HP 54600 User Manual

Errata

54600/1/2/3B Oscilloscope User & Service Guide
54600-97021

November 1997

Title & Document Type:

Manual Part Number:

Revision Date:

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User and
Service Guide

Publication number 54600-97021
November 1997 (pdf version Nov 1998)

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

© Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 1992, 1997
All Rights Reserved

HP 54600B, HP54601B,
HP 54602B, and HP 54603B
Oscilloscopes

General-Purpose Oscilloscopes

The HP 54600B-Series Oscilloscopes offer exceptional waveform
viewing and measurements in a small, lightweight package. The
two-channel HP 54600B and HP 54603B are suited for production,
field service, and education applications. The four-channel
HP 54601B is best suited for research and design labs, and
applications involving digital circuit test and troubleshooting. For
higher frequency applications, the HP 54602B provides 150 MHz
bandwidth and triggering up to 250 MHz. Each of these oscilloscopes
gives you:

60-MHz bandwidth (HP 54603B)

•

100-MHz bandwidth (HP 54600B and HP 54601B)
150-MHz bandwidth (HP 54602B)

Automatic setup of the front panel

•

Automatic and cursor measurements of frequency, time, and voltage

•

Waveform storage

•

Save and recall of 16 front-panel setups

•

Peak detect

•

These oscilloscopes are easy to use with familiar controls and high
display update rate, but with none of the viewing problems that are
associated with analog oscilloscopes. A bright, crisp display is
obtained at all sweep speeds and delayed sweep magnifications.
Storage is as simple as pressing a button. Negative time allows the
viewing of events that occur before the trigger event. Cursors and
automatic measurements greatly simplify the analysis of these events.

You can upgrade this oscilloscope for hardcopy or remote control with
the addition of an interface module. Unattended waveform
monitoring and additional waveform math, such as FFT, can be added
with the addition of one of the Measurement/Storage modules.

ii

Bring your scope and PC together with BenchLink software.
BenchLink, which runs under Windows, allows easy transfer of scope
traces and waveform data to your PC for incorporation into
documents or storage.

Accessories supplied

Two 1.5 meter, 10:1 Probes (HP 10071A)

•

Power cord for country of destination

•

This

•

• Programmer’s Guide

Accessories available

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

User and Service Guide

with Microsoft Windows Help file, ascii help

file, and sample programs.

HP 34810B BenchLink/Scope Software for Windows
HP 54650A HP-IB Interface Module
HP 54652A Parallel Interface Module
HP 54654A Operator’s Training Kit
HP 54655A and HP 54656A Test Automation Modules
HP 54657A HP-IB Measurement Storage Module
HP 54659B Serial/Parallel Measurement/Storage Modules
HP 5041-9409 Carrying Case
HP 5062-7345 Rackmount Kit
HP 10070A 1.5 meter, 1:1 Probe
HP 10100C 50 Ω Termination

•

iii

Options available

Option 001 RS-03 Magnetic Interference Shielding Added to CRT

•

Option 002 RE-02 Display Shield Added to CRT

•

Option 005 Enhanced TV/Video Trigger (HP 54602B only)

•

Option 090 Deletes Probes

•

Option 101 Accessory Pouch and Front-Panel Cover

•

Option 102 Two Additional HP 10071A 10:1 Probes (HP 54602B

•

only)
Option 103 Operator’s Training Kit (HP 54654A)

•

Option 104 Carrying Case (HP 5041-9409)

•

Option 106 BenchLink/Scope Software (HP 34810B)

•

Option 1CM Rackmount Kit (HP 5062-7345)

•

Power Cords (see the table of Replaceable Parts at the end of

•

Chapter 4, Service.)

iv

In This Book

This manual is the user and service
guide for the HP 54600B, HP 54601B,
HP 54602B, and HP 54603B
Oscilloscopes, and contains five
chapters.

First Time UsersChapter 1 is a quick
start guide that gives you a brief overview
of the oscilloscope.

Advanced usersChapter 2 is a series of
exercises that guide you through the
operation of the oscilloscope.

TV/Video triggeringChapter 3 shows
how to use enhanced TV/Video triggering
if you have Option 005 installed in your
oscilloscope.

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

1

Operating Your Oscilloscope

2

Using Option 005 Enhanced

3

TV/Video Trigger (HP 54602B)

Service

4

Performance Characteristics

5

Glossary

Index

Service techniciansChapter 4
contains the service information for the
oscilloscope. There are procedures for
verifying performance, adjusting,
troubleshooting, and replacing assemblies
in the oscilloscope.

Reference informationChapter 5 lists
the characteristics of the oscilloscope.

v

vi

Contents

1 The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To inspect the instrument 1–6
To clean the instrument 1–6
To connect a signal to the oscilloscope 1–7
To display a signal automatically 1–9
To set up the vertical window 1–10
To set up the time base 1–12
To trigger the oscilloscope 1–14
To use roll mode 1–16

2 Operating Your Oscilloscope

To use delayed sweep 2–3
To use storage oscilloscope operation 2–6
To capture a single event 2–8
To capture glitches or narrow pulses 2–10
To trigger on a complex waveform 2–12
To make frequency measurements automatically 2–14
To make time measurements automatically 2–16
To make voltage measurements automatically 2–19
To make cursor measurements 2–22
To view asynchronous noise on a signal 2–26
To reduce the random noise on a signal 2–28
To save or recall traces 2–31
To save or recall front-panel setups 2–32
To reset the instrument setup 2–33
To use the XY display mode 2–34
To analyze video waveforms 2–38

Contents–1

Contents

3 Using Option 005 Enhanced TV/Video Trigger (HP 54602B)

To select TV display grid 3–4
To autoscale on a video signal 3–4
To trigger on a specific line of video 3–5
To trigger on all TV line sync pulses 3–7
To trigger on a specific field of the video signal 3–8
To trigger on all fields of the video signal 3–9
To trigger on odd or even fields 3–10
To make cursor measurements 3–12
To use delayed sweep 3–14
To analyze video waveforms with Option 005 3–16
To window in on harmonic distortion using FFT 3–18
To connect to other instruments 3–20

4Service

To return the oscilloscope to Hewlett-Packard 4–4

Verifying Oscilloscope Performance 4–5

To check the output of the
To verify voltage measurement accuracy 4–7
To verify bandwidth 4–10
To verify bandwidth (alternate method) 4–12
To verify horizontal ∆t and 1/∆t accuracy 4–16
To verify trigger sensitivity 4–18
To verify Vertical Output on Option 005 4-22

DC CALIBRATOR

4–6

Contents–2

Adjusting the Oscilloscope 4–27

To adjust the power supply 4–28
To perform the self-calibration 4–31
To adjust the low-frequency compensation 4–33
To adjust the high-frequency pulse response 4–35
To adjust the display 4–37
To adjust the Option 005 offset (R15)

(HP 54602B only)

Troubleshooting the Oscilloscope 4–40

To construct your own dummy load 4–41
To check out the oscilloscope 4–42
To check the Low Voltage Power Supply 4–45
To run the internal self-tests 4–46
To troubleshoot Option 005

(HP 54602B only)

4–48

Contents

4–39

Replacing Parts in the Oscilloscope 4–49

To replace an assembly 4–50
To remove the fan 4–51
To remove the front panel 4–51
To remove the display 4–53
To remove the system board 4–53
Power supply 4–54
Keyboard 4–55
To remove the handle 4–56
To remove the Option 005 board 4–56
To order a replacement part 4–57

Contents–3

Glossary

Contents

5 Performance Characteristics

Vertical System 5–3
Horizontal System 5–5

Trigger System 5–6
XY Operation 5–8
Display System 5–8
Acquisition System 5–9
Advanced Functions 5–10
Power Requirements 5–10
General 5–11
Option 005 General Performance Characteristics
Option 005 Trigger System

(HP 54602B only)

(HP 54602B only)

5–14

5–13

Index

Contents–4

1

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

One of the first things you will want to do with your new oscilloscope
is to become acquainted with its front panel. Therefore, we have
written the exercises in this chapter to familiarize you with some of its
controls.

