xx

TDS3000C Series
Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes
ZZZ

User Manual

*P071230808*
071-2308-08
xx
TDS3000C Series
ZZZ
Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes
User Manual

Last Published: September 15, 2017

REPRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION

OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL IS
AUTHORIZED FOR UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA GOVERNMENT PURPOSES.

www.tek.com
071-2308-08
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.
TEKPROBE, and TekSecure are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
DPX, WaveAlert, e*Scope, and OpenChoice are trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA

For product information, sales, service, and technical support:

In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tek.com to find contacts in your area.
 Warranty
Tektronix warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of three (3) years from the date of original purchase from an authorized
Tektronix distributor. If the product proves defective during this warranty period,
Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts
and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. Batteries
are excluded from this warranty. Parts, modules and replacement products used by
Tektronix for warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All
replaced parts, modules and products become the property of Tektronix.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the
defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the
performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, shipping charges prepaid,
and with a copy of customer proof of purchase. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the
product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping
charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any
damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a
product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such
modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE
PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX'
RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE
SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR
BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
[W16 – 15AUG04]
Table of Contents
Important safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
General safety summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Service safety summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Terms in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Symbols and terms on the product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Compliance information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
EMC compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Safety compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Environmental considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Product and Feature Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing an Application Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the Communication Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front-Panel Menus and Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Front-Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Rear-Panel Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Communication Module Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Application Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Taking Simple Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Analyzing Signal Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Taking FFT Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Triggering on a Video Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Capturing a Single-Shot Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Saving Data to a USB Flash Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Acquisition Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual i

Table of Contents

Hard Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Horizontal Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Math and FFT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
QuickMenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Save/Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Trigger Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Vertical Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
e*Scope Web-Based Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Appendix A: Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Appendix B: Factory Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Appendix C: Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Appendix D: Probe Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Probe Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Probe Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
TekProbe Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Probe Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Ground Leads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
P3010 High-Frequency Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
P3010 Replaceable Parts and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
P6139A Replaceable Parts and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Using Other Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Supported Active Probes and Adapters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Unsupported Probes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Appendix E: General Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Appendix F: Ethernet Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Your Ethernet Network Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Entering the Ethernet Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Entering the Network Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Testing Your Ethernet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Troubleshooting Your Ethernet Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
The Instrument Setup Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
The Printer Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
The Add Printer Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

ii TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Table of Contents

Ethernet Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Ethernet Settings Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Index

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual iii

Important safety information

Important safety information

This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed
by the user for safe operation and to keep the product in a safe condition.
To safely perform service on this product, additional information
is provided at the end of this section. (See page ix, Service safety
summary.)

General safety summary

Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety
precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any
products connected to it. Carefully read all instructions. Retain these
instructions for future reference.
The product shall be used in accordance with local and national codes
For correct and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you
follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the safety
precautions specified in this manual.
The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should
remove the cover for repair, maintenance, or adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it
is operating correctly.
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury
where hazardous live conductors are exposed.
When incorporating this equipment into a system, the safety of that
system is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.
To avoid fire or personal injury

Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord specified for this
product and certified for the country of use.
Do not use the provided power cord for other products.

iv TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Important safety information

Ground the product. This product is grounded through the grounding

conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding
conductor must be connected to earth ground. Before making
connections to the input or output terminals of the product, make sure
that the product is properly grounded.
Do not disable the power cord grounding connection.

Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the
power source. See instructions for the location. Do not position the
equipment so that it is difficult to operate the power cord; it must remain
accessible to the user at all times to allow for quick disconnection if
needed.

Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes

or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
Use only insulated voltage probes, test leads, and adapters supplied with
the product, or indicated by Tektronix to be suitable for the product.

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 exceed the Measurement Category (CAT) rating and voltage or
current rating of the lowest rated individual component of a product,
probe, or accessory. Use caution when using 1:1 test leads because the
probe tip voltage is directly transmitted to the product.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common
terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Do not float the common terminal above the rated voltage for that
terminal.
The measuring terminals on this product are not rated for connection
to mains Category III or IV circuits, or to mains Category II circuits
greater than 100 V.
When connected to circuits other than mains, the maximum transient
overvoltage rating is 400 V peak."

Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers
or panels removed, or with the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure
is possible.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual v

Important safety information

Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and

components when power is present.

Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage
to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Disable the product if it is damaged. Do not use the product if it is
damaged or operates incorrectly. If in doubt about safety of the product,
turn it off and disconnect the power cord. Clearly mark the product to
prevent its further operation.
Before use, inspect voltage probes, test leads, and accessories for
mechanical damage and replace when damaged. Do not use probes or
test leads if they are damaged, if there is exposed metal, or if a wear
indicator shows.
Examine the exterior of the product before you use it. Look for cracks
or missing pieces.
Use only specified replacement parts.

Do not operate in wet/damp conditions. Be aware that condensation may

occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment.

Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.

Keep product surfaces clean and dry. Remove the input signals before
you clean the product.

Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the installation instructions in the

manual for details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.
Slots and openings are provided for ventilation and should never be
covered or otherwise obstructed. Do not push objects into any of the
openings.

Provide a safe working environment. Always place the product in a

location convenient for viewing the display and indicators.
Avoid improper or prolonged use of keyboards, pointers, and button
pads. Improper or prolonged keyboard or pointer use may result in
serious injury.

vi TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Important safety information

Be sure your work area meets applicable ergonomic standards. Consult

with an ergonomics professional to avoid stress injuries.

Probes and test leads

Before connecting probes or test leads, connect the power cord from the
power connector to a properly grounded power outlet.
Keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes. Do not touch
metallic portion of the probe head while it is connected to a voltage
source and ensure the reference lead or spring are fully mated before
connecting the probe to the circuit under test.
Remove all probes, test leads and accessories that are not in use.
Use only correct Measurement Category (CAT), voltage, temperature,
altitude, and amperage rated probes, test leads, and adapters for any
measurement.

Beware of high voltages. Understand the voltage ratings for the probe
you are using and do not exceed those ratings. Two ratings are important
to know and understand:
The maximum measurement voltage from the probe tip to the probe
reference lead.
The maximum floating voltage from the probe reference lead to
earth ground
These two voltage ratings depend on the probe and your application.
Refer to the Specifications section of the manual for more information.

WARNING. To prevent electrical shock, do not exceed the maximum

measurement or maximum floating voltage for the oscilloscope input BNC
connector, probe tip, or probe reference lead.

Connect and disconnect properly. Connect the probe output to the

measurement product 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 product.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual vii

Important safety information

Connect and disconnect properly. De-energize the circuit under test

before connecting or disconnecting the current probe.
Connect the probe reference lead to earth ground only.
Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carries voltages above
the current probe voltage rating.

Inspect the probe and accessories. Before each use, inspect probe
and accessories for damage (cuts, tears, or defects in the probe body,
accessories, or cable jacket). Do not use if damaged.

Ground-referenced oscilloscope use. Do not float the reference lead

of this probe when using with ground-referenced oscilloscopes. The
reference lead must be connected to earth potential (0 V).

Floating measurement use. Do not float the reference lead of this probe
above the rated float voltage.

viii TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Important safety information

Service safety summary

The Service safety summary section contains additional information
required to safely perform service on the product. Only qualified
personnel should perform service procedures. Read this Service safety
summary and the General safety summary before performing any
service procedures.

To avoid electric shock. Do not touch exposed connections.

Do not service alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments of

this product unless another person capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation is present.

Disconnect power. To avoid electric shock, switch off the product power
and disconnect the power cord from the mains power before removing
any covers or panels, or opening the case for servicing.

Use care when servicing with power on. Dangerous voltages or currents
may exist in this product. Disconnect power, remove battery (if
applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels,
soldering, or replacing components.

Verify safety after repair. Always recheck ground continuity and mains
dielectric strength after performing a repair.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual ix

Important safety information

Terms in this manual

These terms may appear in this manual:

WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could

result in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could

result in damage to this product or other property.

Symbols and terms on the product

These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible
as you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.

When this symbol is marked on the product, be sure to consult

the manual to find out the nature of the potential hazards and
any actions which have to be taken to avoid them. (This symbol
may also be used to refer the user to ratings in the manual.)

The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:

x TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Compliance information
This section lists the EMC (electromagnetic compliance), safety, and
environmental standards with which the instrument complies.
Questions about the compliance information below may be directed
to the following address:
Tektronix, Inc. PO Box 500, MS 19‐045
Beaverton, OR 97077, USA
www.tek.com

EMC compliance
EU EMC Directive
Meets intent of Directive 2014/30/EU for Electromagnetic
Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following
specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European
Communities:

EN 61326-1, EN 61326-2-1. EMC requirements for electrical equipment

for measurement, control, and laboratory use. 1 2 3 4
CISPR 11. Radiated and conducted emissions, Group 1, Class A
IEC 61000-4-2. Electrostatic discharge immunity
IEC 61000-4-3. RF electromagnetic field immunity 5
IEC 61000-4-4. Electrical fast transient/burst immunity
IEC 61000-4-5. Power line surge immunity
IEC 61000-4-6. Conducted RF immunity 6
IEC 61000-4-11. Voltage dips and interruptions immunity

EN 61000-3-2. AC power line harmonic emissions

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual xi

Compliance information

EN 61000-3-3. Voltage changes, fluctuations, and flicker

1 This product is intended for use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas
may cause electromagnetic interference.
2 Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this
equipment is connected to a test object.
3 Equipment may not meet the immunity requirements of applicable listed standards
when test leads and/or test probes are connected due to coupling of electromagnetic
interference onto those leads/probes. To minimize the influence of electromagnetic
interference, minimize the loop area between the unshielded portions of signal and
associated return leads, and keep leads as far away as possible from electromagnetic
disturbance sources. Twisting unshielded test leads together is an effective way to reduce
loop area. For probes, keep the ground return lead as short as possible and close to the
probe body. Some probes have accessory probe tip adapters to accomplish this most
effectively. In all cases, observe all safety instructions for the probes or leads used..
4 For compliance with the EMC standards listed here, high quality shielded interface cables
that incorporate low impedance connection between the cable shield and the connector
shell should be used.
5 ≤3.0 division waveform displacement or ≤6.0 division increase in peak-to-peak noise is
allowed when the instrument is subjected to fields and signals as defined in the IEC
61000-4-3 test.
6 ≤1.5 division waveform displacement or ≤2.0 division increase in peak-to-peak noise is
allowed when the instrument is subjected to fields and signals as defined in the IEC
61000-4-6 test.

Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity – EMC

Complies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per
the following standard, in accordance with ACMA:
CISPR 11. Radiated and Conducted Emissions, Group 1, Class A,
in accordance with EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-1.

xii TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Compliance information

Safety compliance
This section lists the safety standards with which the product complies
and other safety compliance information.

EU low voltage directive

Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed
in the Official Journal of the European Union:
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.
EN 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.
EN 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment
for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 2-030:
Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

U.S. nationally recognized testing laboratory listing

UL 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.
UL 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment
for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 2-030:
Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

Canadian certification
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical
Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1:
General Requirements.
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory
Use – Part 2-030: Particular requirements for testing and measuring
circuits.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual xiii

Compliance information

Additional compliances
IEC 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.
IEC 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment
for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 2-030:
Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

Equipment type
Test and measuring equipment.

Safety class
Class 1 – grounded product.

Pollution degree descriptions

A measure of the contaminants that could occur in the environment
around and within a product. Typically the internal environment inside
a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products should
be used only in the environment for which they are rated.
Pollution degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs. Products in this category are generally
encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.
Pollution degree 2. Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution
occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is caused
by condensation must be expected. This location is a typical
office/home environment. Temporary condensation occurs only
when the product is out of service.
Pollution degree 3. Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive
pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation. These
are sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity
is controlled. The area is protected from direct sunshine, rain, or
direct wind.
Pollution degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity
through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations.

xiv TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Compliance information

Pollution degree rating

Pollution degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Rated for indoor, dry
location use only.

IP rating
IP20 (as defined in IEC 60529).

Measurement and overvoltage category descriptions

Measurement terminals on this product may be rated for measuring
mains voltages from one or more of the following categories (see
specific ratings marked on the product and in the manual).
Category II. Circuits directly connected to the building wiring at
utilization points (socket outlets and similar points).
Category III. In the building wiring and distribution system.
Category IV. At the source of the electrical supply to the building.

NOTE. Only mains power supply circuits have an overvoltage category

rating. Only measurement circuits have a measurement category rating.
Other circuits within the product do not have either rating.

Mains overvoltage category rating

Overvoltage category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1).

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual xv

Compliance information

Environmental considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of
the product.

Product end-of-life handling

Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or
component:

Equipment recycling. Production of this equipment required the

extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may contain
substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health
if improperly handled at the product’s end of life. To avoid release of
such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural
resources, we encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate
system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled
appropriately.

Battery Recycling. This product might contain an optional lithium ion

(Li-ion) rechargeable battery, which must be recycled or disposed of
properly.
Lithium-Ion batteries are subject to disposal and recycling
regulations that vary by country and region. Always check
and follow your applicable regulations before disposing of any
battery. Contact Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
(www.rbrc.org) for U.S.A. and Canada, or your local battery
recycling organization.
Many countries prohibit the disposal of waste electronic equipment
in standard waste receptacles.
Place only discharged batteries in a battery collection container.
Use electrical tape or other approved covering over the battery
connection points to prevent short circuits.

xvi TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Compliance information

Transporting Batteries
The capacity of the optional lithium ion battery pack is under 100 Wh.
The battery meets the applicable requirements of UN Manual of Tests
and Criteria Part III Section 38.3. As shipped from Tektronix, the
battery quantity is under the limit for shipment according to Section II
of the relevant Packing Instructions from the IATA Dangerous Goods
Regulations. Consult your air carrier for applicability and determination
of any special lithium battery transportation requirements.
Always check all applicable local, national, and international
regulations before transporting a Lithium-Ion battery.
Transporting an end-of-life, damaged, or recalled battery may, in
certain cases, be specifically limited or prohibited.
The battery pack must be adequately protected against short-circuit
or damage during transport.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual xvii

Compliance information

xviii TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Preface
This manual contains operating information for the TDS3000C Series
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes. The manual consists of the following
chapters:
The Getting Started chapter briefly describes features of the
oscilloscope and provides installation instructions.
The Application Examples chapter provides examples on how to
solve a variety of measurement problems.
The Reference chapter describes the selections or available range of
values for each option.
The Appendix A: Specifications chapter includes electrical,
environmental, and physical specifications for the oscilloscope, as
well as certifications and compliances.
The Appendix B: Factory Setup chapter contains a list of the menus
and controls with the default settings that the oscilloscope recalls
when you push the Save/Recall front-panel button, and then the
Recall Factory Setup screen button.
The Appendix C: Accessories chapter briefly describes standard
and optional accessories.
The Appendix D: Probe Basics chapter provides basic information
on the P3010 and the P6139A probes, and on other probes.
The Appendix E: Cleaning chapter describes how to take care of
the oscilloscope.
The Appendix F: Ethernet Setup chapter describes how to set up
the oscilloscope for printing through the network, and remote
programming.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual xix

Preface

Preventing Electrostatic Damage

CAUTION. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components in

the oscilloscope and its accessories. To prevent, ESD, observe these
precautions when directed to do so.

Use a Ground Strap. Wear a grounded, antistatic wrist strap to discharge

the static voltage from your body while installing or removing sensitive
components.

Use a Safe Work Area. Do not use any devices capable of generating or
holding a static charge in the work area where you install or remove
sensitive components. Avoid handling sensitive components in areas
that have a floor or benchtop surface capable of generating a static
charge.

Handle Components Safely. Do not slide sensitive components over

any surface. Do not touch exposed connector pins. Handle sensitive
components as little as possible.

Transport and Store Carefully. Transport and store sensitive components

in a static-protected bag or container.

xx TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Preface

Firmware Updates Through the Internet

If a newer version of firmware becomes available, you can use the
Internet and a USB flash drive to update your oscilloscope.
To update the firmware, follow these steps:
1. From your computer, access the www.tektronix.com Web site and
check if a newer version of oscilloscope firmware is available.
If there is a newer version of firmware, download the firmware file
from the web page. Unzip and copy the tds3000c.img file into the
root folder of a USB flash drive.
2. Power off your oscilloscope.
3. Insert the USB flash drive into the flash drive port on the front of
the oscilloscope.
4. Power on your oscilloscope.
5. When prompted, push the OK Load New Firmware menu button
to start the firmware load process.

NOTE. Do not power off the oscilloscope or remove the USB flash drive
until the oscilloscope finishes installing the firmware.

6. Wait for the oscilloscope to reboot itself.

7. When prompted, remove the USB flash drive.
8. Push the Utility front-panel button.
9. Push the Version bottom button. The oscilloscope displays the
firmware version number.
10. Confirm that the version number matches that of the new firmware.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual xxi

Preface

xxii TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Getting Started
In addition to a product and feature description, this chapter covers
the following topics:
How to perform a quick functional check, install and compensate
passive probes, compensate the signal path, and set the time and
date
How to install the power cord, battery pack, and operate the
oscilloscope safely with battery power
How to install application modules and the communication module
How to use the menu system
How to identify the oscilloscope controls and connectors

Initial Setup
The following procedures describe how to quickly verify that the
oscilloscope is powering up and functioning correctly, compensate
passive probes using the built-in compensation signal, run the signal
path compensation (SPC) routine for maximum signal accuracy, and
set the time and date.
You should perform all initial setup procedures the first time you
use the oscilloscope.
You should perform the probe compensation procedure whenever
you attach a passive probe for the first time to any input channel.
You should run the signal path compensation routine whenever the
ambient temperature changes by 10 °C (18 °F) or more.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 1

Getting Started

Functional Check
Perform this quick functional check to verify that your oscilloscope is
operating correctly.

1. Connect the oscilloscope power

cable. (See page 10.)
2. Power on the oscilloscope.
Wait for the confirmation that all self
tests have passed.

3. Connect the oscilloscope probe to Probe Comp

channel 1. Attach the probe tip and
reference lead to the Probe Comp
connectors.

4. Push the Autoset button. You

should see a square wave in the
display (approximately 5 V at
1 kHz).

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 Getting Started

Probe Compensation
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.

1. Connect the oscilloscope probe Probe Comp Autoset button

to channel 1. Attach the probe tip
and reference lead to the Probe
Comp connectors, then push
Autoset.
If using the probe hook-tip, ensure
a proper connection by firmly
twisting the tip onto the probe.

2. Check the shape of the displayed

waveform.
Over compensated

Under compensated

Compensated correctly
3. If necessary, adjust your probe.

NOTE. See Appendix D: Probe Basics for more information about the
probes provided with your oscilloscope.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 3

Getting Started

Signal Path Compensation (SPC)

The SPC routine optimizes the oscilloscope signal path for maximum
measurement accuracy. You can run the routine anytime but you should
always run the routine if the ambient temperature changes by 10 °C
(18 °F) or more.
To compensate the signal path, follow these steps:
1. Disconnect any probes or cables from the channel input connectors.
2. Push the Utility button.
3. Push the System screen button to select Cal.
4. Push the Signal Path screen button.
5. Push OK Compensate Signal Path. This procedure takes several
minutes to complete.

NOTE. The signal path compensation does not include calibration to the
probe tip.

Adjusting the Oscilloscope Time and Date

To set your oscilloscope to the current date and time, follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility button.
2. Push the System bottom button to select Config.
3. Push the Set Date & Time bottom button. Use the side menu
buttons to set the date and time values.
4. Push the OK Enter Date/Time side button to set the oscilloscope
date and time.

4 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

Product and Feature Description

The TDS3000C series oscilloscopes consist of the following models:

Model Channels Bandwidth Maximum

TDS3012C 2 100 MHz 1.25 GS/s
TDS3014C 4 100 MHz 1.25 GS/s
TDS3032C 2 300 MHz 2.5 GS/s
TDS3034C 4 300 MHz 2.5 GS/s
TDS3052C 2 500 MHz 5 GS/s
TDS3054C 4 500 MHz 5 GS/s

Acquisition Features

WaveAlert Waveform Anomaly Detection. This feature automatically

detects anomalous waveforms by comparing the current waveform to
the previous waveform. WaveAlert sets how the oscilloscope responds:
stop on anomaly, beep on anomaly, and save anomalous waveform to a
USB flash drive. It's useful for capturing signal glitches and intermittent
waveform errors. (See page 69.)

Separate Digitizers. This feature ensures accurate timing measurements

with separate digitizers for each channel. Each digitizer can sample at
up to the maximum sample rate; the acquisition on all channels is always
concurrent to provide full single-shot bandwidth on each channel.

Normal Acquisition. This feature acquires 10,000 point waveforms to

capture horizontal detail, and then you can use the zoom function to
analyze the detail. (See page 67.)

Fast Trigger Acquisition. This feature acquires up to 3,400 waveforms

per second (500 point mode) so you can see rapidly changing signals or
intermittent signal irregularities. (See page 67.)

Pretrigger. You can capture signals that occur before the trigger point.
You can position the trigger point at the beginning of the acquisition, at
the end, or at any location in between. (See page 81.)

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 5

Getting Started

Delay. You can also delay the acquisition so that it starts after the trigger
point. Use delay when you want to acquire the signal at a specific time
after the trigger point. (See page 82.)

Peak Detect. This feature allows you to see pulses as narrow as

1 ns even at the slower time base settings. Peak Detect helps you see
noise and glitches in your signal. (See page 65.)

Signal Processing Features

Average. You can apply averaging to your signal to remove uncorrelated

noise and improve measurement accuracy. (See page 66.)

Envelope. You can use envelope to capture and display the maximum
variation of a signal. (See page 65.)

Waveform Math. You can use waveform math to add, subtract, multiply,
or divide waveforms. For example, you can use math to analyze
differential signals or to calculate a power waveform. (See page 88.)

FFT Analysis. You can use FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) measurements
to convert a time-domain signal into its frequency components for
analysis. (See page 89.)

Display Features

Color LCD Display. You can identify and differentiate waveforms easily
with color coding. Waveforms, readouts, and buttons are color matched
to increase productivity and reduce operating errors. (See page 76.)

Digital Phosphor. A Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope can clearly display

intensity modulation in your signals. The oscilloscope automatically
overlays subsequent acquisitions and then decays them to simulate the
writing and decay of the phosphor in the CRT of an analog oscilloscope.
This feature results in an intensity-graded waveform display that shows
the information contained in the intensity modulation. (See page 61.)

Signal Preview. You can use the preview feature to optimize the control
settings when setting up a single-shot acquisition. As you adjust the
controls, the adjustments modify the current acquisition to show a
preview of how the next acquisition should appear. (See page 63.)

6 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

Measurement Features

Cursors. You can use cursors to take simple voltage, time, and
frequency measurements. (See page 70.)

Automatic Measurements. You can choose from a list of automatic

waveform measurements. (See page 101.) You can customize the
measurements by changing reference levels or by adding measurement
gating. (See page 97.)

XY Waveform Cursors. You can use cursors to take measurements on XY

waveforms. (See page 73.)

Trigger Features

Dual Triggers. You can use the main (A) trigger system alone or add the
B trigger to capture more complex events. You can also use the A and
B triggers together to set up a wait-for-time or wait-for-events trigger.
(See page 113.)

Logic Triggers. You can trigger on a Boolean condition between two

signals. You can use logic triggers to analyze problems in digital
circuits, or synchronous state machines. (See page 121.)

Pulse Triggers. You can trigger on a signal that meets a timing or

threshold condition. You can use pulse triggers to analyze problems in
digital circuits, with bus contention, or in bus transceivers, transmission
lines, and op-amp circuits. (See page 128.)

Video Trigger. You can trigger on video fields or lines to see a stable
display of standard video signals. (See page 135.)

Alternating Trigger. You can sequentially use each active channel as

a trigger source, from the lowest-numbered active channel to the
highest-numbered active channel. (See page 119.)

Built-In External Trigger. All models have an external trigger input.

Four-channel models have the external trigger connector on the back
of the oscilloscope. Two-channel models have the external trigger
connector on the front panel.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 7

Getting Started

Convenience Features

e*Scope Web-based Remote Control. You can access your TDS3000C

oscilloscope through the Internet, from across a room to across the
world. (See page 149.)

Built-in Ethernet. You can connect your TDS3000C oscilloscope to a

network or the Internet using the built-in 10BaseT Ethernet port, for
e*Scope access or printing screen images to network printers. (See
page 185.)

Autoset. You can use Autoset to quickly set up the vertical, horizontal,
and trigger controls for a usable display. (See page 60.)

Scope QuickMenu. You can use the built-in Scope QuickMenu for
simplified oscilloscope operation. (See page 26.)

Single Sequence. One button sets the trigger parameters to the correct
settings for a single-shot acquisition (or single-sequence acquisition).
(See page 60.)

USB Flash Drive Port. You can use a USB flash drive to store and recall
waveforms and setups, as well as upgrade the oscilloscope firmware and
install new features. (See page 107.)

Probe Support. You can use the standard probes or choose an optional
probe for a specific application. Appendix D provides information and
limitations. (See page 173.)

Multilingual User Interface. On-screen menus and messages are in 11

languages. (See page 137.)

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 Getting Started

Optional Features

Application Modules. You can install application modules to add new

test and measurement features. (See page 169.)

Communication Module. You can install the communication module to

add RS-232, GPIB, and VGA ports for remote programmability, or to
display the oscilloscope screen on a monitor. (See page 15.)

Battery Power. You can install a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack

(TDS3BATC) to use the oscilloscope without line power. (See page 10.)

Operating Positions
Use the handle and feet to place the oscilloscope in a convenient
operating position.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 9

Getting Started

Connecting Power
You can operate the oscilloscope from a mains supply with line
voltage between 100 VAC and 240 VAC (± 10%) and frequency between
47 Hz and 440 Hz. The oscilloscope is grounded through the power
cord grounding connector. The line fuse is internal and is not operator
replaceable.

Using Battery Power

You can operate the oscilloscope continuously for approximately three
hours from the optional rechargeable TDS3BATC battery pack. A
triangle icon in the display shows when the battery is in use, a
power-plug icon shows when line power is connected, and a gauge
icon shows the charge level in the battery. The oscilloscope turns
off automatically when the battery runs low; the screen may turn white
a few minutes before the automatic shutdown.
Refer to the Environmental Considerations for information about proper
battery disposal. (See page xvi, Environmental considerations.)

10 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

Operating Safely with Battery Power

WARNING. To avoid electric shock, connect the rear-panel ground terminal

to earth ground when operating the oscilloscope from battery power.

For safe operation, the oscilloscope chassis should always remain at

earth ground potential. Without a connection between the chassis and
earth ground, you can receive a shock from exposed metal on the
chassis if you connect an input to a hazardous voltage (>30 VRMS,
>42 Vpk). To protect yourself against possible shock, you can attach the
Tektronix-supplied grounding wire from the terminal on the rear panel
to earth ground. If you use a different grounding wire, it must be at
least 18 gauge.

If you choose not to attach the grounding wire, you are not protected
against electric shock if you connect the oscilloscope to a hazardous
voltage. You can still use the oscilloscope if you do not connect a signal
greater than 30 VRMS (42 Vpk) to the probe tip, the BNC connector
center, or the common lead. Ensure that all probe common leads are
connected to the same voltage.

WARNING. Hazardous voltages may exist in unexpected places due to faulty

circuitry in the device under test.

CAUTION. When operating the oscilloscope on battery power do not connect

a grounded device, such as a printer or computer, to the oscilloscope unless
the oscilloscope's grounding wire is connected to the earth ground.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 11

Getting Started

Installing the Battery

To install the optional battery pack, follow these steps:
1. Open the battery compartment door on the rear panel.
2. Remove the accessory tray.

Battery door (opened)

3. Slide the battery into the compartment and press it in from both
sides until you hear the latches click.
4. Press on both sides of the battery compartment door to snap it
closed.

12 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

To remove the battery, follow these steps:

1. Open the battery compartment door.
2. Raise the handles on each side of the battery and use them to pull
the battery out of the oscilloscope.

Maximizing Operating Time

To maximize the time that the oscilloscope can operate from a full
battery charge, consider doing these things:
Reduce the display backlight intensity (See page 75.)
Disconnect unused active probes
Only use passive probes

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 13

Getting Started

Charging the Battery

The battery charges automatically when the oscilloscope is connected to
line power. You can also charge the battery with the optional external
charger (TDS3CHG).

Configuration Typical charging time

Battery charging in oscilloscope with oscilloscope 32 hours
turned on or off
Battery charging with TDS3CHG external charger 6 hours

NOTE. For optimal performance, charge the battery before using it for the
first time or after prolonged storage.
Refer to the TDS3BATC Rechargable Battery Pack Instructions (Tektronix
part number 071-0900-04) for information on storage and Battery
Maintenance Guidelines.

14 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

Installing an Application Module

CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope or application module,

observe the ESD precautions. (See page xx.)

Optional application modules are available to extend the capability of

your oscilloscope. You can install up to four application modules at
one time. Application modules can go into the two slots with windows
in the upper right corner of the front panel. Two additional slots are
directly behind the two you can see.
Refer to the TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series Application
Module Installation Manual that came with your application module for
instructions on installing and testing an application module.

NOTE. If you remove an application module, the features provided by the

application module become unavailable. You can reinstall the module to
restore the features.

Installing the Communication Module

CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope or communication module,

observe the ESD precautions. (See page xx.)

To install the optional communications module, follow these steps:

1. Turn the oscilloscope power off.
2. Press down on the latching tab to remove the blank cover.
3. Slide the communication module into the compartment until the
internal connectors are seated and the latching tab locks.
4. Turn the power on. The communication module is now ready for
your use.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 15

Getting Started

Latching tab

To remove a communication module, follow these steps:

1. Turn the oscilloscope power off.
2. Press down on the latching tab and then use a small screwdriver to
alternately pry out the sides of the communication module.
3. Slide out the communication module and store it in an ESD-shielded
bag. Install the blank cover.

Communication
port For more information, see
GPIB The TDS3000, TDS3000B, and TDS3000C Series
RS-232 Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes Programmer Manual,
and Hard Copy in this user manual. (See page 78.)
VGA Specifications for the I/O ports in Appendix A in this
user manual.

16 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

Front-Panel Menus and Controls

The front panel has buttons and controls for the functions you use most
often. The front panel has menus to access more specialized functions.

Using the Menu System

To use the menu system, follow these steps:
1. Push a front-panel menu button to display the menu you want to use.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 17

Getting Started

2. Push a bottom screen button to select a menu item. If a pop-up

menu appears, continue to push the screen button to select an item
from the pop-up menu.

3. Push a side screen button to choose a menu item. If the menu item
contains more than one choice, push the side screen button again
to make the choice.

18 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Getting Started

4. Certain menu choices require you to set a numerical value to

complete the setup. Use the general purpose knob to adjust
the parameter value. Push the Coarse button to make larger
adjustments.

Using the Menu Buttons

You can use the menu buttons to perform many functions in the
oscilloscope.

1. Meas. Performs automated measurements of waveforms.

2. Cursor. Activates the cursors.
3. Save/Recall. Saves and recalls setups and waveforms to memory or
a USB flash drive.
4. Display. Changes the appearance of waveforms and the display
screen.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 19

Getting Started

5. QuickMenu. Activates QuickMenus such as the built-in Scope

QuickMenu.
6. Utility. Activates the system utility functions, such as selecting
a language.

7. Vertical Menu. Adjusts the scale, position, and offset of waveforms.

Sets the input parameters.
8. Trigger Menu. Adjusts the trigger functions.
9. Acquire Menu. Sets the acquisition modes and horizontal
resolution, and resets the delay time.

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 Getting Started

Using the Dedicated Controls

These dedicated buttons and controls generally control waveforms and
cursors without the use of menus.

1. Coarse. Causes the general purpose knob and position knobs to

make adjustments more quickly.
2. Select. Toggles between the two cursors to select the active cursor.
3. General purpose knob. Moves the cursors. Sets numerical
parameter values for some menu items. Push the Coarse button to
make adjustments quickly.
4. Vertical Position. Adjusts the vertical position of the selected
waveform. Push the Coarse button to make adjustments more
quickly.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 21

Getting Started

5. Horizontal Position. Adjusts the trigger point location relative

to the acquired waveforms. Push the Coarse button to make
adjustments quickly.
6. Trigger Level. Adjusts the trigger level.
7. Run/Stop. Stops and restarts acquisition.
8. Single Seq. Sets acquisition, display, and trigger parameters for a
single-shot (single-sequence) acquisition.
9. Set To 50%. Sets the trigger level to the midpoint of the waveform.
10. Autoset. Automatically sets the vertical, horizontal, and trigger
controls for a usable display.
11. Force Trig. Forces an immediate trigger event.
12. Waveform Intensity. Controls waveform intensity.
13. B Trig. Activates the B trigger. Changes the Trigger menu to set
the B-trigger parameters.
14. Delay. Enables delayed acquisition relative to the trigger event.
Use horizontal Position to set the amount of delay.
15. Horizontal Scale. Adjusts the horizontal scale factor.
16. Horizontal Zoom. Splits the screen and magnifies the current
acquisition horizontally.
17. Waveform Off. Removes selected waveform from the display.
18. Vertical Scale. Adjusts selected waveform vertical scale factor.
19. 1, 2, (3, 4,) Math. Displays a waveform and chooses the selected
waveform. Ref shows the reference waveform menu.

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 Getting Started

20. Hard copy. Initiates a hard copy using the port selected in the
Utility menu.
21. Power switch. Turns power to on or standby. Power-up time
varies from about 15 seconds to 45 seconds, depending on the
oscilloscope internal calibration process.
22. Wrist-strap ground. Connect a wrist strap when working with
ESD-sensitive circuits. This connector is not a safety ground.

NOTE. The wrist-strap ground terminal is only a ground when the

oscilloscope is connected to earth ground. When operating from a battery,
connect the grounding wire to earth ground to ensure the terminal is at
ground.

23. USB Flash Drive port.

24. Menu Off. Clears menu from the display.

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Getting Started

Identifying Items in the Display

The following items may appear in the display; not all items are visible
at any given time. Some readouts move outside the graticule area when
menus are turned off.

1. Waveform baseline icons show the zero-volt level of the waveforms

(ignoring the effect of offset). The icon colors correspond to the
waveform colors.
2. Acquisition readout shows when acquisition is running, stopped, or
when acquisition preview is in effect.
3. Trigger position icon shows the trigger location in the waveforms.
4. Expansion point icon shows the point that the horizontal scale
expands and compresses around.
5. Waveform record icon shows the trigger location relative to the
waveform record. The line color corresponds to the selected
waveform color.
6. Trigger status readout show trigger status.

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 Getting Started

7. Trigger level icon shows the trigger level on the waveform. The
icon color corresponds to the trigger source channel color.
8. Cursor and measurement readouts show results and messages.

NOTE. Waveforms that extend beyond the screen (overrange) will display a
message in the measurement readout ("clipping"). This indicates that the
numerical readout is an invalid value. Adjust the vertical scaling to ensure
the readout is valid.

9. Trigger readouts show the trigger sources, slopes, and levels, and
position.
10. Readout shows the delay setting or the trigger location within the
record.
11. Horizontal readout shows the main or zoom time/division.
12. Auxiliary waveform readouts show the vertical and horizontal scale
factors of the math or reference waveforms.
13. Channel readouts show the channel scale factor, coupling, input
resistance, bandwidth limit, and invert status.

14. Triangle icon with the battery icon indicates a battery is installed
and battery power is in use. The battery icon shows the approximate
charge level of the battery. (See page 11, Operating Safely with
Battery Power.)
15. Power-plug icon with the battery icon indicates a battery is installed
but line power is in use. The battery may be charging. The battery
icon shows the approximate charge level.

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Getting Started

Using QuickMenus
The QuickMenu feature simplifies the use of the oscilloscope. When
you push the QuickMenu button, a set of frequently used menu
functions show on the display. Then, push the screen buttons around the
display to operate the QuickMenu. The Reference chapter has general
instructions on how to operate QuickMenus. (See page 103.)

Using the Scope QuickMenu. Scope is one type of QuickMenu that you
can use to control the basic oscilloscope functions. You can perform
many tasks without using the regular menu system. If you need to use a
function that is not contained in the Scope QuickMenu, push the button
you would normally push to access that function. For example, if you
want to add an automatic measurement, push the Meas button to set up
the measurement. Then, push the QuickMenu button to return to the
Scope QuickMenu with the measurement also in the display.

1. Edge Trigger controls. Push these screen buttons to set trigger

parameters for edge trigger.
2. Trigger controls if either B trigger or video trigger is selected. Logic
and Pulse trigger controls are not available through the QuickMenu.

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 Getting Started

3. Cursor control. Push this screen button to turn on cursors and select
the cursor type. Push the Select button to toggle between the two
cursors to select the active cursor. Use the general purpose knob to
move the active cursor.
4. Acquisition controls. Push these screen buttons to set acquisition
parameters.
5. Channel vertical controls. Push these screen buttons to set vertical
controls for the selected channel. Use the channel 1, 2, 3, 4, and the
Math and Ref buttons to select the channel you want to control.
6. Vertical controls if either the math waveform or a reference
waveform is selected.
7. Menu. Push this screen button to select a specific QuickMenu
display if more than one is available.

NOTE. Items in the Scope QuickMenu not mentioned above are also
contained in the regular display. (See page 24.)

Other QuickMenus. Some optional application packages include a

custom QuickMenu display. Those QuickMenus contain specific
features that are important for the application.

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Getting Started

Front-Panel Connectors

1. Probe Comp. Square wave signal source to compensate probes.

2. 1, 2, (3, 4). Channel inputs with TekProbe interface.
3. Ext Trig. External trigger input with TekProbe interface
(two-channel models only). External trigger input specifications
are in Appendix A.

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 Getting Started

Rear-Panel Connectors

1. Power input. Attach to an AC power line with integral safety

ground.
2. Communication Module compartment. Install the optional
communication module.
3. Ethernet port. Connects the oscilloscope to a 10BaseT local area
network.
4. Ext Trig. External trigger input with TekProbe interface
(four-channel models only). External trigger input specifications
are in Appendix A.

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Getting Started

5. Ground terminal. Connect to earth ground when using battery

power. (See page 11, Operating Safely with Battery Power.)
6. CAL switch. For use by authorized service personnel only.

Communication Module Connectors

1. GPIB port. Connect to a controller for remote programmability.

2. RS-232 port. Connect to a controller or terminal for remote
programmability or printing.
3. VGA port. Connect to a VGA monitor to display the screen image.

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Application Examples
This chapter presents six common oscilloscope applications:
Taking simple measurements
Analyzing signal detail
Taking FFT measurements
Triggering on a video signal
Capturing a single-shot signal
Saving data to a USB flash drive
Each application example highlights different features of the
oscilloscope and gives you ideas about using the oscilloscope to solve
test problems.

Taking Simple Measurements

You need to see a signal in a circuit, but you do not know the signal
amplitude or frequency. Connect the oscilloscope to quickly display the
signal and then measure its frequency and peak-to-peak amplitude.

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Application Examples

Using Autoset
To quickly display a signal, follow these steps:
1. Connect the channel 1 probe to the signal.
2. Push the Autoset button.
The oscilloscope sets vertical, horizontal, and trigger controls
automatically. You can manually adjust any of these controls if you
need to optimize the display of the waveform.
When you are using more than one channel, the autoset function sets the
vertical controls for each channel and uses the lowest-numbered active
channel to set the horizontal and trigger controls.

Selecting Automatic Measurements

The oscilloscope can take automatic measurements of most displayed
signals. To measure signal frequency and peak-to-peak amplitude,
follow these steps:
1. Push the Meas button to see the Select Measurement menu.
2. Push the channel 1 button and then push the Select Measurement
for Ch1 screen button.
3. Select the Frequency measurement.
4. Push the more screen button and select the Pk-Pk measurement.
5. Push the Menu Off button.
The measurements show on the screen and update as the signal changes.

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 Application Examples

Measuring Two Signals

You are testing a piece of equipment and need to measure the gain of
its audio amplifier. You have an audio generator that can inject a test
signal at the amplifier input. Connect two oscilloscope channels to the
amplifier input and output as shown. Measure both signal levels and use
these measurements to calculate the gain.

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Application Examples

To display the signals connected to channels 1 and 2, follow these steps:

1. Push the channel 1 and 2 buttons to activate both channels.
2. Push the Autoset button.
To select measurements for the two channels, follow these steps:
1. Push the Meas button to see the Select Measurement menu.
2. Push the channel 1 button and then push the Select Measurement
for Ch1 screen button.
3. Select the Amplitude measurement.
4. Push the channel 2 button and then push the Select Measurement
for Ch2 screen button.
5. Select the Amplitude measurement.

6. Calculate the amplifier gain using the following equations:

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 Application Examples

Customizing Your Measurements

In this example you want to verify that the incoming signal to a piece of
digital equipment meets its specifications. Specifically, the transition
time from a low logic level (0.8 V) to a high logic level (2.0 V) must
be 10 ns or less.

To select the rise time measurement, follow these steps:

1. Push the Meas button to see the Select Measurement menu.
2. Push the channel 1 button and then the Select Measurement for
Ch1 screen button.
3. Select the Rise Time measurement.
Rise time is typically measured between the 10% and 90% amplitude
levels of a signal; these are the default reference levels the oscilloscope
uses for rise time measurements. However, in this example you need
to measure the time the signal takes to pass between the 0.8 V and
2.0 V levels.
You can customize the rise time measurement to measure the signal
transition time between any two reference levels. You can set each of
those reference levels to a specific percent of the signal amplitude or to
a specific level in vertical units (such as volts or amperes).

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Application Examples

Setting Reference Levels. To set the reference levels to specific voltages,

follow these steps:
1. Push the Reference Levels screen button.
2. Push the Set Levels in screen button to select units.
3. Push the High Ref screen button.
4. Use the general purpose knob to select 2.0 V.
5. Push the Low Ref screen button.
6. Use the general purpose knob to select 800 mV.
The measurement verifies that the transition time (3.842 ns) meets the
specification ( ≤ 10 ns).

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 Application Examples

Measuring Specific Events. Next you want to see the pulses in the
incoming digital signal, but the pulse widths vary so it is hard to
establish a stable trigger. To look at a snapshot of the digital signal,
follow this step:
1. Push the Single Seq button to capture a single acquisition.
Now you want to measure the width of each displayed pulse. You
can use measurement gating to select a specific pulse to measure. To
measure the second pulse, for example, follow these steps:
1. Push the Meas button.
2. Push the channel 1 button and then push the Select Measurement
for Ch1 screen button.
3. Select the Positive Pulse Width measurement.
4. Push the Gating screen button.
5. Select Between V Bar Cursors to choose measurement gating
using cursors.
6. Place one cursor to the left and one cursor to the right of the second
pulse.
The oscilloscope shows the width measurement (160 ns) for the second
pulse.

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Application Examples

Analyzing Signal Detail

You have a noisy signal displayed on the oscilloscope and you need to
know more about it. You suspect that the signal contains much more
detail than you can now see in the display.

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 Application Examples

Looking at a Noisy Signal

The signal appears noisy and you suspect that noise is causing problems
in your circuit. To better analyze the noise, follow these steps:
1. Push the Acquire Menu button.
2. Push the Mode bottom button.
3. Select the Peak Detect acquisition mode.
4. Increase the Waveform Intensity control to see the noise more
easily.
Peak detect emphasizes noise spikes and glitches in your signal as
narrow as 1 ns, even when the time base is set to a slow setting.

The Reference chapter has more information about peak-detect and the
other acquisition modes. (See page 65.)

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Application Examples

Separating the Signal from Noise

Now you want to analyze the signal shape and ignore the noise. To
reduce random noise in the oscilloscope display, follow these steps:
1. Push the Acquire Menu button.
2. Push the Mode bottom button.
3. Select the Average acquisition mode.
Averaging reduces random noise and makes it easier to see detail in a
signal. In the next example, a ring shows on the rising and falling edges
of the signal when the noise is removed.

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 Application Examples

Taking Cursor Measurements

You can use the cursors to take quick measurements on a waveform.
To measure the ring frequency at the rising edge of the signal, follow
these steps:
1. Push the Cursor button.
2. Push the Function screen button.
3. Select V Bars cursors.
4. Push the V Bar Units screen button.
5. Select 1/seconds (Hz).
6. Place one cursor on the first peak of the ring using the general
purpose knob.
7. Push the Select button.
8. Place the other cursor on the next peak of the ring.
The cursor Δ readout shows the measured ring frequency is 227 kHz.

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Application Examples

Using Delay
You are analyzing a pulse waveform and use the + Width measurement
to measure the waveform pulse width. You notice that the measurement
is not stable, which implies that there is jitter in the pulse width.

To use delay to see the jitter, follow these steps:

1. Push the Delay button.
2. Adjust the horizontal Position control to set the delay close to the
nominal pulse width (210 μs). Push the Coarse button to make
delay adjustments more quickly. Push the Coarse button again to
fine tune the delay time.
The falling edge of the pulse is now near the center of the screen.
When delay is on, the horizontal expansion point separates from
the trigger point and remains in the center of the screen.

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 Application Examples

3. Adjust the horizontal Scale to a faster time base setting and increase
the Waveform Intensity to see the jitter in the pulse width.

NOTE. You can toggle the delay function on and off to view signal details at
two different areas of interest.

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Application Examples

Measuring Jitter
To measure the peak-to-peak jitter, follow these steps:
1. Push the Cursor button.
2. Push the Function screen button.
3. Select the V Bars cursors.
4. Push the Bring Both Cursors On Screen screen button to quickly
locate the cursors.
5. Place one cursor at the first falling edge and place the other cursor
at the last falling edge.
6. Read the peak-to-peak jitter in the Δ readout (1.40 μs).

You can also measure the minimum and maximum pulse widths. When
you select the first cursor, the @ readout displays the minimum pulse
width (210 μs). When you select the second cursor, the @ readout
displays the maximum pulse width (211 μs).

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 Application Examples

Taking FFT Measurements

You can take FFT measurements to determine if low-level distortion is
present, or to find the source of noise in a mixed circuit.

Detecting Distortion
A pure sine wave can be input into an amplifier to measure distortion;
any amplifier distortion will introduce harmonics in the amplifier output.
Viewing the FFT of the output can determine if low-level distortion is
present.
You are using a 20 MHz signal as the amplifier test signal. You would
set the oscilloscope and FFT parameters as listed in the next table.

Control Setting
1 Coupling AC
Acquisition Mode Average 16
Horizontal Resolution Normal (10k points)
Horizontal Scale 100 ns
FFT Source Ch1
FFT Vert Scale dBV
FFT Window Blackman-Harris

In the next figure, the first component at 20 MHz (figure label 1) is

the source signal fundamental frequency. The FFT waveform also
shows a second-order harmonic at 40 MHz (label 2), and a fourth-order
harmonic at 80 MHz (label 3). The presence of components 2 and
3 indicate that the system is distorting the signal. The even harmonics
suggest a possible difference in signal gain on half of the signal cycle.

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Application Examples

Identifying the Source of Noise

Noise in mixed digital/analog circuits can be easily observed with an
oscilloscope. However, identifying the sources of the observed noise
can be difficult.
The FFT waveform displays the frequency content of the noise. You
may then be able to associate those frequencies with known system
frequencies, such as system clocks, oscillators, read/write strobes,
display signals, or switching power supplies.
The highest frequency on the example system is 40 MHz. To analyze
the example signal, you would set the oscilloscope and FFT parameters
as listed in the next table.

Control Setting
1 Coupling AC
Acquisition Mode Sample
Horizontal Resolution Normal (10k points)
Horizontal Scale 4.00 μs
Bandwidth 150 MHz
FFT Source Ch1
FFT Vert Scale dBV
FFT Window Hanning

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 Application Examples

In the next figure, notice the component at 31 MHz (figure label 1). This
coincides with a 31 MHz memory strobe signal in the example system.
There is also a frequency component at 62 MHz (label 2), which is the
second harmonic of the strobe signal.

Triggering on a Video Signal

You are testing the video circuit in a piece of medical equipment and
need to display the video output signal. The video output is an NTSC
standard signal. Use the video trigger to obtain a stable display.

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Application Examples

To trigger on the video fields, follow these steps:

1. Push the Trigger Menu button.
2. Push the Type screen button to select Video.
3. Push the Standard screen button to select 525/NTSC.
4. Push the Trigger On screen button.
5. Select Odd.
6. Adjust the horizontal Scale to see a complete field across the screen.
7. Push the Acquire Menu button.
8. Push the Horizontal Resolution screen button.
9. Select Normal acquisition resolution.
Normal acquisition resolution is the best choice to acquire a video field
signal because the signal contains a great amount of horizontal detail.

If the signal had been noninterlaced, you could choose to trigger on

All Fields.

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 Application Examples

Triggering on Lines. You can also look at the video lines in the field. To
trigger on the lines, follow these steps:
1. Push the Trigger On screen button.
2. Select All Lines.
3. Adjust the horizontal Scale to see a complete video line across
the screen.

NOTE. The optional TDS3VID and TDS3SDI application modules add

new video functions such as a video QuickMenu, video Autoset, trigger on
custom scan rates, trigger on specific video lines, vectorscope (vectorscope
supports component video only), video picture, trigger on analog HDTV
signals, and view 601 digital video signals (TSD3SDI only).

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Application Examples

Looking at Modulation. A dedicated video waveform monitor clearly

shows the modulation in a video signal. To see a similar modulation
display on the oscilloscope screen, follow these steps:
1. Start with triggered display of the video lines.
2. Push the Acquire Menu button.
3. Push the Horizontal Resolution screen button.
4. Select Fast Trigger acquisition resolution.
5. Adjust the Waveform Intensity control for the amount of
modulation you want to see.
The oscilloscope now shows signal modulation in shades of intensity
and appears similar to the display of a video waveform monitor or an
analog oscilloscope. Fast trigger acquisition resolution is the best choice
to acquire a video line signal with a rapidly changing shape.

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 Application Examples

Capturing a Single-Shot Signal

The reliability of a reed relay in a piece of equipment has been poor and
you need to investigate the problem. You suspect that the relay contacts
arc when the relay opens. The fastest you can open and close the relay
is about once per minute so you need to capture the voltage across the
relay as a single-shot acquisition.
To set up for a single-shot acquisition, follow these steps:
1. Adjust the vertical Scale and horizontal Scale to appropriate ranges
for the signal you expect to see.
2. Push the Acquire Menu button.
3. Push the Horizontal Resolution screen button.
4. Select Normal acquisition resolution.
5. Push the Single Seq (single sequence) button.

The Single Seq button sets trigger parameters to the correct settings for
a single-shot acquisition.

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Application Examples

Optimizing the Acquisition

The initial acquisition shows the relay contact beginning to open at the
trigger point. This is followed by a large spikes that indicate contact
bounce and inductance in the circuit. The inductance can cause contact
arcing and premature relay failure.
Before you take the next acquisition, you can adjust the vertical and
horizontal controls to give you a preview of how the next acquisition
might appear. As you adjust these controls, the current acquisition
is repositioned, expanded, or compressed. This preview is useful to
optimize the settings before the next single-shot event is captured.
When the next acquisition is captured with the new vertical and
horizontal settings, you can see more detail about the relay contact
opening. You can now see that the contact bounces several times as
it opens.

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 Application Examples

Using the Horizontal Zoom Function

If you want to take a close look at a particular spot on the acquired
waveform, use the horizontal zoom function. To look closely at the
point where the relay contact first begins to open, follow these steps:
1. Push the zoom button .
2. Use the horizontal Position to place the expansion point close to
where the relay contact begins to open.
3. Adjust the horizontal Scale to magnify the waveform around the
expansion point.
The ragged waveform and the inductive load in the circuit suggest that
the relay contact may be arcing as it opens.

The zoom function works equally well when acquisition is running

or is stopped. Horizontal position and scale changes affect only the
display, not the next acquisition.

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Application Examples

Saving Data to a USB Flash Drive

You need to do some work inside a remote site. You expect to use
the oscilloscope to look at signal waveforms, to bring the waveform
information back to the office to complete a report, and to perform
additional analysis. To do this, take along a USB flash drive.

Remote site

When you need to capture screen images, it may be most convenient

to first save them to a USB flash drive. Once on the USB flash drive,
you can load the screen images into a PC, print hard copies with a
printer attached to your PC, or import the screen images into desktop
publishing software to produce a report.
Similarly, you can also save waveform data on the USB flash drive.
From the flash drive, you can recall waveforms to the oscilloscope
display or you can import the data into spreadsheet and Mathcad
software to perform additional analysis.
If you have oscilloscope setups that you want to use again, you also
can store them on the USB flash drive. The Reference chapter has
more information on this capability. (See page 104, Save/Recall.)
For information about remote control accessories, see Appendix C:
Accessories.

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 Application Examples

Saving Screen Images

While working at the remote site you discover a control signal that you
want to capture periodically to show its long-term variation. You want to
include these waveforms in a report you are preparing back at the office.
Your desktop publishing software can import BMP graphics, so
you decide to use this format for the screen images. To setup this
configuration, follow these steps:
1. Insert a USB flash drive into the USB flash drive port.
2. Push the Utility button.
3. Push the System bottom button to select Hard Copy.
4. Push the Format screen button.
5. Select BMP Mono Windows mono image file format (you may
need to push the - more - screen button several times before you
see this choice).
6. Push the Port screen button.
7. Select File to send hard copies to a USB flash drive.

8. Push the hard copy button to save the image.

The oscilloscope reads the flash drive directory and displays its contents.

Naming Files. You should give files descriptive names so you can
recognize them when you get back to the office. You will be saving
images of the control signal so you decide if CNTRL is a logical target
file name to use.
The oscilloscope can append an automatic sequence number to the
target file name. This feature is convenient because you want to capture
a screen image of the same control signal every five minutes. To set up
the target file name and automatic sequence, follow these steps:
1. Push the File Utilities bottom button.
2. Use the general purpose knob to highlight the file TEK?????.BMP.
3. Select the Rename screen button.

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Application Examples

4. Use the screen buttons to clear the existing file name and enter
the new file name CNTRL???.BMP. The question marks are
placeholders for an automatic number sequence from 000 to 999.
5. Push the OK Accept screen button to setup the target base file
name.
6. Push Menu Off to remove the file list from the display.

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Running the Test. To capture the control signal every few minutes,
follow these steps:
1. Display the signal, measurements, and menus as you want them
to appear in the screen images.

2. Push the hard copy button .

3. Repeat step 2 every few minutes until you are finished with the test.
4. When you are finished, push Utility to see the list of sequential
files that have been saved.

The files are labeled with their sequential names, as well as the time
and date each was created.

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Application Examples

Saving Waveform Data

You find another signal that you want to analyze with a spreadsheet
program back at the office. To save the waveform data on a USB flash
drive, follow these steps:
1. Display the signal on the oscilloscope screen.
2. Push the Save/Recall button.
3. Push the Save Waveform screen button.
4. Select To File.
5. Select Spreadsheet File Format. The default target file,
TEK?????.CSV, is now automatically highlighted.
6. Push the Save To Selected File screen button to save the waveform.
7. Push the File Utilities screen button to see the saved waveform file
TEK00000.CSV in the USB flash drive directory.

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Reference
This chapter contains detailed information about the operation of the
oscilloscope. The topics in this chapter are arranged by front-panel
button or control group name.

Acquisition Controls
Run/Stop Button
Push the Run/Stop button to stop and start waveform acquisition.
You can also push Run/Stop when you want to resume continuous
acquisition after a single-sequence acquisition. A readout in the top left
corner of the display shows the status of the acquisition.

Acquisition status readout Description

Run: The acquisition is running.
Roll: A roll-mode acquisition is running.
Stop: The acquisition is stopped.
PreVu: Previewing; waiting for trigger.

While the acquisition is running or stopped, you can use these controls
to examine the waveforms:
Channel buttons to select a channel
Zoom button with horizontal Position and Scale to magnify
waveforms (does not affect the actual time base or trigger position
settings)
Waveform Intensity to adjust gray-scale level
Cursor button to activate cursors to measure waveforms
Meas button to select automatic measurements of waveforms
Hard copy button to print a hard copy
While the acquisition is stopped, you can change the vertical and
horizontal controls to use in the next acquisition. (See page 63, Vertical
and Horizontal Preview.)

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Reference

Single Sequence Button

Push the Single Seq button to execute a single-shot acquisition. The
function of the Single Seq button depends on the acquisition mode.

Acquisition mode Single Seq function

Sample or Peak Detect One acquisition of each displayed channel is
acquired, concurrently
Envelope N or Average N N acquisitions of each displayed channel are
acquired (N is adjustable with the general
purpose knob)

When you push the Single Seq button, the oscilloscope does the
following things:
At sweep speeds of 20 ms/div and faster, the trigger mode is set
to Normal
The trigger system arms and an LED lights next to the Single Seq
button
After the single-sequence acquisition is complete, the acquisition stops
and the light next to the Single Seq button turns off.
Push the Single Seq button again to acquire a new sequence, or push the
Run/Stop button to restart continuous acquisition.

Autoset Button
Push the Autoset button to automatically adjust the vertical, horizontal,
and trigger controls for a usable display. You can manually adjust any
of these controls if you need to optimize the display.
When you use more than one channel, the autoset function sets the
vertical scale for each channel and positions the channels to prevent
overlapping. The autoset function selects the lowest-numbered channel
in use and then uses that channel to set the horizontal and trigger
controls.
The autoset function also changes the following oscilloscope settings:
Acquisition mode is set to Sample
Bandwidth limits are set to Full
Zoom is turned off

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 Reference

Trigger is set to Auto mode and minimum holdoff

Trigger is set to Edge type, DC coupling, and rising slope
B trigger is turned off
XY display format is turned off
Channel 1 is turned on and selected if no active channels are in use
If you push the Autoset button by accident, you can undo it with these
steps:
1. Push the Acquire Menu button.
2. Push the Autoset screen button and then push the Undo Autoset
screen button.

Waveform Intensity
The Waveform Intensity knob adjusts the intensity of the waveforms in
the display.
The term Digital Phosphor represents the way this control simulates the
intensity control of an analog oscilloscope. At maximum intensity, all
waveform points are displayed at full brightness. As you decrease the
intensity, you can see intensity grading in the waveforms. The brightest
parts of the waveform are the points most frequently acquired; the
dimmer parts represent less frequently acquired points. All points decay
in intensity over time unless the display persistence is set to infinite.
Use a medium intensity setting to get an analog-oscilloscope view
of time-varying signals and those containing modulation. Use the
maximum intensity setting to view the signals the way most digital
oscilloscopes display them.
You can turn on display persistence to slow or prevent the decay of the
waveform points. With persistence on, you can simulate the function of
an analog storage oscilloscope. (See page 75, Display.)

NOTE. The waveform intensity may change when you change oscilloscope
acquisition modes or horizontal scale settings. Use the INTENSITY knob to
readjust waveform intensity.

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Reference

Acquire Menu
Push the Acquire Menu button to show the Acquire menu.

Bottom Side Description

Mode Sample Use for normal acquisition.
Peak Detect Detects glitches and reduces the
possibility of aliasing.
Envelope N Captures variations of a signal over
a period of time. (Adjust N with the
general purpose knob.)
Average N Reduces random or uncorrelated
noise in the signal display. (Adjust N
with the general purpose knob.)
Horizontal Fast Trigger (500 Acquires 500 point waveforms at a
Resolution points) fast repetition rate.
Normal (10k points) Acquires 10,000 point waveforms
with more horizontal detail.
Reset Set to 0 s Resets the horizontal delay time to
Horizontal zero.
Delay
Autoset Normal Autoset Executes the autoset function.
(Optional application modules may
add choices to execute specialized
autoset functions.)
Undo Autoset Reverts to the settings before the
last autoset.

