The Ultimate Guide on How to Use an Oscilloscope as a Pro

If you are new to using an oscilloscope, this is the right guide for you. We talk about how to use an oscilloscope for beginners. In the end, you will have an easy time operating an oscilloscope.

What is an oscilloscope?

An oscilloscope is a test instrument that graphically displays electrical signals, showing how these signals change over time. You can expect to see oscilloscopes being used in electronics for visualizing and measuring these signals. As a result, you can understand important signal characteristics such as timing, amplitude, and frequency.

Components of an Oscilloscope

Before we look at how measure frequency using an oscilloscope, let us first understand the components of an oscilloscope. Below are some of the key components of an oscilloscope.

Display

This is the screen that shows the electrical signal waveform. It will be a CRT for analog models or LCD for the digital models.

Vertical System

This one controls the amplitude of the displayed waveform. It includes changing the vertical scaling and positioning of the waveform.

Horizontal System

This one controls the time scale, sweep rate, and waveform position horizontally.

Trigger System

Its job is to ensure a stable display through triggering the sweep at specific points of the signal.

Input Connectors or Probes

This is how the signals in the circuit are connected to the oscilloscope for testing.

Control Panel

The panel includes buttons, knobs, and sometimes a touchscreens for adjusting the settings of the oscilloscope. This provides time base, triggering, and vertical sensitivity.

Power Supply

This is what provides the power needed to operate the oscilloscope.

You may come across other components of an oscilloscope depending on the model of oscilloscope you buy.

Essential Safety Tips Before Using an Oscilloscope

Understanding some safety tips for measuring voltage using an oscilloscope can help you use it correctly. Below are some ideas on safety.

• Proper grounding is vital for ensuring a path for current to flow in the event of a fault. This is important for protecting you from an electrical shock.
• Avoid overdriving inputs, as it can damage the oscilloscope’s internal components.
• Electrostatic discharge protection is also essential. This is because ESD can damage the oscilloscope’s delicate components. You can use an anti-static wrist strap or a good grounding to ensure this does not happen.
• It is vital to use the correct power and cooling techniques to ensure the oscilloscope remains reliable and lasts for a long time. Use the provided power cord and ensure there is adequate air flow to keep the oscilloscope cool.
• Read the labels and specifications of the oscilloscope. It should provide you with important information, such as its capabilities and limitations.
• Probes are prone to damage if not used correctly. Ensure that the probes are connected securely and grounded adequately for proper operation.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and operations. This will keep your oscilloscope working correctly for a long time. Simply clean the buttons, screen, and ports with lint-free towels and a mild cleaning solution.

Setting Up The Oscilloscope

We are now on the part on how to use an oscilloscope to test circuits. Below are the steps to get started using the oscilloscope.

1. Grounding and Powering the Oscilloscope

Make sure that the oscilloscope is grounded correctly before you can start using it.

Connect the oscilloscope to the power outlet and turn it on. Make sure you are using the provided power cable to ensure a stable power supply as well.

2. Connect the probes

Connect the probes to the input channel. It can be CH1 or CH2. The oscilloscope probes come with a BNC connector. Ensure it is securely connected to the input channels for accurate readings.

The other end of the probe should be connected to the circuit so that you can get the electrical signal.

3. Initial Settings

Turn on the oscilloscope. Give it a few minutes to warm up. However, some models you can use right away.

Set the vertical scale, “volts/division,” to a value such as 5V/cm. This is a mid-range value, which is good on overall.

Set the horizontal scale, “time/division,” to a value that is appropriate depending on the signal frequency. For example, 10ms/cm.

Next on how to measure AC inrush current using an oscilloscope is to set the trigger source to internal or INT. This is usually from the input channel (CH1).

Set the trigger level to AUTO. You can also set a suitable value that will stabilize the waveform.

Also, set the channel coupling to DC.

4. Waveform Display

For this part, you need to adjust the horizontal and vertical position knobs to center the displayed waveform on the the screen’s center.

5. Calibrate Probes

If you need to calibrate probes, connect to the calibration port first. It is usually labeled as “Probe Comp” or “CAL” on your oscilloscope.

Once connected, set the attenuation switch on the probe to 1X. Adjust the variable control on the probe. Keep adjusting until the signal on the display matches the calibration signal.

Reading and Interpreting the Oscilloscope Display

Now that you can see the signal on the display, it’s also important to know how to interpret it.

Understanding the Grid

The horizontal divisions represent time. The “time/div” setting represents how many milliseconds or seconds that each division represents. For example, if the setting is at 1ms, it means that each division represents one millisecond.

As for the vertical division, it represents voltage. It will be “volts/div” determining how many volts that each division represents. For example, if the “volts/div” setting is at 1V, it then means that each vertical division represents 1 volt.

The zero line is the center line of the grid. The line represents zero voltage level.

How to Interpret the Waveform

The waveform can give you important information about the signal. This includes the amplitude, frequency, time period, and phase shift.

The amplitude is simply the height of the waveform. It is measured from the zero line to the peak or trough of the signal.

As for the time period, it is measured as the time it takes for a complete cycle of a waveform to repeat. Simply count the number of horizontal divisions for a full cycle to determine its time period.

The frequency is the number of cycles per second. It is measured in Hertz. To find the frequency, simply inverse the time period.

The phase shift shows the difference between two waveforms along the horizontal position.

As you can see, it is possible to learn a lot of information about the oscilloscope from reading the waveform values and interpreting them as explained above.

Practical Applications for Using an Oscilloscope

Now that you know how to measure phase angle using an oscilloscope, it’s also helpful to know where oscilloscopes are best used. Here is what to expect as oscilloscope applications.

• Waveform visualization in electrical engineering. Oscilloscopes can display voltage waveforms, enabling proper analysis when needed.
• Oscilloscopes also help with troubleshooting and debugging circuit faults, as they allow you to visualize the signal.
• Signal analysis can also be used to determine signal characteristics, such as amplitude, distortion, and frequency.
• Oscilloscopes can be used in medical diagnostics such as medical research for devices such as ECGs and EEGs.
• The same can be used for audio analysis as well. When you analyze audio waveforms, distortion, frequency response, and other properties, you can design better audio systems.
• Oscilloscopes can work well also for research and development. It can be any industry so long as it needs waveform analysis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using an Oscilloscope

Even though using an oscilloscope seems simple, sometimes people make mistakes and end up with the wrong values and waveform analysis. Here are some mistakes you should avoid while using an oscilloscope.

1. Using the wrong scale range

It is important that you always choose the right vertical and horizontal settings. If the signal amplitude is too large or small, the waveform becomes distorted. It is the same thing for the time base setting. The waveform will be too compressed or stretched, thus doing an analysis is hard.

2. Incorrectly connecting the probe

Since the probe is what feeds the signal into the oscilloscope, it is important that it is appropriately secured. This includes both at the input channel and the test circuit. In case of a loose connection, you may end up introducing noise or prevent signal transmission.

3. Forgetting to ground the connection

Grounding is crucial to the oscilloscope’s functioning. Without a proper grounding, you may end up with inaccurate measurements. Also, the missing ground will introduce voltage offsets and noise, making the waveform readings unreliable.

4. Incorrect time base settings

The timebase setting is vital, as it determines how fast the oscilloscope sweeps across the display. Having an incorrect setting means it might make the signal to look either too compressed or stretched. It becomes hard to analysze such a waveform.

5. Forgetting to use advanced functions

Oscilloscopes come with advanced features as well. This includes mathematical functions which are good for signal analysis. Do not forget to utilize such features as they can help extract more information about the measured waveform.

Conclusion

We have looked at how an oscilloscope is used to determine frequency and provided tips on how to use one correctly. All that is remaining is for you to put into practice. If you can access an oscilloscope, whether in a lab or research facility, give it a try and see how it goes. You can always learn more about a circuit from using an oscilloscope to measure and analyze a waveform.