Tektronix 5110 User manual

NOTE
The 5110 Oscilloscope formerly was known under
another nomenclature, the 5103N/D10. This manual
contains information that applies to all of these
instruments.
TEKTRONIX®
5110
OSCILLOSCOPE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Tektronix, Inc.
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, Oregon
7077
Serial Number _________________________
070-2134-01
First Printing APR 1976

WARRANTY
All Tektronix instruments a re warranted against defective
materials and workmanship for one year. Any questions
with respect to the warranty should be taken up with your
Tektronix Field Engineer or rep resentative.
AM requests fo r repairs and replacement parts should be
directed to the Tektronix Field Office or representative i n
your area . This will assure you the fastest possible service.
Please include the instrument Type Number or Part
Numbe r and serial Number with all requests for parts or
service.
Specifications und price chei.ge privilegr b h rrv d.
Copyright 1 76, n e w material 1 77. by Tektronix, Inc.,
Beaverton. Oregon. Printed In the United States of
America. AH rights reserved. Contents of this publication
may not be teproduced in any foim without permission of
Tektronix. Inc.
USA. and foreign Tektronix products covered by U.S.
and foreign patents and/oi patents pending.
TEKTRONIX is a registered t r ademark of Tektronix, inc.

5110
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Page
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ......................... 1-1
Os illos ope Features ................................ 1-1
Safety Information ................ .1-1
OPERATING POWER ............................................ 1-1
OPERATING TEMPERATURE ......................... 1-1
PLUG-IN UNITS ....................................................... 1-2
Installation ................................................................................................ 1-2
Sele tion ....................... .1-2
CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS ......................... 1-2
FIRST TIME OPERATION ......................... .1-2
CHECKOUT PROCEDURE .......................... 1-4
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION . .1-5
Intensity Control ................................. 1-5
Display Fo us .................................................................... 1-5
Tra e Alignment ....................... 1-5
Beam Finder .................................... .................................................. -1-5
Grati ule ........... 1-5
Calibrator Signal .............................. . .................... 1-5
Intensity Modulation ........................... .......... 1-6
X-Y Operation ............ . ............... 1-6
Raster Display .......................................................................................... 1-6
Option 7 Rear Panel Signal Outputs ............. 1-6
Display Photography ......................... ..................................... 1-6
Display Swit hing Logi ............................. 1-6
Verti al Display Mode .............................................................................. 1-7
BASIC OSCILLOSCOPE APPLICATIONS ................................................. 1-7
Peak-to-Peak Voltage Measurements — AC .............. ... 1-7
Instantaneous Voltage Measurement — DC 1-8
Comparison Measurements .... ... ... 1-9
Time Period Measurement . ... . .1-10
Determining Frequen y .............. ... . .1-11
Risetime Measurement .... ....................... . . 1-11
Time Differen e Measurements . .............. 1-12
Multi-tra e Phase Differen e Measurement ... . . 1-13
High Resolution Phase Measurement ................................... . . . 1-14
X-Y Phase Measurements ................................................. . . 1-14
SECTION 2 SPECIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE CHECK
SPECIFICATION ............................................................ 2-1
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS ..................... 2-1
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS ................................ 2-3
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ................ 2-4
POWER TO EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT .............. ... 2-4
PERFORMANCE CHECK ............................................ 2-5
PERFORMANCE CHECK INTERVAL ................................... 2-5
TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ... 2-5
SPECIAL TEST EQUIPMENT ....................... 2-5
PRELIMINARY PROCEDURE FOR PERFORMANCE CHECK ............. 2-6
PERFORMANCE CHECK PROCEDURE 2-7
REV A, NOV 1978 j

5110
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont)
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARNING
The remainin portion ot this /ao/e or uontents lists servicin instructions tnat expose personnel to
hazardous volta es. These instructions are for qualified service personnel only. To avoid personal injury,
do not perform any servicin other than that contained in Operatin Instructions unless you are qualified
to do so.
Page
SECTION 3 ADJUSTMENT
Introdu tion .................. ... .3-1
Tektronix Field Servi e .3-1
Test Equipment Required ... ... -3-1
PRELIMINARY PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTMENT . 3-2
Initial Control Settings . ... ... ■ 3-2
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE .3-3
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE
PREPARATION FOR USE AND RESHIPMENT ............................ 4-1
DETAILED OPERATING POWER INFORMATION 4-1
Power Cord Information ................................................. 4-1
Line-Voltage and Regulating-Range Sele tion 4-1
INSTRUMENT CONVERSION ......... .... 4-2
RACKMOUNTING .............................. 4-3
Mounting Method ................... • • • • 4-3
Ra k Dimensions ...................... 4-3
Installing The Slide-Out Tra ks .... 4-3
Installation and Adjustment ....................... 4-6
Slide-Out Tra k Maintenan e . .4-6
Ventilation Requirements ........... ■ 4-6
REPACKAGING FOR RESHIPMENT .... .4-6
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE .... .... .4-7
CABINET REMOVAL ... -4-7
CLEANING .............. ... -4-7
Exterior ........... ... ■ 4-7
Interior ............ .... ... ■ ■ 4-7
Swit h Conta ts ................................... ■ 4-7
VISUAL INSPECTION ......... .4-7
LUBRICATION ................................................................. ... 4-7
Cam Swit h Lubri ation . . -4-8
SEMICONDUCTOR CHECKS ...4-8
PERFORMANCE CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT INTERVAL . 4-8
TROUBLESHOOTING .................. . . 4-8
TROUBLESHOOTING AIDS .............. ... 4-8
Diagrams ......................................... ■ ■ • 4-8
Cir uit-Board Illustrations . . . 4-8
Wiring Color Code ......... ... 4-8
Semi ondu tor Basing . . ■ ■ - 4-8
Multi-Pin Conne tor Holders . . . 4-9
TROUBLESHOOTING EQUIPMENT . ■ 4-9
TROUBLESHOOTING TECHNIQUES .... 4-10
Troubleshooting Pro edure .... ... .... 4-10
ii

