Agilent Technologies 22A, 41A, 24A, 54621D, 42A User Manual

User’s Guide

Publication Number 54622-97029
March 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, 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 Sequence triggering 3-29
To use SPI triggering 3-35
To use TV triggering 3-40
To use USB triggering 3-50

The Trigger Out connector 3-52

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
Making time measurements automatically 5-39
Making Delay and Phase Measurements 5-43
Making voltage measurements automatically 5-45
Making overshoot and preshoot measurements 5-48

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.

For 54621A and 21D users, 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” Ground
lead (qty 5)

5090-4356 Clip
(qty 20)

10073C or
10074C Probes

s

s1

* 54621D /22D/41D/42D only
** All except 54621A/21D

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
W32 3-year, customer-return calibration service
W34 3-year, customer-return standard compliance calibration service
W50 Additional 2-year warranty (5 years total)
W52 5-year, customer-return calibration service
W54 5-year customer-return standard compliance calibration service

See table 1-3 for power cord options

1-8

Getting Started

To inspect options and accessories

Table 1-2

Accessories available

Model Description

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
10085A 16:16 logic cable and terminator (for use with 54621D/22D/41D/42D)
10089A 16:2 x 8 logic input probe assembly ( shipped standard with 54621D/22D/41D/42D)
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
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

s

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 M
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 M
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 50
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.

Ω. The 50Ω mode matches 50Ω cables commonly

Ω mode is for use with probes and for general purpose

Ω mode and the 50Ω load will disconnect if greater

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. Additional probe kits may be ordered by
specifying Agilent part number 10089A.

1-17

Getting Started

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

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

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

Clip

4 Connect the clip 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 clip to the ground lead, and attach the clip to ground in the circuit
under test.

Signal Lead

Ground Lead

Clip

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

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