
An oscilloscope, often referred to as an O-scope or scope, is a complex electronic laboratory instrument commonly used to capture, process, display, and analyse the waveform and bandwidth of electronic signals. It graphs the instantaneous signal voltage as a function of time, making it an essential tool for engineers and technicians working with electronic systems. Oscilloscopes help visualise the behaviour of signals from generators, providing invaluable insight for diagnostics and testing. Digital oscilloscopes, also called digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) or digital sampling oscilloscopes (DSOs), have revolutionised waveform analysis by offering advanced capabilities such as memory storage and detailed signal processing. You can learn more in our [oscilloscopes guide.](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/oscilloscopes-guide)

## **How Does a Digital Oscilloscope Work?**

A digital oscilloscope functions by capturing and graphically displaying an electrical signal, often showing how the signal changes over time. The vertical (Y) axis represents voltage, while the horizontal (X) axis represents time. This allows users to observe changes in voltage and evaluate the performance of electrical systems. 

- The oscilloscope's design typically includes six main components:
- Analogue vertical input amplifiers
- Analogue-to-digital converter and a digital waveform memory
- Time base which features a triggering and clock drive
- Circuits for waveform display and reconstruction
- LED or LCD display
- Power supply

In addition to standard features, some of the oscilloscopes available in NZ also feature additional user-friendly elements such as [USB ports](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/usb-d-sub-computing-connectors/usb-connectors/) for downloading measurement data.

## **Types of Oscilloscopes**

Oscilloscopes fall into various categories. The biggest distinction is whether they are digital or analogue oscilloscopes. Within the digital oscilloscopes area, there are several different types.

### **Digital Oscilloscopes**

[Digital oscilloscopes](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?selectedNavigation=attributes.Digital002fAnalogue=Digital) are the most widely used type of oscilloscope, providing capabilities ranging from basic waveform analysis to advanced triggering and signal processing. They are suitable for a broad range of applications, from simple troubleshooting to complex system analysis.

### **Storage Oscilloscopes (DSO)**

[Storage oscilloscopes (DSO)](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?selectedNavigation=attributes.Oscilloscope_Form=Digital%20Storage) have built-in memory that allows them to store waveforms for later analysis. This feature makes DSOs ideal for capturing transient events that may occur unpredictably, ensuring engineers can review signal data even after the actual event has passed.

### **Phosphor Oscilloscopes (DPO)**

[Phosphor Oscilloscopes (DPO)](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?selectedNavigation=attributes.Oscilloscope_Form=Digital%20Phosphor) use a parallel processing architecture to capture and display signals. This capability allows DPOs to deliver faster waveform updates, making them suitable for capturing intricate signal behaviours and displaying them in real-time.

### **Digital Sampling Oscilloscopes**

[Digital sampling oscilloscopes](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?selectedNavigation=attributes.Oscilloscope_Form=Digital%20Sampling) are used to analyse high-frequency signals, with capabilities extending up to 50 GHz. These oscilloscopes are particularly useful in applications that require detailed analysis of very high-speed digital or radio frequency signals.

### **Mixed Domain Oscilloscope (MDO)**

[Mixed domain oscilloscopes](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?selectedNavigation=attributes.Oscilloscope_Form=Mixed%20Domain) can operate across multiple domains, such as time and frequency, allowing them to display waveforms and signal spectra simultaneously. They are ideal for applications that involve a combination of analogue and digital signals.

### **Mixed Signal Oscilloscope (MSO)**

[Mixed signal oscilloscopes (MSO)](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/%E2%80%9D/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?applied-dimensions=4291034850%E2%80%9D) combine the functionality of an oscilloscope and a logic analyser. This combination makes them valuable for testing embedded systems that require simultaneous monitoring of analogue signals and digital buses.

### **Analogue Oscilloscopes**

[Analogue oscilloscopes](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/%E2%80%9D/web/c/test-measurement/oscilloscopes-accessories/oscilloscopes/?applied-dimensions=4294398539%E2%80%9D) use cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) to display simple waveforms. Although they are less common today, they still provide valuable insight into basic electronic systems and are suitable for applications where the simplicity of an analogue display is sufficient.

## **How to Choose the Best Oscilloscopes**

When selecting an oscilloscope, consider the following factors:

- **Bandwidth:** Choose an oscilloscope with sufficient bandwidth to accurately measure the signals you are working with.
- **Sampling rate:** Ensure the oscilloscope's sampling rate is high enough to capture the desired level of signal detail.
- **Memory depth:** Deeper memory allows for capturing longer waveforms without sacrificing resolution.
- **Channels:** The number of channels will determine how many signals you can view simultaneously. For example, 4-channel oscilloscopes are popular for analysing multiple signals in complex systems, providing flexibility for advanced analysis
- **Portability:** Handheld and portable oscilloscopes are ideal for technicians in NZ working on service, maintenance, or field installation projects.

## **Applications of Oscilloscopes**
- **Communication systems:** Oscilloscopes are used to test and debug communication signals, ensuring the stability and integrity of transmitted data.
- **Automotive industry:** In vehicles, oscilloscopes help diagnose electrical problems, test sensors, and evaluate electronic control modules (ECMs).
- **Electronics and circuit design:** Oscilloscopes are vital in the development and testing of electronic circuits, allowing engineers to visualise waveforms and troubleshoot circuit performance.
- **Medical field:** Medical devices, such as ECG machines, rely on oscilloscopes for testing and calibration to ensure accurate readings of bioelectric signals.
- **Aerospace:** In aerospace applications, oscilloscopes are used to test and validate electronic components that require high precision and reliability.

## **Analyse with Precision – Explore Our Oscilloscopes Today!**

RS NZ is a trusted supplier and distributor of high-quality oscilloscopes from leading brands like [Tektronix](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/tektronix/), [Keysight Technologies](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/keysight-technologies/), and [RS PRO](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/m/rs-pro). Whether you're working on communication systems, automotive diagnostics, or electronic circuit design, our range of oscilloscopes provides the accuracy and precision you need. Shop with RS New Zealand today and enhance your testing capabilities with the best tools available!

## **Ordering & Delivery Information for NZ**

Buying oscilloscopes from RS NZ is simple and convenient with our online catalogue. We offer competitive prices and provide fast, reliable delivery across New Zealand. For more details on delivery services and associated fees, please refer to our [Delivery Information](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery) page.



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