Basic Concepts

XYZs of Analog
and Digital Oscilloscopes
070–8690–01

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
RealĆTime Sampling with Interpolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
EquivalentĆTime 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GĆ1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IĆ1

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 emphaĆ
sizes teaching you about oscilloscopes Ċ 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:ăX, Y, and Z Components of a Displayed Waveform

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

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 3

The Oscilloscope

                 

                     
     

Figure 2:ăThe TAS 465 Analog Oscilloscope Front Panel

Figure 3:ăThe TDS 320 Digital Oscilloscope Front Panel

4 Basic Concepts
 The Oscilloscope

What Can You Do                     

                  !
With It?   
                  
    
              !
                       !
                   
              
                
                       
      

Light Source

Photo Cell

Figure 4:ăScientific 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:ăDigital 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:ăAnalog 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:ăTriggering 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:ăDigital Oscilloscope Block Diagram

"!% $!  !     $!     

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

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 9

The Oscilloscope

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

RealĆTime Sampling with Interpolation

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

Waveform Constructed
with Sample Points

Sampling Rate

Figure 9:ăRealĆtime 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:ăLinear and Sine Interpolation

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

Waveform Constructed
with Sample Points

1st Acquisition Cycle

2nd Acquisition Cycle

3rd Acquisition Cycle

nth Acquisition Cycle

Figure 11:ăEquivalentĆtime 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:ăCommon Waveforms

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 13

Oscilloscope Terminology

Figure 13:ăSources 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:ăSine and Damped Sine Waves

Square and Rectangular Waves

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

Square Wave Rectangular Wave

Figure 15:ăSquare 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:ăSawtooth and Rectangular Waves

Step and Pulse Shapes

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

Step Pulse Pulse Train

Figure 17:ăStep, 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:ăFrequency and Period

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

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes 17

Oscilloscope Terminology

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

0 90 180 270 360

+1

-1

Figure 19:ăSine Wave Degrees

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

Voltage

Current

Phase = 90

Figure 20:ăPhase 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:ăTypical Wrist Type Grounding Strap

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

Intensity Focus Vertical Horizontal Trigger

Control Control Section Section Section

Figure 22:ăFront 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 generalĆpurpose 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 switchĆ
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 measureĆ
ments.
Many oscilloscopes can detect whether you are using a 1X or 10X probe
and adjust their screen readouts accordingly. However with some oscilloĆ
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 properĆ
ties against the oscilloscope's electrical properties. Before using a 10X
attenuator probe you need to adjust this balance for your particular oscilloĆ
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 VpĆp ) at Input
9 MW

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

Figure 23:ăTypical Probe/Oscilloscope 10ĆtoĆ1 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:ăA 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:ăThe 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 oscilloĆ
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 onĆscreen 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 onĆscreen menus for the vertical controls.

DC
AC
GND
VERTICAL
MENU
Button CPLG Off
VAR On

INV
Off
BW On

20 MHz
Full

Figure 26:ăVertical 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 VpĆp Sine AC Coupling of

Wave with a 2 V DC Component the Same Signal
 

 

Figure 27:ăAC 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:ăMulti-Channel Display Modes

Math Operations
                 
              
               
               
                 
                
                
        

Channel 1 Display

ADD Mode: Channel 1 and

Channel 2 Combined

Channel 2 Display

Figure 29:ăAdding 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 onĆscreen menus for the horizonĆ
tal controls.

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

Figure 30:ăHorizontal 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 Ċ a time base sweep that starts after a preĆdetermined
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:ăTrigger Controls

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

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

Figure 32:ăUntriggered 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:ăPositive 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 Ć No Triggering Recognized Holdoff

During Holdoff Time

With Holdoff Without Holdoff

Figure 34:ăTrigger Holdoff

38 Basic Concepts
 The Controls

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

Figure 35:ăExample 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:ăAn 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 PeakĆtoĆpeak

Zero Volts

Rms Voltage

Figure 37:ăVoltage Peak and PeakĆtoĆpeak Voltage

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

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

44 Basic Concepts
 Measurement Techniques

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

Take Amplitude
Measurements
at Center Vertical
Graticule Line

Figure 38:ăMeasure 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:ăMeasure 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:ăRise 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:ăLissajous 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 selfĆtest. 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. ăAcquisition A The unit of electric potential difference.
2. ăAnalog B A performance measurement indicating the precision of an ADC, measured
in bits.

