Tektronix 532 User manual

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
S.W. Millikan Way • P.O. Box 500 • Beaverton, Oregon • Phone MI 4-0161 • Ca les: Tektro nix

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WARRANTY
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All Tektronix instruments are warranted
against de ective materials and workman 
ship or one year. Tektronix trans ormers,
manu actured in our own plant, are war 
ranted or the li e o the instrument.
Any questions with respect to the war 
ranty mentioned above should be taken up
with your Tektronix Field Engineer.
Tektronix repair and replacement-part
service is geared directly to the ield, there 
ore all requests or repairs and replace 
ment parts should be directed to the Tek 
tronix Field O ice or Representative in your
area. This procedure will assure you the
astest possible service. Please include the
instrument Type and Serial number with all
requests or parts or service.
Speci ications and price change priv 
ileges reserved.
■
Copyright © 1960 by Tektronix, Inc.,
Beaverton, Oregon. Printed in the United
States o America. All rights reserved. Con 
tents o this publication may not be repro 
duced in any orm without permission o
the copyright owner.
CONTENTS
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Section 1
Specifications
Section 2
Operating Instructions
Section 3
Circuit Description
Section 4
Maintenance
Section 5
Cali ration Procedure
Section 6
Plug-In Characteristics
Section 7
Parts List and Schematics
Section 8
Accessories
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Type 532
AA
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AA
Type 532

ON 1
General
Type 532
AA
The Tektronix Type 532 Oscilloscope is a
high-performance medium-speed, la oratory
instrument with plug-in preamplifiers. It is
specially engineered to get extra dependa ility
through circuit simplicity and conservative
tu e loading. While achieving the extra depend 
a ility o taina le with fewer tu es more con 
servatively loaded, the Type 532 has retained
the same precision and sta ility expected of
Tektronix oscilloscopes, com ined with per 
formance characteristics that will take care
of most of the demands of a la oratory.
Letter Series plug-in units fit the Type 532.
All the versatility of these plug-in units is
thus availa le, limited only y the 5 -megacycle
pass and of the Type 532.
Vertical Deflection System
Output Amplifier
Frequency Response - de to 5 me.
Risetime - .06 microseconds.
Linear Deflection - 8 cm.
Horizontal Deflection System
Sweep Range
Twenty -one cali rated speeds from 1
µsec/cm to 5 sec/cm.
Accuracy - 3 per cent.
Continuously varia le, uncali rated,
etween ranges and to 12 sec/cm.
Magnifier
Expands sweep 5 times to right and left
SPECIFICATIONS
of screen center. Extends fastest sweep
speed to .2 µsec/cm.
Accuracy - 5 per cent.
Un lanking - DC coupled.
Trigger Requirements
Internal - 2 mm of deflection.
External - .2 volts to 40 volts.
Frequency range - de to 5 me.
Horizontal Input
Deflection Factor
Continuously varia le, .2 v/cm to
20 v/cm.
Frequency Response - de to 300 kc.
Other Characteristics
Cathode-Ray Tu e
Type T52P2
Pl, P7 and Pll phosphors optional.
Accelerating Potential - 4,000 volts.
Deflection Factor at Plates
Vertical - 9 v/cm.
Horizontal - 22 v/cm.
Voltage Cali rator
Eighteen fixed voltages from .2 milli 
volts to 100 volts, peak-to-peak.
Accuracy - 3 per cent.
Waveform - square wave at a out 1 kc.
AA
Specifications - Type 532
1-1

Output Waveforms Availa le
Power Supply
Positive gate of same duration as sweep,
20 volts.
Sweep Sawtooth waveform, 150 volts.
Delayed gate with delay adjusta le
throughout the period of the sweep and
lasting for the duration of the sweep,
20 volts.
A sample of the vertical signal, pass-
and de to 2.5 me with a 50 µµf capac 
itive load. Output: .9 volts per cm
of deflection.
Vertical Beam-Position Indicators
Indicator lights show direction of eam
when it is positioned off the screen
vertically.
Electronic Regulation
Power Requirements - 105 to 125, or
210 to 250 V, 50-60 cycles, 475 watts
with the Type D Plug-In Unit.
Mechanical Specifications
Ventilation - filtered forced-air ventilation.
Finish - photo-etched, anodized panel, lue
wrinkle enameled ca inet.
Dimensions - 25 ” long, 13" wide, 16 3/4"
high.
Weight - 52 pounds.
Fonctions o Controls and Connectors
TRIGGERING
MODE (red kno )
Four-position switch arranges trigger circuits for four kinds
of triggering: AUTOMATIC, AC FAST, AC SLOW and DC.
TRIGGER
SLOPE
Six-position switch selects source of trigger signal and converts
to negative-going output, either negative-going or positive going
input.
TRIGGER
INPUT
Coaxial connector to triggering circuits through EXT. positions
of TRIGGER SLOPE switch.
STABILITY
Control for adjusting the sta ility of the sweep circuits for a
sta le supply. The control has a PRESET position suita le
for most triggering applications.
TIME/CM
Eight-position switch selects timing capacitors to determine
sweep speeds, and determine duration of trigger -holdoff period.
