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Oscilloscope Basics
PCOs Can Be Described As a Different Form of “Oscilloscope” by Jamie Doyle
PC-based oscilloscopes or PCOs can be described as a different form of “oscilloscope” which is based on a special printed circuit board that could be a USB, (PCI) Peripheral Component Interconnect card or even an ISA card.
In this configuration, the Personal computer supplies the screen, the control interface, hard disk capacity, network capability and frequently the actual power for the acquisition equipment. The popularity associated with PC based oscilloscopes results from the prevalent usage as well as affordability of both desktop and laptop computers. With prices that begin around $200 and rarely exceed $2500 these machines are popular in even the tightest of budgets.
The PCO interface acquisition might be a regular audio card or possibly a video game port, when mainly sound and low-frequency signals will be required. This, of course, depends upon the application which can require considerably more system capability.
PC based oscilloscopes may transport information to the pc using a couple of principal modes which include block or streaming. Block mode employs the random access memory of the particular PC to gather a block of information that is copied to the computer as soon as it is recorded. The computer can receive block after block at a high rate of speed which increases sample capabilities up to the transfer limits of the processor.
In the streaming mode, information is recorded continuously and is actually more accurate due to the fact that no data is lost as can happen between blocks. The actual speed on streaming is determined by the method of connection (i.e. USB or Ethernet)
There are numerous advantages with PC based oscilloscopes. Here are 5 that are frequently mentioned.
1. If you already have a workable computer, the cost is much less than for a traditional oscilloscope.
2. The information transfer rate and ease of manipulation with PC word processors and spreadsheets in attractive.
3. Networking and data storage capabilities are far less expensive than for standalone oscilloscopes.
4. The hi-res monitors of desktop or laptop PCs is far superior to traditional scopes.
5. When used with a laptop, you have an easy portability that is not available with stand alone oscilloscopes.
As a result of a growing list of features and the variety of PCOs now offered by major manufacturers, PC based oscilloscopes are becoming more the norm, than the exception. To read more regarding PC based oscilloscopes, see my articles on PC Oscilloscope.
About the Author
After many years in the international financial market place, Jamie and spouse are traveling and visiting grandkids all over the globe. The internet allows Jamie to still keep in touch with friends and business contacts. There are books to be written in the future, but for now, articles fill that need to write.
Ypu can more information regarding more kitchen ideas at:USB Oscilloscopes or PC Oscilloscopes