K. Craigs, H.

Majzoub

LIN155
Introduction: Oscilloscope
Oscilloscopes Analog or Digital
Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope: a type of electronic test instrument
Allows observation of constantly varying signal voltages
Signals are often periodic and repeat constantly
eg. Sound waves
Convert wave to voltage and display as a constant picture or
2D graph, as below:
Oscilloscope
Allows you to see voltage signals over time (V/t graph)
Use the controls to effectively scale the signal in both directions
X direction (left/right) = signal time (or frequency)
Y direction (up/down) = signal amplitude (strength)
AMPLITUDE
TIME
Oscilloscope
Lets say you have a sine wave input signal coming from the
function generator:
AMPLITUDE
TIME
Oscilloscope - Controls
Vertical Gain scales the signal in the vertical axis
Each box represents the number of volts per cm (V/cm)
Smaller V/cm = vertical gain increases, amplitude increases
STRETCH
Usually
adjusted to
show signal at
its best size.
Oscilloscope - Controls
Vertical Position moves the signal along the vertical axis
Usually set it to the zero line when you press the GND button
This zero line is called the zero position
SHIFT
Oscilloscope - Controls
Timebase scales the signal in the horizontal axis
Sets the speed at which the signal is sampled on the screen
Smaller s/cm = horizontal gain increases, stretch increases
STRETCH
Usually
adjusted to
show signal at
its best size.
Oscilloscope - Controls
Trigger start sample at different points in the waveform
When x voltage level is reached, waveform scan will start
Starts at the same point in each cycle
START POINT
Set to trigger
at 0 V when
increasing
Set to trigger
at 0 V when
decreasing
Oscilloscope Setup Steps
1) Turn power on.
Often labelled "Power" or "Line".

2) Wait for oscilloscope display to appear.
It may take a short while to warm up before the display appears or to boot up.

3) Find the trace.
Set the trigger, horizontal, and vertical position controls to the centre. If not visible,
you can select the autofocus button to locate the trace and save time.

4) Set the gain control.
Set the horizontal gain control so the expected trace will fill the vertical screen.
eg. If a waveform has 8 Vp-p and the screen is 10 cm high, set the gain to 1 V/cm.
Reference: http://www.electronics-radio.com/articles/test-methods/oscilloscope/how-to-use-oscilloscope.php
Oscilloscope Setup Steps
5) Set the timebase speed.
Set the vertical gain control to nearly fill the horizontal screen.
eg. If a waveform has a period of 10 ms and the screen has a width of 12 divisions, then choose a
timebase speed of 1 ms per division.

6) Apply the signal.
Use channel X or Y probe to apply the signal. Associated signal button will light up.
Tip: Use the shortest ground leads possible to reduce unnecessary inductance.

7) Adjust the trigger:
Set where on the waveform the timebase is triggered. eg. On positive or negative edge.

8) Adjust the controls for the best image.
With a stable waveform in place, fine-tune the vertical gain and timebase controls.

For more information: http://www.doctronics.co.uk/scope.htm