Tektronix DSA8300 Manual

x
DSA8300
Digital Serial Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
*P071289701*
071-2897-01

DSA8300
Digital Serial Analyzer
ZZZ
Quick Start User Manual
xx
Revision A
www.tektronix.com
071-2897-01

Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries or suppliers, and are
protected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all
previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
TEKPROBE and FrameScan are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.

Warranty
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of
shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, 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 Tektronix for warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced
parts, modules and products become the property of Tektronix.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period
and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the
product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall
be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and
care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel
other than Tektronix 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-Tektronix 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.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX' RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS
IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX
AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.
[W2 – 15AUG04]

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
General safety summary .............................................................................................................. iii
Compliance Information ............................................................................................................... v
EMC Compliance................................................................................................................. v
Safety Compliance.............................................................................................................. vii
Environmental Considerations................................................................................................... ix
Preface................................................................................................................................. x
Documentation ...................................................................................................................x
Conventions Used in This Manual............................................................................................... x
Key Features........................................................................................................................... 1
Install Your Instrument................................................................................................................. 3
Standard Accessories............................................................................................................ 3
Operating Considerations........................................................................................................ 4
Installing Modules................................................................................................................ 6
Module Configuration ............................................................................................................ 7
Powering the Instrument On and Off............................................................................................ 8
Adding a Second Monitor........................................................................................................ 9
Getting Acquainted with Your Instrument ......... .. ......... .... ..... .. .. ......... .. ......... .. .. ......... .. ......... ......... .. .. .. 12
Front Panel......................................................................................................................12
Control Panel....................................................................................................................13
Rear Panel ...................................................................................................................... 14
Computer I/O Panel............................................................................................................. 15
The User Interface .............................................................................................................. 16
Display - Single Waveform View................................................................................................ 17
Display - Magnified Waveform Views .......................................................................................... 18
Accessing Online Help.......................................................................................................... 19
Inspect Your Instrument .............................................................................................................. 20
Verify Internal Diagnostics Pass.. .. ........... .. .. ........... .. .. .. ......... .... .. .... ......... .. .... ........... .. .. ........... 20
Optimizing Measurement Accuracy.................................................................................................. 22
Signal Path Compensation ..................................................................................................... 22
Dark-Level and User Wavelength Gain Compensations ...................................................................... 25
Acquisition ............................................................................................................................ 27
Setting Up Signal Input ......................................................................................................... 27
Using Factory Default Setup.................................................................................................... 29
Using Autoset ................................................................................................................... 30
Accessing the Setup Dialog Boxes............................................................................................. 31
Changing the Acquisition Mode ................................................................................................ 32
Waveform Databases ........................................................................................................... 33
Setting the Display Style........................................................................................................ 34
Triggers ............................................................................................................................... 36
Triggering Concepts............................................................................................................. 36
Setting Trigger Controls......................................................................................................... 39
Setting Pattern Sync and FrameScan Controls................................................................................ 40
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual i

Table of Contents
Checking Trigger Status ........................................................................................................ 41
Waveform Measurements............................................................................................................ 42
Taking Automatic Measurements............................................................................................... 42
Turning Off Automatic Measurements.......................................................................................... 46
Cursor Measurements .......................................................................................................... 47
Math Waveforms ................................................................................................................ 50
Display a Communication Signal ..... .... ......... .. ....... .. ......... ......... .. .. ..... .. .. ......... ......... .. ......... ...... 51
Mask Testing .................................................................................................................... 53
FrameScan...................................................................................................................... 58
To Use TDR ..................................................................................................................... 59
Phase Reference................................................................................................................ 61
Histograms ......................................................................................................................63
Document Your Results......................................................................................................... 64
Skew and Deskewing................................................................................................................. 66
Methods to Adjust Skew ........................................................................................................ 67
Setup Considerations and Procedures... .. ......... .... ..... .. .. ......... ......... .. ....... .. ......... ......... .. .. ..... .... .. 68
Acquisition Deskew Procedure ................................................................................................. 71
TDR Step Deskew Procedure .................................................................................................. 74
Cleaning the Instrument.............................................................................................................. 78
Exterior Cleaning................................................................................................................ 78
Flat Panel Display Cleaning .................................................................................................... 78
Optical Connector Cleaning .................................................................................................... 78
Restoring the Operating System..................................................................................................... 79
Restoring the Operating System from the Instrument Hard Disk Drive....................................................... 79
Restoring the Operating System with Restore Media ......................................................................... 80
Index
ii DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual

General safety summary
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 a larger system. Read the safety sections of the other
component manuals for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
To avoid fire or personal injury
Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord specified for this product and certified for the country of use.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected
to a voltage source.
Ground the product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric
shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the
product manual for further ratings information before making connections to the product.
The inputs are not rated for connection to mains or Category II, III, or IV circuits.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Power disconnect. The power switch disconnects the product from the power source. See instructions for the location.
Do not block the power switch; it must remain accessible to the user at all times.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by
qualified service personnel.
Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.
Use proper fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
Wear eye protection. Wear eye protection if exposure to high-intensity rays or laser radiation exists.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the manual's installation instructions for details on installing the product so it has
proper ventilation.
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual iii

General safety summary
Termsinthismanual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.
Symbols and terms on the product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
iv DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual

Compliance Information
Compliance Information
This section lists the EMC (electromagnetic compliance), safety, and environmental standards with which the instrument
complies.
EMC Compliance
EC Declaration of Conformity – EMC
Meets intent of Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following
specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
EN 61326-1:2006, EN 61326-2-1:2006. EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratoryuse.1236
CISPR 11:2003. Radiated and conducted emissions, Group 1, Class A
IEC 61000-4-2:2001. Electrostatic discharge immunity
IEC 61000-4-3:2002. RF electromagnetic field immunity 4
IEC 61000-4-4:2004. Electrical fast transient / burst immunity
IEC 61000-4-5:2001. Power line surge immunity
IEC 61000-4-6:2003. Conducted RF immunity
IEC 61000-4-11:2004. Voltage dips and interruptions immunity 5
EN 61000-3-2:2006. AC power line harmonic emissions
EN 61000-3-3:1995. Voltage changes, fluctuations, and flicker
European contact.
Tektronix UK, Ltd.
Western Peninsula
Western Road
Bracknell, RG12 1RF
United Kingdom
1This product is intended for use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference.
2Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object.
3To ensure compliance with the EMC standards listed here, use high quality shielded interface cables.
4Horizontal timing susceptibility of the optical sampling modules and their internal clock recovery trigger signals usually increases
the horizontal timing jitter when external electromagnetic fields are applied. For fields up to 3 V/m, the increase in the horizontal
high-frequency RMS jitter is typically less than 3 ps RMS of jitter, added using the square-root-of-the-sum-of-the-squares method.
For example, if an 80C01–CR operating in clock-recovery trigger mode exhibits 3.5 ps RMS of edge jitter, with no EMC field
applied and for an ideal jitterless input, then for applied fields up to 3 V/m the edge jitter, degradation would typically result in
a total RMS jitter of:
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual v

Compliance Information
5Performance Criterion C applied at the 70%/25 cycle Voltage-Dip and the 0%/250 cycle Voltage-Interruption test levels (IEC
61000-4-11). If the instrument powers down upon a voltage dip or interruption, it will take longer than ten seconds to reboot.
6With an 80E01 Electrical Sampling module, up to 15 mVRMS random noise is allowed when the instrument is subjected to fields and
signals as defined in the IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6 tests.
Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity – EMC
Complies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the following standard, in accordance with ACMA:
CISPR 11:2003. Radiated and Conducted Emissions, Group 1, Class A, in accordance with EN 61326-1:2006 and
EN 61326-2-1:2006.
vi DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual

Compliance Information
Safety Compliance
EC Declaration of Conformity – Low Voltage
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
EN 61010-1: 2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use.
U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing
UL61010-1, 2nd Edition. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use-
Part 1.
Canadian Certification
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-2004. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use- Part 1
Additional Compliances
IEC 61010-1: 2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
Equipment Type
Test and measuring equipment.
Safety Class
Class 1 – grounded product.
Pollution Degree Description
A measure of the contaminants that could occur in the environment around and within a product. Typically the internal
environment inside a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products should be used only in the environment
for which they are rated.
Pollution Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Products in this category are generally
encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.
Pollution Degree 2. Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is
caused by condensation must be expected. This location is a typical office/home environment. Temporary condensation
occurs only when the product is out of service.
Pollution Degree 3. Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation.
These are sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity is controlled. The area is protected from direct
sunshine, rain, or direct wind.
Pollution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical
outdoor locations.
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual vii

Compliance Information
Pollution Degree
Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for indoor use only.
Installation (Overvoltage) Category Descriptions
Terminals on this product may have different installation (overvoltage) category designations. The installation categories are:
Measurement Category IV. For measurements performed at the source of low-voltage installation.
Measurement Category III. For measurements performed in the building installation.
Measurement Category II. For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation.
Measurement Category I. For measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to MAINS.
Overvoltage Category
Overvoltage Category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1)
viii DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual

Compliance Information
Environmental Considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment recycling. Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment
may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s
end of life. In order to avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources,
we encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused
or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according
to Directives 2002/96/EC and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and
batteries. For information about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web
site (www.tektronix.com).
Perchlorate materials. This product contains one or more type CR lithium batteries. According to the state
of California, CR lithium batteries are classified as perchlorate materials and require special handling. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate for additional information.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This product has been classified as Monitoring and Control equipment, and is outside the scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS
Directive.
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual ix

Preface
Preface
Documentation
This manual describes the installation and operation of the DSA8300 Digital Serial Analyzer including basic operation and
concepts. For more detailed information, see the online help on your instrument.
NOTE. The screen images in this manual may differ slightly from other versions of product software.
Additional information is available through a variety of sources. The following table points to the location of different types of
information available for this product.
Type of information Location
Unpacking, installation, operation and overviews Quick Start User Manual
In-depth operation, UI help, programming help Instrument online help
Performance verification and specifications Product documentation CD
Product software Product software CD
www.tektronix.com/software
Service Service manual
PDF files of instrument and modules manuals Product software CD
www.tektronix.com/manuals
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following icons may be used in this manual.
Rear panel
power
Front panel
power
Connect power Network PS2 USB
xDSA8300 Quick Start User Manual

Key Features
Key Features
The DSA8300 is a state-of-the-art equivalent time sampling oscilloscope that provides the highest fidelity measurement
and analysis capabilities for communications signal analysis, serial data network analysis, and serial data link analysis
applications.
Highest Fidelity Signal Capture
Very Low Time-base Jitter:
425 fs typical on up to 8 simultaneously acquired channels
<200 fs typical on up to 6 channels with 82A04 phase reference module
Best vertical resolution (16 bit A/D):
Electrical resolution: <20 μV LSB (for 1 V full range)
Optical resolution depends on the dynamic range of the optical module ranges from <20 nW for the 80C07B (1 mW
full range) to <0.6 μW for the 80C10B (30 mW full range)
FlexibleConfigurations
The DSA8300 supports up to 8 simultaneously acquired signals
A wide variety of optical, electrical, and accessory modules to support your specific testing requirements
Use the new Change/View Module Config function to install or remove modules without powering down the instrument
Optical Modules
Fully integrated optical modules that support all standard optical data rates from 155 Mb/s to 100 Gb/s
Certified optical reference receivers support specified requirements for standards-mandated compliance testing
Optical bandwidths to >80 GHz
High optical sensitivity and low noise as well as the wide dynamic range of the optical sampling modules allows accurate
testing and characterization of short-reach to long-haul optical communications standards
Fully calibrated clock recovery solutions; no need to manually calibrate for data pick-off losses
Calibrated extinction ratio measurements ensure repeatability of extinction ratio measurements to <0.5 dB among
systems with modules with this factory calibration option
Electrical Modules
Electrical bandwidths to >70 GHz
Very low-noise electrical samplers (280 μV at 20 GHz, 450 μVat60GHz,typical)
Selectable bandwidths (module 80E07, 08, 09, 10) allow the user to trade-off sampler bandwidth and noise for optimal
data acquisition performance
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual 1

Key Features
Remote samplers (module 80E07, 08, 09, 10) or compact sampling extender module cables support minimal signal
degradation by locating the sampler in close proximity to the device under test
World’s highest-performance integrated TDR (10 ps typical step rise time) supports exceptional impedance discontinuity
characterization and high dynamic range for S-parameter measurements to 50 GHz
Analysis
Standard Analysis Capabilities:
Complete suite of over 120 automated measurements for NRZ, RZ, and Pulse signal types
Automated mask testing with over 80 industry-standard masks. New masks can be imported into the DSA8300 to
support new emerging standards. In addition, users can define their own masks for automated mask testing
Vertical and Horizontal histograms for statistical analysis of acquired waveforms
Vertical, Horizontal, and Waveform cursors (with measurements)
Jitter, Noise, BER, and Serial Data Link Analysis is provided through the 80SJNB Basic and Advanced software
application options
Advanced TDR Analysis, S-parameter measurements, Simulation Model Extraction, and Serial Link Simulation
capabilities are provided through the IConnect® Software application options
High Test Throughput
High Sample Acquisition Rate up to 300 kS/s per channel
Efficient Programmatic Interface (IEEE-488, Ethernet, or local processor access) enable High Test Throughput
2DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual

Install Your Instrument
Install Your Instrument
Unpack the instrument and check that you received all items listed as Standard Accessories. Recommended accessories
and probes, instrument options, and upgrades are listed in the online help. Check the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com)
for the most current information.
Standard Accessories
Accessory Tektronix part number
DSA8300 Digital Serial Analyzer Quick Start User Manual 071-2897-XX
Certificate of Traceable Calibration for product at initial shipment Not orderable
Business reply card Not orderable
Keyboard 119-7083-00
Mouse 119-7054-00
Instrument front cover 200-4519-00
Accessory pouch 016-1441-00
Touch screen styluses (2) 119-6107-00
ESD wrist strap with 6 foot coiled cord 006-3415-04
DSA8300 Product Documentation Kit (CD) 020-3082-XX
DSA8300 Online Help (part of application software) Not orderable
DSA8300 Programmer Online Manual (part of application software) Not orderable
DSA8300 Product Software Install Kit 020-3088-XX
DSA8300 Operating System Restore Kit 020-3089-XX
Power cord Type dependent on selection
during order placement
VGA female to DVI male adapter 013-0347-00
DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual 3

Install Your Instrument
Operating Considerations
The following information lists the specifications related to the operation of the mainframe. Refer to the DSA8300 Digital
Serial Analyzer Specifications and Performance Verification Manual for a complete list of specifications.
Mechanical
Clearance requirements
Top, Front, and Rear: 0 mm (0 in)
Sides: 51 mm (2 in)
Bottom: 19 mm (0.75 in)
Dimensions
Weight 19.5 kg (43.0 lb.). This does not include any accessories or modules.
Orientation Place the instrument on a cart or bench. The instrument should rest on its
bottom or rear feet. The front feet fold down to angle the instrument.
Rack mounting An optional rack mounting kit (Option 1R) is available.
Environmental
Temp erature 10 °C to +40 °C
Relative humidity 20% to 80%, with a maximum wet bulb temperature of 29 °C at or below
+40 °C
Altitude 3,000 m (9,843 ft.)
4DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual