Project Hub /Test & Measurement Instrumentation/Oscilloscopes & Logic Analyzers/DIY ESP32 Oscilloscope

Intermediate

ESP32

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

DIY ESP32 Oscilloscope

Build an affordable, compact DIY oscilloscope using an ESP32 microcontroller and a 1.69-inch TFT display for basic signal analysis and waveform monitoring.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

ESP32 WiFi+Bluetooth CP2102 Development Board Rs. 520.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: TFT / Touch LCD
Capacitors
Custom PCB / PCB Fab
Perfboard / Veroboard / Stripboard

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How It Works

The DIY ESP32 Oscilloscope functions by sampling analog electrical signals through one of the ESP32 microcontroller's internal Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) pins. To protect the microcontroller and scale the input appropriately, incoming signals pass through a front-end voltage divider circuit constructed from a 100K resistor and a 10K resistor, alongside a 100nF ceramic capacitor that helps filter out high-frequency noise. Once the analog voltage is digitized by the ESP32, the microcontroller processes the data stream into waveform coordinate arrays. The user interacts with the system using six 6mm tactile switches and two SPDT switches to control settings such as timebase, trigger levels, and voltage scaling. Finally, the processed waveform and user interface menus are rendered graphically in real-time onto the compact 1.69-inch TFT display using the ST7789s driver. The entire system is assembled neatly on a custom copper clad PCB or perfboard, bringing together processing, user controls, and visual feedback into a single handheld testing instrument.

Why Build This

Gain a practical, hands-on lab instrument for troubleshooting school science experiments and microcontroller sensor projects without needing expensive commercial benchtop gear.

Learn how microcontrollers convert real-world analog voltage changes into digital data and render them onto a graphical color display screen.

Build a portable, self-contained diagnostic tool that allows you to visually test audio signals, pulse widths, and low-frequency sensor outputs directly on your workbench.

Real-World Application

Used by hobbyists, students, and engineers for low-frequency signal analysis, audio waveform testing, sensor output debugging, and educational electronics troubleshooting without purchasing expensive commercial lab equipment.

Skills You'll Learn

Analog-to-digital conversion

voltage divider design

signal filtering with ceramic capacitors

SPI display interfacing

microcontroller GPIO input handling

Safety Precautions

Do not connect this oscilloscope directly to high-voltage mains (120/230V AC) or high-energy circuits. The device is not isolated and max safe input voltage with the divider is approximately 33V peak.

Technology Tags

ESP32

ADC SAMPLING

I2S BUFFER

TFT DISPLAY

SPI

INTERRUPT HANDLING

SIGNAL PROCESSING

PCB DESIGN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum safe input voltage I can measure with this oscilloscope?

Due to the onboard resistor voltage divider circuit, the maximum safe input voltage is approximately 33V peak. Never connect this device to high-voltage mains power.

What software do I need to program the ESP32 board?

You will need the Arduino IDE installed on your computer, along with the ESP32 Board Manager package and a modified version of the TFT_eSPI library to run the display.

Can I use this device to measure high-frequency radio signals?

No, this DIY oscilloscope is designed for low-frequency signal analysis, audio waveform testing, and basic sensor output debugging rather than high-frequency RF measurements.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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