A 16-channel oscilloscope is an advanced test instrument that can simultaneously measure and display up to 16 different electrical signals. This type of oscilloscope is typically used in complex, large-scale systems where multiple signals need to be monitored, analysed, and compared in real-time.

Nearly all 16-channel oscilloscopes are digital, allowing them to convert analogue signals into digital data for processing, display, and detailed analysis. These oscilloscopes are often called "mixed signal oscilloscopes" (MSOs) because they can handle both analogue and digital signals.

Special features like mixed-signal capabilities, advanced triggering, protocol decoding, and high-performance hardware make these oscilloscopes essential for professionals working on sophisticated electronics, embedded systems, and large-scale industrial applications.

Why Would You Use a 16-Channel Oscilloscope?

• Complex System Debugging - allows engineers to monitor and debug multiple signals at once which is crucial when signals interact or influence each other in complex ways.
• Digital and Mixed-Signal Analysis - valuable in mixed-signal environments, where you need to monitor multiple digital signals (such as parallel data buses, clock signals, and control lines) along with analogue signals (such as power supply variations, sensor outputs, or analogue communication lines).
• Protocol Analysis: In digital systems, especially those involving complex communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I²C, CAN, Ethernet), a 16-channel oscilloscope allows you to decode and analyse multiple lines simultaneously, providing a complete picture of the data flow and interactions within the system.
• Time-Saving and Efficiency - monitoring multiple signals simultaneously saves time, as you don’t need to repeatedly reconfigure probes or re-measure signals to get the information you need.

Features of a 16-Channel Oscilloscope

• Mixed Signal Capabilities - will often include both analogue and digital channels, allowing for comprehensive mixed-signal analysis.
• Advanced Triggering - for capturing specific events in multi-channel setups.
• High Sampling Rates and Deep Memory - captures high-frequency signals and stores large amounts of data for analysis.
• Multi-Domain Analysis - valuable in RF and EMI testing.