I learned how to use the oscilloscope alone. The first time I tried to work with him one, I got in front of this a few simple instructions from experienced colleagues. But then I was left to himself, to thoroughly understand this important instrument.
And I found that working with an oscilloscope - it's not too difficult to ...
The oscilloscope can be a little overwhelmed by all of its functions. But you do not need to know why and how each of these functions.
As in any other job, you can do things to do, knowing a few simple things.
So, I want to tell you these simple things that you can start to use an oscilloscope themselves.
Knowing how to use the oscilloscope, it is very useful when creating electronic circuits. When your circuit does not work, it will help you understand what is going wrong.
What is an oscilloscope?
Oscilloscope - a device that measures the voltage over time. But when we need it?
Let's say you create a music player. But when you connect the power, it does not work. The sound is not ...
An oscilloscope can measure various points in your circuit, which must be sound.
First, you can measure, one a point of the circuit. No signal? Aha! Then there is a problem with the sound source. If there is a signal, you move on to the next part of the circuit through which the sound. There's no sound? Well, then, this part should be a problem. And so on... This is only approximate reasoning logic when working with an oscilloscope.
How to use an oscilloscope?
A typical oscilloscope looks like this:
All these buttons are a bit scary, right? But do not worry, not all that difficult!
Wires that you use to measure, called probes .
So, the first thing you do is attach the probes (probes) to the point in the chain, where you want to measure. The oscilloscope measures the voltage. Since the voltage is always measured between two points, you need to connect both negative and positive side of the probe.
In most cases, you connect the negative probe to ground in your circuit. Then, connect the positive test lead to the circuit point where you want to measure the signal.
When you connect the oscilloscope's time to set the correct settings. But we have sooooo many buttons! So, here is the super secret (or not so secret) trick on how to use an oscilloscope:
Click the "Auto Setup" or "AUTO SET".
This button will analyze the signal and try to set the settings of the oscilloscope on the most suitable. This setting will provide on the screen of the device stable image convenient size. It does not always work, but in many cases it will help you.
Set the oscilloscope manually
And if you want to know how to use the oscilloscope without «Auto Set»? For example, you have available an analog oscilloscope since the Soviet Union ...
Usually, you have two main handles on which to focus:
- Vertical - volts / division (VOLTS / DIV)
- Horizontal - s / division (SEC / DIV)
If the signal you are looking at has a large voltage swings, you need to adjust the vertical knob labeled "V / div" upwards. If it has a very small voltage fluctuations, you need to set the minimum value of "V / div" for him.
If your signal is not on the screen, scroll up or down by using the vertical knob to «Position» inscription to find your signal.
Then, use the horizontal handle Sec / Div, to set the time per division on the screen. If you have a signal with a very high frequency, you need to set a low value Sec / Div, to the right to see it. If you have a very low frequency signal, you need to set it up.
These settings are mostly all of which you need to know to get started with an oscilloscope.