Oscilloscope: An Overview
Oscilloscope is a device employed to draw the graph to detect the change of voltage over time of an electrical signal. The figure given below is an example of a graph displayed by an oscilloscope.
Oscilloscope Showing Graph
The key point to note in the graph is its scale. Here, the scale is as follows:
Y-axis - Voltage
X-axis - Time
It works on the same principle as that of a television screen, which consists of a cathode ray tube. Although their size and shape are different, the operating method is the same.
Application of Oscilloscope
They convert electrical signals into visible graphs which are displayed on the screen.
They are used by engineers to test and fix the problems in electronic devices.
They are employed in the medical field.
They are also used as primary instruments in physics labs that students use in their experiments.
Uses of Oscilloscopes in Electronics
An oscilloscope is employed to double-check their electronic devices to verify and fix the design of their circuit within a short period of time. The primary (basic) function of an oscilloscope is to measure the voltage by plotting (drawing) the graph between voltage and time.
An Oscilloscope Connected to a Circuit
Uses of Oscilloscopes in Engineering
Engineers use oscilloscopes for electronic measurements of devices. It displays the value of an electrical signal changing with time on the screen; therefore, it is also known as an electronic test instrument.
Uses of Oscilloscopes in Medicine
In order to monitor the signals of our body, doctors use oscilloscopes in three different forms, which are listed below:
Electrocardiogram [ECG] - to monitor the heart.
Electromyogram [EMG] - to monitor the muscle activity.
Electroencephalogram [EEG] - to monitor the activity of our brain.
The Graph is an ECG
Solved Questions
1. Which of the following instruments can measure the voltage change with time?
Telescope
Microscope
Oscilloscope
Ans: Option (c) Oscilloscope
2. In which of the following places can you find the use of an oscilloscope?
Parks
Hospitals
Hotels
Ans: Option (b) Hospitals
3. Which one of them will not be able to use the oscilloscope in their career?
Dancer
Doctor
Engineer
Ans: Option (a) Dancer
Summary
A device which is used to measure the voltage of other electronic devices and to find out the flaws in their working is known as an oscilloscope. Since an oscilloscope is used to measure voltage change with time, it can also be regarded as a voltmeter (the device used to measure the voltage of a circuit). It works on the principle of cathode-ray-tube, the same technique which is used for the functioning of televisions. It plays a crucial role in the fields of engineering and medicine. Both of these fields work for the welfare of human beings. For example, in detecting the flaws in instruments we use and in hospitals to check the activity of our brain, muscles, and heart.
FAQs on Uses of Oscilloscope
1. What exactly is an oscilloscope and what does it show?
An oscilloscope is an electronic test instrument that allows you to observe varying signal voltages. It displays a two-dimensional graph of one or more electrical signals as a function of time. Think of it as a 'visual voltmeter' that shows how a signal changes over milliseconds or even nanoseconds.
2. What are the most common uses of an oscilloscope?
Oscilloscopes are essential tools in science and engineering. Their primary uses include:
- Testing and debugging electronic circuits.
- Measuring the frequency and amplitude of a signal.
- Observing the shape of a waveform (e.g., sine, square, triangle).
- Analyzing signals in automotive diagnostics, medical devices, and telecommunications.
3. What is the main difference between an analog and a digital oscilloscope?
The main difference lies in how they process the signal. An analog oscilloscope uses the raw voltage signal to directly move the electron beam across the screen, creating the image you see. A digital oscilloscope first samples the signal, converts it into numbers, and then reconstructs the waveform on the screen from this digital data.
4. How does an oscilloscope help in designing or repairing electronic devices?
When designing or repairing electronics, an oscilloscope helps engineers visualise the electrical signals at different points in a circuit. By seeing if a signal is distorted, has the wrong frequency, or is absent, they can pinpoint faulty components or design flaws much faster than with a simple multimeter.
5. Can an oscilloscope measure anything besides voltage?
While an oscilloscope directly measures voltage, it can be used to measure other quantities indirectly with the help of sensors or probes called transducers. For example, a microphone can convert sound waves into a voltage signal to be viewed on the oscilloscope, or a special probe can measure current. This makes it a very versatile tool.
6. Are oscilloscopes used outside of engineering and physics labs?
Yes, they have several real-world applications. For instance, in automotive repair, they are used to diagnose issues with engine sensors and ignition systems. In medicine, similar principles are used in devices like electrocardiograms (ECG) to monitor heartbeats, which are essentially electrical signals from the heart.
7. How are oscilloscopes typically used in a school physics lab?
In a school lab, students often use an oscilloscope for experiments involving alternating current (AC). Common tasks include measuring the peak voltage and frequency of an AC signal from a function generator, observing the phase difference in LCR circuits, or studying the output of a rectifier circuit.
