VOLTCRAFT DSO-2154 User manual

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DSO-2154
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
User Manual

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Table of Contents
1. General Safety Requirements.......................................................................................... 1
2. Safety Terms and Symbols................................................................................................2
3. Quick Start........................................................................................................................4
Introduction to the Structure of the Oscilloscope............................................................ 4
Front Panel..............................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel...............................................................................................................................................5
Control Area........................................................................................................................................... 6
User Interface Introduction..................................................................................................... 7
How to Implement the General Inspection..........................................................................9
How to Implement the Function Inspection........................................................................9
How to Implement the Probe Compensation................................................................... 10
How to Set the Probe Attenuation Coefficient.................................................................11
How to Use the Probe Safely................................................................................................ 12
How to Implement Self-calibration......................................................................................13
Introduction to the Vertical System.................................................................................... 13
Introduction to the Horizontal System...............................................................................14
Introduction to the Trigger System.....................................................................................15
4. Advanced User Guidebook............................................................................................. 17
How to Set the Vertical System................................................................................................. 18
Use Mathematical Manipulation Function...............................................................................19
The Waveform Calculation......................................................................................................................20
Using FFT function..................................................................................................................................20
Use Vertical Position and Scale Knobs..................................................................................... 24
How to Set the Horizontal System.............................................................................................24
Zoom the Waveform................................................................................................................................ 25
How to Set the Trigger System..................................................................................................25
Single Trigger.......................................................................................................................................... 26
How to Operate the Function Menu......................................................................................... 28
How to Set the Sampling/Display............................................................................................................28
How to Save and Recall a Waveform...................................................................................................... 30
How to Implement the Auxiliary System Function Setting.....................................................................36
How to Update your Instrument Firmware..............................................................................................38
How to Measure Automatically............................................................................................................... 39
How to Measure with Cursors................................................................................................................. 44
How to Use Executive Buttons................................................................................................................ 46
5. Communication with PC................................................................................................ 49

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6. Demonstration................................................................................................................ 50
Example 1: Measurement a Simple Signal...............................................................................50
Example 2: Gain of a Amplifier in a Metering Circuit........................................................... 51
Example 3: Capturing a Single Signal......................................................................................52
Example 4: Analyze the Details of a Signal..............................................................................53
Example 5: Application of X-Y Function................................................................................. 55
Example 6: Video Signal Trigger.............................................................................................. 56
7. Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................58
8. Technical Specifications.................................................................................................58
General Technical Specifications.............................................................................................. 61
9. Appendix......................................................................................................................... 62
Appendix A: Enclosure.............................................................................................................. 62
Appendix B: General Care and Cleaning.................................................................................62

1.General Safety Requirements
1
1. General Safety Requirements
Before use, please read the following safety precautions to avoid any
possible bodily injury and to prevent this product or any other connected
products from damage. To avoid any contingent danger, ensure this product
is only used within the ranges specified.
Only a qualified person should perform internal maintenance.
To avoid Fire or Personal Injury:
Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord supplied with the product
and certified to use in your country.
Connect or Disconnect Correctly. When the probe or test lead is connected
to a voltage source, please do not connect and disconnect the probe or test
lead.
Product Grounded. This instrument is grounded through the power cord
grounding conductor. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
grounded. The product must be grounded properly before any connection with
its input or output terminals.
When the instrument is powered by AC, do not measure AC power
sources directly otherwise it will cause a short circuit. This is because
the testing ground and power cord ground conductor are connected.
Check all Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, check all ratings
and markings on this product. Refer to the user manual for more information
about ratings before connecting to the instrument.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate the instrument with covers or
panels removed.
Use the Proper Fuse. Use only the specified type and rating fuse for this
instrument.
Avoid exposed circuit. Be careful when working on exposed circuitry to avoid
risk of electric shock or other injury.
Do not operate if any damage. If you suspect damage to the instrument,
have it inspected by qualified service personnel before further use.
Use your Oscilloscope in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the instrument
installed with proper ventilation.
Do not operate in damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.

2.Safety Terms and Symbols
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2. Safety Terms and Symbols
Safety Terms
Terms in this manual (The following terms may appear in this manual):
Warning: Warning indicates conditions or practices that could result in
injury or loss of life.
Caution: Caution indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the product. The following terms may appear on this product:
Danger: Indicates an immediate hazard or injury possibility.
Warning: Indicates a possible hazard or injury.
Caution: Indicates potential damage to the instrument or other property.
Safety Symbols
Symbols on the product. The following symbol may appear on the product:
Hazardous Voltage
Refer to Manual
Protective Earth Terminal
Chassis Ground
Test Ground

2.Safety Terms and Symbols
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To avoid body damage and prevent product and connected equipment damage,
carefully read the following safety information before using the test tool. This
product can only be used in the specified applications.
Warning:
The four channels of the oscilloscope are not electrically isolated. The
channels should adopt a common ground during measuring. To prevent
short circuits, the 2 probe grounds must not be connected to 2 different
non-isolated DC levels.
The diagram of the oscilloscope ground wire connection:
It is not allowed to measure AC power when the AC powered oscilloscope is
connected to the AC-powered PC through the ports.
Warning:
To avoid fire or electrical shock, when the oscilloscope input
signal connected is more than 42V peak (30Vrms) or on circuits of
more than 4800VA, please take note of below items:
Only use accessory insulated voltage probes and test lead.
Check the accessories such as probe before use and
replace it if there are any damages.
Remove probes, test leads and other accessories
immediately after use.
Remove USB cable which connects oscilloscope and
computer.
Do not apply input voltages above the rating of the
instrument because the probe tip voltage will directly
transmit to the oscilloscope. Use with caution when the
probe is set as 1:1.
Do not use exposed metal BNC or banana plug connectors.
Do not insert metal objects into connectors.

3.Quick Start
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3. Quick Start
Introduction to the Structure of the Oscilloscope
This chapter makes a simple description of the operation and function of the front
panel of the oscilloscope, enabling you to be familiar with the use of the
oscilloscope in the shortest time.
Front Panel
The front panel has knobs and function buttons. The 5 buttons in the column on
the right side of the display screen are menu selection buttons, through which, you
can set the different options for the current menu. The other buttons are function
buttons, through which, you can enter different function menus or obtain a specific
function application directly.
Figure 3- 1 Front panel
1. Display area
2. Menu selection buttons: Select the right menu item.
3. Control (button and knob) area
4. Probe Compensation: Measurement signal (5V/1kHz) output.
5. Signal Input Channel
6. USB Host port: It is used to transfer data when external USB equipment
connects to the oscilloscope regarded as "host device". For example: Saving
the waveform to USB flash disk needs to use this port.
7. Power on/off

3.Quick Start
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Rear Panel
Figure 3- 2 Rear Panel
1. Handle
2. Air vents
3. AC power input jack
4. Foot stool: Adjust the tilt angle of the oscilloscope.
5. USB Device port: It is used to transfer data when external USB equipment
connects to the oscilloscope regarded as "slave device". For example: to use
this port when connect PC to the oscilloscope by USB.

3.Quick Start
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Control Area
Figure 3- 3 Control Area Overview
1. Function button area: Total 6 buttons.
2. Horizontal control area with 1 button and 2 knobs.
"HOR" button refer to horizontal system setting menu, "Horizontal Position"
knob control trigger position, " Horizontal Scale" control time base.
3. Trigger control area with 2 buttons and 1 knob.
The Trigger Level knob is to adjust trigger voltage. Other 2 buttons refer to
trigger system setting.
4. Copy button: This button is the shortcut for Save function in the Utility function
menu. Pressing this button is equal to the Save option in the Save menu. The
waveform, configure or the display screen could be saved according to the
chosen type in the Save menu.
5. Vertical control area with 5 buttons and 2 knobs.
CH1 -CH4 buttons correspond to setting menu in CH1 - CH4. "Math" button
provides access to math waveform functions (+, -, ×, /, FFT). The "Vertical
Position" knob control the vertical position of current channel, and the

3.Quick Start
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"Vertical Scale" knob control voltage scale of current channel.
6. M knob(Multipurpose knob): when a symbol appears in the menu, it
indicates you can turn the Mknob to select the menu or set the value. You can
push it to close the menu on the left and right.
User Interface Introduction
Figure 3- 4 Illustrative Drawing of Display Interfaces
1. Waveform Display Area.
2. Run/Stop
3. The state of trigger, including:
Auto: Automatic mode and acquire waveform without triggering.
Trig: Trigger detected and acquire waveform.
Ready: Pre-triggered data captured and ready for a trigger.
Scan: Capture and display the waveform continuously.
Stop: Data acquisition stopped.
4. The two blue dotted lines indicates the vertical position of cursor
measurement.
5. The T pointer indicates the horizontal position for the trigger.
6. The pointer indicates the trigger position in the record length.
7. It shows present triggering value and displays the site of present window in
internal memory.
8. It indicates that there is a USB disk connecting with the oscilloscope.
9. Channel identifier of current menu.

3.Quick Start
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10. The waveform of CH1.
11. Right Menu.
12. The waveform of CH4
13. The waveform of CH3
14. The waveform of CH2.
15. Current trigger type:
Rising edge triggering
Falling edge triggering
Video line synchronous triggering
Video field synchronous triggering
The reading shows the trigger level value of the corresponding channel.
16. It indicates the measured type and value of the corresponding channel. "T"
means period, "F" means frequency, "V" means the average value, "Vp"
the peak-peak value, "Vr" the root-mean-square value, "Ma" the maximum
amplitude value, "Mi" the minimum amplitude value, "Vt" the Voltage value
of the waveform's flat top value, "Vb" the Voltage value of the waveform's
flat base, "Va" the amplitude value, "Os" the overshoot value, "Ps" the
Preshoot value, "RT" the rise time value, "FT" the fall time value, "PW" the
+width value, "NW" the -Width value, "+D" the +Duty value, "-D" the -Duty
value, "FRR" the FRR, "FRF" the FRF, "FFR" the FFR, "FFF" the FFF,
"LRR" the, "LRF" the LRF, "LFR" the LFR, "LFF" the LFF,"PD" the Delay
A->B value, "ND" the Delay A->B value, "TR" the Cycle RMS, "CR"
the Cursor RMS, "WP" the Screen Duty, "RP" the Phase A->B , "FP" the
Phase A->B , "+PC" the +Pulse count, "-PC" the - Pulse count, "+E" the
Rise edge count, "-E" the Fall edge count, "AR" the Area, "CA" the Cycle
area.
17. The readings show the record length.
18. The frequency of the trigger signal.
19. The readings show current sample rate.
20. The readings indicate the corresponding Voltage Division and the Zero
Point positions of the channels. "BW" indicates bandwidth limit.
The icon shows the coupling mode of the channel.
"—" indicates direct current coupling
"～" indicates AC coupling
"" indicates GND coupling
21. The reading shows the setting of main time base.
22. It is cursor measure window, showing the absolute values and the
readings of the cursors.
23. The blue pointer shows the grounding datum point (zero point position) of
the waveform of the CH2 channel. If the pointer is not displayed, it means
that this channel is not opened.
24. The orange pointer shows the grounding datum point (zero point position)

3.Quick Start
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of the waveform of the CH3 channel. If the pointer is not displayed, it
means that this channel is not opened.
25. The two blue dotted lines indicate the horizontal position of cursor
measurement.
26. The green pointer shows the grounding datum point (zero point position) of
the waveform of the CH4 channel. If the pointer is not displayed, it means
that this channel is not opened.
27. The yellow pointer indicates the grounding datum point (zero point position)
of the waveform of the CH1 channel. If the pointer is not displayed, it
means that the channel is not opened.
How to Implement the General Inspection
After you get a new oscilloscope, it is recommended that you should make a
check on the instrument according to the following steps:
1. Check whether there is any damage caused by transportation.
If it is found that the packaging carton or the foamed plastic protection cushion
has suffered serious damage, do not throw it away first till the complete device
and its accessories succeed in the electrical and mechanical property tests.
2. Check the Accessories
The supplied accessories have been already described in the "Appendix A:
Enclosure" of this Manual. You can check whether there is any loss of
accessories with reference to this description. If it is found that there is any
accessory lost or damaged, please get in touch with our distributor responsible
for this service or our local offices.
3. Check the Complete Instrument
If it is found that there is damage to the appearance of the instrument, or the
instrument can not work normally, or fails in the performance test, please get in
touch with our distributor responsible for this business or our local offices. If
there is damage to the instrument caused by the transportation, please keep
the package. With the transportation department or our distributor responsible
for this business informed about it, a repairing or replacement of the instrument
will be arranged by us.
How to Implement the Function Inspection
Make a fast function check to verify the normal operation of the instrument,
according to the following steps:
1. Connect the power cord to a power source. Press the button on the
bottom left of the instrument.

