Method and apparatus for increasing throughput in random repetitive digitizing systems

A digital random repetitive sampling oscilloscope for acquiring and analyzing samples of an input waveform, comprising:

• a sample clock for providing a clock signal at a sample clock rate;
• random repetitive sampling means responsive to said sample clock for sampling the input waveform at said sample clock rate so as to acquire a series of samples as a function of time;
• memory means for storing said series of samples;
• triggering means for providing trigger signals relating said series of samples to a known trigger event for display;
• trigger qualifier means responsive to said sample clock for creating a trigger qualifying time window with respect to each of said trigger signals within each period of said clock signal;
• data acquisition control means responsive to said trigger qualifier means for stopping data acquisition by said sampling means in response to trigger signals from said triggering means during said trigger qualifying time window once a sample has been acquired;
• means for analyzing said stored series of samples, said stored series of samples including only those samples acquired for trigger signals which occurred during said trigger qualifying time window;
• and
• means for displaying the analyzed samples.

A method of acquiring and analyzing samples of an input waveform, comprising the steps of:

• sampling the input waveform at a sample clock rate from a sample clock so as to acquire a series of samples as a function of time;
• providing trigger signals relating said series of samples to a known trigger event for display;
• creating a trigger qualifying time window with respect to each of said trigger signals within each period of a clock signal from said sample clock;
• stopping data acquisition by said sampling means in response to trigger signals during said trigger qualifying time window once a sample has been acquired;
• analyzing said series of samples, said series of samples including only those samples acquired for trigger signals which occurred during said trigger qualifying time window;
• and
• displaying the analyzed samples.