Exp Istr 5

Electronics Measurements & Instrumentation Laboratory Manual
PRACTICAL NO :5
AIM:
Measurement of frequency using Lissajous method.
APPARATUS:
CRO , Function generator, probes,.
THEORY:
The oscilloscope is a sensitive indicator for frequency and phase
measurements. The techniques used are simple and dependable, and measurement may
be made at any frequency in the response range of the oscilloscope.
One of the quickest methods of determining frequency is by using Lissajous
patterns produced on a screen. This particular pattern results when sine waves are
applied simultaneously to both pairs of the deflection plates. If one frequency is an
integral multiple (harmonic) of the other, the pattern will be stationary, and is called a
Lissajous figure.
In this method of measurement a standard frequency is applied to one set of

deflection plates of the CRT tube while the unknown frequency (of approximately the
same amplitude) is simultaneously applied to the other set of plates. However, the
1
BIRLA VISHVA KARMA MAHAVIDYALAYA ENGINEERING COLLEGE
unknown frequency is presented to the vertical plates and the known frequency
(standard) to the horizontal plates. The resulting patterns depend on the integral and
phase relationship between the two frequencies.
The cathode-ray oscilloscope furnishes the most important and practical means
for the generation of the figures. The x-deflection plates of the tube are supplied with
one alternating voltage, and the y-deflection plates with another. If the frequencies are
incommensurable, the figure is not a closed curve and, except for very low
frequencies, will appear as a patch of light because of the ersistence of the screen. On
the other hand, if the frequencies are commensurable, the figure is closed and strictly
periodic; it is a true Lissajous figure, stationary on the screen and, if the persistence is
sufficient, visible continuously as a complete pattern.
The closed paths described by a point that simultaneously performs two
harmonic oscillations in two mutually perpendicular directions. They were first studied
by the French scientist J. Lissajous (182280). The shape of Lissajous figures depends
on the ratio of the periods (frequencies), phases, and amplitudes of the two
oscillations. In the simplest case (equal periods), the Lissajous figures are ellipses that
degenerate into line segments for a phase difference of 0 or and reduce to a circle
when the phase difference is /2 and the amplitudes are Equal (see Figure 1).
If the periods of the two oscillations do not coincide exactly, the phase
difference and, consequently, the shape of the ellipse change continuously.
2
Lissajous figures are not observed if the periods differ substantially. However, if
the periods are related as integers, the moving point will return to its original position
in a period of time equal to the least multiple of the two periods, and a Lissajous figure
with a more complex shape is produced.
Lissajous figures may be observed on the screen of a cathode ray oscilloscope.
They result from the displacement of a luminous point if alternating voltages that are
either equal or multiples of each other are fed to two pairs of deflector plates. The
observation of Lissajous figures is a convenient method for studying the ratios of the
periods and phases of oscillations, as well as the shape of the oscillations.
PROCEDURE:
1. Set up the oscilloscope and switch off the internal sweep (change to EXT).Switch
off sync control.
2. Keep frequency fv constant and vary frequency fh, noting that the pattern spins in
alternative directions and changes shape.
3. The pattern stands still whenever fv and fh are in an integral ratio (either even or
odd). The fv = fh pattern stands still and is single circle or ellipse. When fv = 2fh, a
two loop horizontal pattern is obtained. If there are three vertical loops, giving a
fraction 1/3. The unknown frequency fv, is therefore 1/3 fh. An accurately
calibrated, variable frequency oscillator will supply the horizontal search frequency
for frequency measurement.
4. For the case where the two frequencies are equal and in phase, the pattern appears
as a straight line at an angle of 45o with the horizontal. As the phase between the
two alternating signals changes, the pattern changes cyclically, i.e. an ellipse (at 45 o
with the horizontal) when the phase difference is /4, circle when the phase
difference is /2 and an ellipse (at 135o with horizontal) when the phase difference
is radians.
5. As the phase angle between the two signals changes from to 2 radians, the
pattern changes correspondingly through the ellipse-circle-ellipse cycle to a straight
line. Hence the two frequencies, as well as the phase displacement can be compared
using Lissajous figures techniques.
6. When the two frequencies being compared are not equal, but are fractionally
related, a more complex stationary pattern result, whose form is dependent on the
frequency ratio and the relative phase between two signals.
3
Fractional relationship:
fv= (fraction) x fh
fv/fh = no. Of horizontal tangencies/ no. Of vertical tangencies.

OBSERVATION :
Case:1
fh = 1khz fv = 1khz
Case:2
fh = 1khz fv = 2khz
Case:3 fh = 1khz fv = 500hz
Case :4
fh = 1khz fv = 3khz
Case:5 fh = 1khz fv = 1/3khz
Case:6 fh = 1khz fv = unknown (?)
CONCLUSION:
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Electronics Measurements & Instrumentation Laboratory Manual

In this method of measurement a standard frequency is applied to one set of

Electronics Measurements & Instrumentation Laboratory Manual

Electronics Measurements & Instrumentation Laboratory Manual

Electronics Measurements & Instrumentation Laboratory Manual

fv/fh = no. Of horizontal tangencies/ no. Of vertical tangencies.

Case:3 fh = 1khz fv = 500hz

Case:5 fh = 1khz fv = 1/3khz

Case:6 fh = 1khz fv = unknown (?)

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