Did HP (or Tek, or anyone for that matter) make any oscilloscopes that were
basically analog scopes, but with the ability to digitize what is seen on
the display (at some lesser resolution than what you might be able to see
on the actual display, presumably)? As I understand it - which may
admittedly be incorrect - some of the older spectrum analyzers are sort of
like this.
So, this hypothetical oscilloscope type would basically have the analog
display "in parallel" with an ADC, such that you could look at the screen
and see the waveform displayed like an analog scope, or use the ADC to see
a digital approximation. (Presumably the digital stuff could also be used
to capture and store one-shot things like a regular digital oscilloscope.)
This would be opposed to a purely digital oscilloscope where the ADC and
memory is always between the signal and the display.
The reason for doing this, of course, would be that the analog display
would be "higher resolution" than the ability of the ADC, but the digital
stuff would enable automation and storage ability. This would stop being
important once digital was high-enough resolution to look more or less
indistinguishable to humans.
Did such "hybrid" oscilloscopes ever exist? If so, what are some model
numbers?
Thanks for your time - sorry if that was a bit lengthy.
30/12/2012 23:27
I am lucky enough to have both the Fluke / Philips Combiscope and a
Tek 7854. The Combiscope is, in my humble opinion, greatly under rated.
It's so easy to use, small and relatively light, and my 2 channel
model has been 100% reliable. If it packed up I'd look for another. It
does look very "full" inside, and it does run very warm, as another
poster commented.
The 7854 is huge, heavy, dims the lights on power up, and I only
understand and use a fraction of it's abilities. The manual is vast,
and quite daunting to a casual user. It's saving grace is awesome
support on the Tek scopes' reflectors. If it does pack up there are
those able to help you fix it. I also like the availability of cheap
plug ins. I bought a sad and ratty looking 7B53A dual time base with
delay for next to nowt off the `Bay, and with the help of the forum
had it fixed up and calibrated inside a few hours. Must have been a
fabulous beast in its day, even now USB scope users see it and go off
wanting a "proper" scope unless they have spent a fortune on something
VERY high end.
--
Best Regards,
Chris Wilson.
