Technician Handbook ! 673 Electronic & Computer Controlled Systems Waveform Measurements Signaling between electronic components is determined by the characteristics of waveforms and the ways in which they change. Therefore it’s important to understand the different types of waveform measurements. Amplitude Looking at a graph of a waveform, amplitude is simply the difference in height ( voltage ) between two points on the graph. Two points often compared are the highest and lowest points. This is peak-to-peak amplitude. Many electronic circuits have a normal operating range.
In a circuit with a normal operating range of 0 to 5 volts, for example, waveforms will normally have an amplitude of no more than 5 volts above zero. A signal on such a circuit having a 12-volt positive amplitude could indicate a short to another circuit. Technical Training 25