MULTIPLIER
Six-position switch. Three positions place precision charging
resistors in series with timing capacitors to determine sweep
speeds in conjunction with selected timing capacitor. Three
positions, marked in red, place adjusta le charging voltages
in series with timing capacitors for continuous control of sweep
speeds.
5X MAGNIFIER
(red kno )
Two-position switch removes or inserts attenuator in sweep
amplifier to change sweep speeds y a factor of five.
HORIZONTAL
DISPLAY
Three-position switch connects sweep amplifier to internal
sweep generator in one position, or to front panel connector
directly or through 10-1 fixed attenuator in second and third
positions.
1-2
Specifications - Type 532 AA
EXTERNAL SWEEP
ATENUATOR, 10-1
Continuously adjusta le gain control on horizontal amplifier.
Switched out of circuit for internal sweeps.
EXTERNAL
SWEEP IN
Front-panel connector to horizontal amplifier through HORIZ 
ONTAL DISPLAY switch. Magnifier must e switched to ON
for undistorted 10 -cm deflection.
HORIZONTAL
POSITION
Positions trace along horizontal axis.
SQUARE -WAVE
CALIBRATOR
( lack kno )
Nine-position switch selects nine taps on precision voltage
divider in cali rator circuit. Provides accurate voltages of .2,
.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 volts in VOLTS position, or milli 
volts in the MILLIVOLTS position of the red concentric control
kno .
MILLIVOLTS -
VOLTS
1000 -to- 1 voltage divider to give either volts or millivolts
output.
CAL OUT
UHF coax front-panel connector from the cali rator.
VERT SIG OUT
Front-panel inding post supplies a sample of the vertical
signal for operation of auxiliary equipment.
+ GATE OUT
Front-panel inding post supplies positive 20-volt square pulse,
de coupled through cathode follower, synchronized with the
internal sweep.
SAWTOOTH
OUT
Front-panel inding post supplies 150-volt positive-going saw 
tooth de coupled through cathode follower, synchronized with
the internal sweep.
GATE DELAY Front-panel control adjusts delay time of delayed gate. Delay
is adjusta le y any percentage of the sweep-sawtooth time.
DELAYED GATE
Front-panel connector de connected to cathode-follower output
delivers 20-volt positive-going gate delayed according to the
setting of the GATE DELAY control.
POWER
On-off switch primary of power transformer and ventilating-
fan lead.
FOCUS
Adjusta le voltage for the cathode-ray tu e focusing grid.
INTENSITY
Bias adjustment to cathode-ray tu e control grid.
ASTIGMATISM
Adjusta le voltage for the astigmatism grid of the cathode 
ray tu e.
SCALE ILLUM
Adjusta le series resistor controls the voltage across the
graticule lights.
Beam-position indicators, unla eled, marked with arrows.
The arrow nearest the illuminated indicator shows, which way
the eam is off the screen if it cannot e seen.
AA
Specifications - Type 532 1-3

Rear of Ca inet
CRT CATHODE
Binding post connects to crt cathode through high-voltage capacitor.
Input impedance 8k to 15k. Discharge time constant a out
15 milliseconds.
Preliminary Instructions
Cooling
e used to convert deflections in centimeters
into volts and seconds. Vertical sensitivities
are cali rated in volts per centimeter, and
horizontal sweep-times are cali rated in sec-
The Type 532 Oscilloscope is cooled y
filtered, forced-air ventilation. The instrument
must therefore e placed so the air intake
is not locked, and the filter must e clean
enough to permit adequate air circulation.
If the interior temperature does rise too high
for some reason, a thermal cutout switch will
disconnect the power and keep it disconnected
until the temperature drops to a safe value.
Cathode-Ray Tube Controls
The Tektronix Type T52 Cathode-ray tu e
in this instrument has a total accelerating
voltage of 4,000 volts. The spot intensity with
this amount of acceleration can e right
enough to damage the screen if the spot is
left in one place. Be careful not to leave a
fixed right spot on the screen. Turn the
INTENSITY control counterclockwise so that
the spot is dim whenever you leave the instru 
ment unattended.
The separate FOCUS, ASTIGMATISM and
INTENSITY controls are somewhat interdepend 
ent, and may require readjustment for different
INTENSITY control settings.
onds per centimeter which if multiplied y
centimeters of deflection , give volts andseconds.
The graticule can e mounted in either of
two positions rotated 180 degrees from each
other. In one position, the graticule illumination
is colored red, and in the ’ other position in
white. The white will reproduce well photo 
graphically.
First-Time Operation
First get a trace on the screen y the
simplest method, and then proceed with the
presentation you want after you get an idea
of the functions of the controls. To get a
trace on the screen, insert a preamplifier,
for example the Type D, and proceed as follows :
Turn the POWER switch to OFF. Connect
the power cord to a source of 117 -volt, 60-
cycle power. Then set the front-panel controls
as follows:
INTENSITY Counterclockwise
(CCW)
Illuminated Graticule
FOCUS center
The adjusta le graticule-lighting control,
la eled SCALE ILLUM. , can e adjusted to
suit the lighting conditions of the room. The
colored filter supplied is colored to provide
the maximum trace contrast for the P2 phosphor
in the presence of room light;
The graticule is accurately scri ed in centi 
meters and fifths of centimeters. These scale
markings and the cali rated fixed vertical 
deflection sensitivities and sweep times, can
ASTIGMATISM
POWER
TRIGGERING LEVEL
STABILITY (red kno )
TRIGGER SLOPE
center
ON
CCW
CW (S/N 101-5419)
CCW (S/N 5420-5665)
PRESET (S/N 5666-up)
+ INT.
