Oscilloscopes, Measurements & Safety

Economical Scopes

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.

Economical Scopes

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.

High Voltage Differential Probes

High Voltage Differential Probes

High Voltage Differential Probes: Micsig DP10013 and Alternatives

High voltage differential probes are essential tools for measuring signals in systems where the signal reference point is not directly connected to the ground, such as in floating ground circuits. These probes are particularly important for safely analyzing high-voltage systems, such as the secondary side of Stanley Meyer's VIC (Voltage Intensifier Circuit), where improper grounding or connections can lead to dangerous conditions or inaccurate measurements. In this article, we will look at several economical high voltage differential probes, including the Micsig DP10013, and discuss their benefits, safety aspects, and the importance of using isolated probes for certain applications.

Importance of High Voltage Differential Probes

When working with circuits involving high voltages or floating grounds, such as the secondary side of a transformer or a resonant power supply like Meyer's VIC, a standard oscilloscope probe can create significant safety risks. If you connect a standard probe with a ground clip to a part of the circuit that is not at ground potential, you may inadvertently create a short circuit that can damage the equipment or cause injury.

High voltage differential probes, like the Micsig DP10013, are specifically designed for such scenarios. They provide isolated measurements by measuring the difference between two points without connecting either point directly to the oscilloscope's ground. This isolation prevents potential shorts and allows for accurate readings in circuits with floating grounds.

Key Benefits of Using High Voltage Differential Probes

  1. Isolation for Floating Ground Systems: Differential probes are isolated from ground, which means they can safely measure signals in circuits where there is no common ground. This is particularly important in power electronics applications, such as the VIC secondary side, where both measurement points may be floating with respect to ground. This prevents accidental shorts and damage to sensitive components.

  2. True Differential Measurement: By measuring the difference between two points, high voltage differential probes provide a true differential reading of the voltage. This is particularly useful for capturing the behavior of high-voltage signals across components without introducing ground loops or noise.

  3. Higher Voltage Ranges: Differential probes are capable of handling much higher voltage levels than standard passive probes. For example, the Micsig DP10013 can measure up to 1300V peak, making it suitable for power electronics, resonant circuits, and transformer secondary-side analysis.

Economical High Voltage Differential Probes

1. Micsig DP10013 High Voltage Differential Probe

The Micsig DP10013 is an affordable differential probe designed for high voltage applications. It is capable of measuring up to 1300V peak and offers multiple attenuation settings (50:1 and 500:1) for flexibility in various scenarios.

2. Hantek T3100 Differential Probe

The Hantek T3100 is another economical option for those looking for a high voltage differential probe. It offers a maximum voltage rating of 1300V peak and a bandwidth of 100 MHz, similar to the Micsig DP10013.

3. Pico Technology TA041 Differential Probe

The Pico Technology TA041 is another reliable high voltage differential probe, with a maximum voltage rating of 1400V peak. It provides a lower bandwidth of 25 MHz, which may be sufficient for lower frequency applications and DC-DC converter analysis.

Safety Considerations When Using High Voltage Differential Probes

Conclusion

High voltage differential probes, such as the Micsig DP10013, Hantek T3100, and Pico Technology TA041, are essential tools for safely measuring signals in high-voltage or floating ground systems. These probes offer isolation, allowing for accurate and safe measurements without introducing shorts or ground loops. Their ability to measure high voltages in a true differential manner makes them invaluable for applications such as the VIC secondary side, power inverters, and other high-voltage electronics projects.

When selecting a differential probe, consider the maximum voltage rating, bandwidth, and attenuation options that fit your needs. Always follow safety guidelines to prevent overvoltage conditions and be mindful of the probe's impact on the circuit under test. By using the right high voltage differential probe, you can make accurate, safe measurements, ensuring the success of your high-voltage experiments.

 

High Voltage Differential Probes

DIY HV Isolated Probe

The following is a DIY probe you can make to isolate your scope from the high voltages of the VIC


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High Voltage Differential Probes

HV Oscilloscope Probes


https://www.amazon.com/Micsig-DP10013-Differential-Attenuation-Tektronix/dp/B074K4XPW3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=12RQYANGE3JLG&keywords=high+voltage+probe&qid=1659218038&sprefix=high+voltage+probe%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-3

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Current & EMF Probes

Current & EMF Probes

TriField Meter

Source: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078T2R64C/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_6?smid=A2OW4ZWET280BU&psc=1

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Current & EMF Probes

Hall Effect Sensors