TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
•In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
•Worldwide, visit to www.tek.com find contacts in your area.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
List of Tables................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Welcome and key features............................................................................................................................................................9
Product support and feedback.....................................................................................................................................................11
Available product documentation................................................................................................................................................ 12
Available application notes and demo guides............................................................................................................................. 13
Introduction to mainframe and modules......................................................................................................................................14
Front panel...........................................................................................................................................................................14
Module installation and removal.......................................................................................................................................... 16
TSOVu user interface...........................................................................................................................................................18
SW and FW Installation and network connection........................................................................................................................22
Software installation and requirements................................................................................................................................22
Software licenses and options............................................................................................................................................. 24
Connect the mainframe to the network and TSOVu............................................................................................................ 25
Firmware installation and requirements............................................................................................................................... 27
Run signal path compensation (SPC)..................................................................................................................................29
Connect a signal.................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Add a note to a view............................................................................................................................................................ 40
The Acquisition configuration menu.....................................................................................................................................49
Use default setup................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Delete a Measurement badge..............................................................................................................................................53
AC RMS........................................................................................................................................................................59
ES Levels......................................................................................................................................................................81
NRZ Signal to Noise Ratio............................................................................................................................................90
NRZ AC RMS................................................................................................................................................................92
NRZ Bit Time................................................................................................................................................................ 97
NRZ Bit Rate.................................................................................................................................................................98
NRZ Fall Time.............................................................................................................................................................102
Menus and dialogs.................................................................................................................................................................... 104
Save As..............................................................................................................................................................................105
Add a reference waveform.................................................................................................................................................106
Add a Math waveform........................................................................................................................................................ 107
Draw a box for zoom or histogram.....................................................................................................................................108
Add a histogram.................................................................................................................................................................108
Add a note to a view...........................................................................................................................................................115
Math waveform configuration menu................................................................................................................................... 117
Math functions....................................................................................................................................................................118
Add a label......................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Set the graticule style and intensity................................................................................................................................... 122
Table 6: Reference waveform configuration menu fields and controls...................................................................................... 116
This document provides information on how to use the TSOVu™ software platform to operate your TSO 8 Series sampling oscilloscope.
The 8 Series disaggregated platform provides you with a scalable, reconfigurable sampling oscilloscope with up to 4 channels of
simultaneous acquisition (with two 2-channel modules installed). The 8 Series consists of:
•TSOVu software: Application installed on 64-bit Windows 10 PC, connects to a TSO820 mainframe
•TSO8C17, TSO8C18: Available optical modules to be installed in mainframe
The 8 Series is an equivalent time sampling oscilloscope suitable for use in a variety of test and measurement applications and systems.
The mainframe must be configured with at least one of the above optical sampling modules. The 8 Series supports optical device
Characterization depending on the plug-in module installed. Currently available TSO8C17/18 modules focus on devices at 56 GBd and 28
GBd, and bandwidths up to 30+ GHz with slow (Bessel-Thomson) roll-off past 50 GHz.
Key performance specifications
•Fast acquisition for long patterns and for eye diagrams, with up to 4 channels
•Module TSO8C17/18 supports Optical bandwidth past 30 GHz
•Single mode and multi-mode support, short and long wavelength optical testing
•Optical Reference Receiver (ORR) support for standard-mandated compliance testing
New system architecture
•Disaggregated architecture separates acquisition hardware and software analysis, allowing data to be streamed over Ethernet to any
connected PC running TSOVu™ . Scale your analysis platforms to fit your needs and connect from anywhere on the network.
•Swap modules for various configuration.
Optical modules
•Accurate testing and characterization of short or long wave optical signals using the high sensitivity and low noise performance of the
TSO8C17 or TSO8C18 modules.
•Optical Reference Receivers (ORR) to support specified requirements for standards mandated compliance testing.
•Calibrated extinction ratio measurements and variable correction ER measurements to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
Analysis with TSOVu™
•The TSOVu™ software platform runs independent of the oscilloscope mainframe on your PC to support both live and post-processing
of acquired data.
•Offers comprehensive analysis of PAM4 optical signals. Includes support for eye diagrams, optical measurements such as TDECQ,
and other standard measurements. Measurements on PAM2 / NRZ are also available.
•Measurement includes a plug-in interface. User-defined measurements are added directly to the TSOVu™ interface to increase
flexibility and productivity.
High test throughput
•High sample acquisition rate at 300 kS/s per channel standard
•Sophisticated Programmatic Interface (PI) for automation environments to enable the highest test throughput. Each command supports
full data synchronization. Wait 2 seconds after Clear Data to clear the waveform pipeline for long record lengths.
Get started
Start with the Initial setup topics for a quick start guide to initial signal acquisition and configuration. For an overview of the instrument
user interface and controls, see the Introduction to mainframe and modules topic.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help9
Welcome and key features
How to find help topics
This Help provides context-sensitive topics with information about the various features and capabilities to the 8 Series. When any badge or
screen is active in TSOVu, select Help to view the topic related to that item.
You can also select Help from the TSOVu main menu bar to open the Help file. Select one of the following tabs to search for topics:
•Contents. Click any entry to display information on the subject.
•Index. Double-click an entry to display information on the subject; or, enter a keyword you are looking for (the list scrolls to that topic).
Click Display to open the topic.
•Search. Type in the keyword you are looking for and then click List Topics. Every topic that contains the keyword will be displayed.
Double-click a topic to open it, or select a topic, and then click Display to open it.
Need extra help?
If you cannot find the information that you are looking for in this Help, check the Available product documentation on page 12 topic for
a list of other product related documents. You can also contact Tektronix technical support at www.tek.com (select Support from the main
menu) for help with operating your instrument.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help10
Product support and feedback
Product support and feedback
Tektronix values your feedback on our products. To help us serve you better, please send us your suggestions, ideas, or comments on
your instrument, application, or product documentation.
Contact us through mail, telephone, or the website. See Contact and Copyright for more information or assistance with your product.
When you contact Tektronix Technical Support, please include the following information (be as specific as possible):
General information
•All instrument model numbers
•Hardware options, if any
•Modules used
•Your name, company, mailing address, phone number, FAX number
•Please indicate if you would like to be contacted by Tektronix about your suggestion or comments.
Application specific information
•Software version number
•Description of the problem such that technical support can duplicate the problem
•If possible, save and send the setup files for all the instruments used and the application
•If possible, save and send status messages text files
•If possible, save and send the waveform on which you are performing the measurement as a .wfm file
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help11
Available product documentation
Available product documentation
The following documents for the TSO8 Series are available for download. For the most recent versions of these documents, visit the
Tektronix web site at www.tek.com. You can find manuals by searching for the product name and selecting the manuals filter.
To learn aboutUse this document
How to install and turn on the instrument software and
hardware; read safety and compliance information
TSO8 Series installation and safety instructions
Printed and shipped with the instrument. Also available online as
a downloadable PDF. This document contains content in English,
Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
How to operate the instrument, take measurements, and
navigate the UI.
How to remotely control the instrument using GPIB
programmatic commands. Syntax provided.
Mainframe and module specifications. Includes procedures
to verify that the mainframe and modules meet warranted
specifications.
Installing up to two mainframes, or one mainframe and one
TCR801 clock recovery unit, into a standard instrument rack
using the rackmount kit.
How to declassify, sanitize, and clear memory devices in the
instrument.
TSO8 Series help
Available in the TSOVu application (Help menu) and as a downloadable
PDF at www.tek.com.
TSO8 Series programming manual
TSO8 Series specifications and performance verification technical
reference
TSO8 Series rackmount kit instructions
TSO8 Series declassification and security instructions
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help12
Available application notes and demo guides
Available application notes and demo guides
Available for download on www.tek.com.
•Taking IEEE 802.3 bs/cd optical measurements
This demonstration guide walks you through how to take IEEE 802.3 bs/cd optical measurements.
•Physical Layer Tests of 100 Gb/s Communications Systems
This application note shows you how to prepare for compliance measurements on 100G standards including IEEE802.3ba/bj/bm and
the tests for optical, electrical, or PAM4 transmitters and receivers that help diagnose noncompliant components and systems.
•PAM4 Signaling in High Speed Serial Technology: Test, Analysis, and Debug
This application note presents information on testing PAM4 technology and approaches for validating PAM4 signals. It describes PAM4
technology for 50-400G applications, details of PAM4 signaling, outline of the important aspects of evaluating electrical and optical
transmitters, and an explanation of methods for evaluating PAM4 receivers and more.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help13
Introduction to mainframe and modules
Front panel
The front panel of your instrument gives you access to the following.
Introduction to mainframe and modules
NumberItemDescription
1Power buttonTurn on/off power to instrument and installed modules. Blue indicates power is on. Amber indicates
standby power is on.
2LCD displayShows MAC and IP addresses. Navigate using scroll/select buttons. 61 mm (W) x 12 mm (H) x 2x20
liquid crystal display (LCD).
3Slot 1Slot for module.
4Slot 2Slot for module.
5Keypad buttonsScroll/select buttons to navigate LCD display.
6Clock Prescale Input2.92 mm. 50 Ω, AC-coupled, divide-by-one/two/four/eight external trigger input port, enabling direct or
prescaled triggering for clocks in the frequency range of 500MHz - 32 GHz.
7Antistatic connection
1MΩ
A banana-jack antistatic connection of 1 MΩ to ground.
Rear panel
The rear panel of your instrument gives you access to the following.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help14
Introduction to mainframe and modules
NumberItemDescription
1Security cable slot Security cable can be attached to secure instrument to a physical location.
2Module ventsProvides airflow for installed modules. There is one fan in each module slot.
3USB portUSB 3.0
4Mfg portNot for use.
5LAN port10/100/1000 Gb Ethernet
6Side feetThe side feet (4) protect the product when placed on its side. Do not use this equipment while turned on if the
instrument is sitting on its side feet.
7PowerInput voltage: 100 - 240 V, 115 V
Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz, 400 Hz
Power: 200 W max
8Rear feetThe rear feet (4) are for preventing damage of connected cables or power cord if those are connected and
the instrument is placed on its rear. Do not use this equipment while turned on if the instrument is sitting on its
rear feet.
9HandleCarrying handle.
Warning: Do not use this equipment while turned on if the instrument is sitting on its rear feet. This can prevent proper air flow.
Electrostatic discharge information
Read the electrostatic discharge (ESD) Read This First document that shipped with the mainframe and module for complete information
about how to prevent damage to the modules and mainframe due to ESD. Following is some of that information.
