Owon tds series User manual

July 2013 edition V1.0
Copy Right in this Manual © Lilliput Company. All rights Reserved.
The Lilliput's products are under the protection of the patent rights in America and other countries,
including ones which have already obtained the patent rights and those which are applying for. The
information in this manual will replace all that in the materials published originally.
The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing. However, OWON will continue to
improve products and reserves the rights to changes specification at any time without notice.
OWON is the registered trademark of the Lilliput Company.
Headquarter:
Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co.,Ltd.: The mansion of
optoelectronics, 19 Heming Road, Lantian industrial zone, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]
Web: www.owon.com.hk Mail: Business Consulting:[e-mail]
Sale service: [e-mail]
Branch:
Xiamen Lilliput Technology Co.,Ltd.: the 5th floor, B Area, Chuangxin Mansion, Software
Park, ZhenZhuWan, Huandao RD, Xiamen, Fujian, China
Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]

General Warranty
Lilliput warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase of the product by the original purchaser
from the Lilliput Company. And the warranty period of accessories such as probe is 12
month. This warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable to the
third party. If the product proves defective during the warranty period, Lilliput either will
repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a
replacement in exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and replacement
products used by Lilliput for warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new
performance. All replaced parts, modules and products become the property of Lilliput.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Lilliput of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period. Customer shall be responsible for packaging
and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Lilliput, and with a
copy of customer proof of purchase.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Lilliput shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Lilliput representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any
damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Lilliput supplies; or d) to service a
product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such
modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
Please contact the nearest Lilliput's Sales and Service Offices for services or a complete
copy of the warranty statement.
For better after-sales service, please visit www.owon.com.hk and register the purchased
product online.
Excepting the after-sales services provided in this summary or the applicable warranty
statements, Lilliput will not offer any guarantee for maintenance definitely declared or hinted,
including but not limited to the implied guarantee for marketability and special-purpose
acceptability. Lilliput should not take any responsibilities for any indirect, special or consequent
damages.

i
Table of Contents
1. General Safety Requirements.......................................................................................... 1
2. Safety Terms and Symbols............................................................................................... 2
3. General Characteristics................................................................................................... 4
4. Junior User Guidebook ................................................................................................... 5
Introduction to the Structure of the Oscilloscope..................................................................... 6
Front Panel ...............................................................................................................................................6
Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................7
Control (key and knob) Area....................................................................................................................8
User Interface Introduction........................................................................................................ 9
How to Implement the General Inspection ............................................................................. 10
How to Implement the Function Inspection............................................................................ 11
How to Implement the Probe Compensation.......................................................................... 12
How to Set the Probe Attenuation Coefficient........................................................................ 13
How to Use the Probe Safely..................................................................................................... 14
How to Implement Self-calibration.......................................................................................... 14
Introduction to the Vertical System......................................................................................... 14
Introduction to the Horizontal System.................................................................................... 16
Introduction to the Trigger System ......................................................................................... 16
Introduction to the Touchscreen Controls.............................................................................. 17
Set the Vertical System through touchscreen.........................................................................................18
Set the Horizontal System through touchscreen.....................................................................................19
Zoom the Waveform through Touchscreen............................................................................................19
Operate the Menu through Touchscreen or Buttons/Knob.....................................................................21
5. Advanced User Guidebook ............................................................................................ 23
How to Set the Vertical System................................................................................................ 24
Use Mathematical Manipulation Function.............................................................................. 26
Using FFT function................................................................................................................................27
Use VERTICAL POSITION and VOLTS/DIV Knobs.......................................................... 30
How to Set the Horizontal System............................................................................................ 30
Zoom the Waveform ..............................................................................................................................31
How to Set the Trigger System................................................................................................. 32
How to Operate the Function Menu........................................................................................ 36
How to Implement Sampling Setup .......................................................................................................36
How to Set the Display System..............................................................................................................38
How to Save and Recall .........................................................................................................................40