The front panel has knobs, grey keys, and white keys. The knobs are
used most often and are similar to the knobs on other oscilloscopes.
The grey keys bring up softkey menus on the display that allow you
access to many of the oscilloscope features. The white keys are
instant action keys and menus are not associated with them.

Throughout this book, the front-panel keys are denoted by a box
around the name of the key, and softkeys are denoted by a change in
the text type. For example,
labeled source under the trigger portion of the front panel, and

Line

is a softkey. The word

directly above an unlabeled softkey (which is also grey).

Source

Line

is at the bottom of the display

is the grey front-panel key

1–2

Figure 1–1

General
controls

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

Figure 1-1 is a diagram of the front-panel controls and input
connectors of the HP 54600B and HP 54603B. Figure 1-2 is a diagram
of the front-panel controls and input connectors of the HP 54601B
and HP 54602B.

Figure 1-3 is a status line example on the HP 54602B. The status line,
located at the top of of the display, lets you quickly determine the
setup of the oscilloscope. In this chapter you will learn to read at a
glance the setup of the oscilloscope from the status line.

Figure 1-4 is a diagram showing which grey keys to press to bring up
the various softkey menus.

Storage
keys

Channel
controls

Channel
inputs

HP 54600B and HP 54603B Front Panel Controls

Trigger
controls

External
trigger input

Horizontal
controls

1–3

Figure 1–2

General
controls

Channel
controls

Channel
inputs

HP 54601B and HP 54602B Fr ont Panel Contro ls

Storage
keys

Horizontal
controls

Trigger
controls

Figure 1–3

Channel 1 is on, ac coupled, inverted, 100 mV/div

HP 54602B Display Stat us Line Indicator s

1–4

Channel 4 is on, 10 V/ di v

Channel 3 is off

Channel 2 is on, 4 V/div

Delaye d sw eep is on, 500 ns /div

Main swee p 500 µs/div

Auto st o re is on

Auto triggered, positive
slope; trigger source is
channel 1

Peak detect is on and operating

Figure 1– 4

Press this key To obtain this menu

To obtain this menuPress this key

Softkey Menu Reference

1–5

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To inspect the instrument

To inspect the instrument

Inspect the shipping container for damage.

Keep a damaged shipping container or cushioning material until the contents
of the shipment have been checked for completeness and the instrument has
been checked mechanically and electrically.

Check the accessories.

Accessories supplied with the instrument are listed in "Accessories Supplied"
in the front of this manual.

If the contents are incomplete or damaged notify your HP sales office.

•

Inspect the instrument.

If there is mechanical damage or defect, or if the instrument does not

•

operate properly or pass performance tests, notify your HP sales office.
If the shipping container is damaged, or the cushioning materials show

•

signs of stress, notify the carrier as well as your HP sales office. Keep the
shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection. The HP office will arrange
for repair or replacement at Hewlett-Packard’s option without waiting for
claim settlement.

To clean the instrument

If this instrument requires cleaning, disconnect it from all power sources and
clean it with a mild detergent and water. Make sure the instrument is
completely dry before reconnecting it to a power source.

1–6

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To connect a si gnal to the osci ll oscope

To connect a signal to the oscilloscope

The HP 54600B and HP 54603B are a two-channel oscilloscopes with an
external trigger input, while the HP 54601B and HP 54602B are four-channel
oscilloscopes. The four-channel oscilloscope replaces the external trigger
input with channels 3 and 4. In this exercise you connect a signal to the
channel 1 input.

To avoid damage to your new oscilloscope, make sure that the voltage level of
the signal you are using is less than or equal to 400 V (dc plus the peak ac).
For a complete list of the characteristics see chapter 5, "Performance
Characteristics."

