Tektronix TDS3TRG User manual

User Manual
TDS3TRG
Advanced Trigger
Application Module
071-0305-01
This document supports firmware version 2.00
and above.
User Manual
TDS3TRG
Advanced Trigger
Application Module
071-0305-01
This document supports firmware version 2.00
and above.

Copyright ©Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
DPX is a trademark of Tektronix, Inc.
Copyright ©Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
DPX is a trademark of Tektronix, Inc.

WARRANTY SUMMARY
Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment
from an authorized Tektronix distributor. If a product proves defective within the
respective period, Tektronix will provide repair or replacement as described in the complete
warranty statement.
To arrange for service or obtain a copy of the complete warranty statement, please contact
your nearest Tektronix sales and service office.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUMMARY OR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY
STATEMENT, TEKTRONIX MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO
EVENT SHALL TEKTRONIX BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
WARRANTY SUMMARY
Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment
from an authorized Tektronix distributor. If a product proves defective within the
respective period, Tektronix will provide repair or replacement as described in the complete
warranty statement.
To arrange for service or obtain a copy of the complete warranty statement, please contact
your nearest Tektronix sales and service office.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUMMARY OR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY
STATEMENT, TEKTRONIX MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO
EVENT SHALL TEKTRONIX BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contacting Tektronix vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started
Installing Application Module and Firmware 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Module Installation 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Module Installation 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics
Advanced Trigger Features 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessing Advanced Triggering 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Trigger Concepts 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference
Conventions 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pattern Triggering 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State Triggering 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulse Width Triggering 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Runt Pulse Triggering 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slew Rate Triggering 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix
Appendix A: Specifications 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contacting Tektronix vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started
Installing Application Module and Firmware 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Module Installation 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Module Installation 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics
Advanced Trigger Features 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessing Advanced Triggering 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Trigger Concepts 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference
Conventions 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pattern Triggering 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State Triggering 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulse Width Triggering 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Runt Pulse Triggering 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slew Rate Triggering 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix
Appendix A: Specifications 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Table of Contents
ii TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual

TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual iii
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it. To avoid
potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of the
system. Read the General Safety Summary in other system manuals
for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage
to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual. The following term appears in this manual:
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual iii
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it. To avoid
potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of the
system. Read the General Safety Summary in other system manuals
for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage
to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual. The following term appears in this manual:
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.

General Safety Summary
iv TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Preventing Electrostatic Damage
CAUTION. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components in
the oscilloscope and its accessories. To prevent ESD, observe these
precautions when directed to do so.
Use a Ground Strap. Wear a grounded antistatic wrist strap to
discharge the static voltage from your body while installing or
removing sensitive components.
Use a Safe Work Area. Do not use any devices capable of generating or
holding a static charge in the work area where you install or remove
sensitive components. Avoid handling sensitive components in areas
that have a floor or benchtop surface capable of generating a static
charge.
Handle Components Carefully. Do not slide sensitive components over
any surface. Do not touch exposed connector pins. Handle sensitive
components as little as possible.
Transport and Store Carefully. Transport and store sensitive components
in a static-protected bag or container.
General Safety Summary
iv TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Preventing Electrostatic Damage
CAUTION. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components in
the oscilloscope and its accessories. To prevent ESD, observe these
precautions when directed to do so.
Use a Ground Strap. Wear a grounded antistatic wrist strap to
discharge the static voltage from your body while installing or
removing sensitive components.
Use a Safe Work Area. Do not use any devices capable of generating or
holding a static charge in the work area where you install or remove
sensitive components. Avoid handling sensitive components in areas
that have a floor or benchtop surface capable of generating a static
charge.
Handle Components Carefully. Do not slide sensitive components over
any surface. Do not touch exposed connector pins. Handle sensitive
components as little as possible.
Transport and Store Carefully. Transport and store sensitive components
in a static-protected bag or container.

TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual v
Preface
This User Manual describes the capabilities, operation, and
applications of the TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger application module.
The following table shows you where to find information in this
manual.
If you are looking for: Turn to:
Installation information Installing Application Module and
Firmware on page 1
Product overview Advanced Trigger Features on page 6
Basic operating instructions Accessing Advanced Triggering on
page 8
Understanding advanced triggering Advanced Trigger Concepts on page 9
Function details Reference section starting on page 15
Technical specifications Specifications appendix on page 38
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual v
Preface
This User Manual describes the capabilities, operation, and
applications of the TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger application module.
The following table shows you where to find information in this
manual.
If you are looking for: Turn to:
Installation information Installing Application Module and
Firmware on page 1
Product overview Advanced Trigger Features on page 6
Basic operating instructions Accessing Advanced Triggering on
page 8
Understanding advanced triggering Advanced Trigger Concepts on page 9
Function details Reference section starting on page 15
Technical specifications Specifications appendix on page 38

Preface
vi TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Contacting Tektronix
Product
Support For questions about using Tektronix measurement products, call toll free in North America:
1-800-TEK-WIDE (1-800-835-9433 ext. 2400)
6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time
Or contact us by e-mail:
[email protected]
For product support outside of North America,
contact your local Tektronix distributor or sales
office.
Service
Support Tektronix offers extended warranty and calibration programs as options on many products. Contact
your local Tektronix distributor or sales office.
For a listing of worldwide service centers, visit our
web site.
For other
information In North America: 1-800-TEK-WIDE (1-800-835-9433)
An operator will direct your call.
To write us
Website
Tektronix, Inc.
P.O. Box 1000
Wilsonville, OR 97070-1000
USA
Tektronix.com
Preface
vi TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Contacting Tektronix
Product
Support For questions about using Tektronix measurement products, call toll free in North America:
1-800-TEK-WIDE (1-800-835-9433 ext. 2400)
6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time
Or contact us by e-mail:
[email protected]
For product support outside of North America,
contact your local Tektronix distributor or sales
office.
Service
Support Tektronix offers extended warranty and calibration programs as options on many products. Contact
your local Tektronix distributor or sales office.
For a listing of worldwide service centers, visit our
web site.
For other
information In North America: 1-800-TEK-WIDE (1-800-835-9433)
An operator will direct your call.
To write us
Website
Tektronix, Inc.
P.O. Box 1000
Wilsonville, OR 97070-1000
USA
Tektronix.com

TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 1
Getting Started
This chapter describes how to install and check the TDS3TRG
Advanced Trigger application module.
Installing Application Module and Firmware
You can install up to four application modules in the oscilloscope.
Application modules go into the two slots with windows in the upper
right corner of the front panel. Two additional slots are located
behind the two front slots.
NOTE. You do not need to do the following procedure if you
purchased a four-channel oscilloscope with pre-installed application
modules.
You must do the firmware install procedure the first time you install a
new application module.
You do not need to reinstall the firmware if you remove and reinstall
an application module.
CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope or application
module, observe the ESD precautions described on page iv.
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 1
Getting Started
This chapter describes how to install and check the TDS3TRG
Advanced Trigger application module.
Installing Application Module and Firmware
You can install up to four application modules in the oscilloscope.
Application modules go into the two slots with windows in the upper
right corner of the front panel. Two additional slots are located
behind the two front slots.
NOTE. You do not need to do the following procedure if you
purchased a four-channel oscilloscope with pre-installed application
modules.
You must do the firmware install procedure the first time you install a
new application module.
You do not need to reinstall the firmware if you remove and reinstall
an application module.
CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope or application
module, observe the ESD precautions described on page iv.

