CATHODE RAY

OSCILLOSCOPE (CRO)

Prepared and Presented by:

Sakshi Chaudhari (F23212060)
Abhinav Nigam (F23212058)
 WHAT IS CRO?
• Definition: The Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO) is a versatile electrical instrument designed
for displaying, measuring, and analyzing waveforms and various electrical phenomena. It
plays a crucial role in understanding electrical signals.

• Functionality: Functioning as a fast X-Y plotter, the CRO displays input signals in relation to
time or other parameters. This capability allows for detailed visualization of signal behavior.
• Main Sections: The CRO is typically divided into four main sections:
 Display: This section provides a visual representation of waveforms.
 Vertical Controllers: These controls adjust the amplitude of the input signal displayed
on the Y-axis.
 Horizontal Controllers: This part controls the time base, determining how time is
represented on the X-axis.
 Triggers: The trigger mechanism stabilizes repetitive waveforms, enabling precise
measurements and analysis.
• Input: To analyze waveforms effectively, probes are utilized for input. These probes
connect the CRO to the signal source, allowing for accurate waveform examination.
• Waveform Analysis: The CRO plots amplitude along the X and Y axes, facilitating detailed
analysis of signals. This capability is essential for engineers and researchers working with
 Evolution of the Cathode
Ray Oscilloscope
• Early Developments (1897-1920s): • 1960s:​
 Originated with the discovery of the  Dual-beam and dual-trace oscilloscopes
electron by J.J. Thomson. allowed multiple signals to be viewed
 Initial CRTs visualized simple waveforms. simultaneously.​
• 1930s:  Improved time-base generators for
 Introduction of commercial CROs with basic accurate timing.​
time and voltage controls. • 1970s-1980s:​
 Enhanced CRT technology improved  Shift toward digital oscilloscopes with
resolution. analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).​
• 1940s-1950s:  Storage oscilloscopes enabled waveform
 War-driven advancements led to saving and analysis.​
sophisticated military oscilloscopes. • 1990s-Present:​
 Triggered sweep circuits stabilized  Digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs)
waveform displays. became standard, offering advanced
analysis features.​
11/28/2024
 Modern designs include touchscreens,3 USB
connectivity, and powerful analysis
11/28/2024 4
 CONSTRUCTION OF CRO
• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT): • Input Probes:​
 Connect the CRO to circuits being tested,
• Contains an electron gun and a phosphorescent screen.
minimizing loading effects.​
• The electron beam strikes the screen to create visible • Power Supply:​
waveforms.  Powers the electron gun, deflection systems, and
control circuits.​
• Deflection Systems: • Signal Conditioning Circuitry:​
• Vertical Deflection: Controls Y-axis movement based  Amplifies and filters input signals for proper
on input signal voltage. display.​
• Time Base Generator:​
• Horizontal Deflection: Manages X-axis movement
 Generates a sawtooth waveform for controlling
using a time base generator.
horizontal movement.​
• Control Panels: • Calibration Circuitry:​
 Ensures accurate waveform measurements
• Vertical Controls: Adjust sensitivity and position of
through adjustments.​
input signals.
• Horizontal Controls: Set time base and horizontal
position.
• Triggering Controls: Stabilize waveforms for accurate
 BLOCK DIAGRAM​

BLOCK
DIAGRAM
 WORKING PRINCIPLE
• The Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO)
operates by generating a high-speed Key Points:​
electron beam from the cathode (electron
o Electron Beam: Generated by
gun) in the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). This
beam is directed towards a phosphorescent the cathode (electron gun).​
o Deflection Plates: Control
screen and its position is controlled by two
vertical (Y-axis) and horizontal (X-
pairs of deflection plates for vertical (Y-axis) axis) movement.​
and horizontal (X-axis) movement. When an o Electric Fields: Created by the
electrical signal is applied to these plates, input signal, causing beam
electric fields cause the beam to deflect, deflection.​
striking the screen and creating a bright o Phosphorescent Screen:
spot. The position of this spot represents the Displays a bright spot indicating
signal's amplitude and waveform. By signal characteristics.​
o Parameter Measurement:
analyzing the spot's position, the CRO
determines key parameters like frequency, Determines frequency, amplitude,
and waveform shape.​
amplitude, and waveform shape, enabling o Visualization: Facilitates analysis
effective visualization and analysis of of electrical signals for engineers
 Advantages Limitations
High accuracy in measuring waveforms. Limited bandwidth compared to modern digital
oscilloscopes.

Real-time display of signals, allowing immediate Bulkier and heavier than newer digital models.
observation.

Capable of displaying complex waveforms clearly. Susceptible to drift and requires regular calibration.

Simple to operate with intuitive controls. Limited memory for waveform storage and
retrieval.

Cost-effective for basic waveform analysis. Not suitable for very high-frequency applications.

Versatile in application across various fields, May require additional components for certain
including engineering and education. measurements (e.g., probes).

Provides a continuous waveform representation. Analog display may be less precise than digital
outputs.
 APPLICATIONS
• Electrical Engineering: Used to design and analyze circuits by visualizing waveforms and
signal behavior.
• Telecommunications: Helps in troubleshooting and maintaining communication equipment by
measuring signal quality and distortion.
• Audio Electronics: Analyzes audio signals to ensure quality and fidelity in sound equipment.
• Medical Equipment: Used in monitoring and analyzing biological signals, such as ECG and
EEG waveforms.
• Industrial Automation: Assists in diagnosing issues in control systems and machinery by
monitoring electrical signals.
• Research and Development: Aids in experimental setups for studying electrical phenomena
and developing new technologies.
• Education: Used in laboratories for teaching principles of electronics and signal analysis.
• Automotive Testing: Analyzes signals in automotive electronics and control systems for
diagnostics and performance assessment.
 CONCLUSION
The Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO) is a vital tool for
visualizing electrical signals, offering high accuracy and real-
time waveform display. Its versatility makes it essential in
applications like circuit design, telecommunications, and
medical diagnostics. While it has limitations, such as bulkiness
and restricted bandwidth compared to digital oscilloscopes,
the CRO remains a reliable instrument for analysis and
education, equipping users with crucial insights into electrical
systems.