5110
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont)
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE (cont) p gge
CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE 4-11
OBTAINING REPLACEMENT PARTS .... ... 4-11
Standard Parts ....................... ... 4-11
Spe ial Parts ......................... .... 4-11
Ordering Parts ................................................ ... 4-12
SOLDERING TECHNIQUES ......... ... 4-12
COMPONENT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT 4-13
Semi ondu tor Repla ement ........................................ . . 4-13
Swit h Repla ement ................................ 4-13
Cir uit Board Repla ement .............................................. .4-14
Cir uit-Board Pin Repla ement . .... ... 4-14
Cathode-Ray Tube Repla ement . 4-15
Bulb Repla ement ..................... .... . . .4-16
Power Transformer Repla ement . 4-16
Fuse Repla ement ..................... ...4-16
ADJUSTMENT AFTER REPAIR ........................................................... 4-16
MODIFICATIONS TO PRE-OPTION 7 AMPLIFIER
PLUG-INS (OPTION 7 ONLY) ------- 4-16
SECTION 5 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION .... .... .5-1
INTERFACE ................ .5-1
Clo k Generator . .... .5-1
Countdown Cir uit ......... ..5-1
Verti al Amplifier . .... ...... . 5-2
Horizontal Amplifier .... ......... ... 5-2
AUXILIARY BOARD ........... ............................................................................. 5-2
VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DEFLECTION AMPLIFIERS . . .5-2
Verti al Defle tion Amplifier . . . 5-2
Horizontal Defle tion Amplifier ......... 5-2
8eam Finder .... 5-2
X-Y Phasing ... .... 5-2
CRT CIRCUIT ..................... .... 5-2
Z-Axis Amplifier ... .... 5-3
High-Voltage Regulator . . 5-3
High Voltage Outputs . .5-3
Crt Control Cir uits ... ... 5-3
LOW-VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY AND CALIBRATOR 5-4
Power Input .......................................................... ... 5-4
Low-Voltage Re tifiers and Unregulated Outputs . . . 5-4
Low-Voltage Regulators ......................................................... 5-4
Line Trigger .......................................................... .... 5-4
Calibrator ................................................................................. 5-4
SECTION 6 REPLACEABLE ELECTRICAL PARTS
INSTRUMENT OPTIONS
SECTION 7 DIAGRAMS AND CIRCUIT BOARD ILLUSTRATIONS
SECTION 8 REPLACEABLE MECHANICAL PARTS
CHANGE INFORMATION AND TEST EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
REV B JUL 1979
iii

5110
Fig. 1-1. 5110 Oscilloscope.
2134 01

Section 1 — 5110
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This instru tion manual provides both operating and
servi ing information for the 5110 Os illos ope. The
manual is divided into nine se tions. Operating, spe ifi a 
tion, and performan e he k information is overed in the
first two se tions, and is intended for operating and
servi e personnel. Servi ing information is overed in the
remaining se tions of the manual, and is intended for
qualified servi e personnel only.
OPERATING POWER
This instrument an be operated from eithera 120-volt
or240-volt nominal line-voltage sour e, 48 to 440 hertz. In
addition, three regulating ranges are provided for ea h
nominal line-voltage sour e.
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Oscilloscope Features
The os illos ope is a solid state, light weight instru 
ment designed for general-purpose measuring
appli ations. This instrument has three plug-in om 
partments that a ept plug-in units to form a omplete
measurement system. The two-plug-in ompartments on
the left are onne ted to the verti al defle tion system.
The right plug-in ompartment is onne ted to the
horizontal defle tion system. Ele troni swit hing
between the verti al plug-in ompartments allows a multi 
tra e verti al display. The flexibility of this plug-in feature
and the variety of plug-in units available allow this system
to be used for many measurement appli ations.
This instrument features a large-s reen, 8X10 division
display; ea h division equals 0.5 in h (1.27 entimeter).
Regulated d power supplies ensure that performan e is
not affe ted by variations in line voltage and frequen y, or
by hanges in the load due to the varying power re 
quirements of the plug-in units.
Safety Information
This instru tion manual ontains warning information
whi h the user must follow to ensure safe operation of the
instrument. Warning information is intended to prote t the
operator and Caution information is intended to prote t
the instrument.
To prevent dama e to the instrument, always check
the line-volta e information recorded on the rear
panel before applyin power to the instrument.
WARNIWG~|
This instrument is intended to be operated from a
sin le-phase earth-referenced power source havin
one current-carryin conductor (the Neutral Con 
ductor) near earth potential. Operation from power
sources where both current-carryin conductors
are live with respect to earth (such as phase-to-
phase on a three-wire system) is not recommended,
since only the Line Conductor has over-current
(fuse) protection within the instrument.
This instrument has a three-wire power cord with a
polarized two-pole, three-terminal plu for connec 
tion to the power source and safety-earth. The
safety-earth terminal of the plu is directly con 
nected to the instrument frame. For electric-shock
protection, insert this plu only in a matin outlet
with a safety-earth contact.
Do not defeat the roundin connection. Any in 
terruption of the roundin connection can create
an electric-shock hazard. Before makin external
connections to this instrument, always round the
instrument first by connectin the power-cord to a
proper matin power outlet.
WARNING I
Hi h volta e is present inside the instrument. To
avoid electric-shock hazard, operatin personnel
must not remove the protective instrument covers.
Component replacement and internal adjustments
must be made by qualified service personnel only.
OPERATING TEMPERATURE
The instrument an be operated where the ambient air
temperature is between 0 Q C and +50° C. The instrument
an be stored in ambient temperature between — 40° C and
+70° C. After storage at a temperature beyond the
operating limits, allow the hassis temperature to ome
within the operating limits before power is applied.
1-1

