How Do I Use an Oscilloscope to Measure Voltage and Time?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the fundamental operation of oscilloscopes, specifically how to measure voltage and time using the volt/div and time/div settings. The horizontal axis represents time, while the vertical axis represents voltage, with each division indicating specific measurements. For example, a setting of 10 mSec/div means each horizontal division corresponds to 10 milliseconds, allowing users to visualize a 100 mSec snapshot across the screen. The conversation also references a Tektronix tutorial for further learning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of oscilloscopes and their basic functions
  • Familiarity with voltage and time measurements
  • Knowledge of grid divisions in graphical representations
  • Basic electronics principles related to waveforms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Tektronix tutorial on oscilloscopes for in-depth knowledge
  • Learn how to interpret oscilloscope waveforms and their characteristics
  • Explore advanced settings and features of oscilloscopes, such as triggering
  • Research practical applications of oscilloscopes in electronics troubleshooting
USEFUL FOR

Electronics students, engineers, technicians, and hobbyists interested in learning how to effectively use oscilloscopes for measuring voltage and time in various applications.

samieee
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hi all
Though there are several model of oscilloscopes,their main working system is same...how to use a oscilloscope? ..how to take the reading of volt/div...what is the meaning of it? what is time/div.how to measure it?..please explain elaborately

N.B:I have given some sample pics of oscilloscopes as attachments..
 

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samieee said:
hi all
Though there are several model of oscilloscopes,their main working system is same...how to use a oscilloscope? ..how to take the reading of volt/div...what is the meaning of it? what is time/div.how to measure it?..please explain elaborately

N.B:I have given some sample pics of oscilloscopes as attachments..

Here you go. A tutorial from Tektronix, and it even looks to be available in several languages!

http://www.tek.com/Measurement/App_Notes/XYZs/

.
 
Basically, an oscilloscope shows you a snap shot of a signal in a short time. The horizontal and vertical axis are divided into grids or divisions. There is usually 10 divisions for both axis. The horizontal axis is the time, and it is given in time/div.

Let's say you adjust the time base on the scope to 10 milliSec/div. That means that every horizontal division shows you a 10 milliSec time snap shot. Since there is 10 divisions, the total snap shot on the screen is 10 div * 10milliSec/div = 100 milliSecs. That means you are looking at a 100 milliSecs snap shot from left to right.

The vertical axis is the voltage and it is given in volts/div. If it is set to 10 mV/div, that means every vertical division is 10 mV/div, and since there is 10 vertical divisions, the total voltage as displayed on the screen is 10 div * 10mV/div = 100 mV from top to bottom.

That way, using the scope, you can view a snap shot of how a high frequency waveform behaves, and measure its frequency, and amplitude.
 
Last edited:
samieee said:
sorry berkeman the link isn't valid now.:((

Worked for me.
 
Yeah, works fine for me too. Maybe try copying the link and pasting it directly into your browser URL field...?
 
samieee said:
hi all
Though there are several model of oscilloscopes,their main working system is same...how to use a oscilloscope? ..how to take the reading of volt/div...what is the meaning of it? what is time/div.how to measure it?..please explain elaborately

N.B:I have given some sample pics of oscilloscopes as attachments..

The oscilloscope basically show you a voltage as a function of time.
It is a practical object, once you'll have one on your table you'll soon learn how it works.
I use it evey day, if you have a spec question, ask me.
 
yes, finally worked for me too in firefox..previously i was using opera .
 

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