How do you choose the right oscilloscope for your circuit design project?

I'd probably select a scope that has a maximum specified sample rate that’s fast enough to deliver its specified real-time bandwidth and usually this 4-5 times your operating frequency. Also, select a scope that has enough channels of acquisition to perform critical time-correlated measurements across multiple waveforms. In addition, select a scope that has enough acquisition memory to capture your most complex signals with high resolution.

I choose the right oscilloscope for my circuit design project by considering the bandwidth (2-3 times higher than the signal frequency), sample rate, number of channels, and memory depth. These factors ensure the oscilloscope meets my measurement needs for accurate and detailed signal analysis.

Well, if you are asking what type of oscilloscope do you need, the answer is simple. Why? Because if your projects and work requested special instruments you would know 100%. Go to your favourite eshop electronics and buy the best scope you can afford.

It’s all about what BW you need. BW = $. Greater BW = more $. Everything else is more of a nice to have but usually not an essential.

No estoy de acuerdo con esas reglas en base a simplificaciones y desconocimiento. Si el rms jitter de sampleo y el circuito de trigger es lo suficientemente bueno, la frecuencia de muestreo no necesariamente tiene que ser tan alta. Estos factores raramente son citados pero tienen un gran impacto en las mediciones realizadas. La elección del osciloscopio debe hacerse también en base al conocimiento y las recomendaciones que uno pueda obtener. No es raro que para la misma se?al dos osciloscopios de idénticas prestaciones (BW y SR) se desempe?en de maneras completamente distintas.

Another thing to note is whether channels come with probe power. Some low-cost oscilloscopes do not have probe power, so they can only be used with passive probes. There's options of active probes with external power supply but they tend to have higher noise floor and/or not value for money. Generally, current probe, differential probe & high-voltage probe are active probes. The probe interfaces of active probes from different makers are not common, e.g. active probe from Keysight can not be used on a Tektronix scope. Another small thing to take note is the channel impedance. Not all scopes have switchable impedances of 50Ohm & 1MOhm; some scopes only support DC 1MOhm.

Two channels are good. Four channels are better. I’ve possessed dual channel scope for more than 10 years. I would definitely find a usage for four-channel one soon but I do not want to spend money just because I can. Dual-channel scope does not slow me down. I always find a way how to dance with two channels only.

Spend the money and go for 4 channel, but always keep in mind the change in specs from the typical 2 channel in use to 4 in that it can still do what you need for work.

Its best to secure a 4 channel instead of a 2. The initial cost gives piece of mind and saves you inventing in another oscilloscope. Eight channel oscilloscopes can be found, but your needs are greatly reduced. The price will be much higher. Unless the 9 channel need is evident in the future, stay with the 4 channel. How many have used a 16 channel oscilloscope?

The number of channel used also affects available sampling rate & memory depth. For some models, max. sampling rate & memory depth only available when 2 or less channels are used; they will be halved when more channels are utilized.

Yes, sometimes it comes handy to set the time base to 0.5 sec or more and let the scope storage data. After you zoom in, you start seeing gaps in waveforms. Scope makes the waveforms smoother for you but the data are missing. The more memory the better.

My estimate is 400-600 USD for DIY or small business scope is fine. More than 1000 USD for serious work. More than 4000 USD for professional tools.

Consider the learning curve prior investing. It is best to learn with an economy model. While you learn not to blow it up. For a one time purchase hobbyist $ 500 to $ 1000. Students start at $ 1,000 to $ 2,500 plus options. Small business serious work begins at $ 4,000.

For anyone starting out as a student id recommend a chinese oscilliscope wither its a siglent or a rigol as theyre a cheap solution (200MHz, 4 channel ) approx 1k. There are even cheaper solutions on aliexpress (200-400) For a business generating decent profit it then depends on what you want out of the machine. For portability id personally go a picoscope (usb based).(8k -30k) But if your company loves the keysight/ rode ecosystem and has the large sums of money a R&S or keysight are also nicewith a hefty premium (10k-200k)

Other than purchasing the equipment, another option is rental. It might be more cost effective if there's only a short term need.

1) do you care about if these a screen on the device or not (pc based vs standalone) 2) portability / weight 3) if it has mixed signal analyses addons or if its better to buy an external tool lile saleae 4) software addon creep if these alot of added costs outside the purchase that can be solved with a seperate device instead.

Since oscilloscope is usually an asset which will be used for a long period of time, its after sales support should also be considered. Is there a sales representative can be reached when there's issue? Do you have to pay for the delivery if the scope need to send for repair/calibration?