Agilent 54642D, 54641D, 54622D, 54621D, 54642A User Manual

User’s Guide

Publication Number 54622-97036
September 2002

For Safety Information and Regulatory information,
see the pages behind the Index.

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 2000-2002

All Rights Reserved

Agilent 54621A/22A/24A/41A/42A

Oscilloscopes and

Agilent 54621D/22D/41D/42D

Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes

The Oscilloscopes at a Glance

Choose from a variety of oscilloscopes for capturing
long, non-repeating signals

with 200 MSa/s sample rate and 2 MBytes of
MegaZoom deep memory per channel.

• Agilent 54621A - 2-channel, 60-MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54621D - 2-channel +16 logic channels, 60­MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54622A - 2-channel, 100-MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54622D - 2-channel +16 logic channels,
100-MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54624A - 4-channel, 100-MHz bandwidth

with 2 GSa/s sample rate and 4 MBytes of MegaZoom
deep memory per channel.

• Agilent 54641A - 2-channel, 350-MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54641D - 2-channel +16 logic channels,
350-MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54642A - 2-channel, 500-MHz bandwidth

• Agilent 54642D - 2-channel +16 logic channels,
500-MHz bandwidth

Display shows current input signals

• All analog and digital (54621D/22D/41D/42D)
channels displayed in main and delayed mode

• Indicators for channel, time base, digital
(54621D/22D/41D/42D) channel activity, trigger and
acquisition status

• Softkey labels

• Measurement results

Digital channel controls select, position, and label
inputs (54621D/22D/41D/42D)

• Turn channels on or off individually or in groups of 8

• Rearrange order of channels to group related
signals

• Create and display labels to identify channels

Run control keys begin and end data acquisition

• Run/Stop starts and stops continuous acquisitions

• Single performs one acquisition

• Infinite persistence accumulates and displays the
results of multiple acquisitions

General controls measure, save and restore results,
and configure the oscilloscope

• Waveform math including FFT, subtract, multiply,
integrate, and differentiate

• Use Quick Meas to make au tomatic measurements
Integrated counter included with Quick Meas.

• Use cursors to make manual measurements

• Save or recall measurement configurations or
previous results

• Autoscale performs simple one-button setup of the
oscilloscope

Horizontal Controls select sweep speed and delay
parameters

• Sweep speeds from 5 ns/div to 50 ns/div (54620­series) and 1 ns/div to 50 s/div (54640-series)

• Delay control moves waveform display to point of
interest

• Delayed mode and delay allow zooming in to show
a portion of waveform in detail (split screen)

Trigger keys define what data the oscilloscope will
trigger on

• Source key allows conventional oscilloscope
triggering

• Modes include Edge, Pulse Width, Pattern, CAN,
Duration, I
triggering

Softkeys extend the functionality of command keys

Select measurement types, operating modes, trigger
specifications, label data, and more

Digital channel inputs through a flexible probing
system (54621D/22D/41D/42D)

• Sixteen channels through a dual 8-channel cable
with micro-clips

• Set logic levels as TTL, CMOS, ECL, or to a user­definable voltage

Utilities

• Dedicated parallel printer port, controller
operation, floppy disk storage

Built in Quick Help system

• Press and hold any key front-panel key or softkey
to get help in 11 languages.

2

C, LIN, Sequence, SPI, TV, and USB

ii

In This Book

This manual will guide you in using the oscilloscopes. This manual is organized
in the following chapters:

Chapter 1 Getting Started—inspecting, cleaning, and setting up your
oscilloscope, using Quick Help.

Chapter 2 Front-panel Overview—A quick start guide to get you familiarize
you with the front-panel operation.

Chapter 3 Triggering the Oscilloscope—how to trigger the oscilloscope using
all the various modes.

Chapter 4 MegaZoom Concepts and Oscilloscope Operation—acquiring
waveforms, horizontal and vertical operation, using digital channels.

Chapter 5 Making Measurements—capturing data, using math function,
making measurement with cursors and automatic measurements.

Chapter 6 Utilities—configuring the I/O, print settings, Quick Help, floppy
disk operations, user cal and self cal, setting the clock and screen saver.

Chapter 7 Performance Characteristics

iii

iv

Contents

1 Getting Started

Setting up the Oscilloscope 1-4

To inspect package contents 1-5
To inspect options and accessories 1-8
To clean the oscilloscope 1-11
To adjust the handle 1-12
To power-on the oscilloscope 1-13
To adjust the waveform intensity 1-14
To connect the oscilloscope analog probes 1-15
To compensate your analog probe 1-16
To use the digital probes (mixed-signal oscilloscope only) 1-17
To connect a printer 1-21
To connect an RS-232 cable 1-21
To verify basic oscilloscope operation 1-22

Getting started using the oscilloscope interface 1-23

Using Quick Help 1-25

Selecting a language for Quick Help when the oscilloscope starts up 1-25
Selecting a language for Quick Help after you have been operating the

oscilloscope 1-26

Loading an updated language file from floppy disk 1-27

2 Front-Panel Overview

Important Oscilloscope Considerations 2-3
54620/40-series Oscilloscope Front Panels 2-7

Front-Panel Operation 2-10

Interpreting the display 2-11
To use analog channels to view a signal 2-12
To use digital channels to view a signal 2-13
To display signals automatically using Autoscale 2-14
To apply the default factory configuration 2-15
To adjust analog channel vertical scaling and position 2-16
To set the vertical expand reference for the analog signal 2-17

Contents-1

Contents

To set analog channel probe attenuation factor 2-17
To display and rearrange the digital channels 2-18
To operate the time base controls 2-19
To start and stop an acquisition 2-20
To make a single acquisition 2-20
To use delayed sweep 2-21
To make cursor measurements 2-22
To make automatic measurements 2-23
To modify the display grid 2-24
To print the display 2-24

3 Triggering the Oscilloscope

Selecting Trigger Modes and Conditions 3-3

To select the Mode and Coupling menu 3-3
To select a trigger mode: Normal, Auto, Auto Level 3-4
To select trigger Coupling 3-6
To select Noise Reject and HF Reject 3-6
To set holdoff 3-7
External Trigger Input 3-9

Trigger Types 3-11

To use Edge triggering 3-12
To use Pulse Width triggering 3-14
To use Pattern triggering 3-17
To use CAN triggering 3-19
To use Duration triggering 3-21
To use I2C triggering 3-24
To use LIN triggering 3-29
To use Sequence triggering 3-31
To use SPI triggering 3-37
To use TV triggering 3-42
To use USB triggering 3-52

The Trigger Out connector 3-54

Contents-2

4 MegaZoom Concepts and Oscilloscope Operation

MegaZoom Concepts 4-3

Deep Memory 4-4
Oscilloscope Responsiveness 4-5
Display Update Rate 4-6
To setup the Analog channels 4-7
To setup the Horizontal time base 4-11
Acquisition Modes 4-17
Display modes 4-21
Pan and Zoom 4-23
To pan and zoom a waveform 4-24

Run/Stop/Single/Infinite Persistence Operation 4-25

Acquiring Data 4-26
Memory Depth/Record Length 4-27
To run and stop an acquisition 4-28
To take a single trace 4-28
To capture a single event 4-29
To use infinite persistence 4-30
To use infinite persistence to store multiple repetitive events 4-30
To clear the waveform display 4-31

Contents

Configuring the Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope 4-32

To display digital channels using Autoscale 4-32
Interpreting the digital waveform display 4-33
To display and rearrange the digital channels 4-34
To turn individual channels on and off 4-35
To force all channels on or all channels off 4-36
To change the display size of the digital channels 4-36
To change the logic threshold for digital channels 4-37
Using Digital Channels to Probe Circuits 4-38

Using Labels on the Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope 4-42

To turn the label display on or off 4-43
To assign a predefined label to a channel 4-44
To define a new label 4-45
To reset the label library to the factory default 4-47

Contents-3

Contents

Saving and Recalling Traces and Setups 4-48

To Autosave traces and setups 4-49
To save traces and setups to internal memory or to overwrite an existing

floppy disk file 4-50
To save traces and setups to a new file on the floppy disk 4-51
To recall traces and setups 4-52
Saving (printing) screen images to floppy disk 4-53
Recalling the factory default setup 4-54

5 Making Measurements

Capturing Data 5-3

To use delayed sweep 5-4
To reduce the random noise on a signal 5-6
To capture glitches or narrow pulses with peak detect and infinite

persistence 5-10
To use the Roll horizontal mode 5-12
To use the XY horizontal mode 5-13

Math Functions 5-17

Math Scale and Offset 5-18
Multiply 5-19
Subtract 5-20
Differentiate 5-21
Integrate 5-23
FFT Measurement 5-25

Cursor Measurements 5-31

To make cursor measurements 5-32

Automatic Measurements 5-37

Making automatic measurements 5-38
Setting measurement thresholds 5-39
Making time measurements automatically 5-41
Making Delay and Phase Measurements 5-45
Making voltage measurements automatically 5-47
Making overshoot and preshoot measurements 5-50

Contents-4

6 Utilities

To configure Quick Help languages 6-3
To update your instrument to the latest application software 6-5
To configure a printer 6-6
To use the floppy disk 6-8
To set up the I/O port to use a controller 6-9
To set the clock 6-11
To set up the screen saver 6-12
To perform service functions 6-14
To set other options 6-16

7 Performance Characteristics

Agilent 54620-series Performance Characteristics 7-3

Agilent 54640-series Performance Characteristics 7-13

Contents

Contents-5

Contents-6

1

Getting Started

Getting Started

When you use the oscilloscopes to help test and troubleshoot your
systems, you may do the following:

• Prepare the oscilloscope by connecting it to power and setting up the

handle and screen intensity as desired.

• Define the measurement problem by understanding the parameters

of the system you wish to test, and the expected system behavior.

• Set up channel inputs by connecting the probes to the appropriate

signal and ground nodes in the circuit under test.

• Define the trigger to reference the waveform data at a specific event

of interest.

• Use the oscilloscope to acquire data, either in continuous or single-

shot fashion.

• Examine the data and make measurements on it using various

features.

• Save the measurement or configuration for later re-use or comparison

with other measurements.
Repeat the process as necessary until you verify correct operation or

find the source of the problem.

MegaZoom Technology Operates with Untriggered Data

With the MegaZoom technology built into the oscilloscope, you can
operate the oscilloscope with untriggered data. All you do is press
or

Single while in Auto trigger mode, then examine the data to set up a

trigger.

1-2

Run

Getting Started

The oscilloscope’s high-speed display can be used to isolate infrequently
changing signals. You can then use the characteristics of these signals
to help refine the trigger specification. For more information on
triggering, data acquisition, data examination and measurement, and
configuration, see the later chapters.

Using the Oscilloscope, and Refining the Trigger Specification

1-3

Setting up the Oscilloscope

To prepare your oscilloscope for use, you need to do the following tasks.
A ft er y ou ha v e c om pl e te d t he m , y ou w il l b e re ad y t o us e t he o sc il l os co pe .

In the following topics you will:

• inspect package contents

• inspect options and accessories

• learn how to clean the oscilloscope

• adjust the handle

• power-on the oscilloscope

• adjust the display intensity

• connect the oscilloscope probes

• connect the digital probes (with 54621D/22D/41D/42D)

• connect a printer

• connect a RS-232 cable

• verify basic oscilloscope operation

• get started using the oscilloscope interface

• learn how to use Quick Help

1-4

Getting Started

To inspect package contents

To inspect package contents

❏ Inspect the shipping container for damage.

If your shipping container appears to be damaged, keep the shipping container
or cushioning material until you have inspected the contents of the shipment
for completeness and have checked the oscilloscope mechanically and
electrically.

❏ Verify that you received the following items and any optional accessories in

the oscilloscope packaging (see figure following).

• 54620/40-Series Oscilloscope:
54621A, 21D, 22A, 22D, 24A, 41A, 41D, 42A, or 42D

• 10:1 passive probes with id:

(2) 10074C (150 MHz) for 54621A, 21D, 22A, or 22D
(4) 10074C (150 MHz) for 54624A
(2) 10073C (500 MHz) for 54641A, 41D, 42A, or 42D

• 54620-68701 digital probe kit for 54621D, 22D, 41D, or 42D

• Accessory pouch and front-panel cover standard for all except 54621A, 21D.

(54621A and 21D order N2726A)

• Power cord (see table 1-3)

• IntuiLink for 54600-series Oscilloscopes software and RS-232 cable (all
except for 54621A or 21D).

