What is an Oscilloscope? What are the Advantages of a Digital Oscilloscope?
Oscilloscopes are electronic instruments that allow us to visualize various signals over time on a 2D plot. Oscilloscopes are available in different sizes and enable everyone interested in electronics – from students to makers to professionals – to discover how waveforms vary as a circuit is adjusted.
A digital oscilloscope is a handy tool for analyzing a circuit's response, allowing us to see on the screen what our eyes cannot. With a digital oscilloscope, you can test and debug the analog outputs of sensors, and verify and quickly analyze various parameters, such as amplitude, frequency, and distortion.
Looking at an oscilloscope, you see the display and the knobs for vertical settings, horizontal settings, and triggering. The display is usually a cathode-ray tube (CRT), used not only for oscilloscopes but also for other applications, such as television and computer monitors. Its function is to convert an electrical signal into a visual display.
What Types of Oscilloscopes are There? And What are the Differences?
Today, digital oscilloscopes are the most popular type. An analog oscilloscope displays the waveform in its original form, while a digital oscilloscope samples the original analog waveform, converts the result into digital numbers, and then stores it in digital format.
Another important type of oscilloscope is the USB oscilloscope. It is operated via a computer or tablet using a USB port. The USB oscilloscope has one or more analog channels, possibly digital channels, and knobs or switches for operation.
USB oscilloscopes are less expensive than traditional ones because the graphical display is provided by the host PC. An A/D converter and a USB interface are all that's needed for a USB oscilloscope. Moreover, USB oscilloscopes are usually small and can be used in places where access is limited. They are also a great solution for applications that require flexibility, as they are a great option as a portable variant.
An automotive oscilloscope is a necessary tool for troubleshooting various electronic components in vehicles. Moreover, it is often used by auto technicians for automotive diagnostics. The only difference between an automotive oscilloscope and a digital oscilloscope is that it offers extra capabilities for testing and diagnosing.
What is a PicoScope?
PicoScope is computer software that allows Pico Technology oscilloscopes to measure real-time signals. A PicoScope PC oscilloscope is an application for measuring and testing all electrical components and circuits in vehicles. With a PicoScope, your PC can become a powerful diagnostic tool.
Buying an Oscilloscope. What Does Elektor Offer?
An oscilloscope is essential equipment for anyone working with electronic circuits. It is useful when you want to understand the behavior of your project and troubleshoot your circuits.
Elektor offers a wide selection of oscilloscopes in various sizes and with diverse specifications, including bandwidth, vertical resolution, and horizontal scale. Moreover, we offer a range of oscilloscopes ideal for several focus areas. Some of the most popular products sold by Elektor are the PicoScope 2204A USB oscilloscope and the SmartScope USB oscilloscope, which form a complete electronics lab in one compact, affordable, USB-powered device. The affordable PicoScope and SmartScope models are ideal for education, hobby, and field use.
What Accessories are Available for Oscilloscopes?
Digital oscilloscopes typically come with a set of probes. Besides scopes, Elektor sells a range of related products, including cables and DIY kits.
Why Buy an Oscilloscope from Elektor?
Electrical engineers, makers, and electronics enthusiasts turn to Elektor for affordable, high-quality testing and measuring equipment like oscilloscopes. We have a wide range of oscilloscopes in stock – from portable handheld devices to high-end desktop solutions – to meet the diverse needs of a broad audience.