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TekTips: How to measure current with an oscilloscope

Welcome to the TekTips series brought to you by DesignSpark and Tektronix. 

In our latest TekTip, we explore how to measure current using an oscilloscope. There are two methods that you can use to achieve this. 

Interested in more TekTips on the 4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope? Click Here

Never let a lack of channels slow down your verification and debug process again!

The 4 Series MSO offers better visibility into complex systems by offering four and six-channel models with a 13.3-inch high-definition (1,920 x 1,080) display. Many applications, such as embedded systems, three-phase power electronics, automotive electronics, power supply design, and DC-to-DC power converters, require the observation of more than four analog signals to verify and characterize device performance, and to debug challenging system issues.

Most engineers can recall situations in which they were debugging a particularly difficult problem and wanted greater system visibility and context, but the scope they were using was limited to two or four analog channels. Using a second scope involves significant effort to align trigger points, difficulty in determining timing relationships across the two displays, and documentation challenges.

And while you might assume that a six-channel scope would cost 50% more than a four-channel scope, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that six-channel models are only ~20% more than four-channel models. The additional analog channels can pay for themselves quickly by enabling you to keep current and future projects on schedule.

Available Now from RS Components:

Description Mfr Part Number RS Number

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 200M

MSO46 4-BW-200

(187-5439)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 350M

MSO46 4-BW-350

(187-5440)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 500M

MSO46 4-BW-500

(187-5441)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 1GHZ

MSO46 4-BW-1000

(187-5442)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 1.5G

MSO46 4-BW-1500

(187-5443)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 200M

MSO44 4-BW-200

(187-5444)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 350M

MSO44 4-BW-350

(187-5445)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 500M

MSO44 4-BW-500

(187-5446)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 1GHZ

MSO44 4-BW-1000

(187-5447)

4 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope; 1.5G

MSO44 4-BW-1500

(187-5448)

 

Strength in numbers

Input channels

  • 4 or 6 FlexChannel® inputs

  • Each FlexChannel provides:

    • One analog signal that can be displayed as a waveform view, a spectrum view1, or both simultaneously

    • Eight digital logic inputs with TLP058 logic probe

Bandwidth (all analog channels)

  • 200 MHz, 350 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz, 1.5 GHz (upgradable)

Sample rate (all analog / digital channels)

  • Real-time: 6.25 GS/s

Record length (all analog / digital channels)

  • 31.25 Mpoints standard (62.5 Mpoints optional upgrade)

Waveform capture rate

  • >500,000 waveforms/s

Vertical resolution

  • 12-bit ADC

  • Up to 16-bits in High Res mode

Standard trigger types

  • Edge, Pulse Width, Runt, Timeout, Window, Logic, Setup & Hold, Rise/Fall Time, Parallel Bus, Sequence, Visual Trigger

  • Auxiliary Trigger ≤300 VRMS (Edge Trigger only)

Standard analysis

  • Cursors: Waveform, V Bars, H Bars, V&H Bars

  • Measurements: 36 

  • FastFrameTM: Segmented memory acquisition mode with maximum trigger rate >5,000,000 waveforms per second

  • Plots: Time Trend, Histogram and Spectrum

  • Math: Basic waveform arithmetic, FFT, and advanced equation editor

  • Search: Search on any trigger criteria

Optional analysis

  • Spectrum View

  • Mask Testing

  • Power Measurements and Analysis

Optional serial bus trigger, decode and analysis

  • I2C, SPI, I3C, RS-232/422/485/UART, SPMI, CAN, CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay, SENT, USB 2.0, Ethernet, I2S, LJ, RJ, TDM, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, Spacewire, 8B/10B, NRZ

Arbitrary/Function Generator1

  • 50 MHz waveform generation

  • Waveform Types: Arbitrary, Sine, Square, Pulse, Ramp, Triangle, DC Level, Gaussian, Lorentz, Exponential Rise/Fall, Sin(x)/x, Random Noise, Haversine, Cardiac

Digital voltmeter2

  • 4-digit AC RMS, DC, and DC+AC RMS voltage measurements

Trigger frequency counter2

  • 8-digit

Display

  • 13.3-inch (338 mm) TFT color

  • High Definition (1,920 x 1,080) resolution

  • Capacitive (multi-touch) touchscreen

Connectivity

  • USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device (5 ports); LAN (10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet); HDMI 3

e*Scope®

  • Remotely view and control the oscilloscope over a network connection through a standard web browser

Warranty

  • 3 years standard

Dimensions

  • 9.8 in (249 mm) H x 17.7 in (450 mm) W x 6.1 in (155 mm) D

  • Weight: <16.8 lbs. (7.6 kg)

1 Optional and upgradable.
2 Free with product registration.
3 Requires connection to high definition display (1,920 x 1,080 resolution).

TekTips is a series of short hints and tips brought to you by Tektronix in partnership with DesignSpark.
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