Measuring Power Factor with RTH Series Oscilloscopes

This video explains how to measure power factor and related quantities using a Rohde and Schwarz RTH series portable oscilloscope.
Learn more about R&S Handheld Oscilloscopes: rsna.us/60529ndlK
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Suggested viewing
00:32 About R&S RTH series oscilloscopes
01:26 Measuring power factor on the RTH
01:59 Starting scope measurement mode
02:23 Selecting power factor measurements
02:43 Configuring power factor measurements
03:19 Configuring / adding related measurements
03:37 Example: incandescent vs. LED bulbs
04:28 Summary

[@davidedwards5461]

Hi great video but I couldn't find the one 'understanding power factor' you refered to.

[@pauldenisowski]

It's coming! Should be posted in the next couple of weeks :) Thanks!

[@gerdschneider6098]

Why should you use differential probes? Doesn't the oscilloscope have a differential input? The inputs are not related to ground?

[@pauldenisowski]

I'm actually working on a presentation on differential probes right now, but in the meantime: most oscilloscope channels are all ground-referenced and tied to a common ground, which is the same as the electrical ground (3rd pin) of the scope's power cord. If I want to measure a difference between two points and neither are ground, then the best way to do this is using a differential probe. One _could_ use two "singled-ended" (non-differential) probes and "float the scope" by disconnecting the ground connection, but this is usually a bad idea and unsafe, as it can damage the scope, the device under test, and/or the user.
The RTH is unlike most benchtop scopes in that it actually does have floating and isolated inputs, so the "quasi-differential" two-probe approach is somewhat less hazardous, but differential probes are really the best solution. If you regularly measure power, you really want /need a differential probe.
Hope that helps!

[@gerdschneider6098]

Thanks for the information. everything is understandable. Admittedly, I have also "float the scope" by disconnecting the ground connection on a benchtop oscilloscope. It's not optimal in terms of security, but it works.
The RTH has isolated inputs, i.e. if you use this, you don't need a differential probe, the input is already differential on this scope.
The video is really well done. It would be nice if there were more of this type, as the RTH also has many options (RTH-K...RTH-PK...) that could be explained individually.

[@pauldenisowski]

@@gerdschneider6098 Agreed. I'm pretty sure all scope manufacturers officially "disavow" floating a normally non-isolated scope: there are just so many things that can go wrong if users aren't careful. One of the reasons I haven't (yet) produced a video on floating and isolated measurements is that I would have to preface it with a warning / disclaimer - I don't want to be responsible for someone getting hurt or blowing up their scope.
And I actually have another RTH video going live this week ... maybe even later today :)