Essential Accessory for Bode Plot Analysis
The UT-ISOT Isolation Transformer is designed to enhance the performance and safety of UNI-T oscilloscopes equipped with built-in function generators. When performing Bode plot analysis, it provides the necessary electrical isolation to ensure accurate measurements, protect equipment, and improve signal integrity.
Why You Need an Isolation Transformer
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Protect Your Equipment: Prevents ground loops and potential short circuits when connecting your oscilloscope’s function generator output to powered circuits.
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Ensure Measurement Accuracy: By breaking the direct ground connection, the UT-ISOT eliminates unwanted noise and distortion that could affect Bode plot readings.
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Expand Testing Flexibility: Safely test power supplies, amplifiers, and other grounded circuits without risking damage to your scope or device under test.
When to Use the UT-ISOT
Whenever you’re using the oscilloscope’s built-in function generator to inject signals for Bode plot analysis, especially into grounded circuits such as power electronics or amplifier stages, the UT-ISOT ensures:
- Stable, isolated signal injection
- Cleaner frequency response measurements
- Confidence that your test results reflect the true behavior of the circuit
Key Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
| Electrical Isolation | Prevents ground loop interference and reduces risk of damage |
| Compact Design | Easy to integrate into any test bench setup |
| Optimized for UNI-T Scopes | Works seamlessly with function generator and Bode plot functions |
Applications
- Switch-mode power supply testing
- Amplifier frequency response analysis
- Control loop stability evaluation
- General lab use with grounded circuits
Recommended With
The UT-ISOT is the ideal companion to UNI-T oscilloscopes with built-in function generators and Bode plot capabilities, such as the MSO2000X, MSO3000X, and MSO7000X series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I do Bode plot analysis without the UT-ISOT Isolation Transformer?
Yes, you can perform Bode plot analysis using a UNI-T oscilloscope with a built-in function generator without an isolation transformer, but results may be limited. Without isolation, you risk ground loops, measurement noise, and even potential damage when testing grounded circuits such as power supplies or amplifiers. The UT-ISOT Isolation Transformer ensures cleaner frequency response measurements, protects your oscilloscope, and provides accurate stability analysis.
❓ Why is electrical isolation important in Bode plot testing?
Electrical isolation prevents the scope’s signal ground from shorting directly to the circuit under test. In frequency response analysis, any unwanted ground path can distort measurements, cause noise, and compromise accuracy. The UT-ISOT provides galvanic isolation, eliminating ground loop interference and ensuring that your control loop stability measurements and amplifier response tests reflect true circuit behavior.
❓ What happens if I don’t use the UT-ISOT?
Without the isolation transformer, you may still get a curve, but:
- Measured gain and phase response can be distorted by ground loop noise.
- Connecting directly to grounded test circuits may create a short circuit through the oscilloscope BNC shield.
- You risk damaging either your oscilloscope or your device under test (DUT).
For accurate and repeatable
Bode plots, especially in professional or educational labs, the
UT-ISOT Isolation Transformer is strongly recommended.
❓ What are common applications for the UT-ISOT in Bode plot analysis?
The UT-ISOT is widely used wherever accurate frequency response and loop stability analysis is required. Typical applications include:
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Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) testing: Measure loop gain and phase margins to ensure stable power converter designs.
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Audio Amplifier Testing: Analyze gain/phase response for flatness and stability across the audio spectrum.
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Control System Stability: Evaluate PID controllers, feedback networks, and servo loop dynamics.
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Filter Characterization: Accurately measure cutoff frequencies, resonances, and passband behavior.
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Educational Labs: Provide safe, isolated signal injection for university and training environments.
❓ Which UNI-T oscilloscopes support Bode plot analysis with the UT-ISOT?
The UT-ISOT is optimized for UNI-T oscilloscopes with a built-in function generator and Bode plot functionality, including the MSO2000X, MSO3000X, and MSO7000X series. By pairing the isolation transformer with these models, you unlock reliable and safe frequency response testing in both educational and professional environments.
Expanded Application Notes
When using an oscilloscope to generate Bode plots, accuracy depends on both the quality of the test signal and the integrity of the measurement path. The UT-ISOT isolation transformer provides:
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Cleaner injection signals: Minimizes noise coupling into the DUT, especially in high-gain circuits.
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Improved measurement reliability: Ensures that frequency sweeps from the oscilloscope’s function generator are not corrupted by unwanted ground paths.
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Safe testing of grounded systems: Allows engineers to connect directly to powered equipment without risk of ground shorts.
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Better repeatability: Makes classroom demonstrations and lab exercises more reliable, ensuring students observe correct gain/phase behavior.
Whether you are characterizing a DC-DC converter’s control loop, validating an audio amplifier design, or teaching control theory in the classroom, the UT-ISOT ensures your Bode plots are accurate, repeatable, and safe to perform.
