Vartech's oscilloscope range runs from a classic 20 MHz analog CRO to a 150 MHz digital storage scope with a built-in arbitrary waveform generator, six models spanning three decision points: analog or digital, how much bandwidth, and how many channels. This guide walks through each in the order that actually matters when specifying a scope.
Analog CRO or Digital Storage Oscilloscope?
The SS-5020B, SS-5030B and SS-5030BC are analog Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes (CROs) - they display the live waveform directly on a CRT with no digitisation, sampling, or memory. For straightforward repetitive-signal work - audio, basic power supply ripple, general electronics servicing - a CRO remains a proven, reliable choice, and the SS-5030BC adds a built-in component tester that checks resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors and diodes directly on the CRT without a separate meter. The SS-5080DS4, SS-5100DS1B and SS-5150DS1B FG are Digital Storage Oscilloscopes (DSOs) - they digitise, store and can analyse the waveform, which matters for capturing single-shot or intermittent events, saving traces, and any signal that needs measurement automation rather than just visual inspection.
When a CRO is still the right call
The Bandwidth Ladder: 20 MHz to 150 MHz
Vartech's six models step through bandwidth in a clear progression: SS-5020B (20 MHz) → SS-5030B / SS-5030BC (30 MHz) → SS-5080DS4 (80 MHz) → SS-5100DS1B (100 MHz) → SS-5150DS1B FG (150 MHz). As with any scope, the working rule is to specify bandwidth at roughly 5 times the highest frequency component you need to measure accurately, not just the nominal signal frequency - a fast digital edge or PWM switching transient carries harmonic content well above its base frequency. 20-30 MHz analog models suit mains-frequency and general audio/analog work; the 80-150 MHz DSO tier covers embedded systems, power electronics switching, and general digital/analog mixed-signal debugging.
2-Channel or 4-Channel
The SS-5020B, SS-5030B, SS-5030BC, SS-5100DS1B and SS-5150DS1B FG are dual-channel, sufficient for single-signal viewing or comparing two points directly (a stage's input against its output, for instance). The SS-5080DS4 is 4-channel with 1 GS/s sampling and 64K record length, letting you view four signals simultaneously - the practical requirement for three-phase work, multi-point digital bus debugging, or any comparison that routinely needs more than two simultaneous traces.
Built-In Function Generator - The SS-5150DS1B FG
The range-topping SS-5150DS1B FG pairs a 150 MHz DSO with an integrated 25 MHz arbitrary waveform generator in one bench instrument - source and analyse a signal without a second box on the bench. This matters most for anyone routinely doing stimulus-response testing (injecting a signal and observing the circuit's response) since it removes the need to co-ordinate two separate instruments and their respective ground references.
Quick Reference by Use Case
- General electronics servicing / education: SS-5020B or SS-5030B, 20-30 MHz analog CRO.
- Servicing bench that also tests passive components: SS-5030BC with built-in component tester.
- Multi-signal / three-phase / digital bus debugging: SS-5080DS4, 4-channel 80 MHz DSO.
- Embedded and power electronics, single/dual-channel capture: SS-5100DS1B, 100 MHz DSO with 4M record length.
- Stimulus-response testing, one-box signal source + analyser: SS-5150DS1B FG, 150 MHz DSO with built-in 25 MHz AWG.
CIE Instruments is an authorised distributor for the full Vartech oscilloscope range, from entry-level analog CROs to 150 MHz DSOs. Contact us to match a model to your bandwidth, channel count, and application.