This section provides an overview for usb oscilloscopes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 usb oscilloscope manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked usb oscilloscope companies as of November, 2024: 1.National Instruments Corp., 2.FLUKE Corporation, 3.RSCROUP.
Table of Contents
USB Oscilloscope is a measuring instrument that is connected to a PC via a USB interface to observe and analyze voltage waveforms.
The advantage of USB Oscilloscope is that it is smaller and less expensive than desktop oscilloscopes.
In addition, with the use of dedicated software, advanced signal processing such as frequency analysis and digital filter processing can be performed on the PC in addition to waveform observation. They are used for maintenance and inspection at factory sites and for debugging at development sites.
USB Oscilloscope is used to observe signals. The main applications include the following:
USB Oscilloscope can be an extremely valuable tool for debugging and troubleshooting during the design and development of electronic devices. A visual representation of signals is essential when checking whether a particular signal is operating correctly or diagnosing problems in communication between devices.
In educational settings, USB Oscilloscope can help students and pupils to directly observe and understand the behavior of electronic signals. During experiments and practical training, students can relate theory to real-world observations, enhancing learning.
For electronic equipment to operate properly, signal quality must be consistent, and USB Oscilloscope enables visual confirmation of signal quality and integrity. Early detection of problems such as timing deviations, noise, and jitter is especially important in high-speed digital systems.
USB Oscilloscope is also useful for maintenance and inspection of factory equipment and systems. It monitors equipment performance and immediately warns of any abnormalities to prevent major problems before they occur.
Also, during periodic inspections, equipment performance can be evaluated and maintenance can be performed when necessary. This ensures long-term operational efficiency and reliability.
On the main unit side of the USB Oscilloscope, the waveform of the object under test is captured and this is converted to digital data. The role is then to transmit the data to the PC main unit via the USB terminal. Thus, the USB Oscilloscope is connected via the USB terminal of the PC.
1. Common GND
The first point is that the USB Oscilloscope and the PC's USB port share a common GND: If a high voltage (tens of volts or more) is inadvertently applied to the USB Oscilloscope's GND pin, this voltage may enter the PC via the GND of the PC's USB port.
This often destroys the PC's USB terminal and leads to PC board failure. Therefore, inadvertent application of high voltages must be avoided.
2. Withstand voltage of USB terminals
Second, the withstand voltage of the PC's USB terminal is not very high. Therefore, if tens of voltages are inadvertently applied to not only the GND terminal of the USB terminal but also to other terminals, the USB port of the PC or the internal circuit board may break down.
3. Operability
Third, since all settings are made using the PC keyboard, it is difficult to become accustomed to its operation. Since each keyboard is often assigned a function that is not directly related to it, it is not something that can be easily learned.
In contrast, stand-alone oscilloscopes have dedicated operation buttons, which are relatively easy to operate once you learn how to operate them.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Headquartered in Everett, Washington, Fluke is an American-born company operating since 1948. Fluke offers a variety of testing equipment including digital multimeters, thermal cameras, solar PV testing equipment, thermometers, oscilloscopes, leak detection devices, as well as testing-equipment related accessories. Fluke offers direct online sales.
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Austin, TX, National Instruments Corporation provides a software-centric platform and systems to engineers and scientists worldwide. NI’s software is used for automated test and measurement applications in manufacturing environment for configuring real-time testing application, sensor configuration and data logging of mixed signals, and monitoring ancillary rotating equipment. NI’s software also enables the mass coordination of connected devices, software deployments, and data communications throughout distributed systems. Recently, NI has begun to develop test systems and solutions for autonomous driving software and hardware validation.
Keysight Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1939 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California. Keysight is a global developer and manufacturer of electronic design and test solutions to communications, networking, aerospace, defense, and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries. Keysight’s communications solutions group solutions include electronic design automation software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, as well as optical laser source solutions. Keysight’s electronic industrial solutions group offers various design tools and verification tools. Keysight offers product support, technical support, and training and consulting services. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, resellers, and manufacturer's representatives.
ZETLAB Company, founded in 1992, is a Russian-based manufacturer of control and measuring systems used in metallurgy & mechanical engineering, metrological laboratories, and manufacturing enterprises including aviation, automotive, consumer, and food industries. Its portfolio includes sensors, measuring products, turnkey systems, and digital sensors. The ZETSENSOR line digital devices include digital inclinometers, strain gauges, and seismic, temperature & pressure sensors. The company supplies turnkey data measurement, measurement control, and test control systems for seismic & leak detection, and seismic impact control. The company's ANALIZ, TENZO, SEISMO, VIBRO, and ZETVIEW software enable spectral analysis, electrical parameters measurements, & generation, recording, and representation of signals.
Simac Electronics, situated in Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany, is a pan-European manufacturer and developer specializing in computer electronics and open-source hardware. The company offers a broad spectrum of products, including sensors, development boards, high-end PCs, industrial systems, and educational solutions. With a specialization on development, production, and service, it provides a comprehensive one-stop solution. Its product lineup also encompasses measuring devices, linker kit buzzers, cables, and voltage converters. Additionally, it markets special systems and electronic components under its "Joy-IT" brand.
TiePie Engineering, established in 1987 and located in Sneek, Netherlands, is a manufacturer that develops and sells computer-controlled measuring instruments. The company offers a wide range of products, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, data loggers, multimeters, and arbitrary waveform function generators. It also offers protocol analyzers, USB oscilloscopes, function generators, and WiFi oscilloscopes. Its product offers the possibility to combine and synchronize multiple oscilloscopes to one single instrument with many input channels. It serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, education, and research.
OWON - Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd is based in China since 1990 as a manufacturer and supplier of test and measurement equipment. The company produces Digital Oscilloscopes available as handheld, virtual, tablet, and benchtop types as well as probes. They have Single Channel and Dual Channel Waveform Generators, along with Digital Multimeters and Programmable DC series Power Suppliers. There are also different types of Thermal Imagers, Spectrum Analyzers, and Anenmo Meters that can provide more than one kind of measurement.
RSCROUP was founded in 1937 in London and is a manufacturer of industrial products and electronics, providing solutions to customers across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company offers various products such as black foam tape, hand tap and drill tap sets, twist drill bits, air dusters, and more, all of which undergo thorough testing, inspection, and auditing. It offers a full range of solutions and services to provide support throughout the industrial life cycle.
Hantek Electronic Co Ltd, established in 1999 and based in Shandong, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of general instruments. Its product portfolio includes a spectrum analyzer, digital storage oscilloscope, waveform generator, frequency analyzer, and other measuring instruments. They are used in multiple industries such as science, automotive, biomedical, and telecommunication sectors. The company also offers ISO-certified products with scientific research and development, patent design and software copyright with customer services.
Elektor, founded in 1961 and based in Susteren, Netherlands, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronics-related products. The company's product range includes electronics kits, modules, and lab equipment, catering to diverse industries such as electronics design, engineering, and education. Its services entail publishing magazines, books, and digital content for the electronics community. With an aim of creativity and knowledge-sharing, the company has evolved into a dynamic platform connecting global makers, engineers, and enthusiasts. With decades of experience, it consistently exceeds expectations in quality and service.
Digilent is based in Pullman, Washington State, USA, and is a manufacturer of electrical engineering products that was established in 2000 before being acquired by National Instruments in 2013. The company primarily produces microcontroller boards for robotics or automation, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) boards, and Pmod and Zmod expansion modules for providing I/O options for portfolio microcontroller and FPGA boards. The company’s products are commonly used in the robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer science industries.
TEXIO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION has been in operation in Japan for over 60 years. TEXIO specializes in custom orders of a variety of different products including power supplies. TEXIO also specializes in DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, multimeters, function generators, and safety testers.
Pico Technology was established in 1991 and is headquartered in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom where it designs, manufactures, and supplies PC-based test and measurement instruments. The company deals in data acquisition, oscilloscopes, and automotive diagnostics with various test and measurement instruments, including oscilloscopes, data loggers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and automotive diagnostics tools. The products help engineers, scientists, researchers, and technicians capture, analyze, and interpret signals and data in various applications. The company also collaborates with academic and research organizations besides aerospace, telecommunications, electronics, and manufacturing industries.
Gao Tek Inc., started in 2001, and headquartered in Manhattan, New York, is a supplier of test and measurement equipment like embedded development tools, electronic measurement instruments, and telecommunication testers. The company is a B2B tech supplier that also stocks drone products, commercial gas detectors, and transceivers and is incorporated in the USA and Canada. It provides a one-year product warranty against defective material or workmanship and offers overnight delivery in the continental USA and Canada. It is a member of the GAO group and has served customers in over 50 countries worldwide.
TestEquity, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Moorpark, California, operates as a distributor specializing in test and measurement solutions, as well as production supplies. The company provides an assortment of electronic test equipment, including meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and thermal imaging devices. Additionally, TestEquity supplies tools like soldering equipment, microscopes, and safety products, alongside rental options. Its services encompass calibration, repair, rental and leasing alternatives, asset management, trade-in and consignment programs.
Jensen Tools + Supply, Inc., founded in 1954 and has its headquarters located in North Andover, Massachusetts, stands as a distributor of products for assembling, repairing and testing electronic equipment. The company offers an array of products, including apparel, benches, hand tools, power tools, soldering tips, along with data loggers, electric testers, and analyzers, while its services encompass consulting for implementation, troubleshooting SMT processes, conducting process reviews, establishing process setups, providing in-plant training, and offering an extensive range of manufacturing services. Additionally, the company provides calibration services for test and measurement equipment, as well as inventory management and training services.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | National Instruments Corp. |
12.1%
|
2 | RSCROUP |
7.3%
|
3 | FLUKE Corporation |
7.3%
|
4 | Keysight Technologies |
6.5%
|
5 | Digilent |
6.5%
|
6 | TEXIO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION |
6.5%
|
7 | SIMAC Electronics GmbH |
5.6%
|
8 | TestEquity LLC |
5.6%
|
9 | ZETLAB Company |
5.6%
|
10 | Meilhaus Electronic GmbH |
4.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the usb oscilloscope page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 4 | 26.7% |
Germany | 2 | 13.3% |
Netherlands | 2 | 13.3% |
China | 2 | 13.3% |
United Kingdom | 2 | 13.3% |
Russia | 1 | 6.7% |
Japan | 1 | 6.7% |
Taiwan | 1 | 6.7% |