Getting Started
2TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
To install an application module and its associated oscilloscope
firmware, do these steps:
1. Save any oscilloscope settings and/or reference waveforms to
floppy disk before doing these steps.
2. Turn the oscilloscope power off.
3. Open the small door in the upper right corner of the front panel.
4. Slide the application module into any available slot with the
module contacts facing the circuit board. Use a small screwdriver
to remove an existing module if it is necessary to make space for
a new application module.
5. Close the module door.
NOTE. If you remove an application module, the features provided by
that application module are no longer available. You can reinstall the
module to restore the features.
Application modules
Contacts
Getting Started
2TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
To install an application module and its associated oscilloscope
firmware, do these steps:
1. Save any oscilloscope settings and/or reference waveforms to
floppy disk before doing these steps.
2. Turn the oscilloscope power off.
3. Open the small door in the upper right corner of the front panel.
4. Slide the application module into any available slot with the
module contacts facing the circuit board. Use a small screwdriver
to remove an existing module if it is necessary to make space for
a new application module.
5. Close the module door.
NOTE. If you remove an application module, the features provided by
that application module are no longer available. You can reinstall the
module to restore the features.
Application modules
Contacts

Getting Started
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 3
6. If the application module came with one or more floppy disks,
insert the firmware upgrade floppy disk into the floppy disk
drive. If there is more than one floppy disk, insert firmware
upgrade floppy disk number one into the floppy disk drive.
7. Power on the oscilloscope. The oscilloscope determines whether
the firmware update is necessary. If no firmware update is
necessary, the oscilloscope displays the following message:
“A floppy disk has been detected which contains instrument
firmware. However, the firmware on the disk is not newer than
the instrument firmware.
Push MENU OFF to remove this message”
Push the MENU OFF button and then go to step 10.
If a firmware update is necessary, the oscilloscope displays the
following message:
“This procedure will replace the firmware in the instrument with
firmware from the floppy disk. Do not turn the instrument off or
eject the floppy disk until the procedure is complete. This
procedure will take approximately 7 minutes.
Push ‘OK Load New Firmware’ to proceed.”
8. Push OK Load New Firmware to begin loading the firmware.
The oscilloscope shows a clock icon on the screen while the
firmware upgrade is in process. If a second firmware floppy disk
is required, the oscilloscope will instruct you to eject the first disk
and insert the second disk.
When the firmware upgrade is complete, the oscilloscope will
restart automatically with the new firmware.
Getting Started
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 3
6. If the application module came with one or more floppy disks,
insert the firmware upgrade floppy disk into the floppy disk
drive. If there is more than one floppy disk, insert firmware
upgrade floppy disk number one into the floppy disk drive.
7. Power on the oscilloscope. The oscilloscope determines whether
the firmware update is necessary. If no firmware update is
necessary, the oscilloscope displays the following message:
“A floppy disk has been detected which contains instrument
firmware. However, the firmware on the disk is not newer than
the instrument firmware.
Push MENU OFF to remove this message”
Push the MENU OFF button and then go to step 10.
If a firmware update is necessary, the oscilloscope displays the
following message:
“This procedure will replace the firmware in the instrument with
firmware from the floppy disk. Do not turn the instrument off or
eject the floppy disk until the procedure is complete. This
procedure will take approximately 7 minutes.
Push ‘OK Load New Firmware’ to proceed.”
8. Push OK Load New Firmware to begin loading the firmware.
The oscilloscope shows a clock icon on the screen while the
firmware upgrade is in process. If a second firmware floppy disk
is required, the oscilloscope will instruct you to eject the first disk
and insert the second disk.
When the firmware upgrade is complete, the oscilloscope will
restart automatically with the new firmware.

Getting Started
4TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
NOTE. If you power off the oscilloscope, eject the floppy disk, or
there is a power outage during the firmware upgrade process, you
must power off the oscilloscope and repeat the firmware upgrade
procedure, starting at step 6, before you can use the oscilloscope.
9. If you do not want to upgrade the firmware, push MENU OFF.
NOTE. If you do not update the oscilloscope firmware, the new
application module may not function at all, or may not function
correctly. It is strongly recommended that you install new firmware.
10.Do not forget to remove the floppy disk when you are done with
the firmware upgrade.
You are done installing the application module and firmware.
Checking Module Installation
Do these steps to check that the Advanced Trigger application
module is correctly installed. If the oscilloscope does not show the
application module menu items, do the steps in Troubleshooting
Module Installation.
1. Power on the oscilloscope. Look at the oscilloscope startup
screen; it should list the newly-installed module. If the oscillo-
scope displays a message stating that you need to upgrade
firmware, power off the oscilloscope and do the steps in the
Firmware Upgrade Procedure, starting at step 6 on page 3.
2. Push the Trigger MENU button.
3. Push the Type bottom screen button. The pop-up menu now
includes Logic and Pulse entries.
Getting Started
4TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
NOTE. If you power off the oscilloscope, eject the floppy disk, or
there is a power outage during the firmware upgrade process, you
must power off the oscilloscope and repeat the firmware upgrade
procedure, starting at step 6, before you can use the oscilloscope.
9. If you do not want to upgrade the firmware, push MENU OFF.
NOTE. If you do not update the oscilloscope firmware, the new
application module may not function at all, or may not function
correctly. It is strongly recommended that you install new firmware.
10.Do not forget to remove the floppy disk when you are done with
the firmware upgrade.
You are done installing the application module and firmware.
Checking Module Installation
Do these steps to check that the Advanced Trigger application
module is correctly installed. If the oscilloscope does not show the
application module menu items, do the steps in Troubleshooting
Module Installation.
1. Power on the oscilloscope. Look at the oscilloscope startup
screen; it should list the newly-installed module. If the oscillo-
scope displays a message stating that you need to upgrade
firmware, power off the oscilloscope and do the steps in the
Firmware Upgrade Procedure, starting at step 6 on page 3.
2. Push the Trigger MENU button.
3. Push the Type bottom screen button. The pop-up menu now
includes Logic and Pulse entries.

Getting Started
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 5
Troubleshooting Module Installation
If the oscilloscope does not recognize the application module at
power-up, do these steps:
1. Turn off the oscilloscope.
2. Follow the ESD precautions listed on page iv.
3. Remove the application module (refer to step 4 on page 2).
4. Examine the oscilloscope and application module contacts for
damage.
5. Reinsert the application module into the oscilloscope.
6. Turn on the oscilloscope. If the oscilloscope does not display the
application menu items as listed in Checking Module Installation,
power off the oscilloscope and reinstall the application module
into a different slot.
7. Turn on the oscilloscope. If the oscilloscope now shows the
application module menu items, you have a problem with one of
the application module slots. Contact the nearest Tektronix
service center to resolve the problem.
If the oscilloscope does not show the application menu items,
power off the oscilloscope and reinstall the oscilloscope firmware
by starting at step 6 on page 3 (Installing Application Module
and Firmware).
8. If, after reinstalling the firmware, the oscilloscope still does not
show the application module menu items, contact the nearest
Tektronix service center.
Getting Started
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 5
Troubleshooting Module Installation
If the oscilloscope does not recognize the application module at
power-up, do these steps:
1. Turn off the oscilloscope.
2. Follow the ESD precautions listed on page iv.
3. Remove the application module (refer to step 4 on page 2).
4. Examine the oscilloscope and application module contacts for
damage.
5. Reinsert the application module into the oscilloscope.
6. Turn on the oscilloscope. If the oscilloscope does not display the
application menu items as listed in Checking Module Installation,
power off the oscilloscope and reinstall the application module
into a different slot.
7. Turn on the oscilloscope. If the oscilloscope now shows the
application module menu items, you have a problem with one of
the application module slots. Contact the nearest Tektronix
service center to resolve the problem.
If the oscilloscope does not show the application menu items,
power off the oscilloscope and reinstall the oscilloscope firmware
by starting at step 6 on page 3 (Installing Application Module
and Firmware).
8. If, after reinstalling the firmware, the oscilloscope still does not
show the application module menu items, contact the nearest
Tektronix service center.

6TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Operating Basics
This chapter describes the features of the module, how to access the
advanced trigger menu, and logic triggering concepts.
Advanced Trigger Features
The TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger application module adds logic and
pulse triggering capabilities to your TDS3000 series oscilloscope.
This section provides an overview of these new features.
Logic Trigger Features
Logic triggering triggers the oscilloscope when two signals meet a
Boolean logic condition. The advanced trigger module provides
pattern and state logic trigger modes.
Pattern Trigger. Pattern triggering triggers the oscilloscope when two
signals become logically true or false. Basically, the pattern-trigger-
ing feature triggers the oscilloscope from the output of a two-input
AND, OR, NAND, or NOR logic gate. You can specify time
constraints and signal threshold levels as part of the triggering
condition. This trigger is useful for digital logic troubleshooting.
State Trigger. State triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a state
signal is true or false at the time a clock signal transition is true. This
trigger is useful for troubleshooting digital logic synchronous state
machines.
6TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Operating Basics
This chapter describes the features of the module, how to access the
advanced trigger menu, and logic triggering concepts.
Advanced Trigger Features
The TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger application module adds logic and
pulse triggering capabilities to your TDS3000 series oscilloscope.
This section provides an overview of these new features.
Logic Trigger Features
Logic triggering triggers the oscilloscope when two signals meet a
Boolean logic condition. The advanced trigger module provides
pattern and state logic trigger modes.
Pattern Trigger. Pattern triggering triggers the oscilloscope when two
signals become logically true or false. Basically, the pattern-trigger-
ing feature triggers the oscilloscope from the output of a two-input
AND, OR, NAND, or NOR logic gate. You can specify time
constraints and signal threshold levels as part of the triggering
condition. This trigger is useful for digital logic troubleshooting.
State Trigger. State triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a state
signal is true or false at the time a clock signal transition is true. This
trigger is useful for troubleshooting digital logic synchronous state
machines.

Operating Basics
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 7
Pulse Trigger Features
Pulse triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a signal meets a
timing or threshold condition. The advanced trigger module provides
three pulse trigger modes: pulse width, runt pulse, and slew rate.
Pulse Width. Pulse-width triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a
signal pulse width is less than, greater than, equal to, or not equal to
a specified pulse width. This trigger is useful for digital logic
troubleshooting.
Runt Pulse. Runt-pulse triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a
signal pulse is less than a specified threshold level. You can also
specify runt pulse-width parameters. This trigger is useful for
troubleshooting bus-contention problems.
Slew Rate. Slew-rate triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a
signal’s slew rate (rise or fall time) is less than, greater than, equal
to, or not equal to a specified slew rate. This trigger is useful for
troubleshooting digital bus transceivers, transmission lines, and
op-amp circuits.
Operating Basics
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 7
Pulse Trigger Features
Pulse triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a signal meets a
timing or threshold condition. The advanced trigger module provides
three pulse trigger modes: pulse width, runt pulse, and slew rate.
Pulse Width. Pulse-width triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a
signal pulse width is less than, greater than, equal to, or not equal to
a specified pulse width. This trigger is useful for digital logic
troubleshooting.
Runt Pulse. Runt-pulse triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a
signal pulse is less than a specified threshold level. You can also
specify runt pulse-width parameters. This trigger is useful for
troubleshooting bus-contention problems.
Slew Rate. Slew-rate triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a
signal’s slew rate (rise or fall time) is less than, greater than, equal
to, or not equal to a specified slew rate. This trigger is useful for
troubleshooting digital bus transceivers, transmission lines, and
op-amp circuits.

Operating Basics
8TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Accessing Advanced Triggering
Do these steps to access the advanced triggering functions:
1. If B triggering is enabled, push the B TRIG button to turn off B
triggering. You cannot use B triggering with any of the advanced
trigger functions.
2. Push the Trigger MENU button to display the Trigger screen
buttons.
3. Push the Type bottom screen button to display the trigger type
pop-up menu.
4. Push the Type bottom screen button to select Logic or Pulse
triggering.
5. Push the Class screen button to select trigger class.
Operating Basics
8TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Accessing Advanced Triggering
Do these steps to access the advanced triggering functions:
1. If B triggering is enabled, push the B TRIG button to turn off B
triggering. You cannot use B triggering with any of the advanced
trigger functions.
2. Push the Trigger MENU button to display the Trigger screen
buttons.
3. Push the Type bottom screen button to display the trigger type
pop-up menu.
4. Push the Type bottom screen button to select Logic or Pulse
triggering.
5. Push the Class screen button to select trigger class.

Operating Basics
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 9
Advanced Trigger Concepts
This section introduces the concepts of signal logic and thresholds as
they relate to advanced triggering. These concepts apply to most or
all of the advanced trigger functions. You should read this section if
you are not familiar with advanced triggering concepts or Boolean
logic.
Overview
Edge triggering can trigger on most signals, and is the default trigger
type. Edge triggering sets the oscilloscope to trigger (acquire signal
data) when a signal meets a specified signal slope and a single
voltage-threshold condition.
= Possible trigger points for positive slope signals
Single
threshold
voltagesetting
However, there are times when you need to trigger the oscilloscope
on a more complex signal, or when two signals meet a condition, in
order to troubleshoot a particular problem. These problems include a
pulse that is too narrow or wide, and situations in which one signal is
true when a second signal transitions from low to high.
Operating Basics
TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual 9
Advanced Trigger Concepts
This section introduces the concepts of signal logic and thresholds as
they relate to advanced triggering. These concepts apply to most or
all of the advanced trigger functions. You should read this section if
you are not familiar with advanced triggering concepts or Boolean
logic.
Overview
Edge triggering can trigger on most signals, and is the default trigger
type. Edge triggering sets the oscilloscope to trigger (acquire signal
data) when a signal meets a specified signal slope and a single
voltage-threshold condition.
= Possible trigger points for positive slope signals
Single
threshold
voltagesetting
However, there are times when you need to trigger the oscilloscope
on a more complex signal, or when two signals meet a condition, in
order to troubleshoot a particular problem. These problems include a
pulse that is too narrow or wide, and situations in which one signal is
true when a second signal transitions from low to high.

Operating Basics
10 TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Advanced triggering can help acquire signals with these types of
problems. Advanced triggering lets you further qualify the trigger
conditions by adding parameters such as pulse width, delta time,
logical comparisons of two signals, and dual threshold levels.
Pulse width Runt pulse
= Trigger point
Thresholds
Both pulse and logic triggering trigger the oscilloscope when one or
two signals are logically true. To determine whether a signal is true
or false, you must set a signal reference point that determines
whether a signal is in one of two states. You set this reference point
by specifying a threshold voltage level for each trigger signal.
Crossing the threshold level toggles the state value of that signal.
Signal
threshold
voltage setting
High logic
state
= Transition point from
one state to another
Low logic
state Low logic state
Operating Basics
10 TDS3TRG Advanced Trigger User Manual
Advanced triggering can help acquire signals with these types of
problems. Advanced triggering lets you further qualify the trigger
conditions by adding parameters such as pulse width, delta time,
logical comparisons of two signals, and dual threshold levels.
Pulse width Runt pulse
= Trigger point
Thresholds
Both pulse and logic triggering trigger the oscilloscope when one or
two signals are logically true. To determine whether a signal is true
or false, you must set a signal reference point that determines
whether a signal is in one of two states. You set this reference point
by specifying a threshold voltage level for each trigger signal.
Crossing the threshold level toggles the state value of that signal.
Signal
threshold
voltage setting
High logic
state
= Transition point from
one state to another
Low logic
state Low logic state