B+K precision 2540C Series User manual

Series: 2540C
2 CH
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes
USER MANUAL

i
Safety Summary
The following safety precautions apply to both operating and maintenance personnel and must be
followed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.
Before applying power to this instrument:
Read and understand the safety and operational information in this manual.
Apply all the listed safety precautions.
Verify that the voltage selector at the line power cord input is set to the correct line voltage.
Operating the instrument at an incorrect line voltage will void the warranty.
Make all connections to the instrument before applying power.
Do not operate the instrument in ways not specified by this manual or by B&K Precision.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with warnings elsewhere in this manual violates the
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. B&K Precision
assumes no liability for a customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Category rating
The IEC 61010 standard defines safety category ratings that specify the amount of electrical energy
available and the voltage impulses that may occur on electrical conductors associated with these
category ratings. The category rating is a Roman numeral of I, II, III, or IV. This rating is also
accompanied by a maximum voltage of the circuit to be tested, which defines the voltage impulses
expected and required insulation clearances. These categories are:
Category I (CAT I): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are not intended to be
connected to the mains supply. The voltages in the environment are typically derived from a
limited-energy transformer or a battery.
Category II (CAT II): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains supply at a standard wall outlet or similar sources. Example measurement
environments are portable tools and household appliances.
Category III (CAT III): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains installation of a building. Examples are measurements inside a building's
circuit breaker panel or the wiring of permanently-installed motors.
Category IV (CAT IV): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the primary power entering a building or other outdoor wiring.
Measurement Categories
These digital oscilloscopes can make measurements in measurement category I (CAT I).
Do not exceed a voltage input of more than 5 V absolute value for a 50 Ωimpedance input or 400 V
absolute value for a 1 MΩ impedance input.

ii
This oscilloscope can only be used for measurements within its specified measurement category.
Do not use this instrument in an electrical environment with a higher category rating than what is
specified in this manual for this instrument.
You must ensure that each accessory you use with this instrument has a category rating equal to
or higher than the instrument's category rating to maintain the instrument's category rating.
Failure to do so will lower the category rating of the measuring system.
Electrical Power
This instrument is intended to be powered from a CATEGORY II mains power environment. The
mains power should be 120 V RMS or 240 V RMS. Use only the power cord supplied with the
instrument and ensure it is appropriate for your country of use.
Ground the Instrument
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an electrical
safety ground. This instrument is grounded through the ground conductor of the supplied three-
conductor AC line power cable. The power cable must be plugged into an approved three-
conductor electrical outlet. The power jack and mating plug of the power cable meet IEC safety
standards.
Do not alter or defeat the ground connection. Without the safety ground connection, all accessible
conductive parts (including control knobs) may provide an electric shock. Failure to use a properly-
grounded approved outlet and the recommended three-conductor AC line power cable may result
in injury or death.
Unless otherwise stated, a ground connection on the instrument's front or rear panel is for a
reference of potential only and is not to be used as a safety ground.
Do not operate in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or vapors, fumes, or finely-
divided particulates.

iii
The instrument is designed to be used in office-type indoor environments. Do not operate the
instrument
In the presence of noxious, corrosive, or flammable fumes, gases, vapors, chemicals, or
finely-divided particulates.
In relative humidity conditions outside the instrument's specifications.
In environments where there is a danger of any liquid being spilled on the instrument or
where any liquid can condense on the instrument.
In air temperatures exceeding the specified operating temperatures.
In atmospheric pressures outside the specified altitude limits or where the surrounding gas
is not air.
In environments with restricted cooling air flow, even if the air temperatures are within
specifications.
In direct sunlight.
This instrument is intended to be used in an indoor pollution degree 2 environment. The operating
temperature range is 10 °C to 40 °C and the operating humidity is ≤ 85 % relative humidity at 40 °C,
with no condensation allowed. Measurements made by this instrument may be outside
specifications if the instrument is used in non-office-type environments. Such environments may
include rapid temperature or humidity changes, sunlight, vibration and/or mechanical shocks,
acoustic noise, electrical noise, strong electric fields, or strong magnetic fields.
Do not operate instrument if damaged
If the instrument is damaged, appears to be damaged, or if any liquid, chemical, or other material
gets on or inside the instrument, remove the instrument's power cord, remove the instrument
from service, label it as not to be operated, and return the instrument to B&K Precision for repair.
Notify B&K Precision of the nature of any contamination of the instrument.
Clean the instrument only as instructed

iv
Do not clean the instrument, its switches, or its terminals with contact cleaners, abrasives,
lubricants, solvents, acids/bases, or other such chemicals. Clean the instrument only with a clean
dry lint-free cloth or as instructed in this manual.
Not for critical applications.
This instrument is not authorized for use in contact with the human body or for use as a component
in a life-support device or system.
Do not touch live circuits
Instrument covers must not be removed by operating personnel. Component replacement and
internal adjustments must be made by qualified service-trained maintenance personnel who are
aware of the hazards involved when the instrument's covers and shields are removed. Under
certain conditions, even with the power cord removed, dangerous voltages may exist when the
covers are removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect the power cord from the instrument,
disconnect all other connections (for example, test leads, computer interface cables, etc.),
discharge all circuits, and verify there are no hazardous voltages present on any conductors by
measurements with a properly-operating voltage-sensing device before touching any internal parts.
Verify the voltage-sensing device is working properly before and after making the measurements
by testing with known-operating voltage sources and test for both DC and AC voltages. Do not
attempt any service or adjustment unless another person capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation is present.
Do not insert any object into an instrument's ventilation openings or other openings.
Hazardous voltages may be present in unexpected locations in circuitry being tested when a fault
condition in the circuit exists.
Servicing
Do not substitute parts that are not approved by B&K Precision or modify this instrument. Return
the instrument to B&K Precision for service and repair to ensure that safety and performance
features are maintained.

v
Cooling fans
This instrument contains one or more cooling fans. For continued safe operation of the instrument,
the air inlet and exhaust openings for these fans must not be blocked nor must accumulated dust
or other debris be allowed to reduce air flow. Maintain at least 25 mm clearance around the sides
of the instrument that contain air inlet and exhaust ports. If mounted in a rack, position power
devices in the rack above the instrument to minimize instrument heating while rack mounted. Do
not continue to operate the instrument if you cannot verify the fan is operating (note some fans
may have intermittent duty cycles). Do not insert any object into the fan's inlet or outlet.
For continued safe use of the instrument
Do not place heavy objects on the instrument.
Do not obstruct cooling air flow to the instrument.
Do not place a hot soldering iron on the instrument.
Do not pull the instrument with the power cord, connected probe, or connected test lead.
Do not move the instrument when a probe is connected to a circuit being tested.

vi
Compliance Statements
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other
European countries with separate collection systems)
This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the
European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and in
jurisdictions adopting that Directive, is marked as being put on
the market after August 13, 2005, and should not be disposed
of as unsorted municipal waste. Please utilize your local WEEE
collection facilities in the disposition of this product and
otherwise observe all applicable requirements.

vii
CE Declaration of Conformity
This instrument meets the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (EC Directive 2006/95/EC),
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EC Directive 2004/108/EC) and their amendments.
Safety Directive
-EN 61010-1: 2010
EMC Directive
-EN 61326-1:2013
-EN 61000-3-2:2006+A2:2009
-EN 61000-3-3: 2008
-EN 61000-4-2:2009
-EN 61000-4-3:2006+A1 :2008
-EN 61000-4-4:2004+A1 :2010
-EN 61000-4-5:2006
-EN 61000-4-6:2009
-EN 61000-4-11:2004
-CISPR 11:2009

viii
Safety Symbols
Refer to the user manual for warning
information to avoid hazard or personal
injury and prevent damage to instrument.
Electric Shock hazard
Alternating current (AC)
Chassis (earth ground) symbol.
Ground terminal
On (Power). This is the In position of the
power switch when instrument is ON.
Off (Power). This is the Out position of the
power switch when instrument is OFF.
Off (Supply). This is the AC mains
connect/disconnect switch on top of the
instrument.
Calls attention to an operating procedure,
practice, or condition which, if not followed
or handled correctly, could result in damage
to or destruction of the product, loss or
corruption of data, or incorrect
measurement.
Calls attention to an operating procedure,
practice, or condition which, if not followed
or handled correctly, could result in injury
or death.
Notations
TEXT –Denotes a softkey.
TEXT –Denotes a front panel button.

