HAMEG HM1500 User Manual

150 MHz

Analog Oscilloscope

HM1500

Manual

English

General information regarding the CE marking

Hersteller HAMEG Instruments GmbH KONFORMITÄTSERKLÄRUNG
Manufacturer Industriestraße 6 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Fabricant D-63533 Mainhausen DECLARATION DE CONFORMITE

Die HAMEG Instruments GmbH bescheinigt die Konformität für das Produkt
The HAMEG Instruments GmbH herewith declares conformity of the product
HAMEG Instruments GmbH déclare la conformite du produit

Bezeichnung / Product name / Designation:
Oszilloskop
Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope

Typ / Type / Type: HM1500

mit / with / avec: –

Optionen / Options / Options: –

mit den folgenden Bestimmungen / with applicable regulations / avec les
directives suivantes

EMV Richtlinie 89/336/EWG ergänzt durch 91/263/EWG, 92/31/EWG
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC amended by 91/263/EWG, 92/31/EEC
Directive EMC 89/336/CEE amendée par 91/263/EWG, 92/31/CEE

Niederspannungsrichtlinie 73/23/EWG ergänzt durch 93/68/EWG
Low-Voltage Equipment Directive 73/23/EEC amended by 93/68/EEC
Directive des equipements basse tension 73/23/CEE amendée par 93/68/CEE

Angewendete harmonisierte Normen / Harmonized standards applied / Normes
harmonisées utilisées:

General information regarding the CE marking

HAMEG instruments fulfi ll the regulations of the EMC directive. The
conformity test made by HAMEG is based on the actual generic- and
product standards. In cases where different limit values are applicable,
HAMEG applies the severer standard. For emission the limits for
residential, commercial and light industry are applied. Regarding the
immunity (susceptibility) the limits for industrial environment have
been used.

Sicherheit / Safety / Sécurité: EN 61010-1:2001 (IEC 61010-1:2001)
Überspannungskategorie / Overvoltage category / Catégorie de surtension: II
Verschmutzungsgrad / Degree of pollution / Degré de pollution: 2

Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit / Electromagnetic compatibility /
Compatibilité électromagnétique

EN 61326-1/A1 Störaussendung / Radiation / Emission:
Tabelle / table / tableau 4; Klasse / Class / Classe B.

Störfestigkeit / Immunity / Imunitée: Tabelle / table / tableau A1.

EN 61000-3-2/A14 Oberschwingungsströme / Harmonic current emissions /
Émissions de courant harmonique:
Klasse / Class / Classe D.

EN 61000-3-3 Spannungsschwankungen u. Flicker / Voltage fl uctuations and fl icker /
Fluctuations de tension et du fl icker.

Datum /Date /Date

24. 02. 2005
Unterschrift / Signature / Signatur

Manuel Roth
Manager

3. Infl uence on measuring instruments

Under the presence of strong high frequency electric or magnetic fi elds,
even with careful setup of the measuring equipment an infl uence of
such signals is unavoidable.
This will not cause damage or put the instrument out of operation. Small
deviations of the measuring value (reading) exceeding the instruments
specifi cations may result from such conditions in individual cases.

The measuring- and data lines of the instrument have much infl uence
on emmission and immunity and therefore on meeting the acceptance
limits. For different applications the lines and/or cables used may
be different. For measurement operation the following hints and
conditions regarding emission and immunity should be observed:

1. Data cables

For the connection between instruments resp. their interfaces and
external devices, (computer, printer etc.) suffi ciently screened cables
must be used. Without a special instruction in the manual for a reduced
cable length, the maximum cable length of a dataline must be less than
3 meters and not be used outside buildings. If an interface has several
connectors only one connector must have a connection to a cable.

Basically interconnections must have a double screening. For IEEE-bus
purposes the double screened cables HZ72S and HZ72L from HAMEG
are suitable.

2. Signal cables

Basically test leads for signal interconnection between test point and
instrument should be as short as possible. Without instruction in the
manual for a shorter length, signal lines must be less than 3 meters
and not be used outside buildings.

Signal lines must screened (coaxial cable - RG58/U). A proper ground
connection is required. In combination with signal generators double
screened cables (RG223/U, RG214/U) must be used.

4. RF immunity of oscilloscopes.

4.1 Electromagnetic RF fi eld

The infl uence of electric and magnetic RF fi elds may become visible
(e.g. RF superimposed), if the fi eld intensity is high. In most cases
the coupling into the oscilloscope takes place via the device under
test, mains/line supply, test leads, control cables and/or radiation.
The device under test as well as the oscilloscope may be effected by
such fi elds.

Although the interior of the oscilloscope is screened by the cabinet,
direct radiation can occur via the CRT gap. As the bandwidth of
each amplifi er stage is higher than the total –3dB bandwidth of the
oscilloscope, the infl uence RF fi elds of even higher frequencies may
be noticeable.

4.2 Electrical fast transients / electrostatic discharge
Electrical fast transient signals (burst) may be coupled into the
oscilloscope directly via the mains/line supply, or indirectly via test
leads and/or control cables. Due to the high trigger and input sensitivity
of the oscilloscopes, such normally high signals may effect the trigger
unit and/or may become visible on the CRT, which is unavoidable.
These effects can also be caused by direct or indirect electrostatic
discharge.

HAMEG Instruments GmbH

2

Subject to change without notice

Contents

General information regarding the CE marking 2

150 MHz 2-Chanel Analog Oscilloscope HM1500 4

Specifi cations 5

Important hints 6

List of symbols used 6
Positioning the instrument 6
Safety 6
Proper operation 6
CAT I 6
Environment of use. 6
Environmental conditions 7
Warranty and repair 7
Maintenance 7
Line voltage 7

Description of the controls 8

Basic signal measurement 10

Signals which can be measured 10
Amplitude of signals 10
Values of a sine wave signal 10
DC and ac components of an input signal 11
Timing relationships 11
Connection of signals 11

Time base B (2nd time base). Delaying,
Delayed Sweep. Analog mode. 18
Alternate sweep 18

AUTOSET 19

Component tester 19

General information concerning MENU 21

Controls and Readout 22

First time operation and initial adjustments 12

Trace rotation TR 12
Probe adjustment and use 12
1 kHz – adjustment 12
1 MHz adjustment 13

Operating modes of the vertical amplifi er 13

XY operation 14
Phase measurements with Lissajous fi gures 14
Measurement of phase differences in dual

channel Yt mode 14

Measurement of amplitude modulation 14

Triggering and time base 15

Automatic peak triggering (MODE menu) 15
Normal trigger mode (See menu MODE) 16
Slope selection (Menu: FILTER) 16
Trigger coupling (Menu: FILTER) 16
Video (tv triggering) 16
Frame sync pulse triggering 16
Line sync pulse triggering 16
LINE trigger 17
Alternate trigger 17
External triggering 17
Indication of triggered operation (TRIG’D LED) 17
Hold-off time adjustment 17

Subject to change without notice

3

HM1500

Two Channels with deflection coefficients of 1 mV – 20V/cm

Low Noise Measuring Amplifiers with high pulse fidelity

Two Time Bases: 0.5s – 5 ns/cm and 20 ms – 5 ns/cm

Videotrigger: Odd and even frames, line selection (525/60 and
625/50 standard)

200 MHz 6-Digit Frequency Counter, Cursor and Automatic
Measurement

14 kV high writing speed CRT, Readout, Autoset, Delay Line,
no Fan

Save/Recall Memories for instrument settings

Help Function, Multilingual Menu

150 MHz Analog Oscilloscope
HM1500

Lissajous Figure (XY Mode)

199.994 MHz Sine Wave
Signal, measured with
internal frequency counter.

Excellent dynamic range
characteristics demonstra­ted with a 150 MHz signal

4

Subject to change without notice

Specifications

150 MHz Analog Oszilloscope HM1500

Valid at 23 °C after a 30 minute warm-up period

Vertical Deflection

Channels: 2
Operating Modes: CH 1 or CH 2 separate,

DUAL (CH 1 and CH 2 alternate or chopped),
Addition

X in XY-Mode: CH 1
Invert: CH 1, CH 2
Bandwidth (-3dB): 2 x 0 - 150 MHz
Rise time: ‹2.3ns
Overshoot: max. 1 %
Bandwith limiting (selectable): about 20 MHz (5mV/cm - 20 V/cm)
Deflection Coefficients(CH 1,2):14 calibrated steps

1 mV – 2 mV/cm: ± 5 % (0 - 10MHz (-3 dB))
5 mV – 20 V/cm: ±3 % (1-2-5 sequence)

variable (uncalibrated) › 2.5 :1 to › 50 V/cm
Inputs CH 1, 2:
Impedance: 1 MΩ II 15 pF
Coupling: DC, AC, GND (ground)
Max. Input Voltage: 400 V (DC + peak AC)
Y Delay Line: 70 ns
Measuring Circuits: Measuring Category I
Auxiliary input:

Function (selectable): Extern Trigger, Z (unblank)

Coupling: AC, DC

Max. input voltage: 100 V (DC + peak AC)

Triggering

Automatic (Peak to Peak):

Min. signal height: 5mm

Frequency range: 10 Hz - 250 MHz

Level control range: from Peak- to Peak+
Normal (without peak)

Min. signal height: 5mm

Frequency range: 0 - 250 MHz

Level control range: –10 cm to +10 cm
Operating modes: Slope/Video
Slope: positive, negative, both
Sources: CH 1, CH 2, alt. CH 1/2 (≥ 8 mm), Line, Ext.
Coupling: AC: 10 Hz-250MHz

DC: 0 -250 MHz
HF: 30 kHz–250 MHz
LF: 0-5kHz

Noise Rej. switchable

Video: pos./neg. Sync. Impulse

Standards: 525 Line/60 Hz Systems

625 Line/50 Hz Systems

Field: even/odd/both

Line: all/line number selectable

Source: CH 1, CH 2, Ext.
Indicator for trigger action: LED
External Trigger via: Auxiliary Input (0.3V

pp

, 150 MHz)

Coupling: AC, DC
Max. input voltage: 100V (DC +peak AC)
2nd Trigger

Min. signal height: 5mm

Frequency range: 0 – 250 MHz

Coupling: DC

Level control range: -10 cm to +10 cm

Horizontal Deflection

Operating modes: A, ALT (alternating A/B), B
Time base A: 0.5 s/cm - 50 ns/cm (1-2-5 sequence)
Time base B: 20 ms /cm - 50 ns/cm (1-2-5 sequence)
Accuracy A and B: ±3%
X Magnification x10: to 5 ns /cm
Accuracy X x10: ±5%
Variable time base A/B: cont. 1:2.5
Hold Off time: var. 1:10 LED-Indication
Bandwidth X-Amplifier: 0 – 3 MHz (-3dB)
XY phase shift ‹ 3°: ‹ 220 kHz

Operation/Measuring/Interfaces

Operation: Menu (multilingual), Autoset,

help functions (multilingual)

Save/Recall (instrument parameter settings): 9
Signal display: max. 4 traces

CH 1, 2 (Time Base A) in combination with
CH 1, 2 (Time Base B)

Frequency counter: max. 180/s

6 digit resolution: ›1 MHz – 250MHz
5 digit resolution: 0.5 Hz – 1 MHz

Accuracy 50ppm
Auto Measurements: Frequency, Period, Vdc, Vpp, Vp+, Vp-
Cursor Measurements: Δt, 1/Δt (f), t

r

, ΔV, V to GND, ratio X, ratio Y

Resolution Readout/Cursor: 1000 x 2000 Pts
Interfaces (plug-in): RS-232 (HO710), Ethernet,
Optional: Dual-Interface RS232/USB

Display

CRT: D14-375GH
Display area (with graticule): 8cm x 10 cm
Acceleration voltage: ca. 14 kV

General Information

Component tester:

Test voltage: approx. 7 V

rms

(open circuit), approx. 50 Hz

Test current: max. 7 mA

rms

(short circuit)

Reference Potential: Ground (safety earth)
Probe ADJ Output: 1 kHz/1 MHz square wave signal

0.2 V

pp

(tr ‹ 4 ns)

Trace rotation: electronic
Line voltage: 105 – 253 V, 50/60 Hz ±10 %, CAT II
Power consumption: 41 Watt at 230V, 50 Hz
Protective system: Safety class I (EN61010-1)
Weight: 5.6 kg
Cabinet (W x H x D): 285 x 125 x 380 mm
Ambient temperature: 0° C ...+40° C

Accessories supplied: Line cord, Operating manual, 2 Probes 10:1 with
attenuation ID

Optional accessories:

HO720 Dual-Interface RS-232/USB
HO730 Dual-Interface Ethernet/USB
HO740 Interface IEEE-488 (GPIB)
HZ70 Opto-Interface (with optical fiber cable)

HM1500E/030906/ce · Subject to alterations · © HAMEG Instruments GmbH · ® Registered Trademark · DQS-certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2000, Reg.-No.: DE-071040 QM

HAMEG Instruments GmbH · Industriestr. 6 · D-63533 Mainhausen · Tel [phone] · Fax [phone] · www.hameg.com · [e-mail]

A Rohde & Schwarz Company

www.hameg.com

Subject to change without notice

5

Important hints

Important hints

Please check the instrument for mechanical damage or loose
parts immediately after unpacking. In case of damage we advise
to contact the sender. Do not operate.

List of symbols used:

Consult the manual High voltage

Important note Ground

Positioning the instrument

For selection of the optimum position in use the instrument
may be set up in three different positions (see pictures C,D,E).
The handle will remain locked in the carrying position if the
instrument is positioned on its rear feet.

connecting any signals. It is prohibited to separate the safety
ground connection.

Most electron tubes generate X rays; the ion dose rate of this in­strument remains well below the 36 pA/kg permitted by law.

In case safe operation may not be guaranteed do not use the
instrument any more and lock it away in a secure place.

Safe operation may be endangered if any of the following
was noticed:

– in case of visible damage.
– in case loose parts were noticed
– if it does not function any more.
– after prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions (e.g.

like in the open or in moist atmosphere).

– after any improper transport (e.g. insuffi cient packing not

conforming to the minimum standards of post, rail or trans­port fi rm)

Proper operation

Please note: This instrument is only destined for use by person­nel well instructed and familiar with the dangers of electrical
measurements.

For safety reasons the oscilloscope may only be operated from
mains outlets with safety ground connector. It is prohibited
to separate the safety ground connection. The plug must be
inserted prior to connecting any signals.

Move the handle to the instrument top if the horizontal operating
position is preferred (See picture C). If a position corresponding
the picture D (10 degrees inclination) is desired move the handle
from the carrying position A towards the bottom until it engages
and locks. In order to reach a position with still greater incli­nation (E shows 20 degrees) unlock the handle by pulling and
move it further into the next locking position. For carrying the
instrument in the horizontal position the handle can be locked
horizontally by moving it upwards as shown in picture B. The
instrument must be lifted while doing this, otherwise the handle
will unlock again.

Safety

The instrument fulfi ls the VDE 0411 part 1 regulations for
electrical measuring, control and laboratory instruments and
was manufactured and tested accordingly. It left the factory in
perfect safe condition. Hence it also corresponds to European
Standard EN 61010-1 resp. International Standard IEC 1010-1.
In order to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation
the user is required to observe the warnings and other directions
for use in this manual. Housing, chassis as well as all measu­ring terminals are connected to safety ground of the mains. All
accessible metal parts were tested against the mains with 2200
V

. The instrument conforms to safety class I.

DC

CAT I

This oscilloscope is destined for measurements in circuits not
connected to the mains or only indirectly. Direct measurements,
i.e. with a galvanic connection to circuits corresponding to the
categories II, III, or IV are prohibited!

The measuring circuits are considered not connected to the
mains if a suitable isolation transformer fulfi lling safety class
II is used. Measurements on the mains are also possible if
suitable probes like current probes are used which fulfi l the
safety class II. The measurement category of such probes must
be checked and observed.

Measurement categories

The measurement categories were derived corresponding to
the distance from the power station and the transients to be
expected hence. Transients are short, very fast voltage or cur­rent excursions which may be periodic or not.

Measurement cat. IV:
Measurements close to the power station, e.g. on electricity
meters

Measurement cat. III:
Measurements in the interior of buildings (power distribution
installations, mains outlets, motors which are permanently
installed).

Measurement cat. II:
Measurements in circuits directly connected to the mains
(household appliances, power tools etc).

Environment of use

The oscilloscope may only be operated from mains outlets with
a safety ground connector. The plug has to be installed prior to

6

Subject to change without notice

The oscilloscope is destined for operation in industrial, business,
manufacturing, and living sites.

Important hints

Environmental conditions

Operating ambient temperature: 0 to + 40 degrees C. During
transport or storage the temperature may be –25 to +55 de­grees C.

Please note that after exposure to such temperatures or in case
of condensation proper time must be allowed until the instru­ment has reached the permissible range of 0 to + 40 degrees
resp. until the condensation has evaporated before it may be
turned on! Ordinarily this will be the case after 2 hours. The
oscilloscope is destined for use in clean and dry environments.
Do not operate in dusty or chemically aggressive atmosphere
or if there is danger of explosion.

The operating position may be any, however, suffi cient ventila­tion must be ensured (convection cooling). Prolonged operation
requires the horizontal or inclined position.

Do not obstruct the ventilation holes!

Specifi cations are valid after a 20 minute warm-up period
between 15 and 30 degr. C. Specifi cations without tolerances
are average values.

Warranty and repair

Line voltage

The instrument has a wide range power supply from 105 to 253
V, 50 or 60 Hz ±10%. There is hence no line voltage selector.

The line fuse is accessible on the rear panel and part of the line
input connector. Prior to exchanging a fuse the line cord must
be pulled out. Exchange is only allowed if the fuse holder is
undamaged, it can be taken out using a screwdriver put into the
slot. The fuse can be pushed out of its holder and exchanged.

The holder with the new fuse can then be pushed back in place
against the spring. It is prohibited to ”repair“ blown fuses or to
bridge the fuse. Any damages incurred by such measures will
void the warranty.

Type of fuse:

Size 5 x 20 mm; 250V~, C;
IEC 127, Bl. III; DIN 41 662
(or DIN 41 571, Bl. 3).
Cut off: slow blow (T) 0,8A.

HAMEG instruments are subjected to a rigorous quality con­trol. Prior to shipment each instrument will be burnt-in for
10 hours. Intermittent operation will produce nearly all early
failures. After burn-in a fi nal functional and quality test will be
performed which checks all operating modes and fulfi lment of
specifi cations.

In case of complaints within the 2 year warranty period please
contact the distributor from which the instrument was bought.
German customers may contact HAMEG directly. Our warranty
policy may be obtained under www.hameg.de. Of course, HAMEG
customer service will be at your disposal also after expiration
of the warranty.

Return Material Authorization.
Prior to sending an instrument please obtain a RMA
number form HAMEG either via www.hameg.de or by fax.
In case you do not have an original packing you may order
one by contacting HAMEG marketing and sales by phone
[phone] or under [e-mail].

Maintenance

It is necessary to check various important properties of the
oscilloscope regularly. Only this will ensure that all measu­rements will be exact within the instrument’s specifi cations.
We recommend a SCOPE TESTER HZ60 which, in spite of its
low cost, will fulfi l this requirement very well. Clean the outer
shell using a dust brush in regular intervals. Dirt can be re­moved from housing, handle, all metal and plastic parts using
a cloth moistened with water and 1 % detergent. Greasy dirt
may be removed with benzene (petroleum ether) or alcohol,
there after wipe the surfaces with a dry cloth. Plastic parts
should be treated with an antistatic solution destined for such
parts. No fl uid may enter the instrument. Do not use other
cleansing agents as they may adversely affect the plastic or
lacquered surfaces.

Subject to change without notice

7

Front Panel Elements – Brief Description

Front Panel Elements – Brief Description

The fi gures indicate the page for complete descriptions

POWER (pushbutton switch) 22

Turns the oscilloscope on and off.

INTENS (knob) 22

Intensity for trace- and readout brightness, focus and trace

rotation control.

FOCUS, TRACE, MENU (pushbutton switch) 22

Calls the Intensity Knob menu to be displayed and enables

the change of different settings by aid of the INTENS knob.
See item 2.

REM (pushbutton switch) 22

Switches the displayed menu, the remote mode (REM lit)

off.

SAVE/RECALL (pushbutton switch) 23

Offers access to the instrument settings memory.

SETTINGS (pushbutton switch) 23

Opens menu for language and miscellaneous function.

AUTOSET (pushbutton switch) 23

Enables appropriate, signal related, automatic instrument

settings.

HELP (pushbutton switch) 23

Switches help texts regarding controls and menus ON and

OFF.

in the chapter CONTROLS AND READOUT

▼

SOURCE (pushbutton switch) 27

Calls trigger source menu.

TRIG’d (LED) 28

Lit on condition that time base is triggered.

NORM (LED) 28

Lit on condition that NORMAL or SINGLE triggering is pre-

sent.

HOLD OFF (LED) 28

Lit if a hold off time > 0% is chosen in time base menu (HOR

pushbutton

X-POS / DELAY (pushbutton switch) 28

Calls and indicates the actual function of the HORIZONTAL

knob

HORIZONTAL (knob) 29

Controls horizontal position of trace.

TIME/DIV - VAR (knob) 29

Time base A and B defl ection coeffi cient and time base

variable control.

MAG x10 (pushbutton switch) 29

10 fold expansion in X direction in Yt mode, with simulta-

neous change of the defl ection coeffi cient display in the
readout.

).

, (X-POS = dark).

POSITION 1 (knob) 23

Controls position of actual present functions: Signal, Cursor

and Trace Separation (time base B).

POSITION 2 (knob) 23

Controls position of actual present functions: Signal, Cursor

and Trace Separation (time base B).

CH1/2-CURSOR-TRACE SEP (pushbutton switch) 24

Calls the menu and indicates the current function of

POSITION 1 and 2 controls.

VOLTS/DIV-VAR (knob) 24

Channel 1 Y defl ection coeffi cient and variabel setting.

VOLTS/DIV-VAR (knob) 24

Channel 2 Y defl ection coeffi cient and variabel setting.

AUTO / CURSOR MEASURE (pushbutton switch) 25

Calls menus and submenus for automatic and cursor sup-

ported measurement.

LEVEL A/B (knob) 26

Trigger level control for time base A and B.

MODE (pushbutton switch) 26

Calls selectable trigger modes.

FILTER (pushbutton switch) 27

Calls selectable trigger fi lter (coupling) and trigger slope

menu.

HOR / VAR (pushbutton switch) 29

Calls analog time base A and B mode setting, time base

variable and hold off control.

CH1 / VAR (pushbutton switch) 30

Calls channel 1 menu with input coupling, inverting, probe

and Y variable control.

VERT/XY (pushbutton switch) 31

Calls vertical mode selection, addition, XY mode and band-

width limiter.

CH2 / VAR (pushbutton switch) 32

Calls channel 1 menu with input coupling, inverting, probe

and Y variable control.

CH1 (BNC-socket) 33

Channel 1 signal input and input for horizontal defl ection in

XY mode.

CH2 (BNC-socket) 33

Channel 2 signal input.

AUX (pushbutton switch) 33

Calls AUXILIARY INPUT menu with intensity modulation (Z)

and external triggering selectable.

AUXILIARY INPUT (BNC-socket) 33

Input for external trigger or intensity (Z) modulation

signal.

8

Subject to change without notice

POWER

Front Panel Elements – Brief Description

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

VAR

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSET

x10

1MΩ II

100 Vp

15pF

max

CH I: 500 mV

Instruments

ANALOGSCOPE

PROBE / ADJ (socket) 33

Square wave signal output for frequency compensation of

x10 probes.

PROBE / COMPONENT (pushbutton switch) 33

Calls COMPONENT TESTER mode settings and frequency

selection of PROBE ADJ signal.

COMPONENT TESTER (2 sockets with 4 mm Ø) 33

Connectors for test leads of the Component Tester. Left

socket is galvanically connected with protective earth.

COMPONENT

TESTER

PROBE

ADJ

Subject to change without notice

9

Basic signal measurement

Basic signal measurement

Signals which can be measured

The oscilloscope HM1500 can display all repetitive signals
with a fundamental repetition frequency of at least 150 MHz.
The frequency response is 0 to 150 MHz (–3 dB). The vertical
amplifi ers will not distort signals by overshoots, undershoots,
ringing etc.

Simple electrical signals like sine waves from line frequency
ripple to hf will be displayed without problems. However, when
measuring sine waves, the amplitudes will be displayed with
an error increasing with frequency. At 70 MHz the amplitude
error will be around –10 %. As the bandwidths of individual
instruments will show a certain spread (the 150 MHz are a
guaranteed minimum) the actual measurement error for sine
waves cannot be exactly determined.

Pulse signals contain harmonics of their fundamental frequency
which must be represented, so the maximum useful repetition
frequency of nonsinusoidal signals is much lower than 150 MHz.
The criterion is the relationship between the rise times of the
signal and the scope; the scope’s rise time should be <1/3 of
the signal’s rise time if a faithful reproduction without too much
rounding of the signal shape is to be preserved.

Values of a sine wave signal

V

p

V

rms

V

mom

V

pp

V

= rms value

rms

V

= peak to peak-value

PP

V

= momentary value, depends on time vs. period.

mom

The minimum signal for a one cm display is 1 mV
ded 1 mV/cm was selected and the variable is in the calibrated
position.

The available sensitivities are given in mV

pp

allow to indicate the amplitudes of the signals immediately
on the readout as the attenuation of probes is automatically
taken into account. Even if the probe attenuation was selected
manually this will be overridden if the oscilloscope identifi es a
probe with an identifi cation contact as different. The readout
will always give the true amplitude.

±5 % provi-

pp

or Vpp. The cursors

The display of a mixture of signals is especially diffi cult if it con­tains no single frequency with a higher amplitude than those of
the other ones as the scope’s trigger system normally reacts to
a certain amplitude. This is e.g. typical of burst signals. Display
of such signals may require using the HOLD-OFF control.

Composite video signals may be displayed easily as the instru­ment has a tv sync separator.

The maximum sweep speed of 5 ns/cm allows suffi cient time
resolution, e.g. a 100 MHz sine wave will be displayed one period
per 2 cm.

The vertical amplifi er inputs may be DC or AC coupled. Use DC
coupling only if necessary and preferably with a probe.

Low frequency signals when AC coupled will show tilt (AC low
frequency – 3 dB point is 1.6 Hz), so if possible use DC coupling.
Using a probe with 10:1 or higher attenuation will lower the
–3 dB point by the probe factor. If a probe cannot be used due
to the loss of sensitivity DC coupling the oscilloscope and an
external large capacitor may help which, of course, must have
a suffi cient DC rating. Care must be taken, however, when
charging and discharging a large capacitor.

DC coupling is preferable with all signals of varying duty cycle,
otherwise the display will move up and down depending on the
duty cycle. Of course, pure DC can only be measured with DC
coupling. The readout will show which coupling was chosen: =
stands for DC, ~ stands for AC.

It is important that the variable be in its calibrated position. The
sensitivity may be continuously decreased by using the variable
(see Controls and Readout). Each intermediate value between
the calibrated positions 1–2–5 may be selected. Without using
a probe thus a maximum of 400 V

may be displayed (20 V/div

pp

x 8 cm screen x 2.5 variable).

Amplitudes may be directly read off the screen by measuring
the height and multiplying by the V/div. setting.

Please note:

Without a probe the maximum permissible voltage

at the inputs must not exceed 400 V

irrespective of

p

polarity.

In case of signals with a DC content the peak value DC + AC
peak must not exceed + or – 400 V

. Pure AC of up to 800 VPP

P

is permissible.

If probes are used their possibly higher ratings are

only usable if the oscilloscope is DC coupled.

In case of measuring DC with a probe while the oscilloscope
input is AC coupled the capacitor in the oscilloscope input
will see the input DC voltage as it is in series with the internal
1 MΩ resistor. This means that the maximum DC voltage (or
DC + peak AC) is that of the oscilloscope input, i.e. 400 V

! With

P

signals which contain DC and AC the DC content will stress the
input capacitor while the AC content will be divided depending
on the AC impedance of the capacitor. It may be assumed that
this is negligible for frequencies >40 Hz.

Amplitude of signals

In contrast to the general use of rms values in electrical engi­neering oscilloscopes are calibrated in Vpp as that is what is
displayed. Derive rms from V
rms: multiply by 2.84.

10

Subject to change without notice

: divide by 2.84. Derive Vpp from

pp

Considering the foregoing you may measure DC signals of up
to 400 V or pure AC signals of up to 800 V

with a HZ200 probe.

PP

Probes with higher attenuation like HZ53 100:1 allow to measure
DC up to 1200 V and pure AC of up to 2400 V

. (Please note

PP

the derating for higher frequencies, consult the HZ53 manual).
Stressing a 10:1 probe beyond its ratings will risk destruction of

Basic signal measurement

the capacitor bridging the input resistor with possible ensuing
damage of the oscilloscope input!

In case the residual ripple of a high voltage is to be measured a
high voltage capacitor may be inserted in front of a 10:1 probe, it
will take most of the voltage as the value of the probe’s internal
capacitor is very low, 22 to 68 nF will be suffi cient.

If the input selector is switched to Ground the reference trace
on the screen may be positioned at graticule center or else­where.