Operating lnstructlons-5110
A thermal utout in the display module provides
thermal prote tion and dis onne ts the power to the
instrument if the internal temperature ex eeds a safe
operating level. This devi e will automati ally re-apply
power when the temperature returns to a safe level.
PLUG-IN UNITS
The os illos ope is designed to a ept up to three
Tektronix 5000-series plug-in units (use only "N" suffix
plug-in units unless otherwise spe ified). This plug-in
feature allows a variety of display ombinations and also
allows sele tion of bandwidth, sensitivity, display mode,
et ., to meet the measurement requirements. In addition, it
allows the os illos ope system to be expanded to meet
future measurement requirements. The overall
apabilities of the resultant system are in large part
determined by the hara teristi s oftheplug-inssele ted.
Installation
To install a plug-in unit into one or the plug-in
ompartments, align the slots in the top and bottom of the
plug-in with the asso iated guides in the plug-in ompart 
ment. Push the plug-in unit firmly into the plug-in
ompartment until it lo ks into pla e. To remove a plug-in,
pull the release lat h on the plug-in unit to disengage it
and puli the unit out of the plug-in ompartment. Plug-in
units should not be removed or installed without turning
off the instrument power. It is not ne essary that all of the
plug-in ompartments be filled to operate the instrument,
the only plug-ins needed are those required for the
measurement to be made.
When the os illos ope is adjusted in a ordan e with
the adjustment pro edure given in this manual, the verti al
and horizontal gain are standardized. This allows adjusted
plug-in units to be hanged from one plug-in ompart 
ment to another without readjustment. However, the basi
adjustment of the individual plug-in units should be
he ked when they are installed in this system to verify
their measurement a ura y. See the plug-in unit manual
for verifi ation pro edure.
Selection
The plug-in versatility of the os illos ope allows a
variety of display modes with many different plug-ins. The
following information is provided here to aid in plug-in
sele tion.
NOTE
Use only "N" suffix plu -in units with the os 
cilloscope unless otherwise specified.
To produ e a single-tra e display, install a single 
hannel verti al unit (or dual- hannel unit set for single 
hannel operation) in either of the verti al (left or enter)
ompartments and a time-base unit in the horizontal
(right) ompartment. For dual-tra e displays, eitherinstall
a dual- hannel verti al unit in one of the verti al om 
partments or install a single- hannel verti al unit in ea h
verti al ompartment. A ombination of a single- hannel
and a dual- hannel verti al unit allows a three-tra e
display; likewise, a ombination of two dual- hannel
verti al units allows a four-tra e display.
To obtain a verti al sweep with the input signal
displayed horizontally, insert the time-base unit into one
of the verti al ompartments and the amplifier unit in the
horizontal ompartment. If a verti al sweep is used, there
is no retra e blanking; however, if used in the right verti al
( enter) ompartment, internal triggering is provided.
For X-Y displays, either a 5A-series amplifier unit ora
5B-series time-base unit having an amplifier hannel an
be installed in the horizontal ompartment to a ept the X
signal. The Y signal is onne ted to a 5A-series amplifier
unit installed in a verti al ompartment.
Spe ial purpose plug-in units may have spe ifi restri 
tions regarding the ompartments in whi h they an be
installed. This information will be given in the instru tion
manuals for these plug-ins.
CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
Controls and onne tors ne essary for operation of the
os illos ope are lo ated on the front and rear panels of the
instrument. To make full use of the apabilities of this
instrument, the operator should be familiar with the
fun tion and use of ea h external ontrol and onne tor.
A brief des ription of the ontrols and onne tors is given
here. More detailed information is given under General
Operating Information (later in this se tion). See Fig. 1-2
for the lo ation and des ription of the ontrols and
onne tors.
FIRST TIME OPERATION
The following pro edure provides an operational
he kout as a means of verifying instrument operation
and basi alibration without removing the abinet or
making internal adjustments. Sin e it demonstrates the
use of front-panel ontrols and onne tors, it an also be
used to provide basi training on the operation of this
instrument. If re alibration of the os illos ope or plug-ins
appears to be ne essary, refer the instrument system to
qualified servi e personnel. If more familiarization with a
plug-in unit is needed, see the instru tion manual for the
appropriate plug-in unit. Refer to Fig. 1-2 for the os 
illos ope ontrol and onne tor lo ations.
1-2

Operating Instructlons-5t10
INTENSITY Control
Controls display bright 
ness.
FOCUS Control
Provides adjustment to
obtain a well-defined dis 
play.
EXT INTENSITY INPUT
Connector
Permits application ot Z-
axis signals to the crt (de
coupled). Positive-going
signal iiicr¾ases inten 
sity
BEAM FINDER
Pushbutton
Brings beam on-screen;
limits Intensified display
to area Inside graticule.
POWER Switch
Turns instrument power
on or off
CALIBRATOR Loop
Piovtdes positive-going
accurate 400-milllvolt and
4-mllliampere square 
wave at a frequency of
twice the line frequency
for callbiahon and probe
compensation
TRACE ROTATION
Control
Controls alignment of
trace with horizontal
graticule Hnes.
2134-02
Fig. 1-2. Front-and rear-panel controls and connectors.
1-3

Operating lnstructions-5110
CHECKOUT PROCEDURE
1. For the following pro edure, an amplifier plug-in
should be in one of the verti al (left or enter) plug-in
ompartments and a time-base plug-in should be in the
horizontal (right) ompartment.
2. Set the POWER swit h to off (pushed in) and
onne t the os illos ope to a power sour e that meets the
voltage and frequen y requirements of this instrument.
3. Turn the INTENSITY ontrol ounter lo kwise and
pull the POWER swit h out to turn the instrument on.
Initial Control Settings
Set the front-panel ontrols as follows:
NOTE
Titles for external controls of the oscilloscope are
capitalized in this procedure (e. . INTENSITY,
POWER).
Trace Alignment Adjustment
6. If a free-running tra e is not parallel with the
horizontal grati ule lines, set the TRACE ROTATION
ontrol (rear-panel adjustment) as follows: Position the
tra e to the enter horizontal line and adjust the TRACE
ROTATION ontrol so that the tra e is parallel with the
horizontal grati ule lines.
Calibration Check
7. Conne ts 1X probe, or a test lead from the amplifier
plug-in onne tor to the CALIBRATOR loop.
8. Set the time-base unit triggering level for a stable
triggered display. Adjust the verti al and horizontal posi 
tion ontrols so that the display is entered verti ally and
starts at the left edge of the grati ule.
9. The display should be four divisions in amplitude
with approximately 2.5 omplete y les over 10 divisions
(for 60-hertz line frequen y) shown horizontally. An
in orre t display indi ates that the Os illos ope or plug 
ins need to be re alibrated.
AMPLIFIER PLUG-IN
Display
On
Position
Centered
Volts/Div
.1
Volts/Div Cal
Fully lo kwise
Input oupling
de
TIME-BASE PLUG-IN
Display
Chop
Position
Centered
Se ond s/Div
2 ms
Se onds/Div Cal
Fully lo kwise
Swp Mag
Off
Triggering
+ Slope, Auto Trig,
a Coupl
Triggering Sour e
Composite
Intensity Adjustment
4. Advan e the INTENSITY ontrol until the tra e is at
the desired viewing level. Set the tra e near the grati ule
enter line.
Focus Adjustment
5. Adjust the FOCUS ontrol fora sharp, well-defined
tra e over the entire tra e length.
Beam Finder Check
10. Move the display off-s reen with the verti al
position ontrol.
11. Push the BEAM FINDER button and observe that
the display ompresses into the s reen area. Reposition
the display to s reen enter and release the BEAM
FINDER button. Dis onne t the 1X probe or test lead.
External Intensity Input
12. Conne t a 5-volt, 1 -kHz sine-wave or square-wave
signal to the EXT INTENSITY INPUT onne tor. Also, use
the signal to externally trigger the time-base plug-in.
13. Slowly rotate the INTENSITY ontrol
ounter lo kwise until the tra e appears to be a series of
dimmed and brightened segments. The brightened
segments orrespond with the tops of the signal input
waveform.
14. Dis onne t the signal setup.
This ompletes the he kout pro edure for the os 
illos ope. Instrument operations not explained here, or
operations that need further explanation, are dis ussed
under General Operating Information.
1-4

