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   |Is used in domain=Electronics
 
   |Is used in domain=Electronics
 
   |Has function=Measurement
 
   |Has function=Measurement
   |Has icon=File:Electronics Workstation.png
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   |Has icon=File:Electronics Workstation 2.png
 
   |Has icondesc=Oscilloscope graphic
 
   |Has icondesc=Oscilloscope graphic
   |Has image=File:Electronics Workstation.png
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   |Has image=File:Electronics Workstation 2.png
 
   |Has imagedesc=Electronics Workstation
 
   |Has imagedesc=Electronics Workstation
 
   |Has description=Standard electronics measurement and signal generation equipment.
 
   |Has description=Standard electronics measurement and signal generation equipment.
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==DC Power Supply==
 
==DC Power Supply==
 
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[[File:DC PS Controls.jpg|400px|thumb|right|DC Power Supply Controls]]
 
The most basic function of a DC power supply is to provide a constant voltage to a device. “DC” stands for direct current; “AC” stands for alternating current. A 9V battery is an example of a DC voltage, and it will hold a constant 9 volts (at least until the battery starts to die). A 120V wall outlet is an example of an AC voltage, and it will fluctuate up and down from 120V to -120V and back to 120V over a set period of time. A DC power supply converts the alternating current from a wall outlet to a steady direct current through a system of transformers and filtering circuitry. We have a couple different models of DC power supplies in the Maker Hub.
 
The most basic function of a DC power supply is to provide a constant voltage to a device. “DC” stands for direct current; “AC” stands for alternating current. A 9V battery is an example of a DC voltage, and it will hold a constant 9 volts (at least until the battery starts to die). A 120V wall outlet is an example of an AC voltage, and it will fluctuate up and down from 120V to -120V and back to 120V over a set period of time. A DC power supply converts the alternating current from a wall outlet to a steady direct current through a system of transformers and filtering circuitry. We have a couple different models of DC power supplies in the Maker Hub.
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==Function Generator==
 
==Function Generator==
 
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[[File:Waveforms.png|400px|thumb|right|Different Waveform Shapes]]
 
A function generator creates AC periodic waveforms; it allows the user to manipulate an electrical signal’s amplitude, duty cycle, offset, and frequency over a wide range of values. This function generator can produce sine, square, triangle, ramp/sawtooth, and digital pulse waveforms. The manual for this function generator is fairly well-written, so I will only highlight a few excerpts here. I would encourage you to read the manual for complete operating instructions.
 
A function generator creates AC periodic waveforms; it allows the user to manipulate an electrical signal’s amplitude, duty cycle, offset, and frequency over a wide range of values. This function generator can produce sine, square, triangle, ramp/sawtooth, and digital pulse waveforms. The manual for this function generator is fairly well-written, so I will only highlight a few excerpts here. I would encourage you to read the manual for complete operating instructions.
[[File:Waveforms.png|400px|thumb|right|Different Waveform Shapes]]
      
===Controls===
 
===Controls===
 
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[[File:FG Controls.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Function Generator Controls]]
 
There are eight range switches that select output frequencies from <1Hz to 10MHz. The coarse frequency knob adjusts the frequency within a range from 10%-of-the-maximum to the maximum. For example, if the 100kHz range is selected, the output frequency can be adjusted from 10kHz to 100kHz. The duty cycle, CMOS level, DC offset, and -20dB functions are only active if their corresponding switches are pressed in. The duty cycle knob alters the symmetry of the waveform through skewing or changing the ratio of “on” time versus “off” time. The DC offset changes the mean amplitude of the waveform. Reference the manual for information on more advanced capabilities such as the sweep functions, TTL/CMOS, and voltage-controlled generation.
 
There are eight range switches that select output frequencies from <1Hz to 10MHz. The coarse frequency knob adjusts the frequency within a range from 10%-of-the-maximum to the maximum. For example, if the 100kHz range is selected, the output frequency can be adjusted from 10kHz to 100kHz. The duty cycle, CMOS level, DC offset, and -20dB functions are only active if their corresponding switches are pressed in. The duty cycle knob alters the symmetry of the waveform through skewing or changing the ratio of “on” time versus “off” time. The DC offset changes the mean amplitude of the waveform. Reference the manual for information on more advanced capabilities such as the sweep functions, TTL/CMOS, and voltage-controlled generation.
 
The best way to “see” the output of a function generator is to use an oscilloscope. An oscilloscope will show you a graphical representation of the signal, and allow you to understand the effects of the waveform shape, frequency range switches, coarse/fine adjustment, duty cycle, DC offset, etc.
 
The best way to “see” the output of a function generator is to use an oscilloscope. An oscilloscope will show you a graphical representation of the signal, and allow you to understand the effects of the waveform shape, frequency range switches, coarse/fine adjustment, duty cycle, DC offset, etc.
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One of the first things we need to understand about the oscilloscope is what it’s actually showing on the display screen. The display is set up like a standard Cartesian coordinate system. (you know, a graph...){{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlNIVXpIns|graph}}
 
One of the first things we need to understand about the oscilloscope is what it’s actually showing on the display screen. The display is set up like a standard Cartesian coordinate system. (you know, a graph...){{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlNIVXpIns|graph}}
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[[File:Oscilloscope Controls.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Oscilloscope Controls]]
 
The units of the graph tell us a lot about what we are looking at. The y-axis is voltage, and the x-axis is time. So, an oscilloscope will show—in real time—how a voltage signal is changing over time. One key skill we need to learn when using the oscilloscope is to manipulate the scales of the x-axis and y-axis so that you can see the voltage signal clearly and meaningfully on the oscilloscope’s display.
 
The units of the graph tell us a lot about what we are looking at. The y-axis is voltage, and the x-axis is time. So, an oscilloscope will show—in real time—how a voltage signal is changing over time. One key skill we need to learn when using the oscilloscope is to manipulate the scales of the x-axis and y-axis so that you can see the voltage signal clearly and meaningfully on the oscilloscope’s display.
 
There are 4 BNC jacks are on the bottom row of the oscilloscope’s control panel. Each one corresponds to channels 1, 2, 3, and 4. This is where you will plug in the probes that will measure various voltage signals in your circuit. Let’s discuss the knobs and buttons under the VERTICAL section of the control panel. For CH 1, the POSITION knob will move the signal on the display screen of the oscilloscope up and down the y-axis. This is handy when there is a DC voltage offset applied to the AC signal. The VOLTS/DIVISION knob will stretch or shrink the y-axis so that you can see the waveform’s amplitude properly. If the peaks or troughs of the waveform are hitting the top and/or bottom of the display screen, use the VOLTS/DIVISION knob to shrink the y-axis so that the full waveform can be seen. The CH 1 MENU button allows you to set up the probe properties and measurement displays for channel 1. The MATH MENU button allows you to perform operations between channels such as subtracting CH 2 from CH 1.
 
There are 4 BNC jacks are on the bottom row of the oscilloscope’s control panel. Each one corresponds to channels 1, 2, 3, and 4. This is where you will plug in the probes that will measure various voltage signals in your circuit. Let’s discuss the knobs and buttons under the VERTICAL section of the control panel. For CH 1, the POSITION knob will move the signal on the display screen of the oscilloscope up and down the y-axis. This is handy when there is a DC voltage offset applied to the AC signal. The VOLTS/DIVISION knob will stretch or shrink the y-axis so that you can see the waveform’s amplitude properly. If the peaks or troughs of the waveform are hitting the top and/or bottom of the display screen, use the VOLTS/DIVISION knob to shrink the y-axis so that the full waveform can be seen. The CH 1 MENU button allows you to set up the probe properties and measurement displays for channel 1. The MATH MENU button allows you to perform operations between channels such as subtracting CH 2 from CH 1.
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The HORIZONTAL section of the control panel let’s you manipulate the x-axis of the display screen. The POSITION knob acts as time offset. In most cases, this can be set to zero, but you’ll notice that you can shift the waveform left and right by turning this knob. The SECONDS/DIVISION knob will stretch or shrink the x-axis so that you can see the waveform’s frequency/period properly. If you’re ever wondering why your 100kHz sine wave looks like a solid fuzzy block on the display screen, you need to zoom way in with the SECONDS/DIVISION knob to see the individual peaks and troughs. You might do some basic math to know where you need to set the knob (sounds crazy, right???). 100kHz is the frequency… that means the period of the waveform is 10μS. If I set the SECONDS/DIVISION knob to 10μS per division, then I should see roughly 5 peaks and 5 troughs of the waveform on the display screen because there are 5 dashed grid lines (4 plus the y-axis) across the screen that mark the divisions.
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The HORIZONTAL section of the control panel let’s you manipulate the x-axis of the display screen. The POSITION knob acts as time offset. In most cases, this can be set to zero, but you’ll notice that you can shift the waveform left and right by turning this knob. The SECONDS/DIVISION knob will stretch or shrink the x-axis so that you can see the waveform’s frequency/period properly. If you’re ever wondering why your 100kHz sine wave looks like a solid fuzzy block on the display screen, you need to zoom way in with the SECONDS/DIVISION knob to see the individual peaks and troughs. You might do some basic math to know where you need to set the knob (sounds crazy, right???). 100kHz is the frequency… that means the period of the waveform is 10μS. If I set the SECONDS/DIVISION knob to 10μS per division, then I should see roughly 10 peaks and 10 troughs of the waveform on the display screen because there are 9 vertical dashed grid lines (8 plus the y-axis) across the screen that mark the divisions.
    
The trigger on an oscilloscope is an important part of properly displaying a waveform. The trigger determines when the oscilloscope starts to acquire data. When a trigger is set up properly, the oscilloscope converts unstable displays or blank screens into meaningful waveforms. Of the types of triggers available on this oscilloscope, most waveforms can be captured using the edge mode. In the TRIGGER section on the control panel of the oscilloscope, you’ll see a LEVEL knob. When you turn the LEVEL knob, you should see a little pointer moving up and down the side of the display screen (in the direction of the y-axis). Generally, the trigger level can be set to approximately the middle of the waveform for good results.
 
The trigger on an oscilloscope is an important part of properly displaying a waveform. The trigger determines when the oscilloscope starts to acquire data. When a trigger is set up properly, the oscilloscope converts unstable displays or blank screens into meaningful waveforms. Of the types of triggers available on this oscilloscope, most waveforms can be captured using the edge mode. In the TRIGGER section on the control panel of the oscilloscope, you’ll see a LEVEL knob. When you turn the LEVEL knob, you should see a little pointer moving up and down the side of the display screen (in the direction of the y-axis). Generally, the trigger level can be set to approximately the middle of the waveform for good results.
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==Digital Multimeter==
 
==Digital Multimeter==
 
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[[File:DMM Controls.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Digital Multimeter Controls]]
 
A digital multimeter can measure a host of electrical properties including DC voltage and current, AC voltage and current, resistance, continuity, frequency, period, dB, dBm, True RMS AC+DC, and diode testing.
 
A digital multimeter can measure a host of electrical properties including DC voltage and current, AC voltage and current, resistance, continuity, frequency, period, dB, dBm, True RMS AC+DC, and diode testing.
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The red terminal labelled with "V Ω Diode Hz Continuity" is used for all voltage, resistance, diode, frequency/period, and continuity functions described above (including the voltage measurement for AC+DC).
 
The red terminal labelled with "V Ω Diode Hz Continuity" is used for all voltage, resistance, diode, frequency/period, and continuity functions described above (including the voltage measurement for AC+DC).
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The two red terminals labelled 20A and 500mA MAX are used for all current functions described above (including the current measurement for AC+DC). Basically, the 20A terminal is for higher currents, and the 500mA MAX terminal is for low currents. If you're unsure of how much current you'll measure, always start with the 20A terminal first. Then, only switch to the low current terminal if the amperage is well below 500mA.
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The two red terminals labelled 20A and 500mA MAX are used for all current functions described above (including the current measurement for AC+DC). Basically, the 20A terminal is for higher currents, and the 500mA MAX terminal is for low currents. If you're unsure of how much current you'll measure, always start with the 20A terminal first. Only then, switch to the low current terminal if the amperage is well below 500mA. Keep in mind that the 20A terminal will not give any readings in the "auto-detect" mode. You must set the range manually with the "Level/Value" up and down arrows.
    
====How To Measure With The Leads====
 
====How To Measure With The Leads====
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==Demonstration==
 
==Demonstration==
 
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[[File:E W Circuit Pic.jpg|400px|thumb|right]][[File:Resistor-color-chart.png|400px|thumb|right]]
Set up a breadboard with a 10k potentiometer as a voltage divider using the wiper as the output pin. Connect an LED and a 560Ω resistor in series to the potentiometer's output pin.
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Set up a breadboard with a 10kΩ potentiometer as a voltage divider. Connect an LED's anode (the longer leg) to the wiper of the potentiometer. Connect a 560Ω resistor to the cathode (the shorter leg), and connect the other side of the resistor to ground. See the demo circuit diagram for reference.
 
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[[File:E W Circuit Diagram.jpg|400px|thumb|none|Demo Circuit Diagram]]
 
Part 1: Connect a DC power supply to the input and set it to 10V. Slowly adjust the potentiometer to determine how much voltage and current is needed to turn on the LED. Measure the voltage and current using the digital multimeter.
 
Part 1: Connect a DC power supply to the input and set it to 10V. Slowly adjust the potentiometer to determine how much voltage and current is needed to turn on the LED. Measure the voltage and current using the digital multimeter.
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Part 2: Disconnect the DC power supply from the input and connect the function generator to the input. Connect the oscilloscope probes to both the input and output of the potentiometer to display the waveforms. Set the function generator to a sine wave with a DC offset that will turn the LED on and off. Then try a square wave.
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Part 2: Disconnect the DC power supply from the input and connect the function generator to the input. Connect the oscilloscope probes to both the input and output of the potentiometer to display the waveforms. Set the function generator to a sine wave to turn the LED on and off. Experiment with a DC offset and a square wave.
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[[File:E W Oscilloscope Screen.jpg|400px|thumb|none|CH 1: Function generator signal to the input. CH 2: Output of the circuit measured at V2]]
    
==Documentation==
 
==Documentation==
 
====User Manuals====
 
====User Manuals====
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[[Media:1651A DC Power Supply.pdf|1651A DC Power Supply Manual]]
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[[Media:1651A DC Power Supply.pdf|1651A DC Power Supply User Manual]]
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[[Media:4017A Function Generator Manual.pdf|4017A Function Generator Manual]]
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[[Media:4017A Function Generator Manual.pdf|4017A Function Generator User Manual]]
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[[Media:TDS 2024 Oscilloscope.pdf|TDS 2024 Oscilloscope Manual]]
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[[Media:TDS 2024 Oscilloscope.pdf|TDS 2024 Oscilloscope User Manual]]
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[[Media:2831E Digital Multimeter Manual.pdf|2831E Digital Multimeter Manual]]
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[[Media:2831E Digital Multimeter Manual.pdf|2831E Digital Multimeter User Manual]]
    
==Safety==
 
==Safety==

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