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 Reference

Bottom Side Description

WaveAlert Wfm Anomaly Enables or disables the WaveAlert
Detection function. (See page 68, WaveAlert
On Off Waveform Anomaly Detection.)
Sensitivity nn.n% Sets the WaveAlert sensitivity. Use
the general purpose knob to set
sensitivity from 0% (least sensitive)
to 100% (most sensitive).
Beep On Anomaly When On, the oscilloscope beeps
On Off when it detects a waveform anomaly
on any active channel.
Stop On Anomaly When On, the oscilloscope stops
On Off waveform acquisition when there is a
waveform anomaly on any channel.
The input waveforms and anomalies
remain displayed on the screen.
Hard Copy On When On, the oscilloscope sends an
Anomaly image of the screen to the hard copy
On Off device or USB flash drive file when
there is a waveform anomaly on any
channel.
Wfms To Disk On When On, the oscilloscope saves
Anomaly the anomalous waveform(s) data to
On Off a file on a USB flash drive.
Highlight Entire Wfm Highlights the entire anomalous
waveform.
Highlight Anomalies Highlights just the anomalous data
in a waveform.

Key Points

Vertical and Horizontal Preview. The vertical and horizontal preview

functions let you change the vertical and horizontal controls while the
acquisition is stopped or while it is waiting for the next trigger. The
oscilloscope rescales and repositions the current acquisition in response
to the new control settings, and then uses the new settings for the next
acquisition.

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Reference

Preview helps you optimize these control settings before the next
acquisition; this makes it easier to work with signals that are single-shot
or have a low repetition rate. (See page 146, Vertical Preview.) (See
page 86, Horizontal Zoom and Preview.)
While the acquisition is stopped you can make changes to other controls,
but those changes will only take affect with the next acquisition. There
is no preview for control changes other than the vertical and horizontal
controls.
The preview functions also do not affect automatic measurements,
cursor measurements, or the Math waveform. This data for these
functions is always based on the current acquisition. If you rescale
or reposition a channel waveform horizontally, it may not appear
time-correlated to the automatic measurements, cursor measurements,
or the Math waveform.

Acquisition Modes. You can choose one of four acquisition modes:

Sample, Peak Detect, Envelope, or Average. The next few pages
describe these acquisition modes in detail.

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Sample. Use Sample acquisition mode for the fastest acquisition at any
SEC/DIV setting. Sample mode is the default mode.

Peak Detect. Use Peak Detect acquisition mode to limit the possibility
of aliasing. Also, use Peak Detect for glitch detection. You can see
glitches as narrow as 1 ns.
Peak Detect is only functional for sample rates up to 125 MS/s. For
250 MS/s and faster sample rates, the oscilloscope reverts to Sample
acquisition mode, where the narrowest detectable pulse width is
1/(sample rate).

Envelope. Use Envelope acquisition mode to capture the minimum and

maximum extremes of a signal over a specified number of acquisitions
(N). The enveloped waveform data acquisition clears and then starts
over after each N acquisitions. If you push the Single Seq button,
envelope acquisition stops after N acquisitions. Use the general purpose
knob to set the number of acquisitions.

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Average. Use Average acquisition mode to reduce random or

uncorrelated noise in the signal you want to display. The averaged
waveform is a running average over a specified number of acquisitions
(N). If you push the Single Seq button, average acquisition stops after
N acquisitions. Use the general purpose knob to set the number of
acquisitions.
If you probe a noisy square wave signal that contains intermittent,
narrow glitches, the waveform displayed will vary depending on the
acquisition mode you choose.

Sample Peak Detect

Envelope Average

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Acquisition Resolution. You can choose either Normal or Fast Trigger

acquisition resolution. This setting determines the record length that is
acquired and affects the other factors shown in the next table.

Factor Normal Fast trigger

Record length 10,000 points 500 points
Maximum acquisition rate 700 waveforms/s 3,400 waveforms/s
Maximum horizontal 200X 10X
zoom

Choose Normal or Fast Trigger acquisition resolution based on the

characteristics of the signal you want to acquire.

Signal characteristic Better choice

Large amount of horizontal detail Normal
Shape is stable or changes relatively slowly
Single shot
High trigger repetition rate Fast Trigger
Shape changes rapidly
Contains modulation

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WaveAlert Waveform Anomaly Detection. WaveAlert provides a way

to detect when a waveform deviates from a steady-state condition.
WaveAlert monitors the current waveform acquisition and compares it
to the previous DPO waveform acquisitions, using a sensitivity value to
adjust the comparison tolerance. If the current acquisition exceeds the
comparison tolerance, the oscilloscope considers the current acquisition
as an anomaly.
Anomaly

The oscilloscope can respond to an anomalous waveform by stopping

acquisitions, emitting a beep, saving the anomalous waveform to a USB
flash drive file, printing the screen image to a hard copy device, or any
combination of the above. You can also select to highlight just the
anomalous data in a waveform, or the entire anomalous waveform.
To use WaveAlert, follow these steps:
1. Display the waveform or waveforms on the screen.
2. Push the Acquire Menu front-panel button.
3. Push the WaveAlert bottom button.
4. Push the Wfm Anomaly Detection side button to select On.
5. Push - more - 1 of 2 and then the Highlight Anomalies side button
to select On.
6. Push - more - 2 of 2 and then the Sensitivity side button.

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7. Use the general purpose knob to set the comparison sensitivity

value. As signal noise and intensity levels affect the displayed
waveform, you will need to experiment with the sensitivity setting
to reduce the number of false anomalies due to signal noise.
8. Use the Waveform Intensity front-panel button to adjust the
persistence of the anomaly waveform.
9. Once you have set the sensitivity value to reduce or eliminate false
anomalies, push one or more side menu buttons to select the actions
to perform when the oscilloscope detects an anomaly.
10. To restart WaveAlert while in Stop On Anomaly, push the Acquire
Run/Stop front panel button.

WaveAlert Key Points.

You can use WaveAlert to monitor up to four waveforms or DPO
Math waveforms. However, adjacent waveforms can not touch
or overlap on the screen.
To increase your chances of capturing an anomaly by acquiring
the maximum number of waveforms per second, set Acquire >
Horizontal Resolution to Fast Trigger (500 points).
When WaveAlert is on, the front-panel Waveform Intensity knob
controls the persistence of the anomalous waveform instead of
waveform intensity.
To capture a very random event (minutes to hours), enable
the Wfms To Disk On Anomaly function to write anomalous
waveform data to a USB flash drive file in .isf format. The number
of files you can save depends on the waveform record length. You
can determine when the anomaly occurred by checking the file
create date and time.
You can use WaveAlert on DPO math waveforms.
Changing the vertical or horizontal oscilloscope settings does not
affect the sensitivity setting. The sensitivity is calculated from the
new waveform data after changing the oscilloscope settings.

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Cursor
Cursors are on-screen markers that you position to take waveform
measurements. There are two cursor types: YT cursors and XY cursors.
(See page 73, XY Cursor Menu.)

YT Cursor Menu
The following YT cursor menu items are available while you are in YT
display mode (Display > XY Display > Off (YT)). Push the Cursor
button to show the cursor menu.

Bottom Side Description

Function Off Turns cursors off.
H Bars Use to make vertical measurements.
V Bars Use to make both vertical and horizontal
measurements.
Bring Selected Moves the active cursor to center screen.
Cursor to
Center Screen
Bring Both Moves any off-screen cursor onto the
Cursors On screen.
Screen
Mode Independent Sets cursors to move independently.
Tracking Sets cursors to move together when
cursor 1 is selected.

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Bottom Side Description

V Bar Sec (s) / 1/sec Sets horizontal units to seconds or
Units (Hz) frequency (Hz).
Ratio (%) Sets V Bar measurement units to percent.
Phase (°) Sets V Bar measurement units to
degrees.
Use Cursor Sets the V Bar measurement scale so
Positions as that 0% or 0° is the current position of the
%/° left V Bar cursor and 100% or 360° is the
current position of the right V Bar cursor.
Use 5 divs as Sets the V Bar measurement scale so
%/° that 5 screen major divisions is 100% or
360°, where 0% or 0° is -2.5 divisions
and 100% or 360° is +2.5 divisions from
center vertical graticule.
H Bar Base Sets the H Bar units to be the same
Units as the selected waveform's vertical
measurement units (volts, IRE, dB, and
so on).
Ratio (%) Sets H Bar units to percent.
Use Cursor Sets the H Bar measurement scale so
Positions as that 0% is the current position of the
100% lowest H Bar cursor and 100% is the
current position of the highest H Bar
cursor.
Use 5 divs as Sets H Bar measurement scale so
100% that 5 screen major divisions is 100%,
where 0% is -2.5 divisions and 100% is
+2.5 divisions from the center horizontal
graticule.

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Key Points

Cursor Movement. Use the general purpose knob to move the active
cursor. Push the Select button to change which cursor is active. The
active cursor is the solid line.

Faster Cursor Movement. Push the Coarse button to set the general
purpose knob to make faster cursor movement.

Finding Cursors. When using zoom, delay, or the fastest time base
settings, the cursors can go off screen. If you want to find them, use the
Bring Both Cursors On Screen function to move them onto the screen.

Fine Cursor Movement. When you magnify the waveform with the zoom
function, you can easily set the cursor to any point on the waveform.

Δ4.16V Δ6.32V
@-1.78V @3.16V
Δ5.86μs
@1.06μs
Horizontal bar cursors Vertical bar cursors

Δ Readout. The Δ readouts indicate the difference between the cursor

positions.

@ Readout. For H Bar or V Bar cursors, the voltage readout after the @
symbol indicates the location of the active cursor relative to zero volts.
For V Bar cursors, the time readout after the @ symbol indicates the
location of the active cursor relative to the trigger point.

Cursor Interaction with Preview. If you change a vertical or horizontal

control setting while acquisition is stopped or it is waiting for trigger,
the cursors move with the waveforms and cursor measurements remain
valid.

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Taking Gray-Scale Measurements. Using cursors is often the best way

to take simple measurements on waveforms that contain significant
gray-scale information. The automatic measurements operate only on
the latest acquisition, not on the previous acquisitions that are displayed
in gray scale. However, you can set the cursors to surround and measure
the gray-scale area of the waveform.

Cursors at Same Position. If both cursors are at the same position, and H
Bars or V Bars are set to Ratio or Phase, both cursors are set to 0% (or
0°). 100%/360° is set to one pixel width away from the cursor position.

V Bars and FFT. When the selected waveform is an FFT waveform,

selecting V Bars and Phase sets the measurement to percent.

Tracking Mode. In cursor tracking mode, both cursors move together

when cursor 1 is selected. Enabling tracking mode automatically selects
cursor 1 as the active cursor. If cursor 2 is selected while in tracking
mode, only cursor 2 will move.

XY Cursor Menu
The following XY cursor menu items are available while you are in
XY display mode (Display > XY Display > Triggered XY). Push the
Cursor button to show the cursor menu.

Bottom Side Description

Function Off Turns cursors off.
Waveform Turns waveform cursors on and displays
measurements in rectangular format (X
and Y values). Use the front-panel Select
button to select which cursor to move
(the active cursor). Use the general
purpose knob to move the active cursor.
Mode Independent Sets cursors to move independently.
Tracking Sets cursors to move together when the
reference cursor is selected.

NOTE. The Advanced Analysis application module (TDS3AAM) adds more

XY cursor features, including graticule cursors and polar readouts.

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Key Points

XY Waveform Cursors. To turn off the XY waveform cursor

measurement, push the front panel Cursor button, then push the Cursor
Function Off side menu button.

Measurements. The XY waveform cursor measurements show

difference (Δ) and absolute (@) values for the X axis, the Y axis, and
the time of the active cursor.

ΔX: 1.43V @X: -140mV

ΔY: 2.14V @Y: 480mV
Δt: -660ns @t: 1.61ms

There are two waveform cursors; a reference cursor , and a delta

cursor . All difference (Δ) measurements are measured from the
reference cursor to the delta cursor. A negative ΔX measurement means
that the delta cursor is positioned earlier in the waveform record than
the reference cursor. A negative ΔY measurement means that the
delta cursor is positioned at a lower Y waveform signal level than the
reference cursor.
All absolute (@) measurements are referenced to the XY waveform's 0,
0 origin, and show the value of the active cursor.

0, 0 Origin. The XY waveform origin is the 0 volt point of each source

waveform. Positioning both source waveform 0 volt points on the
vertical center graticule places the origin in the center of the screen.

Switching Between XY and YT. You can switch between XY and YT

display mode to see the location of the cursors in the YT waveform. The
waveform record icon at the top of the graticule also shows the relative
cursor positions in the waveform record.

Waveform Sources. You can use XY cursors on active acquisitions,

single sequence acquisitions, and reference waveforms. You need to
store both XY source waveforms in order to recreate an XY waveform.
The X axis waveform must be stored in Ref1.

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Display
Push the Display button to show the display menu.

Bottom Side Description

Waveform Dots Only Set to on to see dots only. Set to off to
Display see dots and vectors.
Persist Time Sets persist time.
Set to Auto Sets the Waveform Intensity knob to
control the persistence time.
Clear Clears any displayed persistence.
Persistence
Backlight High Use for bright ambient conditions.
Intensity Medium Use for dim ambient conditions.
Low Use to extend battery-operation time.
Graticule Full, Grid, Sets the graticule type.
Cross Hair,
Frame
XY Off (YT) Turns off an XY display.
Display Triggered XY Turns on triggered XY display.
Gated XYZ Turns on gated XY display. Displays XY
signals when Z-channel signal is above
a set level. Only available on 4-channel
instruments.
Ch1 (X) Versus Sets Ch2, Ch3, or Ch4 as the Y channel
versus Ch1 as X.
Ref1 (X) Versus Sets Ref2, Ref3, or Ref4 as the Y channel
Gated By versus Ref1 as X.
Sets Ch2, Ch3, or Ch4 as the Z-channel
gate source, and sets the gating channel
threshold level.
Color Normal Selects the color display.
Palette Monochrome Sets all waveforms to high-contrast black
and white.

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Key Points

Waveform Dots and Vectors. With Dots Only set to off, the vectors
between samples can be filled; increase the Waveform Intensity control
to increase the amount of vector fill between samples. The vector fill
is most visible on fast signal edges or when the horizontal zoom
is turned on.
Turn Dots Only on if you want to see just the actual samples.

Waveform Persistence. Turn on waveform persistence to slow the decay

of waveform points. You can set the persistence to a specific time or to
infinite. Infinite persistence keeps all waveform points in the display
until you change a control setting that erases the display.

Display Colors. The channel buttons, waveforms, icons, and readouts

are color-coded to help you identify them easily. The colors are preset
and cannot be adjusted. However, you can select the Monochrome
Color Palette if you prefer to see all the waveforms in high-contrast
black and white.

XY Waveform Triggering. The XY waveform is triggered so you can

synchronize periodic input signals to the XY waveform. This feature is
useful when only one part of the period contains valid information that
you want to see in the XY format. Set the time base and trigger location
to acquire just that part of the period.
When you want to see the complete period of the signals regardless of
the time base setting, set the trigger source to an unused channel and
the trigger mode to Auto.

XY Waveform Scale and Position. If you want to display channel 1 in the

horizontal axis versus channel 3 in the vertical axis, for example, use
these controls to scale and position the XY waveform:
Push the channel 1 button and use the vertical Scale and Position
controls to set the horizontal scale and position of the XY
waveform.
Push the channel 3 button and use the vertical Scale and Position
controls to set the vertical scale and position of the XY waveform.

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XY Waveform Restrictions. The math waveform, zoom, and autoset

functions do not work in the XY display format. All reference
waveforms displayed in XY format must have the same record length,
500 or 10,000 points.

Gated XYZ. Displays XY signals only when the Z (gating) channel is

true. Gated XYZ is similar to analog oscilloscope modulated XYZ
mode except that the displayed XY signal is either on or off; there is no
intensity modulation. Gated XYZ is useful for showing constellation
diagrams.
Push the Gated By Screen button to Select the Z (gate) Source Channel.
The general purpose knob sets the Z-channel threshold level. Z-channel
signals above the set threshold are true and open the XY signal gate;
Z-channel signals below the set threshold are false and close the XY
signal gate. The gating channel is always a high-true logic; to emulate
a low-true gating logic, use the Vertical menu to invert the Z-channel
signal.

XY and XYZ Cursors. (See page 73, XY Cursor Menu.)

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Hard Copy
Push the hard copy button at the left of the display to make a hard copy.
You can also store hard-copy images on a USB flash drive (in normal or
compressed format) and then transfer them later to a PC for printing or
use in a report.

Connecting a Printer
Use the rear-panel RS-232 (available on the optional communication
module), or Ethernet port to connect your oscilloscope to a printer.

Setting Up to Print
To set up the oscilloscope to print a hard copy, follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility menu button.
2. Push the System bottom button to select Hard Copy.
3. Push the Format screen button and then choose the printer format
appropriate for your application.
4. Push the Options screen button to select the image orientation
(portrait or landscape) as well as turn on or off hard copy file
compression.
5. Push the Ink Saver screen button and select On for most
applications. If you want the hard copy colors to be the same as
the screen colors, you can select Off. (See page 80, Ink Saver
and Preview.)
6. Push the Port screen button and select the port that your printer is
connected to, or select File to save the hard copy on a USB flash
drive. (See page 107, Using a USB Flash Drive.)

7. Push the hard copy button .

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Key Points

Printer Formats. The oscilloscope supports the following printers and

file formats.

Format Description
Thinkjet HP monochrome ink-jet printer
Deskjet mono HP monochrome ink-jet printer
Deskjet color HP color inkjet printer
Laserjet HP monochrome laser printer
Epson Epson 9-pin and 24-pin dot matrix printers, C60 and
C80 inkjet printers
TIFF *.tif Tag image file format
Interleaf *.img Interleaf image object file format
RLE color Windows color image file format
PCX mono PC Paintbrush monochrome image file format
PCX color PC Paintbrush color image file format
BMP mono Windows monochrome image file format
BMP color Windows color image file format
EPS mono Encapsulated PostScript monochrome image
EPS color Encapsulated PostScript color image
Bubble Jet Canon BJC-50, BJC-80 color printers
DPU-3445 Seiko DPU-3445 thermal printer
PNG color Portable Network Graphics color image

Hard Copy File Compression. When compression is set to On, the

oscilloscope compresses the hard copy data, using the current printer
format, into a gnuzip file format, with the extension .gz. The .gz files
can be decompressed using PKZIP or WinZip programs.

Color and Gray-Scale Printing. You can print a color hard copy that
uses the display colors. Gray-scale waveform information is printed as
shades of color. If you have a Deskjet or Laserjet monochrome printer,
gray-scale waveform information is printed as a dithered image.

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Ink Saver and Preview. As an alternative to printing the display colors,

turn on the Ink Saver function to print a hard copy with a white
background. This function saves printer ink while it preserves the color
coding of the waveforms and readouts, except for channel 1. Because
yellow ink is hard to see on white paper, Ink Saver prints channel 1
using a dark blue ink. Ink saver also works with the monochrome print
formats.
Push and hold the Preview screen button to show how the colors will
appear on the paper.

Clear Spool. You can push the Clear Spool screen button to empty the
print spooler to stop a hard copy operation in progress, if the hard copy
port connection is not made due to incompatible settings (such as baud
rate), or if you lose the hard copy port connection before the hard copy
is complete.

Date and Time Stamp. To print the current date and time on your hard
copies, follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility button.
2. Push the System bottom button to select Config.
3. Push the Set Date & Time bottom button.
4. Set the Display Date/Time to On to add the current date and time
to the display screen.
5. Push the Menu Off button.

Printer Error Message. To avoid printer errors, always power on the

printer and allow it to complete its initialization process before powering
on the oscilloscope. If you see a 'Hard copy device not responding' error
message, power the oscilloscope off and then back on, and try to print
again. If the printer still does not work, check that the printer is online,
you have selected the correct printer format on the oscilloscope, there
are no paper jams, and that the printer cable is firmly connected to the
printer and oscilloscope.

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Horizontal Controls
Use the horizontal controls to adjust the time base, adjust the trigger
location, and to examine waveform details more closely.

Horizontal Position Control

When delay is off, the horizontal Position control moves the trigger
point within the acquired waveforms. You can select full pretrigger, full
posttrigger, or any point in between.
Use a pretrigger setting (trigger position near 100% of the record) to
acquire waveforms leading up to a trigger event. For example, if you
can trigger on an error condition, the waveforms leading up to the error
condition might tell you why the error occurred.
Use a posttrigger setting (trigger position near 0% of the record) when
you want to acquire waveforms that follow a trigger event. Use a
mid-screen setting when you are interested in information both before
and after the trigger event.

Refer to the Reference chapter for information about how the horizontal
Position control operates when the Delay and Zoom functions are
active. (See page 82, Delay Button.) (See page 84, Zoom Button.)
The trigger position is marked with the letter T at the top of the graticule
and also in the waveform record icon at the top of the screen.

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Trigger marker and horizontal Waveform record icon

expansion point

The small inverted triangle is the horizontal expansion point. When you
change the horizontal Scale setting, the waveforms contract or expand
about this point. When delay is off, the horizontal expansion point is the
same as the trigger point.

Delay Button
Push the Delay button when you want to delay the acquisition relative to
the trigger event. Turn the horizontal Position control counterclockwise
to increase the delay; the trigger point moves to the left and ultimately
outside of the acquired waveform. Then, you can adjust the horizontal
Scale to acquire more detail around the area of interest (center of the
screen).
When delay is on, the trigger point separates from the horizontal
expansion point. The horizontal expansion point stays at the center
of the screen. The trigger point can move off the screen; when this
happens, the trigger marker turns to point in the direction of the trigger
point.

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Use the delay feature when you want to acquire waveform detail that is
separated from the trigger event by a significant interval of time. For
example, you can trigger on a sync pulse that occurs once every 10 ms
and then look at high-speed signal characteristics that occur 6 ms after
the sync pulse.
In the next screen example, the trigger markers show that the trigger
point is before the acquired waveform. The delay time, shown in the
readout, is the time from the trigger point to the expansion point (center
screen).

Delay time readout

The interaction between delay and other functions is summarized in

the next table.

Function Delay off Delay on

Trigger point Any point within the Can occur prior to the
acquired waveform acquired waveform
Expansion point Same as the trigger Always center screen
point
Horizontal Scale Sets time base Sets time base
Horizontal Position Sets trigger position in Sets delay time
the acquired waveform

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Horizontal Scale Control

Use the horizontal Scale control to adjust the time base. When delay is
off, the scale expands or contracts around the trigger point. When delay
is on, the scale expands or contracts around the center of the screen.
The Reference chapter includes possible exceptions. (See page 87,
Delay Interactions.)
When the zoom function is active, use the horizontal Scale control to
adjust the amount of horizontal magnification (the actual time-base
setting remains unchanged). The magnified waveforms always expand
or contract around the center of the screen.

Zoom Button
Push the zoom button to magnify the current acquisition along the
horizontal axis so you can see more detail. Use the horizontal Scale
control to adjust the amount of magnification. Use the horizontal
Position control to select the portion of the waveform you want to
magnify. When zoom is on, changes you make to these controls do not
affect the actual time base or trigger position settings.
The split screen shows the entire selected waveform in the upper
window to give you a point of reference as you examine the details in
the lower window.

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Actual time base

Zoom time base Zoom position

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Key Points

Maximum Zoom Magnification Factor. If you are using Normal acquisition

resolution, the maximum horizontal magnification factor is 200X; in
Fast-trigger the maximum is 10X.

Horizontal Zoom and Preview. There are two ways you can magnify
a stopped acquisition, horizontal zoom or preview. The differences
in how horizontal zoom and preview interact with other functions are
shown in the next table.

Function Horizontal zoom Horizontal preview

Horizontal Scale Sets magnification Changes time base for
factor the next acquisition
Horizontal Position Selects portion of Changes trigger
waveform to magnify position or delay time
for the next acquisition
Delay button Turns delay on and off Turns delay on and off
Math waveform Remains valid; Remains fixed; does
magnifies and not track changes to
positions with other channel waveforms
waveforms
Cursors and automatic Remain functional with Remain locked to
measurements valid readouts channel waveforms
Gray-scale Gray-scale information Gray-scale information
may be temporarily is lost
reduced

Slow Horizontal Settings. At horizontal Scale settings of 40 ms/div or

slower, the oscilloscope may display waveforms in roll mode. As the
rolling waveform fills the screen, the waveform intensity and vector fill
appears to decrease. The oscilloscope automatically reduces the number
of displayed points in order to maintain a high acquisition rate: this does
not represent a loss of acquired data.
When you stop the acquisition, the original waveform intensity and
vector fill returns to the display.

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Using Zoom and Delay Together. You can use both zoom and delay at the
same time to magnify a delayed acquisition.

Fast Time-Base Settings. At the fastest time-base settings, only a portion

of the waveform shows in the display. The waveform record icon
indicates that portion with brackets. Push the zoom button and then
use the horizontal Position control to scroll through the entire waveform
to see any portion you want. The affected time-base settings are shown
in the next table.

Acquisition resolution Affected time-base settings

Normal 100 ns/div to 1 ns/div
Fast Trigger 4 ns/div to 1 ns/div

At the fastest time-base settings, the maximum zoom magnification

factor is also reduced.

Delay Interactions. The maximum delay setting is a function of the

time-base setting and acquisition resolution. If you set a large positive
or negative delay, that amount of delay might be automatically reduced
if you make the following additional control changes:
Change to a faster time-base setting
Change from Fast Trigger to Normal acquisition resolution
If the delay reduction occurs, it may cause the waveform horizontal
position to shift.

Negative Delay. You can select up to ten divisions of negative delay. At

the fastest time base settings, you can use negative delay to see more of
the waveform that occurs before the trigger point.

Roll Mode Display. To obtain a rolling display similar to a strip-chart

recorder, turn off zoom and delay, select the Auto trigger mode, and set
the horizontal Scale control to 40 ms/div or slower. Subsequent changes
to the horizontal Scale cause the roll-mode display to erase and restart.

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Math and FFT

Math and FFT functions are part of the Vertical menu group.

Math Waveform
Push the Math button to define the math waveform using the math menu.
Also push the Math button to display or select the math waveform. The
bottom menu will show other menu items when you have a TDS3AAM
application module installed.

Bottom Side Description

Dual Wfm Math Set 1st Source to Selects the first source
waveform.
Set Operator to Selects the math operator:
+, -, ×, or ÷
Set 2nd Source to Selects the second source
waveform.

Key Points

Dual-Waveform Math. For the dual-waveform math operations, the two

source waveforms interact with the math operators in the sequence
shown next.

Operation Expression of math waveform

+ Source 1 + Source 2
- Source 1 - Source 2
× Source 1 × Source 2
÷ Source 1 ÷ Source 2

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Scaling and Positioning the Math Waveform. To position or scale a math

waveform, select the math waveform and then adjust it with a vertical
Position or Scale control. You can do this whether acquisition is running
or is stopped.

Math Interaction with Preview. If you select a channel waveform and

then adjust the vertical Position or Scale control while the acquisition is
stopped, the math waveform remains fixed. It does not track the changes
you see to the channel waveform. The same is true if you adjust the
horizontal Position or Scale control under these conditions.

Gray-Scale Restriction. Math waveforms are always based on the most

current acquisitions and do not contain any gray-scale information.

Source Waveform Screen Position. When displaying dual-waveform

math waveforms, make sure that the source waveforms do not extend
beyond the top or bottom edge of the screen. If part of the source
waveform is positioned outside the screen, the math waveform may
not display correctly.

FFT Waveform
The FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) function mathematically converts the
standard time-domain signal (repetitive or single-shot acquisition) into
its frequency components, providing spectrum analysis capabilities.
You can use the FFT function to look at the frequency components
and spectrum shape of a signal:
To test impulse response of filters and systems
To measure harmonic content and distortion in systems
To identify and locate noise and interference sources
To analyze vibration
To analyze harmonics in 50 and 60 Hz power lines

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The FFT function provides the following features:

FFT Windows – Four FFT windows (Rectangular, Hamming,
Hanning, and Blackman-Harris) let you match the optimum
window to the signal you are analyzing. The Rectangular window is
best for nonperiodic events such as transients, pulses, and one-shot
acquisitions. The Hamming, Hanning, and Blackman-Harris
windows are better for periodic signals.
Analyze Repetitive, Single-Shot, and Stored Waveforms – You
can display an FFT waveform on any actively-acquired signal
(periodic or one-shot), on the last acquired signal, or on any signal
stored in reference memory.
dB or Linear RMS Scales – The FFT vertical graticule can be
set to either dB or Linear RMS. A dB scale is useful when the
frequency component magnitudes cover a wide dynamic range,
letting you show both lesser and greater- magnitude frequency
components on the same display. A Linear scale is useful when the
frequency component magnitudes are all close in value, allowing
direct comparison of their magnitudes.
Time Signals and FFT Waveforms Displayed Together – The
time signals and FFT waveforms can be shown together on the
display. The time signal highlights the problem; the FFT waveform
helps you determine the cause of the problem.

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Displaying an FFT Waveform. To display an FFT waveform, follow these

steps:
1. Set the source signal Vertical Scale so that the signal peaks do not
go off screen. Off-screen signal peaks can result in FFT waveform
errors.
2. Set the Horizontal Scale control to show five or more cycles of
the source signal. Showing more cycles means the FFT waveform
shows more frequency components, provides better frequency
resolution, and reduces aliasing. If the signal is a single-shot
(transient) signal, make sure that the entire signal (transient event
and ringing or noise) is displayed and centered on the screen.
3. Push the Vertical Math button to show the math menu.
4. Push the FFT screen button to show the FFT side menu.

Bottom Side Description

FFT Set FFT Source to Sets the FFT signal source. Valid
input sources are Ch1 and Ch2
(2-channel instruments), Ch1 through
Ch4 (4-channel instruments), and
Ref1 through Ref4.
Set FFT Vert Scale to Sets the display vertical scale units.
Available scales are dBV RMS and
Linear RMS.
Set FFT Window to Sets which window function (Hanning,
Hamming, Blackman-Harris, or
Rectangular) to apply to the source
signal. (See page 92, FFT Windows.)

5. Select a signal source. You can do an FFT on any channel or any

stored reference waveform.
6. Select the appropriate vertical scale and FFT window.
7. Use zoom controls and the cursors to magnify and measure the
FFT waveform.

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FFT Windows. Applying a window function to the source waveform

record changes the waveform so that the start and stop values are close
to each other, reducing FFT waveform discontinuities. This results in
an FFT waveform that more accurately represents the source signal
frequency components.

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The shape of the FFT window determines how well the window resolves
frequency or magnitude information.

FFT window Characteristics Best for measuring

Blackman-Harris Best magnitude, Predominantly single frequency
worst at resolving waveforms to look for higher
frequencies. order harmonics.
Hamming, Better frequency, Sine, periodic, and
Hanning poorer magnitude narrow-band random noise.
accuracy than Transients or bursts where
Rectangular. the signal levels before and
Hamming has after the event are significantly
slightly better different.
frequency resolution
than Hanning.
Rectangular Best frequency, Transients or bursts where the
worst magnitude signal levels before and after
resolution. This is the event are nearly equal.
essentially the same Equal-amplitude sine waves
as no window. with frequencies that are very
close.
Broad-band random noise
with a relatively slow varying
spectrum.

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Aliasing. Problems occur when the oscilloscope acquires a signal

containing frequency components that are greater than the Nyquist
frequency (1/2 the sample rate). The frequency components that are
above the Nyquist frequency are undersampled and appear to "fold
back" around the right edge of the graticule, showing as lower frequency
components in the FFT waveform. These incorrect components are
called aliases.

You can use the following methods to eliminate aliases:

Increase the sample rate by adjusting the Horizontal Scale to a
faster frequency setting. Since you increase the Nyquist frequency
as you increase the horizontal frequency, the aliased frequency
components should appear at their proper frequency. If the
increased number of frequency components shown on the screen
makes it difficult to measure individual components, push the zoom
button to magnify the FFT waveform.
Use a filter on the source signal to bandwidth limit the signal to
frequencies below that of the Nyquist frequency. If the components
you are interested in are below the built-in bandwidth settings
(20 MHz bandwidth for all oscilloscopes, 150 MHz bandwidth
for 300 MHz and 500 MHz oscilloscopes), set the source signal
bandwidth to the appropriate value. Push the Vertical Menu button
to access the source channel bandwidth menu.

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Key Points

FFT Source. To select the source, push the side menu button. Available
sources are the channels and reference waveforms.
Using FFT slows down the oscilloscope's response time in Normal
acquisition mode (10k record length).
A waveform acquired in Normal acquisition mode has a lower noise
floor and better frequency resolution than a waveform acquired in
Fast Trigger mode.
Signals that have a DC component or offset can cause incorrect
FFT waveform component magnitude values. To minimize the DC
component, choose AC Coupling on the source signal.
To reduce random noise and aliased components in repetitive or
single-shot events, set the oscilloscope acquisition mode to average
over 16 or more samples. Average mode attenuates signals not
synchronized with the trigger.
Do not use the Average acquisition mode if the source signal
contains frequencies of interest that are not synchronized with the
trigger rate.
Do not use Peak Detect and Envelope modes with FFT. Peak Detect
and Envelope modes can add significant distortion to the FFT
results.
For transient (impulse, one-shot) signals, set the oscilloscope to
trigger on the transient pulse in order to center the pulse information
in the waveform record.

FFT Vertical Scale. To select the vertical scale, push the side menu
button. Available scales are dBV RMS and Linear RMS.
Use the Vertical Position and Scale knobs to vertically move and
rescale the FFT waveform.
To display FFT waveforms with a large dynamic range, use the dBV
RMS scale. The dBV scale displays component magnitudes using a

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log scale, expressed in dB relative to 1 VRMS, where 0 dB =1 VRMS, or

in source waveform units (such as amps for current measurements).
To display FFT waveforms with a small dynamic range, use the
Linear RMS scale. The Linear RMS scale lets you display and
directly compare components with similar magnitude values.

Nyquist Frequency. To determine the Nyquist frequency, push the

Acquire menu button. This displays the current sample rate on the
bottom right area of the screen. The Nyquist frequency is one-half of
the sample rate. For example, if the sample rate is 25.0 MS/s, then the
Nyquist frequency is 12.5 MHz.

Zooming an FFT Display. Use the Zoom button , along with horizontal
Position and Scale controls, to magnify FFT waveforms. When you
change the zoom factor, the FFT waveform is horizontally magnified
about the center vertical graticule, and vertically magnified about the
math waveform marker. Zooming does not affect the actual time base
or trigger position settings.

NOTE. FFT waveforms are calculated using the entire source waveform
record. Zooming in on a region of either the source or FFT waveform will
not recalculate the FFT waveform for that region.

Measuring FFT Waveforms Using Cursors. You can use cursors to take
two measurements on FFT waveforms: magnitude (in dB or signal
source units) and frequency (in Hz). dB magnitude is referenced to
0 dB, where 0 dB equals 1 VRMS. Use horizontal cursors (H Bars) to
measure magnitude and vertical cursors (V Bars) to measure frequency

Magnitude cursors Frequency cursors

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Measure
Push the Meas button to show the measure menu.

Bottom Side Description

Select See the table on automatic
Measurement measurements. (See page 100.)
Remove Measurement 1 Removes a specific measurement.
Measurement Measurement 2
Measurement 3
Measurement 4
All Measurements Removes all measurements.
Gating Off Use to take measurements on the full
waveform record.
Screen Use to take measurements on the
portion of the waveform on screen.
Cursors Use to take measurements on the
portion of the waveform between the
V Bar cursors.
Bring Selected Moves the active cursor to center
Cursor to Center screen.
Screen
Bring Both Moves any off-screen cursor onto the
Cursors On screen.
Screen
High-Low Auto Select Automatically uses the best
Setup measurement method depending
on the signal characteristics.
Histogram Use to measure pulses.
Min-Max Use to measure other wave shapes.

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Bottom Side Description

Reference Set Levels in % or Use to choose custom reference levels
Levels units in relative or absolute units.
High Reference Sets custom high reference level.
Mid Reference Sets custom mid reference level.
Mid 2 Ref Sets the custom mid reference level
for the Delay and Phase measurement
second waveform.
Low Reference Sets custom low reference level.
Set to Defaults Sets reference levels to default values.
Indicators Measurement 1- Selects the measurement for which to
Measurement 4 display markers that show the portion
of the waveform used to calculate the
measurement value.
Off Turns measurement indicators off.

Key Points

Choosing Measurements. You can perform up to four automatic

measurements and display them along the right side of the graticule. All
four measurements can apply to a single channel or you can spread the
measurements over several channels. You can also take measurements
on math and reference waveforms.
First push a channel, Math, or Ref button to select the waveform
you want to measure and then select a measurement. (See page 101,
Automatic Measurements.)

Measurement Interaction with Preview. If you change a vertical or

horizontal control setting while acquisition is stopped or is waiting for
trigger, measurements track the changes and remain valid.

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Taking Gray-Scale Measurements. Using cursors is often the best way

to take simple measurements on waveforms that contain significant
gray-scale information. The automatic measurements operate only on
the latest acquisition, not on the previous acquisitions that are displayed
in gray scale. However, you can set the cursors to surround and measure
the gray-scale area of the waveform.

High-Low Setup. The oscilloscope determines the 10%, 50%, or

90% levels of the waveform and then uses them to calculate the
measurements. There are two possible methods: Histogram or Min-max.
Auto Select allows the oscilloscope to determine the method used.
Histogram sets the values statistically; it finds the most common
value either above or below the midpoint (depending on whether
it is defining the high or low reference level). Since this statistical
approach ignores short-term aberrations (overshoot, ringing, noise),
histogram is the best method for measuring digital waveforms and
pulses.
Min-max uses the highest and lowest values of the waveform
record. This method is best for measuring waveforms that have
no large, flat portions at a common value, such as sine waves and
triangle waves.
Auto Select chooses one of the above methods automatically
depending on the signal characteristics. Auto Select chooses the
histogram method if the histogram contains prominent peaks. If
not, Auto Select chooses the min-max method.

Measurement Gating. You can use the gating feature to limit

measurements to the portion of the waveform that is on the screen or
between the cursors.
When you turn Screen gating on, the oscilloscope only uses the
waveform points on screen in its measurements. This function is useful
at the fastest time base settings or when you want to take measurements
on a magnified waveform (when zoom is on).
When you turn Cursor gating on, the oscilloscope displays vertical bar
cursors. Use the general purpose knob and Select button to place the
cursors around the area of interest.

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In the next example, the cursors surround the second positive-going

pulse so the oscilloscope can measure the width of that pulse.

When gating is off, the oscilloscope takes measurements over the entire
waveform record.

Using Measurement Gating with Cursors. If V Bar cursors are already on

when you select Cursor gating, the cursors do both functions at the same
time. The cursor readouts are displayed at the same time that the cursors
gate the automatic measurements.
If H Bar cursors are on when you select cursor gating, the H Bar cursors
are turned off.

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Automatic Measurements. The next table describes the measurements

available when you push the Select Measrmnt bottom screen button.

