Tektronix 8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help User manual
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope
Help
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8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope
Help
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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
Rear panel........................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Electrostatic discharge information...................................................................................................................................... 15
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
Remote firmware upgrade................................................................................................................................................... 27
Initial setup.................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Run signal path compensation (SPC)..................................................................................................................................29
Dark-level compensation..................................................................................................................................................... 31
Connect a signal.................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Horizontal configuration....................................................................................................................................................... 32
Vertical configuration............................................................................................................................................................35
Vertical channel deskew............................................................................................................................................... 38
Waveform View configuration.............................................................................................................................................. 38
Add a note to a view............................................................................................................................................................ 40
Cursors................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Mask.................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
The Acquisition configuration menu.....................................................................................................................................49
Use default setup................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Measurements............................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Add Measurement................................................................................................................................................................51
Dark-level compensation..................................................................................................................................................... 52
Delete a Measurement badge..............................................................................................................................................53
Pulse Amplitude measurements.......................................................................................................................................... 53
High.............................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Low............................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Amplitude......................................................................................................................................................................55
Max............................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Min................................................................................................................................................................................ 57
Mid................................................................................................................................................................................ 58
Mean.............................................................................................................................................................................58
Pk-Pk............................................................................................................................................................................ 59
AC RMS........................................................................................................................................................................59
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help 5
Table of Contents
AOP.............................................................................................................................................................................. 60
OMA..............................................................................................................................................................................61
Pulse Timing measurements................................................................................................................................................62
Period........................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Frequency.....................................................................................................................................................................63
Rise...............................................................................................................................................................................65
Fall................................................................................................................................................................................ 66
Positive Cross...............................................................................................................................................................68
Negative Cross............................................................................................................................................................. 70
Positive Width............................................................................................................................................................... 71
Negative Width............................................................................................................................................................. 73
RMS Jitter..................................................................................................................................................................... 74
Pk-Pk Jitter................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Delay.............................................................................................................................................................................77
PAM4 measurements...........................................................................................................................................................79
PAM4 Summary............................................................................................................................................................79
RLM.............................................................................................................................................................................. 79
Level Deviation............................................................................................................................................................. 80
Level Thickness............................................................................................................................................................ 80
Eye Width..................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Eye Height.................................................................................................................................................................... 81
ES Levels......................................................................................................................................................................81
Level............................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Transmitter Transition Time.......................................................................................................................................... 83
Overshoot..................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Undershoot................................................................................................................................................................... 84
TDECQ......................................................................................................................................................................... 84
OMAouter..................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Extinction Ratio.............................................................................................................................................................86
NRZ Eye Amplitude measurements.....................................................................................................................................87
NRZ High...................................................................................................................................................................... 87
NRZ Eye Low................................................................................................................................................................88
NRZ Amplitude..............................................................................................................................................................88
NRZ Extinction Ratio.....................................................................................................................................................89
NRZ OMA..................................................................................................................................................................... 90
NRZ Signal to Noise Ratio............................................................................................................................................90
NRZ RMS......................................................................................................................................................................91
NRZ AC RMS................................................................................................................................................................92
NRZ RMS Noise........................................................................................................................................................... 92
NRZ Eye height............................................................................................................................................................ 93
NRZ VECP....................................................................................................................................................................94
NRZ TDEC....................................................................................................................................................................94
NRZ Crossing Level......................................................................................................................................................95
NRZ Crossing Percentage............................................................................................................................................96
NRZ Eye Timing measurements..........................................................................................................................................96
NRZ Crossing Time...................................................................................................................................................... 96
NRZ Bit Time................................................................................................................................................................ 97
NRZ Bit Rate.................................................................................................................................................................98
NRZ Eye Width............................................................................................................................................................. 98
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help 6
Table of Contents
NRZ RMS Jitter.............................................................................................................................................................99
NRZ Pk-Pk Jitter......................................................................................................................................................... 100
NRZ Rise Time........................................................................................................................................................... 101
NRZ Fall Time.............................................................................................................................................................102
NRZ DCD....................................................................................................................................................................103
Menus and dialogs.................................................................................................................................................................... 104
Add Results Table.............................................................................................................................................................. 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
Zoom elements...................................................................................................................................................................112
Cursors...............................................................................................................................................................................112
Add a note to a view...........................................................................................................................................................115
Reference waveform configuration menu...........................................................................................................................115
Math waveform configuration menu................................................................................................................................... 117
Math functions....................................................................................................................................................................118
Add a label......................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Diagnostics........................................................................................................................................................................ 121
Set the graticule style and intensity................................................................................................................................... 122
Trigger.......................................................................................................................................................................................123
Trigger settings.................................................................................................................................................................. 123
Index......................................................................................................................................................................................... 124
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help 7
List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 1: Vertical Settings.............................................................................................................................................................36
Table 2: Optical Settings............................................................................................................................................................. 37
Table 3: Persistence....................................................................................................................................................................37
Table 4: Other..............................................................................................................................................................................38
Table 5: Controls......................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Table 6: Reference waveform configuration menu fields and controls...................................................................................... 116
Table 7: Vertical Settings...........................................................................................................................................................117
Table 8: Persistence.................................................................................................................................................................. 118
Table 9: FFE configuration control.............................................................................................................................................119
Table 10: Fold configuration control.......................................................................................................................................... 121
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help 8
Welcome and key features
Welcome and key features
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:
• TSO820 mainframe: Sampling oscilloscope mainframe
• 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 Help 9
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 Help 10
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 Help 11
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 about Use 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 Help 12
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 Help 13
Introduction to mainframe and modules
Front panel
The front panel of your instrument gives you access to the following.
