Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Name: GUILLERMO, THOMAS R. Date: 2/15/2025 Score:
Group #: 1
Experiment No: 3
Oscilloscope
After this experiment, the student should be able to:
TLO 3a: Identify the parts and the functions of the oscilloscope
TLO 3b Measure the peak-to-peak voltage and period of sinusoidal waves using an
oscilloscope, transformer, and AF generator.
I. INTRODUCTION:
Oscilloscopes are used to analyze and test electric circuits. They are capable of
showing waveforms that vary in time and are present in an electrical or electronic circuit.
Modern oscilloscopes, commonly known as scopes, have the ability to display and
measure the electrical characteristics of signals. The measurement functions on the
oscilloscope allow the user to see and measure peak voltage, frequency, phase shift,
and much more. The user can visually measure the signals using the horizontal and
vertical scaling factor or use the measurement functions of the scope to perform the
operation automatically.
When attempting to measure the signal of circuits manually, try to fit the waveform to the
scope display. The larger the waveform is on the screen the greater the accuracy of
the measurement. Adjust the vertical control knob if the wave form is too short or too
tall to fit on vertical axis of the screen. This knob controls the volts per division (volts per
box). To change the scaling on the horizontal axis, adjust the time base of the scope.
Expand or compress the waveform time axis by changing the position of this control. This
control changes the time per division.
Common measurements made on an oscilloscope are signal frequency, peak voltage
levels, and phase shift between to signals. Modern scopes take digital samples of signals
and can perform a number of other measurements. They can also store waveform
samples for later analysis using advanced mathematical functions that can display the
frequency content of complex signals.
Oscilloscopes can measure both AC and DC signals when the scope’s input mode is set
to DC, which stands for direct coupling. Changing the input mode to AC will block any
DC signal and allow only AC signals to pass. Use this mode when there are combined
AC/DC levels on a signal. An example of this use is examining the AC ripple voltage on
a DC power supply.
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Scopes should always be used with a proper set of probes. The probes should have the
same frequency range as the rating of the scope for best performance. The 10x probe
provides a 10 times range increase and also reduces the scopes loading effect on the
circuit under test. Scope probes should be properly compensated before measurements
are made. Review the video presentations that show how to make this adjustment.
All scope measurements are made with respect to the ground reference. The scope will
read incorrect values when placed across components that have both leads connected
to points other than ground. It will display correctly when one component lead is
connected to ground.
Before conducting the experiment, watch and learn: Setting up the oscilloscope for use
in the lab.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34qUskxPzKY&list=PLyL0ResmI4Q1AXuwKjEWUfM_B
XjTEnoKw&index=2&t=0s
II. MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
R1 22k
R2 10k
C4 1 µF
1 Oscilloscope with User’s Manual
1 Signal Generator (AF Gen)
Experiment Board K
III. METHODS/PROCEDURES:
1. Identify the parts and the functions of the oscilloscope with the aid of the User’s
Manual.
2. Set the signal generator to 1000 Hz sine wave.
3. Connect the oscilloscope directly to the signal generator. Turn on the signal
generator and adjust its amplitude to 4.5V peak. Turn off the signal generator.
4. Construct the circuit shown in Figure 1.
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Figure 1. Test Circuit 1.
5. Turn on the signal generator. Connect the oscilloscope across A to C, then B to
C.
Sketch and measure manually the waveform from points A to C and from B to C.
6. Measure the peak-to-peak amplitude of the signal and its period. Compute the
frequency from the measured period. Use the formula below to find the
frequency.
Where: T = period in seconds (s)
f= frequency in Hertz (Hz or s-1)
7. Enter these measurements and calculations in Table 1.
8. Construct the circuit shown in Figure 2
C
A B
Figure 2. Test Circuit 2
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
9. Maintain the signal used in step 2 and step3, and connect it between points A
and ground on Test Circuit 2.
10. Turn on the signal generator. Connect the oscilloscope across A to C, then B to
C.
11. Sketch and measure manually the waveform from points A to C and from B to C.
12. Measure the peak-to-peak amplitude of the signal and its period. Compute the
frequency from the measured period. Enter these measurements and
calculations in Table 2.
13. Construct the circuit shown in Figure 3
A C
B
Figure 3. Test Circuit 3
14. Maintain the signal used in step 2 and step 3 and connect it between points A
and ground on Test Circuit 2.
15. Turn on the signal generator. Connect the oscilloscope across A to C, then B to
C.
16. Sketch and measure manually the waveform from points A to C and from B to C.
17. Measure the peak-to-peak amplitude of the signal and its period. Compute the
frequency from the measured period. Enter these measurements and
calculations in Table 3.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Test Circuit 1 Voltage Measurement A-C
Channel 1 Volts/div _2v_ Channel 2 Volts/div __ Time/div _0.2 ms_
Calculations:
Test Circuit 1 Voltage Measurement B-C
Channel 1 Volts/div _2 V_ Channel 2 Volts/div __ Time/div _0.2 ms_
Calculations:
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Table 1
Measurement Peak-to-Peak Period Frequency
Volts (seconds) (Hz)
A-C 9V 0.0004s 2500 Hz
B-C 3V 0.0004s 2500 Hz
Test Circuit 2 Voltage Measurement A-C
Snapshot of the Actual Oscilloscope Display showing the settings used
Channel 1 Volts/div ___2 V___ Channel 2 Volts/div _______ Time/div
_____0.2ms_____
Calculations:
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Test Circuit 2 Voltage Measurement B-C
Channel 1 Volts/div ___1 V___ Channel 2 Volts/div ________ Time/div
_____0.2ms_____
Calculations
Table 2
Measurement Peak-to-Peak Volts Period (seconds) Frequency
(Hz)
A-C 9V 0.0004 S 2500 hz
B-C 2.8 V 0.0004 S 2500 hz
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Test Circuit 3 Voltage Measurement A-C
Snapshot of the Actual Oscilloscope Display showing the settings used
Channel 1 Volts/div ___2 V___ Channel 2 Volts/div _______ Time/div _____0.2
ms_____
Calculations
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
Test Circuit 3 Voltage Measurement B-C
Snapshot of the Actual Oscilloscope Display showing the settings used
Channel 1 Volts/div ___50 mV___ Channel 2 Volts/div ________ Time/div
_____0.2 ms_____
Calculations:
Table 3
Measurement Peak-to-Peak Volts Period (seconds) Frequency
(Hz)
A-C 8V 0.0004s 2500 Hz
B-C 0.06 V 0.0004s 2500 Hz
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
DISCUSSION
The oscilloscope measurements from points A-C and B-C in Table 1 show consistent
peak-to-peak voltage, period, and frequency, reflecting key concepts in signal analysis.
The peak-to-peak voltage of 8.8 V represents the signal's amplitude, indicating the
magnitude of the signal (Dempster, 2001). The period of 0.0006 seconds defines the time
for one complete cycle, and the calculated frequency of 1528.46 Hz shows how many
cycles occur per second, confirming the signal's stability. The smooth, symmetric
sinusoidal waveform observed suggests minimal distortion or noise, indicating that the AF
generator's signal remains unaffected by the transformer or oscilloscope settings. These
consistent measurements demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the equipment
and the integrity of the sinusoidal signal (KEYSIGHT, n.d.).
The results from the oscilloscope measurements show some interesting variations
between the two segments, from points a-c and points B-C, which highlight important
aspects of signal behavior. For the first segment, from points A-C, the peak-to-peak
voltage is 9 V, indicating a higher amplitude compared to the second segment, which
has a peak-to-peak voltage of 1.6 V. This significant difference in amplitude suggests that
the signal may be experiencing some form of attenuation which reduces the signal level
that enters the oscilloscope or signal loss between the two measurement points
(CADENCE PCB SOLUTIONS, 2023). Despite this voltage difference, the period remains
consistent at 0.0006 seconds in both segments, reflecting that the time for one complete
cycle of the waveform is stable. The calculated frequency for the first segment is 1666.67
Hz, while the second segment's frequency is 1538.46 Hz. Although both frequencies are
close, the slight difference indicates a potential shift in frequency due to minor variations
in the signal's source or measurement points (Zhou & Ai, 2014). The consistency in period
and relatively small frequency variation, however, suggests that the signal is still stable
overall, with only minor fluctuations between the points.
