What is an oscilloscope? What are the advantages of a digital oscilloscope?

Oscilloscopes are electronic instruments that allow us to visualize different signals as a function of time on a 2D plot. Oscilloscopes come in a variety of sizes and can allow anyone with an interest in electronics – from students to makers to craftsmen – to discover how waveforms vary as a circuit is adjusted.

A digital oscilloscope is a useful tool for analyzing the response of a circuit, and it allows us to see on the screen what our eyes cannot see. With a digital oscilloscope you can test and debug the analog outputs of sensors, and you can verify and quickly analyze various parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and distortion.

When you look at an oscilloscope, you see the screen and the buttons for the vertical settings, the horizontal settings and the triggering. The display is usually a cathode ray tube (CRT), which is 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 representation.

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 and converts the result into digital numbers, 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 buttons or switches for operation.

USB oscilloscopes are less expensive than traditional ones because the graphics are provided by the host PC. An A/D converter and a USB interface are all that is needed for a USB oscilloscope. Furthermore, USB oscilloscopes are usually small and can be used in places where access is limited. Moreover, they are a great solution for applications that require flexibility, as they are a great portable option.

An automotive oscilloscope is a necessary instrument for detecting malfunctions in all kinds of electronic components in vehicles. Moreover, it is often used by car technicians for car diagnostics. The only difference between an automotive oscilloscope and a digital oscilloscope is that it offers additional capabilities for testing and diagnosis.

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. Your PC can become a powerful diagnostic tool with the help of a PicoScope.

Buy an oscilloscope. What does Elektor have to offer?

An oscilloscope is an essential tool for anyone who works with electronic circuits. It is useful if you want to get to know the behavior of your project and detect errors in your circuits.

Elektor offers a wide choice of oscilloscopes in various sizes and with varying specifications, including bandwidth, vertical resolution, and horizontal scale. In addition, we offer a selection of oscilloscopes that are very suitable for a number of areas of interest. Some of the most popular products Elektor sells are the PicoScope 2204A USB Oscilloscope and the SmartScope USB oscilloscope, which provide a complete electronics lab in one compact, low-cost, USB-powered device. The affordable PicoScope and SmartScope models are ideal for education, hobby and field use.

What accessories are there for oscilloscopes?

Digital oscilloscopes usually come with a set of probes. In addition to scopes, Elektor sells a range of related products, including cables and DIY kits.

Why should you buy an oscilloscope from Elektor?

Electrical engineers, makers and electronics enthusiasts turn to Elektor for affordable, high-quality test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes. We stock a range of oscilloscopes – from portable handheld devices to high-end desktop solutions – to meet the different needs of a wide audience.

Analog bandwidth	1 MHz
Max sample rate	10 Msa/s
Max sample memory depth	8K
Analog input impedance	1 MΩ
Max input voltage	±40 V (X1)
Coupling	AC/DC
Vertical sensitivity	20 mv/Div~10 V/Div (1-2-5)
Horizontal sensitivity	1 uS/Div~2 S/Div (1-2-5)
Storage	Built-in 8 MB U disk storage for waveform data and images
Power supply	Internal 550 mAh Lithium battery, recharging through Micro USB port
Display	2.8' Full Color TFT LCD (320x240 pixels)
Dimensions	100 x 56.5 x 10.7 mm

Analog bandwidth	1 MHz
Max sample rate	10 Msa/s
Max sample memory depth	8K
Analog input impedance	1 MΩ
Max input voltage	±40 V (X1)
Coupling	AC/DC
Vertical sensitivity	20 mv/Div~10 V/Div (1-2-5)
Horizontal sensitivity	1 uS/Div~2 S/Div (1-2-5)
Storage	Built-in 8 MB U disk storage for waveform data and images
Power supply	Internal 550 mAh Lithium battery, recharging through Micro USB port
Display	2.8' Full Color TFT LCD (320x240 pixels)
Dimensions	100 x 56.5 x 10.7 mm

Details