Glossary
Glossary
Low
The value used as 0% in automated measurements (whenever high
ref, mid ref, and low ref values are needed as in fall time and rise time
measurements). May be calculated using either the min/max or the
histogram method. With the min/max method (most useful for general
waveforms), it is the minimum value found. With the histogram meth-
od (most useful for pulses), it refers to the most common value found
below the mid point. See
Appendix B: Algorithms
for details.
Main menu
A group of related controls for a major oscilloscope function that the
oscilloscope displays across the bottom of the screen.
Main menu buttons
Bezel buttons under the main menu display. They allow you to select
items in the main menu.
Maximum
Amplitude (voltage) measurement of the maximum amplitude. Typi-
cally the most positive peak voltage.
Mean
Amplitude (voltage) measurement of the arithmetic mean over the
entire waveform.
Minimum
Amplitude (voltage) measurement of the minimum amplitude. Typical-
ly the most negative peak voltage.
NAND
A logic (Boolean) function in which the output of the AND function is
complemented (true becomes false, and false becomes true). On the
digitizing oscilloscope, that is a trigger logic pattern and state func-
tion.
Negative duty cycle
A timing measurement representing the ratio of the negative pulse
width to the signal period, expressed as a percentage.
Negative overshoot measurement
Amplitude (voltage) measurement.
Negative width
A timing measurement of the distance (time) between two amplitude
points — falling-edge
MidRef
(default 50%) and rising-edge
MidRef
(default 50%) — on a negative pulse.
Normal trigger mode
A mode on which the oscilloscope does not acquire a waveform
record unless a valid trigger event occurs. It waits for a valid trigger
event before acquiring waveform data.