ii
To save the current screen image.........................................................................................................................41
To save waveform data to reference waveform/storage.......................................................................................41
To save setup files................................................................................................................................................42
To display/remove reference waveforms .............................................................................................................42
To recall waveform data in storage......................................................................................................................42
To recall setup files..............................................................................................................................................43
To select the path or file in file explorer ..............................................................................................................43
To edit file names.................................................................................................................................................43
To save with Copy button push............................................................................................................................44
To manage file .....................................................................................................................................................44
How to Implement the Auxiliary System Function Setting....................................................................45
●Config..............................................................................................................................................................45
●Display.............................................................................................................................................................45
●Calibrate ..........................................................................................................................................................46
●Pass/Fail...........................................................................................................................................................46
●Sync Output.....................................................................................................................................................48
●System .............................................................................................................................................................48
How to Measure Automatically..............................................................................................................49
How to Measure with Cursors................................................................................................................52
How to Use Autoscale............................................................................................................................56
How to Use Executive Buttons...............................................................................................................57
6. Communication with PC............................................................................................... 59
Using USB Port.......................................................................................................................... 59
Using LAN Port ......................................................................................................................... 60
Connect directly .....................................................................................................................................60
Connect through a router........................................................................................................................61
7. Demonstration ............................................................................................................... 64
Example 1: Measurement a Simple Signal.............................................................................. 64
Example 2: Gain of an Amplifier in a Metering Circuit........................................................ 65
Example 3: Capturing a Single Signal..................................................................................... 66
Example 4: Analyze the Details of a Signal............................................................................. 68
Example 5: Application of X-Y Function................................................................................ 69
Example 6: Video Signal Trigger............................................................................................. 71
8. Troubleshooting............................................................................................................. 72
9. Technical Specifications................................................................................................ 73
General Technical Specifications............................................................................................. 76
10. Appendix ...................................................................................................................... 77
Appendix A: Enclosure............................................................................................................. 77
Appendix B: General Care and Cleaning................................................................................ 77

1.General Safety Requirements
1
1. General Safety Requirements
Before any operations, please read the following safety precautions to avoid any
possible bodily injury and prevent this product or any other products connected
from damage. In order to avoid any contingent danger, this product is only used
within the range specified.
Only the qualified technicians can implement the maintenance.
To avoid Fire or Personal Injury:
Connect the probe correctly. The grounding end of the probe corresponds to the
grounding phase. Please don't connect the grounding end to the positive phase.
Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord supplied with the product and
certified to use in your country.
Connect or Disconnect Correctly. When the probe or test lead is connected to a
voltage source, please do not connect and disconnect the probe or test lead at random.
Product Grounded. This instrument is grounded through the power cord grounding
conductor. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be grounded. The
product must be grounded properly before any connection with its input or output
terminal.
When powered by AC power, it is not allowed to measure AC power source
directly, because the testing ground and power cord ground conductor are
connected together, otherwise, it will cause short circuit.
Check all Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, check all ratings and
markers of this product. Refer to the user's manual for more information about ratings
before connecting to the instrument.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate the instrument with covers or panels
removed.
Avoid exposed circuit. Do not touch exposed junctions and components when the
instrument is powered.
Do not operate if in any doubt. If you suspect damage occurs to the instrument, have
it inspected by qualified service personnel before further operations.
Use your Oscilloscope in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the instrument installed
with proper ventilation, refer to the user manual for more details.
Do not operate in wet conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.

2.Safety Terms and Symbols
2
2. Safety Terms and Symbols
Safety Terms
Terms in this manual. The following terms may appear in this manual:
Warning: Warning indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
injury or loss of life.
Caution: Caution indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the product. The following terms may appear on this product:
Danger: It indicates an injury or hazard may immediately happen.
Warning: It indicates an injury or hazard may be accessible potentially.
Caution: It indicates a potential damage to the instrument or other property might occur.
Safety Symbols
Symbols on the product. The following symbol may appear on the product:
Hazardous Voltage Refer to Manual
Protective Earth Terminal Chassis Ground
Test Ground

2.Safety Terms and Symbols
3
To avoid body damage and prevent product and connected equipment damage, carefully
read the following safety information before using the test tool. This product can only be
used in the specified applications.
Warning:
The 4 channels of the oscilloscope are non-isolated electrically. The channels should
adopt common basis during measuring. To prevent short circuits, the 2 probe ground
must not be connected to different non-isolated DC level.
Warning:
The channels should adopt common basis during measuring. To prevent short
circuits, the 2 probe ground must not be connected to 2 different non-isolated DC
level.
The diagram of the oscilloscope ground wire connection:
Ground Clip
Signal Input
Oscilloscope Electrical OutletProbe
Power Cord
It is not allowed to measure AC power when the AC-powered oscilloscope is
connected to the AC-powered PC through the ports.
Warning:
To avoid fire or electrical shock
, when the oscilloscope input signal
connected
is more than 42V peak
(30Vrms) or on circuits of more than
4800VA
, please take note of below items:
Only use accessory insulated voltage probes and test lead.
Check the accessories such as probe before use and replace it if
there are any damages.
Remove probes, test leads and other accessories immediately after
use.
Remove USB cable which connects oscilloscope and computer.
Do
not apply input voltages above the rating of the instrument
because the probe tip voltage will directly transmit to the
oscilloscope. Use with caution when the probe is set as 1:1.
Do not use exposed metal BNC or banana plug connectors.
Do not insert metal objects into connectors.

3.General Characteristics
4
3. General Characteristics
Max 200MHz bandwidth, up to 2GS/s realtime sample rate
7.6M record length
Waveform zooming (horizontal / vertical) and saving
FFT points (length and resolution variable)
Multi-window extension
User-friendly voice warning
8 inch (800×600 pixels) high definition touchscreen
Multi-communication interface : USB, VGA, LAN

4.Junior User Guidebook
5
4. Junior User Guidebook
This chapter deals with the following topics mainly:
Introduction to the structure of the oscilloscope
Introduction to the user interface
How to implement the general inspection
How to implement the function inspection
How to make a probe compensation
How to set the probe attenuation coefficient
How to use the probe safely
How to implement an auto-calibration
Introduction to the vertical system
Introduction to the horizontal system
Introduction to the trigger system
Introduction to the Touchscreen Controls

4.Junior User Guidebook
6
Introduction to the Structure of the Oscilloscope
When you get a new-type oscilloscope, you should get acquainted with its front panel at
first and the TDS series digital storage oscilloscope is no exception. This chapter makes a
simple description of the operation and function of the front panel of the TDS series
oscilloscope, enabling you to be familiar with the use of the TDS series oscilloscope in the
shortest time.
Front Panel
The TDS series oscilloscope offers a simple front panel with distinct functions to users for
their completing some basic operations, in which the knobs and function pushbuttons are
included. The knobs have the functions similar to other oscilloscopes. The 5 buttons (F1 ~
F5) in the column on the right side of the display screen or in the row under the display
screen (H1 ~ H5) are menu selection buttons, through which, you can set the different
options for the current menu. The other pushbuttons are function buttons, through which,
you can enter different function menus or obtain a specific function application directly.
12
3
64
5
7 7
Figure 4-1 Front panel
1. Display area
2. Control (key and knob) area
3. Probe Compensation: Measurement signal (5V/1KHz) output.
4. Signal Input of 4 Channels
5. Menu off
6. Power on/off
7. Folding Foot stool in the bottom (which tilt the oscilloscope )

4.Junior User Guidebook
7
Rear Panel
6
54
3
2
1
7
Figure 4-2 Rear Panel
1. USB Host port: It is used to transfer data when external USB equipment connects to
the oscilloscope regarded as "host device". For example: upgrading software by USB
flash disk needs to use this port.
2. USB Device port: It is used to transfer data when external USB equipment connects to
the oscilloscope regarded as "slave device". For example: to use this port when
connect PC to the oscilloscope by USB.
3. VGAport: To connect the oscilloscope with a monitor or a projector as VGA output.
4. LAN port: the network port which can be used to connect with PC.
5. The port of trigger signal output & Pass/Fail output
6. AC power input jack
7. Handle

4.Junior User Guidebook
8
Control (key and knob) Area
87
2
54 6
1
3
Figure 4-3 Keys Overview
1. G knob (General knob): when a symbol appears in the menu, it indicates you can
turn the G knob to select the menu or set the value.
2. Function key area: Total 10 keys
3. Horizontal control area with 1 key and 2 knobs.
"HORIZONTAL POSITION" knob control trigger position, "SEC/DIV" control time
base, "Horiz" key can enable/disable the split- screen zoom.
4. Trigger control area with 3 keys and 1 knob.
"TRIG LEVEL" knob is to adjust trigger voltage. Other 3 keys refer to trigger system
setting.
5. Vertical control area with 5 keys and 8 knobs.
CH1～CH4 keys correspond to setting menu in CH1 ～CH4, "Math" key provides
access to math waveform functions (+, -, ×, /, FFT). Four "VERTICAL POSITION"
knob control the vertical position of CH1～CH4, and four "VOLTS/DIV" knob
control voltage scale of CH1～CH4.
6. Menu off：turn off the menu
7. Menu option setting: F1~F5
8. Menu option setting: H1~H5

4.Junior User Guidebook
9
User Interface Introduction
21 34568
11
26
27
23
12
14
17
20 18
22
21
13
9
10
15
16
25
24
19
7
Figure 4-4 Illustrative Drawing of Display Interfaces
1. Waveform Display Area.
2. The state of trigger, including:
Auto: Automatic mode and acquire waveform without triggering.
Trig'd: Trigger detected and acquire waveform.
Ready: Pre-triggered data captured and ready for a trigger.
Scan: Capture and display the waveform continuously.
Stop: Data acquisition stopped.
3. T pointer indicates the horizontal position for the trigger.
4. The pointer indicates the trigger position in the internal memory.
5. Cursors for cursor measurement.
6. Present triggering value.
7. It indicates that there is a U disk connecting with the oscilloscope.
8. Setting time (touchable).
9. Cursor measure window, showing the readings of the two cursors and absolute
value.
10. The waveform of CH1.

