Oscilloscope Measurements: Voltage, Time, and Frequency

The Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO) is an incredibly useful tool for analyzing signals in the time domain. It provides a visual representation of signals in the form of a graph or trace on its display, based on the voltage input.

Refer to oscilloscope basic article for types and manufacturers. Oscilloscope measurements are many such as voltage, time, frequency, complex waveforms and more. The same have been described below. Modern day oscilloscopes are used even for complex modulated spectrum analysis with the help of add-on applications.

An oscilloscope with an input impedance of 1 MOhm can be used as a DC/AC voltmeter by connecting the voltage to be measured to the Y-Axis, grounding the X plates, and turning the time base off.

The CRO, equipped with gain control on its Y amplifiers, needs to be calibrated for accurate voltage measurements. This gain control allows for precise voltage measurement.

CRO can measure AC voltages at frequencies of several MHz. It is not damaged by overloading due to protection circuitry.

Besides voltage measurements, oscilloscopes are used for:

• Time measurements
• Frequency measurements
• Complex waveform analysis and measurements