Summary of EEVblog #662- How & Why to use Integration on an Oscilloscope
This tutorial explains how to use the integration function on modern digital oscilloscopes to calculate the area under a curve. Dave demonstrates this by measuring the total power consumption of a microcontroller that cycles between sleep, processing, and shutdown modes. This method provides an accurate way to quantify energy usage during intermittent operation.
Parts used in the Microcontroller Power Measurement:
- Modern digital oscilloscope
- Microcontroller
In this tutorial Dave demonstrates the seldom used and often little understood mathematical integration function available on your modern digital oscilloscope.
And demonstrates a practical example use for it in accurately measuring the total power consumption of a microcontroller that sleeps and then wakes up and does some processing before shutting down again. By getting the total area under the current curve.
For more detail: EEVblog #662- How & Why to use Integration on an Oscilloscope
- What is the main purpose of the integration function described?
To accurately measure the total power consumption by calculating the total area under the current curve. - How can you measure the power consumption of a sleeping microcontroller?
By using the mathematical integration function available on a modern digital oscilloscope. - Does the oscilloscope need special features for this task?
Yes, it requires the seldom used and often little understood mathematical integration function. - What happens to the microcontroller during the measurement process?
The microcontroller sleeps, wakes up to do some processing, and then shuts down again. - Why is the area under the current curve important?
Getting the total area under the current curve allows for the calculation of total power consumption. - Can this method be used for other components?
The article specifically demonstrates its use for a microcontroller but implies applicability via the general function description. - Is this integration function commonly known?
No, the article states it is seldom used and often little understood. - What type of device is required to perform this demonstration?
A modern digital oscilloscope is required to access the integration function.
