There are a variety of ways to specify the amplitude of a waveform. Here are a few of the most common forms and a primer on when specific types are most appropriate. In physics. amplitude is the absolute value of the maximum displacement from zero during one period of an oscillation. In electrical waveforms, amplitude […]
oscilloscope measurements
The difference between noise and jitter
Electronic noise and jitter are closely related phenomena, but they are not the same. While noise typically manifests as amplitude distortion, jitter pertains to timing of digital signals. Either of them may be caused by outside interference or internal sources. Noise can be seen in an oscilloscope time domain display as a noticeable thickening of […]
Subtleties of math functions in digital storage oscilloscopes
One of the great innovations in modern oscilloscopes is the Math mode. Even in many inexpensive scopes, it generally takes three forms: Dual Waveform Math, FFT, and Advanced Math. Dual Waveform Math requires two waveforms displayed in separate channels to function, but aside from that, it is quite simple. You just run a couple BNC […]
Basics of CMOS and measuring CMOS logic parameters
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication uses p-type and n-type complementary and symmetrical pairs to implement logic functions. The fundamental building block of the CMOS circuit is the MOSFET semiconductor, which enables it to operate at far lower current levels than bipolar transistors. This current reduction comes via pairs of p-type and n-type MOSFETs connected gate-to-gate […]
Test setup measures automotive Ethernet latency with nanosecond precision
A comprehensive test solution helps perform precise timing measurements on in-vehicle networks with nanosecond accuracy for Layers 1-3. The test setup provides a tailored oscilloscope solution based on the R&S RTO, while TSN Systems contributes TSN Box, a hardware interface to the network and TSN Tools, a measurement and analysis software. The test setup monitors […]
Hysteresis and its measurement
Hysteresis might be defined as something that happens when the physical state depends upon its history. The classic example of hysteresis in action is the residential thermostat. It has built-in hysteresis to prevent rapid cycling. It’s low cut-in and high cut-out levels are designed to prevent the heating/cooling system from rapid switching, which would quickly […]
Researchers get a charge out of measuring eels with battery powered oscilloscopes
Next time you find yourself swimming around with electric eels, try grabbing one and then put the leads of a battery powered oscilloscope on its head and tail. According to University of Central Florida zoology professor Will Crampton, you’ll probably measure a voltage in the 700-V range. Crampton and his associates went to the rivers […]
Difference between signal jitter and frequency modulation
Jitter and frequency modulation both involve a change in the frequency of an underlying signal. It’s worth investigating how the two phenomenon differ. Jitter is usually defined as an undesired deviation in timing of a signal from its original periodicity. It can take the form of variations in phase, period, or duty cycle. And jitter […]
Do you really need a VNA when a scalar network analyzer might do?
Network analyzers measure network parameters of electrical networks, such as two-port amplifiers and filters. The instruments characteristically operate at 5 Hz to 1.05 THz, mostly at the higher end, though some models are sensitive down to 1 Hz. These instruments are available in two varieties: scalar network analyzers, which measure only the amplitude of the […]
Signal acquisition in the Tektronix MDO3000 series oscilloscope
Most modern digital storage oscilloscopes have either two or four analog channels. One or two channels suffice for most work, but it is just good to know you have four, notwithstanding the substantial cost differential. As for the digital channel count, it is typically 16, handy when working on a parallel bus. All these digital […]
