THS3004
THS3004
THS3000 Series
Oscilloscopes
ZZZ
User Manual
*P077060701*
077-0607-01
xx THS3000 Series
Oscilloscopes
ZZZ
User Manual
www.tektronix.com
077-0607-01
Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries
or suppliers, and are protected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication
supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
Getting Started
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1-1
Product Description.......................................................................................... 1-1
Front Panel Navigation...................................................................................... 1-2
Initial Setup................................................................................................... 1-9
Restore Factory Default Settings......................................................................... 1-12
Tilt Stand, Hanging Hook, and Kensington® Lock.................................................... 1-13
Operating Basics
Operating Basics.................................................................................................. 2-1
Input Connections ........................................................................................... 2-1
About Floating Measurements ............................................................................. 2-2
Connect Probes and Leads .................................................................................. 2-4
Select an Input Channel ................................................................................... 2-12
Adjust the Probe Type Settings........................................................................... 2-13
Display an Unknown Signal with Autoset or AutoRange™ .......................................... 2-13
Automatic Measurements ................................................................................. 2-15
Stop the Display ........................................................................................... 2-18
Average, Persistence, and Glitch Capture ............................................................... 2-19
Acquire Waveforms ....................................................................................... 2-22
Pass-Fail Testing ........................................................................................... 2-30
Functional Overview
Recorder Functions ............................................................................................... 3-1
Plot Measurements Over Time (TrendPlot™) ............................................................ 3-1
Record Waveforms In Deep Memory (Scope Roll Mode) .............................................. 3-3
Analyze Waveforms .............................................................................................. 3-6
Use Replay ................................................................................................... 3-6
Use Zoom..................................................................................................... 3-7
Use Cursors................................................................................................... 3-9
Appendices
Appendix A: Specifications .................................................................................... A-1
Introduction.................................................................................................. A-1
General Specifications...................................................................................... A-1
Automatic Measurements .................................................................................. A-6
Recorder Specifications .................................................................................... A-9
Zoom, Data Log, and Cursors Specifications ............................................................ A-9
Miscellaneous Specifications ............................................................................ A-10
Safety Specifications ..................................................................................... A-13
Probe Specifications ...................................................................................... A-15
Appendix B: Connect the Instrument to a Computer ........................................................ B-1
USB Ports.................................................................................................... B-2
Install USB Drivers......................................................................................... B-3
Confirm Oscilloscope and PC Communication ......................................................... B-4
Appendix C: Probe Compensation and Compatible Maximum Voltages ................................. C-1
Compensate Voltage Probes ............................................................................... C-1
Compatible Probe Maximum Voltages ................................................................... C-3
Appendix D: Battery Pack ...................................................................................... D-1
Save Battery Life ........................................................................................... D-1
Charge the Batteries ........................................................................................ D-2
Appendix E: Maintenance and Cleaning...................................................................... E-1
Maintaining the Instrument ................................................................................ E-1
Cleaning ..................................................................................................... E-1
Storage ....................................................................................................... E-1
Index
Index
List of Tables
Table i: Product documentation................................................................................... x
Table 2-1: Comparison of averaged versus nonaveraged waveforms .................................... 2-20
Table 2-2: Pixel colors description ........................................................................... 2-30
Table 3-1: Trigger types ....................................................................................... 3-15
Table 3-2: Internal memory ................................................................................... 3-25
Table A-1: Record Length (Samples/points per input) ...................................................... A-1
Table A-2: Oscilloscope Inputs ............................................................................... A-2
Table A-3: Automatic measurement specifications .......................................................... A-6
Table A-4: Recorder............................................................................................. A-9
Table A-5: Zoom, Data Log, and Cursors .................................................................... A-9
Table A-6: Display ............................................................................................ A-10
Table A-7: Power .............................................................................................. A-10
Table A-8: Probe Calibration Output Signal ................................................................ A-11
Table A-9: Memory ............................................................................................ A-11
Table A-10: Interface Ports................................................................................... A-12
Table A-11: Mechanical ...................................................................................... A-12
Table A-12: Environmental .................................................................................. A-12
Table A-13: Safety specifications............................................................................ A-13
Table A-14: THP0301 Voltage Probe ....................................................................... A-15
Table C-1: Compatible probe maximum voltages ........................................................... C-3
To avoid fire or personal Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord specified for this product and
injury certified for the country of use.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test
leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
Connect and disconnect properly. Connect the probe output to the measurement
instrument before connecting the probe to the circuit under test. Connect the
probe reference lead to the circuit under test before connecting the probe input.
Disconnect the probe input and the probe reference lead from the circuit under test
before disconnecting the probe from the measurement instrument.
Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings
and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings
information before making connections to the product.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that
exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power source.
Do not block the power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all times.
Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels
removed.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when
power is present.
Replace batteries properly. Replace batteries only with the specified type and
rating.
Use proper AC adapter. Use only the AC adapter specified for this product.
Symbols and terms on the These terms may appear on the product:
product DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read
the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
Preface
This manual contains operating information for the Tektronix THS3024 and
THS3014 Handheld Oscilloscopes. It consists of the following chapters:
The Getting Started chapter briefly describes features of the instrument, front
panel navigation, button menus, and provides installation instructions and a
functional check procedure. (See page 1-1.)
The Operating Basics chapter provides information about operating the front
panel, what functions each menu accesses, how to connect to inputs, and
using the tilt and security features. (See page 2-1.)
The Functional Overview chapter provides an overview of how the various
functions and features of the instrument operate. (See page 3-1.)
The Appendix A: Specifications chapter includes electrical, environmental,
physical specifications for the instrument, and certifications and compliances.
(See page A-1.)
The Appendix B: Connect The Instrument to a Computer chapter provides
procedures for connecting the instrument to a computer and installing USB
drivers and OpenChoice™ Desktop software. (See page B-1.)
The Appendix C: Probe Calibration and Compatible Maximum Voltages
chapter provides calibration and other probe information. (See page C-1.)
The Appendix D: Battery Pack chapter provides information about how to
preserve battery life and charge the battery. (See page D-1.)
The Appendix E: Maintenance and Cleaning chapter describes how to take
care of the instrument. (See page E-1.)
Working voltage. Voltage ratings that are mentioned in the warnings in this
manual are given as limits for “working voltage”. They represent V AC RMS
(50-60 Hz) for AC sine wave applications and as V DC for DC applications.
Product Description
The Tektronix THS3024 and THS3014 Four Channel Handheld Oscilloscopes are
rugged, handheld oscilloscopes ideal for the lab and field.
Key Features Autoset and Autoranging for quick setup and hands-free operation
200 MHz bandwidth (3024 model)
100 MHz bandwidth (3014 model)
5 GS/s maximum sampling rate (3024 model)
Waveform averaging and enveloping with hardware peak detection
Advanced pulse and video trigger capability
Accessories For a list of standard, optional, and service accessories, please see the Accessories
section of the THS3000 Series Oscilloscopes Installation and Safety Instructions
that shipped with your instrument. You can also find an electronic copy on the
Web at www.tektronix.com/manuals and on the product documentation CD that
was shipped with your instrument.
To select a menu item. Press one of the four black buttons beneath the menu item
you want to select. (See Figure 1-1.)
To navigate through a submenu. Use the up, down, right, and left arrow keys to
navigate through submenus that may appear.
To exit a menu. Press the related button again. For example, if you pressed
Acquire to access the Acquire menu, press the Acquire button again to exit the
menu.
To hide a menu. Press the Menu Off button to hide a menu. Press it again to
view the same menu.
Highlighted white menu items. A menu item highlighted in white means that item
is the current setting.
Highlighted black menu items. A menu item highlighted in black means that the
selection cursor is on that item.
Acquire The Acquire button provides you access to acquisition parameters, such as
measurements, recorder features, and special acquisition modes.
The RECORDER REPLAY submenu. This submenu provides options for recording
measurement data and screen images, and contains the following:
Trend Plot: Recorder Run/Stop, Options (Time of Day, From Start), View
All, Normal, Exit Recorder
Scope Roll Mode: Recorder Run/Stop, Exit Recorder
Data Log Replay: Previous, Next, Play, Exit Replay
Autoset (AutoRange) Pressing the Autoset button results in the automatic setup of all active channels
for vertical, horizontal, and trigger systems. Press and hold the Autoset button to
activate the AutoRange function. This function provides continuous auto setup
of vertical, horizontal, and trigger systems that track signal changes. Neither the
Autoset function nor the AutoRange function has a dedicated setup menu. You
can change Autoset mode from the Utility>Options>Auto Set Adjust menu.
