The mixed-signal oscilloscope made its debut in 1993, featuring two analog channels alongside eight or 16 digital channels. Over the following years, the mainstay MSO became an indispensable debugging tool for embedded system designers. Traditionally, the configuration settled on either two or four analog channels paired with 16 digital channels. Engineers gravitate toward MSOs because they allow observation of two to four signals while scaling up to 20 signals without needing to rely solely on a logic analyzer.
While the established channel count has been well-received by the market, it's worth pondering whether this setup remains adequate for today’s embedded systems. This question holds relevance for both oscilloscope manufacturers and embedded system designers. Manufacturers must ensure their offerings align with what customers genuinely need and are willing to pay for, while designers seek tools tailored to their specific tasks.
This inquiry has spurred numerous research initiatives, with engineers worldwide delving deeper into the optimal number of oscilloscope channels. The latest 5 series of MSOs incorporates findings from these studies, expanding the analog channel count to six or eight and offering between eight and 64 digital channels. Moreover, digital channels can be reconfigured during operation.
Historically, the four-channel MSO has delivered impressive outcomes, suggesting that the conventional channel counts adequately serve most embedded designers. More specifically, many engineers find four channels sufficient. However, 35% of those surveyed indicated they would ideally require eight analog channels.
Previously, when engineers required more than four analog inputs, they often resorted to using two oscilloscopes simultaneously, a process termed "cascading." This approach poses several challenges, including synchronizing triggers across multiple units, managing cables or probes, and creatively setting triggers. Comparing data on separate displays proves cumbersome, prompting many to transfer data to computers for analysis. Even with identical oscilloscope models, synchronization takes considerable time, and using different models complicates matters further.
Regarding digital channels, reducing the number can be just as impactful as increasing them. Engineers frequently express frustration over being compelled to purchase 16 digital channels when only eight are necessary. Our study reveals that about 75% of respondents prefer fewer than 16 digital channels, with some wanting more.
For embedded system designers, flexibility surpasses mere channel count in many oscilloscope features. Research indicates that 79% of embedded engineers desire oscilloscopes adaptable to future needs, equipped with multiple functionalities to address the demands of high-pressure design teams.
When discussing system-level debugging stages, the majority of engineers highlight the need for more channels and flexibility as subsystems integrate. With multiple processors, power supplies, serial buses, and I/O devices converging, system-wide visibility becomes crucial. Traditional oscilloscope debugging methods require engineers to capture data multiple times using two or four channels, tracing signal paths to identify issues. Modern systems manage inputs from numerous sensors, drive multiple actuators, and communicate via multiple buses. Such complexities challenge conventional debugging approaches.
Another concern for embedded engineers stems from the proliferation of power supplies in contemporary systems. To optimize power consumption, performance, and speed, even simple systems may feature a 12V total supply, multiple 5V supplies, a 3.3V supply, and a 1.8V supply. Verifying and commissioning power-on and power-off sequences, particularly concerning other control signals or status lines, necessitates additional channels and tests.
Creative engineers sometimes employ a variable threshold on digital MSO channels to verify power sequences. By setting thresholds slightly below nominal voltages, they generate "timing diagrams" for power supplies, reset lines, interrupts, status lines, etc. However, this approach overlooks the analog characteristics of signals, which most engineers prefer to analyze using analog channels.
For many applications, a standard configuration of four analog channels and 16 digital channels suffices. Yet, encountering new challenges—inevitable in technology—is best met with awareness of alternative configurations.
In conclusion, the evolution of oscilloscope technology reflects the dynamic nature of embedded systems. As engineers face increasingly complex designs, flexibility and adaptability emerge as key priorities.
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