Oscilloscope, which is a device frequently used in the control and repair of electronic devices, is preferred in the automotive industry as it is used in many other sectors. So what is an oscilloscope? What are the types of oscilloscopes? How to use an oscilloscope in automotive? Let's examine the use of the oscilloscope in detail.

What is an oscilloscope?

The oscilloscope is a device used by anyone interested in electronic repair or production. The oscilloscope can display data via a cathode ray tube, a screen that we are accustomed to seeing on older TVs, or it may be equipped with an LCD or LED display. There are also oscilloscope types that do not have a screen and are used by connecting them to a computer.

The oscilloscope is actually a voltmeter. The most advanced and complex voltmeter of today is oscilloscopes. It has emerged with the combination of the words oscillation and scope. Oscillation means oscillation and vibration, while scope means the device for showing. In other words, they are devices that can show fluctuations in voltage and voltage. As the oscilloscopes differ in form, they can also differ in their skills and features. As its features increase, its price also increases.

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What are the types of oscilloscopes?

The oscilloscope, discovered in the 19th century, began to be used as an analog. With the development of technology, it gained momentum and became digital and used more frequently.

Analog Oscilloscope: Analog oscilloscopes, which are not preferred today, work just like old tube televisions. When the signal coming from the circuit is transmitted to the coils used in deflecting the electron beam formed in the cathode ray tube, an image is formed on the screen. In this way, the data are determined. Since analog oscilloscopes do not provide a detailed measurement opportunity, they are not used much today.

Digital Oscilloscope: Thanks to microprocessors, digital oscilloscopes that work by receiving signals from the input and creating high frequencies are the most frequently used types of oscilloscopes. The signals received at high frequencies can be stopped at any time, any time can be saved or a printed copy can be created at any time. While analog oscilloscopes have a certain speed limit, in digital oscilloscopes, this limit may differ from model to model.

Computer Based / USB Oscilloscope: The type of oscilloscope that does not have a screen on it is called a computer based / usb oscilloscope. Because a computer and software are needed to save and display the data graphically. It is preferred because it is smaller than other types and is more affordable in price.

Portable / Handheld Oscilloscope: Handheld oscilloscopes that operate with battery or by charging are more portable than other types of oscilloscopes. Especially in cases such as field work, portable models are preferred.

How to use an automotive oscilloscope?

As in many other sectors, an oscilloscope is used in the automotive industry. Since it can be used in many areas of automotive circuits, automotive engineers prefer an oscilloscope for both control and repair. The automotive oscilloscope, which appeared in the 1970s for the first ignition system analysis in the automotive industry, has become an important workshop tool for test sensors and electronic output signals. Automotive oscilloscope can be used for engine management systems, brake and balance systems. In some cases, oscilloscope circuits can trigger and serial bus messages can be deciphered. This bus is often used in automotive applications. The automotive engineer can use an oscilloscope in engine control units as well as any number of embedded systems connected in current vehicles. So it can map analog data from sensors.

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What are the keys used in the oscilloscope? 

The vertical axis of the image formed on the oscilloscope screen shows the amplitude and the horizontal axis shows the time. The keys on the oscilloscope are as follows.

Volts / Div: It is the button that determines the vertical resolution of the signal. It can be adjusted by turning this knob which voltage will correspond.

Secs / Div: Determines the horizontal resolution of the signal on the screen. It determines how many milliseconds the second interval will be.

AC / DC Coupling: Allows the reference of the signal to be displayed by the oscilloscope to be adjusted as DC or AC voltage difference.

Trigger: The Trigger option is only available on digital oscilloscopes. It helps to see when the signal reaches its level.

Horizontal Pos: Allows the horizontal position of the signal present on the screen to be adjusted. It is often used for signals that do not fit on the screen.

Vertial Pos: Enables the vertical position of the signal on the screen to be adjusted. It is often used for signals that do not fit on the screen.

Auto: Only available on digital oscilloscopes, this button allows the measured signal to be optimally adjusted in vertical and horizontal resolution.

Stop: This button, which is only available in digital models, provides a snapshot of the signal.