Ch 1 – Ch 4 The Ch 1 and other channel buttons allow you to set probe input and probe
parameters as follows:
The INPUT 1 menu. This menu allows you to turn Input 1 On and Off.
The COUPLING menu. This menu allows you to set input coupling to DC or AC.
The PROBE 1 submenu. This submenu allows you to set the probe type and
attenuation or sensitivity as follows:
The INPUT 1 OPTIONS submenu. This submenu allows you to set the polarity and
bandwidth parameters and contains the following:
Polarity: Normal, Inverted, Variable
Bandwidth: Full, 20 kHz (HF reject), 20 MHz
Cursors The Cursors button allows you to view and adjust cursors as follows:
The CURSOR submenu. This menu allows you to turn select from the following
cursor types:
׀: Single vertical cursor
׀׀: Two vertical cursors
= : Two horizontal cursors
: Rise time cursor
: Fall time cursor
The MOVE submenu. Press the arrows keys to move the cursor(s) right, left,
up, or down.
The T, 1/T, mVs, RMS submenu. This submenu allows you to select the units to
view for the distance between the cursors. This menu option is only available
when the double vertical cursor is selected:
T: time
1/T: 1/time or frequency
mVs: Millivolts per second
RMS: Root mean squared
The AUTO/MANUAL submenu. This submenu allows you to set the cursors to auto
adjust or manual adjust This menu is only available when the rise time or fall
time cursor is selected.
Level The Level button allows you to adjust the trigger input level.
Menu Off The Menu Off button allows you to hide any menu from the display. Press the
button again to view the same menu.
Position (horizontal) Use the Position horizontal button to move a waveform left or right along the
display grid.
Position (vertical) Use the Position vertical button to move a waveform up or down along the
display grid.
Run/Stop Press the Run/Stop button to start and stop acquisition. When acquisition is
running, the word RUN is displayed in the top right corner of the display screen
outlined in green. When acquisition is stopped, the word STOP is displayed in the
top right corner of the display screen outlined in red.
Save The Save button allows you to save, recall, copy, move, rename, and delete
screens and setups to internal instrument memory or to the USB device as follows:
The SAVE menu. This menu allows you to select what to save where.
MEMORY: Select from INT (internal instrument memory) or USB (USB
memory device).
Save to INT (or USB): Select to save Screen + Setup or Replay + Setup to
internal instrument memory or USB device.
The RECALL menu. This menu allows you to recall DATA or SETUP from
internal or USB device memory.
The INT menu. Select this menu item to capture a screen and setup to internal
instrument memory. There is no submenu associated with this menu item.
The FILE OPTIONS menu. This menu allows you to do the following:
MEMORY: Select from INT (internal instrument memory) or USB (USB
memory device).
COPY: Copy the highlighted file from internal memory to USB (or from USB
to internal memory).
MOVE: Move the highlighted file from internal memory to USB (or from
USB to internal memory).
RENAME: Rename the highlighted file.
DELETE: Delete the highlighted file.
SELECT ALL: This menu item allows you to select all saved files at once.
Scale (horizontal) Use the Scale horizontal button to shrink or expand the horizontal scale of the
display grid. The value is displayed in the right bottom portion of the display
screen.
Scale (vertical) Use the Scale vertical button to shrink or expand the vertical scale of the display
grid for the selected input channel. The value is displayed in the left bottom
portion of the display screen.
Single Press the Single button for a single acquisition. There is no menu associated
with this button.
Trigger The Trigger button allows you to set various trigger parameters. The menu
changes as shown here depending on whether trigger is set to automatic (first
menu) or manual (second menu). All other menu items remain the same.
AUTO LEVEL. (Automatic setting only) Select automatic setting of trigger levels.
AUTO TRIG. (Manual setting only) Select from one of four programmed trigger
conditions or enable the instrument to generate a trigger if a real trigger does
not occur.
The TRIGGER OPTIONS menu. This menu allows you to select for the following
trigger types and parameters:
The FIELD menu. (Available for Video trigger only) You can select from Field 1
or 2 to trigger either on the first half of the frame (odd, field 1) or on the second
half of the frame (even, field 2).
The ALL LINES menu. (Available for Video trigger only) Press this menu item to
trigger on all line synchronization pulses (horizontal synchronization).
The LINE NR menu. (Available for Video trigger only) Press this menu item to
enable the LINE NR option and use the Vertical Position button to view a specific
video line in more detail.
The WIDTH menu. (Available for Pulse Width trigger only) Press the Vertical
Position button to adjust the pulse width.
The CONDITION menu. (Available for Pulse Width trigger only) Press this menu
item to select the condition for trigger: >t, <t, or Off.
Utility The Utility button allows you to access battery options, language options, version
and calibration information and display brightness and contrast:
The OPTIONS menu. This submenu allows you to set the probe type and
attenuation or sensitivity as follows:
Auto Set Adjust: Search for signals above a specified Hz threshold, Input
coupling (Set to DC, Unchanged), Display glitches (Set to On, Unchanged)
Battery Save Options: Instrument Auto-Off (5 minutes, 30 minutes, Disabled),
Display Auto-Off (30 seconds, 5 minutes, Disabled)
Date Adjust: Year, Month, Day, Format (DD/MM/YY, MM/DD/YY)
Time Adjust: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Factory Default: Select Yes or No
The LANGUAGE menu. This submenu allows you to select the language in which
you want user messages to be displayed. Choose from English, French, German,
The VERSION & CAL menu. This submenu allows you to view instrument
information including model and serial number, software version, and calibration
date. You can also access information on battery level, status total capacity, time
to empty, and battery serial number.
The CONTRAST and LIGHT menu. This menu item allows you to adjust display
contrast and to dim the display. Use the right or left arrow keys to dim the display.
Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust display contrast.
Zoom Press the Zoom button to zoom in on a specified segment of a waveform. The
menu allows you to access the following:
GLITCH: Select on or off.
ZOOM: Adjust the zoom using the up and down arrow keys.
ZOOM ON/OFF: Select on or off.
Initial Setup
The following procedures describe how to power your instrument, turn it on and
off, quickly verify that your instrument is powering on and functioning correctly,
compensate passive probes using the built-in compensation signal and set the
time and date.
You should perform all initial setup procedures the first time you use the
instrument.
You should perform the probe compensation procedure whenever you attach a
passive probe for the first time to any input channel.
Battery Power This instrument can be powered by the THSBAT, a 10.8 V custom UL recognized
Li-ion battery pack. See the instructions that come with the battery for installation
information. You can also find those instructions on the Tektronix Web site at
www.tektronix.com/manuals.
Before using the battery, read the THS3014 and THS3024 Four Channel
Handheld Oscilloscopes Installation and Safety Instructions that shipped with
your instrument for important battery related safety information. This manual can
also be found on the Tektronix Web site at www.tektronix.com/manuals.
WARNING. Fire can cause personal injury and/or property damage. To prevent
risk of fire, do not use any battery but the battery Tektronix shipped with this
product. Only use the THSBAT battery pack with this product.
External Power This instrument can also be powered externally with an AC power adapter
(Tektronix part number 119-7900-00). This instrument can only be safely operated
using this particular AC power adapter.
Use the supplied power cord with the adapter. For a list of available power cords,
see the THS3000 Series Oscilloscopes Installation and Safety Instructions that
shipped with your instrument. It can be also be found on the Tektronix Web site at
www.tektronix.com/manuals.
Refer to the Specifications section of this manual for additional information on
electrical specifications. (See page A-1.)
WARNING. Fire can cause personal injury and/or property damage. To prevent
risk of fire, do not use any AC adapter with this product other than the AC adapter
provided by Tektronix with this instrument.
Power-On 1. If you are using a battery pack, go to step 2. If you are using an external
power source, check that the AC power adapter is connected to the instrument
and that the adapter is connected to a power cord that is plugged into a
properly grounded power outlet.
2. Press the power button on the instrument front panel and the instrument will
turn on. A power plug icon should appear in the upper right portion of the
display showing that the instrument is powered from the AC adapter.
Power-Off 1. Press the power button on the instrument front panel to turn the instrument off.
