WinTel inside?
Martin Rowe, Senior Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 2/1/2001
Some oscilloscopes contain embedded PCs that use Windows to control the instrument. Although we nominated two such scopes for our Best-in-Test awards (T&MW, December 2000, p. 34), I'm not convinced scopes need Windows.
In July 2000 (www.tmworld.com/articles/reviews/ 0700_mr_scope.htm), I reviewed an Agilent 54622D. For my article "Starter kit jump starts measurements" (p. 51), I used a LeCroy Waverunner scope. Neither of these scopes run Windows, yet both are easy to use. You don't need Windows to design an easy-to-use interface.
Using Windows as an operating system for a scope has several advantages for manufacturers. Drivers are available for video cards, LAN cards, and other peripherals so the manufacturers don't have to write their own. Manufacturers can even use off-the-shelf motherboards, eliminating the time and expense of designing their own.
As a scope user, I don't care what's inside the box, as long as it works. When I use a scope, I prefer to use knobs and pushbuttons rather than a mouse to control the scope. As far as I'm concerned, the mouse just consumes valuable bench space. I've operated both stand-alone and PC-connected scopes with a mouse, and I prefer knobs and buttons. Yes, I need to get scope data and screen images from the box into my PC, but I don't need Windows in the scope to do that.
Then there's a problem inherent to Windows: It crashes. Scope manufacturers say that's not a problem because Windows is running the scope software only. Still, I'm not convinced that Windows embedded in an instrument will never crash.
Some Windows-based scopes let you install your own software and use the scope like a PC as well as an instrument. Is that good or bad? I think it's bad, because Windows also raises the possibility of getting a virus in a scope. That won't happen on non-Windows scopes.
If manufacturers want to embed PCs in their instruments, they should use Linux. After all, Linux runs on the same motherboards as Windows, so manufacturers don't have to design special motherboards to use it. In fact, instrument makers can buy Linux already tested and installed on embedded-processor boards. For those of you who like to control a scope with a mouse, you can do so under Linux without the fear of your system crashing. Scopes are too important to be susceptible to crashes or viruses. T&MW
