Agilent 54810A User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

Publication number 54810-97045
January 2000

For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information, see the pages
at the end of this manual.

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 1997-2000
All Rights Reserved

Infiniium Oscilloscopes

In This Book

This book gives you the information you need to begin using the Infiniium
Oscilloscopes. It contains four chapters:

Setting up the Oscilloscope Chapter 1 contains inspection, power
requirements, air flow, and setup information.

Working in Comfort Chapter 2 contains recommendations for working
comfortably and safely while operating the Infiniium Oscilloscope.

Using the Oscilloscope Chapter 3 gives an overview of the front panel and
the graphical user interface, and tells you how to perform basic operations with
the oscilloscope.

Using the Built-In Information System Chapter 4 describes the built-in
information system contents and navigation. The built-in information system

contains all of the information that is generally found in a User’s Guide.

• For detailed information on how the oscilloscope makes measurements and
how to use the oscilloscope, see the built-in information system in the
oscilloscope.

• For information on programming the oscilloscope using a computer with a
GPIB interface card, see the Infiniium Oscilloscopes Programmer’s

Reference.

• For information on testing and servicing the oscilloscope, see either the

Infiniium Service Guide for Models 54810A/15A/20A/25A Oscilloscopes
or the Infiniium Service Guide for the Model 54835A and 54845A
Oscilloscope.

CAUTION The Infiniium Oscilloscope uses a specially designed Windows 98 application

program. While it is possible to access some standard Windows 98 application
programs, it is not recommended. All Infiniium Oscilloscope functionality is
directly available from within the Infiniium Oscilloscope application. Other
application software may or may not function correctly. Windows 98
configuration changes made outside of the Infiniium Oscilloscope application
may not work correctly and could cause improper operation of the instrument.

Contents

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To inspect package contents 1-3
To inspect options and accessories 1-5
To connect power 1-8
To connect the mouse or other pointing device 1-11
To attach the optional trackball 1-12
To connect the keyboard 1-17
To connect to the LAN card 1-18

!

To connect oscilloscope probes 1-19
To connect a printer 1-22
To connect an external monitor 1-24
To connect an GPIB cable 1-25
To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing 1-26
To turn on the oscilloscope 1-28
To turn off the oscilloscope 1-29
To verify basic oscilloscope operation 1-30
To clean the oscilloscope 1-32

Working in Comfort

About Repetitive Strain Injury 2-3
Mice and Other Input Devices 2-4

Using the Oscilloscope

To set the oscilloscope to a known starting condition 3-7
To start and stop waveform acquisition 3-8
To clear the waveform display 3-9
To turn a channel on or off 3-10
To change input impedance and input coupling 3-11
To adjust vertical scale and offset 3-12
To adjust sweep speed and horizontal position 3-13
To magnify a part of the waveform using delayed sweep 3-14
To set the oscilloscope to trigger on an edge 3-15
To use the markers 3-16
To use the quick measurements 3-17
To reinitialize the oscilloscope 3-18
To switch between the graphical interface and full-screen mode 3-30
To perform basic user interface operations 3-31
To select a command from the menu bar 3-33
To select a command from a context-sensitive menu 3-34
To change the mouse settings 3-36
To start and stop waveform acquisition 3-37
To clear the waveform display 3-38
To print the screen 3-39

Contents-1

Contents

To turn a channel on or off 3-40
To adjust the vertical offset 3-41
To adjust vertical scaling 3-43
To access the channel setup 3-44
To set the horizontal reference point 3-45
To adjust sweep speed 3-46
To adjust horizontal position 3-47
To access the horizontal setup 3-48
To zoom on a section of the waveform 3-49
To move the markers using the graphical interface 3-51
To make a measurement on a waveform 3-52
To access the trigger setup 3-54
To set an edge trigger 3-55
To enable 8.0 GSa/s sampling mode on the 54845A 3-56
To enable 4.0 GSa/s sampling mode on the 54835A 3-57
To set dialog box preferences 3-58
To install the printer software 3-61
To set up the network 3-69
To recover your Infiniium hard disk 3-70

Using the Built-In Information System

To access the information system 4-4
To select the built-in information system language 4-10
To navigate through the information system 4-11
To access context-sensitive information 4-12

Contents-2

1

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

This chapter shows you how to set up your Infiniium oscilloscope,
connect power and accessories, and verify general operation.

1-2

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To inspect package contents

To inspect package contents

❏ Inspect the shipping container for damage.

Keep a damaged 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 in the Infiniium Oscilloscope

packaging.

• Infiniium Oscilloscope (54810A, 15A, 20A, 25A, 35A, or 45A)

• PS/2 Mouse, P/N C3751-60201

• Mouse Pad, P/N 54810-85901

• (2) 1160A 10:1 10-MΩ passive probes (54810A, 54820A)

• (4) 1160A 10:1 10-MΩ passive probes (54815A, 54825A)

• (4) 1161A 10:1 10-MΩ passive probes (54835A, 54845A)

• Accessory Pouch (P/N 54810-68701)

• Front Panel Cover

• Keyboard

•Power cord

• User’s Quick Start Guide

• Programmer’s Reference

• Programmer’s Quick Reference Guide

• Infiniium Service Guide for Models 54810A/15A/20A/25A Oscilloscopes
or Infiniium Service Guide for Model 54835A and 54845A Oscilloscope

See figure 1-1. (See table 1-3 for the power cord.) If anything is missing, contact
your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office. If the shipment was damaged,
contact the carrier, then contact the nearest Agilent Technologies 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 performance tests, notify your Agilent
Technologies Sales Office.

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

1-3

Figure 1-1

Infiniium Oscilloscope
with Accessory Pouch

1160A or 1161A
Probe

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To inspect package contents

Keyboard

PS/2 Mouse and
Mouse Pad

54810A/15A/20A/25A
Oscillo scopes Serv ice Guide
or 54835A and 54845A
Oscilloscope Service Guide

Infiniium Oscilloscopes
Programmer’s Reference

Package Contents for the Infiniium Oscilloscopes

1-4

Infiniium Oscilloscopes

User’s Quick Start Guide

Infiniium Oscilloscopes
Programmer’s Quick Reference

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

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 Technologiess Sales Office.
If the shipment was damaged, or the cushioning materials show signs of stress,
contact the carrier and your Agilent Technologies Sales Office.

Some of the options available for the Infiniium Oscilloscopes are listed in table
1-1. Contact your Agilent Technologies Sales Office for a complete list of
options, or look in the built-in information system under the Accessories List.

Table 1-1

Infiniium Oscilloscope Options

Option Description

001 Additional set of standard probes—(2) 1160A probes for the

54810A/15A/20A/25A, or (2) 1161A probes for the 54835A and 54845A
002 Add 1 1162A 1:1 passive probe
003 Add 1 1163A 10:1 500­006 Add one 1152A 2.5 GHz, 0.6-pF active probe (for the 54835A and 54845A only)
008 Add 1153A 200 MHz differential probe
009 Add 1154A 500 MHz differential probe
010 Add 1159A 1 GHz differential probe
015 Extended trigger for the 54810A, 54815A, 54820A, and 54825A

for the 54835A and 54845A, extended trigger comes as a standard part of the

oscilloscope
090 Delete standard probes
100 Telecommunications Mask Template Kit
106 BenchLink Scope Software (34810B version 1.6 or later)
200 VoiceControl
1BP MIL-STD-45662A and ANSI/NCSL Z-540 calibration with test data
1CM Add 1 Rackmount kit (E2609A)
AB0 Taiwan

AB1 Korea
AB2 PRC
ABD German

User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

Ω, low-C passive probe

1-5

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To inspect options and accessories

Option Description

ABE Spanish
ABF French
ABJ Japanese
ABZ Italian
UL5 Add 1 Touchpad pointing device (E2612A)
UL6 Add 1 Clip-on trackball pointing device (E2611A)
W32 3 years calibration service
W34 3 years return standards comp calibration service
W50 5 years return repair service (additional 2 years)
W52 5 years return calibration service
W54 5 years return standards comp cal service

User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

User’s Quick Start Guide

You can order multiple options with the oscilloscope. Also, all model numbers
shown in table 1-1 may also be ordered separately, using the model number.
Some accessories that will enhance your work with the oscilloscope are listed
in table 1-2.

Table 1-2

Accessories for the Infiniium Oscilloscopes

Agilent Model
Number

01144-61604 1:2 Probe Power Fan-Out (for use with 1144A and 1145A)
10020A Resistive Divider Probe Kit
10024A 16-pin IC clip
10076A 4 KV Passive Probe
10211A 24-pin IC clip
10240B BNC Blocking Capacitor
10450A SMT Probe Accessory Kit
10833A GPIB cable, 1 m
10833B GPIB cable, 2 m
10833C GPIB cable, 4 m
10833D GPIB cable, 0.5 m
11094B 75
1142A Probe control and power module

Description

Ω Feedthrough Termination

1-6

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To inspect options and accessories

Agilent Model
Number

1182A Testmobile
1250-2427 PC Board Mini-Probe Socket (horizontal mount)
1250-2428 PC Board Mini-Probe Socket (vertical mount)
34398A

34399A
54006A 6 GHz probe, 10:1 (500
54701A 2.5 GHz probe, 10:1, 100 k

C2950A Parallel printer cable, 2 m
C2951A Parallel printer cable, 3 m
1144A 800 MHz Active Probe

1145A 2-channel, 750 MHz SMT active probe

1146A AC/DC Current Probe
1152A 2.5 GHz Active Probe
1153A 200 MHz Differential Probe
1154A 500 MHz Differential Probe
1155A 750 MHz 2-Channel, Low-Mass Active Probe
1159A 1 GHz Differential Probe
1170A 500 MHz Low-Mass, Miniature 10:1 10 M
1171A 500 MHz Low-Mass, Miniature 10:1 10 M
1172A 500 MHz Low-Mass, Miniature 20:1 10 M
1173A 500 MHz Low-Mass, Miniature 20:1 10 M
1250-1454 BNC to Miniature Probe Adapter
E2621A 75
E2622A 100/110/120
E2625A Telecommunications Mask Template Kit
E2635A VoiceControl Retrofit Kit

Description

RS-232-C printer cable
RS-232-C Adapter kit

Ω) or 20:1 (1 kΩ), .25 pf

Ω, 0.6 pf Active Probe (need 1143A probe

power)

Requires 1142A power supply—1144-61604 probe power extender also
required when using more than two 1144A active probes

Requires 1142A power supply

Ω Passive Probe
Ω Passive Probe
Ω Passive Probe
Ω Passive Probe

Ω terminator

Ω differential terminator

1-7

Figure 1-2

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect power

To connect power

1 Position the oscilloscope where it will have sufficient clearance for

airflow around the top, back, and sides.

