Top 10 Best Automotive Oscilloscope 2023 (In-Depth Review & Buying Guide)

Automotive oscilloscopes are crucial gadgets that are often used for troubleshooting communication data streams, sensors, solenoids, actuators, and secondary and primary ignitions among others. Furthermore, the best automotive oscilloscope is useful in tracking typical electrical waves after the breakdown of a gadget, with this helpful in the fields of medicine, automotive engineering, telecommunication, and the sciences industry.

There are also all-purpose oscilloscopes used in the maintenance of electronic equipment and laboratory work. Consequently, owning one ensures you always get accurate results either if you’re plotting the course through an electrical distortion or trying to fix a weak frequency

Therefore, if you are a professional electrician or love tinkering with your gadgets, you will almost certainly need to own the best automotive oscilloscope. However, making this decision is not easy especially because there are many different types of automotive oscilloscopes. So, in this article, we are going to take you to some of the top-rated oscilloscopes and subsequently help you make an informed decision.

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10 Best Automotive Oscilloscope Review: Quick View

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Top 10 Best Automotive Oscilloscope Review 2023 [Updated List]

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1. Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz Digital Oscilloscope  

The primary feature of this diagnostic machine is a 100 MHz bandwidth model with four-channel series with two 1 GSA/s ADCs. Additional features include the latest generation of SPO technology intelligent trigger with Slope, Edge, Runt, Window, Time out(Dropout), Width, Pulse, Interval, Pattern, and 1 Mpts FFT. The record length of up to 14 Mpts (Pair/Single channel mode) and 7 Mpts/CH (two channels/ pair mode) enables you to oversample to capture for extended durations at higher resolution and makes use of the zoom feature to see within each signal more details.

Furthermore, this diagnostic tool allows you to acquire and trigger the waveforms using these 16 Digital Channels/MSO with the waveform capture rate being up to 400,000 WFM/s. The segmented acquisition and history waveforms mode stores all trigger events into numerous memory segments up to 80,000, with every segment storing triggered waveforms and timestamps in every frame.

Lastly, there is a USB WIFI adapter and USB AWG module all with the option of a four-channel series only plus a standard decoder.

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2. Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Automotive OBD2 Scanner

This automotive oscilloscope can be conveniently used for more than 89 Asian, US, and European vehicle models manufactured after 1996 and have Smart AutoVIN technology for easy vehicle identification. Furthermore, it supports basic TPMS (Tires Pressures Monitoring System) Services such as registration of sensors to vehicles, inputting TPSM sensor replacement IDs, and showing sensor IDs from the car’s ECU. Its seven-inch touchscreen LED offers you an exceptional experience allowing you to quickly access whatever is it you want through its intuitive navigation.

Also, having an Android OS improves the performance and efficiency of this device plus the 32GB memory ensures the slow response is minimized. The in-built battery lasts up to 4.5 hours thus allowing you to make use of most of the tools in this machine like the remote desk, data manager, and shop manager.

Upon purchase, you are given a 12-month free online update as well as a 12-month warranty; therefore, it allows software updates and an automatic system with real-time push message notifications via Wi-Fi.

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3. Launch X431 PROS Mini B-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool

LAUNCH X431 Pros Mini automotive oscilloscope is a 6.9-inch high-resolution touch screen that produces malfunction that data stand out and more apparent wave-like graph comparison.

Moreover, based on the Android OS which delivers a new UI interface, it consequently allows you to access all the testing components effortlessly. Therefore, it generates more accurate readings quicker since the response and booting time are much shorter.

The presence of the Wireless Bluetooth Diagnoses allows you to connect this diagnostic even when your vehicle is located within a particular distance. Thus, you can diagnose your car when sitting aside below it. Unlike large diagnostic gadgets, the Launch X431 PROS Mini is portable and more compact. And because of its lightweight feature, you can conveniently carry this device for all the on-site services.

