LeCroy WaveMaster 8Zi, Zi-A, WaveMaster 8Zi-A Getting Started Manual

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Getting Started

Manual

WaveMaster 8Zi and Zi-A

Oscilloscopes

WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A

Oscilloscopes

October, 2010

LeCroy Corporation

700 Chestnut Ridge Road Chestnut Ridge, NY, 10977-6499 Tel: (845) 578-6020, Fax: (845) 578 5985

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.

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.

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.

918893 RevA (PRELIMINARY VERSION)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome ................................................................... 12

Contact LeCroy for Support ...................................... 12

Thank You ................................................................. 13

Safety Requirements ................................................ 13

Safety Symbols .......................................................... 13

Operating Environment ............................................ 15

Safety Certification ................................................... 16

Cooling ...................................................................... 17

AC Power Source....................................................... 17

Power Consumption ................................................. 18

Power and Ground Connections ............................... 18

Calibration................................................................. 20

Cleaning .................................................................... 20

Abnormal Conditions ................................................ 20

Hardware .................................................................. 22

Front Panel ................................................................ 22

Detaching and Attaching the Front Panel ................. 23

I/O Panel ................................................................... 25

Back Panel ................................................................. 27

External Display ........................................................ 27

Basic Controls ............................................................ 30

Hardware and Software Controls ............................. 30

Front Panel Controls ................................................. 30

Front Panel Groupings .............................................. 31

Miscellaneous Setup Controls .................................. 31

Trigger Front Panel Controls ..................................... 32

Horizontal Front Panel Controls ............................... 33

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Vertical Front Panel Controls ................................... 34

Cursors Front Panel Controls ................................... 35

WaveScan Front Panel Controls ............................... 36

General Controls Front Panel Controls .................... 36

Zoom and Math Front Panel Controls ...................... 37

Connecting ................................................................ 38

Probe Interfaces ....................................................... 38

ProLink Interface Adapters....................................... 43

Connecting the Adapters ......................................... 44

Auxiliary Output Signals ........................................... 44

Auxiliary Output Setup ............................................. 45

Probes ....................................................................... 46

Passive Probe Compensation ................................... 47

Display Dashboard ..................................................... 48

Screen Layout, Groupings, and Controls .................. 48

Menu Bar .................................................................. 48

The Quick Access Toolbar......................................... 49

The Signal Display Grid ............................................. 50

Signal Display Grid Pop-Up Menu ............................ 52

Trace Descriptor Labels ............................................ 52

Display Pop-Up Menu .............................................. 54

Annotating Traces .................................................... 54

Dialog Area ............................................................... 56

Tool Bar Buttons ....................................................... 57

Message Bar ............................................................. 58

Turning on Channels and Traces ................................. 58

Timebase ................................................................... 59

Timebase Setup and Control .................................... 59

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Setting up additional timebase setup and controls .. 59

Combining Channels ................................................. 60

Sampling Modes ........................................................ 64

Selecting a Sampling Mode ....................................... 64

Single-shot Sampling Mode ...................................... 65

Basic Capture Technique .......................................... 65

Sequence Display Modes .......................................... 67

Sequence Mode Setup .............................................. 69

Zooming Segments in Sequence Mode .................... 71

Displaying an Individual Segment ............................. 72

Viewing Time Stamps ................................................ 73

RIS Sampling Mode - For Higher Sampling Rates ..... 74

Roll Mode .................................................................. 75

Vertical ...................................................................... 76

Adjusting Sensitivity and Position ............................. 76

Adjusting Sensitivity .................................................. 76

Adjusting the Waveform's Position .......................... 76

Coupling .................................................................... 77

Overload Protection ................................................. 77

Setting Coupling ........................................................ 77

Probe Attenuation .................................................... 77

Setting up Probe Attenuation ................................... 77

Bandwidth Limits ...................................................... 78

Setting Bandwidth Limits .......................................... 78

Linear and (SinX)/X Interpolation ............................. 78

Interpolation Setup ................................................... 78

Inverting Waveforms ................................................ 79

Finding Scale ............................................................. 79

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Using Find Scale ........................................................ 79

Variable Gain ............................................................ 79

Enabling Variable Gain ............................................. 79

Channel Deskew ....................................................... 80

Channel Deskew Setup ............................................. 80

Response Optimization Modes ................................ 80

Trigger ....................................................................... 82

Trigger Overview ...................................................... 82

Trigger Types ............................................................ 82

Edge .......................................................................... 83

Width ........................................................................ 83

Qualified A-B ............................................................ 83

Smart ........................................................................ 84

Pattern (Logic) .......................................................... 85

TV ............................................................................. 85

Qualified First ........................................................... 86

Cascade .................................................................... 86

Serial Trigger ............................................................ 86

Trigger Settings ........................................................ 87

Simple Triggers ......................................................... 88

Edge Trigger ............................................................. 88

Trigger Setup ............................................................ 88

TriggerScan ............................................................... 95

Training TriggerScan ................................................. 96

Starting TriggerScan ................................................. 97

Saving TriggerScan Setups ........................................ 98

Viewing Waveforms ................................................... 98

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Display Setup ............................................................ 98

Moving Traces from Grid to Grid ............................ 100

XY Display ................................................................ 101

Display Grids ........................................................... 101

Zooming Waveforms .............................................. 102

Zooming a Single Channel ....................................... 103

Touch-and-Drag Zooming ....................................... 105

Quickly Zooming Multiple Waveforms ................... 106

Persistence .............................................................. 106

Persistence Setup ................................................... 106

WaveStream Display Mode .................................... 109

Adjusting Trace Intensity ........................................ 109

Analyzing Waveforms ............................................... 110

Measure .................................................................. 110

Measuring with Cursors .......................................... 110

Cursors Setup .......................................................... 112

Overview of Parameters ......................................... 113

Parameter Setup ..................................................... 115

Measure Modes ...................................................... 117

Help Markers .......................................................... 118

Histograms .............................................................. 121

Creating and Viewing a Histogram ......................... 121

Math ....................................................................... 125

Math Traces and Functions Overview .................... 125

Math Made Easy ..................................................... 125

FFT ........................................................................... 129

Analysis ................................................................... 131

WaveScan ............................................................... 131

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Parameter Analysis ................................................. 134

Pass/Fail Testing ..................................................... 136

Customization ........................................................ 143

Customization Overview ........................................ 143

Documenting Your Work Using LabNotebook ............ 145

Introduction to LabNotebook ................................ 145

Creating a Notebook Entry ..................................... 146

Saving and Recalling Setups ....................................... 151

Saving Oscilloscope Setup(s) .................................. 151

Recalling Oscilloscope Setup(s) .............................. 152

Recalling Default Settings ....................................... 152

Saving and Recalling Waveforms ........................... 153

Saving Waveforms .................................................. 153

Recalling Waveforms .............................................. 157

Disk Utilities ............................................................ 158

Deleting a Single File .............................................. 158

Deleting All Files in a Folder ................................... 159

Creating a Folder .................................................... 159

Utilities ..................................................................... 160

Status ...................................................................... 160

Adding Software Options ....................................... 160

Remote Communication ........................................ 161

Remote Communication Setup .............................. 161

Printing and Hardcopy Functions ........................... 162

Printer Setup .......................................................... 163

Adding Printers and Drivers ................................... 164

Printing a Screen Image ......................................... 164

Printing ................................................................... 165

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Clipboard ................................................................. 165

File ........................................................................... 167

E-mail ...................................................................... 168

Auxiliary Output Signals .......................................... 170

Auxiliary Output Setup............................................ 170

Date and Time ......................................................... 171

Setting the Date and Time Manually ...................... 171

Setting the Date and Time from the Internet ......... 171

Setting the Date and Time from Windows ............. 172

Options ................................................................... 173

Preferences ............................................................. 173

Enabling Audible Feedback ..................................... 173

Enabling Auto-calibration ....................................... 173

Optimizing Performance ......................................... 173

Setting an Offset Control ........................................ 174

Setting a Delay Control ........................................... 174

Configuring E-mail Settings ..................................... 175

Acquisition Status ................................................... 176

Service ..................................................................... 176

Show Windows Desktop ......................................... 177

Touch Screen Calibration ........................................ 177

Managing Files .......................................................... 177

Hard Disk Partitions ................................................ 178

System Recovery Tool ............................................... 178

Recovery Procedure Instructions ............................ 178

Restarting the Application ...................................... 178

Restarting the Operating System ............................ 178

Reference ................................................................. 179

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WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A Specifications ............... 179

CERTIFICATIONS ..................................................... 179

CE Declaration of Conformity ................................. 179

EMC Directive ......................................................... 179

Low-Voltage Directive ............................................ 180

UL and cUL .............................................................. 181

Contact LeCroy for Support .................................... 181

Windows® License Agreement ............................... 194

Index ........................................................................ 195

Getting Started Manual

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Welcome

Thank you for purchasing a LeCroy product. We're certain you'll be pleased with the detailed features so unique to our instruments.

This WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A Getting Started Manual is designed to cover important safety and installation information for your WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A Series oscilloscope, along with operating procedures so you're quickly working on waveforms. The LeCroy website at www.lecroy.com maintains the most current specification information.

Information is covered in the following manner:

 Get acquainted with your new instrument by reviewing topics covering hardware

(explaining the physical features of your new instrument), Basic Controls (demonstrating the relationship between some front panel and screen layout controls), to a section called Turning on Channels and Traces.

 The next sections provide information on timebase settings, sampling modes, and

vertical settings.

 Viewing Waveforms includes instructions on setting up your display, zooming

waveforms, and setting up persistence.

 Analyzing Waveforms includes measuring with cursors, setting up parameter

measurements, an overview of math functions, and an introduction to WaveScan.

 Remaining sections cover Documenting your Work Using LabNotebook, Saving and

Recalling Setups (also provides information on saving screen images and disk utilities), the Utilities oscilloscope functions, Managing Files, the System Recovery tool, and a Reference section including certification and contact information.

Contact LeCroy for Support

When your WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A 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 you do not contact us immediately, we cannot be responsible for replacement. If you have any problems with your product, please Contact LeCroy for Support (on page 181). You can also refer to additional support materials at www.lecroy.com, or the Online Help (located in the Help menu on your instrument).

Depending on the specific Zi model you ordered, the rich feature set of the product series offers fast data analysis, extensive triggering, a 15.3" in. 16:9 aspect ratio touch screen, and a removable control panel. Other available options include expanded acquisition/analysis memory, computer hardware (CPU, RAM, and hard drive), GPIB port, serial-triggers, Eye Doctor II advanced signal integrity tools, QualiPHY compliance software, and superior data analysis tools for numerous high-speed serial buses. Other software options include spectral analysis and EMC measurements. Your local LeCroy support department is also available to answer all your questions regarding options or upgrades for your instrument.

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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

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.

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 warns of a potential risk of shock hazard.

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This symbol is used to denote the measurement ground connection.

This symbol is used to denote a safety ground connection.

On (Supply). This is the AC mains connect/disconnect switch at the back of the instrument.

Off (Supply). This is the AC mains connect/disconnect switch at the back of the instrument.

This symbol shows that the switch is a Standby (power) switch located on

the front of the oscilloscope. Pressing this button toggles the oscilloscope’s

state 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 flipping the main power switch to the off (Zero) position or by removing the power cord.

This symbol is used to denote Alternating Current.

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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 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. Before using this product, ensure that its operating environment is maintained within these parameters:

Temperature: 510 to 40 °C. Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80 % for temperatures up to 31 °C

decreasing linearly to 50 % relative humidity at 40 °C.

Altitude: Up to 10,000 ft (3,048 m) at or below 25 °C.

Note: Direct sunlight, radiators, and other heat sources should be taken

into account when assessing the ambient temperature.

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WARNING

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

CAUTION

Protect the oscilloscope’s display touch screen from excessive impacts with

foreign objects.

CAUTION

Do not exceed the maximum specified front panel terminal (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, AUX IN, and AUX OUT) voltage levels. Refer to Specifications for more details.

Safety Certification

The design of the instrument has been verified to conform to applicable EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1 2nd Edition and CSA C22·2 No·61010-1-04 safety standards for the following limits:

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

(Measuring Terminals).

 Pollution Degree 2.  Protection Class I.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 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.

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 Pollution Degree 2 refers to an operating environment where

normally only dry non-conductive pollution occurs. Conductivity caused by temporary condensation should be expected.

 Protection Class 1 refers to 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.

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, rear, and bottom of the oscilloscope. For sides and rear apertures, ensure adequate ventilation by leaving the required 10 cm (4 inch) minimum gap around the sides and rear of the instrument. For bottom apertures, the oscilloscope feet (up or down) provide adequate clearance as paper or light objects can be drawn to and obstruct the opening.

CAUTION

Do not block the ventilation holes located on both sides and rear of the oscilloscope. For bottom apertures, always keep items like sheets of paper clear of the oscilloscope bottom.

The instrument also has internal fan control circuitry that regulates the fan speed based on the ambient temperature. This is performed automatically after start-up with no manual intervention required.

CAUTION

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

AC Power Source

100 to 240 VAC (+/-10%) at 45/66 Hz; 100-120 VAC at 400 Hz (+/-5%); Automatic AC voltage selection; Installation Category: 300V CAT II

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

Power Consumption

</= 975 watts (975 VA) for 4 - 16 GHz 8 Zi series models and for 4 – 20 GHz 8 Zi-A series models. </= 1025 watts (1025 VA) for 20 - 30 GHz 8 Zi series models and 25 – 45 GHz for 8 Zi-A series models (depending on accessories installed - probes, PC port plug-ins, etc.).

Power consumption in Standby Mode: 22 Watts.

Power and Ground Connections

The instrument is provided with a 15A/250V 14AWG rated grounded cord set containing a molded three-terminal polarized plug and a specific IEC60320 (Type C15) connector for making line voltage and safety ground connections. 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

Only use the power cord provided with your instrument.

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.

In Standby mode, the oscilloscope is still connected to the AC supply. The instrument can only be placed in a complete Power Off state by physically disconnecting the power cord from the AC supply or by flipping the main power switch on the back of the oscilloscope to the off (Zero) position.

CAUTION

The outer shells of the front panel terminals (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, AUX IN, AUX OUT) are connected to the instrument’s chassis and therefore to the safety ground.

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Standby (Power) Switch and Oscilloscope Operational States

The front Standby (Power) switch controls the operational state of the oscilloscope. This toggle switch is activated by momentarily pressing and releasing it. The color of the LED below the switch indicates the status of the oscilloscope as follows:

 On (LED Green)* – oscilloscope is fully powered and operational  Standby (LED off)* – oscilloscope is powered off (except for some

housekeeping circuits)

 Standby (LED Blinks Green) – oscilloscope’s computer subsystems

(hard drive, etc.) are in Standby (reduced Power mode). All other oscilloscope subsystems are fully powered.

* Factory Settings

The oscilloscope’s factory settings result in only two basic oscilloscope

states: On (LED Green) or Standby (LED Off). In this case of Standby (LED Off), the oscilloscope is powered off with the exception of some housekeeping circuitry (approximately 22 watts dissipation). The oscilloscope can only be placed in a complete power off state by flipping the main power switch at the back of the oscilloscope to the Off (zero) position, or by unplugging the instrument’s power cord from the primary power source (AC outlet). It is recommended that the power cord be unplugged from the AC outlet if the oscilloscope is not being used for an extended period of time.

Although changes can be made to the oscilloscope's original factory settings via the Power Options Properties menu in Windows under Control Panel → Power Options, it is important to note that the Windows Power Option named Standby provides control of only the oscilloscope’s computer subsystems (CPU, hard drive, etc.) and does not affect the other subsystems within the oscilloscope. In general, these other subsystems remain fully powered. For additional information on setting these Power Options, see the Windows Help menu or other related technical documentation. In terms of control buttons, this oscilloscope uses only a power button/switch and therefore references to a sleep button are not applicable.

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The oscilloscope can always be placed in the Standby state (LED Off) – Power Off (except for some housekeeping circuits) by pressing and holding in the Standby toggle switch for approximately 5 seconds.

CAUTION

Hibernate mode is not supported by the Power button. Therefore, Windows® Power Options must not be changed from the default Never setting to System Standby or System Hibernate modes.

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.

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.

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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.

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Hardware

Front Panel

Numbered labels on this image correspond with descriptions on the following table.

Number and Description

1. Power Button

2. Channel Row LED Indicator

3. Channel Inputs

4. Auxiliary Input and Output

5. Volume Control and Mute Button

6. Ground Connector

7. Speaker

8. Fast Edge, Recovered Clock, and Data Outputs

9. USB Ports

10. Detachable Front Panel-Remote Control

11. Release Switch for Front PanelRemote Control

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Detaching and Attaching the Front Panel

Detach the front panel from the oscilloscope by sliding the detachment lever to the left and pulling at the right.

Attach the front panel by inserting the lower part first, sliding the detachment lever to the left, and then pushing the top in place.

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FRONT PANEL AS A REMOTE CONTROL

While detached, your front panel (standard or 4 channel version) can be used as a remote control. Just plug-and-play connect to the oscilloscope using the USB - A to USB - Mini B cable provided.

Note: While a standard front panel comes with your Zi oscilloscope, LeCroy offers additional standard front panels or a 4 channel version (as follows) to better suit the way you work. Contact your local Contact LeCroy for Support for more details on front panels (additional standard and 4 channel versions).

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I/O Panel

The I/O Panel is located on the rear of the instrument as follows:

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Numbered labels on this image of the I/O Panel correspond with descriptions on the following table. The exact location does vary on WavePro 7 Zi, WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A instruments.

Number and Description

1. LBUS (LeCroy Bus)

2. Mouse

3. Keyboard

4. USB Ports

5. External VGA

Monitor

6. Ethernet Port

7. Line In

8. Speakers

9. Microphone

10. PCI Expansion Slots for DVI (for standard display hardware), LSIB, and other options (LeCroy External Display Zi-EXTDISP-

15).

Note: Contact a system administrator when connecting to any internal

LAN.

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Back Panel

Numbered labels on this image correspond with descriptions on the following table.

Number and Description

1. External Clock Input (Grounded EMI Shield required when port is not in use)

2. External Clock Output

3. Removable Hard Drive

4. DVD-CD + R Drive

5. Power Switch

6. AC Power Plug

External Display

Setting up the External Display involves a connection and a few touch screen selections. It's a hot swap connection, so there's no need to restart the instrument once you've connected.

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1. Plug your external display (ZI-EXTDISP-15 option) power cord into an

AC socket and the DVI plug into the PCI slot. Connect your USB plug (where applicable) to an available port.

Note: A standard VGA monitor can be used by connecting it directly to the VGA Port.

2. Turn on the oscilloscope, let the instrument boot and then touch

Display → Display Setup... from the menu bar.

3. Touch the Open Monitor Control Panel button on the Second Monitor Configuration section of the Display dialog.

4. The Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver interface is shown where you can adjust your second monitor settings.

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The following picture shows a WavePro 7 Zi with the LeCroy external display attached (optional ZI-EXTDISP-15).

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Basic Controls

Hardware and Software Controls

The following Basic Control topics cover the general usage of the hardware buttons located on the oscilloscope's front panel and the screen control interface elements of the software.

Front Panel Controls

Note: Many front panel controls directly correspond with screen layout controls. For example, the Print front panel general control button corresponds with the Hardcopy function at Utilities → Utilities Setup → Hardcopy.

The following picture shows the detachable Zi front panel.

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Front Panel Groupings

The front panel is divided into sections based on functions. The following sections explain them in a bit more detail.

Miscellaneous Setup Controls

 Help - Press to open the

LeCroy Online Assistant where you can click to open the oscilloscope online help table of contents, index, or search for a topic using a keyword. If the second monitor is installed, the online help opens on the second monitor.

 Default Setup - Press to reset the oscilloscope's settings to the

default configuration. Corresponds with screen menu selection: File → Recall Setup → Recall Default Setup. For a list of default settings, see Save/Recall → Saving and Recalling Setups (on page 151).

 Auto Setup - Press once and the Auto Setup flyout menu opens.

OR From the menu bar, touch the Auto Setup selection from the

Vertical, Timebase, or Trigger menus.

Press the Auto Setup button on the flyout menu to perform a full auto setup. Press a Channel Find Scale button on the flyout menu to perform a quick auto setup for that channel only. Press the AUTO SETUP front panel button twice to perform the last selection from the Auto Setup flyout menu (the default is to perform a full auto setup).

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If Auto Setup is run when no channels are turned on, all channels are affected. When more than one channel is turned on, the first channel with a signal applied to it is automatically set up for edge triggering.

Perform an autosetup of all these functions together by pressing the Auto Setup front panel button.

