What is the Oscilloscope - Research Paper Example

The Narrative I have always wondered about the seemingly complicated devices that are often shown in television. As though they are limited to sophisticated scientists capable of operating them, I have always deemed oscilloscopes as dumbfounding. They have been featured in a number of films and shows, including music videos like that of the Beastie Boys and they have always looked to be so fascinating. I have a very few background on the instrument with no firsthand experience on how to operate it which made it difficult and all the more challenging to tackle the subject which I have chosen. Very few people know what an oscilloscope is. There are only a number of schools which let their students have a common working knowledge of the device. More often than not, when it comes to electronic devices we have very little to no familiarity with devices during our high school days. It is only after entering college and being in lined with a specialization in major subjects like engineering or medicine that we get the chance to partake in getting acquainted with uncommon apparatuses. Upon asking a few people I know, I came to learn that my initial outlook that oscilloscopes are not well-known was validated. They have no idea what it is or what it does. I believe that the pursuit of research on the subject would enable not only me but other people as well to know more about oscilloscopes. I want the writing of the research to be approachable in nature where people would get to be acquainted even on just a small basis what the device is. A straightforward background on the topic would let them see the importance of oscilloscopes not only to scientists but to everyone. It brings to light questions that they have probably never asked before. In the process, they should be able to determine what an oscilloscope is with a substantive background on what it does. This is the main purpose of my research. The Bridge Oscilloscopes are important in electronic research as they serve a fundamental function in its capacity for displaying and reading electrical signals. The minimal knowledge that I have for the topic compels me to do comparatively intense research on the area under discussion. Upon first checking online the availability of information regarding the topic, I have found that it is not exactly overflowing with materials. I have employed the help of friends on their knowledge of the device to no avail. As advised by a friend, I started with looking for related e-books which would make it easier for me to read and research. I also searched for educational materials from educational websites which became the primary research material for my assignment. The video that I have found became to a great extent beneficial. I know that an oscilloscope is primarily an electronic instrument that uses phosphorescent screen. I am familiar that modern oscilloscopes are digital in nature but I am apprehensive in significantly expounding on that as it might already be too lengthy for this particular assignment. On the process of obtaining resources, I came across a number of video presentations and selected one which sure enough was very helpful for the paper. Because the topic is very technical, there are a number of terms which are quite difficult to understand. The video made it relatively uncomplicated. There are also materials which included graphic presentations which made it understandable for readers like me to understand the principle behind the concept of the machine. The main question that I would like to answer is; what is primary purpose of an oscilloscope? I am certain that very few people know what an oscilloscope is, and most importantly, what are its functions are? I have discovered that people are familiar with it upon showing them photographs but have vague an idea on what it is. Another question would be, how does it function? This would be more technical as a process approach to writing would have to be involved. There is also the issue of who are the particular readers of the research which would then identify the range of the paper. I have decided that it should be popular in nature so that anyone would be able to understand it and because I myself am not an authority to discuss it at length. Other queries would also include; what are the parts of an oscilloscope? And why is there a need for oscilloscopes? Research Process and Findings An oscilloscope is a valuable apparatus which tests circuits and enables the user to see the signals during varied points. To be able to monitor the input and output of system blocks through an electronic system is what an oscilloscope does. The user is then capable of inspecting and making sure that each block operates properly and that the connection is made correctly. As what commonly happens, first time users usually have extreme reactions to the device, others fidget the knobs of the instrument callously while others become intimidated with it and get stunned by its sight. It should be kept in mind that it has a specific process in its usage to take advantage of to attain its full potential and function (Doctronics, n.d.). This electronic apparatus displays through a glowing light in a phosphorescent screen electric signals through a cathode-ray tube. What it illustrates is a swiftly “moving point of light.” Its electronic circuit is called a sweep circuit which incessantly and continually sweeps a point through the CRT monitor. “The electronic signal to be displayed deflects the electron beam perpendicular to the sweep axis (up or down) in proportion to the amplitude of the signal. The resulting pattern provides a graphic representation of the amplitude of the incoming signal as a function of time” (Encyclopedia of Knowledge, 1999). Figure 1 A Diagram of an Oscilloscope Source: http://www.doctronics.co.uk/scope.htm In using an oscilloscope, one must first make sure to reset all the buttons accordingly as the previous user may have employed a different setting to what should be prescribed to your standard. The BNC cable is an important part of the oscilloscope as it carries the signal of the device. Next, measurement which is the main purpose of the oscilloscope, must be adjusted according to the right intensity. The electron beam must be in tune with you as a user. It may be set too low or too high and proper reading might not be attained. The amplifiers are also vital in the process of reading the signals. Its position is ideally centered and most oscilloscopes can either show channels 1 or 2, or both, depending on the preferred setting and usage. Game control or the red knob on the right side must also be calibrated. The CRT must show peak to peak signal display. The time based calibration, or the two rings, should also be appropriately set. Another important aspect is the trigger AC signals which has the non-triggered signal and triggered which allows the stop and slow of the signals. Regulating the trigger correctly levels the control sweep for the user to be able to suitably read the signal (Oscilloscope demo, 2007). Oscilloscopes illustrate the varying electrical quantity for current or voltage. This can be used for example as equipment in naval ships which enable control firemen. Some of its other use includes the measurement of AC voltages linked with the formed deflection of voltages. Other utilities also include measurement of frequency, phase differences and percent modulation. Through this, different AC phenomena are studied to outline with regards to time its course of direction (Naval Sea Systems Command, 1999). In the course of the research I was able to familiarize myself with the parts and functions of an oscilloscope. Upon closer scrutiny it is accomplished that the apparatus is not as complicated as it looks. Its function allows users to benefit from it. There is enough available material to empower students and interested users toward its use. I have found that though it may seem complicated for beginners, constant exposure to it would eventually lead to mastery of the device. The new types of oscilloscopes was not researched extensively as what would have been preferred. Being terrified of the device is not a proper reaction to it, nonetheless, it should not be regarded with jest as a simple toy for that would only defeat its purpose. Works Cited Read More