Besides, the ECU coding is present in this diagnostic tool which is compatible with a majority of car makes. Other features incorporated in this diagnostic machine are tooth learning, Anti-theft matching, technology backup, Electronic Parking Brake Reset, and Battery Maintenance.

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4. LAUNCH X431 V+ (Upgraded Version of LAUNCH X431 V/Pro)  OBD Scanner 

This diagnostic tool comes with a 10.1-inches display that ensures different data in the wavelike form can be shown simultaneously, so you can quickly identify failed parts and promptly resolve the issue. Moreover, having the Android 5.1 OS enables an exceptionally smooth diagnosis experience. The Bluetooth feature offers you plenty of conveniences as you can now feely diagnose your vehicle from either under the hood or at your worktable.

Additionally, durable design features incorporated in this device include drop resistant, greaseproof, dustproof, and water-resistant screens ensuring it still works effectively even after exposure to these elements. Having a battery capacity of 7000mAh guarantees your continuous use of this gadget for approximately 4-6 hours before recharging it depending on what you are doing.

The ECU Coding function in this machine works effectively on most car brands such as Ford, Benz, and many more. Likewise, via the one-button VIN scanning, it supports a quick diagnosis. Finally, Full eleven special functions and all systems’ diagnoses are present.

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5. MaxiCOM MK808 IBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Scan Tool with All System 

This seven-inch touchscreen oscilloscope features a responsive quad-core processor to guarantee a fast and stable speed of the diagnosis despite having a design that does not pair with VCI. Additionally, it works flawlessly with most 2000 EU-based, 1996 US-based, and newer cars to carry out a full diagnosis. It does the clearing or reading codes and checking live data to recognize the health status of the vehicle parts. Once you access this machine’s diagnostic interface, you will get access to various features like basic TPMS service, oil reset, and BMS/EFB/DPF/SAS usually used for efficient maintenance and safety of the car’s systems.

Furthermore, there are numerous unique features that guarantee that system diagnosis is always available. Consequently, this diagnostic tool provides you with full detection for all its systems, for instance, the Fuel system, Brake system among others. Technology support is available, and it includes Data Manager, Shop Manager as well as MaxiFix Platform. Lastly, with this diagnostic tool, you get 12 months of free software updates plus a 1-year guarantee.

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6.  Quimat Updated 2.4″ TFT Digital Oscilloscope Kit with Power Supply and BNC-Clip Cable Probe Q150010

Quimat Q15001 Digital Automotive Oscilloscope is probably one of the cheapest automotive oscilloscopes you can buy in the market. Although it is cheap it certainly delivers all the basic functionalities of a regular automotive oscilloscope. Operating it is quick and easy. Moreover, it is well-designed, sturdy, and durable. It is capable of handling all the basic applications without any problems.

The updated Quimat Q15001 comes with a digital display, power supply, and BNC-Clip cable probe. This automotive oscilloscope is an assembled finished machine. You don’t have to go through the assembling welding process, so it can be used directly out of the box.  It saves a lot of time and effort. 

The 2.4-inch color TFT LCD with 320 x 240 resolution and MCU are mounted on the same mainboard. This helps to avoid using inter-board pin headers. Also, the analog channel is placed on a separate board. This contains most users install parts. This keeps the analog and digital circuits separated.

The sensitivity of Q15001 has been extended in both directions and is higher and wider. It reaches 5mV/div — 20V/div. Also, this updated version can be handheld.

The updated Quimat Q15001 Digital Automotive Oscilloscope features extended sensitivity. Its sensitivity has been expanded in both in both directions, which is higher and wider than similar products in the market.

The updated Quimat Q15001 Digital Automotive Oscilloscopes’ maximum realtime sample rate is 1 MSa/s. The sensitivity range is 5mV/div – 20V/div. Furthermore, it has an input Impedance of 1M ohm/20pF and its maximum Input voltage is 50Vpk. This automotive oscilloscope record length is 1024 bits, while the timebase range is between 500s/Div to 10us/Div.