1-4
Specifications - Type 532
AA
AA
Operating Instructions - Type 532
2-1

TRIGGERING MODE
(red)
AUTOMATIC
TIME/CM
100 MICROSEC
MULTIPLIER
2
HORIZONTAL
DISPLAY
INTERNAL SWEEP
HORIZONTAL
POSITION
center
SQUARE-WAVE
CALIBRATOR
2
VOLTS, MILLIVOLTS,
OFF
VOLTS
Connect a lead from the INPUT A terminal
of the Type D Preamp to the CAL. OUT
terminal.
INPUT SELECTOR
INPUT A, AC
MILLIVOLTS/CM 100
VERTICAL POSITION
center
MV/CM MULTIPLIER
50
VARIABLE
Clockwise (CW)
When the POWER switch has een turned
on for a out one minute, turn the INTENSITY
control clockwise until you can see a trace
on the screen. Now ack off the red STABILITY
kno at the top center of the oscilloscope
until the waveform is sta le (S/N 101-5419).
Adjust the FOCUS, INTENSITY and ASTIG 
MATISM controls for a sharp line. Position
the trace near the screen center with the
HORIZONTAL POSITION and the VERTICAL
POSITION controls.
Triggering Mo es
Automatic
You are now displaying the cali rator wave 
form, whose repetition rate is a out one kilo 
cycle, and whose amplitude is two volts, peak-
to-peak, with the AUTOMATIC mode of trigger 
ing. This is the simplest mode of triggering.
It is useful for general purpose viewing, and
will operate satisfactorily for a wide variety
of trigger signals whose repetition rates are
etween sixty cycles and a out two megacycles.
AC Slow
When you have a good, well focused trace
of the cali rating waveform y the AUTOMATIC
mode of triggering, try the other three TRIG 
GERING MODE switch positions. Turn the
switch to the AC SLOW position. Leave the
STABILITY control where you had it set for
the AC AUTO triggering or advance it until
the sweep starts and ack it off a out ten
degrees (S/N 101-5665). Advance the TRIGGER 
ING LEVEL control clockwise until you get
a sta le trace again. There may e a con 
sidera le range of the TRIGGERING LEVEL
control over which you can get a sta le trace,
and the start of the trace will move up and
down the edge of the square wave within this
range. Notice that the trace starts on the
upgoing part of the cali rator square wave.
Now turn the TRIGGER SLOPE switch to
the -INT. position, and readjust the TRIGGERING
LEVEL to o tain a sta le trace again. Notice
now that the trace starts on the down-going
portion of the trace and that the position
of the start can again e changed somewhat
with the TRIGGERING LEVEL control.
DC Triggering
Now turn the TRIGGERING MODE switch
to DC. Adjust the LEVEL control for straight
triggering, and then position the trace with
the VERTICAL POSITION control. You will
notice that triggering occurs at a vertical
level on the screen selected y the LEVEL
control and that the triggering point changes
relative to the waveform as the waveform is
positioned vertically. This effect will e more
noticea le if you look at a low-frequency sine
wave.
This triggering position is most useful for
low-frequency signals. It is not suita le for
applications where the de level is changing
such as when the Type CA Dual-Trace Unit
is eing used.
AC Fast
In the AC FAST position of the TRIGGERING
MODE switch, the circuit is quite similar
to that in the AC SLOW position, and you
will notice no difference when displaying the
cali rator waveform. The only difference is
that an rc filter is inserted in the circuit,
making it insensitive to low frequencies, and
allowing it to recover quickly from de level
changes. This is the position to use when
there is low-frequency hum present or when
you are using the alternate sweep feature
of the Type CA Dual-Trace unit, and you are
looking at high-frequency signals.
General Triggering Instructions
The triggering system is very flexi le and
sta le. Once you get the feel of the instrument
you will find it will trigger successfully on
the most difficult triggering waveforms. It
will pro a ly help if you go through the four
procedures again a time or two.
If you are already familiar with the Tektronix
Type 315 Oscilloscope triggering system, you
will know how to operate the controls of the
Type 532. If you have not had experience
with' this kind of triggering system, however,
you will pro a ly need some explanation, partic 
ularly if you have een using Tektronix Type 511,
512, 513 or 524 Oscilloscopes.
In the new triggering circuits , the TRIGGER 
ING LEVEL control determines at what point
on the instantaneous triggering voltage trigger 
ing will occur. This control is therefore not
a sensitivity control. For small trigger signals
and with ac coupling, the TRIGGERING LEVEL
control will need to e set near zero. Settings
elow zero will cause triggering at a time
when the triggering voltage is negative, with
respect to its average level. Positive set 
tings will cause triggering only at a time
when the triggering voltage is positive.
