The last five years has seen tremendous and game changing increases in technology. With this technology is the growth circuitry as a hobby. And it isn’t just becoming a hobby, it is fast becoming a very popular hobby too.
Many people have therefore wondered which the Best Oscilloscope for Hobbyists. Considering that the supply of equipment has grown in direct response to the increase in demand and this hike in production of oscilloscopes, which ones are best-recommended Oscilloscope for hobbyists? After careful consideration, the Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscopes. It is believed to be one of the best and possibly the single best for non-professional and hobbyists in this field.
In the rest of this article, we will examine various oscilloscopes and how they may serve the new or old hobbyist. What makes them stand out positively and what you will need to watch out for about them.
What Are The Best Oscilloscope For Hobbyist?
Here’s is a list of the best oscilloscope for hobbyist we found on the market:
1. Best Oscilloscope For The Money: Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscopes – Bandwidth: 50 MHz, Channels: 4 Serial Decode Included
2. Best Digital Oscilloscope: Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E 200 mhz Digital Oscilloscope 2 Channels, Grey
3. Best Oscilloscope Under 500: Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz – 4 channels standard decoder
4. Best Beginner Oscilloscope: Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope USB 100MHz 1GSa/s 40K,2 Channel,2CH
5. Best Pocket Oscilloscope: SainSmart DSO212 Pocket Size Portable Handheld Mini Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Top 5 Best Oscilloscope for Hobbyist Review and Buying Guide
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1. Best Oscilloscope For The Money: Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscopes – Bandwidth: 50 MHz, Channels: 4 Serial Decode Included
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This scope flaunts a benchtop body shape and a memory depth of 12 Mpts which is upgradeable to 24 Mpts. Its Samplings takes about 1 GSa/sec. And the Waveform capture rate can be up to 30,000 wfms/s. The screen resolution is a solid 800 X 480 pixels.
This Oscilloscope has UltraVision x Full Visibility with a large 7 display of the DS1054Z. The resolution of 800 X 480 pixels makes it possible to view all channels on the same screen. This scope has 4 Channels Display. It flaunts a graded Intensity with a very analog-like display. The scope can zoom in on some area of time and it delivers a lot of information and channel comparisons too.
Yet another feature of this Oscilloscope is the Triggers and Storage. But perhaps what makes this scope stand out so boldly is the fact that it is so user friendly. An average beginner will learn very fast because the DS1054z scope provides an instant explanation of different measurement functions where appropriate.
Pros:
- It has very solid hardware that makes it durable.
- 4 channels and 4 channels display at once
- Explanation help for beginners which helps them get acquainted with the machine as fast as possible.
- Complete operators
- Horizontal and Vertical measurement functions
- Triggers and storage
- The low budget yet effective
- Upgradable memory depth, bandwidth, and frequency. This allows the machine to serve you better by creating more space for your important files.
Cons:
- Lags in the UI interface
- The 4 scopes have to share the vertical setting control
- The fan can be noisy in a quiet room.
2. Best Digital Oscilloscope: Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E 200 mhz Digital Oscilloscope 2 Channels, Grey
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This oscilloscope has a bandwidth of 200 MHz and a Real-time sampling rate of up to 1 GSA/s. The record length is up to 14 Mpts and it has a minimum vertical input range of 500 UV/Div
This scope has a Non-reflective coating screen and cool lit buttons. You can also tilt the screen in certain angles to view it.
This Siglent SDS1202X-E employs 14M sample points to provide accurate measurement using separate math coprocessor that reduces measurement time. This makes something like fast Fourier transforms possible without reducing speed.
Yet another feature on this device is the Hardware-based Zoom technologies.
This Oscilloscope has a Color temperature display and intensity grading that conveys frequency data of waveform events in different color temperatures.
It also has a history mode and segmented acquisition that is used to replay recent triggered activities and store the waveform into multiple memory segments of up to 80,000 with a time stamp on each and every frame.
This Oscilloscope has a Color temperature display and intensity grading that conveys frequency data of waveform events in different color temperatures.
It also has a history mode and segmented acquisition that is used to replay recent triggered activities and store the waveform into multiple memory segments of up to 80,000 with a time stamp on each and every frame.
