Averaging - HP 54710A User's Reference Manual

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Averaging

Averaging

Averaging is available in the equivalent-time sampling mode only. Before
updating the display or measurements, the oscilloscope averages the newly
acquired data with the existing data. The higher the number of averages, the
less impact each new waveform will have on the composite averaged
waveform. You can adjust the number of averages from 1 to 4096 with the
knob, arrow keys, or keypad.
Averaging significantly reduces noise on the displayed waveform, improves
resolution of the displayed waveform, and increases measurement
repeatability, all due to a more stable, displayed waveform. However,
averaging slows down the throughput of the oscilloscope. Also, the waveform
is less responsive to changes, especially when you select a high number of
averages.
The vertical resolution can be improved to greater than 12 bits by using
averaging.
The oscilloscope uses this formula to calculate how to include new data with
existing data.
n−1
1
) (new value )] + [( ) ( existing value)] .
[(
n n
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