Digital Oscilloscope Characteristics--

Compared with analogue oscilloscopes, DSOs operate based on sampling concepts concepts. Primary parameters, which determine the capability of a DSO are: Sampling rate and vertical resolution, Display techniques, Interpolation techniques, Memory capacity, and Signal processing capabilities capabilities.

Sampling rate

The sampling p g rate or digitising g g rate is one p primary y characteristic of the DSOs. It is commonly expressed as a frequency such as 20 mega-samples l per second d or as a 20MHz 20MH sample l rate. In a practical oscilloscope the sample rate varies with the time base setting and the corresponding relationship p is sample rate = record length of waveform /(time base setting sweep length)
Because the cost of a DSO depends on the cost of memories and data converters used inside inside, this criterion is an important one in the selection of a DSO.

Example A oscilloscope An ill has h a 1024 waveform f memory and d sweep length of 10 divisions at 10 s per division, time base setting. Find out the sample p rate.

The sample rate (SR) is -SR = 1024/(10 s per div di ) 10 = 10.24 samples per s = 10.24MHz or 10.24 Msamples per s.
For a digital storage oscilloscope with 50 ksample memory with 10 CRT divisions, the sample rate would be 1 gsample per s when the time base is set to 5s per div. For the same DSO if the time base is set to 5 ms per div the sample rate DSO, would be 1 Msample per s.

Display Techniques

To view a waveform once it has been digitised, memorised and processed, there are several methods th t may be that b used d to t redisplay di l the th waveform. f Basic techniques to display the waveform include: (i) the use of dots (ii) the use of lines joining dots (linear interpolation) (iii) sine interpolation or modified sine interpolation.

Bandwidth

The bandwidth specification gives an idea of the instruments ability to handle high frequency signals within ithi a specified ifi d attenuation. tt ti Bandwidth is specified by listing the frequency at which a sinusoidal input signal has been attenuated to 0.707 of the middle frequencies. This is called the 3 dB point. A good d rule l of f thumb h bf for d determining i i scope bandwidth, is to use the 5 times rule. Using the 5 times rule will typically give you better than 2 per times cent accuracy in your measurements.

Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO)

The prominence of high speed analogue scopes are gradually diminishing because of digital phosphor oscilloscopes (DPO) by Tektronix. The DPO has purely electronic digital phosphor The scope display is treated as 2D digital data Each pixel has information cell. cell The intensity of pixel is depends on signals occurrence at point.

Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO)

The designers introduces many useful features to both analogue and digital oscilloscopes in DPO. Some of these are: (i) multiple time bases, (ii) character generators, (iii) cursors, and (iv) auto auto-setup setup and self-tests. self tests

Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO)

Multiple time bases One important advance with modern oscilloscopes is the use of multiple time bases. Expensive oscilloscopes p have at least two independent p time bases, which can be controlled independently or in relation to each other. This helps the user to magnify selected parts of the waveform.

Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO)

Use of low cost microprocessor blocks Such as Counter timer and multimeter blocks It is capable of measuring frequency, period or width, totalising an input event, and providing a digital display of delay time/delta time. time

Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO)

b) Simplification of front panel controls and addition of special features c) Signal processing functions (i) averaging function, (ii) waveform mathematics (iii) fast Fourier transform (FFT). (FFT)

Other important DSO characteristics

There are many DSO characteristics and features that should be carefully observed when selecting a DSO. (i) analogue l capability bilit where h DSO can act t as an analogue scope (ii) Complex triggering capabilities such as delay by events, logic triggering, etc. (iii)Envelope display where the minimum and maximum values of a waveform are shown, (iv) glitch/peak detection capability, ( )i (v) interfacing f i to plotters, l computers, etc., (vi) signal averaging to help filtering noise, etc., and (vii)waveform mathematics and signal processing capabilities.