Arduinoos

As technology improves, the size, performances and cost of measurement instruments changes over the time. Few months ago, we described the RIGOL 1052E which was pretty new at this time. As we were looking for a new equipment for the lab we decided to compare the various products available from the market.

Before getting into the details of the data sheets from the available products, we invite you to a quick step back in the history of oscilloscopes

Early oscilloscope were heavy big beasts, they were expensive and their performances were pretty modest.

Next generations of oscilloscopes were more compact, rugged and could be moved on some occasions. They were still analog and high class instruments were capable of high frequency measurements as well as signal storage.

The raise of digital technology had a strong  impact on oscilloscopes which were know getting very versatile and programmable. They became  stand-alone, portable, autonomous in energy.

Simultaneously, makers of handled measurement instruments introduced smaller autonomous and handy equipment for service and outdoor operations.

More recently, the cost reduction of components and the mass production of equiopemenbts allowed makers to propose low cost although powerful equipment. As personal computers are available in almost any place some makers also had the idea to develop remotely controlled oscilloscopes. This post is mainly about this new type of small, powerful and affordable oscilloscopes.

Next is a quick and dirty comparison of various oscilloscopes which share common performances:

RIGOL 1052E

Offcial RIGOL web site

FLUKE 125

Official FLUKE web site

and PicoScope 2207a

Official PICO TECH web site

** Remote control is mandatory

Credits :

• HP Memory
• Agilent Technologies
• RIGOL
• FLUKE

Next post will go into the details of the retained option…