Tektronix TDS 430A Use and care manual

Technical Reference
TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A
Digitizing Oscilloscopes
Performance Verification and Specifications
070-9705-04
www.tektronix.com

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.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077
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 Performance Verification and Specifications i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary v...................................
Preface vii...................................................
Performance Verification
Performance Verification Procedures 1--1.........................
Brief Procedures 1--5...........................................
Self Tests 1--5.......................................................
Functional Tests 1--7.................................................
Performance Tests 1--15.........................................
Prerequisites 1--15....................................................
Equipment Required 1--16..............................................
Test Record 1--18.....................................................
Signal Acquisition System Checks 1--20...................................
Time Base System Checks 1--34.........................................
Trigger System Checks 1--38............................................
Output Signal Check 1--53..............................................
Sine Wave Generator Leveling Procedure 1--55.............................
Specifications
Specification 2--1..............................................
Nominal Traits 2--3............................................
Warranted Characteristics 2--11..................................
Typical Characteristics 2--19.....................................

Table of Contents
ii TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications
List of Figures
Figure 1--1: Map of Display Functions 1--3........................
Figure 1--2: Verifying Adjustments and Signal Path Compensation 1--6
Figure 1--3: Universal Test Hookup for Functional Tests 1--8.........
Figure 1--4: Initial Test Hookup 1--20..............................
Figure 1--5: Initial Test Hookup 1--23..............................
Figure 1--6: Initial Test Hookup 1--26..............................
Figure 1--7: Measurement of Analog Bandwidth 1--29................
Figure 1--8: Initial Test Hookup 1--31..............................
Figure 1--9: Measurement of Channel Delay 1--33....................
Figure 1--10: Initial Test Hookup 1--34.............................
Figure 1--11: Measurement of Accuracy — Long-Term and
Delay-Time 1--37............................................
Figure 1--12: Initial Test Hookup 1--38.............................
Figure 1--13: Initial Test Hookup 1--41.............................
Figure 1--14: Measurement of Trigger Sensitivity 1--43...............
Figure 1--15: Initial Test Hookup 1--45.............................
Figure 1--16: Confirming Auxiliary Triggering at Maximum
Triggering Frequency 1--46...................................
Figure 1--17: Initial Test Hookup 1--47.............................
Figure 1--18: Initial Test Hookup 1--49.............................
Figure 1--19: Adjusting Sync Pulse Amplitude 1--51..................
Figure 1--20: Measurement of Video Sensitivity 1--52.................
Figure 1--21: Initial Test Hookup 1--54.............................
Figure 1--22: Measurement of Probe Compensator Limits 1--55........
Figure 1--23: Sine Wave Generator Leveling Equipment Setup 1--56....
Figure 1--24: Equipment Setup for maximum Amplitude 1--57.........
Figure 2--1: TDS 400A Dimensional Drawing 2--9...................

Table of Contents
TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications iii
List of Tables
Table 1--1: Test Equipment 1--16.................................
Table 1--2: DC Offset Accuracy 1--22..............................
Table 1--3: Analog Bandwidth (TDS 420A) 1--27....................
Table 1--4: Analog Bandwidth (TDS 430A and TDS 460A) 1--28.......
Table 2--1: Key Features of the TDS 400A Oscilloscopes 2--1.........
Table 2--2: Nominal Traits —Signal Acquisition System 2--3.........
Table 2--3: Nominal Traits —Time Base System 2--5...............
Table 2--4: Nominal Traits —Triggering System 2--5...............
Table 2--5: Nominal Traits —Display System 2--6..................
Table 2--6: Nominal Traits —Data Storage 2--6....................
Table 2--7: Nominal Traits —GPIB Interface, Video Output, and
Power Fuse 2--6...........................................
Table 2--8: Nominal Traits —Mechanical 2--7.....................
Table 2--9: Warranted Characteristics —Signal Acquisition System 2--11
Table 2--10: Warranted Characteristics —Time Base System 2--13.....
Table 2--11: Warranted Characteristics —Triggering System 2--14.....
Table 2--12: Warranted Characteristics —Probe Compensator
Output 2--14...............................................
Table 2--13: Warranted Characteristics —Power Requirements 2--14..
Table 2--14: Warranted Characteristics —Environmental, Safety,
and Reliability 2--15........................................
Table 2--15: Certifications and compliances 2--16....................
Table 2--16: Typical Characteristics —Signal Acquisition System 2--19.
Table 2--17: Typical Characteristics —Time Base System 2--20........
Table 2--18: Typical Characteristics —Triggering System 2--21.......
Table 2--19: Typical Characteristics —Data Handling 2--22..........

Table of Contents
iv TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications

TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications v
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it.
To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Use Proper Power Cord. To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified
for this product.
Avoid Electric Overload. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a
voltage to a terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Avoid Electric Shock. To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or disconnect
probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
Ground the Product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor
of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not
operate this product with covers or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse. To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified
for this product.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions. To avoid electric shock, do not operate
this product in wet or damp conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not
operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Use Proper Power Source. Do not operate this product from a power source that
applies more than the voltage specified.
Provide Proper Ventilation. To prevent product overheating, provide proper
ventilation.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Injury Precautions
Product Damage
Precautions

General Safety Summary
vi TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications
Terms in this Manual. These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product. These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product. The following symbols may appear on the product:
Protective Ground
(Earth) Terminal
ATTENTION
Refer to Manual
DANGER
High Voltage
Refer to the specifications section for a listing of certifications and compliances
that apply to this product.
Symbols and Terms
Certifications and
Compliances

TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications vii
Preface
This is the Performance Verification for the TDS 430A, TDS 420A, and
TDS 460A Oscilloscopes. It contains procedures suitable for determining if the
oscilloscope functions, is adjusted properly, and meets the performance
characteristics as warranted.
This document also contains the specifications for the
TDS 400A Digitizing Oscilloscopes.
Related Manuals
The following documents relate to the use or service of the
digitizing oscilloscope:
HThe TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A User Manual describes
how to operate your digitizing oscilloscope.
HThe TDS Family Programmer Manual describes using a computer to control
the digitizing oscilloscope through the GPIB interface.
HThe TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A & TDS 510A Reference gives you a
quick overview of how to operate your digitizing oscilloscope.
HThe TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Service Manual provides informa-
tion for maintaining and servicing your digitizing oscilloscope to the
module level.
HThe TDS Family Option 13 Instruction Manual describes using the optional
CentronicsRand RS-232 interfaces for obtaining hard copies (for
TDS oscilloscopes equipped with that option only).

Preface
viii TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications
Contacting Tektronix
Phone [phone]*
Address Tektronix, Inc.
Department or name (if known)
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
Web site www.tektronix.com
Sales support 1-800-833-9200, select option 1*
Service support 1-800-833-9200, select option 2*
Technical support Email: [e-mail]
1-800-833-9200, select option 3*
1-503-627-2400
6:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Pacific time
*This phone number is toll free in North America. After office hours, please leave a
voice mail message.
Outside North America, contact a Tektronix sales office or distributor; see the
Tektronix web site for a list of offices.

Performance Verification

TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications 1-1
Performance Verification Procedures
Two types of Performance Verification procedures can be performed on this
product: Brief Procedures and Performance Tests. You may not need to perform
all of these procedures, depending on what you want to accomplish:
HTo rapidly confirm that this oscilloscope functions and is adjusted properly,
just do the procedures under Self Tests, which begin on page 1--5.
Advantages: These procedures are quick to do, require no external
equipment or signal sources, and perform extensive functional and accuracy
testing to provide high confidence that the oscilloscope will perform
properly. Use these procedures as a quick check before making a series of
important measurements.
HTo further check functionality, first do the Self Tests just mentioned; then do
the procedures under Functional Tests that begin on page 1--7.
Advantages: These procedures require minimal additional time to perform,
require no additional equipment other than a standard-accessory probe, and
more completely test the internal hardware of this oscilloscope. Use these
procedures to quickly determine if the oscilloscope is suitable for putting
into service, such as when it is first received.
HIf more extensive confirmation of performance is desired, do the Perfor-
mance Tests, beginning on page 1--15, after doing the Functional and Self
Tests just referenced.
Advantages: These procedures add direct checking of warranted specifica-
tions. They require more time to perform and suitable test equipment is
required. (See Equipment Required on page 1--16.)
Throughout these procedures the following conventions apply:
HEach test procedure uses the following general format:
Title of Test
Equipment Required
Prerequisites
Procedure