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

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

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

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

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

8. ăPhase H A performance measurement indicating the fastest edge a given oscilloĆ

scope can accurately display.

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

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

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

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

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

14. ăTransient N Something that operates with discrete values.

15. ăADC Resolution O A frequency range.

16. ăVolt 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 selfĆtest. 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. ăAveraging Mode A The unintentional interaction of the probe and oscilloscope with the circuit
being tested which distorts a signal.
2. ăCircuit Loading B A conductor that connects electrical currents to the Earth.

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

4. ăCoupling 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. ăEarth Ground E A device that converts a specific physical quantity such as sound, presĆ
sure, strain, or light intensity into an electrical signal.

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

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

signal.

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

9. ăReal Time I A connectĆtheĆdots" processing technique to estimate what a fast

waveform looks like based on only a few sampled points.

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

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

12. ăTransducer 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 peakĆtoĆpeak.
b. 8 volts peakĆtoĆpeak.
c. 4 volts peakĆtoĆpeak.
d. 0.5 volts peakĆtoĆpeak.
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 GĆ1

Glossary

Cursor
" #"/'&" !&& (( ,#) "  " +(  +*#&! (# ( )/
&( !')&!"('
DC (Direct Current)
'" +(  #"'("( *# ( " )&&"(
Division
')&!"( !&"' #" (  &()  # ( #' #'#$
Earth Ground
#")(#& (( + ''$( &  (& )&&"(' "(# ( &(
Envelope
 #)( " #  '" ' '( " #+'( $#"(' %)& #*& !",
&$((#"'
EquivalentĆtime Sampling
'!$ " !# " + ( #' #'#$ #"'(&)('  $()& # 
&$((* '" , $()&"  ((  ( # "#&!(#" &#!  &$(/
(#"
Focus
 #' #'#$ #"(&# (( )'(' (   (&#" !' (# #"(&#
( '&$"'' # ( '$ ,
Frequency
 ")!& # (!'  '" &$(' " #" '#" !')& " &(-
, ' $& '#"  &%)", %) ' $&#
Gigahertz (GHz)
   &(-  )"( # &%)",
Glitch
" "(&!(("( &&#& "  &)(
Graticule
 & "' #"  '&" #& !')&" #' #'#$ (&'
Ground
 #")(" #""(#" , + "  (& &)( #& %)$!"( '
#""( (# ( &( (# '( ' " !"("  &&" *# (
* 
  *# ( &&" $#"( "  &)(
Hertz (Hz)
" ,  $& '#" ( )"( # &%)",
Kilohertz (kHz)
&(-  )"( # &%)",
Interpolation
.#""(/(/#(' $&#''" ("%) (# '(!( +(  '(
+*#&! ##'  ' #" #" ,  + '!$  $#"('
Megahertz (MHz)
  &(-  )"( # &%)",

GĆ2 Basic Concepts

 Glossary

Megasamples per second (MS/s)

              
Microsecond (ms)
        
Millisecond (ms)
        
Nanosecond (ns)
        
Noise
 !          
Oscilloscope
               
!    %     
       
Peak (Vp)
  "        $  
PeakĆtoĆpeak (VpĆp)
        "       &
   # !    
Peak Detection
          #   "&
   
Period
       !     #  
  #
Phase
            #  
   " #    
Probe
      #       
      !    "    
       
Pulse
  !            ! 
    
RMS
    
RealĆtime Sampling
     !      #  
        
Record Length
    !          

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes GĆ3

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

GĆ4 Basic Concepts

 Glossary

Trigger
               
          
Trigger Holdoff
                  
             
Trigger Level
                  
        
Volt
          
Voltage
                

Waveform
             
Waveform Point
                    
             
  
ZĆaxis
                
    

