How to estimate the measurement uncertainty of an oscilloscope ?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating measurement uncertainty for the Tektronix DPO7054 or DPO7254 oscilloscope, which has a 500 MHz sampling rate. Users are advised to refer to the calibration sheet and datasheet for accuracy specifications, though the manual lacks clear guidance on measurement uncertainty. Key factors in determining uncertainty include vertical amplitude and horizontal time base jitter, with vertical accuracy ranging from 5.2 to 6 bits depending on frequency. For a 2.5 GHz signal, the vertical accuracy translates to an uncertainty of 2.7% of the full-scale reading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of oscilloscope specifications and calibration sheets
  • Familiarity with measurement uncertainty concepts
  • Knowledge of vertical amplitude and time base jitter in signal analysis
  • Basic proficiency in interpreting technical datasheets
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Tektronix DPO7254 datasheet for accuracy specifications
  • Study measurement uncertainty calculations in electronic measurements
  • Learn about vertical accuracy and effective bits in oscilloscopes
  • Explore techniques for analyzing Eye Diagrams in communication circuits
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, technicians, and researchers involved in electronic measurements, particularly those using Tektronix oscilloscopes for high-frequency signal analysis and measurement uncertainty estimation.

nordmoon
Messages
65
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
How to estimate the measurement uncertainty of an Textronics 500 MHz oscilloscope ?
I have an Textronics oscilloscope with 500 MHz sampling rate and using an 50 ohm cable for the measurement.

I can’t find the measurement uncertainty in the manual or the calibration sheet.

In the calibration sheet it says an ‘uncertainty’ for the used channel in divisions, for example 1m up to 10m (the scale) and with highest value being 1. It states the nominal value, upper and lower value and the measurement value. It also state an uncertainty (value between 1-2m) but not in %. I don’t understand how to determine the measurement uncertainty from this data. Anyone understand this?

The manual is even more cryptic .. no words on measurement uncertainty.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Do you have a model number?
 
Averagesupernova said:
Do you have a model number?

If I remember correctly it’s a DPO7054 or DPO7254.
 
nordmoon said:
Yes but I don’t understand how to determine the measurement uncertainty, for the measured pulse area, with this oscilloscope ?
Pulse area? Are you checking Eye Diagrams for communication circuits? What is the application?

I would think that you would combine the error specs for the vertical amplitude and horizontal time base jitter, but maybe there are other considerations. What frequency and rise/fall times are involved? What range of voltage amplitudes?
 
In the manual, for vertical accuracy see Appendix A, page A-8 "Effective bits, typical." Depending on frequency, the accuracy ranges between 5.2 and 6 bits.

Therefore, at 2.5GHz the vertical accuracy would be:
1/(25.2) = 1/36.76 = 2.7% of Full Scale reading

User Manual .pdf is available at:
https://download.tek.com/manual/071087903.pdf

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dlgoff and berkeman

Similar threads

Undergrad Monte Carlo for uncertainty estimation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the correct definition of measurement uncertainty?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
How Should Uncertainty Be Handled When Averaging Measurements?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
How can uncertainties in measurement affect the estimation of g?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
How to Estimate Expanded Uncertainty in Absolute Humidity Calculations?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Intermediate Physics Lab Analysis, Uncertainty and Linear Regression
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
How Do Viscous Interactions Differ in Vertical and Horizontal Geometries?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Surface roughness in 2D sinusoidal corrugation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Undergrad How can i use excel to solve some Statistics problems
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
How Does Optical Activity Help Measure Sugar Concentration?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
13K