The red STABILITY control kno controls
the ias on the sweep multivi rator. It there 
fore performs a out the same function as the
sta ility controls in other Tektronix oscillo 
scopes. For recurrent operation, advance the
control clockwise until a recurrent trace
appears. For triggered operation, retard the
control from this position counterclockwise
ten or fifteen degrees. For most triggering
signals, the PRESET position will provide a
sta le display without the need for adjusting
the STABILITY control (S/N 5666 -up).
For triggered operation, you will also need
to adjust other trigger controls to select the
source of trigger signals, and the level, speed,
and direction of slope of the triggering waveform.
The TRIGGER SLOPE switch selects the
source of trigger signals and determines whether
triggering will occur on the positive-going or
the negative-going portions of the triggering
waveform.
Simplifie Trigger Circuit Diagrams
The simplified diagrams of the triggering
circuits showing the method of trigger-slope
inversion and the circuit changes performed
y the TRIGGERING MODE switch may help
you to understand the use of the functions
availa le in the Type 532 Oscilloscope. The
following descri es the circuit operations in
terms of the simplified diagrams:
The trigger inverter stage is a cathode
coupled amplifier. The slope polarity of the
output pulse must e negative to suit the
rest of the circuits that follow, so the trigger
signal is connected to the amplifier so as to
produce inverted output for positive signals,
or in-phase output for negative signals. The
TRIGGER SLOPE switch determines whether
inverted or in-phase output results, y con 
necting either one grid or the other to the
trigger source.
The trigger-shaper circuit makes a sharp
pulse out of the trigger signal, and determines
at what voltage level on the trigger signal
the sharp trigger pulse will e generated.
The trigger shaper, shown on' the right, is
a two-stage amplifier circuit, with two tu es
coupled together through a common cathode
resistor. The iases of the two tu es are
set so that the input tu e is conducting while
the output tu e is not when no triggering
signal is preset. When the triggering signal
pulls the input grid downward far enough it
passes the level of the grid of the output
section. Then the output section conducts and
the input section cuts off, as the grid goes
on elow the cathode.
¾ ■■ 1
The de level of the cathode is esta lished
y the de input grid voltage when no triggering
signal is preset. The input grid voltage is
determined y the setting of the TRIGGERING
LEVEL control, which sets the plate voltage
2-2
Operating Instructions - Type 532
AA
AA
Operating Instructions - Type 532
2-3

of the trigger inverting stage and there y sets
the grid voltage of the trigger shaping stage.
The trigger input signal to the shaper stage
thus consists of the de level which can e
adjusted, plus the amplified signal from the
inverter stage. By adjusting the TRIGGERING
LEVEL control , you can therefore choose what
part of trigger signal will operate the shaping
stage and produce a pulse at its output plate.
Additional functions of the TRIGGERING
MODE switch rearrange the circuits to accom 
modate dc-coupled triggering, and slow or
fast ac-coupled triggering.
The trigger shaper is a type of multivi rator
in which regeneration causes fast transition
etween two sta le states, regardless of how
slowly the triggering signal passes the triggering
level.
For de coupling, the trigger-inverter grid
is de coupled to the input signal. For ac
coupling, the trigger-inverter grid is coupled
through a capacitor. For SLOW AC, the time
constant of the coupling circuit is relatively
long, a out a millisecond. For FAST AC, the
coupling time constant is much shorter, a out
10 microseconds, so that the circuit will not
respond to slowly changing components in the
triggering waveform. For example, the AC
FAST circuit will reject 60-cycle hum com 
ponents, and trigger successfully on a desired
higher frequency when oth are present in
the triggering waveform.
For the dc-triggering position, the input
grid of the inverter stage assumes the actual
potential of the input signal, including oth the
de component and the ac component. The
TRIGGERING LEVEL control will therefore
need to e set to include the de level of the
trigger signal.
When the TRIGGERING MODE switch is
in the AUTOMATIC position (AC AUTO position
S/N 101-5419), the input grid of the inverter
stage is separated from the de level of the
trigger signal, and the input grid of the trigger
shaper stage is separated from the de level
of the inverter plate y capacitors. There
is thus no de coupling etween the trigger
input and the shaper. The trigger-shaper stage
has a large (3 -megohm) resistor connected
etween plate and grid in this switch position,
so that the stage oscillates at a out 50 cycles
per second, depending on the time constant
of the coupling capacitor into the input grid
and the 3 -megohm resistor.
The input grid rises and falls a out five
volts in roughly a sawtooth waveform at the
fifty-cycle rate. Each time the grid reverts
from the negative-going direction to the positive -
going direction, the output plate triggers the
sweep on the scope, so that at least a zero-
line trace is present whether an external
source of trigger signal is present or not.
At any time during the negative-going excur 
sion of the sawtooth, a superimposed negative
trigger signal can drive the input grid of the
shaper tu e to cut-off and start a triggered
sweep at that instant. Recurrent pulses etween
sixty cycles and 2 me will synchronize the
sweep in the AUTOMATIC position (AC AUTO
position S/N 101-5419).
