Digital Oscilloscope and Signal Generator

ONYX Apps has introduced Oscilloscope 1.0 for iOS, their low cost Oscilloscope & Signal Generator app. Designed to plot audio signals, monitor equipment, analyze events, and test circuits, it is also an excellent learning tool. Input signals are acquired via the built in microphone or an external device connected to the microphone input. Its GUI includes many standard oscilloscope controls, such as: triggering, time and voltage per division, signal measurement cursors, and more. The app also incorporates a signal (function) generator capable of generating sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms of up to 22 KHz. Calibration to an external reference signal is supported, guaranteeing the accuracy of measurements.

Most of the existing PC and iPhone/iPad "oscilloscopes" gather data via the audio input of the sound card. This leads to their major limitation compared to a real scope: since a typical audio input generally employs a 48 KHz sampling rate, these apps can only analyze signals of about 20 Hz to 20 KHz. Despite this limitation, Oscilloscope is perfectly suitable for analyzing audio, measuring low frequency signals, or learning oscilloscope measurement basics. Another useful function is the built-in waveform generator which can be used to create reference signals.

Input is typically acquired via the built-in microphone or a probe connected to the headset connector. (When connecting external sources via probes, users must not exceed 1-volt input.) For best results one could use an external accessory such as a dock connector input device for the iPhone/iPod touch, or USB audio input such as Griffin iMic for the iPad.


Feature Highlights:
* Real-time waveform display (60 FPS)
* Triggering modes: Normal, Auto, Single
* Set trigger level and pre-trigger time
* Built-in function generator
* Reference signal calibration
* Pause function to get a screen capture
* Measure signal data using cursors
* Use "finger pinch" on screen to set voltage and time base
* Double tap screen to enter Black Panel mode
* Four color themes to choose from
* Retina display support

Oscilloscope's GUI is integrated into the signal display window. Two windows in the upper left of the screen display the X and Y scales in time per division and volts per division. These can be incremented using horizontal and vertical pinch gestures. There are five icons in the upper right of the screen: Measure shows/hides measuring cursors and window; Trigger shows/hides trigger controls; Function shows/hides signal generator; Calibration shows/hides calibration window; and Colors allows selection of a color theme. A Play/Pause button on the lower right starts/stops data acquisition, and can be used to make a still screen capture of any waveform displayed.

"Though its frequency range is somewhat limited, Oscilloscope 1.0 is an extremely affordable, digital oscilloscope and signal generator," stated company CEO Eugene Klein. "It's a great way to learn the basics of signals measurement before investing a lot in a dedicated test device."

Pricing and Availability:
Oscilloscope 1.0 is $11.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category. Review copies are available upon request.


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