IntuiLink is a Windows application that makes it very easy for you to
download images, waveform data, or oscilloscope setups from the
oscilloscope to your pc using either Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel. After
installation of IntuiLink, a tool bar in these Microsoft applications will make
connection and data transfer from the oscilloscope very simple.

IntuiLink fov
IntuiLink for 54600-series Oscilloscopes software is available free on the web

at:
www.agilent.com/find/5462xsw
RS-232 cable may be ordered separately, part number 34398A

1-5

Getting Started

To inspect package contents

• Agilent IntuiLink Data Capture (all except for 54621A or 21D)
IntuiLink Data Capture is a standalone program for downloading waveform

data from the oscilloscopes to your PC via GPIB or RS-232 interface. It
provides the capability to transfer deep memory data out of the oscilloscope,
allowing up to 4MB (scope channels) and 8MB (logic channels). The
IntuiLink for 54600-Series limits the size of acquisition data available to a
maximum of 2,000 points regardless of actual number of acquisition points
on the screen. With the IntuiLink Data Capture, the amount of points
transferred will be the actual number of acquisition points currently
displayed or you may select the number of points to download. It provides
the following functionality:

• Download waveform data and display the data as a simple chart

• Save the data as binary or text files

• Copy the chart and a selected portion of the data to the clipboard. The

maximum data saved to the clipboard is 50,000 point

• Load saved waveform data back into the application
For 54621A and 21D users, IntuiLink Data Capture software is available free

on the web at:
www.agilent.com/find/5462xsw
RS-232 cable may be ordered separately, part number 34398A

If anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office. If the shipment
was d amag ed, contact the carrier, then c onta ct th e nearest Agilent Sales Office.

❏ Inspect the oscilloscope

• If there is mechanical damage or a defect, or if the oscilloscope does not
operate properly or does not pass the performance tests listed in the Service
Guide, notify your Agilent Sales Office.

• If the shipping container is damaged, or the cushioning materials show signs
of stress, notify the carrier and your Agilent Sales Office. Keep the shipping
materials for the carrier’s inspection. The Agilent Sales Office will arrange
for repair or replacement at Agilent’s option, without waiting for claim
settlement.

1-6

Getting Started



To inspect package contents

54620/40-Series Oscilloscope

Accessories pouch and
front-panel cover**

Power cord

54620-68701 digital probe kit*

54620-61801 16-channel cable***

IntuiLink for 54600-series
software, Data Capture
software and serial cable**

5959-9334 2” Probe
ground lead (qty 5)

5090-4833 Grabber
(qty 20)

10073C or
10074C Probes

s

s1

* 54621D /22D/41D/42D only
** All except 54621A/21D
*** The following additional replacement parts (not included) are available for the digital cable:

5959-9333 replacement probe leads (qty 5)
5959-9335 replacement pod grounds (qty 5)
01650-94309 package of probe labels

Package contents for 54620/40-Series Oscilloscopes

1-7

Getting Started

To inspect options and accessories

To inspect options and accessories

❏ Verify that you received the options and accessories you ordered and that none

were damaged.

If anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office. If the shipment
wa s d am ag ed, or th e c us hion in g m at eria ls sh ow si gns o f s tr es s, noti fy th e carr ie r
and your Agilent Sales Office.

Some of the options and accessories available for the 54620/40-Series
Oscilloscopes are listed in tables 1-1 and 1-2. Contact your Agilent Sales Office
for a complete list of options and accessories.

Table 1-1

Options available

Option Description

003 Shielding Option for use in severe environments or with sensitive devices under

test–shields both ways (in and out):

RS-03 magnetic interface shielding added to CRT, and

RE-02 display shield added to CRT to reduce radiated interference.
1CM Rackmount kit (same as 1186A)
A6J ANSII Z540 compliant calibration with test data

See table 1-3 for power cord options

1-8

Getting Started

To inspect options and accessories

Table 1-2

Accessories available

Model Description

01650-61607 16:16 logic cable and terminator (for use with 54621D/22D/41D/42D)
54620-68701 16:2 x 8 logic input probe assembly (shipped s tandard with 54621D/22D/41 D/42D)
1146A Current probe, ac/dc
1183A Testmobile scope cart
1185A Carrying Case
1186A Rackmount Kit
10070C 1:1 Passive Probe with ID
10072A Fine-pitch probe kit
10075A 0.5 mm IC clip kit
10076A 100:1, 4 kV 250 MHz probe with ID
10100C 50
10833A GPIB cable, 1 m long
34398A RS-232 cable (standard except 54621A/21D)
E2613B 0.5 mm Wedge probe adapter, 3-signal, qty 2
E2614A 0.5 mm Wedge probe adapter, 8-signal, qty 1
E2615B 0.65 mm Wedge probe adapter, 3-signal, qty 2
E2616A 0.65 mm Wedge probe adapter, 8-signal, qty 1
E2643A 0.5 mm Wedge probe adapter, 16-signal, qty 1
E2644A 0.65 mm Wedge probe adapter, 16-signal, qty 1
N2726A Accessory pouch and front-panel cover (standard except on 54621A/21D)
N2727A Thermal printer and pouch
N2728A 10 rolls of thermal printer paper
N2757A GPIB Interface Module
N2758A CAN Trigger Module
N2772A 20 MHz differential probe
N2773A Differential probe power supply
N2774A 50 MHz current probe ac/dc
N2775A Power supply for N2774A

Ω Termination

1-9

Getting Started

To inspect options and accessories

Table 1-3. Power Cords

Plug Type Cable Part Number Plug Type Cable Part Number

Opt 900 (U.K.) 8120-1703 Opt 918 (Japan) 8120-4754

Opt 901 (Australia) 8120-0696 Opt 919 (Israel) 8120-6799

Opt 902 (Europe) 8120-1692 Opt 920 (Argentina) 8120-6871

Opt 903 (U.S.A.) 8120-1521 Opt 921 (Chile) 8120-6979

Opt 906 (Switzerland) 8120-2296 Opt 922 (China) 8120-8377

Opt 912 (Denmark) 8120-2957 Opt 927 (Thailand) 8120-8871

Opt 917 (Africa) 8120-4600

1-10

Getting Started

To clean the oscilloscope

To clean the oscilloscope

1 Disconnect power from the instrument.

CAUTION Do not use too much liquid in cleaning the oscilloscope. Water can enter the

front-panel keyboard, control knobs, or floppy disk damaging sensitive
electronic components.

2 Clean the oscilloscope with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and

water solution.

3 Make sure that the instrument is completely dry before reconnecting to

a power source.

1-11

Getting Started

To adjust the handle

To adjust the handle

1 Grasp the handle pivot points on each side of the instrument and pull

the pivot out until it stops.

54622D

Agilent



MIXED SIGNAL OS CILLOSCOPE

CHANNEL

Select

Time/Div

150

5 ns1 s

INPUTS

2 Without releasing the pivots, swivel the handle to the desired position.

Then release the pivots. Continue pivoting the handle until it clicks into
a set position.

1-12

Getting Started

To power-on the oscilloscope

To power-on the oscilloscope

1 Connect the power cord to the rear of the oscilloscope, then to a

suitable ac voltage source.

The oscilloscope power supply automatically adjusts for input line voltages in
the range 100 to 240 VAC. Therefore, you do not need to adjust the input line
voltage setting. The line cord provided is matched to the country of origin.
Ensure that you have the correct line cord. See table 1-3

2 Press the power switch.

Trigger out

~5V

Some front panel key lights will come on and the oscilloscope will be operational
in about 5 seconds.

1-13

Figure 1-1

Getting Started

To adjust the waveform intensity

To adjust the waveform intensity

The Intensity control is at the lower left corner of the front panel.

• To decrease waveform intensity, rotate the Intensity control counter­clockwise.

• To increase waveform intensity, rotate the Intensity control clockwise.

BrightDim

Intensity control

The grid or graticule intensity on the display can be adjusted by pressing the
Display key, then turn the Entry knob (labeled on the front panel) to adjust
the Grid control.

1-14

Getting Started

To connect the oscilloscope analog probes

To connect the oscilloscope analog probes

The analog input impedance of these oscilloscopes is selectable either 50Ω
(54640-series only) or 1 MΩ. The 50Ω mode matches 50Ω cables commonly
used in making high frequency measurements. This impedance matching gives
you the most accurate measurements since reflections are minimized along the
signal path. The 1 MΩ mode is for use with probes and for general purpose
measurements. The higher impedance minimizes the loading effect of the
oscilloscope on the circuit under test.

CAUTION Do not exceed 5 Vrms in 50Ω mode on the 54640-series models. Input

protection is enabled in 50Ω mode and the 50Ω load will disconnect if greater
than 5 Vrm s i s d et ect ed . How ev er th e i np ut s co uld sti ll be dam ag ed , de pe nd ing
on the time constant of the signal.

CAUTION The 50Ω input protection mode on the 54640-series models only functions

when the oscilloscope is powered on.

1 Connect the supplied 1.5-meter, 10:1 oscilloscope probe to an analog

channel BNC connector input on the oscilloscope.

Maximum input voltage for analog inputs:

CAT I 300 Vrms, 400 Vpk
CAT II 100 Vrms, 400 Vpk
with 10073C or 10074C 10:1 probe: CAT I 500 Vpk, CAT II 400 Vpk

2 Connect the retractable hook tip on the probe tip to the circuit point of

interest. Be sure to connect the probe ground lead to a ground point on
the circuit.

The probe ground lead is connected to the oscilloscope chassis and the ground
wire in the power cord. If you need to connect the ground lead to a point in the
circuit that cannot be grounded to power ground, consider using a differential
probe.

1-15

Perfectly compensated

Over compensated

Getting Started

To compensate your analog probe

To compensate your analog probe

You should compensate you analog probes to match their characteristics to the
oscilloscope. A poorly compensated probe can introduce measurement errors.
To compensate a probe, follow these steps:

1 Connect the probe from channel 1 to the Probe Comp signal on the lower-

right corner of the front panel.

2Press
3 Use a nonmetallic tool to adjust the trimmer capacitor on the probe for

Autoscale.

the flattest pulse possible.

Under compensated

comp.cdr

1-16

Getting Started

To use the digital probes (mixed-signal oscilloscope only)

To use the digital probes (mixed-signal oscilloscope
only)

1 If you feel it’s necessary, turn off the power supply to the circuit under

test.

Off

Turning off power to the circuit under test would only prevent damage that
might occur if you accidentally short two lines together while connecting
probes. You can leave the oscilloscope powered on because no voltage appears
at the probes.

2 Connect the digital probe cable to D15 - D0 connector on the front panel

of the mixed-signal oscilloscope. The digital probe cable is indexed so
you can connect it only one way. You do not need to power-off the
oscilloscope.

Use only the Agilent part number 54620-68701 digital probe kit supplied with
the mixed-signal oscilloscope.

1-17

Getting Started

To use the digital probes (mixed-signal oscilloscope only)

3 Connect a grabber to one of the probe leads. Be sure to connect the

ground lead. (Other probe leads are omitted from the figure for clarity.)

Grabber

4 Connect the grabber to a node in the circuit you want to test.

1-18

Getting Started

To use the digital probes (mixed-signal oscilloscope only)

5 For high-speed signals, connect a ground lead to the probe lead, connect

a grabber to the ground lead, and attach the grabber to ground in the
circuit under test.

Signal Lead

Ground Lead

Grabber

6 Connect the ground lead on each set of channels, using a probe grabber.

The ground lead improves signal fidelity to the instrument, ensuring
accurate measurements.

Channel
Pod Ground

Circuit
Ground

1-19

Getting Started

To use the digital probes (mixed-signal oscilloscope only)

7 Repeat steps 3 through 6 until you have connected all points of interest.

Signals

Ground

8 If you need to remove a probe lead from the cable, insert a paper clip

or other small pointed object into the side of the cable assembly, and
push to release the latch while pulling out the probe lead.

Replacement parts are available. See the Replaceable Parts chapter in the
Service Guide for details.

1-20

Getting Started

To connect a printer

To connect a printer

The oscilloscope connects to a parallel printer through the Parallel output
connector on the rear of the oscilloscope. You will need a parallel printer cable
to connect to the printer.

1 Attach the 25-pin small “D” connector to the Parallel output connector

on the rear of the oscilloscope. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable

connector to secure the cable.
2 Attach the larger 36-pin “D” connector to the printer.
3 Set up the printer configuration on the oscilloscope.

a Press the Utility key, then press the Print Confg softkey.

b Press the Print to: softkey and set the interface to Parallel.

c Press the Format softkey and select your printer format from the list.

