Operation of dual trace Oscilloscope:

The signal trace capability of the conventional CRT can be modified to produce dual
image or dual trace display, by means of fast electronic switching of two separate
input signals. Channel A and Channel B with preamplifier and delay lines feed their
input to an electronic switch that alternately connects the input of the main vertical
amplifier to the two signal inputs. The same are displayed with various display
modes.
When the display mode selector is in the alternate position, the electronic switch
alternately connects vertical amplifier to channel A & B. The switching rate is
synchronized to the sweep rate, so that CRT spot traces channel A signal on one
sweep and channel B on next. Since these signals have calibrated input attenuator
and a vertical position control, the amplitudes of the input signal can be adjusted
individually and the two images placed separately on the screen. This mode is
useful with fast sweep rates, when the two images appear as one simultaneous and
state display.
In chopped mode electronic switch is free running at the rate of 100 to 500 kHz,
entirely independent of the frequency of the sweep generator. In this, switch
successively connects small segments of A and B waveforms to the main amplifier.
At fast chopping rate of 500 kHz, or say 1 microsecond, sweep of each waveform is
fed to CRT for display. If the chopping rate is much faster than the sweep rate, the
individual segments reconstitute the original A and B waveforms on screen without
interruptions in the two images. If sweep rate approaches the chopping rate, the
segments' waveforms become visible as individual images and the continuity of
image display is lost, which is less picturesque than the alternate mode of position.
The use of polarity inversion swiches can display A+B, A-B, B-A, and -A-B modes.
In the X-Y mode the sweep generator disconnects channel B and is connected to the
horizontal amplifier. This gives good X-Y measurements with same amplifications. In
addition the dual trace CRO can be used as single beam CRO, displaying either A or

B as a function of time.
Block Diagram of Dual trace Oscilloscope:

Attenuato
r and
preamplif
er

Electroni
c switch

Delay
line

Vertical
amplif
er

Trigge
r

Sweep
generat
or

Horizont
al
amplifer

Attenuato
r and
preamplif
er