LeCroy WaveAce Series, WaveAce WA202, WaveAce WA212, WaveAce WA222, WaveAce WA232 Getting Started Manual

Getting Started

Manual

WaveAce

Oscilloscope

Getting Started Manual

August, 2008

Manufactured under an ISO

9000 Registered Quality

Management System.

Visit www.lecroy.com to

view the certificate.

This electronic product is subject to disposal

and recycling regulations that vary by country

and region. Many countries prohibit the disposal

of waste electronic equipment in standard

waste receptacles.

For more information about proper disposal and

recycling of your LeCroy product, please visit

www.lecroy.com/recycle.

LeCroy Corporation

700 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY, 10977-6499
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Warranty

NOTE: THE WARRANTY BELOW REPLACES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT

LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS, OR ADEQUACY FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE

OR USE. LECROY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER IN

CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE. THE CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION AND INSURANCE CHARGES

FOR THE RETURN OF PRODUCTS TO THE SERVICE FACILITY. LECROY WILL RETURN ALL PRODUCTS UNDER WARRANTY

WITH TRANSPORT PREPAID.

The oscilloscope is warranted for normal use and operation, within specifications, for a period of three years from shipment. LeCroy will

either repair or, at our option, replace any product returned to one of our authorized service centers within this period. However, in order

to do this we must first examine the product and find that it is defective due to workmanship or materials and not due to misuse,

neglect, accident, or abnormal conditions or operation.

LeCroy shall not be responsible for any defect, damage, or failure caused by any of the following: a) attempted repairs or installations

by personnel other than LeCroy representatives or b) improper connection to incompatible equipment, or c) for any damage or

malfunction caused by the use of non-LeCroy supplies. Furthermore, LeCroy shall not be obligated to service a product that has been

modified or integrated where the modification or integration increases the task duration or difficulty of servicing the oscilloscope. Spare

and replacement parts, and repairs, all have a 90-day warranty.

The oscilloscope’s firmware has been thoroughly tested and is presumed to be functional. Nevertheless, it is supplied without warranty

of any kind covering detailed performance. Products not made by LeCroy are covered solely by the warranty of the original equipment

manufacturer.

Internet: www.lecroy.com
© 2008 by LeCroy Corporation. All rights reserved.

LeCroy, ActiveDSO, JitterTrack, WavePro, WaveMaster, WaveSurfer, WaveLink, WaveExpert,
Waverunner, and WaveAce are registered trademarks of LeCroy Corporation. Other product or brand
names are trademarks or requested trademarks of their respective holders. Information in this
publication supersedes all earlier versions. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome ............................................................................... 3

Support........................................................................... 3

Thank You ...................................................................... 3

Safety Requirements ..................................................... 4

Getting to Know WaveAce ................................................. 9

Hardware........................................................................ 9

Basic Controls .............................................................. 12

Probes .......................................................................... 20

Viewing Waveforms .......................................................... 22

Turning On Traces ....................................................... 22

Setting Up the Display ................................................. 23

Understanding Display Information .............................. 24

Auto Setup ................................................................... 26

Vertical Settings and Channel Controls ......................... 27

Choosing Coupling ....................................................... 28

Limiting Bandwidth ....................................................... 29

Adjusting Sensitivity ..................................................... 30

Setting Probe Attenuation ............................................ 31

Inverting Waveforms .................................................... 32

Using the Digital Filter .................................................. 33

Sampling Modes ................................................................ 34

Acquisition Sampling Modes ........................................ 34

Zooming Waveforms .................................................... 36

Triggering ........................................................................... 37

Trigger Types ............................................................... 37

Edge Triggering ........................................................... 37

Pulse Triggering ........................................................... 38

Video Triggering ........................................................... 39

Slope Triggering ........................................................... 40

Alternative Triggering ................................................... 41

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Analyzing Waveforms ....................................................... 42

Waveform Measurements ............................................ 42

Parameter Measurements ............................................ 45

Waveform Math ............................................................ 49

Save and Recall ................................................................. 52

Saving and Recalling Scope Setups ............................ 52

Saving and Recalling Waveforms ................................ 53

Saving and Recalling Reference Waveforms ............... 54

Saving Data (.CSV) ...................................................... 55

Saving and Printing Waveform Pictures ....................... 56

Recalling Factory Settings ............................................ 57

Utilities ................................................................................ 59

Utility Menu ................................................................... 59

System Status .............................................................. 61

Updating the System Software ..................................... 62

Reference ........................................................................... 63

Specifications ............................................................... 63

Technical Support ........................................................ 66

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Welcome

Thank you for purchasing a LeCroy WaveAce product. This Getting Started Manual includes
important safety and installation information for your WaveAce Series oscilloscope, along with
operating procedures to get you started capturing, viewing, and analyzing your waveforms.

This WaveAce Getting Started Manual provides information in the following manner:

 Getting to Know WaveAce - First, we acquaint you with your new instrument.This

section contains information on the Hardware (explaining the physical features of your
new instrument), Basic Controls (demonstrating the relationship between some front
panel and screen layout controls), and Probes (explaining Probe connections).

 Viewing Waveforms - Covers turning on traces and setting up your display. It also

provides information on using the Auto Setup feature.

 Vertical Settings and Channel Controls - Provides step-by-step procedures for

defining you vertical settings and channel controls, such as limiting bandwidth,
adjusting sensitivity and inverting waveforms.

 Sampling Modes - Covers setting acquisition sampling modes, acquiring waveforms,

and setting the timebase.

 Triggering - Provides step-by-step procedures for the five trigger types - edge, pulse,

video, slope, and alternative.

 Analyzing Waveforms - Lists waveform measurements and parameter

measurements. Also provides procedures for using Math functions.

 Save and Recall - Provides step-by-step procedures for saving and recalling scope

setups, waveforms, and reference waveforms. Also provides procedures for saving
data, saving and printing pictures, and recalling factory settings.

 Utilities - Covers the Utility functions, such as viewing system status.
 Reference - This section includes important safety information and specifications for

the WaveAce Series Oscilloscopes.

Support

When your WaveAce Series Oscilloscope is delivered, verify that all items on the packing list
or invoice copy have been shipped to you. Contact your nearest LeCroy customer service
center or national distributor if anything is missing or damaged. If there is something missing or
damaged, and you do not contact us immediately, we cannot be responsible for replacement.If
you have any problems with your product, please refer to the Technical Support contacts at the
end of this Getting Started Manual. You can also refer to additional support materials at
www.lecroy.com, or the Online Help files in your instrument.

Thank You

We truly hope these materials provide increased comprehension when using LeCroy's fine
products.

Sincerely,

David C. Graef

LeCroy Corporation

Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

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This symbol is used where caution is required. Refer to the
accompanying information or documents in order to protect
against personal injury or damage to the instrument.

This symbol is used to denote the measurement ground
connection.

This symbol is used to denote a safety ground connection.

This symbol shows that the switch is a Standby (power)
switch. When it is pressed, the oscilloscope’s state toggles
between operating and Standby mode. This switch is not a
disconnect device. The instrument can only be placed in a
complete Power Off state by unplugging the power cord from
the AC supply.

This symbol is used to denote Alternating Current.

CAUTION

The CAUTION sign indicates a potential hazard. It calls
attention to a procedure, practice or condition which, if not
followed, could possibly cause damage to equipment. If a
CAUTION is indicated, do not proceed until its conditions are
fully understood and met.

WARNING

The WARNING sign indicates a potential hazard. It calls
attention to a procedure, practice or condition which, if not
followed, could possibly cause bodily injury or death. If a
WARNING is indicated, do not proceed until its conditions are

Safety Requirements

This section contains information and warnings that must be observed to
keep the instrument operating in a correct and safe condition. You are
required to follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the
safety precautions specified in this section.

Safety Symbols

Where the following symbols appear on the instrument’s front or rear
panels, or in this manual, they alert you to important safety considerations.

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fully understood and met.

CAT I

Installation (Overvoltage) Category rating per EN 61010-1
safety standard and is applicable for the oscilloscope front
panel measuring terminals. CAT I rated terminals must only
be connected to source circuits in which measures are taken
to limit transient voltages to an appropriately low level.

Operating Environment

The instrument is intended for indoor use and should be operated in a
clean, dry environment with an ambient temperature within the range of +10
°C to 40 °C.

Note: Direct sunlight, radiators, and other heat sources should be taken
into account when assessing the ambient temperature.

WARNING

The oscilloscope must not be operated in explosive, dusty, or wet
atmospheres.

CAUTION

Do not exceed the maximum specified front panel terminal (CH1, CH2, EXT
TRIG) voltage levels. Refer to Specifications for more details.

Installation (Overvoltage) Category II refers to local distribution level, which
is applicable to equipment connected to the mains supply (AC power
source).

Installation (Overvoltage) Category I refers to signal level, which is
applicable to equipment measuring terminals that are connected to source
circuits in which measures are taken to limit transient voltages to an
appropriately low level.

Pollution Degree 2 refers to an operating environment where normally only
dry non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity
caused by condensation must be expected.