3.Quick Start
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The instrument carries out all self-check items and shows the Boot Logo. Push
the Utility button, select Function in the right menu. Select Adjust in the left
menu, select Default in the right menu. The default attenuation coefficient set
value of the probe in the menu is 10X.
2. Set the Switch in the Oscilloscope Probe as 10X and Connect the
Oscilloscope with CH1 Channel.
Align the slot in the probe with the plug in the CH1 connector BNC, and then
tighten the probe with rotating it to the right side.
Connect the probe tip and the ground clamp to the connector of the probe
compensator.
3. Push the Autoset Button on the front panel.
The square wave of 1 KHz frequency and 5V peak-peak value will be
displayed in several seconds (see Figure 3- 5).
Figure 3- 5 Auto set
Check CH2、CH3 and CH4 by repeating Step 2 and Step 3.
How to Implement the Probe Compensation
When connect the probe with any input channel for the first time, make this
adjustment to match the probe with the input channel. The probe which is not
compensated or presents a compensation deviation will result in the
measuring error or mistake. For adjusting the probe compensation, please
carry out the following steps:
1. Set the attenuation coefficient of the probe in the menu as 10X and that of
the switch in the probe as 10X (see "How to Set the Probe Attenuation
Coefficient" on P11), and connect the probe with the CH1 channel. If a

3.Quick Start
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probe hook tip is used, ensure that it keeps in close touch with the probe.
Connect the probe tip with the signal connector of the probe compensator
and connect the reference wire clamp with the ground wire connector of
the probe connector, and then push the Autoset button on the front panel.
2. Check the displayed waveforms and regulate the probe till a correct
compensation is achieved (see Figure 3- 6 and Figure 3- 7).
Overcompensated Compensated correctly Under
compensated
Figure 3- 6 Displayed Waveforms of the Probe Compensation
3. Repeat the steps mentioned if needed.
Figure 3- 7 Adjust Probe
How to Set the Probe Attenuation Coefficient
The probe has several attenuation coefficients, which will influence the vertical
scale factor of the oscilloscope.
To change or check the probe attenuation coefficient in the menu of
oscilloscope:
(1) Push the function menu button of the used channels (CH1 -CH4 button).
(2) Select Probe in the right menu; turn the Mknob to select the proper value
in the left menu corresponding to the probe.
This setting will be valid all the time before it is changed again.

3.Quick Start
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Caution:
The default attenuation coefficient of the probe on the instrument is
preset to 10X.
Make sure that the set value of the attenuation switch in the probe is
the same as the menu selection of the probe attenuation coefficient in
the oscilloscope.
The set values of the probe switch are 1X and 10X (see Figure 3- 8).
Figure 3- 8 Attenuation Switch
Caution:
When the attenuation switch is set to 1X, the probe will limit the
bandwidth of the oscilloscope in 5MHz. To use the full bandwidth of
the oscilloscope, the switch must be set to 10X.
How to Use the Probe Safely
The safety guard ring around the probe body protects your finger against any
electric shock, shown as Figure 3- 9.
Figure 3- 9 Finger Guard
Warning:
To avoid electric shock, always keep your finger behind the safety
guard ring of the probe during the operation.
To protect you from suffering from the electric shock, do not touch any
metal part of the probe tip when it is connected to the power supply.
Before making any measurements, always connect the probe to the
instrument and connect the ground terminal to the earth.

3.Quick Start
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How to Implement Self-calibration
The self-calibration application can make the oscilloscope reach the optimum
condition rapidly to obtain the most accurate measurement value. You can
carry out this application program at any time. This program must be executed
whenever the change of ambient temperature is 5℃or over.
Before performing a self-calibration, disconnect all probes or wires from the
input connector. Push the Utility button, select Function in the right menu,
select Adjust. in the left menu, select Self Cal in the right menu; run the
program after everything is ready.
Introduction to the Vertical System
As shown in Figure 3- 10, there are a few of buttons and knobs in Vertical
Controls. The 4 channels are marked by different colors which are also used
to mark both the corresponding waveforms on the screen and the channel
input connectors. Press one of the channel buttons to open the corresponding
channel menu, and press again to turn off the channel.
Press the Math button to display the math menu in the bottom. The pink M
waveform appears on the screen. Press again to turn off the math waveform.
The 4 channels use the same Vertical Position and Vertical Scale knobs. If
you want to set the vertical scale and vertical position of a channel, please
press CH1, CH2, CH3 or CH4 at first to select the desired channel. Then turn
the Vertical Position and Vertical Scale knobs to set the values.
Figure 3- 10 Vertical Control Zone
The following practices will gradually direct you to be familiar with the using of the
vertical setting.

