Digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) utilize analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to convert and store data in a digital, binary format, enabling detailed analysis and future reference. While DSOs share similarities with traditional analog oscilloscopes, they incorporate digital signal processing and data acquisition features. One crucial factor to consider when choosing a DSO is the sampling rate, which impacts the accuracy of measurements. The trigger function defines the starting and ending points for the sample, making it ideal for applications involving single-shot waveforms without repetition.
Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes (DPOs) are similar to DSOs in their use of signal processing for waveform capture. However, the key difference is that DPOs can display waveform intensity, which indicates how frequently the signal occurs. This feature is made possible by parallel-processing architecture, unlike the serial-processing architecture in traditional DSOs. The parallel processing in a DPO mimics the visual display of older analog scopes with a chemical phosphor.
Digital storage oscilloscopes are also excellent for capturing transient waveforms, especially useful when verifying waveforms generated by transient generators during conducted immunity testing.
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