Some DSOs create an XY image by accumulating data points over time, then displaying the composite. Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes, on the other hand, are able to acquire and display a genuine XY mode image in real-time, using a continuous stream of digitized data. DPOs can also display an XYZ image with intensified areas. Digitizing oscilloscopes have functions that make waveform measurements easier. Many digitizing instruments also provide mean and RMS calculations, duty cycle, and other math operations.
Automated measurements appear as on-screen alphanumeric readouts.
Typically these readings are more accurate than it's possible to obtain with direct graticule interpretation. This section has covered basic measurement techniques. Other measurement techniques involve setting up the oscilloscope to test electrical components on an assembly line, subtracting noise from a signal, capturing elusive transient signals, and many others that would take too much room to list. The measurement techniques you will use depend on your application, but you have learned enough to get started. Practice using your oscilloscope and read more about it.