4.Junior User Guidebook
10
11. The pointer shows the trigger level position of the source in trigger menu.
12. The waveform of Math.
13. The waveform of CH2.
14. The waveform of CH3.
15. The waveform of CH4.
16. The cymometer of the source in trigger menu.
17. Trigger settings of the source in trigger menu.
The icon shows the trigger type; the reading shows the trigger level value:
Rising edge or slope triggering
Falling edge or slope triggering
Pulse triggering
Video line synchronous triggering
Video field synchronous triggering
18. The bottom menu bar.
19. The reading shows the setting of main time base.
20. The readings indicate the voltage division of corresponding channels.
The icon shows the coupling mode and other settings of the channel:
(DC coupling)，(AC coupling)，(Ground coupling)，
(Impedance 50Ω)，(Inverted)，(Band Width 20M).
21. The readings show current sample rate and the record length.
22. It indicates the measured type and value of the corresponding channel. The
measured type: F(Freq), T(Period), V(Mean),Vp(PK-PK), Vk(RMS), Ma(Max),
Mi(Min), Vt(Vtop), Vb(Vbase), Va(Vamp), Os(Overshoot), Ps(Preshoot),
RT(Rise Time), FT(Fall Time), PW(+Width), NW(-Width), +D(+Duty),
-D(-Duty), (Delay), (Delay), (Delay), (Delay).
23. The green pointer indicates the grounding datum point (zero point position) of the
waveform of the CH4 channel.
24. The purple pointer indicates the grounding datum point (zero point position) of
the waveform of the CH3 channel.
25. The yellow pointer shows the grounding datum point (zero point position) of the
waveform of the CH2 channel.
26. The blue pointer indicates the zero point position of the waveform of the Math.
27. The red pointer indicates the grounding datum point (zero point position) of the
waveform of the CH1 channel.
How to Implement the General Inspection
After you get a new TDS series oscilloscope, it is recommended that you should make
a check on the instrument according to the following steps:
1. Check whether there is any damage caused by transportation.

4.Junior User Guidebook
11
If it is found that the packaging carton or the foamed plastic protection cushion has
suffered serious damage, do not throw it away first till the complete device and its
accessories succeed in the electrical and mechanical property tests.
2. Check the Accessories
The supplied accessories have been already described in the "Appendix A: Enclosure"
of this Manual. You can check whether there is any loss of accessories with reference
to this description. If it is found that there is any accessory lost or damaged, please get
in touch with the distributor of Lilliput responsible for this service or the Lilliput's
local offices.
3. Check the Complete Instrument
If it is found that there is damage to the appearance of the instrument, or the
instrument cannot work normally, or fails in the performance test, please get in touch
with the Lilliput's distributor responsible for this business or the Lilliput's local offices.
If there is damage to the instrument caused by the transportation, please keep the
package. With the transportation department or the Lilliput's distributor responsible
for this business informed about it, a repairing or replacement of the instrument will
be arranged by the Lilliput.
How to Implement the Function Inspection
Make a fast function check to verify the normal operation of the instrument, according
to the following steps:
1. Connect the power cord to a power source. Push down the button of the " "
signal on the left bottom.
The instrument carries out all self-check items and shows the Boot Logo. Press the
"Utility" button, select Calibrate in the left menu, select Factory Set in the bottom
menu. The default attenuation coefficient set value of the probe in the menu is 10X.
2. Set the Switch in the Oscilloscope Probe as 10X and Connect the Oscilloscope
with CH1 Channel.
Align the slot in the probe with the plug in the CH1 connector BNC, and then tighten
the probe with rotating it to the right side.
Connect the probe tip and the ground clamp to the connector of the probe
compensator.
3. Press the "Autoset"Button.
The square wave of 1 KHz frequency and 5V peak-peak value will be displayed in
several seconds (see Figure 4-5).

4.Junior User Guidebook
12
Figure 4-5 Auto set
Check CH2, CH3 and CH4 by repeating Step 2 and Step 3.
How to Implement the Probe Compensation
When connect the probe with any input channel for the first time, make this
adjustment to match the probe with the input channel. The probe which is not
compensated or presents a compensation deviation will result in the measuring error
or mistake. For adjusting the probe compensation, please carry out the following
steps:
1. Set the attenuation coefficient of the probe in the menu as 10X and that of the
switch in the probe as 10X (see "How to Set the Probe Attenuation Coefficient"
on P13), and connect the probe with the CH1 channel. If a probe hook tip is used,
ensure that it keeps in close touch with the probe. Connect the probe tip with the
signal connector of the probe compensator and connect the reference wire clamp
with the ground wire connector of the probe connector, and then press the button
"Autoset".
2. Check the displayed waveforms and regulate the probe till a correct
compensation is achieved (see Figure 4-6 and Figure 4-7).
Overcompensated Compensated correctly Under compensated
Figure 4-6 Displayed Waveforms of the Probe Compensation
3. Repeat the steps mentioned if needed.

4.Junior User Guidebook
13
Figure 4-7 Adjust Probe
How to Set the ProbeAttenuation Coefficient
The probe has several attenuation coefficients, which will influence the vertical scale
factor of the oscilloscope.
To change or check the probe attenuation coefficient in the menu of oscilloscope:
(1) Press the function menu button of the used channels (CH1
～
CH4 button).
(2) Select Probe in the bottom menu; select the proper value in the right menu
corresponding to the probe.
This setting will be valid all the time before it is changed again.
Caution:
The default attenuation coefficient of the probe on the instrument is preset to
10X.
Make sure that the set value of the attenuation switch in the probe is the
same as the menu selection of the probe attenuation coefficient
in the
oscilloscope.
The set values of the probe switch are 1X and 10X (see Figure 4-8).
Figure 4-8 Attenuation Switch
Caution:
When the attenuation switch is set to 1X, the probe will limit the bandwidth
of the oscilloscope in 5MHz. To use the full bandwidth of the oscilloscope,
the switch must be set to 10X.

4.Junior User Guidebook
14
How to Use the Probe Safely
The safety guard ring around the probe body protects your finger against any electric
shock, shown as Figure 4-9.
Figure 4-9 Finger Guard
Warning:
To avoid electric shock, always
keep your finger behind the safety guard
ring of the probe during the operation.
To protect you from suffering from the electric shock, do not touch any
metal part of the probe tip when it is connected to the power supply.
Before making any measurements, always
connect the probe to the
instrument and connect the ground terminal to the earth.
How to Implement Self-calibration
The self-calibration application can make the oscilloscope reach the optimum
condition rapidly to obtain the most accurate measurement value. You can carry out
this application program at any time. This program must be executed whenever the
change of ambient temperature is 5℃or over.
Before performing a self-calibration, disconnect all probes or wires from the input
connector. Press the "Utility" button, select Calibrate in the left menu, select Self
Calibrate in the bottom menu. A confirmation window will pop up, select OK after
everything is ready.
Introduction to the Vertical System
As shown in Figure 4-10, there are a few of buttons and knobs in VERTICAL
CONTROLS. The following practices will gradually direct you to be familiar with
the using of the vertical setting.

4.Junior User Guidebook
15
Figure 4-10 Vertical Control Zone
1. Use the button "VERTICAL POSITION" knob to show the signal in the center of
the waveform window. The "VERTICAL POSITION" knob functions the regulating
of the vertical display position of the signal. Thus, when the "VERTICAL
POSITION" knob is rotated, the pointer of the earth datum point of the channel is
directed to move up and down following the waveform.
Measuring Skill
If the channel is under the DC coupling mode, you can rapidly measure the DC
component of the signal through the observation of the difference between the wave
form and the signal ground.
If the channel is under the AC mode, the DC component would be filtered out. This
mode helps you display the AC component of the signal with a higher sensitivity.
Vertical offset back to 0 shortcut key
Turn the VERTICAL POSITION knob to change the vertical display position of
channel and press the position knob to set the vertical display position back to 0 as a
shortcut key, this is especially helpful when the trace position is far out of the screen
and want it to get back to the screen center immediately.
2. Change the Vertical Setting and Observe the Consequent State Information Change.
With the information displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the waveform
window, you can determine any changes in the channel vertical scale factor.
Turn the vertical "VOLTS/DIV" knob and change the "Vertical Scale Factor
(Voltage Division)", it can be found that the scale factor of the channel
corresponding to the status bar has been changed accordingly.
Press buttons of CH1
～
CH4 and Math, the operation menu, symbols,
waveforms and scale factor status information of the corresponding channel will
be displayed in the screen.
You can also set the vertical system through touchscreen, see "Set the Vertical System