Measurement name Definition

Period Time it takes for the first complete signal cycle to
complete in the waveform. Measured in seconds.
Frequency Reciprocal of the period of the first cycle in the waveform.
Measured in Hertz (Hz).
Delay Timing measurement. The time between the MidRef
crossings of two different waveforms or the gated region
of the waveforms.
Rise Time Time that the leading edge of the first pulse in the
waveform takes to rise from 10% to 90% of its amplitude.
Fall Time Time that the falling edge of the first pulse in the
waveform takes to fall from 90% to 10% of its amplitude.
Positive Duty Measurement of the first cycle in the waveform.
Cycle Positive Duty Cycle = Positive Width/Period × 100%
Negative Duty Measurement of the first cycle in the waveform.
Cycle Negative Duty Cycle = Negative Width/Period × 100%
Positive Pulse Measurement of the first positive pulse in the waveform;
Width time between the 50% amplitude points.
Negative Measurement of the first negative pulse in the waveform;
Pulse Width time between the 50% amplitude points.
Burst Width The duration of a burst. Measured over the entire
waveform.
Phase Timing measurement. The amount one waveform leads
or lags another in time. Expressed in degrees, where
360° comprise one waveform cycle.
Positive Measured over the entire waveform.
Overshoot Positive Overshoot = (Max-High)/Amplitude × 100%
Negative Measured over the entire waveform.
Overshoot Negative Overshoot = (Low-Min)/Amplitude × 100%
Pk-Pk Measured over the entire waveform.
Peak-to-peak = Max - Min

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Measurement name Definition

Amplitude Measured over the entire waveform.
Amplitude = High (100%) - Low (0%)
High The value used as 100%. Calculated using either the
min/max or the histogram method. Measured over the
entire waveform.
Low The value used as 0%. Calculated using either the
min/max or the histogram method. Measured over the
entire waveform.
Max The maximum amplitude. The most positive peak voltage
measured over the entire waveform.
Min The minimum amplitude. The most negative peak
voltage measured over the entire waveform.
Mean The arithmetic mean over the entire waveform.

Cycle Mean The arithmetic mean over the first cycle in the waveform.

RMS The true Root Mean Square voltage over the entire
waveform.
Cycle RMS The true Root Mean Square voltage over the first cycle
in the waveform.
Area Voltage over time that returns the area over the entire
waveform or gated region in volt-seconds. The area
measured above ground is positive, and below ground
is negative.
Cycle Area Area over the first cycle in the waveform or the first cycle
in the gated region expressed in volt-seconds. The area
measured above the common reference point is positive,
and below the point is negative.
Snapshot All Displays all measurement values (except two-channel
Measurements measurements) at the time you pushed the Snapshot
All Measurements button, for the selected waveform.
Push the Snapshot All Measurements button to update
the list values. Push the Menu Off button to clear the
list from the screen.

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QuickMenu
Push the QuickMenu button to see a set of frequently used menu
functions on the display. QuickMenus simplify oscilloscope operation
and can increase your productivity.
Scope is a standard QuickMenu for general purpose oscilloscope use.
Some optional application packages also include a custom QuickMenu
display. (See page 26, Using the Scope QuickMenu.)

Key Points

Using the QuickMenus. To use a QuickMenu, push the screen button

that corresponds to the control you need to set. Push the screen button
repeatedly to choose one of the settings. The small arrow icon indicates
that there are additional settings available that are not shown.
You can use most of the front-panel controls at the same time you are
using a QuickMenu. For example, if you push a channel button to
select a different channel, the QuickMenu changes to show information
about that channel.

Using Other Menus. You can still use the regular menus. For example, if
you push the Meas button, you can set up and take automatic waveform
measurements in the usual way. If you return to the QuickMenu, the
measurement is still displayed on the screen.

Selecting Between QuickMenus. You may have optional application

modules installed that also have QuickMenu displays. To select the
QuickMenu you want to use, push the Menu screen button. This menu
item is shown only if application modules that contain a QuickMenu
are installed.

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Save/Recall
Push the Save/Recall button to show the save/recall menu.

Bottom Side Description

Save To File Saves a setup to a USB flash drive.
Current To Setup 1 ... Saves a setup to nonvolatile memory.
Setup To Setup 10
Recall From File Recalls a setup from a USB flash drive.
Saved Recall Setup 1 Recalls a setup from nonvolatile memory.
Setup ... Recall Setup
10
Recall OK Confirm Initializes the setup.
Factory Factory Init
Setup
Save Wfm To File Saves one or more waveforms to a file.
Selecting this menu item changes the side
menu contents. (See page 105.)
To Ref1 ... To Saves the selected waveform to
Ref4 nonvolatile memory. (See page 106.)
Recall From File Recalls a waveform from a USB flash drive
Wfm and displays it as a reference waveform.
Ref1 ... Ref4 Recalls a reference waveform.
File Accesses the USB flash drive file utilities. (See page 107.)
Utilities
Labels Lets you assign unique labels to reference waveforms and
oscilloscope setups stored in nonvolatile memory. (See
page 108.)

Key Points

Saving Setups. To save the current setup to nonvolatile memory, push

the Save Current Setup screen button, and then select one of the ten
storage locations. Then, push the OK Overwrite Saved Setup screen
button to complete the operation or the Menu Off button to cancel the
operation.

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Recalling Setups. To recall a setup from nonvolatile memory, push

the Recall Setup screen button and then select one of the ten storage
locations.

Recalling the Factory Setup. Recall the factory setup to initialize the
oscilloscope to a known setup. Appendix B describes the Factory Setup
in detail.
To recall the factory setup, push the Recall Factory Setup screen button,
and then push the OK Confirm Factory Init screen button to complete
the operation.

Saving a Waveform to File. When you push the To File side menu
button, the oscilloscope changes the side menu contents. The next table
describes these side menu items for saving data to a USB flash drive file.
Side menu button Description
Internal File Format Sets the oscilloscope to save waveform data to a
USB flash drive in internal waveform save file (.isf)
format. This format is the fastest to write and creates
the smallest-sized files. Use the internal waveform
format if you intend to recall a waveform and store it into
reference memory for viewing or measuring.
Spreadsheet File Format Sets the oscilloscope to save waveform data to a USB
flash drive as a comma-separated data file compatible
with most spreadsheet programs.
Mathcad File Format Sets the oscilloscope to save waveform data to a
USB flash drive in Mathcad format. Use this format if
you intend to import the waveform data into Mathcad
software.
Save Active Waveforms to Immediately saves all active waveforms to
Consecutive Files consecutively-numbered files in internal save file (.isf)
format. This menu item is only available when the
Internal File Format is selected.
Save Active Waveforms to Immediately saves all active waveforms to a single
Selected File spreadsheet or Mathcad format file. This menu item
is only available when either spreadsheet or Mathcad
file format is selected.
Save <wfm> to selected file Immediately saves the selected active waveform, math
waveform, or reference waveform data to a USB flash
drive using the selected file format.

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Saving a Waveform to Reference Memory. To save a waveform to

nonvolatile memory, first select the waveform you want to save. Push
the Save Wfm screen button and then select one of the four reference
waveform locations. (See page 147.)
Saved waveforms contain only the most current acquisition; gray-scale
information, if any, is not saved.

Displaying a Reference Waveform. To display a waveform stored in

nonvolatile memory, push the Ref button and then push the Ref1, Ref2,
Ref3, or Ref4 screen button.
When a reference waveform is selected, it appears brighter than other
reference waveforms. Reference waveforms do not contain gray-scale
information.

Removing a Reference Waveform from the Display. To remove a reference

waveform from the display, push the Ref button and then the Ref1,
Ref2, Ref3, or Ref4 screen button to select a reference waveform.
Push the Waveform Off button . The reference waveform is still in
nonvolatile memory and can be displayed again.

Erasing All Setups and Waveforms. Refer to TekSecure for instructions on

how to erase all setups and waveforms saved in nonvolatile memory.
(See page 139.)

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Using a USB Flash Drive

You can use the save and recall file functions with a USB flash drive.
Push the Save/Recall button, and the File Utilities screen button. The
next table shows the File Utilities submenu.

Bottom Side Description

File Utilities Delete Deletes a file.
Rename Renames a file.
Copy Copies a file to another directory.
Print Prints a file to a printer connected
to one of the hard copy ports.
Create Directory Creates a new directory.
Confirm Delete Turns On or Off a confirmation
message before files are deleted.
Overwrite Lock Sets file overwrite protection to On
or Off.
Format Formats a USB flash drive (erases
all files).

Key Points

Upgrading Firmware. You can use a USB flash drive to upgrade the
oscilloscope firmware or install new application packages. (See
page xxi.)

Navigating the File System. When you insert a USB flash drive and
push the File Utilities screen button, the oscilloscope shows a list of
directories and files on the flash drive.
Use the general purpose knob to select a directory or file. To change the
working directory, select the directory and then push the Select button.
To move up one directory level, select, and then push the Select button.

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Automatic File Numbering. The oscilloscope gives all files created by the
oscilloscope the default name TEK?????, where the question marks are
placeholders for an automatic number sequence from 00000 to 99999.
You can change the TEK????? file to a new name with up to eight
characters. If you use fewer than eight characters and include trailing
question marks, the oscilloscope numbers the files sequentially if more
than one are saved with the same base name.
For example, if you rename the TEK?????.ISF file to TEST??.ISF
for a series of saved waveforms, the oscilloscope saves the first one
as TEST00.ISF, the second one as TEST01.ISF, up to the last one as
TEST99.ISF.

Editing File, Directory, Reference Waveform, or Instrument Setup

Names. You can edit file names, directory names, reference waveform
and oscilloscope setup labels, and Ethernet parameters. Use the general
purpose knob to select an alphanumeric character. Use the screen
buttons described in the next table to edit and enter the new name.

Screen button Function

Enter Char Enters the selected character into the field.
← and → Moves the cursor to a different character in the field.
Back Space Deletes the character before the cursor location.
Delete Deletes the character at the cursor location.
Clear Erases the current field value.
↑ and ↓ Selects the field that you want to edit.
OK Accept Applies all field values.
Menu Off Exits the menu without applying field values.

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Deleting Files. To delete a file, select the file with the general purpose
knob, push the Delete screen button, and then push the OK Delete
screen button when you see the confirmation screen.
If you do not want to see a confirmation screen each time you delete a
file, push the Confirm Delete screen button to set it to Off.

Renaming Files. To rename a file, select the file with the general purpose
knob, push the Rename screen button, and then edit the file name. (See
page 108.)
Once a directory is created, you cannot rename it. However, you can
delete the directory and create a new one with a new name.

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Copying Files and Directories. To copy a file or directory, select the file
or directory with the general purpose knob and push the Copy screen
button. Now use the general purpose knob and Select button to select
a destination directory. Push the copy confirmation screen button to
complete the operation.

Printing Files. You can print files through any installed printer port to
your printer.
To print a file, select the file with the general purpose knob. Push the
Print screen button and then select the port to which your printer is
connected. Make sure that the oscilloscope is set to send the correct
file format to your printer.

Creating a Directory. To create a directory, use the general purpose knob

and Select button to select the working directory where you want the
new directory to reside. Push the Create Directory screen button, and
enter or edit the file name using the screen buttons described in the
previous table. (See page 108.)

Formatting a USB Flash Drive. To format a USB flash drive, insert it

into the USB flash drive port. Push the Format screen button and then
push the OK Confirm Format screen button to confirm the operation. If
you decide not to format the flash drive, push the Menu Off button to
stop the format operation.

CAUTION. To avoid loss of data, do not format USB flash drives that
already contain important data. When you format a USB flash drive, all
files and directories will be erased and can never be recovered.

Setting Protections. The oscilloscope provides two protections to help

you prevent accidental loss of data:
Confirm Delete shows a confirmation message each time you try to
delete a file. You can turn Confirm Delete off if you do not want
to see the message.
Overwrite Lock prevents the oscilloscope from writing over
existing files. You can turn Overwrite Lock off if you want to be
able to write over existing files.

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File Extensions. Files written by the oscilloscope have the following

extensions. The oscilloscope can only read files with the SET, MSK,
and ISF extensions.

File extension File type

*.SET Saved setup file
*.ISF Saved waveform file, Internal format
*.CSV Saved waveform file, Spreadsheet format
*.DAT Saved waveform file, Mathcad format
*.TJ Hard copy file, Thinkjet format
*.DJ Hard copy file, Deskjet format
*.LJ Hard copy file, Laserjet format
*.IBM Hard copy file, Epson format
*.IMG Hard copy file, Interleaf format
*.TIF Hard copy file, TIFF format
*.RLE Hard copy file, RLE format
*.PCX Hard copy file, PCX format
*.BMP Hard copy file, BMP format
*.EPS Hard copy file, EPS format
*.BJC Hard copy file, Bubble Jet format
*.DPU Hard copy file, Seiko DPU-3445 format
*.GZ Gnuzip-compressed hard copy file
*.MSK Mask geometry file (requires TDS3TMT module)
*.PNG Hard copy file, Portable Network Graphics format
*.C60, *.C80 Hard Copy file, Epson C60 or C80 inkjet format

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Trigger Controls
Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type screen button
to select Edge, Logic, Pulse, or Video. If installed, see the user manual
for the TDS3VID Extended Video, the TDS3SDI 601 Digital Video,
or the TDS3TMT Telecom Mask Test application module for more
information.

Trigger Level
Use the trigger Level control to adjust the trigger level. When you
change the trigger level, a horizontal line temporarily appears to show
you the level on screen. After the line disappears, the trigger level is
marked with a small arrow.

Trigger level marker

Trigger level readout

Set to 50%
Push the Set To 50% button to set the trigger level to the 50% amplitude
level of the trigger source waveform.

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Force Trigger
Push the Force Trig button to force an immediate trigger event, even in
the absence of a signal. This function is useful in these situations:
If you do not see a waveform on the screen when using Normal
trigger mode, push Force Trig to acquire the signal baseline to
verify that it is on the screen.
After you push the Single Seq button to set up for a single shot
acquisition, you can push the Force Trig button to do a practice
acquisition to verify the control settings.

B Trigger
To use the B trigger, the A trigger type must be Edge. Push the Trigger
Menu and then the B Trig buttons to show the B-trigger menu and to
activate triggering using both the A and B triggers. The light next to the
B Trig button indicates B trigger is active. Push the B Trig button again
to return to the single A trigger.

Bottom Side Description

B Trigger B Trigger After A Sets the oscilloscope to trigger on the
After A Time next B-trigger event that occurs after
a specified period of time from the
A trigger. Use the general purpose
knob to set the time value.
Set to Delay Time Sets the B Trigger After A Time value
( B →▼ ) then Set to the horizontal B →▼value, then
( B →▼) to 0s sets B →▼ to zero seconds. B
→▼is the delay time from the B
trigger point to the expansion point
(center screen).
Set to Min Sets B Trigger After A time to 26.4 ns.
B Events Sets the oscilloscope to trigger on the
n B-trigger event after the A trigger.
Use the general purpose knob to set
the event value.
Set to Min Sets the B events count to 1.

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Bottom Side Description

Source Sets Source, coupling, slope, and
Coupling level for the B trigger. These settings
are independent of similar settings
Slope for the A trigger. The table on Edge
Level triggering includes descriptions of
these menu items. (See page 118.)

The trigger wait time is the minimum time between the A and B triggers.
The trigger wait time is not the same as the horizontal delay time. You
can use the horizontal delay function to delay acquisition relative to any
trigger event, whether it is from the A trigger alone or from a trigger
setup that involves both the A and B triggers.
The next figures show the wait-for-time and the wait-for-events
triggering, and how they relate to the horizontal delay time.

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After the A trigger event is recognized, the oscilloscope begins counting

B trigger events. However, for the first B event to be counted, that
event must consist of both an opposite-polarity edge and the edge that
is counted. The opposite-polarity edge must occur ≥ 5 ns after the A
trigger arming event. If this condition is not met, the oscilloscope does
not count the first event, which results in a trigger on the n+1st event.
Refer to the next figure, where n=3 and A and B trigger slopes are set
to rising edge.

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Trigger Status
The readout at the top of the screen shows you the current trigger status.
The next table explains the trigger status indicators.

Trigger status Explanation

Auto The oscilloscope is acquiring using auto trigger. Valid
trigger events, if any, are infrequent.
Trig'd The oscilloscope is acquiring using valid trigger events
that are frequent enough to avoid auto triggering.
PrTrig The oscilloscope is acquiring the pretrigger part of the
waveforms. This status is shown only at the slowest
time/division settings.
Trig The oscilloscope has acquired the pretrigger part of the
waveforms and is waiting for a valid trigger event.
BTrig The A trigger event has occurred. The oscilloscope is
armed and waiting for a valid B trigger event.

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Edge Trigger
Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Edge. Use Edge triggering to trigger on the rising or
falling edge of the input signal at the trigger threshold. The next table
lists the menu items when the trigger Type is set to Edge.

Bottom Side Description

Source Ch1, Ch2 (Ch3, Sets the trigger source to a specific channel.
Ch4)
AC Line Sets the trigger source to use the AC line signal
(not available when operating with batteries).
Ext Sets the oscilloscope to trigger on the external
Ext/10 trigger source. Ext/10 attenuates the external
trigger signal by a factor of 10. (See page 119.)
Ext Probe nnX Set this value to match the attenuation factor
Voltage / Current and the type of probe (voltage or current) that
(4-channel only) is attached to the external trigger connector.
Push the menu button to select the probe
type. Use the general purpose knob to set the
attenuation factor. The default values are 1x
and voltage.
Vert Sets the trigger source to the lowest-numbered
active channel in the display.
Alternating (all Sequentially uses each active channel as
active channels) a trigger source, from the lowest-numbered
active channel to the highest-numbered active
channel. (See page 119.)
Coupling DC Selects DC coupling.
HF Reject Rejects frequencies above 30 kHz in the trigger
signal.
LF Reject Rejects frequencies below 1 kHz in the trigger
signal.
Noise Reject DC coupling with low sensitivity to reject noise
in the trigger signal.
Slope / (rising edge) Triggers on the rising edge of a signal.
\ (falling edge) Triggers on the falling edge of a signal.

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Bottom Side Description

Level Level Use to set the trigger level with the general
purpose knob.
Set to TTL Sets the trigger level to +1.4 V for TTL logic.
Set to ECL Sets the trigger level to -1.3 V for ECL logic
(Vee = -5.2 V).
Set to 50% Sets the trigger level to the 50% amplitude
level of the signal.
Mode & Auto (untriggered Enables free-running and roll-mode
Holdoff roll) acquisitions.
Normal Triggers only on valid trigger events.
Holdoff (time) Sets holdoff to a specific time.
Holdoff (% of Sets holdoff to a percent of the record duration.
record)
Set to Min Sets holdoff to the minimum value.

Key Points

Displaying the Trigger Source. You do not have to display a channel to

use it as a trigger source.

Normal and Auto Mode. Use Normal trigger mode when you want to
trigger only on a valid event. Use Auto trigger mode when you want the
acquisition to occur, even when there is not a valid trigger event. Also
choose Auto when you want a rolling waveform, with no trigger, at the
slower time base settings. (See page 87, Roll Mode Display.)

External Trigger. The trigger level range for the EXT setting is -0.8 V to
+0.8 V. The trigger level range for the EXT/10 setting is -8 V to +8 V.
For best external trigger performance, apply a square-wave signal with
amplitude greater than the specified minimum level range and with
well-defined transitions.

Alternating Trigger. Alternating trigger sequentially uses each active

channel as a trigger source, from the lowest-numbered active channel to
the highest-numbered active channel. Alternating trigger is available
in all trigger menus except for logic triggers.

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Alternating trigger uses the current trigger settings to trigger on all

active channels; there is not a separate trigger setup for each channel.
Therefore, the trigger settings must be able to trigger on all active
signals in order to produce a stable triggered display. If one or more
of the source signals do not meet the trigger settings, the oscilloscope
either waits for that source channel to trigger (Normal trigger mode) or
autotriggers (Auto trigger mode).
Due to image persistence, all alternating trigger active channels may
appear to be synchronized. However, this does not mean that the
displayed signals are synchronized. Also, alternating trigger does not
use EXT, EXT/10, or Line signals as trigger sources.

Holdoff. You can use holdoff to help stabilize the display of complex
waveforms. After you push the Mode & Holdoff screen button, use the
general purpose knob to set the holdoff time as an absolute value or as
a percent of the record duration.
Holdoff begins when the oscilloscope recognizes a trigger event and
disables the trigger system until acquisition is complete. The trigger
system remains disabled during the holdoff time.

NOTE. For best results, choose Normal trigger mode when using long
holdoff settings (10 ms or greater).

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Logic Triggers
Edge triggering can trigger on most signals, and is the default trigger
type. Edge triggering sets the oscilloscope to trigger (acquire signal
data) when a signal meets a specified signal slope and a single
voltage-threshold condition.

However, there are times when you need to trigger the oscilloscope
on a more complex signal, or when two signals meet a condition to
troubleshoot a problem. These problems include a pulse that is too
narrow or wide, and situations in which one signal is true when a second
signal transitions from low to high.
Logic and Pulse triggering lets you further qualify the trigger
conditions by adding parameters such as pulse width, delta time, logical
comparisons of two signals, and dual threshold levels.

Thresholds. Both Pulse and Logic types trigger the oscilloscope when
one or two signals are logically true. To determine whether a signal
is true or false, you must set a signal reference point that determines
whether a signal is in one of two states. You set this reference point by
specifying a threshold voltage level for each trigger signal. Crossing the
threshold level toggles the state value of that signal.

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Logic State. The actual state (true or false) of a signal depends on how
you define its signal logic setting, which can be either high-true or
low-true. Defining a signal as high-true (H) means that signal levels
above (more positive than) the threshold level are true, and signal levels
below (more negative than) the threshold level are false.
A low-true (L) logic setting is just the opposite. Defining a signal
as low-true means that signal levels below (more negative than) the
threshold level are true, and signal levels above (more positive than) the
threshold level are false. Low logic effectively inverts the signal.
Defining the logical state of a signal lets you use Boolean logic to
evaluate when a condition is true for two signals.

Boolean Logic. The signal logic (threshold level and high-true/low-true

logic) defines which part of a waveform cycle is true or false. You then
use Boolean logic to evaluate or compare the logic of two signals as
part of a trigger condition.

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The four logical comparison functions are AND, OR, NAND, and NOR:
The AND function means that if both signal logic states are true,
the condition is true, otherwise the condition is false.
The OR function means if either or both signal logic states are true,
the condition is true, otherwise the condition is false.
The NAND function means that if both signal logic states are true,
the condition is false, otherwise the condition is true. This function
is the inverse of the AND function.
The NOR function means if any or all of the trigger signal logic
states are true, the condition is false, otherwise the condition is true.
This function is the inverse of the OR function.
Remember that the logic function evaluates the logic states of two
signals, and that the logic state of each signal depends on whether they
are set to high-true or low-true logic.
For example, assume that you want to trigger the oscilloscope only
when signal one is low at the same time that signal two is high.
Therefore you want to:
Set a threshold level that is appropriate for each signal.
Set signal one to be true when it is low (low-true signal logic).
Set signal two to be true when the signal is high (high-true signal
logic).
Trigger when both conditions are true (AND trigger logic).

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Conventions for Logic and Pulse Trigger Types. This manual uses the
following conventions:
You cannot use any of the advanced trigger functions to arm B
triggering.
You do not have to display a channel in order to use the channel
as a trigger source.
The range of time values for pulse width (regular and runt) and
slew rate is from 39.6 ns to 10 s.
In the menu tables, N represents a numeric value entered using
the general purpose knob.

Pattern Trigger
Pattern triggering triggers the oscilloscope when two signals become
logically true or false. Basically, the pattern-triggering feature triggers
the oscilloscope from the output of a two-input AND, OR, NAND, or
NOR logic gate. You can specify time constraints and signal threshold
levels as part of the triggering condition. This trigger is useful for
digital logic troubleshooting.

Pattern Trigger Conditions

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Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Logic. The next table lists the menu items when the
trigger Type is set to Logic, and the Class is set to Pattern.

Bottom Side Description

Define Input 1 Source Sets the pattern trigger signal input 1 source.
Inputs Logic Sets the signal logic for input 1. H = high true,
L = low true.
Input 2 Source Sets the pattern trigger signal input 2 source.
Logic Sets the signal logic for input 2. H = high true,
L = low true.
Define AND, OR, NAND, Sets which logic function to apply to the input
Logic NOR signals.
Trigger Goes True Triggers the oscilloscope when the logic
When Goes False condition is true or false.
Is True < N Triggers the oscilloscope when the input logic
Is True > N condition is true for a time period greater than
or less than time period N.
Is True = N Triggers the oscilloscope when the input logic
Is True 0 N condition is true for a time period equal to or not
equal to time period N within a ±5% tolerance.
Thresholds Level (Input 1) N Sets the threshold voltage level for input 1 and
Level (Input 2) N 2 to level N, using the general purpose knob.

Set to TTL Sets the threshold voltage level to 1.4 V for

both inputs.
Set to ECL Sets the threshold voltage level to -1.3 V for
both inputs.
Set to 50% Sets the threshold voltage level to 50% of each
input's peak-to-peak value.
Mode & The table on Edge triggering includes a
Holdoff description of this menu item. (See page 118.)

Key Points

Trigger When. The input condition must be true or false for ≥2 ns in

order for the oscilloscope to detect the pattern.

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State Trigger
State triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a state signal is true or
false at the time a clock signal transition is true. This trigger is useful
for troubleshooting digital logic synchronous state machines.

State Trigger Conditions

Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Logic. The next table lists the menu items when the
trigger Type is set to Logic, and the Class is set to State.

Bottom Side Description

Define State Input Source Sets the state signal source.
Inputs Logic Sets the signal logic for state input source.
H = high true, L = low true.
Clock Input Source Sets the clock signal source.
Slope Sets the signal slope (rising or falling) for clock
input. The clock slope defines when the clock
signal is true.
Trigger Goes True Triggers the oscilloscope if the state signal is
When true when the clock signal slope is true.
Goes False Triggers the oscilloscope if the state signal is
false when the clock signal slope is true.

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Bottom Side Description

Thresholds Level (State Sets the threshold voltage level for state and
Input)N clock signals to level N, using the general
Level (Clock Input) purpose knob.
N
Set to TTL Sets the threshold voltage level to 1.4 V for
both inputs.
Set to ECL Sets the threshold voltage level to -1.3 V for
both inputs.
Set to 50% Sets the threshold voltage level to 50% of each
input's peak-to-peak value.
Mode & The table on Edge triggering includes a
Holdoff description of this menu item. (See page 118.)

Key Points

Trigger When. The state signal must be true or false for ≥2 ns prior to
the clock transition in order for the oscilloscope to detect the state.

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Pulse Triggers

Pulse Width Trigger. Pulse-width triggering triggers the oscilloscope

when a signal pulse width is less than, greater than, equal to, or not
equal to a specified pulse width. This trigger is useful for digital logic
troubleshooting.

Pulse Width Trigger Conditions

Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Pulse. The next table lists the menu items when the
trigger Type is set to Pulse, and the Class is set to Width.

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Bottom Side Description

Source Ch1, Ch2 (Ch3, Sets the pulse width signal source.
Ch4)
Ext Sets external or external divided by 10 as the
Ext/10 signal source.
Ext Probe nnX Set this value to match the attenuation factor
Voltage / Current and the type of probe (voltage or current) that is
(4-channel only) attached to the external trigger connector. Push
the menu button to select the probe type. Use
the general purpose knob to set the attenuation
factor. The default values are 1x and voltage.
AC Line Sets the AC line frequency as the trigger source.
This trigger source is only available when the
oscilloscope is connected to AC power.
Vert Sets the lowest-numbered displayed channel
as the trigger source.
Alternating (all Sequentially uses each active channel as a
active channels) trigger source, from the lowest-numbered
active channel to the highest-numbered active
channel. (See page 119.)
Polarity Positive Sets the source signal pulse polarity on which
Negative to trigger.
Trigger Pulse Width < N Triggers the oscilloscope when the source
When Pulse Width > N signal pulse width is less than or greater than
the specified pulse width N.
Pulse Width = N Triggers the oscilloscope when the signal pulse
Pulse Width ≠ N width is equal to or not equal to the specified
pulse width N within a ±5% tolerance.
Level Level N Sets the signal threshold voltage level to N
using the general purpose knob.
Set to TTL Sets the signal threshold voltage level to 1.4 V.
Set to ECL Sets the signal threshold voltage level to -1.3 V.
Set to 50% Sets the threshold voltage level to 50% of the
signal's peak-to-peak value.
Mode & The table on Edge triggering includes a
Holdoff description of this menu item. (See page 118.)

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Key Points

Trigger When. The source pulse width must be ≥5 ns in order for the
oscilloscope to detect the pulse.

Runt Pulse Trigger

Runt-pulse triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a signal pulse
is less than a specified threshold level. You can also specify runt
pulse-width parameters. This trigger is useful for troubleshooting
bus-contention problems.

Runt Pulse Trigger Conditions

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Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Pulse. The next table lists the menu items when the
trigger Type is set to Pulse, and the Class is set to Runt.

Bottom Side Description

Source Ch1, Ch2 (Ch3, Sets the runt signal source.
Ch4)
Ext Sets external or external divided by 10 as the
Ext/10 signal source.
Ext Probe nnX Set this value to match the attenuation factor
Voltage / Current and the type of probe (voltage or current) that is
(4-channel only) attached to the external trigger connector. Push
the menu button to select the probe type. Use
the general purpose knob to set the attenuation
factor. The default values are 1x and voltage.
AC Line Sets the AC line frequency as the trigger source.
This trigger source is only available when the
oscilloscope is connected to AC power.
Vert Sets the lowest-numbered displayed channel
as the trigger source.
Alternating (all Sequentially uses each active channel as a
active channels) trigger source, from the lowest-numbered
active channel to the highest-numbered active
channel. (See page 119.)
Polarity Positive Sets the source signal runt pulse polarity on
Negative which to trigger.
Either
Trigger Runt Occurs Triggers the oscilloscope when any runt pulse
When is detected, regardless of width.
Runt Width < N Triggers the oscilloscope when the runt signal
Runt Width > N pulse width is less than or greater than the
specified pulse width N.
Runt Width = N Triggers the oscilloscope when the runt signal
Runt Width ≠ N pulse width is equal to or not equal to the
specified pulse width N within a ±5% tolerance.

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Bottom Side Description

Thresholds High N Sets the runt signal high threshold and low
Low N threshold voltage levels to value N, using the
general purpose knob.
Set to TTL Sets runt signal threshold voltage levels to
2.0 V (high threshold) and 0.8 V (low threshold).
Set to ECL Sets runt signal threshold voltage levels
to -1.1 V (high threshold) and -1.5 V (low
threshold).
Mode & The table on Edge triggering includes a
Holdoff description of this menu item. (See page 118.)

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Key Points

Trigger When. The source runt pulse width must be ≥5 ns in order for
the oscilloscope to detect the pulse.

Slew Rate Trigger

Slew-rate triggering triggers the oscilloscope when a signal's slew rate
(rise or fall time) is less than, greater than, equal to, or not equal to a
specified slew rate. This trigger is useful for troubleshooting digital bus
transceivers, transmission lines, and op-amp circuits.

Slew Rate Trigger Conditions

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Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Pulse. The next table lists the menu items when the
trigger Type is set to Pulse, and the Class is set to Slew Rate.

Bottom Side Description

Source Ch1, Ch2 (Ch3, Sets the slew rate signal source.
Ch4)
Ext Sets external or external divided by 10 as the
Ext/10 signal source.
Ext Probe nnX Set this value to match the attenuation factor
Voltage / Current and the type of probe (voltage or current) that is
(4-channel only) attached to the external trigger connector. Push
the menu button to select the probe type. Use
the general purpose knob to set the attenuation
factor. The default values are 1x and voltage.
AC Line Sets the AC line frequency as the trigger source.
This trigger source is only available when the
oscilloscope is connected to AC power.
Vert Sets the lowest-numbered displayed channel
as the trigger source.
Alternating (all Sequentially uses each active channel as a
active channels) trigger source, from the lowest-numbered
active channel to the highest-numbered active
channel. (See page 119.)
Polarity Positive Sets the source signal slew rate polarity on
Negative which to trigger.
Either
Trigger Slew Rate < N Triggers the oscilloscope when the signal slew
When Slew Rate > N rate is less than or greater than the specified
slew rate N.
Slew Rate = N Triggers the oscilloscope when the signal slew
Slew Rate ≠ N rate is equal to or not equal to the specified slew
rate N within a ±5% tolerance.
Delta TimeN Shows the delta time component N of the slew
rate, as set using the general purpose knob.

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Bottom Side Description

Thresholds High N Sets the signal high threshold and low threshold
Low N voltage level components of the slew rate to
value N, using the general purpose knob.
Set to TTL Sets the signal threshold voltage levels to
2.0 V (high threshold) and 0.8 V (low threshold).
Set to ECL Sets the signal threshold voltage levels
to -1.1 V (high threshold) and -1.5 V (low
threshold).
Mode & The table on Edge triggering includes a
Holdoff description of this menu item. (See page 118.)

Key Points

Delta Time and Thresholds. The delta time and threshold settings
determine the calculated slew rate (volts ÷ time). Changing either value
changes the calculated slew rate.

Trigger When. The delta time component of the slew rate (time from
threshold to threshold) must be ≥5 ns in order for the oscilloscope to
detect the slew rate.

Video Trigger
Push the Trigger Menu button, and then push the Type bottom screen
button to select Video. Choose video triggering to trigger on the odd
fields, even fields, or on all the lines of an NTSC, PAL, or SECAM
video signal. If installed, see the user manual for the TDS3VID
Extended Video or the TDS3SDI 601 Digital Video application module
for more information. The next table lists the menu items when the
trigger Type is set to Video.

Bottom Side Description

Standard 525/NTSC Triggers on a NTSC signal.
625/PAL Triggers on a PAL signal.
SECAM Triggers on a SECAM signal.

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Bottom Side Description

Source Ch1, Ch2 (Ch3, Sets the video signal source.
Ch4)
Ext Sets external or external divided by 10 as the
Ext/10 signal source.
Ext Probe nnX Set this value to match the attenuation factor
Voltage / Current and the type of probe (voltage or current) that is
(4-channel only) attached to the external trigger connector. Push
the menu button to select the probe type. Use
the general purpose knob to set the attenuation
factor. The default values are 1x and voltage.
AC Line Sets the AC line frequency as the trigger
source. This trigger source is only available
when the oscilloscope is connected to AC
power.
Vert Sets the lowest-numbered displayed channel
as the trigger source.
Alternating (all Sequentially uses each active channel as
active channels) a trigger source, from the lowest-numbered
active channel to the highest-numbered active
channel. (See page 119.)
Trigger On Odd Triggers on odd or even fields in an interlaced
Even signal.
All Fields Triggers on any field in an interlaced or
noninterlaced signal.
All Lines Triggers on all lines.
Mode & The table on Edge triggering includes a
Holdoff description of this menu item. (See page 118.)

Key Points

Displaying the Trigger Source. You do not have to display a channel to

use it as a trigger source.

Sync Pulses. When you choose Video, the trigger always occurs on
negative-going sync pulses. If your video signal has positive-going sync
pulses, invert the signal using the Vertical menu. (See page 145.)

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Utility
Push the Utility menu button, and the System Config bottom screen
button to access submenus.
The following are examples of what you can do in the Utility menu:

Use Config to select a language or set the time and date.

Use Apps if an installed application module places items in this
menu. See the documentation provided with your application
modules for more information.
Use I/O to set up the communication ports.
Use Hard Copy to set up hard copy parameters. (See page 78, Hard
Copy.)
Use Cal to compensate the signal path.
Use Diags to run internal diagnostic routines.

Configure System
Use the System Config menu to access these functions.

Bottom Side Description

System
Config
Language English Use to choose your native language.
French Most on-screen text appears in the
language you choose.
Italian
German
Spanish
Japanese
Brazilian Portuguese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean
Russian

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Bottom Side Description

Set Date & Display Date/Time Use to turn the date/time display On or
Time Off.
Hour Min Use to set the internal clock with the
current hour and minute.
Month Day Use to set the internal clock with the
current month and day.
Year Use to set the internal clock with the
current year.
OK Enter Date/Time Sets the date and time of the internal
clock.
Battery Power Off Time-Out Use to set the time before an automatic
Time-Outs shut down.
Backlight Time-Out Use to set the time before the backlight
automatically turns off.
TekSecure Erases all nonvolatile waveform and
Erase setup memory. For more information,
Memory refer to the TDS3000C Series Digital
Phosphor Oscilloscopes Declassification
and Security Instructions.
Version Use to see the firmware version.

Key Points

Setting the Date and Time. To set the internal clock with the current date
and time, push the Set Date & Time screen button. Use the general
purpose knob to set the values after you push the screen buttons for the
year, day and month, hour and minute. Push the OK Enter Date/Time
screen button to complete the operation.

Power Off Time-Out. Use this feature to automatically turn the

oscilloscope to standby if it is not being used. Use the general purpose
knob to set the power off time-out delay to a fixed time or to ∞ (time-out
off). Cycle the power switch to turn the oscilloscope back on after an
automatic shut down.
Power off time-out operates only when you use battery power.

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Backlight Time-Out. Push this button to adjust the backlight time-out

delay. This feature automatically turns the backlight off after a period
of time if the oscilloscope is not being used. Use the general purpose
knob to set the backlight time-out delay to a fixed time or to ∞ (time-out
off). Push any button to turn the backlight back on after an automatic
time-out.
Backlight time-out operates only when you use battery power.

TekSecure. If you have acquired confidential data on your oscilloscope,

you may want to execute the TekSecure function before you return the
oscilloscope to general use. The TekSecure function does the following
tasks:
Replaces all waveforms in all reference memories with null sample
values
Replaces the current front-panel setup and all stored setups with
the factory setup
Calculates the checksums of all waveform memory and setup
memory locations to verify successful completion of waveform
and setup erasure
Displays a confirmation or warning message if the checksum
calculation is successful or unsuccessful
After you execute the TekSecure function, you must turn off the
oscilloscope power and then turn the power back on to complete the
process.

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I/O System
Use the System I/O menu to access these functions.

Bottom Side Description

System I/O
GPIB Talk/Listen Sets the GPIB address.
(TDS3GV) Address
Hard Copy Sets the GPIB port to talk only for making
(Talk Only) hard copies.
Off Bus Disables the GPIB port.
Debug Enables and disables a message window
to help you debug GPIB problems.
RS-232 Baud Rate Sets the baud rate in steps from 1200 to
(TDS3GV) 38400.
Flagging Use to enable hard flagging (RTS/CTS)
or turn flagging off.
EOL Selects end-of-line terminator.
Debug Enables and disables a message window
to help you debug RS-232 problems.
Set RS-232 Sets baud rate = 9600, hard flagging =
Parameters to on, and EOL = LF.
Default Values
Ethernet Change Displays a list of fields in which you set
Network Instrument oscilloscope Ethernet parameters such
Settings Settings as address, oscilloscope name, domain
DHCP/BOOTP name, and so on.
See Appendix F, Ethernet Setup, for
information on setting the oscilloscope
Ethernet network parameters.
Debug Enables and disables a message window
to help you debug Ethernet problems.
Test Tests the oscilloscope's Ethernet
Connection connection.

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Bottom Side Description

Ethernet Add Printer Adds, renames, or deletes an Ethernet
Printer Rename network printer from the oscilloscope
Settings Printer printer list. See Appendix F, Ethernet
Setup, for information on setting the
Delete Printer oscilloscope Ethernet network printer
parameters.
Confirm Delete Enables or disables displaying a
confirmation message before deleting a
printer from the oscilloscope printer list.

Key Points

More Information. Refer to the TDS3000, TDS3000B and TDS3000C

Series Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes Programmer Manual for more
information about using the Ethernet, RS-232 and GPIB ports.