2. To remove power completely, disconnect the AC adapter from the side panel
of the instrument (or remove the battery).
Functional Check After you have installed the battery or connected external power, perform this
quick functional check to verify that your instrument is operating correctly. See
the THS3000 Series Oscilloscopes Installation and Safety Instructions for battery
installation and power information.
Perform this adjustment to match your probe to the input channel. This should be
done whenever you attach a passive probe for the first time to any input channel.
The calibration consists of a high frequency adjustment and a DC calibration for
10:1 probes and 100:1 probes. You can also read more about probe calibration.
(See page C-1, Probe Compensation and Compatible Maximum Voltages.)
1. Press the power button on the front panel to turn on the instrument.
2. After a few seconds, you should see a colored trace on the display screen. The
color of the trace corresponds to the color of the channel input button on
the front panel.
3. Connect a voltage probe to the Ch 1 input BNC on the instrument top panel.
The color at the base of each BNC matches the color of the associated channel
button and the color of the probe.
4. Attach the probe tip and reference lead to the probe calibration connector
located above the USB port on the left side of the instrument.
NOTE. Connect the probe tip to the smallest metal connector (on the top) and the
reference lead to the larger metal connector (on the bottom).
Kensington® Lock This instrument has a security slot compatible with a Kensington® lock. The
Kensington Security Slot along with a locking cable provides physical security
against thefts of opportunity. Locking cables are often available at laptop
computer accessory dealers and other such stores. (See Figure 1-3.)
Hanging Hook To hang the instrument from a cabinet door, separation wall, or ladder rung, you
can attach a hook handle (optional accessory). To attach the hook handle, close
the tilt stand, screw the hook handle into the back of the instrument, and then hang
the instrument where needed. (See Figure 1-4.)
Hanging Strap You can also hang the instrument from a door handle or similar object using
the hanging strap handle. To attach the hanging strap to the instrument, thread
it through the bars on the top right and left sides of the instrument and secure
the ends as shown in the following figure. You can now hang the instrument
as needed. (See Figure 1-5.)
Input Connections
The top panel of the instrument has four safety BNC jack signal inputs. The color
at the base of each BNC input corresponds to the color of the related channel
button on the front panel. Isolated input architecture allows independent floating
measurements with each input. (See Figure 2-1.)
NOTE. Read the important safety information about taking floating measurements.
(See page 2-2.)
BNC Connectors The instrument BNC reference connection is made on the inside of the BNC
connector. The black bayonet on the outside of the BNC connectors does not
provide electrical contact. For a good connection, make sure your probe or cable
connector is pushed on and twist locked. Replace cables or probes that have
worn connectors.
Unterminated BNC Inputs The black bayonet on the outside of the BNC input connectors does not shield
the connector input from unwanted electrical noise from nearby circuits. Connect
a 50 Ω terminator or a BNC shorting plug to the input BNC connector when
establishing a “No Signal” baseline condition.
Many handheld oscilloscope products have the architecture shown below, which
shares a common reference for the oscilloscope channels. (See Figure 2-3.) With
this architecture, all input signals must have the same voltage reference when you
take any multi-channel measurements.
NOTE. The input channels are electrically isolated from the USB ports and from
the power adapter input.
Understand the voltage ratings for the probes you are using and do not exceed
those ratings. The following voltage ratings are important to know and understand:
The maximum measurement voltage from the probe tip and BNC signal to the
probe reference lead
The maximum floating voltage from the probe reference lead to earth ground
The maximum measurement voltage from the probe tip and BNC shell to
earth ground
These voltage ratings depend on the probe and your application. Refer to the
Specifications section in this manual for more information. (See page A-15,
Probe Specifications.)
See the instruction sheet that shipped with your probes for more probe safety
information.
WARNING. To avoid electric shock, do not use probes that require a ground
connection, such as the Tektronix P5200 High Voltage Differential Probe, with
the THS3000 Series Oscilloscopes. The P5200 High Voltage Differential Probe
requires an instrument with grounded inputs and the TH3000 Series Oscilloscopes
have floating inputs (isolated inputs).
Attach the Reference If you are using all four of the instrument channels, you must attach the probe
Leads Correctly reference lead for each channel directly to your circuit. These attachments
are required because the channels are electrically isolated; they do not share a
common chassis connection. Use the shortest possible reference lead with each
probe to maintain good signal fidelity.
The probe reference lead presents a higher capacitive load to the circuit-under-test
than the probe tip. When taking a floating measurement between two nodes of a
circuit, attach the probe reference lead to the lowest impedance or least dynamic
of the two nodes.
This is the correct way to connect reference leads. (See Figure 2-6.)
This is a the wrong way to connect reference leads. Noise that is picked up by
reference lead 4 can be transmitted by parasitic capacitance to the analog input
amplifier. (See Figure 2-7.)
Make Voltage Probe To make measurements on four channels, connect the yellow voltage probe to
Connections the channel 1 input, the blue voltage probe to the channel 2 input, the magenta
voltage probe to the channel 3 input, and the green voltage probe to the channel
4 input. Connect the short ground lead of each voltage probe to its own reference
potential. (See Figure 2-8.)
Connections With Probe The following images show several different types of probe accessories and their
Accessories attachments.
Connection using a ground spring. The following image shows a voltage probe
connection using a ground spring.
WARNING. To avoid electrical shock or fire, do not connect the ground spring to
voltages higher than 30 Vrms from earth ground.
Connections Using Hook Tips and Alligator Clip Grounding. Connect the probes
as shown in the following image, making sure to reapply the insulation sleeve
over the probe tip when the hook tip is not in use to avoid electrical shock. (See
Figure 2-10.)
WARNING. To avoid electrical shock, reapply the insulation sleeve over the
probe tip when the hook clip is not used. This also avoids the risk of accidently
interconnecting the reference contact of multiple probes when ground leads are
connected. (See Figure 2-8.)
Figure 2-10: Connections using hook tips and alligator clip grounding
WARNING. To avoid electrical shock use an insulation sleeve if you use the probes
without the probe tip or the ground spring.
Connections with a ground lead. The voltage applied to the reference lead is also
present on the ground ring near the probe tip. The ground ring is shown here.
WARNING. To avoid electrical shock, always use the insulation sleeve or the
probe tip when using the probe reference (ground) lead. The voltage applied to
the reference lead is also present on the ground ring near the probe tip. (See
Figure 2-11.)
NOTE. Autoset can affect how coupling functions. For more information, read
about the Autoset feature. (See page 2-13, Display an Unknown Signal with
Autoset or AutoRange™.)
3. Press the function button to select Input Options and select the desired
attenuation and bandwidth settings. Read more about attenuation and
bandwidth settings. (See page 2-22, Acquire Waveforms.)
Assign Position and Scale If the channel button is illuminated, the horizontal and vertical Position and Scale
to Multiple Channels buttons are assigned to the indicated channel.
To assign the Position and Scale buttons to multiple channels, do the following:
1. Press and hold the Ch 1 button.
2. Press another one or more channel buttons in sequence.
3. Release the Ch 1 button.
All pressed buttons are now illuminated. The Position and Scale buttons now
apply to all active channels.
To deactivate this feature, press a single channel button.
4. Select the attenuation settings (for voltage probes) or the sensitivity settings
(for current probes) needed for your application.
5. Press the Menu Off button to remove the menu from the display screen.
Enable Autoset There are several steps to enabling the Autoset feature. The first involves setting
the Autoset parameters as follows:
1. Press the Utility button.
2. Select Options.
3. Check that the Auto Set Adjust menu item is highlighted black, and then
press Enter.
4. Select the frequency range:
If the frequency range is set to 15 Hz and up, the Autoset function responds
more quickly at this range because the instrument is instructed not to analyze
low frequency signal components.
NOTE. The Autoset option for the signal frequency is similar to the automatic
trigger option for the signal frequency. However, the Autoset option determines
the behavior of the Autoset function and effects show only when you press the
Autoset button.
Enable AutoRange™ To enable the AutoRange™ feature, press and hold the Autoset button until
AUTORANGE appears in the top right corner of the display screen. The
values showing across the bottom of the display screen show range and trigger
information.
The waveform identifier (1, 2, 3, or 4) is visible on the right side of the screen.
The zero icon (-) beneath the waveform identifier on the left side of the screen
identifies the ground level of the waveform. (See Figure 2-13.)
Automatic Measurements
This instrument offers a wide range of automatic measurements. In addition to
the waveforms, the instrument can also display measurements: MEASURE A,
B, C, D. These measurements are selectable independently and can be done on
the channel 1, 2, 3, or 4 input.
View a Hz and V Peak-Peak To choose also a Peak-Peak measurement for channel 2 as a second reading, do
Measurement the following after finishing the previous procedure:
1. Press the Ch 2 button to turn the input on.
2. Press the Acquire button and select MEASURE
3. Press the function button to select MEASURE B.
4. Select on Ch2 using the arrow keys and then press the Enter button.
5. Select Peak using the arrow keys and then press the Enter button.
6. Select Peak-Peak.
The display now shows two measurements and the top left of the screen shows
the Hz measurement. The character size will be reduced when more then two
readings are on. (See Figure 2-14.)
NOTE. You can set the parameters for all four measurements and assign those to
any of the four channels while the MEASURE menu is open.
NOTE. RUN will only appear on the screen if the trigger is set to MANUAL
from the Trigger button menu.
Use Persistence, Envelope, You can use persistence to observe dynamic signals. (See Figure 2-17.)
and Dot-Join to Display 1. Open the ACQUIRE OPTIONS menu.
Waveforms
2. From the Waveform submenu, black-highlight Persistence... and press the
Enter button.
3. From the Digital Persistence and Display submenus, you can select the
following:
Select Short, Medium, Long, or Infinite to observe dynamic waveforms
like on an analog oscilloscope.
Select Off and Display Envelope to see the upper and lower boundaries of
dynamic waveforms (envelope mode).
Select Display Dot-join OFF to display measured samples only. Dot
join off may be useful when measuring for example modulated signals
or video signals.
Select Display Normal to turn the envelope mode off and the dot-join
function on.
Suppress High Frequency Turning glitch detect off will suppress the high frequency noise on a waveform.
Noise Averaging will suppress the noise even more:
1. Open the ACQUIRE OPTIONS menu.
2. Select Glitch Off.
3. Select Average On to open the Average menu
4. Select Average 8.
You can read more about averaging and how to use it. (See page 2-19, Smooth
a Waveform With Averaging.)
NOTE. Glitch capture and average do not affect bandwidth. Further noise
suppression is possible with bandwidth limiting filters. (See page 2-24, Adjust
Bandwidth to Smooth Waveforms.)
Acquire Waveforms
Before the instrument can display a signal, the signal must pass through the input
channel where it is scaled and digitized. Each channel has a dedicated input
amplifier and digitizer. Each channel produces a stream of digital data from
which the instrument extracts waveform records. You can set a variety of signal
acquisition parameters as described in this section.
Set Acquisition Speed and To set the acquisition speed, do the following:
Waveform Memory Depth 1. Press the Acquire button.
2. Select ACQUIRE OPTIONS.
3. Set the Memory to one of the following:
Short: For faster trace update rate; shortest record length, decreased zoom
rate.
Long: Maximum waveform detail; 10,000 samples per trace record length,
maximum zoom rate, lower trace update rate.
Reverse the Attenuation of You may want to reverse the attenuation of a displayed waveform. For example,
the Displayed Waveform a negative-going waveform is displayed as a positive-going waveform which
may provide a more meaningful view. An inverted display is identified by an
inversed trace identifier ( ) at the right of the waveform, and in the status line
below the waveform. To invert a waveform, do the following for whichever input
channel you are using:
1. Press the desired channel button.
2. Select the INPUT OPTIONS submenu.
3. Select Inverted for the Attenuator setting.
4. Exit the menu.
Variable Input Sensitivity The variable input sensitivity allows you to adjust any input sensitivity
continuously. For example, to set the amplitude of a reference signal to exactly
6 divisions.
The input sensitivity of a range can be increased up to 2.5 times, for example
between 10 mV/div and 4 mV/div in the 10 mV/div range.
To use the variable input sensitivity, do the following for whichever input channel
you are using:
1. Press the Autoset button. The word AUTOSET will appear in the top right
portion of the display screen until the autoset is complete.
NOTE. The autoset will turn off the variable input sensitivity. You can now select
the required input range. Keep in mind that the sensitivity will increase when
you start adjusting the variable sensitivity (the displayed trace amplitude will
increase).
2. Press the channel button for the desired input to open the input menu.
3. Select INPUT OPTIONS.
4. Select Variable attenuation.
5. Exit the menu. You will see the channel number and Var in the left bottom
portion of the display screen.
NOTE. Selecting Variable will turn off cursors and automatic input ranging. Press
the Vertical Position buttons to increase or decrease sensitivity.
Adjust Bandwidth to You can use bandwidth filters to suppress high frequency noise on waveforms by
Smooth Waveforms limiting the working bandwidth to 20 kHz or 20 MHz. The application of filters
will smooth the displayed waveform. For the same reason, it will also improve
triggering on the waveform.
To use the HF reject filter on a desired input channel, do the following:
1. Press the channel button for the active input to view the menu.
2. Select INPUT OPTIONS.
3. Select the 20 kHz (HF reject) bandwidth.
NOTE. To suppress noise without loss of bandwidth, use the average function or
turn off Display Glitches. (See page 2-19, Smooth a Waveform With Averaging.)
Using Mathematics You can add (+), subtract (-), or multiply (x) two waveforms. The instrument will
Functions +, –, x, XY-mode display the mathematical result waveform and the source waveforms.
The XY-mode provides a plot with one input on the vertical axis and the second
input on the horizontal axis.
The Mathematics functions perform a point-to-point operation on the involved
waveforms.
5. Once you have selected the function and sources, a new menu will appear and
you should select from the options that menu provides. The menu varies
by function as follows:
+, - :
x:
XY-Mode:
FFT:
NOTE. The sensitivity range of the mathematical result is equal to the sensitivity
range of the least sensitive input divided by the scale factor.
Using Mathematics The spectrum function shows the spectral content of the input 1, 2, 3, or 4
Function Spectrum (FFT) waveform(s) in the input trace color. It performs an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)
to transform the amplitude waveform from the time domain into the frequency
domain.
To reduce the effect of side-lobes (leakage) it is recommended to use Auto
windowing. This will automatically adapt the part of the waveform that is
analyzed to a complete number of cycles.
Selecting Hanning, Hamming, or no windowing results in a faster update, but
also in more leakage.
Check that the entire waveform amplitude remains on the screen.
To use the FFT function, do the following:
1. Press the Acquire button.
2. Select ACQUIRE OPTIONS.
3. Select Mathematics from the Waveform options.
4. Select function FFT and then Source channel and a Window type.
5. Check that FFT shows at the top right of the display screen that appears.
(See Figure 2-18.)
If LOW AMPL shows, a spectrum measurement cannot be done because
the waveform amplitude is too low.
If WRONG TB shows, the time base setting does not enable the instrument to
display an FFT result. It is either too slow, which can result in aliasing, or too
fast, which results in less than one signal period on the screen.
7. Select the input on which you want to perform the FFT by pressing the
function button under the INPUT menu item.
Compare Waveforms You can display a fixed reference waveform with the actual waveform for
comparison.
To create a reference waveform and to display it with the actual waveform, do
the following:
1. Press the Acquire button.
2. Select ACQUIRE OPTIONS.
5. Or, select Recall… to recall a saved waveform (or waveform envelope) from
memory and use it as a reference waveform.
6. Or, select New… to open the NEW REFERENCE menu and select the width
of an additional envelope to be added to the momentary waveform.
7. Press Enter to store the momentary waveform and display it permanently for
reference. The display screen also shows the actual waveform.
Pass-Fail Testing
You can use a reference waveform as a test template for the actual waveform. If at
least one sample of a waveform is outside the test template, the failed or passed
scope screen will be stored. Up to 100 screens can be stored. If the memory is
full, the first screen will be deleted in favor of the new screen to be stored.
The most appropriate reference waveform for the Pass Fail test is a waveform
envelope.
To use the Pass-Fail function using a waveform envelope, do the following:
1. Display a reference waveform as described in the previous section Comparing
Waveforms. (See page 2-28.)
2. From the Acquire button ACQUIRE OPTIONS menu, select Reference.
3. Select one of the following options from the Pass Fail Testing menu:
Store “Fail”: Each screen with samples outside the reference will be
stored.
