Many oscilloscope users take advantage of only a small fraction of the powerful features available to them. In addition, selecting the right measurement from a catalog of possibilities and accurately interpreting the results can lead to confusion and mistakes. This series of articles is intended to help users understand oscilloscope measurements more completely in order to avoid common pitfalls.

Digital storage oscilloscopes vary greatly among vendors in terms of form factor (stand-alone, PXI, VXI, PCI, etc), resolution (8-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit, etc), acquisition rates (1 MS/sec, 1 GS/sec, 40 GS/sec, etc), functionality (advanced triggering, deep memory, self-calibration, etc.), and more. One aspect that separates true oscilloscopes from most PC-based, modular digitizers is the ability to make measurements in hardware on an onboard processor. The available measurements also differ from one oscilloscope to another, although this paper will cover a large segment of them. In addition, the algorithms used to complete the measurements may differ slightly among vendors. This paper will focus on the measurements and algorithms used in ZTEC modular oscilloscopes, but most of these concepts are universal.

Oscilloscope measurements can be sorted into the following three categories:
• Vertical-Axis
• Horizontal-Axis
• Frequency Domain

Part three of the series will focus on frequency domain measurements.

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Approaching the Capability of Bats and Dolphins

Bats and dolphins have developed very sophisticated means of object detection, location and characterisation. Their capabilities in the generation, reception and processing of acoustic signals go way beyond man’s current understanding. Current technology drivers in most scientific, military and industrial fields include increasing resolutions, lowering power consumption and improving material assessment and characterisation. Existing solutions often result in current technologies merely being driven harder, but new, novel technologies can be developed from a fresh view of the way bio-acoustic systems solve similar problems.

How bats and dolphins achieve such high levels of object detection, location and characterisation has been the focus of much research. One aim being to develop similar, ‘bio-mimetic’ systems, but it is still unclear the effort that is required to approach the capability of bio-acoustic systems. Recent experiences suggest that new research should be ‘bio-inspired’ and investigate the way in which energy is delivered to and returned from the source of investigation.

New Research: The BIAS Project

Researchers from the NERC British Geological Survey, the Universities of Southampton, Edinburgh, Leeds, Strathclyde, Leicester and Fortkey Ltd have formed the BIAS consortium to undertake research into the tools / techniques used routinely by nature that hitherto have not been embraced by man. Key challenges for a new approach include breaking the quarter wavelength barrier that currently limits spatial resolution, and the development of new signals for improved power efficiency and material property characterisation. The project will establish an experimental programme to be undertaken at three ultrasonic laboratory facilities:

• firstly, a waterborne, high frequency ultrasound facility focusing on medical physics applications
• secondly, a waterborne, low frequency ultrasound facility focusing on the physical characterisation of materials for geological applications,
• and thirdly, an airborne, low frequency ultrasound facility focusing on the characterising the effect of aspect angle on echo patterns.

 

Figure 1: Test tank at the Ultrasonics Research Laboratory at the British Geological Survey

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ZTEC is excited to announce that Geoff Hoekstra and Manny Teran have joined the ZTEC sales team as Regional Sales Managers covering the United Statesa and Latin America. Both Geoff and Manny bring a wealth of knowledge to ZTEC with prior work experience at National Instruments.  Please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about ZTEC products or services. They are available for on-site product demonstrations, training sessions, and seminars.

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