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Keysight Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
75019-97112
Edition
Twelfth edition, June 2019
Printed in Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1900 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
Print History
75019-97000, January 2011
75019-97013, February 2011
75019-97014, June 2011
75019-97027, October 2011
75019-97040, February 2012
75019-97051, March 2012
75019-97062, July 2012
75019-97073, April 2013
75019-97087, April 2017
75019-97088, August 2017
75019-97101, February 2019
75019-97112, June 2019
Warranty
The material contained in this document is
provided "as is," and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted
by applicable law, Keysight disclaims all
warranties, either express or implied, with
regard to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
Keysight shall not be liable for errors or for
incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should
Keysight and the user have a separate
written agreement with warranty terms
covering the material in this document that
conflict with these terms, the warranty
terms in the separate agreement shall
control.
Technology License
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license.
U.S. Government Rights
The Software is "commercial computer
software," as defined by Federal Acquisition
Regulation ("FAR") 2.101. Pursuant to FAR
12.212 and 27.405-3 and Department of
Defense FAR Supplement ("DFARS")
227.7202, the U.S. government acquires
commercial computer software under the
same terms by which the software is
customarily provided to the public.
Accordingly, Keysight provides the Software
to U.S. government customers under its
standard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License Agreement
(EULA), a copy of which can be found at
www.keysight.com/find/sweula. The
license set forth in the EULA represents the
exclusive authority by which the U.S.
government may use, modify, distribute, or
disclose the Software. The EULA and the
license set forth therein, does not require or
permit, among other things, that Keysight: (1)
Furnish technical information related to
commercial computer software or
commercial computer software
documentation that is not customarily
provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish to, or
otherwise provide, the government rights in
excess of these rights customarily provided
to the public to use, modify, reproduce,
release, perform, display, or disclose
commercial computer software or
commercial computer software
documentation. No additional government
requirements beyond those set forth in the
EULA shall apply, except to the extent that
those terms, rights, or licenses are explicitly
required from all providers of commercial
computer software pursuant to the FAR and
the DFARS and are set forth specifically in
writing elsewhere in the EULA. Keysight shall
be under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With respect
to any technical data as defined by FAR
2.101, pursuant to FAR 12.211 and 27.404.2
and DFARS 227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights as
defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR 227.7103-5
(c), as applicable in any technical data.
Safety Notices
This product has been designed and tested in
accordance with accepted industry
standards, and has been supplied in a safe
condition. The documentation contains
information and warnings that must be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation
and to maintain the product in a safe
condition.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that,
if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
•2+16-channel and 4+16-channel mixed-signal oscilloscope (MSO) models.
An MSO lets you debug your mixed-signal designs using analog signals and
tightly correlated digital signals simultaneously. The 16 digital channels have a
1 GSa/s sample rate (1.25 GSa/s for the 1 GHz models), with a 50 MHz toggle
rate.
•8.5 inch WVGA display.
•Interleaved 2 Mpts or non-interleaved 1 Mpts MegaZoom IV memory for the
fastest waveform update rates, uncompromised. Upgradeable to
4 Mpts/2 Mpts.
•All knobs are pushable for making quick selections.
•Trigger types: edge, edge then edge, pulse width, pattern, OR, rise/fall time,
Nth edge burst, runt, setup & hold, video, and USB.
•Serial decode/trigger options for: CAN/LIN, FlexRay, I
UART/RS232, and MIL-STD-1553/ARINC 429. Lister for serial decode
•Math waveforms: add, subtract, multiply, FFT, d/dt, integrate, and square root.
With the advanced math option, you get these additional math waveforms:
Ax+B, square, absolute value, common logarithm, natural logarithm,
exponential, base 10 exponential, low pass filter, high pass filter, magnify,
measurement trend, chart logic bus timing, and chart logic bus state.
•Reference waveform locations (2) for comparing with other channel or math
waveforms.
•Many built-in measurements and a measurement statistics display.
•USB ports make printing, saving and sharing data easy.
•Optional LAN/VGA module for connecting to a network and displaying the
screen on a different monitor.
•Optional GPIB module.
•A Quick Help system is built into the oscilloscope. Press and hold any key to
display Quick Help. Complete instructions for using the quick help system are
given in "Access the Built-In Quick Help" on page 46.
2
C/SPI, I2S,
For more information about InfiniiVision oscilloscopes, see:
For reference information, see:• Chapter 22, “Reference,” starting on page 325
NOTE
When using licensed serial bus
triggering and decode features, see:
• Chapter 23, “CAN/LIN Triggering and Serial Decode,”
starting on page 345
• Chapter 24, “FlexRay Triggering and Serial Decode,”
starting on page 361
• Chapter 25, “I2C/SPI Triggering and Serial Decode,”
starting on page 371
• Chapter 26, “I2S Triggering and Serial Decode,”
starting on page 389
• Chapter 27, “MIL-STD-1553/ARINC 429 Triggering
and Serial Decode,” starting on page 399
• Chapter 28, “UART/RS232 Triggering and Serial
Decode,” starting on page 415
Abbreviated instructions for pressing a series of keys and softkeys
Instructions for pressing a series of keys are written in an abbreviated manner. Instructions for
pressing [Key1], then pressing Softkey2, then pressing Softkey3 are abbreviated as follows:
Press [Key1]> Softkey2 > Softkey3.
The keys may be a front panel [Key] or a Softkey. Softkeys are the six keys located directly
below the oscilloscope display.
To set up Generic video triggers / 164
To trigger on a specific line of video / 165
To trigger on all sync pulses / 166
To trigger on a specific field of the video signal / 167
To trigger on all fields of the video signal / 168
To trigger on odd or even fields / 169
USB Trigger / 172
Serial Trigger / 174
11Trigger Mode/Coupling
To select the Auto or Normal trigger mode / 176
To select the trigger coupling / 177
To enable or disable trigger noise rejection / 179
Peak-Peak / 219
Maximum / 219
Minimum / 219
Amplitude / 219
Top / 219
Base / 220
Overshoot / 220
Preshoot / 222
Average / 222
DC RMS / 223
AC RMS / 223
Ratio / 225
Time Measurements / 225
Period / 226
Frequency / 226
Counter / 227
+ Width / 228
– Width / 228
Bit Rate / 228
Burst Width / 228
Duty Cycle / 228
Rise Time / 229
Fall Time / 229
Delay / 229
Phase / 230
X at Min Y / 232
X at Max Y / 232
To add noise to the waveform generator output / 267
To add modulation to the waveform generator output / 267
To set up Amplitude Modulation (AM) / 268
To set up Frequency Modulation (FM) / 269
To set up Frequency-Shift Keying Modulation (FSK) / 271
To restore waveform generator defaults / 272
18Save/Recall (Setups, Screens, Data)
Saving Setups, Screen Images, or Data / 273
To save setup files / 275
To save BMP or PNG image files / 275
To save CSV, ASCII XY, or BIN data files / 276
Length Control / 277
To save Lister data files / 278
To save reference waveform files to a USB storage device / 279
To save masks / 279
To save arbitrary waveforms / 279
To navigate storage locations / 280
To enter file names / 280
Recalling Setups, Masks, or Data / 281
To recall setup files / 282
To recall mask files / 282
To recall reference waveform files from a USB storage
Setting up the Oscilloscope's LAN Connection / 292
To establish a LAN connection / 293
Stand-alone (Point-to-Point) Connection to a PC / 294
File Explorer / 295
Setting Oscilloscope Preferences / 297
To choose "expand about" center or ground / 297
To disable/enable transparent backgrounds / 298
To load the default label library / 298
To set up the screen saver / 298
To set AutoScale preferences / 299
Setting the Oscilloscope's Clock / 300
Setting the Rear Panel TRIG OUT Source / 300
Performing Service Tasks / 301
To perform user calibration / 301
To perform hardware self test / 304
To perform front panel self test / 305
To display oscilloscope information / 305
To display the user calibration status / 305
To clean the oscilloscope / 305
To check warranty and extended services status / 306
To contact Keysight / 306
To return the instrument / 306
Interpreting I2S Decode / 396
Interpreting I2S Lister Data / 397
Searching for I2S Data in the Lister / 397
27MIL-STD-1553/ARINC 429 Triggering and Serial Decode
Setup for MIL-STD-1553 Signals / 399
MIL-STD-1553 Triggering / 401
MIL-STD-1553 Serial Decode / 402
Interpreting MIL-STD-1553 Decode / 403
Interpreting MIL-STD-1553 Lister Data / 404
Searching for MIL-STD-1553 Data in the Lister / 405
Setup for ARINC 429 Signals / 406
ARINC 429 Triggering / 407
ARINC 429 Serial Decode / 409
Interpreting ARINC 429 Decode / 411
ARINC 429 Totalizer / 412
Interpreting ARINC 429 Lister Data / 413
Searching for ARINC 429 Data in the Lister / 413
28UART/RS232 Triggering and Serial Decode
Setup for UART/RS232 Signals / 415
UART/RS232 Triggering / 417
UART/RS232 Serial Decode / 419
Interpreting UART/RS232 Decode / 420
UART/RS232 Totalizer / 421
Interpreting UART/RS232 Lister Data / 422
Searching for UART/RS232 Data in the Lister / 422
Inspect the Package Contents / 25
Tilt the Oscilloscope for Easy Viewing / 28
Power-On the Oscilloscope / 29
Connect Probes to the Oscilloscope / 30
Input a Waveform / 31
Recall the Default Oscilloscope Setup / 32
Use Auto Scale / 32
Compensate Passive Probes / 34
Learn the Front Panel Controls and Connectors / 35
Learn the Rear Panel Connectors / 43
Learn the Oscilloscope Display / 45
Access the Built-In Quick Help / 46
This chapter describes the steps you take when using the oscilloscope for the first
time.
Inspect the Package Contents
• Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If your shipping container appears to be damaged, keep the shipping container
or cushioning material until you have inspected the contents of the shipment
for completeness and have checked the oscilloscope mechanically and
electrically.
• Verify that you received the following items and any optional accessories you
may have ordered:
25
1Getting Started
• InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series oscilloscope.
• Power cord (country of origin determines specific type).
This instrument has auto-ranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply voltage is within
the specified range and voltage fluctuations do not to exceed 10 percent of the nominal
supply voltage.
The air intake and exhaust areas must be free from obstructions. Unrestricted air
flow is required for proper cooling. Always ensure that the air intake and exhaust
areas are free from obstructions.
The fan draws air in from the left side and bottom of the oscilloscope and pushes it
out behind the oscilloscope.
1Getting Started
WARNING
When using the oscilloscope in a bench-top setting, provide at least 2" clearance
at the sides and 4" (100 mm) clearance above and behind the oscilloscope for
proper cooling.
To po wer-on the
oscilloscope
1 Connect the power cord to the rear of the oscilloscope, then to a suitable AC
voltage source. Route the power cord so the oscilloscope's feet and legs do not
pinch the cord.
Install the instrument so that the detachable power cord is readily identifiable
and is easily reached by the operator. The detachable power cord is the
instrument disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the
mains supply before other parts of the instrument. The front panel switch is only
a standby switch and is not a LINE switch. Alternatively, an externally installed
switch or circuit breaker (which is readily identifiable and is easily reached by
the operator) may be used as a disconnecting device.
2 The oscilloscope automatically adjusts for input line voltages in the range 100
to 240 VAC. The line cord provided is matched to the country of origin.
Always use a grounded power cord. Do not defeat the power cord ground.
3 Press the power switch.
The power switch is located on the lower left corner of the front panel. The
oscilloscope will perform a self-test and will be operational in a few seconds.
1 Connect the oscilloscope probe to an oscilloscope channel BNC connector.
2 Connect the probe's retractable hook tip to the point of interest on the circuit or
device under test. Be sure to connect the probe ground lead to a ground point
on the circuit.
Getting Started1
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
WARNING
Maximum input voltage at analog inputs
135 Vrms
Ω input: 5 Vrms Input protection is enabled in 50 Ω mode and the 50 Ω load will
50
disconnect if greater than 5 Vrms is detected. However the inputs could still be damaged,
depending on the time constant of the signal. The 50
when the oscilloscope is powered on.
When measuring voltages over 30 V, use a 10:1 probe.
Do not float the oscilloscope chassis
Defeating the ground connection and "floating" the oscilloscope chassis will probably
result in inaccurate measurements and may also cause equipment damage. The probe
ground lead is connected to the oscilloscope chassis and the ground wire in the power
cord. If you need to measure between two live points, use a differential probe with
sufficient dynamic range.
Do not negate the protective action of the ground connection to the oscilloscope. The
oscilloscope must remain grounded through its power cord. Defeating the ground
creates an electric shock hazard.
The first signal to input to the oscilloscope is the Demo 2, Probe Comp signal. This
signal is used for compensating probes.
1 Connect an oscilloscope probe from channel 1 to the Demo 2 (Probe Comp)
terminal on the front panel.
2 Connect the probe's ground lead to the ground terminal (next to the Demo 2
terminal).
1Getting Started
Recall the Default Oscilloscope Setup
To recall the default oscilloscope setup:
1 Press [Default Setup].
The default setup restores the oscilloscope's default settings. This places the
oscilloscope in a known operating condition. The major default settings are:
Table 2 Default Configuration Settings
HorizontalNormal mode, 100 µs/div scale, 0 s delay, center time reference.
Use Auto Scale
Vertical (Analog)
TriggerEdge trigger, Auto trigger mode, 0 V level, channel 1 source, DC coupling, rising
DisplayPersistence off, 20% grid intensity.
OtherAcquire mode normal, [Run/Stop] to Run, cursors and measurements off.
LabelsAll custom labels that you have created in the Label Library are preserved (not
In the Save/Recall Menu, there are also options for restoring the complete factory
settings (see "Recalling Default Setups" on page 283) or performing a secure
erase (see "Performing a Secure Erase" on page 284).
Use [Auto Scale] to automatically configure the oscilloscope to best display the
input signals.
1 Press [Auto Scale].
You should see a waveform on the oscilloscope's display similar to this:
Channel 1 on, 5 V/div scale, DC coupling, 0 V position, 1 M
edge slope, 40 ns holdoff time.
erased), but all channel labels will be set to their original names.
2 If you want to return to the oscilloscope settings that existed before, press Undo
AutoScale.
3 If you want to enable "fast debug" autoscaling, change the channels
autoscaled, or preserve the acquisition mode during autoscale, press Fast
Debug, Channels, or Acq Mode.
These are the same softkeys that appear in the AutoScale Preferences Menu.
See "To set AutoScale preferences" on page 299.
If you see the waveform, but the square wave is not shaped correctly as shown
above, perform the procedure "Compensate Passive Probes" on page 34.
If you do not see the waveform, make sure the probe is connected securely to the
front panel channel input BNC and to the left side, Demo 2, Probe Comp terminal.
Auto Scale analyzes any waveforms present at each channel and at the external
trigger input. This includes the digital channels, if connected.
Auto Scale finds, turns on, and scales any channel with a repetitive waveform that
has a frequency of at least 25 Hz, a duty cycle greater than 0.5%, and an
amplitude of at least 10 mV peak-to-peak. Any channels that do not meet these
requirements are turned off.
1Getting Started
The trigger source is selected by looking for the first valid waveform starting with
external trigger, then continuing with the lowest number analog channel up to the
highest number analog channel, and finally (if digital probes are connected) the
highest number digital channel.
During Auto Scale, the delay is set to 0.0 seconds, the horizontal time/div (sweep
speed) setting is a function of the input signal (about 2 periods of the triggered
signal on the screen), and the triggering mode is set to Edge.
Compensate Passive Probes
Each oscilloscope passive probe must be compensated to match the input
characteristics of the oscilloscope channel to which it is connected. A poorly
compensated probe can introduce significant measurement errors.
1 Input the Probe Comp signal (see "Input a Waveform" on page 31).
2 Press [Default Setup] to recall the default oscilloscope setup (see "Recall the
Default Oscilloscope Setup" on page 32).
3 Press [Auto Scale] to automatically configure the oscilloscope for the Probe
Comp signal (see "Use Auto Scale" on page 32).
4 Press the channel key to which the probe is connected ([1], [2], etc.).
5 In the Channel Menu, press Probe.
6 In the Channel Probe Menu, press Probe Check; then, follow the instructions
on-screen.
If necessary, use a nonmetallic tool (supplied with the probe) to adjust the
trimmer capacitor on the probe for the flattest pulse possible.
On the N2862/63/90 probes, the trimmer capacitor is the yellow adjustment on
the probe tip. On other probes, the trimmer capacitor is located on the probe
BNC connector.
Softkey specifically refers to the six keys that are directly below the display. The
legend for these keys is directly above them, on the display. Their functions
change as you navigate through the oscilloscope's menus.
For the following figure, refer to the numbered descriptions in the table that
follows.
1Getting Started
5. Tools keys
1. Power switch
2. Softkeys
3. [Intensity] key
4. Entry knob
6. Trigger controls
13. Waveform keys
18. Demo 2, Ground,
and Demo 1
terminals
17. Analog
channel
inputs
19. USB
Host
port
15. [Help] key
14. File keys
8. Run Control keys
12. Measure controls
11. Additional
waveform
controls
7. Horizontal controls
10. [Auto Scale] key
9. [Default Setup] key
16 Vertical controls21. Waveform
generator
output
20. Digital
channel
inputs
Back
Back
1.Power switchPress once to switch power on; press again to switch power off. See "Power-On the
2.SoftkeysThe functions of these keys change based upon the menus shown on the display directly
3.[Intensity] keyPress the key to illuminate it. When illuminated, turn the Entry knob to adjust waveform
The Back/Up key moves up in the softkey menu hierarchy. At the top of the hierarchy, the
Back/Up key turns the menus off, and oscilloscope information is shown instead.
intensity.
You can vary the intensity control to bring out signal detail, much like an analog oscilloscope.
Digital channel waveform intensity is not adjustable.
More details about using the Intensity control to view signal detail are on "To adjust
waveform intensity" on page 129.
Getting Started1
4.Entry knobThe Entry knob is used to select items from menus and to change values. The function of the
Entry knob changes based upon the current menu and softkey selections.
Note that the curved arrow symbol above the entry knob illuminates whenever the entry
knob can be used to select a value. Also, note that when the Entry knob symbol appears
on a softkey, you can use the Entry knob, to select values.
Often, rotating the Entry knob is enough to make a selection. Sometimes, you can push the
Entry knob to enable or disable a selection. Pushing the Entry knob also makes popup menus
disappear.
5.Tools keysThe Tools keys consist of:
• [Utility] key — Press this key to access the Utility Menu, which lets you configure the
oscilloscope's I/O settings, use the file explorer, set preferences, access the service menu,
and choose other options. See Chapter 20, “Utility Settings,” starting on page 291.
• [Quick Action] key — Press this key to perform the selected quick action: measure all
snapshot, print, save, recall, freeze display. and more. See "Configuring the [Quick
Action] Key" on page 307.
•[Analyze] key — Press this key to access analysis features like trigger level setting,
measurement threshold setting, Video trigger automatic set up and display, mask testing
(see Chapter 15, “Mask Testing,” starting on page 239), or the power measurement and
analysis application.
•[Wave Gen] key — Press this key to access waveform generator functions. See
Chapter 17, “Waveform Generator,” starting on page 257.
6.Trigger controlsThese controls determine how the oscilloscope triggers to capture data. See Chapter 10,
“Triggers,” starting on page 141 and Chapter 11, “Trigger Mode/Coupling,” starting on page
• Horizontal scale knob — Turn the knob in the Horizontal section that is marked
to adjust the time/div (sweep speed) setting. The symbols under the knob indicate that this
control has the effect of spreading out or zooming in on the waveform using the horizontal
scale.
• Horizontal position knob — Turn the knob marked to pan through the waveform data
horizontally. You can see the captured waveform before the trigger (turn the knob
clockwise) or after the trigger (turn the knob counterclockwise). If you pan through the
waveform when the oscilloscope is stopped (not in Run mode) then you are looking at the
waveform data from the last acquisition taken.
•[Horiz] key — Press this key to open the Horizontal Menu where you can select XY and Roll
modes, enable or disable Zoom, enable or disable horizontal time/division fine adjustment,
and select the trigger time reference point.
• Zoom key — Press the zoom key to split the oscilloscope display into Normal and
Zoom sections without opening the Horizontal Menu.
•[Search] key — Lets you search for events in the acquired data.
•[Navigate] keys — Press this key to navigate through captured data (Time), search events,
or segmented memory acquisitions. See "Navigating the Time Base" on page 60.
For more information see Chapter 2, “Horizontal Controls,” starting on page 49.
8.Run Control keysWhen the [Run/Stop] key is green, the oscilloscope is running, that is, acquiring data when
trigger conditions are met. To stop acquiring data, press [Run/Stop].
When the [Run/Stop] key is red, data acquisition is stopped. To start acquiring data, press
[Run/Stop].
To capture and display a single acquisition (whether the oscilloscope is running or stopped),
press [Single]. The [Single] key is yellow until the oscilloscope triggers.
For more information, see "Running, Stopping, and Making Single Acquisitions (Run
Control)" on page 183.
9.[Default Setup] keyPress this key to restore the oscilloscope's default settings (details on "Recall the Default
Oscilloscope Setup" on page 32).
10.[Auto Scale] keyWhen you press the [AutoScale] key, the oscilloscope will quickly determine which channels
have activity, and it will turn these channels on and scale them to display the input signals.
See "Use Auto Scale" on page 32.
•[Math] key — provides access to math (add, subtract, etc.) waveform functions. See
Chapter 4, “Math Waveforms,” starting on page 73.
•[Ref] key — provides access to reference waveform functions. Reference waveforms are
saved waveforms that can be displayed and compared against other analog channel or
math waveforms. See Chapter 5, “Reference Waveforms,” starting on page 101.
• [Digital] key — Press this key to turn the digital channels on or off (the arrow to the left will
illuminate).
When the arrow to the left of the [Digital] key is illuminated, the upper multiplexed knob
selects (and highlights in red) individual digital channels, and the lower multiplexed knob
positions the selected digital channel.
If a trace is repositioned over an existing trace the indicator at the left edge of the trace will
change from Dnn designation (where nn is a one or two digit channel number from 0 to 15)
to D*. The "*" indicates that two channels are overlaid.
You can rotate the upper knob to select an overlaid channel, then rotate the lower knob to
position it just as you would any other channel.
For more information on digital channels see Chapter 6, “Digital Channels,” starting on
page 105.
•[Serial] key — This key is used to enable serial decode. The multiplexed scale and position
knobs are not used with serial decode. For more information on serial decode, see
Chapter 7, “Serial Decode,” starting on page 123.
• Multiplexed scale knob — This scale knob is used with Math, Ref, or Digital waveforms,
whichever has the illuminated arrow to the left. For math and reference waveforms, the
scale knob acts like an analog channel vertical scale knob.
• Multiplexed position knob — This position knob is used with Math, Ref, or Digital
waveforms, whichever has the illuminated arrow to the left. For math and reference
waveforms, the position knob acts like an analog channel vertical position knob.
13.Waveform keysThe [Acquire] key lets you select Normal, Peak Detect, Averaging, or High Resolution
acquisition modes (see "Selecting the Acquisition Mode" on page 189) and use
segmented memory (see "Acquiring to Segmented Memory" on page 195).
The [Display] key lets you access the menu where you can enable persistence (see "To set or
clear persistence" on page 131), clear the display, and adjust the display grid (graticule)
intensity (see "To adjust the grid intensity" on page 133).
14.File keysPress the [Save/Recall] key to save or recall a waveform or setup. See Chapter 18,
“Save/Recall (Setups, Screens, Data),” starting on page 273.
The [Print] key opens the Print Configuration Menu so you can print the displayed waveforms.
See Chapter 19, “Print (Screens),” starting on page 285.
15.[Help] keyOpens the Help Menu where you can display overview help topics and select the Language.
See also "Access the Built-In Quick Help" on page 46.
• Analog channel on/off keys — Use these keys to switch a channel on or off, or to access a
channel's menu in the softkeys. There is one channel on/off key for each analog channel.
• Vertical scale knob — There are knobs marked for each channel. Use these knobs
to change the vertical sensitivity (gain) of each analog channel.
• Vertical position knobs — Use these knobs to change a channel's vertical position on the
display. There is one Vertical Position control for each analog channel.
• [Label] key — Press this key to access the Label Menu, which lets you enter labels to
identify each trace on the oscilloscope display. See Chapter 9, “Labels,” starting on page
135.
For more information, see Chapter 3, “Vertical Controls,” starting on page 63.
17.Analog channel
inputs
Attach oscilloscope probes or BNC cables to these BNC connectors.
With the InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series oscilloscopes, you can set the input impedance of the
analog channels to either 50
page 66.
The InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series oscilloscopes also provide the AutoProbe interface. The
AutoProbe interface uses a series of contacts directly below the channel's BNC connector to
transfer information between the oscilloscope and the probe. When you connect a compatible
probe to the oscilloscope, the AutoProbe interface determines the type of probe and sets the
oscilloscope's parameters (units, offset, attenuation, coupling, and impedance) accordingly.
Ω or 1 MΩ. See "To specify channel input impedance" on
19.USB Host portThis port is for connecting USB mass storage devices or printers to the oscilloscope.
• Demo 2 terminal — This terminal outputs the Probe Comp signal which helps you match a
probe's input capacitance to the oscilloscope channel to which it is connected. See
"Compensate Passive Probes" on page 34. With certain licensed features, the
oscilloscope can also output demo or training signals on this terminal.
• Ground terminal — Use the ground terminal for oscilloscope probes connected to the Demo
1 or Demo 2 terminals.
• Demo 1 terminal — With certain licensed features, the oscilloscope can output demo or
training signals on this terminal.
Connect a USB compliant mass storage device (flash drive, disk drive, etc.) to save or recall
oscilloscope setup files and reference waveforms or to save data and screen images. See
Chapter 18, “Save/Recall (Setups, Screens, Data),” starting on page 273.
To print, connect a USB compliant printer. For more information about printing see
Chapter 19, “Print (Screens),” starting on page 285.
You can also use the USB port to update the oscilloscope's system software when updates are
available.
You do not need to take special precautions before removing the USB mass storage device
from the oscilloscope (you do not need to "eject" it). Simply unplug the USB mass storage
device from the oscilloscope when the file operation is complete.
CAUTION:Do not connect a host computer to the oscilloscope's USB host port. Use the
device port. A host computer sees the oscilloscope as a device, so connect the host computer
to the oscilloscope's device port (on the rear panel). See "I/O Interface Settings" on
page 291.
There is a second USB host port on the back panel.
20.Digital channel
inputs
21.Waveform generator
output
Connect the digital probe cable to this connector (MSO models only). See Chapter 6, “Digital
Channels,” starting on page 105.
Outputs sine, square, ramp, pulse, DC, or noise on the Gen Out BNC. Press the [Wave Gen] key
to set up the waveform generator. See Chapter 17, “Waveform Generator,” starting on page
257.
Front Panel Overlays for Different Languages
Front panel overlays, which have translations for the English front panel keys and
label text, are available in 10 languages. The appropriate overlay is included when
the localization option is chosen at time of purchase.
7.USB Host portThis port functions identically to the USB host port on the front panel. USB
8.USB Device
port
External trigger input BNC connector. See "External Trigger Input" on
page 180 for an explanation of this feature.
Host Port is used for saving data from the oscilloscope and loading
software updates. See also USB Host port (see page 41).
This port is for connecting the oscilloscope to a host PC. You can issue
remote commands from a host PC to the oscilloscope via the USB device
port. See "Remote Programming with Keysight IO Libraries" on
page 316.
Learn the Oscilloscope Display
The oscilloscope display contains acquired waveforms, setup information,
measurement results, and the softkey definitions.
Status lineThe top line of the display contains vertical, horizontal, and trigger setup
information.
Display areaThe display area contains the waveform acquisitions, channel identifiers, and
analog trigger, and ground level indicators. Each analog channel's information
appears in a different color.
Signal detail is displayed using 256 levels of intensity. For more information
about viewing signal detail see "To adjust waveform intensity" on
page 129.
For more information about display modes see Chapter 8, “Display Settings,”
starting on page 129.
Information areaThe information area normally contains acquisition, analog channel, automatic
measurement, and cursor results.
Menu lineThis line normally contains menu name or other information associated with the
selected menu.
Softkey labelsThese labels describe softkey functions. Typically, softkeys let you set up
additional parameters for the selected mode or menu.
Pressing the Back/Up key at the top of the menu hierarchy turns off softkey
labels and displays additional status information describing channel offset and
other configuration parameters.
Access the Built-In Quick Help
To view Quick Help1 Press and hold the key or softkey for which you would like to view help.
To select the user interface and Quick Help language:
1 Press [Help], then press the Language softkey.
2 Repeatedly press and release the Language softkey or rotate the Entry knob until
the desired language is selected.
The following languages are available: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Traditional
Chinese.
To adjust the horizontal (time/div) scale / 50
To adjust the horizontal delay (position) / 51
Panning and Zooming Single or Stopped Acquisitions / 52
To change the horizontal time mode (Normal, XY, or Roll) / 52
To display the zoomed time base / 56
To change the horizontal scale knob's coarse/fine adjustment setting / 57
To position the time reference (left, center, right) / 58
Searching for Events / 58
Navigating the Time Base / 60
The horizontal controls include:
• The horizontal scale and position knobs.
•The [Horiz] key for accessing the Horizontal Menu.
• The zoom key for quickly enabling/disabling the split-screen zoom display.
•The [Search] key for finding events on analog channels or in serial decode.
•The [Navigate] keys for navigating time, search events, or segmented memory
acquisitions.
The following figure shows the Horizontal Menu which appears after pressing the
[Horiz] key.
49
2Horizontal Controls
Trigger
point
Sample rate
Time
reference
Delay
time
Time/
div
Trigger
source
Trigger level
or threshold
XY or Roll
mode
Normal
time mode
Zoomed
time base
Fine
control
Time
reference
Figure 2 Horizontal Menu
The Horizontal Menu lets you select the time mode (Normal, XY, or Roll), enable
Zoom, set the time base fine control (vernier), and specify the time reference.
The current sample rate is displayed in the right-side information area.
To adjust the horizontal (time/div) scale
1 Turn the large horizontal scale (sweep speed) knob marked to
change the horizontal time/div setting.
Notice how the time/div information in the status line changes.
The ∇ symbol at the top of the display indicates the time reference point.
The horizontal scale knob works (in the Normal time mode) while acquisitions are
running or when they are stopped. When running, adjusting the horizontal scale
knob changes the sample rate. When stopped, adjusting the horizontal scale knob
lets you zoom into acquired data. See "Panning and Zooming Single or Stopped
Acquisitions" on page 52.
Note that the horizontal scale knob has a different purpose in the Zoom display.
See "To display the zoomed time base" on page 56.
To adjust the horizontal delay (position)
1 Turn the horizontal delay (position) knob ().
The trigger point moves horizontally, pausing at 0.00 s (mimicking a
mechanical detent), and the delay value is displayed in the status line.
Changing the delay time moves the trigger point (solid inverted triangle)
horizontally and indicates how far it is from the time reference point (hollow
inverted triangle ∇). These reference points are indicated along the top of the
display grid.
Horizontal Controls2
Figure 2 shows the trigger point with the delay time set to 200 µs. The delay time
number tells you how far the time reference point is located from the trigger point.
When delay time is set to zero, the delay time indicator overlays the time reference
indicator.
All events displayed left of the trigger point happened before the trigger occurred.
These events are called pre-trigger information, and they show events that led up
to the trigger point.
Everything to the right of the trigger point is called post-trigger information. The
amount of delay range (pre-trigger and post-trigger information) available
depends on the time/div selected and memory depth.
The horizontal position knob works (in the Normal time mode) while acquisitions
are running or when they are stopped. When running, adjusting the horizontal
scale knob changes the sample rate. When stopped, adjusting the horizontal scale
knob lets you zoom into acquired data. See "Panning and Zooming Single or
Note that the horizontal position knob has a different purpose in the Zoom display.
See "To display the zoomed time base" on page 56.
Panning and Zooming Single or Stopped Acquisitions
When the oscilloscope is stopped, use the horizontal scale and position knobs to
pan and zoom your waveform. The stopped display may contain several
acquisitions worth of information, but only the last acquisition is available for pan
and zoom.
The ability to pan (move horizontally) and scale (expand or compress horizontally)
an acquired waveform is important because of the additional insight it can reveal
about the captured waveform. This additional insight is often gained from seeing
the waveform at different levels of abstraction. You may want to view both the big
picture and the specific little picture details.
The ability to examine waveform detail after the waveform has been acquired is a
benefit generally associated with digital oscilloscopes. Often this is simply the
ability to freeze the display for the purpose of measuring with cursors or printing
the screen. Some digital oscilloscopes go one step further by including the ability
to further examine the signal details after acquiring them by panning through the
waveform and changing the horizontal scale.
There is no limit imposed on the scaling ratio between the time/div used to
acquire the data and the time/div used to view the data. There is, however, a
useful limit. This useful limit is somewhat a function of the signal you are
analyzing.
Zooming into stopped acquisitions
The screen will still contain a relatively good display if you zoom-in horizontally by a factor of
1000 and zoom-in vertically by a factor of 10 to display the information from where it was
acquired. Remember that you can only make automatic measurements on displayed data.
To change the horizontal time mode (Normal, XY, or Roll)
1 Press [Horiz].
2 In the Horizontal Menu, press Time Mode; then, select:
• Normal — the normal viewing mode for the oscilloscope.
In the Normal time mode, signal events occurring before the trigger are
plotted to the left of the trigger point (▼) and signal events after the trigger
plotted to the right of the trigger point.
• XY — XY mode changes the display from a volts-versus-time display to a
volts-versus-volts display. The time base is turned off. Channel 1 amplitude
is plotted on the X-axis and Channel 2 amplitude is plotted on the Y-axis.
You can use XY mode to compare frequency and phase relationships
between two signals. XY mode can also be used with transducers to display
strain versus displacement, flow versus pressure, volts versus current, or
voltage versus frequency.
Use the cursors to make measurements on XY mode waveforms.
For more information about using XY mode for measurements, refer to "XY
Time Mode" on page 53.
• Roll — causes the waveform to move slowly across the screen from right to
left. It only operates on time base settings of 50 ms/div and slower. If the
current time base setting is faster than the 50 ms/div limit, it will be set to
50 ms/div when Roll mode is entered.
In Roll mode there is no trigger. The fixed reference point on the screen is the
right edge of the screen and refers to the current moment in time. Events
that have occurred are scrolled to the left of the reference point. Since there
is no trigger, no pre-trigger information is available.
If you would like to pause the display in Roll mode press the [Single] key. To
clear the display and restart an acquisition in Roll mode, press the [Single]
key again.
Use Roll mode on low-frequency waveforms to yield a display much like a
strip chart recorder. It allows the waveform to roll across the display.
XY Time Mode
The XY time mode converts the oscilloscope from a volts-versus-time display to a
volts-versus-volts display using two input channels. Channel 1 is the X-axis input,
channel 2 is the Y-axis input. You can use various transducers so the display could
show strain versus displacement, flow versus pressure, volts versus current, or
voltage versus frequency.
5 Set the Y2 cursor to the top of the signal, and set Y1 to the bottom of the
signal.
Note the ΔY value at the bottom of the display. In this example, we are using
the Y cursors, but you could have used the X cursors instead.
Horizontal Controls2
sinθ =
second Δ Y
first Δ Y
=
1.031
1.688
; θ = 37.65 degrees of phase shift
NOTE
6 Move the Y1 and Y2 cursors to the intersection of the signal and the Y axis.
Again, note the ΔY value.
Figure 4 Phase difference measurements, automatic and using cursors
7 Calculate the phase difference using the formula below.
For example, if the first ΔY value is 1.688 and the second ΔY value is 1.031:
Z-Axis Input in XY Display Mode (Blanking)
When you select the XY display mode, the time base is turned off. Channel 1 is the X-axis
input, channel 2 is the Y-axis input, and the rear panel EXT TRIG IN is the Z-axis input. If you
only want to see portions of the Y versus X display, use the Z-axis input. Z-axis turns the trace
on and off (analog oscilloscopes called this Z-axis blanking because it turned the beam on and
off). When Z is low (<1.4 V), Y versus X is displayed; when Z is high (>1.4 V), the trace is turned
off.
These markers show the
beginning and end of the
Zoom window
Normal
window
Time/div
for zoomed
window
Time/div
for normal
window
Delay time
momentarily displays
when the Horizontal
position knob is turned
Zoom
window
Signal
anomaly
expanded
in zoom
window
Select
Zoom
To display the zoomed time base
Zoom, formerly called Delayed sweep mode, is a horizontally expanded version of
the normal display. When Zoom is selected, the display divides in half. The top
half of the display shows the normal time/div window and the bottom half
displays a faster Zoom time/div window.
The Zoom window is a magnified portion of the normal time/div window. You can
use Zoom to locate and horizontally expand part of the normal window for a more
detailed (higher-resolution) analysis of signals.
To turn on (or off) Zoom:
1 Press the zoom key (or press the [Horiz] key and then the Zoom softkey).
The area of the normal display that is expanded is outlined with a box and the rest
of the normal display is ghosted. The box shows the portion of the normal sweep
that is expanded in the lower half.
To change the time/div for the Zoom window, turn the horizontal scale (sweep
speed) knob. As you turn the knob, the zoomed window time/div is highlighted in
the status line above the waveform display area. The Horizontal scale (sweep
speed) knob controls the size of the box.
The Horizontal position (delay time) knob sets the left-to-right position of the
zoom window. The delay value, which is the time displayed relative to the trigger
point) is momentarily displayed in the upper-right portion of the display when the
delay time () knob is turned.
Negative delay values indicate you're looking at a portion of the waveform before
the trigger event, and positive values indicate you're looking at the waveform after
the trigger event.
To change the time/div of the normal window, turn off Zoom; then, turn the
horizontal scale (sweep speed) knob.
For information about using zoom mode for measurements, refer to "To isolate a
pulse for Top measurement" on page 220 and "To isolate an event for frequency
measurement" on page 226.
To change the horizontal scale knob's coarse/fine adjustment
setting
1 Push the horizontal scale knob (or press [Horiz] > Fine) to toggle between fine
and coarse adjustment of the horizontal scale.
When Fine is enabled, turning the horizontal scale knob changes the time/div
(displayed in the status line at the top of the display) in smaller increments. The
time/div remains fully calibrated when Fine is on.
When Fine is turned off, the Horizontal scale knob changes the time/div setting in
a 1-2-5 step sequence.
To position the time reference (left, center, right)
Time reference is the reference point on the display for delay time (horizontal
position).
1 Press [Horiz].
2 In the Horizontal Menu, press Time Ref; then, select:
• Left — the time reference is set to one major division from the left edge of the
display.
• Center — the time reference is set to the center of the display.
• Right — the time reference is set to one major division from the right edge of
the display.
A small hollow triangle (∇) at the top of the display grid marks the position of the
time reference. When delay time is set to zero, the trigger point indicator (▼)
overlays the time reference indicator.
The time reference position sets the initial position of the trigger event within
acquisition memory and on the display, with delay set to 0.
Turning the Horizontal scale (sweep speed) knob expands or contracts the
waveform about the time reference point (∇). See "To adjust the horizontal
(time/div) scale" on page 50.
Turning the Horizontal position () knob in Normal mode (not Zoom) moves the
trigger point indicator (▼) to the left or right of the time reference point (∇). See
"To adjust the horizontal delay (position)" on page 51.
Searching for Events
You can use the [Search] key and menu to search for Edge, Pulse Width, Rise/Fall
Time, Runt, and Serial events on the analog channels.
Setting up searches (see "To set up searches" on page 59) is similar to setting up
triggers. In fact, except for Serial events, you can copy search setups to trigger
setups and vice-versa (see "To copy search setups" on page 59).
Searches are different than triggers in that they use the measurement threshold
settings instead of trigger levels.
Found search events are marked with white triangles at the top of the graticule,
and the number of events found is displayed in the menu line just above the sofkey
labels.
To set up searches
1 Press [Search].
2 In the Search Menu, press Search; then, turn the Entry knob to select the search
type.
3 Press Settings, and use the Search Settings Menu to set up the selected search
type.
Setting up searches is similar to setting up triggers:
• For setting up Edge searches, see "Edge Trigger" on page 144.
• For setting up Pulse Width searches, see "Pulse Width Trigger" on
page 147.
• For setting up Rise/Fall Time searches, see "Rise/Fall Time Trigger" on
page 154.
• For setting up Runt searches, see "Runt Trigger" on page 157.
• For setting up Serial searches, see Chapter 10, “Triggers,” starting on page
141 and "Searching Lister Data" on page 126.
Horizontal Controls2
Remember that searches use the measurement threshold settings instead of
trigger levels. Use the Thresholds softkey in the Search Menu to access the
Measurement Threshold Menu. See "Measurement Thresholds" on page 234.
To copy search setups
Except for Serial event search setups, you can copy search setups to trigger
setups and vice-versa.
1 Press [Search].
2 In the Search Menu, press Search; then, turn the Entry knob to select the search
• Press Copy to Trigger to copy the setup for the selected search type to the
same trigger type. For example, if the current search type is Pulse Width,
pressing Copy to Trigger copies the search settings to the Pulse Width trigger
settings and selects the Pulse Width trigger.
• Press Copy from Trigger to copy the trigger setup for the selected search type
to the search setup.
• To undo a copy, press Undo Copy.
The softkeys in the Search Copy Menu may not be available when one of the
settings cannot be copied or there is no trigger type that corresponds to the
search type.
Navigating the Time Base
You can use the [Navigate] key and controls to navigate through:
• Captured data (see "To navigate time" on page 60).
• Search events (see "To navigate search events" on page 60).
• Segments, when segmented memory acquisitions are turned on (see "To
navigate segments" on page 61).
To navigate time
When acquisitions are stopped, you can use the navigation controls to play
through the captured data.
1 Press [Navigate].
2 In the Navigate Menu, press Navigate; then, select Time.
3 Press the navigation keys to play backward, stop, or play forward in
time. You can press the or keys multiple times to speed up the
playback. There are three speed levels.
To navigate search events
When acquisitions are stopped, you can use the navigation controls to go to found
search events (set using the [Search] key and menu, see "Searching for Events" on
page 58).
2 In the Navigate Menu, press Navigate; then, select Search.
3 Press the back and forward keys to go to the previous or next search
event.
When searching Serial decode:
• You can press the stop key to set or clear a mark.
•The Auto zoom softkey specifies whether the waveform display is automatically
zoomed to fit the marked row as you navigate.
• Pressing the Scroll Lister softkey lets you use the Entry knob to scroll through
data rows in the Lister display.
To navigate segments
When the segmented memory acquisition is enabled and acquisitions are stopped,
you can use the navigation controls to play through the acquired segments.
1 Press [Navigate].
2 In the Navigate Menu, press Navigate; then, select Segments.
3 Press Play Mode; then, select:
• Manual — to play through segments manually.
Horizontal Controls2
In the Manual play mode:
• Press the back and forward keys to go to the previous or next
segment.
• Press the softkey to go to the first segment.
• Press the softkey to go to the last segment.
• Auto — to play through segments in an automated fashion.
In the Auto play mode:
• Press the navigation keys to play backward, stop, or play
forward in time. You can press the or keys multiple times to speed
up the playback. There are three speed levels.
To turn waveforms on or off (channel or math) / 64
To adjust the vertical scale / 65
To adjust the vertical position / 65
To specify channel coupling / 65
To specify channel input impedance / 66
To specify bandwidth limiting / 67
To change the vertical scale knob's coarse/fine adjustment setting / 67
To invert a waveform / 68
Setting Analog Channel Probe Options / 68
The vertical controls include:
• The vertical scale and position knobs for each analog channel.
• The channel keys for turning a channel on or off and accessing the channel's
softkey menu.
The following figure shows the Channel 1 Menu that appears after pressing the [1]
channel key.
63
3Vertical Controls
Channel,
Volts/div
Channel 1
ground
level
Trigger
source
Trigger level
or threshold
Channel 2
ground
level
NOTE
The ground level of the signal for each displayed analog channel is identified by
the position of the icon at the far-left side of the display.
1 Press an analog channel key turn the channel on or off (and to display the
channel's menu).
When a channel is on, its key is illuminated.
Turning channels off
You must be viewing the menu for a channel before you can turn it off. For example, if channel
1 and channel 2 are turned on and the menu for channel 2 is being displayed, to turn channel
1 off, press [1] to display the channel 1 menu; then, press [1] again to turn channel 1 off.
To adjust the vertical scale
1 Turn the large knob above the channel key marked to set the vertical
scale (volts/division) for the channel.
The vertical scale knob changes the analog channel scale in a 1-2-5 step
sequence (with a 1:1 probe attached) unless fine adjustment is enabled (see "To
change the vertical scale knob's coarse/fine adjustment setting" on page 67).
The analog channel Volts/Div value is displayed in the status line.
The default mode for expanding the signal when you turn the volts/division knob
is vertical expansion about the ground level of the channel; however, you can
change this to expand about the center of the display. See "To choose "expand
about" center or ground" on page 297.
To adjust the vertical position
Vertical Controls3
1 Turn the small vertical position knob ( ) to move the channel's waveform up or
down on the display.
The voltage value momentarily displayed in the upper right portion of the display
represents the voltage difference between the vertical center of the display and
the ground level () icon. It also represents the voltage at the vertical center of
the display if vertical expansion is set to expand about ground (see "To choose
"expand about" center or ground" on page 297).
To specify channel coupling
Coupling changes the channel's input coupling to either AC (alternating current)
or DC (direct current).
If the channel is DC coupled, you can quickly measure the DC component of the signal by
simply noting its distance from the ground symbol.
If the channel is AC coupled, the DC component of the signal is removed, allowing you to use
greater sensitivity to display the AC component of the signal.
1 Press the desired channel key.
2 In the Channel Menu, press the Coupling softkey to select the input channel
coupling:
• DC — DC coupling is useful for viewing waveforms as low as 0 Hz that do not
have large DC offsets.
• AC — AC coupling is useful for viewing waveforms with large DC offsets.
When AC coupling is chosen, you cannot select 50Ω mode. This is done to
prevent damage to the oscilloscope.
AC coupling places a 10 Hz high-pass filter in series with the input waveform
that removes any DC offset voltage from the waveform.
Note that Channel Coupling is independent of Trigger Coupling. To change trigger
coupling see "To select the trigger coupling" on page 177.
To specify channel input impedance
When you connect an AutoProbe, self-sensing probe, or a compatible InfiniiMax probe, the
oscilloscope automatically configures the analog input channels to the correct impedance.
1 Press the desired channel key.
2 In the Channel Menu, press Imped (impedance); then, select either:
• 50 Ohm — matches 50 ohm cables commonly used in making high frequency
measurements, and 50 ohm active probes.
When 50 Ohm input impedance is selected, it is displayed with the channel
information on-screen.
When AC coupling is selected (see "To specify channel coupling" on
page 65) or excessive voltage is applied to the input, the oscilloscope
automatically switches to 1M Ohm mode to prevent possible damage.
• 1M Ohm — is for use with many passive probes and for general-purpose
measurements. The higher impedance minimizes the loading effect of the
oscilloscope on the device under test.
This impedance matching gives you the most accurate measurements because
reflections are minimized along the signal path.
See Also• For more information on probing, visit: www.keysight.com/find/scope_probes
• Information about selecting a probe can be found in document number
Keysight Oscilloscope Probes and Accessories Selection Guide (part number
5989-6162EN), available at www.keysight.com.
To specify bandwidth limiting
1 Press the desired channel key.
2 In the Channel Menu, press the BW Limit softkey to enable or disable bandwidth
limiting.
Vertical Controls3
When bandwidth limit is on, the maximum bandwidth for the channel is
approximately 20 MHz. For waveforms with frequencies below this, turning
bandwidth limit on removes unwanted high frequency noise from the waveform.
The bandwidth limit also limits the trigger signal path of any channel that has BW Limit turned on.
To change the vertical scale knob's coarse/fine adjustment setting
1 Push the channel's vertical scale knob (or press the channel key and then the
Fine softkey in the Channel Menu) to toggle between fine and coarse
adjustment of the vertical scale.
When Fine adjustment is selected, you can change the channel's vertical
sensitivity in smaller increments. The channel sensitivity remains fully calibrated
when Fine is on.
The vertical scale value is displayed in the status line at the top of the display.
When Fine is turned off, turning the volts/division knob changes the channel
sensitivity in a 1-2-5 step sequence.
To invert a waveform
1 Press the desired channel key.
2 In the Channel Menu, press the Invert softkey to invert the selected channel.
When Invert is selected, the voltage values of the displayed waveform are inverted.
Invert affects how a channel is displayed. However, when using basic triggers, the
oscilloscope attempts to maintain the same trigger point by changing trigger
settings.
Inverting a channel also changes the result of any math function selected in the
Waveform Math Menu or any measurement.
Setting Analog Channel Probe Options
1 Press the probe's associated channel key.
2 In the Channel Menu, press the Probe softkey to display the Channel Probe
Menu.
This menu lets you select additional probe parameters such as attenuation
factor and units of measurement for the connected probe.
The Channel Probe Menu changes depending on the type of probe connected.
For passive probes (such as the N2841A, N2842A, N2843A, N2862A/B,
N2863A/B, N2889A, N2890A, 10073C, 10074C, or 1165A probes), the Probe Check softkey appears; it guides you through the process of compensating
probes.
For some active probes (such as InfiniiMax probes), the oscilloscope can
accurately calibrate its analog channels for the probe. When you connect a
probe that can be calibrated, the Calibrate Probe softkey appears (and the probe
attenuation softkey may change). See "To calibrate a probe" on page 70.
See Also• "To specify the channel units" on page 69
• "To specify the probe attenuation" on page 69
• "To specify the probe skew" on page 70
To specify the channel units
1 Press the probe's associated channel key.
2 In the Channel Menu, press Probe.
3 In the Channel Probe Menu, press Units; then, select:
• Volts — for a voltage probe.
• Amps — for a current probe.
Channel sensitivity, trigger level, measurement results, and math functions will
reflect the measurement units you have selected.
Vertical Controls3
To specify the probe attenuation
This is set automatically if the oscilloscope can identify the connected probe. See
Analog channel inputs (see page 41).
The probe attenuation factor must be set properly for accurate measurement
results.
If you connect a probe that is not automatically identified by the oscilloscope, you
can manually set the attenuation factor as follows:
1 Press the channel key.
2 Press the Probe softkey until you have selected how you want to specify the
attenuation factor, choosing either Ratio or Decibels.
3 Turn the Entry knob to set the attenuation factor for the connected probe.
When measuring voltage values, the attenuation factor can be set from 0.001:1 to
10000:1 in a 1-2-5 sequence.
When measuring current values with a current probe, the attenuation factor can
be set from 1000 V/A to 0.0001 V/A.
When specifying the attenuation factor in decibels, you can select values from
-60 dB to 80 dB.
If Amps is chosen as the units and a manual attenuation factor is chosen, then the
units as well as the attenuation factor are displayed above the Probe softkey.
When measuring time intervals in the nanoseconds (ns) range, small differences in
cable length can affect the measurement. Use Skew to remove cable-delay errors
between any two channels.
1 Probe the same point with both probes.
2 Press one of the probes associated channel key.
3 In the Channel Menu, press Probe.
4 In the Channel Probe Menu, press Skew; then, select the desired skew value.
Each analog channel can be adjusted ±100 ns in 10 ps increments for a total of
200 ns difference.
The skew setting is not affected by pressing [Default Setup] or [Auto Scale].
To calibrate a probe
The Calibrate Probe softkey guides you through the process of calibrating probes.
For certain active probes, such as InfiniiMax probes, the oscilloscope can
accurately calibrate its analog channels for the probe. When you connect a probe
that can be calibrated, the Calibrate Probe softkey in the Channel Probe Menu
becomes active.
To calibrate one of these probes:
1 First, plug your probe into one of the oscilloscope channels.
This could be, for example, an InfiniiMax probe amplifier/probe head with
attenuators attached.
2 Connect the probe to the left side, Demo 2, Probe Comp terminal, and the
When calibrating a differential probe, connect the positive lead to the Probe Comp terminal
and the negative lead to the ground terminal. You may need to connect an alligator clip to the
ground lug to allow a differential probe to span between the Probe Comp test point and
ground. A good ground connection ensures the most accurate probe calibration.
3 Press the Channel on/off key to turn the channel on (if the channel is off).
4 In the Channel Menu, press the Probe softkey.
5 In the Channel Probe Menu, the second softkey from the left is for specifying
your probe head (and attenuation). Repeatedly press this softkey until the
probe head selection matches the attenuator you are using.
The choices are:
• 10:1 single-ended browser (no attenuator).
• 10:1 differential browser (no attenuator).
• 10:1 (+6 dB Atten) single-ended browser.
• 10:1 (+6 dB Atten) differential browser.
• 10:1 (+12 dB Atten) single-ended browser.
• 10:1 (+12 dB Atten) differential browser.
• 10:1 (+20 dB Atten) single-ended browser.
• 10:1 (+20 dB Atten) differential browser.
6 Press the Calibrate Probe softkey and follow the instructions on the display.
For more information on InfiniiMax probes and accessories, see the probe's User's Guide.
To display math waveforms / 73
To perform transforms or filters on an arithmetic operation / 75
To adjust the math waveform scale and offset / 75
Units for Math Waveforms / 75
Math Operators / 76
Math Transforms / 78
Math Filters / 94
Math Visualizations / 95
Math functions can be performed on analog channels. The resulting math
waveform is displayed in light purple.
You can use a math function on a channel even if you choose not to display the
channel on-screen.
You can:
• Perform an arithmetic operation (like add, subtract, or multiply) on analog input
channels.
• Perform a transform function (like differentiate, integrate, FFT, or square root)
on an analog input channel.
• Perform a transform function on the result of an arithmetic operation.
To display math waveforms
1 Press the [Math] key on the front panel to display the Waveform Math Menu.
73
4Math Waveforms
TIP
2 If f(t) is not already shown on the Function softkey, press the Function sofkey and
select f(t): Displayed.
3 Use the Operator softkey to select an operator or transform.
For more information on the operators, see:
• "Math Operators" on page 76
• "Math Transforms" on page 78
• "Math Filters" on page 94
• "Math Visualizations" on page 95
4 Use the Source 1 softkey to select the analog channel on which to perform
math. You can rotate the Entry knob or repetitively press the Source 1 softkey to
make your selection. If you choose a transform function (differentiate, integrate,
FFT, or square root) the result is displayed.
5 If you select an arithmetic operator, use the Source 2 softkey to select the
second source for the arithmetic operation. The result is displayed.
6 To re-size and re-position the math waveform, see "To adjust the math
waveform scale and offset" on page 75.
Math Operating Hints
If the analog channel or math function is clipped (not fully displayed on screen) the resulting
displayed math function will also be clipped.
Once the function is displayed, the analog channel(s) may be turned off for better viewing of
the math waveform.
The vertical scaling and offset of each math function can be adjusted for ease of viewing and
measurement considerations.
The math function waveform can be measured using [Cursors] and/or [Meas].
To perform transforms or filters on an arithmetic operation
To perform a transform function (see "Math Transforms" on page 78) or filter (see
"Math Filters" on page 94) on the add, subtract, or multiply arithmetic operations:
1 Press the Function softkey and select g(t): Internal.
2 Use the Operator, Source 1, and Source 2 softkeys to set up an arithmetic
operation.
3 Press the Function softkey and select f(t): Displayed.
4 Use the Operator softkey to select a transform function or filter.
5 Press the Source 1 softkey and select g(t) as the source. Note that g(t) is only
available when you select a transform function in the previous step.
To adjust the math waveform scale and offset
1 Make sure the multiplexed scale and position knobs to the right of the [Math]
key are selected for the math waveform.
If the arrow to the left of the [Math] key is not illuminated, press the key.
2 Use the multiplexed scale and position knobs just to the right of the [Math] key
to re-size and re-position the math waveform.
Math Scale and Offset are Set Automatically
Any time the currently displayed math function definition is changed, the function is
automatically scaled for optimum vertical scale and offset. If you manually set scale and offset
for a function, select a new function, then select the original function, the original function will
be automatically rescaled.
See Also• "Units for Math Waveforms" on page 75
Units for Math Waveforms
Units for each input channel can be set to Volts or Amps using the Units softkey in
the channel's Probe Menu. Units for math function waveforms are:
* When the FFT source is channel 1, 2, 3 or 4, FFT units will be displayed in dBV when channel units
is set to Volts and channel impedance is set to 1 MΩ. FFT units will be displayed in dBm when
channel units is set to Volts and channel impedance is set to 50
for all other FFT sources or when a source channel's units has been set to Amps.
Vs or As (V-seconds or A-seconds)
page 88.
1/2
1/2
V
, A
, or W
1/2
(Volt-Amp)
Ω. FFT units will be displayed as dB
A scale unit of U (undefined) will be displayed for math functions when two source
channels are used and they are set to dissimilar units and the combination of units
cannot be resolved.
Math operators perform arithmetic operations (like add, subtract, or multiply) on
analog input channels.
• "Add or Subtract" on page 76
• "Multiply or Divide" on page 77
Add or Subtract
When you select add or subtract, the Source 1 and Source 2 values are added or
subtracted point by point, and the result is displayed.
You can use subtract to make a differential measurement or to compare two
waveforms.
If your waveforms' DC offsets are larger than the dynamic range of the
oscilloscope's input channels you will need to use a differential probe instead.
Figure 5 Example of Subtract Channel 2 from Channel 1
Math Waveforms4
See Also• "Units for Math Waveforms" on page 75
Multiply or Divide
When you select the multiply or divide math function, the Source 1 and Source 2
values are multiplied or divided point by point, and the result is displayed.
The divide by zero case places holes (that is, zero values) in the output waveform.
Multiply is useful for seeing power relationships when one of the channels is
proportional to the current.
Figure 6 Example of Multiply Channel 1 by Channel 2
See Also• "Units for Math Waveforms" on page 75
Math Transforms
Math transforms perform a transform function (like differentiate, integrate, FFT, or
square root) on an analog input channel or on the result of an arithmetic
operation.
• "Differentiate" on page 79
• "Integrate" on page 80
• "FFT Measurement" on page 83
• "Square Root" on page 90
With the advanced math measurements license, these additional transforms are
available:
d/dt (differentiate) calculates the discrete time derivative of the selected source.
You can use differentiate to measure the instantaneous slope of a waveform. For
example, the slew rate of an operational amplifier may be measured using the
differentiate function.
Because differentiation is very sensitive to noise, it is helpful to set acquisition
mode to Averaging (see "Selecting the Acquisition Mode" on page 189).
d/dt plots the derivative of the selected source using the "average slope estimate
at 4 points" formula. The equation is:
Math Waveforms4
Where:
• d = differential waveform.
• y = channel 1, 2, 3, or 4, or g(t) (internal arithmetic operation) data points.
See Also• "To perform transforms or filters on an arithmetic operation" on page 75
• "Units for Math Waveforms" on page 75
Integrate
dt (integrate) calculates the integral of the selected source. You can use
integrate to calculate the energy of a pulse in volt-seconds or measure the area
under a waveform.
dt plots the integral of the source using the "Trapezoidal Rule". The equation is:
Where:
• I = integrated waveform.
• Δt = point-to-point time difference.
Math Waveforms4
• y = channel 1, 2, 3, or 4, or g(t) (internal arithmetic operation).
• co = arbitrary constant.
• i = data point index.
The integrate operator provides an Offset softkey that lets you enter a DC offset
correction factor for the input signal. Small DC offset in the integrate function
input (or even small oscilloscope calibration errors) can cause the integrate
function output to "ramp" up or down. This DC offset correction lets you level the
integrate waveform.
FFT is used to compute the fast Fourier transform using analog input channels or
an arithmetic operation g(t). FFT takes the digitized time record of the specified
source and transforms it to the frequency domain. When the FFT function is
selected, the FFT spectrum is plotted on the oscilloscope display as magnitude in
dBV versus frequency. The readout for the horizontal axis changes from time to
frequency (Hertz) and the vertical readout changes from volts to dB.
Use the FFT function to find crosstalk problems, to find distortion problems in
analog waveforms caused by amplifier non-linearity, or for adjusting analog filters.
To display a FFT waveform:
1 Press the [Math] key, press the Function softkey and select f(t), press the Operator
softkey and select FFT.
• Source 1 — selects the source for the FFT. (See "To perform transforms or
filters on an arithmetic operation" on page 75 for information about using
g(t) as the source.)
• Span — sets the overall width of the FFT spectrum that you see on the
display (left to right). Divide span by 10 to calculate the number of Hertz per
division. It is possible to set Span above the maximum available frequency, in
which case the displayed spectrum will not take up the whole screen. Press
the Span softkey, then turn the Entry knob to set the desired frequency span
of the display.
• Center — sets the FFT spectrum frequency represented at the center vertical
grid line of the display. It is possible to set the Center to values below half
the span or above the maximum available frequency, in which case the
displayed spectrum will not take up the whole screen. Press the Center
softkey, then turn the Entry knob to set the desired center frequency of the
display.
• Scale — lets you set your own vertical scale factors for FFT expressed in
dB/div (decibels/division). See "To adjust the math waveform scale and
• Offset — lets you set your own offset for the FFT. The offset value is in dB and
is represented by the center horizontal grid line of the display. See "To
adjust the math waveform scale and offset" on page 75.
• More FFT — displays the More FFT Settings Menu.
2 Press the More FFT softkey to display additional FFT settings.
• Window— selects a window to apply to your FFT input signal:
• Hanning — window for making accurate frequency measurements or for
resolving two frequencies that are close together.
• Flat Top — window for making accurate amplitude measurements of
frequency peaks.
• Rectangular — good frequency resolution and amplitude accuracy, but use
only where there will be no leakage effects. Use on self-windowing
waveforms such as pseudo-random noise, impulses, sine bursts, and
decaying sinusoids.
• Blackman Harris — window reduces time resolution compared to a
rectangular window, but improves the capacity to detect smaller impulses
due to lower secondary lobes.
• Vertical Units — lets you select Decibels or V RMS as the units for the FFT
vertical scale.
• Auto Setup — sets the frequency Span and Center to values that will cause
the entire available spectrum to be displayed. The maximum available
frequency is half the FFT sample rate, which is a function of the time per
division setting. The FFT resolution is the quotient of the sampling rate and
the number of FFT points (f
If you do not manually change the FFT scale or offset settings, when you turn the horizontal
scale knob, the span and center frequency settings will automatically change to allow
optimum viewing of the full spectrum.
If you do manually set scale or offset, turning the horizontal scale knob will not change the
span or center frequency settings, allowing you see better detail around a specific frequency.
Pressing the FFT Auto Setup softkey will automatically rescale the waveform and span and
center will again automatically track the horizontal scale setting.
3 To make cursor measurements, press the [Cursors] key and set the Source
softkey to Math: f(t).
Use the X1 and X2 cursors to measure frequency values and difference between
two frequency values (ΔX). Use the Y1 and Y2 cursors to measure amplitude in
dB and difference in amplitude (ΔY).
4 To make other measurements, press the [Meas] key and set the Source softkey to
Math: f(t).
You can make peak-to-peak, maximum, minimum, and average dB
measurements on the FFT waveform. You can also find the frequency value at
the first occurrence of the waveform maximum by using the X at Max Y
measurement.
The following FFT spectrum was obtained by connecting a 4 V, 75 kHz square
wave to channel 1. Set the horizontal scale to 50 µs/div, vertical sensitivity to
1 V/div, Units/div to 20 dBV, Offset to -60.0 dBV, Center frequency to 250 kHz,
frequency Span to 500 kHz, and window to Hanning.
See Also• "To perform transforms or filters on an arithmetic operation" on page 75
• "FFT Measurement Hints" on page 86
• "FFT Units" on page 88
• "FFT DC Value" on page 88
• "FFT Aliasing" on page 88
• "FFT Spectral Leakage" on page 89
• "Units for Math Waveforms" on page 75
FFT Measurement Hints
The number of points acquired for the FFT record can be up to 65,536, and when
frequency span is at maximum, all points are displayed. Once the FFT spectrum is
displayed, the frequency span and center frequency controls are used much like
the controls of a spectrum analyzer to examine the frequency of interest in greater
detail. Place the desired part of the waveform at the center of the screen and
decrease frequency span to increase the display resolution. As frequency span is
decreased, the number of points shown is reduced, and the display is magnified.
While the FFT spectrum is displayed, use the [Math] and [Cursors] keys to switch
between measurement functions and frequency domain controls in FFT Menu.
The FFT resolution is the quotient of the sampling rate and the number of FFT points (fS/N).
With a fixed number of FFT points (up to 65,536), the lower the sampling rate, the better the
resolution.
Decreasing the effective sampling rate by selecting a greater time/div setting will
increase the low frequency resolution of the FFT display and also increase the
chance that an alias will be displayed. The resolution of the FFT is the effective
sample rate divided by the number of points in the FFT. The actual resolution of
the display will not be this fine as the shape of the window will be the actual
limiting factor in the FFTs ability to resolve two closely space frequencies. A good
way to test the ability of the FFT to resolve two closely spaced frequencies is to
examine the sidebands of an amplitude modulated sine wave.
For the best vertical accuracy on peak measurements:
• Make sure the probe attenuation is set correctly. The probe attenuation is set
from the Channel Menu if the operand is a channel.
• Set the source sensitivity so that the input signal is near full screen, but not
clipped.
• Use the Flat Top window.
• Set the FFT sensitivity to a sensitive range, such as 2 dB/division.
For best frequency accuracy on peaks:
• Use the Hanning window.
• Use Cursors to place an X cursor on the frequency of interest.
• Adjust frequency span for better cursor placement.
• Return to the Cursors Menu to fine tune the X cursor.
For more information on the use of FFTs please refer to Keysight Application Note
243, The Fundamentals of Signal Analysis at
0 dBV is the amplitude of a 1 Vrms sinusoid. When the FFT source is channel 1 or
channel 2 (or channel 3 or 4 on 4-channel models), FFT units will be displayed in
dBV when channel units is set to Volts and channel impedance is set to 1 MΩ.
FFT units will be displayed in dBm when channel units is set to Volts and channel
impedance is set to 50Ω.
FFT units will be displayed as dB for all other FFT sources or when a source
channel's units has been set to Amps.
FFT DC Value
The FFT computation produces a DC value that is incorrect. It does not take the
offset at center screen into account. The DC value is not corrected in order to
accurately represent frequency components near DC.
FFT Aliasing
When using FFTs, it is important to be aware of frequency aliasing. This requires
that the operator have some knowledge as to what the frequency domain should
contain, and also consider the sampling rate, frequency span, and oscilloscope
vertical bandwidth when making FFT measurements. The FFT resolution (the
quotient of the sampling rate and the number of FFT points) is displayed directly
above the softkeys when the FFT Menu is displayed.
Nyquist Frequency and Aliasing in the Frequency Domain
The Nyquist frequency is the highest frequency that any real-time digitizing oscilloscope can
acquire without aliasing. This frequency is half of the sample rate. Frequencies above the
Nyquist frequency will be under sampled, which causes aliasing. The Nyquist frequency is also
called the folding frequency because aliased frequency components fold back from that
frequency when viewing the frequency domain.
Aliasing happens when there are frequency components in the signal higher than
half the sample rate. Because the FFT spectrum is limited by this frequency, any
higher components are displayed at a lower (aliased) frequency.
The following figure illustrates aliasing. This is the spectrum of a 990 Hz square
wave, which has many harmonics. The sample rate is set to 100 kSa/s, and the
oscilloscope displays the spectrum. The displayed waveform shows the
components of the input signal above the Nyquist frequency to be mirrored
(aliased) on the display and reflected off the right edge.
Figure 9 Aliasing
Because the frequency span goes from ≈ 0 to the Nyquist frequency, the best way
to prevent aliasing is to make sure that the frequency span is greater than the
frequencies of significant energy present in the input signal.
FFT Spectral Leakage
The FFT operation assumes that the time record repeats. Unless there is an
integral number of cycles of the sampled waveform in the record, a discontinuity is
created at the end of the record. This is referred to as leakage. In order to minimize
spectral leakage, windows that approach zero smoothly at the beginning and end
of the signal are employed as filters to the FFT. The FFT Menu provides four
windows: Hanning, Flat Top, Rectangular, and Blackman-Harris. For more
The Ax + B function differs from the Magnify math visualization function in that the
output is likey different than the input.
See Also• "Magnify" on page 96
Square
The square function (available with the advanced math measurements license)
calculates the square of the selected source, point by point, and displays the
result.
Press the Source softkey to select the signal source.
The absolute value function (available with the advanced math measurements
license) changes negative values in the input to positive values and displays the
resulting waveform.
Figure 12 Example of Absolute Value
See Also• "Square" on page 91
Common Logarithm
The Common Logarithm (log) function (available with the advanced math
measurements license) performs a transform of the input source. Where the
transform is undefined for a particular input, holes (zero values) appear in the
function output.
The Natural Logarithm (ln) function (available with the advanced math
measurements license) performs a transform of the input source. Where the
transform is undefined for a particular input, holes (zero values) appear in the
function output.
Math Waveforms4
Figure 13 Example of Natural Logarithm
See Also• "Common Logarithm" on page 92
Exponential
The Exponential (e^x) function (available with the advanced math measurements
license) performs a transform of the input source.
See Also• "Base 10 Exponential" on page 93
Base 10 Exponential
The Base 10 Exponential (10^x) function (available with the advanced math
measurements license) performs a transform of the input source.
With the advanced math measurements license, you can use math filters to create
a waveform that is the result of a high- or low-pass filter on an analog input
channel or on the result of an arithmetic operation.
• "High Pass and Low Pass Filter" on page 94
High Pass and Low Pass Filter
The high-pass or low-pass filter functions (available with the advanced math
measurements license) apply the filter to the selected source waveform and
display the resut in the math waveform.
The high-pass filter is a single-pole high-pass filter.
The low-pass filter is a 4th order Bessel-Thompson filter.
Use the Bandwidth softkey to select the filter's -3 dB cutoff frequency.
The ratio of the input signal's Nyquist frequency and the selected -3 dB cutoff frequency
affects how many points are available in the output, and under some circumstances, there are
no points in the output waveform.
Figure 15 Example of Low Pass Filter
Math Visualizations
With the advanced math measurements license, you can apply visualization math
functions that give you different ways of viewing captured data and measurement
values.
The magnify math function (available with the advanced math measurements
license) lets you display an existing input source at different vertical settings to
provide more vertical detail.
Figure 16 Example of Magnify
See Also• "Ax + B" on page 90
Measurement Trend
The measurement trend math function (available with the advanced math
measurements license) shows measurement values for a waveform (based on
measurement threshold settings) as the waveform progresses across the screen.
For every cycle, a measurement is made, and the value is displayed on the screen
for the cycle.
If a measurement cannot be made for part of a waveform, the trend function
output is a hole (that is, no value) until a measurement can be made.
The Chart Logic Bus Timing function (available with the advanced math
measurements license) displays bus data values as an analog waveform (like a
D/A conversion). When the bus value is transitioning, the function output is the
bus's last stable state.
Figure 18 Example of Chart Logic Bus Timing
Use the Units/Code softkey to specify the analog value equivalent of each
increment in the bus data value.
Use the 0 Offset softkey to specify the analog value equivalent of a bus data value
of zero.
Use the Units softkey to specify the type of values the bus data represents (volts,
amps, etc.).
The Chart Logic Bus State function (available with the advanced math
measurements license) displays bus data values, sampled on a clock signal's
edge, as an analog waveform (like a D/A conversion).
Math Waveforms4
Figure 19 Example of Chart Logic Bus State
Use the Clock softkey to select the clock signal.
Use the Slope softkey to select the edge of the clock signal to be used.
Use the More Chart softkey to open a submenu for specifying the analog value
equivalent of each bus value increment, the analog equivalent of a zero bus value,
and the type of values the charted bus data represents (volts, amps, etc.).
Use the Units/Code softkey to specify the analog value equivalent of each
increment in the bus data value.