Sunday, September 8, 2013

Is Rigol DS1102E a Good Deal?



The answer is definitely yes. This 100 MHz digital oscilloscope is one of the best entry-level digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) that ever came out. Although it is not as nice as the expensive ones, it gives functionality, design and robustness per dollar better. This scope is good for general purpose measurement.  For someone with a small budget, the Rigol DS1102E nails the basic function most hobbyists and students require and more.

It has 2 analog input channels and one more for external trigger.  Real-time sampling rate is at 1 GSa/s when acquiring signals on one channel alone and gets 500 MSa/s when both channles are used.  Vertical range is at 2mV/div – 10V/div and has the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and FFT math functions. Run-time values can also be enabled to get a quick read on the running voltages in the signals. The buttons and knobs are robust enough for everyday wear and tear.  It’s logically arranged so the user is not lost when using it.  It also has a PC software suite for remote control and acquisition. It has the auto function that automatically adjusts and displays the signal being acquired. And just like Tektronix DPO2000B, it has cursor functions such as manual, track and auto measurement modes; this feature makes it at par with more expensive models of its class.

Instrument drivers of the DSO are available in National Instrument’s device driver network which makes it even more popular for students learning LabVIEW and professional engineers looking for a cheap solution for some auto-bench measurement problems. The readily-available driver gives this oscilloscope a professional feel but ultimately it provides convenience for those who aims to control the instrument using LabVIEW. The USB and RS-232 interface makes for a cheap type of automated control of the instrument. Most models of the same design do not have the RS-232 port making it functionally better than other models with 5X the cost.

Due to its popularity, the model has developed a huge user community that can help in promoting the model and also troubleshooting in case breakdown occurs. A huge fan base so to speak is a great help especially for feedbacks for those who are planning on buying it. The automation and software control and PC application development is what makes the huge fan base most advantageous. Users of this 100 MHz digital oscilloscope can make use of a number of resources about the scope and also samples of programs and source codes that can optimize its use.

With this scope’s portable size, it’s a little wonder how such equipment could pack so many features.  The screen resolution is a bit lower compared to other models (320X320) but the color-coded signal per channel makes up for that. The sweep cursor function also display voltage levels while passing through parts of the waveform. The FFT function produces waveforms with lower resolution (disadvantageous if one is looking for frequencies or events such as glitches and sudden peaks) compared to professional brands like LeCroy but this is an o-scope bought at the fraction of the price. The FFT function might be good only for resonance frequency readings and events with lower frequency.

For someone who has used professional oscilloscopes of the same class, not much difference can be seen. Expensive brands usually cramp more features into their products which ends up unused by the customer. For an instrument that is designed for portability, a feature that measures signals in the GHz bandwidth is too much. And most oscilloscopes of the same class would add a few more bucks just to get an interface for remote control.

More value for money, this is the screaming advantage of Rigol DS1102E. Its operational function is logical and comes with a solid feel that rarely comes with a product this cheap. You can view the product's information on www.rigolna.com
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Passive Probe Types- An Overview

Voltage probes used in oscilloscopes are typically classified as active and passive probes. Passive probes are so named because it is indicative of the fact that this type of probe does not contain active elements like transistors inside them. Rather, a probe of this kind consists entirely of passive elements like resistors, inductors, cables and capacitors. Because of this, it is unable to provide amplification and thus it only gives the original signal amplitude of a material being tested to the measuring instrument.

One advantage of using passive probes on an oscilloscope is that there is no hard limit for the maximum voltage that the probe is able to handle. It is also an inexpensive option since its circuitry is relatively simple and it does not require a power supply. In addition to that, its passive nature prevents the addition of random noise to the signals being sent to the oscilloscope. Majority of probes used in oscilloscopes are of the passive kind.

Passive probes are typically categorized based upon the level of attenuation of the signal that the probes can provide. There are typically three classifications of passive probes each one depending on the attenuation ratio. Attenuation refers to the gradual loss of intensity of any type of flux that is travelling through a medium; in this case, the flux is the voltage of the circuit being tested. These types are generally 1X, 10X and 100X probes.

A 1X scope probe provides a 1:1 attenuation ratio. It is the simplest oscilloscope probe. As suggested by its name, this probe does not attenuate the voltage going through it. Its impedance input is oftentimes similar to that of the oscilloscope. This type of passive probe is made of a connector to the oscilloscope and a coax that is connected to actual probe. A 1X probe is mostly suited for low frequency applications. However, applications requiring greater accuracy and higher frequencies may not be suited for this type of probe.

Better accuracy at higher impedance levels are achieved more using 10X scope probes. This type of probe has attenuators attached to its end that can then connect to the circuit being tested. A 10X probe indicates that the probe attenuates the incoming voltage by a factor of ten. Technically, the signals entering the oscilloscope are reduced and this factor must therefore be taken considered when making measurements.

The third most common probe is 100X scope probes. Other values such as 20X and 1000X probes are also available but the 100X is the most popular choice after the 1X and 10X probes. This passive probe is useful when taking measurements of circuits with extremely high voltages as well as those circuits that need very low levels of loading. These probes are typically used for special purposes and are not commonly utilized for the average application. Because it attenuates the signal by a factor of 100, utilizing it in normal applications will result to significantly minute signal levels being input to the oscilloscope. As a result, extraneous and unwanted noise on the input amplifiers of said scope will be visible and this could lead to inaccuracies in the readings.

The types enumerated above are just some of the most common types of passive probes. Oftentimes, the task of choosing the best probe for an oscilloscope will depend on what is readily available. Being familiar with the requirements of the test as well as the specifications of the circuit to be tested are also vital in determining the most appropriate probe for the job. Basic knowledge of the different passive probe types however will go a long way in ensuring good and accurate results.
Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tips in Buying Surplus Oscilloscope

Nowadays engineers are buying surplus oscilloscope rather than buying a new device of oscilloscope. Most of them prefer buying used oscilloscope because it is more economical and practical. For them there is no big difference between the used and brand new oscilloscope in terms of performance and usability. What makes them different is the price. Brand new devices are expensive compare to used oscilloscope devices.

However, buying used oscilloscopes have advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages of used oscilloscope is that you can able to save money with same levels of purpose and performance. On the other hand, the disadvantage of purchasing a surplus oscilloscope is that it provides incorrect output or result because the device is previously overused. So in order to avoid problems in the future, it is best to learn the simple guidelines that you need to consider before buying.

So to begin with, here are the ten (10) tips in buying a surplus oscilloscope:

1. Always ask yourself as to where will you use the device?
2. Be sure that you know the minimum or maximum levels of bandwidth that you need to measure. This is very important because you can never upgrade the bandwidth of your oscilloscope unit. Be sure to choose a bandwidth in accordance to your work necessity. Otherwise, you will end up buying again another unit of oscilloscope.
3. Do not forget to check if the unit reaches the minimum sampling rate of 60 MS/s. This is also important because you can never upgrade this feature as well.
4. Check also the memory depth of your unit.
5. Always check the resolution of your unit.
6. Choose surplus oscilloscope that is in good physical condition. As much as possible avoid buying worn out unit.
7. Make sure that you self-test the unit to see any malfunctioning buttons and plugs. If you happen to receive a malfunctioning unit. Then immediately return the unit and ask for a refund or better yet ask for another unit.
8. Check if manual instruction is included in the package. This is important for troubleshooting your oscilloscope.
9. Carefully read surplus oscilloscope’s specification before purchasing.
10. Be vigilant in purchasing your unit. It may be a used or a second hand unit with a lesser price. But still it involves your money and time. It is best to arm yourself with knowledge about the unit before buying.

Surplus oscilloscope can be bought at cheaper prices. Regardless of brand names like Tektronix, Agilent, Hewlett-Packard, Lecroy, Fluke, Hitachi, Madell and Leader, the prices are definitely lesser or half of the original price. The price of surplus oscilloscope ranges from $100 until $5000.

Utilizing your resources is one way of spending your money wisely. Surplus oscilloscope and brand new oscilloscope becomes a fundamental tool among electrical companies, telecommunication companies, hospital facilities and other electronic industries. Above all, determining what is suitable unit for your work is the secret ingredient of purchasing a good quality of oscilloscope.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011

USB Oscilloscope: Basic Information that Potential Buyers should know

In exchange for an affordable amount, you may now get your hands on your own USB oscilloscope which you may use to harness your computer to detect variations in signal voltages. Gone are the days when this type of device is mainly produced in stand-alone models. You may now invest on a good USB oscilloscope model and get the results directed to your computer, which will make processing the results much easier. Without a doubt, using this type of device will help you go about your tasks faster and will make processing your results more efficient.

usb oscilloscope

There are different types of USB oscilloscope in the market, all of which fits their own specific functions. You would not even have any problem in connecting this device to your computer for all you would have to do is to plug it into one of your systems universal serial buses. If you want to be able to keep up in the growing trends in the market, it is imperative that you begin looking through the different oscilloscope models that are available to you as soon as possible. This way, you would be able to start using this device in getting all the information that you need and implementing the necessary processing systems straight from your computer.

USB oscilloscope models work very much like the stand-alone models, except that they use the power of the computer to run. This means that you would not have to worry about supplying the necessary amount of power to the oscillator anymore. The older models usually require their own power sources for oscilloscopes require much electricity to function. When you use a USB oscilloscope, you can simply plug the device to your USB port and focus your attention to more pressing matters.

In addition to this, using USB oscilloscope also allows you to do away with the various considerations that you would have to make if you were to use an older model. Other than the power issue, people often find it difficult and time-consuming to transfer the results that they get from the older models to their computer. With a USB oscilloscope however, you would not have to do any transcription whatsoever for all the information that you need will be sent directly to your computer, ready to be analyzed. Plugging the device to another computer system will also allow you to transfer the results to the other device as well.

Believe it or not, using a USB oscilloscope will also make it much easier for you to process the information that you would be given. There are a lot of plug-ins and programs that you may install in your computer, most of which will allow you to do away with the manual tasks of processing the results. With these programs, all you would have to do is to use the USB oscilloscope as if you would an older model, and leave your computer to do the rest. Of course, you would still have to overlook the process to ensure that everything will work as necessary, but there is no doubt that using these programs will save you a great amount of time.

The USB oscilloscope models that are in the market are also produces using different designs, which come with their own sets of features. Obviously, some USB oscilloscope models are more sophisticated than the others. With this said, it is important that you spend the necessary amount of time in looking up the differences between the various models, to ensure that you would be making the right choice. Don’t worry for there are a lot of resources that you may use in getting all the information that you need about these oscilloscope designs. Make sure that you go through as many of them as you can before investing your money on anything.

Owning a USB oscilloscope will reap you various advantage professionally, so it is imperative that you consider getting one for yourself. Just see to it that you go through all the choices that you have before buying anything to ensure that you would be buying one that is useable for you. As long as you find a model that will fit your need and your skill level, you should be able to use your oscilloscope to go about your tasks in a more efficient manner.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011

DPO7000 Oscilloscope - Specs Functions Prices

In this fast-paced world of ours, more and more gadgets are being invented to improve the way of life of people and to provide more convenience for us. But these invented gadgets should be made sure that they are working at their utmost potential to offer good quality to consumers. These gadgets are always inspected if they are working properly before being sent out in the market.

One good example of those gadgets used to check the level of function of new inventions is the DPO7000, an oscilloscope, which observes the constantly varying signal voltages. An oscilloscope like DPO7000 is commonly used to view the exact wave shape coming from an electrical signal. Furthermore, it can show distortion, and relative timing between two related signals. This instrument is often used in the different sciences like medicine, engineering, and telecommunications industry.
DPO7000 also known as the digital phosphor oscilloscope offers several features. It contains high waveform capture, protocol decode, search capabilities needed for debugging, advanced triggering, analyze serial data, memory and general-purpose devices. DPO7000 has a bandwidth of 500MHz to 3.5 GHz which the user can select the limit filters. Having good bandwidth offers more accurate characterization of designs.