Minimum 0 mm

Minimum 15.9 mm

Minimum 15.9 mm

both sides
Airflow requirements
54810A-25A 125 cfm

54835A-45A 250 cfm

Positioning the Infiniium Oscilloscope with Sufficient Clearance

Minimum 38.1 mm

1-8

Figure 1-3

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect power

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

suitable ac voltage source (100-240 VAC ±10%, 47 to 440 Hz, max power
dissipation 390 W).

Infiniium Oscilloscope Power Cord Connection

The oscilloscope power supply automatically adjusts for line input voltages in
the range 100 to 240 VAC. Therefore, you do not need to adjust an input line
voltage setting. The line cord provided is matched by Agilent Technologies to
the country of origin of the order.

3 Ensure that you have the correct line cord. See table 1-3.

1-9

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect power

Table 1-3

Power Cords

Plug Type Cable Part

No.

250V 8120-1351

8120-1703

Plug Description Length

Straight *BS1363A

90°

(in/cm)

90/228
90/228

Color Country

Gray

Mint Gray

United Kingdom,

Cyprus, Nigeria,

Zimbabwe, Singapore

250V 8120-1369

8120-0696

250V 8120-1689

8120-1692
8120-2857

125V 8120-1378

8120-1521
8120-1992

250V 8120-2104

8120-2296

220V 8120-2956

8120-2957

250V 8120-4211

8120-4600

100V 8120-4753

8120-4754

* Part nu mber show n for plug is the indust ry identifi er for the plug only. Numb er shown fo r cable is the Agilent p art number for the complete
cable including the plug.

Straight *NZSS198/ASC

90°

Straight *CEE7-Y11

90°

Straight (Shielded)

Straight *NEMA5-15P

90°

Straight (Medical) UL544

Straight *SEV1011

1959-24507

Type 12 90°

Straight *DHCK107

90°

Straight SABS164

90°

Straight MITI

90°

79/200
87/221

79/200
79/200
79/200

90/228
90/228
96/244
79/200
79/200

79/200
79/200

79/200
79/200

90/230
90/230

Gray

Mint Gray

Mint Gray
Mint Gray

Coco Brown

Jade Gray
Jade Gray

Black
Mint Gray
Mint Gray

Mint Gray
Mint Gray

Jade Gray Republic of South

Dark Gray Japan

Australia, New

Zealand

East and West

Europe, Saudi Arabia,

So. Africa, India

(unpolarized in many

nations)

United States,

Canada, Mexico,

Philippines, Taiwan

Switzerland

Denmark

Africa

India

1-10

Figure 1-4

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect the mouse or other pointing device

To connect the mouse or other pointing device

1 Plug the mouse into the matching connector on the back panel of the

oscilloscope.

Connecting the Mouse Cable

While you can operate many oscilloscope functions using only the front-panel
keys and knobs, you will need the mouse to access advanced oscilloscope
functions through the graphical interface, or to find out more about the
oscilloscope through the built-in information system.

The optional touchpad pointing device connects in exactly the same way as the
mouse. The supplied mousepad provides the correct surface for smooth mouse
operation.

2 To modify the mouse configuration, see “To change the mouse settings”

in Chapter 3.

1-11

Figure 1-5

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To attach the optional trackball

To attach the optional trackball

1 Push in the latch on the trackball baseplate to extend the metal tabs.

Insert the tabs into the upper right of the slot on the side of the
oscilloscope. You can only install the trackball on the right side
of the oscilloscope.

Connecting the Trackball Baseplate

1-12

Figure 1-6

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To attach the optional trackball

2 While holding the latch in, slide the metal tabs down and to the front of

the oscilloscope until they touch the ends of the slot.

Slide the Metal Tabs

1-13

Figure 1-7

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To attach the optional trackball

3 Release the latch. The trackball baseplate should now be secure

against the side of the oscilloscope.

Trackball Baseplate Secured

1-14

Figure 1-8

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To attach the optional trackball

4 Snap the trackball assembly onto the pins of the baseplate. The

trackball and buttons should face up and toward the front of the
oscilloscope.

Snap the Trackball Assembly Onto the Baseplate

1-15

Figure 1-9

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To attach the optional trackball

5 Connect the 9-pin “D” connector on the trackball cable to the COM1

port on the back panel. Tighten the retaining screws.

Connecting the Trackball Cable to the COM1 Port

For information on changing the trackball settings, see “To change the mouse
settings” in Chapter 3.

1-16

Figure 1-10

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect the keyboard

To connect the keyboard

1 Plug the keyboard cable into the matching connector on the back panel

of the oscilloscope.

Connecting the Keyboard

The keyboard simplifies some oscilloscope tasks, such as entering file names
when you store waveforms and setups to the disk.

2 If you need more desk space, place the keyboard on top of the

oscilloscope. Do not stack other objects on the keyboard; this will
cause self-test failures on power on.

1-17

Figure 1-11

RJ-45
Connection

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect to the LAN card

To connect to the LAN card

1 Connect your LAN cable to the RJ-45 connector on the LAN card. Make

sure the connection is secure.

Connecting to the LAN Card

2 After you have connected to the LAN card, you must set up the network.

Each Infiniium Oscilloscope now ships with a LAN card installed. If you want
a LAN connection, but have an older Infiniium Oscilloscope model that does not
have a LAN card installed, contact your Agilent Technologies Sales and Service
Office. A LAN Card Installation Kit with instructions is available from Agilent
Technologies and describes how to add a LAN card to your Infiniium
Oscilloscope.

Go to “To set up the network” in chapter 3.

1-18

Figure 1-12

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect oscilloscope probes

To connect oscilloscope probes

1 Attach the probe connector to the desired oscilloscope channel or

trigger input. Push it straight on until it latches into place.

Attaching the Probe Connector

1-19

Figure 1-13

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect oscilloscope probes

2 Connect the probe to the circuit of interest using grabbers or other

probing aids.

Probing the Circuit

1-20

Figure 1-14

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect oscilloscope probes

3 To disconnect the probe, push the small latch on top of the probe

connector to the left, then pull the connector body away from the front
panel of the oscilloscope without twisting it.

Disconnecting the Oscilloscope Probe

CAUTION Do not attempt to twist the snap-on probes on or off the oscilloscope’s BNC

connector. Twisting the probe connector body will damage it.

CAUTION Do not exceed the maximum input voltage rating! The maximum input voltage

!

for 50 Ω inputs is 5 Vrms, CAT I. Maximum voltage for the 54810A/15A/20A/
25A at 1 MΩ input impedance is ±250V (dc + ac) [ac < 10 kHz], CAT I; for the
54835A and 54845A it is ±100V (dc + ac) [ac < 10 kHz], CAT I.

1-21

Figure 1-15

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect a printer

To connect a printer

If you have a parallel (Centronics) printer, you will need a parallel printer cable,
such as an C2950A (2 m) or C2951A (3 m) cable. Go to step 1.

If you have a serial printer, you will need a 9-pin to 25-pin serial printer cable,
such as an 34398A cable, plus the 34399A adapter kit. Some printers may
require other cable configurations, but the oscilloscope has a 9-pin serial
connector. Go to step 5.

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

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

Attaching the Small “D” Connector

2 Attach the larger 36-pin “D” connector to the printer. Latch the wire

bails into the tabs on each side of the connector.

Figure 1-16

Attaching the Larger “D” Connector

1-22

Port on Printer

Figure 1-17

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect a printer

3 Set the printer configuration to use the “Centronics” or “Parallel”

interface, if necessary. See the documentation for your printer.

4 Go to “To install the printer software” in Chapter 3.
5 Connect the 9-pin “D” connector of the serial printer cable to the serial

output port on the rear panel of the oscilloscope. Tighten the
thumbscrews to secure the cable.

Figure 1-18

Attaching the 9-pin “D” Connector

6 Attach the 25-pin “D” connector to the serial input port of the printer.

Tighten the thumbscrews to secure the cable.

Port on Printer

Attaching the 25-pin “D” Connector

7 Set the printer configuration to use the serial interface. See the

documentation for your printer.

8 Go to “To install the printer software” in Chapter 3.

1-23

Figure 1-19

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect an external monitor

To connect an external monitor

You can connect a VGA-compatible monitor to the Infiniium oscilloscope to
provide a larger viewing area.

1 Connect the monitor cable to the display board video connector at the

rear panel of the oscilloscope.

2 Tighten the retaining screws.

Connecting an External Monitor

1-24

Figure 1-20

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To connect an GPIB cable

To connect an GPIB cable

1 Attach the GPIB connector to the GPIB interface card connector at the

rear of the oscilloscope.

2 Tighten the thumbscrews on the connector.

Attaching the GPIB Connector

1-25

Figure 1-21

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing

To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing

1 If your oscilloscope has front feet with individual wire bails, lift up the

front of the oscilloscope, grasp one of the wire bails under the front
corner, and pull it down and forward until it latches into place. Repeat
for the other wire bail.

Tilting the Oscilloscope

1-26

Figure 1-22

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing

2 If your oscilloscope has front feet with a wire bail between the two feet,

lift up the front of the oscilloscope, grasp the bail near the center, and
pull it down and forward until it latches into place.

Latching the Oscilloscope Front Feet

1-27

Figure 1-23

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To turn on the oscilloscope

To turn on the oscilloscope

1 Depress the power switch in the lower left-hand corner of the

oscilloscope front panel.

Turning on the Oscilloscope

After a short initialization period, the oscilloscope display appears. The
oscilloscope is ready to use.

2 Hook up all cables and accessories before applying power. You can

connect and disconnect probes and the keyboard while the oscilloscope
is turned on.

Screen Saver

The oscilloscope display has a screen saver that turns off the backlight when there
has been no front panel or graphical interface activity for a pre-determined period.
The default time is 8 hours and is configurable through the Display Setup dialog in
the graphical interface. You can turn the display on by moving the mouse, typing on
the optional keyboard, pressing a front panel key, or turning a front panel knob.

1-28

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To turn off the oscilloscope

To turn off the oscilloscope

1 Depress the power switch at the lower left-hand corner of the

oscilloscope front panel.

Even though the Infiniium oscilloscope is based on the Windows 98 operating
system, shuting down the oscilloscope without going through the normal Windows
98 shutdown process is perfectly safe. The Infiniium oscilloscope software was
designed making sure not to do anything which requires going through a normal
shutdown.

1-29

To verify basic oscilloscope operation

1 Connect an oscilloscope probe to channel 1.
2 Attach the probe to the calibration output on the front panel of the

oscilloscope.

Use a probe grabber tip so you do not need to hold the probe. The calibration
output is marked with a square wave symbol.

Figure 1-24

Verifying Basic Oscilloscope Operation

Calibration

Output

3 Press the Default Setup key on the front panel.

The display will pause momentarily while the oscilloscope is configured to its
default settings.

4 Press the Autoscale key on the front panel.

The display will pause momentarily while the oscilloscope adjusts the sweep
speed and vertical scale. You should then see a square wave with peak-to-peak
amplitude of approximately 5 divisions and a period of almost 3 divisions. 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 calibration output.

1-30

Figure 1-25

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To verify basic oscilloscope operation

5 Move the mouse pointer to the graphical interface enable button and

click once using the left mouse button.

The graphical interface enable button is in the upper-right corner of the display.

6 Move the mouse around the mouse pad and verify that the pointer

follows on the screen.

If the pointer does not move, ensure that the mouse is properly connected, that
you have clicked the correct button to enable the graphical interface, and that
the mouse is on a medium-friction surface such as the mouse pad supplied with
the oscilloscope.

With the mouse pointer
on the right-hand button,
click the mouse to
enable the graphical
interface

Graphical Interface Enable Button

1-31

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

To clean the oscilloscope

To clean the oscilloscope

• Clean the oscilloscope with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and
water solution.

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

Infiniium front panel, damaging sensitive electronic components.

1-32

2

Working in Comfort

Introduction

To optimize your comfort and productivity, it is important that you set
up your work area correctly and use your Infiniium oscilloscope properly.
With that in mind, we have developed some set-up and use
recommendations for you to follow based on established ergonomic
principles.

Improper and prolonged use of keyboards and input devices are among
those tasks that have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI)
to soft tissues in the hands and arms. If you experience discomfort or
pain while using the oscilloscope, discontinue use immediately and
consult your physician as soon as possible. For more information on RSI
you may wish to consult the About Repetitive Strain Injury section.

Please study the recommendations offered here in this chapter.
Included there are references to relevant parts of international
standards, regulations and guidelines, such as ISO 9241 and the
European Community Display Screen Equipment directive. You may

also wish to consult your employer’s human resources department or
other relevant departments for guidance specific to your company.

2-2

Working in Comfort

About Repetitive Strain Injury

About Repetitive Strain Injury

Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly
recommend that you use the Infiniium oscilloscope in accordance with
established ergonomic principles and recommendations. Scientific literature

suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft tissues—
especially in the hands and arms—and prolonged improper use of keyboards or
other equipment requiring repeated motions of the hands and forearms. This
literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors that may increase
the chance of such injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain Injury.

What is RSI? Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI—also known as cumulative trauma disorder or

repetitive motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissues in the body, such
as muscles, nerves, or tendons, become irritated or inflamed. RSI has been a
reported problem for those who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line
work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work.
RSI also has been observed in those who frequently engage in activities such as
carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening, tennis, windsurfing and lifting
children.

What causes RSI? The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the

incidence of RSI has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including:

• Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.

• Performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture.

• Maintaining static posture for prolonged periods.

• Failing to take frequent short breaks.

• Other environmental and psychosocial factors.

In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI with the
use of keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Also, certain medical
conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes, may predispose
some people to this type of injury.

What if I experience
discomfort? If you are experiencing any discomfort, seek professional medical advice

immediately. Typically, the earlier a problem is diagnosed and treated, the easier
it is to resolve.

2-3

Working in Comfort

Mice and Other Input Devices

Mice and Other Input Devices

Various aspects of using mice and other input devices may increase your risk of
discomfort or injury. Observing the following recommendations may reduce
that risk.

• Try to keep your hand, wrist, and forearm in a neutral position while using

your mouse or other input device.

• If you use your thumb to rotate the ball on a trackball or spaceball, keep it

in a relaxed, natural shape, and maintain a neutral posture in your hand,
wrist, and forearm.

• Hold the mouse gently by draping your fingers over it. Keep your hand

relaxed and fingers loose. Do not grip the mouse tightly.

• It takes very little pressure or force from your fingers to activate the buttons

or scroll wheel on your mouse, scrolling mouse, trackball, or other input
device. Using too much force can place unnecessary stress on the tendons
and muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms.

• If you are using a scrolling mouse, be sure to keep your fingers and hand in

a relaxed, neutral position when activating the scroll wheel. Also, this type
of mouse features software that can minimize the number of mouse
movements or button clicks.

• When using a mouse, trackball, or other input device, position it as close to

the keyboard as possible, and keep it at the same level as you do not have to
stretch while using it.

• Use a good quality mouse pad to enable the mouse to work most effectively

and reduce unnecessary hand and wrist movements.

• Be sure to keep your mouse and trackball clean. Regular removal of

accumulated dust and dirt helps ensure proper tracking and reduces
unnecessary hand and wrist motions.

2-4

3

Using the Oscilloscope

Using the Oscilloscope

The Infiniium Oscilloscope is designed to be easy to use.

• The familiar front-panel oscilloscope interface with knobs and keys is

optimized for the most common kinds of troubleshooting tasks and
basic measurements. See “Using the Front Panel” on page 3-3.

• The graphical interface with menus, windows, dialogs, and toolbars

provides easy logical access to dozens of configuration and analysis
tools, making it easy for you to set up and make the most complex
measurements. The interface also allows you to use the Infiniium
oscilloscope’s built-in information system, which gives detailed
information on using the oscilloscope to make measurements. See
“Using the Graphical Interface” on page 3-19.

3-2

Using the Front Panel

The Infiniium Oscilloscope front panel has been designed to give you
direct access to the functions needed to perform the most common
measurements needed in troubleshooting, using a traditional
oscilloscope interface. Knobs and keys are included to enable direct
setting of vertical and horizontal parameters. In addition, the front panel
has a set of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) indicators; by using these and
the display, you can assess the configuration of the oscilloscope at a

glance—there is no need to enter a series of keystrokes to navigate
through complex menus.

The Infiniium Oscilloscope uses color consistently throughout the front
panel and user interface. For example, the color of the knob for channel
1 is the same color as the waveform for channel 1. All the configuration
items and values related to channel 1 are displayed in the same color.

3-3

Figure 3-1

Using the Oscilloscope

Front Panel

Figure 3-1 shows the Infiniium Oscilloscope front panel.

Horizontal
controls

Acquisition and
general controls

Trigger
controls

Power Switch

Infiniium Oscilloscope Front Panel

Using the front panel, you can configure the Infiniium Oscilloscope for
most troubleshooting tasks. The control categories are:

• Acquisition and general controls

• Horizontal controls

• Trigger controls

• Vertical controls

• Marker and measurement controls

3-4

Marker and
Measurement Controls

Vertical controls

Using the Oscilloscope

Acquisition and General Controls

Using the acquisition and general controls, you control whether the
oscilloscope is running or stopped. Other keys allow you to reset the
oscilloscope to its factory default setup, automatically configure the
oscilloscope for the current input signals (Autoscale), or erase the
waveforms from the display.

Horizontal Controls

Using the horizontal controls, you configure the oscilloscope’s sweep
speed (seconds per division) and horizontal position of the waveform.
You can also view a magnified section of the waveform using the delayed
sweep window, which uses software to expand part of the acquisition
memory.