Store “Pass”: Each screen with no samples outside the reference will
be stored.
Off: No screens will be stored.
Each time a screen is stored you will hear a beep. You can read more about how
to analyze stored screens using replay, zoom, and cursors. (See page 3-6, Analyze
Waveforms.)
NOTE. If autoranging is not on, you will be asked if you would like to turn it on
before plotting. Select YES if you expect wide changes to the input signal.
5. Observe that the word RECORDING is showing in the right top portion of
the display screen. From the menu that appears, you can select a reference
(Time of Day or From Start) from the OPTIONS.. menu. You can also
select to view all data in memory (VIEW ALL) or just the twelve most
recently recorded divisions (NORMAL).
following display shows a trend plot with cursors enabled for measurement.
(See Figure 3-2.)
NOTE. Read more about analyzing waveform using cursors. (See page 3-9.)
Start Scope Roll Mode To record the channel 1 and channel 2 waveform, do the following:
1. Apply signals to the channel 1 and channel 2 inputs.
2. Select RECORDER REPLAY.. from the Acquire button menu.
3. Select SCOPE ROLL MODE.
4. The waveform moves across the screen from right to left like on a normal
chart recorder. Observe that the screen displays the time from start at the top
and the status at the bottom of the screen, which includes the time/div setting
and the total timespan that fits the memory. (See Figure 3-3.)
5. Press the function button under the RECORDER menu item and select
STOP to stop recording when you are ready.
Use Single Sweep Mode You can use the recorder Single Sweep mode to automatically stop recording
when the deep memory is full. To activate single sweep mode, do the following:
1. Set up the instrument as in the previous procedure. (See page 3-3, Start Scope
Roll Mode.)
2. Select OPTIONS from the SCOPE ROLL MODE menu.
3. Use the right arrow to highlight Single Sweep mode and press the Enter
button.
4. Press the function button under the RECORDER menu item and select RUN
to begin recording in single sweep mode.
Use Triggering to Start or To record an electrical event that causes a fault, it might be useful to start or stop
Stop Scope Roll Mode recording on a trigger signal:
Start on trigger to start recording; recording stops when the deep memory is full.
Stop on trigger to stop recording.
Stop when untriggered to continue recording if a next trigger comes within
1 division in view all mode.
To set up the instrument to start or stop recording on a trigger signal, do the
following:
1. Set up the instrument as in the Start Scope Roll Mode procedure. (See
page 3-3.)
2. Select OPTIONS from the SCOPE ROLL MODE menu.
3. Use the right arrow to highlight on Trigger mode and press the Enter button.
4. Select on of the conditions from the START SINGLE SWEEP ON
TRIGGERING menu.
Samples are continuously saved in deep memory during recording. The last
twelve recorded divisions are displayed on the screen. Use View All to display
the full memory contents.
NOTE. You can learn more about Single Shot triggering. (See page 3-20.)
Analyze Waveforms
You can use the Replay, Zoom, and Cursors analysis functions to perform detailed
waveform analyses. These functions can be used with one or more of the primary
functions: Acquire, TrendPlot™, or Data Log Replay.
It is possible to combine two or three analysis functions. A typical application
using these functions is:
First replay the last screens to find the screen of special interest.
Then zoom in on the signal event.
Finally, make measurements using the cursors.
Use Replay
When you are in acquire mode, the instrument automatically stores the 100 most
recent screens. Records are captured and frozen when you press the Run/Stop
button. You can also use the Replay function to store and view signals even if
you did not press Run/Stop.
Use the options in the DATA LOG REPLAY menu to review stored screens.
4. Select Next or Previous to scroll through the stored screens until you find
the one you want.
5. Observe that the top portion of the DATA LOG REPLAY menu (shown in
step 4) displays a replay bar with a screen number and related time stamp.
The replay bar represents all 100 stored screens in memory. The icon
represents the picture being displayed on the screen. If the bar is partly white,
the memory is not completely filled with 100 screens.
Replay All Acquired You can also replay all of the stored screens in sequence, from oldest to newest.
Screens To replay all acquired screens, do the following:
1. Press the Acquire button.
2. Select the RECORDER REPLAY.. menu option.
3. Select DATA LOG REPLAY to view the replay menu.
4. Select Play to start play of all stored screens, from oldest to newest.
NOTE. Once you have selected to play all screens, the instrument will continue
to repeat play until you select Stop or Exit Replay.
5. Select Stop when you come to the screen of interest. You can now use the
zoom and cursor functions to study the signal in more detail.
Turn Off the Replay Select EXIT REPLAY to turn off the replay function. A warning notice will
Function appear stating that all replay data will be lost. This means you will not be able
to return to access the data again without saving it first by pressing the Save
button. Select YES.
Capturing 100 Trigger When you use the instrument in triggered mode, 100 trigger event screens are
Events Automatically captured. By combining the trigger possibilities with the capability of capturing
100 screens for later replay, you can leave the instrument unattended to capture
intermittent signal anomalies. This way you could use Pulse Triggering to trigger
and capture 100 intermittent glitches or you could capture 100 UPS startups.
NOTE. You can read more about triggering and trigger setup. (See page 3-14,
Trigger Functions.)
Use Zoom
Use the Zoom function to obtain a more detailed view of a waveform. To zoom
in on a waveform, do the following:
key) to move the waveform to the right or left of the screen. The position bar
shows the position of the zoomed part in relation to the total waveform.
Observe that the bottom of the waveform area displays the zoom ratio, position
bar, and time/div. The zoom range depends on the amount of data samples stored
in memory. (See Figure 3-4.)
NOTE. To turn off the Zoom function, select OFF under the ZOOM item of the
menu.
Use Cursors
Cursors allow you to make precise digital measurements on waveforms. This can
be done on live waveforms, recorded waveforms, and on saved waveforms.
Use Horizontal Cursors on To use the cursors for a voltage measurement, do the following:
a Waveform 1. Press the Cursors button
2. Select the = cursors. The cursor type options are:
׀: Single vertical cursor
׀׀: Two vertical cursors
= : Two horizontal cursors
: Rise time cursor
: Fall time cursor
3. Press the function key under the MOVE menu item to highlight the upper
cursor (if it is not already highlighted).
4. Use the up and down arrow keys to position the upper cursor.
5. Press the function key under the MOVE menu item to highlight the lower
cursor.
6. Use the up and down arrow keys to position the lower cursor.
NOTE. Even when the key labels are not displayed at the bottom of the screen,
you still can use the arrow keys. This allows full control of both cursors while
having a full screen view.
7. Use the cursors to measure the amplitude, high or low value, or overshoot
of the waveform.
This screen shows the voltage difference between the two cursors and the voltage
at the cursors. (See Figure 3-5.)
Use Vertical Cursors on a To use the cursors for a time measurement (T, 1/T), for a mVs-mAs-mWs
Waveform measurement, or for an RMS measurement of the trace section between the
cursors, do the following:
1. Press the Cursors button
2. Select the ׀׀cursors. The cursor type options are:
׀: Single vertical cursor
׀׀: Two vertical cursors
= : Two horizontal cursors
: Rise time cursor
: Fall time cursor
3. Select T (time) for the measurement type. The measurement type options are:
T: time
1/T: 1/time or frequency
mVs: Millivolts per second
NOTE. This option varies depending on the probe type you have selected in
the channel button Probe menu. Other options include mAs (milliamperes
per second) for current probes, and mWs (milliwatts per second) when you
are using the Mathematical function x and the probe type for one channel is
voltage and another channel is current. If you are taking cursor measurements
while using mathematical functions +, -, or x, no measurement will be
available if the input 1 and 2 measurement units are different. If you are using
the mathematical function FFT, you must activate cursors from the Cursor
button menu. You can then turn cursors on and off from the FFT menu. You
can read more about using the Mathematical functions. (See page 2-24.)
5. Use the left and right arrow keys to position the left cursor.
6. Press the function key under the MOVE menu item to highlight the right
cursor.
7. Use the left and right arrow keys to position the right cursor.
NOTE. Even when the key labels are not displayed at the bottom of the screen,
you still can use the arrow keys. This allows full control of both cursors while
having a full screen view.
Use Rise time or Fall time The steps to measure either rise time or fall time are similar. To measure rise
Cursors on a Waveform time using cursors, do the following:
1. Press the Cursors button
2. Select the cursor. The cursor type options are:
׀: Single vertical cursor
׀׀: Two vertical cursors
= : Two horizontal cursors
: Rise time cursor
: Fall time cursor
3. If MANUAL is not already highlighted, press the function key under the
AUTO/MANUAL menu item to highlight MANUAL.
4. Press the function key under the MOVE menu item to highlight the upper
cursor (if it is not already highlighted).
5. Use the up and down arrow keys to position the upper cursor to 100% of the
trace height. A marker is shown at 90%.
6. Press the function key under the MOVE menu item to highlight the lower
cursor.
7. Use the up and down arrow keys to position the lower cursor to 0% of the
trace height. A marker is shown at 10%.
NOTE. Even when the key labels are not displayed at the bottom of the screen,
you still can use the arrow keys. This allows full control of both cursors while
having a full screen view.
8. Use the cursors to measure the amplitude, high or low value, or overshoot
of the waveform.
This screen shows the risetime measurement from 10%-90% of the trace
amplitude. (See Figure 3-7.)
Trigger Functions
About this Chapter This chapter provides an introduction to the trigger functions of the instrument.
Triggering tells the instrument when to begin displaying the waveform. You can
use fully automatic triggering, take control of one or more main trigger functions,
or you can use dedicated trigger functions to capture special waveforms.
Trigger Event The trigger event establishes the time-reference point in the waveform record. All
waveform record data is located in time with respect to that point. The instrument
continuously acquires and retains enough sample points to fill the pretrigger
portion of the waveform record. That is the part of the waveform that is displayed
before, or to the left of, the triggering event on screen. When a trigger event
occurs, the instrument is acquiring samples to build the posttrigger portion of the
waveform record, that is, the part displayed after or to the right of the trigger
event. After a trigger is recognized, the instrument will not accept another trigger
until the acquisition is complete.
Trigger Modes The trigger mode determines how the instrument behaves in the absence of a
trigger event. You can use the following settings for updating the trigger condition
by pressing the Trigger button and then selecting TRIGGER OPTIONS and
then TRIGGER CONDITIONS.
Automatic Auto Level trigger mode enables the instrument to set the trigger
level automatically and track with changes in signal amplitude.
Normal trigger mode enables the instrument to acquire a waveform only
when it is triggered. If no trigger occurs, the last waveform record acquired
remains on the display. If no last waveform exists, no waveform is displayed.
Auto trigger mode enables the instrument to acquire a waveform even if a
trigger does not occur. Auto mode uses a timer that starts when the acquisition
is started, and the pretrigger information is obtained. If a trigger event is not
detected before the timer times out, the instrument forces a trigger. The length
of time it waits for a trigger event depends on the time base setting.
Auto mode, when forcing triggers in the absence of valid triggering events,
does not synchronize the waveform on the display. The waveform will appear
to move across the screen. If valid triggers occur, the display will become
stable.
Single Shot trigger mode allows you to set the instrument to capture (and
stop) only one trigger event by pressing the front panel Single button. You
can also stop single shot triggering by selecting a different trigger mode in the
Trigger > TRIGGER OPTIONS > Trigger Conditions menu.
Read the Getting Started section for a complete description of the Trigger button
menu. (See page 1-2, Front Panel Navigation.)
Trigger Filter Trigger filtering determines what part of the signal is passed to the trigger circuit.
Edge triggering can use both available filter types: Noise Reject and HF Reject.
Following are some typical trigger applications:
Use the AutoRange™ function to have full automatic triggering and stable
display of most waveforms.
If the signal is unstable or has a very low frequency, you can control the
trigger level, slope, and trigger delay for a better view of the signal. (See
next section.)
For dedicated applications, use one of the three manual trigger functions:
Edge triggering
Video triggering
Pulse Width triggering
Choose a Trigger Type You can select from the following trigger types:
Set Trigger Level and Slope The AutoRange™ function enables hands-off triggering to display complex
unknown signals. To manually optimize trigger level and slope, do the following:
1. Press the Autoset button to perform an auto set. When the process is
complete, RUN will appear at the top right of the display screen. This will
ensure a stable display of most any signal.
2. Press the Trigger button.
3. Select to trigger on either the positive slope or negative slope of the chosen
waveform. If you select dual slope triggering ( ) the instrument triggers on
both the positive slope and negative slope.
4. If MANUAL is not already highlighted, press the function key under that
menu item to highlight it.
5. Adjust the trigger level using the Trigger Level buttons.
Set Trigger Delay or You can begin to display the waveform some time before or after the trigger
Pretrigger point is detected using pretrigger (negative delay) or trigger delay, respectively.
Initially, you will see a half screen (6 divisions) of negative delay.
Set trigger delay. Hold down the horizontal Position left button until the trigger
icon moves to the new trigger position and changes to include arrows, like this:
. This icon indicates that you have selected a trigger delay. Moving the trigger
icon to the right on the display gives you a pretrigger view. This allows you to see
what happened before the trigger event, or what caused the trigger.
In case of a trigger delay, the status at the bottom of the display screen will change
to include an arrow denoting the delay. For example:
This means that channel 1 is used as the trigger source with a positive slope. The
9.20 ms indicates the (positive) delay between trigger point and waveform display.
When a valid trigger signal is found, the trigger button will be lit and the trigger
parameters appear in white.
When no trigger is found, the trigger parameters appear in gray, and the button
backlight will be off.
The following image shows an example of a trigger delay of 500 ms (top) and an
example of a pretrigger view of 8 divisions (bottom). (See Figure 3-9.)
Set Automatic Trigger In the trigger menu, you can change settings for automatic triggering as follows:
1. Press the Trigger button.
2. Select TRIGGER OPTIONS from the menu.
3. Select Automatic Auto Level.
4. Select the trigger threshold: > 15 Hz or > 1 Hz. If the frequency range of the
automatic triggering is set to >15 Hz, the Autoset function responds more
quickly because the instrument is instructed not to analyze low frequency
signal components. However, when you measure frequencies lower than
15 Hz, you need to select > 1 Hz to analyze low frequency components for
automatic triggering.
Trigger on Edges If the signal is unstable, complex, or has a very low frequency, use edge triggering
to obtain full manual trigger control. To trigger on the rising edge of the Ch 1
waveform, do the following:
1. Press the Trigger button.
2. Select TRIGGER OPTIONS.
3. Select Trigger Conditions.
4. Select one of the following. In most cases, it is advised to use the Auto mode:
Auto: the instrument will update the screen even if there are no triggers.
A trace always appears on the screen.
Normal: the instrument needs a trigger to display a waveform. Use this
mode to update the screen only when valid triggers occur.
Single Shot: the instrument waits for a trigger. After receiving a trigger,
the waveform is displayed and the instrument stops acquisition until the
Single button or Run/Stop button is pressed. The single shot trigger is
enabled by pressing the Single button or from the Trigger > TRIGGER
OPTIONS > Trigger Conditions menu.
5. Select Off for the Trigger Filter and press the Enter button.
6. The menu that now appears at the bottom of the display screen allows you to
select specific edge trigger settings: trigger channel, slope, and level. Adjust
these settings as desired.
NOTE. You can also smooth noisy waveforms without changing bandwidth. (See
page 2-19, Smooth a Waveform With Averaging.)
4. Select Single Shot. The word SINGLE will appear in the top right portion of
the display screen indicating that the instrument is waiting for a trigger. As
soon as it receives a trigger, the waveform is displayed and the instrument is
set to stop. This is indicated by the word STOP in the top right portion of
the screen. (See Figure 3-10.)
5. Press the Single button to set the instrument to trigger again. The word RUN
will appear in the top right portion of the screen when the instrument is set
trigger again.
NOTE. The instrument stores all single shots in the replay memory. Use the
Replay function to look at all the stored single shots. (See page 3-6, Use Replay.)
4. Select Normal or Auto for update, check that the trigger filter is set to Off,
and then select On for the NEvent.
5. Press the function button under the NEVENT menu item and then use the
right and left arrow keys to select the number of events.
This screen shows an N-Event trigger in which N=3. (See Figure 3-11.)
Trigger On Video Signals To trigger on a video signal, first select the standard of the video signal you are
going to measure, as follows:
1. Press the Trigger button.
2. Select TRIGGER OPTIONS.
3. Select Video on and press the Enter button.
4. Select a video standard, for example NTSC, and the polarity. Select positive
polarity for video signals with negative going sync pulses. If you select
non-interlaced, a scan rate menu will appear.
