Agilent U1620A handheld oscilloscope features three viewing modes

Agilent’s (www.agilent.com) U1620A is the first 200 MHz handheld oscilloscope in the world to offer a VGA display, a floating measurement capability, three viewing modes and two CAT III 600 V isolated channels. With a maximum real-time sampling rate of two GSa/s and a memory depth of up to two Mpts, the oscilloscope enables users to capture more waveforms from signals such as in rush, pulse with modulated circuit, motor start up sequences and transient.

It also features a dual window zoom and a benchtop-like display that allow users to easily locate problem areas and conveniently zoom in for a detailed analysis.

Designed with a 5.7-inch VGA TFT LCD display, the oscilloscope provides users with a clear view of on-site as well as on the field measurements. The oscilloscope also allows users to view the waveforms under all lighting conditions, as it offers three viewing options — indoor, outdoor and night vision modes.

The indoor mode provides high brightness and contrast levels to provide users with a clear distinction of waveforms, while the outdoor mode features an anti-glare mechanism and filters out excessive sunlight to reduce the risk or misinterpreting or misreading the measurements. Designed to be visible even under subdued lighting conditions, the night vision mode offers high contrast levels between the waveforms and the screen background.

Fitted with the most robust isolation topology, the U1620A oscilloscope enables technicians to perform floating measurements while measuring signals in the field.

Fluke 190-104 handheld oscilloscope

Fluke (www.fluke.com) has introduced a four channel oscilloscope with a safety rating of 1000V CAT III / 600V CAT IV. Featuring 100 MHz bandwidth, Fluke 190-104 handheld oscilloscope delivers a maximum real-time sampling rate of 1.25 GS/s.

It seamlessly combines ruggedness and performance in the field, while offering the highest safety ratings and portability. Specifically developed for plant maintenance technicians and engineers, the Fluke 190-104 is ideal for use in dirty, hazardous and harsh industrial conditions.

Shock-proof, this rugged oscilloscope comes with sealed cases to protect it from water vapor, dust, humidity, air pollutants and drips and ensure reliable accurate performance.

It features two USB ports that are electrically isolated from measurement input circuits, offering users easy connectivity to USB memory devices or a PC, while allowing them to store unlimited screen captures, waveforms or instrument setups. Using FlukeView software, users can conveniently connect to a PC via its USB interface to transfer and archive important measurement data.

Its high-performance batteries benefit from Li-ion technology, which keeps it going strong even for up to seven hours in four channels. The oscilloscope’s easy-access battery door allows for fast changing of batteries.

The Connect-and-View feature allows the oscilloscope to automatically set up correct triggering by identifying signal patterns. Even without touching a button, users can get a reliable, stable and repeatable display of almost any signal such as motor drive and control signals.

Agilent’s U1610A handheld oscilloscope features three viewing modes

Agilent Technologies (www.agilent.com) takes maintenance and troubleshooting task with the release of the first handheld oscilloscope in the world — the U1610A handheld oscilloscope.

Featuring two CAT III 600 V isolated channels, this 100 MHz oscilloscope delivers a maximum real-time sampling rate of one GSa/s and a floating measurement capability. It offers a memory depth of up to 120 kpts which enables it to capture more waveforms from signals such as transient, pulse width modulated circuit, motor start up sequences and in rush.

The oscilloscope’s dual window zoom function and benchtop-like display allow users to identify problems easily and zoom in for more detailed analysis.

Specifically designed with a 5.7” VGA TFT LCD display, the U1601A handheld oscilloscope provides users with a clear view of measurements whether on the field or on-site. It also comes with three viewing modes, which offer predefined contrast levels for optimized battery life and customized lighting conditions.

Its indoor mode features high brightness and contrast levels that help clearly distinguish waveforms found in indoor light environment. For more efficient troubleshooting task, the oscilloscope also allows users to view the display in wide viewing angles.

Through a set of accessible soft keys, users can easily switch on to the outdoor mode when performing field work. This mode reduces the risk of misinterpreting or misreading the measurements as it functions in an anti-glare mechanism and filters out excessive sunlight.

