Oscilloscope Modes: Understand Different Types

In summary, the conversation is discussing the different modes of operation of an oscilloscope and a question about finding the rise time of a voltage pulse. The speaker provides a summary of the basic modes of operation of an oscilloscope, including trigger modes, auto trigger mode, one shot mode, and event trigger mode. They also share their method for finding the rise time of a voltage pulse, but ask for clarification on the question.
  • #1
aruna1
111
0
I don't know if this the right forum to post this question but i can't figure out which forum i should use:confused:
here is my question
What are the modes in Oscilloscope?
i did google search but couldn't find clear answer for my question.
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
aruna1 said:
I don't know if this the right forum to post this question but i can't figure out which forum i should use:confused:
here is my question
What are the modes in Oscilloscope?
i did google search but couldn't find clear answer for my question.
thanks

What do you mean?
You mean trigger modes? there are many modes! Please be more specific.
 
  • #3
i'm not sure question i was given is
"what are the modes of operation of an oscilloscope(explain each mode) and what is meant by dual trace oscilloscope and its modes of operation"
 
  • #4
aruna1 said:
i'm not sure question i was given is
"what are the modes of operation of an oscilloscope(explain each mode) and what is meant by dual trace oscilloscope and its modes of operation"

That's a pretty lame question, IMO (in my opinion). Sounds like the prof or TA was feeling kind of lazy when they assigned that problem. Sigh.

Well, to try to answer the question prima facia, start with the databook/datasheet for a modern oscilloscope, and talk about the different ways to use the x and y axes for display modes. The older scopes would only let you plot V(t), or some x-y mixed mode (what kinds?), but the newer models allow more mixed Logic Analyzer / Oscilloscope displays too.

I sure hope your prof gets a bit more inspired in his/her questions going forward in this class...
 
  • #5
aruna1 said:
i'm not sure question i was given is
"what are the modes of operation of an oscilloscope(explain each mode) and what is meant by dual trace oscilloscope and its modes of operation"

Your professor ever been an engineer? This and the opamp question is sure different!

the mode is endless, If I tell you I know all of them, I am lying! Even a 15year old scope have disk drive for wave form storage, pattern trigger, event trigger and so on and so on and...

I don't mean to be difficult, I don' even know whether to start! Sorry!
 
  • #6
well can someone explan what are the most basic modes
 
  • #7
aruna1 said:
well can someone explan what are the most basic modes

To get the scope going. First you have to correct voltage scale.

1) Choose the trigger mode. eg. +ve edge trigger, or -ve edge trigger. This got to be the most basic mode.
2) Then you have to auto trigger mode which the scope trace continuously. or normal trigger where the scope will sit and wait for the trigger.
3) You have one shot mode that you want to capture the signal one time only so you can look at it before you reset the scope for another trigger.

This is the most classic old style analog scope can do.

4) then you have the event trigger where you use multi channel. You set a pattern of signal you want the scope to capture when that pattern happened. Just like a logic analyzer.

These are some of the most basic modes. I have not use any scope less than 10 years old, so someone might give you more insight. I have a Tektronix 465 old old scope where people practically gave away, good enough for working on guitar amplifiers.

You have access to a scope in school? Have some one show you for 10 minutes and you learn more modes than anyone can describe to you.
 
  • #8
thanks i have used dual trace scope several time and i have anothe question

"if the output voltage is given by Vo=Vcc(1+e-t/RC),determine the rise time of the voltage pulse given by 2.2RC"

here how i solved it

at t=2.2RC assuming charging is 100%
so
Vmax=Vcc(1-e-2.2RC/RC) = Vcc(1-e-2.2)

at t=t10 Vo=10%*Vmax

Vcc(1-e-t10/RC)=0.1*Vcc(1-e-2.2)

t10=0.09312RC

at t=t90 Vo=90%*Vmax

Vcc(1-e-t90/RC)=0.9*Vcc(1-e-2.2)

t90=1.6108RC

rise time = t90-t10
= (1.6108-0.09312)RC
= 1.51768RC

is my method of finding rise time is correct?
thanks
 
  • #9
aruna1 said:
thanks i have used dual trace scope several time and i have anothe question

"if the output voltage is given by Vo=Vcc(1+e-t/RC),determine the rise time of the voltage pulse given by 2.2RC"
Can you double check your question? I don't understand the last sentence.
here how i solved it

at t=2.2RC assuming charging is 100%
so
Vmax=Vcc(1-e-2.2RC/RC) = Vcc(1-e-2.2)

at t=t10 Vo=10%*Vmax

Vcc(1-e-t10/RC)=0.1*Vcc(1-e-2.2)

t10=0.09312RC

at t=t90 Vo=90%*Vmax

Vcc(1-e-t90/RC)=0.9*Vcc(1-e-2.2)

t90=1.6108RC

rise time = t90-t10
= (1.6108-0.09312)RC
= 1.51768RC

is my method of finding rise time is correct?
thanks

Please clarify.
 
  • #10
what do you mean by clarify?
its about Rise time of a oscilloscope
thanks
 

FAQ: Oscilloscope Modes: Understand Different Types

What is an oscilloscope and how does it work?

An oscilloscope is a scientific instrument used to measure and display electrical signals. It works by converting electrical signals into visible waveforms on a screen.

What are the different modes of an oscilloscope?

The most common modes of an oscilloscope are: time-base mode, XY mode, dual-trace mode, and roll mode.

What is the purpose of each mode?

The time-base mode is used to measure the amplitude and frequency of a signal over time. The XY mode is used for plotting one signal against another, commonly used for Lissajous figures. The dual-trace mode shows two signals on the same screen, allowing for comparison. The roll mode is used to display a continuous waveform over a longer period of time.

How do I switch between modes on an oscilloscope?

Usually, there are buttons or knobs on the oscilloscope labeled with the different modes. You can switch between modes by pressing the corresponding button or turning the knob to the desired mode.

Are there any other specialized modes on an oscilloscope?

Yes, there are some specialized modes like the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) mode, which shows the frequency spectrum of a signal, and the envelope mode, which displays the maximum and minimum amplitudes of a signal over time.

Back
Top