TPI 460 User Manual
460 Handheld 20MHz
Digital Oscilloscope
(Ver. Ⅲ)
User’s Guide
Test Products International, Inc.
9615 SW Allen Blvd.
Portland, OR 97005
Ph: 503-520-9197 Fax: 503-520-1225
E-mail: info@tpi-thevalueleader.com
The Value Leader
www.tpi-thevalueleader.com
TM
Copyright © 2001
Test Products International, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
08/01
460 User s Guide
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460 User s Guide
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Table of Contents
C1 - Introduction ............................................ C1-1
Features ............................................ C1-2
Specifications ........................................ C1-3
Scope Modes .................................... C1-3
Multimeter Modes ................................ C1-5
C2 - Getting Started ........................................ C2-1
Equipment Needed .................................... C2-1
460 Setup............................................ C2-1
Measuring Voltage .................................... C2-3
Measuring Frequency .................................. C2-3
Measuring Resistance .................................. C2-4
Testing Continuity...................................... C2-4
Diode Test............................................ C2-4
C3 - Operation .............................................. C3-1
Principal Connectors and Keys............................ C3-1
Key / Screen Menus .................................... C3-3
C4 - Advanced Functions .................................... C4-1
Triggering ............................................ C4-1
Trend Mode .......................................... C4-1
Glitch Capture ........................................ C4-2
Saving Screens........................................ C4-2
Using the 10:1 Probe .................................. C4-3
10:1 Probe Compensation Adjustment...................... C4-3
C5 - Using Adapters ........................................ C5-1
Temperature Adapter - A301 .............................. C5-1
High Current Adapter - A251 / A256 / A296.................. C5-1
Low Current Adapter - A254.............................. C5-2
Current Shunt Adapter - A130 ............................ C5-2
Pressure Adapter - A620 ................................ C5-2
PC Software & RS232 Cable - A404........................ C5-3
C6 - Safety Considerations .................................... C6-1
Instrument .......................................... C6-1
Environmental ........................................ C6-2
Appendix A - Test and Calibration................................ A-1
Appendix B - Maintenance Considerations ........................ B-1
Appendix C - Glossary ........................................ C-1
Appendix D - Optional RS-232C / PC Interface...................... D-1
Appendix E - Troubleshooting .................................. E-1
iv
460 User s Guide
Chapter 1
Introduction
This manual describes the TPI Scope Plus 460 and its functions. Normal and advanced functions
are covered in detail, as well as interactions with computers and other instrumentation. A full
chapter is also devoted to safety considerations, both instrument based and interactively. The following is a brief chapter and appendix summary:
Chapter 1 - Covers the introduction, features and Specifications.
Chapter 2 - Getting Started gets the new user up and running in the shortest time possible.
The basic functions are introduced in a hands on style designed to familiarize the
user with the keypad and screen display.
Chapter 3 - Explains all the normal functions of the TPI Scope Plus 460, including buttons,
menus, screen displays, and a sequencing guide for both external key actions and
their interaction with software driven menus.
Chapter 4 - Explains more advanced functions such as triggering, glitch capture, trend mode,
and saving screens.
Chapter 5 - Explains and illustrates uses of probes and adapters including pressure,
temperature, and current shunt adapters. This chapter also introduces general
aspects of the optional optically isolated RS-232 interface.
Chapter 6 - This important chapter details operating methods and tips designed to preserve
both the life of your instrument, and safety factors to prevent human injury. The
text is divided into Instrument and environmental safety subsections.
Appendix A - This appendix covers what to look for, and how to make simple tests to find out if
your TPI Scope Plus 460 requires replacement parts or calibration.
Appendix B - This Maintenance appendix gives tips on how to keep your TPI
Scope Plus 460 in top operating condition by assuring constant
peak performance. The appendix also covers battery servicing
and replacement.
Appendix C - A glossary describing the meanings of terms associated with the
460 and its working environment.
460 User s Guide Introduction
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Appendix D - This appendix introduces and explains the powerful RS-232C
Interface option. All aspects are covered from Installation to
Special Applications.
Appendix E - This Troubleshooting appendix covers problems that may arise
during installation or operation of your new TPI Scope Plus 460.
Features
The following features exist for the TPI Scope Plus 460:
20 MHz Bandwidth
Enough bandwidth to capture signals from AC/DC drive motors, sensors,
actuators, line and control voltages, UPS and industrial machines.
Sample Rate
A real time sampling of 25 megasamples/sec to capture spikes and dropouts of
industrial signals.
Dual Input
View two waveforms on the display for comparison and troubleshooting.
True RMS DMM
Includes a 4000 count True RMS DMM that measures AC/DC volts to 600V,
frequency to 20MHz, resistance to 20M Ohm, diode test and continuity audible
tone.
Autoranging
Autoranging capability across Voltage, Timebase and Frequency.
Bright LCD Backlight
Easy-to-see display in any light condition with user-adjustable backlight
brightness levels
Optically Isolated RS232 Output
Transfer data safely without any direct connections to your computer s systems
security.
Optional Accessories
Temperature Adapter to measure temperature from -40 to 500
o
F (A301).
Pressure Adapter to measure pressure from -30 to 500psi (A620).
Protective Boot (A405).
Soft Carrying Case with Shoulder Strap (A905).
RS232 cable and software (A404).
Current Adapters:
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o A254 - For measuring low current in milliamps
o A256 - Up to 400 AC/DC amps
o A296 - Up to 1000 AC/DC amps
Specifications
Display:
Size 76mm X 76mm (3" X 3")
Pixels 240 X 240 pixels
LCD type STN Normally Gray or Black
Back Light CCFL
Memory:
Waveform Screens (2)
Setup User setup (1)
Power:
External Power Adapter (5.5V / 2A)
Internal Battery Ni-MH 1.2V X 4
Battery Operating Time More than 2.5 hours with bright backlight
Charging Time 10 hours (in power off condition)
SCOPE MODES
Horizontal:
Samples per division 25 samples / div.
Time/division Equivalent sampling 50ns to 500ns/div
Real time sampling 1us to 2s/div
Modes Single, Normal, Auto, Glitch
Accuracy Real time sampling +/- (0.1% + 0.04 time/div)
Equivalent sampling +/- (0.5% + 0.08 time/div)
Vertical:
Sampling Rate 25 Mega samples per second
Bandwidth (-3dB) DC Coupled 1:1 shielded test leads ; DC to 10MHz
Coaxial cable (50Ω); DC to 20MHz
AC Coupled 1:1 shielded test leads ; 10Hz to 10MHz
Coaxial cable (50Ω); 10Hz to 20MHz
Resolution 8 bits
Channel 2
Coupling AC,DC,GND
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Input impedance Approx. 1M Ohm
Sensitivity 50mV to 200V/div 1,2,5 sequence
Accuracy +/- (3% + 0.05 range/div)
Display modes CH1, Dual
Maximum Input Voltage 600V
Trigger:
Position Ver 1; Fixed Position / Ver 3; Adjustable Position
Mode Free run, normal
Source Internal (CH1/CH2)
Slope Positive/Negative
Sensitivity Real time sampling .... 2 divisions or more
Equivalent sampling .... 3 divisions or more
Trend Plot:
Plot Time 30sec/div to 1-hour/div
Plot Data Type Max / Min Selectable
Temperature Measurement:
Optional Adapter A301 (k - Type thermocouple)
Range -40 F to 500 F
Accuracy +/- (1.5% + 5 digits)
Pressure / Vacuum Measurement:
Optional Adapter A620
Range Pressure 500 psi
Vacuum 30 inHg
Accuracy Pressure +/- (5% + 5 digits)
Vacuum +/- (1.5% + 5 digits)
Current Measurement:
Optional Adapter 1 A251 (AC AMPS)
Range 0 - 40A / 40 - 400A
Accuracy ( 0 - 40A ) +/- (2.0% + 10 digits , 50 / 60 Hz)
(40 - 400A) +/- (2.0% + 10 digits , 50 / 60 Hz)
Optional Adapter 2 A256 (AC/DC AMPS)
Range 0 - 40A / 40 - 400A
Accuracy ( 0 - 40A ) +/- (2.0% + 10 digits , 50 / 60 Hz)
(40 - 400A) +/- (2.0% + 10 digits , 50 / 60 Hz)
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Optional Adapter 3 A296 (AC/DC AMPS)
Range 0 - 400A / 400 - 1000A
Accuracy ( 0 - 400A ) +/- (2.0% + 10 digits , 50 / 60 Hz)
(400 - 1000A) +/- (2.0% + 10 digits , 50 / 60 Hz)
MULTIMETER MODES
DC Volts (CH1/CH2)
Range Resolution Accuracy
400mV 0.1mV +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
4V 0.001V +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
40V 0.01V +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
400V 0.1V +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
600V 1V +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
AC Volts (CH1/CH2)
Range Resolution Accuracy
400mV 0.1mV 20Hz to 50Hz; +/- (2% + 20 digits)
4V 0.001V 50Hz to 1kHz; +/- (1% + 10 digits)
40V 0.01V 1kHz to 20kHz; +/- ( 2% + 10 digits)
400V 0.1V 40Hz to 400Hz; +/- (1% + 10 digits)
600V 1V 40Hz to 400Hz; +/- (1% + 10 digits)
Frequency (CH1/CH2)
Range Resolution Accuracy
100Hz 0.01Hz +/- (1.0% + 10 digits)
1KHz 0.1Hz +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
10KHz 1Hz +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
100KHz 10Hz +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
1MHz 100Hz +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
10MHz 1kHz +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
20MHz 10kHz +/- (2.5% + 5 digits)
OHM (CH1 ONLY)
Range Resolution Accuracy
400 Ohm 0.1 Ohm +/- (0.75% + 5 digits)
4k Ohm 1 Ohm +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
40k Ohm 10 Ohm +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
400k Ohm 100 Ohm +/- (0.5% + 5 digits)
4M Ohm 1k Ohm +/- (1.0% + 10 digits)
20M Ohm 10k Ohm +/- (3.0% + 20 digits)
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Continuity (CH1 ONLY)
Range Resolution Accuracy
4 K ohm 1 ohm Beeps < 0.1 K ohm , +/- (2% + 5 digits)
Diode (CH1 ONLY)
Range Resolution Accuracy
2 V 1 mV Open circuit voltage < 5 V
Short circuit current < 5 mA
Reading accuracy; +/- (2% + 5 digits)
dBV (CH1 ONLY)
dBV=20 log |Vin|
dBm (CH1 ONLY)
OdBm=1mw
460 User s Guide Introduction
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Chapter 2
Getting Started
This chapter will get you started with the TPI Scope Plus 460. It will include initial power up, followed by a series of DMM and static tests. More detailed operations will be the subject of the
next chapter. Refer also to the chapters and appendices covering specifications and maintenance
if you run into problems outside the scope of this chapter. Also feel free to check with service
support using the phone numbers given at the beginning of this manual.
Equipment Needed
Required:
Fully operational TPI Scope Plus 460 with batteries fully charged
Set of probes with alligator clip attachments available
Set of fixed or variable resistances.
Set of fixed or variable inductances.
Set of fixed or variable capacitances.
Static or variable DC voltage source.
Optional:
Signal generator source with varied outputs
Random glitch or voltage spike generator
460 Setup
1. Use the tilt stand if necessary to set up the instrument in a readable position.
2. Switch the unit on by pressing and releasing the POWER ON button.
3. If the Power adapter is attached, check the battery level by pulling out the adapter and
checking if there is any change to the brightness of the display (For optimal performance,
the battery should be fully charged even with the Power adapter attached).
4. Check the Contrast. Refer to Figure 2-1, and press the USER button. Note the Contrast
menu button is displayed on the screen above F2. - Press F2 and note the menu item on
the screen is now darkened. Press the Up arrow to increase the contrast and the Down
arrow to reduce the contrast.
5. Check the Brightness (-there are ten levels). Refer to Figure 2-1, and press the
Brightness button (Sun Icon) to decrease the brightness. To increase the brightness,
continue pressing the brightness button until you have reached the bottom level, at which
time it will revert to the maximum brightness level.
460 User s Guide Getting Started
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3. Press F2 (below the
Contrast Label).
4. Press the Up or Down direction
arrows to change contrast.
2. Press the User
Button
1. Press the POWER ON
Button
Figure 2-1. Contrast Adjustment with Low Visibility
460 User s Guide Getting Started
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NOTE: The Brightness control effects the backlighting whereas Contrast
effects the intensity of the liquid crystal display (both for the tracing beams
and the text display).
6. You have now completed the basic setup. Press Ch A (Channel A), to exit the user setup
mode and ready the instrument for Multimeter operations.
Measuring Voltage
1. With the 460 set for Input A (Ch A button), use the down arrow to set the highlight on
DCV. Press Enter.
2. Press the green V key, and connect the probes to a DC Voltage source. The voltage will
appear in alphanumeric text at the top left of the screen. The trace line A should be
steady, but if there are any AC components present on the line it will also show these
(especially in the case of partially rectified AC).
NOTE:Pressing the Green key V selection first will ensure you are not
being limited by the millivolt range. If the voltage reading is then read as
a small value, use the mV side of the green rocker key to display the millivolt
range on the screen.
3. Disconnect the DC Voltage source and press Ch A (Channel A blue button). Use the Up
arrow to move the screen highlight to ACV. Press Enter.
4. Press the green V key, and connect the probes to the AC source. The voltage can be read
at the top left of the screen expressed as an RMS value. The trace line A will show the
shape of the AC voltage source.
Measuring Frequency
1. With the 460 set for Input A (Ch A button), use the down arrow to set the highlight on
Freq. Press Enter.
2. Connect the probes to a frequency source. The frequency will be shown in alphanumeric
text at the top left of the screen. The trace line A will show the nature of the frequency
source.
Notes on Trace Stability:
a). Ensuring that the Channel B trace is off when making frequency
measurements on the A channel, will reduce clutter on the screen, and make
the A trace easier to read.
460 User s Guide Getting Started
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b). Using the HOLD/RUN button will freeze the trace and allow waveform
characteristics to be measured precisely against the background grid.
Measuring Resistance
1. With the 460 set for Input A (Ch A button), use the down arrow to set the highlight on
OHM. Press Enter.
2. Connect the probes across the resistance source. The resistance value is shown in two
forms. First as alphanumeric text at the top of the screen. Secondly, the value is shown
visually against a calibrated bar. The value of the bar is shown at the base of the screen.
For instance, if a resistance of 12.00 K Ohms is being read, a bar of value 40K Ohms will
typically be displayed, and the actual value of the resistance will show as 12.00 against
that bar
Testing Continuity
1. With the 460 set for Input A (Ch A button), use the down arrow to set the highlight on
Beep. Press Enter.
2. Connect the probes across the source to be tested. If the line is closed (equiv. of short
circuit) or not offering more than 100 Ohms of resistance, the full beep will be heard, and
the bar will show the degree of resistance (if any).
Note: The continuity test function can also be used to test the resistance in
a path up to a value of 4K Ohms. The actual value will be shown alphanumerically in the top left of the screen, and also shown graphically against
a bar having a span of 0 to 4K Ohms
Diode Test
1. With the 460 set for Input A (Ch A button), use the down arrow to set the highlight on
DIODE. Press Enter.
2. Connect the probes across the diode in the +/+ direction. A total resistance should be
noted (The full bar shows no reverse current flow).
3 Connect the probes to the diode in the normal +/- direction. The bar display should show
an open or almost open condition. - Forward bias is shown against a scale of 2.0 volts
and is also displayed alpha-numerically at top left of the screen.
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Chapter 3
Operation
This chapter provides a general overview of the tpi Scope Plus 460 from an operations point of
view. The keys and adapter connectors will first be identified followed by a pictorial description
of the key and screen menu functions.
Principal Connectors and keys
Figure 3-1 shows the general layout of the front panel and side connectors. Many of the functions are straight forward and identified in the illustration. The numbered items in the diagram
need additional explanation and are detailed below:
1. Ch A
This key controls the display of oscilloscope Channel A. The first screen requires
the user to first identify the nature of the display, e.g., AC Volts, DC Volts,
Frequency, etc. Then, after pressing ENTER, the Channel A trace is displayed as
well as the correct alphanumerics.
2. Ch B
This key controls the display of oscilloscope Channel B. The first screen requires
the user to first identify the nature of the display, This list is different from
Channel A and includes specialized measuring scales such as
o
C, oF and Psi, etc.
After selecting the scale, press ENTER , and the Channel B trace is displayed.
3. S TIME nS
This rocker switch controls the oscilloscope timebase. Pressing the left side
decreases the sweep rate in 1, 2, 5, increments down to 2-seconds per division.
Pressing the right side speeds the sweep rate in increments up to 50-nano
seconds per division. Sweep Rate is displayed above the TRIGGER label at the
base of the screen
4. mV / V
This vertically orientated rocker switch controls the vertical sensitivity for the A
Channel oscilloscope. The scale is in 1, 2, 5, increments from 50mV to 200V
per vertical division. The readout is at the extreme left of the display just above
the A MOVE label.
5 mV / V
This rocker switch is identical to Callout #4 except applicable to Channel B. The
readout is at the extreme right of the display just above the B MOVE label.
6. Cursor Mode measurement
This is the △V, △T measurement button. Pressing this button changes the
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activated cursor. The user can move the activated cursor with the 4 direction keys.
Each readout of △V, △T is displayed on menu area (Pls see Fig 3-1).
Pressing the F3 key disables the cursor mode.
Figure 3-1. 460 Front Panel layout
460 User s Guide Operation
C3-2
7. AUTO
This is the Auto Ranging and optimal setting button. In the AUTO mode, the 460
will sense the parameter being measured and automatically adjust the oscilloscope
timebase to suit. The button also toggles between AUTO and MANUAL modes.
Note that the previous manual settings are lost once auto mode has activated.
8. SCOPE
This is a dual function oscilloscope switch. Initial activation (Scope /S1)
sets the oscilloscope program to display the SCOPE INPUTS interactive
menu. Activating the SCOPE switch a second time, sets the program to
display the Channel A waveform, the Channel B waveform (if it is
switched ON), and the A / B MOVE, TRIGGER / TREND selection menu.
Pressing the switch a third time will toggle the program back to SCOPE
INPUTS.
9. HOLD / RUN
This is a toggle switch that allows the user to freeze the currently dis
played waveforms. Once frozen, the user can choose to record the
waveform using the SAVE key (see callout #11), or to press the HOLD /
RUN key a second time to unfreeze the display.
10. USER
This is a toggle switch that allows a user to interrupt most ongoing
programs to revert to a setup mode to adjust Contrast, RS-232C output,
or Power Down, and then revert to the original program by pressing
the button a second time. Note that the POWER DOWN menu selection
allows an automatic timed power down for special functions.
11. SAVE
This is a toggle switch that allows a screen save (traces only) for a
maximum of two saves and/or recalls. You can delete an existing capture,
or automatically overwrite to the selected memory. Pressing the button
a second time reverts to the original display.
Key / Screen Menus
The following tables provide a graphical explanation of the key and menu interactions and menu
item sequencing. Most sequences begin with a key and are at the left of the diagrams. The colors of the keys are below the appropriate boxes.
Note that the two Scope entries (Scope / S1 in Table 3-1, and Scope / S2 in Table 3-2) represent
the two sequential functions of the same switch.
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Table 3-1. 460 User Function / Menu Interactions —Part 1Table 3-1. 460 User Function / Menu Interactions —Part 1
460 User s Guide Operation
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CHA
ACV DCV FREQ OHM BEEP DIODE
CHB OFF ON
ACV DCV FREQ
OFF ON dBV
dBm50Ω dBm600Ω
1mV
/°C
1mV
/°F
1mV
/Psi
1mV
/inHg
1mV/A 10mV/A
100mV
/A
1mV/A 10mV/A
100mV
/A
A
SCOPE
/S1
ACV DCV GND
MODE AUTO NORM SINGLE GLITCH
B ACV DCV GND OFF
PROBES
SELECT
SEL AF1 1:1
Probe
Adjust
F2
EneterF4
RECALL
SAVESAVE
Brown
Brown
Blue
Blue
DELETE
SCREEN1SCREEN
2
NO
10:1
SEL A 1:1 10:1
USER
F1
F2 F3 F4
EXIT
Brown
SCOPE
/ S2
F1
A
MOVE
F2
TRIGG-
ER
F1 EXIT
Brown
F2
SOURCE
A, B
F4
TRIG.
SLOPE
F3
TRIG.
LEVEL
Table 3-2. 460 User Function / Menu Interactions —Part 2
CON-
TRAST
RS-
232C
POWER
DOWN
F3
TREND
F1 EXIT
F2
MAX
F4
RE-
START
F3
MIN
F4
B
MOVE
AFTER
10 MIN
AFTER
20 MIN
AFTER
30 MIN
DIS-
ABLE
460 User s Guide Operation
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