How to "Layer" Measurement Tools

Figure 1: Multi-grid display "layers" multiple
measurement tools to find hidden glitch.

Teledyne LeCroy oscilloscopes have four, distinct sets of measurement tools, including measurement graticules, cursors, parameters and graphs. These tools developed historically and are designed to be “layered” on multi-grid MAUI® oscilloscopes so that each addition brings a new level of understanding and insight. Even on oscilloscopes that do not have multi-grid displays, as shown here, several measurement tools can be applied at once for added insight. Read on to see how, properly combined, they can help you find waveform anomalies and assess their frequency of occurrence in a few, simple steps.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Oscilloscope: Cursors and Parameters

Figure 1: Cursors (top) and parameter
measurements (bottom) are both
powerful tools in their own right

Oscilloscopes give us a wealth of tools with which to view, measure, and analyze the performance of a circuit. Broadly speaking, two classes of such tools are cursors and parameter measurements. Taken on their own, both classes afford the user a great deal of capability. Put them together, though, and you can really start to gain deep insights into what's going on with a waveform.

The Evolving User Interface: Cursors, Triggers, and More

Figure 1: Need to reposition a
cursor? Touch, hold, and drag it

In our review of the evolving user interface as embodied in Teledyne LeCroy's MAUI with OneTouch gesture control, we've seen how touch, drag, swipe, pinch, and flick gestures have combined to transform the oscilloscope UI into something that enhances and encourages creativity. Here, we'll cover a few of the remaining features of OneTouch, showing how the concept permeates the MAUI UI in the recently launched WaveRunner 8000 series of instruments.

The Challenges of GFCI Measurements

Figure 1: An example
of a GFCI

The ubiquitous ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a fast-acting circuit breaker, has saved countless individuals from serious injury or death when they've inadvertently entered the low-resistance ground path of an electrical device or outlet. It's important to measure precisely the amount of time that elapses from when the 60-Hz cycle is present to when the GFCI disables the ground path. Other tests include determining the start, stop, and duration of the GFCI's tripping time. Let's take a look at the challenges these measurements present.

Using Histograms (Part IV)

Figure 1: A histogram of delay between traces C1 and C2

with an unknown event occuring 2.5 ns outside of

expected range

In previous posts on the topic of histograms, we've considered examples of how looking at signals in the statistical domain in addition to the time and frequency domains can be a great aid in pinning down the root cause of problems. But what about going in the other direction? Suppose you spot something unusual in a histogram and want to examine the waveform?

Tips and Tricks: Stabilizing a Waveform Trace

One initial challenge to oscilloscope users is achieving a stable display of an input waveform. In almost all cases, the Auto Setup button on Teledyne LeCroy oscilloscopes (and most other modern instruments) will automatically set the oscilloscope's triggering system to get that jumpy trace to settle down.

Oscilloscope Basics: Controlling an Oscilloscope (Part II)

Figure 1: An example of a
touch screen-equipped
oscilloscope.

In a recent post, we discussed how to control a modern digital oscilloscope using the front-panel controls. That was a natural place to begin, given that it's the "traditional" means of controlling the instrument and the one that most seasoned users cut their teeth on. But there's more than one way to skin this cat these days. Many of today's oscilloscopes carry touch screens that do everything the front-panel controls can do, plus some things they cannot do.

Oscilloscope Basics: How to Set Up and Use Cursors

As a follow-up to a recent post with an oscilloscope front-panel tour, we want to dig a little deeper into one aspect of controlling the instrument, and that's how to set up and use cursors. But instead of describing it in prose, it makes more sense to show you. So enjoy this brief tutorial video that will get you started with cursors! We're demonstrating on a Teledyne LeCroy HDO4054, but most of what we're showing you translates to other manufacturer's instruments.