Pulse width measurement involves capturing the length of time a signal or pulse remains at a high or low level. In practical terms, you can measure pulse width using an oscilloscope or digital multimeter with frequency measurement capabilities. With an oscilloscope, you typically connect the probe to the signal whose pulse width you want to measure. You then adjust the time base and voltage scales on the oscilloscope to clearly display the pulse waveform.
Using the cursors or measurement tools on the oscilloscope, you can accurately determine the time difference between the leading (starting) edge and the trailing (trailing) edge of the pulse, giving you the pulse width.
To find the width of a generated pulse, you follow a similar process using measuring tools like an oscilloscope. First, generate the pulse using a signal generator or a microcontroller with pulse generation capabilities. Next, connect the generator output to the input of an oscilloscope.
Adjust the oscilloscope settings to view the generated pulse waveform, ensuring that it is clear and properly scaled. Using the oscilloscope’s measurement functions, determine the duration between the rising and falling edges of the pulse, which provides the width of the generated pulse.
Pulse width is typically measured in units of time, such as seconds (s), milliseconds (MS), microseconds (µs), or nanoseconds (NS), depending on the duration of the pulse. The choice of units depends on the scale and precision of the measured pulse width.
For example, pulses in digital electronics may have widths measured in microseconds or nanoseconds, while longer duration pulses in power electronics may be measured in milliseconds.
“Pulse rate width” is not a standard term in electronics or signal processing. This may be a misinterpretation or a combination of terms related to pulse rate (frequency) and pulse width (duration). If it referred to pulse width, it would mean the duration of individual pulses within a given time frame.
However, without specific context, it is difficult to provide a precise definition or application.
To find the pulse width of a wave, you typically use an oscilloscope or similar instrument that can capture and display waveforms. Connect the waveform signal to the oscilloscope input and adjust the parameters to correctly view the waveform. Identify the pulse in the waveform you want to measure. Using the oscilloscope time base and cursors, measure the time difference between the leading (starting) edge and the trailing (trailing) edge of the pulse.
This time difference represents the pulse width of the wave, providing essential information about the timing characteristics of the signal