Electronic Devices and Circuits

EE-120
Fall 2022
Lab Report Obtained Marks
Total Marks

Lab Engineer Signature &

Comments

Section & Group

Student Name
1. Muhammad Umer
2. Ali Haider
3. Mohammad Ibraheem
4.

Section: A Group: 3
Experiment No: 01 Date of Submission:
Feburary-13-2023
Experiment Title: Introduction to Oscilloscope
Batch: Teacher:
BSEE 2022-26 Dr. Mohsin Riaz

Semester Lab Engineer:

2nd M. Khurram Khawar

Department of Electrical Engineering

1.1 Abstract:
In this lab we drew the graphs of AC voltages given by the power supply with the help of
oscilloscope at different frequencies. First of all, we connect the probe from the power supply with
the oscilloscope. Then we turn on the oscilloscope and set out the amplitude of oscilloscope with
the help of amplitude regulator. Then we set out the frequency of the signal with the help of
frequency regulator. After this we obtain the graph of our input signal. We repeat the same process
for different amplitude and different frequency. The graph was slightly bulk due to the probe which
was not tightly connected. We also change the type of graph of input signal into sinusoidal,
triangular and square. We also observe the root mean square value and peak to peak value of the
input signal. Learning how to use an oscilloscope is an essential step for electrical engineers. The
ability to use this equipment is necessary for the analysis of circuits. Without this tool, it is almost
impossible to find faults in complex circuits. We also measure the voltages of power supply and its
graph at different frequencies and amplitude.

1.2 Introduction:
This lab is about the basic device of electricity known as oscilloscope. An oscilloscope that is used
to digitally store and analyze instead of analog techniques is a digital storage oscilloscope. It is a
complex electronic device, which is composed of various electronic hardware software and
modules. These are known to work in unity to capture, process, store and display data which
represents the signal of interest that the operator possesses.

1.3 Objective:
➢ The objective of this lab was to learn the students about the basic electrical devices such as
oscilloscope and power supply.
➢ The objective of this lab is also to teach the students about the basics of oscilloscope.
➢ We also measure the voltages of power supply and its graph at different frequencies and
amplitude.

1.4 Theory overview

Oscilloscope:
An oscilloscope (Fig. 1) is a piece of equipment for testing electronic circuits and lets you look at
the voltage changes over time so that you can diagnose problems in a digital waveform. It can
record changes or variations in voltages over a while. Learning how to use an oscilloscope is an
essential step for electrical engineers. The ability to use this equipment is necessary for the analysis
of circuits. Without this tool, it is almost impossible to find faults in complex circuit.
Digital Storage Oscilloscope and Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes:

An oscilloscope that is used to digitally store and analyze instead of analog techniques is a digital
storage oscilloscope. It is a complex electronic device, which is composed of various electronic
hardware software and modules. These are known to work in unity to capture, process, store and
display data which represents the signal of interest that the operator possesses. Also referred to as
digital Oscilloscope or digital sampling oscilloscope, it is the most commonly used Oscilloscope. It
is used for various purposes such as measurement features, storage, display, and advanced trigger,
which it is known for providing to its users. The input analog signals are samples and further
converted into a digital record. These digital records are found to be the amplitude of the signal
during every sample time. There are many subtypes of a digital storage oscilloscope which came
into usage after digital technology got introduced. Usually, all these types are called by the
term digital oscilloscope itself. The other terms are only used when they are to be specifically
referred to. Generally, it is known as a digital oscilloscope and digital phosphor oscilloscope or
DPO. Digital storage oscilloscope – this term came into existence after the digital oscilloscopes got
introduced. The name indicates that it has a memory that can be used for storage. These storages
may be used waveforms that may be visible for a long period. A digital storage oscilloscope is
known for storing and digitizing the input signals that come their way. It is handy and is used across
various applications and industries for fulfilling multiple tasks. In earlier times, oscilloscopes
consisted of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). It is why they were called Cathode Ray Oscilloscope.

1.5 Working Principle of Digital Storage Oscilloscope:

A digital storage oscilloscope is used for the purpose of storing and digitizing the input signals. This
is done with the usage of a cathode ray tube or CRT and with the help of digital memory. The
digitization is generally done by using the sample input signals at various periodic waveforms.
Now, the maximum frequency of the signal is measured with the help of a DSO depends majorly on
two factors. These factors are the sampling rate and the nature of the converter. In the sampling rate,
the safe analysis of the input signal is done by using the sampling theory. This theory states that it is
crucial for the sampling rate of the signals to be twice as fast as per the highest frequency of the
input signa ls received. The sampling rate refers to the fact that the analog to digital conversion rate
is fast and high. In the working of the digital storage oscilloscope, the converter works by using the
expensive flash, the resolution of which decreases as the sampling rate increases. The bandwidth
and resolution of the Oscilloscope are found to be limited due to the sampling rate. The need for
analog to digital signal converters might be easily overcome with the usage of a shift register. The
shift register is used for sampling and storing the input signals.

1.6 Applications of Digital Storage Oscilloscope:

An Oscilloscope is a device that allows the user to measure various characteristics of a voltage or
current. It can be used to see how a signal changes over time. It is useful in troubleshooting
electronic circuits because it can show whether or not a circuit under test is producing the expected
signal. They are used in areas such as electronics, acoustics, telecommunications, signal processing,
and medical electronics. Oscilloscopes are complex instruments that produce the visual
representation of the circuit. They allow analyzing the electrical signal in real-time.
Oscilloscopes are used to measure:

➢ Characteristics such as frequency, amplitude, rise time, and fall time.

➢ To check the stability of an AC signal.
➢ To observe the circuit behavior.

1.7 Types of Oscilloscopes:

The performance of a digital Oscilloscope depends on the sample rate and bandwidth. Different
types of digital Oscilloscopes are available today. In Digital Oscilloscope, the frequency of repeated
signals is limited by the bandwidth to be displayed. Also, sample rates limit the ability of the
Oscilloscope to capture transient.

1.7.1 Digital Storage Oscilloscope:

A digital storage oscilloscope is a device that captures the transient events and then stands those
events for further analysis, printing, archival, and other similar processes. In this type of
Oscilloscope, there is permanent storage with the help of which any kind of signal can be recorded
and uploaded on other media for analysis. With this type of Oscilloscope, four more signals can be
analyzed simultaneously and can also provide single-shot events that are captured with the help of
triggers. This type of trigger can be set as per your requirement, whether manually or automatically.
The major difference between analog and digital storage Oscilloscope is that digital storage
Oscilloscope, unlike analog one, cannot display the level of intensity of any type of real-time signal.

1.7.2 Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes:

In comparison to a standard digital storage oscilloscope, a Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope is faster in

capturing signal and analyzing it. It uses parallel processing with the help of which a real-time
signal visualization performance level can be attained, and it also helps in delivering the highest
sampling rates. It is similar in displaying the intensity of a signal to that of an analog oscilloscope.
By duplicating the effect of phosphorus, this device helps in storing the database of values of the
defeated waveforms. It increases the intensity of the display wherein the waveforms overlap. Digital
Phosphor Oscilloscopes display the intensity level of the transparent the only thing is that it can
miss transient data outside the data capture window and outside its update rate. It is a better version
and a combination of the features of digital storage and analog Oscilloscopes. When it comes to
general-purpose, design digital timing, communication, testing, troubleshooting, and other such
processes, it delivers high quality.

1.7.3 Portable Digital Storage Oscilloscope or Fluke DSO:

Portable Oscilloscopes are a device that either Limited in feature as well as size. As the name
suggests, these can be transported easily. These devices have an extra durable protective casing that
can be used in any kind of field application and fault discovery. Fluke DSOs is small in size but
have an important feature that can help get the signals’ accuracy. These devices are also helpful in
obtaining high accuracy results and having resemblance with Laboratory type Oscilloscopes.
1.7.4 PC based USB digital storage oscilloscope:

These Oscilloscopes are based on Computers and are small in size. It also has external devices that
are connected with the computer with the help of a USB.
When it comes to this type of Oscilloscopes, significant improvement in the sampling rate, as well
as the bandwidth, can be seen. Some USB Oscilloscopes even have the same capabilities and
functions as digital storage ones. So, it is a rather affordable and durable Oscilloscope.

1.7.5 Two-Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope:

A two-channel digital storage oscilloscope is a device that measures electrical signals over time,
displaying the information on a screen. Two-channel DSO has an analog channel for viewing
voltage waveforms and another channel for viewing digital signals. It uses internal memory to
record measurements for later analysis. The two-channel digital storage oscilloscope is a unique
diagnostic tool for understanding electrical problems in power supplies, motors, switches, lighting,
and other applications. These troubleshooting instruments are used to measure voltage and current
parameters in AC/AC or DC systems.

1.7.6 Four-Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope:

A 4-channel digital storage oscilloscope has one analog input and four analog channels. It works on
the principle of sampling data with time resolution. In four-channel DSO, a user can set the
parameters through software or firmware to get desired results. It can be used to view and record
changes in voltage, and it provides clear and precise waveforms of voltage by using the display
screen on the front panel. It allows the user to view the voltage of either AC or DC at various
frequencies. This function is useful for diagnosing electronics and can be used to test power lines,
motors, switches, circuit boards, and so on.

1.7.7 Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes:

A mixed Domain Oscilloscope is a device that has the combined functions of an RF spectrum
analyzer, logic analyzer, and digital Oscilloscope. This type of Oscilloscopes is one of the most
commonly used devices when working with systems that include works such as Digital logic, radio
frequency communication, digital signals, digital logic, and so on. The signals that are received with
the help of the trigger and our time-correlated with each other are helpful in troubleshooting design
testing and debugging when it comes to using Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes.

1.8 How to use an Oscilloscope?

➢ An Oscilloscope is a device that is particularly used for testing the types of equipment and
finding the fault of a variety of electronic circuits. It is useful in long circuits, from analog
circuits to Radio circuits.
➢ Having a basic knowledge of how to use an Oscilloscope is important so that you can make
the best use out of it. Let us focus on some of the useful steps that you should know for
using the Oscilloscope properly:
 ➢ The very first step is to use any device by turning the power on-off the device. A switch
that is labeled as power or line will be available on the device. You need to press the power-
on button that is available there.
➢ A power indicator or a light indicator will come once the power has been supplied to the
device.
➢ After switching on the power button of the device, you should wait for the Oscilloscope
display to a for the process.
➢ Some Oscilloscopes today have a semiconductor-based space; on the other hand, some are
made up of cathode-ray tubes, which take a while to warm up before appearing on display.
➢ Both types of display need time to warm up before appearing; therefore, you may need to
wait approximately a minute for the Oscilloscope to be used.
➢ Once the display appears, you need to be ready to find the trace. It is the first stage for using
an Oscilloscope as other waveforms can be seen on the screen, but before that, you should
work on finding out the trace.
➢ For that, you can work on the trigger by setting it on the center and hold it off turn fully
counterclockwise.
➢ Now you also need to set the other control by placing them in horizontal and vertical
positions at the center. At this point, the trace should become visible; however, if the trace is
not located, then you can press the Beam finder button to locate it.
➢ The next step after finding the trace is to set the gain control on the horizontal position. The
gain control should be set so that the trees that are expected can fill the vertical screen.
➢ Let’s suppose that the expected waveform is about 8-volt peak to peak and the screen is
about 10 cm height in the calibrated section; then, you need to set the gain control at 1 volt
CM. The way from now will be 8 cm which will occupy the screen.
➢ After setting the gain control, you need to set the time-based speed, which depends on what
you need to see on the screen.
➢ Let’s suppose that a waveform has a period time of 10 milliseconds; then, the screen may
have a width of 12 CM. At this point, the timing base speed will be one MS per centimeter.

1.9 Operation Modes of Digital Storage Oscilloscope:

A digital storage oscilloscope is known for working in three operational modes: roll mode, store
mode, and hold or save mode. The roll modes are used to display fast fluctuating signals evidently
on the screen. The input signals are not triggered at all in this type of operational mode of DSO.
This mode of operation has a purpose that is similar to the general procedure of a CRO. As soon as
the input is done, the trace gets displayed on the screen. This mode is used for monitoring the
waveform and the characteristics that it possesses. It is said to be one of the most basic modes of
operation when it comes to working a digital storage oscilloscope. The store mode is used for
storing the signals in the memory, and the hold or saves mode facilitates a user to hold the data for
some time until it gets stored in the memory. There are some other modes as well in which a digital
storage oscilloscope works.
1.10 Graph at same amplitude and different frequency:
1.11 Graph at same frequency and different amplitude:
1.12 Conclusion:

The oscilloscope lab was a valuable experience that allowed us to gain hands-on experience with a
key tool used in electronics and electrical engineering. Through the lab, we were able to learn how
to use an oscilloscope to measure and analyze signals, and how to interpret the results to gain
insights into the behavior of electrical systems. Some key observations we made during the lab
include the relationship between the amplitude and frequency of a waveform, and the effects of
changing these parameters on the resulting waveform.
One of the most important things we learned was the importance of connecting the probe properly,
which can have a significant impact on the accuracy of the readings obtained using an oscilloscope.
In addition, we learned how to use the various controls on an oscilloscope to adjust the display and
to capture a stable waveform, and how to use the cursors to measure specific points on the
waveform.
In conclusion, the oscilloscope lab was an informative and educational experience that allowed us to
gain a deeper understanding of oscilloscopes and their uses. This knowledge will be valuable as we
continue our studies in electronics and electrical engineering, and will serve as a foundation for
future experimentation and problem-solving in these fields.