{"id":26047,"date":"2018-11-19T14:47:34","date_gmt":"2018-11-19T22:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.digilentinc.com\/?p=26047"},"modified":"2025-11-24T02:54:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T10:54:32","slug":"what-is-an-oscilloscope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/what-is-an-oscilloscope\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an Oscilloscope?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>oscilloscope<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an electronic measurement instrument used to display and analyze voltage signals over time. The definition of an oscilloscope\u00a0 is simple: it shows how electrical signals change, with voltage (amplitude) on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. By transforming invisible electrical signals into visible waveforms, oscilloscopes help engineers, students, and hobbyists better understand how circuits function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26077\" src=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope.jpg 2592w, https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New_Oscilloscope-1200x900-cropped.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oscilloscope vs. Digital Multimeter vs. Voltmeter<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Voltmeter \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Measures only a single static voltage value<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digital multimeter (DMM) \u2013:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Measures voltage, current, and resistance, but still provides only numerical readings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Oscilloscope \u2013:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Goes beyond numbers by showing the full waveform of a signal, including shape, frequency, amplitude changes, and timing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes oscilloscopes indispensable for troubleshooting and analyzing signals that change dynamically over time\u2014something multimeters and voltmeters cannot reveal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does an Oscilloscope Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An oscilloscope captures voltage signals and displays them as waveforms. With it, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor amplitude changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure frequency and period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify distortions or irregularities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare two signals (input vs. output)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>oscilloscope\u2019s purpose<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to make invisible electrical activity visible, providing insight into how circuits behave.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is an Oscilloscope Used For?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An oscilloscope is typically used in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Electronics and circuit design<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Checking amplifiers, filters, and digital circuits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education and laboratories<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Teaching students how signals behave<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Audio and sound engineering<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Visualizing sound waveforms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Communications and RF applications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Ensuring stable frequencies and clean signals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>DIY and maker projects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Debugging microcontrollers, sensors, and power supplies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>What does an oscilloscope help us see?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The answer is: the hidden signals that power modern electronics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Does an Oscilloscope Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oscilloscopes work by converting electrical signals into a graphical waveform on a screen. The horizontal axis shows <\/span><b>time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while the vertical axis shows <\/span><b>voltage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probes and Connections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probes connect the oscilloscope to the circuit under test. Different probe types allow safe and accurate measurements across a range of voltages. It\u2019s important to use quality<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/products\/mixed-signal-oscilloscopes\/accessories\/cables-probes-clips\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oscilloscope accessories such as probes, cables, and clips<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to maintain reliable results<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Triggering Explained<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without triggering, waveforms appear as a moving blur. The trigger function locks onto a repeating part of the signal, such as a rising edge, so the waveform looks stable on the display. For a deeper dive into this subject, see our guide on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/oscilloscope-triggers-what-they-didnt-teach-me-in-school\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oscilloscope triggers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visualizing Waveforms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once captured, waveforms reveal details like gain, phase shift, distortion, and signal timing. An oscilloscope can be used to demonstrate how a low-pass filter reduces signal amplitude and shifts its phase. If you want to try hands-on waveform analysis using the waveforms software, check out our<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/reference\/test-and-measurement\/guides\/waveforms-oscilloscope\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WaveForms oscilloscope guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Oscilloscopes<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Analog Oscilloscopes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 The earliest designs, using cathode ray tubes (CRTs) to display signals directly. While largely replaced by digital models, they are still valued for their simplicity in certain applications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digital Storage Oscilloscopes (DSOs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 The most common type today, capturing and storing signals digitally for detailed analysis. They allow advanced measurements and long-term waveform storage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/mixed-signal-oscilloscopes\/\"><b>Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Versatile instruments that combine analog and digital measurement capabilities. These scopes are especially useful when working with systems that integrate microcontrollers, logic signals, and analog circuitry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/usb-oscilloscopes\/\"><b>USB Oscilloscopes<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Compact and affordable devices that connect directly to a computer. By pairing with software, such as Digilent\u2019s WaveForms, they deliver professional-grade analysis in a portable format.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Uses an Oscilloscope?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oscilloscopes are essential tools for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Engineers and technicians<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> designing and repairing circuits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Educators and students<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> learning electronics theory and practice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hobbyists and makers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experimenting with DIY projects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Audio and RF specialists<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> analyzing sound and radio signals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does an Oscilloscope Cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost depends heavily on type and performance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Entry-level USB oscilloscopes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: ~$50\u2013$400<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mid-range benchtop\/portable digital scopes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $400\u2013$2,000<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High-performance lab models<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $5,000\u2013$50,000+<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For affordable and educational solutions, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digilent.com\/shop\/products\/mixed-signal-oscilloscopes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digilent\u2019s oscilloscope range<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of the Oscilloscope<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The earliest form of the oscilloscope was developed in 1897 by Karl Ferdinand Braun, who created the first cathode-ray oscilloscope (the Braun tube). Early versions were often referred to as oscillographs, mechanical or electrical devices that recorded waveforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201coscilloscope\u201d was first introduced around 1907, and through the 20th century, the instrument evolved from bulky analog CRT-based devices into today\u2019s powerful digital storage oscilloscopes that fit on a benchtop or even in a pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs About Oscilloscopes<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why use an oscilloscope instead of a multimeter?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multimeters give static readings, while oscilloscopes display full waveforms, revealing changes in voltage over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are oscilloscopes still used?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, modern digital oscilloscopes are widely used today in engineering, education, and industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can an oscilloscope measure AC and DC?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, oscilloscopes can display both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) signals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can an oscilloscope measure current?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, with a current probe that converts current into a measurable voltage signal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a multimeter an oscilloscope?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. A multimeter shows numbers, while an oscilloscope provides a live waveform display.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What type of signal does the tuner produce that is turned into the voltage signal on the oscilloscope?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A tuner produces an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, which is then displayed as a voltage waveform on the oscilloscope.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who invented the oscilloscope?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The oscilloscope was first demonstrated in 1897 by Karl Ferdinand Braun. The device was later refined throughout the 20th century into the digital oscilloscopes we rely on today.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style6 like-26047 jlk' data-task='like' data-post_id='26047' data-nonce='e5335d04d0' rel='nofollow'><img src='https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post-pro\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Like' \/><span class='lc-26047 lc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class='action-unlike'><a class='unlbg-style6 unlike-26047 jlk' data-task='unlike' data-post_id='26047' data-nonce='e5335d04d0' rel='nofollow'><img src='https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post-pro\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Unlike' \/><span class='unlc-26047 unlc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div> <div class='status-26047 status align-left'>Be the 1st to vote.<\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ian gives the rundown on oscilloscopes!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":32116,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,4267],"tags":[1736,499],"ppma_author":[4458],"class_list":["post-26047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-products","category-featured","tag-analog-discovery-2","tag-oscilloscope"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/oscilop.jpg","authors":[{"term_id":4458,"user_id":64,"is_guest":0,"slug":"kdokes","display_name":"Kyli Dokes","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fc7baf2430001248188e564ea9d7d1ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g","author_category":"","user_url":"","last_name":"Dokes","last_name_2":"","first_name":"Kyli","first_name_2":"","job_title":"","description":""}],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26047"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26047\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32118,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26047\/revisions\/32118"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26047"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=26047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}