The added rotary encoder of the updated Quimat Q15001 Digital Automotive Oscilloscope makes parameter adjustment quicker and easier.

Similar to the previous one this updated Quimat Q15001 Digital Automotive Oscilloscope can also be hand-held. It is more practical than other products and is budget-friendly as well. The updated Quimat Q15001 Digital Automotive Oscilloscope is certainly the best choice for the lowest price.

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7. SainSmart DSO212 Digital Storage Oscilloscope

SainSmart DSO212 Digital Storage Oscilloscope is powerful but simple to operate. It works similarly to a smartphone, only using taps and swipes. You can easily take readings from small, uncomplicated electronics such as electronics maintenance, electronic engineering tasks, etc. Moreover, SainSmart DSO212 does not compromise when it comes to performance and durability. 

After buying you will get one DS212 mini oscilloscope, one combined probe, one DSO hook, one  Hex Key, and one safety Instruction. 

SainSmart DSO212 Digital Storage Oscilloscope features a simple design. It has small buttons, and the thumbwheel simplifies its exterior, making it more comfortable for first-timers. It is not that complicated at all and will save you from a lot of trouble. Furthermore, SainSmart DSO212 Digital Storage Oscilloscope is handheld and portable. It is housed inside a durable shell with an aluminum alloy finish.

Besides, It has a built-in 3.7V 500mAh lithium battery. It is lightweight and weighs only about 90 g even with the battery. The SainSmart DSO212 has an overall measurement of 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.4 inches. It doesn’t take up much room in your workbench and will fit in perfectly.

The SainSmart DSO212 comes with a 2.8″ TFT color display. It is bright as well as sharp. The display resolution is 320 x 240 and it shows almost all measured AC currents and this also includes sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle waveforms. Therefore, it’s ideal for any academic experiment, electronics maintenance, electronic engineering tasks, etc.

SainSmart DSO212 Digital Storage Oscilloscope also comes with a built-in signal generator.  Furthermore, there are modes of vertical precise, horizontal precise measurement, and triggering threshold. It has a max sample rate of 10 MSa/s and a 2-channel functionality. The horizontal sensitivity is 1uS/div to 2S/div and the vertical sensitivity is 20mV/div to 10V/div. Moreover, the built-in 8MB storage space makes saving and transferring waveform data and images very easy.

SainSmart DSO212 Digital Storage Oscilloscope is sleek, compact, and durable. It is incredibly powerful for its size. It certainly is a great choice for emergency uses.

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8. YEAPOOK Handheld Portable Mini Digital Oscilloscope with 100MHz Bandwidth

The YEAPOOK 2050h Handheld Mini Digital Oscilloscope Kit (5MHz) is another budget-friendly product you can keep on yourself in case of emergencies. Although it is not suitable for those professional needs, it’s still a great option for any DIY automotive testing.

With this mini digital oscilloscope, you will get one ASD2050h / ASD2031h oscilloscope, a single matching probe, a micro USB data line, one user manual (English), and one high-quality EVA shock-resistant package.

The YEAPOOK 2050h Handheld Mini Digital Oscilloscope Kit (5MHz) has a sleek design, which makes it one of the most portable handheld oscilloscopes on the market. It has an overall measurement of 107mm X 70mm X 24mm and weighs about 150 g. The built-in 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery gives it a long standby time. The battery can be fully charged for 3 hours of continuous use.

The YEAPOOK 2050h features a high-definition screen. It’s got a 2.4” color TN-LCD display with a 320 x 240 resolution. Day Mode is high brightness. Furthermore, there’s also a day mode as well as a light mode. The night mode is high-contrast and the waveforms are displayed clean and refreshing. 