For more information on printer configuration, refer to the “Utilities” chapter.

To connect an RS-232 cable

The oscilloscope can be connected to a controller or a pc through the RS-232

connector on the rear of the oscilloscope. An RS-232 cable is shipped with each

oscilloscope except 54621A/21D and may be purchased for the 54621A/21D

oscilloscopes.

1 Attach the 9-pin “D” connector on the RS-232 cable to the RS-232

connector on the rear of the oscilloscope. Tighten the thumbscrews on

the cable connector to secure the cable
2 Attach the other end of the cable to your controller or pc.
3 Set up the RS-232 configuration on the oscilloscope.

a Press the Utility key, then press the I/O softkey.

b Press the Controller softkey and select RS-232.

c Press the Baud softkey and set the baud rate to match your controller or pc.

d Press the XON DTR softkey and set the handshake to match your controller

or pc.

For more information on RS-232 configuration, refer to the “Utilities” chapter.

1-21

Getting Started

To verify basic oscilloscope operation

To verify basic oscilloscope operation

1 Connect an oscilloscope probe to channel 1.
2 Attach the probe to the Probe Comp output on the lower-right side of

the front panel of the oscilloscope.

Use a probe retractable hook tip so you do not need to hold the probe.

3Press the Save/Recall key on the front panel, then press the Default Setup

softkey under the display.

The oscilloscope is now configured to its default settings.

4Press the Autoscale key on the front panel.

You should then see a square wave with peak-to-peak amplitude of about 5
divisions and a period of about 4 divisions as shown below. If you do not see
the waveform, ensure your power source is adequate, the oscilloscope is
properly powered-on, and the probe is connected securely to the front-panel
channel input BNC and to the Probe Comp calibration output.

Verifying Basic Oscilloscope Operation

1-22

Getting started using the oscilloscope interface

When the oscilloscope is first turned on, a startup screen is displayed as

shown below.

This menu is only accessible when the oscilloscope first starts up.

1-23

Getting Started

To verify basic oscilloscope operation

•Press the Getting Started softkey to view the symbols used in the
oscilloscope softkey menus.

Use the Entry knob labeled to adjust the parameter.

Press the softkey to display a pop up with a list of choices. Repeatedly

press the softkey until your choice is selected.

Use the Entry knob labeled or press the softkey to adjust the
parameter.

✓ Option is selected and operational.

Feature is on. Press the softkey again to turn the feature off.

Feature is off. Press the softkey again to turn the feature on.

Links you to another menu.

Press the softkey to view the menu.

1-24

Press the softkey to return to the previous menu.

Using Quick Help

The oscilloscope has a Quick Help system that provides user help for
each front-panel key and softkey on the oscilloscope. To view Quick Help
information:

1Press
2 Release the key after reading the message. Releasing the key returns

and hold down the key for which you would like to view help.

the oscilloscope to the previous state.

Selecting a language for Quick Help when the oscilloscope starts up

When the oscilloscope first powers up, you can press the Language softkey to
select a language for viewing Quick Help. Successively press the Language
softkey until the desired language in the list is selected.

You can also select a language later from the Utility Language menu.

1-25

Getting Started

Selecting a language for Quick Help after you have been operating the oscilloscope

Selecting a language for Quick Help after you have been
operating the oscilloscope

1Press the Utility key, then press the Language softkey to display the

Language menu.

2Press the

selected.

Language softkey until the desired language in the list is

When updates occur, an updated language file can be downloaded from:

www.agilent.com/find/5462xsw
www.agilent.com/find/5464xsw

or call an Agilent center and request a language disk for your instrument

1-26

for the 54620-series or
for the 54640-series,

Getting Started

Loading an updated language file from floppy disk

Loading an updated language file from floppy disk

When updates occur, an updated language file can be downloaded from:

www.agilent.com/find/5462xsw
www.agilent.com/find/5464xsw

or call an Agilent center and request a language disk for your instrument.

1 Insert the floppy disk containing the language file into the floppy disk

drive on the oscilloscope.

2Press the

Utility key, then press the Language softkey to display the

Language menu.

3Press the

Load Languages softkey to load the updated language file into

the oscilloscope.

4Press the

For more information about loading languages, refer to the “Utilities” chapter.

Language softkey and select the language to be viewed.

for the 54620-series or
for the 54640-series,

1-27

1-28

2

Front-Panel Overview

Front-Panel Overview

Before you make measurements using the Agilent 54620-series and
54640-series Oscilloscopes, you must first set up the instrument using
front-panel controls. Then, make the measurement and read the display
results.

These oscilloscopes operate much like an analog scope, but they can do
much more. Spending a few minutes to learn some of these capabilities
will take you a long way toward more productive troubleshooting. The
“MegaZoom Concepts and Oscilloscope Operation” chapter has more
detail on the things to consider while operating your oscilloscope.

The keys on the front panel bring up softkey menus on the display that
allow access to oscilloscope features. Many softkeys use the Entry
knob to select values.

Throughout this book, the front-panel keys and softkeys are denoted by
a change in the text type. For example, the
panel and the
above its corresponding key. Other softkey graphic conventions used
on the oscilloscope and throughout this guide are shown in the “Getting
started using the oscilloscope interface” topic in chapter 1.

Normal softkey appears at the bottom of the display directly

Cursors key is on the front

2-2

Front-Panel Overview

Important Oscilloscope Considerations

Important Oscilloscope Considerations

Using Single versus Run/Stop

The oscilloscopes have a Single key and a Run/Stop key. When you press Run
(key is illuminated in green), the trigger processing and screen update rate are
optimized over the memory depth. Single acquisitions always use the maximum
memory available—at least twice as much memory as acquisitions captured in
Run mode—and the scope stores at least twice as many samples. At slow sweep
speeds, the oscilloscope operates at a higher sample rate when Single is used
to capture an acquisition, as opposed to running, due to the increased memory
available.

Using Auto trigger mode versus Normal trigger mode

Normal trigger mode requires a trigger to be detected before an acquisition can
complete. In many cases, a triggered display in not needed to check signal levels
or activity. For these applications, use Auto trigger mode. If you only want to
acquire specific events as specified by the trigger settings, use Normal trigger
mode. For more detailed discussion of Auto trigger mode and Normal trigger
mode, refer to Chapter 3, “Triggering the Oscilloscope.”

Viewing signal detail with acquire mode

Remember how you had to constantly adjust the brightness on old analog scopes
to see a desired level of detail in a signal, or to see the signal at all? With the
Agilent 54620/40-series oscilloscopes, this is not necessary. The Intensity knob
ope ra te s muc h l ik e the br ig ht nes s k no b o n you r c om pute r s cr ee n, s o y ou sh oul d
set it to a level that makes for comfortable viewing, given the room lighting, and
leave it there. Then you can control the detail by selecting an Acquire mode:
Normal, Peak Detect, Average, or Realtime as described in the following
paragraphs.

Normal acquire mode Normal mode is the acquisition mode that you will
probably use for acquiring samples most of the time. It compresses up to 2
million acquisition points per channel for the 54620-series and up to 4 million
acquisition points per channel for the 54640-series into a 1,000-pixel column
display record.

The 54620-series 200 MSa/s sampling speed specification means that samples
are taken every 5 ns. The 54640-series 2 GSa/s sampling speed specification
means that samples are taken every 500 ps. At the faster sweep speeds, the
running display is built from many individual triggers. If you press the Stop key,
and pan and zoom through the waveform by using the Horizontal and Vertical
knobs, only the last trigger’s acquisition will be displayed.

2-3

Front-Panel Overview

Important Oscilloscope Considerations

Whether the oscilloscope is stopped or running, you see more detail as you zoom
in, and less as you zoom out. Zoom means you expand the waveform using
either the main or delayed sweep window. Panning the waveform means you
use the Horizontal Delay time knob( )to move it horizontally. To keep from
losing detail as you zoom out, switch to the Peak Detect acquisition mode.

Peak Detect acquire mode Peak Detect for the 54620-series and for the
54640-series functions as follows:

• 54620-series In Peak Detect acquisition mode, any noise, peak, or signal

wider than 5 ns will be displayed, regardless of sweep speed. In Normal
acq uisition mo de, at sweep speed s fa ster than 1 ms/div, yo u wou ld se e a 5-ns
peak, so peak detect has no effect at sweep speeds faster than 1 ms/div.

• 54640-series In Peak Detect acquisition mode, any noise, peak, or signal

wider than 1 ns will be displayed, regardless of sweep speed. In Normal
acquisition mode, at sweep speeds faster than 500 µs/div, you would see a
1-ns peak, so peak detect has no effect at sweep speeds faster than 500 µs/div.

Using Peak Detect and infinite persistence together is a powerful way to find
spurious signals and glitches.

Average acquire mode Averaging is a way to pull a repetitive signal out of
noise. Averaging works better than either a brightness control or a bandwidth
limit because the bandwidth is not reduced except when in high resolution mode
(number of averages=1) is selected.

The simplest averaging is high-resolution mode (number of averages = 1). For
example, on the 54620-series, the sample rate at a Time/Div setting of 2 ms/div
allows the extra 5-ns sa mple s to b e smoothed together, smo othi ng th e data into
one sample, which is then displayed. Averaging (number of averages > 1) needs
a stable trigger, because in this mode multiple acquisitions are averaged
together. See the “MegaZoom Concepts and Oscilloscope Operation” chapter
for more information about high resolution mode.

2-4

Front-Panel Overview

Important Oscilloscope Considerations

Realtime acquire mode In Realtime mode, the oscilloscope produces the
waveform display from samples collected during one trigger event. The sample
rate for the 54620-series is 200 MSa/s for single channel or 100 MSa/s with
channel pairs 1 and 2, 3 and 4, or pod 1 and pod 2 running. The sample rate for
the 54640-series is 2 GSa/s for single channel or 1 GSa/s with channel pairs 1
and 2, or pod 1 and pod 2 running.

When less than 1000 samples can be collected in the time spanned by the screen,
a sophisticated reconstruction filter is used to fill in and enhance the waveform
display.

To accurately reproduce a sampled waveform, the sample rate should be at least
four times the highest frequency component of the waveform. If not, it is
possible for the reconstructed waveform to be distorted or aliased. Aliasing is
most commonly seen as jitter on fast edges.

When Realtime mode is off, the oscilloscope produces the waveform display
from samples collected from multiple triggers, when on fast sweep speeds. In
this case, the reconstruction filter is not used. When the trigger is stable, this
produces the highest fidelity waveform.

Realtime mode is only necessary at sweep speeds of 200 ns/div and faster for
the 54620-series and 2 µs/div and faster for the 54640-series, since on these
ranges <1000 samples can be collected on each trigger. While the effective
bandwidth of the channel is reduced slightly, Realtime mode produces a
complete waveform for each trigger.

Realtime can be turned on when any other acquisition mode is turned on. Use
Realtime to capture infrequent triggers, unstable triggers, or complex changing
waveforms, such as eye diagrams.

Using Vectors (Display menu)

One of the most fundamental choices you must make about your display is
whether to draw vectors (connect the dots) between the samples, or simply let
the samples fill in the waveform. To some degree, this is a matter of personal
preference, but it also depends on the waveform.

• You will probably operate the oscilloscope most often with vectors on.
Complex analog signals like video and modulated signals show analog-like
intensity information with vectors on.

• Turn vectors off when the maximum display rate is required, or when highly
complex or multi-valued waveforms are displayed. Turning vectors off may
aid the display of mulitvalued waveforms such as eye diagrams.

2-5

Front-Panel Overview

Important Oscilloscope Considerations

Delayed Sweep

Delayed sweep is a simultaneous display of the waveform at two different sweep
speeds. Because of the deep memory in the MegaZoom technology, it is possible
to capture the main display at 1 ms/div, and redisplay the same trigger in the
delayed display at any desired faster time base.

There is no limit imposed on the zoom ratio between the main and delayed
displays. There is, however, a useful limit when the samples are spaced so far
apart that they are of little value. See the “MegaZoom Concepts and
Oscilloscope Operation” chapter for more information about delayed sweep and
time reference.

Post Acquisition Processing

In addition to changing display parameters after the acquisition, you can do all
of the measurements and math functions after the acquisition. Measurements
and math functions will be recalculated as you pan and zoom and turn channels
on and o ff. As you zoom in and out on a signal using the horizontal sweep spe ed
knob and vertical volts/division knob, you affect the resolution of the display.
Because measurements and math functions are performed on displayed data,
you affect the resolution of functions and measurements.

2-6

Figure 2-1

Front-Panel Overview

54620/40-series Oscilloscope Front Panels

54620/40-series Oscilloscope Front Panels

Intensity
control

Display

Softkeys

Floppy
disk

Measure
keys

Entry
knob

Autoscale
key

Power
switch

Horizontal
controls

Vertical
inputs/
controls

Waveform
keys

File
keys

Run
controls

Trigger
controls

Utility
key

Probe
comp
output

External
Trigger
input

54621A, 54622A, 54641A, and 54642A 2-Channel Oscilloscopes Front Panel

2-7

Figure 2-2

Front-Panel Overview

54620/40-series Oscilloscope Front Panels

Intensity
control

Display

Softkeys

Floppy
disk

Measure
keys

Entry
knob

Autoscale
key

Power
switch

Horizontal
controls

Vertical
inputs/
controls

Waveform
keys

File
keys

Run
controls

Trigger
controls

Utility
key

Probe
comp
output

54624A 4-Channel Oscilloscope Front Panel

2-8

Figure 2-3

Front-Panel Overview

54620/40-series Oscilloscope Front Panels

Intensity
control

Display

Softkeys

Floppy
disk

Measure
keys

Entry
knob

Autoscale
key

Power
switch

Horizontal
controls

Analog Channel
inputs/ controls

Waveform
keys

File
keys

Run
controls

Trigger
controls

Utility
key

Probe
Comp
output

Digital Channel
inputs/ controls

54621D, 54622D, 54641D, and 54642D Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes Front Panel

2-9

Front-Panel Operation

This chapter provides a brief overview of interpreting information on the
display and an introduction to operating the front-panel controls.
Detailed oscilloscope operating instructions are provided in later
chapters.

54621D, 54622D. 54641D, and 54642D digital channels

Because all of the oscilloscopes in the 54620/40-series have analog channels, the
analog channel topics in this chapter apply to all instruments. Whenever a topic
discusses the digital channels, that information applies only to the 54621D, 54622D,
54641D, or 54642D Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes.

2-10

Front-Panel Overview

Interpreting the display

Interpreting the display

The oscilloscope display contains channel acquisitions, setup information,
measurement results, and softkeys for setting up parameters.

Analog
channels
sensitivity

Status line

Analog
channels and
ground levels

Digital
channels

Measurement
line

Softkeys

Digital
channel
activity

Interpreting the display

Trigger point,
time reference

Delay
time

Sweep
speed

Trigger
mode

Trigger
type

Trigger
source

Trigger level
or digital
threshold

Cursor
markers
defining
measurement

Status line The top line of the display contains vertical, horizontal, and trigger
setup information.

Display area The display area contains the waveform acquisitions, channel
identifiers, and analog trigger and ground level indicators.

Measurement line This line normally contains automatic measurement and
cursor results, but can also display advanced trigger setup data and menu
information.

Softkeys The softkeys allow you to set up additional parameters for
front-panel keys.

2-11

Front-Panel Overview

To use analog channels to view a signal

To use analog channels to view a signal

• To configure the oscilloscope quickly, press the Autoscale key to display
the connect signal.

• T o un do th e ef fe ct s of Au to s ca l e, pr es s th e
pressing any other key.

This is useful if you have unintentionally pressed the Autoscale key or do not
like the settings Autoscale has selected and want to return to your previous
settings.

• To set the instrument to the factory-default configuration, press the

Save/Recall key, then press the Default Setup softkey.

Example Connect the oscilloscope probes for channels 1 and 2 to the Probe Comp output

on the front panel of the instrument. Be sure to connect the probe ground l ead s
to the lug above the Probe Comp output. Set the instrument to the factory
default configuration by pressing the Save/Recall key, then the Default Setup
softkey. Then press the Autoscale key. You should see a display similar to the
following.

Undo Autoscale softkey before

Autoscale with analog channels

2-12

Front-Panel Overview

To use digital channels to view a signal

To use digital channels to view a signal

• To configure the oscilloscope quickly, press the Autoscale key to display
the connected signals.

• T o un do th e ef fe ct s of Au to s ca l e, pr es s th e
pressing any other key.

This is useful if you have unintentionally pressed the Autoscale key or do not
like the settings Autoscale has selected and want to return to your previous
settings.

• To set the instrument to the factory-default configuration, press the

Save/Recall key, then press the Default Setup softkey.

Example Install probe clips on channels 0 and 1 on the digital probe cable. Connect the

pr obes for di gital channe ls 0 and 1 to the P robe Comp o utp ut on t he fr ont pa nel
of the instrument. Be sure to connect the ground lead. Set the instrument to
the factory default configuration by pressing the Save/Recall key, then the
Default Setup softkey. Then press the Autoscale key. You should see a display
similar to the following.

Undo Autoscale softkey before

Autoscale with digital channels (54621D, 54622D, 54641D, and 54642D)

2-13

Front-Panel Overview

To display signals automatically using Autoscale

To display signals automatically using Autoscale

• To configure the instrument quickly, press the Autoscale key.

Autoscale displays all connected signals that have activity.
To undo the effects of Autoscale, press the Undo Autoscale softkey before

pressing any other key.

How Autoscale Works

Autoscale automatically configures the oscilloscope to best display the input
signal by analyzing any waveforms connected to the external trigger and
channel inputs. Autoscale finds, turns on, and scales any channel with a
repetitive waveform with a frequency of at leas t 50 Hz, a duty cycle greater than

0.5%, and an amplitude of at least 10 mV peak-to-peak. Any channels that do
not meet these requirements are turned off.

The trigger source is selected by looking for the first valid waveform starting
with external trigger, then continuing with the highest number analog channel
down to the lowest number analog channel, and finally (if applicable) the
highest number digital channel.

During Autoscale, the delay is set to 0.0 seconds, the sweep speed setting is a
function of the input signal (about 2 periods of the triggered signal on the
screen), and the triggering mode is set to edge. Vectors remain in the state they
were before the Autoscale.

Undo Autoscale

Press the Undo Autoscale softkey to return the oscilloscope to the settings that
existed before you pressed the Autoscale key.

This is useful if you have unintentionally pressed the Autoscale key or do not
like the settings Autoscale has selected and want to return to your previous
settings.

The Channels softkey selection determines which channels will be displayed on
subsequent Autoscales.

All Channels - The next time you press Autoscale, all channels that meet the
requirements of Autoscale will be displayed.

Only Displayed Channels - The next time you press Autoscale, only the
channels that are turned on will be displayed. This is useful if you only want
to view specific active channels after pressing Autoscale.

2-14

Front-Panel Overview

To apply the default factory configuration

To apply the default factory configuration

• To set the instrument to the factory-default configuration, press the

Save/Recall key, then press the Default Setup softkey.

The default configuration returns the oscilloscope to its default settings. This
places the oscilloscope in a known operating condition. The major default
settings are:

Horizontal main mode, 100 us/div scale, 0 s delay, center time reference
Vertical (Analog) Channel 1 on, 5 V/div scale, dc coupling, 0 V position, 1 MΩ

impedance, probe factor to 1.0 if an AutoProbe probe is not connected to the
channel

Trigger Edge trigger, Auto sweep mode, 0 V level, channel 1 source, dc
coupling, rising edge slope, 60 ns holdoff time

Display Vectors on, 20% grid intensity, infinite persistence off
Other Acquire mode normal, Run/Stop to Run, cursors and measurements off
Labels all custom labels in the Label Library are erased

2-15

Front-Panel Overview

To adjust analog channel vertical scaling and position

To adjust analog channel vertical scaling and position

This exercise guides you through the vertical keys, knobs, and status line.

1 Center the signal on the display using the position knob.

The position knob ( ) moves the signal vertically; the signal is calibrated.
Notice that as you turn the pos ition knob, a voltage value is displayed for a short
time, indicating how far the reference ( )is located from the center of the
screen. Also notice that the ground reference symbol at the left edge of the
display moves with the position knob.

Measurement Hints

If the channel is DC coupled, you can quickly measure the DC component of the
signal by simply noting its distance from the ground symbol.

If the channel is AC coupled, the DC component of the signal is removed, allowing
you to use greater sensitivity to display the AC component of the signal.

2 Change the vertical setup and notice that each change affects the status

line differently. You can quickly determine the vertical setup from the
status line in the display.

• Change the vertical sensitivity with the large volts/division knob in the
Vertical (Analog) section of the front panel and notice that it causes the
status line to change.

•Press the 1 key.
If channel 1 was not turned on, a softkey menu appears on the display, and

the channel turns on (the 1 key will be illuminated).
If channel 1 was already turned on, but another menu was being displayed,

the softkeys will now display the channel 1 menu.

When Vernier is turned off, the volts/div knob can change the channel sensitivity
in a 1-2-5 step sequence. When Vernier is selected, you can change the channel
sensitivity in smaller increments with the volts/division knob. The channel
sensitivity remains fully calibrated when Vernier is on. The sensitivity value is
displayed in the status line at the top of the display.

• To turn the channel off, press the channel 1 key until the key is not
illuminated.

2-16

Front-Panel Overview

To set the vertical expand reference for the analog signal

To set the vertical expand reference for the analog signal

When changing the volts/division for analog channels, you can have the signal
expand (or compress) about the signal ground point or about the center
graticule on the display. This works well with two signals displayed, because
you can position and see them both on the screen while you change the
amplitude.

• To expand the signal about the center graticule of the display, press the Utility
key, press the Options softkey, then press the Expand softkey and select
Expand About Center.

With Expand About Center selected, when you turn the volts/division, the
waveform with expand or contract about the center graticule of the display.

• To expand the signal about the position of the channel’s ground, press the
Utility key, press the Options softkey. Then press the Expand softkey and
select Expand About Ground.

With Expand About Ground selected, when you turn the volts/division knob,
the ground level of the waveform remains at the same point on the display,
while the non-ground portions of the waveform expand or contract.

To set analog channel probe attenuation factor

If you have an AutoProbe self-sensing probe (such as the 10073C or 10074C)
connected to the analog channel, the oscilloscope will automatically configure
your probe to the correct attenuation factor.

If you do not have an AutoProbe probe connected, you can press the channel
key, then press the Probe submenu softkey, then turn the Entry knob to
set the attenuation factor for the connected probe. The attenuation factor can
be set from 0.1:1 to 1000:1 in a 1-2-5 sequence.

Th e pro be cor rect ion factor must be set prope rly f or m easurements t o be m ade
correctly.

2-17

Front-Panel Overview

To display and rearrange the digital channels

To display and rearrange the digital channels

1Press the D15 Thru D8 key or D7 Thru D0 key to turn the display of the digital

channels on or off.

The digital channels are displayed when these keys are illuminated.

2 Turn the Digital Channel Select knob to select a single digital channel.

The selected channel number is highlighted on the left side of the display.

3 Turn the Digital position knob ( ) to reposition the selected channel

on the display.

If two or more channels are displayed at the same position, a pop up will appear
showing the overlaid channels. Continue turning the Channel Select knob until
the desired channel within the pop up is selected.

2-18

Front-Panel Overview

To operate the time base controls

To operate the time base controls

The following exercise guides you through the time base keys, knobs, and status
line.

• Turn the Horizontal sweep speed (time/division) knob and notice the
change it makes to the status line.

The sweep speed knob changes the sweep speed from 5 ns/div to 50 s/div for
the 54620-series and 1 ns/div to 50 s/div for the 54640-series in a 1-2-5 step
sequence, and the value of the sweep speed is displayed in the status line at the
top of the display.

•Press the Main/Delayed, then press the Vernier softkey.

The Vernier softkey allows you to change the sweep speed in smaller increments
with the time/div knob. These smaller increments are calibrated, which results
in accurate measurements, even with the vernier turned on.

• Turn the delay time knob ( ) and notice that its value is displayed in
the status line.

The delay knob moves the main sweep horizontally, and it pauses at 0.00 s,
mimicking a mechanical detent. At the top of the graticule is a solid triangle
(

▼) s ym b o l an d a n op e n t r i a ng l e ( ∇) s y mb o l . Th e ▼ symbol indicates the trigger

point and it moves with the Delay time knob. The ∇ symbol indicates the time
reference point and is also where the zoom-in/zoom-out is referenced. If the
Tim e Ref softkey is set to Left, the ∇ is located one graticule in from the left side
of the display. If the Time Ref softkey is set to Center, the
center of the display. If the Time Ref softkey is set to Right, the
graticule in from the right side of the display. The delay number tells you how
far the time reference point ∇ is located from the trigger point

All events displayed left of the trigger point
occurred, and these events are called pre-trigger information. You will find this
fe at ur e v ery u se fu l b ecau se yo u can no w s ee the ev en ts that le d u p to th e t ri gge r
point. Everything to the right of the trigger point
information. The amount of delay range (pre-trigger and post-trigger
information) available depends on the sweep speed selected.

