Oscilloscopes are devices that analyze and record the quality of voltage signals. ATEC offers affordable oscilloscope rental rates and immediate shipping for a comprehensive inventory of digital and analog oscilloscopes from leading manufacturers like Tektronix, Keysight, and Rohde & Schwarz.
What is An Oscilloscope?
Oscilloscopes measure the strength of electrical signals over time. A graphical display shows time on the X-axis and voltage on the Y-axis. Oscilloscopes can also detect a variety of other electrical characteristics, including frequency, current, resistance, and even qualities like the frequency of oscillating signals or noise levels.
An oscilloscope is an essential tool for the design, testing, and debugging of electrical devices. Medical researchers, various technicians, and others use oscilloscopes to determine electrical signal changes that could affect a circuits voltage quality.
Who Uses An Oscilloscope?
- Automotive Mechanics
- Medical Staff
- Television Repair Technicians
- ITE Personnel
- Physicists
- Manufacturers
Types Of Oscilloscopes
Oscilloscopes come in two basic types: analog and digital. Analog oscilloscopes provide visualizations of the signal as a continuous waveform by means of a cathode ray tube. Digital oscilloscopes offer faster processing and more accurate measurements displayed on LCD screens.
Oscilloscope rentals can be further divided into mixed signal oscilloscopes (MSO), digital phosphor oscilloscopes (DPO), digital storage oscilloscopes (DSO), and digital sampling oscilloscopes. A handheld oscilloscope is ideal for operators that want a portable device, and benchtop units are also available for those looking for standing body units. USB oscilloscopes offer the convenience of connecting to personal computers via USB ports.
What is An Oscilloscope Used For?
- Electrical Equipment Maintenance
- Laboratory Work
- Automotive Analysis
- Telecommunication Repairs
- Power Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Inverter & Motor Testing
- Jitter Analysis
- Data Storage
- Device Testing
- Logic Analysis
- Signal Evaluation
How To Use An Oscilloscope
Oscilloscopes are used to visually show you what electricity in a circuit is doing and allows technicians to determine errors in the system. The device is also used to debug and evaluate. In order to use an oscilloscope effectively:
First, you should make sure to reference the oscilloscope’s user-manual before use. Press the “Default Setup” button and connect your oscilloscope to your device, using a probe. Then connect the designated end of the probe and calibrate. Make sure to complete the required signal scaling and look at the screen and manually make changes as needed. At this time, you can take measurements and review data. With this information you can determine the appropriate adjustments.
How To Read An Oscilloscope
- Use the user’s manual before testing
- Become familiar with the oscilloscope’s controls and interface
- Turn on the device and adjust the settings
- Adjust the time scale with the horizontal knob (x-axis)
- Adjust the voltage reading with the vertical knob (y-axis)
- Note that each small box in grid (called a division) can be adjusted as well
- Look at the interface and view the data
- Adjust trigger level (as needed)
- Run your desired test or take measurements
- Adjust horizontal scale and trigger level as needed
- View the data on the interface, zooming in and out (as needed)
- Note both the x and y-axis and the resulting waveforms of the test
- Produce a single shot capture
- Save the data to reference later
Choosing The Right Oscilloscope Rental
When choosing the right oscilloscope rental, it is important to consider frequency range, bandwidth, sample rate, rise time, the number of channels, and available probes. Reach out to an ATEC rental agent today, and we can help you pick the ideal oscilloscope rental to meet your test standards. Look for the following features when deciding on what model to choose:
- Diverse range of bandwidths
- Comprehensive application software
- Automated measuring capabilities
- Durable and contact models
- User-friendly interface
- Visual trigger facility
- Search and mark capability
- Debugging applications
Renting Oscilloscopes save time and money. ATEC provides customers with a wide range of oscilloscope rentals to choose from, based on the desired test standards. In order to detect accurate and cost-effective data, renting is the way to go.