 WaveStream - Indicates when WaveStream mode is ON.  Intensity - Press to toggle between WaveStream OFF and ON for

Analog Persistence and WaveStream ON for Color Persistence. When you turn the knob, if WaveStream is ON, the WaveStream display intensity changes. When you turn the knob, if WaveStream is OFF, changes the Intensity setting. Corresponds with the screen menu selection: Display → Display Setup (on page 98).

Trigger Front Panel Controls

 Level - Press to toggle

between 50% trigger level and the previous level setting. Turn to change the trigger threshold level. This level is indicated on the Trigger label.

 Trigger - Indicates the trigger status as READY and TRIG'D. READY is

lit when the trigger is armed. TRIG'D is lit momentarily when a trigger occurs. A fast trigger rate will cause the light to stay lit continuously.

 Setup - Press once to open the Trigger Setup dialog. Corresponds

with screen menu selection: Trigger → Trigger Setup. Press the Trigger SETUP front panel button again to close the Trigger Setup dialog.

 Auto - Press to turn on Auto Trigger mode, which triggers the

oscilloscope after a time-out, even if the trigger conditions are not met.

 Normal - Press to turn on Normal Trigger mode, which triggers the

oscilloscope each time a signal is present that meets the conditions set for the type of trigger selected.

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 Single - Press to turn on Single Trigger mode, which arms the

oscilloscope to trigger once (single-shot acquisition) when the input signal meets the trigger conditions set for the type of trigger selected. If the scope is already armed, it will force a trigger.

 Stop - Press to prevent the scope from triggering on a signal. If you

boot up the instrument with the trigger in Stop mode, the message "no trace available" will be displayed. Press the Trigger AUTO front panel button to display your trace.

Horizontal Front Panel Controls

Note: Horizontal front panel controls correspond with screen menu selection: Timebase → Horizontal Setup.

 Delay - Press to toggle between a zero horizontal delay value and

the previous horizontal delay value. Turn to change the horizontal delay value.

 Time - Turn to set the time/division of the oscilloscope timebase

(acquisition system)

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Vertical Front Panel Controls

Note: Vertical front panel controls correspond with screen menu selection: Vertical → Channel Setup.

 Channels - The channel buttons control both channel ON/OFF and

which channel is active for the Vertical Offset and Volts/Div knobs controls. If a channel is OFF, pressing that channel button turns it on and makes it active. If a channel button is ON, pressing that channel button makes it active, and then pressing it a second time turns it OFF.

 Offset - Press to toggle between a zero vertical offset value and the

previous vertical offset value for the selected channel. Turn to change the vertical offset value for the selected channel.

 Gain - Press to toggle between fixed and variable gain adjustment.

Turn to change the gain value.

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Cursors Front Panel Controls

Note: Cursors front panel controls correspond with screen menu selection: Cursors → Cursors Setup.

 Absolute Cursor - Press to set the cursor position to the default 25%

position, either horizontal or vertical (depending on which cursor type you are using). Turn to adjust the position of the cursor (absolute cursor or one of the two relative cursors).

 Cursor Type - Press one to turn cursors ON to the last cursor type

selected. Each subsequent press toggles through the cursor types (Off, Abs Horizontal, Rel Horizontal, Abs Vertical, or Rel Vertical).

 Relative Cursor - Press to set the relative cursor to the default 75%

position, either horizontal or vertical (depending on which cursor type you are using). Turn to adjust relative cursors. It does not work with absolute cursor types.

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WaveScan Front Panel Controls

Note: WaveScan front panel controls correspond with screen menu selection: Analysis → WaveScan.

 Scroll - If WaveScan is ON, turn to scroll

through the table of WaveScan-filtered events. If WaveScan is OFF, turn to adjust the selected data entry field.

 On/Off - Press to toggle between WaveScan

On and Off. This is the same as checking Enable in the WaveScan dialog. When you turn WaveScan On, it turns on the WaveScan to the last enabled mode on the last selected Channel with the last selected Filter method. It also turns on the Z1 trace with its source as the WaveScan Channel and changes whatever display grid was selected to a dual grid with channels in the top grid and the WaveScan Z1 trace in the bottom grid.

 Setup - Press once to open the WaveScan dialog. Corresponds with

screen menu selection: Analysis → WaveScan. Press the WaveScan SETUP front panel button again to close the WaveScan dialog.

General Controls Front Panel Controls

 Print - Press once and the Print flyout menu opens.

Press the Print Now button on the flyout menu to print the current screen image using the Print settings on the Utilities → Utilities Setup → Hardcopy dialog. Press the Print Setup button on the flyout menu to open the Utilities → Utilities Setup →Hardcopy. Press the Save Screen to file button on the flyout menu to save the screen image as a file to storage media such as a USB drive or hard drive using the File settings on the Utilities → Utilities Setup → Hardcopy dialog (incrementing the filename by one each time you touch Save Screen to File).

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Press the Save Screen to Clipboard button on the flyout menu to save the current screen image to the clipboard. Press the Send Screen to Email button to send the current screen image using the email settings on the Utilities → Utilities Setup → Hardcopy dialog. Press the Create Notebook Entry button on the flyout menu to create a new lab notebook entry using the Enter Notebook Info window. Press the PRINT front panel button twice to perform the last selection from the Print flyout menu (the default is to print the screen image).

 Touch Screen - Press to toggle the touch screen on and off.  Clear Sweeps - Press to clear data from multiple sweeps

(acquisitions) including: persistence trace displays, averaged traces, parameter statistics, and Histicons. During waveform readout, cancels readout. This is the same as pressing Clear Sweeps on the Measure → Measure Setup or Math → Math Setup dialogs.

Zoom and Math Front Panel Controls

Note: Zoom and Math front panel controls correspond with screen menu selection: Math → Zoom Setup.

 Horizontal Position - Press to reset

the horizontal zoom position to zero. Turn to change the horizontal position of the selected math or zoom trace.

 Horizontal Ratio - Press to toggle

between fixed and variable horizontal zoom ratio adjustment. Turn to change the horizontal zoom ratio of the selected math trace.

 Quick Zoom - Press to automatically display magnified views of up

to four signal inputs on multiple grids. With four input signals, the signals are displayed along with four zoom traces, each on its own grid. Pressing this button also turns off all other traces.

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 Vertical Position - Press to reset the vertical zoom position to zero.

Turn to change the vertical position of the selected math or zoom trace.

 Vertical Ratio - Press to toggle between fixed and variable vertical

zoom ratio adjustment. Turn to change the vertical zoom ratio of the selected math trace.

Connecting

Probe Interfaces

LeCroy Zi Series oscilloscopes contain probe interfaces that provide a complete measurement solution from probe tip to oscilloscope display. All probe interfaces permit automatic recognition of connected probes. For active single-ended and differential voltage probes and current probes, these interfaces upload gain and offset correction factors from the probe EEPROM's and automatically compensates to achieve fully calibrated measurements.

This intelligent interconnection between your instrument and a wide range of accessories offers important advantages over standard BNC and probe ring connections. The system ensures correct input coupling by autosensing the probe type, thereby eliminating the guesswork and errors that occur when attenuation or amplification factors are set manually. Furthermore, it provides automatic matching of probe to oscilloscope response - ensuring the most pristine signal fidelity.

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The LeCroy 8 Zi series oscilloscopes with bandwidths of 4 to 16 GHz and 8 Zi-A series with bandwidths of 4 to 20 GHz include both ProBus and ProLink probe interfaces.

Figure 4-1. A LeCroy Zi series oscilloscope showing the four sets of

ProBus/ProLink probe interfaces. Zi oscilloscopes are compatible with all LeCroy

probes.

By providing both probe interfaces on the oscilloscope, LeCroy provides the greatest flexibility of probe selection in any oscilloscope. The ProLink inputs provide a high signal integrity, high bandwidth interchangeable interface to SMA cables, LeCroy ProLink probes, and accessories. ProLink is used exclusively for higher bandwidth probes up to 16 GHz on WaveMaster 8 Zi and up to 20 GHz on WaveMaster 8 Zi-A.

The ProBus interface offers both 50 Ω/1 MΩ input impedance and provides

probe power and control for a wide range of probes such as high impedance passive probes, high impedance active probes, current probes, high voltage probes, and differential probes. ProBus also includes sense

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rings for detecting passive probes. This is a feature unique to LeCroy in the 4 - 45 GHz bandwidth range.

WaveMaster 8 Zi uses 2.92 mm inputs for the 20 - 30 GHz signal inputs and WaveMaster 8 Zi-A uses 2.92 mm inputs for the 25 - 30 GHz signal inputs. These inputs are enabled using Digital Bandwidth Interleave (DBI), and they are contained in the Channel 2 and 3 locations in the ProBus (B) row for the 825Zi-A and 830Zi-A models. Enable the 2.92 inputs for DBI from

TimeBase → Horizontal Setup on the menu bar. Refer to the Combining Channels (on page 60) topic for more details. WaveMaster 845Zi-A units

use 2.4 mm inputs for the highest bandwidth (45 GHz) signal input. This bandwidth is only available on channel 3, and the input is enabled similarly to the 2.92 mm inputs.

2.92 mm and 2.4 mm high-bandwidth electrical paths are comprised of two connector halves/subassemblies which have a common mating interface. The first connector half is mounted into the WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A connector panel. The outer end of this connector has a combination of grooves, external threads and a coaxial interface with either a 2.4 mm (45 GHz) or 2.92 mm (20 - 30 GHz or 25 - 30 GHz, depending on the series) airline geometry. The second connector half has a similar interface on one end, with spring biased inner and outer contacts. It has corresponding projections which interlock with slots on the first connector half and a coupling nut which secures the two connector halves; resulting in a non-rotational, torque independent electrical connection. The spring biased inner and outer contacts eliminate the need for specifying proof torque and no tools are required to mate or un-mate the connection. This solution is commonly referred to as a connector saver and is easily and quickly field replaceable, should damage occur, making it a more field reliable system. The 825Zi-A, 830Zi-A, and 845Zi-A models are provided with two 2.92 mm connector savers that operate mode free well beyond the maximum 30 GHz rating of the input channels. The 845Zi-A model is additionally provided with a single 2.4 mm connector saver that operates mode free well beyond the maximum 45 GHz rating of this input channel. When operating in 45 GHz mode on channel 3, be sure to attach the 2.4 mm connector saver so as to achieve optimum performance.

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Power, control, communication, and download of probe identification and performance characteristics for the 2.4 mm and 2.92 mm inputs is provided via the LEMO connector.

The following figure shows a typical channel setup. The input selection is on the left hand side of the dialog box. In this case the A input, the ProLink interface is selected. Each input selection has its own independent settings for Probe attenuation, bandwidth, and coupling.

Figure 4-2. The channel screen layout showing Input A's ProLink interface

controls setup

Note: Input A (Upper) and B (Lower) refer to the two rows of input

channels specifically available on LeCroy 8 Zi series 4 - 16 GHz oscilloscopes and LeCroy 8 Zi-A series 4 - 20 GHz oscilloscopes.

The setup for the ProBus interface is shown in the following figure. This interface also allows the selection of input impedance, 50 Ω/1 MΩ.

Figure 4-3. The channel screen layout showing Input B's ProBus interface

controls setup

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Another universal probe interface advantage is the ability to switch between two probe setups. This function is remotely programmable allowing the interface to operate like a switch.

The ability to select four out of eight inputs provides unheard of connection flexibility and eliminates the need for costly, easy-to-lose adapters.

The characteristics of the universal ProBus/ProLink Interface are shown in the following table. Each of the interfaces provides power to the probe. An I2C interface allows communication with the probe which permits probe recognition and interaction. This adds to the flexibility of the system as the oscilloscope can sense and control each probe.

Probe

Interface

ProBus

(Bandwidth)

ProLink

(Bandwidth)

2.92 mm

(Bandwidth)

2.4 mm

(Bandwidth, 45

GHz Models Only)

50 Ω

3.5 GHz

4-20 GHz for

8 Zi-A

4-16 GHz for

8 Zi

25-30 GHz for

8 Zi-A

20-30 GHz for

8 Zi

45 GHz

1 MΩ

500 MHz

Table 4-1.Probe interface characteristics

Note: The WaveMaster 8 Zi 4 - 16 GHz bandwidth and 8 Zi-A 4 - 20 GHz

bandwidth oscilloscopes offer both ProBus and ProLink probe interfaces which allows dual inputs in the DC to 3.5 GHz range and a dedicated high-bandwidth interface in the range of 4 through 20 GHz. In addition, 25 through 30 GHz WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A models contain two 2.92 mm connector savers for the highest bandwidth inputs. These two connectors replace the ProBus connections on channels 2 and 3. The WaveMaster 845Zi-A 45 GHz model additionally contains a 2.4 mm connector saver that is factory installed on channel 3 (the spare 2.92 mm connector saver is supplied in a separate pouch).

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ProLink Interface Adapters

For some instruments, LeCroy's ProLink Adapters (LPA) provides the ability to connect your signal in the following ways:

 Using a BMA connector.  SMA, using the BMA-to-SMA adapter (4 are sent standard on 4 - 8

GHz units).

 BNC, using BMA-to-BNC adapter (optional).  K-Type (2.92 mm), using the BMA-to-2.92 mm adapter (4 are sent

standard in 13 - 45 GHz units).

Figure 4-4. BMA-to-SMA, BMA-to-BNC, and BMA-to-2.92 mm Adapters.

Figure 4-5. First, the BMA Female Connector (1). Then, shown installed are the

ProLink BMA-to-SMA, ProLink BMA-to-BNC, and ProLink BMA-to-2.92 mm

Adapters (2, 3, and 4).

Note: When connecting an active probe to the instrument, an adapter is

not required unless you wish to connect a ProBus compatible probe to a ProLink input.

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Connecting the Adapters

The mating end of the ProLink adapter has four fastening clips (shown right).

When installing an adapter on the instrument's connector panel, align the male 6-pin connector with the female connector and push the adapter straight in. There will be some resistance and you'll hear clicks as the four clips slide into place. Then tighten the captive screws.

When removing an adapter, loosen the two captive screws. Push down on the adapter to unseat the clips. This will require some force and will be initially noisy, but no damage will result to the connector, the floating female BMA connector, or the pins, which can be 15 degrees off axis when being mated or unmated.

Auxiliary Output Signals

In addition to a calibration signal, the following signals can be output through the AUX OUTPUT connector.

 Square Wave - You can set a Frequency value from 500 Hz to 5

MHz.

 Trigger Out - This function can be used to trigger an external

oscilloscope.

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 DC Level - This is a reference level.

 Trigger Enabled - This function can be used as a gating function to

trigger another instrument when the oscilloscope is ready.

 Pass/Fail - Allows you to set a pulse duration from 1 µs to 131 ms;

generates a pulse when pass/fail testing is active and conditions are met.

 Aux Output Off - This function turns off the auxiliary output signal.

Auxiliary Output Setup

1. Touch Utilities → Utilities Setup... from the menu bar.

2. Touch the Aux Output tab.

3. If you want a 1 kHz, 1 V square wave, touch the corresponding button.

4. If you want a specialized output, touch one of the buttons under Use Auxiliary Output For.

5. If you selected Square Wave, touch inside the Frequency data entry field and enter a value, using the pop-up keypad. You can set a value from 500 Hz to 5 MHz.

6. If you selected Pass/Fail, touch inside the Pulse Duration field and enter a value from 1 µs to 131 ms, using the pop-up numeric keypad.

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Probes

LeCroy offers a variety of passive and active probes for use with your XStream oscilloscope. Visit www.lecroy.com for specifications and ordering information.

 Current Probes - Current Probes measure the current passing

through a wire; current probes do not use the traditional probing style of placing a tip onto a test point. Instead, a wire is placed inside the jaw of the probe, which allows the probe to measure the current (in Amps).

 Active Probes - There are two different types of active probes:

single-ended and differential.

Single-Ended - A single-ended active probe is associated with measuring voltages at high frequencies. Measurement with an active probe requires a test point and a ground point. The ground (also called earth) acts as a zero reference for the test point measurement.

Differential Probes - Differential active probes are like two probes in one. Instead of measuring a test point in relation to a ground point (like single-ended active probes), differential probes measure the difference in voltage of a test point in relation to another test point.

 Passive Probes - Passive probes measure voltages at lower

frequencies (<500 MHz). They have higher input capacitance (input C) and do not need power to operate (unlike active probes). At higher frequencies, higher input capacitance loads the test circuit, attenuating the signal. This is why active probes are used in high frequency applications. Passive probes also measure voltage in reference to ground.

 High Voltage Probes - These are active, single-ended probes

designed to safely measure high voltages. They measure the voltage in reference to ground.

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Passive Probe Compensation

Passive probes must be compensated to flatten overshoot. This is accomplished by means of a trimmer at the connector end of the probe.

1. Attach the connector end of your passive probe to any channel.

2. Connect the probe end to the CAL output connector at the front of the oscilloscope. Ground the probe.

3. Adjust the trim pot at the connector end of the probe until the square wave is as flat as possible.

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Display Dashboard

Screen Layout, Groupings, and Controls

The instrument's screen is divided into five main sections:

 Menu Bar  Signal Display Grid  Descriptor Labels  Dialog(s)  The Message Bar

Menu Bar

The top of the screen contains a menu bar of commonly used functions. Whenever you touch one of these buttons and make a selection from its drop-down menu, the dialog area at the bottom of the screen displays the corresponding dialog.

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Specific Menu Bar functions are referenced using arrow-separated path descriptions. For example, the Save Setup function is referenced as File →

Save Setup. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

For common oscilloscope operations, you don’t need to use the top menu

bar (since you can access most dialogs from the Front Panel or from the Descriptor Labels). However, it is the only way to access setup or other dialogs for Display Setup, Save or Recall Waveform, Save or Recall Setups,

Print Setup, Vertical (Channel), Horizontal, or Trigger Status, Memory (Reference Waveform) Setup, Pass/Fail Setup, or Utilities and Preferences Setup.

The Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar is located on the right side of the menu bar. You can use these toolbar buttons to quickly access trigger functions.

 Auto - Press to turn on Auto Trigger mode, which triggers the

oscilloscope after a time-out, even if the trigger conditions are not met.

 Normal - Press to turn on Normal Trigger mode, which triggers the

oscilloscope each time a signal is present that meets the conditions set for the type of trigger selected.

 Single - Press to turn on Single Trigger mode for the selected

channel, which arms the oscilloscope to trigger once (single-shot acquisition) when the input signal meets the trigger conditions set for the type of trigger selected. If the oscilloscope is already armed, it forces a trigger.

 Stop - Press to prevent the oscilloscope from triggering on a signal.

If you boot up the instrument with the trigger in Stop mode, the message "no trace available" is shown.

 Trigger Setup - Press to open the Trigger Setup dialog. Corresponds

with screen menu selection: Trigger → Trigger Setup.

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An Undo button is often available to the right of the Quick Access Toolbar on the Menu Bar.

The Signal Display Grid

The grid area is divided into 8 vertical divisions and 10 horizontal divisions just like any other oscilloscope. Set up the signal display area by touching Display → Display Setup from the menu bar. The Display dialog offers a choice of grid combinations and can also set the grid intensity.

There are several indicators on the grid to help you understand the following:

 Trigger Delay - This indicator is located along the bottom edge of

the grid. Trigger delay allows you to see the signal prior to the trigger time.

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All trigger delay values (including post-trigger delay, shown here) are displayed in the Timebase Descriptor Label. Zero delay is the horizontal center of the oscilloscope display.

The default setting (Time) is for delay readout (in seconds) and to move proportionately when the timebase knob is turned. If you want to set delay (Div) to a fixed position on the grid, and then have it stay fixed as the timebase changes, go to Utilities → Preference Setup and select the Acquisition dialog to make the setting.

 Post-trigger Delay - This is indicated by a left-pointing arrow to the

lower-left of the grid. Pre-trigger delay is indicated by a rightpointing arrow to the lower-right of the grid.

 Trigger Level - This indicator is located at the right edge of the grid.

It tracks the trigger level as you reposition the trace up or down, or change scale. When triggering is stopped, a hollow arrow indicates where the new level ends up when triggering resumes.

Push the LEVEL knob to reset the level to 50%.

 Zero Volts Level - This indicator is located at the left edge of the

grid. Change the zero volts level by turning the vertical OFFSET knob. Push the knob to reset the indicator to the middle of the grid.

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Signal Display Grid Pop-Up Menu

On the Signal Display Grid, the Pop-up menu provides assistance while using the oscilloscope.

Clicking on a waveform opens a pop-up menu. From this pop-up menu, you can perform the following functions:

 Open the Setup dialog for the trace  Turn the trace descriptor label off  Open the Math dialog for the trace  Open the Measure dialog for the trace  Annotate the selected trace

Trace Descriptor Labels

Shown just beneath the grid display, these boxes provide a summary of your channel, timebase, and trigger settings.

When a trace is selected its corresponding descriptor label is shown highlighted.

Figure 4-6. The C1 Trace Descriptor Label is selected; C2 is not.

