EP 28 - L'oscilloscope pour les débutants

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for beginners looking to understand the basics of using an oscilloscope. An oscilloscope is a crucial tool in electronics for visualizing electrical signals and diagnosing circuit issues. In this guide, we will cover the fundamental aspects of oscilloscopes, including vertical amplifiers, time base settings, triggering mechanisms, and probe compensation.

Step 1: Understanding the Oscilloscope

• Familiarize yourself with the main components of an oscilloscope:
  • Display screen: Shows the waveform of the signal.
  • Control panel: Contains knobs and buttons for configuring the oscilloscope.
  • Probes: Connect to the circuit under test to measure voltage.

Step 2: Setting Up Vertical Amplifiers

• Vertical amplifiers adjust the amplitude of the signal displayed.
• To configure:
  • Locate the vertical control knobs on the oscilloscope.
  • Adjust the volts/division setting to scale the waveform correctly.
  • Ensure the signal is within the display range to avoid clipping.

Step 3: Adjusting the Time Base

• The time base determines the speed at which the waveform is displayed.
• Steps to set it up:
  • Find the time/division control on the oscilloscope.
  • Adjust it to zoom in or out on the waveform.
  • A faster time base (smaller time/div) allows you to see more detail in rapid signals.

Step 4: Configuring the Triggering System

• Triggering stabilizes the waveform display.
• To set up triggering:
  • Identify the trigger source (usually the channel you're measuring).
  • Set the trigger level to a point on the waveform where you want the oscilloscope to start displaying.
  • Adjust the trigger mode (e.g., edge, pulse) for the type of signal being analyzed.

Step 5: Compensating the Probes

• Probe compensation is essential for accurate measurements.
• Steps for compensation:
  • Connect the probe to the oscilloscope and a calibration signal (often a square wave).
  • Adjust the compensation trimmer on the probe until the waveform appears square and undistorted.
  • Verify the flatness of the waveform edges for best results.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we explored the essential features of an oscilloscope that every beginner should know. Understanding vertical amplifiers, time base settings, triggering mechanisms, and probe compensation will greatly enhance your ability to use an oscilloscope effectively. As you gain experience, you may delve into more complex functions and applications. Happy measuring!