Tektronix 585 User manual

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
NOTICE
This oscilloscope has been improved over in 
struments manufactured before Serial No. 2585.
The improvements are within the ertical Ampli 
fier system and are required by the user of plug 
in units with type numbers above Type 80. The
improvements can be put into any instrument
before Serial No. 2585 by ordering Tektronix
Field Modification No. 040-275. See your local
Tektronix Field Engineer for details and avail 
ability.
Tektronix, Inc.
S.W. Millikan Way • P. O. Box 500 • Beaverton, Oregon • Phone Ml -0161 • Cables: Tektronix
Tektronix International A.G.
Terrassenweg 1A • Zug, Switzerland • PH. 0 2- 9192 • Cable: Tekintag, Zug Switzerland • Telex 53.57
070-171

WARRANTY
All Tektronix instruments are warranted
against defective materials and workman 
ship for one year. Tektronix transformers,
manufactured in our own plant, are war 
ranted for the life of 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 field, there 
fore all requests for repairs and replace 
ment parts should be directed to the Tek 
tronix Field Office or Representative in your
area. This procedure will assure you the
fastest possible service. Please include the
instrument Type and Serial number with all
requests for parts or service.
Specifications and price change priv 
ileges reserved.
Copyright © 1959. New material copy 
right© 1962 by Tektronix, Inc., Beaverton,
Oregon. Printed in the United States of
America. All rights reserved. Contents of
this publication may not be reproduced in
any form without permission of the copy 
right owner.

Warranty
Section
1
Characteristics
Section 2
Operating Instructions
Section
3
Applications
Section 4
Circuit Description
Section 5
Maintenance
Section
6
Calibration Procedure
Section 7
Accessories
Section
8
Parts List and Schematics
CONTENTS

SECTION 1
CHARACTERISTICS
General
The Tektronix Type 585 Oscilloscope is a wide range,
general purpose laboratory instrument which provides
accurate measurements in the d c to approximately 95 mega 
cycle range. Plug-in amplifiers are used in the vertical de 
flection system, permitting the instrument to be used in
many specialized applications. Any of the Tektronix Eighty
Series Plug-In Units can be used with the oscilloscope to
satisfy many types of wide-band uses. Use of the Type
81 Plug-In Adapter permits use of any of the Tektronix
letter series plug-ins for applications involving, among
others, dual trace operation, low level signals, differential
signals, pulse sampling, and transistor risetime checking.
High calibrated sweep rates allow full use of the rise-time
capabilities of the instrument.
Special circuits incorporated in the Type 585 Oscilloscope
allow accurate, continuously variable delay in the pre 
sentation of a sweep from 1 microsecond to 10 seconds
after the receipt of a triggering impulse. The delayed sweep
feature permits highly magnified displays of a small portion
of an undelayed sweep; accurate measurements of wave 
form time jitter; precise time measurements, as well as many
other uses.
VERTICAL DEFLECTION SYSTEM
Characteristics for the vertical deflection system of the
Type 585 Oscilloscope depend upon the plug-in unit and
probe used with the instrument. The following character-
3.7 nanoseconds
Fig. 1-1. Vertical risetime of the Type 585 Oscilloscope and Type
80 Plug-In combination.
Bandpass 1
Risetime 2
erical Deflection Factor
Input Characteristics
DC to approximately 95
megacycles
Better than 3.9 nsec,
10% to 90%, nominal 
ly 3.7 nsec.
0.1 volts per centime 
ter.
A function of the indiv 
idual plug-in or probe
used.
HORIZONTAL DEFLECTION SYSTEM
Sweep Rates
Time Base A
0.05 microseconds (50 nsec) to 2 seconds per centimeter
in 24 accurately calibrated steps. An uncalibrated control
permits sweep rates to be varied continuously between
50 nsec and approximately 5 seconds per centimeter.
Calibrated sweep rates are typically within 2% and in
all cases within 3%, of the indicated rate.
Time Base B
2 microseconds to 1 second per centimeter in 18 accurately
calibrated steps. All sweep rates are typically within
1 %, with the .2, .5, and 1 second per centimeter ranges
within 3% of the indicated rates.
Magnifier
Provides a 5 times horizontal expansion of the center 2-
centimeter portion of the oscilloscope display. It extends
the fastest Time Base A sweep rate to 10 nsec per centi 
meter with a typical 1 % linearity.
Triggering Modes
Time Base A and B
External, Internal, and Line. Triggering SLOPE and LE EL
are adjustable.
1-1
istics are given for the Type 585 when used with a Type
80 Plu g -ln Unit and a Type P80 Probe.

