If you're a self-confessed techie, you might want to consider investing in an Oscilloscope. These useful components have a multitude of uses and they aren't as expensive as they used to be.
Here, we'll look at just some of the things an Oscilloscope can measure and why you'll want to invest in one.
Verifying the output of power supply voltages
The main function of an Oscilloscope is to measure electrical waveforms. However, it can also be great for verifying the output of power supply voltages. When you need to measure constant voltage levels, these useful components can identify even small fluctuations within a power supply. This can prove useful in a wide range of scenarios when you're building or running electrical devices.
Identifying simple errors
When you're building something that lights up for example, you may run into issues getting the lights to flash correctly. Through an Oscilloscope, you'll be able to see whether there could be a small error within the code. It will measure the time between flashes, enabling you to catch simple mistakes you might have otherwise missed.
So, if you're a keen builder and innovator, an Oscilloscope can prove invaluable at ensuring your designs work correctly. This can also help you to get your innovations onto the market much quicker.
Measuring frequency
Did you know you can also measure frequency with an Oscilloscope? While you can't measure frequency itself, you can determine it by calculating the signal's period, then dividing it by 1 to discover the frequency.
Some of the newest and most modern Oscilloscopes will do this automatically for you. However, you can also use the method mentioned to determine the frequency manually.
Easy data collection
Data collection is essential when you're working with technology. The great thing about Oscilloscopes from RS Components, is that a lot of them feature a mode known as CSV-export. This allows you collect data points for a few seconds at a time, saving them onto a USB stick.
From there, you can upload the CSV file into a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel, to analyse the data collected. This can prove invaluable in a large number of scenarios such as if you're searching for the bets formula to create trigonometric waveforms.
Repair technology
For the keen techie, having an Oscilloscope available enables you to repair numerous types of technology. For example, you can use them to help you identify and repair issues with games consoles and TVs.
You can also use them in auto repairs. It could be used to check the fuel injectors for example, providing a fast diagnosis. Their ability to aid in the detection of faults and repairs makes them useful in a wide range of industries such as telecommunications, healthcare and engineering.
As you can see, Oscilloscopes can prove useful in a wide range of scenarios. The above are just some of the most common uses for them. If you're a techie, having one of these devices in the home can help you to enhance your projects and develop more precise and effective electronics and processes.