Protection Class 1 refers to a grounded equipment, in which protection
against electric shock is achieved by Basic Insulation and by means of a
connection to the protective ground conductor in the building wiring.

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Voltage
Range:

90 to 264 VAC

Frequency
Range:

45 to 440 Hz

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

The design of the instrument has been verified to conform to EN 61010-1
safety standard per the following limits:

 Installation (Overvoltage) Categories II (Mains Supply Connector) & I

(Measuring Terminals)

 Pollution Degree 2
 Protection Class I

Cooling

The instrument relies on forced air cooling with internal fans and ventilation
openings. Care must be taken to avoid restricting the airflow around the
apertures (fan holes) at the sides and rear of the oscilloscope. Ensure
adequate ventilation by leaving the required 10 cm (4 inch) minimum gap
around the sides and rear of the instrument.

CAUTION

Do not block the ventilation holes located on both sides and rear of the
oscilloscope.

CAUTION

Do not allow any foreign matter to enter the oscilloscope through the
ventilation holes, etc.

AC Power Source

100 to 240 Vrms (+/-10%) AC at 50/60/400 Hz; Installation Category: 300V
CAT II

No manual voltage selection is required because the instrument
automatically adapts to line voltage.

Maximum Power Consumption: 50 VA

Note: The instrument automatically adapts itself to the AC line input within

the following ranges:

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Power and Ground Connections

The instrument is provided with a grounded cord set containing a molded
three-terminal polarized plug and a standard IEC320 (Type C13) connector
for making line voltage and safety ground connection. The AC inlet ground
terminal is connected directly to the frame of the instrument. For adequate
protection against electrical shock hazard, the power cord plug must be
inserted into a mating AC outlet containing a safety ground contact.

WARNING - Electrical Shock Hazard

Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside of the
oscilloscope, or disconnection of the safety ground terminal creates a
hazardous situation.

Intentional interruption is prohibited.

The oscilloscope should be positioned to allow easy access to the socket­outlet. Disconnect the oscilloscope from the AC supply by unplugging the
instrument’s power cord from the AC outlet after the oscilloscope is placed
in Standby state.

CAUTION

The outer shells of the front panel BNC terminals (CH1, CH2, EXT TRIG)
are connected to the instrument’s chassis and therefore to the safety
ground.

Calibration

The recommended calibration interval is one year. Calibration should be
performed by qualified personnel only.

Cleaning

Clean only the exterior of the instrument, using a damp, soft cloth. Do not
use chemicals or abrasive elements. Under no circumstances allow
moisture to penetrate the instrument.

Avoid electrical shock hazard by unplugging the power cord from the AC
outlet before cleaning.

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WARNING - Electrical Shock Hazard

 No operator serviceable parts inside.
 Do not remove covers.
 Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Abnormal Conditions

Operate the instrument only as intended by the manufacturer.

If you suspect the oscilloscope’s protection has been impaired, disconnect
the power cord and secure the instrument against any unintended
operation.

The oscilloscope’s protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the
instrument shows visible damage or has been subjected to severe transport
stresses.

Proper use of the instrument depends on careful reading of all instructions
and labels.

WARNING

Any use of the oscilloscope in a manner not specified by the manufacturer
may impair the instrument’s safety protection. The instrument and related
accessories should not be directly connected to human subjects or used for
patient monitoring.

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Getting to Know WaveAce

Hardware

Front Panel

The WaveAce Series oscilloscopes provide an easy-to-use front panel.
The control buttons are logically grouped. The following provides an
explanation of the front panel buttons and knobs.

1. Power button

2. USB port

3. Menu On/Off, Menu Option buttons and Print button

4. Front Panel Controls

5. Channel inputs, External Trigger input, Probe connect

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Back Panel

Numbered labels on this graphic correspond with descriptions in the table.

1. Pass/Fail Output

2. RS-232 Connector

3. Back USB Connector

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Side Panel

The WaveAce side panel is located on the left side (facing the front of the
instrument). The Power input is located on the side panel as follows:

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Basic Controls

Powering Up Your WaveAce

1. Power On the oscilloscope by pressing the power button on the top
left (facing) the instrument.

2. The LeCroy Splash screen is shown. Press any key to continue (or,
after a brief period the grid display is shown).

3. The Grid Display is shown.

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Front Panel Controls

INTENSITY/ADJUST KNOB

 Intensity/Adjust knob - You can use the Adjust knob with many

functions, such as adjusting the holdoff time, moving cursors, setting
the pulse width, setting the video lineage adjusting the upper and
lower frequency limits, adjusting X and Y masks when using the
Pass/Fail function, etc. You can also turn the Adjust knob to adjust
the storage position of setups, waveforms, pictures when
saving/recalling and to select menu options.