RS-232 Troubleshooting. If you are having difficulties with RS-232

communication, try the following remedies:
Verify that you are using the correct RS-232 cable and adapters.
Most computers require a null-modem connection to the
oscilloscope. Most printers require a straight-through connection
to the oscilloscope.
Verify that the RS-232 cable is connected to the correct port on
your computer or hard copy device.
Reset the RS-232 parameters to defaults and then set the baud rate
to match the computer or hard copy device. The default settings
(except baud rate) are standard on most computers and hard copy
devices.
Enable the debug window to see the RS-232 status, errors, data
transmitted, and data received.

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GPIB Guidelines. Follow these guidelines when you connect your

oscilloscope to a GPIB network:
Turn off the oscilloscope and all external devices before connecting
the oscilloscope to the GPIB network.
Assign a unique device address to the oscilloscope. Two devices
cannot share the same device address.
Turn on at least two-thirds of the GPIB devices while using the
network.
Calibration System
Use the System Cal menu to access these functions.
Bottom Side Description
System Cal
Signal Path Compensates the signal paths to
obtain best measurement accuracy.
Factory Cal Used to calibrate the oscilloscope.
This is a service function only.
Cal Due Notify After Hours Sets the number of hours of
Control of Operation operation before notifying you that
a calibration is due.
Notify After Years Sets the number of years before
of Elapsed Time notifying you that a calibration is
due.

Key Points

Signal Path Compensation. For maximum accuracy at any time, run the
SPC routine just before taking critical measurements. To meet accuracy
specifications, run the routine if the ambient temperature changes by
10 °C (18 °F) or more.
Before running the routine, disconnect any probes or cables from the
channel inputs. Then, push the Signal Path and the OK Compensate
Signal Path screen buttons to confirm that you are ready to proceed. The
routine takes several minutes to complete. (See page 4.)

Factory Cal. Service personnel use these functions to calibrate the

oscilloscope internal voltage references using external sources. Refer to

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your Tektronix field office or representative for assistance with these

processes.

Cal Due Control. The calibration due notification occurs only in the
power-on screen. Set the controls to ∞ if you do not want to be notified
when calibration is due.

Diagnostic System
Use the System Diags menu to access these functions.

Bottom Side Description

System
Diags
Execute Starts diagnostics.
Loop Once Executes the diagnostic loop once.
Always Executes the diagnostic loop
continuously.
Until Fail Executes until a failure occurs.
Error Log Page Up Use to see the previous error log
page.
Page Down Use to see the next error log page.

Key Points

Starting Diagnostics. To execute the built-in diagnostic routines,

disconnect all cables or probes from the oscilloscope inputs, and then
push the OK Run Test screen button.

Stopping Diagnostics. Choose how you want the diagnostic routines

to execute:
Loop Once runs all diagnostic routines one time and then stops.
Loop Always runs the diagnostic routines continuously. Push
the Run/Stop and then the Menu Off buttons to resume normal
operation.
Loop Until Fail runs the diagnostic routines until the oscilloscope
fails a test or until you cycle the power.

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Error Log. The error log contains summary data gathered over the life
of the oscilloscope. The error log lists the last 100 errors encountered.
The last error in the list is the most recent.
Under normal circumstances, the error log should be empty. Any entry
in the error log may indicate a hardware failure or firmware fault. If you
can repeatedly cause an entry to be added to the error log, please contact
a Tektronix service representative for assistance.

Vertical Controls
You can use the vertical controls to select waveforms, adjust the
waveform vertical position and scale, and set input parameters. All
vertical operations affect the selected waveform. Push a channel button
(1, 2, 3, or 4), the Math button, or the Ref button to select a waveform.
For information on the Math Menu, refer to the description on Math and
FFT. (See page 88.)

Vertical Position Control

Use the vertical Position control to locate the selected waveform in
the display. When you change the vertical position, a horizontal line
temporarily appears to show you the ground reference level on the
screen. After the line disappears, the ground reference level is marked
at the left of the graticule.
If acquisition is stopped you can still reposition waveforms for analysis.
The new position setting is used when acquisition resumes.

Waveform Off
Push the Waveform Off button to remove the selected waveform from
the display. You can still use the channel as a trigger source.

Vertical Scale Control

Use the vertical Scale control to set the vertical scale factor of the
selected waveform in 1-2-5 increments. If acquisition is stopped you
can still rescale waveforms for analysis. The new scale setting is used
when acquisition resumes.
You can also make fine adjustments to the vertical scale. (See page 145,
Channel Buttons.)

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Vertical Menu
Push the Vertical Menu button to show the Vertical menu of the selected
waveform. (See page 145, Channel Buttons.) (See page 88, Math and
FFT.) (See page 147, Ref Button.)

Channel Buttons
Push a channel button (1, 2, 3, or 4) to select a channel. Each channel
button also displays the channel if it is not already displayed. Push
the Vertical Menu button to show the Vertical menu of the selected
channel. All vertical operations in the next table affect only the selected
waveform.

Bottom Side Description

Coupling DC Sets input coupling to DC.
AC Sets input coupling to AC.
GND Provides a 0 V signal reference. The
preamplifier disconnects from the input BNC.
Input termination remains connected to the
input BNC.
Ω Sets input resistance to 50 Ω or 1 MΩ, for DC
or AC coupling.
Invert Invert Off Use for normal operation.
Invert On Inverts the polarity of the signal in the
preamplifier.
Bandwidth Full Bandwidth Sets bandwidth to the full oscilloscope
bandwidth.
150 MHz Sets the bandwidth to 150 MHz (not available
on some models).
20 MHz Sets the bandwidth to 20 MHz.
Fine Scale Fine Scale Enables fine scale adjustment with the general
purpose knob.
Position Vertical Position Enables numerical vertical position
adjustment.
Set to 0 divs Sets vertical position to center screen.

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Bottom Side Description

Offset Vertical Offset Enables vertical offset adjustment with the
general purpose knob.
Set to 0 V Sets vertical offset to 0 V.
Probe Setup Voltage Probe Use to set probe gain or attenuation for probes
Current Probe that do not have the TekProbe II interface.
Deskew Use to adjust the time skew correction for
each probe.
Set to 0 Use to set probe skew correction to zero.

Key Points

Using Probes with the TekProbe II Interface. When you attach a probe with
the TekProbe II interface, the oscilloscope sets the channel sensitivity,
coupling, and termination resistance automatically to match the probe
requirements.

Vertical Preview. When you change the Vertical Position or Scale

controls while the acquisition is stopped or it is waiting for the next
trigger, the oscilloscope rescales and repositions the selected waveform
in response to the new vertical control settings. You may see a
clipped waveform if the original acquisition went off the screen. The
oscilloscope then uses the new settings for the next acquisition.
In contrast to horizontal preview, the math waveform, cursors, and
automatic measurements remain active and valid when using vertical
preview.

The Difference Between Vertical Position and Offset. Vertical position is a

display function. Adjust the Vertical position to place the waveforms
where you want to see them. The waveform baseline locations track
adjustments made to their positions.
When you adjust vertical offset you see a similar effect, but it is
actually quite different. Vertical offset is applied before the oscilloscope
preamplifier and can be used to increase the effective dynamic range
of the inputs. For example, you can use vertical offset to look at small
variations in a large DC voltage. Set the Vertical offset to match the
nominal DC voltage and the signal appears in the center of the screen.

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50 Ω Protection. If you select the 50 Ω termination resistance, the

maximum vertical scale factor is limited to 1 V/div. If you apply
excessive input voltage, the oscilloscope automatically switches to
1 MΩ termination resistance to protect the internal 50 Ω termination.

Ref Button
Push the Ref button to show the reference menu. Push one of the
submenus to display a reference waveform or make it the selected
reference waveform.

Bottom Side Description

Ref 1 Save Ch1 to Ref1 Saves channel 1 to Ref 1.
Save Ch2 to Ref1 Saves channel 2 to Ref 1.
Save Ch3 to Ref1 Saves channel 3 to Ref 1.
Save Ch4 to Ref1 Saves channel 4 to Ref 1.
Save Math to Saves the math waveform to Ref 1.
Ref1
Ref 2, Ref 3, Identical settings for the reference waveforms Ref 2, Ref
Ref 4 3, and Ref 4.

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Key Points

Selecting and Displaying Reference Waveforms. You can display all four
reference waveforms at the same time. Push the submenu button to
select a particular reference waveform. The selected waveform appears
brighter than other displayed reference waveforms.

Removing Reference Waveforms from the Display. To remove a reference

waveform from the display, select that reference waveform and then
push the Waveform Off button .

Scaling and Positioning a Reference Waveform. You can position and

scale a reference waveform independently from all other displayed
waveforms. Select the reference waveform and then adjust it with a
vertical or horizontal Position or Scale control. You can do this whether
acquisition is running or is stopped.
If a reference waveform is selected, scaling and repositioning of the
reference waveform operates the same way whether zoom is turned
on or off.

Gray-Scale Restriction. Reference waveforms are always saved from the

most current acquisition and do not contain any gray-scale information.

NOTE. The TDS3AAM Advanced Analysis application module adds new

math features, including arbitrary math expressions, DPO (gray scale)
math waveforms, and FFT analysis.

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e*Scope Web-Based Remote Control

With e*Scope, you can access any Internet-connected TDS3000C
series oscilloscope from a browser on your work station, PC, or laptop
computer. No matter where you are, your TDS3000C oscilloscope is as
close as the nearest browser.
There are two levels to e*Scope: basic and advanced. The basic level,
which is hosted on the oscilloscope, lets you view a screen image of the
current acquisition, save or load waveform and setup files, and send
textual control and query commands to the oscilloscope.
The advanced level, which is hosted on your system, provides a
graphical interface to view automatically updated screen images
and to remotely control the oscilloscope. You can access the
www.tektronix.com/software Web page and download the free advanced
e*Scope Web-based Remote Control software.

Configuring Your Oscilloscope Ethernet Settings

Before using the e*Scope feature, you must set your oscilloscope
Ethernet network settings. Appendix F, Ethernet Setup, describes how
to enter the Ethernet network parameters for your oscilloscope.

Accessing e*Scope
After your oscilloscope is set up with the correct ethernet settings, you
are ready to access that oscilloscope over the internet. To access the
oscilloscope e*Scope server, follow these steps:
1. On a PC or work station, open your preferred browser program.
2. In the Location or Address field (where you normally enter a URL),
type in the IP address of the TDS3000C oscilloscope to which you
want to connect. For example, 188.121.212.107. Do not precede
the IP address with any characters. Then push the Return key.

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3. The browser program loads the oscilloscope's e*Scope home

page, which is an image of the screen contents when your browser
accessed the oscilloscope. The e*Scope home page will look
something like the next image.
4. If you do not see the e*Scope home page after just a few moments,
try the following:
a. Verify that the oscilloscope is physically connected to the
network.
b. Verify that the oscilloscope network settings are correct.
c. Push the Test Connection side menu button in the Ethernet
Network Settings menu to verify that the oscilloscope is
electronically connected to the network.

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Basic e*Scope Menu Functions

The previous menu provides the following functions:

Home. Home displays the oscilloscope screen.

Applications. Applications takes you to the application URL specified

in the Configure tab.

Configure. Configure lets you specify URLs for the advanced

Web-based Control HTML pages (accessed from the Control menu).

Data. Data provides the basic level of e*Scope control. It lets you
upload or download waveform data files and oscilloscope settings, as
well as remotely control the oscilloscope using oscilloscope programing
commands listed in the TDS3000, TDS3000B and TDS3000C Series
Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope Programmer Manual.

Status. Status displays the version screen, which shows the firmware
version and lists installed application modules.

Control. Control displays the advanced e*Scope Web-based Remote

Control screen that lets you remotely control the oscilloscope using
a graphical interface that includes on-screen interactive menus and
selectable controls for all front-panel buttons and knobs. You must
download the free advanced e*Scope software from the Tektronix Web
site.

Help. Help takes you to the TDS3000 series frequently asked questions
page at www.tektronix.com.

NOTE. You can create your own local Applications and Help files and
access them by changing the Application and Help field in the Configure
menu to point to your local web site containing your files.

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Application Examples
The following are some possible e*Scope usage examples:

Prototype Development. An engineering lab contains prototype boards

that need evaluation. An engineer in the building can use e*Scope to
access and remotely control a TDS3000C series oscilloscope to capture
and download waveform data to a PC for analysis and inclusion in
development reports.

Field Service Support. A company's central engineering department

needs to support many field service technicians who maintain and repair
installed systems located throughout the world. The field technicians
can connect their TDS3000C series oscilloscopes to the systems,
and the engineers can then use e*Scope to help the field technicians
diagnose difficult problems.

Remote Line Down Troubleshooting. A production line is down in Korea.

The chief engineer in the United States can use e*Scope to remotely
control a TDS3000C series oscilloscope and view the waveforms to
troubleshoot the problem, while having a technician at the production
site probe the oscilloscope.

Remote Broadcast Transmitter Monitoring. A television station needs

to monitor various voltages and waveforms at a remote transmitter
site. An engineer at the transmitter can connect the TDS3000C series
oscilloscope to the station's LAN and then connect the oscilloscope to
the appropriate test points. The television station engineer can then use
e*Scope to remotely monitor the voltages and waveforms.

Remote Development. Several engineers on a project need to access

waveform and measurement data from a number of remote sites. Using
e*Scope, the engineers can capture screen hard copies and waveform
data from these remote sites and store the information in a central
database.

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Appendix A: Specifications
This appendix contains specifications for the TDS3000C Series
oscilloscopes. All specifications are guaranteed unless noted as
"typical." Typical specifications are provided for your convenience
but are not guaranteed. Specifications that are marked with the
symbol are checked in the TDS3000C Specifications and
Performance Verification Technical Reference available on the
www.tektronix.com/manuals Web site.
All specifications apply to all TDS3000C Series models unless noted
otherwise. To meet specifications, two conditions must first be met:
The oscilloscope must have been operating continuously for twenty
minutes within the operating temperature range specified.
You must perform the Signal Path Compensation operation.
(See page 4, Signal Path Compensation (SPC).) If the operating
temperature changes by more than 10 °C (18 °F), you must perform
the Signal Path Compensation operation again.

Acquisition
Acquisition Sample (Normal), Peak detect, Envelope, and Average
modes
Single Acquisition mode Acquisition stops after
Sequence Sample, Peak Detect One acquisition, all
channels simultaneously
Average, Envelope N acquisitions, all channels
simultaneously, N is
settable from 2 to 256
(or ∞ for Envelope)

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Inputs
Input DC, AC, or GND
coupling Channel input remains terminated when using GND coupling.
Input 1 MΩ ±1% in parallel with 13 pF ±2 pF, TekProbe compatible
impedance, 50 Ω ±1%
DC coupled
VSWR ≤ 1.5:1 from DC to 500 MHz, V/div settings ≥ 100 mV,
typical
VSWR ≤ 1.6:1 from DC to 500 MHz, V/div settings < 100 mV,
typical
Maximum Overvoltage category Maximum voltage
voltage at Non-Mains Environment 150 VRMS (400 Vpk, Duty
input BNC Factor of 37.5%)
(1 MΩ)
CAT II Environment 1 100 VRMS (400 Vpk, Duty
Factor of 25%)
For steady-state sinusoidal waveforms, derate at
20 dB/decade above 200 kHz to 13 Vpk at 3 MHz and above.
Maximum 5 VRMS with peaks ≤ ±30 V
voltage at
input BNC
(50 Ω)
Maximum 400 Vpk
transient
overvoltage
Maximum 0 V from chassis (BNC) ground to earth ground, or
floating 30 VRMS (42 Vpk) only under these conditions: no signal
voltage voltages >30 VRMS (>42 Vpk), all common leads connected to
the same voltage, no grounded peripherals attached

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 Appendix A: Specifications

Inputs
Channel Measured on one channel, with test signal applied to another
to channel channel, and with the same scale and coupling settings on
crosstalk, each channel
typical Frequency range Crosstalk
≤ 100 MHz ≥ 100:1
≤ 300 MHz ≥ 50:1
≤ 500 MHz ≥ 30:1
Differential 100 ps between any two channels with the same scale and
delay, coupling settings
typical
1 For definitions, refer to Compliance Information. (See page xi, Compliance information.)

Vertical
Number of TDS30x2C TDS30x4C
channels 2 plus external trigger input 4 plus external trigger input
Digitizers 9-bit resolution, separate digitizers for each channel, sampled
simultaneously
Scale 1 MΩ 50 Ω
Range (at 1 mV/div to 10 V/div 1mV/div to 1 V/div
BNC)
Fine Scale Adjustable with ≥ 1% resolution
Polarity Normal and Invert
Position ±5 divisions
range

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Appendix A: Specifications

Vertical
Analog Bandwidth limit set to Full, operating ambient ≤30 °C, derate
bandwidth, 1%/°C above 30 °C
50 Ω (also Scale TDS301xC TDS303xC TDS305xC
typical at range
1 MΩ with
standard 10 mV/div 100 MHz 300 MHz 500 MHz
probe) to 1 V/div
5 mV/div to 100 MHz 300 MHz 400 MHz
9.98 mV/div
2 mV/div to 100 MHz 250 MHz 250 MHz
4.98 mV/div
1 mV/div to 90 MHz 150 MHz 150 MHz
1.99 mV/div
Calculated TDS301xC 3.5 ns
rise time, TDS303xC 1.2 ns
typical
TDS305xC 0.7 ns
Analog Selectable between 20 MHz, 150 MHz (not available on
bandwidth TDS3012C or TDS3014C), or Full
limit, typical
Lower 7 Hz for 1 MΩ, reduced by a factor of ten when using a 10X
frequency passive probe; 140 kHz for 50 Ω
limit, AC
coupled,
typical
Peak Minimum width of pulse with amplitude of ≥2 div to capture
detect or 50% or greater amplitude
Envelope Sample rates ≤125 MS/s Sample rates ≥250 MS/s
pulse
response, 1 ns 1/sample rate
typical
DC gain ± 2%, derated at 0.025%/°C for temperatures above +30 °C,
accuracy in Sample or Average acquisition mode
DC Measurement type DC Accuracy (in volts)
measurement
accuracy,

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 Appendix A: Specifications

Vertical
Sample Absolute measurement of ± [0.02 1 × | reading - (offset
acquisition any waveform point - position) | + offset accuracy
mode, + 0.15 div + 0.6 mV]
typical Delta voltage between any ± [0.02 1 × | reading | +
two points on a waveform 0.15 div + 1.2 mV]
DC Measurement type DC Accuracy (in volts)
measurement
accuracy,
Absolute measurement of ± [0.02 1 × | reading - (offset
Average any waveform point - position) | + offset accuracy
acquisition + 0.1 div]
mode (≥16 Delta voltage between any ± [0.02 1 × | reading | +
averages) two points on a waveform 0.05 div]
Offset Scale range Offset range
range 1 mV/div to 9.95 mV/div ±100 mV
10 mV/div to 99.5 mV/div ±1 V
100 mV/div to 995 mV/div ±10 V
1 V/div to 10 V/div ±100 V
Offset ± [0.005 | offset - position | +0.1 div]
Accuracy, Note: Convert both the constant offset and position terms to
all ranges volts by multiplying by the volts/div setting.
1 0.02 term (gain component) derated at 0.00025/°C above 30 °C.

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Appendix A: Specifications

Horizontal
Acquisition Normal (10k point record) Fast trigger (500 point
(horizontal) record)
resolution
Maximum 700 wfms/s 3,400 wfms/s
acq rate,
typical
Sample rate TDS301xC TDS303xC TDS305xC
range
Normal 100 S/s to 100 S/s to 100 S/s to 5 GS/s
1.25 GS/s 2.5 GS/s
Fast trigger 5 S/s to 5 S/s to 5 S/s to 5 GS/s
1.25 GS/s 2.5 GS/s
Seconds/division 4 ns/div to 2 ns/div to 1 ns/div to 10 s/div
range 10 s/div 10 s/div
Sample ±20 ppm over any ