Find the Volts/Div Scale: A Quick Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the volts/div scale for a sinusoidal waveform observed on an oscilloscope, given specific measurements from a function generator and a voltmeter. Participants explore how to relate the peak-to-peak voltage to the volts per division setting on the oscilloscope and the readings from the voltmeter.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to find the volts/div scale based on the output of a function generator and a voltmeter reading.
  • Another participant notes that the voltmeter measures RMS voltage for AC signals.
  • There is a discussion about the peak voltage being 3 volts, leading to a calculation of the effective voltage (RMS) as 2.12 volts.
  • A participant clarifies that the volts/div scale on the oscilloscope can be inferred from the peak-to-peak voltage and the number of divisions displayed.
  • One participant explains that the scale of the voltmeter affects the interpretation of the readings, suggesting that the volts/div can be calculated by dividing the full range voltage by the number of divisions.
  • There is a question about whether the discussion pertains to a voltmeter or an oscilloscope, indicating potential confusion about the instruments being referenced.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the specific calculations and interpretations, with no clear consensus on the correct approach to finding the volts/div scale. Multiple viewpoints and clarifications are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the settings of the voltmeter and oscilloscope are not explicitly stated, which may affect the calculations. The discussion also lacks clarity on whether the measurements refer to RMS or peak values in all instances.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals new to using oscilloscopes and voltmeters, as well as those seeking to understand the relationship between voltage measurements and oscilloscope settings.

EEKid
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Hey guys

If the output of the function generator for a sinusoidal waveform is 6 voltage divisons peak to peak along the voltage axis- and the voltmeter reads 2.12v, find the volts/div scale that is being used?

for this do just divide the volt given by the division given?, please help,(pretty new)


thanks a lot
 
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Anyone, really need with this by today?

sorry and thanks again
 
The voltmeter will measure RMS voltage for a.c.
 
how do use the voltage to find the scale? sorry really new
 
Well the peak voltage is 3 volts. Correct? Now what is the effective voltage (root-mean-square, RMS)?
 
2.12, .707(3), which is the value from the voltmeter
 
Okay. I'm not sure what you're are really asking. A volt is a volt. On your scope you are seeing 6 volts p-p (1volt per division) on your rms meter you are seeing 2.12 volts (what scale on your meter are you using here?)
 
Last edited:
How did u know that it is 1 volt per divison, thanks, i think that is what i wanted
 
Last edited:
By scale, I mean what range your voltmeter was set. If for example, it was set on a 6 volts range and there were 6 division marks, then one division would be 1 volt. If there were 12 division marks, then one division would be 0.5 volt. Now your meter might be good enough to have a division mark for every 0.1 volt, the volt/div would be 0.1. i.e. for your meter, take the full range voltage and divide by the number of divisions on the scale. I guess that is what you were thinking in the first place. Sorry.

Regards
 
  • #10
Do you mean volt meter or oscilloscope?
 

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