Mixed Signal Oscilloscope

A mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) is a type of digital storage oscilloscope designed to display and compare both analog signals and digital signals. It has input channels for both analog signals and digital signals.

Analog signals are displayed as voltage levels varying continuously over time. These voltage-versus-time waveforms are traditionally measured using oscilloscopes. Signals may be connected directly to the oscilloscope’s analog input channels or connected through an oscilloscope probe.

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In contrast, digital channels measure logic values (0 or 1). The determination of whether a signal represents 0 or 1 is based on a threshold value set by the user. Digital logic signals have traditionally been measured by logic analyzers, but for many tasks a mixed signal oscilloscope is more convenient. MSOs provide much of the basic capabilities of a logic analyzer, namely digital timing analysis.

On an MSO, both the continuously variable analog waveforms from the analog input channels and digital, or logic, waveforms from the digital input channels are precisely displayed on a common timescale for comparison.

Another category of oscilloscopes is Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes which provide the ability to measure analog and digital mixed signals, and include a built-in spectrum analyzer for making radio frequency (RF) measurements in the frequency domain. For more information on various types of oscilloscopes, explanations of specifications, and how to make great measurements, visit The Oscilloscope Learning Center.

Tektronix Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes