Oscillograph and Storage Oscilloscope Difference
The words “oscillograph” and “oscilloscope” are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.
The part “osci” comes from Latin and means vibration.
The ending “graph” comes from Greek and means to write or draw, so an oscillograph records vibrations.
On the other hand, “scope” comes from Greek and means to look at, so an oscilloscope is a device that looks at or displays vibrations.
What is an Oscillograph?
An oscillograph is a device that measures and records changes in electrical signals over time.
It captures these signals on paper or another recording medium, showing how they vary.
This helps in analyzing the behavior of electrical currents and voltages in different situations.
What is a Storage Oscilloscope?
A storage oscilloscope is a device that captures and stores electrical signals so you can look at them later.
It allows you to save the signal and review it in detail, even after the signal has stopped.
This makes it easier to analyze and measure complex signals.
Difference Between Oscillograph and Storage Oscilloscope
An oscillograph and a storage oscilloscope are both tools used to visualize electrical signals, but they have some key differences.
An oscillograph records signals on paper for analysis, whereas a storage oscilloscope captures and stores signals electronically, allowing for detailed examination and replay.
The storage oscilloscope is more advanced, offering features like memory storage and digital display, making it suitable for more complex and precise measurements.
So, in simple terms:
- Oscilloscope: A device for looking at waveforms.
- Oscillograph: A device for recording waveforms.
Besides, Analog oscillographs are more complicated than analog oscilloscopes because they need to photograph or save the waveform in an analog way.
Analog oscilloscopes just show the signal.
With digital oscilloscopes, recording waveforms became easier because they store the signal in memory.
Most digital oscilloscopes can also send data to other devices or networks.
Nowadays, the term “oscillograph” isn’t used much and is often called a “storage oscilloscope.”