Summary of TOP 5 PC-BASED OSCILLOSCOPES FOR THINKERS AND MAKERS
This article highlights the growing affordability and versatility of PC-based USB oscilloscopes for makers, noting their portability, cost-effectiveness, and advanced processing capabilities compared to traditional benchtop models. It introduces the Owon VDS1022I as a prime example, featuring 25 MHz bandwidth, 1 GS/s sample rate, multi-channel support (2+1), diverse triggering options, and dual waveform display on a single screen.
Parts used in the Owon VDS1022I project:
- Owon VDS1022I PC based scope
- USB connection interface
- Personal computer (PC) for processing
- Multi-trigger system (Edge, Video, Slope, Pulse, Alternate)
- 2+1 channel input configuration
- Dual waveform display screen
Every serious maker out there will surely tell you the importance of having a good oscilloscope. An oscilloscope is something you should have if you really consider yourself a maker, and fortunately enough, the cost of quality oscilloscope has been on the decline for some time now, so you don’t necessarily have to get the big bucker ones to get started.
Small size PC based USB scopes are an excellent alternative, and they do feature a host of capabilities that will give you the performance, accessibility, portability you will need and also cost-effectiveness as a maker. We could possible underestimate the potential of a PC-based USB oscilloscope because of the sheer small size as compared to benchtop versions. But as the processing power available on today’s PCs is increasing, high-end USB PC-based scopes are sprouting out which are increasing rivaling their benchtop partners and even with the advantage of a lower cost.
Not only are PC based scopes significantly easy to use, but the idea of using a PC for the processing means, user can do more with the files, write a custom program to interface with the scope to maximize the full scope potential and many more. In this article, we will mention some lovely USB based scopes (not in any order) for every maker, thinkers, and upcoming electronics engineers.
Owon VDS1022I
The Owon VDS1022I is a PC based scope from the Chinese manufacturer Owon that features a 25 MHz bandwidth and maximum 1 GS/s real-time sample rate. The scope is a multi-channel oscilloscope (2+1) channel with a multi-trigger option: Edge, Video, Slope, Pulse, and Alternate. One exciting feature about the scope is that it is capable of displaying two separate waveforms on the same screen.
Read more: TOP 5 PC-BASED OSCILLOSCOPES FOR THINKERS AND MAKERS
- What is the bandwidth of the Owon VDS1022I?
The Owon VDS1022I features a 25 MHz bandwidth. - How many channels does the Owon VDS1022I have?
The scope is a multi-channel oscilloscope with a 2+1 channel configuration. - Can the Owon VDS1022I display two waveforms simultaneously?
Yes, it is capable of displaying two separate waveforms on the same screen. - What trigger options are available on the Owon VDS1022I?
It supports Edge, Video, Slope, Pulse, and Alternate trigger options. - What is the maximum real-time sample rate of this device?
The maximum real-time sample rate is 1 GS/s. - Why are PC based USB scopes considered good alternatives?
They offer performance, accessibility, portability, and cost-effectiveness while rivaling benchtop versions. - Can users write custom programs for these scopes?
Yes, using a PC allows users to write custom programs to interface with the scope. - Is the Owon VDS1022I suitable for electronics engineers?
Yes, the article mentions these scopes are ideal for makers, thinkers, and upcoming electronics engineers.