Another feature of the DPO7000 is the sample rates up to 40 GS/s on one or two channels, 10 GS/s on 4 channels simultaneously this can improve the validation of the design because it will accurately sample the design. With Tektronix proprietary FastAcq™ technology, DPO7000 also offers FastAcq with Digital Phosphor display that discovers infrequent events and glitches rather quickly.

This uses a >250,000 waveforms/s maximum capture rate that shows indiscernible anomalies in an instant. Pinpoint® triggering and Built-in Analysis Tools are some other features of DPO700 which helps identify and analyze your device and the anomalies hidden in it or found during the operation of a device. The serial triggering and analysis option feature of the DPO7000 also aides in the debugging process of a certain device.

The last feature of the DPO7000 is the Application Software Packages that allow s it to be transformed to other specialized applications with eye analysis or jitter and it also come with power analysis and some more. DPO7000 is sold in different prices according to its different models and bandwidth size.

The DPO7054C model of the DPO7000 series contains 4 channels. a bandwidth of 500 MHz, record length of 50/25/12.5 M, and sample rate of 20/10/5 GS/s is priced US$ 17,700

The DPO7104C model of the DPO7000 series that contains 4 channels, a bandwidth of 1 GHz, record length of 50/25/12.5 M, and with sample rate of 20/10/5 GS/s is priced US$ 21,900.

The DPO7254C model that features 4 channels, a bandwidth of 2.5 GHz, same record length, and sample rate of 40/20/10 GS/s is priced US$ 30,800

The DPO7354C model that contains 4 channels, a bandwidth of 3.5 GHz, record length of 50/25/12.5 M, and sample rate of 40/20/10 GS/s is priced US$ 39,300.

As you can see, DPO700 offers a lot of uses that will surely be of help to its user for them to be able to maintain the quality performance of their other devices. But just like all other inventions and gadgets out there, there are always the advantages and disadvantages of using this item just like a coin having two sides.
Monday, July 4, 2011

Extech Ms420 – A 20 Mega Herz with a 2-channel Digital Oscilloscope

Ideal for electronics industry, this Extech Ms420 20MHz digital oscilloscope has a 3.8” (96mm) color CD display that makes viewing multiple waveforms so easily. This has a dimension of 7x4.4x1.6" and a weight of 24.3oz or 690grams. This extech oscilloscope has a real time sample rate of 100 MS/s and a rise time of 17.5ns. As what the title said, Extech Ms420 has two channels and a record length of 6K points per channel. The glitch capture is 50ns. The vertical sensitivity of the extech oscilloscope is 5mV to 5V/div and its vertical solution is 8 bits. The time base range is 5ns to 5s/div. The sample mode of the Extech oscilloscope includes Sample, Peak Detect and Average. The trigger modes include free run, edge, single shot and video. The trigger source of Ms420 are channel one and channel two. The trigger couplings are AC and DC. The input impedance is 1MΩ/20pF and the max input voltage is 400V on its peak. The cursor measurements used in Ms420 are the time and voltage.

When it comes to the true RMS multimeter functions, the AC/DC voltages include 400mV, 40V, 4V and 400V. The AC/DC current would be 300mA, 40mA and 20A. The resistances of the Ms420 Extech oscilloscope are 400Ω, 40kΩ, 4kΩ, 400kΩ and 40MΩ. The capacitance ranges from 51.2nF to 100µF. The PC interface of this Extech oscilloscope is USB cable.

There are certain features of this Extech Ms420 oscilloscope. These features include an auto-set function which makes use and optimizes the range, position, triggering and time base to guarantee a stable demonstration of virtually any other waveform. The model Ms420 digital oscilloscope also features 5 automatic measurements including cycle, frequency, average, RMS and peak to peak. Ms420 also makes use of a Peak Detect capacity that has a XY mode and for a 50ns glitch capture. It has an Average Mode that is used for smoothing waveform and also a Persistence Mode used for observing active signals. Furthermore, the Extech oscilloscope can recall and store from up to 4 waveforms setups and screens. It has Math features that allow users to subtract, add, divide and multiply.

The component makes use of a software and USB interface used for transferring data and waveforms. With an utmost input electrical energy of 400 Volts and a bandwidths of 20MHz, the extech Ms420 oscilloscope comes complete with a test lead, double 1x/10x oscilloscope probes, Windows 88/95/NT/ME/XP/2000 compatible Universal Serial Bus cable and software, capacitor calculating module and a current shunt. In this oscilloscope, adjustment screw driver, hard carrying case and a universal AC charger or adaptor are also included. The power supply is six hours Li-ion rechargeable battery.

Additionally, the ms420 oscilloscope also comes with a dual testing or a troubleshooting of several printed circuit boards and also electronic assemblies. The software PC screens can display graphical waveform and analog bar graph. There is a trigger hold off function of Ms420 that stabilizes complex waveforms.

Here are some additional information about Extech Ms420 oscilloscope:

The auto-set feature allows the digital oscilloscope to display and measure unknown signals automatically. This feature is useful in quickly checking multiple signals.

Persistence Mode allows a user to resist a waveform on the display, at the same time, overlapping the current waveform.

The Peak Detect is used to display glitches and other asynchronous waveforms.

You can use AC-coupling in observing a small ac signal that goes with the dc signal.

Each channel of the Extech oscilloscope has its own exclusive menu and each of the items can be set correspondingly based on the specified channel.

The trigger system determines when the display and acquisition of waveform data occurs.

Buy one and experience the Extech advantage.
Saturday, July 2, 2011

Agilent 1130a Oscilloscope - Functions and Specifics

In a nutshell, the oscilloscope is an electrically sensitive device that is used to measure the voltage across an electronic device or a circuit. Unlike a regular voltmeter, that measures static voltage, this device measures and continuously plots voltage against time. The display of the device has an x-axis for the time and y-axis for the voltage. The reading deflects upwards with a positive voltage input and it goes down with a negative voltage input. The Agilent 1130a Oscilloscope in particular, is a high-frequency “active differential” oscilloscope.

The name of the device has an etymological root of “oscillation” which means “back and forth deflection.” This is characterized by the movement of the readings. There are analog and digital types of the device. Nowadays, the digital types are widely used because of their high sensitivity, memory and processing capacity. To measure signals and voltage, the “probe” or sensor of the 1130a Oscilloscope must be connected to a live circuit.

Special Functions of the Agilent 1130a Oscilloscope


Perhaps the most convenient feature of the 1130a Oscilloscope is the support for variable probe heads. The probes are directly placed on the circuit to measure signals, voltages and resistances. However, modern technologies have smaller circuit boards and tight spaces. Traditional probes cannot fit or correctly connect with the right spot.

The new trend is the usage of differential SMA heads. Ergonomically designed, the span of these sensors can be adjustment in just a few simple steps. With these variable probe heads, human-caused errors and equipment damages can be minimized. This feature makes the 1130a a versatile measuring equipment for applications in electronics, physics and engineering – both in small and large-scale tasks.

The 1130a Oscilloscope, like other active differential models (1131a to 1132a) have probe systems with various bandwidths. The bandwidth, briefly, is the amount of signal that a probe can handle against time. The probes come in 7, 5, 3.5 and 1.5 gigahertz types. Modern probes like these demonstrate across the entire bandwidth a flat frequency response. This results in less distortion when measuring different ranges of voltages.

The best feature of these modern oscilloscopes is the dual support for single-ended and differential measurements. You will only to need to change the probe or accessory depending on the circuit to be examined.

Device Specifications of Agilent 1130a


The 10%-90% rise and fall time of the 1130 is very fast at 233 psec. The bandwidth of the probe is greater than 1.5 GHz. The input dynamic range is between -2.5 and +2.5 volts.

For more information on the Agilent 1130a oscilloscope, you may visit the manufacturer's website and look for the schematic diagram of the device. Before purchasing, check on the different capacitance levels, induction, resistance and -3 DB system bandwidth of the device. While oscilloscopes function in a more or less common way, some designs are more ergonomic and efficient. This may sound like a no-brainer, but you must choose an oscilloscope that safely fits the voltage/signal range of the device to be measured.
Oscilloscope

Popular Posts

Labels