that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
T ektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of T ektronix, Inc.
WARRANTY
T ektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment. If a product proves defective during this warranty period,
T ektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a
replacement in exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the
warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by T ektronix, with shipping charges prepaid.
T ektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
T ektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any
other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care. T ektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting
from attempts by personnel other than T ektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage or malfunction
caused by the use of non-T ektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with other
products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO
REP AIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO
THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY . TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT , SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE
OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Injury Precautions
Use Proper Power Cord. To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified
for this product.
Avoid Electric Overload. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a
voltage to a terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Avoid Overvoltage. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply potential
to any terminal, including the common terminal, that varies from ground by
more than the maximum rating for that terminal.
Avoid Electric Shock. To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or disconnect
probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
Ground the Product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor
of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not
operate this product with covers or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse. To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified
for this product.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions. To avoid electric shock, do not operate
this product in wet or damp conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not
operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Use Proper Power Source. Do not operate this product from a power source that
applies more than the voltage specified.
Provide Proper Ventilation. To prevent product overheating, provide proper
ventilation.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
vii
General Safety Summary
Symbols and Terms
T erms in this Manual. These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
T erms on the Product. These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product. The following symbols may appear onthe product:
Certifications and
Compliances
DANGER
High Voltage
Protective Ground
(Earth) T erminal
ATTENTION
Refer to Manual
Refer to the specifications chapter of the performance verification and specifications manual for a listing of certifications and compliances that apply to this
product.
This is the User Manual for the TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A, and
TDS 510A Digitizing Oscilloscopes.
The Getting Started chapter briefly describes the digitizing oscilloscope,
prepares you to install it, and tells you how to put it into service.
The Operating Basics chapter covers basic principles of the operation of the
oscilloscope. These articles help you understand why your oscilloscope works
the way it does.
The Reference chapter teaches you how to perform specific tasks. See page 3–1
for a complete list of tasks covered in that chapter.
The Appendices provide an option and accessories listing and other useful
information.
The following documents are related to the use or service of the
digitizing oscilloscope:
HThe TDS FamilyProgrammer Manual describes using a computer to control
the digitizing oscilloscope through the GPIB interface.
HThe TDS 420A, TDS 430A, TDS 460A &TDS 510A Reference gives you a
quick overview of how to operate your digitizing oscilloscope.
HThe TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460APerformance Verification and
TDS 510A Performance Verification manuals tell how to verify the
performance of the digitizing oscilloscope.
HThe TDS Family Option 13 Instruction Manual describes using the optional
Centronicsr and RS-232 interfaces for obtaining hardcopy (only for TDS
oscilloscopes equipped with that option).
HThe TDS 420A, TDS 430A & TDS 460A Service Manual and the TDS 510A
Service Manual provide information for maintaining and servicing your
In the Getting Started and Reference chapters, you will find various procedures
which contain steps of instructions for you to perform. To keep those instructions
clear and consistent, this manual uses the following conventions:
HNames of front panel controls and menu labels appear in boldface print.
HNames also appear in the same case (initial capitals, all uppercase, etc.) in
the manual as is used on the oscilloscope front panel and menus. Front panel
names are all upper case letters, for example, VERTICAL MENU, CH 1,
and SETUP.
HInstruction steps are numbered. The number is omitted if there is only
one step.
HWhen steps require that you make a sequence of selections using front panel
controls and menu buttons, an arrow ( ➞
front panel button and a menu, or between menus. Also, whether a name is a
main menu or side menu item is clearly indicated: Press VERTICAL
MENU
100 MHz
➞ Coupling(main)➞DC(side)➞ Bandwidth(main)➞
(side).
) marks each transition between a
Using the convention just described results in instructions that are graphically intuitive and simplifies procedures. For example, the instruction just given
replaces these five steps:
1. Press the front panel button VERTICAL MENU.
2. Press the main menu button Coupling.
3. Press the side-menu button DC.
4. Press the main menu button Bandwidth,
5. Press the side menu button 100 MHz.
HSometimes you may have to make a selection from a pop-up menu: Press
TRIGGER MENU
repeatedly press the main menu button Type until Edge is highlighted in the
pop-up menu.
➞ Type (main)➞ Edge (pop-up). In this example, you
Your Tektronix digitizing oscilloscope is a superb tool for acquiring, displaying,
and measuring waveforms. Its performance addresses the needs of both lab and
portable applications with the following features:
H200 MHz maximum analog bandwidth on the TDS 420A
400 MHz maximum analog bandwidth on the TDS 430A, TDS 460A
500 MHz maximum analog bandwidth on the TDS 510A
H500 Megasamples/second maximum digitizing rate on the TDS 510A
100 Megasamples/second maximum digitizing rate on the TDS 420A,
TDS 430A, and TDS 460A
HRoll mode and triggered roll mode for display of slower waveforms on the
TDS 420A, TDS 430A, and TDS 460A
HWaveform Math — Invert a single waveform and add, subtract, and multiply
two waveforms. On instruments equipped with option 2F, integrate or
differentiate a single waveform or perform an FFT (fast fourier transform) on
a waveform to display its magnitude or phase versus its frequency.
HUp to 30,000-point record length per channel (120,000-point optional) on the
TDS 420A, TDS 430A, and TDS 460A. Up to 50,000-point record length
per channel on the TDS 510A
HFull GPIB software programmability. GPIB hardcopy output. On instru-
ments equipped with option 13, hardcopy output using the RS-232 or
Centronics ports.
HComplete measurement and documentation ability
HIntuitive graphical icon operation blended with the familiarity of traditional
HFour channels and four eight-bit digitizers on the TDS 420A, TDS 460A,
and TDS 510A. Two channels and two eight-bit digitizers on the TDS 430A
HOn-line help at the touch of a button
Appendix A lists the options and accessories.
The product specification is in the performance verification manual that is
shipped as a standard accessory with the digitizing oscilloscope.
Before you use the digitizing oscilloscope, ensure that it is properly installed and
powered on.
To properly install and power on the digitizing oscilloscope, do the
following steps:
Installation
1. Be sure you have the appropriate operating environment. Specifications for
temperature, relative humidity, altitude, vibrations, and emissions are
included in performance verification and specification manuals (Tektronix
part numbers 070-9705-xx and 070-9706-xx).
2. Leave space for cooling. Do this by verifying that the air intake and exhaust
holes on the sides of the cabinet (where the fan operates) are free of any
airflow obstructions. Leave at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) free on each side.
WARNING. To avoid electrical shock, be sure that the power cord is disconnected
before checking the fuse.
3. Check the fuse to be sure it is the proper type and rating (see Figure 1-1 for
the fuse location). You can use either of two fuses (see Table 1–1 for the
fuse data).
4. Check that you have the proper electrical connections:
HFor TDS 400A serial number below B080000: 90 to 132 V for 48 Hz
through 62 Hz, 100 to 132 V or 180 to 250 V for 48 through 440 Hz,
and may require up to 240 W.
HFor TDS 400A serial number B080000 - Up: 100 to 240 V ±10%,
50/60 Hz nominal, or 115 V ±10% for 400 Hz, and may require up to
240 W.
HFor TDS 510A all serial numbers: 90 to 250 V for 45 Hz to 440 Hz, and
may require up to 300 W.
5. Connect the proper power cord from the rear-panel power connector (see
Figure 1-1 for the connector location) to the power system.
Remove the front cover by grasping its left and right edges and snapping it off of
the front subpanel. (When reinstalling, align and snap back on.)
1. Check that the rear-panel principal power switch is on (see Figure 1-1 for the
location of the switch ). The principal power switch controls all AC power to
the instrument.
NOTE. TDS400A instruments with serial number B080000 or above do not have
a principal power switch.
2. If the oscilloscope is not powered on (the screen is blank), push the
front-panel ON/STBY button to toggle it on (Figure 1-2).
Once the digitizing oscilloscope is installed, you can leave the principal
power switch on (TDS400A instruments below B080000 and all TDS510A
instruments) and use the ON/STBY button .
Self Test
Power Off
Figure 1-2: ON/STBY Button
The digitizing oscilloscope automatically performs power-on tests each time it is
turned on. It comes up with a display screen that states whether or not it passed
self test. If the self test does not detect any problems, the status display screen
disappears a few seconds after the self test is complete.
Check the self test results.
If the self test fails, call your local Tektronix Service Center. Depending on the
type of failure, you may still be able to use the oscilloscope before it is serviced.
Press the ON/STBY switch to turn off the oscilloscope.
Signal Path Compensation (SPC) lets you compensate your oscilloscope for the
current ambient temperature. SPC helps ensure maximum possible accuracy for
your most critical measurements. See Signal Path Compensation in Section 3 for
information on this feature.
This chapter describes the basic concepts of operating the digitizing oscilloscope.
Understanding the basic concepts of your digitizing oscilloscope helps you use it
much more effectively.
At a Glance quickly shows you how the oscilloscope is organized and gives
some very general operating instructions. It also contains an overview of the
following maps:
The Tutorial contains tutorial examples and explains basic system concepts:
HSetting Up for the Examples explains how to set up the digitizing oscillo-
scope to use the examples.
HExample 1: Displaying a Waveform teaches you how to reset the digitizing
oscilloscope, display and adjust waveforms, and use the autoset function.
HExample 2: Displaying Multiple Waveforms explains how to add, control,
and delete multiple waveforms.
HExample 3: Taking Automated Measurements introduces you to the
automated measurement system.
HExample 4: Saving Setups discusses saving and recalling the digitizing
oscilloscope setups.
HTriggering explains how to set the triggers to convert unstable displays or
blank screens into meaningful waveforms.
HScaling and Positioning Waveforms explains how to change the position and
displayed size of waveforms.
HMeasurements explains using automated, cursor, and graticule measurements
to display numeric information on the displayed waveforms.
To explore these topics in more depth and to read about topics not covered in this
chapter, see Reference. Page 3–1 lists the topics covered.
The At a Glance section contains illustrations of the display and the front and
rear panels. These illustrations help you understand and operate the digitizing
oscilloscope. This section also contains a visual guide to using the menu system.
This section quickly acquaints you with some of the fundamental operations
required to use your digitizing oscilloscope to take measurements. Start this
tutorial by doing Setting Up for the Examples.
Setting Up for the Examples
Perform the following tasks to connect input signals to the digitizing oscilloscope, to reset it, and to become acquainted with its display screen. Once
completed, these tasks ready the digitizing oscilloscope for use in the examples
that follow.
Connect the Input Signal
Remove all probes and signal inputs from the input BNC connectors along the
lower right of the front panel. Then, using one of the probes supplied with the
digitizing oscilloscope, connect from the CH 1 connector of the digitizing
oscilloscope to the Probe Compensation connector (Figure 2-1).