Spectrum analyzers fall into two basic categories, real-time and swept. Real-time spectrum analyzer technology is derived from that of the oscilloscope. The instrument first gathers data in the time domain and then translates it into the frequency domain by means of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The noise floor is lower than in an oscilloscope, […]
Tektronix
Next-gen basic oscilloscope works with active
probes and features a wide display
The TBS2000 is a next-generation basic oscilloscope featuring the longest record length and largest display in its class. This latest addition to the Tektronix portfolio can use a wide range of Tektronix probes. Says Jeff Yost, director, Basic Oscilloscopes, Tektronix, “The new instrument sets a new standard for usability with features like a large display […]
Analyzer simplifies tasks for characterizing
semiconductor devices
A new parameter analyzer aims to accelerate semiconductor device, materials and process insights by reducing characterization complexity for new or sporadic users, simplifying test setup, and delivering clear, precise results. The Keithley 4200A-SCS instrument features a modern industrial design, a new graphical user interface and a range of helpful self-learning tools such as expert instructional […]
Triggering options in the Tektronix MDO3104 oscilloscope
In oscilloscope development, triggered sweep was a major innovation. It emerged as part of the great electronics boom in the post-World War II period. It came in handy for troubleshooting the large number of consumer TVs that appeared around the same time. TV technology was orders of magnitude more complex than that of the simple […]
Using a scope to read signals obscured by noise
Noise in electronic circuits can be defined in a variety of ways, but it is almost always undesirable. The principal types of noise are thermal noise, shot noise, flicker noise, burst noise and transit time noise. Thermal noise is always present in an electronic circuit where the temperature of any device or conductor is above […]
The difference between hold-off control and delayed sweep
In oscilloscope triggering, hold-off is a simple concept and is easy to implement. In contrast, delayed sweep is somewhat more obscure as to its details and current status in digital storage oscilloscopes. It was prominent in analog scopes but currently has more limited application. First hold-off: Hold-off relates to triggering the oscilloscope. The time base […]
Scope function generators: The difference between duty cycle and function output frequency
Some contemporary oscilloscopes, such as the Tektronix MDO3104, may incorporate an optional built-in arbitrary function generator (AFG). This is an enormously useful and convenient feature, either as a replacement or a supplement for a stand-alone bench-type AFG. In the Tektronix instrument, there are 14 available waveforms, ranging from sine wave to cardiac. The AFG output […]
What is the Difference Between Real-Time and Equivalent-Time Sampling in an Oscilloscope?
The digital oscilloscope currently dominates the market, both in bench-type and hand-held instruments produced by all major manufacturers. But back in the day, cathode ray tubes were used to display analog signals, which were processed by linear amplifiers. The advantage of digital technology for the oscilloscope is much faster processing and the ability to store […]
Did the scope probe garble that signal?
Today’s amazing oscilloscopes are instruments of choice in research, product development and troubleshooting. But to be effective, their signal integrity must be evaluated and maintained, starting with the probes and working downstream. The user must be fully aware of bandwidth and sampling rate issues. These metrics become increasingly critical as the frequency of the signal […]
Using scope signal conditioning to boost vertical resolution
In an oscilloscope display, vertical resolution can often be dramatically improved by conditioning the signal. This conditioning can take place either inside or outside of the instrument. The most significant impediment to vertical resolution is noise. Electronic circuits, conductors, and devices introduce a certain amount of noise which adds to the signal of interest. Consequently, […]