Summary

  • Eight-bit digital oscilloscopes used to be the standard in the hobby field, although some newer models are now 12-bit.
  • Eight bits (256 slices) means the scope loses information in the sampling process, particularly when zoomed in on the waveform.
  • This becomes noticeably problematic when zooming in on frozen waveforms, as it can result in a jagged line.
  • Twelve-bit scopes (4,096 slices) do not have this problem to the same extent, and the waveform appears much smoother when zooming in on it.
  • This is particularly helpful when analysing once-in-a-blue-moon waveforms that need to be examined closely.

By Al Williams

Original Article