Electronics · AC and power / Principles and inquiry
Oscilloscope measurements experiment guide
Adjust the time and voltage scales and place cursors on the waveform. Use cursor spacing to measure the period and frequency.
How does it work?
The horizontal scale is time per division and the vertical scale is voltage per division. Changing scales does not change the signal frequency.
Key relationship
T = Δt · f = 1/T · Vpp = Vmax − Vmin
Try this investigation
- Select sine, square or triangle waves and check whether the trigger holds them steady.
- Run and record each of the three baseline presets.
- Measure the same period with different waveform shapes and compare a change in time scale alone.
Interpreting your results
What peak-to-peak voltage is measured with cursors 4 div apart at 1 V/div?
4 V
Assumptions and limitations
Signals are ideal, with no noise or bandwidth limit. The trigger uses rising edges. Levels outside the amplitude give no trigger. Cursors are adjusted in divisions. Use this simulation; do not reproduce it with real power supplies or wall outlets.