Performance Verification Procedures
1-2 TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications
HEach procedure consists of as many steps and substeps as required to do the
test. Steps and substeps are sequenced as follows:
1. First Step
a. First Substep
b. Second Substep
2. Second Step
HIn steps and substeps, the lead-in statement in italics instructs you what to
do, while the instructions that follow tell you how to do it: in the example
step below, “Initialize the oscilloscope” by doing “Press save/recall SETUP.
Now, press the main-menu button...”
Initialize the oscilloscope: Press save/recall SETUP.Now,pressthe
main-menu button Recall Factory Setup; then the side-menu button OK
Confirm Factory Init.
HWhere instructed to use a front-panel button or knob, or select from a main
or side menu, or verify a readout or status message, the name of the button or
knob appears in boldface type: “press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU,”
“press the main-menu button Coupling,” or “verify that the status message
is Pass.”
STOP. This symbol is accompanied by information you must read to do
procedures properly.
HRefer to Figure 1--1: “Main menu” refers to the menu that labels the seven
menu buttons under the display; “side menu” refers to the menu that labels
the five buttons to the right of the display.

Performance Verification Procedures
TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications 1-3
Position of Waveform
Record Relative to
the Screen and Display
General Purpose
Knob Readout
Waveform Reference
Symbols: Ground Levels
and Waveform Sources
Graticule and Waveforms
Side menu area.
Readouts for
measurements
move here when
CLEAR MENU
is pressed.
Main menu display area. Readouts in lower graticule
area move here when CLEAR MENU is pressed.
Vertical Scale, Horizontal
Scale, and Trigger Level
Readouts
Brief Status
Information
Figure 1- 1: Map of Display Functions

Performance Verification Procedures
1-4 TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications

TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications 1-5
Brief Procedures
The Self Tests use internal routines to confirm basic functionality and proper
adjustment. No test equipment is required to do these test procedures.
The Functional Tests use the probe-adjust output at the front panel as a test-
signal source for further verifying that the oscilloscope functions properly. A
standard-accessory probe, included with this oscilloscope, is the only
equipment required.
Self Tests
This procedure uses internal routines to verify that this oscilloscope functions
and passes its internal self tests and signal path compensations. It also confirms
that the oscilloscope was adjusted properly at the time it was last adjusted. No
test equipment or hookups are required.
Equipment
Required
None
Prerequisites Power on the digitizing oscilloscope and allow a 20 minute warm-up
before doing this procedure.
1. Verify that internal diagnostics pass: Do the following substeps to verify that
the internal diagnostics passed.
a. Display the system diagnostics menu:
HPress SHIFT;thenpressUTILITY.
HRepeatedly press the main-menu button System until Diag/Err is
highlighted in the menu that pops up.
HRepeatedly press the main-menu button Area until All is highlighted
in the menu that pops up.
b. Run the system diagnostics: Press the main-menu button Execute; then
press the side-menu button OK Confirm Run Test.
c. Wait: The internal diagnostics do an exhaustive verification of proper
oscilloscope function. This verification takes up to two minutes. While it
progresses, a variety of test patterns flash on screen. When finished, the
resulting status appears on the screen.
d. Confirm no failures are found: Verify that no failures are found and
reported on screen.
Verify Internal Adjustment,
Self Compensation, and
Diagnostics

Brief Procedures
1-6 TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Performance Verification and Specifications
e. Confirm the four adjustment sections have passed status:
HPress SHIFT;thenpressUTILITY.
HPress the main menu button System until Cal is highlighted in the
pop-up menu.
HVerify that the word Pass appears in the main menu under the
following menu labels: Voltage Reference,High Frequency
Response,Low Frequency Response,andTrigger Skew.(See
Figure 1--2.)
Verify Pass status for the
adjustment sections.
Run a signal path
compensation and verify
status is Pass.
Display the
CAL menu. 1
23
Figure 1- 2: Verifying Adjustments and Signal Path Compensation
This oscilloscope lets you compensate the internal signal path used to acquire the
waveforms you acquire and measure. By executing the signal path compensation
feature (SPC), you optimize the oscilloscope capability to make accurate
measurements based on the ambient temperature.