Oscilloscopes are considered the most widely used instruments in the Electrical T&M field. With an Oscilloscope, it is possible to understand how an electrical signal changes over a time period graphically. In every electric application, from electronics laboratories, electronics R&D, product development, manufacturing QA, to After-sales service there is a need tor waveform representation by an Oscilloscope.

With the rapid advancement of technology, the oscilloscope market has also been shifting from conventional analog oscilloscopes, which displays the electronic waveforms through a CRT, towards Digital Storage Oscilloscopes (DSO). The major function of a DSO not only converts signals from analog to digital, but also stores testing data, allowing remote control and transmitting data through various interfaces. In spite of the strengths of DSOs, analog oscilloscopes still play an important role of providing real-time signal and waveform display.

There has been a growing need for detecting digital signals whichare usually presented by 2 discrete voltage levels, a distinction from analog signals presented by continuous voltages. A logic analyzer is better suited for such digital signal measurements compared with an oscilloscope. A logic analyzer also has the benefit of multiple channel input measurements, which is usually limited to 2 or 4 channels in oscilloscopes.

To satisfy various needs of waveform observation in time domain, GW Instek provides an entire series of oscilloscope solutions, consisting of two groups: Digital Storage Oscilloscopes and Handheld (Portable) Oscilloscopes. 

What is a digital storage oscilloscope used for?

A digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) is a type of electronic test instrument used to capture and analyze electrical signals. It works by converting the analog signal into a digital format, and then storing the data in memory for further analysis.

DSOs are commonly used by engineers and technicians to troubleshoot and test electronic circuits, as well as in research and development to study electronic signals in various applications. They can be used to measure voltage, current, and frequency, and can display waveforms in real-time or as a captured image.

One of the advantages of a DSO over an analog oscilloscope is its ability to capture and store waveforms, allowing for analysis and measurement of signals that are too fast or too complex for analog scopes to handle. DSOs also offer features such as automatic measurement, waveform averaging, and signal processing capabilities that make them useful in a wide range of applications, from electronics manufacturing to automotive testing to medical research.

Is it worth buying an oscilloscope?

Whether or not it is worth buying an oscilloscope depends on your specific needs and application. An oscilloscope is a versatile tool that can be used to measure and analyze electrical signals in a variety of applications, including electronics design, troubleshooting, and repair. If you work with electronic circuits and need to measure waveforms, an oscilloscope can be an essential tool for debugging and validating designs.

If you are a hobbyist or student working on simple circuits, a basic oscilloscope with limited features and a lower price point may be sufficient. However, if you are a professional or advanced hobbyist working with complex or high-frequency circuits, you may require a more advanced oscilloscope with higher bandwidth, sample rates, and advanced analysis features.

Before buying an oscilloscope, it is important to evaluate your needs and consider factors such as the type of signals you will be measuring, the frequency range, and the accuracy required. You should also consider your budget, as oscilloscopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the features and capabilities.

Overall, if you work with electronic circuits or signals on a regular basis, an oscilloscope can be a valuable investment that can save you time and help you diagnose and solve problems more quickly and accurately.