The Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope is a laboratory instrument commonly used to display and analyze the fast waveforms of
electronic signals which are fast voltage changes that cannot be monitored and measured with a
multimeter. In effect, the device draws a graph of the instantaneous signal voltage as a function of time.
History
The oscilloscope was invented by a French physicist André Blondel in 1893. His device was able to
register the values of electrical quantities such as alternative current intensity. An ink pendulum
attached to a coil recorded the information on a moving paper tape. The first oscilloscopes had a very
small bandwidth, between 10 and 19 kHz.
After many years of development, a lot has changed since the invention of the first oscilloscope, it is
made up of a lot of parts and systems that work in conjunction that allows it measure electronic signals,
here are some;
Display
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
Acting as the heart of traditional analog oscilloscopes, the CRT generates electron beams to
create visual displays of waveforms.
Grid Layouts
Modern displays often feature customizable grid layouts, divided into divisions or "boxes." These
grids assist engineers in measuring and comparing signals by providing a reference framework.
The one used in the students’ experiment featured 10x8 grids.
The vertical System
Serves as a critical control mechanism for the display and analysis of waveforms. It allows to alter
the vertical aspects of the signal.
Vertical controls
Usually a knob positioned at the front panel that has vertical oriented arrows, it is used to adjust
the amplitude representation on the screen that allows the students to zoom in or zoom of the
waveform to focus on details and obtaining overviews.
Scaling
Based on the used instrument, it is in the shape of a dial, it is used for adjusting the vertical size
of the waveform. It allows the users to change the volts-per-division (VOLTS/DIV) setting that
allows for compressing or stretching of the waveform vertically. Allows for a detailed or broader
perspective of the waveform.
Positioning
Allows for the movement of the waveform up or down the screen. It is utilized when comparing
multiple waveforms or focusing on a certain detail of the wave without changing the scaling.
Channel Selection
Modern oscilloscopes now come with multiple channels allowing for simultaneous observation of
several signals. The divisions in the front panel allows the user to adjust them individually and
gives ease in comparing signals, relationships or isolation of specific behaviors.
Bandwidth Considerations
Refers to the range of frequencies that the oscilloscope can measure, it is important to know that
the bandwidth of an oscilloscope should be higher than the frequency to ensure accurate
measurements as it impacts the ability to analyze high frequency components and transient
behaviors within the signal.
Effects of a the used components to the oscilloscope
REF
Understanding Oscilloscope Parts and Function: A Comprehensive Guide - Used Keysight Equipment
What is oscilloscope? | Definition from TechTarget