AC1 Fundamentals Unit 2 – AC Measurements
Exercise 3 – Measuring and Setting Frequency
EXERCISE OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to measure and set frequency by using
an oscilloscope. You will verify your results with information found in this exercise.
DISCUSSION
- Frequency (f) is the number of repetitions (cycles) of a waveform that appear in a one second
time period. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz). - The time it takes for a waveform to complete one cycle is called the period (T) of the
waveform. The period is measured in seconds. - Frequency and period are related as follows: f = 1/T and T = 1/f
- The relationships shown above are used to measure and set frequency with an oscilloscope.
- In order to set the generator to a specific frequency, determine the period of the frequency
desired and then adjust the generator until the waveform has the calculated period. - In order to determine the frequency of a displayed waveform, measure its period and then
calculate the frequency.