Characteristics — Type 585
Triggering Signal Requirements
Time Base A
Internal — a signal producing 4 mm of vertical deflection from
15 cps to 10 m c .
a signal producing 1.5 cm of vertical deflection from
10 to 30 m c .
a signal producing 2.5 cm of vertical deflection from
30 to 50 m c .
a signal producing 4.0 cm of vertical deflection from
50 to 100 m c .
NOTE
See page 2-9 for operating instructions to syn 
chronize the A sweep with signals of less than 4.0
cm amplitude from 50 m c through 150 m c .
External — a signal of 0.2 volts to 30 volts peak-to-peak.
(The A sweep will trigger on larger signals, but the TRIG 
GERING LE EL control operates only over a — 15 volt to
+ 15 volt range.)
Time Base B
Internal — 4 mm of c rt display through 500 kc, increasing to
2 cm ert display at 4 megacycles.
External — AC or DC: a signal of ±0.4 volts through 500 kc,
increasing to 1 volt at 1 m c , and 2.5 volts at 2 m c .
External-Horizontal Signal Input
Deflection Factor — approximately 0.2 to 15 volts per centi 
meter, continuously variable.
Frequency Response — depends on the amount of deflection.
The product of frequency response and deflection in centi 
meters is approximately 4.8 megacycle centimeters.
Input Characteristics — 1 megohm paralleled by approximate 
ly 50 pf.
Delayed Sweep
Sweep delay continuously variable from 1 microsecond
to 10 seconds. Actual delay steps within 1% of indicated
delay from 2  sec/cm to 0.1 sec/cm; 0.2 sec/cm to 1 sec/
cm typically within 1% but never more than 3%. Incre 
mental delay accuracy is within 0.2%.
Jitter — not more than 1 part in 20,000.
1-2

Characteristics — Type 585
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Cathode-Ray Tube
Type — T581P31; P 1 , P2, P7, and P 11 phosphors optional.
Other phosphors available on special order.
Unblanking — DC coupled.
Accelerating potential — 10,000 volts.
Deflection system — electrostatic. Beam deflected vertically
by 6 pairs of distributed deflection plates. Beam deflected
horizontally by 1 pair of deflection plates.
Usable viewing area — 4 centimeters by 10 centimeters.
ertical Deflection Factor — 4.6 to 5.6 volts per centimeter.
Horizontal Deflection Factor — 18 to 21 volts per centimeter.
Graticule
Illumination — variable edge lighting.
Markings — marked in 4 vertical and 10 horizontal 1 -centi 
meter divisions with 2-millimeter markings on the center 
lines.
Amplitude Calibrator
Waveform — square-waves at approximately 1 kc.
Output voltage — 0.2 millivolts peak-to-peak to 100 volts
peak-to-peak in 18 steps.
Accuracy — peak-to-peak amplitude of square-waves within
3% of indicated voltage.
Output Loading — 33 k load will reduce 100 volts output 2%.
500 k load will reduce 50 volt output 2%. 100 k load
will effect voltages 1 volt or below.
Power Supplies
Electronically regulated for stable operation with widely
varying line voltages and loads.
Line voltage requirements — 105 to 125 volts, or 210 to 250
volts.
Power — approximately 630 watts.
Line frequency — 50 to 60 cycles.
Output Waveforms Available
Positive Gate A — approximately 30 volts peak-to-peak with
same duration as A sweep. Approximately 200 ohms
output impedance.
Positive Gate B — approximately 30 volts peak-to-peak with
same duration as B sweep. Approximately 300 ohms
output impedance.
Delayed Trigger pulse — approximately 5 volts in amplitude,
occuring at end of the delay period.
Sawtooth A — sweep A sawtooth waveform, approximately
150 volts peak-to-peak. Maximum allowable load, 18 k.
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Ventilation
Forced filtered air. Thermal relay interrupts instrument power
in the event of overheating. Will operate satisfactorily
up to approximately 120° F ambient air temperature.
Construction
Aluminum-alloy chassis and three-piece cabinet.
Photo-etched anodized panel, blue vinyl covered textured
aluminum.
Dimensions — see Figure 1-3.
Weight — 74 pounds.
Fig. 1-3. Type 585 Oscilloscope dimensions.
Accessories Included:
2 Binding-post adapters (013-004)
1 Test lead (012-031)
1 Green Filter (378-514)
1 Power cord (161-010)
1 Adapter, 3 wire to 2 wire (103-013)
2 Instruction Manuals
1-3

