Oscilloscope Fundamentals
A tutorial series on oscilloscope operation, probing techniques, and measurement best practices
This tutorial series covers everything you need to know to make accurate measurements with modern oscilloscopes. Beginning with basic oscilloscope operation, you'll learn to configure the vertical, horizontal, trigger, and display systems for voltage-versus-time measurements. In addition, essential probing techniques are explained, starting with passive probes and their attenuation factors, followed by the critical process of probe compensation for measurement accuracy. You'll also discover how to measure current using clamp-style current probes with Hall effect sensors, and how to make differential measurements safely when neither test point is ground-referenced. This series provides the foundation for confident oscilloscope use.
What you'll learn:
- Configure the four primary oscilloscope systems to properly scale, trigger, and display voltage waveforms over time
- Select between 1X and 10X passive probes based on signal amplitude, bandwidth, and circuit loading requirements
- Compensate passive probes using the built-in square wave generator to ensure accurate amplitude and pulse measurements
- Measure AC and DC current non-invasively using clamping current probes with proper zeroing and degaussing procedures
- Perform safe differential voltage measurements across power electronics and differential signal protocols like USB and CAN
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