CAUTION:
terminations on the module connectors before removing them from the mainframe or when it is not in use.
CAUTION: Store modules in static-free containers. Whenever you move a module from one instrument to another, use a
static-free container in which to transport it. This will help prevent damage due to ESD.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help15
To prevent damage to the instrument and electrical modules from electrostatic discharge (ESD), install 50 Ω
Introduction to mainframe and modules
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the electrical module, discharge to ground any electrostatic charge that may be present on the
center and outer conductors of cables before attaching a cable to a module.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the modules, always wear a grounded antistatic strap (provided with the instrument) when handling
modules or making connections. Wear anti-static clothing and work at a static-free workstation when using the modules.
Module installation and removal
Procedure for installing and removing modules.
The TSO820 sampling oscilloscope allows for installation of the following two modules. For detailed specifications information, see the
TSO820, TSO8C17, TSO8C18 Sampling Oscilloscope and Modules Specifications and Performance Verification manual available for
download on www.tek.com.
•TSO8C17, 1 channel 28 GBd / 53 GBd
•TSO8C18, 2 channel 28 GBd / 53 GBd
CAUTION: Only qualified personnel should perform the following procedures. Ensure power is off to the unit before installing or
removing modules.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the modules, wear a grounded antistatic strap when removing and installing modules and
cables connected to modules.
Install a module
CAUTION:
module. To avoid damage, turn off the power before installing or removing a module.
1. Power off the mainframe.
2. Use a flathead screw driver to loosen the two latch screws that secure the top cover to the mainframe and lift off the cover.
Do not hot swap modules. Installing or removing modules into/from the mainframe with the power on will damage the
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help16
Introduction to mainframe and modules
3. Notice that the mainframe ships with one filler module installed. This is a place holder that ensures proper air flow and temperature
stability when only one module is installed.
Before installing a module, remove the filler module from the side into which you want to insert the regular module by loosening the
securing screws (they are captive and stay attached to the filler module).
Never leave a module slot empty while the instrument is powered on and running. Always have a filler or regular modules installed to
ensure proper air flow and temperature stability.
4. Insert the desired module into the mainframe at an angle, as shown.
5. Push down lightly on the rear of the module to seat it securely into the mainframe. You will hear a click when it seats fully.
6. Tighten the 4 attached screws to secure the module to the mainframe.
7. Replace the mainframe cover and use the driver again to turn the screw latches to secure it in place.
8. Before taking measurements, allow a minimum 30 minutes warmup and run a compensation.
Remove a module
CAUTION:
module. To avoid damage, turn off the power before installing or removing a module.
1. Power off the mainframe.
2. Use a flathead screw driver to loosen the two latch screws that secure the top cover to the mainframe and lift off the cover.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help17
Do not hot swap modules. Installing or removing modules into/from the mainframe with the power on will damage the
Introduction to mainframe and modules
3. Loosen the 4 screws that secure the module to the mainframe. These are captive screws and stay attached to the module.
4. Grasp the rear of the module (as noted on the module) and pull up at an angle to unseat the module.
5. Lift the module from the mainframe at an angle to remove it.
6. Before powering on the mainframe, ensure a filler module or module is installed in the side from which you removed the module.
The mainframe ships with one filler module installed. This is a place holder that ensures proper air flow and temperature stability when
only one or module is installed.
Never leave a module slot empty while the instrument is powered on and running. Always have a filler or regular modules installed to
ensure proper air flow and temperature stability.
7. Replace the mainframe cover and turn the screw latches to secure it in place.
8. Before taking measurements, allow a minimum 30 minutes warmup and run a compensation.
TSOVu user interface
The TSOVu application contains waveforms and plots, measurement readouts, and controls to access all oscilloscope functions.
TSOVu display and navigation
The areas of the display as numbered in the previous image are as follows.
1
The Menu bar allows you access the following these menus and functions.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help18
Introduction to mainframe and modules
MenuOptionsDescription
FileRecallRecall setup, waveform, or session files.
SaveSave the current file.
Save As
Waveform files (.wfm, .csv): a waveform data file includes the
acquired waveform data. You can select the file type, source,
location, and if you want to auto increment the file name.
Checking the Auto Increment File Name lets you save
sequential files without needing to manually rename them
each time. The count number is added to the end of the file
name.
The Count defaults to 000 if there are no files at the specified
location and file name that already use incremented file
names. If there are files at the save location that already use
the specified file name, and have already been saved using
count increments, the Count field shows the next count value
that will be added to the file name when the file is saved.
Setup files (.set): a setup file includes all instrument settings
and user configured analysis. This allows you to recreate the
current setup on another compatible instrument with newly
acquired data. You can select the file name, location, if you
want to auto increment the file name, and if you want to
include all references.
Session files (.tss): a session file is a zipped file that includes
a setup file and all acquired waveform data. This allows you
to move analysis activities offline. You can select the file
name, location, and if you want to auto increment the file
name.
Reports files (.pdf, .html): a report file can be saved as a full
report or summary. The full report includes all measurement
configuration data in addition to results. The summary report
only includes results. You can select the file name, location,
and if you want to auto increment the file name.
(You can read more about these options in the Save As
topic.)
Default setupStops acquisition and returns the application to its default
setup.
ExitCloses the TSOVu application.
ConnectSystem ConfigurationAllows you to connect to the TSO820 instrument by entering
the IP address or host name. Once connected, this screen
shows the serial numbers of the connected mainframe and
module(s).
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help19
Introduction to mainframe and modules
MenuOptionsDescription
UtilityUser PreferencesAllows you to adjust the Autoset.
CalibrationDisplay instrument and module last calibration date,
temperature, and pass/fail status.
CompensationCompensation controls allow you to run compensation on the
mainframe and modules.
DiagnosticsShows the status of the power-on self test and allows you to
export log files.
Disable Error Pop-ups
HelpHelpOpens this navigable Help file.
AboutView installed options, licenses, and SW versions. Install new
Click to check or uncheck this menu item. Check it to disable
error pop-up messages from appearing on the display.
Uncheck to enable them.
When disabled, this icon shows on the status bar:
licenses using the About window.
2
Channel badges provide access to the vertical settings, optical settings, persistence, deskew, and external attenuation for that specific
channel.
See the Vertical configuration topic for details.
3
Status bar. Error messages will appear here. You can also disable error message pop-ups and a disabled icon will appear on the status bar
indicating that pop-ups are disabled.
Some badges display errors on the badge. TSOVu shows warnings and messages in the bar at the very bottom of the application screen.
Click More for the error details.
4
Horizontal configuration badge. A locked padlock icon idicates that Pattern Sync is On. An unlocked padlock icon indicates Pattern Sync
is Off. Double click the Horizontal badge to access the configuration menu.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help20
Introduction to mainframe and modules
See the Horizontal configuration menu topic for details.
5
Trigger configuration badge. Double click to access the trigger configuration menu. See the Trigger configuration menu topic for details.
6
Acquisition configuration badge. Double click to access the acquisition configuration menu. See the Acquisition configuration menu topic
for details.
7
Click button to start and stop signal acquisition. When there is no instrument connected to TSOVu, this button shows "Offline".
8
Clear button resets acquisitions to zero.
Autoset button positions the waveform vertically.
Draw A Box for zoom or histogram button is a dual purpose button that allows you to define zoom areas and histograms. See the following
topics for details: Draw a box for zoom or histogram, Add a histogram, and Zoom elements.
9
Measurement and histogram badges. These badges appear here below the Add New... panel. Double click a badge for related
configuration options. See the Add measurement and Add a histogram topics for details.
10
Use the buttons here to add measurements, masks, cursors, notes on the display, histograms, and results tables. See these topics for
more details: Add measurement, Add a mask, Add cursors, Add a note to a view, Add a histogram, and Add Results Table.
11
Waveform view area. See the Waveform View configuration topic for details.
12
Zoom view and controls when zoom is defined and active. See the Zoom elements topic for details.
13
Add New Ref icon adds the new reference waveform.
13
Add New Math icon adds the math waveform.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help21
SW and FW Installation and network connection
SW and FW Installation and network connection
Software installation and requirements
The following software is available for the 8 Series. The TSOVu base software enables mainframe connectivity and operation, cursors,
results tables, and other features. The base software package includes the pulse and NRZ Eye measurements plug-ins. Other plug-ins are
available for purchase and download separately.
PC system requirements
Install the software on a PC with the following specifications.
ItemRequirement
Operating systemMicrosoft® Windows 10, 64 Bit
CPU
Memory16 Gbytes recommended
Disk256 GBytes SSD or more
Networking1 Gigabit Ethernet wired
Recommended: AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel i7 class CPU with 4 core / 8 thread
Minimum: AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 with hyperthreading
Note that the time to calculate the TDECQ result is inversely proportionate to the clock speed.
Other software requirements
You must install MATLAB® Compiler Runtime version 9.3 on to the host PC. Go to MathWorks (ch.mathworks.com/products/compiler/
matlab-runtime.html) to download and install it.
Install TSOVu software
You must install the base software before installing any plug-ins. The downloadable package include the base software and the Pulse and
PAM4 measurement plug-ins. The PAM4 plug-in is optional and requires a purchased license to enable it. Install the software as follows.
1. Go to www.tek.com and click the Download icon.
2. Select Software, enter TSOVu, and click Search.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help22
SW and FW Installation and network connection
3. Find the most recent version of the TSOVu base software and download the package to the PC you can use to connect with and
control the mainframe.
4. Double click the .exe file to launch the install wizard. Follow the instructions to install the software. Your PC with automatically restart
when the installation is complete.
5. A TSOVu icon install on the Windows Desktop. Click to launch the application.
The following items are installed with the base software package:
•TSOVu™: The application that runs on your PC and is the analysis engine and UI of the mainframe and modules. It is required to
connect to a mainframe.
•Pulse measurement plug-in: This plug-in comes standard with the base installation package and provides pulse measurement
capabilities.
•PAM4 measurement plug-in: Use of this plug-in is optional. To enable it, you must purchase a license. FFE in math is available only if
you purchase PAM4 measurement plug-in.
•NRZ Eye measurement plug-in: This plug-in comes standard with the base installation package and provides NRZ Eye measurement
capabilities.
•TSO8 firmware
•TekVISA™: A library of industry-standard compliant software components, organized according to the standard VISA model
established by the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance. Use TekVISA software to write interoperable instrument drivers to handle
communicating between software applications and your instrument.
