ECE 206L

Professor Modisette
What are Oscilloscopes?

Fall 2018

Authors: Landon Schmucker

Date: November 1st, 2018
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Contents
Abstract …………………………………………………………….. 3
Introduction ………………………………………………………… 3
List of Figures ……………………………………………………..... 3
List of Tables …………………………………………………......... 3
Criteria/Method/Procedure………………………………………… 4
Theoretical Analysis ………………………………………………... 4-5
Analysis and Discussion ……………………………………………... 5-11
Recommendations ……………………………………………………. 11
Appendix……………………………………………………………… 12
Reference List……………………………………………………………… 12-13
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Abstract
In Oscilloscope Lab 1 & 2 we examined and evaluated the behavior and functionality of the
Oscilloscope equipment and the Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator. In the first part, we
made some simple circuits using an ELVIS board and were able to apply the equipment to
observe the behavior of AC and DC voltage/current sources applied on the circuits. In the second
part, we used our new-found knowledge from part 1 to apply the equipment to some more
complicating components. We were able to evaluate phase shift in an RC circuit using an X-T
time mode and the Ellipse method and the X-T time mode using period differences. Lastly, we
evaluated a Zener Diode and observed its output graph when we changed the Vpp.
Introduction
This report explains my findings and evaluations of performance while learning the functions of
the Oscilloscope and Function Generator Equipment. Oscilloscope is a device the allows
researchers and manufacturers to observe the behavior of the voltage, phase shift, current, etc.
inside circuit components or a design. It accomplishes this by displaying the wave function of an
analog signal. Oscilloscopes are important to observe properties of components amplitude,
frequency, rise time, fall time and more. The Function Generator can help us output a desired
function, for example as specific AC supply. We were able to observe this by applying the
equipment to two simple circuits as well as a Zener Diode. This report will dive into the finding
we had while learning about the different functions of this equipment.
List of Figures
FIGURE 1: Oscilloscope Picture 1
FIGURE 2: Ellipse Method
FIGURE 3: X-Y Method 2
FIGURE 4: Zener Diode
FIGURE 5: 2 Resistor Circuit
FIGURE 6: 2 Resistor Circuit Diagram
FIGURE 7: RC Circuit Schematic
FIGURE 8: 2 Resistor Voltage Divide
FIGURE 9: Diode Circuit Schematic

List of Tables
TABLE 1: Percent Error Calculations X-Y
TABLE 2: Percent Error Calculations X-T Method 1
TABLE 3: Percent Error Calculations X-T Method 2
TABLE 4: 2 Resistor Circuit
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Criteria/Method/Procedure
Equipment:
Lab notebook and pen
Agilent/Keysight DSOX3052A Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Agilent/Keysight 33220A Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator
2 oscilloscope probes
1 BNC/EZ Hook test lead
Circuit Prototyping breadboard/ELVIS
Resistors (2), 1.5k Ohm, ¼ Watt
Capacitor, mylar film, 0.1uF, 25V
Resistor, 110 Ohm, ¼ Watt
Zener diode, 1N4728, 3.3VDC (We used an 1N5222, 2.5VDC)
Procedure:
Download the ECELABS Procedure from the Class Webpage:
Part 1: http://ecelabs.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/120605952/OscilloscopeLabI-Ver01-00.pdf
Part 2: http://ecelabs.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/120814614/OscopeLabII-Ver01-00.pdf
For lab 6, or part 1 one you are going to simply become familiar with the equipment while also
building some simple circuits and applying your new skills. This will include quickly going over
different functions, scaling, and measurement methods on the oscilloscope. You will then build a
very simple two resistor circuit which you can then hook the probes of the oscilloscope to and
observe the signal functions.
Lab 7 or Part 2 listed above will go more into depth on some of the functionality of the Function
Generator and Oscilloscope. Since you should know the basic functions of the equipment by
now, you can take that and use it for a slightly more complex circuit. You will build an RC
circuit and use three different measurement techniques (X/T Oscilloscope Readings, Ellipse, and
X/t Time differences) to find the phase shift of the signal function. Lastly you will build a Zener
Diode circuit to see how it will behave.
Theoretical Analysis
Lab 6
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1.2
vr1 = ( 3k ) 1.5k = 0.6mV = vr2

