Introduction: USB Oscilloscope With Signal Generator
Hello,
in this project I want to show you how to make an easy and cheap USB Oscilloscope.
Specifications:
Price: 20$
Frequency: 2-20000HZ
Resolution: 16 Bit
Voltage range: +-7V / with probe +-70V
Channels: 2
X-Y Mode
Signal generator: Sine, Square, Triangular and Sawtooth 0-20000Hz
Step 1: Material List!
What do you need:
An USB Sound Card (10-15$ on Ebay/Amazone) Important LineIn / Stereo Microphone!!!
A Case 70x70x55mm
Wire
4 banana jacks
2 BNC sockets
luster terminals
2 Jack
cable Ties
2x 18KOhm Resistor
2x 180KOhm Resistor
and some solder
Tools:
soldering iron
cutter knife
Dremel
Software:
I am using Soundcard Oscilloscope by Christian Zeitnitz:
http://www.zeitnitz.de/Christian/scope_en
Step 2: Preparing Resistors/Box
In this step we will prepare the resistors, and the Box
With the Resistors we want to make two ten to one voltage divider (one for each channel)
Then we will Connect the Divided side to one of the jacks, and the other side will be the booth channels of our Oscilloscope.
I used the luster terminals to connect the resistors.
Box:
Just add the BNC and the banana jack how you want... Dont forget to drill a hole for the outputt wire!
Step 3: Signal Generator
For the signal generator, we will just use the seccond Jack.
Connect the GND of the Jack with two of the Banana Jacks, i prefer black for it.
Now connect one of the other two pins to the first red banana jack and the other pin to the other red banana jack.
Step 4: Put It Together
Now we will put it together,
there is nothing mutch to say, just install the sockets in the box solder them to the resistors and to the Jacks.
I put the jacks with cable ties together, so they fit to the Soundcard.
Then plug it into the soundcard, signal generator plug to soundcard output and Oscilloscope to LineIn /Mikrophone
(!!! Don´T confuse Signal Generator and Oscilloscope !!!)
Step 5: Software
Now Plug it into your Computer, drivers should install now....
Next go to settings and set external soundcard as standart soundcard.
Now install / Start the software i am using Soundcard Oscilloscope by Christian Zeitnitz
http://www.zeitnitz.de/Christian/scope_en
The Software is very easy to understand, so I will not dwell on it.
Step 6: Final Step!
Thank you for Reading, feel free to comment
for contact information visit janamarie.dev
it is not the best Oscilloscope but it should be a good start for your Home Workshop/laboratory
!!! Don´T use your internal sound card, it could be destroyed if there will be a voltage peak !!!
If you have ANY questions just comment, and also commment pictures if you made one too, or comment some new ideas for it/ new software....
Additional Ideas:
Add different voltage divider for a better Range
Make a better Looking case
Embed the soundcard into the casing

Participated in the
Build My Lab Contest
35 Comments
3 years ago
Hey, I am quite a beginner at these kinds of things, but I would like to make this oscilloscope and connect it to raspberry pi (if possible). The main reason for me would be to see the x y waves for the oscilloscope music, you can check out the concept here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XziuEdpVUe0.
My question would be -Is this possible (thinking that I would connect 3.5 audio jack to this though some crocodile clips)
Question 4 years ago
.i just have a question on the voltage range : it says from 7 to 70 V!!! wouldn't that damage the electronics of the laptop ? how many maximum input volt
Answer 3 years ago
.. nope, read it again: maximum of 7 Volts, not 70 Volts!
not with those dividing resistances, anyway!
normally, a souncard is having a maximum 0,7 V input capability.
later: ummm... i rad it again... yes, he stated a maximum of 70 Volts.
but i am sure this is correct only using a "real" oscilloscope probe at 10:1.
this means a 10x attenuation, so, you can measure 70 V without frying your soundcard.
Question 4 years ago
how is cable install for signal generator ? can You show diagram ( like x and y )
4 years ago on Introduction
Dear sir, can I use to curve tracer ( x and y) this osciloscope for component tester.
6 years ago
firstly i thank u for posting this article..
i have a question regarding the function generator in this device that likwise the software sound oscilloscope which you are using for oscilloscope in this model what software is to be used for function generator and till how much max voltage i.e amplitude vp-p and max frequency is waveform generated in this function generator model and is the amplitude and frequency is variable in this model ??and if so how can it be varied please explain me briefly??
7 years ago
Thanks to share this great project! very helpful! can i use this circuit to use on Andriod with this Apps ? --> Oscilloscope Pro
Reply 7 years ago
Jep, it does
Reply 7 years ago
thank you Sir! :)
7 years ago
Thanks for the great project! can we use them on Andriod Osc Apps?
7 years ago
Thanks to share this great project! very helpful! can i use this circuit to use on Andriod with this Apps ? --> Oscilloscope Pro
7 years ago on Introduction
Hey, thanks for your toutorial. But I have one question. I bought the same adapter you used but on the Oscilloscope I get the same reading on both channels.
7 years ago on Introduction
7 years ago on Introduction
I am looking at getting back into radio and want to tune / align my old radios. Test equipment is expensive and want to try and use my PC as much as possible for things like an Oscilloscope and Signal Generator etc. Would I be able to utilize yours and how to connect to PC. http://www.cbtricks.com/radios/uniden/ax_144/graphics/uniden_ax_144_sm.pdf
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
There are many softwares to do so
7 years ago on Introduction
that's a very interesting project..very nice work :) ..i just have a question on the voltage range : it says from 7 to 70 V!!! wouldn't that damage the electronics of the laptop ?
8 years ago on Introduction
Hi hi. Would this adapter work?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dynamode-USB-Sound-Card-7/dp/B003QADH9C/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417812809&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=USB+Sound+Adapter+7.1+-+DeLock+-Virtual+7.1+Sound+-+Xear+3D+Sound
8 years ago
what is the maximum frequency it can handle/detect?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
The most sound carts can handle 20Hz to 22kHz, but also some start at 2-4Hz and end at 198kHz, what would then be the maximum frequency. :)
8 years ago on Introduction
plz is that the same one you used
http://egypt.souq.com/eg-en/usb-sound-card-adapter...
as it the same every thing but with mono microphone i dont know if it would work good ??