Tektronix TDS520A, 524A, 540A,,544A Performance Verification Performance Verification

Performance Verification

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A
Digitizing Oscilloscopes

070-8712-01

Please check for change information at the rear
of this manual.

First Printing: July 1993.

Instrument Serial Numbers

Each instrument manufactured by Tektronix has a serial number on a panel insert or tag, or
stamped on the chassis. The first letter in the serial number designates the country of
manufacture. The last five digits of the serial number are assigned sequentially and are unique
to each instrument. Those manufactured in the United States have six unique digits. The
country of manufacture is identified as follows:

B010000 Tektronix, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon, USA
E200000 Tektronix United Kingdom, Ltd., London
J300000 Sony/Tektronix, Japan
H700000 Tektronix Holland, NV, Heerenveen, The Netherlands

Instruments manufactured for Tektronix by external vendors outside the United States are
assigned a two digit alpha code to identify the country of manufacture (e.g., JP for Japan, HK
for Hong Kong, IL for Israel, etc.).

Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077

Printed in U.S.A.

Copyright E Tektronix, Inc., 1993. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S.
and foreign patents, issued and pending. The following are registered trademarks:
TEKTRONIX, TEK, TEKPROBE, and SCOPEĆMOBILE.

WARRANTY

Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from
the date of shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, 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 Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall
pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the Tektronix 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. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by
personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage resulting from
improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) 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 WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT 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 REPAIR 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.

Welcome

This is the Performance Verification for the TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, and 544A
Oscilloscope. It contains procedures suitable for determining if the instruĆ
ment functions, was adjusted properly, and meets the performance characĆ
teristics as warranted.

Also contained in this document are technical specifications for these oscilĆ
loscopes.

Related Manuals

The following documents are related to the use or service of the digitizing
oscilloscope.

H The TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A User Manual (Tektronix part number

070-8710-01).

H The TDS Family Programmer Manual (Tektronix part number

070-8709-01) describes using a computer to control the digitizing
oscilloscope through the GPIB interface.

H The TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, 544A, & 644A Reference (Tektronix part

number 070-8711-01) gives you a quick overview of how to operate
your digitizing oscilloscope.

H The TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Service Manual (Tektronix part

number 070-8713-01) provides information for maintaining and servicĆ
ing your digitizing oscilloscope to the module level.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

i

Welcome

ii

Welcome

Safety Summary v.............................................

Performance Verification Procedures

Brief Procedures 1Ć1............................................

General Instructions 1Ć1.....................................

Conventions 1Ć2.............................................

Self Tests 1Ć4...............................................

Verify Internal Adjustment, Self Compensation, and

Diagnostics 1Ć4.......................................

Functional Tests 1Ć6.........................................

Verify All Input Channels 1Ć6...............................

Verify the Time Base 1Ć9...................................

Verify the Main and Delayed Trigger Systems 1Ć10.............

Verify the File System (Optional on TDS 520A and 540A) 1Ć12...

Performance Tests 1Ć15...........................................

Prerequisites 1Ć15.........................................

Equipment Required 1Ć16...................................

Test Record 1Ć19..........................................

Signal Acquisition System Checks 1Ć23........................

Check Accuracy of Offset (Zero Setting) 1Ć23..................

Check DC Gain and Voltage Measurement Accuracy 1Ć25......

Check Analog Bandwidth 1Ć32..............................

Check Delay Between Channels 1Ć36........................

Time Base System Checks 1Ć39...............................

Check Accuracy for LongĆTerm Sample Rate, Delay Time,

and Delta Time Measurements 1Ć39......................

Trigger System Checks 1Ć42...................................

Check Accuracy (Time) for PulseĆGlitch or PulseĆWidth

Triggering 1Ć42........................................

Check Accuracy, TriggerĆlevel or Threshold, DC Coupled 1Ć45...

Sensitivity, Edge Trigger, DC Coupled 1Ć48....................

Output Signal Checks 1Ć54....................................

Check Outputs Ċ CH 3 and Main and Delayed Trigger

(TDS 540A and 544A only) 1Ć54..........................

Check Probe Compensator Outputs 1Ć57.....................

Option 05 Video Trigger Checks 1Ć61..........................

Check Video Trigger 1Ć61...................................

Table of Contents

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

iii

Table of Contents

Specifications

Specifications 2Ć1...............................................

General Product Description 2Ć1..............................

User Interface 2Ć2...........................................

Menus 2Ć2...............................................

Indicators 2Ć2............................................

General Purpose Knob 2Ć3.................................

GUI 2Ć3..................................................

Signal Acquisition System 2Ć3................................

Horizontal System 2Ć4.......................................

Trigger System 2Ć5..........................................

Acquisition Control 2Ć6......................................

OnĆBoard User Assistance 2Ć6...............................

Help 2Ć6.................................................

Autoset 2Ć6..............................................

Measurement Assistance 2Ć6.................................

Cursor 2Ć6...............................................

Measure 2Ć7.............................................

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) 2Ć7.........................

Storage and I/O 2Ć7..........................................

Display 2Ć8..................................................

Zoom 2Ć8................................................

Nominal Traits 2Ć9...............................................

Warranted Characteristics 2Ć15...................................

Typical Characteristics 2Ć21.......................................

iv

Contents

Safety Summary

Please take a moment to review these safety precautions. They are provided
for your protection and to prevent damage to the digitizing oscilloscope.
This safety information applies to all operators and service personnel.

Symbols and Terms

These two terms appear in manuals:

H

statements identify conditions or practices that could result in

damage to the equipment or other property.

H statements identify conditions or practices that could result in

personal injury or loss of life.

These two terms appear on equipment:

H CAUTION indicates a personal injury hazard not immediately accessible

as one reads the marking, or a hazard to property including the equipĆ
ment itself.

H DANGER indicates a personal injury hazard immediately accessible as

one reads the marking.

This symbol appears in manuals:

These symbols appear on equipment:

DANGER

High Voltage

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

StaticĆSensitive Devices

Protective

ground (earth)

terminal

ATTENTION

Refer to

manual

v

Safety Summary

Specific Precautions

Observe all of these precautions to ensure your personal safety and to
prevent damage to either the digitizing oscilloscope or equipment conĆ
nected to it.

Power Source

The digitizing oscilloscope is intended to operate from a power source that
will not apply more than 250 V
tween either supply conductor and ground. A protective ground connection,
through the grounding conductor in the power cord, is essential for safe
system operation.

between the supply conductors or beĆ

RMS

Grounding the Digitizing Oscilloscope

The digitizing oscilloscope is grounded through the power cord. To avoid
electric shock, plug the power cord into a properly wired receptacle where
earth ground has been verified by a qualified service person. Do this before
making connections to the input or output terminals of the digitizing oscilloĆ
scope.

Without the protective ground connection, all parts of the digitizing oscilloĆ
scope are potential shock hazards. This includes knobs and controls that
may appear to be insulators.

Use the Proper Power Cord

Use only the power cord and connector specified for your product. Use only
a power cord that is in good condition.

Use the Proper Fuse

To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse specified in the parts list for your
product, matched by type, voltage rating, and current rating.

Do Not Remove Covers or Panels

To avoid personal injury, do not operate the digitizing oscilloscope without
the panels or covers.

Electric Overload

Never apply to a connector on the digitizing oscilloscope a voltage that is
outside the range specified for that connector.

Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmospheres

The digitizing oscilloscope provides no explosion protection from static
discharges or arcing components. Do not operate the digitizing oscilloscope
in an atmosphere of explosive gases.

vi

Safety

Performance Verification

Procedures

Brief Procedures

The Self Tests use internal routines to confirm basic functionality and proper
adjustment. No test equipment is required to do these test procedures.

The Functional Tests utilize the probeĆcompensation output at the front panel
as a testĆsignal source for further verifying that the oscilloscope functions
properly. A standardĆaccessory probe, included with this oscilloscope, is the
only equipment required.

General Instructions

Besides the Brief Procedures, the set of procedures that can be used to
verify oscilloscope performance includes the Performance Tests, found later
in this section. You may not need to perform all of these procedures, deĆ
pending on what you want to accomplish:

H To rapidly confirm that this oscilloscope functions and was adjusted

properly, just do the procedures under Self Tests, which begin on
page 1Ć4.

Advantages: These procedures are quick to do, require no external
equipment or signal sources, and perform extensive functional and
accuracy testing to provide high confidence that the oscilloscope will
perform properly. They can be used as a quick check before making a
series of important measurements.

H To further check functionality, first do the Self Tests just mentioned; then

do the procedures under Functional Tests that begin on page 1Ć6.

Advantages: These procedures require minimal additional time to
perform, require no additional equipment other than a standardĆaccesĆ
sory probe, and more completely test the internal hardware of this
oscilloscope. They can be used to quickly determine if the oscilloscope
is suitable for putting into service, such as when it is first received.

H If more extensive confirmation of performance is desired, do the PerĆ

formance Tests, beginning on page 1Ć15, after doing the Functional and
Self Tests just referenced.

Advantages: These procedures add direct checking of warranted
specifications. They require more time to perform and suitable test
equipment is required. (See Equipment Required on page 1Ć16.)

If you are not familiar with operating this oscilloscope, read the TDS 520A,
524A, 540A, 544A, & 644A Reference or the TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A
User manual. These contain instructions that acquaint you with the use of
the frontĆpanel controls and the menu system.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć1

Brief Procedures

Conventions

Throughout these procedures the following conventions apply:

H Each test procedure uses the following general format:

Title of Test

Equipment Required

Prerequisites

Procedure

H Each procedure consists of as many steps, substeps, and subparts as

required to do the test. Steps, substeps, and subparts are sequenced
as follows:

1. First Step

a. First Substep

H First Subpart

H Second Subpart

b. Second Substep

2. Second Step

H In steps and substeps, the leadĆin statement in italics instructs you what

to do, while the instructions that follow tell you how to do it: in the examĆ
ple step below, Initialize the oscilloscope" by doing Press save/recall
SETUP. Now, press the mainĆmenu button...".

Initialize the oscilloscope: Press save/recall SETUP. Now, press the
mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup; then the sideĆmenu
button OK Confirm Factory Init.

H Where instructed to use a frontĆpanel button or knob, or select from a

main or side menu, or verify a readout or status message, the name of
the button or knob appears in boldface type: press SHIFT; then ACĆ
QUIRE MENU", press the mainĆmenu button Coupling", or verify that
the status message is Pass.

The symbol at the left is accompanied by information you must read
to do the procedure properly.

1Ć2

Performance Verification Procedures

Brief Status
Information

Graticule and Waveforms

Waveform Reference

Symbols: Ground Levels

and Waveform Sources

Vertical Scale, Horizontal

Scale, and Trigger Level

Readouts

Brief Procedures

H Refer to Figure 1Ć1: Main menu" refers to the menu that labels the

seven menu buttons under the display; side menu" refers to the menu
that labels the five buttons to the right of the display. PopĆup menu"
refers to a menu that pops up when a mainĆmenu button is pressed.

Position of Waveform

Record Relative to

the Screen and Display

General Purpose

Knob Readout

PopĆup Menu

Side menu area.
Readouts for
measurements
move here when
CLEAR MENU is
pressed.

Main menu display area. Readouts in
lower graticule area move here when

CLEAR MENU is pressed.

Figure 1Ć1:ăMap of Display Functions

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć3

Brief Procedures

Self Tests

This procedure uses internal routines to verify that this oscilloscope funcĆ
tions and was adjusted properly. No test equipment or hookups are reĆ
quired.

Verify Internal Adjustment, Self Compensation, and
Diagnostics

Equipment Required: None.

Prerequisites: Power on the Digitizing Oscilloscope and allow a 20 minute

warmĆup before doing this procedure.

Procedure:

1. Verify that internal diagnostics pass: Do the following substeps to verify
passing of internal diagnostics.

a. Display the System diagnostics menu:

H Press SHIFT; then press UTILITY.

H Repeatedly press the mainĆmenu button System until Diag/Err

is highlighted in the popĆup menu.

b. Run the System Diagnostics: Press the mainĆmenu button Execute;

then press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Run Test.

c. Wait: The internal diagnostics do an exhaustive verification of proper

oscilloscope function. This verification will take up to two minutes. At
some time during the wait, a clock" icon (shown at left) will appear
onĆscreen. When the verification is finished, the resulting status will
appear on the screen.

d. Confirm no failures are found: Verify that no failures are found and

reported onĆscreen.

e. Confirm the three adjustment sections have passed status:

H Press SHIFT; then press UTILITY.

H Press the main menu button System until Cal is highlighted in

the popĆup menu.

H Verify that the word Pass appears in the main menu under the

following menu labels: Voltage Reference, Frequency ReĆ
sponse, and Pulse Trigger. (See Figure 1Ć2.)

1Ć4

Performance Verification Procedures

First, the CAL menu is displayed.

Second, the adjustment

sections are verified.

Brief Procedures

compensation is run and is

Third, a signal path

verified.

Figure 1Ć2:ăVerifying Adjustments and SignalĆPath Compensation

When doing steps f and g, do not turn off the oscilloscope until
signalĆpath compensation completes. If you interrupt (or lose) power
to the instrument while signalĆpath compensation is running, a
message is logged in the oscilloscope error log. If such a case
occurs, rerun signalĆpath compensation.

f. Run the signalĆpath compensation: Press the mainĆmenu button

Signal Path; then press the sideĆmenu button OK Compensate
Signal Paths.

g. Wait: SignalĆpath compensation runs in about one to two minutes.

While it progresses, a clock" icon (shown at left) is displayed onĆ
screen. When compensation completes, the status message will be
updated to Pass or Fail in the main menu (see step h).

h. Confirm signalĆpath compensation returns passed status: Verify the

word Pass appears under Signal Path in the main menu. (See
Figure 1Ć2.)

2. Return to regular service: Press CLEAR MENU to exit the system meĆ
nus.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć5

Brief Procedures

Functional Tests

The purpose of these procedures is to confirm that this oscilloscope funcĆ
tions properly. The only equipment required is one of the standardĆaccessoĆ
ry probes and, to check the file system, a 3.5 inch. 720 K or 1.44 Mbyte
floppy disk.

These procedures verify functions; that is, they verify that oscilloĆ
scope features operate. They do not verify that they operate within
limits.

Therefore, when the instructions in the functional tests that follow
call for you to verify that a signal appears onĆscreen that is about
five divisions in amplitude" or has a period of about six horizontal
divisions", etc., do NOT interpret the quantities given as limits.
Operation within limits is checked in Performance Tests, which begin
on page 1Ć15.

DO NOT make changes to the frontĆpanel settings that are not
called out in the procedures. Each verification procedure will require
you to set the oscilloscope to certain default settings before verifying
functions. If you make changes to these settings, other than those
called out in the procedure, you may obtain invalid results. In this
case, just redo the procedure from step 1.

When you are instructed to press a menu button, the button may
already be selected (its label will be highlighted). If this is the case, it
is not necessary to press the button.

Verify All Input Channels

Equipment Required: One P6139A probe.

Prerequisites: None.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the oscilloscope controls:

Figure 1Ć3:ăUniversal Test Hookup for Functional Tests

a. Hook up the signal source: Install the probe on CH 1. Connect the

probe tip to PROBE COMPENSATION SIGNAL on the front panel;
connect the probe ground to PROBE COMPENSATION GND.

1Ć6

Performance Verification Procedures

Brief Procedures

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

2. Verify that all input channels operate: Do the following substeps Ċ test
CH 1 first, skipping substep a since CH 1 is already set up for verification

from step 1.

a. Select an unverified channel:

H Press WAVEFORM OFF to remove from display the channel just

verified.

H Press the frontĆpanel button that corresponds to the channel

you are to verify.

H Move the probe to the channel you selected.

b. Set up the selected channel:

H Press AUTOSET to obtain a viewable, triggered display in the

selected channel.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 200 ms. Press CLEAR MENU to

remove any menu that may be on the screen.

c. Verify that the channel is operational: Confirm that the following

statements are true.

H The vertical scale readout for the channel under test shows a

setting of 200 mV, and a squareĆwave probeĆcompensation
signal about 2.5 divisions in amplitude is onĆscreen. (See FigĆ
ure 1Ć1 on page 1Ć3 to locate the readout.)

H The vertical POSITION knob moves the signal up and down the

screen when rotated.

H Turning the vertical SCALE knob counterclockwise decreases

the amplitude of the waveform onĆscreen, turning the knob
clockwise increases the amplitude, and returning the knob to
200 mV returns the amplitude to about 2.5 divisions.

d. Verify that the channel acquires in all acquisition modes: Press

SHIFT; then press ACQUIRE MENU. Use the side menu to select, in
turn, each of the five hardware acquire modes and confirm that the
following statements are true. Refer to the icons at the left of each
statement as you confirm those statements.

H Sample mode displays an actively acquiring waveform onĆ

screen. (Note that there is noise present on the peaks of the
square wave.)

H Peak Detect mode displays an actively acquiring waveform

onĆscreen with the noise present in Sample mode peak deĆ
tected."

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć7

Brief Procedures

H Hi Res mode displays an actively acquiring waveform onĆscreen

with the noise that was present in Sample mode reduced.

H Envelope mode displays an actively acquiring waveform onĆ

screen with the noise displayed.

H Average mode displays an actively acquiring waveform onĆ

screen with the noise reduced like in Hi Res mode.

TDS 520A and 524A only: Substep e will have you repeat the preĆ
vious substeps to check all input channels. Be sure to check only
CH 1 and CH 2 when testing the TDS 520A or 524A. (Step 3 will test
the AUX 1 and AUX 2 inputs.) When testing the TDS 540A or 544A,
test all four channels, CH 1 through CH 4.)

e. Test all channels: Repeat substeps a through d until all four input

channels are verified.

3. TDS 520A and 524A Only: Verify auxiliary inputs operate: Perform the
following substeps when checking the AUX 1 and AUX 2 inputs only.

a. Select an auxiliary channel:

H Press WAVEFORM OFF to remove from display the channel just

verified.

H Press the frontĆpanel button that corresponds to the channel

you are to verify.

H Move probe to the channel you selected.

b. Set up the selected channel: Press AUTOSET to obtain a viewable

display in the selected channel.

The display obtained might not trigger stably because autoset
cannot provide more than about ½ division of probe compensation
signal amplitude in an auxiliary channel equipped with a 10X probe.
This amount is less than the minimum trigger sensitivity for auxiliary
channel trigger sources; therefore, triggering is not required.

c. Verify that the channel is operational: Confirm that the following

statements are true.

H The vertical scale readout for the channel under test shows a

setting of 1 V, and a squareĆwave probeĆcompensation signal
about ½ division in amplitude is onĆscreen. (See Figure 1Ć1 on
page 1Ć3 to locate the readout.)

H The vertical POSITION knob moves the signal up and down the

screen when rotated.

H Turning the vertical SCALE knob counterclockwise to 10 V

decreases the amplitude of the waveform onĆscreen. (The
amplitude will drop to near zero when doing this substep.)

1Ć8

H Returning the knob to 1 V returns the amplitude to about ½

division.

d. Verify that the channel acquires in all acquisition modes: Disconnect

the probe ground lead from the probeĆcompensation terminal. Do
step 2, substep d to verify the five acquire modes.

Performance Verification Procedures

Brief Procedures

e. Test all channels: Repeat substeps a through d to verify AUX 2.

4. Remove the test hookup: Disconnect the probe from the channel input
and the probeĆcompensation terminals.

Verify the Time Base

Equipment Required: One P6139A probe.

Prerequisites: None.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the oscilloscope controls:

a. Hook up the signal source: Install the probe on CH 1. Connect the

probe tip to PROBE COMPENSATION SIGNAL on the front panel;
connect the probe ground to PROBE COMPENSATION GND. (See
Figure 1Ć3 on page 1Ć6.)

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup; then press

the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

c. Modify default settings:

H Press AUTOSET to obtain a viewable, triggered display.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 200 ms.

H Press CLEAR MENU to remove the menus from the screen.

2. Verify that the time base operates: Confirm the following statements.

a. One period of the squareĆwave probeĆcompensation signal is about

five horizontal divisions onĆscreen for the 200 ms horizontal scale
setting (set in step 1c).

b. Rotating the horizontal SCALE knob clockwise expands the waveĆ

form onĆscreen (more horizontal divisions per waveform period), and
that counterclockwise rotation contracts it, and that returning the
horizontal scale to 200 ms returns the period to about five divisions.

c. The horizontal POSITION knob positions the signal left and right

onĆscreen when rotated.

3. Remove the test hookup: Disconnect the probe from the channel input
and the probeĆcompensation terminals.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć9

Brief Procedures

Verify the Main and Delayed Trigger Systems

Equipment Required: One P6139A probe.

Prerequisites: None.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the oscilloscope controls:

a. Hook up the signal source: Install the probe on CH 1. Connect the

probe tip to PROBE COMPENSATION SIGNAL on the front panel;
connect the probe ground to PROBE COMPENSATION GND. (See
Figure 1Ć3 on page 1Ć6.)

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

c. Modify default settings:

H Press AUTOSET to obtain a viewable, triggered display.

H Set the horizontal SCALE for the M (main) time base to 200 ms.

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode & Holdoff.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Normal.

H Press CLEAR MENU to remove the menus from the screen.

2. Verify that the main trigger system operates: Confirm that the following
statements are true.

H The trigger level readout for the main trigger system changes

with the trigger LEVEL knob.

H The triggerĆlevel knob can trigger and untrigger the squareĆwave

signal as you rotate it. (Leave the signal untriggered.)

H Pressing SET LEVEL TO 50% triggers the signal that you just

left untriggered. (Leave the signal triggered.)

3. Verify that the delayed trigger system operates:

a. Select the delayed time base:

1Ć10

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Time Base.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Delayed Triggerable; then press

the sideĆmenu button Delayed Only.

H

Set the horizontal SCALE for the D (delayed) time base to
200 ms.

Performance Verification Procedures

Brief Procedures

b. Select the delayed trigger level menu:

H Press SHIFT; then press DELAYED TRIG.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Level; then press the sideĆmenu

button Level.

c. Confirm that the following statements are true:

H The triggerĆlevel readout for the delayed trigger system changes

as you turn the general purpose knob.

H The general purpose knob can trigger and untrigger the squareĆ

wave probeĆcompensation signal as you rotate it. (Leave the
signal untriggered.)

H Pressing the sideĆmenu button Set to 50% triggers the probeĆ

compensation signal that you just left untriggered. (Leave the
signal triggered.)

d. Verify the delayed trigger counter:

H Press the mainĆmenu button Delay by Time.

H Use the keypad to enter a delay time of 1 second (press 1 then

press ENTER).

H Verify that the trigger READY indicator on the front panel flashes

about once every second as the waveform is updated onĆ
screen.

4. Remove the test hookup: Disconnect the standardĆaccessory probe from
the channel input and the probeĆcompensation terminals.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć11

Brief Procedures

Verify the File System (Optional on TDS 520A and 540A)

Equipment Required: One P6139A probe and one 720 K or 1.44 Mbyte, 3.5

inch DOS compatible disk. You can use a disk of your own or you can use
the Programming Examples Software 3.5 inch disk (Tektronix part number
063-1134-00) contained in the TDS Family Programmer Manual (Tektronix
part number 070-8709-01).

Prerequisites: None.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the oscilloscope controls:

a. Hook up the signal source: Install the probe on CH 1. Connect the

probe tip to PROBE COMPENSATION SIGNAL on the front panel;
connect the probe ground to PROBE COMPENSATION GND. (See
Figure 1Ć3 on page 1Ć6.)

b. Insert the test disk: Insert the disk in the disk drive to the left of the

monitor.

H Position the disk so the metal shutter faces the drive.

H Position the disk so the stamped arrow is on the top right side.

In other words, place the angled corner in the front bottom
location.

H Push the disk into the drive until it goes all the way in and clicks

into place.

c. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

d. Modify default settings:

H Press AUTOSET to obtain a viewable, triggered display.

H Set the horizontal SCALE for the M (main) time base to 200 ms

(one click clockwise). Notice the waveform on the display now
shows two cycles instead of five.

H Press CLEAR MENU to remove the menus from the screen.

e. Save the settings:

H Press SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Save Current Setup; then press

the sideĆmenu button To File.

H Turn the general purpose knob to select the file to save. Choose

TEK?????.SET (or fdo:). With this choice, you'll save a file
starting with TEK, then containing 5Ćnumbers, and a .SET
extension. For example, the first time you run this on a blank,
formatted disk or on the Example Programs Disk, the TDS will
assign the name TEK00000.SET to your file. If you ran the
procedure again, the TDS would increment the name and call
the file TEK00001.SET.

1Ć12

Performance Verification Procedures

H Press the sideĆmenu button Save To Selected File.

2. Verify the file system works:

H Press AUTOSET to restore the 500 ms time base and the five

cycle waveform.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Saved Setup; then press

the sideĆmenu button From File.

H Turn the general purpose knob to select the file to recall. For

example, if you followed the instructions above and used a
blank disk, you had the TDS assign the name TEK00000.SET to
your file.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Recall From Selected File.

H Verify that Digitizing Oscilloscope retrieved the saved setup from

the disk. Do this by noticing the horizontal SCALE for the M
(main) time base is again 200 ms and the waveform shows only
two cycles just as it was when you saved the setup.

3. Remove the test hookup:

Brief Procedures

H Disconnect the standardĆaccessory probe from the channel

input and the probeĆcompensation terminals.

H Remove the disk from the disk drive. Do this by pushing in the

tab at the bottom of the disk drive.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć13

Brief Procedures

1Ć14

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

This subsection contains a collection of procedures for checking that TDS
520A, 524A, 540A, and 544A Digitizing Oscilloscopes perform as warranted.
Since the procedures cover models with both two fullĆfeatured channels
(TDS 520A and 524A) and four fullĆfeatured models (TDS 540A and 544A),
instructions that apply only to one of the model types are clearly identified.
Otherwise, all test instructions apply to both the two and four channel
models.

The procedures are arranged in four logical groupings: Signal Acquisition
System Checks, Time Base System Checks, Triggering System Checks, and
Output Ports Checks. They check all the characteristics that are designated
as checked in Section 2, Specifications. (The characteristics that are
checked appear in boldface type under Warranted Characteristics in
Section 2.)

These procedures extend the confidence level provided by the basic
procedures described on page 1Ć1. The basic procedures should be
done first, then these procedures performed if desired.

Prerequisites

The tests in this subsection comprise an extensive, valid confirmation of
performance and functionality when the following requirements are met:

H The cabinet must be installed on the Digitizing Oscilloscope.

H You must have performed and passed the procedures under Self Tests,

found on page 1Ć4, and those under Functional Tests, found on
page 1Ć6.

H A signalĆpath compensation must have been done within the recomĆ

mended calibration interval and at a temperature within ±5_ĂC of the
present operating temperature. (If at the time you did the prerequisite
Self Tests, the temperature was within the limits just stated, consider this
prerequisite met.)

H The Digitizing Oscilloscope must have been last adjusted at an ambient

temperature between +20_ĂC and +30_ĂC, must have been operating
for a warmĆup period of at least 20 minutes, and must be operating at an
ambient temperature between +4_ĂC and +50_ĂC. (The warmĆup reĆ
quirement is usually met in the course of meeting the first prerequisite
listed above.)

Related Information Ċ Read General Instructions and Conventions that

start on page 1Ć1.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć15

Performance Tests

Equipment Required

These procedures use external, traceable signal sources to directly check
warranted characteristics. The required equipment list is shown in Table 1Ć1.

TableĂ1Ć1:ăTest Equipment

Item Number and

Minimum Requirements Example Purpose

Description

1 Attenuator,10X

(three required)

Ratio: 10X; impedance 50 W;
connectors: female BNC inĆ
put, male BNC output

2 Attenuator, 5X Ratio: 5X; impedance 50 W;

connectors: female BNC inĆ
put, male BNC output

3 Terminator, 50 W Impedance 50 W; connectors:

female BNC input, male BNC
output

4 Cable, Precision

50 W Coaxial

50 W, 36 inch, male to male
BNC connectors

(two required)

5 Connector, DuĆ

Female BNC to dual banana Tektronix part number
alĆBanana (two
required)

6 Connector, BNC

Male BNC to dual female BNC Tektronix part number
T"

7 Coupler, DualĆ

Input

Female BNC to dual male

BNC

Tektronix part number
011-0059-02

Tektronix part number
011-0060-02

Tektronix part number
011-0049-01

Tektronix part number
012-0482-00

103-0090-00

103-0030-00

Tektronix part number
067-0525-02

Signal Attenuation

Signal Attenuation

Signal Termination
for Channel Delay
Test

Signal InterconnecĆ
tion

Various Accuracy
Tests

Checking Trigger
Sensitivity

Checking Delay
Between Channels

8 Generator, DC

Calibration

9 Generator, CaliĆ

bration

Variable amplitude to ±110 V;

accuracy to 0.1%

500 mV square wave calibraĆ

tor amplitude; accuracy to

Data Precision 8200, with
1 kV option installed

PG 506A

0.25%

10 Generator, LevĆ

eled Sine Wave,
MediumĆFreĆ

200 kHz to 250 MHz; Variable

amplitude from 5ĂmV to

5.5 V

into 50 W

pĆp

Tektronix SG 503 Leveled Sine
Wave Generator

quency

11 Generator, LevĆ

eled Sine Wave,
HighĆFrequency

250 MHz to 500 MHz; Variable

amplitude from 500 mV to

V

into 50 W; 6 MHz

4

pĆp

Tektronix SG 504 Leveled Sine
Wave Generator
ing Head

reference

12 Generator, Time

Mark

Variable marker frequency

from 10 ms to 10 ns; accuraĆ

Tektronix TG 501 Time
Mark Generator

cy within 2 ppm

13 Generator, CaliĆ

bration

500 mV square wave calibraĆ

tor amplitude; accuracy to

PG 506A

0.25%

1 Requires a TM 500 or TM 5000 Series Power Module Mainframe.

Checking DC Offset,
Gain, and MeasureĆ
ment Accuracy

1

To check accuracy
of the CH 3 Signal
Out (TDS 540A and
544A only)

Checking Trigger

1

Sensitivity at low freĆ
quencies

Checking Analog

1

with its LevelĆ

Bandwidth and TrigĆ
ger Sensitivity at
high frequencies

Checking SampleĆ

1

Rate and DelayĆtime
Accuracy

1

Use to check accuĆ
racy of the CH 3
Output

1Ć16

Performance Verification Procedures

TableĂ1Ć1:ăTest Equipment (Cont.)

Performance Tests

Item Number and
Description

14 Probe, 10X, inĆ

cluded with this
instrument

15 Adapter, BNC

female to Clip
Leads

16 Power Supply,

Dual Output

17 3.5 inch, 720 K

or 1.44 Mbyte,
DOSĆcompatible
floppy disk

18 Generator,

Video Signal

19 Oscillator, LevĆ

eled Sinewave
Generator

PurposeExampleMinimum Requirements

A P6139A probe Tektronix number P6139A Signal InterconnecĆ

tion

BNC female to Clip Leads Tektronix part number

013-0076-00

Signal Coupling for
Probe Compensator
Output Check

0-35 V and 60 V 2 A; current

limit without foldback

Tektronix PS 280 Power Supply Power Supply

Troubleshooting

Programming Examples SoftĆ
ware Disk (Tektronix part numĆ
ber 063-1134-00) that comes

Checking File SysĆ
tem Basic FunctionĆ

ality
with the TDS Family ProgramĆ
mer Manual (Tektronix part
number 070-8709-01)

Provides NTSC compatible
outputs.

Tektronix TSG 121 Used to Test Video

Option 05 Equipped

Instruments Only

60 Hz. Sine Wave Tektronix part number SG 502 Used to Test Video

Option 05 Equipped

Instruments Only

20 Pulse Generator Tektronix part number PG 502 Used to Test Video

Option 05 Equipped

Instruments Only

21 Cable, 75 W

Coaxial

75 W, 36 inch, male to male
BNC connectors

Tektronix part number
012-1338-00

Used to Test Video

Option 05 Equipped

Instruments Only

22 Termination,

75 W

Impedance 75 W; connectors:
female BNC input, male BNC
output

Tektronix part number
011-0102-01

Used to Test Video

Option 05 Equipped

Instruments Only

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć17

Performance Tests

1Ć18

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Test Record

Photocopy the next four pages and use them to record the performance test
results for your instrument.

TDS 500A Test Record

Instrument Serial Number: Certificate Number:
Temperature: RH %:
Date of Calibration: Technician:

Performance Test Minimum Incoming Outgoing Maximum

Offset Accuracy

CH1 Offset +1 mV

+100 mV
+1 V

CH2 Offset +1 mV

+100 mV
+1 V

CH3 Offset +1 mV

+100 mV
+1 V

CH4 Offset +1 mV

+100 mV
+1 V

DC Voltage Measurement Accuracy (Averaged)

CH1 5 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH1 5 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH1 200 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

- 1.6 mV

- 25 mVąą

- 250 mV

- 1.6 mV

-25mVąą

- 250 mV

- 1.6 mV

-25mVąą

- 250 mV

- 1.6 mV

-25mVąą

- 250 mV

+ 1.0355 V __________ __________ + 1.0445 V

- 1.0445 V __________ __________ - 1.0355 V

+ 11.525 V __________ __________ + 11.675 V

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

__________
__________
__________

+ 1.6 mV
+25mV
+ 250 mV

+ 1.6 mV
+25mV
+ 250 mV

+ 1.6 mV
+ 25mV
+ 250 mV

+ 1.6 mV
+25mV
+ 250 mV

CH1 200 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH1 1 V Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH1 1 V Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH2 5 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH2 5 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

- 11.675 V __________ __________ - 11.525 V

+ 107.450 V __________ __________ + 108.550 V

- 108.550 V __________ __________ - 107.450 V

+ 1.0355 V __________ __________ + 1.0445 V

- 1.0445 V __________ __________ - 1.0355 V

1Ć19

Performance Tests

TDS 500A Test Record (Cont.)

Instrument Serial Number: Certificate Number:
Temperature: RH %:
Date of Calibration: Technician:

Performance Test MaximumOutgoingIncomingMinimum

CH2 200 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH2 200 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH2 1 V Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH2 1 V Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH3 5 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH3 5 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH3 200 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH3 200 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH3 1 V Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH3 1 V Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

+ 11.525 V __________ __________ + 11.675 V

- 11.675 V __________ __________ - 11.525 V

+ 107.450 V __________ __________ + 108.550 V

- 108.550 V __________ __________ - 107.450 V

+ 1.0355 V __________ __________ + 1.0445 V

- 1.0445 V __________ __________ - 1.0355 V

+ 11.525 V __________ __________ + 11.675 V

- 11.675 V __________ __________ - 11.525 V

+ 107.450 V __________ __________ + 108.550 V

- 108.550 V __________ __________ - 107.450 V

CH4 5 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH4 5 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH4 200 mV Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH4 200 mV Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

CH4 1 V Vert scale setting,

-5 Div position setting

CH4 1 V Vert scale setting,

+5 Div position setting

1Ć20

+ 1.0355 V __________ __________ + 1.0445 V

- 1.0445 V __________ __________ - 1.0355 V

+ 11.525 V __________ __________ + 11.675 V

- 11.675 V __________ __________ - 11.525 V

+ 107.450 V __________ __________ + 108.550 V

- 108.550 V __________ __________ - 107.450 V

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

TDS 500A Test Record (Cont.)

Instrument Serial Number: Certificate Number:
Temperature: RH %:
Date of Calibration: Technician:

Performance Test MaximumOutgoingIncomingMinimum

Analog Bandwidth

CH1 100 mV 424 mV __________ __________ N/A

CH2 100 mV 424 mV __________ __________ N/A

CH3 100 mV 424 mV __________ __________ N/A

CH4 100 mV 424 mV __________ __________ N/A

Delay Between Channels

Delay Between Channels N/A __________ __________ 250 ps

Time Base System

Long Term Sample Rate/
Delay Time @ 500 ns/10 ms

-2.5 Div __________ __________ +2.5 Div

Delta Time@5ns(100 MHz) 19.760 ns __________ __________ 20.240 ns

Trigger System Accuracy

PulseĆGlitch or PulseĆWIdth,
Hor. scale ≤ 1 ms

Lower Limit
Upper Limit

2.5 ns

2.5 ns

__________
__________

__________
__________

7.5 ns

7.5 ns
PulseĆGlitch or PulseĆWIdth,
Hor. scale > 1 ms

Lower Limit
Upper Limit

Main Trigger, DC Coupled)
Delayed Trigger, DC Coupled)

1 ms
1 ms

9.940 V

9.940 V

__________
__________

__________
__________

__________
__________

__________
___________

3 ms
3 ms

10.060 V

10.060 V

Output Signal Checks

MAIN TRIGGER OUTPUT, 1 M W High ≥ 2.5 V __________ __________ Low ≤ 0.7 V

MAIN TRIGGER OUTPUT, 50 W High ≥ 1.0 V __________ __________ Low ≤ 0.25 V

DELAYED TRIGGER OUTPUT, 50 W High ≥ 1.0 V __________ __________ Low ≤ 0.25 V

DELAYED TRIGGER OUTPUT, 1 M W High ≥ 2.5 V __________ __________ Low ≤ 0.7 V

CH 3 SIGNAL OUTPUT, 1 M W PkĆPk ≥ 90 mV __________ __________ PkĆPk ≤ 110 mV

CH 3 SIGNAL OUTPUT, 50 W PkĆPk ≥ 45 mV __________ __________ PkĆPk ≤ 55 mV

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć21

Performance Tests

TDS 500A Test Record (Cont.)

Instrument Serial Number: Certificate Number:
Temperature: RH %:
Date of Calibration: Technician:

Performance Test MaximumOutgoingIncomingMinimum

Probe Compensator Output Signal

Frequency (CH1 Freq.) 950 Hz __________ __________ 1050 Hz

Voltage (difference) 495 mV __________ __________ 505 mV

1Ć22

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Signal Acquisition
System Checks

These procedures check those characteristics that relate to the signalĆacquiĆ
sition system and are listed as checked under Warranted Characteristics in
Section 2, Specifications.

Check Accuracy of Offset (Zero Setting)

Equipment Required: None.

Prerequisites: The oscilloscope must meet the prerequisites listed on

page 1Ć15.

1. Preset the instrument controls:

a. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

H Press CLEAR MENU to remove the menus from the screen.

b. Modify the default settings:

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 1 ms.

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode; then press the sideĆmenu

button Hi Res.

H Press DISPLAY.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Graticule; then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu button Frame.

H Press CURSOR.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Function; then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu button H Bars.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

2. Confirm input channels are within limits for offset accuracy at zero offset:
Do the following substeps Ċ test CH 1 first, skipping substep a since

CH 1 is already set up to be checked from step 1.

a. Select an unchecked channel: Press WAVEFORM OFF to remove

the channel just confirmed from the display. Then, press the frontĆ
panel button that corresponds to the channel you are to confirm.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć23

Performance Tests

Follow these rules to match this procedure to the model of the
oscilloscope under test:

Models TDS 540A, 544A OnlyĊWhen using Table 1Ć2 to test
CH 1ĊCH 4; ignore the columns for AUX 1 & AUX 2 settings and
limits.

Model TDS 520A, 524A OnlyĊUse Table 1Ć2 to test input chanĆ
nels; use the columns for CH 1ĊCH 4 when testing CH 1 and CH 2;
use the columns for AUX 1 and AUX 2 when testing those channels.

TableĂ1Ć2:ăDC Offset Accuracy (Zero Setting)

Vertical Scale

Setting

CH 1 ­CH 4

1ĂmV

AUX 1 &
AUX 2

100ĂmV 0 ±1.6ĂmV ±10ĂmV

Vertical
Position

and Offset
Setting

1

Offset Accuracy Limits

CH1-CH4 AUX1&AUX2

100ĂmV 1V 0 ±25ĂmV ±100ĂmV

1ĂV 10ĂV 0 ±250ĂmV ±1ĂV

1

Vertical position is set to 0 divisions and vertical offset to 0 V when the oscilloscope is

initialized in step 1.

b. Set the vertical scale: Set the vertical SCALE to one of the settings

listed in Table 1Ć2 that is not yet checked. (Start with the first setting
listed.)

c. Display the test signal: The baseline DC test level was initialized for

all channels in step 1 and is displayed as you select each channel
and its vertical scale. Be sure not to use the vertical POSITION knob
while checking any channel for accuracy of offset, since varying the
position invalidates the check.

d. Measure the test signal: Rotate the general purpose knob to superĆ

impose the active cursor over the baseline DC test level. (Ignore the
other cursor.)

1Ć24

e. Read the measurement results at the absolute (@:) cursor readout,

not the delta (D:) readout on screen (see Figure 1Ć4).

f. Check against limits: Do the following subparts in the order listed.

H CHECK that the measurement results are within the limits listed

for the current vertical scale setting.

H Repeat substeps b through f until all vertical scale settings

settings listed in Table 1Ć2 are checked for the channel under
test.

g. Test all channels: Repeat substeps a through f for all input channels.

3. Disconnect the hookup: No hookup was required.

Performance Verification Procedures

Ignore the

inactive cursor.

Align the active

cursor to the DC

baseline (no input).

Then read the

offset relative to

ground reference.

Figure 1Ć4:ăMeasurement of DC Offset Accuracy at Zero Setting

Performance Tests

Check DC Gain and Voltage Measurement Accuracy

WARNING

Performance of this procedure requires input voltages up to
130 VDC. Be sure to set the DC calibration generator to 0 volts
before connecting, disconnecting, and/or moving the test hookup
during the performance of this procedure.

Equipment Required: Two dualĆbanana connectors (Item 5), one BNC T
connector (Item 6), one DC calibration generator (Item 8), and two precision
coaxial cables (Item 4).

Prerequisites: The oscilloscope must meet the prerequisites listed on
page 1Ć15.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć25

Performance Tests

Dual Banana to

BNC Adapters

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls (see FigĆ
ure 1Ć5):

DC Calibrator

Output Sense

HI

LO

50 W Coaxial Cables

BNC T

Connector

Figure 1Ć5:ăInitial Test Hookup

a. Hook up the testĆsignal source:

H Set the output of a DC calibration generator to 0 volts.

H Connect the output of a DC calibration generator through a

dualĆbanana connector followed by a 50 W precision coaxial
cable to one side of a BNC T connector.

H Connect the Sense output of the generator through a second

dualĆbanana connector followed by a 50 W precision coaxial
cable to the other side of the BNC T connector. Now connect the
BNC T connector to CH 1.

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

1Ć26

c. Modify the default settings:

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode; then press the sideĆmenu

button Average 16.

H Press CURSOR.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Function; then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu button H Bars.

H Press DISPLAY.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

H Press the mainĆmenu button Graticule; then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu button Frame.

2. Confirm input channels are within limits for DC delta voltage accuracy:
Do the following substeps Ċ test CH 1 first, skipping substep a since

CH 1 is already selected from step 1.

a. Select an unchecked channel:

H Set the generator output to 0 V.

H Press WAVEFORM OFF to remove the channel just confirmed

from the display.

H Press the frontĆpanel button that corresponds to the next chanĆ

nel you are to confirm.

H Move the test hook up to the channel you select.

b. Display the test signal:

H Press VERTICAL MENU. Press the mainĆmenu button Position.

H Use the keypad to set vertical position to -2.5 divisions (press

-2.5, then ENTER, on the keypad).

c. Measure the test signal:

H Press CLEAR MENU. Use the general purpose knob to preciseĆ

ly align the active cursor to the DC baseline level on screen.

H Set the generator output to 500 mV.

H Press SELECT. Use the general purpose knob to precisely align

the alternate cursor to the 500 mV DC test level on screen.

H Press CLEAR MENU. Read the measurement results from the

delta (D:) readout, not the absolute (@:) readout. See Figure 1Ć6
on page 1Ć28.

d. Check against limits: CHECK that the D: readout on screen is within

485 mV to 515 mV (see Figure 1Ć6).

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć27

Performance Tests

First align a cursor to the

DC baseline (no input).

Second align the second

cursor to the DC test level

Third read the results

that you input.

of the

measurement here.

DDC

Figure 1Ć6:ăMeasurement of the DC Accuracy for Delta Measurements

e. Test all channels: Repeat substeps a through d for all four channels.

3. Reestablish the initial test hookup setup:

a. Hook up the testĆsignal source:

H Set the output of a DC calibration generator to 0 volts.

H Move the BNC T connector back to CH 1.

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

c. Modify the default settings:

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode; then press the sideĆmenu

button Average 16.

H Press DISPLAY.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Graticule; then press the sideĆ

menu button Frame.

1Ć28

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

4. Confirm input channels are within limits for DC accuracy at maximum
offset and position: Do the following substeps Ċ test CH 1 first, skipping
substep a since CH 1 is already selected from step 3.

a. Select an unchecked channel:

H Press WAVEFORM OFF to remove the channel just confirmed

from the display.

H Press the frontĆpanel button that corresponds to the channel

you are to confirm.

H Set the generator output to 0 V.

H Move the test hookup to the channel you select.

b. Turn on the measurement Mean for the channel:

H Press MEASURE, then press the mainĆmenu button Select

Measrmnt for CHx.

H Press the side menu button more until the menu label Mean

appears in the side menu (its icon is shown at the left). Press the
sideĆmenu button Mean.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

Follow these rules to match this procedure to the model of the
oscilloscope under test:

Models TDS 540A, 544A OnlyĊUse Table 1Ć3 to test CH 1ĊCH 4;
ignore Table 1Ć4 AUX 1 & AUX 2 settings and limits.

Model TDS 520A, 524A OnlyĊUse Table 1Ć3 to test CH 1 and CH 2
only; use Table 1Ć4 to test AUX 1 and AUX 2 only.

c. Set its vertical scale: Set the vertical SCALE to one of the settings

listed in Table 1Ć3 (and Table 1Ć4 for the TDS 520A and 524A) that is
not yet checked. (Start with the first setting listed.)

TableĂ1Ć3:ăDC Accuracy: CH 1-CH 4

Scale
Setting

Position
Setting

Offset

Setting

Generator
Setting

Accuracy
Limits

(Divs)

5ĂmV -5 +1 V +1.040 V +1.0355 V to +1.0445 V

+5 -1 V -1.040 V -1.0355 V to -1.0445 V

200ĂmV -5 +10 V +11.6 V +11.525 V to +11.675 V

+5 -10 V -11.6 V -11.525 V to -11.675 V

1ĂV -5 +100 V +108 V +107.450 V to +108.550 V

+5 -100 V -108 V -107.450 V to -108.550 V

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć29

Performance Tests

TableĂ1Ć4:ăDC Accuracy: AUX 1-AUX 2

Scale
Setting

Position
Setting

Offset
Setting

Generator
Setting

Accuracy
Limits

(Divs)

100ĂmV -5 +0.5 V +1.3 V +1.271 V to +1.329 V

+5 -0.5 V -1.3 V -1.271 V to -1.329 V

1V -5 +5 V +13 V +12.710 V to +13.290 V

+5 -5 V -13 V -12.710 V to -13.290 V

10ĂV -5 +50 V +130 V +127.10 V to +132.90 V

+5 -50 V -130 V -127.10 V to -132.90 V

d. Display the test signal:

H Press VERTICAL MENU. Press the mainĆmenu button Position.

H Use the keypad to set vertical position to -5 divisions (press

-5, then ENTER, on the keypad). The baseline level will move
off screen.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Offset.

H Use the keypad to set vertical offset to the positiveĆpolarity

setting listed in the table for the current vertical scale setting.
The baseline level will remain off screen.

H Set the generator to the level and polarity indicated in the table

for the vertical scale, position, and offset settings you have
made. The DC test level should appear on screen. (If it doesn't
return, the DC accuracy check is failed for the current vertical
scale setting of the current channel.)

e. Measure the test signal: Press CLEAR MENU. Read the measureĆ

ment results at the Mean measurement readout. See Figure 1Ć7.

1Ć30

Performance Verification Procedures

First set vertical and position offsets
to maximum (no input). Note gnd ref
indicator bounded onĆscreen for the

offset baseline below screen.

Second, input a DC

level equal to the offset

plus 3 divisions.

Third, turn on the

Measurement called

mean and read the

results here.

Figure 1Ć7:ăMeasurement of DC Accuracy at Maximum Offset and Position

Performance Tests

f. Check against limits:

H CHECK that the readout for the measurement Mean readout on

screen is within the limits listed for the current vertical scale and
position/offset/generator settings.

H Repeat step d, reversing the polarity of the position, offset, and

generator settings as is listed in the table.

H CHECK that the Mean measurement readout on screen is within

the limits listed for the current vertical scale setting and position/
offset/generator settings.

H Repeat substeps c through f until all vertical scale settings

settings listed in Table 1Ć3 (and Table 1Ć4 for the TDS 520A and
524A) are checked for the channel under test.

g. Test all channels: Repeat substeps a through f for all four channels.

5. Disconnect the hookup:

a. Set the generator output to 0 V.

b. Then disconnect the cable from the generator output at the input

connector of the channel last tested.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć31

Performance Tests

Check Analog Bandwidth

Equipment Required: One highĆfrequency leveled sine wave generator and

its leveling head (Item 11), plus two10X attenuators (Item 1).

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

b. Modify the default settings:

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 50 ns.

H Now press SHIFT, then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode; then press the sideĆmenu

button Average 16.

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Coupling; then press the sideĆ

menu button Noise Rej.

H Press Measure. Now press the mainĆmenu button High-Low

Setup; then press the sideĆmenu button Min-Max.

c. Hook up the testĆsignal source: Connect, through its leveling head,

the sine wave output of a highĆfrequency leveled sine wave generaĆ
tor to CH 1. Set the output of the generator to a reference frequency
of 6ĂMHz. See Figure 1Ć8.

High
Frequency
Sine Wave

Generator

Output

Leveling Head

1Ć32

Figure 1Ć8:ăInitial Test Hookup

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

2. Confirm the input channels are within limits for analog bandwidth: Do the
following substeps Ċ test CH 1 first, skipping substeps a and b since

CH 1 is already set up for testing from step 1.

a. Select an unchecked channel:

H Press WAVEFORM OFF to remove the channel just confirmed

from display.

H Press the frontĆpanel button that corresponds to the channel

you are to confirm.

H Move the leveling head to the channel you select.

b. Match the trigger source to the channel selected:

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Source.

H Press the sideĆmenu button that corresponds to the channel

selected.

c. Set its input impedance:

H Press VERTICAL MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Coupling.

H Press the sideĆmenu W button to toggle it to the 50 W setting.

d. Set the vertical scale: Set the vertical SCALE to one of the settings

listed in Table 1Ć5 not yet checked. (Start with the 100 mV setting.)

TableĂ1Ć5:ăAnalog Bandwidth

Vertical
Scale

Attenuators
(10X)

Reference Amplitude
(at 6 MHz)

Horizontal
Scale

Test
Frequency

Limits

100ĂmV none 600ĂmV (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w424ĂmV

1V none 5 V (5 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w3.535 V

500ĂmV none 3 V (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w2.121 V

200ĂmV none 1.2ĂV (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w848 mV

50ĂmV 1 300 mV (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w212 mV

20ĂmV 1 120ĂmV (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w84 mV

10ĂmV 1 60ĂmV (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w42ĂmV

5ĂmV 2 30ĂmV (6 divisions) 1ns 500 MHz w21ĂmV

2ĂmV 2 12ĂmV (6 divisions) 2ns 350 MHz w8.48ĂmV

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć33

Performance Tests

e. Display the test signal: Do the following subparts to first display the

reference signal and then the test signal.

H Press MEASURE; then press the mainĆmenu button Select

Measrmnt for CHx.

H Now press the side menu button more until the menu label

PkĆPk appears in the side menu (its icon is shown at the left).
Press the sideĆmenu button PkĆPk.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

H Set the generator output so the CHx PkĆPk readout equals the

reference amplitude in Table 1Ć5 that corresponds to the vertical
scale set in substep d.

H Press the frontĆpanel button SET LEVEL TO 50% as necessary

to trigger a stable display.

f. Measure the test signal:

H Increase the frequency of the generator output to the test freĆ

quency in Table 1Ć5 that corresponds to the vertical scale set in
substep d.

First, increase the reference

frequency to the test

frequency; then decrease the

horizontal scale.

Second, read the results from

the readout of measurement

PkĆPk.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 1 ns. Press SET LEVEL TO 50% as

necessary.

H Read the results at the CHx PkĆPk readout, which will automatiĆ

cally measure the amplitude of the test signal. See Figure 1Ć9.

1Ć34

Figure 1Ć9:ăMeasurement of Analog Bandwidth

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

g. Check against limits:

H CHECK that the PkĆPk readout on screen is within the limits

listed in Table 1Ć5 for the current vertical scale setting.

H When finished checking, set the horizontal SCALE back to the

50 ns setting.

Checking each channel's bandwidth at all vertical scale settings is
time consuming and unnecessary. You may skip checking the
remaining vertical scale settings in Table 1Ć5 (that is, skip the followĆ
ing substep, h) if this digitizing oscilloscope has performed as
follows:

H Passed the 100 mV vertical scale setting just checked in this

procedure.

H Passed the Verify Internal Adjustment, Self Compensation, and

Diagnostics procedure found under Self Tests, on page 1Ć4.

NOTE

Passing the signal path compensation confirms the signal path for
all vertical scale settings for all channels. Passing the internal
diagnostics ensures that the factoryĆset adjustment constants that
control the bandwidth for each vertical scale setting have not
changed.

h. Check remaining vertical scale settings against limits (optional):

H If desired, finish checking the remaining vertical scale settings

for the channel under test by repeating substeps d through g for
each of the remaining scale settings settings listed in Table 1Ć5
for the channel under test.

H When doing substep e, skip the subparts that turn on the CHx

PkĆPk measurement until you check a new channel.

H Install/remove 10X attenuators between the generator leveling

head and the channel input as is needed to obtain the six diviĆ
sion reference signals listed in the table.

i. Test all channels: Repeat substeps a through g for all four channels.

3. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the test hook up from the input
connector of the channel last tested.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć35

Performance Tests

Check Delay Between Channels

Equipment Required: One mediumĆfrequency leveled sineĆwave generator

(Item 10), one precision, 50 W, coaxial cable (Item 4), one 50 W terminator
(Item 3), and a dualĆinputĆcoupler (Item 7).

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15.

Procedure:

DO NOT use the vertical position knob to reposition any channel
while doing this check. To do so invalidates the test.

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Initialize the front panel;

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

b. Modify the initialized frontĆpanel control settings:

H Do not adjust the vertical position of any channel during this

procedure.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 500 ps.

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode, and then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu button Average 16.

c. Hook up the testĆsignal source:

H Connect, through a 50 W precision coaxial cable, followed by a

50 W termination, the sine wave output of a mediumĆfrequency
sine wave generator to a dualĆinput coupler. See Figure 1Ć10.

Medium
Frequency
Sine Wave

Generator

Output

1Ć36

50 W Cable

50 W Terminator

Figure 1Ć10:ăInitial Test Hookup

Performance Verification Procedures

Dual Input Coupler

Performance Tests

H Connect the coupler to both CH 1 and CH 2.

2. Confirm CH 1 through CH 4 (CH 2 for 520A and 524A) are within limits for

channel delay:

a. Set up the generator: Set the generator frequency to 250 MHz and

the amplitude for about five divisions in CH 1.

Hint: as you are adjusting the generator amplitude, push SET LEVĆ
EL TO 50% frequently to speed up the updating of the waveform
amplitude on screen.

TDS 520A and 524A only: Press CH 2; then skip to substep e and
continue this check. If testing a TDS 540A or 544A model, continue
with the next substep, b.

b. Save a CH 2 waveform: Press CH 2; then press save/recall WAVEĆ

FORM. Now, press the mainĆmenu button Save Wfm Ch2; then
press the sideĆmenu button To Ref 2.

c. Save CH 3 waveform: Move the coupler from CH 2 to CH 3, so that

CH 1 and CH 3 are driven. Press CH 3; then press the sideĆmenu
button To Ref 3.

d. Display all test signals:

H Press WAVEFORM OFF twice to remove CH 2 and CH 3 from

the display.

H Move the coupler from CH 3 to CH 4, so that CH 1 and CH 4 are

driven. Press CH 4.

H Now, press the frontĆpanel button MORE. Press the mainĆmenu

buttons Ref 2 and Ref 3.

e. Measure the test signal:

H Locate the point on the rising edge of the leftĆmost waveform

where it crosses the center horizontal graticule line. This is the

time reference point for this waveform. Note the corresponding
time reference point for rightĆmost waveform. See Figure 1Ć11.

H Press CURSOR; then press the sideĆmenu button V Bars.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

H Rotate the General Purpose knob to align one cursor to the time

reference point of the leftĆmost waveform edge and the other
cursor to the time reference point of the rightĆmost waveform
edge. (Press SELECT to switch between the two cursors.) See
Figure 1Ć11.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć37

Performance Tests

First, display the live/reference

waveforms for channels. Note their

overlapping ground reference

indicators.

H Read the measurement results at the D: cursor readout, not the

@: readout on screen.

Second, identify the time reference

points of those waveforms.

Third, turn on the cursor and align

the V bar cursors to the time

reference points.

Fourth, read the results

here.

Figure 1Ć11:ăMeasurement of Channel Delay

f. Check against limits: CHECK that the cursor readout on screen is

v250 ps.

3. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the cable from the generator output
at the input connectors of the channels.

1Ć38

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Time Base System
Checks

These procedures check those characteristics that relate to the Main and
Delayed time base system and are listed as checked under Warranted
Characteristics in Section 2, Specifications.

Check Accuracy for LongĆTerm Sample Rate, Delay Time,
and Delta Time Measurements

Equipment Required: One timeĆmark generator (Item 12) and one precision

coaxial cable (Item 4).

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Hook up the testĆsignal source: Connect, through a 50 W precision

coaxial cable, the timeĆmark output of a timeĆmark generator to
CH 1. Set the output of the generator for 10 ms markers. See FigĆ
ure 1Ć12.

TimeĆMark
Generator

Output

50 W Coaxial Cables

Figure 1Ć12:ăInitial Test Hookup

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

c. Modify the initialized frontĆpanel control settings:

H Set the vertical SCALE to 500 mV.

H Press VERTICAL MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Coupling. Press the sideĆmenu W button to 50 W.

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H Use the vertical POSITION knob to center the test signal on

screen.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć39

Performance Tests

H Set the horizontal SCALE of the Main time base to 1 ms.

H Press TRIGGER MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Mode & Holdoff. Now press the sideĆmenu button Normal.

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H Press horizontal MENU. Press the mainĆmenu button Record

Length; then press the sideĆmenu button 1000 points in
20 divs.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Trigger Position. Press the sideĆ

menu button Pretrigger; then set pretrigger to 20%: press 20,
then ENTER, on the keypad.

2. Confirm Main and Delayed time bases are within limits for accuracies:

a. Display the test signal:

H Adjust the horizontal POSITION so the trigger T is aligned to the

center vertical graticule line.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Time Base.

H Press the sideĆmenu buttons Delayed Only and Delayed Runs

After Main.

First, the trigger T is aligned

to the center graticule line.

Second, the horizontal

modes are set.

Third, the horizontal scale for

D time base is set and a

10 ms delay is entered.

Fourth, the waveforms rising edge is

checked to be within ±2.5 horizontal

divisions of the center horizontal

graticule line.

b. Measure the test signal:

H Set the horizontal SCALE of the D (delayed) time base to

100 ns.

H Use the keypad to set delayed time to 10 ms. (Press 10, then

SHIFT, then m followed by ENTER.)

1Ć40

Figure 1Ć13:ăMeasurement of Accuracy Ċ LongĆTerm and DelayĆTime

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

c. Check longĆterm sample rate and delay time accuracies against

limits: CHECK that the rising edge of the marker crosses the center

horizontal graticule line at a point within ±2.5 divisions of center
graticule. See Figure 1Ć13.

d. Check deltaĆtime accuracy against limits:

H Press the sideĆmenu button Main Only. Set horizontal SCALE to

2 ns.

H Set the output of the generator for 20 ns markers.

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU. Next, press the mainĆmenu

button Mode. Finally, press the sideĆmenu button Average.

H Enter 8, for eight averages, on the keypad.

H Press MEASURE.

H Press the mainĆmenu button HighĆLow Setup; then press the

sideĆmenu button MinĆMax.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Select Measrmnt for Ch1.

H Press the sideĆmenu button -more-, until PERIOD appears in

the side menu. Press PERIOD.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

H CHECK that the readout for CH 1 Per is within 19.760 ns to

20.240 ns.

3. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the cable from the generator output
at the input connector of CH 1.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć41

Performance Tests

Trigger System
Checks

These procedures check those characteristics that relate to the Main and
Delayed trigger systems and are listed as checked under Warranted CharacĆ
teristics in Section 2, Specifications.

Check Accuracy (Time) for PulseĆGlitch or PulseĆWidth
Triggering

Equipment Required: One mediumĆfrequency leveled sine wave generator

(Item 10), one 10X attenuator (Item 1), and one precision, 50 W, coaxial
cable (Item 4).

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Initialize the instrument:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

b. Modify the default setup:

H Press vertical MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Coupling; then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu W button to select 50 W coupling.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 10 ns.

c. Hook up the testĆsignal source: Connect, through a 50 W precision

coaxial cable, followed by a 10X attenuator, the output of a mediumĆ
frequency leveled sine wave generator (Item 10) to CH 1. See FigĆ
ure 1Ć14.

Medium
Frequency
Sine Wave

Generator

Output

50 W Coaxial Cable

10X Attenuator

Figure 1Ć14:ăInitial Test Hookup

1Ć42

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

2. Confirm the trigger system is within timeĆaccuracy limits for pulseĆglitch
or pulseĆwidth triggering (Horizontal Scale v1 ms):

a. Display the test signal: Set the output of the sine wave generator for

a 100ĂMHz, fiveĆdivision sine wave on screen. Press SET LEVEL TO
50%.

b. Set the trigger mode: Press TRIGGER MENU. Now press the mainĆ

menu button Mode & Holdoff; then the sideĆmenu button Normal.

c. Set upper and lower limits that ensures triggering:

H Press the mainĆmenu button Type; then repeatedly press the

same button until Pulse is highlighted in the menu that pops up.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Class; then repeatedly press the

same button until Width is highlighted in the menu that pops up.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Trig When; then press the sideĆmeĆ

nu button Within Limits.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Upper Limit. Use the keyboard to

set the upper limit to 10 ns: press 10; then SHIFT; then n; then
ENTER.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Lower Limit. Use the keypad to set

the lower limit to 2 ns.

d. Check against limits:

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H While doing the following subparts, monitor the display (it will

stop acquiring) and the frontĆpanel light TRIG (it will extinguish)
to determine when triggering is lost.

H Use the general purpose knob to increase the Lower Limit

readout until triggering is lost.

H CHECK that the Lower Limit readout is within 2.5 ns to 7.5 ns,

inclusive.

H Use the keypad to return the Lower Limit to 2 ns and reestabĆ

lish triggering.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Upper Limit; then use the general

purpose knob to slowly decrease the the Upper Limit
until triggering is lost.

H CHECK that the Upper Limit readout is within 2.5 ns to 7.5 ns,

inclusive.

readout

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć43

Performance Tests

First, the upper and lower limits

are set so the test waveform

triggers within limits.

Second, a limit (here, the lower

limit) is increased until triggering

Figure 1Ć15:ăMeasurement of Time Accuracy for Pulse and Glitch Triggering

stops.

3. Confirm the trigger system is within timeĆaccuracy limits for pulseĆglitch
or pulseĆwidth triggering (horizontal scale >1 ms):

a. Set upper and lower limits that ensure triggering at 250 kHz:

H Press the sideĆmenu button Upper Limit. Use the keyboard to

set the upper limit to 4 ms.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Lower Limit. Use the keypad to set

the lower limit to 500 ns.

b. Display the test signal:

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 5 ms.

H Set the output of the sineĆwave generator for a 250 kHz, fiveĆdiviĆ

sion sine wave on screen. Set the vertical SCALE to 20 mV (the
waveform will overdrive the display).

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

c. Check against limits: Do the following subparts in the order listed.

H Use the general purpose knob to increase Lower Limit readout

until triggering is lost.

H CHECK that the Lower Limit readout is within 1 msto3 ms,

inclusive.

1Ć44

H Use the keypad to return the Lower Limit to 500 ns and reesĆ

tablish triggering.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

H Press the sideĆmenu button Upper Limit; then use the general

purpose knob to slowly decrease the the Upper Limit readout
until triggering is lost.

H CHECK that the Upper Limit readout is within 1 msto3 ms,

inclusive.

4. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the cable from the generator output
at the input connector of CH 1.

Check Accuracy, TriggerĆlevel or Threshold, DC Coupled

Equipment Required: One DC calibration generator (Item 8), one BNC T

connector (Item 6), and two precision, 50 W, coaxial cables (Item 4).

Prerequisites: The oscilloscope must meet the prerequisites listed on
page 1Ć15.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Hook up the testĆsignal source:

Dual Banana to

BNC Adapter

H Set the output of a DC calibration generator to 0 volts.

H Connect the output of a DC calibration generator through a

H Connect the Sense output of the generator, through a second

DC Calibrator

Output Sense

dualĆbanana connector followed by a 50 W precision coaxial
cable to one side of a BNC T connector. See Figure 1Ć16.

dualĆbanana connector followed by a 50 W precision coaxial
cable, to other side of the BNC T connector. Now connect the
BNC T connector to CH 1. See Figure 1Ć16.

HI

LO

50 W Coaxial Cables

BNC T Connector

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

Figure 1Ć16:ăInitial Test Hookup

1Ć45

Performance Tests

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall Setup.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

c. Select Delayed Triggerable:

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Time Base.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Delayed Triggerable.

2. Confirm Main trigger system is within limits for TriggerĆlevel/Threshold
accuracy:

a. Display the test signal:

H Press VERTICAL MENU. Press the mainĆmenu button Position.

H Use the keypad to set vertical position to -3 divisions (press

-3, then ENTER, on the keypad.) The baseline level will move
down three divisions.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Offset.

H Use the keypad to set vertical offset to +10 volts. Press 10, then

ENTER. The baseline level will move offĆscreen.

H Set the standard output of a DC calibration generator to

+10 volts. The DC test level will appear on screen.

b. Measure the test signal:

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Read the measurement results from the readout below the label

Level in the menu; not the trigger readout in the graticule area.

c. Check against limits:

H CHECK that the Level readout in the main menu is within

9.940 V to 10.060 V, inclusive.

H Press TRIGGER MENU. Press the mainĆmenu button Slope;

then press the sideĆmenu button for negative slope. (See icon at
left.) Repeat substep b.

H CHECK that the Level readout in the main menu is within

9.940 V to 10.060 V, inclusive. See Figure 1Ć17.

1Ć46

Performance Verification Procedures

First, set vertical offset to maximum

and vertical position to -3 divisions.

Second, set input equal to
the offset to return the DC

level to the screen.

Third, push SET LEVEL to 50%

and check the results in the

main menu under Level."

Figure 1Ć17:ăMeasurement of TriggerĆlevel Accuracy

Performance Tests

3. Confirm Delayed trigger system is within limits for TriggerĆlevel/Threshold
accuracy:

a. Select the Delayed time base:

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Time Base.

H Press the sideĆmenu buttons Delayed Only and Delayed TrigĆ

gerable.

H Set D (delayed) horizontal SCALE to 500 ms.

b. Select the Delayed trigger system:

H Press SHIFT; then press the frontĆpanel button DELAYED TRIG.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Level.

c. Measure the test signal: Press the sideĆmenu button SET TO 50%.

The TRIG'D indicator should be lit. Read the measurement results in
the side menu below the label Level.

d. Check against limits: Do the following subparts in the order listed.

H CHECK that the Level readout in the side menu is within 9.940 V

to 10.060 V, inclusive.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Slope; then press the sideĆmenu

button for negative slope. (See icon at left.) Press the mainĆmeĆ
nu button Level. Repeat substep c.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć47

Performance Tests

H CHECK that the Level readout in the side menu is within 9.940 V

to 10.060 V, inclusive.

4. Disconnect the hookup:

a. First set the output of the DC calibration generator to 0 volts.

b. Then disconnect the cable from the generator output at the input

connector of CH 1.

Sensitivity, Edge Trigger, DC Coupled

Equipment Required: One mediumĆfrequency leveled sine wave generator

(Item 10), one highĆfrequency leveled sine wave generator (Item 11), one
precision 50ĂW coaxial cable (Item 4), and one 10X attenuator (Item 1).
When checking the TDS 540A and 544A, a BNC T connector (Item 6), a 5X
attenuator (Item 2), and a second precision 50ĂW coaxial cable (Item 4) are
also required.

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

b. Modify the initialized frontĆpanel control settings:

H Set the horizontal SCALE for the M (main) time base to 20 ns.

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Time Base.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Delayed Only; then the sideĆmenu

button Delayed Triggerable.

H Set the horizontal SCALE for the D (delayed) time base to 20 ns;

then press the sideĆmenu button Main Only.

H Press TRIGGER MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Mode & Holdoff. Now press the sideĆmenu button Normal.

H Press VERTICAL MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Coupling. Now press the sideĆmenu W button and select the
50 W setting.

1Ć48

H Press SHIFT; then press ACQUIRE MENU. Now press the

mainĆmenu button Mode; then the sideĆmenu Average 16
button.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

c. Hook up the testĆsignal source:

Medium
Frequency
Sine Wave
Generator

Output

50 W Coaxial Cables

Figure 1Ć18:ăInitial Test HookupĊTDS 520A or 524A Only

H TDS 520A, 524A only: Connect, through a 50 W precision coaxĆ

ial cable, the signal output of a mediumĆfrequency sine wave
generator to CH 1. See Figure 1Ć18.

To AUX TRIG INPUT

on Rear Panel

Medium

Frequency

Sine Wave
Generator

Output

50 W Coaxial Cables

Figure 1Ć19:ăInitial Test HookupĊTDS 540A or 544A Only

H TDS 540A or 544A only: Connect the signal output of a mediumĆ

frequency sine wave generator to a BNC T connector. Connect
one output of the T connector to CH 1 through a 50 W precision
coaxial cable; connect the other output of the T connector to the
AUX TRIG INPUT at the rear panel. See Figure 1Ć19.

2. Confirm Main and Delayed trigger systems are within sensitivity limits

(50 MHz):

a. Display the test signal:

H Set the generator frequency to 50 MHz.

H Press MEASURE.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć49

Performance Tests

H Press the mainĆmenu button HighĆLow Setup; then press the

sideĆmenu button MinĆMax.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Select Measrmnt for Ch1.

H Press the sideĆmenu button -more- until Amplitude appears

in the side menu (its icon is shown at the left). Press the sideĆ
menu button Amplitude.

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

H Set the test signal amplitude for about three divisions on screen.

Now fine adjust the generator output until the CH 1 Amplitude
readout indicates the amplitude is 350 mV. (Readout may fluctuĆ
ate around 350 mV.)

H Disconnect the 50 W precision coaxial cable at CH 1 and reconĆ

nect it to CH 1 through a 10X attenuator.

b. Check for Main trigger system for stable triggering at limits:

H Read the following definition: A stable trigger is one that is

consistent; that is, one that results in a uniform, regular display
triggered on the selected slope (positive or negative). This
display should not have its trigger point switching between
opposite slopes, nor should it roll" across the screen. At horiĆ
zontal scale settings of 2Ăms/division and faster, TRIG'D will
remain constantly lit. It will flash for slower settings.

H Press TRIGGER MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Slope.

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%. CHECK that a stable trigger is

obtained for the test waveform on both the positive and negative
slopes. (Use the side menu to switch between trigger slopes;
use the TRIGGER LEVEL knob to stabilize the trigger if reĆ
quired.) See Figure 1Ć20.

1Ć50

Performance Verification Procedures

First, set a signal with an

amplitude at the minimum

trigger sensitivity.

Second, check for a stable

trigger at both the positive

and negative slope settings.

Figure 1Ć20:ăMeasurement of Trigger Sensitivity

Performance Tests

H Leave the Main trigger system triggered on the positive slope of

the waveform before continuing to the next step. (The Main
trigger system must be triggered to check the delayed trigger
system in the next step.)

c. Check delayed trigger system for stable triggering at limits: Do the

following subparts in the order listed.

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Time Base. Now press the sideĆmenu button Delayed Only.

H Press SHIFT; then press DELAYED TRIG. Press the mainĆmenu

button Level.

H Press the sideĆmenu button SET TO 50%. CHECK that a stable

trigger is obtained for the test waveform for both the positive and
negative slopes of the waveform. (Use the General Purpose
knob to stabilize the trigger if required.) Press the mainĆmenu
button Slope; then use the side menu to switch between trigger
slopes.

H Leave the delayed trigger system triggered on the positive slope

of the waveform before continuing to the next step. Also, return
to the main time base: Press HORIZONTAL MENU; then press
the mainĆmenu button Time Base. Now press the sideĆmenu
button Main Only.

TDS 520A or 524A only: Skip to step 4 since the TDS 520A and
524A are not equipped with an AUX Trigger input. If testing the TDS
540A or 544A, continue with step 3.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć51

Performance Tests

3. Confirm the AUX Trigger input:

a. Display the test signal:

H Remove the 10X attenuator and reconnect the cable to CH 1.

H Set the test signal amplitude for about 2.5 divisions on screen.

H Now fine adjust the generator output until the CH 1 Amplitude

readout indicates the amplitude is 250 mV. (Readout may fluctuĆ
ate around 250 mV.)

b. Check the AUX trigger source for stable triggering at limits: Do the

following in the order listed.

H Use the definition for stable trigger from step 2.

H Press TRIGGER MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Source.

H Press the sideĆmenu button -more- until the sideĆmenu label

Auxiliary appears; then press Auxiliary.

H Press SET LEVEL TO 50%. CHECK that a stable trigger is

obtained for the test waveform on both the positive and negative
slopes. Press the mainĆmenu button Slope; then use the side
menu to switch between trigger slopes. Use the TRIGGER
LEVEL knob to stabilize the trigger if required.

H Leave the Main trigger system triggered on the positive slope of

the waveform before proceeding to the next check.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Source; then press the sideĆmenu

button -more- until CH 1 appears. Press CH 1.

4. Confirm that the Main and Delayed trigger systems are within sensitivity

limits (500 MHz):

a. Hook up the testĆsignal source: Disconnect the hookup installed in

step 1. Connect, through its leveling head, the signal output of a
highĆfrequency leveled sineĆwave generator to CH 1.

b. Set the Main and Delayed Horizontal Scales:

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 500 ps for the M (Main) time base.

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU. Now press the mainĆmenu button

Time base; then press the sideĆmenu button Delayed TriggerĆ
able.

H Press the sideĆmenu button Delayed Only.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 500 ps for the D (Delayed) time

base. Press the sideĆmenu button Main Only.

c. Display the test signal:

1Ć52

H

Set the generator frequency to 500 MHz.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

H Set the test signal amplitude for about five divisions on screen.

Now fine adjust the generator output until the CH 1 Amplitude
readout indicates the amplitude is 500 mV. (Readout may fluctuĆ
ate around 500 mV.)

H Disconnect the leveling head at CH 1 and reconnect it to CH 1

through a 5X attenuator.

d. Repeat step 2, substeps b and c only, since only the 500 MHz

frequency is to be checked here.

5. Confirm that the Main and Delayed trigger systems couple trigger signals
from all channels: Doing the procedure Check Analog Bandwidth, which
begins on page 1Ć32, checks coupling. If you have not done that proceĆ
dure, do so after finishing this procedure. See the following note.

NOTE

Steps 1 through 4 confirmed trigger sensitivity for the Main and
Delayed triggering systems using the CH 1 input. Doing the proceĆ
dure Check Analog Bandwidth ensures that trigger signals are
coupled from all four channels.

When checking delayed triggering sensitivity at 500 MHz, the
waveform record may have some missing interpolated record
points. The waveform is still stably triggered. (See definition of a
stable trigger earlier in this procedure.)

6. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the cable from the generator output
at the input connector of the channel last tested.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć53

Performance Tests

Output Signal
Checks

The procedure that follows checks those characteristics of the output sigĆ
nals that are listed as checked under Warranted Characteristics in Section 2,
Specifications. The oscilloscope outputs these signals at its front and rear
panels.

Check Outputs Ċ CH 3 and Main and Delayed Trigger
ą(TDS 540A and 544A only)

Equipment Required: Two 50 W precision cables (Item 4), and one calibraĆ

tion generator (Item 9).

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15. Also, this Digitizing Oscilloscope must have
passed Check Accuracy Ċ LongĆTerm Sample Rate, Delay time, Time MeaĆ

surement on page 1Ć39 and Check Accuracy for DC Gain and Voltage MeaĆ
surements on page 1Ć25.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Hook up testĆsignal source 1:

H Connect the standard amplitude output of a calibration generaĆ

tor through a 50 W precision coaxial cable to CH 3. See Figure
1Ć21.

H Set the output of the calibration generator to 0.500 V.

b. Hook up testĆsignal source 2: Connect the Main Trigger Out at the

rear panel to CH 2 through a 50 W precision cable. See Figure 1Ć21.

To Main

Trigger Out

Calibration

Generator

Output

50 W Coaxial Cables

Figure 1Ć21:ăInitial Test Hookup

c. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

1Ć54

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

d. Modify the initialized frontĆpanel control settings:

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 200 ms.

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode. Then press the sideĆmenu

button Hi Res.

2. Confirm Main and Delayed Trigger outputs are within limits for logic

levels:

a. Display the test signal:

H Press WAVEFORM OFF to turn off CH 1; then press CH 2 to

display that channel. Set the vertical SCALE to1V.

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Source; then press the sideĆmenu

button CH 3. Press SET LEVEL TO 50%.

H Use the vertical POSITION knob to center the display on

screen.

First, turn on the

measurements

high and low.

Second, read the

measurement

results here.

b. Measure logic levels:

H Press MEASURE; then press the mainĆmenu button Select

Measrmnt for Ch2.

H Repeatedly press the sideĆmenu button -more- until High and

Low appear in the side menu (their icons are shown at the left).
Press both sideĆmenu buttons High and Low. See Figure 1Ć22.

Figure 1Ć22:ăMeasurement of Main Trigger Out Limits

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć55

Performance Tests

c. Check Main Trigger output against limits:

H CHECK that the Ch2 High readout is w2.5 volts and that the

Ch2 Low readout is v700 mV.

H Press VERTICAL MENU; then press the mainĆmenu button

Coupling. Now press the sideĆmenu button W to toggle it to the

50 W setting.

H CHECK that the Ch2 High readout is w1.0 volt and that the Ch2

Low readout v250 mV.

d. Check Delayed Trigger output against limits:

H Move the precision 50 W cable from the Main Trigger Output

BNC to the Delayed Trigger Output BNC.

H CHECK that the Ch2 High readout is w1.0 volt and that the Ch2

Low readout v250 mV.

H Press the sideĆmenu button W select the 1 MW setting.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

H CHECK that the Ch2 High readout is w2.5 volts and that the

Ch2 Low readout is v700 mV.

3. Confirm CH 3 output is within limits for gain:

a. Measure gain:

H Move the precision 50 W cable from the rearĆpanel DELAYED

TRIGGER OUTPUT BNC to the rearĆpanel SIGNAL OUTPUT

BNC.

H Push SHIFT. Then push DELAYED TRIG.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Source. Then press the sideĆmenu

button Ch3.

H Push HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Push the mainĆmenu button Time Base. Then press the sideĆ

menu button Delayed Triggerable.

H Set vertical SCALE to 100 mV.

H Press MEASURE; then press the mainĆmenu button Select

Measrmnt for Ch2.

H Repeatedly press the sideĆmenu button -more- until PkĆPk

appears in the side menu (its icon is shown at the left). Press the
sideĆmenu button PkĆPk.

H Press CLEAR MENU.

1Ć56

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

b. Check against limits:

H CHECK that the readout Ch2 PkĆPk is between 90ĂmV and

110 mV, inclusive.

H Press VERTICAL MENU; then press the sideĆmenu button W to

toggle to the 50 W setting.

H Set vertical SCALE to 10 mV; then press CLEAR MENU.

H CHECK that the readout Ch2 PkĆPk is between 45 mV and

55 mV, inclusive.

4. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the cable from the generator output
at the input connector of the channel last tested.

Check Probe Compensator Outputs

One female BNC to clip adapter (Item 15), two dualĆbanana connectors
(Item 5), one BNC T connector (Item 6), two 50 W precision cables (Item 4),
and one DC calibration generator (Item 8).

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15. Also, this Digitizing Oscilloscope must have
passed Check Accuracy Ċ LongĆTerm Sample Rate, Delay time, Time MeaĆ

surement on page 1Ć39 and Check Accuracy for DC Gain and Voltage MeaĆ
surements on page 1Ć25.

Procedure:

1. Install the test hookup and preset the instrument controls:

a. Hook up testĆsignal:

H Connect CH 1 to PROBE COMPENSATION SIGNAL and to

PROBE COMPENSATION GND through a precision coaxial

cable and a BNC to clip adapter. See Figure 1Ć23.

50 W Coaxial Cable

Female BNC to
Clip Adapter

Figure 1Ć23:ăInitial Test Hookup

Black Lead
to GND

b. Initialize the oscilloscope:

H Press save/recall SETUP.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Recall Factory Setup.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć57

Performance Tests

H Press the sideĆmenu button OK Confirm Factory Init.

c. Modify the initialized frontĆpanel control settings:

H Set the vertical SCALE to 100 mV as required.

H Set the horizontal SCALE to 200 ms.

H Press Set Level to 50% and use the VERTICAL POSITION

knob to center the display on screen.

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu button Mode; then press the sideĆmenu

Average button.

H Select 128 averages. On the keypad, type 128; then press

ENTER.

2. Confirm that the Probe Compensator signal is within limits for frequency:

a. Measure the frequency of the probe compensation signal:

H Press MEASURE; then press the mainĆmenu button Select

Measrmnt for Ch1.

H Repeatedly press the sideĆmenu button -more- until FrequenĆ

cy appears in the side menu (its icon is shown at the left). Press
the sideĆmenu button Frequency.

H Press CLEAR MENU to remove the menus from the display. See

Figure 1Ć24.

1Ć58

Figure 1Ć24:ăMeasurement of Probe Compensator Frequency

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

b. Check against limits: CHECK that the CH 1 Freq readout is within

950 Hz to 1.050 kHz, inclusive.

3. Confirm that the Probe Compensator signal is within limits for amplitude:

a. Save the probe compensation signal in reference memory:

H Press SAVE/RECALL WAVEFORM; then press the mainĆmenu

button Save Wfm Ch 1.

H Press the sideĆmenu button to Ref 1 to save the probe compenĆ

sation signal in reference 1.

H Disconnect the cable from CH 1 and the clips from the probe

compensation terminals.

H Press MORE; then press the mainĆmenu button Ref 1 to disĆ

played the stored signal.

H Press CH 1.

b. Hook up the DC standard source:

H Set the output of a DC calibration generator to 0 volts.

Dual Banana to

BNC Adapters

H Connect the output of a DC calibration generator through a

dualĆbanana connector followed by a 50 W precision coaxial
cable to one side of a BNC T connector. See Figure 1Ć25.

H Connect the Sense output of the generator through a second

dualĆbanana connector followed by a 50 W precision coaxial
cable to the other side of the BNC T connector. Now connect the
BNC T connector to CH 1. See Figure 1Ć25.

DC Calibrator

Output Sense

HI

LO

50 W Coaxial Cables

BNC T

Connector

Figure 1Ć25:ăSubsequent Test Hookup

c. Measure amplitude of the probe compensation signal:

H Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU. Then use the keypad to

set AVERAGE to 16 in the side menu.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć59

Performance Tests

H Adjust the output of DC calibration generator until it precisely

overlaps the top (upper) level of the stored probe compensation
signal. (This value will be near 500 mV.)

H Record the setting of the DC generator.

H Adjust the output of DC calibration generator until it precisely

overlaps the base (lower) level of the stored probe compensaĆ
tion signal. (This value will be near zero volts.)

H Record the setting of the DC generator.

d. Press CLEAR MENU to remove the menus from the display. See

Figure 1Ć26.

1Ć60

Figure 1Ć26:ăMeasurement of Probe Compensator Amplitude

e. Check against limits:

H Subtract the value just obtained (base level) from that obtained

previously (top level).

H CHECK that the difference obtained is within 495ĂmV to 505ĂmV,

inclusive.

4. Disconnect the hookup: Disconnect the cable from CH 1.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Option 05 Video
Trigger Checks

Equipment Required: PAL signal source (Item 18), 60 Hz. sine wave generĆ

ator (Item 19), pulse generator (Item 20), 75 W Cable (Item 21), 75 W termiĆ
nator (Item 22), 50 W cable (Item 4), 50 W terminator (Item 3).

Check Video Trigger

Prerequisites: See page 1Ć15. These prerequisites include running the

signal path compensation routine.

Procedure:

1. Setup digitizing oscilloscope to factory defaults by completing the followĆ
ing steps:

a. Press save/recall SETUP.

b. Press the mainĆmenu Recall Factory Setup.

c. Press the sideĆmenu OK Confirm Factory Init.

d. Wait for the Clock Icon to leave the screen.

e. CONFIRM the digitizing oscilloscope is setup as shown below.

Channel: CH1

Volt/div: 100 mV

Horizontal scale: 500 ms/div

2. Setup digitizing oscilloscope for TV triggers by completing the following
steps:

a. Press TRIGGER MENU.

b. Press the mainĆmenu Type popĆup until you select Video.

c. Press the mainĆmenu Standard popĆup until you select 625/PAL.

d. Press the mainĆmenu Line.

e. Use the keypad to set the line number to 7 (press 7, then ENTER).

f. Press VERTICAL MENU.

g. Press the mainĆmenu Bandwidth.

h. Select 100 MHz from the side menu.

i. Press the mainĆmenu Fine Scale.

j. Use the keypad to set the fine scale to 282mV (press 282, SHIFT,

m, then ENTER).

k. Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

l. Press the mainĆmenu Horiz Scale.

m. Use the keypad to set the horizontal scale to 200 ns (press 200,

SHIFT, n, then ENTER).

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć61

Performance Tests

3. Check Jitter vs. Signal Amplitude

a. Setup equipment for Jitter Test (See Figure 1Ć27).

H Connect one of the rear panel composite outputs marked

COMPST on the TSG121 through a 75 W cable and a 75 W
terminator to the oscilloscope CH1 input.

H Press the PAL signal source 100% FIELD control (the fourth

TSG121 frontĆpanel button from the left).

PAL Signal

Source

TSG121

COMPST

75 W Cable

75 W

Terminator

Figure 1Ć27:ăJitter Test Hookup

b. CHECK that the oscilloscope lights up its front panel TRIG'D LED

and it displays the waveform on screen (See Figure 1Ć28).

1Ć62

Figure 1Ć28:ăJitter Test Displayed Waveform

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

H CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED is lit and the waveform is disĆ

played on screen.

c. Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

d. Press the mainĆmenu Mode.

e. Select the sideĆmenu Average. It should be already set to 16.

f. Press the mainĆmenu Create Limit Test Template.

g. Press the sideĆmenu V Limit.

h. Use the keypad to set V Limit to 100 mdiv (press 100, SHIFT, m,

then ENTER)

i. Press the sideĆmenu OK Store Template.

j. Press MORE.

k. Press the mainĆmenu Ref1.

l. Press CH1.

m. Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

n. Press the mainĆmenu Limit Test Setup.

o. Toggle the sideĆmenu Limit Test to ON.

p. Toggle the sideĆmenu Ring Bell if Condition Met to ON.

q. Press the mainĆmenu Mode.

r. Press the sideĆmenu Envelope.

s. Use the keypad to set envelope to use 100 acquisitions (press 100,

then ENTER).

t. Press the mainĆmenu Stop After button.

u. Press the sideĆmenu Single Acquisition Sequence.

v. CONFIRM that the oscilloscope successfully makes 100 acquisiĆ

tions. If not successful, the oscilloscope bell will ring. When the word
Run in the top left corner of the display changes to STOP, the test is
complete (See Figure 1Ć29).

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć63

Performance Tests

STOP shows the

test is complete

Figure 1Ć29:ăJitter Test When Completed

w. Press the mainĆmenu Limit Test Setup.

x. Toggle the sideĆmenu Ring Bell if Condition Met to OFF.

y. Toggle the sideĆmenu Limit Test to OFF.

4. Check Triggered Signal Range.

Setup oscilloscope for Triggered Signal Test.

a. Press MORE.

b. Press WAVEFORM OFF.

c. Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

d. Use the keypad to set the horizontal scale timeĆperĆdivision (Horiz

Scale (/div))to50ms (press 50, SHIFT, m, then ENTER).

e. Press SHIFT; then ACQUIRE MENU.

f. Press the mainĆmenu Stop After.

g. Press the sideĆmenu RUN/STOP button only.

h. Press the mainĆmenu Mode.

i. Press the sideĆmenu Sample.

j. Press RUN/STOP.

1Ć64

k. Press VERTICAL MENU.

l. Use the keypad to set fine scale to 300 mV (press 300, SHIFT, m,

then ENTER).

Performance Verification Procedures

Positive pulse

Negative pulses

Performance Tests

m. CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED stays on and that the waveform on

screen is stable. ie; does not move horizontally or vertically. Also,
CONFIRM that the waveform on the screen has one positive pulse
and a number of negative pulses (See Figure 1Ć30).

Figure 1Ć30:ăTriggered Signal Range Test - 300 mV

n. Use the keypad to set the fine scale to 75 mV (press 75, SHIFT, m,

then ENTER).

o. CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED stays lit and that the waveform on

screen is stable. ie; does not move horizontally or vertically. Also,
CONFIRM that the waveform on the screen has one positive pulse
and a number of negative pulses (See Figure 1Ć31).

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć65

Performance Tests

Negative pulses

Positive pulse

Figure 1Ć31:ăTriggered Signal Range Test - 75 mV

p. Disconnect all test equipment (TSG121) from the digitizing oscilloĆ

scope.

5. Check 60 Hz Rejection.

a. Setup oscilloscope for 60 Hz Rejection Test.

H Use the keypad to set the Ch1 Fine Scale to 282 mV (press 282,

SHIFT m, then ENTER).

H Press WAVEFORM OFF.

H Press CH2.

H Press VERTICAL MENU.

H Use the keypad set the fine scale to 2 V (press 2, then ENTER).

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Use the keypad to set the horizontal scale timeĆperĆdivision

(Horiz Scale (/div)) to 5 ms (press 5, SHIFT, m, then ENTER).

b. Setup 60 Hz signal generator (SG 502).

H Connect the output of the SG 502 to the CH2 input through a

50 W cable (See Figure 1Ć32).

1Ć66

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Signal

Generator

SG 502

50 W Cable

Figure 1Ć32:ă60 Hz Rejection Test Hookup

H Adjust the SG 502 for three vertical divisions of 60 Hz signal

(See Figure 1Ć33). The signal will not be triggered. That is, it will
run free.

Figure 1Ć33:ă60 Hz Rejection Test Setup Signal

c. Check 60 Hz rejection.

H Use the keypad to set the the horizontal scale timeĆperĆdivision

(Horiz Scale (/div)) to 50 ms (press 50, SHIFT, m, then ENTER).

H Reconnect the output of the signal generator (SG 502). Connect

the PAL signal source's composite signal connector (labelled
COMPST on the TSG 121) to a 75 W cable and a 75 W terminaĆ
tor. Connect both signals to the CH1 input through a BNC T
(See Figure 1Ć34).

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć67

Performance Tests

H Press VERTICAL MENU.

H If needed, press the mainĆmenu Fine Scale.

H Use the keypad to set fine scale to 500 mV (press 500, SHIFT,

m, then ENTER).

H Connect another the PAL signal source's composite signal

connector (labelled COMPST on the TSG 121) through a 75 W
cable and a 75 W terminator to the CH2 input (See Figure 1Ć34).

Signal

Generator

SG 502

PAL Signal

Source

TSG121

COMPST

COMPST

75 W Cable

75 W Cable

50 W Cable

75 W

Terminator

BNC T

Connector

75 W

Terminator

Figure 1Ć34:ăSubsequent 60 Hz Rejection Test Hookup

H CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED stays on and that the waveform

on screen is stable. Stable means the waveform does not move
horizontally or vertically. Also, confirm that the waveform on the
screen has one positive pulse and a number of negative pulses
(See Figure 1Ć35).

1Ć68

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Figure 1Ć35:ă60 Hz Rejection Test Result

H Disconnect all test equipment from the digitizing oscilloscope.

6. Check Line Count Accuracy.

a. Setup oscilloscope for Line Count Accuracy Test.

H Press WAVEFORM OFF.

H Press CH1.

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu Record Length.

H Press, if needed, the sideĆmenu -more- 1 of 2.

H Press the sideĆmenu 5000 points in 100divs.

H Press the mainĆmenu Horiz Scale (/div).

H Use the keypad to set the horizontal scale to 200 ns (press 200,

SHIFT, n, then ENTER).

b. Check Line Count Accuracy.

H Connect a composite output signal from the PAL signal source

(on the TSG 121 this refers to the signal at the rear labelled
COMPST) to the CH1 input through a 75 W cable and a 75 W
terminator (See Figure 1Ć36).

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć69

Performance Tests

PAL Signal

Source
TSG121

COMPST

75 W Cable

75 W

Terminator

Figure 1Ć36:ăLine Count Accuracy Test Hookup

H Press the mainĆmenu Trigger Position.

H Press the sideĆmenu to Set to 50%.

H Press the mainĆmenu Horiz Pos.

H Press the sideĆmenu to Set to 50%.

H Use the HORIZONTAL POSITION knob to move the falling

edge of the sync pulse to two divisions to the left of center
screen (See Figure 1Ć37).

1Ć70

Figure 1Ć37:ăLine Count Accuracy Test Setup Waveform

H Press CURSOR.

H Press the mainĆmenu Function.

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

H Press the sideĆmenu V Bars.

H Using the General Purpose knob, place the left cursor directly

over the trigger T" icon.

H Press SELECT.

H Turn the General Purpose knob to adjust the right cursor for a

cursor delta reading of 6.780us.

H Use the HORIZONTAL POSITION knob to position the right

cursor to center screen.

H Verify that the cursor is positioned on a positive slope of the

burst signal (See Figure 1Ć38).

Figure 1Ć38:ăLine Count Accuracy Correct Result Waveform

H Disconnect all test equipment (TSG 121) from the digitizing

oscilloscope.

H Turn off cursors by pressing CURSOR, then the mainĆmenu

Function button, and, finally, Off from the side menu.

7. Check the Sync Duty Cycle.

a. Setup digitizing oscilloscope for Sync Duty Cycle Test.

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Press the Standard popĆup to select FlexFmt. (Trigger Type

should already be set to Video)

H Press the mainĆmenu Setup.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć71

Performance Tests

H Press the sideĆmenu Field Rate.

H Use the keypad to set the field rate to 60.05 Hz (press 60.05,

then ENTER).

H Press the sideĆmenu Lines.

H Use the keypad to set the field rate to 793 lines (press 793, then

ENTER).

H Press the sideĆmenu Fields.

H Use the keypad to set the number of fields to 1 (press 1, then

ENTER).

H Press the sideĆmenu Sync Width.

H Use the keypad to set the width to 400 ns (press 400, SHIFT, n,

then ENTER).

H Press the sideĆmenu -more- 1 of 2. Then press V1 Start

Time.

H Use the keypad to set V1 start time to 10.10 ms (press 10.10,

SHIFT, m, then ENTER).

H Press the sideĆmenu V1 Stop Time.

H Use the keypad to set V1 stop time to 10.50 ms (press 10.50,

SHIFT, m, then ENTER).

H Press the mainĆmenu Type popĆup to select Edge.

H Press HORIZONTAL MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu Record Length.

H Select the sideĆmenu 1000 points in 20div. (if needed, first

press the sideĆmenu -more- 2 of 2

).

H Turn the HORIZONTAL POSITION knob to position the trigger

`T' two divisions to the left of the center screen.

H Press MEASURE.

H If needed, press the mainĆmenu Select Measrmnt.

H Press the sideĆmenu Negative Width.

H Press the sideĆmenu Period.

b. Setup the pulse generator (PG502) for Sync Duty Cycle Test

H Set PULSE DURATION to 50 ns.

1Ć72

H Set PERIOD to 10 ms.

H Set OUTPUT (VOLTS) to -1 for LOW LEVEL and +1 for HIGH

LEVEL.

H Depress the COMPLEMENT button.

H Be sure BACK TERM is depressed (in).

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

c. Check Sync Duty Cycle

H Connect the pulse generator (PG502) through a 50 W cable and

a50W terminator to the oscilloscope CH1 input (See FigĆ
ure 1Ć39).

Pulse

Generator

PG502

50 W Cable

50 W

Terminator

Figure 1Ć39:ăPG502 Setup for Sync Duty Cycle Test

H Turn the pulse generator OUTPUT (VOLTS) control until the

signal on the oscilloscope shows a one division negative going
pulse (See Figure 1Ć40).

NOTE

You may need to adjust the trigger level control to obtain a stable
trigger.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć73

Performance Tests

Figure 1Ć40:ăSync Duty Cycle Test: OneĆDiv Neg Pulse Waveform

H Turn the pulse generator PULSE DURATION variable control to

adjust the negative pulse so the oscilloscope CH1 - Width
measurement displays 400ns +/-10 ns.

H Turn the HORIZONTAL SCALE knob to set the oscilloscope

time base to 5 ms/div.

H Turn the pulse generator PERIOD variable control to adjust the

period until the oscilloscope CH1 Period measurement reads

21.000ms -25/+50 ns (See Figure 1Ć41). Read note shown
below.

NOTE

The pulse duration and period adjustments are critical in making
this measurement. If the pulse duration and/or the duty cycle are
not stable, the FLEXFMT function may not function. You must take
care when making these adjustments.

1Ć74

Performance Verification Procedures

Performance Tests

Figure 1Ć41:ăSync Duty Cycle Test: Critically Adjusted Pulse

H Press TRIGGER MENU.

H Press the mainĆmenu Type popĆup until you select Video.

If the TRIG'D LED is not on, check that the CH1 - Width and
CH1 Period measurements are adjusted correctly (see note

above). CONFIRM that the setup is correct and the oscilloscope
will trigger.

H CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED is on and the waveform is

stable.

H Disconnect the signal source from CH1, wait a few seconds,

then reconnect the signal.

H CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED is on and the waveform is

stable.

H Press Sync Polarity.

H Press Pos Sync.

H Push the pulse generator COMPLEMENT button out.

H CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED is on and the waveform is

stable.

H Disconnect the signal source from CH1, wait a few seconds,

then reconnect the signal.

H CONFIRM that the TRIG'D LED is on and the waveform is

stable.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

1Ć75

Performance Tests

H Disconnect all test equipment (TSG 121) from the oscilloscope.

H Press save/recall SETUP, press the mainĆmenu button Recall

Factory Setup, and the sideĆmenu OK Confirm Factory Init.

1Ć76

Performance Verification Procedures

Specifications

Specifications

This subsection begins with a general description of the traits of the
TDS 520A, 524A, 540A and 544A Digitizing Oscilloscopes. Three subsecĆ
tions follow, one for each of three classes of traits: nominal traits, warĆ
ranted characteristics, and typical characteristics.

General Product
Description

The Tektronix TDS 520A, 524A, 540A and 544A Digitizing Oscilloscopes are
portable, fourĆchannel instruments suitable for use in a variety of test and
measurement applications and systems. Key features include:

H 500 MHz maximum analog bandwidth.

H 1 Gigasample/second maximum digitizing rate (TDS 540A and 544A);

500 Megasamples/second maximum digitizing rate (TDS 520A and
524A).

H FourĆchannel acquisition Ċ the TDS 540A and 544A offer four fullĆfeaĆ

tured channels; the TDS 520A and 524A offer two fullĆfeatured channels
and two channels with limited vertical scale selections: 100ĂmV, 1ĂV, and
10ĂV.

H Extensive triggering capabilities: such as edge, logic, and glitch. Video

trigger (Option 05) is also available. The video trigger modes are NTSC,
PAL, SECAM, HDTV, and FlexFormat

H Waveform Math Ċ Invert a single waveform and add, subtract, and

multiply two waveforms. On the TDS 524A, 544A, and other TDS 500A
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.

H EightĆbit digitizers.

TM

(user definable format).

H Up to 15,000Ćpoint record length per channel (50,000Ćpoint with option

1M).

H Full GPIB software programmability. Hardcopy output using GPIB,

RSĆ232, or Centronics ports (RSĆ232 and Centronics is standard on the
TDS 524A and 544A and optional, as option 13, on the TDS 520A and
540A).

H Complete measurement and documentation capability.

H Intuitive graphic icon operation blended with the familiarity of traditional

horizontal and vertical knobs.

H OnĆline help at the touch of a button.

H A full complement of advanced functions, like continuouslyĆupdated

measurements, results and local pass/fail decision making.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

2Ć1

Specifications

H Specialized display modes, such as variable persistence (with color

coding on the TDS 524A and 544A), dot or vector mode, sin(x)/x or
linear display filters, and, on the TDS 524A and 544A, user selectable
color palettes. The Fit to Screen" feature compresses the entire
waveform record to fit on the screen.

User Interface

H A complement of advanced acquisition modes such as peakĆdetect,

highĆresolution, sample, envelope, and average. The FastFrame
feature acquires waveforms in rapid succession with a minimum of dead
time between acquisitions. FastFrame
50,000 frames per second.

H A unique graphical user interface (GUI), an onĆboard help mode, and a

logical frontĆpanel layout which combine to deliver a new standard in
usability.

H VGA output for driving remote monitors.

H A 1.44 Mbyte, DOS 3.3 or later, floppy disk drive for saving waveforms,

color images, and oscilloscope setups (standard on the TDS 524A and
544A and optional, as option 1F, on the TDS 520A and 540A). Also, all
TDS 500A have builtĆin NVRAM storage for saving waveforms and
setups.

H On the 524A and 544A, a color display for distinguishing among waveĆ

forms, their measurements, and associated text.

Use a combination of frontĆpanel buttons, knobs, and onĆscreen menus to
control the many functions of these oscilloscopes. The frontĆpanel controls
are grouped according to function: vertical, horizontal, trigger, and special.
Set a function you adjust often, such as vertical positioning or the time base
setting, directly by its own frontĆpanel knob. Set functions which you change
less often, such as vertical coupling and horizontal mode, indirectly using
selected menus.

TM

allows acquisition rates of up to

TM

2Ć2

Menus

Pressing one (sometimes two) frontĆpanel button(s), such as vertical menu,
displays a main menu of related functions, such as coupling, bandwidth,
etc., at the bottom of the screen. Pressing a mainĆmenu button, such as
coupling, displays a side menu of settings for that function, such as AC, DC,
or GND (ground) coupling, at the right side of the screen. Pressing a sideĆ
menu button selects a setting such as DC.

Indicators

OnĆscreen readouts help you keep track of the settings for various functions,
such as vertical and horizontal scale and trigger level. Some readouts use
the cursors or the automatic parameter extraction feature (called measure)
to display the results of measurements made or the status of the instrument.

Specifications

Specifications

General Purpose Knob

Assign the general purpose knob to adjust a selected parameter function.
More quickly change parameters by toggling the SHIFT button. Use the
same method as for selecting a function, except the final sideĆmenu selecĆ
tion assigns the general purpose knob to adjust some function, such as the
position of measurement cursors on screen, or the setting for a channels
fine gain.

GUI

The user interface also makes use of a GUI, or Graphical User Interface, to
make setting functions and interpreting the display more intuitive. Some
menus and status are displayed using iconic representations of function
settings such as those shown here for full, 100 MHz, and 20 MHz
bandwidth. Such icons allow you to more readily determine status or the
available settings.

Signal Acquisition
System

TDS 540A and 544A: The signal acquisition system provides four vertical
channels with calibrated vertical scale factors from 1 mV to 10 V per division.
All four channels can be acquired simultaneously.

Each of the four TDS 540A and 544A channels can be displayed, vertically
positioned, and offset, can have their bandwidth limited (100 MHz or
20 MHz) and their vertical coupling specified. Fine gain can also be adĆ
justed.

TDS 520A and 524A: The signal acquisition system provides four vertical
channels. Two are fullĆfeatured vertical channels (CH1 and CH2) with caliĆ
brated vertical scale factors from 1 mV to 10 V per division. The other two
are auxiliary channels (AUX1 and AUX2) with three calibrated deflection
factors of 100 mV, 1 V, and 10 V per division. Any two of the four channels
can be acquired simultaneously.

Each of the four TDS 520A and 524A channels can be displayed, vertically
positioned, and offset. CH1 and CH2 can also have their bandwidth limited
(100 MHz or 20 MHz) and their vertical coupling specified. Fine gain can
also be adjusted for CH1 and CH2.

On all TDS 520A, 524A, 540A and 544A: Besides the four channels, up to
three math waveforms and four reference waveforms are available for disĆ
play. (A math waveform results when dual waveform operations, such as
add, are specified on any two channels. A reference waveform results when
you save a live waveform in a reference memory.)

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

2Ć3

Specifications

ecordLengt

Record Length

Horizontal System

There are three horizontal display modes: main only, main intensified, and
delayed only. You can select among various horizontal record length setĆ
tings.

A feature called Fit to Screen" allows the user to view entire waveform
records within the 10 division screen area. In other words, waveforms are
compressed to fit on the screen. The exception is that, with Option 1M,
50,000 point records are displayed over a 15 division time span. (see
TableĂ2Ć1)

TableĂ2Ć1:ăRecord Length vs. Divisions per Record,

Samples Per Division, and Sec/Div Sequence

Divisions per Records

R

50000

15000

h

1

2

Samples/Division (Sec/Div Sequence)

Fit to Screen OFF
50 (1-2-5)

Fit to Screen ON
50 (1-2-5)

1000 divisions 10 divisions

300 divisions 15 divisions

5000 100 divisions 10 divisions

2500 50 divisions 10 divisions

1000 20 divisions 10 divisions

500 10 divisions 10 divisions

1 The 50,000 samples in 1,000 division record is only available with Option 1M.

2 The maximum record length of 15,000 samples (50,000 samples with Option 1M) is selectĆ

able with all acquisition modes except Hi Res. In Hi Res, the maximum record length is
5,000 samples (15,000 samples with Option 1M).

FastFrameTMallows multiple triggered acquisitions to occur with a minimum
of dead time" between acquisitions. A maximum of 910 acquisition seĆ
quences (frames) are possible with 50 points per record (frame length)
when a 50,000 point waveform record length is available (with option 1M).

You can delay by time with respect to the main trigger both the delayed
display and the intensified zone on the main intensified display. You can set
them to display immediately after the delay (delayed runs after main mode).
The delayed display can also be set to display at the first valid trigger after
the delay (delayed triggerable mode).

You can also delay by a selected number of events the delayed display (or
the intensified zone). In this case, the events source is the delayed trigger
source. For any events signal, the delayedĆtrigger system conditions the
signal by determining the source, coupling, etc., of that signal.

2Ć4

Specifications

Specifications

Trigger System

The triggering system supports a varied set of features for triggering the
signalĆacquisition system. Trigger signals recognized include:

H Edge (mainĆ and delayedĆtrigger systems): This familiar type of triggerĆ

ing is fully configurable for source, slope, coupling, mode (auto or
normal), and holdoff.

H Logic (mainĆtrigger system): This type of triggering can be based on

pattern (asynchronous) or state (synchronous). In either case, logic
triggering is configurable for sources, for boolean operators to apply to
those sources, for logic pattern or state on which to trigger, for mode
(auto or normal), and for holdoff. TimeĆqualified logic triggering can also
be specified.

H Pulse (mainĆtrigger system): Pulse triggering is configurable for triggerĆ

ing on runt or glitch pulses, or on pulse widths or periods inside or
outside limits that you specify. It is also configurable for source, polarity,
mode, and holdoff.

H Video (with option 05: Video Trigger): Video triggering is compatible with

standard NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and HDTV formats. An additional feature
called FlexFormat
format on which to trigger.

You can choose where the trigger point is located within the acquired waveĆ
form record by selecting the amount of pretrigger data displayed. Select
presets of 10%, 50%, and 90% of pretrigger data in the horizontal menu, or
assign the general purpose knob to set pretrigger data to any value within
the limits of trigger position resolution.

TM

(flexible format) allows the user to define the video

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

2Ć5

Specifications

Acquisition Control

OnĆBoard User
Assistance

You can specify a mode and manner to acquire and process signals.

H Select equivalentĆtime sampling on repetitive signals or interpolation of

points sampled on nonĆrepetitive signals. Both can increase apparent
sample rate on the waveform when maximum realĆtime rates are
reached. The apparent sample rate can be increased, even further, by
using the FastFrame
cond are possible using FastFrame

H Use peakĆdetect, highĆresolution, sample, envelope, and average

modes can be used to acquire signals.

H Set the acquisition to stop after a single acquisition (or sequence of

acquisitions if acquiring in average or envelope modes).

H Select channel sources for compliance with limit tests. You can direct

the TDS to signal you or generate hard copy output based on the reĆ
sults. Also, you can create templates for use in limit tests.

Help and autoset can assist you in setting up the Digitizing Oscilloscope to
make your measurements.

TM

feature. Acquisition rates of 50,000 Frames/SeĆ

TM

.

Measurement
Assistance

Help

Help displays operational information about any frontĆpanel control. When
help mode is in effect, manipulating any frontĆpanel control causes the
oscilloscope to display information about that control. When help is first
invoked, an introduction to help is displayed on screen.

Autoset

Autoset automatically sets up the oscilloscope for a viewable display based
on the input signal.

Once you have set up to make your measurements, the cursor and measure
features can help you quickly make those measurements.

Cursor

Three types of cursors are provided for making parametric measurements
on the displayed waveforms. Horizontal bar cursors (H Bar) measure vertical
parameters (typically volts). Vertical bar cursors (V Bar) measure horizontal
parameters (typically time or frequency) and now extend to the top and
bottom of the screen. Paired cursors measure both amplitude and time
simultaneously. These are delta measurements; that is, measurements
based on the difference between two cursors.

2Ć6

Specifications

Specifications

Both H Bar and V Bar cursors can also be used to make absolute measureĆ
ments; that is measurements relative to a defined level or event. For the
H Bars, either cursor can be selected to read out its voltage with respect to
any channels ground reference level. For the V Bars, it's time with respect to
the trigger point (event) of the acquisition, and the cursors can control the
portion of the waveform on which automatic measurements are made.

For time measurements, units can be either seconds or Hertz (for 1/time).

When the video trigger option installed (Option 05), the video line number
can be selected using the vertical cursors. IRE amplitude (NTSC) can be
measured using the horizontal cursors with or without the video trigger
option installed.

Measure

Measure can automatically extract parameters from the signal input to the
Digitizing Oscilloscope. Any four out of the more than 20 parameters availĆ
able can be displayed to the screen. The waveform parameters are meaĆ
sured continuously with the results updated onĆscreen as the Digitizing
Oscilloscope continues to acquire waveforms.

Storage and I/O

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

An important component of the multiprocessor architecture of this Digitizing
Oscilloscope is Tektronix's proprietary digital signal processor, the DSP. This
dedicated processor supports advanced analysis of your waveforms when
doing such computeĆintensive tasks as interpolation, waveform math, and
signal averaging. It also teams with a custom display system to deliver
specialized display modes (See Display, later in this description.)

Acquired waveforms may be saved in any of four nonvolatile REF (reference)
memories or, if available, on a 3.5 inch, DOS 3.3ĆorĆlater compatible disk.
The disk is standard on the TDS 524A and 544A. It is available as option 1F
on the 520A and 540A. Any or all of the saved waveforms may be displayed
for comparison with the waveforms being currently acquired.

The source and destination of waveforms to be saved may be chosen.
Assignment can be made to save any of the four channels to any REF
memory or to move a stored reference from one REF memory to another.
Reference waveforms may also be written into a REF memory location via
the GPIB interface.

The Digitizing Oscilloscope is fully controllable and capable of sending and
receiving waveforms over the GPIB interface (IEEE Std 488.1-1987/IEEE
Std 488.2-1987 standard). This feature makes the instrument ideal for
making automated measurements in a production or research and developĆ
ment environment that calls for repetitive data taking. SelfĆcompensation

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

2Ć7

Specifications

and selfĆdiagnostic features built into the Digitizing Oscilloscope to aid in
fault detection and servicing are also accessible using commands sent from
a GPIB controller.

Another standard feature is hardcopy. This feature allows you to output
waveforms and other onĆscreen information to a variety of graphic printers
and plotters from the Digitizing Oscilloscope front panel, providing hard
copies without requiring you to put the Digitizing Oscilloscope into a systemĆ
controller environment. You can make hardcopies in a variety of popular
output formats, such as PCX, TIFF, BMP, RLE, EPS, Interleaf, and EPS mono
or color. You can also save hardcopies in a disk file in any of the formats
above. The hardcopies obtained are based on what is displayed onĆscreen
at the time hardcopy is invoked. The hardcopies can be stamped with date
and time and spooled to a queue for printing at a later time. You can output
screen information via GPIB, RSĆ232C, or Centronics interfaces.

Display

The TDS 520A, 524A, 540A and 544A Digitizing Oscilloscopes offer flexible
display options. You can customize the following attributes of your display:

H Color: Waveforms, readouts, graticule, etc. on the TDS 524A and 544A;

H Intensity: waveforms, readouts, and graticule;

H Style of waveform display(s): vectors or dots, intensified or nonĆintensiĆ

fied samples, infinite persistence, and variable persistence with color
coding;

H Interpolation method: Sin(x)/x or Linear;

H Display format: xy or yt with various graticule selections including NTSC

and PAL to be used with video trigger.

Zoom

This Digitizing Oscilloscope also provides an easy way to focus in on those
waveform features you wish to examine up close. By invoking zoom, you
can magnify the waveform parameter using the vertical and horizontal
controls to expand (or contract) and position it for viewing.

2Ć8

Specifications

Nominal Traits

This subsection contains tables that list the electrical and mechanical
nominal traits that describe the TDS 520A, 524A, 540A and 544A Digitizing
Oscilloscopes.

Nominal traits are described using simple statements of fact such as Four,
all identical" for the trait Input Channels, Number of", rather than in terms of
limits that are performance requirements.

TableĂ2Ć2:ăNominal Traits Ċ Signal Acquisition System

Name Description

Bandwidth Selections 20 MHz, 100 MHz, and FULL (500 MHz)

Digitizers, Number of TDS 540A and 544A: Four, all identical

TDS 520A and 524A: Two, both identical

Digitized Bits, Number of 8 bits

1

Input Channels, Number of TDS 540A and 544A: Four, all identical, called CH1 - CH4

TDS 520A and 524A: Two fullĆfeatured (CH1 and CH2), plus two
limited, auxiliary inputs (AUX1 and AUX2)

Input Coupling

Input Impedance Selections

Ranges, Offset, TDS 540A, 544A, and
CH1 and CH2 on TDS 520A and 524A

Ranges, Offset, AUX1 and AUX2 on
TDS 520A and 524A

2

DC, AC, or GND

1MW or 50 W

Volts/Div Setting

1 mV/div - 99.5 mV/div

100 mV/div - 995 mV/div

1 V/div - 10 V/div

Volts/Div Setting

100 mV/div

1 V/div

10 V/div

Offset Range

±1 V

±10 V

±100 V

Offset Range

±0.5 V

±5.0 V

±50 V

Range, Position ±5 divisions

Range, Sensitivity TDS 540A and 544A: 1 mV/div to 10 V/div

3

TDS 520A and 524A: CH1 and CH2: 1 mV/div to 10 V/div
TDS 520A and 524A: AUX1 and AUX2: 100 mV/div, 1 V/div, 10 V/div

3

1 Displayed vertically with 25 digitization levels (DLs) per division and 10.24 divisions dynamic range with zoom off. A DL is the

smallest voltage level change that can be resolved by the 8Ćbit AĆD Converter, with the input scaled to the volts/division setting of
the channel used. Expressed as a voltage, a DL is equal to 1/25 of a division times the volts/division setting.

2 The input characteristics (Input Coupling, Input Impedance Selections, etc.) apply to both fullĆfeatured and auxiliary inputs except

where otherwise specified.

3 The sensitivity ranges from 1 mV/div to 10 V/div in a 1-2-5 sequence of coarse settings. Between a pair of adjacent coarse setĆ

tings, the sensitivity can be finely adjusted. The resolution of such a fine adjustment is 1% of the more sensitive of the pair. For
example, between 50 mV/div and 100ĂmV/div, the volts/division can be set with 0.5 mV resolution.

TDS 520A, 524A, 540A, & 544A Performance Verification

2Ć9

Nominal Traits

TableĂ2Ć3:ăNominal Traits Ċ Time Base System

Name

Range, SampleĆRate

1,3

TDS 540A, 544A

Range, SampleĆRate

1,3

TDS 520A, 524A

Range, Equivalent Time or Interpolated
Waveform Rate

2,3

Description

Number of
Channels On

1

2

3or4

Number of
Channels On

1

2

SampleĆRate
Range

5 Samples/s - 1 GSamples/s

5 Samples/s - 500 MSamples/s

5 Samples/s - 250 MSamples/s

SampleĆRate
Range

5 Samples/s - 500 MSamples/s

5 Samples/s - 250 MSamples/s

500 MSamples/s to 100 GSamples/s

Range, Seconds/Division 500 ps/div to 10 s/div

Record Length

4

500 samples, 1000 samples, 2500 samples, 5000 samples,
15000 samples. A record length of 50000 samples is available with
Option 1M. Up to four 50 K waveform records may be saved in
NVRAM with Option 1M installed.

FastFrame

TM

Maximum Frame Rate: 50,000 Frames/Second

Frame Length Range: 50 points/Frame to 5,000 Points/Frame

Maximum Number of Frames:
ą910 Frames at 50 Points/Frame
ą(with Option 1M, 50,000 Record Length)

ą227 Frames at 50 Points/Frame
ą(standard configuration of 15,000 Record Length)

1 The range of realĆtime rates, expressed in samples/second, at which a digitizer samples signals at its inputs and stores the samĆ

ples in memory to produce a record of timeĆsequential samples

2 The range of waveform rates for equivalent time or interpolated waveform records.

3 The Waveform Rate (WR) is the equivalent sample rate of a waveform record. For a waveform record acquired by realĆtime samĆ

pling of a single acquisition, the waveform rate is the same as the realĆtime sample rate; for a waveform created by interpolation of
realĆtime samples from a single acquisition or by equivalentĆtime sampling of multiple acquisitions, the waveform rate is faster than
the real time sample rate. For all three cases, the waveform rate is 1/(Waveform Interval) for the waveform record, where the waveĆ
form interval (WI) is the time between the samples in the waveform record.

4 The maximum record length of 15,000 samples (50,000 samples with Option 1M) is selectable with all acquisition modes except

Hi Res. In Hi Res, the maximum record length is 5,000 samples (15,000 samples with Option 1M).

2Ć10

Specifications