Operating lnstructions-5110
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION
Intensity Control
The setting of the INTENSITY ontrol may affe t the
orre t fo us of the display. Slight adjustment of the
FOCUS ontrol may be ne essary when the intensity level
is hanged. To prote t the rt phosphor, do not turn the
INTENSITY ontrol higher than ne essary to provide a
satisfa tory display.
WARNING I
Dama e to the crt phosphor can occur under
adverse conditions. Avoid any condition where an
extremely bri ht, sharply focused spot exists on the
crt.
Apparent tra e intensity an be improved by redu ing
the ambient light level or using a viewing hood. Also, be
areful that the INTENSITY ontrol is not set too high
when hanging the time-base unit sweep rate from a fast
to a slow sweep rate, or when hanging to the X-Y mode of
operation.
Display Focus
If a well-defined display annot be obtained with the
FOCUS ontrol, even at low INTENSITY ontrol settings,
re-setting of the internal astigmatism adjustment may be
required (adjustment must only be made by qualified
servi e personnel).
To he k for proper setting of the astigmatism adjust 
ment, slowly turn the FOCUS ontrol through the op 
timum setting with a signal displayed on the rt s reen. If
the astigmatism adjustment is orre tly set, the verti al
and horizontal portions of the tra e will ome into
sharpest fo us at the same position of the FOCUS ontrol.
Beam Finder
The BEAM FINDER swit h provides a means of
lo ating a display that overs ans the viewing area either
verti ally or horizontally. When the BEAM FINDER swit h
is pressed, the display is ompressed within the grati ule
area and the display intensity is in reased. To lo ate and
reposition an overs anned display, use the following
pro edure:
1. Press the BEAM FINDER swit h, hold it in, then
in rease the verti al and horizontal defle tion fa tors until
the display is within the grati ule area.
2. Adjust the verti al and horizontal position ontrols
to enter the display about the verti al and horizontal
enterlines.
3. Release the BEAM FINDER swit h; the display
should remain within the viewing area.
Graticule
The grati ule of the os illos ope is marked on the
inside of the fa eplate of the rt providing a urate, no 
parallax measurements. The grati ule is divided into eight
verti al and ten horizontal divisions; ea h division is 0.5-
in h (1.27 entimeters) square. In addition, ea h major
division is divided into five minor divisions. The verti al
gain and horizontal timing of the plug-in units are
alibrated to the grati ule so a urate measurements an
be made from the rt.
When making time measurements from the grati ule,
the enter eight divisions provide the most a urate time
measurements. Position the start of the timing area to the
se ond verti al grati ule line and set the time-base unit so
the end of the timing area falls between the se ond and
tenth verti al grati ule lines.
Trace Alignment
If a free-running tra e is not parallel with the horizontal
grati ule lines, set the TRACE ROTATION adjustment
(rear-panel adjustment) as follows; Position the tra e to
the enter horizontal line and adjust the TRACE
ROTATION adjustment so that the tra e is parallel with
the horizontal grati ule lines.
Calibrator Signal
The internal alibrator of the os illos ope provides a
onvenient signal sour e for he king basi verti al gain
and sweep timing. The alibrator signal is also very useful
for adjusting probe ompensation, as des ribed in the
probe instru tion manual. The output square-wave
voltage is 400 millivolts, within 1%, and the square-wave
urrent is 4 milliamperes, within 1%. The frequen y of the
square-wave signal is twi e the power-line frequen y. The
signal is obtained by lipping the probe to the loop.
1-5

Operating lnstructions-5110
Intensity Modulation
Intensity (Z-Axis) modulation an be used to relate a
third item of ele tri al phenomena to the verti al (Y-Axis)
and the horizontal (X-Axis) oordinates without affe ting
the waveshape of the displayed signal. The Z-Axis
modulating signal, applied to the EXT INTENSITY INPUT,
hanges the intensity of the displayed waveform to
provide this type of display. The voltage amplitude
required for visible tra e modulation depends on the
setting of the INTENSITY ontrol. About +5 volts will turn
on the display to a normal brightness level from an off
level, and about — 5 volts will turn the display off from a
normal brightness level. "Gray s ale" intensity modula 
tion an be obtained by applying signals between these
levels. Maximum safe input voltage is ±50 volts. Usable
frequen y range of the Z-Axis ir uit is de to one
megahertz.
Time markers applied to me EXT INTENSITY INPUT
provide a dire t time referen e on the display. With
un alibrated horizontal sweep orX-Y operation, the time
markers provides means of reading time dire tly from the
display. However, if the markers are nottime-related to the
displayed waveform, a single-sweep display should be
used (for internal sweep only) to provide a stable display.
X-Y Operation
In some appli ations, it is desirable to display one
signal versus another (X-Y) rather than against an internal
sweep. The flexibility of the plug-in units available for use
with the os illos ope provides a means for applying a
signal to the horizontal defle tion system for this type of
display. Some of the 5B-series time-base units an be
operated as amplifiers, in addition to their normal use as
time-base generators.
Another method of obtaining an X-Y display is to install
amplifier units in verti al and horizontal ompartments
( he k amplifier unit gain as given in the amplifier unit
instru tion manual to obtain alibrated horizontal defle 
tion fa tors). This method provides the best X-Y display,
parti ularly if two identi al amplifier units are used, sin e
both the X and Y input systems will have the same delay
time, gain hara teristi s, input oupling, et .
Raster Display
A raster-type display an be used to effe tively in rease
the apparent sweep length. For this type of display, the
tra e is defle ted both verti ally and horizontally by
sawtooth signals, and is a omplished by installing a 5B-
series time-base unit in the left verti al ompartment, as
well as one in the horizontal ompartment. Normally, the
unit in the verti al ompartment should be set to a slower
sweep rate than the one in the horizontal ompartment;
the number of horizontal tra es in the raster depends upon
the ratio between the two sweep rates. Information an be
displayed on the raster using the Ext Intensity Input to
provide intensity modulation of the display. This type of
raster display an be used to provide a television-type
display.
Option 7 Rear Panel Signal Outputs
Option 7 provides athode-ray tube-related signals to
standard onne tors at the rear of the instrument. This
option is parti ularly well suited for use inthe physi al life
s ien es. By using differential amplifiers, the os illos ope
an be ome a signal onditioner for other devi es.
Outputs may be used for driving ounters or X-Y plotters
in onjun tion with the os illos ope.
Display Photography
A permanent re ord of the ert display an be obtained
with an os illos ope amera system (see the urrent
Tektronix atalog for a omplete listing of os illos ope
ameras and mounting adapters). The instru tion
manuals for the Tektronix os illos ope ameras in lude
omplete instru tions for obtaining waveform
photographs.
The ert bezel of the os illos ope provides integral
mounting for a Tektronix os illos ope amera. However,
no voltage is provided at the bezel for amera power. The
amera sele ted for use with the os illos ope may require
battery operation.
Display Switching Logic
The ele troni swit hing for time-shared displays is
produ ed at the plug-in interfa e within the mainframe;
however, the swit hing logi is sele ted in the plug-in
units. The system allows any ombination of plug-ins and
Display swit h settings. Refer to the individual plug-in
manuals for spe ifi apabilities and operating
pro edures.
Vertical Plug-In Compartments. When a verti al plug-in
is in the a tive mode (Display button pushed in), a logi
level is applied to the swit hing ir uit in the mainframe
and a display from this plug-in will o ur. When two plug 
ins are both a tive in the verti al ompartments, a
multitra e display will o ur (Alternate or Chopped).
When no plug-in is in the a tive mode, the signal from the
left ompartment will be displayed. A time-base unit
operated in one of the verti al ompartments has a
permanent internal onne tion to apply a logi level to the
swit hing ir uit; thus, a verti al tra e produ ed by this
unit will always be displayed,
1-6
REV A, NOV 1978