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes GĆ5

Glossary

GĆ6 Basic Concepts

 Index

A B D
!%#"  &# 19  15
 GĆ1  GĆ1  GĆ2
 GĆ1 &# # 31 ' #!! 33
  GĆ1
 GĆ2 # """ 8
( GĆ2 "' #!" 29
( GĆ2
 ( GĆ2 C %"  GĆ2
( GĆ2 %"" 43
m" GĆ3 $#"
" GĆ3 $!!# 44
" GĆ3 &! 44
" GĆ3
 GĆ3
!""# 44
%# 44
E
 GĆ3
) GĆ3  %!# 31 !# !$ 21
 "'  31  GĆ2
 15
 GĆ1    GĆ1 % 40
 GĆ2
 $"# #!" 39 !$#  23 25
 GĆ1  $%#)# " 11
 $"# " 39
 GĆ2
%! 40 "#  GĆ1
% 40
#! "##" ' 23
 !" 40
 ## 40 #!"
" 39 !(# 22
#!! 22
F
 $"# "'"# 8
%!# 22
#% !" 25 " #!! # 37
%!#! )#)# 6
 6 $"  GĆ2
$
 GĆ1 $" #! 29
 30
 !"$# 20  30 ! $' 17
  32  GĆ1  GĆ2
!$ 30 ! $' "$!#" 45
#!# "'  31
  7 ! $' !#" 47
#!#   GĆ1  GĆ1
! 7 !#  #!" 22
$!!# !" 25
#$  GĆ1 $!"!  GĆ2
 """ 7 $!"!" 45
##$#  GĆ1 ' 13
##$#! 7
$# #!! 37
$#"# 22
%! 40
 GĆ1

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes IĆ1

Index

G L 
  7
  8
  ! $ 19  !   47      6
  %  GĆ2 # $ # 7
!  5
  16
 GĆ2
 ! 43
M
 GĆ2
!  GĆ2
  %  34 P
  
!  25 "  24
 # " 32
!    21 !    # " 32    GĆ3
!   21  !  13      40
! $! 21  !        GĆ3
!$ 45
 & &  17 44
  44
 GĆ3
 & &  44

H  45
! #  45
   43
   19
  43
 %  GĆ2  45  17
"  44  GĆ3
  40
  %  GĆ2   18
%   GĆ3
  33      
   7 GĆ3     18

%  ! $ 19   GĆ3     !  47

%    33   GĆ3 #  # 44

%  $  7   22

  9
 34
N   GĆ3
I   
  GĆ3 #  26
!   22   GĆ3 #    24
! ! 30   37  23
  $   29 ! 16
 GĆ3
   10
 GĆ2 !  !  46
"  32
O !   16

  # 44

K  GĆ3
#    3

 %  GĆ2

IĆ2 Basic Concepts

 Index

R $! &% 15
 GĆ4
!! "("# 7

## #!#( 21
" 16
# 16
 " 11
&  GĆ4
V
*# " 10
 GĆ3 & " 19
!  30
 GĆ4
! 9 !# "# #! 30
! # 9 20 !# #!" 29
 GĆ3
!# !"$# 20
#$! &% 15 T !# " 30
"$# 20
!# ""#%#( 19
" # 19 !( 13ć 20
 GĆ4 !# "("# 7
 " 7 33
   GĆ3  GĆ4 #  GĆ5
( 33 # 17
 33  GĆ5
 " $!( 19  44

S  "$!#" 45
*#* 44
!" 44
!  GĆ4 # "$!#
#( 21
! !## 29 $" $!"!" 45
 39 $" !#$ 44
!"$! 5
 # 39  GĆ4 # "$!#" 44
 GĆ4
!"# 16 #" ! %" #! 30
 #" 8  GĆ4
 !# 8 ! &% 16
'$ 20
!!
  GĆ5 W
 $%#*# 10 #(" 36
#!# 10 %! 13
!! #!" 35
!*# 10  GĆ5
!! $
 " 10 %! #  GĆ5
 37
&## &% 16  37 %! #" 9 39
 43  ! $( !# 37
& ! $( !# 37
!  GĆ4 " !# 37
" ! %" 33
 $# " 11
!!  38
 GĆ5
X
 !#!  GĆ4 !! % 36   34 47
 GĆ5
 &%  GĆ4
!! "
 &%" 15
$# 37
 15
 "#  GĆ4
! 37
!! "# !)# 34
Z
 "&  GĆ4
!! " 36 *'"  GĆ5
*"# 16
!! "$! 36
  GĆ4

XYZs of Analog and Digital Oscilloscopes IĆ3

Index

IĆ4 Basic Concepts