If you've recently purchased an oscilloscope or are in the process of doing so, you've undoubtedly noticed that the traditional analog models have gone the way of the dinosaur.

With ever increasing semiconductor performance, the digital oscilloscope can now do everything, and more, that its analog cousin can - for a lower price.

Digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) are not new, at least in the traditional stand-alone sense. Just like their analog counterparts, they include the usual front panel display and arrays of switches and knobs. In this format, they are typically very expensive pieces of test gear, often affordable only by top training institutions and R & D labs.

Companies like Pico Technology, a leading UK-based test equipment manufacturer, have changed all that by developing "virtual" PC-based digital instruments. By utilising the display capabilities and processing power of the PC, the hardware cost of the digital 'scope (or other digital instrument) can be reduced dramatically, while actually increasing functionality.