Operating lnstructions-5110
Horizontal P l ug-ln Compartment. Alternate or
Chopped display swit hing is sele ted on a time-base unit
operated in the horizontal ompartment. When the
Display swit h is out (Alt), a negative impulse is supplied
at the end of the sweep to allow alternate swit hing
between plug-ins and plug-in hannels. When the Display
swit h is pushed in (Chop), a hopped display will appear
if a multi-tra e display is required by the plug-ins in the
verti al ompartments. A verti al plug-in unit operated in
the horizontal ompartment has a permanent internal
onne tion to provide a hopped display if it is required.
Dual-Sweep Displays. When a dual-sweep time-base
unit is operated in the horizontal ompartment, the
alternate and hopped time-shared swit hing for either
the A or B sweep is identi al to that for a single time-base
unit. However, if both the A and B sweeps are operating,
the os illos ope operates in the independent pairs mode.
Under this ondition, the left verti al unit is always
displayed at the sweep rate of the A time base and the right
verti al unit is displayed at the sweep rate of the B time 
base. This results in two displays that have ompletely
independent verti al defle tion and hopped or alternate
sweep swit hing.
Switching Sequence. Four display time slots are
provided on a time-sharing basis. When two verti al plug 
ins are a tive, ea h re eives two time slots, so the
swit hing sequen e is: left, left, enter, enter, et . The
two time slots allotted to ea h plug-in are divided between
amplifier hannels in a dual-tra e unit; if two dual-tra e
plug-ins are a tive, then the swit hing sequen e is: left
Channel 1, left Channel 2, enter Channel 1, enter
Channel 2, et . If only one verti al plug-in is a tive, it
re eives all four time slots. The swit hing sequen e is the
same for both the Alternate and Chopped display modes.
Vertical Display Mode
Display On. To display a signal, the Display button of
the appli able verti al plug-in unit must be pushed in to
a tivate the unit. If two plug-ins are installed in the verti al
ompartments and only the signal from one of the units is
wanted, set the Display swit h of the unwanted unit to Off
(button out). If neither plug-in is a tivated, the signal from
the left unit is displayed. Both plug-ins an be a tivated for
multi-tra e displays.
Alternate Mode. The alternate position of the time-base
unit Display swit h produ es a display that alternates
between a tivated plug-ins and amplifier hannels with
ea h sweep of the rt. The swit hing sequen e is des rib 
ed under Display Swit hing Logi in this se tion.
Although the Alternate mode an be used at all sweep
rates, the Chop mode provides a more satisfa tory display
at sweep rates from about one millise ond/division to five
se onds/division. At these slower sweep rates, alternate 
mode swit hing be omes diffi ult to view.
BASIC OSCILLOSCOPE APPLICATIONS
The os illos ope and its asso iated plug-in units
provide a very flexible measurement system. The
apabilities of the overall system depend mainly upon the
plug-ins that are hosen. The following information
des ribes the te hniques for making basi measurements.
These appli ations are not des ribed in detail, sin e ea h
appli ation must be adapted to the requirements of the
individual measurement. Spe ifi appli ations for the
individual plug-in units are des ribed in the manuals for
these units. Conta t your lo al Tektronix Field Offi e or
representative for additional assistan e.
The following books des ribe os illos ope measure 
ment te hniques whi h an be adapted for use with this
instrument.
John D. Lenk, "Handbook of Oscilloscopes, Theory,
and Application", Prenti e-Hall In ., Englewood Cliffs,
New Jersey, 1968.
J. Cze h, "Oscilloscope Measurin Techniques",
Springer-Verlag, New York, 1965.
J.F. Golding. "Measurin Oscilloscopes",
Transatlanti Arts, In ., 1971.
Charles H. Roth Jr., "Use of the Oscilloscope", A
programmed Text, Prenti e-Hall, In ., Englewood
Cliffs, New Jersey, 1970.
Chopped Mode. The Chop position of the time-base
unit Display swit h produ es a display that is ele troni al 
ly swit hed between hannels at a 100-kilohertz rate. The
swit hing sequen e is dis ussed earlier. In general, the
Chop mode provides the best display at sweep rates
slower than about one millise ond/division or whenever
dual-tra e, single-shot phenomena are to be displayed. At
faster sweep rates, the hopped swit hing be omes
apparent and may interfere with the display.
Peak-to-Peak Voltage Measurements — AC
To make peak-to-peak voltage measurements, use the
following pro edure:
1. Set the input oupling on the verti al plug-in unit to
Gnd and onne t the signal to the input onne tor.
1-7

Operating lnstructlons-5110
2. Set the input oupling to a and set the Volts/Div
swit h to display about 5 or 6 verti al divisions of the
waveform. Che k that the variable Volts/Div ontrol (red
knob) is in the Cal position.
EXAMPLE: Assume a peak-to-peak verti al defle tion
of 4.6 divisions and a Volts/Div swit h setting of 5 V.
Peak-to-peak _ 4.6 x 5 (Volts/Div _ 23
volts (divisions) setting) volts
3. Adjust the time-base triggering ontrols for a stable
display and set the Se onds/Div swit h to display several
y les of the waveform.
4. Turn the verti al Position ontrol so that the lower
portion of the waveform oin ides with one of the
grati ule lines below the enter horizontal line, and the top
of the waveform is in the viewing area. Move the display
with the horizontal Position ontrol so that one of the
upper peaks is aligned with the enter verti al referen e
line (see Fig. 1-3).
NOTE
If an attenuator probe is used that cannot chan e the
scale factor readout (Volts/Div), multiply the ri ht
side of the above equation by the attenuation factor.
5. Measure the verti al defle tion from peak to peak
(divisions).
NOTE
This technique may also be used to make
measurements between two points on the waveform,
rather than peak-to-peak.
Instantaneous Voltage Measurement — DC
To measure the d level at a given point on a waveform,
use the following pro edure:
1. Set the input oupling of the verti al plug-in unit to
Gnd and position the tra e to the bottom line of the
grati ule (or other sele ted referen e line). If the voltage
to be measured is negative with respe t to ground,
position the tra e to the top line of the grati ule. Do not
move the verti al Postion ontrol after this referen e has
been established.
6. Multiply the distan e (in divisions) measured in step
5 by the Volts/Div swit h setting. Also in lude the
attenuation fa tor of the probe, if appli able.
Position Io center
vertical line
Fig. 1-3. Measuring peak-to-peak voltage of a waveform.
NOTE
To measure a volta e level with respect to a volta e
other than round, make the followin chan es to
step 1: Set the input couplin switch to d c and apply
the reference volta e to the input connector, then
position the trace to the reference line.
2. Conne t the signal to the input onne tor. Set the
input oupling to d (the ground referen e an be
he ked at any time by setting the input oupling to Gnd).
3. Set the Volts/Div swit h to display about 5 or 6
verti al divisions of the waveform. Che k that the variable
Volts/Div ontrol (red knob) is in the Cal position. Adjust
the time-base triggering ontrols for a stable display.
4. Measure the distan e in divisions between the
referen e line and the point on the waveform at whi h the
de level is to be measured. For example, in Fig. 1-4 the
measurement is made between the referen e line and
point A.
1-8

Operating lnstructions-5110
(Al
Fig. 1-4. Measuring instantaneous de voltage with respect to «
reference voltage.
2. Divide the amplitude of the referen e signal (volts)
by the produ t of the defle tion indivisions (established in
step 1) and the Volts/Div swit h setting. This is the
Defle tion Conversion Fa tor.
Defle tion
Conversion
Fa tor
referen e signal amplitude (volts)
defle tion X Volts/Div
(divisions) setting
3. To determ i ne the peak-to-peak amplitude of a signal
ompared to a referen e, dis onne t the referen e and
apply the signal to the input onne tor.
4. Set the Volts/Div swit h to a setting that provides
suffi ient defle tion to make the measurement. Do not
readjust the variable Volts/Div ontrol.
5. Establish the polarity. The voltage is positive if the
signal is applied to the 4- input onne tor and the
waveform is above the referen e line.
6. Multiply the distan e measured in step 4 by the
Volts/Div swit h setting. In lude the attenuation fa tor of
the probe, if appli able (see the note following the Peak-
to-Peak Voltage Measurement example).
5. To establish a Modified Defle tion Fa tor at any
setting of the Volts/Div swit h, multiply the Volts/Div
swit h setting by the Defle tion Conversion Fa tor es 
tablished in step 2.
Modified
Defle tion
Fa tor
Volts/Div
setting
Defle tion
X Conversion
Fa tor
EXAMPLE: Assume that the verti al distan e measured
is 4.6 divisions, the polarity is positive, and the Volts/Div
swit h setting is 2 V.
instantaneous _ 4.6 x 2 _ +9.2
Voltage (divisions) A (Volts/Div) volts
Comparison Measurements
In some appli ations, it may be ne essary to establish a
set of defle tion fa tors other than those indi ated by the
Volts/Div or Se onds /Div swit hes. This is useful for
omparing signals to a referen e voltage amplitude or
period. To establish a new set of defle tion fa tors based
on a spe ifi referen e amolitude or period, pro eed as
follows:
Vertical Deflection Factor
1. Apply a referen e signal of known amplitude to the
verti al input onne tor. Using the Volts/Div swit h and
variable Volts/Div ontrol, adjust the display for an exa t
number of divisions. Do not move the variable Volts/Div
ontrol after obtaining the desired defle tion.
6. Measure the verti al defle tion in divisions and
determine the amplitude by the following formula:
Signal
Amplitude
Modified
Defle tion
Fa tor
Defle tion
(divisions)
EXAMPLE: Assume a referen e signal amplitude of 30
volts, a Volts/Div swit h setting of 5 V and a defle tion of
four divisions. Substituting these values in the Defle tion
Conversion Fa tor formula (step 2):
30 V
(4) (5 V)
= 1.5
Then, with a Volts/Div swit h setting of 2 V, the
Modified Defle tion Fa tor (step 5) is:
(2 V) (1.5) = 3 volts/division
1-

