Oscilloscopes have traditionally used 8-bit ADCs because oscilloscope ADC technology has prioritized sample rate. 8-bit ADCs can provide high sample rates and therefore excellent time resolution. The 8-bit ADC in an oscilloscope sufficiently balances acquisition speed and amplitude accuracy for signals with frequencies in the hundreds. Tektronix’ new 4 Series, 5 Series, and 6 Series MSO oscilloscopes support 12-bit vertical resolution and up to 16 bits of resolution with oversampling thanks to the integrated circuitry of a custom ASIC.