Tidsbase

Tidsbase, commonly translated as timebase or time base, is a term used in measurement and display technology to describe the mechanism that sets the time axis for a measurement or display. It determines how fast or how long the system sweeps or samples a signal, effectively translating time into a position on a screen or in recorded data. In oscilloscopes and related instruments, the tidsbase is typically adjustable, with settings such as seconds per division or microseconds per division that define the horizontal scale of the waveform.

In traditional analog equipment, the tidsbase is produced by a sweep generator that generates a ramp (sawtooth) waveform. This ramp drives the horizontal deflection of a display, moving the trace across the screen at a rate defined by the selected timebase. The accuracy and stability of the tidsbase affect the clarity and usefulness of the measured signal, making good calibration important for precise timing measurements.

In digital instruments, such as digital storage oscilloscopes and data loggers, the tidsbase is tied to the sampling clock and the data acquisition system. The chosen timebase influences the recording window, sampling density, and potential for aliasing. Modern devices might allow multiple timebase configurations simultaneously for different channels, or offer automatic measurements and de-skewing to improve timing accuracy.

Common applications include electronics testing, signal analysis, and any domain requiring precise temporal measurement. The concept also appears in related fields that track events over time, where a defined time axis is essential for interpretation and comparison.