• Even entry-level oscilloscopes today have simple math functions such as adding or subtracting two channels. • But as [Arthur Pini] notes, more advanced scopes can now even do integration and differentiation. • He writes about using these tools to make measurements on capacitors and inductors. • Thepost in EDNis worth a read, even if your scope doesn’t offer this sort of math yet. • It makes sense that capacitors and inductors would benefit from this feature. • After all, the current through a capacitor, for example, is proportional to the rate of change in the voltage across it.
Article Summaries:
- Advanced oscilloscopes now include built‑in math functions-specifically integration and differentiation-that allow engineers to derive current from voltage measurements on capacitors and inductors directly on the scope. Arthur Pini explains that the current through a capacitor is proportional to the derivative of its voltage, while the current through an inductor relates to the integral of its voltage. By performing these operations in real time, users can obtain current waveforms without external circuitry or post‑processing. The feature streamlines analysis of reactive components and demonstrates how modern scopes are extending beyond simple waveform display to practical calculus‑based measurement tools.
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