In this note, we are going to learn about Cathode Ray Oscilloscope or CRO. And also about its main components and applications as well. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Engineering Notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Cathode Ray Oscilloscope or CRO?
A Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO) is an electronic instrument that displays and analyzes the waveforms of electrical impulses. It works by sending an electron beam (cathode rays) onto a phosphorescent screen, creating an image pattern that displays the electrical impulses in terms of voltage over time.
Components of CRO
Here we have listed some main components of CRO –
- Cathode Ray Tube or CRT: The central component of the CRO is the CRT, which creates and directs an electron beam onto a fluorescent screen. This screen glows where the beam hits, resulting in a visual representation of the input signal.
- Electron Gun: This component of the CRT generates a small amount of electrons (cathode rays), which comprise the beam.
- Deflection Plates: These plates figure out the direction of the electron beam. Vertical deflection plates move the beam upward and downward to represent the signal’s voltage, while horizontal deflection plates move it left and right to indicate time.
- Amplifier: CROs contain amplifiers that boost the signal’s power before it reaches the CRT for correct viewing, allowing users to change the scale of the shown waveform.
- Time Base Generator: This generates a constant, adjustable frequency that controls the horizontal movement of the beam and provides the time scale for the waveform.
- Display Screen: The waveform is displayed on the screen by highlighting the electron beam as it traces patterns that correspond to the input signal.
CRO Applications
Here are we have listed some important applications of CRO –
- CROs are capable of showing voltage waveforms, allowing viewers to study their amplitude, frequency, and phase.
- Technicians and engineers use CROs to conduct tests and repair electronic circuits.
- Time intervals and frequency can be calculated with CROs through monitoring the time base and waveforms.