Install optional plug-ins
For a full list of optional plug-ins, see the Software licenses and options topic in the Help or view the TSO 8 Series product datasheet
on www.tek.com. Due to the plug-in architecture of TSOVu, measurement plug-ins must be installed prior to TSOVu software launch. To
purchase and download optional plug-ins, do the following.
1. Navigate to your TekAMS system account and purchase the desired plug-in(s).
2. Run the plug-in installer with administrative privileges and walk through the installation procedure for each measurement plug-in.
3. Re-launch TSOVu.
4. Install the new plug-in license(s) from Help > About in the TSOVu application.
(See the Software licenses and options topic next for more information.)
See these TSOVu Help topics for more information:
Software licenses and options
Connect to network and TSOVu
Firmware installation and requirements
Run signal path compensation (SPC)
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help23
SW and FW Installation and network connection
Software licenses and options
The TSOVu application is made up of the base software, Pulse measurement plug-in, and any additionally purchased plug-in
software (licensed optional software). The base package enables mainframe connectivity and operation, cursors, results tables, pulse
measurements, and other baseline features. It is free and available for download at www.tek.com\downloads.
To install a license in TSOVu
1. Select Help > About from the TSOVu main menu bar to view installed options and system information.
2. Click the Install License button under the Installed Options table.
3. Select the appropriate install location:
a. TSOVu: The license will install on the PC. Anyone using that PC will have access to the license for any instruments to which it
connects.
b. Instrument: The license will install on the selected instrument. Any PC connecting to that instrument will have access to license.
4. Click the Browse button to open a file explorer window and navigate to the location to which you saved the license file from the Tek
AMS system.
5. Click Open.
6. Click the Install button.
To copy system information (TSOVu SW version, host ID, plug-in versions)
1. Select Help > About from the TSOVu main menu bar to view installed options and system information.
2. Click the Copy System Information button under the System Information table.
3. The information from the table has been copied to a clipboard. You can now paste it into a document of your choice.
Plug-in options
The following optional plug-ins are available to add to the TSOVu base software. These plug-ins enable new capabilities. For the most
updated list of options, please view the TSO 8 Series datasheet at www.tek.com.
Plug-in descriptionOptionLicense
Measurements for PAM4 optical signals.
Enables TDECQ equalization and analysis.
•Perpetual: This license does not expire, but updates and support are available for a set time period. Support can be renewed for an
annual fee. When that annual subscription of the perpetual license expires, the software will be usable but frozen to the last released
version before the expiration date.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help24
SW and FW Installation and network connection
•Subscription: This license provides use, updates, and support of the software throughout the term of the license. When the license
expires, those software features will no longer work.
License terms
•Node-locked: License assigned to a specific instrument/PC. It cannot be transferred to any other instrument/PC.
•Floating: License can be transferred from one instrument/PC to another. It can only be used on one instrument/PC at a time.
See these topics for more information:
Software installation and requirements
Connect to network and TSOVu
Available product documentation
Connect the mainframe to the network and TSOVu
To control the instrument with the TSOVu application, the instrument must be made available to the same LAN as the PC hosting TSOVu.
The oscilloscope has a standard Ethernet (RJ-45) interface for connecting to a network.
Use the included CAT6 Ethernet cable. If you use a different type of Ethernet cable, it must be a CAT6 or faster cable and it should be
consistent with the network speed you require.
1. Connect the CAT6 Ethernet cable to the LAN connector on the rear panel of the instrument.
2. Plug in the instrument power cord to the instrument and then a power source. The instrument will power on automatically.
3. Press the right/left arrow keys on the mainframe front panel until you see IP address on the LCD display. Note the IP address. Only
DHCP addresses are supported.
4. Launch TSOVu.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help25
SW and FW Installation and network connection
5. In TSOVu, select Connect > System Configuration and enter the previously noted IP address.
6. Press the green + button (or the Enter key on a keyboard) and the instrument will connect. Mainframe and modules names and
firmware versions will appear.
Next steps:
See the Run signal path compensation (SPC) topic in the Help for instructions for running a SPC before connecting a signal to view.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help26
SW and FW Installation and network connection
Firmware installation and requirements
Keep the mainframe firmware updated to ensure the latest features are available and the instrument is taking the most accurate
measurements. You can do this by downloading the latest firmware from www.tek.com and installing it yourself. Module firmware can only
be updated by the Tektronix service organization.
Before you begin
Determine the current version of firmware installed on the instrument using the front panel LCD screen menu.
Procedure
1. Download the instrument firmware to a USB drive:
a) Navigate to C:\Program Files\Tektronix\TSOVu_Firmware to locate the firmware that was downloaded to your PC when you
installed the TSOVu installation package.
b) If the available firmware version is newer than what is on your instrument, select that file.
c) Copy the .img file to a USB memory device.
2. Install firmware on instrument:
a) Power on the instrument and wait for the instrument to fully boot up.
b) Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the instrument rear panel.
c) Cycle the power on the mainframe to begin the update process. The process status will appear on the front panel LCD until
finished.
d) The instrument will update the firmware and power on immediately following installation completion.
e) Remove the USB stick after the instrument has powered on successfully.
Do not power off the instrument or remove the USB flash drive until the instrument finishes installing the firmware.
Note:
Remove the USB drive before powering on the instrument.
3. Confirm that the firmware was updated:
a) Check the Firmware version in the Firmware menu on the front panel LCD. It should now show the updated version.
Results
If an error occurs, try to reformat your USB drive. Navigate to Computer Management > Disk Management on your PC to repartition the
USB drive with the default allocation unit size.
Remote firmware upgrade
Keep the firmware on your instrument up to date with the firmware on your computer.
About this task
When the firmware version installed on your computer is more recent than the version installed on the instrument you remote into, you are
prompted to upgrade the instrument firmware.
Before you begin
Check the firmware version installed on your computer is up to date. Your firmware default location is C:\Program
Files\Tektronix\TSOVu_Firmware.
Procedure
1. Connect to the instrument.
2. A firmware upgrade window is automatically displayed.
•Select upgrade to begin the firmware upgrade process on the connected instrument.
•Select skip to continue the connection process without the upgrade.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help27
SW and FW Installation and network connection
Results
When upgrade is selected, the firmware upgrade process begins and the instrument is upgraded to the firmware image located at the
default firmware location on your computer. The upgrade status is indicated by a progress window with the message Firmware upgrade inprogress. When the upgrade process is complete, the instrument connection shall automatically continue.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help28
Initial setup
Initial setup
Run signal path compensation (SPC)
Run signal path compensation of the mainframe and optical modules at regular intervals for the best measurement accuracy. You should
run a compensation whenever the ambient (room) temperature has changed by more than 5 °C (9 °F),
About this task
Compensation corrects DC inaccuracies caused by temperature variations. Failure to run a compensation on a regular basis may result in
the instrument not meeting warranted performance levels at low volts per division settings.
There are two nonvolatile compensation memory areas in the mainframe and for each channel within a sampling module, referred to as
Factory and User compensation memories. Also, there is a volatile, in-use memory version of all compensation data, referred to as the
run-time compensation memory, that holds the compensation data that is actually used during operation of the instrument. On power-on,
the instrument automatically retrieves the compensation data stored in the nonvolatile User memories into the volatile run-time memory
version.
Procedure
1. Run the mainframe SPC
a) Terminate the Clock/prescaler input with a 50 Ω terminator.
b) Power on and warm up the instrument for at least 20 minutes.
c) Ensure that the instrument is connected to TSOVu. In TSOVu, click Utility > Compensation and check the Mainframe box.
The Compensation window opens.
d) Click the Compensate button.
A dialog window appears. Read the information in the dialog and ensure signals are disconnected/disabled and trigger signals are
handled appropriately.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help29
Initial setup
e) Click the OK button.
The SPC will run. This may take several minutes. The Compensation window shows you the results of the test. If the instrument
passed, a message appears in the lower left portion of the window stating compensation was successful and the timestamp will be
updated.
If the SPC fails, a pop-up error dialog will appear. Make sure that all cables are disconnected and run the SPC again. If the SPC
still fails, contact Tektronix Customer Support.
2. Run the module(s) SPC
a) Remove the 50 Ω terminator from the Clock/prescaler input.
b) Connect a clock signal to the Clock/prescaler input.
c) In TSOVu, click Utility > Compensation and check the Modules boxes.
This will check all of the channels under the selected modules.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help30
Initial setup
d) Click the Compensate button.
A dialog window appears. Read the information in the dialog and ensure that the mainframe SPC was valid and trigger signals are
handled appropriately.
e) Click the OK button.
The SPC will run. This may take several minutes. The Compensation window shows you the results of the test. If the modules
passed, the timestamp will be updated. If the SPC fails, a pop-up error dialog will appear. Make sure that the clock signal is
properly connected and run the SPC again. If the SPC still fails, contact Tektronix Customer Support.
f) When the compensation process finishes, click the Cancel button to close the Compensation window.
Dark-level compensation
Dark-level compensation maximizes the accuracy of the extinction ratio and other optical automatic measurements.
If Dark Level Compensation is needed, run a module compensation.
Dark-level compensation maximizes the accuracy of the extinction ratio and other optical automatic measurements. Dark-level
compensation is not saved and is only valid for the selected bandwidth or filter path and the internal optical power meter.
Connect a signal
After running compensation, connect an optical signal, such as a transceiver signal, to the module input to verify you can see a signal.
After running compensation of the mainframe and modules, connect an optical signal, such as a transceiver signal, to the module input to
verify you can see a signal.
There are various ways to connect signals, depending on your application. Here are two examples.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help31
Initial setup
See these topics for more information:
Run signal path compensation (SPC)
Horizontal configuration
Vertical configuration
Horizontal configuration
Use the Horizontal Settings menu to select the acquisition mode (Pattern Sync), Symbol Rate, Pattern Length, and related parameters.
To open the Horizontal Settings menu, double-click the Horizontal badge. Fields vary when Pattern Sync is set to On and Off.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help32
Initial setup
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help33
Initial setup
Ensure that the horizontal parameters match the input signal and that horizontal parameters are set accurately.
Horizontal Settings menu fields and controls
Field or controlDescription
Pattern Sync
Auto Position
(Only available when Pattern
Sync is Off)
Symbol Rate
Samples / UI
(Only available when Pattern
Sync is On)
Data Clock Ratio
Table continued…
Toggle to turn pattern synchronization on and off. On is Pattern Mode acquisition. Off is eye mode
acquisition.
The padlock icon appears locked when Pattern Sync in On. It appears unlocked when Pattern Sync is
Off. This icon also appears on the Horizontal badge.
