Tektronix TDS7000/B Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes

Features And Benefits

• Up to 7.25 GHz bandwidth
• Up to 20 GS/s Real-time Sample Rate
• Up to 32 Megasamples Memory Depth
• >400,000 Wfms/Second Maximum Waveform Capture Rate
• Jitter Measurements to 1 ps RMS
• Graphical User Interface
• Control Via Classic Direct Controls, Touch-sensitive Color Display or Mouse
• Open MS Windows Environment
• Built-in Networking

Improvements in TDS7000B Models

• Increased record levels (memory)
• Higher resolution display
• Faster processor
• Windows 2K operating system
• Higher capture rate (DPX mode and Fast Acq mode)
• Glitch Trigger

Tektronix Print Catalog 2001 Correction - on page 67 the table states that the TDS7404 has a Hardware Bandwidth Limits of 250MHz or 20 MHz. The TDS7404 does not have a Hardware Bandwidth limit feature.

• Verification, Debug and Characterization
• Jitter and Timing Analysis
• Spectral Analysis
• Disk Drive Analysis
• Investigation of Transient Phenomena

TDS7000 Series oscilloscopes are high performance solutions for verification, debug and characterization of sophisticated electronic designs. The family features exceptional signal acquisition performance, operational simplicity and open connectivity to the design environment. Classic analog-style controls, a large touch-sensitive display and graphical menus provide intuitive control. Open access to the MS Windows operating system enables unprecedented customization and extensibility.

TDS7000 models range from 500 MHz to 4 GHz bandwidth with single-shot sample rates to 20 GS/s, meeting demands of the latest high speed logic families and multi-Gigabit communication standards. Acquisition memory options from 2 to 32 Megasamples maximize the value of high sample rate and ensure that critical events are captured with fine detail. High performance jitter analysis to 1 ps RMS is achieved through exceptional trigger and acquisition performance, deep memory and applied software.

TDS7000 Series high bandwidth signal access solutions include the P7240 4 GHz (120 ps rise time) active probe and the P7330 3 GHz (< 130 ps rise time, typical, < 140 ps guaranteed) differential probe. Small form-factors and a wide array of tip accessories ensure effectiveness. In addition, the TDS7404 includes the TekConnect^TM signal interconnect system. This interface replaces traditional BNC input connectors with a convenient positive-locking interface suitable for higher system bandwidths. P7000 Series probes are directly compatible with TekConnect signal interconnect system along with adapters that provide SMA, BNC and N connections.

Signal observation time is critical for successful discovery of intermittent faults and characterization of complex dynamic signals. TDS7000 Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes incorporate 3rd generation DPX technology to enable maximum waveform capture rates of more than 400,000 waveforms per second. This unprecedented performance allows users to fully visualize signal activity. In troubleshooting applications, Digital Phosphor can save minutes, hours or even days by quickly revealing the nature of faults so sophisticated trigger modes can be applied to isolate them.

Figure 1. - Digital Phosphor technology provides unprecedented waveform capture rate, maximizing the probability of discovering hidden faults and revealing dynamic signal behavior.

Operational Simplicity

The TDS7000 Series graphical user interface delivers sophisticated capability to advanced users without intimidating occasional users. The front panel includes a complete set of classic analog-style controls for most commonly used features. For advanced use, the combination of large 10.4 in. (264 mm) touch sensitive display and graphical interface creates a highly visual environment with explicit illustration of instrument features. The waveform display area remains visible even when displaying control windows so changes in the waveform aren't missed when making selections or adjustments. A Context-sensitive Help Program supplements graphic control windows and encourages users to apply advanced capabilities to solve their problems.

Figure 2. - Extensive use of illustrations helps users locate advanced features quickly and apply them with confidence

The adaptable TDS7000 Series human interface readily supports any operating style and environment. Users can select traditional instrument-style buttons for navigation or switch to a MS Windows menu bar. Classic analog-style controls provide instant access to the most frequently used functions while the large touch sensitive display provides intuitive menu operation. Waveform positions, cursor locations and trigger level can be directly dragged using the touch screen or a mouse. A graphical drag-box can be used to select a waveform area for zooming, histogram analysis or measurement gating. The USB interface allows a mouse, keyboard and other peripherals to be added without powering off the instrument. With this flexibility, TDS7000 Series instruments readily adapt to a cart, cluttered bench top, shelf, floor and other locations that otherwise make operation awkward.

The TDS7000 family contains many extended features to quantify and document signal characteristics. These features remain close at hand without cluttering the human interface. Applied measurement extensions can be installed to enhance TDS7000 capabilities. Optional applications include jitter analysis (TDSJIT2) and disk drive measurements (TDSDDM2). These applications build on the precision signal acquisition performance of TDS7000 Series to address the need for application specific measurements to quickly quantify device performance.

TDS7000 acquired waveforms are always horizontally fit into the display. This "big picture" is retained for context while zoom is used to select areas of specific interest. Waveform zoom can be directly controlled with knobs or the graphical user interface for intuitive interaction.

The TDS7000 includes a complete parametric measurement system for signal characterization. Direct selection from a graphical palette makes locating choices simple. Users can quickly reassign measurements to a different waveform, simplifying verification tasks. Split cursors make it easy to measure trace-to-trace timing characteristics. Measurement statistics can be gathered for deeper insight. Measurement results are easily extracted for inclusion in a document or analysis in a spreadsheet using the MS Windows clipboard or an Export function.

Figure 3. - Sophisticated analysis capabilities allow users to fully characterize and document design performance

The TDS7000 series allows user defined math expressions to be performed on waveform data giving them the opportunity to get on-screen results in terms that they can define. Common waveform math functions are provided at the touch of a button. For advanced applications, algebraic expressions consisting of waveform sources, math functions, measurement values and scalars can be created easily using a calculator-style editor. This allows users to quickly transform raw waveform data into powerful information that is readily interpreted.

The TDS7000 Series includes a unique spectrum-analyzer style interface for performing frequency domain analysis. Controls such as center frequency, frequency span, resolution bandwidth and reference level provide access to wide- or narrow-band frequency, phase and group delay information. A gating function allows selection of only a portion of the time-domain signal for analysis. These controls allow users to focus on extracting spectral information instead of confronting the idiosyncrasies of FFTs found in typical DSOs.

The TDS7000 Series includes open access to the MS Windows operating environment. While the instrument remains a dedicated oscilloscope, the ability to access the MS Windows desktop creates a powerful new tool. Built-in applications such as WordPad, Paint and a Web browser allow users to concurrently maintain lab notes while working with the instrument. This saves time and eliminates error-prone steps associated with transporting images for later report development. Other applications such as Microsoft Excel, MATLAB and MathCAD can be installed in the instrument to accomplish local signal analysis. The installation of networking enables Web-based information browsing, e-mail exchange, printing and file sharing.

Figure 4. - Open access to the MS Windows desktop allows users to leverage standard tools for documentation, analysis, information browsing and communications.

View The MS Windows Desktop On A Separate Monitor

TDS7000 can also be expanded with the addition of an external monitor. With dual-monitor mode enabled the instrument retains live scope displays while other applications such as publishing, analysis or browsing tools reside on the external monitor. Users can easily transfer images and waveform data from TDS7000 to the locally running application or view Web-based reference information while using the scope for design work.

The TDS7000 includes standard interfaces for control and peripheral expansion. The GPIB command set shares a high degree of commonality with previous TDS500/700-class instruments while increasing hardware and software performance. Both USB and PS-2 interfaces are included for mouse, keyboard and other peripheral expansion. USB offers the advantage of hot-insertion and removal so devices can be added or removed without cycling power. The TDS7000 also includes a LAN interface for network connection.