DC and AC components of an input signal

voltage

peak

AC

DC

DC + AC

DC

AC

peak

= 400 V

max

The dashed curve shows an AC signal symmetrical to zero. If
there is a DC component the peak value will be DC + AC peak.

Timing relationships

The repetition frequency of a signal is equal to the number of
periods per second. Depending on the TIME/DIV setting one or
more periods or part of a period of the signal may be displayed.
The time base settings will be indicated on the readout in s/cm,
ms/cm, μs/cm and ns/cm. Also the cursors may be used to
measure the frequency or the period.

If portions of the signal are to be measured use delayed sweep
or the magnifi er x 10. Use the HORIZONTAL positioning control
to shift the portion to be zoomed into the screen center.

– Notice the intersections of the signal with the 10 and 90 %

lines and project these points to the centre line in order to
read the time difference.

In the example it was 1.6 cm at 5 ns/cm equals 8 ns rise time.

When measuring very short rise times coming close to the oscillo­scope rise time it is necessary to subtract the oscilloscope’s (and
if used the probe’s) rise times geometrically from the rise time as
seen on the screen. The true signal rise time will become:

2

2

ta= t

t

is the rise time seen, t

tot

– t

tot

(2.3 ns with the HM1500), t

2

– t

osc

t

is the oscilloscope’s own rise time

osc

is the rise time of the probe, e.g. 2 ns.

t

If the signal’s rise time is > 22 ns, the rise times of oscilloscope
and probe may be neglected.

ta= 82 - 2.32 - 22 = 7.4 ns

For the measurement of rise times it is not necessary to proceed
as outlined above. Rise times may be measured anywhere on
the screen. It is mandatory that the rising portion of the signal
be measured in full and that the 10 to 90 % are observed. In
case of signals with over- or undershoot the 0 and 100 % levels
are those of the horizontal portions of the signal, i.e. the over­resp. undershoots must be disregarded for rise and fall time
measurements. Also, glitches will be disregarded. If signals
are very distorted, however, rise and fall time measurements
may be of no value.

For most amplifi ers, even if their pulse behaviour is far from
ideal, the following relationship holds:

350 350
t

=

——

a

B t

B =

——

a

tr/ns = 350/Bandwidth/MHz

Connection of signals

In most cases pressing the AUTOSET button will yield a satisf­actory display (see AUTOSET). The following relates to special
cases where manual settings will be advisable. For a description
of controls refer to ”Controls and Readout“.

Pulse signals are characterized by their rise and fall times
which are measured between the 10 % and 90 % portions. The
following example uses the internal graticule of the crt, but also
the cursors may be used for measurement.

Measurement:

– Adjust the rising portion of the signal to 5 cm.

– Position the rising portion symmetrically to the graticule

centre line, using both Y and X positioning controls.

100%

90%

5 cm

10%

0%

t

tot

Take care when connecting unknown signals to the

inputs!

It is recommended to use probes whenever possible. Without
a probe start with the attenuator set to its 20 V/cm position.
If the trace disappears the signal amplitude may be too large
overdriving the vertical amplifi er or/and its DC content may be
too high. Reduce the sensitivity until the trace will reappear
onscreen. If calibrated measurements are desired it will be
necessary to use a probe if the signal becomes >160 Vp. Check
the probe specifi cations in order to avoid overstressing. If the
time base is set too fast the trace may become invisible, then
reduce the time base speed.
If no probe is used at least screened cable should be used,
such as HZ32 or HZ34. However, this is only advisable for low
impedance sources or low frequencies (<50 kHz). With high
frequencies impedance matching will be necessary.

Nonsinusoidal signals require impedance matching, at both
ends preferably. At the oscilloscope input a feed through – 50-Ω­termination will be required. HAMEG offers a HZ22 termination.
If proper terminations are not used sizeable pulse aberrations
will result. Also sine wave signals of >100 kHz should be pro-

Subject to change without notice

11

First time operation and initial adjustments

perly terminated. Most generators control signal amplitudes
only if correctly terminated.
HZ22 may only be used up to 7 V

or 20 VPP i.e. 1 W.

rms

For probes terminations are neither required nor allowed, they
would ruin the signal.

Probes feature very low loads at fairly low frequencies: 10 MΩ in
parallel to a few pF, valid up to several hundred kHz. However,
the input impedance diminishes with rising frequency to quite
low values. This has to be borne in mind as probes are, e.g., enti­rely unsuitable to measure signals across high impedance high
frequency circuits such as bandfi lters etc.! Here only FET probes
can be used. Use of a probe as a rule will also protect the oscil­loscope input due to the high probe series resistance (9 M Ω). As
probes cannot be calibrated exactly enough during manufac­turing individual calibration with the oscilloscope input used is
mandatory! (See Probe Calibration).

Passive probes will, as a rule, decrease the oscilloscope
bandwidth resp. increase the rise time. We recommend to use
HZ200 probes in order to make maximum use of the combi­ned bandwidth. HZ200 features 2 additional hf compensation
adjustments.

Whenever the DC content is > 400 V

coupling must be used in

DC

order to prevent overstressing the oscilloscope input capacitor.
This is especially important if a 100:1 probe is used as this is
specifi ed for 1200 V

+ peak AC.

DC

AC coupling of low frequency signals may produce tilt.

If the DC content of a signal must be blocked it is possible to
insert a capacitor of proper size and voltage rating in front of the
probe, a typical application would be a ripple measurement.

When measuring small voltages the selection of the ground con­nection is of vital importance. It should be as close to voltage take­off point as possible, otherwise ground currents may deteriorate
the measurement. The ground connections of probes are especially
critical, they should be as short as possible and of large size.

If a probe is to be connected to a BNC connector use

a probe tip to BNC adapter.

If ripple or other interference is visible, especially at high sensi­tivity, one possible reason may be multiple grounding. The oscil­loscope itself and most other equipment are connected to safety
ground, so ground loops may exist. Also, most instruments will
have capacitors between line and safety ground installed which
conduct current from the live wire into the safety ground.

As soon as the trace becomes visible select an average inten­sity with INTENS, then select FOCUS and adjust it, then select
TRACE ROTATION and adjust for a horizontal trace.

With respect to crt life use only as much intensity as necessary
and convenient under given ambient light conditions, if unused
turn the intensity fully off rather than turning the oscilloscope
off and on too much, this is detrimental to the life of the CRT
heater. Do not allow a stationary point to stay, it might burn
the crt phosphor.

With unknown signals start with the lowest sensitivity 20 V/cm,
connect the input cables to the oscilloscope and then to the
measuring object which should be deenergized in the beginning.
Then turn the measuring object on. If the trace disappears,
push AUTOSET.

Trace rotation TR

The crt has an internal graticule. In order to adjust the defl ected
beam with respect to this graticule the Trace Rotation control
is provided. Select the function Trace Rotation and adjust for a
trace which is exactly parallel to the graticule.

Probe adjustment and use

In order to ensure proper matching of the probe used to the
oscilloscope input impedance the oscilloscope contains a ca­librator with short rise time and an amplitude of 0.2 V

± 1 %,

pp

equivalent to 4 cm at 5 mV/cm when using 10:1 probes.

The inner diameter of the calibrator connector is 4.9 mm and
standardized for series F probes. Using this special connec­tor is the only way to connect a probe to a fast signal source
minimizing signal and ground lead lengths and to ensure true
displays of pulse signals.

1 kHz – adjustment

This basic adjustment will ensure that the capacitive attenuation
equals the resistive attenuation thus rendering the attenuation
of the probe independent of frequency. 1:1 probes can not be
adjusted and need no such adjustment anyway.

Prior to adjustment make sure that the trace rotation adjust­ment was performed.

Connect the 10:1 probe to the input. Use DC coupling. Set
the VOLTS/DIV to 5 mV/cm and TIME/DIV to 0.2 ms/cm, both
calibrated. Insert the probe tip into the calibrator connector
PROBE ADJ.

First time operation and initial adjustments

Prior to fi rst time operation the connection between the instru­ment and safety ground must be ensured, hence the plug must
be inserted fi rst.

Use the red pushbutton POWER to turn the oscilloscope on.
Several displays will light up. The scope will then assume the
set-up, which was selected before it was turned off. If no trace
and no readout are visible after approximately 20 sec, push the
AUTOSET button.

12

Subject to change without notice

incorrect correct incorrect

You should see 2 signal periods. Adjust the compensation ca­pacitor (see the probe manual for the location) until the square
wave tops are exactly parallel to the graticule lines (see picture
1 kHz). The signal height should be 4 cm ±1.6 mm (3% oscillo­scope and 1% probe tolerance). The rising and falling portions
of the square wave will be invisible.

Operating modes of the vertical amplifier

1 MHz adjustment

The HAMEG probes feature additional adjustments in the
compensation box which allow to optimise their HF behaviour.
This adjustment is a precondition for achieving the maximum
bandwidth with probe and a minimum of pulse aberrations.

This adjustment requires a calibrator with a short rise time (typ.
4 ns) and a 50 Ω output, a frequency of 1 MHz, an amplitude of

0.2 V

. The PROBE ADJ. output of the oscilloscope fulfi ls these

pp

requirements.

Connect the probe to the scope input to which it is to be adjusted.
Select the PROBE ADJ. signal 1 MHz. Select DC coupling and
5 mV/cm with VOLTS/DIV. and 0.1 μs/cm with TIME/DIV., both
calibrated. Insert the probe tip into the calibrator output connec­tor. The screen should show the signal, rise and fall times will
be visible. Watch the rising portion and the top left pulse corner,
consult the manual for the location of the adjustments.

incorrect correct incorrect

The criteria for a correct adjustment are:

– short rise time, steep slope.

– clean top left corner with minimum over- or undershoot,

fl at top.

After adjustment check the amplitude which should be the
same as with 1 kHz.

It is important to fi rst adjust 1 kHz, then 1 MHz. It may be ne­cessary to check the 1 kHz adjustment again.

Please note that the calibrator signals are not calibrated with
respect to frequency and thus must not be used to check the
time base accuracy, also their duty cycle may differ from 1:1.The
probe adjustment is completed if the pulse tops are horizontal
and the amplitude calibration is correct.

Operating modes of the vertical amplifi er

The controls most important for the vertical amplifi er are:
VERT/XY
containing the operating modes and the parameters of the
individual channels.

Changing the operating mode is described in the chapter:
”Controls and Readout“.

Remark: Any reference to ”both channels“ always refers to
channels 1 and 2.

Usually oscilloscopes are used in the Yt mode. The amplitude
of the measuring signal will defl ect the trace vertically while a
time base will defl ect it from left to right.

, CH1 , CH2 . They give access to the menus

The vertical amplifi ers offer these modes:

– One signal only with CH1.
– One signal only with CH2.
– Two signals with channels 1 and 2 (DUAL trace mode)

In DUAL mode both channels are operative. The method of
signal display is governed by the time base (see also ”Controls
and Readout“). Channel switching may either take place after
each sweep (alternate) or during sweeps with a high frequency
(chopped).

The normal choice is alternate, however, at slow time base set­tings the channel switching will become visible and disturbing,
when this occurs select the chopped mode in order to achieve
a stable quiet display.

In ADD mode the two channels 1 and 2 are algebraically ad­ded (±CH1 ±CH2). With + polarity the channel is normal, with
– polarity inverted. If + Ch1 and – CH2 are selected the difference
will be displayed or vice versa.

Same polarity input signals:

Both channels not inverted: = sum
Both channels inverted: = sum
Only one channel inverted: = difference

Opposite polarity input signals:

Both channels not inverted: = difference
Both channels inverted: = difference
One channel inverted: = sum.

Please note that in ADD mode both position controls will be
operative. The INVERT function will not affect positioning.

Often the difference of two signals is to be measured at signal
take-offs which are both at a high common mode potential.
While this one typical application of the difference mode one
important precaution has to be borne in mind: The oscillosco­pe vertical amplifi ers are two separate amplifi ers and do not
constitute a true difference amplifi er with as well a high CM
rejection as a high permissible CM range! Therefore please
observe the following rule: Always look at the two signals in
the one channel only or the dual modes and make sure that
they are within the permissible input signal range; this is the
case if they can be displayed in these modes. Only then switch
to ADD. If this precaution is disregarded grossly false displays
may result as the input range of one or both amplifi ers may
be exceeded.
Another precondition for obtaining true displays is the use of
two identical probes at both inputs. But note that normal probe
tolerances (percent) will cause the CM rejection to be expected
to be rather moderate. In order to obtain the best possible re­sults proceed as follows: First adjust both probes as carefully
as possible, then select the same sensitivity at both inputs and
then connect both probes to the output of a pulse generator
with suffi cient amplitude to yield a good display. Readjust one
(!) of the probe adjustment capacitors for a minimum of over­or undershoot. As there is no adjustment provided with which
the resistors can be matched a residual pulse signal will be
unavoidable.

When making difference measurements it is good practice
to fi rst connect the ground cables of the probes to the object
prior to connecting the probe tips. There may be high potentials
between the object and the scope. If a probe tip is connected
fi rst there is danger of overstressing the probe or/and the scope
inputs! Never perform difference measurements without both
probe ground cables connected.

Subject to change without notice

13

Operating modes of the vertical amplifier

XY operation

This mode is accessed by VERT/XY > XY. In XY mode the
time will be turned off. The channel 1 signal will defl ect in X
direction (X-INP. = horizontal input), hence the input attenuators,
the variable and the POSITION 1 control will be operative. The
HORIZONTAL control will also remain functional.

Channel 2 will defl ect in Y direction.

The x 10 magnifi er will be inoperative in XY mode. Please note
the differences in the Y and X bandwidths, the X amplifi er has
a lower –3 dB frequency than the Y amplifi er. Consequently
the phase difference between X and Y will increase with fre­quency.

In XY mode the X signal (CH1 = X-INP). can not be inverted.

The XY mode may generate Lissajous fi gures which simplify
some measuring tasks and make others possible:

– Comparison of two signals of different frequency or adjust-

ment of one frequency until it is equal to the other resp.
becomes synchronized.

– This is also possible for multiples or fractions of one of the

frequencies.

Phase measurements with Lissajous fi gures

If in XY mode one or both signals disappear, only a line or a point
will appear, mostly very bright. In case of only a point there is
danger of phosphor burn, so turn the intensity down immedia­tely; if only a line is shown the danger of burn will increase the
shorter the line is. Phosphor burn is permanent.

Measurement of phase differences in dual channel
Yt mode

Please note: Do not use ”alternate trigger“ becau-

se the time differences shown are arbitrary and
depend only on the respective signal shapes! Make
it a rule to use alternate trigger only in rare special
cases.

The best method of measuring time or phase differences is using
the dual channel Yt mode. Of course, only times may be read off
the screen, the phase must then be calculated as the frequency
is known. This is a much more accurate and convenient method
as the full bandwidth of the scope is used, and both amplifi ers
are almost identical. Trigger the time base from the signal
which shall be the reference. It is necessary to position both
traces without signal exactly on the graticule center (POSITION
1 and 2). The variables and trigger level controls may be used,
this will not infl uence the time difference measurement. For
best accuracy display only one period at high amplitude und
observe the zero crossings. One period equals 360 degrees. It
may be advantageous to use AC coupling if there is an offset
in the signals.

The following pictures show two sine waves of equal amplitude
and frequency but differing phase.

ab

0° 35° 90° 180°

Calculation of the phase angle between the X- and Y-signals (af­ter reading a and b off the screen) is possible using the following
formulas and a pocket calculator with trigonometric functions.
This calculation is independent of the signal amplitudes:

a
sin ϕ =
b

a
cos ϕ = 1 – (—
b

a
ϕ = arc sin
b

Please note:

– As the trigonometric functions are periodic limit the calcu-

lation to angles <90 degrees. This is where this function is
most useful.

– Do not use too high frequencies, because, as explained

above, the two amplifi ers are not identical, their phase
difference increases with frequency. The spec gives the
frequency at which the phase difference will stay <3 de­grees.

– The display will not show which of the two frequencies does

lead or lag. Use a CR combination in front of the input of the
frequency tested. As the input has a 1 MΩ resistor it will be
suffi cient to insert a suitable capacitor in series. If the ellipse
increases with the C compared to the C short-circuited the
test signal will lead and vice versa. This is only valid <90
degrees. Hence C should be large and just create a barely
visible change.

—

2

)

—

t = horizontal spacing of the zero

transitions in div

T= horizontal spacing for one

period in div

In this example t = 3 cm and T = 10 cm, the phase difference in
degrees will result from:

5 3
ϕ° =

—

T 10

or in angular units:

t 3
arc ϕ° =

T 10

Very small phase differences with moderately high frequencies
may yield better results with Lissajous fi gures.

However, in order to get higher precision it is possible to switch
to higher sensitivities – after accurately positioning at graticule
centre – thus overdriving the inputs resulting in sharper zero
crossings. Also, it is possible to use half a period over the full
10 cm. As the time base is quite accurate increasing the time
base speed after adjusting for e.g. one period = 10 cm and
positioning the fi rst crossing on the fi rst graticule line will also
give better resolution.

· 360° = — · 360° = 108°

—

· 2π = — · 2π = 1,885 rad

Measurement of amplitude modulation

Please note: Use this only in analog mode because in DSO mode
alias displays may void the measurement! For the display of
low modulation frequencies a slow time base (TIME/DIV) has
to be selected in order to display one full period of the modu-

14

Subject to change without notice

lating signal. As the sampling frequency of any DSO must be
reduced at slow time bases it may become too low for a true
representation.
The momentary amplitude at time t of a hf carrier frequency
modulated by a sinusoidal low frequency is given by:

u = UT · sinΩt + 0,5 m · UT · cos (Ω - ω) t - 0,5 m · UT · cos (Ω - ω) t

where: UT = amplitude of the unmodulated carrier
Ω = 2πF = angular carrier frequency
ω = 2πf = modulation angular frequency
m = modulation degree (≤1

v100%)

In addition to the carrier a lower side band F – f and an upper
side band F + f will be generated by the modulation.

U

T

0,5 m · U

T

0,5 m · U

T

Triggering and time base

Triggering and time base

The most important controls and displays for these functions
are to be found in the shaded TRIGGER area, they are described
in „Controls and Readout“.

In YT mode the signal will defl ect the trace vertically while the
time will defl ect it horizontally, the speed can be selected.
In general periodic voltage signals are displayed with a peri­odically repeating time base. In order to have a stable display
successive periods must trigger the time base at exactly the
same time position of the signal (amplitude and slope).

Pure DC can not trigger the time base, a voltage

change is necessary.

Triggering may be internal from any of the input signals or
externally from a time-related signal.

F – f F F + f

Picture 1: Amplitudes and frequencies with AM (m = 50 %) of
the spectra

As long as the frequencies involved remain within the scope’s
bandwidth the amplitude-modulated HF can be displayed. Pre­ferably the time base is adjusted so that several signal periods
will be displayed. Triggering is best done from the modulation
frequency. Sometimes a stable displayed can be achieved by
twiddling with the time base variable.

m · U

T

U

T

ba

Picture 2: Amplitude modulated hf. F = 1 MHz, f = 1 kHz,
m = 50 %, U

= 28,3 mV

T

rms

Set the scope controls as follows in order to display the picture
2 signal:

CH1 only, 20 mV/cm, AC
TIME/DIV: 0.2 ms/cm
Triggering: NORMAL, AC, internal.
Use the time base variable or external triggering.

Reading a and b off the screen the modulation degree will
result:

a – b a – b
m =

——

a + b a + b

(1 + m) and b = UT (1 – m)

a = U

T

or m =

—— · 100 [%]

When measuring the modulation degree the amplitude and time
variables can be used without any infl uence on the result.

For triggering a minimum signal amplitude is required which
can be determined with a sine wave signal. With internal trigge­ring the trigger take-off within the vertical amplifi ers is directly
following the attenuators. The minimum amplitude is specifi ed
in mm on the screen. Thus it is not necessary to give a minimum
voltage for each setting of the attenuator.

For external triggering the appropriate input connector is used,
the amplitude necessary there is given in V

. The voltage for

pp

triggering may be much higher than the minimum, however, it
should be limited to 20 times the minimum. Please note that
for good triggering the voltage resp. signal height should be a
good deal above the minimum. The scope features two trigger
modes to be described in the following:

Automatic peak triggering (MODE menu)

Consult the chapters MODE > AUTO, LEVEL A/B , FILTER

and SOURCE in ”Controls and Readout“. Using AUTOSET
this trigger mode will be automatically selected. With DC cou­pling and with alternate trigger this mode will be left while the
automatic triggering will remain.

Automatic triggering causes a new time base start after the end
of the foregoing and after the hold-off time has elapsed even
without any input signal. Thus there is always a visible trace.
The position of the trace(s) without any signal is then given by
the settings of the POSITION controls.

As long as there is a signal scope operation will not need more
than a correct amplitude and time base setting. With signals
< 20 Hz their period is longer than the time the auto trigger
circuit will wait for a new trigger, consequently the auto trigger
circuit will start the time base then irrespective of the signal so
that the display will not be triggered and free run, quite inde­pendent of the signal’s amplitude which may be much larger
than the minimum.

Also in auto peak trigger mode the trigger level control is active.
Its range will be automatically adjusted to coincide with the
signal’s peak-to-peak amplitude, hence the name. The trigger
point will thus become almost independent of signal amplitude.
This means that even if the signal is decreased the trigger will
follow, the display will not loose trigger. As an example: the
duty cycle of a square wave may change between 1:1 and 100:1
without loosing the trigger.

Subject to change without notice

15

Triggering and time base

Depending on the signal the LEVEL A/B control may have to be
set to one of its extreme positions.

The simplicity of this mode recommends it for most uncompli­cated signals. It is also preferable for unknown signals.

This trigger mode is independent of the trigger source and
usable as well for internal as external triggering. But the signal
must be > 20 Hz.

Normal trigger mode (See menu MODE)

Consult the chapters: MODE > AUTO, LEVEL A/B , FILTER

and SOURCE in ”Controls and Readout“. Information
about how to trigger very diffi cult signals can be found in the
HOR menu
VAR, HOLD-OFF time setting, and time base B operation are
explained.

With normal triggering and suitable trigger level setting trigge­ring may be chosen on any point of the signal slope. Here, the
range of the trigger level control depends on the trigger signal
amplitude. With signals <1 cm care is necessary.

In normal mode triggering there will be no trace visible in the
absence of a signal or when the signal is below the minimum
trigger amplitude requirement!

Normal triggering will function even with complicated signals. If
a mixture of signals is displayed triggering will require repetition
of amplitudes to which the level can be set. This may require
special care in adjustment.

where the functions time base fi ne adjustment

Slope selection (Menu FILTER)

After entering FILTER the trigger slope may be selected using
the function keys. See also ”Controls and Readout“. AUTOSET
will not change the slope.

Positive or negative slope may be selected in auto or normal
trigger modes. Also, a setting ”both“ may be selected which
will cause a trigger irrespective of the polarity of the next
slope.

Rising slope means that a signal comes from a negative po­tential and rises towards a positive one. This is independent
of the vertical position. A positive slope may exist also in the
negative portion of a signal. This is valid in automatic and
normal modes.

Trigger coupling (Menu: FILTER)

Consult chapters: MODE > AUTO, LEVEL A/B , FILTER

and SOURCE in ”Controls and Readout“. In AUTOSET DC
coupling will be used unless AC coupling was selected before.
The frequency responses in the diverse trigger modes may be
found in the specifi cations.

With internal DC coupling with or without LF fi lter use normal
triggering and the level control. The trigger coupling selected
will determine the frequency response of the trigger channel.

AC:

This is the standard mode. Below and above the fall-off of the
frequency response more trigger signal will be necessary.

and the level control. This coupling is also indicated if the signal
varies in its duty cycle.

HF:

A high pass is inserted in the trigger channel, thus blocking low
frequency interference like fl icker noise etc.

Noise Reject:

This trigger coupling mode or fi lter is a low pass suppressing
high frequencies. This is useful in order to eliminate hf inter­ference of low frequency signals. This fi lter may be used in
combination with DC or AC coupling, in the latter case very low
frequencies will also be attenuated.

LF:

This is also a low pass fi lter with a still lower cut-off frequency than
above which also can be combined with DC or AC coupling. Selec­ting this fi lter may be more advantageous than using DC coupling
in order to suppress noise producing jitter or double images. Above
the pass band the necessary trigger signal will rise. Together with
AC coupling there will also result a low frequency cut-off.

Video (tv triggering)

Selecting MODE >Video will activate the TV sync separator
built-in. It separates the sync pulses from the picture content
and enables thus stable triggering independent of the changing
video content.

Composite video signals may be positive or negative. The sync
pulses will only be properly extracted if the polarity is right.
The defi nition of polarity is as follows: if the video is above the
sync it is positive, otherwise it is negative. The polarity can be
selected after selecting FILTER. If the polarity is wrong the
display will be unstable resp. not triggered at all as triggering
will then initiated by the video content. With internal triggering
a minimum signal height of 5 mm is necessary.

The PAL sync signal consists of line and frame signals which
differ in duration. Pulse duration is 5 μs in 64 μs intervals. Frame
sync pulses consist of several pulses each 28 μs repeating each
half frame in 20 ms intervals.

Both sync pulses differ hence as well in duration as in their
repetition intervals. Triggering is possible with both.

Frame sync pulse triggering

Remark:
Using frame sync triggering in dual trace chopped mode may
result in interference, then the dual trace alternate mode
should be chosen. It may also be necessary to turn the rea­dout off.

In order to achieve frame sync pulse triggering call MODE,
select video signal triggering and then FILTER to select frame
triggering. It may be selected further whether ”all“, ”only even“
or ”only odd“ half frames shall trigger. Of course, the correct tv
standard must be selected fi rst of all (625/50 or 525/60).

The time base setting should be adapted, with 2 ms/cm a com­plete half frame will be displayed. Frame sync pulses consist
of several pulses with a half line rep rate.

Line sync pulse triggering

DC:

With direct coupling there is no lower frequency limit, so this
is used with very slowly varying signals. Use normal triggering

16

Subject to change without notice

In order to choose line snyc triggering call MODE and select
VIDEO, enter FILTER, make sure that the correct video standard
is selected (625/50 or 525/60) and select Line.

Triggering and time base

If ALL was selected each line sync pulse will trigger. It is also
possible to select a line number ”LINE No.“.

In order to display single lines a time base setting of TIME/DIV.
= 10 μs/cm is recommended, this will show 1½ lines. In general
the composite video signal contains a high DC component which
can be removed by AC coupling, provided the picture is steady.
Use the POSITION control to keep the display within the screen.
If the video content changes like with a regular TV program only
DC coupling is useful, otherwise the vertical position would
continuously move.

The sync separator is also operative with external triggering.
Consult the specifi cations for the permissible range of trigger
voltage. The correct slope must be chosen as the external
trigger may have a different polarity from the composite video.
In case of doubt display the external trigger signal.

LINE trigger

Consult SOURCE in ”Controls and Readout“ for specifi c
information.

If the readout shows Tr:Line the trigger signal will be internally
taken from the line (50 or 60 Hz).

This trigger signal is independent of the scope input signals and
is recommended for all signals synchronous with the line. Within
limits this will also be true for multiples or fractions of the line
frequency. As the trigger signal is taken off internally there is
no minimum signal height on the screen for a stable display.
Hence even very small voltages like ripple or line frequency
interference can be measured.

Please note that with line triggering the polarity switching will
select either the positive or negative half period of the line, not
the slope. The trigger level control will move the trigger point
over most of a half wave.

External triggering

This trigger mode may be selected with SOURCE > Extern.
The readout will display Tr:ext. AUXILIARY INPUT
input for the external trigger signal, all internal triggersources
will be disconnected. In this mode the trigger point symbol (level
and time position) will not be displayed, only the trigger time
position will be indicated. External triggering requires a signal
of 0.3 to 3 V

Triggering will also be possible within limits with multiples or
fractions of the vertical input signal frequency. As the trigger
signal may have any polarity it may happen that the vertical
input signal will start with a negative slope in spite of having
selected positive slope; slope selection refers now to the ex­ternal trigger.

, synchronous to the vertical input signal(s).

PP

will be the

Indication of triggered operation (TRIG’D LED)

Refer item in ”Controls and Readout“. The LED labelled
TRIG’D indicates triggered operation provided:

– Suffi cient amplitude of the internal or external trigger

signal.

– The trigger point symbol is not above or below the signal.

If these conditions are met the trigger comparator will output
triggers to start the time base and to turn on the trigger indi­cation. The trigger indicator is helpful for setting the trigger
up, especially with low frequency signals (use normal trigger)
resp. very short pulses.

The trigger indication will store and display triggers for 100 ms.
With signals of very low rep rate the indicator will fl ash accor­dingly. If more than one signal period is shown on the screen
the indicator will fl ash each period.

Hold-off time adjustment

Line frequency interference may be checked using a search
coil which preferably should have a high number of turns and
a shielded cable. Insert a 100 Ω resistor between the center
conductor and the BNC connector. If possible the coil should
be shielded without creating a shorted winding.

Alternate trigger

This mode is selected with SOURCE > Alt. 1/2. The read­out will display Tr:alt, but no more the trigger point symbol
indicating level and time position. Instead an arrow pointing
upwards will indicate the trigger time position if this lies within
the screen area.

This trigger mode is to be used with greatest care and should be
an exception rather than the rule, because the time relationships
visible on the screen are completely meaningless, they depend
only on the shape of the signals and the trigger level!

In this mode the trigger source will be switched together with
the channel switching, so that when CH1 is displayed in the dual
channel alternate mode the trigger is taken from CH1 and when
CH2 is displayed the trigger is taken from CH2. This way two
uncorrelated signals can be displayed together. If this mode is
inadvertently chosen the time relationships between the signals
will also be lost when both signals are correlated! (Except for the
special case that both happen to be square waves with extremely
fast rise times). Of course, this trigger mode is only possible in
the dual channel alternate mode and also not with external or
line trigger. Ac coupling is recommended for most cases.

Consult ”Controls and Readout“ HOR > Hold-off time for
specifi c information.

After the time base defl ected the trace from left to right the trace
will be blanked so the retrace is invisible. The next sweep will,
however, not immediately start. Time is required to perform
internal switching, so the next start is delayed for the so called
hold-off time, irrespective of the presence of triggers. The
hold-off time can be extended from its minimum by a factor of
10:1. Manipulation of the hold-off time and thus of the time for
a complete sweep period from start to start can be useful e.g.
when data packets are to be displayed. It may seem that such
signals can not be triggered. The reason is that the possible
start of a new sweep does not conincide with the start of a data
packet, it may start anywhere, even before a data packet. By
varying the hold-off time a stable display will be achieved by
setting it just so that the hold-off ends before the start of a data
packet. This is also handy with burst signals or non-periodic
pulse trains.

A signal may be corrupted by noise or hf interference so a double
display will appear. Sometimes varying the trigger level can not
prevent the double display but will only affect the apparent time
relationship between two signals. Here the variable hold-off
time will help to arrive at a single display.

Sometimes a double display will appear when a pulse signal
contains pulses of slightly differing height requiring delicate
trigger level adjustment. Also here increasing the hold-off
time will help.

Subject to change without notice

17

Triggering and time base

Whenever the hold-off time was increased it should reset to its
minimum for other measurements, otherwise the brightness
will suffer as the sweep rep rate will not be maximum. The
following pictures demonstrate the function of the hold-off:

heavy parts are displayed

signal

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

sweep

period

adjusting

HOLD OFF time

Picture 1: Display with minimum hold-off time (basic setting).
Double image, no stable display.

Picture 2: By increasing the hold-off a stable display is achie­ved.

Time base B (2nd time base), Delaying, Delayed,
Sweep

time delay generator. Depending on the amplitude of the com­parison voltage a signal is generated anywhere between sweep
start and end.

In one of two operating modes this signal will start TB B imme­diately. The TB A display will be intensifi ed for the duration of
TB B, so that one sees which portion of the signal is covered by
TB B, By varying the comparison voltage the start of TB B can
be moved over the whole signal as it is displayed by TB A. Then
the mode is switched to TB B. The signal portion thus selected is
now displayed by TB B. This is called „B delayed by A“. Portions
of the signal can thus be expanded enormously, however, the
higher the speed of TB B the darker the display will become as
the rep rate will remain that of the accepted signal triggers while
the duration of TB B is reduced with increasing speed.

In cases where there is jitter the TB B can be switched to wait
for a trigger rather than starting immediately. When a trigger
arrives TB B will start on it. The jitter is removed, however, the
effect is also, that the TB B start now can be only from signal
period to signal period, no continuous adjustment is possible
in this mode.

Alternate sweep

In this mode the signal is displayed twice, with both time bases.
An artifi cial Y offset can be added in order to separate the two
displays on the screen. The operation is analogous to Y dual
trace alternate mode, i.e., the signal is alternately displayed by
both time bases, not simultaneously which is not possible with
a single gun crt. What was said above about how TB B can be
started holds also here.

Consult ”Controls and Readout“ HOR and TIME/DIV. for
specifi c information.

As was described in ”Triggering and time base“ a trigger will
start the time base. While waiting for a trigger – after runout
of the hold-off time – the trace will remain blanked. A trigger
will cause trace unblanking and the sweep ramp which defl ects
the trace from left to right with the speed set with TIME/DIV.
At the end of the sweep the trace will be blanked again and
retrace to the start position. During a sweep the trace will also
be defl ected vertically by the input signal. In fact the input signal
does continuously defl ect the trace vertically, but this will be
only visible during the unblanking time.

Let us assume one period of a signal is displayed at a con­venient time base setting. Increasing the sweep speed with
TIME/DIV. will expand the display from the start, so that parts
of the signal will disappear from the screen. It is thus possible
to expand the beginning of the signal period and show fi ne
detail, but it is impossible to show such fi ne detail for ”later“
parts of the signal.

The x10 Magnifi er (MAG x10) may be used to expand the display
and the horizontal positioning control can shift any part of the
display into the centre, but the factor of 10 is fi xed.

The solution requires a second time base, called time base B.

In this mode time base A is called the delaying sweep and
time base B the delayed sweep. The signal is fi rst displayed
by TB A alone. Then TB B is also turned on which is the mode
”A intensifi ed by B“. TB B should always be set to a higher sweep
rate than A, thus its sweep duration will be also shorter than
that of A. The TB A sweep sawtooth is compared to a voltage
which can be varied such that TB A functions as a precision

18

Subject to change without notice

Component tester

AUTOSET

For specific information consult ”Controls and Readout“
AUTOSET

The following description is valid for both analog and DSO
modes. AUTOSET does not change from analog to DSO mode
or vice versa. If in DSO mode the modes ”Roll“, ”Envelope“ or
”Average“ (ACQUIRE) are present or the trigger mode „Sin­gle“ (MODE) is selected, theses modes will be switched off as
AUTOSET always switches to ”Refresh“ acquistion. The signal to
be displayed must meet the amplitude and frequency require­ments of automatic triggering, to enable a useful automatic
instrument setting.

All controls except for the POWER switch are electronically
scanned, all functions can also be controlled by the microcom­puter, i.e. also via the interfaces.

This is a precondition for AUTOSET as this function must be able
to control all functions independent of control settings. AUTO­SET will always switch to YT mode, but preserve the previous
selection of CH1, CH2 or dual trace; ADD or XY modes will be
switched to dual trace Yt.

Automatic setting of the vertical sensitivities and the time base
will present a display within 6 cm height (4 cm per signal in dual
trace) and about 2 signal periods. This is true for signals not
differing too much from a 1:1 duty cycle. For signals containing
several frequencies like video signals the display may be any.

.

Component tester

Specifi c information can be found in ”Controls and Readout“ un­der COMPONENT/PROBE

The scope has a built-in component tester. The test object is
connected with 4 mm banana plugs. In this mode the Y amplifi ers
and the time base are turned off. Only individual components
may be tested, i.e. they must not be part of a circuit, if voltages
are to be applied to the BNC connectors. If the components
are part of a circuit this must be deenergized and disconnected
from safety ground. Except for the two test leads there may
be no further connection between scope and component. (See
”Tests within a circuit“). As described in section ”Safety“ all
ground connections of the scope are connected to safety ground
including those of the component tester. As long as individual
components are tested this is of no consequence.

The display can only be affected by the controls contained in
the FOCUS/TRACE menu: A-Int., Focus, Trace rotation, HORI­ZONTAL position.

If components are to be tested which are parts of a circuit or
an instrument those circuits resp. instruments must fi rst be
deenergized. If they are connected to the mains they must be
unplugged. This will prevent a connection between oscillo­scope and circuit via the safety ground which may affect the
measurement.

Do not test charged capacitors.

and COMPONENT TESTER .

Initiating the AUTOSET function will set the following operating
conditions:
– last selection of AC or DC coupling
– internal triggering
– automatic triggering
– trigger level set to the center of its range
– calibrated Y sensitivities
– calibrated time base
– AC or DC trigger coupling unmodifi ed
– HF trigger coupling switched to DC
– LF or Noise Reject fi lters left
– X magnifi er switched off
– Y and X positioning automatic

Please note:
For pulse signals with duty cycles approaching 400:1 no au­tomatic signal display will be possible.

In such cases switch to normal trigger mode and set the trigger
position about 5 mm above the centre. If the trigger LED will then
light up a trigger is generated and the time base is operating. In
order to obtain a visible display it may be necessary to change
the time base and V/DIV settings. Depending on the duty cycle
and the frequency the signal may still remain invisible.

The principle of the test is very simple: a sine wave generator
within the scope generates a 50 Hz ±10% voltage which is
applied to a series connection of the test object and a resistor
within the scope. The sine wave proper defl ects in X direction,
the voltage across the resistor which is proportional to the test
current defl ects in Y direction.

If the object contains neither capacitors nor inductors, there will
be no phase shift between voltage and current, so a straight line
will show up which will be more or less slanted, depending on
the value of the object’s resistance, covering appr. 20 Ω to 4.7
KΩ. If there is a short the trace will be vertical, i.e. (almost) no
voltage produces already high current. A horizontal line will thus
indicate an open, there is only voltage but no current.

Capacitors or inductors will create ellipses. The impedance
may be calculated from the ellipse’s geometric dimensions.
Capacitors of appr. 0.1μ to 1000 μF will be indicated.

– An ellipse with its longer axis horizontal indicates a high

impedance (low capacitance or high inductance)

– An ellipse with its longer axis vertical will indicate a low

impedance (high capacitance or low inductance)

– A slanted ellipse will indicate a lossy capacitor or inductor.

Semiconductors will show their diode characteristics, however,
only 20 V
ristics can only be displayed up to 10 V

are available, so the forward and reverse characte-

pp

in each direction. The

p

test is a two-terminal test ,hence it is not possible to measure
e.g. the current gain of a transistor. One can only test B-C, B-E,
and C-E. The test current is only a few mA, so the test will not
harm ordinary semiconductors. (Sensitive devices like delicate
hf transistors etc. should not be tested). The limitation to 10

Subject to change without notice

19

Triggering and time base

Vp with bipolar transistors will suffi ce mostly as usual defects
will show up.

The best method to verify whether a component is defective is
the comparison to a good one. If the lettering of a component is
not legible at least it is possible to see whether it is a n-p-n or
p-n-p transistor or which end of a diode is the cathode.

Please note that reversing the test leads will also invert the
picture, i.e. turn it 180 degrees.

In most cases, e.g. with service and repair, it will be suffi cient
to receive a good/bad result (open, short). With MOS compo­nents the usual precautions are to be observed, but note, that
except for a possible short MOSFETs and JFETs can not be
suffi ciently tested. Indications to be expected depend strongly
on the kind of FET:

– With depletion type MOSFETs and all JFETs the channel

will conduct if prior to testing the gate was connected to the
source. The Rdson will be shown. As this can be very low it
may look like a plain short although the part is good!

– With enhancement type MOSFETs an open will be seen in

all directions, as the threshold voltage G – S is not available.
With power MOSFETs the antiparallel diode S – D can be
seen.

Tests of components within circuits are possible in many cases
but less indicative because other components may be in parallel.
But also here the comparison with a good circuit might help. As
both circuits must be deenergized it is only necessary to switch
the test leads back and forth between both in order to localize
a defective spot. Sometimes like with stereo amplifi ers, push­pull circuits, bridge circuits there is a comparison circuit right
on the same board. In cases of doubt one component lead can
be unsoldered, the other one should then be connected to the
ground lead. This is labelled with a ground symbol. The pictures
show some practical examples:

Loading of new fi rmware

Under www.hameg.de the most recent fi rmware is available
for downloading.

20

Subject to change without notice

POWER

General information concerning MENU

POWER

Pushbutton

CH I MENU

AC/DC/50 Ω

GND

50 Ω / 1 MΩ

INVERT

ON / OFF

VARIABLE

ON / OFF

Menu Title

6 Function Pushbuttons (blue)

Menu

Intensity Knop Symbol

PROBE

1 : 1 / 10 / 100

CH I: 500 mV

ANALOGSCOPE

Instruments

COMPONENT

TESTER

General information concerning MENU

Menu and HELP displays

Whenever a pushbutton is depressed the corresponding menu
will be displayed except for: EXIT MENU/REMOTE OFF
AUTOSET
options which may then be selected with the blue pushbuttons.
All pushbuttons are on/off.

, RUN–STOP and MAG x10 . The menus offer

Arrow Keys

Indicator for Submenu

PROBE

ADJ

On Off

explanation of the actual INTENS knob

State indication by intensifi ed
display

function will be given.

HELP will be left by pressing the pushbutton again.

Please note:

During the display of help texts and menus in full

size no signal display is possible.

Remarks

,

In operation all relevant measuring parameters will be shown
in the readout, provided the readout was activated and its in­tensity is suffi cient.

Exiting a menu:

st

1

The user may set a time after which the menu will be left.

(SETTINGS

nd

2

Before the time set as described has elapsed a menu can

pushbutton > , Misc > Menu OFF.

be exited by pressing EXIT MENU.

rd

3

Only manually if the function ”Man“ was selected .

th

4

Pressing the same pushbutton again.

th

5

Pressing another pushbutton.

If a menu shows a knob symbol
knob

. It allows to change settings. Also arrows may be

this pertains to the INTENS

shown which point to available submenus.

In some modes some pushbuttons or INTENS operations are
meaningless and will hence not cause a menu display.

Please note:

If a menu is shown some other information dis-

played in the readout may disappear, this will
reappear immediately upon leaving the menu.

Each menu is assisted by HELP texts, which can be called by
pressing the HELP
readout. If HELP was called and the INTENS knob

and which will be also displayed by the

moved an

The front panel LEDs add to the operating comfort and give
more information. In the end positions of the control knob an
acoustical signal will sound.

Apart from the POWER
scanned and stored. This allows to control the instrument from

pushbutton all control elements are

stored information.

Subject to change without notice

21

Controls and Readout

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

VAR

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSET

x10

1MΩ II

100 Vp

15pF

max

Controls and Readout

The following description presumes that Component Test Mode
is switched off.

POWER

Mains switch with symbols I = ON and = OFF.

After turning the scope on and after the warm-up time of the
CRT heater has elapsed the HAMEG logo, the instrument type
and the version number are displayed. If prior to switching off
the function ”Quick Start“ was selected (SETTINGS
the above will not be displayed. Then the scope will assume the
settings which existed before switching off.

INTENS knob

This knob controls various functions:

2.1 Trace intensity if the FOCUS/TRACE/MENU
does not light the knob symbol
right for increasing.

2.2 If the knob symbol
the control will act for those functions displayed in the menu,
which were activated.

. Turn left for decreasing and

of the pushbutton is illuminated

> Misc)

pushbutton

FOCUS TRACE MENU (pushbutton)

If the knob symbol will light after pressing this pushbutton
the Int.Knob menu will be shown.

Depending on the operating mode the menu contains:

A-Int.: Intensity of the signal as displayed by time base A
B-Int.: Intensity of the signal as displayed by time base B
RO-Int.: Readout intensity
Focus: Focus for signal and readout
Readout
On Off: Turning the readout off will eliminate interference

of the readout with the signal(s). The knob symbol
will blink as long as the readout is off. Only menus
and help texts will be shown.
Trace rotation: Trace rotation (see TR)
After turn-on the readout will always be on.

EXIT MENU/REMOTE OFF (REM) (pushbutton)

This pushbutton has two functions:

4.1 If a menu is displayed pressing this pushbutton will turn it off.
On condition a submenu is displayed, pressing this pushbutton
switches back to the menu.

4.2 Under remote control this pushbutton will be illuminated. After
pressing the pushbutton, control is returned to the front panel.

22

Subject to change without notice

Controls and Readout

SAVE/RECALL (pushbutton)

This pushbutton will open up a menu.

Under ”Save/Recall“ the current instrument settings may be
saved or settings saved earlier recalled. There are 9 nonvolatile
memories available.

5.1 Saving the actual settings
Upon pressing the pushbutton the submenu ”Front Panel
Save“ will be accessed. A memory number will be offered
(1 to 9) which can be changed by the INTENS knob
sing ”Save“ all settings will be saved in the memory location
the number of which was selected.

5.2 Recall the actual settings
In the submenu ”Front Panel Recall“ a memory number will
be displayed (1 to 9) which can be changed with the INTENS
knob
the settings stored.

. Pressing the pushbutton ”Recall“ causes loading of

. By pres-

SETTINGS (pushbutton)

Pressing this pushbutton will open the SETTINGS menu which
offers the following submenus:

6.1 Language

In thus submenu the language can be selected: English, Ger­man, French and Spanish are available for choice.

6.2 Misc (Miscellaneous)

6.2.1 Contr.Beep On Off

Switches the acoustical signal ON or OFF, which informs about
CW or CCW positions of knobs.

6.2.2 Error Beep On Off
Will turn the acoustical error signal ON or OFF.

6.2.3 Quick Start On Off
In off the HAMEG logo, the type and the version number will not
be shown, the instrument will be ready immediately.

6.2.4 Menu Off time
With the INTENS knob
determined. EXIT MENU will terminate a menu on the spot.

In ”Man.“ mode the menu can be left:

– by pressing EXIT MENU.
– by pressing another pushbutton.
– by pressing the same pushbutton again with which the menu

was called.

the time of menu display may be

AUTOSET. During the display of HELP texts AUTOSET is not
available.

HELP (pushbutton)

Pressing the HELP pushbutton will turn the signal display off
and display the help text.
If a menu was opened the help text will refer to this menu resp.
to the special menu or submenu option selected. If a knob is
moved another help text referring to this knob will appear. Press
HELP again to deactivate the text.

POSITION 1 (knob)

This knob can assume various functions which depend upon
the operating mode, the functions selected with the CH1/2–
CURSOR–TRACE SEP-pushbutton
selected.

9.1 Y-position

9.1.1 Y-position CH1

POSITION 1 will set the Y-position of CH1 provided there is
YT-mode and the pushbutton CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP­pushbutton

9.1.2 Y-position of 2
The POSITION 1 control will assume the function of Y-position
control of the signal displayed by time base B in alternate time
base mode after the following procedure. This is convenient in
order to be able to separate the displays of the (same) signal
with both time bases on the screen. Press the HOR
button >”Search“. Press the CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP­pushbutton
light up green.

9.2. X position in XY mode

POSITION 1 will function as X position control of CH1 in XY mode
and provided the CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP-pushbutton
is not illuminated.

9.3. CURSOR position

The POSITION 1 control will function as Y-position control of the
cursors if the following conditions are met: The CURSOR display
must have been activated (AUTO/CURSOR-MEASURE pushbut­ton

> Cursors > Cursors On pushbutton depressed). Press
the CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP-pushbutton
sors“ or ”Cur. Track“. The pushbutton will light up in blue.

is not illuminated.

nd

time base B (TRACE SEP).

, select the function ”TB B“. The pushbutton will

Note: The HORIZONTAL control will also be func-

tional in XY mode.

and the menu option

push-

, select ”Cur-

6.3 Interface

If an interface is build in, this menu shows its parameters which
can be selected as usual.

AUTOSET (pushbutton)

Choosing AUTOSET will cause an automatic instrument setting,
dependent upon the signal proper which selects positions, signal
amplitude and time base for a reasonable display. The choice
of analog or DSO mode will not be affected. In component test
mode (available only in analog mode), XY mode, or ADD auto­matically dual channel mode will be selected. If dual channel
or Ch1 or CH2 were previously chosen this will remain.

AUTOSET will further set the intensity to an average value if it
was set too low. If a menu was opened it will be turned off by

Please note:

The function ”Cur. Track“ is only available if two

cursors are indeed displayed, then both cursors
can be moved simultaneously (tracking) without a
change of their respective positions.

POSITION 2 (knob)

Also this control may assume diverse functions dependent on
the operating mode, the function selected via the CH1/2–CUR­SOR–TRACE SEP-pushbutton
ted.

10.1. Y-position CH2
POSITION 2 will function as Y-position control of CH2 in Yt­mode and if the CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP-pushbutton
is not illuminated.

and the menu item activa-

Subject to change without notice

23

Controls and Readout

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSE T

VAR

x10

1MΩ II

15pF
max

100 Vp

10.2 Y-position of CH2 in XY mode

POSITION 2 will function as the Y-position control of CH2 in XY
mode provided the CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP-pushbutton

is not illuminated.

10.3 Y-position of cursors

The POSITION 2 control will function as Y-position control of the
cursors if the following conditions are met: The cursors must
be activated (Press AUTO/CURSOR-MEASURE pushbutton
> Cursors > Cursors On), press the CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE
SEP-pushbutton

select ”Cursors“ or ”Cur. Track“. The

pushbutton will light up blue.

Note:

The function Cur. Track (cursor tracking) is only

available if 2 cursors are on display. The cursors
will then be moved simultaneously (tracking)
without changing their respective positions.

CH1/2–CURSOR–

TRACE SEP

-pushbutton

This pushbutton calls a menu which allows to select the func­tions of the controls POSITION 1 and 2.

The pushbutton will signal the function activated corresponding
to the front panel labelling:

dark: Y-position CH1 and CH2.
blue: Y-position of cursors.
green: Y-position of time base B display of signal(s)

the calibrated sensitivity (e.g. ”CH1: 5mV..“). Depending on the
sensitivity selection the signal will be shown with smaller or
greater amplitude.

Please note:

This sensitivity selection is always active, e.g. also,

if CH2 only was chosen. In that case CH1 may be
used as trigger source.

12.2 Variable control

Select this function with the CH1 pushbutton

> Variable On.
VAR on the CH1 pushbutton will light up. The readout will add a
”>“ to the sensitivity indication (”CH1>5mV..“) in order to show
that the sensitivity is now uncalibrated. The results of cursor
measurements will be fl agged accordingly.
In this mode the sensitivity can be changed with the VOLTS/
DIV–VAR control knob from 1 mV/cm to > 20 V/cm.

VOLTS/DIV–SCALE–VAR knob

This double function control belongs to CH2.

12.1 Selection of vertical sensitivity

The sensitivity will be calibrated provided VAR on the CH2
pushbutton
will decrease, turning it CW will increase the sensitivity. The
sensitivities can be selected from 1 mV/cm to 20 V/cm in a
1-2-5 sequence. The readout will show the sensitivity (e.g.
”CH2:5mV..“). Depending on the sensitivity the signal will be
displayed with smaller or greater amplitude.

is not illuminated. Turning the control CCW

VOLTS/DIV–SCALE–VAR (knob)

This knob is a double function CH1 control.

12.1 Selection of vertical sensitivity

Provided VAR on pushbutton CH1
sitivity will be calibrated. Turning the control CCW will decrease,
turning it CW will increase the sensitivity. 1 mV/cm to 20 V/cm
can be selected in a 1-2-5 sequence. The readout will display

24

Subject to change without notice

is not illuminated the sen-

Please note:

The sensitivity control is always active, i.e. also if

CH2 is not selected. CH2 may then still be used e.g.
as a trigger source.

13.2 Variable control

The variable control is activated by pressing the CH2 push­button

> Variable On. VAR on the pushbutton will light

Controls and Readout

up. The readout will add the ”>“ preceding the sensitivity
(e.g. ”CH2 >5mV..“) in order to indicate that the sensitivity is
uncalibrated. The results of cursor measurements will be
labelled accordingly.

In this mode the sensitivity may be changed continuously
with the VOLTS/DIV–VAR control from 1 mV/cm to > 20 V/cm.

AUTO/CURSOR MEASURE (pushbutton)

Pressing this pushbutton will open the menu ”Measurement“
which offers the submenus > ”Cursors“ and ”Auto“.

If the submenu Cursors was selected and a measuring mode
”Cursors On“ must be activated too, in order to generate the
cursor line(s) on the screen. The measurement result will be
shown in the readout!

Please note:

In order to move the cursors it is necessary to

press the pushbutton CH1/2–CURSOR–TRACE SEP

and look for the menu ”Pos./Scale“. In this menu
the selection of ”Cursors“ (long lines) or ”auxiliary
cursors“ (short lines) or other symbols will deter­mine which cursor lines/symbols can be moved by
the POSITION 1 and 2 controls.

14.1 Cursors

Depending on the operating mode (Yt or XY) this submenu will
offer various cursor measuring functions which will affect as
well the cursor lines as their position.

14.1.1 Cursors On Off
With ”Cursors On“ the CURSORS and the results of cursor
measurements will be displayed by the readout in the top right
corner of the screen. (e.g. ΔV(CH2):16.6 mV). If a variable con­trol was activated, the readout will indicate this by replacing
the ”:“ by a ”>“.

14.1.2 Meas. Type
If this function is activated one of the measurement modes of­fered may be selected with the INTENS knob
the unit going with a mode will be shown also.

. In most cases

” π ”
One period of a sine wave is equal to 2 π, hence the distance
between the two long CURSOR lines must be set to one period. If
the distance between the reference line and the short CURSOR
line equals 1.5 periods, ”3 π“ will be displayed. If the short cursor
line is left of the reference line a negative sign will be shown.

14.1.4 Respect
It may be necessary to determine for which signal resp. channel
the CURSOR measurement shall be valid. This is signalled by
showing the INTENS knob signal next to the channel number.
After selection of the signal source, the CURSOR lines must
then be positioned to the signal or portions of it displayed by
this channel.

14.2 Auto

Depending on the operating mode this submenu offers various
automatic measurements of the trigger signal. The following
conditions must be met:

a) For frequency or period measurements suffi cient trigger

signals must be available. Use normal triggering for signals
< 20 Hz. Please note that signals of very low frequency may
require seconds to complete one measurement.

b) In order to measure DC or the DC content of a signal the

input channel as well as the trigger must be set to DC coup­ling.

Further notes:

– Due to the limited frequency response of the trigger channel

the accuracy will decrease with increasing frequency.

– The frequency responses of the vertical channel and the

trigger channel differ substantially, this may affect the signal
display.

– When measuring very low frequency signals the display will

follow the signal.

– When measuring pulse signals there may be an infl uence

of the duty cycle or the slope selected on the accuracy of
the result.

14.1.3 Unit
In the modes ”Ratio X“ and ”Ratio Y“ the INTENS knob symbol

will be shown in addition to a unit, this may then be used to

change the unit.

” rat ” (ratio), display of ratios

In this mode the ratios of duty cycles or amplitudes may be
determined with the CURSORS. The distance between the long
CURSOR lines is equal to 1.

” % ” (percent), display of percentages

The distance between the long CURSOR lines is equal to 100%.
The result will be determined by the distance of the short au­xiliary cursor line to the long reference line (lower resp. left), if
appropriate with a negative sign.

” ° ” (degree), measurement of degrees

The distance between the long CURSOR lines is equal to 360
degrees and must be exactly as long as a signal period. The
measurement result will be determined from the distance
between the reference line to the short auxiliary cursor line.
If appropriate with a negative sign. For further information
please consult ”Measurements of phase differences in dual
channel mode (Yt)“ in the section ”First time operation and
presettings“.

– The signal must remain within the graticule area, i.e. the

input amplifi ers must not be overdriven.

Please note:

Complex signals should be measured using the

CURSORs.

14.2.1 Auto On Off

If Auto is On the result of the automatic measurement will be
shown in the readout in the top right corner. (e.g. DC(Tr):100μV.
(Tr) points out that it refers to the trigger signal. Sometimes
a ”?“ will be displayed, this indicates that there is no or an
insuffi cient signal.

If a variable is activated und thus the sensitivity or time base
uncalibrated the ”:“ will be replaced by a ”>“ symbol.

14.2.2 Meas. Type (measurement type).
The measurement type can be selected with the INTENS knob

.

14.2.3 Respect
Tr indicates that the measurement is done with respect to the
trigger signal. If e.g. the CH1 signal is used for triggering, the
result will be with respect to that signal.

Subject to change without notice

25

Controls and Readout

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSE T

VAR

x10

1MΩ II

15pF
max

100 Vp

LEVEL A/B (knob)

The LEVEL control allows to set the trigger level, i.e. the voltage
resp. signal level, which will generate a trigger to start the time
base whenever the signal passes that level. In most Yt modes
the readout will show a symbol the vertical position of which
indicates the signal point which will trigger. The trigger symbol
will not be shown those modes where there is no direct rela­tionship between trigger signal and trigger point.

In normal trigger mode the LEVEL control will move the trigger
symbol anywhere. In automatic peak-to-peak detection mode the
level can only be selected between the signal’s peak values.

The movement of the trigger symbol is vertical only. The range
of this symbol is limited in order to prevent that this symbol will
overwrite other readout information. As soon as the trigger sym­bol leaves the graticule its form will change, this change signals
in which direction the trigger symbol left the graticule.

Depending on the time base mode the LEVEL control will affect
the time base A or B triggering. Press the HOR pushbutton

in
order to select the time base mode in the ”Time base“ menu. In
”Search“ mode (alternate time base mode) the last trigger level
setting for time base A will remain valid (graticule left) if time
base B is switched to triggered mode. (Menu ”Time base“: set
B trigger to positive or negative slope). Thereafter the LEVEL
A/B control will control the time base B trigger, a second trigger
point symbol will be shown and marked with ”B“.