Toggle to set automatic position on and off. When set to On, the record length and horizontal scale,
reference, and position are automatically set. When set to Off, you can manually set the record length
and horizontal scale, reference, and position.
Symbol Rate of the input signal.
Pattern Sync must be On for this field to be active. You can set the samples per unit interval by typing
in this field.
Sets the ratio of the input signal data rate to the clock signal frequency applied through the CLOCK
PRESCALE INPUT connector.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help34
Field or controlDescription
Pattern Length
(Only available when Pattern
Sync is On)
Set the Pattern Length by selecting the pattern type from the drop-down list.
Selecting User Defined allows you to set any pattern length value.
Initial setup
Horizontal Scale
Record Length
Horizontal Reference
(Only available when Pattern
Sync is Off)
Horizontal Position
(Only available when Pattern
Sync is Off)
Resolution
Vertical configuration
With Pattern Sync on, this is a read only field that shows the current horizontal scale, measured as
s/div. With Pattern Sync off, you can change the value by typing in this field.
With Pattern Sync on, this is a read only field showing the number of samples to collect given the
current settings.
With Pattern Sync off, you can change the value by typing in this field within the valid range of 1000 to
100,000.
Shows the point around which channel waveforms expand and contract horizontally on screen as you
change the Horizontal Scale control.
The horizontal units are time. The horizontal position is the time between trigger and the first point in
the record.
When horizontal scale changes, horizontal position automatically changes to keep the horizontal
reference at the same point in time in the acquired waveform. If this results in a position value that
is not within the valid range, the position value moves to the nearest valid value and the horizontal
reference adjusts to stay at the same point in time in the acquired waveform.
This read only field shows the time between two samples (s).
Use the vertical configuration menu to set parameters such as vertical scale, wavelength, filter, and persistence.
Double-click on a channel badge (M1 or M2) to access the vertical configuration menu for the selected channel tab. This menu provides
access to the following channel settings.
•Vertical Settings
•Optical Settings
•Persistence
•Other (deskew and external attenuation)
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help35
Initial setup
Table 1: Vertical Settings
Field or controlDescription
Display
Vertical Scale
Offset
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help36
Toggles the selected channel On and Off.
Set the vertical scale. Click the up and down arrows to change the scale or type in the value in the
field.
Sets the channel signal vertical offset. Type the value that you want in the field.
Click Set to 0 to set the vertical offset to 0 Watts.
For more accurate measurements, set this to 200 μW for small signals (signals with Average Optical
Power (AOP) < 500 uW). You will never need to set the offset to < 400 μW on the TSO8C17 and
TSO8C18 optical modules. For signals > 400 μW, we recommend setting the vertical offset to within
100 μW of the signal's AOP, which is particularly important for the TDECQ measurement.
Field or controlDescription
Position
Sets the vertical position. Type the value that you want in the field.
Click Set to 0 to set the Position to 0 divisions.
Initial setup
Label
Vertical thumbnail
Type in the field to add a label for the selected channel waveform. To modify an existing label, double
click on the label in the display to open the Label edit window.
The Vertical thumbnail displays the Offset and Clip behavior, including:
•Clip Lines with +Clip and -Clip values as per Offset settings
•Green area representing optimal acquisition region
•Offset indicator
•Graticule drawn according to the Vertical Position, Scale, and Offset settings
•Ground indicator drawn according to the Vertical Position and Offset settings
•Waveform Trace drawn according to the Vertical Position, Scale and Offset settings
Table 2: Optical Settings
Field or controlDescription
Wavelength
Config User WavelengthSpecify a wavelength outside of factory calibrated wavelength selections.
AOP
Filter Type
Select a wavelength from the drop-down menu.
Average Optical Power of the signal. Select dBm or Watts.
You can select either a Hardware Filter (attach to the instrument) or a BWE Filter (Bandwidth
Enhancement).
Signal Type
(Only available when BWE Filter
is selected)
BW Electrical
Filter Details
Select PAM4 or NRZ.
Select the appropriate bandwidth. This option depends on the data rate of the signal.
BW Electrical contains user defined option, where you can enter any bandwidth between 7.5 GHz to
35 GHz. When the BWE bandwidth is lesser than the symbol rate, a warning message is displayed in
the status bar.
Read only text shows you the filter details.
Table 3: Persistence
Field or controlDescription
Persist Data
Table continued…
Toggle persistence data on or off.
Data is cleared either by an explicit clear action or by any setting change that controls acquisition
parameters.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help37
Field or controlDescription
Persistence
(Available only when Pattern
Sync is off.)
Infinite: Accumulates the data record points until you change an acquisition parameter or explicitly
clear the data, causing the display to be erased. Waveform data builds up as new data records
acquire.
Variable: Stores and displays accumulated data in the specified database until the user-specified
waveform count is surpassed. Each waveform accumulated beyond the count removes the oldest
waveform data in the database.
Enter the waveform count in the field when this option is selected.
Initial setup
Color Grading
Use the drop-down menu to choose the color for the persistence data.
Table 4: Other
Field or controlDescription
Deskew
External Attenuation
Use the Deskew and field to set the values to compensate for skew (signal delay) between channels.
Type in the deskew value, or click Set to Zero to reset the value to zero seconds.
Use this control to set a value matching the amount of attenuation applied externally, before the signal
enters the sampling module input.
You can select the unit of "External Attenuation" from a radio button type control.
The unit selections for External Attenuation are "dB" or "Linear".
Vertical channel deskew
Use the Deskew field in the Vertical settings menu to set the values to compensate for skew (signal delay) between channels.
Critical timing measurements on multiple channels require that all channels be deskewed to compensate for signal timing differences
between channels.
Adjust deskew to add an independent, channel-based delay time to the horizontal position. (For the left position indicator, this is the
common trigger point to the first sample taken for each channel). Deskew is applied to the strobe drive and is common to both channels in
the module. It is therefore necessary to operate in a double-pass acquire on alternate triggers (whenever the deskew values differ within
channels in a module) to satisfy the requested deskew difference.
Waveform View configuration
Double click anywhere inside the Waveform View graph to open the Waveform View configuration window.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help38
Initial setup
You can also right click anywhere in the display for access to this menu and its functions.
ControlOptionsDescription
Display ModeOverlayLayers waveforms from active channels on top of each other.
TiledShows each waveform in a separate segment of the waveform
view display.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help39
Initial setup
ControlOptionsDescription
InterpolationSin(x)/xCalculates record points along a curve between the actual
acquired samples. This form of interpolation is useful when
acquiring rounded waveforms such as sine waves. It is good
for general-purpose uses, but may introduce overshoot or
undershoot in signals with fast rise times. This interpolation
is also useful for looking at high-frequency signals, especially
where the frequency components are just below the Nyquist
frequency.
LinearCalculates record points between actual acquired samples using
a straight-line fit. This interpolation is useful for measuring
waveforms with fast rise times, such as pulse trains.
NoneNo interpolation calculated.
Waveform StyleVectorsDraws waveforms with lines between record points.
DotsDraws waveform record points as dots on the screen.
Waveform Intensity% field and up/down arrowsEnter the desired intensity in % or click the up or down arrows to
adjust the intensity of the waveform vectors/dots.
Graticule StyleGridDefault style. Displays the graticule lines lightly, the time (s) and
power (W) scales, and the zero lines as most visible.
TimeDisplays only the power (W) graticule lines and scale.
FullDisplays all of the graticule lines with equal weight and shows
the time (s) and power (W) scales.
NoneHides the graticule.
Graticule Intensity% field and up/down arrowsEnter the desired intensity in % or click the up or down arrows to
adjust the intensity of the graticule lines.
Add a note to a view
In the Add New... panel, click the Note button to add text labels to your waveform and plot views.
About this task
You can add notes to your waveforms. The text is not attached to the waveform. If you turn off the waveform source, the text remains on
the screen.
Procedure
1. In the Add New... panel, click the Note button. TSOVu adds a text box to the Waveform view.
You can type long strings of text in the field.
Note:
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help40
Initial setup
2. You can click once in the note text later to change it if needed.
3. You can click and drag the text to position in wherever you need.
4. You can add multiple notes to the same waveform view.
5. To change the color and font size of the note, right click on it and choose Configure Note.
6. To delete the note, right click on it and choose Delete.
Cursors
Use one of four different cursor types in the measurement view.
Before you can add a cursors, you must be acquiring a waveform. You should also ensure that the horizontal parameters match the input
signal and that horizontal parameters are set accurately. See the Horizontal configuration topic for details.
1. Click the Cursor button in the Add New... panel and cursors will be added to the active measurement view.
2. Double-click on one of the gray cursor readouts to open the cursors configuration window. You can also right-click on a gray cursor
readout or on the waveform and select Configure cursors.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help41
Initial setup
3. Configure the cursors as desired. See the following information for a description of settings and actions.
Moving readouts and cursors on the display
•Delete cursors by right-clicking on a cursor readout or the waveform display and selecting Turn off cursors.
•Right click at the location on the waveform where you want to place the cursor and then select Move Cursor A here, Move Cursor Bhere, or Move Both Cursor here. This will move the specified cursor(s) to that location.
•Drag and move cursors vertically or horizontally directly on the graticule by clicking and dragging the cursor line.
•Move the cursor readouts by clicking and dragging them along the cursor lines.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help42
Configuration menu
Field or controlDescription
DisplayToggle the cursor display On or Off.
Cursor TypeSelect one of the following the cursor types:
Waveform cursors measure vertical amplitude and horizontal time parameters simultaneously at the
point the cursor intersects a waveform. The cursor intersect point tracks waveform amplitude changes.
Waveform cursors are not supported when pattern sync is off.
V Bars are vertical cursors that measure horizontal parameters (typically time). They are not
associated with the waveform, but show the time position of the cursor in the waveform record.
H Bars are horizontal cursors that measure amplitude. They are not associated with the waveform, but
show the amplitude position of the cursor.
V&H Bars cursors measure vertical and horizontal parameters simultaneously. They are not
associated with the waveform, but show the time and amplitude position of the cursors.
SourceSelect the waveform source to which you want to apply cursors.
Source WaveformSelect whether to apply cursor configurations to a single source or multiple sources.
Same sets the A and B cursors to the same waveform source.
Initial setup
Split allows you to set cursors A and B to different waveform sources. The Cursor B Source and
Cursor A Source selections appear when Split is selected.
Cursor A X-PositionOnly available when Cursor Type is set to Waveform.
Set the position of cursor A on the x-axis, either by moving it with your mouse on the display, or by
changing the value settings in the configuration menu.