Figure 8: 2 Resistor Voltage

Divider

Above is just a simple voltage divider between two 1.5kohm resistors that will split the 1.2 Vpp
evenly.
Lab 7
𝐶 = 0.105uF
R = 108.7Ω
1
fC = = 13944.4Hz
2πRC
1 𝑅
xC = , ∅ = 𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑛 ( )
2πfC 𝑥𝑐
Using the above values, you can calculate the following:
10kHz ∅ = 35.65
12kHz ∅ = 40.61
FC kHz ∅ = 44.895
20 kHz ∅ = 55.02
In Lab 7 we wanted to first calculate phase shifts in an RC circuit with an AC source. The first
step was to find the cutoff frequency, when the power in the signal drops to half of its maximum.
At ½ the power points the reactance of the capacitor equals the resistance of the resistor, so we can
form an equation for the cutoff frequency (fc=1/2πRC) as you see in Figure 1. Once we do this,
we calculate the phase shifts for each frequency between the voltage on the voltage source and the
voltage on the capacitor. To do this we use the equation for phi = arctan(R/Xc), where R is the
resistance, which should be 110 Ω, but our value is 108.7 Ω. Xc is the reactance of the capacitor,
which should be around 0.1 µF but ours was 0.105 µF. Xc = 1/(2πfC) - this will change for each
frequency. Plug these values in as shown above to get each theoretical value for each frequency’s
capacitor reactance and phase shift.

Analysis and Discussion

For lab 6, we tested values for the probe 1 and 2 frequency and peak-peak voltage before
measuring any circuits. The results for probe 1 and 2 results should theoretically be the same.
Our values came out to:
Frequency of Probe 1 = 1.0012 kHz, Vp-p of Probe 1 = 2.59 V
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Frequency of Probe 2 = 1.0012 kHz, Vp-p of Probe 2 = 2.61 V

As we can see from the readings the probes are almost the exact same with the voltage error
probably is just cause by slight noise or equipment errors, so we can assume the probes are ideal.
In the next part, we made a simple two resistor circuit to measure a simple circuit and learn to
read the oscilloscope. We set the Vp-p = 1.2 V and frequency of 455kHz. The Peak to Peak of
probe 1 was 1.25 V and 580 mV for probe 2, as you can see below.

FIGURE 1: Oscilloscope Picture 1

TABLE 4: 2 Resistor Circuit
Parameter Theoretical Calculated |Error| % Comment
Error
Vpp 1.2 V 1.25 V .05 4.17
Resistor 1 1.5 kΩ ---- ---- ---- Unfortunately, we
made an error and
forgot to calculate
for the actual
values of R1 and
R2. We will come
in and do this to
fix the lab.
Resistor 2 1.5 kΩ ---- ---- ---- Read Above
Voltage in 600mV 580mV 20 3.33
R1
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Voltage in 600 mV 580 mV 20 3.33

R2

As we can observe from our oscilloscope picture as well in coordination with the graph, we can confirm
that the circuit is a two resistor AC voltage divider circuit that has a very similar behavior as an DC
voltage divider. We also observer a slight phase difference between the two different wave functions.
For lab 7, we constructed the simple RC circuit as described in the procedure section. Our next
step was to calculate the measure the real-world values using the function generator and
oscilloscope. In this section we used three different methods to see what each value would be
and see how these values compared to ours.
The first method used the X-Y time mode. If you follow the procedures and construct the circuit
properly as shown in the lab procedure, you should see an Ellipse in the X-Y time mode. We can
now use the Ellipse method to calculate the phase shift like shown below.

FIGURE 2: Ellipse Method

Our calculations are shown below to find the phase shift along with the percent error
𝐴
calculations. To find phase we used: 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝐵) = ∅

10 kHz:
A = -193.75 mV, B = 343.75 mv, ∅ = 34.31
12 kHz:
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A = 196.25 mV, B = 310 mV, ∅ = 39.28

Fc kHz:
A= 195 mV, B = 282.5 mV, ∅ = 43.65
20 kHz:
A = 172.375 mV, B= 215.25 mV, ∅ = 53.21
TABLE 1: Percent Error Calculations X-Y
Parameter X-Y Calculate |Error| % Error Commen
Method d t
Freq = 34.31 35.65 1.34 3.91
10kHz
Freq = 39.28 40.61 1.33 3.28
12kHz
Freq = fc 43.65 45 1.35 3
Freq = 53.21 55.02 1.81 3.29
20kHz

For the X-Y measurement method you can see we got very accurate values with everything less
than a 4% error. This is extremely accurate for equipment which shows our circuit was set up
quite well and are measurements are working correctly since values are closely matching their
theoretical values.
The second part used the X-T time mode. In this way we used some amazing features on the
oscilloscope that allow us to directly read the value of phase shift of the graph from the
measurement window. Follow the instructions and you should get similar results. Below are our
values and percent error.
TABLE 2: Percent Error Calculations X-T Method 1
Parameter X-T Calculate |Error| % Error Commen
Method d t
1
Freq = 34 35.65 1.65 4.63
10kHz
Freq = 40 40.61 0.61 1.5
12kHz
Freq = fc 43.8 45 1.2 2.67
Freq = 53.9 55.02 1.12 2.04
20kHz

For the X-T 1st method we took results straight from the oscilloscope readings which in theory
should give us even more accurate values. Bar the 10 kHz we observed this and once again had
values very close to the theoretical. The slightly higher error on the first could be due to some
noise between jumped wires.
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For the third part we used the X-T time mode again, but with a different method. We calculated
it based on visual measurements from the oscilloscope/ Follow the instructions until your screen
looks something similar like below.

FIGURE 3: X-Y Method 2

Now we can use the methods shown above to once again calculate phase shift. Below you can
see our values and calculations as well as the percent error calculations.
10 kHz
td= 9.64E-6 s, T = 100E-6 s, t1=27.8E-7 s, ∅ = 34.71
12 kHz
td= 9.6E-6 s, T = 83.3E-6 s, t1=2.31E-7 s, ∅ = 41.49
Fc kHz
td= 8.8E-6 s, T = 71.4E-6 s, t1=1.98E-7 s, ∅ = 44.37
20 kHz
td= 7.5E-6 s, T = 50E-6 s, t1=1.39E-7 s, ∅ = 54
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TABLE 3: Percent Error Calculations X-T Method 2

Parameter X-T Calculate |Error| % Error Commen
Method d t
2
Freq = 34.71 35.65 0.94 2.64
10kHz
Freq = 41.49 40.61 0.88 2.17
12kHz
Freq = fc 44.37 45 0.64 1.4
Freq = 54 55.02 1.02 1.85
20kHz

Our last method turned out to be our most accurate measurement which was quite surprising
seeing as the last method was calculated by the computer in the oscilloscope. This was probably
because the computer doesn’t recognize the noise that gives a slight “fuzziness” to the wave
while if we take the individual time values like we did here we can fine tune out this fuzziness.
The last part of lab 7 used a Zener Diode in series with a resistor and AC source. The lab report
calls for a Zener diode 1N4728, 3.3VDC but we used a 1N5222, 2.5VDC because that’s what we
had available.

FIGURE 4: Zener Diode

As we decreased the Vp-p we could observe that the domain of the graph is decreased and
shrinks on either side.
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As we increased the frequency the graph keeps the same shape, but the flickering of the graph
stops, and the picture becomes more stable.

Recommendations
In general, both labs on oscilloscopes gave us a very good introduction and familiarity with the
equipment. We learned how to use some useful features with the equipment, such as using the
line tools to calculate differences in x and y values, or by using the BW limit to limit of noise.
There are some recommendations I would make to make results even more accurate.
We had some issues with our first probe 2 lead in lab 7, and eventually found out it was taking a
10x reading but had no switch to toggle between 1x and 10x. This was compensated for by
changing a measurement setting. So, if your readings are weird make sure to check this setting.
You can use the Keysight instructions in the reference list.
When using the RC circuit, our calculated values and measured values in all three methods were
very close. There were only small differences which could simply be caused by inaccurate
readings of the values from the oscilloscope graphs. By seeing three different mathematical
methods have an output of all similar values we can conclude that our data and experiment was
very well executed and could be replicated with similar results. Although ideally all are values
would be close to our theoretical analysis but of course due to system faults and equipment
errors, so never expect 0% error.
Some recommendations I would make would firstly maybe to coil the cords together to reduce
noise that could interfere with the circuit or other cords that are trying to read values. When you
have all these cords hanging around you are causing some coupling which could add slight
discrepancies to wires or readings by adding extra current or voltage on unwanted components.
So, a simple fix to be to minimize the difference between wires by either wrapping them together
like a coil or getting some electrical tape to tie them up.
Another recommendation might be to get slightly newer or fresh probes. If you observe your
probes in the test to have slight curves or not a perfect square wave this means your probes might
not be worn out or not in the best condition. This could add slight errors to your readings which
is not desired. The main fix here is just to get new probes but have a reasonable margin, slight
little bends are not too harmful.
Lastly, I would say try your best to find capacitors and resistors that are almost exactly at your
theoretical wants. Obviously, you probably won’t ever be able to read an exact value matching
your theoretical but try to keep the difference as small as possible. The simplest way to do this is
use the ELVIS or multimeter to continually measure components till you find one that fits best.
Through these labs we saw how important this equipment is for Electrical Engineers to use and
observe circuits, so they can get the values they want to construct the proper circuit for their
customer or manufacturer. This is something EE will use throughout their career as the goal is to
get as close to perfect as possible. I thank you for taking your time to read through this report and
if you would like to contact me with any questions about either Lab or Report send me an email
at lschmucker@unm.edu.
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Appendix
Voltage Divider Equation for Series:
Vi
vRn = ( ) Rn
Req
Cutoff Frequency in RC Circuit:
1
fC =
2πRC
Impedance at certain Frequency:
1
xC =
2πfC
Phase Shift Calculation between Capacitor and Voltage Source:
𝑅
∅ = 𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑛 ( )
𝑥𝑐
Ellipse Method for Phase shift:
𝐴
𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) = ∅
𝐵
t1 of a wave:
𝑇
𝑡1 =
360
Phase Shift using t1 and td:
𝑡𝑑
∅=
𝑡1
Reference List
For lab instructions:
“Oscilloscope Lab 1.” Edited by David Modisette, Oscilloscope Lab 1, 2017,
http://ecelabs.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/120605952/OscilloscopeLabI-Ver01-00.pdf
“Oscilloscope Lab 2.” Edited by David Modisette, Oscilloscope Lab 1, 2018,
http://ecelabs.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/120814614/OscopeLabII-Ver01-00.pdf
Information on equipment:
Technologies, Keysight. “33220A Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 20 MHz.” U1250
Series 4.5 Digit Handheld Multimeters | Keysight (Formerly Agilent's Electronic Measurement),
2018, www.keysight.com/en/pd-127539-pn-33220A/function-arbitrary-waveform-generator-20-
mhz?pm=PL&nid=-536902324.536883183&cc=US&lc=eng.
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Technologies, Keysight. “DSOX3052A Oscilloscope: 500 MHz, 2 Channels.” U1250 Series 4.5
Digit Handheld Multimeters | Keysight (Formerly Agilent's Electronic Measurement), 2018,
www.keysight.com/en/pdx-x201849-pn-DSOX3052A/oscilloscope-500-mhz-2-
channels?pm=rsc&nid=-32540.1150202&cc=US&lc=eng.
Technologies, Keysight. “DSOX3052A Oscilloscope: 500 MHz, 2 Channels.” U1250 Series 4.5
Digit Handheld Multimeters | Keysight (Formerly Agilent's Electronic Measurement), 2018,
www.keysight.com/en/pdx-x201849-pn-DSOX3052A/oscilloscope-500-mhz-2-
channels?pm=rsc&nid=-32540.1150202&cc=US&lc=eng.
Quick info about Oscilloscopes:
“Oscilloscope.” Edited by Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Nov. 2018,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscilloscope.
Rouse, Margaret. “What Is Oscilloscope? - Definition from WhatIs.com.” WhatIs.com, 2005,
https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/oscilloscope.
Lecture from Professor Modisette in ECE 206L at University of New Mexico
Circuit Analysis Help:
Nilsson, James William, and Susan A. Riedel. Electric Circuits. Pearson, 2019.