We'll be using the Gratten GA1102CAL-- a handy, mid-level, digital oscilloscope -- as the basis for our scope discussion. Depending on the waveform math capabilities of the oscilloscope, these measurements can include instantaneous power, true power, apparent power, and phase. However, the oscilloscope is a high impedance voltage measuring device – it cannot measure currents as such. An oscilloscope display has a built-in grid to help you measure time along the X (horizontal) axis and voltage along the Y (vertical) axis. Your oscilloscope may also give you the option of coupling to ground. I'm testing a simple 12V AC to 5V DC converter. If you would like to look at both the AC and DC components of a waveform, or are only interested in the DC component, use DC coupling. Using an oscilloscope to measure currents requires converting a current to a voltage, and this can be done a few ways. Measuring the voltage with your oscilloscope provides basic information about the signal, however oscilloscopes often offer many more advanced tools to further analyze your signal.

To measure electrical current through the use of an oscilloscope, attach measuring probes with resistors of known value to the electrical system or circuit you wish to measure. To measure the voltage with your cheap oscilloscope will provide basic information about the signal. Learners follow step-by-step instructions for using an oscilloscope to measure DC voltages. 1. Suggested Reading
If nothing is displayed on the screen, press the Auto Scale button on the front panel of the scope to display your waveform at a scale that is fully visible on the screen.

I'm trying to measure the effect of the 7805 on the DC signal in output and comparing this signal to the AC signal before the rectifier bridge. This is perhaps the simplest way to measure current, and will be discussed here in detail. Most oscilloscopes can only directly measure voltage, not current. Other o-scopes may look different, but they should all share a similar set of control and interface mechanisms. Voltage is the amount of electric potential between the two points in a circuit. Understanding how to measure voltage with an oscilloscope is the first step to uncovering the powerful measurement capability your oscilloscope offers. DC accuracy of 0.1 percent with an integrated 16-bit voltmeter: In addition to the total signal, the power rail probes with integrated 16-bit voltmeter accurately measure the DC component of the supply voltage with ± 0.1 percent accuracy. i need to get DC voltage drop in nanoseconds (SEE attached pic 1) but seems oscilloscope shows only oscillating curve as it be AC voltage (pic 2). Using an Oscilloscope-- Tips and tricks for someone using an oscilloscope for the first time. Using knobs on the front panel, you select the voltage scale (for instance, 5 V/division) and sweep time (for instance, 10 ms/division) of the display.As you adjust these settings, you see the voltage display change proportionally.