Greetings!
I am adding a short article on choosing an entry-level home compact oscilloscope for work and hobbies.
Why we will talk about pocket and compact - because these are the most budget options. Desktop oscilloscopes are more bulky, functional devices, and, as a rule, quite expensive models ($ 200-400 and more) for 4 channels with many functions.
But compact models for 1 channel for simple measurements and signal shape evaluation can be purchased for literally $20β¦$40.
So, the main technical characteristics of pocket oscilloscopes are the operating band, which is measured in MHz, as well as the sampling rate, which directly affects the quality of measurements.
In the article I will try to describe the oscilloscopes that I personally had in my hands and give small pros and cons of these models.
The initial option that many radio amateurs went through is an oscilloscope based on the ATmega microcontroller, there are many options on Ali, including for self-assembly, for example, DSO138. Its development based on the STM32 microcontroller is called DSO150.
- This is a good oscilloscope for an entry-level radio amateur. Included is a P6020 probe. The oscilloscope itself has a bandwidth of about 200 kHz. Built on the basis of STM32, ADC up to 1M samples. A good option for testing simple power supplies (PWM) and audio paths. Suitable for beginners, for example, to study audio signals (amplifier settings, etc.). Of the minuses, I note the inability to save the waveform image, as well as a small bandwidth.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 1 MS/s
- Analog bandwidth: 0 - 200 kHz
- Sensitivity range: 5 - 20 mV/div
- Maximum input voltage: 50V max. (1x probe)
- Sweep Time Range: 500s/div - 10 Β΅s/div
If desired, you can find an even cheaper non-soldered version. Suitable for learning soldering "with meaning".
But the hobby quickly passed, moved on to serious models.
At the beginning of 2018, I came across one of the popular options for entry-level oscilloscopes - simple, but not bad
The DSO188 oscilloscope is a simple "showmeter" with one channel, no memory, but with a color display, a 300mAh battery and is very small in size. Its plus is precisely in its compactness and portability, and the frequency band is enough for most applications (for example, sound engineering tuning).
At a low cost ($30), it displays signals at a frequency of 1 MHz (sampling 5MSA / s). MMCX probes are used for work, but the kit includes an MMCX-BNC adapter. A separate ADC was installed at 5MSPS, the band is up to 1 MHz, the case is prefabricated from panels, which looks very good. On the plus side, I would like to note the compact size and a decent bandwidth compared to the DSO150 (1MHz), as well as the compact size. It is very convenient to use together with a conventional tester. Fits easily into a pocket. Of the minuses - the case has an open design that is not protected from external influences (needs to be finalized), as well as the inability to transfer saved images to a computer. The presence of the MMCX connector is convenient, but for full-fledged work you will need an adapter to BNC or special probes. For the money, this is a very good entry-level option.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 5 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 1 MHz
- Sensing Range: 50mV/div ~ 200V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 40 V (1X probe), 400 V (10X probe). There is no built-in signal attenuator.
- Sweep time range: 100mS/div ~ 2uS/div
If one megahertz is not enough, you can look towards pocket oscilloscopes in a case with a BNC connector, for example, an inexpensive pocket oscilloscope DSO FNISKI PRO.
This is a very good value for your money. Band 5 MHz (sine). It is possible to save graphs to the internal memory of the device.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 20 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 5 MHz
- Sensing Range: 50mV/div ~ 200V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 40 V (1X probe), 400 V (10X probe). There is no built-in signal attenuator.
- Sweep time range: 50S/div ~ 250nS/div
(with a band up to 10 MHz).
I would take the first option (with crocodiles) and buy the probes separately. The link to the probes is below.
According to the results of use, I note a comfortable case, a large display. The test signal at 5 MHz (sine) shows without any problems, other periodic and aperiodic signals normally show up to 1 MHz.
If the bandwidth above 1 MHz is not critical, and you do not need to work with high voltages, then the DSO FNIRSI PRO with a BNC connector is a good choice. It uses standard probes and can be used as a fast pocket oscilloscope probe - poke and see if the exchange, microcircuit, etc. is alive. And then stomp behind a large oscilloscope, or carry the patient to the table and open it.
But if you need a strip a little more - pay attention to the inexpensive
The DSO168 oscilloscope has an unusual design that looks like popular MP3 players. This is both a plus (stylish metal case) and a minus of the device. Not the best choice of connector - MiniUSB for battery charging. I also note the connection via a 3.5 mm jack - the main disadvantage of this model.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 50 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 20 MHz
- Sensing Range: 50mV/div ~ 200V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 40V (1X probe)
- Sweep time range: 100S/div ~ 100nS/div
DSO168 is an interesting device for its price.
Much better than a huge number of similar DSO138, which are built on the basis of microcontrollers with built-in ADC (200kHz).
This DSO168 model has a separate AD9283 ADC, which provides reliable analysis of signals up to 1 MHz. Up to 8 MHz, you can use this device, but as a βdisplayβ of signals, without any serious measurements. But up to 1 MHz - no problem.
The kit comes with a standard P6100 BNC probe, as well as an adapter from a 3.5mm jack to BNC.
The DSO168 oscilloscope has a bandwidth of 20 MHz (at a sampling rate of 60MSA / s), not the most successful, but more or less neat case ala iPod, built-in 800 mAh battery (can be powered from USB). The similarity with the player is added by probes through a 3,5 mm jack (there is a BNC-3.5mm adapter). There is no memory for saving waveforms. I note a design miscalculation - a 3,5 mm jack is not intended for transmitting microwave signals, there are distortions in the waveform at frequencies above 1 MHz. So the device is interesting, but I would choose another option.
Next, I propose to look at another inexpensive model of the DSO338 oscilloscope with a 30 MHz band.
This is a pocket-sized single-channel battery-powered oscilloscope with a sampling rate as high as 200Msps. The characteristics are not bad, for many this model is enough for the eyes. In the presence of one channel, the display has good viewing angles, the operating time is up to 8 hours from a single charge continuously.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 200 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 30 MHz
- Sensing Range: 50mV/div ~ 200V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 40 V (1X probe), 400 V (10X probe). There is no built-in signal attenuator.
- Sweep time range: 100mS/div ~ 125nS/div
For measurements, a standard P6100 BNC probe is used.
The oscilloscope shows itself quite well at frequencies above 10-20 MHz.
A good option, but given its cost, you can look at other models.
For example, you can buy a little more
A new model and one of the best for the money, a single channel 100 MHz memory oscilloscope. The sampling rate reaches 500 Msps.
The oscilloscope is one of the most "powerful" and "fancy" in its price range. There is 1 BNC channel, but the oscilloscope can display sine wave up to 100MHz. Other periodic and aperiodic signals look fine up to 70-80 MHz.
Included with the oscilloscope is a good P6100 probe with a 10x divider and a bandwidth of up to 100 MHz, as well as a storage and carrying case.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 500 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 100 MHz
- Sensing Range: 50mV/div ~ 100V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 80 V (1X probe), 800 V (10X probe). There is no built-in signal attenuator.
- Sweep time range: 50S/div ~ 6nS/div
The oscilloscope handles signals no worse than the older brother Rigol.
I note the lack of communication with the computer (partly this is not a minus, since there is no need to carry out galvanic isolation), as well as the presence of only one channel for measurement.
DSO Fniski 100MHz is a good choice, especially if there is no suitable device and the cost is acute. If it is possible to add, it is better to add and take something on two channels and with the ability to save the results.
The hit of 2019 is a portable oscilloscope with a frequency of 40 MHz (there is a model 2C72 up to 70 MHz) for two channels and with a frequency generator. Built-in multimeter. Supplied with a carrying bag. Price from $99.
Everything you need is included + carrying case. Sample rate up to 250MSa/s is the best result for portable oscilloscopes. There are 2C42/2C72 versions without a built-in generator, but they are not so interesting in terms of price and functionality.
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 250 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 40 MHz
- Sensing Range: 10mV/div ~ 10V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 60 V (1X probe), 600 V (10X probe).
- Sweep time range: 500S/div ~ 5nS/div
The oscilloscope is slightly more expensive than the previous ones, but the 2Dx2 model is equipped with a frequency generator. The photo below shows the generation of a sinusoidal signal with a frequency of 1 MHz.
Otherwise, Hantek is no worse than its older brothers. I note the presence of a built-in multimeter, which makes this model a 3-in-1 device.
The oscilloscopes that I have are over, but I will note one more model that has the right to life. In this price range there is a comfortable and high-quality .
Specifications:
- Real-time sampling rate: 200 MS/s
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 - 30 MHz
- Sensing Range: 10mV/div ~ 10V/div
- Maximum input voltage: 60 V (1X probe), 600 V (10X probe).
- Sweep time range: 500S/div ~ 5nS/div
I recommend to pay attention to useful accessories for the oscilloscope:
Such portable devices are what I often use. It is very convenient, especially when setting up various devices, checking, commissioning. I can recommend taking the DSO150 option, or even better, the similar DSO138 (200kHz) in the DIY version for learning soldering and the basics of radio electronics. Of the functional models, I would like to note the DSO Fniski 100MHz as the oscilloscope with the best price/bandwidth ratio, as well as the Hantek 2D72 as the most functional (3-in-1).
Source: habr.com