Choosing the right best oscilloscope for your needs is a big decision that could save you time and money in the long run. Investing in a high quality model from the get-go can also help you avoid future headaches. Here are some of the key features to consider.

Bandwidth

This is a crucial spec for anyone looking to work with high frequency signals. Having a scope with an adequate bandwidth can prevent aliasing and other distortion effects that might otherwise render your results inaccurate. In general, it is best to choose a scope with a bandwidth that is at least five times the highest clock rate in your system.

Record length

The record length of an oscilloscope refers to its ability to store multiple readings and waveform samples for a certain duration of time. This feature is especially useful when chasing down intermittent glitches as it can significantly speed up the process of finding the problem.

Channels

Depending on the scope’s intended use, it may be necessary to have more than two channels. For example, if you’re using it for automotive work, you might need to view the communication between two different components of the car, like a stepper motor and an Arduino. In such cases, a model with more than two channels is likely to be more expensive.

Triggering is a great feature to have, as it can significantly increase your accuracy when working with complex signals. Most scopes allow you to set a trigger condition that will be activated whenever the signal meets certain conditions. This makes it easy to capture specific parts of the signal that you’re interested in and can save you a lot of time.