Alternating Current
This is a signal in which the current and voltage vary in a repeating pattern over time
Accuracy Statements
These are reports which indicate the measurement indication in relation to the actual value
Analog-to-Digital Converters
Components that convert analog values into digital formats
Amplitude
A signal strength normally expressed as power or voltage
Attenuation
Over distances a signal will drop in voltage. This decrease is an indicator of the attenuation.
Averaging
Noise is always generating with signals but oscilloscopes are able to eliminate the noise that is seen.
Cathode Ray Tube
An example of a cathode ray tube is a television
Chop Mode
When it is necessary to display multiple waveforms on a screen at the same time it is necessary to have some option or mode of operation that enables small parts of each channel to be traced.
Circuit Loading
Signal distortion due to the oscilloscope and probe
Coupling
Joining of two circuits
Direct Current
Constant voltage and current characterizes a DC current.
Divisions
Markings designed for measurement on a CRT
Earth Grounding
Using a conductor to send large electrical currents downward into the ground.
Envelope
Tracing a signal's highest and lowest points over repeated views
Focus
Controlling sharpness of the display e.g on a cathode ray tube oscilloscope
Frequency
When measured in a unit called Hertz it is the cycles per second or the number of times a signal repeats within one second.
Oscilloscope
An instrument used to make electrical changes visible over time. The root of the word “oscilloscope” is derived from the single word "oscillate," A very common application of oscilloscopes is to meausure oscillating voltages
Peak
This the spike or the maximum voltage level measured from the zero reference point.
Peak Detection
A function of an oscilloscopes that enables a technician to signal extremes
Phase
Measurement of phase is in degrees and it it the amount of time that passes from the beginning of a cycle to the beginning of the next cycle
Probe
An electrical contact with a flexible cable used for transmitting a signal to an oscilloscope.
RMS
Root mean square or REAL TIME SAMPLING. The oscilloscope attempts to retrieve and store as many samples as possible when signal monitoring. |
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Rise Time
This is the amout of time that it takes for the leading edge of a pulse to rise from its minimum to its maximum values (
Sine Wave
A common sight on an oscilloscope being a curved wave shape on an oscilloscope
Single Sweep
A trigger mode displays one screen of a signal , and then stops so that it can be viewed
Transducers
Devices that convert a specific physical quantity such as light, sound, heat, flow into an electrical signal which is normally a current or voltage signal
Transients
Signals that only occur once in during the monitoring.
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