 |
Figure 1. Histogram of the different pulse widths occurring in a pulse-width modulated rectangular pulse train. |
Triggering is an essential element in all modern digital oscilloscopes. The trigger synchronizes the oscilloscope’s data acquisition with a user-specified event on the signal, be that an edge, threshold crossing or a specific signal characteristic. Teledyne LeCroy Smart Triggers can trigger oscilloscope acquisitions based on properties such as a period, width, low signal amplitude, slew rate or signal loss. These trigger types are ideal for capturing transient events like glitches, but they require knowing at least a range of possible values for the trigger to detect.
Intermittent transient events and glitches are among the most frustrating problems to detect and solve. This is especially true if you have no idea about the nature of the transient. However, you can use the oscilloscope’s measurement tools to help locate these bothersome transients, then use that information to set up your trigger to capture them when they occur. Here’s how.