Pros:
- It offers a whopping 200 MHz bandwidth at the lowest price in this range of oscilloscopes
- The sampling rate is fast which helps you save time and increases accuracy.
- Great accuracy.
- It is Capable of testing complex devices
- This machine Carries impressive features like FFT, serial decoding, saving to USB and more.
- Easy to use even for brand new users
- The math works well and yet it is easy to use
- 14 Mpts record length
- Lighter than other scopes
Cons:
- It has just two channels. This may limit its performance in terms of data comparison and sharing.
- The trigger position is hard to set without upsetting the other settings
- It doesn’t have an HDMI port. This means that you can’t connect it to a larger screen for instance.
3. Best Oscilloscope Under 500: Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz – 4 channels standard decoder
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The first thing to know about Siglent SDS1104X-E is that it comes with a built-in web server. This implies that it boasts of 4 channels with 100 MHz bandwidth, 1 GSA/use, 14 divisions on the signal grid, a highly responsive user interface, low signal noise levels, and offers 1Gs/sec at 2 channels.
The Siglent SDS1104X-E is known for its high standard performance. Though more expensive than most, it is every cent well spent. None of its cheaper colleagues can come even close to what it can achieve.
The SDS1104X-E has a sampling rate of 1Gs/sec at 2 channels. The signal-noise levels on the lowest side. It allows the user to see some low voltage signals easily. It is possible to integrate the MSO capability, not many other machines have this feature.
This oscilloscope has an amazing user-friendly interface. In spite of all of its extra features, it is relatively easy to use and is indeed value for money.
On another level, it is important to note that the machine has 14 divisions on the signal grid as opposed to 12. The probes are pre-calibrated.
This powerful machine also has some of the best memory functions in the game. It also flaunts a pretty good signal decoding feature.
Pros:
- It has the highest performance to be seen in this price range
- 4 channels provide optimum sharing and comparison capabilities.
- Great sampling rate at both 2 channels and 4 channels
- It has Remote access because of the built-in web server.
- Signal noise level is the lowest in its price range
- Option to integrate MSO capability
- Easy to set up and use.
- Supports signal decoding
- More extra features than any other device in the price range.
Cons:
- The fans of the scope are a little noisy, but this is not so bad that they get annoying
- You could shift the 1X/10X switch unintentionally.
4. Best Beginner Oscilloscope: Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope USB 100MHz 1GSa/s 40K,2 Channel,2CH
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Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope has a shocking 100 MHz bandwidths. And as though that is not enough, it has a 1GSa/s Real-Time sample rate. The best USB Oscilloscope For Hobbyist also boasts of a powerful Large (7.0-inch) color display, WVGA (800×480) Record length up to 40K.
Another thing that stands out about this device is the fact that it provides software for PC real-time analysis. This helps your work tremendously and may even help with data saving and analysis.
Pros:
- 100 MHz bandwidths; 1GSa/s Real-Time sample rate.
- Large (7.0-inch) color display, WVGA (800×480); Record length up to 40K.
- Trigger mode: edge/pulse width/line selectable video/slop/overtime etc.
- It has four math functions, including FFTs standard; it also has software for PC real-time analysis.
Cons:
- The transition when sliding a waveform across the time scale. Is sometimes rough and takes skill to manage.
- The ON/OFF button feels flimsy and looks rather cheap
- Thee volts per division knobs sometimes skip a beat when doing fine-tuning slowly. .
- There is roughly a 10 second start-up time which
5. Best Pocket Oscilloscope: SainSmart DSO212 Pocket Size Portable Handheld Mini Digital Storage Oscilloscope
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It is easy to use, almost like a smartphone in its interface. It is easy to carry around, and can even fit in the pocket and to make things even better, it even has an easy saving feature that allows you to transfer waveform pictures easily. This product is very widely used in academic practices, equipment maintenance, engineering tasks, and experiments.
Pros:
- It is Portable and easy to carry around
- It has a simple design that helps with operation and handling
- Various wavefronts
Cons:
- Not sensitive enough and cannot detect some lower frequencies
- Can be very slow and frustrating
- Odd controls (takes getting used to)
How to Choose the Best Oscilloscope?
Choosing the oscilloscope for yourself is not always about the brand. When choosing an oscilloscope, it is important to choose one that fits your budget and also does the work that you need it to do. This is why we have compiled a list of things to look out for when buying or choosing an oscilloscope that would meet your needs.
What to Look Out for in an Ideal Hobbyist Oscilloscope
Bandwidth:
You’ll need to consider the maximum frequency range that can be measured by the oscilloscope
Accurately. As a general rule, the scope should have a minimum of “five times the bandwidth of your highest-frequency signal.”
Know that:
- Bandwidth must be up to 100 MHz.Must be able to accurately show the amplitudes of sine-wave signals up to 20 MHz.
- It must catch the fundamental, third, and fifth harmonics or the display will lose key features.
Rise Time:
The rise time needs to be as fast as possible. The rise time would usually influence the accuracy of the information you get from your signals.
A Faster rise time often means that your measurements would be more trustable as it would contain accurate measurements and fewer errors.
Know that:
- Rise time has to be fast. It is important for accurate time measurements and transition details.
- Look out for k/bandwidth, where k is between 0.35 and 0.40 to 0.45 (>1 GHz).
- TTL and CMOS may need 400 to 300 PS rise times.
Matching Probes:
As a general and basic rule, your scope should match your probes. The bandwidth for your probes and the bandwidth of the scope should be the same. It is even usually better to use probes of the same brand on your device. This basic decision could make all the difference between frequent incompatibility problems, and error.
Know that:
- Probes from the same manufacturer as the scope.
- Loading is critical.
- When selecting a mid-range scope choose probes with capacitive loadings of < 10 pF.
- The best passive probes offer 1 GHz bandwidth with a capacitive load <4 pF.
Input Channels:
Input channels can be as few as two, and as many as sixteen. You will need to decide just how much you need. Many input channels mean that you will be able to compare many signals. This may however also mean a significantly more expensive cost.
- Look for a minimum of two or four analog channels. This will help you view and compare the signal timings of your waveforms.
- If you use a Mixed Signal Oscilloscope, it will help you add digital timing channels.
- Look for channels that have good range, linearity, gain accuracy, flatness, and resistance to static discharge.
- Isolated channels usually help simplify floating measurements.
Sample Rate:
In photography, the frame rate could determine how detailed a picture could be. In the same way, oscilloscopes need a higher waveform detail to be captured by the scope for higher quality and detail.
Know that:
- The sample rate (samples per second, S/s) is how often an oscilloscope samples the signal.
- .The minimum sample rate is important.
- Most entry-level scopes have a sample rate of 1 to 2 GS/s at most.
- Sample as fast as you can. This will prevent you from losing too much information.
Record Lengths:
Most oscilloscopes have a limited amount of time in their reforming line. How long can the scope store record? The more the amount of time that the scope can record, the more detailed the records produced will be.
Know that:
- Most scopes allow you to select the record length to optimize the level of detail needed for your application.
- A good basic scope will store over 2,000 points, which is more than enough for a stable sine-wave signal (needing perhaps 500 points). But to find the causes of timing anomalies in a complex digital data stream you should consider, for example, a DPO (Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope) with a record length of 1 M points or more.
- To search for infrequent transients such as jitter, runt pulses, and glitches, select at least a mid-end scope that combines long record length with a high waveform capture rate.
Advanced Application Support:
Many advanced scopes will have application software for its design troubleshooting. Some of such application will be used for optical and electrical designs.
Know that:
- Signal integrity and jitter measurement packages are things to check.
- Get Support for debugging of embedded systems with mixed analog & digital, parallel & serial technologies.
- It has to be easy to use for education purposes
- Power measurement capabilities are also very important. After all, why do you get an oscilloscope in the first place?
Connectivity and Expansion:
You should find a scope that can be connected to a computer or storage device directly for the transfer of data. This makes it so much easier to document and share results.
Know that:
- A scope that gives room for you to access a Windows desktop or laptop provides network printing and file-sharing resources will be very useful for you.
- Choose a scope that can run their party analysis, documents, and productivity software.
- Will you need to provide documents, share results in real-time?
Ask about Interfaces:
Consider the presence or the absence of LAN, Display, and Printer interfaces. These are all very important as they enable you to integrate your oscilloscope with other things in your work environment.
Know that:
- You should consider an Ethernet port for network connectivity. You should also think of compatible software that you can use to take screen-shots, waveform data, and measurement results.
- Look for a USB Host port as it will make it easier for you to quickly and easily save data. Your printing, USB, and keyboard connections will also be easier.
- Video port for the purpose of exporting the oscilloscope display to a monitor or projector.
Types of Oscilloscopes
Oscilloscopes are very important parts of any and every electronics lab. They are incredibly important for designers, repairers, or just lovers of electronics. Irrespective of whether you are just troubleshooting or playing with high-speed electronic appliances, they are handy for all your electronics-related activities.
There are different types of oscilloscopes and they all function in their own unique ways. It is important to know which one you need, can afford, and can use. This is important in relation to its use, frequency of use, and just how much work it will need to perform.
The thing about Oscilloscopes is that they are one of the electronics equipment that can perform in multiple capacities and can easily replace other electronics equipment. There is a variety of oscilloscopes that professionals and even hobbyists can adopt for their use.
There are several types of oscilloscopes that you can use. They range from analog to digital and have a very wide range of prices. This can make it difficult to choose the right oscilloscope for your specific needs. These forms of oscilloscopes are different from each other in make and use.
01.Analog Oscilloscopes:
Analog oscilloscopes are the gurus of the troubleshooting world. This is due to the fact that when digital oscilloscopes sample the signal, they often ignore or miss transient signals. This in turn can create erratic behavior in the machine.
Even, though high-end digital phosphor oscilloscopes can perform on similar levels and abilities, analog oscilloscopes are the ones that are prized for transient troubleshooting applications.
An analog oscilloscope shows the signal picked up by a probe directly and basically traces it out on the screen. The Storage features provide the waveform of the ability to be displayed for extended periods of time instead of letting it decay immediately.
The point where analog oscilloscopes are really Kings is when they deal with analog signals and transient effects. Audio and video analog work are perfect for the features of an analog oscilloscope. The oscilloscopes can also handle low-speed digital signals.
Analog oscilloscopes allow for a better dynamic range than digital oscilloscopes. They also do not have aliasing problems that can result in false readings on digital oscilloscopes.
They are generally more affordable than digital oscilloscopes and often very good at troubleshooting. Perhaps most importantly, they are a great option for beginners and hobbyists.
02.Digital Oscilloscopes:
Digital oscilloscopes exist in different types. There are two important factors that determine the performance of digit oscilloscopes. The first one is the sampling rate and the second is the bandwidth.
A digital oscilloscope’s sampling rate will determine its ability to capture transient, one-time events. The bandwidth of an oscilloscope however determines the frequency of repetitive signals that can be displayed by the oscilloscope.
03.Digital Storage Oscilloscopes:
Having a digital Oscilloscope often means that you also have a digital storage oscilloscope. Digital storage oscilloscopes capture transient events and save such events for analysis. It also stores information in archival, printing, or other processing units.
They usually store or record signals in permanent storage where they can be moved to other media for storage and analysis on a computer. Digital storage oscilloscopes usually can’t display the intensity level of real-time information and signals.
As opposed to how an analog oscilloscope works, Single-shot events are captured by triggers that can be set manually or automatically depending on the oscilloscope. Digital storage oscilloscopes perform a lot of work in real-world digital design where more than four signals can be analyzed simultaneously.
04.Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes:
If you are looking for higher speed digital signal capture and analysis, Digital phosphor oscilloscopes lead the way in giving the best results here. They are more effective than standard digital storage oscilloscopes.
Digital phosphor oscilloscopes employ a parallel processing ADC solution. This solution delivers a much higher sampling rate than ordinary digital storage oscilloscopes. This sampling rate helps achieve a signal visualization performance level that appears like real-time.
Digital phosphor oscilloscopes derive their name from the fact that they are so similar to analog oscilloscopes. This is most obvious in their display of the intensity of a signal. This feature allows high-speed signals to create a more intense glow in the locations that they are mostly seen. Digital phosphor oscilloscopes cloy the effect of phosphorus. This they do by keeping a database of the values of the repeated waveforms and increasing the intensity on the display where the waveforms overlap.
