CRO theory of operation

Report 1
February 27,2016

Cairo , 2016

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 Introduction
The cathode ray oscilloscope is an instrument which we use in laboratory to display
measure and analyze various waveforms of various electrical and electronic circuits.
Actually cathode ray oscilloscope is very fast X-Y plotters that can display an input signal
versus time or other signal. Cathode ray oscilloscope uses luminous spot which is
produced by striking the beam of electrons and this luminous spot moves in response
variation in the input quantity. At this moment one question must be arise in our mind
that why we are using only an electron beam? The reason behind this is low effects of
beam of electrons that can be used for following the changes in the instantaneous values
of rapidly changing input quantity. The general forms of cathode ray oscilloscope operate
on voltages.

Construction of Cathode Ray Oscilloscope

1. CRT

This is the cathode ray tube which emits electrons that strikes the phosphor
screen internally to provide a visual display of signal.

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 2. Vertical Amplifier

This is a wide band amplifier used to amplify signals in the vertical section.

3. Delay Line

It is used to display the signal for some time in the vertical section.

4. Time Base

It is used to generate the sawtooth voltage required to deflect the beam in the
horizontal section.

5. Horizontal Amplifier

This is used to amplify the sawtooth voltage before it is applied to horizontal

deflection plates.

6. Trigger Circuit

This is used to convert the incoming signal into trigger pulses so that the input
signal and the sweep frequency can be synchronized.

7. Power Supply

There are two power supplies, a -ve High Voltage (HV) supply and a +ve Low
Voltage (LV) supply. Two voltages are generated in the CRO. The +ve voltage
supply is from + 300 to 400 V. The ve high voltage supply is from -1000 to -1500 V.

CRO operation

In general, the instrument is operated in the following manner. The signal to be

displayed is amplified by the vertical amplifier and applied to the vertical deflection
plates of the CRT. A portion of the signal in the vertical amplifier is applied to the sweep
trigger as a triggering signal. The sweep trigger then generates a pulse coincident with a
selected point in the cycle of the triggering signal. This pulse turns on the sweep
generator, initiating the sawtooth wave form. The sawtooth wave is amplified by the

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horizontal amplifier and applied to the horizontal deflection plates. Usually, additional
provisions signal are made for applying an external triggering signal or utilizing the 60
Hz line for triggering. Also the sweep generator may be bypassed and an external signal
applied directly to the horizontal amplifier.

Trigger Modes

Operation : The trigger mode determines whether or not the oscilloscope draws a
waveform if it does not detect a trigger. Common trigger modes include normal and
auto.

In normal mode the oscilloscope only sweeps if the input signal reaches the set
trigger point; otherwise (on an analog oscilloscope) the screen is blank or (on a digital
oscilloscope) frozen on the last acquired waveform. Normal mode can be disorienting
since you may not see the signal at first if the level control is not adjusted correctly.

Auto mode causes the oscilloscope to sweep, even without a trigger. If no signal is
present, a timer in the oscilloscope triggers the sweep. This ensures that the display will
not disappear if the signal drops to small voltages. It is also the best mode to use if you are
looking at many signals and do not want to bother setting the trigger each time.

Trigger Coupling
Just as you can select either AC or DC coupling for the vertical system, you can
choose the kind of coupling for the trigger signal.

Trigger Holdoff
Sometimes getting an oscilloscope to trigger on the correct part of a signal requires
great skill. Many oscilloscopes have special features to make this task easier. Trigger
holdoff is an adjustable period of time during which the oscilloscope cannot trigger. This
feature is useful when you are triggering on complex waveform shapes, so that the
oscilloscope only triggers on the first eligible trigger point. Following Figure shows how
using trigger holdoff helps create a usable display.

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