Tektronix TDS 460A User manual

User Manual
TDS 410A, TDS 420A & TDS 460A
Digitizing Oscilloscopes
070-9219-00

Copyright E Tektronix, Inc. 1995. 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 this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years
from the date of shipment. If any such 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; or c) 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 WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED 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.

Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
We hereby certify that the TDS 410A, TDS 420A, and TDS 460A Digitizing Oscilloscopes and all
factory-installed options comply with the RF Interference Suppression requirements of Postal
Regulation Vfg. 243/1991, amended per Vfg. 46/1992.
The German Postal Service was notified that the equipment is being marketed.
The German Postal Service has the right to re-test the series and to verify that it complies.
TEKTRONIX
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß das TDS 410A, TDS 420A, and TDS 460A Digitizing Oscilloscopes
und alle fabrikinstallierten Optionen in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der
Amtsblatt-Verfügung Vfg. 243/1991 und Zusatzverfügung 46/1992 funkentstört sind.
Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und die Berechtigung
zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhalten der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.
TEKTRONIX
NOTICE to the user/operator:
The German Postal Service requires that systems assembled by the operator/user of this instrument must
also comply with Postal Regulation, Vfg. 243/1991, Par. 2, Sect. 1.
HINWEIS für den Benutzer/Betreiber:
Die vom Betreiber zusammengestellte Anlage, innerhalb derer dieses Gerät eingesetzt wird, muß
ebenfalls den Voraussetzungen nach Par. 2, Ziff. 1 der Vfg. 243/1991, genügen.
NOTICE to the user/operator:
The German Postal Service requires that this equipment, when used in a test setup, may only be
operated if the requirements of Postal Regulation, Vfg. 243/1991, Par. 2, Sect. 1.8.1 are complied with.
HINWEIS für den Benutzer/Betreiber:
Dieses Gerät darf in Meßaufbauten nur betrieben werden, wenn die Voraussetzungen des Par. 2, Ziff. 1.
8.1 der Vfg. 243/1991 eingehalten werden.
German Postal Information

EC Declaration of Conformity
We
Tektronix Holland N.V.
Marktweg 73A
8444 AB Heerenveen
The Netherlands
declare under sole responsibility that the
TDS 410A Digitizing Oscilloscope
TDS 420A Digitizing Oscilloscope
TDS 460A Digitizing Oscilloscope
meet the intent of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance
was demonstrated to the following specifications as listed in the official Journal of the
European Communities:
EN 50081–1 Emissions:
EN 55011 Radiated, Class A
EN 55011 Conducted, Class A
EN 60555–2 Power Harmonics
EN 50082–1 Immunity:
IEC 801–2 Electrostatic Discharge
IEC 801–3 RF Radiated
IEC 801–4 Fast Transients
IEC 801–5 Surge

TDS 410A, TDS 420A & TDS 460A User Manual i
Table of Contents
List of Figures iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of Tables vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Safety Summary ix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface xi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started
Product Description 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start Up 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics
Functional Overview 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
At a Glance 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tutorial 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference
Overview 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessing Help 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition Modes 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Triggering 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining Status 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Modes 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edge Triggering 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
File System 3–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hardcopy 3–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal Control 3–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limit Testing 3–53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring Waveforms 3–59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Accessories 3–71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Compensation 3–81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Selection 3–83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Communication 3–89. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roll Mode 3–93. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving and Recalling Setups 3–97. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving and Recalling Waveforms 3–101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting Channels 3–107. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up Automatically: Autoset and Reset 3–111. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii TDS 410A, TDS 420A & TDS 460A User Manual
Signal Path Compensation 3–113. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking Cursor Measurements 3–115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Control 3–121. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Video Triggering 3–125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waveform Math 3–131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zoom 3–135. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendices
Appendix A: Options and Accessories A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Specification B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Algorithms C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix D: Packaging for Shipment D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix E: Factory Initialization Settings E–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix F: Remote Display F–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary
Index

Table of Contents
TDS 410A, TDS 420A & TDS 460A 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 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–2: SETUP Button Location 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–3: The Displayed Setup Menu 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–4: SET LEVEL TO 50% Button 2–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–5: The Display After Factory Initialization 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–6: The VERTICAL and HORIZONTAL Controls 2–17. . . . . . .
Figure 2–7: TRIGGER Controls 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–8:AUTOSET Button Location 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–9: The Display After Pressing Autoset 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–10: Display Signals Requiring Probe Compensation 2–19. . . . . .
Figure 2–11: The Channel Buttons and Lights 2–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–12: The Vertical Main Menu and Coupling Side Menu 2–22. . . .
Figure 2–13: The Menus After Changing Channels 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–14: Measure Main Menu and Select Measurement
Side Menu 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–15: Four Simultaneous Measurement Readouts 2–26. . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–16: General Purpose Knob Indicators 2–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–17: Snapshot of Channel 1 2–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–18: Save/Recall Setup Menu 2–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–19: Triggered Versus Untriggered Displays 2–31. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–20: Trigger Holdoff Time Ensures Valid Triggering 2–33. . . . . .
Figure 2–21: Slope and Level Controls Help Define the Trigger 2–35. . . .
Figure 2–22: TRIGGER Controls and Status Lights 2–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–23: Example Trigger Readouts 2–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–24: Record View, Trigger Position, and Trigger Level Bar
Readouts 2–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–25:Acquisition: Input Analog Signal, Sample,
and Digitize 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–26: Several Points May be Acquired for Each Point Used 2–39.
Figure 2–27: Real-Time Sampling 2–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–28: Equivalent-Time Sampling 2–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–29: Scaling and Positioning 2–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–30: Aliasing 2–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
iv TDS 410A, TDS 420A & TDS 460A User Manual
Figure 2–31: Graticule, Cursor, and Automated Measurements 2–47. . . .
Figure 2–32: Cursor Modes 2–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–1: Initial Help Screen 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–2: How the Acquisition Modes Work 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–3:Acquisition Menu and Readout 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–4:Acquire Menu — Stop After 3–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–5: Delayed Runs After Main 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–6: Delayed Triggerable 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–7: How the Delayed Triggers Work 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–8: Delayed Trigger Menu 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–9: Status Menu — System 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–10: Banner Display 3–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–11: Display Menu — Style 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–12: Trigger Point and Level Indicators 3–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–13: Edge Trigger Readouts 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–14: Main Trigger Menu — Edge Type 3–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–15: File Utilities 3–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–16: File System — Labelling Menu 3–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–17: Utility Menu — System I/O 3–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–18: Hardcopy Formats 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–19: Date and Time Display 3–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–20: Connecting the Digitizing Oscilloscope Directly to
the Hardcopy Device 3–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–21: Connecting the Digitizing Oscilloscope and Hardcopy
Device Via a PC 3–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–22: Connecting the Digitizing Oscilloscope and Hardcopy
Device Via a Converter 3–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–23: Record View and Time Base Readouts 3–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–24: Horizontal Controls 3–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–25: Comparing a Waveform to a Limit Template 3–53. . . . . . . .
Figure 3–26:Acquire Menu — Create Limit Test Template 3–54. . . . . . . .
Figure 3–27: Measurement Readouts 3–61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–28: Measure Menu 3–62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–29: Measure Menu — Gating 3–64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–30: Measure Menu — Reference Levels 3–66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–31: Measure Delay Menu — Delay To 3–67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–32: Snapshot Menu and Readout 3–68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .