Oscilloscope meaning (what it is, concept and definition)

What is Oscilloscope:

An oscilloscope is a device that allows the representation and recording of electrical signals that can vary over time to be visualized , and the image obtained is known as an oscilloscope.

The main function of the oscilloscope is to present the values ​​of the electrical signals, in the form of coordinates, through a screen.

Generally the "X axis" symbolizes the times, and the "Y axis" represents the input voltages in volts, mini volts, micro volts, etc. The set of these images is called an oscillogram.

In addition, the “Z axis” or THRASHER is included, which is in charge of controlling the beam luminosity, allowing to highlight or eliminate some segments of the graph.

Oscilloscope uses

As such, the oscilloscope is an apparatus or mechanism that can be used in various fields of work because it has the ability to measure various phenomena, so much so that even in the area of ​​medicine they can be used. For example:

• The value of a pressure Heart rate Sound power The level of vibrations in a vehicle Measuring phases between signals Parts of the oscilloscope

Parts of the oscilloscope

Oscilloscopes are made up of a set of basic parts that make measurements and visual representations of data possible so that they can be analyzed by specialists.

Cathode ray tubes: also known as a screen, are those that contain fluorescent substances inside and that allow the signal to be analyzed to be viewed.

Time base: its function is to ensure that the applied voltage appears on the screen as a function of time, on the "X axis", as previously mentioned.

Horizontal Amplifier: aims to amplify the signals it receives through the horizontal input (X), that is, signals that come from the time base.

Vertical amplifier: it is in charge of increasing the signals received by the vertical input (Y).

Synchronism system: allows the image on the cathode ray tubes or screen to appear sharp and stable.

Types of oscilloscopes

There are different types of oscilloscopes, the most commonly used are the digital , analog and automotive, the latter is used to measure actuators, sensors, among others.

You can also name the oscilloscopes integrated in the PCs, which is a device that connects as an interface. To do this, you must first install the program on the computer.

Digital and analog oscilloscope

Analog and digital oscilloscopes are the most widely used. Analog oscilloscopes work directly with the applied signal, which, being amplified, deflects the electron beam in a vertical direction proportional to its value.

Digital oscilloscopes, on the other hand, previously use an analog-to-digital converter in order to be able to digitally store the received signals, and then reconstruct the information reflected on the screen.

Below are the advantages, differences and the field of use that both oscilloscopes have, the following can be mentioned:

Analog oscilloscope	Digital oscilloscope
The signal is periodic since it is the only way to refresh the trace on the screen.	The signal is digitized by an analog-to-digital converter.
High frequency signals reduce brightness, therefore it is not very sharp.	Clean and bright trace.
Limited memory storage.	Unlimited memory storage.
Does not allow pre-triggering.	Pre-t riggering for viewing short-lived events, data that is then transferred to the computer.
It has an actual sampling bandwidth.	Constant bandwidth dependent on amplitude.
The costs of these teams are moderate.	The costs of these equipments are high.