This triggering mode is useful ecause it
will maintain a sweep, so that any signal
appearing in the vertical amplifier can e
displayed whether it triggers the sweep or not,
and ecause it will provide a synchronized
sweep over a wide range of trigger repetition
rates with no need for readjustment of the
controls .
Triggering Controls
Sta b i I ity
This control sets the sweep multivi rator
ias one side or the other in the region of
recurrent operation. As you advance the con 
trol from the counterclockwise position, you
will pass a setting at which a trace will
appear in the a sence of any triggering wave 
form. Usually you will want to trigger the
sweep, and for triggered sweeps you should
ack the STABILITY control counterclockwise
from this point five or ten degrees. Or turn
the control to the PRESET position (S/N 5666-
up). If you want to stop the sweep from eing
triggered at all, you can turn this control
counterclockwise to the stop.
Triggering Level
This control selects the point on the trigger 
ing waveform at which triggering will occur.
Turning the TRIGGERING LEVEL control clock 
wise toward the + sign causes the sweep
to e triggered during positive amplitudes of
the triggering waveform. Turning the TRIGGER 
ING LEVEL control in the - direction causes
the sweep to e triggered during negative
amplitudes.
Trigger Slope
This control selects the source of triggering
signals, and determines whether the sweep is
triggered during positive-going or negative 
going portions of the triggering waveform.
Used in conjunction with the TRIGGERING
LEVEL control the polarity functions of this
switch permit you to select any part of a
triggering waveform for triggering the sweep.
How far you must turn the LEVEL control
to trigger at the peak of a triggering wave 
form depends on the amplitude of the signal.
For small signals, the LEVEL control setting
will always need to e near zero, or near
the de level if there is a de component. Increas 
ing the amplitude of the trigger waveform while
the LEVEL control remains constant will cause
the triggering point to phase along the triggering
waveform.
Triggering Mode
This switch arranges the circuits for single 
sweep triggering on three kinds of triggering
waveforms, and for recurrent sweeps which
can e synchronized. The AC SLOW position
is suita le for signals with a risetime of
around a microsecond or slower. The DC
position is the same except that it includes
the de component of the triggering waveform.
The AC FAST position is suita le for rise 
times faster than 10 microseconds, although
there is considera le overlap etween the capa 
ilities of the circuits in the SLOW and FAST
switch positions.
The AUTOMATIC position (AC AUTO position
S/N 101-5419) makes a recurrent trigger signal
at a out a 50 -cycle rate. However, it will
synchronize easily with recurrent trigger sig 
nals from 60 cycles to 2 megacycles. It is
a useful function for displaying signals differ 
ing widely in amplitude and triggering speed,
for example, in signal-tracing techniques, and
also for maintaining a ase line to show that
the oscilloscope is functioning when there is
no signal. (In this mode, the STABILITY con 
trol is not used. Instead, an internal control
is connected into the circuit that has een
preset for optimum triggering over a wide
range of triggering signals. S/N 5666 -up).
(The STABILITY control should e set the
same for this function as for other triggered
operation, a out five or ten degrees counter 
clockwise from the point where the multi 
vi rator runs recurrently. At the fastest sweep
speeds the ase line will e just discerni le
when there is no signal ecause of the low
duty cycle. S/N 101-5665).
Sweep Operation
Time/CM and Multiplier
The TIME/CM and MULTIPLIER controls
determine the speed of the horizontal trace.
The time per centimeter of horizontal deflection
is equal to the produce of the MULTIPLIER
setting and the TIME/CM setting. Times per
centimeter from 1 microsecond to 1 second
in steps of 10 can e selected, with the TIME/
CM switch, and accurate, fixed multipliers
of 1, 2, and 5 times can e selected with the
MULTIPLIER switch. The sweep times so
selected can e depended on within 3 per cent
of their indicated value.
Mag nl ier
The MAGNIFIER control inserts or removes
a feed ack network in the sweep amplifier
that changes the gain five times. The linearity
of the amplifier is somewhat etter when
the feed ack circuit is included. The center
one fifth of the trace is extended to fill the
graticule when the magnifier is switched on.
When the sweep magnifier is on, the fastest
sweep speed is increased to .2 microseconds
per centimeter. The intensity of the trace
is reduced when the magnifier is on ecause
of the reduced duty cycle.
External Sweep
In the X10 and XI positions of the HORI 
ZONTAL DISPLAY switch, the EXTERNAL
SWEEP IN inding post is connected to the
horizontal amplifier. In oth of these positions
the 5X MAGNIFIER must e switched to ON
to keep the input amplifier within its linear
range. The EXTERNAL SWEEP ATTENUATOR
10-1 can e used in conjunction with the step
attenuator to give a 100-1 attenuation range.
2-4
Operating Instructions - Type 532
AA
AA
Operating Instructions - Type 532
2-5

+ 3OOV
Auxiliary Functions
Square Wave Calibrator
Accuracy of the open-circuit voltage of the
cali rator is within 3 per cent of the indicated
voltage. However, since the output impedance
at the CAL. OUT terminal varies with the
setting of the voltage-selector switch, you
must e careful that the load impedance you
connect it to does not change the output voltage.
