Oscilloscopes at a glance: The most important questions for hobby, automotive and PC applications
Oscilloscopes are among the most important measuring instruments in electronics and vehicle diagnostics. They visualize electrical signals and are therefore indispensable for troubleshooting, repair, and development. But which oscilloscope is suitable for hobbyists? Can you use your PC as an oscilloscope? And what are the differences between a classic benchtop oscilloscope, a USB oscilloscope, and a PC oscilloscope? Below you will find in-depth answers to these and other questions.
Which oscilloscope for hobby?
For home use and those just getting started in electronics, compact and affordable models are recommended. A good hobby oscilloscope should have at least 20 to 50 MHz bandwidth and a sufficient sampling rate (e.g., 250 MSa/s). Devices from Hantek, Rigol, or Siglent offer excellent value for money. Intuitive operation is important, so even beginners without in-depth technical knowledge can quickly perform measurements.
What kind of oscilloscope is suitable for automotive use?
In the automotive sector, oscilloscopes must, above all, accurately display sensor signals and ECU communication. Special automotive models such as Hantek Automotive or PicoScope Automotive are optimized for this purpose. They are suitable for measuring ignition signals, CAN bus signals, voltage drops, or injector currents. A bandwidth of 20 MHz and at least two channels are useful for monitoring multiple signals simultaneously.
What is a PC oscilloscope?
A PC oscilloscope is an external measurement adapter that connects to the computer via USB or LAN. The actual measurement takes place in the compact device, while the PC handles the analysis and display. This solution saves space and is ideal for mobile use or hobby workshops, as only a laptop and the interface are required.
Can I use my PC as an oscilloscope?
Yes, but not directly. A standard PC can't easily measure electrical signals because it lacks the necessary high-speed analog-to-digital converters. However, it's possible with a USB oscilloscope or PC oscilloscope as a hardware extension. The software on the computer then handles display, recording, and analysis.
What is a Tektronix oscilloscope used for?
Tektronix is one of the best-known premium manufacturers of oscilloscopes. Their devices are used primarily in industry, research, and development. Typical applications include the analysis of high-frequency signals, the development of electronic circuits, or the testing of complex communication protocols. Tektronix oscilloscopes are generally oversized for hobby and automotive use, but are standard for professional labs.
What is a USB oscilloscope?
A USB oscilloscope is a compact, portable version of the classic oscilloscope. It connects to a PC via USB and uses its screen to display measurement traces. Advantages include its small footprint, ease of transport, and often an attractive price. USB oscilloscopes are particularly practical for hobbyists and mobile workshops.
Can a PC be used as an oscilloscope?
Yes – with limitations. A PC alone isn't sufficient because it lacks the necessary hardware for fast signal sampling. However, with a PC oscilloscope adapter or a USB oscilloscope, the computer can perform measurements. This solution saves space and is ideal if you already have a powerful laptop.
What is a good oscilloscope for beginners?
Digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) with two channels and a bandwidth of at least 20 MHz are suitable for beginners. Models from Hantek or Rigol offer good value for money. A clear menu, automatic measurement functions, and PC interfaces for data backup are important criteria. This allows even hobbyists to achieve professional results.
Can you use a PC as an oscilloscope?
This question is frequently asked – and the answer is: only with additional hardware. The PC serves as a display and analysis device, while a USB or LAN oscilloscope captures the signals. For hobbyists and automotive diagnostics, this is a flexible and cost-effective solution.
Can an oscilloscope replace a multimeter?
Partially. An oscilloscope can measure voltage, frequency, and time histories, thus performing some of the simple tasks of a multimeter. However, for resistance or current measurements, and for precise DC voltage readings, a multimeter remains more accurate and practical. Therefore, a combination of both measuring instruments is ideal.
Can you use an oscilloscope as a multimeter?
Yes, but only to a limited extent. Oscilloscopes primarily display the temporal variation of voltages. A multimeter, on the other hand, precisely measures DC and AC voltages, currents, and resistances. If you only want to test simple voltages, you can do so with an oscilloscope; however, for precise measurements, a multimeter is indispensable.
What is the FFT function in an oscilloscope?
FFT stands for "Fast Fourier Transformation." This function decomposes a complex signal into its individual frequency components. This is particularly useful for analyzing noise, harmonics, or frequency spectra—for example, in audio circuits, motor control systems, or when troubleshooting complex networks. The FFT function is a crucial tool for advanced analyses.
What are channel 1 and channel 2 in an oscilloscope?
Channel 1 and Channel 2 are the inputs for different signals. With two channels, you can, for example, simultaneously monitor the power supply and the output signal of a sensor. This facilitates troubleshooting because cause and effect can be compared in real time. Many modern oscilloscopes even offer four or more channels for complex measurements.
Oscilloscopes are indispensable tools for electronics, automotive diagnostics, and research. Depending on the application—from hobbyists to workshops to laboratories—different models are available, including classic benchtop devices, USB oscilloscopes, and PC oscilloscopes. Beginners should look for ease of use and sufficient bandwidth, while professionals value additional functions such as FFT and multi-channel measurements. A multimeter remains the perfect complement in many cases.