•

Use a cable or a probe to connect a signal to channel 1.

If you are using a probe, the oscilloscope allows you to enter the attenuation
factor for the probe. The attenuation factor changes the vertical scaling of
the oscilloscope so that the measurement results reflect the actual voltage
levels at the probe tip.

•

To set the probe attenuation factor press
softkey to change the attenuation factor to match the probe you are
using.

1

. Next toggle the

Probe

1–7

Figure 1–5

Overcompensation
causes pulse peaking.

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To connect a signal to the oscilloscope

You should compensate 10:1 probes to match their characteristics to the
oscilloscope. A poorly compensated probe can introduce measurement
errors. To compensate a probe, follow these steps.

1

Connect the 10:1 probe from channel 1 to the front-panel probe adjust
signal on the oscilloscope.

Press

Autoscale

.

Use a nonmetallic tool to adjust the trimmer capacitor on the probe

2
3

for the flattest pulse possible as displayed on the oscilloscope.

Figure 1–6

Correct compensation
with a flat pulse top.

Figure 1–7

Undercompensation
causes pulse rolloff.

1–8

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To display a signal automatically

To display a signal automatically

The oscilloscope has an Autoscale feature that automatically sets up the
oscilloscope to best display the input signal. Using Autoscale requires signals
with a frequency greater than or equal to 50 Hz and a duty cycle greater than
1%.

When you press the Autoscale key, the oscilloscope turns on and scales all
channels that have signals applied, and it selects a time base range based on
the trigger source. The trigger source selected is the highest numbered input
that has a signal applied. (If a signal is connected to the external trigger
input on the HP 54600B and HP 54603B, then it is selected as the trigger
source.)

1

Connect a signal to the oscilloscope.

2

Press

Autosc al e

When you press the Autoscale key, the oscilloscope changes the front-panel
setup to display the signal. However, if you pressed the Autoscale key
unintentionally, you can use the Undo Autoscale feature. To use this feature,
perform the following step.

•

Press

Setup

.

. Next, press the

Undo Autoscale

softkey.

The oscilloscope returns to the configuration in effect before you
pressed the Autoscale key.

1–9

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To set up the vertical windo w

To set up the vertical window

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

1

Center the signal on the display with the Position knob.

The Position knob moves the signal vertically, and it is calibrated. Notice
that as you turn the Position knob, a voltage value is displayed for a short
time indicating how far the ground reference is located from the center of the
screen. Also notice that the ground symbol on the right side of the display
moves in conjunction with the Position knob.

Measuremen t hi nts

If the channel is dc coupled, you can quickly m easure the dc com ponent of the
signal by si m pl y noting its di stance from the ground symbol.

If the channel is ac coupled, the dc component of t he signal is rem oved allowing
you to use gre ater sensitivity to displa y t he ac component of the signal.

1–10

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To set up the vertical window

2

Change the vertical setup and notice that each change affects the
status line differently.

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

Change the vertical sensitivity with the Volts/Div knob and notice that it

•

causes the status line to change. For channels 3 and 4 on the HP 54601B
and HP 54602B, press

the vertical sensitivity.

1

Press

•

A softkey menu appears on the display, and the channel turns on (or
remains on if it was already turned on).

Toggle each of the softkeys and notice which keys cause the status line to

•

change.
Channels 1 and 2 have a vernier softkey that allows the Volt/Div knob

to change the vertical step size in smaller increments. These smaller
increments are calibrated, which results in accurate measurements
even with the vernier turned on.

To turn the channel off, either press

•

left-most softkey.

.

3 or 4

. Then use the softkeys to change

1

a second time or press the

Invert operating hint

When you are tri ggered on the signal you are i nverting, the inversion als o
applies to the trigger signal (what was a risi ng edge now is a falling e dge) . If th e
signal has a 50 % duty cycle (square wave or sine wave), the display ed
waveform app ears not to invert. However, f or signals w i th a duty cycle ot her
than 50%, the di splayed waveform does i nvert as you woul d expect.