The oscilloscope measurements from points A-C and points B-C in Table 3 reveal
significant differences in signal characteristics, particularly in terms of peak-to-peak
voltage and frequency, while the period remains consistent. From points A-C, the peak-
to-peak voltage is 9 V, indicating a strong signal amplitude, but at points B-C, the voltage
drops sharply to 0.4 V, suggesting attenuation or signal loss possibly due to the signal level
being too large for the oscilloscope to measure (CADENCE PCB SOLUTIONS, 2023. Dospie
this voroo 2023). Despite this voltage decrease, the period remains stable at 0.0006
seconds, indicating that the signal's timing characteristics are unaffected.
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
The oscilloscope measurements from points A-C and points B-C in Table 3 reveal
significant differences in signal characteristics, particularly in terms of peak-to-peak
voltage and frequency, while the period remains consistent. From points A-C, the peak-
to-peak voltage is 9 V, indicating a strong signal amplitude, but at points B-C, the voltage
drops sharply to 0.4 V, suggesting attenuation or signal loss possibly due to the signal level
being too large for the oscilloscope to measure (CADENCE PCB SOLUTIONS, 2023).
Despite this voltage decrease, the period remains stable at 0.0006 seconds, indicating
that the signal's timing characteristics are unaffected. However, the frequency increases
significantly from 1538.46 Hz at points a-c to 3333.33 Hz at points B-C, which may be a
result of signal distortion or potential aliasing caused by measurement limitations or
improper settings. This drastic change in frequency, coupled with the amplitude
reduction, suggests the signal integrity was compromised (West, 2024)
Conclusion
In conclusion, this experiment successfully demonstrated how to measure the
peak-to-peak voltage and period of sinusoidal waves using an oscilloscope.
REFERENCES
CADENCE PCB SOLUTIONS. (2023, March 6). Should Oscilloscope Probes Have High or Low
Attenuation? Cadence. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from
https://resources.pcb.cadence.com/blog/should-oscilloscope-probes-have-high-or-
low-attenuation
Dempster, J. (2001). The laboratory computer: a practical guide for physiologists and
neuroscientists. Elsevier Science.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780122095511500398
George. (2014, April 22). Common Oscilloscope Applications. Simply Smarter Circuitry
Blog. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/blog/oscilloscope-applications/?srsitid=AfmB
Oooq6lkfOUJrinmetEMWcOCaCmYks5BP9SbRfXSVk-IA8Dh4fNгM
Gigi. (2020, December 4). What is an Oscilloscope? - Functions and Tutorial. Seeedstudio.
Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2020/12/14/what-
is-an-oscilloscope-function s-and-
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT COURSE: ME 2251L BASIC ELEC LAB
Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
LABORATORY MANUAL
tutorial/₴srsltid=AfmBOooxdBif8MMX0acUMCvZgOKawgqvfboJFmbDKZQX 3SxPNC-
AAVqE
KEYSIGHT. (n.d., n.d. n.d.). How Does an Oscilloscope Work? - An In-depth Exploration for
Engineers. KEYSIGHT. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from
https://www.keysight.com/used/ph/en/knowledge/guides/used-oscilloscope-bu ying-
guide/how-does-an-oscilloscope-work
Morris, A. S., & Langari, R. (2020). Measurement and Instrumentation: Theory and
Application (3rd Edition ed.). Elsevier Science.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128171417000104
SmartSafe. (2023, June 26). Oscilloscope: Definition, Principles, Types and Uses. SmartSafe.
Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://newsmartsafe.com/industry-news/what-is-an-
oscilloscope Tektronix Expert. (2021, March 25). What does an oscilloscope measure?
Tektronix. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.tek.com/en/blog/what-can-an-
oscilloscope-measure?bpv=2
West, P. (2024, January 26). An introduction to oscilloscopes: the essential tool for
electronics analysis. Student Circuit. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from
https://www.student-circuit.com/blog/an-introduction-to-oscilloscopes-the-essen tial-
tool-for-electronics-analysis/
Zhou, Y., & Ai, B. (2014, n.d n.d). Handover schemes and algorithms of high-speed
mobile environment: A survey. Science Direct. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comcom.2014.04.005
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