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MENU CONTROL BUTTONS

 MENU ON/OFF - Press to toggle the last-displayed menu On/Off.
 Menu Option buttons (1-5) - Press to choose menu options. Press

a menu option button adjacent to your selection.

 Print - Press to save the current waveform to an attached USB

memory device or print a picture (screen shot) to a USB-connected
printer. You can set up the save/print options using the Save/Recall

→ Picture settings. For more information, refer to Saving and
Printing Waveform Pictures.

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MENU FUNCTION BUTTONS

 CURSORS - Press to turn on the cursors and display the Cursor

menu. You can use the Cursor menu to set the Cursor Mode (Auto,
Off, Manual, Track). When Cursors are on (CURSORS button is lit),
turn the Adjust knob to position the cursors.

 ACQUIRE - Press to display Acquire menu. You can use the

Acquire menu to set the acquisition Sampling Mode (Sampling,
Peak Detect, Average). For more information on sampling modes,
refer to Acquisition Sampling Modes.

 SAVE/RECALL - Press to display the Save/Recall menu. You can

use the Save/Recall menu to save and recall up to 20 scope setups
or waveforms in internal memory (up to 20 waveforms) or on a USB
memory device (limited by memory capacity of USB device). You can
also use it to recall the default factory settings, to save waveform
data as a comma-delimited file (.CSV), and to save or print the
displayed waveform image.

 MEASURE - Press to display a menu of measurement parameters.

The Display Type must be set to YT mode. For more information on
measurement parameters, refer to Parameter Measurements.

 DISPLAY - Press to open the Display menu. You can use the

Display menu to set grid and waveform display styles, and

persistence.

 UTILITY - Press to open the Utility menu. You can use the Utility

menu to configure WaveAce features, such as sound, language,
counter, etc. You can also view system status and update software.

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GENERAL CONTROL BUTTONS

 HELP - Displays context-sensitive online help. Press Help than

another front panel button and information about that button will be
displayed.

 DEFAULT SETUP - Press to reset the oscilloscope's settings to the

default factory configuration. For a list of default settings, see
Recalling Factory Settings.

 AUTO - Press to have the oscilloscope automatically identify the type

of waveform and adjust the controls to produce a usable display of
the input signal. When you press the AUTO front panel button, the
Auto Set menu opens. You can use this menu to display multiple­cycle signals, a single-cycle signal, the rising edge, the falling edge
or recall the previous setup.

RUN CONTROL BUTTONS

 SINGLE - Press to acquire a single waveform. Each time you press

the SINGLE button, the oscilloscope acquires another waveform.
When the oscilloscope detects a trigger it completes the acquisition
and stops.

 RUN/STOP - Press when you want the oscilloscope to acquire

waveforms continuously. Press RUN/STOP again to stop the
acquisition,

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VERTICAL CONTROLS

 Volts/Div knobs (CH1/CH2)- Turn to adjust the volts/division setting

(vertical gain) of the corresponding channel (CH1 or CH2). Press the
knob to toggle between fine (variable) and coarse (fixed)
adjustments.

 Channel buttons (CH1/CH2) - Press a channel button (CH1 or CH2)

to turn that channel ON or OFF and open the Channel menu for that
channel. You can use the Channel menu to set up a channel. When
the channel is ON, the channel button is lit.

 Vertical Position knobs (CH1/CH2) - Turn to adjust the vertical

position of the corresponding channel (CH1 or CH2). Press to set the
vertical position to zero.

 REF - Press to display the Ref Wave menu. You can use this menu

to save and recall two reference waveforms (REFA and REFB) in
internal memory.

 MATH - Press to display the Math menu. You can use the Math

menu to use the oscilloscopes Math functions.

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HORIZONTAL CONTROLS

 Horizontal Position knob - Turn to adjust the horizontal position of

all channels and math waveforms (the position of the trigger relative
to the center of the screen). The resolution of this control varies
depending on the timebase setting. Press to set the horizontal
position to zero.

 HORI MENU - Press to display the Horizontal menu. You can use

the Horizontal menu to display the waveform and to zoom a
segment of a waveform.

 Time/Div knob - Turn to change the horizontal time scale to magnify

or compress the waveform. When Window Zone is enables, it
changes the width of the Window Zone by changing the window
timebase. WhenTime/Div control is set to 100 ms/div or slower and
the trigger mode is set to Auto, the oscilloscope enters the scan
acquisition mode. In this mode, the waveform display updates from
left to right. There is no trigger or horizontal position control of
waveforms during scan mode.