01 Background

The Stellaris ARM Cortex M processor was used to build a digital oscilloscope at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2014. The ARM Cortex-M series processors are designed for microcontroller applications, offering low-cost, low-power embedded systems. We used the processor to sample analog signals via the ADC, process the data, and display waveforms on an LCD screen with adjustable voltage resolution and trigger levels.

02 Photos

Photos from the ARM Cortex oscilloscope project.

Connecting a small oscillating circuit to the onboard ADC Peripheral. Displaying the waveform on the display with gridline background.

Voltage Resolution is implemented. Trigger is implemented so the Sine Wave properly intersects the origin.

Changing the Voltage Resolution (Scale). Display shows waveform adjusted accordingly.

Note the Trigger (SINE). Changing the Voltage Resolution (Scale). Display shows waveform adjusted accordingly.

Note the Trigger (COSINE). Changing the Voltage Resolution (Scale). Display shows waveform adjusted accordingly.

Lowest Voltage Resolution

Photographing Diagonal Screen Refresh when we lower the refresh rate.

Final Design including separate PCB JTAG Debugging chip.