Trigger Controls

Using the trigger controls, you set the conditions on which the
oscilloscope will trigger and acquire an input signal. You can set up a
variety of trigger conditions. Edge and glitch triggers can be selected
from the front panel, and the parameters for edge triggering can be set
up here as well. Some glitch trigger parameters (such as glitch width)
and all advanced trigger configurations are set up using the graphical
interface.

Trigger configuration settings you make using the graphical interface are
reflected in the front-panel status indicators, and will remain set unless
you change them (either using the front panel or the graphical interface)
or press the Default Setup key. See “Using the Graphical Interface” on
page 3-19 for information on accessing the graphical interface.

Vertical Controls

Using the vertical controls, you set the vertical scaling (volts per
division), vertical offset, input impedance, and input coupling. You can
also turn the display on or off for a particular channel.

3-5

Using the Oscilloscope

Marker and Measurement Controls

Using the marker and measurement controls, you control two sets of
markers within the oscilloscope graticule. You use markers to make
more accurate measurements of waveform events than you could make
visually. Both time and voltage differences between the markers are
updated continuously on the screen. By default, the markers track the
source waveform. Voltage measurements from the markers are the value
of the waveform at the time set with the marker arrow keys.

The QuickMeas key initiates four preset measurements on the
waveforms. Both quick measurements and markers will function on any
input waveform; simply continue to press and release one of the keys
(either QuickMeas, Marker A, or Marker B) to cycle through all the
waveforms on the screen, then to the off state. You choose which four
measurements will be performed by using the measurement
configuration commands in the graphical interface.

3-6

Using the Oscilloscope

To set the oscilloscope to a known starting condition

To set the oscilloscope to a known starting condition

• Press the Default Setup key.

You can set up the oscilloscope for many different kinds of complex
measurements. To easily reset the oscilloscope to a known measurement
configuration, use the Default Setup key.

If you use the Default Setup key with the graphical interface enabled, you can
select Undo Default Setup from the Control menu to return the oscilloscope to
its original configuration.

Save the Current Oscilloscope Configuration

Before using Default Setup, you may want to save the current oscilloscope
configuration for later use. See the built-in information system (described in chapter

4) for instructions on saving and recalling setups, and for information on the exact
configuration that is set when you press Default Setup.

3-7

Figure 3-2

Using the Oscilloscope

To start and stop waveform acquisition

To start and stop waveform acquisition

• To start waveform acquisition, press the Run key.

The oscilloscope begins acquiring data. When it receives a trigger signal, it
finishes acquiring data, updates the display, then starts another acquisition
cycle if it is in triggered or auto trigger mode. If it is in single sweep mode, it
stops after updating the display.

• To stop waveform acquisition, press the Stop key.

The oscilloscope stops acquiring data. Whatever data was last acquired remains
on the screen.

Start
waveform
acquisition

Stop
waveform
acquisition

Run and Stop Keys

3-8

Figure 3-3

Using the Oscilloscope

To clear the waveform display

To clear the waveform display

• Press the Clear Display key.

The oscilloscope clears the waveform display. If the oscilloscope is in Run mode
and is receiving triggers, it will update the display as it collects new waveform
data. Clearing the waveform display also resets averaging, infinite persistence,
and color grade persistence, histogram, and mask testing database.

Erases the current
waveform display

Clear Display Key

3-9

Figure 3-4

Using the Oscilloscope

To turn a channel on or off

To turn a channel on or off

• To turn a channel on, press the channel number key until it is
illuminated. To turn it off, press the channel number key again.

If you are not using a particular channel, you can turn it off. This simplifies the
waveform display and also increases the display update rate. While a channel
is turned off, data acquisition continues for that channel. Thus, you can still
use the channel as a source for functions.

Using a Channel as External Trigger

Any channel can be used as a trigger source. If you need an external trigger but do
not need all channels, you can use a channel as an external trigger without
displaying it by turning the channel display off.

Use this key to turn
channel 1 on or off

Channel Key

3-10

Figure 3-5

Using the Oscilloscope

To change input impedance and input coupling

To change input impedance and input coupling

• To change the input impedance, press the Input key until the LED for
the desired impedance is illuminated.

Choices are 50 Ω and 1 MΩ.

• To change the input coupling, press the Coupling key until the LED for
the desired coupling is illuminated.

Choices are AC and DC. If you change the input coupling to AC when 50 Ω
impedance is selected, the input impedance changes to 1 MΩ. If you change
the input impedance to 50 Ω, the input coupling changes to DC.

Use this key to change
the input coupling

Use this key to set input
impedance

Input Impedance and Coupling

3-11

Figure 3-6

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust vertical scale and offset

To adjust vertical scale and offset

• To make the waveform bigger, turn the vertical scale knob clockwise.
To make it smaller, turn the knob counter-clockwise.

The vertical scale knob is the larger of the two knobs for a channel. It is marked
with a set of sine wave symbols. Decreasing the vertical scale makes the
waveform bigger. There are fewer volts displayed per division. Increasing the
vertical scale makes the waveform smaller. There are more volts displayed per
division.

• To move the waveform toward the top of the display, turn the vertical
offset knob clockwise. To move it toward the bottom of the display,
turn the knob counter-clockwise.

The vertical offset knob is the smaller of the two knobs for a channel. It is
marked with a set of arrows.

Vertical scale knob—
use this to adjust
vertical scaling
(in volts per division)

Vertical offset knob—
use this to adjust
vertical offset (position)

Vertical Scale and Offset Controls

3-12

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust sweep speed and horizontal position

To adjust sweep speed and horizontal position

• To stretch the waveform horizontally, turn the sweep speed knob
clockwise. To shrink it horizontally, turn the knob counter-clockwise.

The sweep speed knob is the larger of the two horizontal control knobs. It is
marked with a set of sine wave symbols. Stretching the waveform means there
are fewer seconds displayed per division. Shrinking the waveform means there
are more seconds displayed per division.

• To move the waveform to the right, turn the horizontal position knob
clockwise. To move the waveform to the left, turn the horizontal
position knob counter-clockwise.

Moving the waveform to the right shows more of the pre-trigger data (data
acquired before the trigger event). Moving the waveform to the left shows more
of the post-trigger data (data acquired after the trigger event).

The horizontal position knob is the smaller of the two horizontal control knobs.
It is marked with a set of arrows. There is a detent programmed into the
software so there is a momentary pause at zero while you are turning the knob.
Continuing to turn the knob will move the horizontal position through zero.

Figure 3-7

Sweep speed

knob—use this to
adjust the sweep
speed

Horizontal position
knob—use this to
adjust the
horizontal position

Horizontal Sweep Speed and Position Controls

3-13

Figure 3-8

Using the Oscilloscope

To magnify a part of the waveform using delayed sweep

To magnify a part of the waveform using delayed sweep

• To turn on the delayed sweep, press Delayed. To turn it off, press
Delayed again.

The waveform display area splits into two regions. The top one is the main
sweep. The bottom is the delayed sweep, which represents a software
expansion of the acquired waveform data. A section of the waveform in the
main sweep window is highlighted to indicate the part shown in the delayed
sweep window.

The horizontal sweep speed and horizontal position controls now change how
the waveform is shown in the delayed sweep window. The sweep speed will
change the amount of magnification, while the position will change the part of
the waveform in the main sweep window that is shown in the delayed sweep
window.

Press this key to magnify
a part of the waveform in
a new window on the
display

Magnifying Part of the Waveform with Delayed Sweep

3-14

Using the Oscilloscope

To set the oscilloscope to trigger on an edge

To set the oscilloscope to trigger on an edge

1 Press and release the Mode key until the Edge LED indicator is

illuminated.

2 Press and release the Source key until the desired source LED is

illuminated.

You can choose any of the channels or the Aux Trig In (4-channel ocilloscopes)
or Ext Trigger as the source for an edge trigger.

3 Press the Slope key until the desired slope LED is illuminated.

You can have an edge trigger on a rising or falling edge.

4 Press the Sweep key until the Trig’d LED is illuminated.

The oscilloscope will wait for the edge before initiating a sweep.

5 Select an input coupling for the trigger signal by pressing the Coupling

key.

You can choose DC, AC, LF Reject, or HF Reject. See the built-in Information
System for more information on when to use each type of coupling.

6 Turn the Level knob to adjust the voltage level at which the oscilloscope

will trigger.

Figure 3-9

Select Edge
mode

Trigger Controls and Indicators

Select the
trigger
source

Select rising
or falling
edge for the
trigger

Select Trig’d
Single, or Auto

Set trigger level

Set coupling
characteristics
for the trigger

3-15

Using the Oscilloscope

To use the markers

To use the markers

Markers make it easier to make precise measurements because the marker
measurement readouts show exact voltage and time positions for the markers.
The measurements are based on actual waveform data from the acquisition
system, not on approximations based on the display position, so you can be sure
that the values are highly accurate.

• To turn on Marker A, press the Marker A key.

Marker A has a solid line pattern on the waveform display. It is associated with
the first available source on the display. Press the key again to move to the next
available source. When there are no more sources, the marker turns off.

• To turn on Marker B, press the Marker B key.

Marker B has a dashed line pattern on the waveform display. It is associated
with the first available source on the display. Press the key again to move to
the next available source. When there are no more sources, the marker turns off.

• To move a marker on the waveform, press and hold the left arrow or
right arrow key next to the desired Marker key. Release the key when
the marker is at the desired waveform event.

The marker snaps to and follows the shape of the waveform on the screen. The
voltage value shown for a marker is the value of the waveform at the specified
horizontal time, which is set with the marker arrow keys. This is the default
mode. You can change the marker mode using the graphical interface. See the
built-in information system for details.

Figure 3-10

Marker Keys

3-16

Toggle Marker A
on and off

Toggle Marker B
on and off

Move each marker
with respect to the

Using the Oscilloscope

To use the quick measurements

To use the quick measurements

• To turn on the quick measurement display, press the QuickMeas key.

The four preset measurements defined in the Quick Measurement configuration
are enabled and results are displayed on the screen for the first waveform
source. The default measurements are: V

• To measure parameters for another waveform, press the QuickMeas
key until that waveform is the one shown in the measurement readout.

Continuing to press the QuickMeas key cycles through each of the waveforms
available.

• To turn off the quick measurement display, press and release the
QuickMeas key until the measurements are turned off.

The measurement results disappear from the screen.

See the built-in information system (described in Chapter 4) for information on
how to configure the Quick Measurement capability, using the Customize
Measurement feature of the graphical interface.

, Period, Frequency, and Rise Time.

pp

Figure 3-11

Quick Measurement Key

Press this key to turn
Quick Measurements
on or off

3-17

Using the Oscilloscope

To reinitialize the oscilloscope

To reinitialize the oscilloscope

When you need to restore the oscilloscope to a known configuration, use the
Default Setup key. If you press the Default Setup key and the oscilloscope does
not seem to be functioning properly, try cycling power. If the oscilloscope still
does not seem to function properly, use the following key-down powerup
procedure.

1 Turn off the power to the oscilloscope.
2 Turn on the power to the oscilloscope.
3 Hold down any one of the arrow keys next to the Marker A and Marker B

keys.

4 When the oscilloscope display appears, release the key you held down

in step 3.

A key-down powerup completely reinitializes the oscilloscope, including the
configuration RAM. It does not affect saved waveforms or setups, which are
stored on the hard disk drive.

Figure 3-12

Key-Down Powerup

Press and hold
any one of
these keys...

...press the power switch, then release the key
when the oscilloscope display appears.

3-18

Figure 3-13

Current
sampling
rate

Using the Graphical Interface

With the graphical interface for the Infiniium Oscilloscope, you can
access all the configuration and measurement features of the
oscilloscope through an easy-to-use system of menus, tool bars, dialog
boxes, icons, and buttons.

Full-Screen Mode

Full-screen mode maximizes the waveform viewing area and removes
the graphical interface menus and toolbars so you can concentrate on
your measurement. In full-screen mode, the display looks like the
following two figures.

Memory bar—highlighted
area shows how much of
acquisition memory is
displayed on the screen

Trigger
point
indicator

Ground
reference
indicator for
this channel

This button enables
the graphical interface

This button enables
full-screen mode

Vertical status
bar—only
channels that are
on are shown, in
matching colors

Waveform
display area

Infiniium Oscilloscope Top of Display in Full-Screen Mode

3-19

Figure 3-14

Horizontal and
trigger status bar

Using the Oscilloscope

Run/stop mode
(run shown in
green, stop in
red)

Sweep
speed

Trigger level
reference
indicator

Horizontal
position
(delay)

Trigger
level

Horizontal
reference
indicators
(left, center, right)

—horiz ontal
delay is time at
the highlighted
arrow

Infiniium Oscilloscope Bottom of Display in Full-Screen Mode

3-20

Figure 3-15

Menu bar

Measurement
toolbar
(can be turned
off)

Graphical Interface Mode

Click the graphical interface enable button to switch to the graphical
interface. When the graphical interface is enabled, the display looks like

the following two figures. See “To switch between the graphical interface
and full-screen mode” on page 3-30.

Access the
Channel Setup
dialog box

Turn this
channel
on or off

Set vertical
scaling

Memory bar—
highlighted area shows
how much of
acquisition memory is
displayed on the screen

Using the Oscilloscope

This button enables
the graphical
interface

Click here to set the
time and date

Infiniium Oscilloscope Top of Display in Graphical Interface Mode

3-21

Figure 3-16

See more
measurements

Turn off any
measurements
that are running
(use Clear display
to reset/restart
measurements)

Using the Oscilloscope

Run

Stop

Clear
display

Print
screen

Set
sweep
speed

Access the
Horizontal Setup
dialog box

Set
horizontal
position
(delay)

Access
the
Trigger
Setup
dialog
box

Set
trigger
level

Infiniium Oscilloscope Bottom of Display in Graphical Interface Mode

To make it easy to see which controls affect each waveform, the
oscilloscope uses color consistently throughout the graphical interface.
These colors match the ones used on the front-panel knobs. For
example, the color of the waveform for channel 1 matches the color of
the knobs for that channel. If channel 1 is the trigger signal, all of the
trigger configuration items, including the trigger level reference icon (at
the right side of the waveform display area), will match that color. The
buttons associated with that channel, vertical scaling and offset settings,
ground reference indicator, and measurements done on that channel
also have the same color.

3-22

Using the Oscilloscope

You can still use the front panel when the graphical interface is enabled.
All changes made to the front-panel settings are reflected in the
graphical interface, and changes made using the graphical interface are
reflected in the front panel where applicable. Use whichever interface
is easiest for you in a particular measurement situation. For example, it
might be easiest to set a coarse vertical scale using the knobs, then fine­tune the setting using the graphical interface.

The graphical interface is arranged so the most common functions that
affect the waveform display are located around the edge of the waveform
display area. These include the measurement toolbar, horizontal and
trigger toolbar, and vertical toolbar.

Measurement Toolbar

The measurement toolbar contains icons representing the most
commonly used automatic measurements built into the oscilloscope.

Drag and Drop Measurements By dragging one of the measurement

icons to a waveform in the waveform display area, you can make that
measurement on the waveform. As you drag a measurement icon around
the screen, the icon outline changes color to match the color of the
closest waveform. This makes it easy to see which waveform will be
measured when you drop the icon. For those measurements that are
done on waveform features, the measurement is made at the feature
closest to the location where you dropped the icon. For example, you
might want to measure the rise time of the fifth rising edge; dropping
the rise time measurement icon at that edge will cause the measurement
to be made on that edge.

You can also make a measurement by simply clicking the icon on the
measurement toolbar, then selecting the source to be measured in the
dialog box that appears. When you start a measurement this way, any
measurements on waveform-specific features will measure the first
appropriate feature on the waveform. For example, a rise time
measurement will measure the first rising edge on the waveform.

Each waveform can have multiple simultaneous measurements and the
measurements can all be of the same type, if desired. For example, you
can have 3 pulse width measurements on different parts of the same
waveform.

3-23

Using the Oscilloscope

Geometric Measurement Indicators

For each measurement currently
running, a geometric indicator at the measurement location on the
waveform corresponds to an identical indicator in the measurement
results readout. This makes it easy for you to verify that the readout
shows results for the correct waveform and the correct feature on that
waveform. See figure 3-38 for an example.

Tool Tips To find out what a particular measurement tool does, hold

the mouse pointer over it for a moment. A small popup will appear that
describes the measurement.

Other Measurement Features There are more measurements available

than will fit on a single toolbar. Click the More (1 of 2) or More (2 of 2)
icons to see other measurements. Clicking Clear Meas will remove all
selected measurements from the waveform display area.

You can turn off the measurement toolbar to remove it from the screen
and enlarge the waveform viewing area. Use the Customize Display
Layout command on the Measure menu.

3-24

Figure 3-17

Using the Oscilloscope

Tab Display Area

The tab display area located beneath the waveform viewing area appears
when a measurement is on, mask testing is enable, a histogram is
enabled, markers are on, or color graded persistence is on.

Tab Display Area

The display area shows information and statistics for the particular tab
that is selected. The type of markers that are shown in the waveform
viewing area depend on the tab that you have selected. The selected
tab has an orange border to reflect the type of markers being displayed.
For example, when the Histogram tab is selected, the markers are
histogram markers and are used to define the histogram window.

Waveform Display Area

The waveform display area shows the waveforms, and optionally, the
results of your measurements. Several display options, including a grid,
are available and can be configured using the graphical interface.

3-25

Using the Oscilloscope

Waveform Manipulation

When the graphical interface is enabled, two

features are available that can simplify your work with waveforms:

• Direct Manipulation—you can use the mouse to click and drag

waveforms to new vertical positions, which changes the vertical offset,
or to new horizontal positions, which changes the horizontal position
or delay value.

• Zoom—you can click and drag a rectangular area on the display, then

click inside it to zoom on that section of the waveforms. The
oscilloscope does this in one of two ways. If acquisition is stopped,
the magnification is done by the oscilloscope software. If acquisition
is running, the oscilloscope automatically adjusts the vertical scaling
and offset and the horizontal sweep speed and position to present the
zoomed section of the waveforms.

See “To zoom on a section of the waveform” on page 3-49.

Avoid Overdriving Vertical Input Amplifiers

When zooming on a waveform with the oscilloscope running, be careful to keep the
signal within the screen vertically to avoid overdriving the vertical input amplifiers.
This causes waveform distortion and erroneous measurement results.

Ground Reference Indicators A small symbol is shown at the right side

of the waveform display area for each waveform that is on, including
channels, waveform memories, and functions. This symbol represents
the ground reference point for each channel; it moves when you change
the vertical offset. You can also drag this symbol up and down using the
mouse; doing so automatically changes the vertical offset for that
waveform.

