminal 1 is set to
Equation (2), the amplitude A, the frequency ω and the offset A0. However, φ0 is an arbitrary
constant.

V (t) = Asin(ωt + φ0) + A0 (2)

3.2.2 Differences observed waveform by the DC / AC coupling

(a) DC coupling
As shown in Figure 12, CH. 1, CH. 2 probes are connected simultaneously to the terminal 1, to
observe the square wave is output to the terminal 1.
CH. 1 the DC coupling of the oscilloscope, as CH. 2 the AC coupling, it is possible to sketch
the Dual sweep wave-form will be examined differences in DC coupling and AC coupling. It
should be noted that, at the time of Dual sweep, if the switching of Alt and Chop is using the
possible oscilloscope, to perform the measurements in Chop mode.

Figure 12: When input of oscilloscope is set to DC coupling and AC coupling experiments to
observe waveform difference

(b) AC coupling
The sinusoidal wave is generated in the generator, to observe the output terminal 3. The output
terminal 3 is designed to a small signal components in a relatively large DC component
waveforms that are superimposed is output. If you want to observe for the signal component,
and when measuring a DC coupling, consider the difference in the case of measuring an AC
coupling.
3.2.3 Probe 10:1
Connect the probe to the terminal 2, consider the peak value Vp-p to be measured if the probe is
set to 10:1 and 1:1 for the difference determined, respectively. It will note that the output impedance
of the terminal 2 is about 1 MΩ.
3.2.4 Measurements of the phase difference
As shown in Figure 13, CH. 1 side of the probe to the terminal 1 is connected to CH. 2 side of
the probe to the terminal 4. When the output signal of the terminal 1 V1 (t) = Asin (ωt) + A0, the
output signal of the terminal 4 is set to V4 (t) = Bsin (ωt +φ ) + B0, phase difference between the
output signal is obtained in the following manner.

Figure 13: Phase difference measurement method

Figure 14: Phase difference measurement by Lissajous waveform

(a) Direct measurement of the phase difference

First, we discuss a method of obtaining a phase difference between two signals by dual
sweeping directly. Oscilloscope tube surface is displayed V1 and V4 a (t) (t) at the same time,
to determine the phase difference by measuring the time difference and the period between
two signals from the waveform.
(b) Measurements using Lissajous
Connection to the preceding as to perform X-Y sweep is assigned to the output V 4 (t) terminal
4 to the horizontal axis of the output V1 (t) terminal 1 on the vertical axis. Figure 14 is a
reference and compared to the results obtained in the previous section determines a phase
difference from the Equation (3). In this case, it must be careful to symmetry V1 axial
direction. In addition, it is better measured as an AC coupling in this measurement.
 φ = sin−1 Vb/Va (3)

4. Results and Discussion (This section after it is created to suit each situation is shown an
example.)
4.1 Use equipment
・Oscilloscopes: IWATSU SS-5702
・DC-power: KENWOOD PR18-1.2A
・Test any signal generator
4.2 Oscilloscope initial adjustment
It was performed to adjust the focus brightness rotation following the experimental procedure. In
addition, it was confirmed that there is no problem in the operation showed that the operation check
of the probe.
4.3 Basis of waveform observation by the oscilloscope
The result of the waveform observed by using the output of the arbitrary waveform -generator, is
shown below.
4.3.1 Waveform observation basis
(a) Trapezoid (observation of pulse waveform)
And the waveform selection number 3 (trapezoidal wave), the results of measurement of the
output terminal 1 on the oscilloscope, the following results were obtained. Trapezoidal wave
output to terminal 1, became pulse width td = 8.5 ms, the rise time tr = 1.2 ms, fall time tf = 1.1
ms, the period T = 20.0 ms and pulse amplitude Vp-p = 2.3 V, respectively.
(b) Sinusoidal wave of observation
In the waveform selection number 1 (sinusoidal wave), the results of measurement using an
oscilloscope output of the terminal 1 and the amplitude A = 1.2 V, ω = 1.3 ×10 3 rad / s, A0 =
2.1 V in the Equation (2) became.
This means that it can be expressed by the Equation (4).

V (t) = 1.2 sin(1.3×103t +φ0) + 2.1 [V] (4)

4.3.2 Differences observed waveform by the DC / AC coupling

(a) DC coupling
In the case of waveform selection number 2 (square wave), DC coupling (CH. 1) the output of
the terminal 1, it is shown in Figure 15 the results were observed as AC coupling (CH. 2).
 Figure 15: If you select the square wave signals of the observation waveform output to the terminal
3. (Above: If you have the input switching and DC coupling, under: If the input switching is set to
AC coupling)

(b) AC coupling
When the waveform selection number 1 (sinusoidal wave), where the output terminal 3
following the experimental procedure was measured as a DC coupling to a (...omission ...).
Then, where it was re-measured as the AC coupling, it has become (... stands ...). Therefore, it
was confirmed that it is (... stands ...).
4.3.3 10: 1 probe
The waveform selection number is set to 1 (sinusoidal wave) following the experimental method,
a high impedance output peak value was measured by the (terminal 2) the probe 1:1 was measured to
be 1.2 mV.
From the results of Figure.9 and 4.3.1 (b), the peak value of the output waveform of the terminal
2 should be approximately 5.6 mV. Therefore, it is considered to be the (... omitted ...).
4.3.4 Measurements of the phase difference
(a) Direct measurement of the phase difference
The waveform selection number is set to 1 (sinusoidal wave), the experimental method was
observed output waveform V4 (t) of the output waveform V1 (t) and pin 4 of the terminal 1 in
accordance with, V4 (t) and V1 (t) is the time difference Δ t=0.1ms, it has been found that it is
delayed. Since the period V1 (t) and also V4 (t) is T = 2.3 ms, the phase difference between V1
(t) and V4 (t) were asked Φ= 0.1 and rad = 16◦ from the Equation (5).

φ= 2πΔt/T (5)
 (b) Measurements using Lissajous
In accordance with experimental method, where it drew a Lissajous as a horizontal axis V4 (t)
the vertical axis V1 (t), Va = 1.2 mV, is Vb = 0.9 mV was obtained. Therefore, the phase
difference was determined and was at Φ = 0.8, rad = 49◦ that determined by the Equation (3).
Comparing the results of this (a), (hereinafter omitted)
4.4 Report challenges
·To indicate the reason why the required phase difference between the two signals from the
Equation (3) by observing the Lissajous.

5. Conclusion (example)
... My results were obtained for the purpose ... was ... that. Therefore, it has been found to be.....

References
[1] State the literature that was in reference always.

Annotation
1) In honor of the inventor and is also referred to as the cathode-ray tube (Braun tube). The
general name cathode-ray tube (cathode-ray tube: CRT).
2) Television receiver or computer monitor is a magnetic field control.
3) This principle is similar to "Fundamentals of Automatic measurement". Section of the basis for
automatic measurement also may be helpful.
4) Strictly speaking it looks stopped if an integral multiple of the period of T0 is VV (t).
5) Usually, to the moment you return to the left from the case and the right end that stops the scan,
you are off the bright spot for CRT is not drawn to prevent and extra line seizure. This is called
blanking.
6) Depending on the oscilloscope models, such as CH.1 is that is free to switch things and the user
of the vertical axis in the horizontal axis is CH.2, there are many different types. Therefore, it is
necessary to confirm a sufficient display of manuals and operating surface.
7) Those grounded input is independent called "Floating". Generally oscilloscope with a floating
input is expensive.