What is a Digital Oscilloscopes??

Oscilloscopes are one of the basic requirement for any individual or firm involved with electronics. An oscilloscope which is also called as scope, is a type of electronic test equipment that allows signal voltages to be viewed, usually as a 2-D graph of one or more electrical potential differences (vertical axis) plotted as a function of time or of some other, voltage (horizontal axis).

It is a device with a wide array of uses, but mainly used to measures electrical signals, these signals are then represented in an interpretable and measurable format. For years, analogue oscilloscopes have provided this function. In modern times though, the more technologically advanced digital oscilloscope has replaced it.

Oscilloscopes

A digital oscilloscope (DSO) depicts the electrical signals in the form of a graphical illustration.A DSO measures the signal, and then converts that measurement into a digital format using an ADC converter, after which the data measured is depicted as a digital waveform representation. A large variety of oscilloscopes are available in a range of sizes from the more traditional bench oscilloscopes to lightweight, portable oscilloscopes which are usually battery powered. 

DSO have a wider range of functions than their analog counterparts which includes the ability to not just measure waveforms, but display them, store them, provide waveform processing, analysis and more. In general, DSO comes equipped with multiple input slots too, which allows the oscilloscope to make simultaneous readings of different devices simultaneously.

Applications of digital oscilloscopes
Due to their flexibility and resourcefulness, digital oscilloscopes are used in a variety of vocations and industries. Here are some of the applications of oscilloscopes.

• Oscilloscopes are used in the automotive field to assess the amount of vibrations a vehicle is causing, which helps the mechanic or manufacturer determine how effective the damping on the vehicle is, or if there are any structural defects.
• Another popular use of oscilloscopes is to measure seismic activity such as earthquakes, tremors and the shifting of seismic plates. Scientists and researchers working in the study of seismology find use for digital oscilloscopes regularly.
• In the world of music and sound, oscilloscopes are used to calculate the vibrating frequency and strength of sound waves. This helps them to determine the quality and reach of the audio, and is used in a variety of scenarios such as live shows, audio recording, television 
• Oscilloscopes also find function in the area of electricity and electronics. The quality and proficiency of power-based machines and systems are measured using oscilloscopes. Digital oscilloscopes are also used to trouble shoot such devices, as it can determine if there are issues in the flow of electricity within the devices.
• The most widely recognized use of an oscilloscope is in ECG or electrocardiography machines. Commonly seen in hospitals and used to measure the patient’s heart-rate, ECG machines are also used on pregnant women to measure the heartbeat of their infants.

The price of a DSO depends upon its functionality. The more high-end devices such as 6 GHz oscilloscopes and above can be quite expensive to purchase new, and can be rented from electronics test and measurement suppliers like Tektronix, TRS RenTelco, Rohde & Schwarz, Teledyne LeCroy, Keysight and others who offer rent, lease and sale options on this equipment. Although, trade of used digital oscilloscopes also occurs across the nation, meaning cheaper, second-hand alternatives can be found based on the buyer’s budget.

Source: R&D Magzine