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Glossary
Glossary
Automatic trigger mode
A trigger mode that causes the oscilloscope to automatically acquire
if triggerable events are not detected within a specified time period.
Autoset
A function of the oscilloscope that automatically produces a stable
waveform of usable size. Autoset sets up front-panel controls based
on the characteristics of the active waveform. A successful autoset
will set the volts/div, time/div, and trigger level to produce a coherent
and stable waveform display.
Average acquisition mode
In this mode the oscilloscope acquires and displays a waveform that
is the averaged result of several acquisitions. Averaging reduces the
apparent noise. The oscilloscope acquires data as in the sample
mode and then averages it according to a specified number of aver-
ages.
Bandwidth
The highest frequency signal the oscilloscope can acquire with no
more than 3 dB (× .707) attenuation of the original (reference) signal.
Burst width
A timing measurement of the duration of a burst.
Channel
One type of input used for signal acquisition. The TDS 644A &
TDS 640A have four channels; the TDS 524A & TDS 620A have two
full capability and two limited capability channels.
Channel Reference Indicator
The indicator on the left side of the display that points to the position
around which the waveform contracts or expands when vertical scale
is changed. This position is ground when offset is set to 0 V; other-
wise, it is ground plus offset.
Coupling
The association of two or more circuits or systems in such a way that
power or information can be transferred from one to the other. You
can couple the input signal to the trigger and vertical systems several
different ways.
Cursors
Paired markers that you can use to make measurements between
two waveform locations. The oscilloscope displays the values (ex-
pressed in volts or time) of the position of the active cursor and the
distance between the two cursors.
Cycle area
A measurement of waveform area taken over one cycle. Expressed in
volt-seconds. Area above ground is positive; area below ground is
negative.
Cycle mean
An amplitude (voltage) measurement of the arithmetic mean over one
cycle.