Digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) basic functions: Complete the statement—A DSO ________, ________, and ________ analog waveforms as part of its measurement process.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: digitizes, stores, displays

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
A digital storage oscilloscope converts analog signals into digital samples, retains those samples in memory, and renders the result on a screen. Recognizing these core functions helps differentiate DSOs from purely analog oscilloscopes and explains features like deep memory, triggering, and post-processing.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Input is an analog waveform.
  • Scope includes ADCs, memory, and a display subsystem.
  • Trigger circuitry governs when sampling and storage occur.


Concept / Approach:
First, the DSO digitizes the input via an ADC at a chosen sample rate. Second, it stores the resulting digital samples in acquisition memory. Third, it displays the reconstructed waveform and measurements on the screen. Additional processing (filtering, math) is optional but not fundamental to the three verbs that define DSO operation.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Condition/attenuate the analog input to ADC range.2) Sample and quantize → digital samples.3) Buffer the samples in memory.4) Render the data on the display with timebase and scaling.


Verification / Alternative check:
Instrument block diagrams show front-end conditioning, ADC, acquisition memory, and display engine as the canonical DSO pipeline.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other triplets include irrelevant verbs (weighs, translates) or omit the essential “digitize”/“display” elements.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing optional digital filtering with core functionality; assuming storage occurs only after display—acquisition precedes rendering.


Final Answer:
digitizes, stores, displays

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