Meanwhile, its night vision mode is engineered to be visible even under subdued lighting by providing high contrast levels between the waveforms and the screen background. Useful for measuring non-repetitive high speed signals, this mode can be activated by simply pressing a button, the screen then adjusts automatically with color correction-creating clear contrasts among the waveforms against the dark surrounding.

Fluke 190-102 ScopeMeter offers highest safety rating

Fluke (www.fluke.com) has released a dual channel oscilloscope that seamlessly combines the rugged portability and highest safety rating with the bench oscilloscope’s high performance.

Featuring 100 MHz bandwidth and a maximum real-time sampling rate of 1.25 GS/s, the Fluke 190-102 Color ScopeMeter is one of the first oscilloscopes to be safety rated CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V.

Specifically designed for plant technicians and maintenance engineers, these oscilloscopes can test virtually anything, from microelectronics to power electronics applications, even in dirty, harsh and hazardous industrial conditions.

It offers two USB ports that are electrically isolated from measurement input circuits, providing users with convenient USB connectivity to USB memory devices or a PC. This also allows users to store unlimited screen captures, waveform or instrument setups to a memory device. Using FlukeView software for windows, the oscilloscope can instantly connect to a PC USB interface to archive critical measurement data.

Fluke 190-102 also features Connect-and-View. This function allows the oscilloscope to automatically set up triggering by recognizing signal patterns. Users get a reliable, stable and repeatable display of almost any signal, that includes motor drive and control signals.

Its Stop-on-Trigger mode enables the oscilloscope to automatically recognize power failure and store the waveform data that precedes it, while the waveform zoom functions allows users to view even the smallest details, such as individual power cycles.

Meanwhile, its TrendPlot function can also locate faults caused by dust, bad connections, corrosion, dirt or simply by broken connectors or wiring.

How to select the right handheld oscilloscope

Aside from characterizing microelectronics to troubleshooting process controls, multi-industrial automation, automotive-service industries and facility maintenance, handheld oscilloscopes can also offer the performance of bench oscilloscopes in a mobile and rugged form factor.

Generally, handheld oscilloscopes integrate test tools specifically designed for field use where the conditions are dangerous, rigorous and precarious. It has to be noted, however, that handheld oscilloscopes are not designed equal. Hence, it is advantageous for users to compare some of its important specifications, such as bandwidth, sample rate and memory depth, before deciding on which one to purchase.

Users should also take into consideration the number of channels, channel isolation capability and safety ratings of the handheld oscilloscope.

Most oscilloscope users erroneously believe that bandwidth determines the highest frequency that can be captured. However, oscilloscope’s bandwidth refers to the frequency that the input signal is attenuated by three dB, which translates to around -30 percent amplitude error. This implies that signals cannot be accurately captured near the oscilloscope’s bandwidth.

When choosing a handheld oscilloscope, users should pick one with a bandwidth that is five times more than the highest frequency that has to be captured.

Another mistaken assumption is that an oscilloscope with a higher sample rate is better than one with a lower sample rate. In truth, an oscilloscope offering higher sample rate does not necessarily offer any extra benefit when compared to an oscilloscope with a lower sample rate.

For a faithful reproduction of a signal on an oscilloscope, Nyquist’s sampling theorem provides that the oscilloscope’s sample rate should be more than double the signal’s highest frequency. This means that if a 40 MHz signal is to be captured, the sample rate of the oscilloscope should be at least 80 MSa/s.

Captured data are stored in the oscilloscope’s waveform buffer and the size of its buffer memory is known as the memory depth. An oscilloscope with deep memory allows users to keep a higher sample rate for a longer period of time.

The memory buffer is quickly filled at high sample rates. Thus, an oscilloscope with a limited memory depth and a high sampling rate of up to two GSa/s can collect data only if it reduces its sample rate. This will prevent the oscilloscope from capturing waveform accurately since the sample points are placed too far apart from each other. However, an oscilloscope that offers deeper memory can sustain its maximum sampling rate, allowing it to accurately capture the waveform.