The YEAPOOK 2050h comes with a built-in 16 MB storage space. This enables it to store up to 500 waveform pictures. Moreover, it also has a powerful waveform file manager as well. This file manager supports thumbnail browsing, viewing, details viewing, flipping, deleting, and many other functions.

The YEAPOOK 2050h Handheld Mini Digital Oscilloscope Kit (5MHz) has a maximum sample memory depth of 40KB. Its horizontal sensitivity is the 50S / div~250S / div and the vertical sensitivity is 50 mV / div~60 V / div.

To sum up, the YEAPOOK 2050h Handheld Mini Digital Oscilloscope Kit (5MHz) is a great buy considering its moderate price.

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9. Autel Scanner MaxiSys MS906BT

Autel Scanner MaxiSys MS906BT is one of the most popular scanners that work both as the sender and receiver of data. It is a Bi-directional oscilloscope that is run by Android OS. The product features an ECU coding function and wireless BT communication. The fast-Bluetooth system included in the product gives you a working distance of up to 50m.

This unique scanner provides you with 31 services that include ABS auto bleed, SRS, Oil Reset, BMS, SAS, Injector Coding, EPB, Crankshaft Position Variation Learn, Throttle, & many more. 

Autel Scanner MaxiSys MS906BT comes with accessories like an oscilloscope, digital inspection camera, and HDMI port.

Moreover, it is best suited for large and small workshops as it has the capability to read expanded trouble codes.

Lastly, the scanner has an easy-operating manual and a superb lifespan.

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10. Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E 200 MHz Digital Oscilloscope

If you are looking for an oscilloscope suitable for professionals and mechanics, then this digital Oscilloscope is for you. This versatile automotive product features broad functionality and a sophisticated display. 

The high sampling rate and high waveform capture rate featured in the product enable it to find voltage fluctuations. It has an awesome quality to show the recent triggered events. 

Now, this digital Oscilloscope comes in a grey color and weighs around 5.51 pounds. 

Moreover, the color display having 256 intensity grading always helps the product to show trace-reading frequencies.

To conclude, purchasing this quality oscilloscope for your professional or mechanical tasks will certainly be a smart decision to have.

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Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Automotive Oscilloscope

Before purchasing an automotive oscilloscope, you need to look at how you intend to use it as well as where you will use it, that is, beneath the hood of your car, at the customer site, or on the bench. Furthermore, many brands come with different specifications and costs thus making this decision even harder. Therefore, below are some of the factors you should consider when looking for the top-rated automotive oscilloscope.

Number of Channels

Usually, automotive oscilloscopes feature a channel, two, four, and up to ten channels. Therefore, you need to think about the number of signals that will be displayed, but often a single-channel oscilloscope works fine. It is especially the case if you want to perform a quick diagnosis to establish the presence of a signal and if it is within the standard range.

Two-channel oscilloscopes are ideal for reading signals from camshaft/crankshaft correlation, sensors, looking at thermistor voltage outputs, viewing thermistor voltage outputs, inspecting throttle position sensor outputs, and many others.

However, when dealing with the usual crank with no start condition or immediate view of the ignition circuit, a four-channel automotive oscilloscope is perfect.

The Probes and Input Ranges

When shopping for the best automotive oscilloscope, look for one that the manufacturer offers a whole set of accessories that you use to increase the input ranges and application gadgets. So, if you wish to perform high voltage or current signals measurements such as primary and secondary ignitions, injectors, and others, you must extend your oscilloscope’s input range using a suitable input probe.

Current lamps, inductive and capacitive pick-up clamps, 20:1 and 10:1 attenuators, AC coupling adapters, and many others are available.

It is vital you confirm that the input probes are either equivalent or surpass the bandwidth of the scope.

Ease of Use

Some of the automotive oscilloscopes offer single-touch automatic setup or some memorized setup configurations to ensure using this gadget is easy. Other oscilloscopes include help systems that save you the hassle of always having to refer to the manual, whereas some have replaced the user-friendly rotary knobs with cheaper buttons typically found on adjustments such as time-base speed, trigger level, vertical sensitivity, and trace position.

