Logarithmic sweeps are not common in oscilloscopes. Even oscilloscopes with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) capability usually display frequency spectra on linear horizontal scales. The creation of a logarithmically scaled FFT display is a useful and instructive application for Visual Basic Scripting (VBScript). The ability to perform custom math functions based on VB scripting or MatLab is a unique capability in LeCroy’s WaveMaster™ series oscilloscopes.
The VBscript is shown in its entirety on page 2. It reads in the data from the FFT and then spaces the data points logarithmically over the linear horizontal scale. The input data, containing the values of the FFT is called ‘InResult’. There are two properties for this object. The first is the number of samples contained, InResult.Sample. The second are the data, ‘InResult.DataArray (False)’. Data are read in as 16 bit signed integers (range 32767 to -32768) which is indicated by the Boolean expression ‘False’. The principle part of the script is a For-Next loop which reads each data point and calculates where it should be located in the logarithmic display. If necessary, interpolation is used to add data points to fill in the display. Note is made of the point at which a compaction routine might be inserted if the data are spaced too closely. After each data point is properly positioned the data array is read out to the output data array, ‘OutResult.DataArray’. The output data array is also unscaled integer data.
This is a very practical application for custom function generation within the WaveMaster scope. The end result of this calculation is returned to the scope and displayed just like any other math function. Figure 2 Another example of a log horizontal display in the lower trace. This is the output spectrum of a digital filter shown in the upper trace where it has a linear frequency scale.
