Boot Camp: Deep Dive on Oscilloscopes

Survey of Essential Test Equipment

Engineers and technicians rely on oscilloscopes as indispensable tools for testing. These instruments play a crucial role in measuring and analyzing electrical signals. This lesson provides an overview of various types of test equipment, emphasizing the significance of oscilloscopes in the field.

Scaling Waveforms

Waveforms on oscilloscopes are visual representations that plot the voltage of a signal against time. Accurate depiction of the waveform requires precise adjustment of the oscilloscope's horizontal and vertical scales. This lesson delves into the proper configuration of these scales on the oscilloscope for optimal waveform display.

Probing Part 1 – Compensating Passive Probes

Electronic circuits are linked to oscilloscopes through probes, which play a crucial role in achieving accurate measurements. Ensuring proper connection and compensation of probes is essential for reliable results. This lesson provides insights into the utilization of passive probes, offering guidance on how to connect and compensate them to enhance accuracy in measurements.

Triggering Part 1 - What the Heck is Triggering? 

Explore the fundamental concept of triggering and learn how to effectively utilize it for capturing specific events on a waveform.

Cursor Measurements

Utilize oscilloscopes for measuring waveform properties such as amplitude and frequency. This lesson illustrates the application of the oscilloscope's cursors for accurate measurements.

Automatic Parametric Measurements

Oscilloscopes leverage automatic parametric measurements to swiftly and effortlessly compute key waveform parameters, including amplitude, frequency, and rise time. This streamlined process not only saves engineers time and effort but also aids in promptly identifying issues within their circuits.

Probing Part 2 - Active Probes

Active probes offer several benefits compared to passive probes, such as increased bandwidth, reduced noise, and enhanced protection for the oscilloscope. Consequently, they are better suited for measuring high-frequency signals and signals with small amplitudes.

Waveform Math and Power Measurements

Oscilloscopes leverage waveform math to merge two or more waveforms, and power measurements enable the calculation of a waveform's power. This functionality proves valuable for analyzing signal properties like amplitude, frequency, and rise time.

Frequency-domain Measurements (FFT)

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is employed to transform a waveform from the time domain to the frequency domain. This proves valuable for scrutinizing the frequency spectrum of a signal, assisting engineers in the identification of harmonics and other potential issues.

Frequency Response Analysis (Bode Plots)

Bode plots serve as a visualization tool for depicting the amplitude and phase response of a system across varying frequencies. This proves beneficial in the analysis of system stability and the identification of resonant frequencies.

Triggering Part 2 - Auto vs Normal

While automatic triggering offers convenience in waveform capture, it may lack the precision of normal triggering. Normal triggering empowers engineers to pinpoint the exact moment for waveform capture, enhancing accuracy. This capability proves invaluable for troubleshooting, allowing engineers to specify precise points such as capturing a specific pulse by setting the exact time of its occurrence using normal triggering.

Triggering Part 3 - Trigger Holdoff

Trigger holdoff is a valuable feature that prevents the oscilloscope from triggering multiple times on a repeating waveform. This proves beneficial in troubleshooting issues like jitter. For instance, when troubleshooting a digital circuit experiencing signal jitter, trigger holdoff can be applied to avoid triggering on every pulse. This ensures a clearer observation of the jitter phenomenon.

Triggering Part 4 - Advanced Parametric Triggering

Explores the various kinds of parametric triggers found in oscilloscopes, outlining the steps for configuring a parametric trigger. Concluding the lesson, it offers examples illustrating how parametric triggering proves valuable in diagnosing issues within electronic circuits.

Serial Bus Protocol Analysis

Addresses various serial bus protocols, detailing the process of analyzing them using an oscilloscope. Concluding the lesson, it offers examples showcasing how oscilloscopes serve as effective tools in troubleshooting issues related to serial bus protocols.

Lissajous Curves

Explores the fundamentals of Lissajous curves, elucidating their creation and interpretation of shapes. Additionally, the lesson furnishes examples illustrating how Lissajous curves prove beneficial in troubleshooting electronic circuit issues.

Acquisition and Display Modes

Clarifies the diverse acquisition modes accessible on oscilloscopes, detailing the steps for configuring these modes. Concluding the lesson, it furnishes examples demonstrating how various acquisition modes prove instrumental in capturing different waveform types.

Documenting Test Results

Illustrates various documentation methods for recording test results, outlining the steps for initiating and sustaining test documentation. Concluding the lesson, it offers practical tips to enhance the effectiveness of test documentation creation.

Oscilloscope Specifications

Explores the significance of oscilloscope specifications, detailing the diverse types of these specifications and their measurement methods. Concluding the lesson, it offers practical tips to guide in selecting an oscilloscope tailored to meet individual needs.