Tektronix TDS 420A User manual

User Manual
TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A
Digitizing Oscilloscopes
070-9701-02

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

WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment. If a product proves defective during this warranty period,
Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a
replacement in exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the
warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid.
Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any
other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting
from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage or malfunction
caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with other
products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO
REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO
THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE
OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.

TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface ix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started
Product Description 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start Up 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics
Overview 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
At a Glance 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tutorial 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference
Overview 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessing Help 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition Modes 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Triggering 3–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining Status 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Modes 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edge Triggering 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fast Fourier Transforms (Optional) 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
File System 3–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hardcopy 3–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal Control 3–55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limit Testing 3–63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Logic Triggering (TDS 510A Only) 3–67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring Waveforms 3–73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Cal (TDS 510A Only) 3–83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Compensation 3–89. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulse Triggering (TDS 510A Only) 3–91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Communication 3–97. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roll Mode (TDS 400A Only) 3–99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving and Recalling Setups 3–103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving and Recalling Waveforms 3–105. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting Channels 3–111. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up Automatically: Autoset and Reset 3–113. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual
Signal Path Compensation 3–115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking Cursor Measurements 3–117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Control 3–123. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Video Triggering (TDS 400A) 3–127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Differentiation (Optional) 3–131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Integration (Optional) 3–135. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Math 3–139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zoom 3–143. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendices
Appendix A: Options and Accessories A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Packaging for Shipment B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Remote Display C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix D: Programmer Disk D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary
Index

