Measuring Phase Shift

Experiment 18: Measuring Phase Shift Between Signals

Experiment 18: Measuring Phase Shift Between Signals

Objective: Measure the phase shift between two periodic signals using an oscilloscope.

Background:

Phase shift refers to the difference in timing between two signals of the same frequency. It is often expressed in degrees or radians and is critical in systems such as communication and signal processing.

Steps:

  1. Set Up the Oscilloscope:
    • Connect the first signal to Channel 1 and the second signal to Channel 2 of the oscilloscope.
    • Ensure both signals share a common ground.
  2. Display the Waveforms:
    • Adjust the time base to clearly display one or two full cycles of both waveforms.
    • Ensure both signals have the same vertical scaling for accurate comparison.
  3. Measure the Phase Shift:
    • Identify a reference point, such as the rising edge or peak of the waveforms.
    • Measure the time difference (\( \Delta t \)) between the corresponding reference points of the two signals.
    • Calculate the phase shift using the formula:
      \( \text{Phase Shift (degrees)} = \frac{\Delta t}{T} \times 360 \),
      where \( T \) is the period of the signal.

Expected Outcome:

By completing this experiment, you will understand how to measure and calculate the phase shift between two signals and its significance in analyzing signal behavior.