1–11

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To set up the time base

To set up the time base

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

1

Turn the Time/Div knob and notice the change it makes to the status
line.

The Time/Div knob changes the sweep speed from 2 ns to 5 s in a 1-2-5 step
sequence, and the value is displayed in the status line.

2

Change the horizontal setup and notice that each change affects the
status line differently.

Main/D elayed

Press

•

A softkey menu appears on the display with six softkey choices.
Toggle each of the softkeys and notice which keys cause the status line to

•

change.
There is also a horizontal vernier softkey that allows the Time/Div

knob to change the sweep speed in smaller increments. These smaller
increments are calibrated, which results in accurate measurements
even with the vernier turned on.

.

1–12

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To se t up the time base

Turn the Delay knob and notice that its value is displayed in the status line.

•

The Delay knob moves the main sweep horizontally, and it pauses at

0.00 s, mimicking a mechanical detent. At the top of the graticule is a
solid triangle ( ▼ ) symbol and an open triangle
( ∇ ) symbol. The ▼ symbol indicates the trigger point and it moves
in conjunction with the Delay knob. The ∇ symbol indicates the time
reference point. If the time reference softkey is set to left, the ∇ is
located one graticule in from the left side of the display. If the time

reference softkey is set to center, the ∇ is located at the center of the
display. The delay number tells you how far the reference point ∇ is
located from the trigger point ▼.

All events displayed left of the trigger point ▼ happened before the
trigger occurred, and these events are called pretrigger information.
You will find this feature very useful because you can now see the
events that led up to the trigger point. Everything to the right of the
trigger point ▼ is called posttrigger information. The amount of delay
range (pretrigger and posttrigger information) available is dependent
on the sweep speed selected. See "Horizontal System" in chapter 5 for
more details.

1–13

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To trigger the oscilloscope

To trigger the oscilloscope

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

1

Turn the trigger Level knob and notice the changes it makes to the
display.

On the HP 54601B and HP 54602B and on an internally triggered HP 54600B
and HP 54603B, as you turn the Level knob or press a trigger menu key, for a
short time two things happen on the display. First, the trigger level is
displayed in inverse video. If the trigger is dc coupled, it is displayed as a
voltage. If the trigger is ac coupled or if LF reject was selected, it is displayed
as a percentage of the trigger range. Second, if the trigger source is turned
on, a line is displayed showing the location of the trigger level (as long as ac
coupling or low frequency reject are not selected).

2

Change the trigger setup and notice that each change affects the
status line differently.

Source

•

Press

.

A softkey menu appears on the display showing the trigger source
choices.

Toggle each of the softkeys and notice that each key causes the status line

•

to change.

Mode

Press

•

A softkey menu appears on the display with five trigger mode choices.
Toggle the

•

line differently. (You can only select TV if the trigger source is either
channel 1 or 2.)

When the oscilloscope is triggering properly, the trigger mode portion
of the status line is blank.

1–14

.

Single

and

TV

softkeys and notice that they affect the status

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To trigger th e oscilloscope

What happens if the oscilloscope loses trigger?

If Auto Level is the trigge r m ode, Auto flashes in the status line. If dc c oupl ed,
the oscilloscope resets the trigger level to the center of the signal. I f a c
coupled, the oscillo scope resets the trigger level to the middle of t he s creen.
(Every time you press the Auto Level softkey, the os cilloscope resets the t rigger
level.)

If Auto is the trigger mode, Auto flashes in the status line and the oscilloscope
free runs.

If either Normal or TV is the trigger mode, the trigger setu p flashes in the status
line.

Slope/ Coupling

Press

•

A softkey menu appears on the display. If you selected Auto level,
Auto, Normal, or Single as a trigger mode, six softkey choices are
displayed. If you selected TV as a trigger source, five other softkey
choices are available.

.