Menu Control and Menus

The graphical interface control button, in the upper right-hand corner
of the display, enables the graphical interface of the oscilloscope. When
the graphical interface is enabled, the display looks like figure 3-15 and
figure 3-16, including a menu bar, measurement toolbar (if enabled), and
graphical controls for vertical, horizontal, trigger, and acquisition. You
can switch to full-screen mode to maximize the waveform viewing area
and eliminate the menu bar, measurement toolbar, and other graphical
controls.

3-26

Using the Oscilloscope

To reinitialize the oscilloscope

You can use the menu bar for most oscilloscope configuration functions.
Context-sensitive menus, which pop up to provide a selection of
commands within particular regions of the user inteface, are available in
the following regions:

• Memory bar

• Waveform display area

• Measurement toolbar

• Horizontal and acquisition controls

You display a context-sensitive menu by clicking the right mouse button
with the pointer in one of these regions. For more information on
context-sensitive menus, see “To select a command from a context­sensitive menu” on page 3-34.

Vertical Settings and Controls

The top of the waveform display area includes the vertical settings and
controls. In full-screen mode, only channels that are turned on are
shown, with the corresponding vertical scaling settings in volts per
division. When the graphical interface is enabled, all channels are shown.
Each has a checkbox allowing you to turn that channel on or off, and a
set of controls allowing you to change the vertical scaling. Clicking
directly on the vertical scaling value displays a pop-up numeric keypad
allowing you to set a precise vertical scale.

Horizontal and Trigger Toolbar

At the bottom of the waveform display area is the horizontal and trigger
toolbar. This includes the run/stop controls, the horizontal controls, and
the trigger controls.

Run/Stop Controls See figure 3-25. At the left side of the bar are three

icons:

• The leftmost is a blue-green octagon. Clicking on this starts an
acquisition. (Same as pressing the Run key on the front panel.)

• The middle is a red octagon. Clicking on this stops acquisition. (Same
as pressing the Stop key on the front panel.)

• The rightmost is a small windshield wiper. Clicking on this clears
acquired waveform data from the display. (Same as pressing the Clear
Display key on the front panel.)

3-27

Using the Oscilloscope

To reinitialize the oscilloscope

Horizontal settings and controls

The middle of the bar contains the

horizontal settings and controls. Leftmost is a button, labeled with an

“H.” Clicking on this will display the horizontal setup dialog box.

Next is the current sweep speed. Clicking on this displays a pop-up
numeric keypad so you can set a particular sweep speed. Or, you can
click on the two icons to the right of the sweep speed setting to cycle
through the preset speeds. The leftmost icon shrinks the waveform,
which decreases the sweep speed and increases the time per division.
The rightmost icon stretches the waveform, which increases the sweep
speed and decreases the time per division.

Next is the horizontal position (delay) setting. Clicking on this displays
a pop-up numeric keypad that allows you to set a particular position. Or,
you can use the three icons to the right. The left arrow moves the
waveform to the left, the center “0” resets the delay to zero, and the right
arrow moves the waveform to the right.

Across the toolbar are three vertical arrows. These are the left, center,
and right horizontal reference indicators. Clicking on one of these arrows
moves the horizontal position to the respective horizontal reference
position on the display—left, center, or right. Assuming the horizontal
position is at zero:

• Left means the information on the display is all post trigger.

• Center means the information to the left of center is pre trigger; to
the right is post trigger.

• Right means the information on the display is pre trigger.

The horizontal position value represents the time relative to the trigger
at the respective horizontal reference. When you change the horizontal
sweep speed, the waveforms expand and contract about this reference
position.

Trigger settings and controls The right side of the bar contains the

trigger settings and controls. These will vary depending on the current
trigger configuration, which can be set using the front panel and the
graphical interface. Advanced trigger configuration items are available
only through the graphical interface. You can click on the button labeled
with a “T” to bring up the trigger setup dialog box.

When the scope is set for edge trigger on a particular channel, the trigger
level setting is shown. You can click on it to display a pop-up numeric

3-28

Using the Oscilloscope

To reinitialize the oscilloscope

keypad that allows you to set a particular trigger level. You can also click
on the up and down arrows to the right of the setting to increase or
decrease the trigger level, respectively. Or, you can click on the trigger
reference indicator at the right side of the display and drag it up or down
to change the trigger level.

3-29

Using the Oscilloscope

To switch between the graphical interface and full-screen mode

To switch between the graphical interface and full­screen mode

• To enable graphical interface mode, click on the outlined square wave
button in the upper right-hand corner of the display.

The button changes state, and the menus and measurement toolbar appear.

The graphical interface menus let you access all the functions in the
oscilloscope, including features that are not available from the front-panel

controls. You can also use the oscilloscope’s built-in information system.

• To enable full-screen mode, click the larger square wave button in the
upper right-hand corner of the display.

The button changes state, and the menus and measurement toolbar disappear.
Choosing this option allows you to focus only on the waveform and
measurement. You must make changes to the oscilloscope configuration using
the front panel.

Use Knobs and Keys to Configure the Oscilloscope in Full-Screen Mode

In full-screen mode, the range of mouse pointer motion is limited to the area of the
button for enabling the interface. You must use the front-panel knobs and keys to
configure the oscilloscope.

Figure 3-18

Interface Mode Control Buttons

3-30

Click th is button
to enable full­screen mode

Click this button
to enable
graphical
interface mode

Using the Oscilloscope

To perform basic user interface operations

To perform basic user interface operations

• To move the mouse pointer on the screen, move the mouse on the
mouse pad.

If you run out of room on the mouse pad surface, pick up the mouse and set it
down on the mouse pad where you will have room for motion.

•To click on an item in the graphical interface, point at that item with the
mouse pointer, then press and release the left mouse button.

•To right-click on an item in the graphical interface, point at that item
with the mouse pointer, then press and release the right mouse button.

You use the right-click operation to access context-sensitive menus. See “To
select a command from a context-sensitive menu” on page 3-34.

• To use a radio button, click to select the desired item.

Radio buttons appear in many different dialog boxes in the oscilloscope
graphical interface. See the Persistence radio buttons in figure 3-19. You can
choose only one option at a time.

• To use a check box, click the mouse button with the pointer in the box.

A check mark in the box indicates that item is selected. See the Connect Dots
check box in figure 3-19. To clear the selection, click the mouse button with
the pointer in the box.

• To use a drop-down list box, click the arrow at the right-hand side of
the box. Then click on the desired choice to highlight it.

See the Language selection list box in figure 3-20.

• To use a spin box, click the up arrow to increase the value displayed in
the box, and the down arrow to decrease it.

See the Intensity spin box in figure 3-19.

• To move a dialog box, press and hold the left mouse button with the
pointer in the title bar, drag the box to a new position on the screen,
then release the mouse button.

• To close a dialog box, click the “X” symbol in the upper right-hand
corner of the box, or click the Close button in the box.

3-31

Figure 3-19

Click to put a check mark

check box

in the
enable Connect Dots
mode

Click one of these

radio buttons

select Minimum,
Variable, or Infinite
persistence

and

to

Using the Oscilloscope

To perform basic user interface operations

Click and drag the

title bar

to m ov e th e
dialog box on the
screen

Dialog Box Interface Elements

Click one of these

Close buttons

close the dialog box

to

Click on the upward
arrow in this
to increase the
intensity of the grid

Click on the
downward arrow to
decrease the
intensity of the grid

spin box

Figure 3-20

Click the arrow in a

drop-down list box

Dialog Box with a Drop-Down List Box

3-32

...

...to see the options you can
choose

Figure 3-21

Using the Oscilloscope

To select a command from the menu bar

To select a command from the menu bar

1 Click on a menu bar item.
2 Move the pointer to the desired menu item.
3 Click the mouse button.

The desired command is executed, or a dialog box is presented for you to
configure the oscilloscope.

If you continue to hold the mouse button after step 1, release the button in
step 3 to execute the command.

Some menus have submenus. These are indicated by an arrow at the right side
of the command. When you move the pointer to one of these menu commands,
the submenu automatically appears. You can then move the pointer to the
desired command on that submenu and click the mouse button to execute the
command.

Selecting a Command from the Menu Bar

Click the Measure menu,
then Customize, and then
Measurement
Definitions to customize
the measurement setup

3-33

Figure 3-22

Using the Oscilloscope

To select a command from a context-sensitive menu

To select a command from a context-sensitive menu

1 Move the mouse pointer to a particular area of the display in which you

want to change the oscilloscope configuration.

Context-sensitive menus provide quick access to commands and configuration
items that relate only to the context of the particular graphical interface item
in which they are found. They are available in the following display areas:
memory bar, measurement toolbar, waveform display area, and horizontal
settings and controls.

2 Click the right mouse button.
3 Move the pointer to the desired menu item.
4 Click the mouse button.

If you continue to hold the mouse button after step 2, release the button in
step 4 to execute the command.

Right-click the mouse in the
waveform display area, then
select Autoscale from the menu
to force the oscilloscope to
autoscale the current
waveform(s)

Selecting a Command from a Context-Sensitive Menu

3-34

Figure 3-23

Right-clic k in this region
to see the Measurement
Setup context-sensitive
menu

Using the Oscilloscope

To select a command from a context-sensitive menu

Right-click in this region
to see the Acquisition
Setup context-sensitive
menu

Right-click in the
waveform display
area to see the
waveform context­sensitive menu

Right-click in this region to see
the horizontal, trigger, and run
controls context-sensitive menu

Location of Context-Sensitive Menus

3-35

Figure 3-24

Using the Oscilloscope

To change the mouse settings

To change the mouse settings

1 Select Utilities, then Preferences, then select Mouse.

You will see the dialog in figure 3-24.

• To swap the functions of the mouse buttons, click the Swap Buttons check
box until a check mark appears.

• To change the time for a double-click, use the spin box controls.

2 Click Close.

If you are left-handed, or simply find it more comfortable to use the mouse or
other pointing device on the left side of the oscilloscope, swapping the functions
of the mouse buttons can make the mouse easier to use. Changing the double­click time primarily affects double-clicks in the Open and Save Waveform and
Open and Save Setup dialog boxes. See the built-in information system
(described in chapter 4) for details.

Check this box to swap
the mouse buttons for
left-handed operation

Adjust the double-click
speed using this spin box

Changing the Mouse Settings

3-36

Figure 3-25

Using the Oscilloscope

To start and stop waveform acquisition

To start and stop waveform acquisition

• To start waveform acquisition, click the start button at the bottom of
the waveform display area.

• To stop waveform acquisition, click the stop button at the bottom of
the waveform display area.

See figure 3-25.

You can still use the Run and Stop keys on the front panel while the graphical
interface is enabled. However, if you are performing many graphical interface
operations, it is easier to start and stop the oscilloscope using the buttons in the
interface, so you do not have to remove your hand from the mouse.

Click this button
to st art wave form
acquisition

Start and Stop Icons

Click this button
to stop waveform
acquisition

3-37

Figure 3-26

Using the Oscilloscope

To clear the waveform display

To clear the waveform display

• Click the clear display button at the bottom of the waveform display.

See figure 3-26.

You can still use the Clear Display key on the front panel while the graphical
interface is enabled.

Clearing the display removes all displayed waveform data in preparation for
another acquisition. It also resets all automatic measurements and
measurement statistics.

Clearing the Display

3-38

Click this button to
clear the wa vefor m
displa y

Figure 3-27

Using the Oscilloscope

To print the screen

To print the screen

• Click the print button at the bottom of the waveform display.

See figure 3-27.

Infiniium prints the screen to the default printer according to the configuration
that you have selected in the Printer Setup dialog box.

Click this button to
print the screen

Printing the Screen

3-39

Figure 3-28

Using the Oscilloscope

To turn a channel on or off

To turn a channel on or off

• To turn a channel on, click the check box next to the channel number
so that a check mark appears in the box. To turn a channel off, click
the check box again to clear it.

See figure 3-28.

If you are not using a channel, you can turn it off. This simplifies the waveform
display and also increases the display update rate. When you turn off a channel,
the current vertical scaling factor and vertical scale buttons for that channel
disappear. They re-appear when you turn the channel on.

You can also turn a channel on or off by using the Channel Setup dialog box, or
by using the front panel key for that channel.

Turn a channel on by
clicking in the On
check box until a
check mark appears

Turn a channel off
by clicking in the
On check box until
the box is cleared

Turning a Channel On or Off

3-40

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust the vertical offset

To adjust the vertical offset

• Click and hold the left mouse button on the waveform you want to
move, then drag the mouse up or down to move the waveform to the
desired offset. Release the mouse button when finished.

or

• Click and hold the left mouse button on the ground reference indicator
for the waveform you want to move, then drag the mouse to move the
waveform to the desired offset. Release the mouse button when
finished.

or

• Click the channel button in the vertical toolbar, then set the vertical
offset using the spin box control in the Channel Setup dialog box.

If you leave the mouse pointer on the waveform (without clicking the mouse),
the pointer changes into crossed arrows as a visual indicator that you can drag
the waveform when you click and hold the mouse button. If you move the mouse
up or down, the interface constrains the movement vertically and adjusts
vertical offset only. If you initially move the mouse left or right, the interface
constrains the movement horizontally and changes the horizontal position
setting only.

You can also adjust the vertical offset through the Channel Setup dialog box.

See “To access the channel setup” on page 3-44.

3-41

Figure 3-29

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust the vertical offset

Click to access the
Channel Setup dialog,
then set vertical offset
using the spin box or
numeric keypad...

...or click on the
ground
reference
indicator and
drag it up or
down to change

Adjusting Vertical Offset

...or click on the
waveform and
drag it up or down
to do the same
thing.

3-42

Figure 3-30

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust vertical scaling

To adjust vertical scaling

• To make the waveform bigger, click on the larger waveform button next
to the channel number near the top of the display. To make the
waveform smaller, click on the smaller waveform button.

See figure 3-30. The number of volts per division decreases.

The number of volts per division increases. The current setting in volts per
division is shown next to the waveform buttons for the channel. Notice that the
setting is color-coded to match the waveform color for easy recognition.

You can also adjust the vertical scaling by clicking on the current setting, which
is shown next to the waveform buttons for the channel. This displays a pop-up
numeric keypad that allows you to set an exact value for the scaling. Or, you

can adjust the vertical scaling through the Channel Setup dialog box. See “To
access the channel setup” on page 3-44.

Click to display a pop-up
numeri c keypad that le ts you
specify a particular vertical
scaling value

Click to make the
waveform bigger
(fewer volts per
division)

Adjusting Vertical Scaling

Click to make the
waveform smaller
(more volts per
division)

3-43

Figure 3-31

Using the Oscilloscope

To access the channel setup

To access the channel setup

• Click the channel number button at the top of the waveform display.

or

• Select the desired channel from the Setup menu.

With the channel setup dialog, you can set the vertical scaling, offset, input
coupling, and input impedance. It also lets you specify the characteristics of
the probe, using the Probes button. You can set attenuation ratio, attenuation
units, and measurement units for the probe, or perform a probe calibration. For
Agilent Technologies probes that are compatible with the AutoProbe Interface,
the oscilloscope will automatically set these characteristics (except for skew)
after identifying the probe when it is connected to the channel input.

Click one of the
channel buttons at
the top of the
waveform display...

Accessing the Channel Setup

3-44

...or select a
channel from
the Setup
menu...

...to access the channel
setup dialog box.

Figure 3-32

Using the Oscilloscope

To set the horizontal reference point

To set the horizontal reference point

• Click on one of the arrows at the bottom of the waveform display.

The selected horizontal reference is highlighted.

The vertical arrows at the bottom of the display correspond to the left, center,
and right horizontal reference points. This is the position of the trigger if the
horizontal position is set to zero delay. A non-zero horizontal position value is
the time relative to the trigger event at the selected horizontal reference point.

Click to set the
horizontal reference
to the left side of the
display

Horizontal Reference Points

Click to set the
horizontal reference
to the center of the
display

Click to set the
horizontal reference
to the right side of the
display

3-45

Figure 3-33

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust sweep speed

To adjust sweep speed

• To stretch the waveform horizontally, click the larger waveform button
next to the horizontal sweep speed setting at the bottom of the
waveform display. To shrink the waveform horizontally, click the
smaller waveform button.

See figure 3-33. The oscilloscope decreases or increases the number of seconds
per division based on your selection.

You can also adjust the sweep speed by clicking on the current setting. This
displays a pop-up numeric keypad that allows you to set an exact value for the
sweep speed. Or, you can adjust the sweep speed through the Horizontal Setup

dialog box. See “To access the horizontal setup” on page 3-48.

Click here to
display the
horizontal
setup dialog
box

Click here to set
the sweep
speed directly
through a pop­up numeric
keypad

Adjusting Sweep Speed

3-46

Click t o shrink
the waveform
(more
seconds per
division)

Click to stretch the
waveform (fewer
seconds per
division)

Figure 3-34

Using the Oscilloscope

To adjust horizontal position

To adjust horizontal position

The horizontal position is the time relative to the trigger at the highlighted
horizontal reference point.

• To zero the horizontal position, click the 0 button next to the position
value at the bottom of the waveform display.

This will position the trigger event at the highlighted horizontal reference point.

• To move the waveform to the right or left, click the right or left arrow
next to the position value at the bottom of the waveform display. Or,
click and hold the mouse button on the desired waveform and drag the
waveform to the right or left. Release the mouse button when the
waveform is in the desired position.

When you click and drag a waveform, this changes the horizontal position for
all channels and functions on the display, but not that of waveform memories.

You can also adjust the horizontal position through the horizontal setup dialog.

Adjusting Horizontal Position

Click to set the
horizontal position
through a pop-up
numeric keypad

Move the
waveform
to the left

Reset the
horizontal
position to
zero

Move the
wave form to
the right

3-47

Figure 3-35

Using the Oscilloscope

To access the horizontal setup

To access the horizontal setup

• Click the horizontal setup button at the bottom of the waveform display.

or

• Select Horizontal from the Setup menu.

See figure 3-35.

Using the Horizontal Setup menu, you can set sweep speed, position, and the
horizontal reference. You can also set up the delayed time base window, which
uses software expansion to present a magnified view of an area of the waveform.
See the built-in information system (described in chapter 4) for details.

Click this
button...

...or select this
menu item...

Accessing the Horizontal Setup

...to access the horizontal
setup dialog box.

3-48

Using the Oscilloscope

To zoom on a section of the waveform

To zoom on a section of the waveform

1 Click and hold the left mouse button in a blank space within the

waveform display area, then drag the mouse to draw a rectangle around
the areas of interest on the waveform(s). Release the mouse button.

2 Click the mouse once anywhere inside the rectangle drawn in step 1.

How the zoom takes place depends on whether acquisition is running or
stopped. If running, the oscilloscope adjusts vertical scale, vertical offset, sweep
speed, and horizontal position as necessary to best rescale the area you defined
in step 1. If stopped, the oscilloscope does a software magnification of the
waveform.

