OWON TAO3072A Smart Oscilloscope User Manual

1. Introduction

The OWON TAO3072A is a versatile 2-channel handheld flat panel oscilloscope designed for precise electrical testing and measurement. It integrates an oscilloscope, a 4 1/2 digit multimeter, and a data logger into a single compact device. Featuring an 8-inch multi-point capacitive touchscreen, it offers intuitive operation and high performance for various applications.

Key features include a 70MHz bandwidth, 1GS/s sample rate, 40M record length, and a 45,000 wfms/s waveform refresh rate. The device is powered by a built-in 8000mAh battery, providing up to 5 hours of continuous operation. It supports multiple trigger types, bus decoding, and various waveform math operations, making it suitable for complex signal analysis.

Figure 1: Front view of the OWON TAO3072A Smart Oscilloscope, displaying a waveform on its 8-inch LCD screen.

2. Setup

2.1 Package Contents

Before beginning, verify that all items listed below are present in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact customer support.

Figure 2: Contents of the OWON TAO3072A package. This includes the TAO3000 unit, power cord, adapter, two probes, a micro USB cable, current external module, BNC-SAM connector, multimeter lead, probe adjustment tool, stand holder, and a CD-ROM with quick guide.

• 1 x TAO3000 Series Oscilloscope Unit
• 1 x Power Cord
• 1 x Power Adapter
• 2 x Oscilloscope Probes
• 1 x Micro USB Cable
• 1 x Current External Module (Optional)
• 1 x BNC-SAM Connector
• 1 x Multimeter Lead
• 1 x Probe Adjustment Tool
• 1 x Stand Holder
• 1 x CD-ROM and Quick Guide

2.2 Initial Power On and Charging

The TAO3072A comes with a built-in 8000mAh lithium-ion battery. For first-time use, it is recommended to fully charge the device. Connect the power adapter to the oscilloscope's power input port and then to a standard AC outlet. The charging indicator will illuminate.

To power on the device, press and hold the power button located on the top right side of the unit until the screen illuminates. To power off, press and hold the power button again until the shutdown prompt appears, then confirm.

2.3 Connecting Probes

Connect the oscilloscope probes to the BNC input connectors (CH1, CH2) on the left side of the device. Ensure a secure connection by twisting the probe connector clockwise until it locks into place. Connect the probe's ground clip to the circuit's ground reference point.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the OWON TAO3072A's touch screen and multiple interfaces, including BNC connectors for channels, power adapter connector, USB host, USB device, LAN port, and probe compensation calibration signal output.

Before taking measurements, perform probe compensation to ensure accurate readings. Connect the probe to the probe compensation calibration signal output (usually a square wave) and adjust the probe until the waveform displayed on the screen is a perfect square wave.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Basic Operation and Navigation

The TAO3072A features an 8-inch multi-point capacitive touchscreen for intuitive control. You can use touch gestures to navigate menus, adjust settings, and manipulate waveforms. Physical knobs are also provided for fine adjustments of vertical position, horizontal position, trigger level, and voltage scale/time base.

• Knobs: Use the dedicated knobs for adjusting vertical position, horizontal position, and trigger level. Another knob controls voltage scale and time base.
• Common Function Shortcut Keys: Buttons for Copy, Default, Autoset, Run/Stop, etc., are available for quick access to frequently used functions.
• Touchscreen: Tap icons and menus to select options. Pinch-to-zoom and drag gestures can be used for waveform manipulation.

3.2 Trigger Functions

The oscilloscope supports a wide range of trigger modes to capture stable waveforms. These include Edge, Video, Pulse, Slope, Runt, Windows, Timeout, Nth Edge, Logic, I2C, SPI, RS232, and CAN (optional).

Figure 4: Screenshot illustrating the multiple trigger modes available on the TAO3000 series, including Edge, Video, Pulse, Slope, Runt, Windows, Timeout, and Nth Edge. It also shows supported serial bus decoding types like UART, I2C, SPI, and CAN.

To select a trigger type, navigate to the trigger menu on the touchscreen. Choose the appropriate trigger mode based on the signal characteristics you wish to analyze. For serial bus signals, enable the bus decoding function and select the relevant protocol (I2C, SPI, RS232, CAN).

3.3 Waveform Math Operations

The TAO3072A provides extensive waveform math capabilities to analyze signals. Supported operations include addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), division (÷), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), FFTrms, Integration (Intg), Differentiation (Diff), Square Root (Sqrt), User Defined Function, and Digital Filters (low pass, high pass, band pass, band reject).

Figure 5: Display showing the interface for selecting and applying waveform math operations on the OWON oscilloscope, including basic arithmetic, FFT, integration, differentiation, and square root functions.

Access the math functions through the dedicated menu. You can apply these operations to one or more channels to derive new waveforms or extract specific signal characteristics.

3.4 Multimeter and Data Logger Function

This device integrates a 4 1/2 digit multimeter and a data logging function. The multimeter interface can be displayed on the same screen as the oscilloscope, allowing for simultaneous voltage, current, and resistance measurements.

Figure 6: The OWON TAO3072A displaying both oscilloscope waveforms and multimeter readings simultaneously. The image also shows the data logging setup interface, allowing users to configure interval and duration for recording data.

The data logging function allows you to record measurement data over extended periods. This data can then be exported as a CSV file for further analysis on a computer. Configure the logging interval and duration through the data logger settings menu.

3.5 High Measurement Accuracy and Performance

The TAO3072A is equipped with an 8-bit high-resolution hardware ADC, providing enhanced precision compared to standard oscilloscopes. This allows for clearer observation of waveform details and more accurate measurement of small voltage signals.

Figure 7: Illustration of the 8-bit hardware ADC's effect on measurement accuracy, showing a clearer "Magnifier view" compared to the "Original view." Also depicted are key performance indicators: Low Background Noise, High Storage (up to 40M record length), and High Refresh Rate (45,000 wfms/s).

The oscilloscope exhibits low background noise, which is crucial for accurate signal measurement. Its high storage capacity (up to 40M record length) enables the acquisition of longer signals, while the high refresh rate (45,000 wfms/s) ensures that waveform details and transient events are captured effectively.

3.6 Communication Interfaces

The TAO3072A offers multiple communication interfaces for data transfer and remote control:

• USB Host: For connecting USB storage devices to save waveforms and data.
• USB Device: For connecting the oscilloscope to a computer for data transfer and remote control via software (e.g., SCPI, LabVIEW).
• LAN: For network connectivity, enabling remote access and control.
• WIFI (optional): Provides wireless connectivity for enhanced flexibility.

Refer to the software manual (available on the included CD-ROM or OWON's website) for detailed instructions on using these interfaces for data acquisition and remote operation.

4. Maintenance

4.1 General Care and Cleaning

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your OWON TAO3072A oscilloscope, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Keep the device clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for general cleaning.
• For the touchscreen, use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a screen cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Store the oscilloscope in a cool, dry place when not in use, preferably in its original packaging or a protective case.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.

4.2 Battery Care

The built-in lithium-ion battery requires proper care to maintain its capacity and lifespan:

• Charge the battery fully before first use.
• Avoid completely discharging the battery frequently. Recharge it when the battery level is low.
• If storing the device for an extended period, charge the battery to approximately 50-60% before storage. Recharge it every few months to prevent deep discharge.
• Use only the original power adapter provided with the device.

5. Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter with your OWON TAO3072A oscilloscope. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact customer support.

5.1 Common Issues and Solutions

6. Specifications

The following table outlines the key technical specifications for the OWON TAO3072A Smart Oscilloscope.

Figure 8: Comprehensive table detailing the specifications of various OWON TAO3000 series oscilloscopes, including bandwidth, sample rate, vertical resolution, record length, display, input impedance, trigger types, and communication interfaces.

7. Warranty Information

OWON products are typically covered by a limited manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The specific duration and terms of the warranty may vary by region and product model. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official OWON website for detailed warranty information.

Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

8. Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact OWON customer support. You can find contact information and additional resources on the official OWON website.

Visit the OWON Store on Amazon for product information and updates.

For software downloads, firmware updates, and additional documentation, please check the OWON official website or the included CD-ROM.