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1. Press CH1, CH2, CH3 or CH4 to select the desired channel.
2. Use the Vertical Position knob to show the selected channel waveform in the
center of the waveform window. The Vertical Position knob functions the
regulating of the vertical display position of the selected channel waveform.
Thus, when the Vertical Position knob is rotated, the pointer of the earth
datum point of the selected channel is directed to move up and down following
the waveform, and the position message at the center of the screen would
change accordingly.
Measuring Skill
If the channel is under the DC coupling mode, you can rapidly measure the DC
component of the signal through the observation of the difference between the
wave form and the signal ground.
If the channel is under the AC mode, the DC component would be filtered out.
This mode helps you display the AC component of the signal with a higher
sensitivity.
Vertical offset back to 0 shortcut key
Turn the Vertical Position knob to change the vertical display position of the
selected channel, and push the position knob to set the vertical display
position back to 0 as a shortcut key, this is especially helpful when the trace
position is far out of the screen and want it to get back to the screen center
immediately.
3. Change the Vertical Setting and Observe the Consequent State Information
Change.
With the information displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the waveform
window, you can determine any changes in the channel vertical scale factor.
Turn the Vertical Scale knob and change the "Vertical Scale Factor (Voltage
Division)" of the selected channel, it can be found that the scale factor of the
selected channel in the status bar has been changed accordingly.
Introduction to the Horizontal System
Shown as Figure 3- 11, there are a button and two knobs in the Horizontal
Controls. The following practices will gradually direct you to be familiar with
the setting of horizontal time base.
Figure 3- 11 Horizontal Control Zone

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1. Turn the Horizontal Scale knob to change the horizontal time base setting
and observe the consequent status information change. Turn the
Horizontal Scale knob to change the horizontal time base, and it can be
found that the Horizontal Time Base display in the status bar changes
accordingly.
2. Use the Horizontal Position knob to adjust the horizontal position of the
signal in the waveform window. The Horizontal Position knob is used to
control the triggering displacement of the signal or for other special
applications. If it is applied to triggering the displacement, it can be
observed that the waveform moves horizontally with the knob when you
rotate the Horizontal Position knob.
Triggering displacement back to 0 shortcut key
Turn the Horizontal Position knob to change the horizontal position of
channel and push the Horizontal Position knob to set the triggering
displacement back to 0 as a shortcut key.
3. Push the Horizontal HOR button to switch between the normal mode and
the wave zoom mode.
Introduction to the Trigger System
As shown in Figure 3- 12, there are one knob and three buttons make up
Trigger Controls. The following practices will direct you to be familiar with the
setting of the trigger system gradually.
Figure 3- 12 Trigger Control Zone
1. Push the Trigger Menu button and call out the trigger menu. With the
operations of the menu selection buttons, the trigger setting can be
changed.
2. Use the Trigger Level knob to change the trigger level setting.
By turning the Trigger Level knob, the trigger indicator in the screen will
move up and down. With the movement of the trigger indicator, it can be
observed that the trigger level value displayed in the screen changes
accordingly.
Note: Turning the Trigger Level knob can change trigger level value and

3.Quick Start
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it is also the hotkey to set trigger level as the vertical mid point values of
the amplitude of the trigger signal.
3. Push the Force button to force a trigger signal, which is mainly applied to
the "Normal" and "Single" trigger modes.

4.Advanced User Guidebook
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4. Advanced User Guidebook
This chapter will deal with the following topics mainly:
How to Set the Vertical System
How to Set the Horizontal System
How to Set the Trigger System
How to Set the Sampling/Display
How to Save and Recall Waveform
How to Implement the Auxiliary System Function Setting
How to Update your Instrument Firmware
How to Measure Automatically
How to Measure with Cursors
How to Use Executive Buttons
It is recommended that you read this chapter carefully to get acquainted the
various measurement functions and other operation methods of the
oscilloscope.