MODE (pushbutton)

Pressing this pushbutton will open the ”Trigger“ menu, where
AUTO and NORMAL can be selected. Choosing ”Slope“ will allow
to trigger on any signal shape. For video signals select ”Video“
and press the FILTER pushbutton
of special trigger modes for composite video signals.
In XY mode the pushbuttons MODE

are disabled as there is no triggering in XY mode.

in order to fi nd a choice

, FILTER and SOURCE

16.1 Auto (trigger)

Automatic triggering (Auto) is active if the NORM display
is not illuminated. In ”Auto“ the time base will be periodically
started even if there is no signal or when no triggers are ge­nerated because the settings are incorrect. Signals of < 20 Hz
can not be triggered as the automatic start will have occurred
before the signal arrived. Automatic triggering is possible with
or without peak detection. The LEVEL A/B

control will be

active in both modes.

In peak detection mode the range of the level control is limited
to the peak-to-peak voltage of the signal. Without peak detection
any level can be set. If the trigger level is set such that no trig­gers are generated the automatic triggering will nevertheless
start the time base. The signal will thus remain visible but will
be untriggered.

Whether peak detection is active or not depends on the mode
and the settings in ”FILTER“ (trigger coupling). The mode active
will be shown by the behaviour of the trigger point symbol when
turning the LEVEL knob.

16.2. Normal (trigger)

If the NORM-LED

lights up normal triggering was selected. In
normal trigger mode both the peak detection and the automatic
time base start will be disabled. Hence if there is no suffi cient
trigger signal the screen will remain dark in analog mode. In
this mode there is no lower frequency limit for signals.

FILTER (pushbutton)

After this pushbutton is depressed it will depend on the settings
chosen in MODE
XY mode the pushbuttons: MODE

are disabled as XY displays can not be triggered.

17.1 Menu: Slope

The menu ”Edge“ will appear if ”Edge“ was selected in the
”Trigger“ menu to be called with MODE

(Edge, Video) which menu will be offered. In

, FILTER and SOURCE

pushbutton and

26

Subject to change without notice

Controls and Readout

after the FILTER

pushbutton was depressed. For further
information see ”Trigger coupling“ (Menu ”FILTER“) under
the heading ”Triggering and time bases“ and the instrument
specifi cations. The following settings are available:

17.1.1 Trig. Filter
– AC: The trigger signal is AC coupled via a large capacitor in

order to reach a low cut-off frequency.

Readout: ”Tr:Source, Slope, AC“

– DC: The trigger signal is DC coupled. No peak triggering is

possible.

Readout: ”Tr: Source, Slope, DC“

– HF: AC coupling with a small capacitor suppressing low

frequency signals. Hence the signal display and the trigger
signal derived are not any more identical. The trigger point
symbol is switched off. As a combination of HF coupling and
LF or Noise Reject is not meaningful both menu options will
not be shown.

Readout: ”Tr:Source, Slope, HF“.

– LF: The trigger signal is sent through a low pass in order to

suppress high frequency components. As this will already
suppress hf the noise rejection mode will be set to OFF
automatically.

Readout: ”Tr:Source, Slope, AC or DC, LF“.

– Noise Reject: Noise rejection (reduction) means a reduced

trigger amplifi er bandwidth and consequently less trigger
signal noise.

Readout: ”Tr:Source, Slope, AC or DC, NR“.

17.1.2 Slope
SLOPE determines whether the rising or falling portion of
a signal shall trigger, the level is set with the LEVEL A/B
control.

In BOTH MODE both slopes will trigger. This allows e.g. the
display of eye diagrams.

17.2.2 Norm
The pushbutton allows the selection of the US standard of 525
lines and 60 Hz or the European standard with 625 lines and
50 Hz. With any change of standard the line number will be
automatically changed, too.

17.2.3 Polarity
Composite video signals may have both polarities. Selection of
the right polarity is vital as the scope should be triggered by the
sync pulses and not the video content.

Positive polarity is defi ned by the video content being more
positive than the sync signals and vice versa.

If the polarity was wrongly selected there will be no triggering
at all, an untriggered display or no signal capture.

SOURCE (pushbutton)

Depressing this pushbutton will call various menus depending
on the previously selected mode (MODE
and Video. In XY mode the pushbuttons: MODE
SOURCE

are disabled as XY displays can not be triggered.

18.1 Edge-/Video-Trigger
In the ”Trigger SOURCE“ menu the source is selected from
which the trigger signal is to be taken. The options depend on
the actual mode of the scope.

18.1.1 CH1
Conditions: EDGE or VIDEO selected.
CH1 will then be the trigger source, no matter whether it is
displayed or not.
Readout: ”Tr:CH1, (Slope), Filter (TV)“.

18.1.2 CH2
Conditions: EDGE or VIDEO selected.
CH2 will then be the trigger source, no matter whether it is
displayed or not.
Readout: ”Tr:CH2, (Slope), Filter (TV).“

pushbutton): Edge

, FILTER and

17.2 Menu: Video

In order to reach the menu ”Video“ proceed as follows:
Press MODE
press the FILTER

to open the ”Trigger“ menu, select ”Video“, then

pushbutton. Further information can be
found under ”Video“ (TV signal triggering) in the chapter ”Trig­gering and time bases“ and in the instrument specifi cations.
The following settings are available:

17.2.1 Frame, Line.
Depending on the setting chosen triggering will be on frame
or line sync pulses. The selection will also affect other menu
items.

Readout: ”Tr:Source, TV“.

17.2.1.1 Frame

– ALL: In this mode the sync pulses of each half frame can

trigger.

– Even: In this mode only the sync pulses of even half frames

can trigger.

– Odd: In this mode only the sync pulses of odd half frames

can trigger.

17.2.1.2 Line.

- All: In this mode all line sync pulses can trigger.

- Line No: The line number with its line pulse that is used for

triggering can be selected with the INTENS knob

.

- Line min: One pushbutton operation will be suffi cient to

switch back to the lowest possible line number.

18.1.3 Alt. 1/2
Conditions: EDGE-Triggering. Alternate triggering with the
signals from channels 1 and 2 as described in the section ”Al­ternate Trigger“ of chapter ”Triggering and time bases“. Please
note that in this trigger mode the apparent time relationships
between the two signals on the screen are meaningless and
misleading, the relative position of the two signals depends only
on their shape and the trigger level selected.

In dual channel mode (DUAL) alternate triggering is only pos­sible in conjunction with alternate dual channel operation. If
previously dual trace chopped mode was selected (VERT/XY

pushbutton) > DUAL chop) it will be automatically changed
to alternate mode when alternate triggering is selected. After
”Alt. 1/2“ is turned off dual trace chopped mode may be selec­ted again.
Readout: ”Tr:alt, Slope, Filter“.

18.1.4 External
In this mode the trigger signal comes from AUXILIARY INPUT

). Readout: ”Tr:alt, Slope, Filter“.

18.1.5 AC Line
The trigger signal is taken from the line which feeds the oscil­loscope.
See also the section ”Line triggering“ in the chapter ”Triggering
and time bases“.
Readout: ”Tr:alt, Line, Slope“.

Subject to change without notice

27

Controls and Readout

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSE T

VAR

x10

1MΩ II

15pF
max

100 Vp

TRIG’d display (not in XY-mode)

This LED will light up if the time base receives a trigger signal.
It depends upon the trigger signal whether the LED will just
blink or remain illuminated.

NORM display

This display will light up provided ”Auto“ triggering was not
selected. The mode can be selected in the ”Trigger“ menu called
by pressing (MODE

). The light points out that the screen will

remain dark as long as there is no suffi cient trigger signal.

HOLD-OFF display

This display will light up if the hold-off time was set to > 0% in
order to indicate that the longer than minimum hold-off time
may cause a lower rep rate of the time base and thus a darker
display. Setting the hold-off time requires pressing the HOR
pushbutton

which calls the menu ”Time base“. Only the time

base A hold-off time may be changed.

See the section ”Hold-off time setting“ in the chapter ”Triggering
and time bases“.

X-POS DELAY (pushbutton)

This pushbutton allows to change the function of the HORI­ZONTAL knob

.

The position control is especially useful when the magnifi er
(MAG. x 10

) is switched on. The magnifi er will magnify the
display 10 times around the screen centre, with the control the
portion of the signal to be studied can be shifted on-screen.

22.2 DELAY
In order to change the function of the HORIZONTAL-knob

to

DELAY proceed as follows:

Press the HOR pushbutton

which will present the ”Time
base“ menu, select ”Search“ or ”B only“, then the function of
the knob will be changed if the pushbutton is depressed. It will
light up to show that the knob is now the delay time control.

In SEARCH mode both traces (time base A and B) alternate.
Unlike the former time base A ONLY mode, a sector with high­er intensity is visible on the A trace. This sector can be moved
continuously by the delay time control. The time between the
A trace start and the beginning of the intensifi ed sector is the
delay time. This information is also displayed in the readout
(”Dt: …“) and is an aid to fi nd the position of the intensifi ed sector
which may be very small. If time base ”B only“ is chosen the
intensifi ed sector is no longer visible, but the DELAY function
still can be used.
Without activated ”B Trigger“ function, the B time base will be
started after the A time base delay time ”elapsed“.

HORIZONTAL knob

The pushbutton signals the actually selected function in accor­dance with the front panel lettering:

dark: X-position control
green: Delay time control

22.1 X-POS

If the pushbutton is dark the HORIZONTAL-knob

functions
as X position control, i.e. it moves the signal display horizon­tally.

28

Subject to change without notice

The various functions of this knob depend on the operating mode
and are described under X-POS DELAY

pushbutton.

TIME/DIV.–VAR knob

This knob is normally used as the time base speed selector, but
has also other functions dependent on the operating mode. In
XY mode this control is disabled.

Controls and Readout

24.1 Time base A time/cm selection

This function is active if in the ”Time base“ menu (HOR push­button

) ”A only“ was selected and the option ”A variable On

Off“ was set to Off.

Turning the knob CCW will decrease, turning it CW will increa­se the time base speed. The time base speed may be chosen
between 500 ms/cm... 50 ns/cm in a 1-2-5 sequence and will be
calibrated. The readout will show the setting (e.g. ”A:50ns“).

24.2 Time base B time/cm selection
This function is active if in the ”Time base“ menu (HOR push­button

) ”Search“ or ”B only“ was selected and the option ”B

variable On Off“ was set to Off.

Turning the control CCW will decrease, turning it CW will in­crease the time base speed. The speed can be selected between
20 ms/cm ... 50 ns/cm in a 1-2-5 sequence and will be calibrated.
The readout will show the speed (e.g. ”B:50ns“).
The time base B allows to display portions of the time base
A display on an expanded time base scale. This implies that
the speed of TB B must always be greater than that of TB A.
Therefore with the exception of 50 ns/cm TB B can not be set
to the same speed as TB A.

Further information is available in the section ”Time base B

nd

(2

time base/Delay/Triggering“ in the chapter ”Triggering

and time bases“.

24.3 Variable
The TIME/DIV–VAR control may also be used to change the time
base speed continuously but uncalibrated. ”VAR“ will light up
on top of the HOR pushbutton

in order to warn that the time
base is uncalibrated and the knob has now that function.
In order to arrive at that function press HOR

which calls
the ”Time base“ menu. Depending whether time base A or B
is selected either ”A variable On Off“ or ”B variable On Off“ will
be shown. The function pushbutton can then be used to select
On/Off.
In order to point out that the time base is now uncalibrated
the readout will replace ”:“ by ”>“ preceding the time/cm. (e.g.
”A>500ns“ and ”B>200ns“). Also the results of cursor time/pe­riod measurements will be marked that way.

MAG x10 (pushbutton)

Pressing this pushbutton will turn on the x 10 magnifi er. No
menu will be shown.

If ”x10“ is illuminated on the MAG pushbutton the magnifi er is
activated. The adjusted time/cm will be shown in the top left
readout.

Depending on the time base mode turning on the magnifi er will
have these effects:

HOR (pushbutton)

This pushbutton will open the ”Time base“ menu the contents
of which depends on the operating mode selected.

26.1 A only

Only the time base A will be operative. The readout will thus only
show ”A...“ in the top left corner. The TIME/DIV-VAR knob will
set the time base A speed. With the MAG x10 pushbutton the
display may be expanded around the screen centre, increasing
the speed by 10. If the mode is changed from time base A to
”Search“ or ”B only“ all settings of time base A remain intact
including triggering.

26.2 Search
This mode implies alternate time base operation. The readout
will show the speeds of both time bases (”A...“ and ”B...“). The
TIME/DIV-VAR knob will set the time base B speed.

In alternate time base mode part of the time base A display
will be intensifi ed. The horizontal position of the intensifi ed
portion may be shifted using the HORIZONTAL knob
provided its function was set to DELAY, this is the case if the
X-POS DELAY pushbutton
intensifi ed sector is determined by the speed of time base
B and is equal to the run time of B. Hence this intensifi ed
portion of A will be spread over the full screen as displayed
by B and thus expanded. The Y-position of the signal is the
same when displayed with either A or B. This means, however,
that both displays will be written over each other. In order to
separate them on the screen for better readability an artifi cial
Y offset may be added to the time base B display. Press the
CH1/2-CURSOR-TRACE SEP pushbutton
”Pos./Scale“ menu. Press the function pushbutton TB B, this
will cause the POSITION 1 knob to act as the position control
for the time base B display. (Trace separation.) See also 9.1.2
Y-position 2

nd

time base. This function makes sense only in
”Search“ and is unavailable in any other. Also in ”Search“ the
10 x magnifi er is available by pressing the pushbutton MAG x10

. The magnifi er will affect solely time base B.

26.3 ”B only“:
In this mode only time base B will be displayed, the readout
will thus only show the time base B speed in the top left cor­ner (”B..“). The TIME/DIV-VAR knob will set the time base B
speed.
The 10x magnifi er is available by pressing MAG x10
expand the display around the screen centre.

26.4 B trigger – Edge
In this mode time base B will not start immediately after the
delay time set elapsed, but it will be only set ready waiting
for a signal trigger. This has the advantage that any jitter is
removed, but the delay time adjustment will now only have
the effect that the time base B display will jump from signal
period to period. In this setting a positive slope will trigger.

is illuminated. The length of the

which calls the

and will

,

25.1 ”Time base A only“

The display will be expanded around the screen centre by a
factor of 10, the time/cm adjusted accordingly.

25.2 ”Search“ (A and B times bases alternated)

The time base A speed will not be affected. The time base B
speed will be increased by a factor of 10, hence the time base
B display will be expanded 10-fold in X direction.

25.3 ”B only“:

The time base B speed will be increased by a factor of 10 and
the display hence expanded 10-fold in X direction.