Operating lnstructions-5110
To determine the peak-to-peak amplitude of an applied
signal that produ es a verti al defle tion of five divisions
with the above onditions, use the Signal Amplitude
formula (step 6):
(3 V) (5) = 15 volts
6. Measure the horizontal defle tion in divisions and
determine the period by the following formula:
Period
Modified
Defle tion
Fa tor
horizontal
X defle tion
(divisions)
Sweep Rate
1. Apply a referen e signal of known frequen y to the
verti al input onne tor. Using the Se onds/Div swit h
and variable Se onds/Div ontrol, adjust the display so
that one y le of the signal overs an exa t number of
horizontal divisions. Do not hange the variable
Se onds/Div ontrol after obtaining the desired defle 
tion.
2. Divide the period of the referen e signal (se onds)
by the produ t of the horizontal defle tion in divisions
(established in step 1) and the setting of the Se onds/Div
swit h. This is the Defle tion Conversion Fa tor.
Defle tion referen e signal period (se onds)
Conversion = ------------------------------------------------------
Fa tor
horizontal Se /Div
defle tion X
swit h
(divisions)
setting
3. To determine the period of an unknown signal,
dis onne t the referen e and apply the unknown signal.
EXAMPLE: Assume a referen esignal frequen y of 455
hertz (period 2.2 millise onds), a Se onds/Div swit h
setting of .2 ms, and a horizontal defle tion of eight
divisions. Substituting these values in the Defle tion
Conversion Fa tor formula (step 2):
2 2 mS = 1.375
(8) (0.2 ms)
Then, with a Se onds/Div swit h setting of 50 µs, the
Modified Defle tion Fa tor (step 5) is:
(50 µs) (1.375) = 68.75 mi rose onds/division
To determine the time period of an applied signal whi h
ompletes one y le in seven horizontal divisions, use the
Period formula (step 6):
(68.75 µs) (7) = 481 mi rose onds
This produ t an be onverted to frequen y by taking
the re ipro al of the period (see appli ation of Deter 
mining Frequen y).
4. Set the Se onds/Div swit h to a setting that
provides suffi ient horizontal defle tion to make an
a urate measurement. Do not readjust the variable
Se onds/Div ontrol.
5. To establish a Modified Defle tion Fa tor at any
setting of the Se onds/Div swit h, multiply the
Se onds/Div swit h setting by the Defle tion Conversion
Fa tor established in step 2.
Modified
Defle tion
Fa tor
Se onds/Div
swit h setting
Defle tion
X Conversion
Fa tor
Time Period Measurement
To measure the time (period) between two points on a
waveform, use the following pro edure:
1. Conne t the signal to the verti al input onne tor,
sele t either a or de input oupling, and set the Volts/Div
swit h to display about four divisions of the waveform.
2. Set the time-base triggering ontrols to obtain a
stable display. Set the Se onds/Div swit h to the fastest
sweep rate that will permit displaying one y le of the
waveform in less than eight divisions (some non-linearity
may o ur in the first and last grati ule divisions of
display). Refer to Fig. 1-5.
1-10

Operating lnstructions-5110
Fig. 1-5. Measuring time duration (period) between points on a
waveform.
3. Adjust the verti al Position ontrol to move the
points between whi h the time measurement is made to
the enter horizontal line. Adjust the horizontal Position
ontrol to enter the time-measurement points within the
enter eight divisions of the grati ule.
4. Measure the horizontal distan e between the time
measurement points. Be sure the variable Se onds/Div
ontrol is in the Cal position.
5. Multiply the distan e measured in step 4 by the
setting of the Se onds/Div swit h.
EXAMPLE: Assume that the horizontal distan e
between the time-measurement points is five divisionsand
the Se onds/Div swit h is set to .1 ms. Using the formula:
2. Take the re ipro al of the period to determine the
frequen y.
EXAMPLE: The frequen y of the signal shown in Fig. 1-
5, whi h has a period of 0.5 millise ond is:
Frequen y = — V-r = 73-=^ ----- = 2 kilohertz
M 1 period 0.5 ms
1. Measure the period of one y le of the waveform as
des ribed in the previous appli ation.
Risetime Measurement
Risetime measurements employ basi ally the same
te hniques as the time-period measurements. The main
differen e is the points between whi h the measurement is
made. The following pro edure gives the basi method of
measuring risetime between the 10% and 90% points of the
waveform.
1. Conne t the signal to the input onne tor.
2. Set the Volts/Div swit h and variable Volts/Div
ontrol to produ e a display exa tly five divisions in
amplitude.
3. Center the display about the enter horizontal line
with the verti al Position ontrol.
4. Set the time-base triggering ontrols to obtain a
stable display. Set the Se onds/Div swit h to the fastest
sweep rate that will display less than eight divisions
between the 10% and 90% points on the waveform (see Fig.
1-6).
horizontal Se /Div
Period — distan e x swit h (5) (0.1 ms) = 0.5 ms
(divisions) setting
The period is 0.5 millise ond.
Determining Frequency
The time measurement te hnique an also be used to
determine the frequen y of a signal. The frequen y of a
periodi ally re urrent signal is the re ipro al of the time
duration (period) of one y le. Use the following
pro edure:
1-11

Operating lnstructions-5110
5. Adjust the horizontal Position ontrol to move the
10% point of the waveform to the se ond verti al line of the
grati ule.
6. Measure the horizontal distan e between the 10%
and 90% points. Be sure the variable Se onds/Div ontrol
is in the Cal position.
7. Multiply the distan e measured in step 6 by the
setting of the Se onds/Div swit h.
EXAMPLE: Assume that the horizontal distan e
between the 10% and 90% points is four divisions and the
Se onds/Div swit h is set to 1 µs.
Using the period formula to find risetime:
Risetime
period
horizontal Se /Div
distan e X swit h — (4) (1 µs) - 4 µs
(divisions) setting
The risetime is 4 mi rose onds.
4. Conne t the referen e signal to the Channel 1 input
onne tor and the omparison signal to the Channel 2 (or
enter plug-in) input onne tor. The referen e signal
should pre ede the omparison signal in time. Use oaxial
ables or probes whi h have similar time-delay
hara teristi s to onne t the signal to the input onne 
tors.
5. If the signals are of opposite polarity, invert the
Channel 2 (or enter plug-in) display. (Signals may be of
opposite polarity due to 180° phase differen e; if so, take
this into a ount in the final al ulation.)
6. Set the Volts/Div swit hes to produ e about four
divisions of display waveform.
7. Set the time-base triggering ontrols for a stable
display. Set the Se onds/Div swit h for a sweep rate whi h
shows three or more divisions between the measurement
points, if possible.
8. Adjust the verti al Position ontrols to bring the
measurement points to the enter horizontal referen e
line.
9. Adjust the horizontal Position ontrol so the
Channel 1 (or left plug-in) waveform (referen e) rosses
the enter horizontal line at a verti al grati ule line.
10. Measure the horizontal distan e between the two
measurement points (see Fig. 1-7).
Time Difference Measurements
When used in onjun tion with a alibrated time-base
plug-in unit, the multi-tra e feature of the os illos ope
permits measurement of time differen e between two or
more separate events. To measure ti me differen e, use the
following pro edure:
1. Set the input oupling swit hes of the amplifier
hannels to either a or de.
2. Set the Display swit h on the time-base unit to either
Chop or Alt. In general, Chop is more suitable for low-
frequen y signals. More information on determining the
mode is given under Verti al Display Mode in thisse tion.
3. Set the verti al plug-in triggering swit hes to trigger
the display on Channel 1 (or left plug-in) and Channel 2 (or
enter plug-in).
Fig. 1-7. Measuring time difference between two pulses.
1-12

