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Types of Oscilloscopes | Definition, Functions, Purposes & Uses

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Today’s article topic is an oscilloscope.

  • Do you know about oscilloscopes? and
  • Did you use it before engineering?

Well. If you want to be familiar with oscilloscopes with fundamental importance, types, functions, and uses.

Let’s go for the detail study,

What is an Oscilloscope? | Basic Definition

In an electronic world, oscilloscopes work as the backbone for testing and troubleshooting problems.

The basic definition of an oscilloscope is an electronic instrument designed to graphically display and analyze the electric signal in the form of waveform. In other technical words, the oscilloscope is called a ‘Scope‘ or ‘O-scope‘.

This instrument is widely used in power electronics laboratories. This is one of the most crucial instruments for measuring various signal parameters, including- amplitude, frequency, period, pulse width, duty cycle, rise and fall times, etc.

The various types of oscilloscopes are utilized in the lab to fulfill specific requirements and study objectives for students and engineers.

Let’s see its classification,

Different Types of Oscilloscopes | Classifications

The oscilloscope is classified based on different modes.

  1. Analog oscilloscope
  2. Digital oscilloscope
  3. Cathode ray tube (CRT) oscilloscope or Cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO)
  4. Mixed-signal oscilloscope (MSO)
  5. Handheld oscilloscope
  6. Sampling oscilloscope
  7. Portable oscilloscope
  8. PC based oscilloscope
  9. Digital sampling oscilloscope (DSO)
  10. Dual-beam oscilloscope
  11. Digital phosphor oscilloscope (DPO)
  12. Mixed domain oscilloscope (MDO)
  13. Benchtop oscilloscope
  14. Automotive oscilloscope
  15. High-bandwidth oscilloscope
  16. Differential oscilloscope
  17. Optical oscilloscope
  18. Quantum oscilloscope
  19. Audio oscilloscope
  20. Ultrasound oscilloscope
  21. Multichannel oscilloscope
  22. Stroboscopic oscilloscope
  23. Optoelectronic oscilloscope
  24. Photoelectric oscilloscope
  25. Automotive protocol oscilloscope
  26. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) oscilloscope
  27. Cryogenic oscilloscope
  28. Acoustic oscilloscope
  29. RF spectrum oscilloscope
  30. Data acquisition oscilloscope
  31. Time-to-digital converter (TDC) oscilloscope
  32. Integrated circuit test oscilloscope
  33. Automated calibration oscilloscope

These additional oscilloscopes are needed for the various research and development centers, industries, and technologies.

Out of these oscilloscopes, the following are the primary types of oscilloscopes. Let’s study further in detail.

1. Analog oscilloscope

The analog oscilloscope displays and measures the continuous and direct visualization of waveforms. It uses the CRT (cathode ray tube) technology to observe the shape, amplitude, and frequency of signals in real-time.

This instrument is affordable over the digital oscilloscope. But, the disadvantage is it has less accuracy than the digital oscilloscope.

2. Digital oscilloscope

The digital oscilloscope varies and displays a discrete signal. It converts analog signals into digital data using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

The digital oscilloscope has the best features to capture the transient event and perform complex analysis in modern electronics. The cost of the digital oscilloscope is high compared analog oscilloscope.

3. Cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO)

A cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) is a traditional analog oscilloscope. It offers simple and direct method for observing and analyzing analog signals.

This tool utilizes a cathode ray tube (CRT) to visualize waveforms. So, it is also known as ‘Cathode ray tube (CRT)’ oscilloscope.

4. Mixed-signal oscilloscope

A mixed signal oscilloscope has combined the functionalities of analog oscilloscopes with digital logic analyzers. Both signals are analyzed in one instrument.

It is very crucial for mixed-signal circuit design, communication systems, and embedded system applications.

5. Handheld oscilloscope

The handheld oscilloscope is compact in size and lightweight. This is a portable type of instrument. So, technicians or engineers can easily carry and utilize it for fieldwork.

This is a valuable tool for professionals who require flexibility and convenience in various operational settings, and quick diagnostics and measurement results.

6. Sampling oscilloscope

The sampling oscilloscope is designed for very high-frequency signals in the range of GHz. It takes discrete samples at very short intervals.

This oscilloscope is essential for engineers and scientists working with high-speed electronic systems to capture and analyze signals. Also, used in signal integrity, research and development, telecommunication systems, and semiconductor testing.

7. Portable oscilloscope

The portable oscilloscope is similar to the handheld oscilloscope. However, it has more advanced features as compared to the handheld oscilloscope.

This instrument is very easy to handle and carry in field service, maintenance, and repair work.

8. PC-Based Oscilloscope

The PC-based oscilloscope is directly connected to a computer through interfaces with communication protocols (such as USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi).

The main feature of a PC-based oscilloscope is advanced flexibility and scalability with additional software and hardware upgrades.

This tool is suitable for educational purposes, laboratory and research environments, fieldwork, and budget-conscious professionals.

Uses of Oscilloscope | & Purposes

Each type of oscilloscope has a specific role in electronics engineering, physics, and science.

Moreover, this instrument is widely utilized across various core industries, including biomedical, automotive, telecommunications, and many more.

Study here the applications of the oscilloscope and their purposes.

If you have any queries, please ask through the comment below.

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