Best oscilloscope trigger for viewing a 4-bit counter timing diagram When examining a 4-bit counter with an oscilloscope to draw its timing diagram, which signal is generally the most reliable to use as the trigger source for stable display?

Introduction / Context:
Obtaining a clean, repeatable timing diagram on an oscilloscope requires a stable trigger reference. In counters, many nodes are derived signals that change at different rates. Choosing the correct trigger source prevents jittery or drifting waveforms on the screen and makes edge relationships easy to interpret.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The device is a 4-bit counter with a single input clock.
• Outputs (LSB through MSB) toggle at different submultiples of the clock.
• We want a stable, periodic trigger that does not skip or wander.

Concept / Approach:
The clock is the fundamental timing reference for the counter and has the highest and most regular transition rate. Triggering on the clock guarantees each sweep starts at an identical phase of the system. Triggering on an output (especially MSB) can be acceptable, but its lower frequency makes the display more susceptible to drift and makes it harder to capture all intermediate transitions cleanly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the available signals: clock, LSB, MSB.Select the signal with the most consistent, frequent edges: the clock.Use the clock as the trigger, then probe outputs to produce a stable timing diagram.

Verification / Alternative check:
Experienced lab practice prefers clock triggering for sequential circuits; data sheets and application notes often show timing diagrams referenced to the clock edge.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
MSB and LSB are slower, derived signals and can cause unstable triggering. A “composite” trigger is nonstandard and unnecessary for basic timing diagrams.

Common Pitfalls:
Triggering on a glitchy decoded node; setting improper trigger level or slope and mistaking noise for edges.

Final Answer:
the clock signal