▼ happened before the trigger

∇ is located at the

∇ is located one

▼.

▼ is called post-trigger

2-19

Front-Panel Overview

To start and stop an acquisition

To start and stop an acquisition

• When the Run/Stop key is illuminated in green, the oscilloscope is in
continuous running mode.

You are viewing multiple acquisitions of the same signal similar to the way an
analog oscilloscope displays waveforms.

• When the Run/Stop key is illuminated in red, the oscilloscope is stopped.

“Stop” is displayed in the trigger mode position in status line at the top of the
display. You may now pan and zoom the stored waveform by turning the
Horizontal and Vertical knobs.

The stopped display may contain several triggers worth of information, but only
the last trigger acquisition is available for pan and zoom. To ensure the display
does not change, use the Single key to be sure you have acquired only one
trigger.

•The Run/Stop key may flash between a user requesting a Stop and the
completion of the current acquisition.

To make a single acquisition

The Single run control key lets you view single-shot events without subsequent
waveform data overwriting the display. Use Single when you want maximum
memory depth for pan and zoom and you want the maximum sample rate.

1 First set trigger Mode/Coupling Mode softkey to Normal.

This keeps the oscilloscope from autotriggering immediately.

2 If you are using the analog channels to capture the event, turn the

Trigger Level knob to the trigger threshold where you think the trigger
should work.

3 To begin a single acquisition, press the

When you press Single, the display is cleared, the trigger circuitry is armed, the
Single key is illuminated, and the oscilloscope will wait until a trigger condition
occurs before it displays a waveform.

When the oscilloscope triggers, the single acquisition is displayed and the
oscilloscope is stopped (Run/Stop key is illuminated in red). Press Single again
to acquire another waveform.

2-20

Single key.

Front-Panel Overview

To use delayed sweep

To use delayed sweep

Delayed sweep is an expanded version of main sweep. When Delayed mode is
selected, the display divides in half and the delayed sweep icon displays in
the middle of the line at the top of the display. The top half displays the main
sweep and the bottom half displays the delayed sweep.

The following steps show you how to use delayed sweep. Notice that the steps
are very similar to operating the delayed sweep in analog oscilloscopes.

1 Connect a signal to the oscilloscope and obtain a stable display.
2Press
3Press the

Main/Delayed.

Delayed softkey.

To change the sweep speed for the delayed sweep window, turn the sweep speed
knob. As you turn the knob, the sweep speed is highlighted in the status line
above the waveform display area.

Th e area of the main disp lay that is e xpanded is in tensified and marked on ea ch
end with a vertical marker. These markers show what portion of the main sweep
is expanded in the lower half. The Horizontal knobs control the size and position
of the delayed sweep. The delay value is momentarily displayed in the
upper-right portion of the display when the delay time ( ) knob is turned.

Delayed sweep is a magnified portion of the main sweep. You can use delayed
sweep to locate and horizontally expand part of the main sweep for a more
detailed (higher-resolution) analysis of signals.

To change th e sweep speed f or the main sweep wind ow, pre ss th e Main softkey,
then turn the sweep speed knob.

2-21

Front-Panel Overview

To make cursor measurements

To make cursor measurements

Yo u c an use th e c ur sors to ma ke cust om vo lt age o r t im e m easu re me nts on sc op e
signals, and timing measurements on digital channels.

1 Connect a signal to the oscilloscope and obtain a stable display.
2Press the

Mode Set the cursors results to measure voltage and time (Normal), or display
the binary or hexadecimal logic value of the displayed waveforms.

Source selects a channel or math function for the cursor measurements.
X Y Select either the X cursors or the Y cursors for adjustment with the Entry

knob.

X1 and X2 adjust horizontally and normally measure time.
Y1 and Y2 adjust vertically and normally measure voltage.
X1 X2 and Y1 Y2 move the cursors together when turning the Entry knob.

For more information about using cursors for measurements, refer to the
“Making Measurements” chapter.

Cursors key. View the cursor functions in the softkey menu:

2-22

Front-Panel Overview

To make automatic measurements

To make automatic measurements

You can use automatic measurements on any channel source or any running
math function. Cursors are turned on to focus on the most recently selected
measurement (right-most on the measurement line above the softkeys on the
display).

1Press the Quick Meas key to display the automatic measurement menu.
2Press the

on which the quick measurements will be made.

Only channels or math functions that are displayed are available for
measurements. If you choose an invalid source channel for a measurement, the
measurement will default to the nearest in the list that makes the source valid.

If a portion of the waveform required for a measurement is not displayed or does
not display enough resolution to make the measurement, the result will be
displayed with a message such as greater than a value, less than a value, not
enough edges, not enough amplitude, incomplete, or waveform is clipped to
indicate that the measurement may not be reliable.

3Press the Clear Meas softkey to stop making measurements and to erase

the measurement results from the measurement line above the
softkeys.

When Quick Meas is pressed again, the default measurements on an analog
channel will be will be Frequency and Peak-Peak.

4 Choose what measurement you want on that source by pressing the

Select softkey, then turn the Entry knob to select the desired
measurement from the popup list.

5Press the Measure softkey to make the selected measurement.
6To turn off

illuminated.

For detailed information about making automatic measurements, refer to the
“Making Measurements” chapter.

Source softkey to select the channel or running math function

Quick Meas, press the Quick Meas key again until it is not

2-23

Front-Panel Overview

To modify the display grid

To modify the display grid

1Press the Display key.
2 Turn the Entry knob to change the intensity of the displayed grid. The

intensity level is shown in the

Grid softkey and is adjustable from 0 to

100%.

Each major division in the grid (also know as graticule) corresponds to the
sweep speed time shown in the status line on the top of the display.

• To change waveform intensity, turn the INTENSITY knob on the
lower-left corner of the front panel.

To print the display

You can print the complete display, including the status line and softkeys, to a
parallel printer or to the floppy disk by pressing the Quick Print key. You can
stop printing by pressing the Cancel Print softkey.

To set up your printer, press the Utility key, then press the Print Confg softkey.
For more information on printing and floppy disk operation, refer to the

“Utilities” chapter.

2-24

3

Triggering the Oscilloscope

Triggering the Oscilloscope

The Agilent 54620/40-series Oscilloscopes provide a full set of features
to help automate your measurement tasks, including MegaZoom
technology to help you capture and examine the stored waveforms of
interest, even untriggered waveforms. With these oscilloscopes you can:

• modify the way the oscilloscope acquires data.

• set up simple or complex trigger conditions, as needed, to capture

only the sequence of events you want to examine.

The oscilloscopes all have common triggering functionality:

• Trigger modes

Auto
Normal
Auto Level (54620-series only)

• Coupling (including high frequency and noise rejection)

•Holdoff

• Trigger Level

• External Trigger input

• Trigger types

Edge (slope)
Pulse width (glitch)
Pattern
CAN
Duration

2

I

C
LIN
Sequence
SPI
TV
USB

• Trigger Out connector

3-2

Selecting Trigger Modes and Conditions

The trigger mode affects the way in which the oscilloscope searches for
the trigger. The figure below shows the conceptual representation of
acquisition memory. Think of the trigger event as dividing acquisition
memory into a pre-trigger and post-trigger buffer. The position of the
trigger event in acquisition memory is defined by the time reference
point and the delay setting.

Trigger Event

Pre-Trigger Buffer

Acquisition Memory

Acquisition Memory

Post-Trigger Buffer

To select the Mode and Coupling menu

•Press the Mode/Coupling key in the Trigger section of the front panel.

3-3

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To select a trigger mode: Normal, Auto, Auto Level

To select a trigger mode: Normal, Auto, Auto Level

1Press the Mode/Coupling key.
2Press the

• Normal mode displays a waveform when the trigger conditions are met,

otherwise the oscilloscope does not trigger and the display is not updated.

• Auto mode is the same as Normal mode, except it forces the oscilloscope to

trigger if the trigger conditions are not met.

• Auto Level mode (54620-series only) works only when edge triggering on

analog channels or external trigger. The oscilloscope first tries to Normal
trigger. If no trigger is found, it searches for a signal at least 10% of full scale
on the trigger source and sets the trigger level to the 50% amplitude point.
If there is still no signal present, the oscilloscope auto triggers. This mode
is useful when moving a probe from point to point on a circuit board.

Auto Level and Auto modes

Use th e a uto tr ig ge r mo de s f or sig na ls othe r t ha n l ow- re pe ti tive -r at e sign al s a nd
for unknown signal levels. To display a dc signal, you must use one of these two
auto trigger modes since there are no edges on which to trigger.

Auto Level mode (54620-series only) is the same as Auto mode with an
automatic trigger level adjustment. The oscilloscope looks at the level on the
signals, and if the trigger level is out-of-range with respect to the signal, the
scope adjusts the trigger level back to the middle of the signal.

When you select Run, the oscilloscope operates by first filling the pre-trigger
buffer. It starts searching for a trigger after the pre-trigger buffer is filled, and
continues to flow data through this buffer while it searches for the trigger. While
searching for the trigger, the oscilloscope overflows the pre-trigger buffer; the
first data put into the buffer is the first pushed out (FIFO). When a trigger is
found, the pre-trigger buffer will contain the events that occurred just before
the trigger. If no trigger is found, the oscilloscope generates a trigger and
displays the data as though a trigger had occurred.

When you select Single, the oscilloscope will fill pre-trigger buffer memory, and
continue flowing data through the pre-trigger buffer until the auto trigger
overrides the searching and forces a trigger. At the end of the trace, the scope
will stop and display the results.

Mode softkey, then select Normal, Auto, or Auto Level mode.

3-4

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To select a trigger mode: Normal, Auto, Auto Level

Normal mode

Use Normal trigger mode for low repetitive-rate signals or when Auto trigger is
not required. In this mode, the oscilloscope has the same behavior whether the
acquisition was initiated by pressing Run/Stop or Single.

In Normal mode the oscilloscope must fill the pre-trigger buffer with data before
it will begin searching for a trigger event. The trigger mode indicator on the
status line flashes to indicate the oscilloscope is filling the pre-trigger buffer.
While searching for the trigger, the oscilloscope overflows the pre-trigger buffer;
the first data put into the buffer is the first pushed out (FIFO).

When the trigger event is found, the oscilloscope will fill the post-trigger buffer
and display the acquisition memory. If the acquisition was initiated by Run/Stop,
the process repeats. The waveform data will be scrolled onto the display as it
is being acquired.

In either Auto or Normal mode, the trigger may be missed completely under
certain conditions. This is because the oscilloscope will not recognize a trigger
event until the pre-trigger buffer is full. Suppose you set the Time/Div knob to
a slow sweep speed, such as 500 ms/div. If the trigger condition occurs before
the oscilloscope has filled the pre-trigger buffer, the trigger will not be found.
If you use Normal mode and wait for the trigger condition indicator to flash
before causing the action in the circuit, the oscilloscope will always find the
trigger condition correctly.

Some measurements you want to make will require you to take some action in
the circuit under test to cause the trigger event. Usually, these are single-shot
acquisitions, where you will use the Single key.

3-5

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To select trigger Coupling

To select trigger Coupling

1Press the Mode/Coupling key.
2Press the

• DC coupling allows dc and ac signals into the trigger path.

• AC coupling places a high-pass filter (3.5 Hz for 54620-series analog channels,

10 Hz for 54640-series analog channels, and 3.5 Hz for all External trigger
inputs) in the trigger path removing any DC offset voltage from the trigger
waveform. Use AC coupling to get a stable edge trigger when your waveform
has a large DC offset.

• LF (low frequency) Reject coupling places a 50-kHz high-pass filter in series

with the trigger waveform. Low frequency reject removes any unwanted low
frequency components from a trigger waveform, such as power line
frequencies, that can interfere with proper triggering. Use this coupling to
get a stable edge trigger when your waveform has low frequency noise.

• TV coupling is normally grayed-out, but is automatically selected when TV

trigger is enabled in the Trigger More menu.

Coupling softkey, then select DC, AC, or LF Reject coupling.

To select Noise Reject and HF Reject

1Press the Mode/Coupling key.
2Press the

softkey to select high frequency reject.

• Noise Rej adds additional hysteresis to the trigger circuitry. When noise reject

is on, the trigger circuitry is less sensitive to noise but may require a greater
amplitude waveform to trigger the oscilloscope.

• HF Reject adds a 50 kHz low-pass filter in the trigger path to remove high

frequency components from the trigger waveform. You can use HF Reject to
remove high-frequency noise, such as AM or FM broadcast stations or from
fast system clocks, from the trigger path.

3-6

Noise Rej softkey to select noise reject or press the HF Reject

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To set holdoff

To set holdoff

1Press the Mode/Coupling key.
2 Turn the Entry knob to increase or decrease the trigger holdoff

time shown in the

Holdoff sets the amount of time that the oscilloscope waits before re-arming the
trigger circuitry. Use Holdoff to stabilize the display of complex waveforms.

To get a stable trigger on the pulse burst shown below, set the holdoff time to
be >200 ns but <600 ns.

Holdoff softkey.

Holdoff

200 ns 600 ns

By setting the Holdoff, you can synchronize triggers. The oscilloscope will
trigger on one edge of the waveform, and ignore further edges until the holdoff
time expires. The oscilloscope will then re-arm the trigger circuit to search for
the next edge trigger. This allows the oscilloscope to trigger on a repeating
pattern in a waveform.

Scope triggers here

3-7

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To set holdoff

Holdoff Operating Hints

Holdoff keeps a trigger from occurring until after a certain amount of time has passed
since the last trigger. This feature is valuable when a waveform crosses the trigger
level multiple times during one period of the waveform.

Without holdoff, the scope could trigger on each of the crossings, producing a
confusing waveform. With holdoff set correctly, the scope always triggers on the
same crossing. The correct holdoff setting is typically slightly less than one period.
Set the holdoff to this time to generate a unique trigger point. This action works even
though many waveform periods pass between triggers, because the holdoff circuit
operates on the input signal continuously.

Changing the time base settings does not affect the holdoff number. In contrast, the
holdoff in analog oscilloscopes is a function of the time base setting, making it
necessary to re-adjust the holdoff each time you change the time base setting.

With Agilent’s MegaZoom technology, you can press Stop, then pan and zoom
through the data to find where it repeats. Measure this time using the cursors, then
set holdoff to this number.

3-8

Triggering the Oscilloscope

External Trigger Input

External Trigger Input

External Trigger can be used as a source in several of the trigger types. On
4-channel and mixed-signal oscilloscopes, the external trigger BNC input is on
the rear panel and is labeled Ext Trig. On 2-channel oscilloscopes, the external
trigger BNC input is on the front panel and is labeled Ext Trigger.

Maximum input voltage for the external trigger input:

CAT I 300 Vrms, 400 Vpk
CAT II 100 Vrms, 400 Vpk
with 10073C or 10074C 10:1 probe: CAT I 500 Vpk, CAT II 400 Vpk

CAUTION Do not exceed 5 Vrms in 50Ω mode on the 54640-series models. Input

protection is enabled in 50Ω mode and the 50Ω load will disconnect if greater
than 5 Vrms is detected. However the input could still be damaged, depending
on the time constant of the signal.

CAUTION The 50Ω input protection mode on the 54640-series models only functions

when the oscilloscope is powered on.

External Trigger Probe Settings

You can set probe attenuation, units, and input impedance for the external
trigger input.

1Press the Mode/Coupling key in the Trigger section of the front panel.

3-9

Triggering the Oscilloscope

External Trigger Input

2Press the External softkey to display the external trigger probe menu.

Attenuation
factor

Measurement
units

Input impedance
(54640-series)

Return to
previous menu

Probe Attenuation Turn the Entry knob to set the attenuation factor
displayed in the Probe softkey for the connected probe. The attenuation factor
can be set from 0.1:1 to 1000:1 in a 1-2-5 sequence.

For 2-channel oscilloscopes that have the Ext Trigger connector on the front
panel, when you connect an AutoProbe self-sensing probe, the oscilloscope will
automatically configure your probe to the correct attenuation factor.

The probe correction factor must be set properly for measurements to be made
correctly.

Probe Units Press the Units softkey to select the proper measurement unit
for the connected probe. Select Volts for a voltage probe and select Amps for a
current probe. Measurement results, channel sensitivity, and trigger level will
reflect the measurement units you have selected.

Input Impedance The 54620-series oscilloscope external trigger input
impedance is always 1 MΩ. The 54640-series oscilloscope external trigger input
impedance can be set to either 1M Ohm or 50 Ohm by pressing the Imped sof tkey.

• 50 Ohm mode matches 50-ohm cables commonly used in making high

frequency measurements. This impedance matching gives you the most
accurate measurements since reflections are minimized along the signal
path.

• 1M Ohm mode is for u se wi th pr obes and f or gen eral -purpose mea sur ement s.

The higher impedance minimizes the loading effect of the oscilloscope on
the circuit under test.

For 2-channel oscilloscopes that have the Ext Trigger connector on the front
panel, when you connect an AutoProbe self-sensing probe, the oscilloscope will
automatically configure your probe to the correct impedance.

3-10

Trigger Types

The oscilloscope allows you to synchronize the display to the actions of
the circuit under test by defining a trigger condition. You can use any
input channel or the Ext Trigger BNC for the source for most trigger
types.

MegaZoom Technology Simplifies Triggering

With the built-in MegaZoom technology, you can simply Autoscale the waveforms,
then stop the scope to capture a waveform. You can then pan and zoom through the
data using the Horizontal and Vertical knobs to find a stable trigger point. Autoscale
often produces a triggered display.

These trigger types are available and are presented in the following order in this
chapter:

• Edge trigger

• Pulse Width (glitch) trigger

• Pattern trigger

• CAN (Controller Area Network) trigger

• Duration trigger

2

C (Inter-IC bus) trigger

•I

• LIN (Local Interconnect Network)

• Sequence trigger

• SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) trigger

• TV trigger

• USB (Universal Serial Bus) trigger

Changes to the trigger specification are applied when you make them. If the
oscilloscope is stopped when you change a trigger specification, the scope will
use the new specification when you press Run/Stop or Single. If the oscilloscope
is running when you change a triggering specification, it uses the new trigger
definition when it starts the next acquisition. You select the trigger type by
pressing the key associated with the desired trigger type.

3-11

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Edge triggering

To use Edge triggering

The Edge trigger type identifies a trigger by looking for a specified slope and
voltage level on a waveform. You can define the trigger source and rising or
falling edge in this menu. The trigger type, source, and level is displayed in the
upper-right corner of the display.

1Press the Edge key in the Trigger section of the front panel to display

the Edge trigger menu.

Slope

Trigger
source

Trigger level
or threshold

Slope

Analog channel
source

Digital channel
source

External or Line
source

2 Press the slope softkey ( ) and select either rising edge or falling

edge. This determines whether the trigger will occur on the rising edge
or the falling edge of the input signal.

Slope Selects rising edge ( ) or falling edge ( ) for the selected trigger
source. The selected slope is displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

3 Select 1, 2, Ext, or Line as the trigger source.

The trigger source can also be set to channel 3 and 4 on the 4-channel
oscilloscope, or can be set to digital channels D15 through D0 on the
mixed-signal oscilloscope. You can choose a channel that is turned off as the
source for the edge trigger. The selected trigger source is displayed in the
upper-right corner of the display next to the slope symbol:

1 through 4 = analog channels
D15 through D0 = digital channels
E = External trigger
L = Line trigger

3-12

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Edge triggering

Analog source Press the analog channel source softkey to select an analog
source. Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the
Trigger Level knob. The position of the trigger level for the analog channel is
indicated by the trigger level icon (if the analog channel is on) at the far left

T

side of the display when DC coupling is selected. The value of the analog
channel trigger level is displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

Digital source (mixed-signal oscilloscope) Press the digital source
softkey or turn the Entry knob to select a digital channel (D15-D0) as the trigger
source. Select Threshold in the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu to set the
threshold level (TTL, CMOS, ECL, or user defined) for the selected digital
channel group. The threshold value is displayed in the upper-right corner of the
display.

External/Line source Ext (external trigger) and Line (triggers off the power
line frequency) trigger share the same softkey on the display. Toggle the softkey
to select the source you want.

The external trigger input is on the front panel of the 2-channel oscilloscope
and on the rear-panel of 4-channel and mixed-signal oscilloscope. You can
connect the trigger output of other instruments to this external trigger input,
or use an oscilloscope probe, such as the 10073C or 10074C.

Adjust the external trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the
Trigger Level knob. The trigger level for Line is not adjustable.

3-13

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Pulse Width triggering

To use Pulse Width triggering

Pulse Width (glitch) triggering sets the oscilloscope to trigger on a positive pulse
or a negative pulse of a specified width. If you want to trigger on a specific
timeout value, use Duration trigger in the trigger More menu.

1Press the Pulse Width key in the Trigger section of the front panel to

display the Pulse Width trigger menu.

Trigger level
or threshold

Source

2Press the

Trigger
source

Pulse
polarity

Polarity

Qualifier Qualifier time set

Source softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select a channel source for the trigger.

The channel you select is shown in the upper-right corner of the display next
to the polarity symbol.

The source can be any analog or digital channel available on your oscilloscope.
External trigger may also be specified as a source when using the 2-channel and
4-channel oscilloscopes.

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel source by turning the
Trigger Level knob. The position of the trigger level for the analog channel is
indicated by the trigger level icon (if the analog channel is on) at the far left
side of the display when DC coupling is selected. Set the threshold for the
selected digital channel group by pressing the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 key
then press the Threshold softkey. The value of the trigger level or digital
threshold is displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

T

3-14

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Pulse Width triggering

3 Press the pulse polarity softkey to select positive ( )or negative ( )

polarity for the pulse width you want to capture.

The selected pulse polarity is displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.
A positive pulse is higher than the current trigger level or threshold and a
negative pulse is lower than the current trigger level or threshold.

When triggering on a positive pulse, the trigger will occur on the high to low
transition of the pulse if the qualifying condition is true. When triggering on a
negative pulse, the trigger will occur on the low to high transition of the pulse
if the qualifying condition is true.

4 Press the qualifier softkey (< > ><) to select the time qualifier.

The Qualifier softkey can set the oscilloscope to trigger on a pulse width that is:

• less than a time value (<).

For example, for a positive pulse, if you set t<10 ns:

10 ns

• greater than a time value (>).

For example, for a positive pulse, if you set t>10 ns:

10 ns

Trigger

10 ns10 ns

• within a range of time values (><).

For example, for a positive pulse, if you set t>10 ns and t<15 ns:

10 ns

15 ns

12 ns

Trigger

Trigger

3-15

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Pulse Width triggering

5 Select the qualifier time set softkey (< or >), then rotate the Entry knob

to set the pulse width qualifier time.

The qualifiers can be set as follows:

54620-series

• 5 ns to 10 for > or < qualifier

• 10 ns to 10 s for >< qualifier, with minimum difference of 5 ns between upper and lower

settings

54640-series

• 2 ns to 10 s for > or < qualifier when source is analog channel or external trigger

• 5 ns to 10 s for > or < qualifier when source is digital channel

• 10 ns to 10 s for >< qualifier , with minimum difference of 5 ns between upper and lower

settings.

< qualifier time set softkey

• When the less than (<) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the

oscilloscope to trigger on a pulse width less than the time value displayed
on the softkey.

• When the time range (><) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the

upper time range value.

> qualifier time set softkey

• When the greater than (>) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the

oscilloscope to trigger on a pulse width greater than the time value
displayed on the softkey.

• When the time range (><) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the

lower time range value.

3-16

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Pattern triggering

To use Pattern triggering

The Pattern trigger identifies a trigger condition by looking for a specified
pattern. This pattern is a logical AND combination of the channels. Each
channel can have a value of high (H), low (L), don’t care (X). A rising or falling
edge can be specified for one channel included in the pattern.

1Press the Pattern key in the Trigger section of the front panel to display

the Pattern trigger menu.

Pattern
trigger

Selected
channel

Trigger level
or threshold

Channel
select

Logic Low

Logic High Don’t care Rising or

falling edge

2 For each analog or digital channel you want to include in the desired

pattern, press the

This is the channel source for the H, L, X, or edge condition. As you press the
Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal oscilloscopes), the
channel you select is highlighted in the Pattern = line directly above the
softkeys and in the upper-right corner of the display next to "Pat". External
trigger may also be specified as a channel in the pattern when using the
2-channel and 4-channel oscilloscopes.

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger
Level knob. The position of the trigger level for the analog channel is indicated
by the trigger level icon at the far left side of the display when DC coupling
is selected Set the threshold for the selected digital channel group by pressing
the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 key then press the Threshold softkey. The value
of the trigger level or digital threshold is displayed in the upper-right corner of
the display.

Channel softkey to select the channel.

T

3-17

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Pattern triggering

3 For each channel you select, press one of the condition softkeys to set

the condition for that channel in the pattern.

• H sets the pattern to high on the selected channel. A high is a voltage level

that is greater than the channel's trigger level or threshold level.

• L sets the pattern to low on the selected channel. A low is a voltage level that

is less than the channel's trigger level or threshold level.

• X sets the pattern to don't care on the selected channel. Any channel set to

don't care is ignored and is not used as part of the pattern. If all channels in
the pattern are set to don't care, the oscilloscope will not trigger.

• The rising edge ( ) or falling edge ( ) falling edge softkey sets the pattern
to an edge on the selected channel. Only one rising or falling edge can be
specified in the pattern. When an edge is specified, the oscilloscope will
trigger at the edge specified if the pattern set for the other channels is true.

If no edge is specified, the oscilloscope will trigger on the last edge that makes
the pattern true.

Specifying an Edge in a Pattern

You are allowed to specify only one rising or falling edge term in the pattern. If
you define an edge term, then select a different channel in the pattern and define
another edge term, the previous edge definition is changed to a don’t care.

3-18

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use CAN triggering

To use CAN triggering

Agilent N2758A CAN Trigger Module

The following topic discusses the basic CAN triggering available in the
54620/40-series oscilloscopes. For advanced CAN triggering using the optional
Agilent N2758A CAN Trigger Module for 54620/40-series Mixed-signal oscilloscopes,
refer to the N2758A User’s Guide

Controller Area Network (CAN) trigger will trigger on CAN version 2.0A and
2 . 0B s i g na l s . Se t u p co n s i st s o f c o nn ec t in g t h e o sc i ll o s c op e t o a C A N s ig n a l . P r e s s
the Settings so ft ke y t o spe ci fy baud ra te , s ign al so ur ce, an d s ig nal t yp e t o tri gg er
on.

The CAN trigger will trigger on the Start of Frame (SOF) bit of a Data frame,
Remote Transfer Request (RTR) frame, or an Overload frame. A CAN message
frame in CAN_L signal type is shown below:

Bus
Idle

SOF edge

Arbitration

Field

Control

Field

Data
Field

CRC
Field

ACK
Field

EOF

Inter-

mission

1Press the More key in the Trigger section of the front panel, rotate the

Entry knob until

Settings softkey to display CAN trigger menu.

Trigger on:
condition

CAN is displayed in the Trigg er softkey, then press the

Signal
baud rate

Signal type
and polarity

Currently selected

signal source

CAN trigger

Signal
source

Trigger level
or threshold

Return to
previous menu

3-19

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use CAN triggering

2Press the Baud softkey to set the CAN signal baud rate to match your

CAN bus signal.

The CAN baud rate can be set to:

10 kb/s 50 kb/s 100 kb/s 500 kb/s
20 kb/s 62.5 kb/s 125 kb/s 800 kb/s

33.3 kb/s 83.3 kb/s 250 kb/s 1 Mb/s

The default baud rate is 1 Mb/s

3Press the Trigger: softkey to select the trigger condition.

The SOF (S ta r t o f Fr a me ) is t he o nl y tr i gg e r c o nd i ti o n a v ai l ab l e. T he C AN tr ig g er
will trigger on the Start of Frame bit of a Data frame, Remote Transfer Request
(RTR) frame, or an Overload frame.

4Press the Signal softkey to set the type and polarity of the CAN signal.

This also automatically sets the channel label for the source channel. The
channel shown in the Source softkey can be connected as follows:

Dominant high signal:

• CAN_H - the actual CAN_H differential bus signal.

Dominant low signals:

• CAN_L - the actual CAN_L differential bus signal.

• Rx - the Receive signal from the CAN bus transceiver.

• Tx - the Transmit signal to the CAN bus transceiver.

• Differential - the CAN differential bus signals connected to an analog

source channel using a differential probe.

5Press the Source softkey to select the channel connected to the CAN

signal line.

If the Signal softkey is set to Differential, connect an analog source channel to
the CAN differential bus signal using a differential probe.

As you press the Source softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal
oscilloscopes), the CAN label f or the sour ce channel is automat ically set and t he
channel you select is shown in the upper-right corner of the display next to
"CAN".

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger
Level knob. Select Threshold in the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu to set the
level for digital channels. The value of the trigger level or digital threshold is
displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

3-20

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Duration triggering

To use Duration triggering

Duration trigger lets you define a pattern, then trigger on a specified time
duration of this logical AND combination of the channels.

1Press the More key in the Trigger section of the front panel, rotate the

Entry knob until

Settings softkey to display the Duration trigger menu.

the

Duration is displayed in the Trigger softkey, then press

Trigger level
or threshold

Return to
previous menu

Channel
select

Logic level

Qualifier

Duration
trigger

Qualifier time set

Selected
channel

2 For each analog or digital channel you want to include in the desired

pattern, press the

This is the channel source for the H, L, or X condition. As you press the Channel
softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal oscilloscopes), the channel
you select is highlighted in the Pattern = line directly above the softkeys and
in the upper- rig ht corner of the display next to "Dur". External trigger may also
be specified as a channel in the pattern when using the 2-channel and 4-channel
oscilloscopes.

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger
Level knob. The position of the trigger level for the analog channel is indicated
by the trigger level icon at the far left side of the display when DC coupling
is selected Set the threshold for the selected digital channel group by pressing
the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 key then press the Threshold softkey. The value
of the trigger level or digital threshold is displayed in the upper-right corner of
the display.

Channel softkey to select the channel.

T

3-21

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Duration triggering

3 For each channel you select, press the logic level softkey to set the

condition for that channel in the pattern.

• H sets the pattern to high on the selected channel. A high is a voltage level
that is greater than the channel's trigger level or threshold level.

• L sets the pattern to low on the selected channel. A low is a voltage level that
is less than the channel's trigger level or threshold level.

• X sets the pattern to don't care on the selected channel. Any channel set to
don't care is ignored and is not used as part of the pattern. If all channels in
the pattern are set to don't care, the oscilloscope will not trigger.

4Press the Qualifier softkey to set the time duration qualifier for the

pattern.

The time qualifier can set the oscilloscope to trigger on a channel pattern whose
time duration is:

• less than a time value (<)

• greater than a time value (>)

• greater than a time value, but with timeout (Timeout ). A trigger will be forced
at the timeout value, rather than occurring when the pattern is exited.

• within a range of time values (><)

• outside a range of time values (<>)

The time values for the selected qualifier are set using the qualifier time set
softkeys (< and >) and the Entry knob.

3-22

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Duration triggering

5 Select a qualifier time set softkey (< or >), then rotate the Entry knob to

set the duration qualifier time.

< qualifier time set softkey

• When the less than (<) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the

oscilloscope to trigger on a pattern duration less than the time value
displayed on the softkey.

• When the within time range (><) qu alifier is sel ecte d, the Entr y knob sets

the upper time range value.

• When the out of time range (<>) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets

the lower time range value.

> qualifier time set softkey

• When the greater than (>) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the

oscilloscope to trigger on a pattern duration greater than the time value
displayed on the softkey.

• When the within time range (><) qu alifier is sel ecte d, the Entr y knob sets

the lower time range value.

• When the out of time range (<>) qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets

the upper time range value.

• When Timeout qualifier is selected, the Entry knob sets the timeout value.

When the duration trigger occurs

The timer starts on the last edge that makes the pattern (logical AND) true. The
trigger will occur on the first edge that makes the pattern false if the time qualifier
criteria of the pattern has been met, except in Timeout mode. In Timeout, the trigger
occurs when the timeout value is reached while the pattern is true.

3-23

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use I2C triggering

To use I2C triggering

An I2C (Inter-IC bus) trigger setup consists of connecting the oscilloscope to
the serial data (SDA) line and the serial clock (SCL) line, then triggering on a
stop/start condition, a restart, a missing acknowledge, an EEPROM data read,
or on a read/write frame with a specific device address and data value.

1Press the More key in the Trigger section of the front panel, rotate the

Entry knob until

Settings softkey to display the I

I2C is displayed in the Tri gger softkey, then press the

2

C trigger menu.

SCL Clock
channel

SDA Data
channel

Trigger on:
condition

Currently selected Clock

I2C trigger

Address

or Data channel

Data
value

Trigger level
or threshold

Return to
previous menu

2 Connect an oscilloscope channel to the SCL (serial clock) line in the

circuit under test, then set the

As you press the SCL softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal
oscilloscopes), the SCL label f or the sour ce channel is automat ically set and t he
channel you select is shown in the upper-right corner of the display next to

2

"I

C".

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger

Level knob. For the mixed-signal oscilloscope, select Threshold in the D7 Thru
D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu to set the level for digital channels assigned to the clock

and data lines. The value of the trigger level or digital threshold is displayed in
the upper-right corner of the display.

SCL clock channel softkey to that channel.

3-24

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use I2C triggering

3 Connect an oscilloscope channel to the SDA (serial data) line in the

circuit under test, then set the

As you press the SDA softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal
oscilloscopes), the SDA l ab el f or the source c hannel is automat ically set and t he
channel you select is shown in the upper-right corner of the display next to

2

"I

C".

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger

Level knob. For the mixed-signal oscilloscope, select Threshold in the D7 Thru
D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu to set the level for digital channels assigned to the clock

and data lines. The value of the trigger level or digital threshold is displayed in
the upper-right corner of the display.

Data needs to be stable during the whole high clock cycle or it will be interpreted
as a start or stop condition (data transitioning while the clock is high).

SDA data channel softkey to that channel.

4Press the Tri gg er: softkey to select one of the following I2C trigger

conditions:

Start Condition: the oscilloscope triggers when SDA data transitions from high
to low while the SCL clock is high. For triggering purposes (including frame
triggers), a restart is treated as a start condition.

Stop Condition: the oscilloscope triggers when data (SDA) transitions from low
to high while the clock (SCL) is high.

SDA
SCL

Address

Start
Condition

R/W

Ack Data Ack

Stop

Condition

Missing Acknowledge: the oscilloscope triggers when SDA data is high during
any Ack SCL clock bit.

Restart: the oscilloscope triggers when another start condition occurs before a
stop condition.

3-25

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use I2C triggering

EEPROM Data Read: the trigger looks for EEPROM control byte value 1010xxx

on the SDA line, followed by a Read bit and an Ack bit. It then looks for the data
value and qualifier set by the Data softkey and the Data is softkey. When this
event occurs, the scope will trigger on the clock edge for the Ack bit after the
data byte. This data byte does not need to occur directly after the control byte.

Read

SDA

SCL

Start or
Restart Condition

Control byte

R/W

Ack

Data

Ack

Trigger point

Frame (Start: Addr7: Read: Ack: Data) or
Frame (Start: Addr7: Write: Ack: Data): the oscilloscope triggers on a read or write

frame in 7-bit addressing mode on the 17th clock edge if all bits in the pattern
match. For triggering purposes, a restart is treated as a start condition.

SDA

SCL

Start or
Restart
Condition

Address

Read

R/W

Write

Ack

Data

Trigger point
17th clock edge

Ack

Stop

Condition

3-26

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use I2C triggering

10-bit Write: the oscilloscope triggers on a 10-bit write frame on the 26th clock

edge if all bits in the pattern match. The frame is in the format:

Frame (Start: Address byte 1: Write: Address byte 2: Ack: Data)

For triggering purposes, a restart is treated as a start condition.

Write

SDA
SCL

Start or
Restart
Condition

Address
1st byte

R/W

Ack1

Address
2nd byte

DataAck2

Trigger point
26th clock edge

Ack

Stop

Condition

5 If you have set the oscilloscope to trigger on an EEPROM Data Read

condition:

Press the Data is softkey to set the oscilloscope to trigger when data is = (equal
to),

≠( not eq ual t o), < (less than), o r > (greate r than) the data value se t in th e

Data softkey.
The oscilloscope will trigger on the clock edge for the Ack bit after the trigger

event is found. This data byte does not need to occur directly after the control
byte. The oscilloscope will trigger on any data byte that meets the criteria
defined by the Data is and Data softkeys during a current address read or a
random read or a sequential read cycle.

