Oscilloscopes are essential tools in the world of electronics, used for visualizing and analyzing electrical signals. But how much do you really know about the 12 key functions that every engineer should be familiar with? Let’s dive into some of these powerful features that can significantly enhance your workflow and accuracy.
1. Protocol DecodingIn the early days, oscilloscopes were limited to displaying waveforms and basic measurements. To understand complex protocols like I²C or SPI, engineers had to manually correlate clock and data signals, converting them into meaningful data—a time-consuming and error-prone process. Today, protocol decoding automates this task, translating raw waveforms into readable hexadecimal, decimal, or character formats directly on the screen. This not only saves time but also reduces the chances of human error. For example, with CAN protocol decoding, you can instantly see the message content without having to decode each bit by hand.
CAN protocol decoding under dual ZOOM
2. Network AnalyzerMeasuring RF components accurately requires precision, especially when it comes to amplitude and phase. Traditional methods often led to small errors that could go unnoticed, affecting the reliability of results. A network analyzer, on the other hand, is designed to detect even the smallest discrepancies. It can be either scalar (measuring only amplitude) or vector (measuring both amplitude and phase). Vector network analyzers, in particular, offer better accuracy and are becoming more common due to advances in technology and cost reduction. They work by sending a swept signal through the device under test (DUT), then measuring the reflected and transmitted signals to determine its characteristics.
Believe it or not, some high-end oscilloscopes come with large LCD screens that can do more than just display signals. While they may not support 3D video yet, you can actually watch movies—making them a fun and practical tool for demonstrations or even casual use during long testing sessions.
4. FilteringOscilloscopes typically have built-in filters to reduce noise and improve signal clarity. Most have a 20MHz hardware filter, while others allow software-based filtering with adjustable cutoff frequencies. For instance, the ZDS2024Plus offers continuous adjustment from 100Hz to 100MHz, giving users greater control over signal analysis. The TDS5000 supports low-pass filtering at 20MHz and 150MHz, and also features a high-resolution acquisition mode that boosts vertical resolution from 8 bits to 12 bits, making it ideal for detailed waveform analysis.
5. Broadband Radar TestWith the right combination of equipment, an oscilloscope can become a powerful radar test tool. Agilent’s Infiniium series, paired with 89601 vector signal analysis software, enables a wide range of radar measurements—from pulse parameters to I/Q channel conformance tests. These oscilloscopes feature bandwidths up to 13GHz and sampling rates as high as 40GSa/s, allowing for precise analysis of complex radar signals. The system processes signals through ADCs, performs FFT, and even displays constellation maps, making it a comprehensive solution for modern radar testing.
Most oscilloscopes come with 8-bit ADCs, but advanced modes can increase the effective resolution. By averaging adjacent samples, the vertical resolution can theoretically be improved by 0.5Log2N, where N is the number of averaged samples. However, memory limitations and rounding errors can affect the actual improvement. With high-resolution modes, you can achieve up to 13 bits of resolution, which greatly enhances the detail and accuracy of your signal analysis.
Improve vertical resolution
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