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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of oscilloscopes, focusing on how to measure voltage and time using the device. Participants seek clarification on key concepts such as volts per division (volt/div) and time per division (time/div), as well as practical guidance on operating oscilloscopes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the basic operation of oscilloscopes, specifically how to interpret volt/div and time/div settings.
  • One participant explains that the oscilloscope displays a signal snapshot, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage, detailing how to calculate the total time and voltage displayed based on divisions.
  • A tutorial link from Tektronix is shared by participants, although its validity is questioned by some, leading to a discussion about accessing the resource.
  • Another participant mentions their daily use of oscilloscopes and invites specific questions about its functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a shared interest in understanding oscilloscopes, but there is no consensus on the validity of the shared tutorial link, with some stating it works while others report issues.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the tutorial link's accessibility, and there are varying experiences with different web browsers affecting access.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking to learn about oscilloscopes, including students and hobbyists in electronics and engineering fields.

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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