3-27

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use I2C triggering

6 If you have set the oscilloscope to trigger on a 7-bit address read or write

frame condition or a 10-bit write frame condition:

a Press the Address softkey and turn the Entry knob to select the 7-bit or 10-bit

device address.

You can select from an address range of 0x00 to 0x7F (7-bit) or 0x3FF
(10-bit) hexadecimal. When triggering on a read/write frame, the
oscilloscope will trigger after the start, address, read/write, acknowledge,
and data events occur.

If don’t care is selected (0xXX or 0xXXX) for the address, the address will
be ignored. The trigger will always occur on the 17th clock for 7-bit
addressing or 26th clock for 10-bit addressing.

b Press the Data value softkey and turn the Entry knob to select the 8-bit data

pattern on which to trigger.

You can select a data value in the range of 0x00 to 0xFF (hexadecimal). The
oscilloscope will trigger after the start, address, read/write, acknowledge,
and data events occur.

If don’t care (0xXX) is selected for data, the data will be ignored. The trigger
will always occur on the 17th clock for 7-bit addressing or 26th clock for
10-bit addressing.

3-28

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use LIN triggering

To use LIN triggering

LIN (Local Interconnect Network) trigger setup consists of connecting the
oscilloscope to a serial LIN signal.

The LIN trigger will trigger on the rising edge at the Sync Break exit of the LIN
single-wire bus signal that marks the beginning of the message frame. A LIN
signal message frame is shown below:

Sync

Break

Sync Break Exit

Sync
Field

Identifier

Break

Data

Fields

Checksum

Field

1Press the More key in the Trigger section of the front panel, rotate the

Entry knob until

Settings softkey to display LIN trigger menu.

Trigger on:
condition

2Press the

Baud softkey to set the LIN signal baud rate to match your LIN

LIN is displayed in the Trigg er softkey, then press the

Signal
baud rate

Signal type

Currently selected

signal source

LIN trigger

Signal
source

Trigger level
or threshold

Return to
previous menu

bus signal.

The LIN baud rate can be set to 2400 b/s, 9600 b/s, or 19.2 kb/s. The default
baud rate is 2400 b/s.

3-29

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use LIN triggering

3Press the Trigger: softkey to select the trigger condition.

Sync (Sync Break) is the only trigger condition available.The LIN trigger will
tr ig ge r o n the ri si ng edg e a t the Sy nc Br eak ex it of the LI N s in gle -w ir e b us s ig na l
that marks the beginning the message frame.

4Press the Signal softkey to set the type of the LIN signal.

This also automatically sets the channel label for the source channel. The
channel shown in the Source softkey an be connected to the dominant low signal
as follows:

• LIN - the actual LIN signle-end bus signal line.

• Rx - the Receive signal from the LIN bus transceiver.

• Tx - the Transmit signal to the LIN bus transceiver.

5Press the Source softkey to select the channel connected to the LIN

signal line.

As you press the Source softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal
oscilloscopes), the LIN label f or the sour ce channel is automat ically set and t he
channel you select is shown in the upper-right corner of the display next to
"LIN".

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger
Level knob. Select Threshold in the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu to set the
level for digital channels. The value of the trigger level or digital threshold is
displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

3-30

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Sequence triggering

To use Sequence triggering

Sequence trigger allows you to trigger the oscilloscope after finding a sequence
of events. Defining a sequence trigger requires three steps:

a Define an event to find before you search for the trigger.

The “find” event can be a pattern, an edge from a single channel, or the
combination of a pattern and a channel edge.

b Define the trigger event.

The “trigger on” event can be a pattern, an edge from a single channel, the
combination of a pattern and a channel edge, or the nth occurrence of an
edge from a single channel.

c Set an optional reset event.

If you choose to define a “reset” event, the event can be a pattern, an edge
from a single channel, the combination of a pattern and a channel edge, or a
timeout value.

Start

Find:?

No

Sequence Trigger Flowchart

Yes

No

Trigger on:?

No

Reset on:?

Yes

Yes

Scope
triggers

Trigger
holdoff

3-31

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Sequence triggering

•Press the More key in the Trigger section of the front panel, rotate the
Entry knob until

Settings softkey to display Sequence trigger menu.

the

Sequence is displayed in the Trigger softkey, then press

Sequence stage
definitions

Term definitions

Channel
select

Stage
select

Find, Trigger on,
or Reset condition

Sequence
trigger

Select
term

Selected
channel

Define
term

Trigger level
or threshold

Return to
previous menu

As you set stage, term, and channel definitions for the sequence trigger, these
settings will be shown in the waveform area of the display.

3-32

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Sequence triggering

Define the Find: stage

1Press the Stage softkey and select Find:.

Find: is the first stage in the trigger sequence. When you select the Stage Find
softkey, the next softkey to the right will display Find: and give you a list of the
terms you can define for the Find stage. The Find stage can be set to one of the
following conditions:

Pattern 1 Entered – A pattern is entered on the last edge that makes the
pattern true (logical AND).

Pattern 1 Exited – A pattern is exited on the first edge that makes the pattern
false (logical NAND).

Edge 1
Pattern 1 and Edge 1

2Press the Find: softkey and select the Find stage condition.
3 To define the term(s) used in the Find stage, press the

select the pattern and/or edge term displayed in the

4 If you select a pattern term, each channel in the pattern must be set to

H (high), L (low), or X (don’t care).

a

a Press the Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select the channel.

As you select a channel, the channel is highlighted in the selected pattern
list shown in the waveform area and is also shown in the upper-right corner
of the display next to "Seq"

b Press the L H X softkey to set a level for the channel.

• H se ts th e pattern to high on th e sel ecte d cha nnel. A high is a voltage level

that is greater than the channel's trigger level or threshold level.

• L sets the pattern to low on the selected channel. A low is a voltage level

that is less than the channel's trigger level or threshold level.

• X sets the pattern to don't care on the selected channel. Any channel set

t o d o n' t ca r e i s i g no re d a n d is no t us e d a s pa r t o f th e pa t te r n. I f a l l c h an ne ls
in the pattern are set to don't care, the oscilloscope will not trigger.

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the
Trigger Level knob. Select Threshold in the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu
to set the level for the digital channel group. The value of the trigger level
or digital threshold is displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

c Repeat for all channels in the pattern.

Ter m softkey and

Find: softkey.

3-33

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Sequence triggering

5 If you select an edge term, one channel must be set to a rising edge or

a falling edge. All other channel edges will be set to don’t care (X).

a Press the Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select the channel.

As you select a channel, the channel is highlighted in the selected pattern
list shown in the waveform area.

b Then press

the X softkey to select rising edge or falling edge. All

other channels will be defaulted to don’t care (X).

If you want to reassign an edge to a different channel, repeat the above step.
The value of the original channel edge will be defaulted to X (don’t care).

Define the Trigger on: stage

1Press the Stage softkey and select Trigger on:.

Trigger on: is the next stage in the trigger sequence. When you select the Stage
Trigger on: softkey, the next softkey to the right will display Trigger: and give you

a list of the term s you can d efine for the Trigger on : stag e. Th e Trigger o n: stage
can be set to one of the following conditions:

Pattern 2 Entered – A pattern is entered on the last edge that makes the
pattern true (logical AND).

Pattern 2 Exited – A pattern is exited on the first edge that makes the pattern
false (logical NAND).

Edge 2
Pattern 2 and Edge 2
Nth Edge 2

2Press the Trigger: softkey and select a stage to trigger on.
3 To define the term(s) used in the Trigger on: stage, press the

softkey and select the pattern or edge term displayed in the
softkey.

4 If you select a pattern term, each channel in the pattern must be set to

H (high), L (low), or X (don’t care).

a

a Press the Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select the channel.

b Press the L H X softkey to set a level for the channel.
c Repeat for all channels in the pattern.

Term

Tri gg er:

3-34

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Sequence triggering

5 If you select an edge term, one channel must be set to a rising edge or

a falling edge. All other channel edges will be set to don’t care (X).

a Press the Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select the channel.

The channel you select is shown in the upper-right corner of the display next
to "Seq".

b Then press

the X softkey to select rising edge or falling edge. All

other channel edges will be defaulted to don’t care.

6 When you set a Trigger on: condition to trigger on Edge 2, you can also

select which occurrence of Edge 2 to trigger on.

a Make sure Nth Edge 2 is selected in the Tri gg er: softkey
b Press the Term softkey and select Count (N).
c Press the N softkey, then turn the Entry knob to set the number of edges to

wait before triggering.

If the Find event occurs again before the Count (N) event is satisfied,
Count (N) will be reset to zero. N can be set from 1 to 10,000.

Define the optional Reset on: stage

1Press the Stage softkey and select Reset on:.

Reset on: is the last stage in the trigger sequence. When you select the Stage
Reset on: softkey, the next softkey to the right will display Reset: and give you a

list of the terms you can define for the Reset on: stage. The Reset on: stage can
be set to one of the following conditions:

No Reset - Resets on the find condition.
Pattern 1 (or 2) Entered – A pattern is entered on the last edge that makes

the pattern true (logical AND).
Pattern 1 (or 2) Exited – A pattern is exited on the first edge that makes the

pattern false (logic NAND).

Edge 1 (or 2)
Pattern 1 and Edge 1
Timeout

Terms that are grayed-out are not valid in the reset stage.

3-35

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use Sequence triggering

2Press the Reset: softkey and select a term to reset on.
3Press the

displayed in the

4 If you select

Term softkey and select the pattern, edge, or timeout term

Reset: softkey.

No Reset, no reset stage will be defined.

5 If you select a pattern term, each channel in the pattern must be set to

H (high), L (low), or X (don’t care).

a

a Press the Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select the channel.

b Press the L H X softkey to set a level for the channel.
c Repeat for all channels in the pattern.

6 If you select an edge term, one channel must be set to a rising edge or

a falling edge. All other channel edges will be set to don’t care (X).

a Press the Channel softkey (or rotate the Entry knob on mixed-signal

oscilloscopes) to select the channel.

b Then press

the X softkey to select rising edge or falling edge. All

other channel edges will be defaulted to don’t care.

7 If you select the

a Press the Ter m softkey and select Timeout.
b Press the Timeout softkey, then turn the Entry knob to set the timeout value.

Timeout can be set from 100 ns to 10 seconds. The timer starts when the
Find condition has been met. If the time is running and another Find
condition occurs, the time will restart from time zero.

Adjust the trigger level for the selected analog channel by turning the Trigger
Level knob. Select Threshold in the D7 Thru D0 or D15 Thru D8 menu to set the
level for the digital channel group. The value of the trigger level or digital
threshold is displayed in the upper-right corner of the display.

Timeout term, you will need to set a timeout value.

3-36

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use SPI triggering

To use SPI triggering

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) trigger setup consists of connecting the
oscilloscope to a clock, data, and framing signal. You can then trigger on a data
pattern during a specific framing period. The serial data string can be specified
to be from 4 to 32 bits long.

When you press the Settings softkey, a graphic will be displayed showing the
current state of the frame signal, clock slope, number of data bits, and data bit
values. Press the Signals softkey in the Settings menu to see the current source
channels for the clock, data, and frame signals.

•Press the More key in the Trigger section of the front panel, rotate the
Entry knob until

Settings softkey to display the SPI trigger menu.

SPI is displayed in the Trigger softkey, then press the

Graphic showing
current state of the
SPI trigger setup

Data string
values

Assign
channels

# data bits
in string

Data bit
select

Currently selected Clock,

Framing, or Data channel

SPI trigger

Data bit
value

Set all
data bits
to value

Trigger level
or threshold

Return to
previous menu

3-37

Triggering the Oscilloscope

To use SPI triggering

Set up the number of bits in the serial data string and set
values for those data bits

1 Turn the Entry knob to set the number of bits (#Bits) in the serial data

string. The number of bits in the string can be set anywhere from 4 bits
to 32 bits. The data values for the serial string are displayed in the Data
string in the waveform area.

2 Turn the Entry knob to select a specific data bit in the serial string as

shown in the

As you rotate the Entry knob, the bit is highlighted in the Data string shown in
the waveform area.

Bit softkey.

3Press the L H X softkey to set the bit selected in the Bit softkey to L (low),

H (high), or X (don’t care).

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to assign values for all bits.

Resetting all bits in the serial data string to one value.

• To reset all of the bit values in the serial data string to one value
(L,H,orX):

a Press the L H X softkey to select your reset bit value.
b Press the Set all Bits softkey to reset the data string to the selected value.

3-38