Toggle each of the softkeys and notice which keys affect the status line.

•

On the HP 54600B and HP 54603B, external trigger is always dc
coupled. If you select ac coupling or low frequency reject, these
functions do not occur until you change the trigger source to channel
1, channel 2, or line.

3

Adjust the Holdoff knob and notice the change it makes to the
display.

Holdoff keeps the trigger from rearming for an amount of time that you set
with the Holdoff knob. Holdoff is often used to stabilize the complex
waveforms. The Holdoff range is from 200.0 ns to about 13.5 s. It is
displayed, for a short time, in inverse video near the bottom of the display.

1–15

The Oscilloscope at a Glance

To use roll mode

To use roll mode

Roll mode continuously moves data across the display from right to left. It
allows you to see dynamic changes (like adjusting a potentiometer) on low
frequency signals. Two frequently used applications are transducer
monitoring and power supply testing.

1

Press

Mode

. Then press the

Auto Lvl, Auto

, or

Normal

softkey.

2

Press

3

Press the

The oscilloscope is now untriggered and runs continuously. Also notice that
the time reference softkey selection changes to center and right.

4

Press

The oscilloscope fills either

reference selection), then it searches for a trigger. After a trigger is found,
the remainder of the display is filled. Then, the oscilloscope stops acquiring
data.

You can also make automatic measurements in the roll mode. Notice that the
oscilloscope briefly interrupts the moving data while it makes the
measurement. The acquisition system does not miss any data during the
measurement. The slight shift in the display after the measurement is
complete is that of the display catching up to the acquisition system.

Main/D el ay ed

Roll

softkey.

Mode

Roll mode oper ati ng hints

• Roll mode operates on channels 1 and 2 only.

• Math functions, averag i ng, and peak detect are not available.

• Holdoff and horizontal d el ay do not affect the signal.

• Both a free r unni ng (nontriggered) display and a triggered display (avai l able
in the sing l e m ode only) are available.

• Roll mode is availabl e at sweep speeds up to 200 ms.

. Then press the

.

Single

softkey.

1

9

or

2

of the display (depending on the time

10

1–16

2

Operating Your Oscilloscope

Operating Your Oscilloscope

By now you are familiar with the

VERTICAL, HORIZONTAL

, and

TRIGGER

groups of the front-panel keys. You should also know how to
determine the setup of the oscilloscope by looking at the status line.
If you are unfamiliar with this information, we recommend you read
chapter 1, "The Oscilloscope at a Glance."

This chapter takes you through two new groups of front-panel keys:

STORAGE

, and the group of keys that contains the Measure,
Save/Recall, and Display keys. You will also add to your knowledge of
the

HORIZONTAL

keys by using delayed sweep.

We recommend you perform all of the following exercises so you
become familiar with the powerful measurement capabilities of the
oscilloscope.

2–2

Operating You r Oscilloscope

To use delay ed sweep

To use delayed sweep

Delayed sweep is a magnified portion of the main sweep. You can use
delayed sweep to locate and horizontally expand part of the main sweep for a
more detailed (high resolution) analysis of signals. The following steps show
you how to use delayed sweep. Notice that the steps are very similar to
operating the delayed sweep in analog oscilloscopes.

1

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

Main/D el ay ed

.

2

3

Press the

The screen divides in half. The top half displays the main sweep, and the
bottom half displays an expanded portion of the main sweep. This expanded
portion of the main sweep is called the delayed sweep. The top half also has
two solid vertical lines called markers. These markers show what portion of
the main sweep is expanded in the lower half. The size and position of the
delayed sweep are controlled by the Time/Div and Delay knobs. The

Time/Div next to the symbol is the delayed sweep sec/div. The delay
value is displayed for a short time at the bottom of the display.

To display the delay value of the delayed time base, either

•

press

To change the main sweep Time/Div, you must turn off the delayed sweep.

•

Delayed

Main/D el ay ed

softkey.

or turn the Delay knob.

2–3