Just as in an analog oscilloscope, a digital phosphor scope will reveal transients by displaying the level of its intensity, it may however miss transients that occur outside of the data capture window and its update rate.
Digital phosphor oscilloscopes adopt both the features of digital storage oscilloscopes and analog oscilloscope technology. This makes it a great tool for general-purpose design, digital timing, and advanced analysis, communication testing, and even troubleshooting.
05.Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes:
When you add the features of an RF spectrum analyzer, a logic analyzer, and a digital oscilloscope, what you would have created is a mixed domain oscilloscope.
If you are designing or working with systems that have digital signals, digital logic, and radiofrequency communication, mixed domain oscilloscopes are very important to your work.
The basic benefit of a mixed domain oscilloscope is that you will see signals from each domain. Either analog, RF, or logic. The time will also be correlated with each other. This will help you with troubleshooting, debugging, and design testing that allows each signal to be correlated in real-time.
06.Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes:
Most of the time, the capabilities of the logic analyzer and that of the digital oscilloscope are to be together, and this is the reason these mixed-signal oscilloscopes were developed. A mixed signals oscilloscope comprises a digitalized storage oscilloscope (the digital phosphor oscilloscopes) with multi-channels of a logic analyzer. The digitalized trigger ability of this mixed. Signal oscilloscope helps in the analyzing of events that are analog, to trigger digital transitions
07.Digital Sampling Oscilloscopes:
Digital sampling oscilloscopes are different in terms of their input technique. Other oscilloscopes have higher bandwidth for a lower dynamic range. The input is not attenuated or amplified. This means that the oscilloscope must have the capacity to handle the full range of the input signal, which is usually limited to around 1-volt peak-to-peak.
Digital sampling oscilloscopes do all their work on repetitive signals. They cannot and wi not and will not catch transients that are beyond their usual sampling rate. However, digital sampling oscilloscopes have the ability to capture signals even when they are an order of magnitude faster than other types of oscilloscopes, with bandwidths exceeding 80 GHz.
08.Handheld Oscilloscopes:
These sorts of oscilloscopes are small and portable. They can be taken from place to place and that is where their greatest appeal is. These handheld oscilloscopes are available for field and test applications in which bigger oscilloscopes are not easy to use or power is hard to find.
They usually limited to two inputs and are limited in the bandwidth and sample rate departments.
09.Computer-Based Oscilloscopes:
This is arguably one of the best emerging types of oscilloscopes. It is a computer-based oscilloscope and most usually an external device that will be connected to a computer through USB.
These sorts of oscilloscopes have risen rapidly in terms of their capabilities. They have increased in their sampling rates, bandwidth, and overall features and capabilities.
Some systems achieve the attributes and features of low-end digital storage oscilloscopes for only a few hundred dollars. Yet, they make great options for hobbyists looking for an oscilloscope.
Conclusion
Getting the best equipment that fits your specific needs is very important. It will help you save space, time, money, and avoid unnecessary stress. Choosing your hobby is one thing. But choosing the right equipment for that hobby is another ballgame entirely.
What sets you apart from professionals is the fact that you are not doing this as a job or a livelihood. It is not your career either. You are just someone who enjoys playing with electrical appliances.
This should be at the back of your mind when. You choose your oscilloscopes.
As a hobbyist, the budget should be a very important factor in your choice of equipment except of course if you’re rich enough to not care. But perhaps more than you need to be conscious of budget, you also need to be conscious of efficiency and what you are trying to achieve.
If we had to answer the question of which oscilloscope is good for a hobbyist, the answer would be any of the above five.
They are all within a certain price range and have enough features to help the average hobbyist through their activities. They all also have some really great attributes that make them help hobbyists and even professionals alike achieve much more.
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FAQ’s
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What is a good oscilloscope for a hobbyist?” answer-0=”The unit has been developed by Rigol as an alternative for people looking for complexity devices. With a measurement bandwidth of 50 MHz through 4 channels it provides the reliability users want. At the same time it’s listed as a long-lasting device that has a memory depth of 12 Mpts upgradable to 24 Mpts. The DS1054Z can also capture up to 30,000 wfms/s waveforms. To be fair we find this one the perfect choice for pros, however newbies can easily adapt to the wide variety of features provided. Also, the specs and the stability it provides makes it pretty hard for competitors to match a similar device. ” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”What is a good beginner oscilloscope?” answer-1=”Rigol DS1052E Digital Oscilloscope The Rigol DS1052E oscilloscope is a digital device that features two analog channels. The interface has multiple configurations.It is one of the best beginner oscilloscopes. ” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”Do I really need an oscilloscope?” answer-2=”Sure, the primary function of an oscilloscope is to measure electrical waveforms. But it’s also pretty darn useful for measuring mostly constant voltage levels as well. It can also do what most millimeters can’t: detect small fluctuations in supply voltage.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”What is the best cheap oscilloscope?” answer-3=”Also, The Hantek DSO5102P is probably the best cheap oscilloscope you can get on the market because it offers so many good features for such a low price. … Hantek DSO5102P Bandwidth: 100 MHz. Sample rate: 1 GSa/s. Memory depth: 40 Kpts. Number of channels: 2. ” image-3=”” headline-4=”h3″ question-4=”Who or where uses an oscilloscope?” answer-4=”Oscilloscopes are used to view the signals coming directly from devices such as sound cards, allowing the real-time display of waves. They are used as electrocardiograms, to test circuits and to troubleshoot electronic devices such as televisions.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h3″ question-5=”Why do we need oscilloscope?” answer-5=”High-speed digital, serial communications, video and other complex signals can therefore require scope bandwidths of 500 MHz or more. Bandwidth is defined as the frequency at which a sine-wave input signal is attenuated to 70.7% of its true amplitude (the -3 dB or ‘half-power’ point, shown here for a 1 GHz scope).” image-5=”” headline-6=”h3″ question-6=”What is bandwidth? What oscilloscope bandwidth do I need?” answer-6=”Bandwidth is often regarded as the single most important characteristic of an oscilloscope. Measured in Hertz, the bandwidth of your oscilloscope is the range of frequencies that your oscilloscope can accurately measure. Without enough bandwidth, the amplitude of your signal will be incorrect and details of your waveform might be lost. With too much bandwidth, you will capture excessive noise, providing you with an inaccurate measurement Here is the rule of thumb for choosing the right bandwidth: • Digital signal measurements: five times higher bandwidth than the fastest digital clock rate in your system • Analog signal measurements: three times higher bandwidth than the maximum signal frequency on an oscilloscope with a flat frequency response Too Much Bandwidth Oscilloscopes can capture environmental noise. Oscilloscopes also add noise to your signal from filtering, processing, and digitizing (though a high-quality oscilloscope will do all of this properly and add less noise than a poorly-designed scope). And noise occurs at all frequencies. So if you have a 200 MHz oscilloscope, that scope is only going to show noise up to 200 MHz. But, if you have a 33 GHz oscilloscope, it will add noise to your measurement through its entire measurement range up to 33 GHz, regardless of the frequency of your signal. The other reason why you probably don’t want to buy the highest bandwidth oscilloscope out there is price. The higher the bandwidth, the higher the price. If you are worried the bandwidth you need today will not be enough for future measurements, look for an oscilloscope that lets you upgrade the bandwidth with a software license. That way you can buy the bandwidth you need now and upgrade later without having to purchase a new oscilloscope or send it in to the factory for a hardware update. (Most Key sight oscilloscopes can be bandwidth upgraded with a software license for this very reason.) Bandwidth is the most important characteristic of an oscilloscope While there are many important features of an oscilloscope that you’ll need to evaluate before choosing one for your measurements, clearly bandwidth is the number one spec that you must check before any other. If you don’t have enough bandwidth you’ll see distorted or attenuated signals, giving you inaccurate measurements. If you have too much bandwidth, your measurements will be noisier than necessary. You have to choose a bandwidth that can support a clean and accurate representation of your test signals. ” image-6=”” count=”7″ html=”true” css_class=””]