The (trigger) LEVEL A/B knob

will set the trigger level for
B. Only normal triggering and DC-coupling are possible. All
parameters of time base A remain stored and preserved. (LE­VEL, auto or normal, Slope, coupling). In addition to the delay
time (”Dt:...“) also the B trigger parameters are shown in the
readout: ”BTr:slope, DC“. In ”Search“ mode the trigger point
symbol will be preceded by ”B“. As mentioned changing the
delay time will not cause a continuous move of the intensifi ed
portion of the time base A display and the time base B display,
but jumps from signal period to period.
If the trigger level symbol of time base B is shifted outside the
signal representation by time base A there will be no triggering

Subject to change without notice

29

Controls and Readout

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSE T

VAR

x10

1MΩ II

15pF
max

100 Vp

of time base B any more and thus no time base B display. The
same holds in time base B only mode.

26.5 B trigger – Edge
Except for the negative edge the function is identical to the one
described above (26.4).

26.6 B trigger – OFF
Time base B will be started upon the end of the delay time set.
The delay time can be changed continuously in this mode which
can be watched on the intensifi ed sector of the time base A
display. The disadvantage here is that with very long delay times
jitter of the time base B display may crop up.

As time base B is not operated in the signal triggered mode
the controls for time base B trigger will be disabled resp. are
only for time base A.

26.7 A variable – On Off
If ”On“ was selected the TIME/DIV-VAR knob

will function
as variable control for the time base A speed. Only in time
base A only mode this option will be available in the menu.
For a full description see ”24.3 Variable“.

26.8 B variable – On Off
If ”On“ was selected the TIME/DIV-VAR knob

will function
as the time base B variable control. For a full description see
”24.3 Variable“.

26.9 Holdoff …%
In this mode the hold-off time may be selected from 0 to 100
% with the INTENS knob

. Values >0 extend the waiting time
after a sweep before a new one can start and decrease thus the
repetition rate which may darken the display. This is indicated
by the HOLD OFF-LED

lighting up. The hold-off time is only
valid for time base A.
Further information can be found in the section ”Hold-off adjust­ment“ in the chapter ”Triggering and time bases“.

CH1 (pushbutton)

This pushbutton opens the CH1 menu which contains the
following options refering to CH1
on CH1.

27.1. AC DC

Pressing the pushbutton will switch from AC to DC or vice versa.
The mode selected will be shown in the readout following the
sensitivity setting: ~ is for AC and = is for DC.

27.1.1 DC coupling
The signal will be directly coupled, from the BNC connector via
the attenuator to the vertical amplifi er. The input resistance is
1 MOhm in all positions of the attenuator.

27.1.2 AC coupling
A capacitor is inserted between the BNC connector and the
attenuator, blocking the DC content of the signal and creating a
low frequency cut-off at approx. 2 Hz. This will affect the shape
and amplitude of signals with low frequency content. If the DC
content of the signal changes or the duty cycle of pulses the
capacitor will charge or discharge, this will cause a momentary
Y shift of the display.

27.2 Ground On Off

The pushbutton will either connect the amplifi er to the signal
or to ground. If set to Ground the readout will show a ground
symbol following the sensitivity setting, at the same place
where formerly the coupling was indicated. In the Ground
position and with automatic triggering a trace will be visible,
this is handy for setting the Y-position of it e.g. to the screen
centre without disconnecting the signal. The readout will
show a symbol (

) for 0 V which will be close to the vertical
centre line of the graticule, it is the zero reference for any
measurements. After switching back to the signal its ampli­tude can now be determined with respect to the formerly set
zero reference.

input resp. to the signal

30

Subject to change without notice

Controls and Readout

27.3 Invert On Off (unavailable in XY-mode)

This pushbutton will alternate between not inverted or inverted
of the CH1 signal. The readout will indicate an inverted display
by placing a bar above the CH1. The trigger signal derived from
CH1 will not be affected by an inversion.

27.4 Probe submenu

Pressing the pushbutton will open the ”CH1 probe“ submenu.

27.4.1 *1 - *10 - *100 - *1000.
A selection of probe attenuation factors from 1 to 1,000 is pos­sible. The value selected will be automatically taken into account
regarding the sensitivity indicated and measurements.

27.4.2 Auto
If Auto is selected HAMEG probes with automatic probe iden­tifi cation connectors will be recognized by the scope and the
appropriate factor taken into account. The factor recognized
will be indicated following AUTO.

Probes without that special connector will cause the display
”auto *1“ and treated as 1:1 probes.

27.5 Variable On Off

If activated VAR on the CH1 pushbutton
The readout will replace ”:“ by ”>“ (e.g. ”CH1>5mV“.) and this
also in any cursor measurements pointing out that the sensitivity
is uncalibrated.

The VOLTS/DIV-VAR knob
can change the sensitivity continuously between 1 mV/cm to
> 20 V/cm.

will function as variable which

will be illuminated.

VERT/XY (pushbutton)

This pushbutton switches the ”vertical“ menu on/off. This
menu allows to select the operating modes of the vertical
amplifi ers.

28.1 CH1
If CH1 is selected only CH1 will be turned on, the mode is Yt. Also
the readout will only display the parameters of CH1. (sensitivity,
inverted/not inverted, coupling.)
Although CH2 will not appear in the readout it may be used e.g.
as a trigger input. Its controls are active but are not shown.

switched at some high frequency so they are both visible at any
sweep speed. This is, however, not appropriate for fast sweep
speeds as the switching may become visible and may interfere
with the proper signal display.

28.4 ADD

In ADD mode the signals of both channels are algebraically
added and displayed as one sum signal. The Y-position can be
changed with both position controls. If one channel is inverted
the difference will be displayed. Only one ”0 V“ symbol will
be shown in the readout. The ADD mode will be indicated by
placing a ”+“ symbol between the sensitivity indications of both
channels.

Please note that the results of cursor measurements in this
mode will only be correct if the sensitivities of both channels are
identical, otherwise the readout will show ”CH1<>CH2“.

Automatic voltage measurements can not be performed in ADD
mode. The readout will show ”n/a“ = not available.

As the trigger signals are taken off the inputs and not from the
added signal there is no true reference for the trigger point
symbol, the symbol will thus be switched off. However, the
LEVEL A/B control

28.5 XY-mode

In this mode CH1 will move the trace in X direction, hence the
readout will show ”CHX..“, CH2 will move the trace in Y direction,
hence ”CHY...“ will be shown rather than ”CH2...“.

As the time bases are not involved in XY no time base related
information will be shown. Also the trigger circuits are disabled
so no trigger information is shown, either.

The magnifi er MAG x10
will be shown as triangles at the right hand graticule and above
the sensitivities.

Both the HORIZONTAL
move the trace horizontally. The Y-position is controlled by the
POSITION 2 knob.

The CH1 signal can not be inverted, there is hence no menu
item in the CH1 menu (CH1 pushbutton

knob is disabled.

is active.

is disabled. The ”0-Volt“ symbols

or the POSITION 1 knobs will

). The TIME/DIV-VAR

28.2 CH2
If CH2 is selected only CH2 will be active, it is Yt-mode, and only
its parameters will be shown in the readout.

Although CH1 will not appear in the readout it may be used e.g.
as a trigger input. Its controls are active but are not shown.

28.3 DUAL trace alt./chop
In dual trace mode both channels are turned on and the para­meters of both are shown in the readout. Between the sensi­tivity indications there is an indication whether alternate ”alt.“
or chopped ”chp“ mode is active. Normally, the mode will be
automatically set by the time base speed selection, but it may
be directly set using the function pushbutton. For time base
speeds of 500 ms/cm to 500 μs/cm chopped will be used, from
200 μs/cm to 50 ns/cm alternate. This refers to unmagnifi ed
time bases.
Alternate is the preferred mode, at any time one channel is
displayed for a full sweep, after each sweep the other channel
has its turn. At slow sweep speeds this will cause annoying
fl icker, at still slower ones the channel switching becomes
visible. Here, the chopped mode steps in, both channels are

28.6 Bandwidth Full/20 MHz

This pushbutton will select full or 20 MHz bandwidth.

Full:
Full bandwidth will be the one given in the specifi cations.

20 MHz:
Provided measuring modes allow full bandwidth (i.e. ≥ 5 mV/cm)
this can be reduced to 20 MHz (–3 dB) in order to attenuate high
frequency noise e.g. The readout will show BWL = bandwidth
limited. The bandwidth limitation affects both channels.

CH2 (pushbutton)

This pushbutton opens the CH2 menu which offers the following
options:

29.1 AC DC

The pushbutton will alternate between AC and DC coupling.
The readout shows a ”~“ or ”=“ symbol behind the sensitivity
indication.

Subject to change without notice

31

Controls and Readout

POWER

POWER

INTENS

!

EXIT MENU

REMOTE OFF

POSITION 1 POSITION 2

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

20 V 1 mV 20 V 1 mV

CH 1

VAR

X-INP

!

CAT I

FOCUS
TRACE

MENU

REM

CH 1/2

CURSOR

TRACE

SEP

AUTO/

CURSOR

MEASURE

VERT/XY

INPUTS

1MΩII15pF

max

400 Vp

VOLTS / DIV

VAR

CH 2 HOR MAG

VAR

150 MHz

ANALOG

OSCILLOSCOPE

HM1500

LEVEL A/B

TRIGGER

MODE

FILTER

SOURCE

AUX

!

CAT I

TRIG ’d

NORM

HOLD OFF

TRIGGER
EXTERN

Z-INPUT

SAVE/

RECALL

SETTINGS HELP

HORIZONTAL

X-POS

DELAY

TIME / DIV

0.5s 50ns

VAR

AUXILIARY INPUT

AUTOSE T

VAR

x10

1MΩ II

15pF
max

100 Vp

29.1.1 DC coupling
The signal will be directly coupled to the input amplifi er via
the BNC connector

and the input attenuator. The input
resistance of the scope is a constant 1 MOhm irrespective of
the sensitivity selected.

29.1.2 AC coupling
A capacitor is inserted between the BNC connector and the
attenuator, thus the DC content of the signal is blocked and
a high pass with a lower cut-off frequency of approx. 2 Hz is
created. Low frequency signals will thus be more or less diffe­rentiated, hence their shape and amplitude affected.

If the DC content of the signal changes, e.g. the duty cycle of
pulses, the capacitor must charge or discharge. This will cause
a momentary Y shift of the display.

29.2 Ground (GND) On Off

The pushbutton will alternate between switching the amplifi er
input to the signal or to ground.
If the signal is disconnected resp. the amplifi er input connected
to ground the readout will show a ground symbol behind the
sensitivity indication. In automatic trigger mode the trace will
be visible in a reference position which can be used as a 0 V
ground reference. The readout will show a symbol (

) for 0 V
which will be close to the vertical centre line of the graticule, it
is the zero reference for any measurements.
Referred to the trace position 0 V a DC voltage may be measured
after the input was returned to the signal.

29.3 Invert On Off

The pushbutton will alternate between not inverted and inverted.
An inverted signal will be indicated in the readout by bar above
the channel symbol. The trigger signal taken from an input will
not be affected.

29.4 Probe menu

This pushbutton opens the ”CH2 probe“ submenu.

29.4.1 *1 - *10 - *100 - *1000
A selection of 4 factors can be made, the factor chosen will be
automatically taken into account for all displays and measure­ments.

29.4.2 auto
If ”auto“ was selected HAMEG probes with special probe iden­tifi cation connectors will be automatically identifi ed and the
appropriate factor taken into account. The probe factor identifi ed
will be shown behind AUTO.
Probes without that special connector will be treated as 1:1
probes (display ”auto*1“), for those the factor must be manu­ally set.

29.5 Variable On Off

If the variable is on VAR on the pushbutton will be illuminated
and indicates that the sensitivity is now uncalibrated, the readout
will show ”>“ instead of ”:“ (e.g. ”CH2>5 mV“) The results of
cursor measurements will be identifi ed accordingly.
The VOLTS/DIV-VAR knob

of CH2 has now the function of
variable, the sensitivity can be varied between 1 mV/cm to
> 20 V/cm.

INPUT CH1 (BNC connector)

This is the CH1 signal input connector. In Yt mode it is a Y input,
in XY-mode it is the X signal input. The connector housing is
connected to the instrument housing and thus to safety ground.
The ring around the connector is the probe identifi cation contact,
no voltage may be applied here.

INPUT CH2 (BNC connector)

This is the CH2 signal input connector. It is a Y input in Yt and
XY mode. The connector housing is connected to the instru­ment housing and thus to safety ground. The ring around the
connector is the probe identifi cation contact, no voltage may
be applied here.

32

Subject to change without notice

AUX pushbutton

POWER

This pushbutton belongs to AUXILIARY INPUT (additional
input). The menu called by this pushbutton will depend upon
the actual operating mode.

Controls and Readout

32.1 AUXILIARY INPUT

setting external triggering press SOURCE

is the external trigger input. For

, select the ”Trig.

Source“ menu, then ”External“.

32.2 If ”External“ triggering was not selected the menu
”Z Input“ will open up. If ”Off“ is chosen AUXILIARY INPUT
has no function. If ”On“ is chosen it will function as Z input i.e.
intensity modulation input. This input is destined for TTL signals,
a voltage of > 1 V

will turn off the trace.

p

AUXILIARY INPUT (BNC connector)

The input can serve as external trigger or Z-axis (intensity
modulation) input.
The connector housing is connected to the instrument housing
and thus to safety ground. The ring around the connector is the
probe identifi cation contact, no voltage may be applied here.

PROBE ADJ. (connector)

A square wave signal of 0.2 Vpp is available for the adjustment
of 10:1 probes. The frequency can be selected by pressing
the pushbutton PROBE ADJ. and calling the menu ”Utilities“.
Further information may be found in the section ”Probe adjust­ment and use“ in the chapter ”Operation and presettings“.

PROBE ADJ (pushbutton)

This pushbutton produces the menu ”Utilities“, two options
are available:

35.1 COMP. Tester On Off.

If ”On“ is chosen a trace and a readout display ”Component
Tester“ will appear.
In this mode the 4 mm connectors labelled ”COMPONENT
TESTER“ become the measuring input. See also the chapter
”Component Tester“.
Choosing ”Off“ will return the instrument to all former set­tings.

35.2 Calibrator 1 kHz 1 MHz

Depending on the setting the square wave signal frequency at
the PROBE ADJ – socket is 1 kHz or 1 MHz.

COMPONENT TESTER (sockets)

Both 4 mm diameter sockets serve as a two pole input for
component test. Further information can be found under section
Component Tester.

ANALOGSCOPE

Instruments

COMPONENT

TESTER

PROBE

ADJ

Subject to change without notice

33

Controls and Readout

34

Subject to change without notice

Controls and Readout

Subject to change without notice

35

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum Analyzer

Power Supplies

Modularsystem

Serie s 8000

Programmable Instruments

Series 8100

authorized dealer

41-1500-00E1

www.hameg.de

Subject to change without notice
41-1500-00E1 / 25-08-2005-gw HAMEG Instruments GmbH
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A Rohde & Schwarz Company D-63533 Mainhausen
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