In either case, a small dialog box appears in the corner of the screen, with a

single “Undo” button; by clicking this button, you will undo the zoom and return
the oscilloscope to its previous settings.

Avoid Overdriving the Vertical Input Amplifiers

When the oscilloscope is running, the input waveform can overdrive the vertical
input amplifiers if you expand the vertical excessively. The result is distortion of
the waveform. Ensure that you select a region that will keep all of the waveform
on the screen vertically.

3-49

Figure 3-36

Using the Oscilloscope

To zoom on a section of the waveform

Click and hold the
mouse button, drag
to create a selection
rectangle, then click
inside the rectangle
to zoom the display
on the waveforms
inside the rectangle

Zooming on a Section of the Waveform

3-50

Figure 3-37

Using the Oscilloscope

To move the markers using the graphical interface

To move the markers using the graphical interface

1 Turn on the markers.

You can use the Marker A and Marker B keys on the front panel, or select Markers
from the Measure menu.

2 Click and hold the left mouse button while the mouse pointer is on one

of the markers, then drag the marker to the position you want on the
waveform. Release the mouse button.

Clicking and dragging a marker makes it easy to quickly move the marker to the
desired waveform event. You can use the front-panel arrow keys for fine
adjustment. Or, you can select the Markers command from the Measure menu
and set the marker position precisely. See the built-in information system for
details.

Moving the Markers

To move a marker,
click the mouse with
the pointer on the
marker, drag the
marker to the new
position, then
release the mouse
button

3-51

Using the Oscilloscope

To make a measurement on a waveform

To make a measurement on a waveform

• Click and hold the mouse button on a measurement icon, then drag the
icon to the waveform event you want to measure. Release the mouse
button.

or

• Click on a measurement icon, then specify which source you want to
measure in the dialog box that is displayed.

For measurements on waveform features, such as those that involve waveform
edges, if you click the measurement icon and specify a source, the measurement
defaults to using the first feature it encounters, starting at the left side of the
display. When you make the measurement using drag-and-drop, the
measurement uses the waveform feature closest to the point where you drop
the icon.

The Measurement toolbar is normally displayed at the left side of the screen
when the graphical interface is enabled. You can turn off the toolbar, thereby
increasing the waveform display area, by selecting Measure, then Customize,
then Display Layout.

Only the most commonly used measurements are available on the toolbar.
Others are available by selecting them from the Measure menu. A few
specialized measurements are available only through the GPIB programming
command set to the oscilloscope. See the Programmer’s Reference.

When you drag and drop a measurement icon on a waveform, notice that the
icon outline changes color to match the color of each waveform it touches. This
enables you to easily see which waveform will be measured when you release
the mouse button. Also, the measurement results are also displayed in color to
make it easy to see which waveform source is being measured.

For edge-sensitive measurements, when you drop the measurement icon on a
waveform, a geometric icon appears in the waveform marker color. This icon
shows exactly where the measurement is being made. The icon is also displayed
next to the measurement results readout to associate the readout with the
waveform and feature being measured. See figure 3-38. This feature helps you
distinguish measurement results from each other when you make multiple
measurements on the same waveform, but at different waveform features. For
example, a series of rise time measurements on several different edges of the

same waveform all have unique geometric icons to show each measurement’s
location.

The markers default to tracking the last measurement started. The marker
position readout defaults to off to reduce clutter, but can be turned on in the
Measure menu if desired.

3-52

Figure 3-38

Channel
numbers
associate the
measurement
results with
the channel
waveform

Using the Oscilloscope

To make a measurement on a waveform

Waveform Measurements

In some cases,
geomet ric icons
are also
displayed to
associate the

3-53

Figure 3-39

Using the Oscilloscope

To access the trigger setup

To access the trigger setup

• Click the trigger setup button at the bottom of the waveform display.

or

• Select Trigger from the Setup menu.

The trigger setup dialog allows you to select any of the different modes of

triggering supported by the oscilloscope—Edge, Glitch, or Advanced, with
choices under Advanced of Pattern, State, Delay by Time, Delay by Events,
Violation, or Video. You can set the parameters and conditions for each of those
trigger modes.

Click this button...

...or select this menu
item...

Accessing the Trigger Setup

...to access the trigger setup dialog.

3-54

Figure 3-40

Select Edge mode

Using the Oscilloscope

To set an edge trigger

To set an edge trigger

1 Click on the trigger setup button at the bottom of the waveform display.

This brings up the trigger configuration dialog. See “To access the trigger
setup.”

2 Click on Edge.
3 Click on the source you want to use for the trigger signal.
4 Click to select either the rising or falling edge of the trigger source.
5 Set the trigger level using the spin box.

You can also click on the trigger level setting to display a pop-up numeric
keypad, where you can enter the trigger level directly.

Select Triggered
sweep (or Single for
single-shot
acquisition)

Select the trigger
source

Select rising or
falling edge

Set the trigger level
using the spin box
controls

Setting an Edge Trigger

3-55

Using the Oscilloscope

To enable 8.0 GSa/s sampling mode on the 54845A

To enable 8.0 GSa/s sampling mode on the 54845A

1 Select Acquisition from the Setup menu.
2 Click the radio button labeled “8 GSa/s, 64k pts (Channels 1, 3)” under

Configuration in the Acquisition Setup dialog box.

3 Click Close.

The 54845A achieves the maximum 8.0 GSa/s sampling rate by combining
acquisition hardware from two channels on a single channel. Thus, in this mode,
only channels 1 and 3 are available for input. Because the memory from two
channels is combined, the acquisition memory depth is doubled. This can be
useful in some measurement situations, even when you do not need the
maximum sampling rate of 8.0 GSa/s.

All sampling rates up to and including 8.0 GSa/s are available in this mode. You
can select the actual sampling rate used by selecting Manual under Sampling
Rate in this dialog box. You can also set the actual memory depth by selecting
Manual under Memory Depth in this dialog box.

Return to four-channel operation by clicking the radio button labeled “4 GSa/s,
32k pts (Channels 1, 2, 3, 4).” The maximum sampling rate is then 4.0 GSa/s.

Figure 3-41

Enables 8 GSa/s
sampling (two
channels are
available for input)

Enables 4 GSa/s
sampling (four
channels are
available for input)

Acquisition Setup for 8.0 GSa/s Sampling on the 54845A

3-56

Using the Oscilloscope

To enable 4.0 GSa/s sampling mode on the 54835A

To enable 4.0 GSa/s sampling mode on the 54835A

1 Select Acquisition from the Setup menu.
2 Click the radio button labeled “4 GSa/s, 64k pts (Channels 1, 3)” under

Configuration in the Acquisition Setup dialog box.

3 Click Close.

The 54835A achieves the maximum 4.0 GSa/s sampling rate by combining
acquisition hardware from two channels on a single channel. Thus, in this mode,
only channels 1 and 3 are available for input. Because the memory from two
channels is combined, the acquisition memory depth is doubled. This can be
useful in some measurement situations, even when you do not need the
maximum sampling rate of 4.0 GSa/s.

All sampling rates up to and including 4.0 GSa/s are available in this mode. You
can select the actual sampling rate used by selecting Manual under Sampling
Rate in this dialog box. You can also set the actual memory depth by selecting
Manual under Memory Depth in this dialog box.

Return to four-channel operation by clicking the radio button labeled “2 GSa/s,
32k pts (Channels 1, 2, 3, 4).” The maximum sampling rate is then 2.0 GSa/s.

Figure 3-42

Enables 4 GSa/s
sampling (two
channels are
available for input)

Enables 2 GSa/s
sampling (four
channels are
available for input)

Acquisition Setup for 4.0 GSa/s Sampling on the 54835A

3-57

Using the Oscilloscope

To set dialog box preferences

To set dialog box preferences

• To change the background for the dialog boxes used by the
oscilloscope, select Utilities, then User Preferences. Then select
Opaque, Translucent, or Transparent in the User Preferences dialog
box.

The oscilloscope displays a dialog box when it needs information from you to
set up a particular aspect of an operation or measurement. You can choose
opaque, translucent, or transparent backgrounds for the dialog boxes. Opaque
and translucent settings are easier for most users to read and interact with
because the dialog box is clearly defined against the oscilloscope display.
Translucent and transparent settings make it easier to see the waveform while
you are changing the oscilloscope configuration; this allows you to see the
results of your changes immediately without closing the dialog box.

Windows and Dialog Boxes are Opaque

Windows and dialog boxes for file operations, error messages, and the built-in
information system are always opaque.

• To allow multiple dialog boxes on the screen at a time, select Utilities,
then User Preferences. Then select Allow Multiple Active Dialogs in
the User Preferences dialog box.

Normally, the oscilloscope displays only one dialog box at a time, and you must
close that dialog box before opening another. With Allow Multiple Active
Dialogs, you can change several different aspects of the oscilloscope
configuration simultaneously. This option is usually easier to use if you select
Translucent or Transparent dialogs, because it will be easier to see the effects
of your changes.

Remove Clutter from the Waveform Display

Having too many dialog boxes on the screen can make it difficult to see the
waveform. Close dialog boxes you are not using to remove clutter from the
waveform display.

3-58

Figure 3-43

Using the Oscilloscope

To set dialog box preferences

Select one of these
commands to change how
dialog boxes look on the
screen

Select this command to
allow many dialog boxes to
be present on the screen at
one time

Setting Dialog Box Options

3-59

Figure 3-44

Using the Oscilloscope

To set dialog box preferences

Multiple Active Dialogs (Opaque)

3-60