Used DSO Oscilloscope: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Electrical Engineers

A digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) serves as the eyes of an electrical engineer, providing a visual representation of electronic signals. Unlike analog oscilloscopes, a DSO digitizes the incoming signal, allowing for storage, in-depth analysis, and easy sharing of data. 

This device can display voltage versus time, enabling you to study the behavior of electrical signals in circuits. Whether you're examining the rise time of a pulse or investigating signal integrity, a DSO equips you to do it all with precision and ease.

DSO oscilloscopes perform specific tasks vital to the engineering field, such as: 

• They measure the frequency, amplitude, and other characteristics of electrical signals. 
• They capture transient events, glitches, or spikes—those fleeting anomalies that other devices like multimeters miss. 
• DSOs serve in the testing and debugging of digital circuits, allowing you to scrutinize the relationship between multiple signals in a system.

With modern DSO oscilloscopes, you can perform a Fourier transform on the acquired signals, exploring them in the frequency domain. Some advanced models offer protocol decoding that allows you to inspect digital communications directly. Simply put, the utility of a DSO isn't confined to just one task—it's an all-in-one platform for your various electrical engineering needs.

When choosing a DSO oscilloscope, you have the option of buying new or used. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but understanding the specifics can help you make an informed choice tailored to your needs and budget.

• New DSO oscilloscopes: Latest models come with the latest technology, more features, higher bandwidth, and better software integration. They often include warranties and customer support.
• Used DSO oscilloscopes: While they may lack the latest features, many used models still offer robust functionality and reliability. They're perfect for general tasks like signal monitoring and basic debugging.

• New: A new DSO oscilloscope can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the brand and specifications.
• Used: You can buy a used DSOoscilloscope for half the price of a new model, or even less. The cost-saving can be substantial and allows for investment in other essential tools or resources.

Many people think used DSO oscilloscopes are inferior to their new counterparts, which is far from the truth. Studies indicate that well-maintained, used oscilloscopes have a very similar operational life to new models.

Don't dismiss used DSO's as a second-rate option. They offer substantial cost-saving opportunities, and when purchased from Keysight Used Equipment Store, are as reliable as new models. Whether you're an industry veteran or a student, opting for a used DSO oscilloscope is a smart, budget-friendly decision you won’t regret.

Choosing a used DSO oscilloscope offers various benefits, including substantial economic advantages and rigorous quality assurance processes. Far from being inferior choices, used models often match or closely approximate the performance of brand-new units.

The decision to opt for a used Keysight oscilloscope can greatly ease the financial burden, especially for smaller enterprises or individual engineers. The economic benefits include:

• Significant cost savings: Used models cost 40-70% less than their brand-new counterparts.
• Higher-end models: The cost savings allow you to invest in higher-end models with more features, which might otherwise be out of budget.
• Budget for additional tools: The money saved can be reallocated to other essential tools or resources, making your overall toolkit more comprehensive.

When you choose Keysight Premium Used equipment, you're not just getting any used device; you're investing in a like-new instrument that has gone through a rigorous refurbishment process. Here’s what the refurbishment process entails:

Checks & Preparation

1. Used unit arrives: Every used unit is delivered to Keysight’s largest manufacturing site in Penang, Malaysia.
2. Condition check: On arrival, the unit undergoes an extensive initial inspection to assess its condition.
3. Comprehensive Cleaning: The unit is deeply cleaned using vacuum-based technology. Anything that can't be cleaned gets replaced. 

Configure & Update

1. Update to latest firmware and software: After verifying its performance, the unit gets updated to the latest compatible firmware and software.
2. Customization process: The hardware, applications, and software options are added or removed based on customer requirements.
3. Calibration and safety tests: Engineers calibrate the unit and perform safety tests to ensure it meets Keysight’s stringent standards.

Accessories and Final Check

1. Original manuals and accessories: The unit receives brand-new accessories and manuals, identical to what you would get with a new Keysight instrument.
2.  Final 101-point inspection: Before shipping, the unit goes through a thorough performance verification and a final 101-point quality check. You can even download the 101-point checklist for your reference.
3. Standard like-new warranty: These refurbished units come with the same warranty as a new Keysight instrument, offering you complete peace of mind.

Shipped to Customer

1. Unit packed and shipped to customer: Finally, the instrument and its accessories get carefully packed and shipped to you, the customer.

With this thorough refurbishment process and quality assurance checks, a Keysight Premium Used DSO oscilloscope offers you the same quality and reliability as a brand-new unit, but at a fraction of the price. It's an investment in quality, without the hefty price tag.

Selecting a used DSO oscilloscope doesn't just make good economic sense; it's also an environmentally responsible choice. The electronics industry is notorious for generating electronic waste (e-waste), much of which ends up in landfills, causing soil and water pollution. By opting for a used DSO, you contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach in the following ways:

• Energy savings: The energy required to produce a new unit, from extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing process, is quite high. By reusing an existing unit, you save on the energy that would have otherwise gone into making a new one.
• Reduced e-waste: Electronic waste is a growing environmental issue. When you purchase a used DSO, you prolong the lifespan of that device, preventing it from becoming e-waste and reducing the overall volume of discarded electronics.
• Lower carbon footprint: The refurbishment process usually consumes less energy compared to manufacturing a new unit, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.

By choosing a used DSO oscilloscope, you're not just making a wise economic decision; you're also doing your part to protect the planet. It's a win-win situation that allows you to be both cost-effective and environmentally conscious.

When you're considering a used DSO oscilloscope, we at Keysight understand that transparency and trust are crucial. We're committed to making sure you're confident in your investment, and here's how:

1. Clear sourcing: Our used units often come from trade-ins, lease returns, or demo units. We're transparent about where we source our units and will provide you with the equipment’s history so that you can make an informed decision before you buy.  
2. Aesthetic excellence: Concerned about the look of used equipment? We've got you covered. Each of our used units undergoes cosmetic restoration, including a thorough cleaning and sometimes even repainting. The result is an instrument that looks almost brand new.
3. Trust in our brand: As a well-established name in the industry, our used units go through the same rigorous testing and calibration processes as our new ones.
4. Transparent procedures: We believe in full transparency, that's why we offer a 101-point quality check for each unit. You'll know exactly what you're getting when you choose our premium used equipment.
5. Warranty and customer support: We're so confident in the quality of our refurbished products that we offer the same warranty as our new units. This gives you an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

When you choose a used DSO oscilloscope from Keysight, you're not just acquiring a piece of equipment; you're making an investment in quality, reliability, and a brand that stands by its products. We're committed to providing you with a transparent and trustworthy buying experience, every step of the way.