The internal reference frequency in an oscilloscope or frequency counter that dictates the horizontal sweep rate or sampling interval. A highly stable timebase, often derived from a temperature-compensated quartz crystal or rubidium standard, is critical for accurate frequency and timing measurements.
Heard on the job
Set the timebase to 10 nanoseconds per division so we can clearly see the rising edge of the pulse.
Also heard as
- time base
Related terms
Clock
A continuous square wave signal that synchronizes the timing of digital circuits.
Quartz crystal
A precisely cut piece of piezoelectric quartz used to generate a highly stable oscillating frequency.
Cathode ray tube
A vacuum tube containing one or more electron guns and a phosphorescent screen used to display images.