An oscilloscope is a type of electronic test instrument that graphically displays varying voltages of one or more signals as a function of time. It is an instrument that graphically displays electrical signals and shows how those signals change over time. Oscilloscopes are commonly used to display and analyze the waveform of electronic signals. They are used in the sciences, engineering, biomedical, automotive, and telecommunications industry.
An oscilloscope measures voltage waves and displays them as waveforms, visual representations of the variation of voltage over time. The vertical axis represents the voltage magnitude, and the horizontal axis represents time. The graph on an oscilloscope can reveal important information such as voltage signal shape, current signal shape, signal anomalies, amplitude modulation of an oscillating signal, and any variations in frequency.
Oscilloscopes are often used when designing, manufacturing, or repairing electronic equipment. Engineers use an oscilloscope to measure electrical phenomena and solve measurement challenges quickly and accurately to verify their designs or confirm that a sensor is working properly. Scientists, engineers, physicists, repair technicians, and educators use oscilloscopes to see signals change over time.
Most modern oscilloscopes are lightweight, portable instruments compact enough for a single person to carry. In addition to portable units, the market offers a number of miniature battery-powered instruments for field service applications. Laboratory-grade oscilloscopes, especially older units that use vacuum tubes, are generally bench-top devices or are mounted on dedicated carts.
In summary, an oscilloscope is a laboratory instrument that displays and analyzes the waveform of electronic signals. It is a powerful tool used in various industries to measure electrical phenomena and solve measurement challenges quickly and accurately.