The output impedance reaches a maximum of
a out 5,000 ohms at the 50 -volt tap. The
frequency of the cali rator multivi rator is
nominally 1,000 cycles, ut may vary 30 per
cent either way.
Vertical Signal Out
The signal applied to the vertical amplifier
is availa le at the front-panel VERT. SIGN.
OUT inding post. A signal which will cause
one centimeter of deflection will produce a
signal of a out .9 volts, peak-to-peak, at the
inding post. The pass and is dependent on
the external load. With a capacitive load of
50 µµf, it extends from de to 2.5 megacycles
at the 3 d point.
Trace-Bri g htness Modulation
To couple markers or the signals into the
ert cathode for rightness information, dis 
connect the ground strap at the rear of the
instrument and connect the signal to the CRT
CATHODE inding post. The input impedance
is a out 15,000 ohms. The circuit is ac coupled
through a high-voltage capacitor with an rc
time constant of a out 15 milliseconds.
Direct Connection to De lection Plates
(SN 5666 up)
A plastic plate and mounting racket is
availa le from the factory for making direct
connections to the ert vertical-deflection plates.
The mounting racket is designed to clamp
around the neck of the ert shield, adjacent
to the deflection-plate connections. When
mounted correctly, the plate will e accessi le
through the ert deflection-plate access hole
in the left side-panel. The racket and plate
may e ordered with or without the necessary
parts for vertical-positioning voltages. Specify
part num er 013-008 for the unwired unit,
or part num er 013-007 for the wired unit.
Holes can e drilled in the plastic plate for
mounting coaxial or other connectors. The
two pins on the left-hand side of the ert neck
are the vertical-deflection plates.
S/N 101-5665 the plastic cover on the side
of the case allows low capacitance direction
connection to the deflection plates. Wire guides
in the center hold the leads away from the
case. The two pins on the side of the ert
are the vertical deflection plates and the two
on the top are the horizontal deflection plates.
To avoid distortion, the average de potential
on the vertical-deflection plates should e
etween 150 and 250 volts. If you use a different
voltage, the distortion can e minimized y
adjusting the GEOM. ADJ. control at the rear
of the sweep chassis.
(Unless de coupling is required, connect
coupling capacitors in series with the leads
to the deflection plates and connect one-megohm
resistors from the deflection plates to the
leads from the vertical amplifier. With this
connection the plates are maintained at the
proper operating potential, and positioning con 
trol is retained for the front-panel VERTICAL
POSITION control.) S/N 5420-up.
Block Diagram
The Block Diagram shows interconnections
of the functional parts of the oscilloscope,
except the power supplies. Functions of the
switches are shown instead of their actual
connections.
Vertical Amplifier
Plug-In Preampli iers
In the upper left of the Block Diagram is
shown the vertical-deflection system. The lock
la eled "plug-ins" represents one of the several
plug-in preamplifiers availa le. Units are
availa le with a wide pass and, with reduced
pass and and higher sensitivity , with differential
input, with channel switching for alternate
trace presentation, etc. These units have cali 
rated gain controls and vertical position con 
trols. Connections for power in and signal out
are made through a multiple-contact mating
plug and socket. Output from these units is
push-pull at low impedance.
Main Unit
The main unit contains all the power supplies,
the sweep system, the high-level portions of
the vertical amplifier and its associated circuits ,
the cali rator, and the cathode-ray tu e.
The driver stage feeds the vertical-deflection
signal to the trigger-pickoff circuits that supply
an internally derived trigger signal to trip
the sweep circuits with thé o served signal.
Trigger Picko /
The pickoff circuit supplies a sample of the
vertical-deflection signal to the TRIGGER
SLOPE switch for triggering purposes.
SECTION 3
CIRCUIT
DESCRIPTION
Vertical Output Ampli ier
This amplifier raises the signal to the level
needed for the vertical-deflection plates at
low impedance.
Calibrato r
The cali rator has no internal connection
to the vertical-amplifier system. It consists
of a symmetrical multivi rator with a cathode -
follower output tu e whose cathode resistor
is a cali rated voltage divider.
Sweep
Trigger Mode and Trigger Slope Selectors
At the left of the diagram are shown the
functions of the switches that select the source
and slope of trigger signals and arrange the
circuits to accommodate the trigger character 
istics.
Trigger Phase Inverter
This stage provides either in-phase or
inverted output so as to provide negative 
going output for either negative-going or posi 
tive-going input trigger signals.
Trigger Sha per
The trigger -shaper amplifier makes a sharp
pulse from the trigger signal at a time during
the sloping part of the trigger signal determined
y the setting of the triggering-level control.
A sharpened negative-going pulse triggers the
multivi rator.
M ultivibrator
The multivi rator turns on the sweep gen 
erator and generates the ert-tu e un lanking
pulse when it is switched from its quiescent
2-6
Operating Instructions - Type 532
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Circuit Description - Type 532
3-1

state. The sharp negative-going trigger signal
from the trigger-shaper circuit trips the multi 
vi rator, which thereafter stays in the second
state until the sweep generator reverts it to
its quiescent state.
Sweep Generator
The sweep generator is a Miller integrator
that produces a positive-going sawtooth a out
150 volts peak-to-peak. The sweep generator
turns itself off when it reaches a prescri ed
level determined y the sweep-length control,
y transmitting a signal through the trigger-
holdoff circuits to the multivi rator.
Trigger Holdo
The trigger-holdoff circuit transmits the
sweep turn-off signal to the multivi rator ut
riefly holds off su sequent trigger signals
from starting the sweep again until all parts
of the circuit have reached their quiescent
states.
Swee p Amp li ier
The sweep amplifier converts the sawtooth
output of the sweep generator into push-pull
output at low impedance at the level required
to sweep the eam across the crt-tu e screen.
The amplifier gain can e increased y a
factor of five for sweep magnification. The
horizontal-positioning control operates on this
stage.
Unblanking
The multivi rator generates the positive 
going un lanking pulse at the same time it
turns on the sweep generator. The positive
pulse is transmitted y means of two cathode
followers through a floating high-voltage nega 
tive supply to the control grid of the crt tu e.
Delayed-Gate Circuit
The delayed-gate circuit is a ista le multi 
vi rator which changes state when its input
grid is raised a ove the triggering point y
the sawtooth wave of the sweep generator..
An adjusta le ias added to the sawtooth can
move the triggering point to any position along
the sawtooth. A positive pulse generated y
the multivi rator is transmitted to a front -
panel connector y means of a cathode-folio wer.
The positive pulse is terminated when the
sawtooth returns negative.
External-Sweep Ampli ier
The external-sweep amplifier provides a
means of using external sweep voltage. It
includes a fixed attenuator and an adjusta le
attenuation control. Choice of internal or
external sweep can e made y means of the
HORIZONTAL DISPLAY switch. The sweep
magnifier must e used with external sweeps.
Power Supply
Plate and Heater Power
The 60-cycle 117-234-volt transformer has
four separate high-voltage windings. AC output
from each winding is rectified y means of full 
wave rectifiers. Rectified de output is filtered
with capacitors and regulated y means of
series regulator tu es. Three positive voltages
of 350, 225 and 100 volts are referred to
-150 volts for their regulation. The negative
150 -volt supply is referred to a 60 -volt glow
tu e for its regulation.
Catho e-Ray Tube High-Voltage
A 60-kc vacuum-tu e oscillator has the
primary of a step-up transformer for its
oscillator inductance. A sample of the rectified
secondary voltage is compared to a sta le
de source, and the difference is kept constant
y an electronic circuit that adjusts the oscillator
amplitude of oscillation in the direction to
reduce any change.
Three vacuum diodes rectify stepped-up vol 
tages at three secondary windings. Two recti 
fiers supply positive and negative accelerating
potentials to the crt tu e. The third supplies
a nearly equal negative potential to the control
grid of the crt tu e. This supply floats on
top of the un lanking pulse, which is connected
in series with it to ground at its positive end.
Color Coding
We use color coded wires in this instrument
to help you identify the various circuits. The
ac power leads are yellow and coded 1-1-0
( rown- rown- rown) following the RETMA
resistor color code. The +350-volt us is
white and coded 3-5-0 (orange-green- rown
eginning with the widest stripe). The -150-
volt us is lack and coded 1-5-0. The heater
leads are coded 6-1, 6-2, etc., not to indicate
that the voltages are different ut to differentiate
etween the leads. All signal leads have a
single stripe. A few wire colors are indicated
y small, lower case letters on the diagrams.
Air Filter
The Type 532 Oscilloscope is cooled y
filtered forced air. If the filter gets too dirty
it will restrict the flow of cooling air and
may cause the instrument to overheat. The
filter should e inspected every three or four
months and cleaned or replaced if necessary.
Two types of air filters can e used with
your Tektronix equipment. A washa le air
filter constructed of aluminum wool coated
with an adhesive is usually supplied with your
instrument. A disposa le glass-wool is availa le
through your local Tektronix field office or
direct from the factory. If you are replacing
an aluminum-type filter with the disposa le
glass-wool type, it is est to order No. 378-009,
which includes two ack-up screens that help
to prevent damage to the filter. For future
replacements of the glass-wool filter only,
order No. 378-012.
To clean the aluminum filter, run hot water
through it from the side that was inside. Or
slosh it around in hot soapy water and rinse
it in clean water. Then dry it thoroughly
and coat it with ” Filter Coat ” , a product
of the Research Products Corporation. Pint
SECTION 4
MAINTENANCE
cans are availa le under the name " Handi-
Koter" from some air-conditioner suppliers.
Other adhesive materials are no dou t satis 
factory.
Fan Motor
The fan motor earings will require oiling
every few months or every thousand hours of
operation. Use a good grade of light machine
oil, and apply only a drop or two.
Soldering and Ceramic Strips
Many of the components in your Tektronix
instrument are mounted on ceramic terminal
strips. The notches in these strips are lined
with a silver alloy. Repeated use of excessive
heat, or use of ordinary tin-lead solder will
reak down the silver-to-ceramic ond. Occa 
sional use of tin-lead solder will not reak
the ond if excessive heat is not applied.
If you are responsi le for the maintenance
of a large num er of Tektronix instruments,
or if you contemplate frequent parts changes,
we recommend that you keep on hand a stock
of solder containing a out 3% silver. This
type of solder is used frequently in printed
circuitry and should e readily availa le from
radio-supply houses. If you prefer, you can
order the solder directly from Tektronix in
one-pound rolls. Order y Tektronix part num 
er 251-514.
Because of the shape of the terminals on
the ceramic strips it is advisa le to use a
wedge-shaped tip on your soldering iron when
you are installing or removing parts from
the strips. Fig. 4-1 will show you the correct
shape for the tip of the soldering iron. Be
sure and file smooth all surfaces of the iron
which will e tinned. This prevents solder
from uilding up on rough spots where it
will quickly oxidize.
3-2
Circuit Description - Type 532
AA AA
Maintenance - Type 532
4-1

When removing or replacing components
mounted on the ceramic strips you will find
that satisfactory results are o tained if you
proceed in the manner outlined elow.
1. Use a soldering iron of a out 75- watt
rating.
Fig. 4-1. Soldering iron tip correctly shaped
and tinned
2. Prepare the tip of the iron as shown
in Fig. 4-1.
3. Tin only the first 1/16 to 1/8 inch
of the tip. For soldering to ceramic terminal
strips tin the iron with solder containing a out
3% silver.
4. Apply one corner of the tip to the notch
where you wish to solder (see Fig. 4-2).
Fig. 4-2. Method of applying heat to ceramic
strip.
5. Apply only enough heat . to make the solder
flow freely.
6. Do not attempt to fill the notch on the
strip with solder; instead, apply only enough
solder to cover the wires adequately, and
to form a slight fillet on the wire as shown
in Fig. 4-3.
In soldering to metal terminals (for example ,
pins on a tu e socket) a slightly different
technique should e employed. Prepare the
iron as outlined a ove , ut tin with ordinary
tin-lead solder. Apply the iron to the part
to e soldered as shown in Fig. 4-4. Use
only enough heat to allow the solder to flow
freely along the wire so that a slight fillet
will e formed as shown in Fig. 4-3.
Dial
Fig. 4-3. Note the slight fillet formed on a
correctly soldered joint.
General Sol ering Consi erations
When replacing wires in terminal slots clip
the ends neatly as close to the solder joint
as possi le. In clipping the ends of wires
take care the end removed does not fly across
the room as it is clipped.
Fig. 4-4. Soldering to a metal pin.
Occasionally you will wish to hold a are
wire in place as it is eing soldered. A handy
device for this purpose is a short length of
wooden dowel, with one end shaped as shown
in Fig. 4-5. In soldering to terminals pins
mounted in plastic rods it is necessary to
use some form of " heat sink" to avoid melting
the plastic. A pair of long-nosed pliers (see
Fig. 4-6) makes a convenient tool for this
Fig. 4-5. A wooden dowel shaped for use as
a soldering aid.
Ceramic Strips
Two distinct types of ceramic strips have
een used in Tektronix instruments. The earlier
type mounted on the chassis y means of #4-40
olts and nuts. The later is mounted with
snap-in, plastic fittings. Both styles are shown
in Fig. 4-7.
To replace ceramic strips which olt to
the chassis, screw a #4-40 nut onto each
mounting olt, positioning the olt so that
the distance etween the ottom of the olt
and the ottom of the ceramic strip equals
the height at which you wish to mount the
strip a ove the chassis. Secure the nuts to
the olts with a drop of red glyptal. Insert
the olts through the holes in the chassis
where the original strip was mounted, placing
a #4-40 lockwasher etween each nut and the
chassis. Place a second set of #4-40 lock 
washers on the protruding ends of the olts,
Fig. 4-6. Long-nosed pliers used as a heat sink.
and fasten them firmly with another set of
#4-40 nuts. Place a drop of red glyptal over
each of the second set of nuts after fastening.
Mounting Later Ceramic Strips
To replace strips which mount with snap-
in plastic fittings, first remove the original
fittings from the chassis. Assem le the mount
ing post on the ceramic strip. Insert the nylon
collar into the mounting holes in the chassis.
Carefully force the mounting post into the
nylon collars. Snip off the portion of the
mounting post which protrudes elow the nylon
collar on the reverse side of the chassis.
NOTE
Considera le force may e nec 
essary to push the mounting rods
into the nylon collars. Be sure
that you apply this force to the
upper ends of the mounting rods
rather than to the ceramic strip.
Fig. 4-7. Old and new styles of ceramic strips.
The newer ceramic strips mount in nylon
collars.
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate at all,
including the fan and the pilot light, check
the source of power and determine that the
power cord plug is firmly in place. Then
check the 5 -amp fuse at the ack of the instru 
ment near the power receptacle.
If the fan and pilot light operate ut there
'is no spot visi le, there is a possi ility that
4-2
Maintenance - Type 532
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Maintenance - Type 532
4-3