Using oscilloscopes with power electronic circuits

Oscilloscopes are probably the most widely used pieces of test equipment today. Over the past few years specifications have improved whilst prices have tumbled. A simple 20 MHz dual channel unit can now be purchased for under Pounds 300 (less than 10 years ago) and instruments with bandwidths of several hundred Megahertz are readily available at relatively modest prices. However, despite the increase in sophistication and improved specifications, most oscilloscopes are not ideally suited for use in the power electronics environment. The problems involved in working with typical signals found in power electronics circuits are assessed.<>