RIGOL 
Copyright ©1998-2008 RIGOL Technologies, Inc. 
  User’s Guide for DS1000CA Series 
2-31
 
Understand the Trigger System 
The trigger determines when the oscilloscope starts to acquire data and display a 
waveform. When a trigger is set up properly, it can convert unstable displays or blank 
screens into meaningful waveforms. 
When the oscilloscope starts to acquire a waveform, it collects enough data so that it 
can draw the waveform to the left of the trigger point. The oscilloscope continues to 
acquire data while waiting for the trigger condition to occur. After it detects a trigger, 
the oscilloscope continues to acquire enough data so that it can draw the waveform 
to the right of the trigger point. 
The trigger control area on the front panel includes a knob and three buttons: 
:    The knob that set the trigger level; press the knob and the level will 
reset to zero. 
50%:   The instant execute button setting the trigger level to the vertical 
midpoint between the peaks of the trigger signal 
FORCE:  Force to create a trigger signal and the function is mainly used in 
Normal and Single mode 
MENU:        The button that activates the trigger controls menu. 
 
Figure 2-35 Trigger controls