Quickly Triggering Sensors - need an oscilloscope? what specs? (AU) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: nate_syd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 12:47:27 am
content: I have a basic understanding of the fundamentals - but this sort of "specialty" equipment is a little beyond me.I have 2 sensors that I need to trigger, possibly on the second rising edge (if its too hard I can do falling edge).The process I need to do:Both sensors are held high @ 4.7v (ish)The first sensor transitions low for 16 microsecondsThe first sensor goes high @4.7v - Trigger eventDelay of 170 microsecondsSecond sensor goes low for 16 microsecondssecond sensor goes high @4.7v(Its possible I could switch to 3.3v logic, but i'd rather test at 5v if its not too much uplift)I'd like to be able to vary the 16 microseconds by 1/10th of a microsecond.I'd like to be able to vary the 170 microseconds by 1/10th or even 1/50th? of a microsecond.I just need to trigger each of the sensors with the times stated a few times.Timing is critical - from my perspective, but this could be a walk in the park for "a low budget 10mhz oscilloscope"... i'm not sure.Can this be done with an oscilloscope?What would the specs required be?If its pushing the limits of a 1mhz - then i'm assuming it would be better to go to 10mhz?Is this a basic 2 channel scope?any special functions/features required?Looking for a good budget model, I wont go near non-branded rubbish that could be unreliable & inconsistent.Something like a Hantek DSO2D15 looks to be ok for $350? (amazon)If i could get a Rigol for an extra $50-100 then I would - but they look to be a lot moreMany thanks

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 01:06:17 am
content: Oscilloscopes are for displaying signal waveforms, not creating them.

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 01:28:24 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on April 28, 2024, 01:06:17 amAt least add that this is a job for a pulse generator or a fancy function generator and save me some typinghttps://www.edn.com/create-short-pulses-with-a-function-generator/

author: xvr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 09:29:34 am
content: You need Pattern Generator.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_pattern_generatorhttps://digilent.com/reference/test-and-measurement/guides/waveforms-pattern-generatorDigilent Analog Discovery 3 -https://digilent.com/reference/test-and-measurement/analog-discovery-3/start

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 12:17:04 pm
content: A cheap as chips solution:Use an arduino to generate the pulse patternwww.arduino.cc/reference/en/libraries/pulsepatterngithub.com/RobTillaart/PulsePatternA picture is worth a thousand words.Here's my interpretation of your description.

author: Aldo22
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 12:37:06 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on April 28, 2024, 01:06:17 amBasically yes, but the Hantek mentioned has a built-in signal generator (AWG).This can be used to generatepulses, but not patterns (except perhaps within limits with an arbitrary waveform).I don't quite understand the question and am therefore not sure whether he needs an oscilloscope at all.The solution with the Arduino seems plausible.

author: nate_syd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2024, 09:22:29 pm
content: Quote from: xvr on April 28, 2024, 09:29:34 amThis was REALLY helpful - much appreciated!Might grab the Disco2, significantly cheaper & good enough for my use case

author: xvr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2024, 09:06:25 am
content: Sure, if you can find one - it's obsolete by Discovery 3