Browse Topic: Oscilloscopes
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Four-channel oscilloscopes are ideal for characterizing the new generation of automotive radar sensors, as two experts explain. A new generation of compact radar sensors with long range and high resolution is under development for automated driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and future fully autonomous vehicles. Operating in the frequency range from 76 GHz to 81 GHz, these sensors use phased-array antennas to obtain location information. The accuracy of the obtained data is directly correlated to the accuracy of the relative phase angles of the emitted signals, making precise adjustment of the antenna system a crucial factor for precision. Characterization of these sensors in the development phase requires sophisticated testing and measurement equipment due to the high frequencies. Oscilloscopes are ideal for this because they can simultaneously analyze multiple signals and precisely compare them. While some spectrum analyzers offer dynamic range and sophisticated analysis features, they have only one input channel and therefore are not able to measure the phase differences of multiple signals. Four-channel oscilloscopes have an advantage here, as they can act as a phase coherent receiver and simultaneously analyze and compare up to four signals.
NeXtRAD is a dual-band, dual-polarization, multistatic radar system under development at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in col lab oration with University College London (UCL). The primary mission of the system is to collect multistatic data of small radar cross-section maritime targets embedded in sea clutter. NeXtRAD is a multi-sensor network comprised of three stations (or nodes) separated by several hundred meters, all focusing on a common target area as shown in Figure 1. Only node 0 generates and receives radar signals, while nodes 1 and 2 are receive only. The system requires a usable bandwidth of 50 MHz to achieve a range resolution of three meters. Each node has dual-polarized L- and X-band antennas (IEEE definition) with a 10-degree beam width.
The SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission) bus continues to gain acceptance across the automotive industry and is widely used to transmit high-resolution readings from powertrain sensors to an electronic control unit (ECU). SENT is formally specified by SAE International and is often referred to as SAE-J2716. As with most automotive serial protocols such as CAN and LIN, it is a low- cost, noise-immune system; however, SENT differs from the other standards as it is a fairly lightweight, high-speed, point-to-point, one-way protocol specifically designed for real-time feedback from critical operational measurement sensors.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is the most common way to identify various ailments, especially when the ailment is related to the heart. To perform an ECG, the medical personnel places the leads on the patient’s skin. The leads measure the heart’s electrical activity of one heartbeat cycle and record it as a continuous line tracing on paper to produce a graph. The ECG signal may indicate:
One important requirement for instruments like oscilloscopes is the ability to detect and trigger on an event of interest within a stream of unsuspicious signals fast and reliably. The quicker a specific event can be detected, the faster a problem in an electronic design can be debugged, reducing development and manufacturing test times.
Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent Technologies) develops world-leading equipment for solving tough measurement challenges. The company’s Infiniium 90000 Q-Series oscilloscope is the first to reach the 60 GHz barrier, enabling engineers to make measurements on a new generation of fiber optic transponders and systems that provide higher levels of data communication speeds than previously possible.
Modern oscilloscopes come equipped with a host of different attributes, and many vendors tout their latest additions as “must have” features. With so many attributes and marketing messages, recalling the importance of a long-held attribute such as memory depth can become lost in the noise. However, any engineer who has grappled with shallow memory on an oscilloscope will be vocal about the frustration of the experience. Those who aren’t vocal simply haven’t stumbled on an issue that required it — yet.
High-speed photography is as much of an engineering tool as an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, or logic analyzer. The photographic technique enables us to visualize and analyze motion, especially motion that is too fast for the human eye or conventional cameras to perceive.
Cycle resolved wall temperature measurements have been performed in a one cylinder port injected optical Scania D12 truck engine run in HCCI mode. Point measurements at various locations were made using Laser-Induced Phosphorescence (LIP). Single point measurements with thermographic phosphors utilize the temperature dependancy of the phosphorescence decay time. The phosphorescence peak at 538 nm from the thermographic phosphor La2O2S:Eu was used to determine temperature. A frequency tripled 10 Hz pulsed Nd:YAG laser delivering ultra violet (UV) radiation at 355 nm was used for excitation of the phosphor. Detection in the spectral region 535 - 545 nm was performed every cycle with a photo multiplier tube connected to a 3 GHz oscilloscope. Measurements were made at four points on the cylinder head surface and two points on the outlet and inlet valves respectively. For each location measurements were made at different loads and at different crank angle degrees (CAD). The aim of the presented work was to study the feasibility of using LIP for single shot, cycle resolved wall temperature measurements.
This report describes basic method for measurement of spark energy on all types of capacitance discharge exciters. Reference is made to other methods which may be used if limitations are observed.
This report describes a method of semiconductor resistance measurement using controlled energy levels and a digital processing oscilloscope to acquire and process test data.
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