Cursor B X-PositionOnly available when Cursor Type is set to Waveform.
Set the position of cursor B on the x-axis, either by moving it with your mouse on the display, or by
changing the value settings in the configuration menu.
Cursor ModeSelect the cursor mode.
Independent mode allows you to move each cursor separately.
Linked mode allows you to move both cursors at the same time.
Mask
Mask settings allow you to define the target and parameters of mask testing on NRZ signals.
What is Mask?
Mask testing allows you to validate signal under test against standards. The Mask button allows you to define the target of mask testing
on NRZ signals for the standards shown in the following table and accessible from the Add Mask window. The mask definitions are loaded
from Tektronix standard XML format mask files. These files include parameters that describe the signal and the mask testing qualifiers. An
example of a XML mask file is shown here.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help43
Initial setup
Mask testing can be performed on multiple sources in parallel. You can perform mask testing for every acquistion, when the acquisition
stops, or after a specific number of acquisitions you set. See the Acquisition configuration menu topic.
StandardDescription
EthernetSelect from 40GBASE_FR, SR4, and LR4. 100GBASE_ER4FEC,
LR4FEC, ER4, LR4, SR4, SR4RX, and SR10.
InfinibandSelect from IB_EDR25GIn, EDR25GOut, FDR14GIn, FDR14GTX,
QDR10GIn, QDR10GOut, 2G5_Op, and 5G_Op.
OUT ITUSelect 100G_OTL4_4.
T11 FibreChanSelect from 8GFC, 16GFCMMr6_1, 16GFCSMr6_1,
32GFCMMr310, and 32GFCSMr310.
User MaskYou can load your own *.msk files from this tab. The drop-down
menu allows you to quickly select from recently used files.
How to perform a mask test
1.Set up acquisition parameters according to the target signal.
2.Turn Pattern Sync OFF (from the Horizontal settings badge) to acquire an eye diagram or use FOLD (math expression) to create an
eye diagram.
3.Select the hardware bandwidth based on the data rate (from the M1 or M2 channel badge in the Optical Settings panel).
4.Set Auto Position to On (from the Horizontal settings badge) to center the eye diagram and maximize data throughput for the mask
testing cycle.
5.Click the Mask button in the Add new... panel to open the Add Mask window.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help44
Initial setup
6.Select the Source.
7.Select the desired standard tab. If you want to load your own NRZ mask file (*.msk), select User Mask, click Browse to navigate to
the desired file, and then click the Add button load the mask file. The Mask badge will appear in the Add New... panel.
8.Click an Optical NRZ signal to select it and then click the Add button to load the mask. The Mask badge will appear in the Add New...
panel.
9.Double-click the Mask badge to open the Mask window. Select the Configure panel and set as desired. See the Configure the Mask
topic below for details about configuration options.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help45
Initial setup
10. Click the Autoset button to perform an autoset to optimize the acquisition offset and vertical scale settings.
11. Right-click the Mask badge to access other mask actions (Configure, Save, and Delete) as needed.
12. The following options are available to control the acquisition process and schedule the mask test cycle.
a. Set the total number of acquisitions required for relevant statistics on Hit Ratio.
b. Set testing to occur on every acquisition, when acquisition stops after reaching the total target, or after a specific number of
acquisitions you specify. Select your acquisition cadence in order to optimize throughput.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help46
13. Double-click the Mask badge to view the results.
Initial setup
The following image shows horizontal positioning.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help47
Mask configuration options
The Mask configure window provides the following options.
Initial setup
SettingDescription
SourceAllows you to select the signal source.
DisplayAllows you to select to show or hide the mask in the display.
ColorAllows you to select the color of the mask.
Horizontal AutofitAllows you to turn horizontal autofit On or Off. Turning this on causes the mask test
to be evaluated at all horizontal positions to obtain the best test result in terms of
maximum mask margins or minimum hit ratios.
Mask Margin TestCheck to enable mask margin test.
ManualAllows you to manually enter % for margin.
Autoseek w/ Target Hit RatioAutomatically seeks mask margins with the sum of probabilities that the signal is
within the mask region.
Autoseek w/ Target Total HitsAutomatically seeks mask margins with total hits.
Pass/Fail TestCheck box to enable pass/fail notification.
Target Hit RatioEnter Target Hit Ratio for Pass/Fail Test. Default is 5E-005. Target Hit Ratio is
read-only for Mask Margin Test and Pass/Fail Test.
Select runtime options
When changing the Mask target, the relevant plot with the mask will be displayed. If the target plot is displayed already, the mask will be
added to the plot.
Use cases for mask testing
1. Find the largest mask margin that does not exceed the hit ratio given a target Hit Ratio.
a. Enable Mask Margin Test
b. Optionally activate the Horizontal Autofit
c. Select Autoseek w/ Target Hit Ratio
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help48
2. Find the actual hit ratio given a target Mask Margin.
a. Enable Mask Margin Test
b. Optionally activate the Horizontal Autofit
c. Select Manual setting for Mask Margin
d. Set the target Mask Margin
e. Outcome will be the measured actual hit ratio
3. Find the largest mask margin that does not exceed that hit count given a target Total Hits.
a. Enable Mask Margin Test
b. Optionally activate the Horizontal Autofit
c. Select Autoseek w/ Target Total Hits
d. Outcome will be the measured mask margin
4. Determine the Pass or Fail status given a target Mask Margin for a specified hit ratio.
a. Enable the Pass/Fail Test
b. Optionally activate the Horizontal Autofit
c. Set a Target Mask Margin. Default is 0%
d. Outcome will be a Pass/Fail status
Initial setup
The Acquisition configuration menu
Before setting up and starting acquisitions for signal analysis, configure horizontal settings first. Then use this procedure to set the method
used to acquire and display the signal.
Procedure
1. Double-click the Acquisition badge on the Settings bar to open the Acquisition configuration menu.
2. Select the acquisition method from the Acquisition Mode list. You can select Sample or Average. You can set the number of samples
to use in the average by typing in the field.
3. Select the Run Analysis setting. You can set analysis to occur for every acquisition, when the acquisition stops, or after a specific
number of acquisitions you specify.
Note:
Run Analysis applies to the running measurement, histogram and mask analysis.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help49
Initial setup
4. Select from the Stop After options. If you leave the Run/Stop button enabled, then you need to use the Acquiring/Stopped button at
the lower right of the Settings bar to start and stop your acquisition. If you chose Condition, another panel opens with more options.
5. In Stop After Condition, you can choose the Number of Acquisitions and set the number to however many acquisitions you need.
The instrument stops acquiring data when it reaches the limit you set in Number of Acquisitions.
6. If you choose Average Complete, you must also have Average enabled for the Acquisition Mode.
In this case, the instrument stops acquiring data when it reaches the number of samples you specified in Average in the Acquisition
Mode section.
7. Click outside the menu to close it.
Use default setup
Use Default Setup to restore instrument settings to their factory defaults.
In the Menu bar, choose File > Default Setup. TSOVu returns the instrument to its factory default settings (horizontal, vertical, scale,
position, and so on).
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help50
Measurements
Measurements
Add Measurement
Use this menu to select measurements you want to enable. If you have purchased optional plug-ins, the related tab will appear here.
Before you can add a measurement, you must be acquiring a waveform or load a reference waveform file. You should also ensure that the
horizontal parameters match the input signal and that horizontal parameters are set accurately. See the Horizontal configuration topic for
details.
1. Click the Measure button in the Add New... panel.
The Add Measurement window will open to the last tab that you used. The listed tabs and measurements depend on the installed
measurement options and the selected signal source.
2. To add a measurement, select the measurement type tab.
3. Select the input Source.
4. Select the measurement category, if present. For Pulse measurements, you can select Amplitude or Timing.
5. Select a measurement and then click the Add button. The related measurement badge will be added to the Add New... panel.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help51
Measurements
6. Wait indicator is shown in the measurement badge header between measurement title and source(s). Wait indicator appears the
moment when measurement is added until the results are shown for every acquisition and analysis cycle.
7. Double-click the measurement badge to open a configuration menu for that measurement and configure according to your setup and
needs.
Add Measurement menu fields and controls
Field or controlDescription
Measurement tabs
Measurement description
Source
Add
The tabs along the top organize measurements by their type. The tabs that you see depend on your
installed plug-ins.
Shows a graphic and short description of each measurement as you click on it. Use this information to
verify that the measurement is what you want.
Use the drop-down menu to select the measurement source. If the measurement requires more than
one source (for example, Delay), the menu shows two sources to set.
Click the Add button to enable the selected measurement. The measurement badge will appear in the
Add New... panel.
See these topics for more information:
Pulse Amplitude measurements
Pulse Timing measurements
PAM4 measurements (requires Option PAM4)
NRZ Eye Amplitude measurements on page 87
NRZ Eye Timing measurements on page 96
Dark-level compensation
Dark-level compensation maximizes the accuracy of the extinction ratio and other optical automatic measurements.
If Dark Level Compensation is needed, run a module compensation.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help52
Measurements
Dark-level compensation maximizes the accuracy of the extinction ratio and other optical automatic measurements. Dark-level
compensation is not saved and is only valid for the selected bandwidth or filter path and the internal optical power meter.
Delete a Measurement badge
Use this procedure to remove a Measurement badge from the Add New... panel.
Procedure
1. Right click on the banner of the Measurement badge that you want to delete. TSOVu opens a right-click menu.
2. Select Delete Meas # (where # is the number of the badge you wish to delete) to remove that badge from the Add New ... panel.
You can also use the right-click menu to delete all measurement badges at once, or to configure the measurement that you clicked on.
Pulse Amplitude measurements
High
High measures the top reference level of the waveform. The mean value (μ) displays in the High measurement badge.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Table continued…
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help53
Measurements
ControlDescription
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Low
Low measures the bottom reference level of the waveform. The mean value (μ) displays in the Low measurement badge.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help54
ControlDescription
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values below the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value below the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Measurements
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Amplitude
Amplitude measures the vertical difference between the high and low levels of the signal.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help55
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low value using
the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low levels,
it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above and below the midpoint.
Measurements
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above and
below the midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot,
ringing, etc.), Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help56
Measurements
Max
Max measures the largest amplitude peak of the waveform over the measurement region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Min
Min measures the smallest amplitude value of the waveform over the measurement region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help57
Measurements
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Mid
Mid measures the middle point between the maximum and minimum amplitude levels of the waveform over the measurement region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Mean
Mean measures the arithmetic mean of the waveform over the measurement region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help58
Measurements
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Pk-Pk
Pk-pk measures the difference between the maximum and minimum amplitude values of the waveform over the measurement region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
AC RMS
AC RMS measures the root-mean-square, minus the DC component, of the waveform that is sampled within the measurement region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help59
Measurements
ControlDescription
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
AOP
Average Optical Power (AOP) is the true average component of the optical signal. It is measured in hardware before any filters. AOP is
reported in module-optical configuration and same value is reported as result of this measurement.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
UnitsdBm or Signal Ordinate
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help60
Measurements
OMA
Optical Modulation Amplitude (OMA) measures the difference in optical power between the nominal "1" and "0" levels of the optical signal.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
HysteresisHysteresis is used to find the edge. The default value is 3%.
ApertureAperture is the percentage of pulse width of the signal used for computation of high/low and in turn OMA. Default
value is 20 %. The valid value range is 5% to 50%.
Run Length Auto
Detect
Run LengthConfigure the run length. The default value is 7. The valid value range is 7 to 23. Run Length is only available if
High/Low TrackingThe High and Low values are the outermost amplitude values that can be used to derive other
UnitsdBm or Signal Ordinate
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelSet mid-reference level. Default for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
On: OMA is computed on longest run length of 1s and 0s in the signal.
Off: OMA is computed using high from all positive pulses where the width is greater than the configured run
length and the low from all negative pulses whose width is greater than the configured run length
Run Length Auto Detect is set to Off.
reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Auto switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values using the
Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low levels, it automatically
switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived using all
values above the midpoint.
Mode sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the midpoint.
Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.), Mode is the best setting
for examining pulses.
Min/Max uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle waves (almost
any waveform except for pulses).
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help61
Measurements
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Pulse Timing measurements
Period
Period measures the collection of time intervals between two consecutive crossings on the same slope of the signal at the mid-reference
level.
Period = Tcross3 - Tcross1, where Tcross3 and Tcross1 are the times of the first two consecutive crossings on the same slope at the
mid-reference level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the outermost amplitude values that can be used to derive other
reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and
aberration measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help62
Measurements
ControlDescription
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelSet mid-reference level. Default for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse
amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Frequency
Frequency measures the reciprocal of the period of the signal. This measurement is made on each cycle in the record.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help63
ControlDescription
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the outermost amplitude values that can be used to derive other
reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and
aberration measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Measurements
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelSet mid-reference level. Default for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse
amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help64
Measurements
Rise
Rise measures the collection of time intervals between the low-reference level and the high reference level crossings on the positive
slopes of the signal.
Rise Time = TcrossH - TcrossL on rising edges, where:
TcrossH is the time of crossing of the high reference level.
TcrossL is the time of crossing of the low reference level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help65
ControlDescription
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref Level HighDefault for Absolute is 1W. Default for Relative is 80% of the pulse amplitude.
Ref Level LowDefault for Absolute is -1W. Default for Relative is 20% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Measurements
Measuring signals for which there are no measurements
When measuring signals like a PAM4 or NRZ signal, use the appropriate specialized measurements. See the below example.
If the specialized measurement appropriate for the particular signal is not available, we recommend the generic Pulse measurements that
mostly follow the IEEE Std 181™. Doing this often requires adjustments of threshold levels, etc., in order to yield the expected results.
For example: a Pulse type measurement of risetime of a PAM4 signal might give the result that exceeds 1 UI. This would be because the
Pulse type measurement does not expect the particular UI duration. It is not a specialized measurement that expects data stream changing
on clock boundaries (in unit intervals). Moreover, this general Pulse measurement does not know that there are 4 signal levels. Therefore,
if the signal presents a staircase pattern ( 0 to 1 to 2 to 3), then the Pulse risetime measurement will simply measure the time from the 0 to
3 (10% of total amplitude to 90% of total amplitude) by default, which is likely not the intended measurement. For example, gating can be
used to coerce the intended behavior.
Fall
Fall measures the collection of time intervals between the high reference level and the low reference level crossings on the negative slopes
of the signal.
Fall Time = TcrossL - TcrossH on falling edges, where:
TcrossH is the time of crossing of the high reference level.
TcrossL is the time of crossing of the low reference level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help66
ControlDescription
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Measurements
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref Level HighDefault for Absolute is 1W. Default for Relative is 80% of the pulse amplitude.
Ref Level LowDefault for Absolute is -1W. Default for Relative is 20% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help67
Measurements
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Measuring signals for which there are no measurements
When measuring signals like a PAM4 or NRZ signal, use the appropriate specialized measurements. See the below example.
If the specialized measurement appropriate for the particular signal is not available, we recommend the generic Pulse measurements that
mostly follow the IEEE Std 181™. Doing this often requires adjustments of threshold levels, etc., in order to yield the expected results.
For example: a Pulse type measurement of risetime of a PAM4 signal might give the result that exceeds 1 UI. This would be because the
Pulse type measurement does not expect the particular UI duration. It is not a specialized measurement that expects data stream changing
on clock boundaries (in unit intervals). Moreover, this general Pulse measurement does not know that there are 4 signal levels. Therefore,
if the signal presents a staircase pattern ( 0 to 1 to 2 to 3), then the Pulse risetime measurement will simply measure the time from the 0 to
3 (10% of total amplitude to 90% of total amplitude) by default, which is likely not the intended measurement. For example, gating can be
used to coerce the intended behavior.
Positive Cross
Positive Cross measures the time of the first positive crossing of the signal at the middle reference level in the measurement region.
Positive cross = Tcross, where Tcross is the horizontal coordinate of the first positive crossing.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help68
ControlDescription
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Measurements
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help69
Measurements
•Peak to peak
•Population
Negative Cross
Negative Cross measures the time of the first negative crossing of the signal at the middle reference level in the measurement region.
Negative cross = Tcross, where Tcross is the horizontal coordinate of the first negative crossing.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help70
ControlDescription
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Measurements
Positive Width
Positive Width measures the horizontal intervals between the crossings of the rising and falling edges of all positive pulses at the middle
reference level in the measurement region.
Positive width = Tcross2 - Tcross1, where Tcross1 and Tcross2 are the two consecutive horizontal crossings in the first positive pulse.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help71
ControlDescription
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Measurements
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help72
Measurements
•Peak to peak
•Population
Negative Width
Negative Width measures the horizontal intervals between the crossings of the rising and falling edges of all negative pulses at the middle
reference level in the measurement region.
Negative width = Tcross2 - Tcross1, where Tcross1 and Tcross2 are the two consecutive horizontal crossings in the first negative pulse.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 3%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help73
ControlDescription
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Measurements
RMS Jitter
RMS Jitter measures the time variance on the time crossings of data sampled at the mid-reference level of the first positive or negative
crossing. RMS Jitter is defined as one standard deviation of that variance.
RMS Jitter = Tcross, where Tcross is one standard deviation of the variance of crossing times for a histogram of the Tcross values. Tcross
is the horizontal coordinate of the first positive or negative crossing.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help74
ControlDescription
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Measurements
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 2%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help75
Measurements
•Peak to peak
•Population
Pk-Pk Jitter
Pk-Pk Jitter measures the delta between the minimum and maximum of time crossings of data sampled at the mid-reference level.
Pk-Pk Jitter = Tcrosspp, where Tcrosspp is the difference between the maximum crossing time and the minimum crossing time for a
histogram of the Tcross values. Tcross is the horizontal coordinate of the first positive or negative crossing.
This measurement requires the use of a waveform database. When this measurement is turned on, it will automatically set the
measurement system to use a waveform database, if available.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration
measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
HysteresisDefault is 2%. This is the level transition band around a crossing level that makes crossing time
less vulnerable to noise.
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help76
ControlDescription
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value.
Gate2Stop value.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Measurements
Delay
Delay measures the time interval between the first crossing of the middle reference level on the two sources of the measurement.
Delay = Tcross(source1) - Tcross(source2), where Tcross is the first positive or negative crossing time at the mid-reference level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
Source 1Select signal source 1.
Source 2Select signal source 2.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help77
ControlDescription
High/Low Tracking
The High and Low values are the outermost amplitude values that can be used to derive other
reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and
aberration measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Auto
Switches between methods. Auto method first attempts to calculate the high and low values
using the Mode method. Then, if the histogram does not show obvious consistent high and low
levels, it automatically switches to the Min/Max or Mean method.
Mean
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived
using all values above the midpoint.
Mode
Sets the values statistically. Using a histogram, it selects the most common value above the
midpoint. Since this statistical approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, etc.),
Mode is the best setting for examining pulses.
Measurements
Min/Max
Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record. This setting is best for examining
waveforms that have no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and triangle
waves (almost any waveform except for pulses).
GatingWhen enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area between the start gate
(Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating.
By default, the algorithm searches forward from the Start Gate for the first rising edge, but the
direction of traversal can be reversed, so that the search will be backward from the Stop Gate.
Gate1Start value. NEC in %.
Gate2Stop value. NEC in %.
Reference Levels
Reference methodSelect Absolute (W) or Relative (%).
Ref LevelDefault for Absolute is 0W. Default for Relative is 50% of the pulse amplitude.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help78
Measurements
PAM4 measurements
PAM4 Summary
PAM4 Summary automatically adds RLM, OMAouter, Extinction Ratio, Average Optical Power, Transition Time and Level measurements to
the badge.
Configuration
Right-click the PAM4 Summary badge and select Configure to open the measurement window. You will see the measurement results under
PAM4 Summary. Expand CONFIGURE to show and set the following:
SettingDescription
SourceSelect signal source channel.
LabelYou can modify the label for this measurement in the Label field.
ER AdjustAllows you to add or subtract a specified percentage from the
measured ER value, adjusting for a better match between multiple
oscilloscopes.
Normalized OutputsOn enables display of normalized levels as measurement output.
Off enables display of absolute levels as measurement output.
AOP UnitsSet the units for AOP in PAM4 Summary.
Results
Right-click the PAM4 Summary badge to view the results. You can also add a results table in the view by clicking the Results Table button
and selecting Add.
RLM
The Level Mismatch Ratio (RLM) badge shows the vertical linearity of the signal. It is a measure of how close the four symbol levels are to
being equally spaced in the vertical dimension. RLM denotes the ratio; hence, it has no unit. This measurement is defined in IEEE Ethernet
(802.3) and OIF-CEI specifications.
