An electronic oscilloscope displays signals on a small cathode ray tube, which is similar to what's used for a television. Researchers in scientific laboratories and in the medical industry use electronic oscilloscopes to examine the behavior and function of an electronic system. Electric oscilloscopes do everything from troubleshooting faulty equipment to aiding in electronic circuit design, testing and debugging. Electric oscilloscopes analyze electrical signals over time, using calculations of up to several billionths of a second.

Choose from analog or digital oscilloscopes when purchasing equipment for your laboratory. Analog oscilloscopes can only display repetitive wave signals and other data on the cathode-ray screen. Digital oscilloscopes, on the other hand, process signals more quickly. The digital oscilloscope operates with features similar to a personal computer, including an LCD screen, a power supply and a microprocessor. Compared to an analog oscilloscope, digital oscilloscopes are lightweight and portable. Here are some things to keep in mind before you find an electronic oscilloscope:

1. Get a certified new or used electronic oscilloscope for your research or business applications.

2. Choose your preferred type of electric oscilloscope, whether it's analog, handheld, portable or PC-based.

3. Find additional equipment and supplies needed to operate with the electronic oscilloscope.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a certified new or used electronic oscilloscope

Electronic oscilloscope and other digital oscilloscope equipment must be certified in order to provide accurate testing.

I recommend: Look for an electric or digital oscilloscope at Continental Resources. The electronics oscilloscope provider is also ISO-certified. Find an electronic oscilloscope or a full range of digital oscilloscopes at Cal-Tek. The company features an electronic oscilloscope list of ISO- and IEC-certified products.

Pick your preferred type of electric oscilloscope

Buy portable, handheld, bench top or laboratory electronic and digital oscilloscopes to add to your inventory.

I recommend: Transcat supplies different versions of the digital or electric oscilloscope. Electronic oscilloscope provider Signal Test distributes new and used bench top and portable digital oscilloscopes. The distributor also offers calibration and repair services.

Find electronic oscilloscope information such as additional equipment

Learn more about the electronic oscilloscope manufacturer, including the electronic oscilloscope supplies and accessories the company offers.

I recommend: Saelig features PC-based electronic oscilloscopes in addition to its electric and digital oscilloscope offerings. Metrictest counts accessories such as electrical current probes and analyzers in addition to its electronic oscilloscope product line.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to the cathode-ray tube display, other standard elements make up an analog electronic oscilloscope. These include a signal amplifier system with input controls, a time base, an on-screen readout and calibration controls and power supplies.
• •  Basic components of a digital oscilloscope include a time base, an analog-to-digital converter, power supplies, a digital memory, waveform display and reconstruction circuits and a vertical input amplifier.