Oscilloscope Simple Counter, Totalizer Mode

Models: SDS800X HD, SDS1xx4X-E, SDS1000X HD, SDS2104X Plus, SDS2000X HD, SDS3000X HD, SDS5000X, SDS6000A, SDS7000A

The Totalizer counts pulses and reports the number as a quantity of hits. The pulses may vary in amplitude, width, and frequency. Any horizontal time scale may be used. Although the counter can operate for a very long time and count billions of hits, this  example demonstrates the use of cursors to determine # of hits produced by a burst and the duration

Count the number of pulses above 1V that occur within 100 µsec

For this example, 10 pulses of varying amplitude were created using EasyWaveX (shown below). The waveform was saved to and generated from Model SDS1032X Plus configured in Burst mode, 1 cycle count, and Source as manual trigger

Connect the output of the pulse signal to be measured to the oscilloscope input.

Using Model SDS1000X HD:

Select Counter from the Analysis menu. Then select Mode and choose Totalizer option.

(Note: For SDS1000X-E,  4 channel models, press Utility on front panel and then the Counter soft menu key and finally the Mode soft key to choose Totalizer option.

Set trigger below the lowest amplitude pulse to detect; for this example, 1V. 

Select Single trigger, and enable the generator output.

Turn on the cursors and adjust them for the desired time window (in this case 100 µsec.

To set a higher detection level, raise the trigger level to intermediate value, e.g., 5V.

Press Reset Totalizer

Trigger a burst from the SDG. Totalizer counts 5 hits