Oscilloscopes are available in two-channel and four-channel varieties. Each channel allows users to record and measure one signal at a time. In deciding which oscilloscope to purchase, a user should determine the number of signals the user wanted to display on the oscilloscope.

Oscilloscopes with four independently isolated channels are generally used when simultaneously viewing three or more signals, such as when troubleshooting three-phase applications like industrial motors, high-power inverters and variable-frequency motor drives. These kinds of oscilloscopes are rarely used and are usually more expensive. Most of the time, users will only need two channels.

GAO Tek A0110004 handheld digital oscilloscopes

GAO Tek Inc. (www.gaotek.com) has unveiled a series of handheld digital oscilloscopes that integrate a digital multimeter (DMM), digital oscilloscope (DSO) and a six bit digital frequency counter in a single package, the A0110004 series handheld digital storage oscilloscopes.

Ideal for technicians and engineers in troubleshooting during on-site inspection and performing complex measurements, the oscilloscopes feature bandwidths ranging between 1 GSa/s and 25 GSa/s. The A0110004 series handheld digital storage oscilloscopes is designed with 27 automatic measurement functions, and  offer various advanced triggering functions such as pulse, edge, alternative and video. In addition, the oscilloscopes can perform cursor tracking measurements and provide special recording, playback as well as storage functions.

Aside from the auto scale and mathematical functions, Gao Tek’s oscilloscopes also feature FFT spectrum analysis and automatic parameter measurements. They boast powerful shortcut keys and multifunctional dials, which enable users to save time during operation. Gao Tek has also equipped the oscilloscopes with automatic settings functions for faster set up.

The A0110004 series handheld digital storage oscilloscopes is part of the company’s Portable Digital Oscilloscopes portfolio, which includes a vast array of digital oscilloscopes with various bandwidths such as 60 MHz Dual Channel Portable Digital Oscilloscope. Also included in the line-up is a Potable Digital Oscilloscope with FFT that is usually used for circuit testing, electronic debugging, education and training, design and manufacture as well as automobile maintenance and testing.

GAO Tek A0110002 digital oscilloscope features DMM

GAO Tek Inc. (www.gaotek.com) has unveiled a handheld dual channel digital oscilloscope that delivers 20 MHz bandwidth, making it ideal for use by technicians and engineers in troubleshooting and performing complex measurements during on-site inspection.

Offering a maximum real-time sampling rate of 100 MS/s and a memory depth of six k per channel, the A0110002 integrates a digital oscilloscope, a cymometer and a digital multimeter into a single package.

Aside from its auto-scale function, this handheld oscilloscope also provides automatic settings function, multiple wavelength calculation functions, advanced triggering options as well as automatic parameter measurement. The A0110002 digital oscilloscope supports isolated inputs and independently floating inputs for multimeter as well as between oscilloscope and multimeter.

The A0110002 digital oscilloscope offers a vertical sensitivity that range from five mV/div to five V/div, a time base range from five ns/div to five s/div and a rise time of 5.83 ns. The triggering modes of the oscilloscope include edge trigger (Single shot, Auto andNormal) and video trigger. To transfer data, the digital oscilloscope employs USB as well as RS232 interfaces.

This 20 MHz handheld digital oscilloscope is a part of the company’s Portable Digital Oscilloscope Series. The series offers various digital oscilloscopes with different sampling rates and bandwidths, but all of which features the functionality of a digital multimeter, like measurements for current, voltage, capacitance, resistance and continuity and diode check.

Fluke 125 Industrial ScopeMeter delivers 25 MS/s

Fluke (www.fluke.com) has introduced a 40 MHz oscilloscope that combines the functionality of two true-RMS multimeters, a dual input TrendPlot recorder and an oscilloscope in one compact, battery powered device.

Featuring two input channels, the Fluke 125 Industrial ScopeMeter offers a maximum real-time sampling rate of 25 MS/s and a record length of up to 512 pts per input.

The Fluke 125 measures 232 x 115 x 50 mm and weighs only 1.2 kg. It also provides up to seven hours of continuous battery operation, freeing users from main outlets for on-the-move working.

The oscilloscope wastes no time in finding or swapping leads as its high frequency meter-, waveform-, resistance- and capacitance-measurements and continuity checks are covered by the shielded test leads.

Its bus health tester automatically analyzes the network’s electric signals to provide waveform data as well as measure individual parameters. The measurement results will be compared to the standard results with the “good” or “false” indicators displayed on every parameter.

Unlike traditional oscilloscopes that only make measurements referenced to the power line ground, the compact Fluke 125 oscilloscope makes floating measurements. This eliminates the risk of ground short circuit when making the connection.

The oscilloscope’s TrendPlot recorder enables users to view intermittent faults caused by dust, bad connections, corrosion, dirt or simply by broken connectors or wiring. In this mode, users can plot the maximum and minimum peak values. In addition, the oscilloscope’s two inputs can also plot any combination of amps, volts, frequency, temperature and phase with date and time stamp, to help users to easily determine the root cause of the faults.

Fluke 190-062 Color ScopeMeter offers rugged portability

Fluke (www.fluke.com) has introduced a 60 MHz dual channel oscilloscope that combines the rugged portability and highest safety rating with the performance of a benchtop oscilloscope. Featuring a maximum real-time sampling rate of 625 MS/s, the Fluke 190-062 Color ScopeMeter is specifically designed for technicians and plant engineers.

Built for harsh environments, the rugged and shock-proof portable oscilloscope also features a sealed case that protects it from water vapor, dust, humidity, dips and airborne pollutants, ensuring that it delivers reliable accurate performance.

In addition, the Fluke 190-062 seamlessly blends the functionality of a high performance oscilloscope, paperless recorder and multimeter in one portable package.

This easy-to-use oscilloscope offers double-insulated input channels that are safety rated suitable for measurements in CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V environments.

With three-dimensional testing capability for industrial systems, the oscilloscope allows users to simultaneously inspect input signals, safety interlocks of output feedback loops to identify a range of problems, such as signal timing measurements and synchronization issues, circuit voltage/current overloading, signal fluctuation/drift and attenuation/input impedance mismatch.

Its high-performance batteries benefits from Li-ion technology, which allows the oscilloscope to continuously operate for up to four hours. The oscilloscope’s easy-access battery door allows for fast and easy battery swaps.

The Fluke 190-062 comes with two USB ports that allow users to conveniently connect to a PC or any USB memory devices, and store unlimited screen captures, waveform and instrument setups. Its FlukeView software for windows enables users to transfer as well as archive critical measurement data via a PC USB interface.

Tektronix unveils highest-performing handheld oscilloscope

Oscilloscope manufacturer Tektronix Inc. (www.tek.com) has expanded its portfolio with the addition of its latest handheld oscilloscope family. The THS3000 handheld oscilloscope series provide a new level of measurement accuracy and precision to technicians and engineers who need to install, debug and repair complex electronic systems in both lab and field environments.

Delivering a maximum sample rate of five GS/s and 200 MHz bandwidth, the new oscilloscopes are the highest-performing handheld oscilloscopes offered in the market.

“As electrical systems have become more complex and pervasive, there is a growing need for engineers to correlate field and lab measurements and to perform advanced debugging and analysis in the field,” noted Roy Siegel, General Manager for Oscilloscopes at Tektronix.

“As the first true high-performance handheld oscilloscope, the THS3000 Series has the technical performance for analysis of low voltage analog and digital control signals. In addition, the THS3000 Series offers isolated inputs for safely making high voltage floating or differential measurements.”

Weighing just 4.8 lbs, the lightweight THS3000 series offers four isolated channels and seven hours of battery life, making it ideal for use even in the most demanding situations. Customers can select between 100 MHz oscilloscopes with a maximum sampling rate of 2.5 GS/s and 200 MHz oscilloscopes with five GS/s sample rate.

With an intuitive user interface and 10,000 point record length per channel, the four channel oscilloscopes allow users to easily capture extensive signal information even at high sample rates to clearly view signal details.

The THS3000 offers 21 automated measurements that enable users to accurately and quickly make common measurements.

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