Need help picking out an oscilloscope

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an oscilloscope suitable for electrochemistry and basic analog circuit design. Participants share preferences for specifications such as resolution, input noise, and budget constraints, while also considering the implications of different brands and types of oscilloscopes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the need for low input noise and higher resolution (12-bit) for electrochemistry applications, while also mentioning a budget of $1500 and a preference for two channels.
  • Another participant shares their experience with an Instek oscilloscope, describing it as "adequate" compared to a previously owned Lecroy, which they found "spectacular." They suggest considering memory depth over resolution.
  • A participant notes the distinction between resolution (number of bits) and accuracy (quality of those bits), referencing a press release about high-resolution oscilloscopes.
  • Some participants suggest looking into PC-based oscilloscopes like Bitscope or Picoscope for higher resolution options, while others express a preference for standalone units.
  • One participant mentions the high cost of Lecroy oscilloscopes but acknowledges their quality, suggesting that pricing information can be obtained from the manufacturer's website.
  • Another participant shares their recent purchase of a LeCroy WaveAce 204 at a discounted price, highlighting the importance of timing and promotions in purchasing decisions.
  • A participant advises considering the cost of accessories and service when evaluating oscilloscope options, as these can significantly affect the overall investment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying preferences regarding the importance of resolution versus memory depth, the type of oscilloscope (PC-based vs. standalone), and the perceived quality of different brands. No consensus is reached on a specific model or approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations related to budget constraints and specific application needs, as well as the variability in specifications such as input noise and sampling rates among different models and manufacturers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals looking to purchase an oscilloscope for electrochemistry or analog circuit design, particularly those interested in understanding the trade-offs between different specifications and brands.

Topher925
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I need to pick out an oscilloscope for our lab but I'm not sure what to get. The scope will be primarily used for electrochemistry purposes, so low input noise and higher resolution (12 instead of 8-bit?) is preferred over all else. It will also be used for some basic analog circuit design as well. Budget is about $1500, must have USB, and only require two channels. Any suggestions?

While some scopes do provide over-sampling and standard 12-bit resolution, I see that not many provide input noise in their datasheets. We currently use an old Tek TDS 210, known for its large amount of input noise. About more than double that of my Agilent DSO3102A that I've got at home. Is there a difference in noise between the Chinese scopes like Instek or Rigol, compared to the more reputable manufacturers like Agilent and Tek?
 
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I have an Instek I bought new 8 or 9 years ago. I bought it to replace a much older Lecroy. I would describe the Instek as "adequate" and the older Lecroy as "spectacular" (though, sadly, dead). But, I couldn't/can't justify $8k for a new scope. I would consider memory depth more important than resolution.

Depending on what bandwidth you require, you might consider a "PC based DSO" like the "Bitscope" or "Picoscope". If you really want higher resolution, then look @ http://www.picotech.com/differential-oscilloscopes.html they offer PC based scopes up to 16 bit resolution.

Fish
 
Resolution relates to how many bits.

Accuracy relates to how many of the bits are good - that is, containing
the signal you want to measure vs. noise.

Industry’s First 12-bit High-Resolution Oscilloscopes (HRO TM ) ...
http://www.lecroy.com/files/PressReleases/02012011E.pdf -
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Fish4Fun said:
Depending on what bandwidth you require, you might consider a "PC based DSO" like the "Bitscope" or "Picoscope". If you really want higher resolution, then look @ http://www.picotech.com/differential-oscilloscopes.html they offer PC based scopes up to 16 bit resolution.

None of the Pico scopes under $4k offer the sampling rate I need. I'm not a real big fan of PC based scopes either and would rather have a bench top unit.

Industry’s First 12-bit High-Resolution Oscilloscopes (HRO TM ) ...

Its strange that they say this because its not the industries first 12-bit scope. Any idea where I can find prices on these?
 
From the above link:
The new flagship WaveRunner features 4 GHz bandwidth and 40GS/s per channel sample rates with an innovative new industrial design, comprehensive serial-data and probing solutions for less than $30,000 USD.

Lecroy DSOs are fabulous, but generally expensive. You can get a quote from their web site.

I prefer "stand alone" equipment as well, but > 8 bit and <$2k limits your options considerably.

Fish
 
I recently bought a DSO of my own, a LeCroy WaveAce 204 from Tequipment:
http://www.tequipment.net/clearance.html

They were on clearance (50% off) AND I plugged in a coupon that they had around boxing day. Grand total for me, $1250 + shipping + customs (I'm in Canada).
 
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One thing to keep in mind when purchasing equipment is the cost of accessories, and how well the equipment will be serviced if there is a problem. A seller may lower the cost of the scope, knowing that you will need service or accessories later.
 

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