Given the mean signal levels of PAM4 signal (V0, V1, V2 and V3; V0 refers to lowest signal level), the RLM is computed as shown in the
following graph from Intel®:
V
is computed as average of Vo and V3.
mid
The mean signal levels are then normalized and offset adjusted so that V
1.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help79
corresponds to 0, V0 to −1, V1 to −ES1, V2 to ES2, and V3 to
In an ideal eye, distance between all three levels remain same. Distance of V1 to V
1/3). Distance of V2 to V
RLM = min ((3 x (1/3)), (3 x (1/3)), (2 - 3 x (1/3)), (2 - 3 x (1/3))) = min (1, 1, 1, 1) = 1
If ES1 or ES2 equals (2/3), then it is the worst case RLM equal to 0.
is again one third of distance between V3 to V
mid
(ES2 = 1/3). This results in a best case RLM equal to 1.
mid
is one third of distance between V0 to V
mid
mid
(ES1 =
Level Deviation
Level Deviation is an eye related measurement. It represents the deviation of the vertical intervals between PAM4 levels from perfectly
equal spacing, where 0% represents perfect spacing.
Measurement
Given the mean signal levels of the PAM4 signal (V0, V1, V2, and V3; where V0 is the lowest signal level), the level deviation is computed
as follows:
Level deviation in % = Level deviation * 100.0
Results
The level deviation value is shown in % for the selected waveform source.
Level Thickness
Level Thickness is an eye related measurement. It represents the vertical thickness of the symbol levels, where an ideal signal with
maximally open eyes would have a thickness of 0%.
Measurement
Given the level statistics of the PAM4 signal (mean and standard deviation), the level thickness is computed as follows:
Level thickness in % = Level thickness * 100.0
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help80
Measurements
Results
The level thickness value is shown in % for the selected waveform source. In the result table for a single acquisition, the max, min, mean
will all be same value. Standard deviation will be zero.
Eye Width
The Eye Width badge shows width and threshold for each of the PAM4 eyes (upper, middle and lower). Eye width represents widths of the
PAM4 rendered eyes at the corresponding reference voltage.
Measurement
Given the levels of PAM4 signal, eye widths for all PAM4 eyes are computed as follows:
•Initial estimation of thresholds are computed for all PAM4 eyes using levels.
•Target SER = Maximum((1/Total symbols in the acquired signal), 1e-5)
•PDF eye of entire PAM4 signal is computed.
•PDF eye is separated into three sections corresponding to three PAM4 eyes.
•CDF/eye contours for all PAM4 eyes are computed using PDFs and target SER.
•CDFs are used to compute finer thresholds for each PAM4 eye.
•Eye width is computed for each eye at the thresholds obtained in the step.
Results
Width and threshold values for all three PAM4 eyes (upper, middle and lower) are given.
Eye Height
The Eye height badge shows height and offset for each of the PAM4 eyes (upper, middle and lower). Eye height represents heights of the
PAM4 rendered eyes, at the center of the unit interval, for the corresponding eye.
Measurement
Given the levels of the PAM4 signal, eye heights for all PAM4 eyes are computed as follows:
•Initial estimation of thresholds are computed for all PAM4 eyes using levels.
•Target SER is computed as: Target SER = Maximum ((1/Total symbols in the acquired signal), 1e-5)
•PDF eye of entire PAM4 signal is computed.
•PDF eye is separated into three sections corresponding to three PAM4 eyes.
•CDF/eye contours for all PAM4 eyes are computed using PDFs and target SER.
•Maximum width of CDF/eye contour of middle eye is determined. Tmid is the time corresponding to center of maximum width.
•Eye height is computed for each eye at the Tmid obtained in the previous step.
Results
Height and offset values for all three PAM4 eyes (upper, middle and lower) are given.
ES Levels
The Effective Symbol (ES) Levels , ES1 and ES2, are the average levels of the two center symbols.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help81
Measurements
Level
The Level measurements are symbol related and show the level measurements for each of the 4 levels for the selected waveform source.
It represents statistics of the signal levels for each PAM4 symbol. This measurement if defined in IEEE Ethernet (802.3) and OIF-CEI
specifications.
Measurement
The PAM4 signal, if not already, it is processed to contain M samples per UI and aligned such that the 1st M samples of the waveform
correspond to the 1st PAM4 symbol; the 2nd M samples to the 2nd PAM4 symbol; etc.
For each symbol i, choose the center sample (index closest to M/2) from each UI: {vi1,vi2, …, viN}. The statistics of that symbol are
computed as:
MeasurementDescription
Minimum ISI point
Time (e)
Amplitude (d)For each level, the mean voltage at the Minimum ISI Point
Table continued…
For each level (0 - 3) in the correlated eye, there exists a horizontal
position across the unit interval where the standard deviation of
the waveform voltage is minimized, so that the level is thinnest at
this point. (In theory there may be more than one point for each
level that matches this description, but in practice that is seldom a
problem.)
For each level, the horizontal offset from the Minimum ISI Point to
the nominal center of the eye.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help82
Measurements
MeasurementDescription
Standard deviation (σ)
For each level, the standard deviation at the Minimum ISI Point.
Controls
Enable Normalized Outputs to display normalized levels as the measurement output. When disabled, absolute levels are displayed.
Results
The following statistics are shown for each of the four levels (L0, L1, L2, L4).
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
Transmitter Transition Time
Transmitter Transition Time measures the slower of the time interval of the transition from 20% of OMA
OMA
802.3cd specification.
Transmitter Transition Time result will be returned in seconds.
to 20% OMA
outer
, for the rising and falling edges, respectively, for a PAM4 optical signal. This measurement is defined in IEEE
outer
to 80% OMA
outer
, or from 80%
outer
Overshoot
Overshoot of a PAM4 signal measures the ratio of the difference in the amplitude of the signal at its 99% of full range and level 3 to its
difference between level 3 and level 0.
The levels of a PAM4 signal, from bottom most to top most, are Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Measurement
Given the crossing time of the PAM4 eye and baud rate, the overshoot level(99% of the full range of the signal) is computed over an
aperture centered on PAM4 eye.
Right-click on the Overshoot badge and select CONFIGURE to open the measurement window. You can see the measurement results
under Overshoot. Expand CONFIGURE to display and set the following:
SettingDescription
SourceSelect the signal source channel.
LabelAllows you to modify label for the measurement
MethodChoose the required method configuration.
- Amplitude
- OMA outer
Default is OMA outer
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help83
Measurements
SettingDescription
Histogram span
This controls the fraction of Unit Interval used to create the histogram for P
histogram is placed at the center of the Unit Interval.
Default is 1.0
computation. The
max
Results
The overshoot value is a scalar.
Undershoot
Undershoot of a PAM4 signal measures the ratio of the difference of level-0 and the amplitude of the signal at its 1% of full range to its
difference between level 3 and level 0.
The levels of a PAM4 signal, from bottom most to top most, are Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Measurement
Given the crossing time of the PAM4 eye and baud rate, the overshoot level(1% of the full range of the signal) is computed over an
aperture centered on PAM4 eye.
Right-click the Undershoot badge and select CONFIGURE to open the measurement window. You can see the measurement results under
Undershoot. Expand CONFIGURE to show and set the following:
SettingDescription
SourceSelect the signal source channel.
LabelAllows you to modify label for the measurement
MethodChoose the required method configuration.
- Amplitude
- OMA outer
Default is OMA outer
Histogram spanThis controls the fraction of Unit Interval used to create the histogram for P
histogram is placed at the center of the Unit Interval.
Default is 1.0
computation. The
min
Results
The overshoot value is a scalar.
TDECQ
TDECQ (transmitter and dispersion eye closure quaternary) is a measure of each optical transmitter's vertical eye closure when
transmitted through a worst case optical channel and equalized with the reference equalizer. This measurement is defined in IEEE
Ethernet (802.3) specifications.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help84
Measurements
Controls
NameTypeDefaultRangeDescriptions
Vertical threshold adjustBooleanTrueTrue, falseWhen enabled, the sub-
eye threshold levels are
allowed to adjust around
OMAouter by a small
range. IEEE 802.3cd
allows this option to
compute optimal TDECQ.
When disabled, the subeye threshold levels are
determined by OMAouter
and AOP.
Target SERFloat4.8e-4[1e-15, 1e-2]Target SER at which
TDECQ is computed.
Histogram widthFloat0.04[0.01, 0.08]Widths of the left and right
histograms processed to
compute TDECQ.
Histogram spacingFloat0.1[0.08, 0.12]Horizontal spacing of the
left and right histograms
processed to compute
TDECQ. They are located
symmetrically across the
UI center.
Vertical adjustment limit
(%)
Scope noiseFloatNANACalibrated oscilloscope
Ceq in dBBooleanFalseTrue, FalseEnabling this configuration
Float1[0,3]Limit by which vertical
threshold can adjust
relative to OMAouter.
noise from the connected
instrument and module.
will report Ceq in dB.
Plots
You can enable FFE equalized eye plot. Eyes are displayed for 2 unit intervals.
FFE Equalized Eye
1. Displays the eye diagram of the FFE equalized signal.
2. Thresholds for each eye are shown as th1, th2, th3. These cannot be disabled.
3. Left and right histogram boxes optimized for TDECQ measurement are shown as LH and RH, respectively. These cannot be disabled.
Optimizing offset to ensure a valid measurement
For accurate TDECQ results, set the vertical offset on the modules according to the signal's AOP. See the Vertical configuration topic for
more detailed information about adjusting vertical offset.
Results
The following measurement results for the selected waveform source will show.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help85
Measurements
ResultUnit
TDECQdB
C
eq
AOPW
Partial SER (ULeft)N/A
Partial SER (URight)N/A
Partial SER (MLeft)N/A
Partial SER (MRight)N/A
Partial SER (LLeft)N/A
Partial SER (LRight)N/A
N/A
OMAouter
Outer Optical Modulation Amplitude (OMAouter ) measures the difference between the highest and lowest optical power levels of a PAM4
optical signal.
Select the OMAouter units in the Configure tab.
•Signal Ordinate: the OMA results display the ordinate unit of a signal given as input to measurement.
•dBm: the OMA result display as dBm.
(If Dark Level Compensation is needed, run a module compensation.)
Results
The OMAouter result shows in dBm.
Extinction Ratio
The Extinction Ratio (ER) measures the ratio of the highest and lowest optical power levels of a PAM4 optical signal.
(If Dark Level Compensation is needed, run a module compensation.)
Controls
Add or subtract a specified percentage (float %) from the measured ER value, adjusting for a better match between multiple oscilloscopes.