ix
Contents
Safety Summary ..................................................................................................................... i
Compliance Statements...............................................................................................................vi
Safety Symbols...........................................................................................................................viii
Notations ............................................................................................................................viii
1General Information........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Product Overview.............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Package Contents .............................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Product Dimensions........................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Front Panel......................................................................................................................... 3
Front Panel Description..................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Rear Panel.......................................................................................................................... 4
Back Panel Description...................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Display Information ........................................................................................................... 5
User Interface Description ................................................................................................ 5
User Interface Functionality.............................................................................................. 6
2Getting Started................................................................................................................ 9
2.1 Input Power Requirements ............................................................................................... 9
2.2 Line Voltage and Fuse Requirements................................................................................ 9
2.3 Preliminary Check............................................................................................................ 11
Security Lock.................................................................................................................... 11
Verify AC Input Voltage ................................................................................................... 11
Connect Power ................................................................................................................ 11
Adjust the Support Feet .................................................................................................. 12
2.4 Power-on Inspection........................................................................................................ 12
Self-Test........................................................................................................................... 13
Self-Calibration................................................................................................................ 13
Check Model and Firmware Version ............................................................................... 13
Connect the Probe........................................................................................................... 13
Probe Compensation....................................................................................................... 13
Probe Safety .................................................................................................................... 14
Probe Attenuation........................................................................................................... 15
3Main Functions and Operating Descriptions................................................................... 16
3.1 Menu and Control Buttons.............................................................................................. 16
3.2 Connectors....................................................................................................................... 18
Analog and External Trigger Connectors......................................................................... 18
Digital Connector............................................................................................................. 18

x
Front Panel USB Connector............................................................................................. 19
Rear Panel Connectors .................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Vertical System ................................................................................................................ 20
To Enable the Channel..................................................................................................... 20
Adjust the Vertical Scale.................................................................................................. 21
Adjust the Vertical Position............................................................................................. 21
Specify Channel Coupling ................................................................................................ 21
Specify Bandwidth Limit.................................................................................................. 22
Specify Probe Attenuation Factor ................................................................................... 22
Specify Channel Input Impedance................................................................................... 22
Specify the Amplitude Unit ............................................................................................. 23
Deskew ............................................................................................................................ 23
Inverting a Waveform...................................................................................................... 23
3.4 Horizontal System............................................................................................................ 24
Horizontal Scale Knob...................................................................................................... 24
Adjust Trigger Delay ........................................................................................................ 25
Roll mode......................................................................................................................... 25
The Zoom Function.......................................................................................................... 25
3.5 Run Control...................................................................................................................... 27
3.6 Universal Knob................................................................................................................. 27
Adjust the waveform intensity........................................................................................ 27
Universal Knob................................................................................................................. 27
3.7 On-line Help..................................................................................................................... 28
4Sample System Configuration........................................................................................ 29
4.1 Run Control...................................................................................................................... 29
4.2 Overview of Sampling...................................................................................................... 29
Sampling Theory.............................................................................................................. 29
Sampling Rate.................................................................................................................. 29
Oscilloscope Bandwidth and Sample Rate ...................................................................... 31
4.3 Memory Depth ................................................................................................................ 32
4.4 Sampling Mode................................................................................................................ 33
4.5 Waveform Interpolation Method.................................................................................... 33
4.6 Acquisition Mode............................................................................................................. 36
Normal mode (default).................................................................................................... 36
Peak Detect ..................................................................................................................... 36
Average............................................................................................................................ 37
Eres (Enhanced Resolution)............................................................................................. 39
4.7 Horizontal Format............................................................................................................ 40
4.8 Sequence Mode............................................................................................................... 41
Using the Sequence Mode: ............................................................................................. 41
Replaying a sequence of captured waveforms ............................................................... 42
5Trigger .......................................................................................................................... 43

xi
5.1 Overview of triggering..................................................................................................... 44
5.2 Auto Setup....................................................................................................................... 44
5.3 Setting the Trigger ........................................................................................................... 44
5.4 Trigger Source.................................................................................................................. 45
5.5 Trigger Mode ................................................................................................................... 45
5.6 Trigger Level .................................................................................................................... 46
5.7 Trigger Coupling............................................................................................................... 47
5.8 Trigger Hold Off ............................................................................................................... 47
5.9 Noise Rejection................................................................................................................ 48
5.10 Trigger Types ................................................................................................................... 49
Edge Trigger..................................................................................................................... 50
Slope Trigger.................................................................................................................... 51
Pulse Trigger.................................................................................................................... 53
Video Trigger ................................................................................................................... 55
Window Trigger............................................................................................................... 58
Interval Trigger ................................................................................................................ 60
DropOut Trigger............................................................................................................... 61
Runt Trigger..................................................................................................................... 64
Pattern Trigger................................................................................................................. 66
Serial Trigger.................................................................................................................... 68
6Math Functions ............................................................................................................. 78
6.1 Math Operations and Their Units.................................................................................... 78
6.2 Addition and Subtraction................................................................................................. 78
6.3 Multiplication and Division.............................................................................................. 79
6.4 FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) ........................................................................................... 79
6.5 Differentiation ................................................................................................................. 81
6.6 Integration....................................................................................................................... 82
6.7 Square Root ..................................................................................................................... 84
7Cursors.......................................................................................................................... 85
7.1 Manual............................................................................................................................. 85
7.2 Track ................................................................................................................................ 86
8Auto Measurement ....................................................................................................... 87
8.1 Type of Measurement ..................................................................................................... 88
Voltage Measurements ................................................................................................... 88
Time Measurements ....................................................................................................... 89
Delay Measurements ...................................................................................................... 89
8.2 Statistics........................................................................................................................... 90
8.3 Gate ................................................................................................................................. 90
8.4 To Clear Measurement Parameters ................................................................................ 91
8.5 All Measure...................................................................................................................... 91

xii
9Display Settings............................................................................................................. 91
Display Type..................................................................................................................... 91
Color-Grade ..................................................................................................................... 93
Persistence ...................................................................................................................... 94
Clear the Display.............................................................................................................. 94
Grid Type ......................................................................................................................... 95
Grid Brightness................................................................................................................ 95
Waveform Intensity......................................................................................................... 95
Transparency................................................................................................................... 95
10 Save and Recall ............................................................................................................. 97
10.1 Save Type......................................................................................................................... 97
Setups.............................................................................................................................. 97
Reference ........................................................................................................................ 97
Binary............................................................................................................................... 97
BMP (screen picture)....................................................................................................... 97
CSV................................................................................................................................... 97
MATLAB®....................................................................................................................... 98
10.2 Setup Internal Save and Recall ........................................................................................ 98
Save setup to internal memory....................................................................................... 98
Load setup from internal memory .................................................................................. 98
10.3 External save and recall................................................................................................... 98
External Save ................................................................................................................... 98
Recall an external file ...................................................................................................... 99
10.4 File Management............................................................................................................. 99
Create a New File or Folder........................................................................................... 100
Delete a file or folder .................................................................................................... 101
Rename a file or a folder............................................................................................... 101
Security erase ................................................................................................................ 101
11 Utility...........................................................................................................................102
11.1 View the System Status ................................................................................................. 102
11.2 Self Calibration............................................................................................................... 102
11.3 Sound............................................................................................................................. 103
11.4 Language........................................................................................................................ 103
11.5 Pass/Fail......................................................................................................................... 104
Perform a Pass/Fail Test................................................................................................ 104
Save and Recall Test Mask............................................................................................. 106
11.6 I/O Remote Communication.......................................................................................... 106
Communicating via USB ................................................................................................ 106
Communicating via a LAN.............................................................................................. 106
Auxiliary Output ............................................................................................................ 108
11.7 Update Firmware and Configuration............................................................................. 108

xiii
11.8 Perform a Self-test......................................................................................................... 109
Screen Test .................................................................................................................... 109
Keyboard Test................................................................................................................ 110
LED Test ......................................................................................................................... 111
11.9 Screen Saver .................................................................................................................. 111
11.10 Option Management ..................................................................................................... 112
12 Reference Waveforms..................................................................................................113
To Save a Reference Waveform to Internal Memory ................................................... 114
To Display a Reference Waveform................................................................................ 114
To Adjust the Reference Waveform Position................................................................ 114
To Clear the Reference Waveform................................................................................ 115
13 History Function...........................................................................................................115
14 Default Setup...............................................................................................................118
15 Serial Bus Decoding (DC2540C) .....................................................................................121
15.1 I2C Serial Decode........................................................................................................... 121
Setup for I2C Signals...................................................................................................... 121
I2C Serial Decode........................................................................................................... 121
15.2 SPI Serial Decode ........................................................................................................... 123
Setup for SPI Signals ...................................................................................................... 123
SPI Serial Decode........................................................................................................... 125
15.3 UART/RS232 Serial Decode ........................................................................................... 127
Setup for UART Signals .................................................................................................. 127
UART Serial Decode....................................................................................................... 128
15.4 CAN Serial Decode ......................................................................................................... 129
Setup for CAN Signals.................................................................................................... 129
CAN Serial Decode......................................................................................................... 130
15.5 LIN Serial Decode........................................................................................................... 132
Setup for LIN Signals...................................................................................................... 132
LIN Serial Decode........................................................................................................... 132
16 Digital Channels (LA2540C + LP2540C) ..........................................................................134
16.1 Connecting Digital Probes to Device under Test........................................................... 134
16.2 Acquiring Digital Waveforms......................................................................................... 135
16.3 Displaying Digital Channels............................................................................................ 135
16.4Turning a Single Digital Channel On or Off.................................................................... 137
16.5 Turning All Digital Channels On or Off........................................................................... 137
16.6 Changing the Logic Threshold for Digital Channels....................................................... 137
16.7 Repositioning a Digital Channel..................................................................................... 138
16.8 Displaying Digital Channels as a Bus.............................................................................. 138

xiv
17 Arbitrary Waveform Generator ....................................................................................140
17.1 Wave Types and Parameters......................................................................................... 140
Sine Waveform.............................................................................................................. 142
Square Waveform.......................................................................................................... 142
Ramp Waveform............................................................................................................ 143
Pulse Waveform ............................................................................................................ 143
DC Waveform ................................................................................................................ 144
Noise Waveform............................................................................................................ 144
Cardiac Waveform......................................................................................................... 145
Gaus Pulse ..................................................................................................................... 145
17.2 Arbitrary Waveforms..................................................................................................... 146
17.3 Output Impedance......................................................................................................... 147
17.4 Set Default Values.......................................................................................................... 147
17.5 AWG Self Cal.................................................................................................................. 147
18 Specifications...............................................................................................................149
19 Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................151
SERVICE INFORMATION......................................................................................................153
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY..........................................................................................154

1
1General Information
1.1 Product Overview
The B&K Precision 2540C series includes 3 Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes (MSO) and 3 Digital Storage
Oscilloscopes (DSO). The MSOs and DSOs have high bandwidths that allows them to capture
signals with real time sampling rates of up to 1 GSa/s. All of the oscilloscopes have a waveform
update rate up to 60,000 wfms/s and a maximum memory depth of 14 million points. A screen
with up to 256 levels of intensity and a color display allow these units to capture and display more
details of a signal for subsequent analysis.
Features:
Single channel real-time sampling rate of up to 1 GSa/s. Dual channel interleaved 500
MSa/s
14 Mpts maximum record length
8” Color TFT LCD display (800x480 pixels)
Trigger types: Edge, Slope, Pulse, Video, Window, Runt, Interval, DropOut, Pattern, Serial
Waveform acquisition function
36 automatic measurements: voltage and time parameters
I/O interfaces: USB Host, USB Device (USBTMC), Pass/Fail signal output, LAN, trigger
output signal
25 MHz Arbitrary waveform generator function included in all units
Optional features
oMSO license option (LA2540C): Enables the 16 digital channels and the Digital
button. The 16 channel logic probe (LP2540C) is used conjunction with the license.
oDecode license option (DC2540C): Serial decode functions: I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, LIN.
Enables the Decode button.
1.2 Package Contents
Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items
from the shipping carton and check for signs of physical damage that may have occurred during
transportation. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save the original packing
carton for possible future reshipment. Every instrument is shipped with the following contents:
1 x 254XC digital storage or mixed signal oscilloscope
1 x AC power cord
1 x USB type A to type B cable
Passive oscilloscope probe, one per channel
DSO Model
2540C
2542C
2544C
MSO Model
2540C-MSO
2542C-MSO
2544C-MSO
Bandwidth
70 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
Channels
2
2
2

2
1 x Digital logic probe (MSO models only)
1 x Certificate of calibration
1 x Quick start guide
Verify that all items above are included in the shipping container. If anything is missing, please
contact B&K Precision.
1.3 Product Dimensions
Figure 1 - Product dimensions

3
1.4 Front Panel
Figure 2 - Front panel
Front Panel Description
①
Universal Knob
⑨
Probe Compensation Terminal
②
Function Menus
⑩
External trigger input
③
Wave Gen Control
⑪
Analog Inputs
④
Decode and Digital Controls
⑫
Print Button
⑤
Auto/Run Control
⑬
Digital Inputs
⑥
Trigger Control
⑭
Menu Softkeys
⑦
Horizontal Control
⑮
USB Host Port
⑧
Vertical Control
⑯
Power On/Off Button

4
1.5 Rear Panel
The following images show back and side panel connection locations.
Figure 3 –Rear panel
Back Panel Description
①
Pass/Fail or trigger output
②
External trigger input
③
USB
④
LAN
⑤
Safety lock (Kensington style)
⑥
AC power input connector

5
1.6 Display Information
Figure 4 –Display screen
User Interface Description
①
Operating state
②
Horizontal timebase setting
③
Trigger point position relative to center of display
④
Trigger point on waveform
⑤
Frequency counter (measures frequency of trigger signal)
⑥
Sample rate and memory depth
⑦
Trigger settings
⑧
Channel settings
⑨
Channel label and zero volts position marker
⑩
Trigger voltage level (color indicates trigger source)
⑪
Softkeys (capitalized word shows with button's menu is in use)
⑫
I/O connection status
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
10
12