OBJECT: To study the CRO and measure the frequency and amplitude.

APPARATUS: CRO, Function generator.

THEORY: The cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) is a very useful and versatile laboratory
instrument used for display, measurement and analysis of waveforms and other phenomenon
in electrical and electronics circuits.
A CRO consists of the following parts.

FIG: Block diagram of Cro

(i) CRT: To produce high intense penciled beam on its fluorescent screen.
(ii) Vertical Amplifier: To amplify electrically the electrical wave form to be
viewed through ‘Y’ plates of CRT.
(iii) Horizontal Amplifier: To amplify the wave form to be displayed through X-
plates of CRT, which is internally connected through time base saw-tooth voltage
(sweep voltage) if desired through a control switch for display of a signal wave
form.
(iv) Sweep Generator: To produce sweep voltage on X-plates if desired as above.
(v) Trigger Circuit: To start horizontal sweep or time base voltage.
(vi) HT and LT supply: High tension (or voltages) and low tension (or voltages)
desired at different points in CRT, horizontal and vertical amplifiers, sweep
generator etc., in the whole assembly of CRO.
There are other provisions on front panel of CRO such as intensity control, focus control,
horizontal control and vertical control.
PROCEDURE: The CRO can be used for measurement of voltage, current frequency, time-
period etc. the screen of CRT is provided with a measuring graticule with vertical and
horizontal divisions. These divisions are generally centimeter division and are calibrated for
voltage measurement (horizontal division) this graticules is used for all measurement carried
out by using CRO.

FIG 1: Frequency on Cro screen FIG 2: Amplitude on Cro screen

FREQUENCY AND TIME PERIOD MEASUREMENT:
1. Proper adjustment is made.
2. Apply the signal to Y-plates.
3. The time base control is adjusted to get waves (complete) on the screen.
4. The numbers of division for one complete cycle of the displayed waveform on X-
scale represent its time period.
5. Time period = Time base setting × Horizontal displacement.
6. The frequency for a given waveform can be calculated from time period.
7. Frequency = 1/T Hz where is T is the time period.
VOLTGE MEASUREMENT:
1. Voltage is shown on the vertical y-axis and the scale is determined by the Y-
amplifier (volts/cm).
2. Usually peak-peak voltage is measured because it can be read correctly even if the
position of 0V is not known.
3. The amplitude is half the peak-peak voltage.
4. To read the amplitude voltage directly you must check the position of 0V (normally
halfway up the screen).
5. Move the AC/GND/DC switch to GND (0V) and use Y-SHIFT (up/down) to adjust
the position of the trace if necessary, switch back to DC afterwards so you can see the
signal again.
6. Count the number of division between Positive and Negative peaks.
7. Peak-Peak Voltage = Deflection amplitude ×Volts / cm.
8. Amplitude (Peak Voltage) = ½ × peak-peak voltage.
OBSERVATION TABLE:
FREQUENCY MEASURMENT
S.No. Input Horizontal Time period Output Error
frequency displacement Time/Division (T = Hd × T / d ) frequency
(f) Hz (Hd) (T/d) (f=1/T) Hz

VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
S. No. Input Vertical Peak-Peak Amplitude (Peak
frequency displacement Volt/Division Voltage Voltage)
(f) Hz (Vd) (V/d) Vpp = Vd ×V / d 1
Vp = × V pp
2

RESULT: The input and output frequencies are compared and voltage is found out.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Do not allow the spot on the screen (central spot) nor take more intensity of wave pattern.
This may spoil the screen.
2. Always avoid shock especially with mains.
3. First learn all the controls on CRO panel.
4. An oscilloscope should be handled gently to protect its fragile (and expensive) vacuum
tube.
5.Oscilloscopes use high voltages to create the electron beam and these remain for some time
after switching off - for your own safety do not attempt to examine the inside of an
oscilloscope.