Economical Scopes

Economical Oscilloscopes: A Comparison of Key Features and Capabilities

Oscilloscopes are vital tools for visualizing and analyzing electrical signals in electronic circuit development and troubleshooting. For hobbyists, makers, and even small labs, there are several economical options on the market that offer advanced features while remaining budget-friendly. In this article, we explore several popular models, including the Siglent SDS1104X-E and Rigol DS1054Z, focusing on their performance, usability, and value for money.

1. Siglent SDS1104X-E Digital Oscilloscope

download (1).jpegThe Siglent SDS1104X-E is a four-channel oscilloscope with a 100 MHz bandwidth and a sample rate of 1 GSa/s (gigasamples per second). It offers an exceptional combination of features for its price, making it a popular choice among both enthusiasts and professionals.

2. Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope

41XgAGF4oDL._AC_SY200_QL15_.jpgThe Rigol DS1054Z is another four-channel oscilloscope that is well-regarded for its performance and price point. It has a 50 MHz bandwidth, which can be upgraded to 100 MHz via software, and a sample rate of 1 GSa/s.

3. Owon VDS1022I PC-Based Oscilloscope

The Owon VDS1022I is a more economical option that provides a 25 MHz bandwidth and connects directly to your PC, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for users who already use a computer as their main workstation.

Choosing the Right Oscilloscope for Your Needs

When selecting an oscilloscope, it's important to consider a few key factors:

Conclusion

Economical oscilloscopes such as the Siglent SDS1104X-E, Rigol DS1054Z, and Owon VDS1022I offer a range of features suitable for hobbyists and small labs looking for cost-effective solutions. Choosing the right oscilloscope depends on the signals you plan to analyze, the level of accuracy needed, and whether features like remote access or multiple channels are important for your application.

With options like Ethernet connectivity, advanced trigger modes, and high sample rates, these oscilloscopes provide significant value for money, allowing you to capture and analyze signals effectively without a huge investment. The Siglent and Rigol models, in particular, are well-regarded for balancing price and functionality, while the Owon VDS1022I offers a very economical entry point for those who prefer using a PC-based setup.

Frequency definition and the frequency formula

Source: https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/frequency

Have a look at the following model of a wave; it will help you understand the terms used in the frequency definition below it.

Frequency is the number of completed wave cycles per second. In other words, frequency tells us how many wave crests pass a given point in a second.

This frequency definition leads us to the simplest frequency formula:

f = 1 / T.

f denotes frequency and T stands for the time it takes to complete one wave cycle measured in seconds.

The SI frequency unit is Hertz (Hz), which equals 1/s (one cycle per second). Other frequency units include millihertz (mHz), kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz), gigahertz (GHz), and terahertz (THz).

Frequency equation from the wavelength

Have a look at another picture which will allow us to see that frequency is connected to wavelength. Wavelength is the distance between two adjacent crests (or troughs). In other words - it is the length of one wave cycle. The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency:

Another fact we need - how fast the waves travel at (wave velocity) determines how many of them will pass a given point per second. This means the higher the wave velocity, the higher the frequency.

These two relationships between frequency and wavelength (λ), and between frequency and velocity (v), bring us to the following frequency equation:

f = v / λ.