Tektronix TDS3000 Series Troubleshooting guide

Programmer Manual
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series
Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes
071-0381-03
For the TDS3000C series, this document applies
to firmware version 4.00 and above.
For the TDS3000 and the TDS3000B series, this
document applies to firmware version 3.00 and
above.
www.tektronix.com

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suppliers, and are protected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
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TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
WaveAlert, and e*Scope are trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
HIn North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
HWorldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.

TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual i
Table of Contents
Preface
Related Manuals vii.................................................
Getting Started
Overview of the Manual 1--2...........................................
Communication Modules 1--4..........................................
Installing a Communication Module 1--6.................................
Connector Locations 1--7..............................................
Setting Up Ethernet Remote Communications 1--8.........................
Setting Up GPIB Remote Communications 1--18............................
Setting Up RS-232 Remote Communications 1--21..........................
Comparing GPIB and RS-232 1--26......................................
Command Syntax and Commands
Command and Query Structure 2--1.....................................
Clearing the Oscilloscope Output Queue 2--4..............................
Command Entry 2--4.................................................
Constructed Mnemonics 2--7...........................................
Argument Types 2--8.................................................
Command Groups 2--11.........................................
Acquisition Commands 2--11...........................................
Alias Commands 2--12.................................................
Calibration and Diagnostic Commands 2--13...............................
Cursor Commands 2--14...............................................
Display Commands 2--16...............................................
Ethernet Commands 2--17..............................................
File System Commands 2--18...........................................
Front Panel Commands 2--18...........................................
Hard Copy Commands 2--19............................................
Horizontal Commands 2--19............................................
ITU601 Digital Video Commands (TDS3SDI Only) 2--20.....................
Limit Test Commands (Requires TDS3LIM) 2--21..........................
Mask Commands (TDS3000B Series and TDS3000C Series
with TDS3TMT) 2--22.............................................
Math Commands 2--27.................................................
Measurement Commands 2--28..........................................
Miscellaneous Commands 2--30.........................................
RS-232 Commands 2--32...............................................
Save and Recall Commands 2--32........................................
Status and Error Commands 2--33........................................
Trigger Commands 2--34...............................................
Vertical Commands 2--38..............................................
Waveform Commands 2--39............................................
Command Descriptions 2--45.....................................

Table of Contents
ii TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
Status and Events
Registers 3--1.......................................................
Queues 3--5........................................................
Event Handling Sequence 3--6.........................................
Synchronization Methods 3--7..........................................
Messages 3--12.......................................................
Appendices
Appendix A: Character Charts A--1..............................
Appendix B: Reserved Words B--1...............................
Appendix C: Interface Specifications C--1.........................
Appendix D: Factory Initialization Settings D--1....................
Glossary and Index

Table of Contents
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual iii
List of Figures
Figure 1--1: Common message elements 1--2.......................
Figure 1--2: Functional groupings and an alphabetical list of
commands 1--2............................................
Figure 1--3: Service Requests (SRQs) provide for event (interrupt)
driven programs 1--3.......................................
Figure 1--4: Communication module connectors 1--5................
Figure 1--5: TDS3EM LEDs 1--5.................................
Figure 1--6: Communication module mounting location 1--6..........
Figure 1--7: Communication module location 1--7...................
Figure 1--8: The Ethernet Network Settings menu 1--9...............
Figure 1--9: The Change Instrument Settings screen 1--10.............
Figure 1--10: The Ethernet Printer Settings window 1--16.............
Figure 1--11: How to stack GPIB connectors 1--19...................
Figure 1--12: Typical GPIB network configurations 1--19.............
Figure 1--13: Selecting the System: I/O menu 1--20...................
Figure 1--14: The RS-232 connector pin assignments 1--21............
Figure 1--15: RS-232 parameter settings 1--22.......................
Figure 2--1: Command Message Elements 2--2......................
Figure 2--2: Block Argument Example 2--10........................
Figure 3--1: The Standard Event Status Register (SESR) 3--1.........
Figure 3--2: The Status Byte Register (SBR) 3--2....................
Figure 3--3: The Device Event Status Enable Register (DESER) 3--3...
Figure 3--4: The Event Status Enable Register (ESER) 3--4...........
Figure 3--5: The Service Request Enable Register (SRER) 3--4........
Figure 3--6: Status and event handling process 3--6.................
Figure 3--7: Command processing without using synchronization 3--8..
Figure 3--8: Processing sequence with synchronization 3--8...........

Table of Contents
iv TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
List of Tables
Table 1--1: Communication modules 1--4..........................
Table 1--2: Ethernet Network Settings side menu 1--10...............
Table 1--3: Ethernet Printer Settings side menu 1--12................
Table 1--4: RS-232 adapter cables 1--21............................
Table 1--5: RS-232 default settings 1--23...........................
Table 1--6: RS-232 troubleshooting 1--25...........................
Table 1--7: Comparison of GPIB and RS-232 interfaces 1--26.........
Table 2--1: BNF Symbols and Meanings 2--1.......................
Table 2--2: Command Message Elements 2--2......................
Table 2--3: Comparison of Header Off and On Responses 2--3........
Table 2--4: Acquisition commands 2--11............................
Table 2--5: Alias commands 2--12.................................
Table 2--6: Calibration and diagnostic commands 2--13..............
Table 2--7: Cursor commands 2--14...............................
Table 2--8: Display commands 2--16...............................
Table 2--9: Ethernet commands 2--17..............................
Table 2--10: File system commands 2--18...........................
Table 2--11: Front panel commands 2--18..........................
Table 2--12: Hard copy commands 2--19...........................
Table 2--13: Horizontal commands 2--19...........................
Table 2--14: ITU601 commands 2--20..............................
Table 2--15: Limit Test commands 2--21...........................
Table 2--16: Mask commands 2--22...............................
Table 2--17: Available TDS3TMT ITU-T G.703 mask standards 2--26..
Table 2--18: Available TDS3TMT ANSI T1.102 mask standards 2--26..
Table 2--19: Math commands 2--27................................
Table 2--20: Measurement commands 2--28.........................
Table 2--21: Miscellaneous commands 2--30........................
Table 2--22: RS-232 commands 2--32..............................
Table 2--23: Save and Recall commands 2--32.......................
Table 2--24: Status and Error commands 2--33......................
Table 2--25: Trigger commands 2--34..............................
Table 2--26: Vertical commands 2--38..............................
Table 2--27: Binary data ranges 2--40..............................

Table of Contents
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual v
Table 2--28: Waveform commands 2--42...........................
Table 2--29: Commands that affect BUSY? response 2--56............
Table 2--30: Offset Ranges using a 1x Probe 2--67...................
Table 2--31: CURVE query error conditions 2--90...................
Table 2--32: CURVE command error conditions 2--90................
Table 2--33: DATa and WFMPre parameter settings 2--94............
Table 2--34: XY format pairs 2--104................................
Table 2--35: XY format pairs 2--113................................
Table 2--36: FPAnel:PRESS arguments 2--135.......................
Table 2--37: Advanced Math expression elements 2--199...............
Table 2--38: MATH1: commands 2--205............................
Table 2--39: Commands that Generate an Operation Complete
Message 2--240..............................................
Table 2--40: HDTV formats 2--292.................................
Table 2--41: Video trigger line range values 2--294....................
Table 2--42: TRIGger:DELay commands 2--303......................
Table 2--43: TRIGger:MAIn commands 2--305.......................
Table 2--44: Additional WFMPre commands 2--326...................
Table 3--1: SESR bit functions 3--2...............................
Table 3--2: SBR bit functions 3--3................................
Table 3--3: No event messages 3--12...............................
Table 3--4: Command error messages -- CME Bit 5 3--12.............
Table 3--5: Execution error messages -- EXE Bit 4 3--14..............
Table 3--6: Device error messages -- DDE Bit 3 3--17.................
Table 3--7: System event messages 3--18............................
Table 3--8: Execution warning messages -- EXE Bit 4 3--18............
Table 3--9: Internal warning messages 3--19........................
Table A--1: Character Set A--1...................................
Table A--2: ASCII & GPIB Code Chart A--3.......................
Table C--1: Supported standard interface messages C--2.............
Table D--1: Factory initialization settings D--1......................

Table of Contents
vi TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual

TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual vii
Preface
This manual documents the commands for remotely controlling your oscillo-
scope. With this information, you can write computer programs to perform
functions, such as setting the front--panel controls, taking measurements,
performing statistical calculations, or exporting data for use in other programs.
Related Manuals
The following documents are available for download from the Manuals Finder
Web site at www.tektronix.com:
TDS3000C Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes User Manual. Information
about installing and operating your oscilloscope.
TDS3000C Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes Technical Reference.
Oscilloscope specifications and a performance verification procedure.
TekVISA Programmer Manual. Description of TekVISA, the Tektronix
implementation of the VISA Application Programming Interface (API).
TekVISA is industry--compliant software for writing interoperable oscilloscope
drivers in a variety of Application Development Environments (ADEs).
TDS3000B Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes User Manual. Information
about installing and operating your oscilloscope.
TDS3000B Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes Technical Reference.
Oscilloscope specifications and a performance verification procedure.

Preface
viii TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual

TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual 1-1
Getting Started
You can write computer programs that remotely set the oscilloscope front panel
controls or that take measurements and read those measurements for further
analysis or storage.
To get you started with programming the oscilloscope, this section includes the
following:
HOverview of the Manual summarizes the type of programming information
contained in each major section of this manual (page 1--2).
HInstalling a Communication Module provides instructions to install one of
the optional communication modules (page 1--6).
HConnector Locations shows the RS-232 and GPIB connector locations on
the back panel of the TDS3000B and TDS3000C oscilloscopes (page 1--7).
HSetting Up Ethernet Remote Communications describes setting up for
Ethernet 10baseT remote control, including connecting the oscilloscope and
setting the appropriate front-panel controls (page 1--8).
HSetting Up GPIB Remote Communications describes setting up for GPIB
remote control, including connecting the oscilloscope and setting the
appropriate front-panel controls (page 1--18).
HSetting Up RS-232 Remote Communications describes setting up for RS-232
remote control, including connecting the oscilloscope and setting the
appropriate front-panel controls (page 1--21).
HComparing GPIB and RS-232 compares the characteristics of the GPIB and
RS-232 interfaces (page 1--26).

Getting Started
1-2 TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
Overview of the Manual
The information contained in each major section of this manual is described
below.
The Syntax and Commands chapter describes the structure and content of the
messages your program sends to the oscilloscope. Figure 1--1 shows a syntax
diagram and command parts as described in the Command Syntax subsection.
Comma
SAVe:WAVEform CH1,REF3
Header
Mnemonics ArgumentsSpace
Command Parts
Figure 1- 1: Common message elements
Chapter 2 also describes the effect of each command and provides examples of
how you might use it. The Command Groups section provides a list by function-
al area. The Command Descriptions section arranges commands
alphabetically (Figure 1--2).
Zoom
Zoom
Commands Grouped in Functional Areas Commands Listed Alphabetically
ACQuire? (Query Only)
Syntax:...
Group:...
Examples:...
ACQuire:MODe
S
G
E
ACQuire:NUMACq? (Query Only)
S
G
E
Acquisition Commands
ACQuire:MODe
ACQuire:NUMACq?
ACQuire:NUMAVg
ACQuire:NUMEnv
ACQuire:STATE
ACQuire:STOPAfter
Alias Commands
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Application Menu Commands
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
and
Figure 1- 2: Functional groupings and an alphabetical list of commands
Syntax and Commands

Getting Started
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual 1-3
Your program may request information from the oscilloscope. The oscilloscope
provides information in the form of status and error messages. Figure 1--3 on
page 1--3 illustrates the basic operation of this system.
The Status and Events chapter starting on page 3--1 describes how to use service
requests (SRQs) and various event messages in your programs.
Your program requests
status and event reports
as the Controller.
The oscilloscope sends status and
event reports using a communications
module or the Ethernet port built--in on
TDS3000B/TDS3000C series models.
GPIB Cable
Figure 1- 3: Service Requests (SRQs) provide for event (interrupt) driven programs
Status and Events

Getting Started
1-4 TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
Communication Modules
Communication modules let you communicate with, or remotely control, your
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series oscilloscopes.
Table 1--1 lists the available communication modules. Figure 1--4 shows the
connector configuration for each module.
Table 1- 1: Communication modules
Communica-
tion module Description
TDS3EM This communication module adds Ethernet 10baseT local area network
(LAN) and RS-232 ports to your TDS3000 Series oscilloscope. You can use
the Ethernet port for remote programming or printing to a LAN printer.
Communication modules are user-installable. All TDS3000B Series and
TDS3000C oscilloscopes have a built-in Ethernet port.
TDS3GM This communication module adds GPIB and RS-232 ports to all TDS3000
oscilloscopes. You can attach a printer to these ports or use them for remote
programmability. Communication modules are user-installable.
TDS3VM This communication module adds VGA and RS-232 ports to all TDS3000
oscilloscopes. You can attach a printer to the RS-232 port or use it for
remote programmability. You can attach a monitor to the VGA port to
enhance viewing the screen from a distance. Communication modules are
user-installable.
TDS3GV This communication module adds VGA, GPIB, and RS-232 ports to all
TDS3000 oscilloscopes. You can attach a printer to these ports or use them
for remote programmability. You can attach a monitor to the VGA port to
enhance viewing the screen from a distance. Communication modules are
user-installable.

Getting Started
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual 1-5
TDS3GM
TDS3VM
RS-232
TDS3EM
Ethernet
RS-232
RS-232
GPIB
VGA
TDS3GV
RS-232
GPIB VGA
Figure 1- 4: Communication module connectors
The TDS3EM Ethernet Communication Module (TDS3000 Series only) has a set
of four status LEDs. Figure 1--5 identifies each LED and describes its purpose.
LINK
TX
RX
CLSN
LINK: Indicates Ethernet connection when lit.
TX: On when oscilloscope is transmitting data.
RX: On when oscilloscope is receiving data.
CLSN: On when oscilloscope is attempting to transmit and receive at the same time.
Figure 1- 5: TDS3EM LEDs

Getting Started
1-6 TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
Installing a Communication Module
CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope or communication module,
observe all ESD precautions described in the User manual.
NOTE. Do not install a TDS3EM module into a TDS3000B Series or TDS3000C
Series oscilloscope. Installing the TDS3EM module will cause both the built-in
Ethernet port and the module’s Ethernet port to stop functioning.
To install one of the optional communication modules, follow these steps:
1. Turn the oscilloscope power off.
2. Push down on the latching tab to remove the blank cover.
3. Slide the communication module into the compartment until the internal
connectors are seated and the latching tab locks.
4. Turn power on. The communication module is now ready for your use.
To remove a communication module, follow these steps:
1. Turn the oscilloscope power off.
2. Push down on the latching tab and then use a small screwdriver to alternately
pry out the sides of the communication module.
3. Slide out the communication module and store it in an ESD-shielded bag
Install the blank cover if no other communication module is to be installed.
Latching tab
Figure 1- 6: Communication module mounting location

Getting Started
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual 1-7
Connector Locations
Figure 1--7 shows the location of the installed communication module, as well as
the rear-panel connectors. The built-in Ethernet port and External trigger are only
available with the TDS3000B and TDS3000C Series models.
Communication Module
Power input Parallel printer port
TDS3000/TDS3000B
Ethernet port
TDS3000B/TDS3000C
External trigger
TDS3000B/TDS3000C
DC power output
TDS3000/TDS3000B
+14.2 V DC
≤400 mA
Ground terminal
CAL switch
Figure 1- 7: Communication module location

Getting Started
1-8 TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
Setting Up Ethernet Remote Communications
The following sections describe how to set up the Ethernet communications for
network hard copy printing and remote programmability. The Ethernet port
requires a straight-through 10BaseT cable with RJ-45 connector. No transceiver
is necessary.
To connect the oscilloscope to the network, you need to obtain information from
your network administrator. For your convenience, make two photocopies of the
form shown below and send them to your network administrator to fill in. The
administrator can then return one copy and keep the other copy for filing.
Ethernet Setup Form for
Ethernet Hardware address : ::::
(User: copy this address from the UTILITY > System: I/O > Ethernet Network Settings > Change Instrument Settings
screen before sending this form to the network administrator)
Type of IP address requested: Dynamic (DHCP/BOOTP) -Static -
(User: See page G--1 of the TDS3000C Series DPO Oscilloscope User Manual for information on dynamic and static IP
addresses)
1Settings (from network admin.):
Instrument Name___________________
Instrument (IP) Address______.______.______.______
Domain Name: __________________________
DNS IP Address: ______.______.______.______
Gateway IP Address: ______.______.______.______
Subnet mask ______.______.______.______
HTTP Port:________
(User: Enter these values on the UTILITY > I/O > Ethernet Network Settings > Change Instrument Settings
screen)
2Network Administrator: Please provide network information about the
following printer:
Printer Location: ____________________________________________
Printer Make: _________________ Model: ______________________
(User: fill in above printer information before sending form)
Printer Network Name: ______________
Printer Server Name: ________________
Print Server IP Address: _____._____._____._____
(User: Enter above information on the UTILITY > I/O > Ethernet Printer Settings > Add Printer screen.
Contacting Your Network
Administrator

Getting Started
TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual 1-9
Push the UTILITY button, then push the System bottom button to select I/O.
The oscilloscope displays the I/O menu, as shown in Figure 1--8, which contains
the Ethernet Network Settings and Ethernet Printer Settings bottom buttons.
Figure 1- 8: The Ethernet Network Settings menu
Ethernet Network Settings Menu. Figure 1--9 shows the Ethernet Change
Instrument Settings screen. Table 1--2 describes the Ethernet Network Settings
fields. The procedures on page 1--13 (for networks that support DHCP/BOOTP)
and 1--14 (for networks that do not support DHCP/BOOTP) describe how to set
up the oscilloscope to communicate on your network using the appropriate
instrument IP information from your network administrator.
The Ethernet Menus

Getting Started
1-10 TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Programmer Manual
Figure 1- 9: The Change Instrument Settings screen
Table 1- 2: Ethernet Network Settings side menu
Side Field/value Description
Change Instrument
Settings
Ethernet Address: The factory-set Ethernet address for this
module or instrument. This field cannot be
edited.
Instrument Name: An alphanumeric label assigned to the
oscilloscope for easier network reference.
Check with your network administrator to
determine instrument name restrictions and
that the instrument name you request does not
already exist.
User Password: A password that causes the oscilloscope
e*Scope web server to prompt for user
authentication before allowing ethernet
access. Access is permitted for the duration of
the network browser session. Leaving this
blank allows any browser to access the
oscilloscope.