Also, downloading the user manual of these devices will considerably assist you in understanding how sensitive these gadgets can get. Therefore, having an oscilloscope that is easy to use will eventually save you plenty of frustration.

Bandwidth

It refers to the maximum frequency of a signal which can pass through front-end amplifiers. So, your scope’s analog bandwidth must be superior to the maximum frequency which you wish to measure.

Furthermore, when shopping for an automotive oscilloscope, ensure that you comprehend the bandwidth specifications you desire. It is because the bandwidth requires to be five times higher in comparison to the signal’s maximum frequency which needs to be measured. Subsequently, this generates an accurate waveform representation.

Digital Storage versus Analogue Oscilloscopes

Currently, digital storage oscilloscopes constitute a significant proportion of the new oscilloscopes purchased since buyers see them as the best choice. Nevertheless, if you want an analog scope, you will have to choose from a limited choice.

Select Functional Triggering

You should go for an automotive oscilloscope which has a functional triggering as it assists in managing the signal which can be seen with the naked eye. Subsequently, it ensures it is precise and snug for viewing. Moreover, when shopping for a specific oscilloscope, you should opt for one which has exceptional visibility as well as a broader boundary guaranteeing a better-triggering response.

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How to Use Automotive Oscilloscope

After you become conversant with the controls present in an oscilloscope, using it becomes relatively easy. So below is a step by guide on how you should use an automotive oscilloscope to generate useful results consequently.

• Turn Power On

This is the first step despite it looking obvious, and the switch is typically labeled “Line” or” Power.” And once the power is on, the line or power indicator light will come on indicating that the power has been applied.

• Wait for the appearance of the oscilloscope’s display

Nowadays, most oscilloscopes come with semiconductor-based displays whereas the older types use cathode ray tubes, and this usually takes a shorter time to warm up before the display surfaces. Moreover, modern semiconductor oscilloscopes require time for the electronics to boot up. Therefore, frequently, you will have to wait for about a minute before you can use the oscilloscope.

• Locate the Trace 

Finding the trace is essential once the oscilloscope is ready. It is the first stage and will frequently be visible before you detect any other waveform. Furthermore, the trigger usually is set to the center, and the hold-off is completely rotated counter-clockwise. The vertical and horizontal positions control needs to be centered too in case they are there already. Often, the trace will be detectable, if it is not, press the “beam finder” button to find the trace.

• Set the timebase speed

Setting the timebase speed on the oscilloscope is essential, and the actual setting varies depending on what requires to be seen. For instance, if the screen has a width of 12 centimeters and the waveform has a period of 10 ms, the timebase speed of 1 ms centimeter or division should be ideal.

• Apply the signal

Having set the controls approximately correctly, the signal can be applied, and consequently, the image should be detected.

• Fine-tune the trigger

Adjusting the trigger level is necessary at this stage irrespective of whether the trigger is negative or positive going edge. Moreover, the trigger level allows where on the waveform the timebase is triggered consequently starting the trace on the waveform. The option that it triggers on the negative or positive edge is also vital, and this requires adjustment to generate the needed image. For the best image, adjust the controls – Having a stable waveform in place, timebase controls, and a vertical gain allows the adjustment of this device to produce the necessary image.

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Final Verdict 

Therefore, if you are looking for the best automotive oscilloscope, we have reviewed some oscilloscopes which you need to consider and will correctly address your needs. However, before deciding on one, you need to ensure that the oscilloscope falls within your budget. Likewise, we have discussed some of the crucial factors which you must take into consideration when out looking for an automotive oscilloscope.

With these factors in mind, your decision-making process will be simplified as you will have a clear understanding of what it is you need to meet your needs adequately. Consequently, you will be able to make a prudent decision on which of these oscilloscopes will best suit your needs.

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