NOTES

SECTIOIXI 2
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
General Information
The Type 585 Oscilloscope is an extremely versatile
instrument which is adaptable to a great number of applica 
tions. However, to make use of the full potentialities of the
instrument, it is necessary that you understand completely
the operation of each control. This portion of the manual is
intended to provide you with the basic information you
require.
PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS
Cooling
A fan maintains safe operating temperature in the Type
585 by circulating filtered air over the rectifiers and other
components. When in operation, the instrument must be
placed so that the air intake at the back is clear of any
obstruction that might impede the flow of air. Side panels
should also be in place for proper air circulation. The air
filter should be kept clean in accordance with cleaning
instructions found in the Maintenance Section of this Manual.
Under no circumstances should your Type 585 oscilloscope
be operated without the fan running. Without the fan, inside
temperature of the oscilloscope will rise to a dangerous
level in five to ten minutes. In this event, the thermal cutout
switch will disconnect the power and keep it disconnected
until the temperature drops to a safe level.
Power Requirements
Unless tagged otherwise, this instrument is connected at
the factory for operation at 105 to 125 volts, 50 to 60 cycles
AC (117 volts nominal.) However, provisions are made for
easy conversion to operate at 210 to 250 volts, 50 to 60
cycles (234 volts nominal).
The power transformer has eight primary terminals making
possible operation from six different input voltages. The
Type 585 can be operated from primary voltages of 110,
117, 124, 220, 234 and 248 volts, 50 or 60 cycles. Figure 2-1
illustrates proper connections to permit operation on any
one of the listed voltages.
Fan Connections
When connecting the power transformer for operation
with a supply voltage of 200 volts or more, be sure to
leave the fan wires connected at terminals 1 and 3 of the
primary. This is to insure that the fan motor will not be
supplied more than 125 volts. Figure 2-2 shows a typical
high line voltage connection assuring proper fan operation
when the line voltage is 248 volts.
Fig. 2-1. The power transformer has two extra windings permitting nominal primary voltages of 1 10, 1 17, 12 , 220, 23 , 2 8 volts, 50
or 60 cycle operation.
2-1

Operating Instructions — Type 585
Fuse Data
Fuse data is silk-screened on the rear panel of the instru 
ment adjacent to the fuse holder. Use only the recom 
mended fuses for maximum over-current protection.
proper contact. Tighten the plug-in unit locking control to
hold the unit securely in place and turn the oscilloscope
INTENSITY control fully counterclockwise. Connect the power
cord to the rear of the instrument and to the power line
and place the POWER switch in the ON position.
OSCILLOSCOPE OPERATING INFORMATION
If you are familiar with other Tektronix Oscilloscopes, you
should have very little difficulty in understanding the opera 
tion of the Type 585. The function of many controls is the
same as the function of corresponding controls on other
Tektronix instruments.
Plug-In Units
The Type 585 Oscilloscope is designed to operate with
the Tektronix Eighty Series Plug-In Units. In addition, the
Type 81 Plug-In Adapter permits use of all of the Tektronix
Letter-Series plug-in units. The particular plug-in unit used
must be selected to satisfy the application requirements.
In selecting the plug-in unit for any particular application,
consider the bandpass, sensitivity, the type of input required
for that application. The plug-in units now available and
those presently under development will satisfy the require 
ments for most applications.
Preparation for Use
When the plug-in unit to be used has been selected, insert
the unit into the plug-in compartment of the Type 585 oscillo 
scope and press firmly to insure that the connectors make
Fig. 2-2. A typical high-voltage fan connection, using as an
example the wiring for a 2 8-volt supply.
Time Delay
A time delay relay used in the Type 585 Oscilloscope
delays operation of the instrument for approximately 25
seconds after the POWER switch is turned on to allow a
brief tube warmup period. The delay allows the tubes
sufficient time to heat before the d c operating voltages are
applied.
If the ac power is off for only an instant, the normal 25
second delay will occur before the instrument returns to
full operation. This delay will occur regardless of whether
the ac power is off because of momentary power failure
or is turned off with the POWER switch.
INTENSITY Control
The INTENSITY control is used to adjust the brightness
of the oscilloscope display. This permits compensation for
changes in brightness resulting from changes in the sweep
or triggering rate. The INTENSITY control is rotated clock 
wise to increase brightness and counterclockwise to decrease
brightness. Care must be taken when using the INTENSITY
control that the brightness is not turned up to the point
where the face of the cathode-ray tube is permanently
damaged. If the intensity of the beam is turned up too far,
the phosphor on the face of the c rt may be burned.
FOCUS and ASTIGMATISM Controls
The FOCUS and ASTIGMATISM controls operate together
to allow a sharp, clearly defined, spot or trace to be ob 
tained. FOCUS adjustments need to be made after each
change of the INTENSITY control. For slow sweep rates,
proper adjustment of the ASTIGMATISM control will produce
a circular spot, then adjust the FOCUS control for as small
a spot as possible. For fast sweep rates with low repetition
rates that produce a dim trace, best focus can be obtained
by looking at the waveform and simultaneously adjusting
the ASTIGMATISM and the FOCUS control. There is a maxi 
mum setting of the INTENSITY control above which a good
focus is not possible. Best definition for all signals will be
obtained by using the horizontal center six centimeters of
the graticule.
Graticule and Scale Illumination Control
The graticule used with the Type 585 Oscilloscope is
accurately marked with 10 horizontal and 4 vertical 1-
centimeter divisions with 2-millimeter markings on the center 
lines. These graticule markings in conjunction with the cali 
brated scale factors of the Type 585 allow time and voltage
measurements to be made directly from the oscilloscope crt.
The graticule is illuminated by two lamps located at the
top edge of the graticule. This illumination can be con 
trolled so that the graticule markings appear either red or
2-2
A A