5. Adjust trigger video settings as needed in the menu that appears. For example,
to trigger on either the first half of a frame (Field 1, odd) or the second half of
a frame (Field 2, even), select that field from the FIELD menu and the signal
part of that field will be displayed. (See Figure 3-12.)
Trigger On Pulses Use pulse width triggering to isolate and display specific pulses that you can
qualify by time, such as glitches, missing pulses, bursts, or signal dropouts.
Detect narrow pulses. To set the instrument to trigger on narrow positive pulses
shorter than 5 ms, do the following:
1. Press the Trigger button.
2. Select TRIGGER OPTIONS.
3. Select Pulse Width on and press the Enter button.
4. Select the positive pulse icon ( ).
5. Select the =t (±10%) condition.
6. Select On Trigger for update. The instrument is now prepared to trigger on
narrow pulses only. A new menu will appear from which you can further
define settings.
In this screen, the pulse width was set to 4.80 μs. All positive pulses equal to
4.80 μs are displayed. (See Figure 3-13.)
NOTE. The instrument stores all triggered screens in the replay memory. For
example, if you set up your triggering for glitches, you can capture 100 glitches
with time stamps. Read more in the Replay section. (See page 3-6, Use Replay.)
NOTE. Saved data are stored in non-volatile Flash memory. Not saved instrument
data are stored in RAM memory and will be kept at least 30 seconds when the
battery is removed when no power is supplied through the power adapter.
In persistence mode the most recently written trace will be saved, not all
persistence traces.
In the displayed file list of stored screens and setups the following symbols are
used:
setup + 1 screen
2. Select SAVE....
3. Select the target memory: INT (internal memory) or USB (USB device).
Observe the number of available and used memory locations.
7. Use the arrow keys to select a letter, number, or character. Use the function
keys under PREV # and NEXT # to move the cursor to the next letter in the
name to change that letter.
8. Select NAME OK to save the new name and return to the previous menu.
9. Observe that the file name and OK SAVE are selected (black highlighted).
Press the Enter button to save the screen + setup.
10. Press the Run/Stop button to resume measurements.
What to do when all memories are in use. If no free memory locations are
available, a message pops up that proposes to you to overwrite the oldest data
set. Do one of the following:
If you do not want to overwrite the oldest data set, press the function 3 button
(NO).
If you want to overwrite the oldest data set, press the function 4 button (YES).
NOTE. The record + setup memory locations store more than just what is visible
on the screen. In TrendPlot or Scope Record mode, the full recording is saved.
In scope mode you can save all 100 replay screens in a single record + setup
memory location. You can see what you can store for the various instrument
modes. (See Table 3-2.)
To save a TrendPlot press STOP first.
Save Screens in .bmp 1. Press the Save button. Once the menu appears, the display screen will be
Format (Print Screen) frozen.
2. Press the function 3 button under the camera icon. The file is saved using a
fixed name (IMAGE) and a serial number, for example IMAGE004.bmp.
NOTE. If no free memory locations are available, a message pops up that proposes
to you to overwrite the oldest data set. Do one of the following:
If you do not want to overwrite the oldest data set, press the function 3 button
(NO).
If you want to overwrite the oldest data set, press the function 4 button (YES).
Delete Screens with To delete a screen and associated setup, do the following:
Associated Setups 1. Press the Save button. Once the menu appears, the display screen will be
frozen.
2. Select RECALL.
3. Select the target memory: INT (internal memory) or USB (USB device).
4. Use the up or down arrow key to highlight DATA and press the Enter button.
5. Press the up and down arrow keys to select the file you want to recall and
then select VIEW.
6. A message will appear asking if you want to continue to view mode, as data
on the display screen will be lost. Select YES to view the saved file.
7. Observe that the recalled waveform is displayed and that STOP appears on
the screen.
8. Press the Run/Stop button to exit view mode and resume measurements.
2. Select RECALL.
3. Select the target memory: INT (internal memory) or USB (USB device).
4. Use the up or down arrow key to highlight SETUP and press the Enter button.
5. Press the up and down arrow keys to select the file you want to recall and
then select VIEW.
6. A message will appear asking if you want to continue to view mode, as data
on the display screen will be lost. Select YES to recall the selected setup.
7. Observe that the recalled setup is displayed and that STOP appears on the
screen.
8. Press the Run/Stop button to exit view mode and resume measurements in
the recalled operating configuration.
View Stored Screens To scroll through the memories while looking at the stored screens, do the
following:
1. Press the Save button. Once the menu appears, the display screen will be
frozen.
2. Select RECALL.
3. Select the target memory: INT (internal memory) or USB (USB device).
4. Press the Enter button.
5. Highlight any file.
6. Select VIEW.
7. A message will appear asking if you want to continue to view mode, as data
on the display screen will be lost. Select YES to view the file and open the
viewer menu.
8. Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through all stored screens.
9. Select the function 3 button to save the screen to internal memory or a USB
device (if connected).
10. Press the Run/Stop button to exit view mode and resume measurements.
NOTE. The replay screens of a saved record + setup cannot be viewed while the
instrument is in VIEW mode. Only the screen at the instant of saving can be
reviewed in this way. To see all replay screens, recall them from memory using the
RECALL option. (See page 3-28, Recall Screens with Associated Setups.)
Rename Stored Screens To rename a stored screen + setup file, do the following:
and Setup Files 1. Press the Save button. Once the menu appears, the display screen will be
frozen.
7. Use the arrow keys to select a letter, number, or character. Use the function
keys under PREV # and NEXT # to move the cursor to the next letter in the
name to change that letter.
8. Select NAME OK to save the new name and return to the previous menu.
9. Press the Run/Stop button to exit the Save menu and resume measurements.
Copy or Move Stored You can copy or move a file from internal memory to a USB device or from a
Screens and Setup Files USB device to internal memory by doing the following:
1. Press the Save button. Once the menu appears, the display screen will be
frozen.
NOTE. When you select to move a file, a copy of that file will be made and saved
to the alternate location and the source file will be deleted. When you select to
copy a file, the source file will remain in the same location and a copy will be
saved to the alternate location.
6. When the copy or move process is complete, the menu will reappear and you
will see the moved copy is moved or the copied file is now in both memory
locations.
7. Press the Run/Stop button to exit the Save menu and resume measurements.
Troubleshooting
What To Do If The The batteries may be empty. Check the battery symbol at the top right of
Instrument Shuts Down the screen. A symbol indicates that the batteries are empty and must be
After a Short Time charged. Connect the power adapter.
The instrument is still on but the Display Auto-OFF timer is still active. To
turn the display on, press any key (this action restarts the Display Auto-Off
timer), or connect the power adapter. (See page D-1.)
The Instrument Auto-OFF timer is active. Press the power button to turn
the instrument on. (See page D-1.)
What To Do If The Screen Make sure that the instrument is on (press the power button).
Remains Black You might have a problem with the screen contrast. Press the Utility button.
Now you can use the arrow keys to adjust the contrast.
The Display Auto-OFF timer is active. To turn the display on, press any
key (this action restarts the Display Auto-OFF timer), or connect the power
adapter. (See page D-1.)
What To Do If The If the instrument cannot be turned off due to a software problem, do the following:
Instrument Cannot Be Press the power button for at least 5 seconds.
Turned Off
Introduction
Performance Tektronix guarantees the properties expressed in numerical values with the stated
Characteristics tolerance. Specified non-tolerance numerical values indicate those that could be
nominally expected from the mean of a range of identical oscilloscopes.
The oscilloscope meets the specified accuracy 30 minutes and two complete
acquisitions after power on. Specifications are based on a 1-year calibration cycle.
Environmental Data The environmental data in this manual are based on the results of the verification
procedures.
Safety Characteristics The oscilloscope was designed and tested in accordance with Standards IEC/EN
61010-1:2001 Pollution Degree 2 (According to CE marking), UL 61010-1:2004,
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04 (including approval), Safety Requirements for
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use.
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed by the
user to ensure safe operation and to keep the oscilloscope in a safe condition.
Use of this equipment in a manner not specified may impair protection provided
by the equipment.
General Specifications
Table A-1: Record Length (Samples/points per input)
Mode Glitch detect on Glitch detect off Maximum sample rate
Short 300 min/max pairs 3k true samples compressed into 1 screen 5 GS/s (THS3024 with 1 channel on)
(300 samples per screen) 2.5 GS/s (THS3024 with 1 or 2 channels
Long 300 min/max pairs 10k true samples compressed into on, THS3014 with 2 channels on)
1 screen (use Zoom and Scroll to see 1.25 GS/s (All models and 3 or 4
waveform details) channels on)
Record Roll 30k to 37.5k samples 4x 125 MS/s
Trend Plot >18k min/max/ average values per Up to 5 measurements per second
measurement
Edge Trigger
Screen update Auto, On Trigger, Single Shot
Source Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, Ch4
Slope Positive, Negative, Dual (either positive or negative)
Trigger level control range ±4 divisions
Vertical trigger level indicator ±0.5 divisions
error
Horizontal trigger level indicator ±1 sample
error
Trigger N-cycle range 2–99 cycles
Trigger sensitivity
DC to 5 MHz at >5 mV/div 0.5 divisions
DC to 5 MHz at 2 mV/div and 5 mV/div 1 division
THS3024
200 MHz 1 division
250 MHz 2 divisions
THS3014
100 MHz 1 division
150 MHz 2 divisions
Video Trigger
Standards PAL, PAL+, NTSC, SECAM, Non-interlaced
Modes Lines, Line Select, Field 1 or Field 2
Source Ch1
Polarity Positive, Negative
Sensitivity 0.7 division sync level
Automatic Measurements
The accuracy of all measurements is within ± (% of measurement + number of
counts) from 18 °C to 28 °C. Add 0.1x (specific accuracy) for each °C below
18 °C or above 28 °C. At least 1.5 waveform periods must be visible on the screen.
Recorder Specifications
Table A-4: Recorder
Characteristic Description
TrendPlot (Channel 1, 2, 3, 4)
Chart recorder mode that plots a graph of min and max values of oscilloscope measurements (four max) over time.
Measurement speed >5 measurements/s
Time/div 5 s/div to 30 min/div
Record size (min, max, average) ≥18000 points
Recorded time span 60 min to 22 days
Time reference time from start, time of day
Miscellaneous Specifications
Table A-6: Display
Characteristic Description
View area 126.8 × 88.4 mm (4.99 × 3.48 inches)
Resolution 320 × 240 pixels
Backlight LED (temperature compensated)
Brightness
Power adapter 200 cd/m2
Battery power 90 cd/m2
Display auto-off time (battery saving) 30 seconds, 5 minutes, or disabled
Safety Specifications
Designed for 1000 V measurement category II, 600 V measurement category
III, Pollution Degree 2, per:
IEC/EN 61010-1: 2001 Pollution Degree 2 (According to CE marking)
UL 61010-1:2004
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04 (including approval)
NOTE. Voltage ratings are given as “working voltage”. They should be read
as Vac-rms (50-60 Hz) for AC sine wave applications and as VDC for DC
applications.
Probe Specifications
Table A-14: THP0301 Voltage Probe
Characteristic Description
Attenuation 10:1
Bandwidth DC to 300 MHz (–3 dB)
Rise time 0.9 ns
Compensation range 10 pF–22 pF
Maximum tip input voltage 300 V CAT III
Maximum reference lead voltage to ground 300 V CAT III
NOTE. For further probe specifications see the instruction sheet supplied with
the THP0301 probe set.
USB Ports
The instrument has two USB ports:
A USB-host port to connect an external USB memory device for data storage.
A mini-USB-B port which allows you to connect the instrument to a PC or
notebook for remote control and data transfer under computer control.
The ports are fully isolated from the input channels and are protected by dust
covers when not in use.
NOTE. Sometimes application software may require a different port number (for
example in the range Com 1..4). In this situation, the COM port number can
be changed manually. To manually assign a different COM port number, right
click‘Tektronix THS3024 USB Serial Port COM(23)’ and select properties. From
the Properties menu, select the Port Settings tab, and click Advanced… to change
the port number.
Sometimes other applications installed on the PC automatically occupy the newly
created port. In most situations, it is sufficient to unplug the instrument USB cable
for a short time and then reconnect the cable.
Install OpenChoice™ With OpenChoice™ Desktop software you can upload waveform data, settings,
Desktop and screen bit maps to your PC or notebook computer for further processing.
An OpenChoice™ CD-ROM was shipped with your instrument. To load the
software, please insert the CD-ROM into the appropriate drive in your computer
and follow the on-screen instructions.
After installing the software, when you first open the application, click on
SELECT INSTRUMENT, and then choose ASRLxx::INSTR, which should match
the COM number of the port assigned during the USB driver installation.
For more information about OpenChoice™, visit the Tektronix Web site at
www.tektronix.com.
NOTE. Connect the probe tip to the smallest metal connector (on the top) and the
reference lead to the larger metal connector (on the bottom).
NOTE. For instructions to access the trimmer adjustment in the probe housing,
see the probe instruction sheet.
11. Select Continue and instrument will respond that the compensation is
complete and the compensation signal will be removed. Automatic DC
compensation is only possible for 10:1 voltage probes.
NOTE. When using 100:1 voltage probes, choose 100:1 attenuation to perform
an adjustment.
Set the Instrument and The default power shutdown time is 30 minutes. You can set the power shutdown
Display Auto-Off Timers time to 5 minutes as follows:
1. Press the Utility button.
2. Select OPTIONS....
3. Select Battery Save Options....
To charge the batteries and power the instrument, connect the power adapter as
shown below. To charge the batteries more quickly, turn off the instrument.
NOTE. No damage will occur if the power adapter is connected for long periods;
for example, during the weekend. The instrument then automatically switches
to charge maintenance mode.
Alternatively, you may choose to exchange the battery with a fully charged one,
and use the external battery charger (optional accessory).
Cleaning
WARNING. Remove the input signals before you clean the instrument.
Clean the instrument with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Do not use abrasives,
solvents, or alcohol. These may damage the text on the instrument.
Storage
If you are storing the instrument for an extended period of time, charge the Li-ion
(Lithium-ion) batteries before storing.
M R Time
Mathematics Recall, 1-6 setting, 1-8
in Acquire > Acquire Options Recorder TrendPlot™
> Waveform menu, 1-4 changing options, 3-1 analyzing a record, 3-6
Memory displaying data, 3-1 plot measurements, 3-1
viewing files in, 1-7 functions, 3-1 Trigger
Menu menu, 3-1 button, 1-7
Acquire, 1-3 plot measurements, 3-1 conditions, 3-15
AutoRange, 1-4 start or stop using menu, 1-7
Autoset, 1-4 triggering, 3-4 N-Event, 3-21
Ch 1-4, 1-4 TrendPlot™, 3-1 on edges, 3-15
Cursors, 1-5 using single sweep mode, 3-4 on noisy waveforms, 3-19
Save, 1-6 Reference on pulses, 3-15, 3-23
Trigger, 1-7 in Acquire > Acquire Options on rise/fall time, 3-16
Utility, 1-8 > Waveform menu, 1-4 on video frame, 3-23
Move saved setups and Rename on video lines, 3-23
screens, 1-7 screen and setup name, 3-26 on video signals, 3-16, 3-22
single (shot) acquisition, 3-20
start or stop recorder
O S using, 3-4
OpenChoice™, B-5 Safety Summary, vi type, 3-15
Save, 1-6
P edit file name, 3-26
screen and setup, 3-26
U
Persistence, 2-20 Utility, 1-8
screens as .BMPs, 3-27
in Acquire > Acquire Options
when all memories are in
> Waveform menu, 1-4
Power
use, 3-26 W
Security Waveform
automatic instrument
Kensington® lock, 1-13 to smooth a, 2-19
shutdown, D-1
Single sweep mode, 3-4 Working voltage, x
battery, 1-9
Slope
display auto-off timer, D-1
dual, 3-16
external, 1-10
fall time, 3-16 Z
off timer, D-1 Zoom
rise time, 3-16
Probe analyzing a record, 3-6
Smooth a waveform, 2-19
calibration, 1-11 turn off, 3-8
SW version, 1-9
connect a, 2-8 turn on, 3-7
Probe accessories
alligator clip, 2-10 T
ground spring, 2-9 Terminating inputs, 2-1
hook clips, 2-10 Tilt stand, 1-13
Product description, 1-1