Oscilloscope Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oscilloscope?
An oscilloscope, formerly known as an oscillograph, graphically displays electrical signals and shows how they change over time. Learn more about how an oscilloscope works, what they're used for and the types of oscilloscopes.
What is an oscilloscope used for?
Engineers use oscilloscopes to design, manufacture or repair electronic equipment to verify that a device is working properly.
How does an oscilloscope work?
An oscilloscope reconstructs electrical signals using three systems—vertical, horizontal and trigger—which work together to gather information about the electrical signal, so the oscilloscope can graphically display those signals.
How does an oscilloscope measure voltage?
An oscilloscope measures voltage waves by capturing physical phenomena such as vibrations or temperature, or electrical phenomena such as current or power with a sensor. The oscilloscope then converts that signal into a waveform and graphically displays it where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage.
What does an oscilloscope measure?
An oscilloscope measures voltage waves, but it can also be used to measure current, resistance, sound, capacitance, frequency and more.
How does an oscilloscope measure frequency?
Most oscilloscopes measure frequency automatically, but you can also use a simple equation (frequency=1/period) and the horizontal scale on your oscilloscope to measure frequency manually.
How can an oscilloscope measure current?
You can use an oscilloscope to measure current by measuring the voltage dropped across a shunt resistor or by using a current probe.
What are the different types of oscilloscopes?
There are two main types of oscilloscopes: analog and digital. Most engineers today use digital oscilloscopes, which fall into five categories: digital storage oscilloscopes, digital phosphor oscilloscopes, mixed signal oscilloscopes, mixed domain oscilloscopes, and digital sampling oscilloscopes.
What is a mixed signal oscilloscope?
A mixed signal oscilloscope is a type of digital storage oscilloscope designed to capture, display, and compare both analog and digital signals.
What is a mixed domain oscilloscope?
Like a mixed signal oscilloscope, a mixed domain oscilloscope measures analog and digital signals, but has built-in spectrum analyzer, allowing engineers to make radio frequency (RF) measurements as well.
How to use an oscilloscope
Learn the basics of how to set up and how to use an oscilloscope as well as basic measurement techniques with our Oscilloscope How-To Guide.
How to choose an oscilloscope
There are many factors to consider when buying an oscilloscope. Learn more in our guide on how to choose the best oscilloscope for your application.
Who uses an oscilloscope?
Scientists, engineers, physicists, medical researchers, automotive mechanics, repair technicians and educators use oscilloscopes to see signals change over time. There is no shortage of applications for this powerful instrument.
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Section Title
Accurately Simulate Environments while Measuring ECM Techniques
Header Statement for Effect
At Tektronix, we are the leader in delivering integrated measurement tools that help military and government personnel accurately recreate the physical and electromagnetic environment exposed during field operations and electronic warfare.
Today, the dynamic congestion contained within the Electromagnetic Spectrum from other emitters, jammers, and interferes demands higher fidelity instruments to accurately simulate the environments represented in the field to ensure electronic protection systems are fully tested out, so our military forces can detect realistic threats and stay out of harm’s way.
Learn more
Accurately Simulate Environments while Measuring ECM Techniques
Header Statement for Effect
At Tektronix, we are the leader in delivering integrated measurement tools that help military and government personnel accurately recreate the physical and electromagnetic environment exposed during field operations and electronic warfare.
Today, the dynamic congestion contained within the Electromagnetic Spectrum from other emitters, jammers, and interferes demands higher fidelity instruments to accurately simulate the environments represented in the field to ensure electronic protection systems are fully tested out, so our military forces can detect realistic threats and stay out of harm’s way.
Learn more
Accurately Simulate Environments while Measuring ECM Techniques
Header Statement for Effect
At Tektronix, we are the leader in delivering integrated measurement tools that help military and government personnel accurately recreate the physical and electromagnetic environment exposed during field operations and electronic warfare.
Today, the dynamic congestion contained within the Electromagnetic Spectrum from other emitters, jammers, and interferes demands higher fidelity instruments to accurately simulate the environments represented in the field to ensure electronic protection systems are fully tested out, so our military forces can detect realistic threats and stay out of harm’s way.
Learn more