Automotive Oscilloscopes: Waveform Analysis

Automotive Oscilloscopes and Waveform Analysis

The rapid growth of technology used in cars has highlighted the need for a piece of diagnostic equipment that will give you X-Ray Vision, and show you the heartbeat of a vehicles electrical and electronic system.

An OBD scan tool is vital for modern vehicle diagnostics; however, trouble codes will only take you so far. The problem can arise when the phrase ‘fault code’ is used in connection with diagnosis. A code will rarely point you directly to the root cause of a vehicle fault, but can help focus your diagnosis on a specific area and run functional tests.

It is the oscilloscope (or scope) that can truly test the operation and health of a system component.

An important thing to remember about oscilloscopes, is that they should be easy to set- up and use; otherwise they’ll be passed over for a more familiar tool within your comfort zone.

Remember that nothing ever happens within your comfort zone.