If you are a scientist yourself or simply an inquisitive person, and you often watch or read the latest news in the field of science or technology. It is for you that we have created such a section, which covers the latest world news in the field of new scientific discoveries, achievements, as well as in the field of technology. Only the latest events and only verified sources.
In our progressive times, science moves at a fast pace, so it is not always possible to keep up with them. Some old dogmas are crumbling, some new ones are being put forward. Humanity does not stand still and should not stand still, and the engine of humanity is scientists and scientific figures. And at any moment a discovery can occur that can not only amaze the minds of the entire population of the globe, but also radically change our lives.
Medicine plays a special role in science, since man, unfortunately, is not immortal, is fragile and very vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. Many people know that in the Middle Ages people lived on average 30 years, and now 60-80 years. That is, life expectancy has at least doubled. This was, of course, influenced by a combination of factors, but it was medicine that played a major role. And, for sure, 60-80 years is not the limit of an average life for a person. It is quite possible that someday people will step over the 100-year mark. Scientists from all over the world are fighting for this.
Developments are constantly underway in the field of other sciences. Every year, scientists from all over the world make small discoveries, little by little moving humanity forward and improving our lives. Places untouched by man are being explored, primarily, of course, on our home planet. However, work is constantly happening in space.
Among technology, robotics is especially rushing forward. The creation of an ideal intelligent robot is underway. Once upon a time, robots were an element of science fiction and nothing more. But already at the moment, some corporations have real robots on their staff, which perform various functions and help optimize labor, save resources and perform hazardous activities for humans.
I would also like to pay special attention to electronic computers, which 50 years ago took up a huge amount of space, were slow and required a whole team of employees to maintain them. And now there is such a machine in almost every home, it is already called more simply and briefly - a computer. Now they are not only compact, but also many times faster than their predecessors, and anyone can understand it. With the advent of the computer, humanity opened a new era, which many call “technological” or “information”.
Remembering about the computer, we should not forget about the creation of the Internet. This also gave a huge result for humanity. This is an inexhaustible source of information, which is now available to almost every person. It connects people from different continents and transmits information at lightning speed, something that would have been impossible to even dream of 100 years ago.
In this section, you will certainly find something interesting, exciting and educational for yourself. Perhaps even someday you will be able to be one of the first to learn about a discovery that will not just change the world, but will change your consciousness.
When purchasing a new oscilloscope, you should start with the questions that you must first answer for yourself:
The main advantage of an analog oscilloscope is the absence of ADC noise.
You may still be a fan of analog instruments, but the modern digital world dictates its conditions, and the capabilities of analog instruments cannot be compared with digital storage oscilloscopes.
If the accuracy of transmitting the shape of the signal you are studying is not a priority for you in your observations and research, then you can safely opt for digital.
USB oscilloscope is a representative of the class of digital oscilloscopes. And they, in comparison with analog ones, have a number of advantages.
Namely:
Often digital oscilloscopes can include additional devices in the same housing:
If the oscilloscope is made in the form of a portable device, then it is often combined with a multimeter; they are also called scopmeters (sometimes with very good characteristics).
The undeniable advantages of these devices are versatility, autonomy and small size.
Choosing a new oscilloscope is quite a difficult task, due to the fact that there is a wide selection of manufacturers and their models on the market.
If you decide to replace an old oscilloscope or purchase a device necessary for work, and you do not have a big appetite, then a USB oscilloscope may be the best choice for you. All you need to do is study the characteristics and settle on a specific manufacturer and model.
First of all please pay attention to the manufacturer. Studying various models, you will see that you should pay attention to a manufacturer that is constantly improving the software of its products and adding new features, without changing the platform.
Today we will pay attention to such manufacturers as Hantek, Instrustar, SainSmart.
When considering models, it is worth focusing on devices with a band of 40-60 MHz. Although the latest models of equipment, in particular new LCD TVs, may soon require 100-120 MHz.