Table of Contents
TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual iii
List of Figures
Figure 1–1: Rear Panel Controls Used in Start Up 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–2: ON/STBY Button 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–1: Connecting a Probe for the Examples 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–2: SETUP Button Location 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–3: The Displayed Setup Menu 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–4: SET LEVEL TO 50% Button 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–5: The Display After Factory Initialization 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–6: The VERTICAL and HORIZONTAL Controls 2–15. . . . . . .
Figure 2–7: TRIGGER Controls 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–8:AUTOSET Button Location 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–9: The Display After Pressing Autoset 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–10: Display Signals Requiring Probe Compensation 2–17. . . . . .
Figure 2–11: The Channel Buttons and Lights 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–12: The Vertical Main Menu and Coupling Side Menu 2–20. . . .
Figure 2–13: The Menus After Changing Channels 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–14: Measure Main Menu and Select Measurement Side
Menu 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–15: Four Simultaneous Measurement Readouts 2–23. . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–16: General Purpose Knob Indicators 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–17: Snapshot of Channel 1 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–18: Save/Recall Setup Menu 2–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–1: Initial Help Screen 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–2:Acquisition Menu and Readout 3–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–3:Acquire Menu — Stop After 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–4: Delayed Runs After Main 3–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–5: Delayed Triggerable 3–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–6: Delayed Trigger Menu (TDS 400A shown) 3–14. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–7: Status Menu — System (TDS 400A shown) 3–15. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–8: Banner Display 3–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–9: Display Menu — Style 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–10: Trigger Point and Level Indicators 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–11: Edge Trigger Readouts 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–12: Record View, Trigger Position, and Trigger Level
Bar Readouts 3–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
iv TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual
Figure 3–13: Main Trigger Menu — Edge Type 3–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–14: TRIGGER Controls and Status Lights 3–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–15: System Response to an Impulse 3–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–16: Define FFT Waveform Menu 3–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–17: FFT Math Waveform in Math1 3–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–18: Cursor Measurement of an FFT Waveform 3–32. . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–19: Waveform Record vs. FFT Time Domain Record 3–34. . . . .
Figure 3–20: FFT Time Domain Record vs. FFT Frequency
Domain Record 3–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–21: How Aliased Frequencies Appear in an FFT 3–37. . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–22: Windowing the FFT Time Domain Record 3–40. . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–23: FFT Windows and Bandpass Characteristics 3–41. . . . . . . .
Figure 3–24: File Utilities 3–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–25: File System — Labelling Menu 3–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–26: Utility Menu — System I/O 3–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–27: Date and Time Display 3–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–28: Connecting the Digitizing Oscilloscope Directly to
the Hardcopy Device 3–50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–29: Connecting the Digitizing Oscilloscope and Hardcopy
Device Via a PC 3–52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–30: Record View and Time Base Readouts 3–55. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–31: Horizontal Controls 3–56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–32: Aliasing 3–58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–33: Comparing a Waveform to a Limit Template 3–63. . . . . . . .
Figure 3–34:Acquire Menu — Create Limit Test Template 3–64. . . . . . . .
Figure 3–35: Logic Trigger Readouts 3–68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–36: Logic Trigger Menu 3–70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–37: Logic Trigger Menu — Time Qualified TRUE 3–72. . . . . . .
Figure 3–38: Measurement Readouts 3–75. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–39: Measure Menu 3–76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–40: Measure Menu — Gating 3–78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–41: Measure Menu — Reference Levels 3–79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–42: Measure Delay Menu — Delay To 3–80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–43: Snapshot Menu and Readout 3–81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–44: Probe Cal Menu and Gain Compensation Display 3–85. . . .
Figure 3–45: Re-use Probe Calibration Data Menu 3–87. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–46: How Probe Compensation Affects Signals 3–89. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–47: Probe Adjustment 3–90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–48: Pulse Trigger Readouts 3–91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual v
Figure 3–49: Main Trigger Menu — Glitch Class 3–92. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–50: Main Trigger Menu—Runt Class 3–95. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–51: Connecting the Digitizing Oscilloscope to a Controller 3–97
Figure 3–52: Utility Menu 3–98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–53: Roll Mode (500 Point Record Length) 3–100. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–54: Trigger Mode Menu 3–102. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–55: Save/Recall Setup Menu 3–104. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–56: Save Waveform Menu (TDS 400A shown) 3–106. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–57: More Menu 3–107. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–58: Save Format Menu 3–108. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–59: The Channel Readout 3–111. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–60: Waveform Selection Priority 3–112. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–61: Performing a Signal Path Compensation 3–116. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–62: Cursor Types 3–117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–63: Cursor Modes 3–118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–64: H Bars Cursor Menu and Readouts 3–119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–65: Paired Cursor Menu and Readouts 3–119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–66: Video Line and IRE Units (TDS 400A shown) 3–121. . . . . . . .
Figure 3–67: Vertical Readouts and Channel Menu 3–124. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–68: Main Trigger Menu — Video Type 3–127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–69: Video Trigger Menu — Class 3–128. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–70: Video Trigger Menu — TV Delay Mode 3–129. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–71: Video Trigger — Scan Parameter 3–130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–72: Video Trigger — Scan Rate & Interlace 3–130. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–73: Derivative Math Waveform 3–132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–74: Peak-Peak Amplitude Measurement of a Derivative
Waveform 3–133. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–75: Integral Math Waveform 3–136. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–76: H Bars Cursors Measure an Integral Math Waveform 3–137
Figure 3–77: More Menu 3–139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–78: Dual Waveform Math Menus 3–141. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–79: Zoom Mode with Horizontal Lock Set to None 3–145. . . . . . .
Figure 3–80: Zoom Preview Mode 3–146. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure D–1: Equipment Needed to Run the Example Programs D–1. . . .

Table of Contents
vi TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual
List of Tables
Table 1–1: Fuse and Fuse Cap Part Numbers 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–1: TDS 460A, TDS 430A, and TDS 420A Resolution Bits 3–6. .
Table 3–2: TDS 510A Resolution Bits 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–3: XY Format Pairs 3–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–4: Logic Triggers 3–68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–5: Measurement Definitions 3–73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–6: Probe Cal Status 3–86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–7: Pulse Trigger Definitions 3–91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–1: International Power Cords A–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–2: Standard Accessories A–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–3: Optional Accessories A–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–4: Compatible Probes A–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–5: Accessory Software A–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .