Oscilloscopes
Oscilloscopes display voltage signals over time, allowing engineers and technicians to visualize, measure, and analyze electrical waveforms. We stock digital storage oscilloscopes (DSO), mixed signal oscilloscopes (MSO), and handheld models for bench, field, and production test applications.
Types of Oscilloscopes
Digital storage oscilloscopes are the standard choice for general electronics troubleshooting and design validation, offering waveform capture, storage, and analysis. Mixed signal oscilloscopes add digital channel inputs alongside analog channels, useful for debugging embedded systems and mixed analog-digital circuits. Handheld and portable oscilloscopes are built for field service and installations where a benchtop unit isn’t practical.
Bandwidth & Sample Rate
Bandwidth in this category ranges from 20 MHz for general education and basic electronics work up to several GHz for high-speed digital and RF applications. As a general rule, choose a bandwidth at least 3 to 5 times higher than the highest frequency signal you need to measure, to accurately capture waveform detail.
Channels & Features
Most models are available in 2-channel and 4-channel configurations, with higher channel counts useful for comparing multiple signals simultaneously. Look for features like built-in FFT analysis, protocol decoding (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN), and deep memory when working with complex or long-duration signal captures.
Common Applications
- Electronics design and prototyping
- Field service and equipment troubleshooting
- Power supply and signal integrity testing
- Embedded systems and digital protocol debugging
- Educational and training lab use
Not sure which oscilloscope fits your application? Contact our team — we can help match bandwidth, channel count, and features to your specific requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bandwidth oscilloscope do I need?
Choose a bandwidth at least 3 to 5 times the highest frequency signal you plan to measure, to ensure accurate waveform representation without excessive signal distortion.
What’s the difference between a DSO and an MSO?
A digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) captures and displays analog voltage signals over time. A mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) adds dedicated digital channels, allowing simultaneous analysis of analog and digital signals on embedded systems.
How many channels do I need?
Two channels are sufficient for most basic troubleshooting and comparison tasks. Four or more channels are useful when working with multi-phase power, complex embedded systems, or when comparing several signal points at once.
Do you offer calibration for oscilloscopes?
Yes, select models are available with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate at the time of purchase. Look for the certification filter above or contact us for a custom calibration request.