Operating lnstructions-51 10
11. Multiply the measured distan e by the setting of
the Se onds/Div swit h.
EXAMPLE: Assume that the Se onds/Div swit h is set
to 50 µs and the horizontal distan e between measure 
ment points is four divisions. Using the formula:
6. Set the Volts/Div swit hes and the variable Volts/Div
ontrols so the displays are equal and about five divisions
in amplitude.
7. Set the time-base triggering ontrols to obtain a
stable display. Set the Se onds/Div swit h to a sweep rate
whi h displays about one y le of the waveform.
Time
Delay
Se /Div horizontal
- swit h X distan e = (50 µs) (4) = 200 µs
setting (divisions)
The time delay is 200 mi rose onds.
Multi-trace Phase Difference Measurement
Phase omparison between two or more signals of the
same frequen y an be made using a dual-tra e plug-in or
two single-tra e plug-ins. This method of phase differen e
measurement an be used up to the frequen y limit of the
verti al system. To make the omparison, use the follow 
ing pro edure:
1. Set the input oupling, swit hes of the amplifier
hannels to either a or de.
2. Set the Display swit h on the time-base unit to either
Chop or Alt. In general, Chop is more suitable for low-
frequen y signals and the Alt position is more suitable for
high-frequen y signals. More information on determining
the mode is given under Verti al Display Mode in this
se tion.
3. Set the verti al plug-in triggering swit hes to trigger
the display on Channel 1 (or left plug-in) and Channel 2 (or
enter plug-in).
4. Conne t the referen e signal to the Channel 1 input
onne tor and omparison signal to the Channel 2 (or
enter plug-in) input onne tor. The referen e signal
should pre ede the omparison signal in time. Use oaxial
ables or probes whi h have similar time-delay
hara teristi s to onne t the signals to the input onne 
tors.
5. If the signals are of opposite polarity invert the
Channel 2 (or enter plug-in) display. (Signals may be of
opposite polarity due to 180° phase differen e; if so, take
this into a ount in the final al ulation.)
8. Move the waveforms to the enter of the grati ule
with the verti al Position ontrols.
9. Turn the variable Se onds/Div ontrol until one
y le of the referen e signal (Channel 1, or left plug-in)
o upies exa tly eight divisions between the se ond and
tenth verti al lines of the grati ule (see Fig. 1-8). Ea h
division of the grati ule represents 45° of the y le (360°
4- 8 divisions= 45° /division). The sweep rate an be stated
in terms of degrees as 45 “ /division.
10. Measure the horizontal differen e between or 
responding points on the waveforms.
11. Multiply the measured distan e (in divisions) by
45°/division (sweep rate) to obtain the exa t amount of
phase differen e.
EXAMPLE: Assume a horizontal differen e of 0.6
division with a sweep rate of 45° /di vision as shown in Fig.
1-8. Use the formula:
Phase horizontal
Differen e = differen e
(divisions)
sweep rate
X (degrees/ = (0.6) (45° )=27°
division)
The phase differen e is 27°.
1-13

Operating Instructions — 5110
High Resolution Phase Measurement
More a urate dual-tra e phase measurements an be
made by in reasing the sweep rate (without hanging the
variable Se onds/Div ontrol setting). One of the easiest
ways to in rease the sweep rate is with theSwp Mag (10X)
button on the time-base unit.
EXAMPLE: If the sweep rate were in reased 10 times
with the magnifier, the magnifier sweep rate should be
45° /division 10 = 4.5°/division. Figure 1-9 shows the
same signals as used in Figure 1 -8, but with the Swp Mag
button pushed in. With a horizontal differen e of six
divisions the phase differen e is:
2. Set ea h amplifier unit input oupling swit h to de,
and set the position ontrols of the sele ted X and Y
hannels for a spot display at grati ule enter.
3. Conne t low-frequen y sine-wave signals of the
same frequen y to the sele ted X and Y inputs.
4. Advan e the INTENSITY ontrol until the display is
at the desired viewing level. Set the amplifier defle tion
fa tors and variable Volts/Div ontrols for six divisions of
verti al and horizontal defle tion, and set the position
ontrols to enter the display on the grati ule as shown in
Fig. 1-10.
Phase
Differen e
horizontal
= differen e
(divisions)
X
magnified
sweep rate
(degrees/
= (6) (4.5 D )=27°
division)
5. Measure and re ord the overall verti al defle tion
(A) and the opening of the Lissajous display (B), measur 
ing verti ally at the grati ule horizontal enter line (see
Fig. 1-10).
The phase differen e is 27°.
Channel 1, or left Channel 2, or
plug-in (reference) center plug-in
6. Divide B by A to obtain the trigonometri sine of the
phase angle differen e between the two signals. Obtain
the phase angle from a trigonometri table to determine
the phase angle between the X and Y signals. If the display
appears as a diagonal straight line, the two signals are
either in phase (tilted upper right to lower left), or 180° out
of phase (tilted upper left to lower right). If the display Isa
ir le, the signals are 90° out of phase. Fig. 1-11 shows the
Lissajous displays produ ed between 0° and 360°. Noti e
that above 180° phase shift, the resultant display is the
same as at some lower angle.
EXAMPLE: Assume a display as shown in Fig. 1-10
where A is 6 divisions and B is 0.4 division.
ng. 1- . High-resolution phase difference measurement with
Increased sweep rate.
X-Y Phase Measurements
The X-Y phase measurement method an also be used
to measure the phase differen e between two signals of
the same frequen y. The phase angle is determined from
the Lissajous pattern as outlined in the following steps:
1. Insert an amplifier plug-in unit into one of the
verti al plug-in ompartments and an amplifier of the
same type into the horizontal plug-in ompartment.
Fig. 1-10. Phase difference measurement from an X-Y display.
1-14