Introduction to mainframe and modules
NumberItem Description
1 Power button Turn on/off power to instrument and installed modules. Blue indicates power is on. Amber indicates
standby power is on.
2 LCD display Shows MAC and IP addresses. Navigate using scroll/select buttons. 61 mm (W) x 12 mm (H) x 2x20
liquid crystal display (LCD).
3 Slot 1 Slot for module.
4 Slot 2 Slot for module.
5 Keypad buttons Scroll/select buttons to navigate LCD display.
6 Clock Prescale Input 2.92 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.
7 Antistatic 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 Help 14
Introduction to mainframe and modules
NumberItem Description
1 Security cable slot Security cable can be attached to secure instrument to a physical location.
2 Module vents Provides airflow for installed modules. There is one fan in each module slot.
3 USB port USB 3.0
4 Mfg port Not for use.
5 LAN port 10/100/1000 Gb Ethernet
6 Side feet The 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.
7 Power Input voltage: 100 - 240 V, 115 V
Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz, 400 Hz
Power: 200 W max
8 Rear feet The 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.
9 Handle Carrying 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 Help 15
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 Help 16
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 Help 17
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 Help 18
Introduction to mainframe and modules
Menu Options Description
File Recall Recall setup, waveform, or session files.
Save Save 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 setup Stops acquisition and returns the application to its default
setup.
Exit Closes the TSOVu application.
Connect System Configuration Allows 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 Help 19
Introduction to mainframe and modules
Menu Options Description
Utility User Preferences Allows you to adjust the Autoset.
Calibration Display instrument and module last calibration date,
temperature, and pass/fail status.
Compensation Compensation controls allow you to run compensation on the
mainframe and modules.
Diagnostics Shows the status of the power-on self test and allows you to
export log files.
Disable Error Pop-ups
Help Help Opens this navigable Help file.
About View 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 Help 20
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 Help 21
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.
Item Requirement
Operating system Microsoft® Windows 10, 64 Bit
CPU
Memory 16 Gbytes recommended
Disk 256 GBytes SSD or more
Networking 1 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 Help 22
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 Help 23
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 description Option License
Measurements for PAM4 optical signals.
Enables TDECQ equalization and analysis.
TSO8SW-NLP-PAM4-O License; PAM4 Optical Measurements;
Node-Locked Perpetual
TSO8SW-FLP-PAM4-O License; PAM4 Optical Measurements;
Floating Perpetual
TSO8SW-NL1-PAM4-O License; PAM4 Optical Measurements;
Node-Locked 1-Year subscription
TSO8SW-NL3-PAM4-O License; PAM4 Optical Measurements;
Node-Locked 3-Year subscription
TSO8SW-FL1-PAM4-O License; PAM4 Optical Measurements;
Floating 1-Year subscription
TSO8SW-FL3-PAM4-O License; PAM4 Optical Measurements;
Floating 3-Year subscription
License options
License types
• 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 Help 24
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 Help 25
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 Help 26
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 Help 27
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 in
progress. When the upgrade process is complete, the instrument connection shall automatically continue.
8 Series Sampling Oscilloscope Help 28
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 Help 29
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 Help 30
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