Oscilloscopes & Vectorscopes

Oscilloscopes and Vectorscopes

Analysers data acquisition equipment comes in various styles for multiple types of usage. A vectorscope is a kind of oscilloscope, which is a tool that allows observation of constantly altering signal voltages. It analyses waveforms for properties like frequency, rise time, amplitude, time interval, distortion and many others. Considerations that need addressed include resolution, channels, bandwidth, and memory depth to name a few. A little research goes a long way in finding the proper product to fit your needs.

One of the most important specifications is the bandwidth. The general rule of thumb for bandwidth on oscilloscopes is five to ten times the maximum frequency of the signal you intend to measure. If your budget allows it, you might consider aiming more toward the ten times range in case your maximum frequency changes over time. You never know what life will throw at you over time.

There are many decisions that you need to make before you purchase any test equipment. One of these decisions is how many channels should oscilloscopes feature. Traditionally, a unit will have two or four channels scope, but more modern mixed-signal oscilloscopes (MSO) are now providing additional logic timing channels, so it's possible to get a range of 20 channels for triggering, acquisition and viewing.

Whether looking for branded or unbranded oscilloscopes and vectorscopes, you will need to decide if you want analogue or digital versions. Modern version only uses digital, but if you must have an analogue unit, a little shopping in the right department will result in finding the perfect machine to fit your needs. However, if you are open to change, digital gives you a better reading.

Oscilloscopes are used in many industries including, medicine, engineering, automotive, the sciences, and the telecommunications sector. Most home uses are for analysing an automotive ignition system.