How to Maintain and Calibrate an Oscilloscope: A Guide from Tra-Cal
A Guide from Tra-Cal
Oscilloscopes are indispensable tools in electrical engineering, telecommunications, aerospace, and a host of other high-tech industries. These instruments visualize electrical signals with precision, making them crucial for diagnosing circuit performance and validating design integrity. However, like any precision equipment, oscilloscopes require regular maintenance and calibration to ensure consistent accuracy and reliable performance.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of oscilloscope maintenance and calibration, and explain why partnering with an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration lab like Tra-Cal is vital for quality assurance.
Why Oscilloscope Calibration Matters
Over time, environmental conditions, component aging, and routine use can degrade an oscilloscope’s performance. Inaccurate readings not only compromise your measurements but can also lead to costly design errors, production issues, or safety risks.
Routine calibration ensures your oscilloscope continues to meet its original manufacturer specifications. This is especially important in regulated industries such as defense, aerospace, and medical devices where compliance and traceability are essential.
Steps to Maintain Your Oscilloscope
Proper maintenance can prolong the life of your oscilloscope and reduce the frequency of major repairs. Here are five practical tips:
1. Keep It Clean
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior regularly.
Avoid harsh cleaners; opt for isopropyl alcohol for sticky residues.
2. Check Probes and Cables
Inspect oscilloscope probes for wear and tear.
Replace damaged cables immediately to avoid signal degradation.
3. Store in a Controlled Environment
Keep the unit in a dry, dust-free space.
Avoid extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations.
4. Perform Self-Tests
Most modern oscilloscopes come with built-in self-diagnostic tests.
Run these periodically to catch performance issues early.
5. Schedule Regular Calibration
Even if your oscilloscope appears to function correctly, internal drift can result in hidden inaccuracies.
Calibration should be performed annually, or more frequently based on usage and industry requirements.
The Importance of ISO 17025 Accreditation
Not all calibration labs are created equal. ISO/IEC 17025 is the gold standard for calibration laboratories, ensuring that they are technically competent and capable of producing accurate and traceable results.
Working with an ISO 17025 accredited lab like Tra-Cal means:
Calibrations are traceable to international standards.
You receive a comprehensive calibration certificate with uncertainty measurements.
Compliance with industry and regulatory requirements is guaranteed.
Your equipment is handled by trained, certified technicians using validated procedures.
Oscilloscope Calibration Services at Tra-Cal
At Tra-Cal, we specialize in oscilloscope calibration for all major OEMs, including:
Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent/HP)
Whether you're managing a small R&D lab or overseeing a fleet of test equipment in a manufacturing environment, Tra-Cal delivers fast, accurate, and accredited calibration services to keep your operations running smoothly.
➤ Need onsite service? We’ve got you covered.
➤ Want automated reminders for recalibration? We can help with that too.
Partner with Tra-Cal for Trusted Calibration
Your oscilloscope is only as reliable as its calibration. Trust the experts at Tra-Cal—an ISO 17025 accredited calibration lab with decades of experience in precision metrology. Let us help you maintain accuracy, minimize downtime, and meet compliance with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule your oscilloscope calibration or learn more about our full range of metrology services.