18
Oscilloscope Terms
© 2014 Velleman NV
INTERPOLATION
A “connect–the–dots” processing technique to estimate what a fast waveform looks like based on
only a few sampled points.
6.10
- N -
NOISE
Undesired random addition to a signal.
6.11
- P -
PEAK-TO-PEAK
Difference between most positive and most negative swing of the signal. 2xVpeak (Vpp) for
sinusoidal signals.
PERIOD (T)
Duration of one cycle of the AC waveform (= 1/f).
PHASE
Term used when referring to degree points of a signal’s period.
POST-TRIGGER DATA
Data which occurred after the event that caused a digital storage oscilloscope to trigger.
PRE-TRIGGER DATA
Data which occurred before the event that caused a digital storage oscilloscope to trigger.
PROBE
An oscilloscope input device, usually having a pointed metal tip for making electrical contact with a
circuit element, a lead to connect to the circuit’s ground reference, and a flexible cable for
transmitting the signal and ground to the oscilloscope. They are designed not to influence the
behavior of the circuit you are testing.
PULSE
A common waveform shape that has a rising edge, a width, and a falling edge.
6.12
- R -
REAL TIME SAMPLING
A sampling mode in which the oscilloscope collects as many samples as possible from one
triggered acquisition. Ideal for signals whose frequency range is less than half the oscilloscope’s
maximum sample rate.
RIPPLE
Unwanted periodic variation of a DC voltage.
RISE TIME
The time taken for the leading edge of a pulse to rise from its low to its high values, typically
measured from 10% to 90%.