Range: [-100, 100]. Default: 0
Results
The ER result shows in dB.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help86
Measurements
NRZ Eye Amplitude measurements
NRZ High
This NRZ amplitude High measurement measures the top reference level of an NRZ eye. High is the logical 1 of the NRZ signal. The data
within the Eye Aperture is sampled, a histogram is built from the upper half of the NRZ eye, and then the mean of the histogram yields the
High level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low TrackingThere are several ways to track and identify the high (top) level for an NRZ eye. The High and Low values are
the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This
influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration measurements.
Mean: The sample mean of the signal above (min(signal))+max(signal))/2. This method is best for examining
eye patterns. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived using all values above the
midpoint.
Min/Max: Uses the highest value of the waveform record.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the Low measurement. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help87
Measurements
NRZ Eye Low
This NRZ amplitude Low measurement measures the bottom reference level of an NRZ eye. Low is the logical 0 of the NRZ signal. The
data within the Eye Aperture is sampled, a histogram is built from the lower half of the NRZ eye, and then the mean of the histogram yields
the Low level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low TrackingThere are several ways to track and identify the low (bottom) level for an NRZ eye. The High and Low values are
the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This
influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration measurements.
Mean: The sample mean of the signal above (min(signal))+max(signal))/2. This method is best for examining
eye patterns. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived using all values below the
midpoint.
Min/Max: Uses the lowest values of the waveform record.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the Low measurement. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Amplitude
This NRZ Amplitude measurement measures the difference between the logical 1 level (High) and the logical 0 level (Low) of the NRZ
signal. The data within the Eye Aperture is sampled, a histogram is built from the upper and lower half of the eye. The mean of the
histogram levels gives logical 1 and logical 0 levels, respectively.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help88
Measurements
ControlDescription
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low TrackingThere are several ways to track and identify the amplitude level for an NRZ eye. The High and Low values are
the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This
influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration measurements.
Mean: The sample mean of the signal above (min(signal))+max(signal))/2. This method is best for examining
eye patterns. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived using all values below the
midpoint.
Min/Max: Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the difference of High and Low values. You can configure the region where High and
Low values are found inside the Eye. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Extinction Ratio
The Extinction Ratio (ER) measures the ratio of the average power levels at the logical 1 (high) level to the logical 0 (low) level of an optical
NRZ signal. All level measurements are made within the eye aperture region.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
ER AdjustSubtract a fixed value from the NRZ Extinction Ratio (dB) measurement. The value is specified in percentage.
The percentage value is converted to a dB value and then subtracted from the measurement value.
UnitsdB, Linear, or %
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help89
Measurements
ControlDescription
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The results badge displays the Mean (µ) value in the selected units. The units default is dB.
NRZ OMA
Optical Modulation Amplitude (OMA) measures the difference between high and low power levels at the crossing time of an optical signal.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
UnitsdBm or Signal Ordinate
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard deviation
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Signal to Noise Ratio
Signal to Noise is the ratio of the NRZ Eye amplitude to the RMS noise. Amplitude is measured with the selected tracking method and
RMS Noise is measured on the selected High (logical 1) or Low (logical 0) level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help90
Measurements
ControlDescription
High/Low TrackingThere are several ways to track and identify the amplitude level for an NRZ eye. The High and Low values are
the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This
influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration measurements.
Mean: The sample mean of the signal above (min(signal))+max(signal))/2. This method is best for examining
eye patterns. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived using all values below the
midpoint.
Min/Max: Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
UnitsdB, Linear, or %
Noise AtHigh: The noise (standard deviation) of the vertical histogram in High region.
Low: The noise (standard deviation) of the vertical histogram in Low region.
High + Low: The sum of the noise (Standard deviation) of the vertical histogram in High and Low region are
considered.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The results badge displays the Mean (µ) value in the selected units. The units default is dB.
NRZ RMS
RMS measures the true root mean square amplitude considering AC and DC components of the selected waveform within the
measurement region.
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help91
Measurements
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ AC RMS
AC RMS measures the true root mean square amplitude without considering the DC component of the selected waveform within the
measurement region. This is done by calculating the standard deviation of all samples about the mean amplitude level.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ RMS Noise
RMS Noise is the measure of standard deviation of the amplitude variance sampled within a vertical slice located at the center of the Eye.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Noise AtHigh: The noise (standard deviation) of the vertical histogram in High region.
Low: The noise (standard deviation) of the vertical histogram in Low region.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help92
Measurements
ControlDescription
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Eye height
Eye height is a measure of how noise affects the vertical opening between the High and Low levels of an NRZ eye. The eye is sampled
within the Eye Aperture, where the High and Low regions are found. Eye height is the 3-Sigma guarded delta between High and Low.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the Low measurement. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
FormatAbsolute: Eye height = (High – 3 * S
and S
high
and S
are the standard deviations. The units are the same as input signal's Ordinate
low
Relative: Eye height = ((High – 3 * S
levels, and S
high
and S
are the standard deviations.
low
) – (Low + 3 * S
high
) – (Low + 3 * S
high
). Where High and Low are the logical 1 and 0 levels,
low
))/OMA. Where High and Low are the logical 1 and 0
low
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help93
Measurements
NRZ VECP
Vertical Eye Closure Penalty (VECP) is defined as the ratio of OMA to the eye opening from the 99.95th percentile of the histogram placed
at the lower half of the eye to the 0.05th percentile of the histogram placed at the upper half of the eye within the eye aperture measure in
dB.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the Low measurement. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to
100%.
OMA DefinitionOMA At CrossingToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain
the measurement region to the area between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate
(Gate2).
User Defined OMA: The user can enter the OMA value. This is the recommended setting
for performing TDEC because the OMA measured using the eye diagram is informative
only. The Pulse OMA measurement can be used for computing OMA accurately.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement
region to the area between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Stop in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ TDEC
Transmitter and Dispersion Eye Closure (TDEC) is the measure of the optical transmitter's vertical eye closure when transmitted through a
worst case optical channel. This measurement is defined in IEEE Ethernet 802.3 specifications.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help94
Measurements
ControlDescription
Target SERThe Target SER value is a configurable field with a range of 1e-15 to 1e-2. The default value is 5e-5.
Histogram WidthConfigure the width of the histogram, which is used to create all 4 histogram around the eye center. The default
is 0.04UI. The value range is 0.01UI to 0.08UI.
Histogram SpacingConfigure the spacing between the Early and Late histograms. The default is 0.2UI. The value range is 0.1UI to
0.3UI.
OMA DefinitionOMA At Crossing: OMA is measured from the eye diagram at the crossing. This is the default setting. Refer to
NRZ Eye OMA Measurement for details.
User Defined OMA: The user can enter the OMA value. This is the recommended setting for performing TDEC
because the OMA measured using the eye diagram is informative only. The Pulse OMA measurement can be
used for computing OMA accurately.
Scope NoiseThe scope noise value is automatically read from the channel.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Crossing Level
Crossing level measures the mean signal value at the NRZ eye crossing.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help95
Measurements
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Crossing Percentage
Crossing Percentage measures the height of eye crossing as a percentage of eye height measured in the Eye Aperture.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the Low measurement. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Eye Timing measurements
NRZ Crossing Time
Crossing time measures the time instant at which the crossing occurs in the NRZ eye.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
Table continued…
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help96
Measurements
ControlDescription
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Bit Time
Bit Time measures the time duration between two consecutive crossings in the NRZ Eye.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help97
Measurements
NRZ Bit Rate
Bit Rate measures the number of unit intervals per second by using the bit duration observed in the NRZ Eye.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Eye Width
Eye Width is defined as the 3-Sigma guarded delta between two consecutive crossings.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
SigmaFirstCrossingTime)), where Sigma is the standard deviation of samples about the crossing time.
Relative: Eye Width = (SecondCrossingTime - (3 * SigmaSecondCrossingTime)) - (FirstCrossingTime + (3 *
SigmaFirstCrossingTime))/(Bit Time), where Sigma is the standard deviation of samples about the crossing time.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help98
Measurements
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ RMS Jitter
RMS Jitter measures one standard deviation of time variance at the NRZ eye crossing.
Controls
Table 5: Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low TrackingThere are several ways to track and identify the amplitude level for an NRZ eye. The
High and Low values are the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference
measurement parameters for a waveform. This influences the fidelity of amplitude and
aberration measurements.
Selectable tracking algorithm settings:
Mean: The sample mean of the signal above (min(signal))+max(signal))/2. This method is
best for examining eye patterns. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value
derived using all values below the midpoint.
Min/Max: Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the difference of High and Low values. You can configure the
region where High and Low values are found inside the Eye. Default value is 20 %.
Range:1% to 100%.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement
region to the area between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Reference Levels
Auto DetectThe Crossing Level of the first eye crossing is measured and used as the reference level.
Reference MethodRelative: Adjust the reference level relative to the High/Low levels measured with the
Tracking Method that has been chosen. The value for reference level input is %.
Absolute: Configure the reference level as a ordinate value at which RMS Jitter has to be
measured.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help99
Measurements
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
•Minimum
•Peak to peak
•Population
NRZ Pk-Pk Jitter
Pk-Pk Jitter measures the delta between minimum and maximum time variance at the NRZ eye crossing.
Controls
ControlDescription
Configure
SourceSelect the signal source.
LabelCustomize label. This appears on the measurement badge.
High/Low TrackingThere are several ways to track and identify the amplitude level for an NRZ eye. The High and Low values are
the amplitude values that can be used to derive other reference measurement parameters for a waveform. This
influences the fidelity of amplitude and aberration measurements.
Mean: The sample mean of the signal above (min(signal))+max(signal))/2. This method is best for examining
eye patterns. Using a histogram, it selects the mean or average value derived using all values below the
midpoint.
Min/Max: Uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform record.
Eye ApertureThe Eye area to measure the difference of High and Low values. You can configure the region where High and
Low values are found inside the Eye. Default value is 20 %. Range:1% to 100%.
Gating
EnableToggle on/off to enable/disable gating. When enabled, gates constrain the measurement region to the area
between the start gate (Gate1) and the stop gate (Gate2).
Gate1Start in %.
Gate2Stop in %.
Reference Levels
Auto DetectThe Crossing Level of the first eye crossing is measured and used as the reference level.
Reference MethodRelative: Adjust the reference level relative to the High/Low levels measured with the Tracking Method that has
been chosen. The value for reference level input is %.
Absolute: Configure the reference level as a ordinate value at which RMS Jitter has to be measured.
Results
The following statistics are shown in the result table.
•Mean
•Standard
•Maximum
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help100
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.