Make vertical or horizontal channel adjustments by touching the respective label. The setup dialog for the function is shown beneath.

Channel trace labels show the vertical settings for the trace and cursor information (if cursors are in use). The title bar of the label includes indicators for (SinX)/X interpolation, waveform inversion (INV), deskew (DSQ), coupling (DC/GND), bandwidth limiting (BWL), and averaging (AVG).

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These indicators have a long and short form, respectively.

Figure 4-7. The long and short forms of trace descriptor indicators.

Besides channel traces, math and parameter measurement labels are also displayed. Labels are displayed only for traces that are turned on.

Vertical and horizontal trace descriptor (labels) are displayed below the grid. They provide a summary of your channel, timebase, and trigger settings. Make vertical or horizontal channel adjustments by touching the respective label. The setup dialog for the function is shown beneath.

TimeBase trace descriptor labels show the trigger delay setting, time per division, and sampling information.

Trigger trace descriptor labels show the trigger mode (Auto, Normal, or

Stopped). It also shows the coupling (DC), trigger type (Edge), source (C1), level (0 mV), and slope (Positive).

Setup information for horizontal cursors, including the time between cursors and the frequency, is shown beneath the TimeBase and Trigger trace descriptor labels.

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Display Pop-Up Menu

You can click on a trace descriptor label to open a pop-up menu. From this pop-up menu, you can perform the following functions:

 Open the Setup dialog for the trace.  Open the Math dialog for the trace.  Open the Measure dialog for the trace.  Annotate the selected trace.

Annotating Traces

The instrument gives you the ability to add an identifying label, bearing your own text, to a waveform display:

For each waveform, you can create multiple labels and turn them all on or all off. Also, you can position them on the waveform by dragging or by specifying an exact horizontal position.

Touch the waveform you want to annotate right on the display grid, and then touch Set label... on the pop-up menu.

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A dialog box opens in which to create the label. If you are creating a label for the first time for this waveform, Label1 is displayed as default text when the Add label button is clicked.

From this pop-up you can edit existing annotations, change the label

placement on the waveform, add labels, remove labels, and toggle the visibility. The following bullets show you how.

 If you are modifying an existing label, under Labels touch the label

you want to change.

Note: If the dialog for the trace you want to annotate is currently displayed, you can touch the label button at the bottom to display the Trace Annotation setup dialog.

You may place a label anywhere you want on the waveform. Labels are numbered sequentially according to the order in which they are added, and not according to their placement on the waveform.

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 If you want to change the label's text, touch inside the Label Text

field. A pop-up keyboard appears for you to enter your text. Touch O.K. on the keyboard when you are done. The edited text automatically appears in the label on the waveform.

 Precisely place the label by touching inside the Horizontal Pos. field

and provide a horizontal value, using the pop-up numeric keypad.

 Add another label by touching the Add label button. Delete a label

by selecting the label from the list, and then touching the Remove label button.

 Make labels visible by touching the View labels checkbox.

Dialog Area

The lower portion is where information is shown, selections are made, and data is input. Typically they are organized into tabular displays, subtabs, or pop-up dialogs. The dialog area is controlled by touch screen buttons and front panel buttons.

The following Dialog Area controls also provide assistance when entering data:

 Slider Bar - When you click in some data entry fields, a slider bar

opens at the bottom of the screen.

You can use the slider bar on the left to make fine adjustments to the value. You can use the value slider on the right to make coarse adjustments to the value. You can click on the value slider to set the field to a specific value. Click the Default button on the slider bar to set the field to the default value. Click the keypad button on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad.

 Flyout Menu - The Print and Auto Setup front panel buttons open

flyout menus. For more information on these menus, refer to the Front Panel Groupings (on page 31) topic.

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Tool Bar Buttons

Several dialogs contain common functions accessible from a row of buttons that can save you a step or two when using a particular function (instead of accessing the respective location from the menu bar).

For example, at the bottom of the Channel Setup dialog, these buttons (sometimes labeled as Actions) perform the following functions:

 Measure - Opens the Measure menu. You can then select a

parameter from this menu without leaving the Channel Setup dialog. The parameter automatically appears below the grid.

 Zoom - Creates a zoom trace of the channel trace whose dialog is

currently displayed.

 Math - Opens the Math menu. You can then select a math function

from this menu without leaving the Channel Setup dialog. A math trace of the channel whose dialog is currently open is automatically displayed.

 Decode - Opens the main Serial Decode dialog where protocol

option measurements can be applied to signals.

 Store - Loads the channel trace into the next available memory

location (M1 to M4).

 Find Scale - Automatically performs a vertical scaling that fits the

waveform into the grid.

 Next Grid - Automatically moves the channel trace whose dialog is

currently open onto the next grid. If you have only one grid displayed, a new grid will be created automatically, and the trace moved.

 Label - Enables you to attach identifying labels to your waveforms.

The labels are preserved when the waveform is saved as a LabNotebook entry and when saved to file.

 Probe Cal - Cable Deskew - Opens the Probes Cal. dialog where

various Gain, Offset, Skew, Source, and Advanced controls are available for probe signal calibration.

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Another example is seen in the buttons appearing at the bottom of the Measure Px dialogs. The button may be selected in order to display the functions named on the buttons (sometimes labeled as Actions):

Using these buttons allow you to remain in the Measure dialog while setting up a Math trace on a parameter measurement.

Message Bar

At the bottom of the oscilloscope display is a narrow message bar. The current date and time are displayed at the far right. Status, error, or other messages are also shown in this area.

Turning on Channels and Traces

Note: If you want to display each trace on its own grid automatically, enable Autogrid by touching Display → Autogrid from the menu bar.

 On the front panel, press a channel select button to display the

trace label for that input channel and turn on the channel.

 Turn on a math function trace by touching Math → Math Setup...

from the menu bar. Touch the corresponding On checkbox to activate the desired trace.

 You can also quickly create traces (and turn on the trace label) for

math functions and memory traces, without leaving the Vertical Adjust dialog, by touching the icons at the bottom of the Vertical Adjust dialog.

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Whenever you turn on a channel, math, or memory trace using either the menu bar or trace descriptor label, the dialog at the bottom of the screen automatically switches to the vertical setup or math setup dialog for that selection.

You can configure your traces from here, including math setups.

The Trace Dialog is shown on the lower (dialog) portion of the screen. The tab is labeled with the corresponding channel number as follows:

Timebase

Timebase Setup and Control

Set up the Timebase by using the front panel Horizontal controls or the Timebase menu bar, trace descriptor label and dialog box.

Setting up additional timebase setup and controls

1. Touch Timebase → Horizontal Setup on the menu bar. The Timebase dialog is shown.

2. Touch inside the Time/Division data entry field and enter a value, or use the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the popup numeric keypad, or use the up/down arrows to adjust the value.

3. Touch inside the Delay data entry field and enter a value, or use the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad. Touch the Set To Zero button to quickly set the delay to zero.

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Combining Channels

Channels can be combined to increase sample rate, memory, and bandwidth. When you combine channels, the remaining (uncombined) channels are available for triggering, even though they are not displayed as active on the screen.

Channels are combined two different ways and are based on your WaveMaster 8 Zi and Zi-A oscilloscope model.

1. Internally, using Digital Bandwidth Interleaving (DBI) on a 20 - 30 GHz Wave Master 8 Zi unit or 25 – 45 GHz on a WaveMaster 8 Zi-A unit.

2. Using an External Interleaving Device on 4 - 16 GHz WaveMaster 8 Zi unit or 4 – 20 GHz WaveMaster 8 Zi-A unit.

Using Digital Bandwidth Interleave (DBI) on WaveMaster Units

Digital Bandwidth Interleave is a method for combining channels to double bandwidth - just as oscilloscope manufacturers have for years interleaved channels to double sample rate and memory lengths. LeCroy’s 8 Zi-A series makes use of 6th generation DBI technology providing the highest possible performance.

Enter DBI mode from the TimeBase dialog at TimeBase → Horizontal Setup.

For 25 and 30 GHz models (and additionally the 20 GHz 8 Zi model), the DBI portion of the TimeBase dialog contains buttons for C1/C2 and C3/C4. When selected, the respective channels are combined into one channel at higher bandwidth. The 45 GHz model contains a button to combine all four channels into one channel at 45 GHz bandwidth.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 For 25 or 30 GHz models, you may elect to combine one or both

pairs of channels.

 Notice how the specific buttons for C2 and C3 have a 30 or 45

(depending on your model) GHz label.

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When these buttons are selected, the channel pair (C1/C2, C3/C4 on 25 and 30 GHz models) or channel (C1/C2/C3/C4 combined for 45 GHz model) is dedicated to that specific level of bandwidth throughput. However, if the lower buttons are selected each channel (1 - 4) is ≤ 40 GS/s.

On 25 and 30 GHz models, DBI enabled C2 and C3 traces achieve:

 25, or 30 GHz (depending on your model)  80 GS/s  Interleaving of the memory to 512 Mpts/Ch'

On 45 GHz models, DBI can be enabled in two channel mode to achieve performance identical to that of the 30 GHz model, or it can be enabled on the C3 trace to achieve:

 45 GHz  120 GS/s  Interleaving of the memory to 768 Mpts

When DBI is selected, trace descriptor labels correspond with your choices. So, if you've decided to interleave both C1/C2 and C3/C4 pairs, trace descriptor labels are shown as follows:

 C1 - Shown as inactive  C2 - Shown as active  C3 - Shown as active  C4 - Shown as inactive

Note: After you've enabled DBI for C3 and/or C2, and corresponding trace dialogs are shown on the display, respective channel LED indicators are also lit on the front of the oscilloscope.

DBI SETTINGS

When you use DBI and make correct connections and channel selections from the TimeBase → Horizontal Setup dialog, the system makes value changes for you.

 View these changes by touching the trace descriptor label for an

interleaved channel (C2 or C3).

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 The Vertical Scale B Scale V/div (Timebase) value is automatically

set to 50 mV/div. If you set this to a different value and deactivate DBI, the system retains the last one used when DBI is reactivated.

 The channel LEDs form the following configuration in 25 or 30 GHz

mode:

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 4

OFF, No LED

Light

Green Down

Arrow

▼

Green Down

Arrow

▼

OFF, No LED

Light

 The channel LEDs form the following configuration in 45 GHz mode:

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 4

OFF, No LED

Light

OFF, No LED

Light

Green Down

Arrow

▼

OFF, No LED

Light

Note: When using DBI, use Channel 3 for high-speed serial triggering.

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Using the External Interleaving Device on 4 - 20 GHz WaveMaster 8 Zi-A Units

Combine your channels by using the External Interleaving Device over the C1/C2 and C3/C4 pairs. When this is done, your C2 and C3 traces are sampled at 80 GS/s.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 With the WaveMaster 8 Zi model, the bandwidth range for use of

the External Interleaving Device is 4 - 16 GHz.

 Use high-speed serial triggering while combining channels using the

External Interleaving Device by connecting to the C3/C4 (channel 3) channel pair (or directly to channel 4 if the External Interleaving Device is not connected to channels 3 and 4.

When connected, channel C2 (and C3, if second pair is used) show your interleaved signal(s).

Figure 4-8. C2 Interleaved Signal

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The External Interleaving Device tab on the display dialog shows some attributes.

Figure 4-9. C2 Interleaved Signal Attributes

Channels C1 (and C4 if second pair is used) are shown as not active, and also has the External Interleaving Device attributes on corresponding display dialogs.

Sampling Modes

Depending on your timebase, you can choose Single-shot Sampling Mode (on page 65)(also known as Real Time mode), Sequence Sampling Mode (on page 66), or RIS Sampling Mode (on page 74) mode sampling.

Some instruments also offer Roll Mode (on page 75)

Selecting a Sampling Mode

1. Touch Timebase → Horizontal Setup from the menu bar.

2. In the Timebase dialog, touch a Sample Mode button.

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Single-shot Sampling Mode

Basic Capture Technique

A single-shot acquisition is a series of digitized voltage values sampled on the input signal at a uniform rate. It is also a series of measured data values associated with a single trigger event. The acquisition is typically stopped a defined number of samples after this event occurs: a number determined by the selected trigger delay and measured by the timebase. The waveform's horizontal position (and waveform display in general) is determined using the trigger event as the definition of time zero.

You can choose either a pre- or post-trigger delay. Pre-trigger delay is the time from the left-hand edge of the display grid forward to the trigger event, while post-trigger delay is the time back to the event. You can sample the waveform in a range starting well before the trigger event up to the moment the event occurs. This is 100% pre-trigger, and it allows you to see the waveform leading up to the point at which the trigger condition was met and the trigger occurred. (The instrument offers up to the maximum record length of points of pre-trigger information.) Post-trigger delay, on the other hand, allows you to sample the waveform starting at the equivalent of 10,000 divisions after the event occurred.

On fast timebase settings, the maximum single-shot sampling rate is used. But for slower timebases, the sampling rate is decreased and the number of data samples maintained.

The relationship between sample rate, memory, and time can be simply defined as:

and

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Sequence Sampling Mode – Working with Segments

Using Sequence Mode, you can store up to 15,000 triggered events as "segments" into the oscilloscope's memory. This is ideal when capturing many fast pulses in quick succession or when capturing few events separated by long time periods. The instrument can capture complicated sequences of events over large time intervals in fine detail, while ignoring the uninteresting periods between the events. You can also make time measurements between events on selected segments using the full precision of the acquisition timebase.

Sequence mode offers a number of unique capabilities:

 You can acquire up to four channels simultaneously.  You can minimize dead time between trigger events for consecutive

segments.

 You can view time stamps for acquisitions.  You can zoom segments or used them as input to math functions.  You can combine sequence mode with an advanced trigger to

isolate a rare event, capture all instances over hours or days, and view/analyze each afterwards.

 You can use Sequence mode in remote operation to take full

advantage of the instrument's high data-transfer capability.

In Sequence mode, the complete waveform consists of a number of fixedsize segments acquired in single-shot mode (see the instrument specifications for the limits). The oscilloscope uses the sequence timebase setting to determine the capture duration of each segment as 10 x time/div.

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With this setting, the oscilloscope uses the desired number of segments, maximum segment length, and total available memory to determine the actual number of samples or segments, and time or points.

Figure 4-10. How the instrument captures segments

Sequence Display Modes

The instrument gives you a choice of five ways to display your segments:

 Adjacent

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 Waterfall (cascaded)

 Mosaic (tiled)

 Overlay

 Perspective

Note: some display modes have limitations on the number of segments that can be shown at one time.

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Sequence Mode Setup

When setting up Sequence Mode, you define the number of fixed-size segments acquired in single-shot mode (see the instrument specifications for the limits). The oscilloscope uses the sequence timebase setting to determine the capture duration of each segment. Along with this setting, the oscilloscope uses the number of segments, maximum segment length, and total available memory to determine the actual number of samples or segments, and time or points.

Figure 4-11. Setting up Sequence Mode (Adjacent)

1. Touch Timebase → Horizontal Setup on the menu bar.

2. Click the Sequence tab.

3. Under Acquisition Settings, touch inside the Num Segments data

entry field and enter the number of segments you want to display, using the slider bar at the bottom of the window.

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Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad.

Note: The number of segments you choose to display can be less than the total number of segments in the waveform. For example, in the pop-up images above, the number of display segments is 10, but the total number of segments entered in the timebase dialog's Num Segments field is 100.

4. Touch the Enable Timeout checkbox.

5. Touch inside the Timeout data entry field and enter a timeout value, using the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad.

Note: Use the sequence mode timeout to automatically interrupt the sequence acquisition if the timeout value is exceeded without a valid trigger. The timeout period accounts for instances when a Num Segments miscount occurs for some reason and the oscilloscope waits indefinitely for an unforthcoming segment. During that time, no oscilloscope functions are accessible. By means of a timeout value, however, the acquisition will be completed, the waveform displayed, and control of the oscilloscope returned to the user after the timeout has elapsed.

5. Under Display Settings, touch inside the Display mode field, and select a sequence mode display from the pop-up menu.

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6. Touch the SINGLE trigger front panel button.

Note: Once a single acquisition has started, you can interrupt the acquisition at any time by pressing the SINGLE front panel button a second time or by pressing the STOP front panel button. In this case, the segments already acquired will be retained in memory.

Zooming Segments in Sequence Mode

You can zoom individual segments easily using the QUICKZOOM front panel button. When you zoom, the zoom traces default to Segment 1. Channel descriptors indicate the total number of segments acquired. Zoom descriptors indicate [Seg #] and #Segments in the Zoom. You can scroll through the segments using ZOOM front panel position knob.

Figure 4-12. Sample Zoom of Segments in Sequence Mode

1. Touch the front panel Quickzoom button.

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2. Turn the ZOOM front panel position knob to scroll through the segments.

3. To vary the degree of zoom, touch the newly created Zx trace label. The setup dialog for the zoom (Z1 to Z4) opens. It shows the current horizontal and vertical zoom factors.

4. If you want to increase or decrease your horizontal or vertical zoom in small increments, touch the Var. checkbox to enable variable zooming. Now with each touch of the zoom control buttons, the degree of magnification changes by small increments.

If you want to zoom in or out in large standard increments with each touch of the zoom control buttons, leave the Var. checkbox unchecked.

If you want to set exact horizontal or vertical zoom factors, touch inside the Horizontal Scale/div data entry field and enter a timeper-div value, using the pop-up numeric keypad. Then touch inside the Vertical Scale/div field and enter a voltage value.

Displaying an Individual Segment

1. Touch Math → Math Setup on the menu bar.

2. Touch a function tab (F1 to Fx - The number of available math traces depends on the software options loaded on the oscilloscope. Refer to the specifications for details).

3. Touch inside the Operator1 field and select the Segment button from the pop-up menu.

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4. In the dialog on the right, touch the Select tab.

5. Touch inside the First Selected data entry field and use the slider

bar at the bottom of the window to select the first segment you want to display. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad. Use the same method to provide a value in the Number of Selected data entry field.

Note: In Persistence mode, the segments are automatically overlaid one on top of the other in the display. In non-Persistence mode, they appear separately on the grid.

Viewing Time Stamps

You can view time stamps for each segment.

Figure 4-13. View Segment Time Stamps

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1. Touch Timebase →Acquisition Status on the menu bar.

OR Touch Vertical →Channel Status on the menu bar.

2. Touch the Trigger Time tab.

3. Under Show Status For, touch the Time button.

4. Touch inside the Select Segment field and enter a segment number, using the pop-up keypad or touch the arrow buttons to scroll through segment times.

RIS Sampling Mode - For Higher Sampling Rates

RIS (Random Interleaved Sampling) is an acquisition technique that allows effective sampling rates higher than the maximum single-shot sampling rate. It is used on repetitive waveforms with a stable trigger. The maximum effective RIS sampling rate is achieved by making multiple single-shot acquisitions at maximum real-time sample rate. The bins thus acquired are positioned approximately 5 ps (200 GS/s) apart. The process of acquiring these bins and satisfying the time constraint is a random one. The relative time between ADC sampling instants and the event trigger provides the necessary variation.

The instrument requires multiple triggers to complete an acquisition. The number depends on the sample rate: the higher the sample rate, the more triggers are required. It then interleaves these segments (in the following graphic) to provide a waveform covering a time interval that is a multiple of the maximum single-shot sampling rate.

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However, the real-time interval over which the instrument collects the waveform data is much longer, and depends on the trigger rate and the amount of interleaving required.

Note: RIS mode is not available when the oscilloscope is operating in fixed sample or DBI 25 - 45 GHz) modes as covered in Smart Memory and Combining Channels (on page 60) topics, respectively.

Roll Mode

Roll mode displays, in real time, incoming points in single-shot acquisitions that have a sufficiently low data rate. The oscilloscope rolls the incoming data continuously across the screen until a trigger event is detected and the acquisition is complete. The parameters or math functions connected to each channel are updated every time the roll mode buffer is updated, as if new data is available. This resets statistics on every step of Roll mode that is valid because of new data.

Note: If the processing time is greater than the acquire time, the data in memory gets overwritten. In this case, the instrument issues a Channel data is not continuous in ROLL mode!!! warning and rolling starts over again.

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Vertical

Adjusting Sensitivity and Position

Adjusting Sensitivity

1. Press the appropriate channel push button (channel 1, for example).

OR Touch Vertical → Channel 1 from the menu bar.

2. Touch inside the Trace On checkbox to display the trace.

3. Turn the VERTICAL GAIN front panel knob for the selected channel. OR Touch inside the Volts/Div field and enter a value using slider bar. Click the keypad button to enter a value using the pop-up keypad, or use the up/down arrows.

The set voltage is shown on the trace descriptor label and in the Volts/Div field in the dialog.

Adjusting the Waveform's Position

Turn the VERTICAL OFFSET adjust front panel knob directly above the channel button whose waveform you want to move vertically. Or you can touch inside the Offset field and type in a value on the pop-up keypad. To set the vertical offset to zero, touch the Zero Offset button directly below the Offset field.

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Coupling

The choices of coupling are as follows:

 DC 50 Ω  GROUND  DC 1 MΩ  AC 1 MΩ

Overload Protection

The maximum input voltage depends on the input used. Values are displayed on the front of the oscilloscope. Whenever the voltage exceeds this limit, the coupling mode automatically switches from DC 50 Ω to

GROUND. You will then have to manually reset the coupling to DC 50 Ω, as

described next.

CAUTION

While the unit does provide this protection, damage can still occur if extreme voltages are applied.

Setting Coupling

1. Touch Vertical → Channel X Setup from the menu bar.

2. Touch inside the Coupling field and select a coupling mode from the

pop-up menu.

Probe Attenuation

Setting up Probe Attenuation

LeCroy's ProBus system automatically senses probes and sets their attenuation for you. If you want to set the attenuation manually,

1. In the menu bar, touch Vertical, and then select a channel from the

drop-down menu.

2. Touch inside the Probe Atten. data entry field.

3. Now, touch a divide-by menu selection

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OR Touch Var (variable). If you choose Var, type in a value using the

slider bar or the pop-up numeric keypad.

Bandwidth Limits

Reducing the bandwidth also reduces the signal and system noise, and prevents high-frequency aliasing.

Setting Bandwidth Limits

Set bandwidth limits as follows:

1. In the menu bar, touch Vertical, and then select a channel from the drop-down menu.

2. Touch inside the Bandwidth field and select a bandwidth limit value from the pop-up menu. The options include: Full (all X-Stream oscilloscopes), 30 GHz, 25 GHz, 20 GHz, 16 GHz, 13 GHz, 8 GHz, 6 GHz, 4 GHz , 3 GHz , 1 GHz , 200 MHz (all X-Stream oscilloscopes), and 20 MHz (all X-Stream oscilloscopes).

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 Each oscilloscope contains only the Full selection and those

bandwidths less than the rated oscilloscope bandwidth.

 Anti-aliasing filters are applied to limit bandwidth at lower sample

rates, regardless of bandwidth limit selection.

Linear and (SinX)/X Interpolation

Linear interpolation, which inserts a straight line between sample points, is best used to reconstruct straight-edged signals such as square waves. (Sinx)/x interpolation, on the other hand, is suitable for reconstructing curved or irregular wave shapes, especially when the sample rate is 3 to 5 times the system bandwidth.

Interpolation Setup

1. Touch the button for the channel you want to set up (channel 1, for example).

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2. In the dialog area, touch inside the Interpolation data entry field under Pre-Processing. Pre-Processing is meant as before Math processing.

3. Touch inside the Interpolation data entry field. A pop-up menu appears offering Linear or Sinx/x interpolation.

4. Touch the button for the type of interpolation you want.

Inverting Waveforms

If available on your instrument, touch the Invert checkbox to invert the waveform for the selected channel.

Finding Scale

You can access the Find Scale button from the channel setup dialog. This feature automatically calculates peak-to-peak voltage, and chooses an appropriate Volts/Div scale to fully display the waveform.

Using Find Scale

1. Touch the trace label for the waveform you desire.

2. Touch the Find Scale button.

Variable Gain

Variable Gain lets you change the granularity with which the gain is incremented. For example, when Variable Gain is disabled, the gain increases or decreases in preset increments each time you touch the Up/Down buttons.

However, when Variable Gain is enabled, you can increase or decrease the gain in increments as small as 0.1 mV/div, depending on the waveform scale.

Enabling Variable Gain

1. Touch the descriptor label for the waveform whose gain you want to vary.

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2. Touch the Variable Gain checkbox.

Channel Deskew

Unlike the Deskew math function, channel Deskew does no resampling, but instead adjusts the horizontal offset by the amount that you enter. The valid range is dependent on the current timebase +/- 9 divisions.

Channel Deskew Setup

1. In the menu bar, touch Vertical; from the drop-down menu, select a

channel to set up.

2. Touch inside the Deskew data entry field and enter a value using

the pop-up numeric keypad.

Response Optimization Modes

Group delay is defined as the rate of change of the total phase shift with respect to angular frequency through a device or transmission medium. Amplifiers in analog oscilloscopes always had some group delay at the highest frequencies, and this inherent group delay minimized the preshoot present on a step response, giving the traditional "pulse response." However, it is now possible to correct for group delay, and in doing so, certain characteristics can be enhanced. By providing zero group delay at all frequencies, preshoot and overshoot is equalized, which is preferable for eye diagram measurements. Then, by providing the flattest possible frequency response with zero group delay, the fastest possible rise time can be measured.

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LeCroy provides all three of these choices in the Response Optimization Mode selection.

 Pulse Response - A delay compensation that minimizes preshoot.

This selection most resembles the response of an analog oscilloscope.

 Eye Diagram - Delay compensation with equalized preshoot and

overshoot. This selection improves the accuracy of serial eye diagrams.

 Flatness - A delay compensation similar to eye diagram, this

selection provides a flat frequency response and group delay. It provides the fastest rise time.

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Trigger

Trigger Overview

Triggering is the way an oscilloscope selects an exact moment in time on a signal to then be shown on the screen. If the pattern of a signal happens to be repetitive, a continuous waveform pattern is inherently visible on the display.

But without a regular signal pattern, the oscilloscope requires controls to determine what specific point in time (when a trigger is met) to show the signal on the display. This is accomplished and affected in a variety of ways.

Some trigger settings allow for pre-trigger, post-trigger, and a delay between the time of the trigger event and the time when the display is refreshed (or sweeped) and the waveform is again shown on the screen.

The instrument uses many waveform capture techniques that trigger on features and conditions that you define. These triggers fall into the following major categories:

 Simple Triggers – activated by basic waveform features or

conditions such as a positive or negative slope, and hold‐off

 SMART Triggers – sophisticated triggers that enable you to use basic

or complex conditions for triggering. Use SMART Triggers for signals with rare features, like glitches.

 Cascade Trigger - a combination of a sequence of 2 to 4 trigger

stages to establish precise cause and effect trigger conditions.

Trigger Types

There are a set of standard Trigger Types. These Triggers are basic waveform features or conditions such as a positive or negative slope, and hold-off and are available on all oscilloscopes along with tools like Software Assisted Trigger and Trigger Scan.

In addition, there are more sophisticated triggers for setting basic or complex conditions. These include Smart Triggers, Serial Trigger, Qualified Triggers, and Cascade Triggers.

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Learn more and Contact LeCroy for Support (on page 181).

Edge

A simple trigger, Edge trigger is activated by basic waveform features or conditions such as positive or negative slope, and holdoff. Up to 15 GHz bandwidth is available while Edge Triggering (provided no holdoff is selected).

Width

Width trigger allows you to define a positive- or negative-going pulse width bounded by a voltage level, above or below which a trigger will occur. Or you can specify a pulse width and voltage range, within or outside of which a trigger will occur.

Qualified A-B

In single trigger mode, Qualify A-B arms the oscilloscope on the A event, and then triggers on the B event. If the oscilloscope is in Normal trigger mode, it automatically resets after the B event. Arm trigger events can be set for Edge, Pattern, State, and PatState. State is briefly explained as follows:

STATE

The State trigger is a level-qualified trigger which requires that the qualifying signal remain above or below a specified voltage level for a trigger to occur. For State trigger, you specify the time or number of events after the signal has gone above or below the voltage level when you want the trigger to occur.

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Smart

These are a specific set of sophisticated trigger types. Smart trigger types are used to set conditions on signals with rare features, like the glitches and others as follows:

WINDOW

A smart trigger that occurs when a signal enters or exits a window defined by adjustable thresholds.

INTERVAL

While Glitch trigger performs over the width of a pulse, Interval trigger performs over the width of an interval — the signal duration (the period) separating two consecutive edges of the same polarity: positive to positive or negative to negative. Use interval trigger to capture intervals that fall short of, or exceed, a given time limit. In addition, you can define a width range to capture any interval that is itself inside or outside the specified range - an Exclusion trigger by interval.

GLITCH

Glitch trigger is a simpler form of Width trigger. Use Glitch trigger when you want to define a fixed pulse-width time or time range only. Glitch trigger makes no provision for voltage levels or ranges.

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DROPOUT

Used primarily in single-shot applications, and usually with a pre-trigger delay, Dropout trigger can detect lost signals. The trigger is generated at the end of the timeout period following the last trigger source transition.

RUNT

The Runt trigger occurs when a pulse crosses a first threshold line, but fails to cross a second threshold line before recrossing the first. Other defining conditions for this trigger are the edge (triggers on the slope opposite to that selected) and runt width.

SLEW RATE

SlewRate trigger activates a trigger when the rising or falling edge of a pulse crosses two threshold levels: an upper level and a lower level. The pulse edge must cross the thresholds faster or slower than a selected period of time.

Pattern (Logic)

Logic trigger enables triggering on a logical combination (pattern) of five inputs: CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, and AUX. You have a choice of four Boolean operators (AND, NAND, OR, NOR), and you can stipulate the high or low voltage logic level for each input independently.

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Not available on all instruments, TV triggers provide stable triggering on standard or custom composite video signals. Use them on PAL, SECAM, NTSC, or HDTV systems.

Qualified First

In single trigger mode, Qualify First arms the oscilloscope on the A event, and then triggers on all subsequent B events. This button is enabled when using the sequence sampling mode. It is commonly used in sequence mode for disk drive applications with the index pulse defined as the A qualifier signal and the servo gate signal as the B triggering events.

Cascade

The Cascade trigger allows you to define successive trigger Stages (referred to as Stage A, B, C, and D) as arm, trigger/arm, trigger/arm, trigger criteria, respectively.

Serial Trigger

Protocol-enabled serial trigger capabilities are available as options on several oscilloscope models.

80-bit Serial Trigger without decode capability is standard on SDA model oscilloscopes and optional on WaveMaster and DDA model oscilloscopes.

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Trigger Settings

Horizontal and Vertical adjustments are typically made for all trigger types using either the Delay or Level knobs on the front panel of the instrument or their respective fields on the Timebase setup dialog.

 Horizontal: Turn the DELAY knob in the HORIZONTAL control group

to adjust the trigger's horizontal position. Or, touch inside the Delay field in the timebase setup dialog and enter a value, using the popup keypad.

The trigger location is shown by a marker under the grid.

Post-trigger delay is indicated by a left-pointing arrow at the lowerleft of the grid.

The time value is given in the title line of the Timebase label at the lower-right of the grid.

