dScope Series III digital audio analyzer features

• Overview
• Features
• Automation
• Tech Spec
• FAQ
• Downloads
• Scripting
• Applications

  Two-channel analogue and digital Signal Generators
• Wide choice of standard functions including sine, square, ramp and noise plus complex waveforms e.g. bursts, pulses, MLS and twin-/multi-tones.
• Independent generators for A and B channels, each driving analogue and digital outputs concurrently.
• Scriptable waveforms allowing, for example, user-defined multi-tone or tone-burst generation.
• Standard WAV files can be played back in a loop from the dScope generator.
• Adjustable level alignment between analogue and digital domains.
• Digital generator can be synchronized to any standard AES11, WCK or video reference (or internally) and can generate at any standard rate with +/-1500ppm variation in 1ppm steps.
• Regulation can be used to automatically adjust the generator frequency or amplitude until a specified analyzer parameter / value is met.  

Two-channel analogue and digital Signal Analyzer
The dScope Series III provides a Continuous-Time Analyzer (CTA) for continuous display of standard measurements, and a sampling Fast Fourier Transform Analyzer (FFTA) for detailed spectral analysis or complex measurements. Both types of analysis may be performed concurrently. Amplitude, frequency and phase readings are always available in the Signal Analyzer, regardless of the functions selected in the Continuous Time Analyzer (CTA) or the FFT Analyzer measurement detectors.

The CTA is a real-time instrument with various filters which may be used in combination to perform a range of standard measurements.
• Real-time readings for two channels including amplitude, THD+N etc.
• High and low pass and weighting filters.
• Tracking or fixed band-pass/band-reject filter.

Two-channel FFT Analyzer (FFTA)
The FFT Analyzer operates on a sampling basis, with buffer acquisition being controlled by a trigger facility. Various scalar readings can be derived from the FFT and displayed as an FFT Detector result. Many FFT-derived readings can be displayed concurrently.
• FFTs up to 256k points.
• Broad selection of FFT window functions including industry standards and high-performance proprietary types.
• Real-time trace averaging "as you watch".
• Wide range of FFT-derived measurement results for THD, IMD etc.
• Scriptable FFT Window functions and measurement readings.

Sweep Analyzer
A wide variety of parameters can be assigned as sweep sources, with up to four results being plotted simultaneously. Results can be plotted on the X-axis (e.g. THD+N vs. power). Dual-source 'nested' sweeps can be performed.

Trace window
• Single or dual channel trace display with trace zooming; labelling; store and recall; trace cursors and markers; print preview.
• Available trace types include 'Scope, FFT, Sweep, CTA detector residual output (for example THD+N), FFT of CTA residual, demodulated Digital Input jitter, FFT of Digital Input jitter.
• Upper and lower limit lines can be applied to traces, the breaching of which can be set to trigger various alarm actions.

Digital interface testing
• Measurement and display of source and cable-induced jitter components, sample-rate, eye narrowing & carrier amplitude.
• Simulation of lossy cables and/or jittered sources by the digital generator.
• Routeing of demodulated jitter signal to FFT Analyzer enables viewing of jitter spectrum.
• Full support for Channel Status generation and analysis, with 'simple' and 'advanced' options.
• In-line patching of Channel Status.
• Display of Carrier Waveform (Eye Diagram) for any part of the Digital Input carrier frame.
• Control and display of 'Valid' bits
• Word length control and bit activity indication.
• Regulation can be used to automatically adjust the Digital output DC offset or carrier jitter frequency / amplitude until a specified analyzer parameter / value is reached.

Readings
• Reading windows can be "dragged" out of dialogue boxes and resized to customize your view of the instrument.
• Reading headings, colours and units can be adjusted.
• Reading display can include a bargraph.
• Upper and lower limits can be set to trigger various alarm actions.
• Maximum and minimum readings can be displayed

Monitor outputs
Two pairs of assignable Monitor Output BNCs are provided, one monitoring the Signal Generator, the other the Signal Analyzer.  These can be set to monitor a wide range of functions, including CTA residual (e.g. THD+N) or digital carriers.  An assignable loudspeaker and headphone feed can also be assigned to the Analyzer or Generator monitor functions.

Scripting
Automation is by means of Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting (VB Script).  As well as automated test sequences, many other areas of the dScope can be customised using VBScripts; for example Signal Generator waveforms, FFT Analyzer weighting filters, window functions and result calculations.  Scripts can also pass data between applications: for example an Automation Script could first perform a pre-arranged series of tests and then log the results in an Access database. Scripts are easy to write in the dScope's Script Editor: dScope variables can be 'dragged' from a hierarchical tree of options and when needed, allowed named constants are prompted.  Alternatively, VBScripts can be written using any text editor.  A library of user controls is included to allow scripts to include push-buttons, check-boxes, progress bars etc.  

Intuitive operation
The dScope user-interface has been carefully designed to be simple and intuitive, whether the job in hand is basic or complex.
• A 'Startup Wizard' helps by customising the dScope's operation for first-time users.
• A configurable toolbar lets you choose which shortcut icons are available at any time.
• A configurable 'user buttonbar' lets you run  Scripts or load Configurations at the click of a button.
• The dScope desktop has several 'pages' which can be quickly switched - this eases space problems on the desktop and allows different tasks to be set up on different pages for instant task-swapping.
• User-defined 'Memos' can be used to annotate the dScope desktop.

Fast and and reliable calibration
During recalibration, dScope Series III requires no hardware adjustments: the entire calibration task is performed in software, and calibration coefficients are stored in non-volatile memories on their respective modules.  Calibrations are therefore less prone to wandering than those made with mechanical trimmers, and modules can be interchanged without re-calibration. To ensure traceability, calibration is performed by Prism Sound authorised distributors using suitably-qualified references.

Lightweight case
Completely self-contained in a custom carrying case* (including a laptop and a compartment for test cables etc.), dScope Series III can be transported as carry-on airline luggage. No oscilloscope is needed to view signal or residual waveforms, or even digital carriers, and a monitor speaker is built-in - you don't need anything else.

*Carry case and host PC are not included.

Specifications subject to amendment