On this page, you’ll find a virtual oscilloscope simulator that runs directly in your web browser. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have access to a real oscilloscope.
You can use it to study waveforms in physics or electronics. Don’t forget to explore more student tools and learning resources on Mentes Liberadas.
What Is an Oscilloscope?
An oscilloscope is an electronic instrument that displays electrical signals over time. It lets you analyze the waveform’s shape and behavior.
The first oscilloscope was created in 1897 by the German scientist Karl Ferdinand Braun. Since then, it has become one of the most essential tools for studying and working with electrical waves, especially in electronics.
With its various controls, an oscilloscope allows you to adjust the frequency, amplitude, and other properties of the signal to visualize it on the screen.
How to Use This Online Oscilloscope
Follow this short guide to learn how to use the virtual oscilloscope on this page.
When it loads, you’ll see a 200 Hz sine wave with an amplitude of 5 volts.
Options
Input (Signal Source)
You can choose between three types of input signals in this virtual oscilloscope:
- Sine Wave amplitude 5 V – A 5-volt sine wave
- Square Wave amplitude 5 V – A 5-volt square wave
- Live Input – Real-time input from your microphone
The first two are simulated, fixed signals. The third option uses your computer’s microphone if one is available.
Using the Microphone Input
If you select Live Input, the oscilloscope will start capturing sound from your microphone. You’ll need to allow your browser to access the microphone first. If the permission request doesn’t appear, just reload the page.
Once enabled, you’ll see the microphone signal displayed on the oscilloscope. The signal is normalized so its amplitude always stays within the range of –5 V to +5 V.
The waveform on the screen will move continuously. If you want to pause it, check the Freeze Live Input box to hold the current signal on the display.
Note: when using microphone input, the signal’s frequency can’t be modified.
Oscilloscope Gain
The Gain control adjusts the size of the displayed signal.
- Gain greater than 1: the signal appears larger.
- Gain less than 1: the signal appears smaller.
Seconds / div (Time Base)
This control sets the horizontal time scale.
The default setting is 1 ms per division, showing one complete wave cycle across four squares. That means the period is 4 ms, which corresponds to a frequency of 250 Hz.
If you change the setting to 500 µs per division, the wave stretches across eight squares, but the frequency and period remain constant.
Volts / div (Amplitude Scale)
This control sets the vertical scale for amplitude.
The default sine wave has an amplitude of 5 V, so when 5 V/div is selected, the wave reaches the top edge of the first square.
If you switch to 10 V/div, the same wave only reaches halfway up a square.
Horizontal and Vertical Offset
These two sliders let you adjust the signal’s position on the oscilloscope screen, horizontally or vertically.
Source: Virtual Oscilloscope en Academo