 Vertical: Turn the LEVEL knob in the TRIGGER control group to adjust

the trigger's vertical threshold.

Turn this knob to adjust the level of the trigger source or the highlighted trace. Level defines the source voltage at which the trigger will generate an event: a change in the input signal that satisfies the trigger conditions.

Alternatively, in the Trigger dialog, you can touch inside the Level field and type in a value using the pop-up numeric keypad. Quickly set a level of zero volts by touching the Zero Level button.

An arrow on the right side of the grid shows the threshold position. This arrow is only visible if the trigger source is displayed.

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Simple Triggers

Edge Trigger

EDGE TRIGGER SETUP

Setup your trigger by following the main steps explained in Trigger Setup (below) providing values for Type, Setup, Level fields, and using the Optimize for High Frequency checkbox as needed.

Trigger Setup

Various parts of the trigger dialog are used to setup your trigger. Many fields on the dialog change based on your Trigger Type selections.

SETUP

 Touch inside the trigger Source field and select a source on which to

trigger.

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 If available, touch inside the Coupling field and select a coupling

mode.

Coupling refers to the type of signal coupling at the input of the trigger circuit. Choices of trigger coupling vary by oscilloscope model.

With DC coupling, all of the signal's frequency components are coupled to the trigger circuit for high-frequency bursts.

 Touch inside the trigger Slope field and choose the direction of the

trigger voltage transition used for generating a particular trigger event.

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The selection is then shown to the right of the dialog as follows for a Positive Slope selection on an Edge Trigger.

Figure 4-14. Edge trigger works on the selected edge at the chosen level.

The slope (positive or negative) is specified on the Trigger label

permanently shown to the lower-right of the grid.

LEVEL

Level defines the source voltage at which the trigger circuit generates an event (a change in the input signal that satisfies the trigger conditions). The selected trigger level is associated with the chosen trigger source. Note that the trigger level is specified in volts and normally remains unchanged when the vertical gain or offset is modified.

The Amplitude and Range of the trigger level are limited as follows:

 ±5 screen divisions with a channel as the trigger source  ±400 mV with AUX as the trigger source  ±4 V with AUX/10 as the trigger source  None with LINE as the trigger source (zero crossing is used)

Touch inside the Level data entry field.

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Provide a voltage level using the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad (in millivolts).

Note: Once specified, Trigger Level and Coupling are the only parameters remaining unchanged as you switch from trigger mode to trigger mode for each trigger source.

OPTIMIZE FOR HF

The Optimize for HF checkbox (where available) can be used to reject high or low frequencies.

The checkbox is marked by default; meaning, the instrument is optimized for high-frequency waveforms.

Note: If you are measuring a waveform that is 10 MHz or slower, be sure to unmark the checkbox to avoid triggering on an incorrect slope.

WIDTH CONDITION IS

Width triggers have additional Width Condition settings as follows.

Your Width Condition can be specified as Less Than, Greater Than, In

Range and Out Of Range. In Range and Out Of Range conditions can be further set with Upper and

Lower Values (for Limits).

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Nominal width and Delta (for Delta).

Note: Width Condition is settings are summarized to the right of the

dialog.

HOLDOFF BY TIME OR EVENTS

Holdoff is an additional condition of Edge and Pattern triggers. It can be expressed either as a period of time or an event count. Holdoff disables the trigger circuit for a given period of time or number of events after the last trigger occurred. Events are the number of occasions on which the trigger condition is met. The trigger resumes when the holdoff has elapsed and its other conditions are met.

Select the holdoff by touching the Time or Events buttons on the Holdoff dialog.

Now, click the corresponding field and provide a value using the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value using the pop-up numeric keypad.

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Use holdoff to obtain a stable trigger for repetitive, composite waveforms. For example, if the number or duration of sub-signals is known you can disable them by choosing an appropriate holdoff value. Qualified triggers operate using conditions similar to holdoff.

Hold Off by Time

Sometimes you can achieve a stable display of complex, repetitive waveforms by placing a condition on the time between each successive trigger event. This time would otherwise be limited only by the input signal, the coupling, and the instrument's bandwidth. Select a positive or negative slope, and a minimum time between triggers. The trigger is generated when the condition is met after the selected holdoff time, counted from the last trigger. The delay is initialized and started on each trigger.

Figure 4-15. Edge Trigger with Holdoff by Time. The bold edges on the trigger

source indicate that a positive slope has been selected. The broken upward-

pointing arrows indicate potential triggers, which would occur if other

conditions are met. The bold arrows indicate where the triggers actually occur

when the holdoff time has been exceeded.

Hold Off by Events

Select a positive or negative slope and a number of events. An event is the number of times the trigger condition is met after the last trigger. A trigger is generated when the condition is met after this number, counted from

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the last trigger. The count is restarted on each trigger. For example, if the event number is two, the trigger will occur on the third event.

Figure 4-16. Edge Trigger with Holdoff by Events (in this example, two events).

The bold edges on the trigger source indicate that a positive slope has been

selected. The broken, upward-pointing arrows indicate potential triggers, while

the bold ones show where triggers actually occur after the holdoff expires.

AUXILIARY INPUT TRIGGER

Some instrument models provide auxiliary input trigger capability. It's done as a pattern trigger, on the Ext dialog.

Select X1, or ÷10. You can also select from DC50Ω, Gnd, and DC1MΩ Impedance values.

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TriggerScan

TriggerScan is a debugging tool that helps you quickly find rare waveform glitches and anomalies. With TriggerScan, you can build a list of trigger setups to look for rare events and automatically sequence through each one. TriggerScan can use any type of trigger setup available including edge, width, and qualify as well as Smart Triggers (such as, glitch and runt triggers). TriggerScan automates two key processes in triggering rare events:

1. Trains the system by looking at normal acquired waveforms. During the training, the oscilloscope analyzes the waveforms to determine what waveforms normally look like. Using this information, it generates a list of smart trigger setups to trigger on abnormal situations.

2. Loads the smart trigger setups from the Trainer and cycles through these. As triggers occur, they are overlaid on the screen. All acquisition settings are preserved and you can use all the functions of the oscilloscope to find the root cause of these anomalies including, WaveScan, Histograms, and advanced analysis.

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Training TriggerScan

The TriggerScan Trainer inspects a currently acquired waveform and automatically builds a list of common trigger setups used to find rare events.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 You must acquire and display at least 3 cycles of a signal before

running the Trainer.

 You should run the Trainer if you want to change the trigger types

or if you change the channel or signal.

1. Touch Trigger → Trigger Setup from the menu bar.

2. On the Trigger dialog, click the TriggerScan tab.

3. Touch inside the Source data entry field and select a channel as the

source for the training.

4. Touch the Trainer button.

5. On the TriggerScan Trainer Setup window, choose the types of

triggers the Trainer should use to train the system and then touch the Start Training button. The training begins. When it is complete, a list of smart trigger setups is displayed in the Trigger List.

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Starting TriggerScan

After you have run the Trainer, the Trigger List displays a list of smart trigger setups. You can add or remove trigger setups. You can also update the selected smart trigger setup. Once you have made any changes to the Trigger List, you are ready to start scanning.

1. Touch Trigger → Trigger Setup from the menu bar.

2. On the Trigger dialog, click the TriggerScan tab.

3. If you want to add a new trigger setup, touch the Trigger tab and set the new trigger. Then, touch the Add New button to add the new trigger to the Trigger List.

4. If you want to delete a trigger setup, highlight the setup in the Trigger List and touch the Delete Selected button.

Note: If you want to delete all trigger setups in the Trigger List, touch the Delete All button.

5. If you want to replace the selected trigger setup with the current trigger setup, highlight the setup in the Trigger List and touch the Update Selected button.

6. Once you have made any changes to the Trigger List, touch Start Scan. The oscilloscope automatically sequences through all the trigger setups.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 You can tune the dwell time that the oscilloscope will wait

before loading the next trigger setup using the Dwell Time data entry field.

 If you have Persistence display mode enabled, all trigger

events are recorded on the display. Refer to the Persistence Setup (on page 106) topic for instructions on enabling Persistence display mode.

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 If you want TriggerScan to stop when the oscilloscope

triggers next, check the Stop On Trigger checkbox. You can use this to isolate specific trigger setups.

Saving TriggerScan Setups

You should save TriggerScan setups once you have made any modifications to the Trigger List. The current Trigger List will not be preserved after exiting the application unless you save it.

1. On the TriggerScan dialog, touch inside the Setup File Name data

entry field and enter a file name using the pop-up keyboard. OR Touch the Browse button and select a location and file name.

2. Touch the Save Setup button.

Note: You can load previously saved TriggerScan setups by touching the Browse button, locating the file and then clicking Load Setup.

Viewing Waveforms

Display Setup

Note: Not all grid styles are available on all instruments.

1. Touch Display →Display Setup on the menu bar.

2. Touch one of the Grid combination buttons.

Note: Autogrid automatically adds or deletes grids as you select more or fewer waveforms to display.

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3. Touch inside the Grid Intensity data entry field (as follows).

Provide a value from 0 to 100 using the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value.

4. Touch the Grid on top checkbox if you want to superimpose the grid over the waveform.

Note: Depending on the grid intensity, some of your waveforms may be hidden from view when the grid is placed on top. To undo, simply uncheck Grid on top.

3. Touch the Axis labels checkbox to permanently display the values of the top and bottom grid lines (calculated from volts/div) and the extreme left and right grid lines (calculated from the timebase).

4. Choose a line style for your trace: solid Line or Points as follows:

5. Touch inside the trace Intensity data entry field if you want to change the value.

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100

Enter a value from 0 to 100 using the slider bar at the bottom of the window. Click the keypad button (as follows) on the slider bar to enter a value.

Note: Access the Monitor tab for external monitor display settings. Refer to the External Display (on page 27) topic for more details.

SEQUENCE MODE DISPLAY

Set up a Sequence Mode display by first selecting a Sequence trigger mode in the Timebase → Horizontal Setup dialog. You must also have entered a Num Segments value. For more information on setting up Sequence Mode, see the Sequence Sampling Mode (on page 66) topic.

1. Touch Display → Display Setup on the menu bar.

2. Touch inside the Display Mode field and select a display mode from

the pop-up menu.

Moving Traces from Grid to Grid

You can move traces from grid to grid with the touch of a button.

Moving a Channel or Math Trace

1. Touch the trace descriptor label for the waveform you want to move.

2. Touch the Next Grid button.

Note: If you have more than one waveform displayed on only one grid, a second grid automatically opens when you select Next Grid.

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Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual