Abstract: A real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert in real-time an input analog signal into a digital input data stream, a digital down-converter (DDC) configured to down-convert in real-time the digital input data stream into a down-converted input data stream, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) unit configured to generate in real-time FFTs of the down-converted input data stream, an acquisition memory circuit configured to store in real-time the FFTs generated by the FFT unit, and an analyzer configured to read in non-real time the FFTs stored in the acquisition memory.

Abstract: A real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert in real-time an input analog signal into a digital input data stream, a digital down-converter (DDC) configured to down-convert in real-time the digital input data stream into a down-converted input data stream, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) unit configured to generate in real-time FFTs of the down-converted input data stream, an acquisition memory circuit configured to store in real-time the FFTs generated by the FFT unit, and an analyzer configured to read in non-real time the FFTs stored in the acquisition memory.

Abstract: A Composite Trigger for a DSO provisionally honors a conventional hardware trigger by algorithmically investigating the content of the associated Acquisition Record for a selected signal attribute (a S/W Trigger). If found, the hardware trigger is fully honored by displaying the Acquisition Record with a previously selected time scale and with the time reference set to where in the trace the selected signal attribute occurs. The selected attribute may include the occurrence of a stated value or stated range of values for any automatic measurement upon a trace that the 'scope is otherwise equipped to perform. In addition to being based on existing automatic measurements, the Composite Trigger can also be satisfied whenever subsequent investigation determines that a segment of trace described by the Acquisition Record does or does not pass through one or more zones defined relative to an existing time reference.

Abstract: Sampling techniques and circuits for a waveform measuring instrument. The sampling techniques and circuits process a series of digital signal samples through a set of sample extractors and subsequently process the extracted digital signal samples. The set of sample extractors include a uniform decimator, a low frequency dither decimator, and a digital peak detector. The uniform decimator extracts a uniform decimated sample value for each decimated sample interval in a series of decimated sample intervals. The low frequency dither decimator extracts a low frequency dither decimated (random) sample value for each decimated sample interval in a series of decimated sample intervals. The digital peak detector extracts a maximum sample value and a minimum sample value for each decimated sample interval in the series of decimated sample intervals.

Abstract: Sampling techniques and circuits for a waveform measuring instrument. The sampling techniques and circuits process a series of digital signal samples through a set of sample extractors and subsequently process the extracted digital signal samples. The set of sample extractors include a uniform decimator, a low frequency dither decimator, and a digital peak detector. The uniform decimator extracts a uniform decimated sample value for each decimated sample interval in a series of decimated sample intervals. The low frequency dither decimator extracts a low frequency dither decimated (random) sample value for each decimated sample interval in a series of decimated sample intervals. The digital peak detector extracts a maximum sample value and a minimum sample value for each decimated sample interval in the series of decimated sample intervals.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a digital oscilloscope and associated method that provides a peak detect mode of operation that not only accurately displays peak information, but also reflects the significance of peak information, without distorting a statistical view of the signal. In this regard, and in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the oscilloscope includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter configured to periodically sample an input signal and convert the periodic samples into a train of digital data. A circuit is disposed at the output of the A/D converter and is configured to evaluate the train of digital data over a first predetermined period of time and detect a minimum value and a maximum value during the first period of time. A mechanism is configured to evaluate the minimum and maximum values and determine a significance measure of the minimum value and the maximum values.