What feature may a dual trace oscilloscope include for modulation purposes?

A dual trace oscilloscope is equipped with capabilities that allow it to display two different waveforms simultaneously, which can be particularly useful in analyzing relationships between those signals, such as amplitude modulation and frequency modulation.

The inclusion of a Z input for intensity modulation is significant because it allows the user to control the brightness of the waveform displayed on the screen based on the characteristics of another signal. In modulation applications, particularly in amplitude modulation (AM), the Z input can be used to overlay a low-frequency waveform on a higher-frequency waveform. This modulation causes the intensity of the displayed trace to vary according to the amplitude of the modulating signal, providing an effective visual representation of the modulation.

The other features, while useful in their own right, do not directly pertain to modulation purposes in the same manner. The X input is used primarily for the horizontal representation or timing of the waveform on the oscilloscope, while the Y input controls the vertical display or amplitude. Trigger input is crucial for synchronization to capture stable waveforms, but it does not influence modulation intensity directly. Therefore, the Z input's role in intensity modulation distinctly highlights its importance for analyzing modulated signals in a dual trace oscilloscope context.