And yet, having visited forums on foreign platforms, you will be convinced that the opinions reflected in them are practically the real state of affairs. As for the reviews found on Russian-language sites and video reviews, they consist mainly of “let’s unpack” and “finally got it”, and as a bonus: “let’s install the drivers” and “poke with a probe.” And how the completion is joy and “it works.”
But it is unlikely that after this reading and viewing, you will be able to draw any real technically sound conclusion as to where you will stop.
Let's return to the assessments on foreign forums.
SainSmart (third on the list) disappeared after a few hours of studying - the product was not bad, but there was a problem with the software. There are no updates, but the existing one works with bugs. We know firsthand that software makes all the difference.
Next – (first in the list),
A reputable company produces an impressive range of models, including budget options. However, both budget and some later models have the same software, although it is quite modest. Functionality: a regular two-beam oscilloscope + a simple set of tools. No bonuses in the form of additional software with analyzing programs, etc. No. This is sad.
The output, as you see: - an example of elementary minimalism, although with the help of software it would be possible to implement a considerable amount of additional functionality and capabilities.
Our (Russian-language) reviews claim that almost the entire range of 20,40,60 MHz models is based on one board with minor conversions, and everything else is done by software.
In principle, the usual Chinese move is to make one piece of hardware and limit the potential of the lower line of models with software. But no. Different lines of models run on different chips and have different software inside. And this is attractive.
For example, you can choose the Instrustar ISDS220B 60 MHz model plus DDS generator up to 20 MHz. If you download and install the software, even in demo mode, you will really be pleased with it. You will find many settings, starting from the color and background of the interface, to a spectrum analyzer, frequency response analyzer and a sea of various tricks that even in demo mode you will have something to deal with.
And in general, the software is fresh, despite the age of the model being produced. The conclusion is that the manufacturer “keeps its hand on” the software - corrects errors and adds new functions. And this is a huge plus.
As an example:
The window in professional mode opened four forms.
The conclusion from all of the above suggests itself:
take your time, analyze, research and shop wisely. It's up to you to use it! Until the next reviews of the best models.
Good afternoon, Habr!
I bring to your respected audience a review of the Hantek6022BL oscilloscope/logic analyzer.
For those interested, please refer to cat.
Front view. Two BNC connectors for probes, a logic analyzer connector, and calibration pins. Everything is predictable.
USB, a mysterious button and an equally mysterious hatch with the inscription USBXI, under which a strange connector is hidden.
After playing a little with the channel sensitivity and sweep time knobs (nothing new has been invented here), let’s move on to a deeper study of the software.
The horizontal scan is adjustable from 1 ns (a completely useless range for this device) to 3000 seconds. There is a display mode with horizontal scanning (x(t), y(t)) and with X-Y mode (convenient, for example, for Lissajous figures).
The trigger level and horizontal shift can be changed simply with the mouse, but the values of these quantities are not displayed anywhere. The moment the trigger is fired is not tied to any divisions on the oscillogram, or to the center of the screen, or to anything at all.
The picture above shows the program interface with two signals at inputs A and B, with a mathematics channel into which FFT is output, with cursors and with the measurement mode turned on.
In general, the oscilloscope is like an oscilloscope, only the simplest functions, but they work fine. It could have been done better. Rating 4.
We see 16 signals and... that's it. No settings, no launch conditions, nothing at all. Signal capture is started manually with a button. However, there is one setting: SampleRate can be selected from 100 kSa/s to 48 kSa/s. Signals are captured until the memory is full (1M samples).
The logic analyzer is in no way connected with the oscilloscope; it cannot be triggered by its trigger, nor can it be triggered by its trigger; it cannot be triggered either by the edge of any logical signal, or, moreover, by more complex events and conditions.
After capturing signals, the analyzer interface begins to slow down ungodly.
Those who worked with real analyzers will cry bitter tears.
In general, the analyzer gets a 2 plus rating (after all, at least something works). There may be some hope that the logic analyzer will perform better in the next version of the software.
Remove the plastic covers and unscrew the front and back covers. Now you can remove the board.
Photo of the board
What is what on this board? I labeled all the microcircuits with numbers. Let's see which is which.
1. The “brains” is the Cypress cy7c68013a-100axc microcontroller (http://www.cypress.com/?docID=45142). Microcontroller based on 8051 core with High-speed USB interface. In principle, an understandable choice. There is no need for high speed from the processor, since all processing occurs on the computer side, but a fast USB is needed.
2. SN74LVC16245A (http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/sn74lvc16245a.pdf) - frontend of the logic analyzer. Regular 16-bit buffer.
3. 24LC02BI (http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/21709J.pdf) – 2 kb EEPROM, for storing any settings. Why there are two of them is unclear.
4. AMS1117-3.3 (http://www.advanced-monolithic.com/pdf/ds1117.pdf) – 3.3V linear power supply regulator.
5. Inout A0505S-2WR (http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/611588/MORNSUN/A0505S-2WR2.html) – converter +5V to bipolar voltage 5V for powering the analog frontend.
6. AD8065 (http://www.analog.com/static/imported-files/data_sheets/AD8065_8066.pdf) – operational amplifier with FET inputs and a frequency band of 145 MHz.
7. EL5166 (http://www.intersil.com/content/dam/Intersil/documents/el51/el5166-67.pdf) – wideband operational amplifier from Intersil (bandwidth at unity gain 1.4 GHz).
8. 74HC4051 (http://www.nxp.com/documents/data_sheet/74HC_HCT4051.pdf) - 8-channel analog multiplexer/demultiplexer
9. The most interesting chip, the ADC, is hidden under the heatsink. A little heating with a soldering iron, and the heatsink came off, and under it was the AD9288 (http://www.analog.com/static/imported-files/data_sheets/AD9288.pdf) - 8-bit ADC, 2 channels of 100 MSa/s.
Everything is done extremely simply and minimalistically, but neatly. Even too simple, I was hoping to see at least some kind of FPGA. The analog frontend has a large frequency reserve, which is very good. “Adult” oscilloscopes often use the same hardware for an entire model range, and the frequency band of younger models is cut off in software for marketing reasons. Knowing the required dance with a tambourine, you can turn a younger model into an older one that uses the capabilities of the hardware 100%.
But in this case, older models from the same line have a sampling frequency of 150 and 250 MHz, that is, at least a different ADC.
A digital oscilloscope is a device that allows you to monitor electronic signals. With its help, scientists can make various measurements of parameters. In this case, vibrations can be visually monitored or immediately recorded on any medium. Using a special converter, it is additionally possible to study non-electrical processes.
When observing oscillations, scientists look at the amplitude of the signal as well as its duration. Older oscilloscopes worked by deflecting a light beam. At the same time, there was a special paper tape for recording vibrations. In turn, the writing element was ink. In modern models, an electron beam is focused on a screen and as a result a picture with data appears.
First of all, it should be noted that the image can be frozen. This can be done at any time, which is very convenient. It is also necessary to mention the high measurement accuracy. At the same time, the bandwidth is quite wide. Regardless of the scan speed, the image on the screen is always clear and bright. Before the triggering moment, the signal is already displayed on the display.
It is possible to detect impulse noise during operation. Signal parameters are measured automatically. If necessary, a digital oscilloscope can be connected to a personal computer. It is possible to use a printer to print the data. The final signal is processed not only mathematically, but also statistically. Additionally, there are tools for self-diagnosis.
You can make a homemade digital oscilloscope. The most important element of this device is the cathode ray tube. It is she who records all beam deviations. In this case, the voltage in the device reaches 300 V. Also, to design the signal amplitude, a digital oscilloscope (the diagram is shown below) must have an amplifier. He is also able to control the acceleration speed of the luminograph.
To prevent violations of the frequency multiplicity, a lock is installed. It blocks the beam during the reverse stroke. In turn, the sweep generator transmits data to the modulator. To correct signal deviations there is a phase shifter. Also, a homemade digital oscilloscope is equipped with a regulator to stabilize oscillations. Diodes are usually installed as a tunnel type.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the average sampling speed. This parameter should be within the range of 400 - 600 MV/s. Additionally, good oscilloscopes are capable of equivalent sampling. The screen resolution must be no less than 480 by 234 pixels. Only a six-digit frequency counter is welcome. The device must also support CP programming commands. Among the functions of the oscilloscope, you should check data recording as well as playback. Additionally, a limit testing program must be established. A digital oscilloscope costs an average of 15 thousand rubles.
Oscilloscopes of this brand have great potential. Their average is 25 MHz. Models can be used in a wide variety of industries. They are distinguished by their low noise level. The average sampling speed reaches 500 MV/s. In this case, the memory capacity is 32 thousand points.
Among other things, the device has a convenient 7-inch display with a resolution of 480 by 234 pixels. Support for CP programming commands is available. It should also be noted that the user-friendly interface. In general, the oscilloscopes from the above company are suitable for laboratory as well as research projects.
This digital storage oscilloscope has a resolution of 6 bits. In this case, the error is 0.001%. All signals that are captured by the synchronization system are displayed on the screen. Frequencies are shown in the range from 10 to 100 Hz. In total, this model has 3 modes: automatic, normal and single. Synchronization by level can be carried out. The sweep speed ranges from 100 to 200 ms. CP commands are supported. It is also worth highlighting the presence of recording and playback functions. This model will cost the buyer 16 thousand rubles.
This digital multimeter-oscilloscope differs from the previous model in its larger bandwidth. The rise time of the edge is 5.8 ns. In total, this model provides 2 channels. Additionally there is an input for external synchronization. The vertical sensitivity is quite high. The resolution is around 8 bits.
The scan speed reaches 100 ms. The maximum input voltage is 400 V. Synchronization can be carried out based on the pulse parameters. Data sampling occurs in real time. The total memory capacity of the device is 32 thousand points. As a result, the model turned out to be very simple and comfortable to use. It costs about 15 thousand rubles.
The oscilloscopes of this company are characterized by high performance. In this case, the sensitivity can be very precisely adjusted. Additionally, it should be noted that false alarms of the device are practically excluded. This is largely due to a quality filter. The oscilloscope has a dual display with a time base. You can use launch to view the diagrams. Oscilloscopes are quite simple to use. For this purpose, manufacturers have equipped the device with a signal intensity regulator. As a rule, there are 2 channels. The average rise time is 4 ns. The vertical resolution is 8 bits. The DC and AC input connections are installed.
Oscilloscope (digital) Rigol DS1102C is the most common. You can run this device in front or tilt mode. The interface is quite clear. A total of 2 channels and external triggering are provided. The average rise time is 5 ns. The vertical resolution parameter is around 8 bits. The frequency meter is installed quite accurately, and its error reaches a maximum of 0.001%. A manual cursor fixation mode is provided. Also worth noting is the signal tracking function. There are 2 generation modes in total (vector and point). The total memory capacity is 32 thousand points. The price for this model fluctuates around 20 thousand rubles.
Most often, this digital storage oscilloscope is used for setting up electronic lines. Among other things, it is able to cope with checking the functioning of the board. The maximum sampling rate is exactly 1 GB. There are a total of 2 channels with a bandwidth of 100 MHz. It's quite easy to set up. Additionally, the oscilloscope is equipped with a recorder. In total, the model provides 20 automatic measurements. Storage and playback function available.
