High-speed USB/Ethernet oscilloscope - 30 September 2009 - Logica Technologies

The CS328A from CleverScope is a USB/Ethernet oscilloscope that combines a high level of performance with affordability and ease of use.

The scope is available with high resolution samplers of 10, 12 and 14 bits. This high resolution eliminates the ‘jaggies’ or staircase effect commonly found in oscilloscopes using standard 8-bit samplers. The high resolution also provides a dynamic range that is 64 times, or 36 dB, better than 8-bit samplers. The increased range and decreased noise floor is especially useful when doing spectral analysis and when making precision analog measurements.

The CS328A has a bandwidth of 100 MHz and an acquisition speed of 100 MSps. Both realtime and equivalent-time sampling is supported. A deep memory buffer of up to 8 Megasamples per channel is provided. The memory buffer allows the full speed of the unit to be realised, even when taking measurements over long periods. The buffer can be scrolled and zoomed and is useful in finding elusive anomalies in complex signals.

Full hardware input offset voltage and range scaling is provided, allowing the full sampler resolution to be realised and making it easy to accurately measure small signals superimposed on large offsets. Offset voltage and range scaling is provided in steps of 10 mV over the input range of -25 V to +25 V. Analog inputs in the range 20 mV to 400 V are accommodated. The CleverScope also provides persistence, which is an indispensable aid in many measurement situations.

The scope is complemented by an optional built-in low-noise 10 MHz signal generator. When used in conjunction with the built-in spectrum analyser, the sweeping capabilities of the signal generator make it possible to characterise the transfer function of most analog systems, such as analog amplifiers, filters, speakers, buffers, etc. A 100 MSps 8-channel digital logic analyser option is also available. The digital sampler is synchronised with the analog sampler and is controlled by a powerful triggering system, making it suitable for use in mixed-signal applications.

Should more than 2 analog or 8 digital input channels be required, multiple Cleverscope units can be linked together via a cable, allowing full synchronisation and common triggering. By using a PC (or notebook) as part of its user interface, the scope not only offers high-resolution images, with convenient keyboard and mouse control, but also makes it easy to integrate graphs and measurements into reports and documents.

Extensive math and full realtime spectrum analysis is provided. The CleverScope offers freely movable and resizable windows that include signal view, zoomed signal view, spectrum analysis and control panel views. Zoomed signals can be set to track the signal cursor. All signal views include scales and labelled division marks. Horizontal and vertical cursors, values and offsets are also displayed to aid measurement and documentation.