You can record data frame by frame. All basic mathematical functions are installed. Among other things, we can highlight the presence of a Fourier converter. The device can be triggered by the edge or length of the pulse. The device is also capable of working with a delayed start. Auto-calibration in this model is provided by the manufacturer. There is a built-in hardware frequency counter. In general, the model turned out to be quite compact. Also worth noting is its nice design. The Tectronics TDS 3064 digital oscilloscope (portable) costs approximately 22 thousand rubles in specialized stores.
The maximum bandwidth in this model reaches 100 MHz. The sampling frequency at start is at around 1 Hz. The average rise time is 5 ns. One of the features is the presence of input impedance. The average horizontal scan time is 50 s. In total, the manufacturer provides 2 channels. In this case, external triggering is installed. The total memory capacity of the oscilloscope is 1 MB.
The vertical sensitivity fluctuates around 1-10 V. Triggering modes are provided for video, as well as edge. All basic mathematical functions can be performed in the device. During automatic measurement, the rise time is taken into account. Cursor data can be obtained automatically. In general, the model turned out to be quite compact. It weighs only 2.4 kg when assembled. The Tectronics MSO 4104 digital oscilloscope (portable) will cost the buyer 18 thousand rubles.
Akip digital oscilloscopes have a user-friendly interface. In addition, they are multifunctional. Bandwidth typically hovers around 60 MHz. The average sampling rate is 550 MV/s. The memory capacity is standard for 32 thousand points. The screen resolution is 480 by 234 pixels. A hardware frequency counter is installed on all six-digit models. CP commands are supported.
Among other things, the testing function should be noted. It occurs within the limits of “Pass” and “Fall”. The sweep speed of oscilloscopes is quite high. Among the shortcomings, poor vertical resolution can be noted. There are also certain problems with measurement errors. This has a lot to do with input impedance. The maximum voltage of the oscilloscope is 400 V. Correction using the probe can be carried out. The oscilloscopes of the above brand are quite cheap compared to products from other manufacturers.
The Owon DS 10 digital oscilloscope has an average bandwidth of 55 MHz. The rise time of the front fluctuates around 7 ns. There are 2 channels in total in this model. The measurement error is 3%. The vertical screen resolution is only 5 bits. At the same time, the scan speed is quite high. There is an input impedance in this oscilloscope. The maximum voltage of the device is 400 V. Correction can be made using the probe. The main synchronization modes are automatic and single. Signals of all types are received by the system.
The total memory capacity is 32 thousand points. There is a form generation mode. Also worth noting is the signal restoration algorithm. Sampling can be done directly or averaged. The color scheme in this model is inverted. The operating temperature of the device ranges from 10 to 40 degrees. In this case, the humidity should be a maximum of 85%. The standard kit includes the following: digital cable, probe, power cord, program disk, and instructions. This model costs approximately 19 thousand rubles.
This digital oscilloscope can be used for various laboratory studies. It is distinguished by a high sampling frequency. The capture speed is also good. There are a total of 2 channels in this device. Setting up a digital filter is quite simple. Additionally, a recorder is installed in the device. It can be used to make a wide variety of vibration measurements. The oscilloscope has an automatic mode. It is possible to record data by frame.
The model is also capable of saving and reproducing an oscillogram on a personal computer. If necessary, it can be printed on a printer. All mathematical functions are supported by the model. A Fourier converter is provided in this oscilloscope. One of the features is auto-calibration. It is done quite simply and does not take much time. The hardware frequency meter is installed as a built-in type. The average operating frequency fluctuates around 1 Hz.
The rise rate is at around 6 ns. The display in this model is set to 5.6 inches. The sweep function works offline. The error of time intervals is 0.01%. Additionally, an external synchronization program with a delay is installed. Fill factor measurements can be carried out. In general, the model turned out to be quite convenient. It costs about 22 thousand rubles in stores.
The most multifunctional oscilloscopes are from Siglent. First of all, their high productivity should be noted. The Siglent SDS 1022 models can boast of good measurement accuracy. Additionally, they have reasonable prices, and this is an important factor. In turn, Akip oscilloscopes are more suitable for novice researchers. They have acceptable characteristics, and the interface is simple and clear.
Unlike traditional oscilloscopes, their portable counterparts have built-in batteries.
This means they can operate without an external power source, making them suitable for field use.
Many users find it difficult to choose between these portable devices and more reliable desktop oscilloscopes. Although it should be noted that many "pocket" models, despite their size, still offer a lot of features.
Handheld oscilloscopes are voltage evaluation tools designed to test the performance of your electrical signal generator. Oscilloscopes calculate the amount of current conducted over a certain period of time, and present the signal indicators in the form of a graph.
The waveform displays the voltage update on the vertical (Y) axis, the time period on the graph is displayed on the horizontal (X) axis. The characteristics of the waveform directly depend on the transmitted signal.
Handheld oscilloscopes are capable of displaying data in both digital and analog forms. Analog oscilloscopes show a constant waveform. A number of oscilloscopes are capable of displaying data on multiple channels at once.
Rating: ★★★★★
The SainSmart Nano DSO oscilloscope has a thickness of 11 millimeters and a weight of 160 grams, but despite such small dimensions, it is able to satisfy the needs of schoolchildren studying physics or lovers of experiments. It displays three lines on its screen (color display has an extension of 320 x 240), it is equipped with a lithium battery and an 8 MB memory card. And it is also very easy to use.
It fits well in the hand and has a durable construction. You can work with it, as they say, right out of the box. But what we really liked is that it offers many different functions, a well-thought-out menu and different measurement methods, as well as a small display. Users also note that this device provides highly accurate measurements and responds well to user input.
However, the small size may be a problem for people with large hands - the size of the SainSmart Nano DSO is more like a deck of cards than an iPhone 6.
One downside we should mention is that this model only comes with one probe, although as a dual-channel oscilloscope it should have come with two. This is a rather minor flaw. Overall, we really liked this pocket oscilloscope. 
Rating: ★★★★☆
This single channel 20 MHz oscilloscope has a digital multimeter that is used for basic oscilloscope measurements such as voltage, resistance, capacitance and current resistance. The maximum real-time sampling rate is 100 MS/s, and the recording length is 6000 points for a detailed signal. Its operation can be controlled in both automatic and manual modes, the device is equipped with a 3.5-inch color TFT-LCD display.
From all of the above, it is clear that this is an excellent option that gives accurate results. The screen is bright and contrasty, which means that the data on it will be very visible. Range and frequency are displayed very accurately. The instructions were clearly not written by a native speaker, however, they can still be used to understand the basic functions of this device.
The only negative is that the USB connection and software could be better. The instruction manual contains only 6 sentences on how to connect this device to a PC. Many users had significant problems using the included CD - they were unable to install software from it. Instead, they had to search for an online resource to download updated software for the Owon HDS1021M.
And the software itself could work better - scanning is very slow. Although, in principle, this is sufficient if you just want to capture the signal and then load and convert it into an image file.
It's certainly a great option, with good build quality and functionality, and it comes at a reasonable price. But the software, connection to a PC and the instruction manual still spoil the picture a little.
Rating: ★★★★☆
The Siglent SHS806 is a little more expensive and is a two-channel handheld oscilloscope that has higher bandwidth. This option has a frequency of 60 MHz and comes with a multimeter to measure frequency, duty cycle, voltage and power.
Its real-time sampling rate is 1 GS/s, and its 2 MB memory capacity is enough for 18 hours of waveforms. In addition, it has advanced mechanisms for isolating specific signals and a 5.7-inch TFT-LCD color display for viewing data.
This is definitely a great portable oscilloscope. It provides a high level of accuracy, offers a ton of features, and has a built-in multimeter. But you must remember that the inputs on this Siglent model are not isolated. This company makes models with isolated inputs, but they are (prohibitively) more expensive.
The menu is intuitive, all functions are carefully thought out. The only negative is that the screen could have a higher resolution, but this is not such a significant drawback.
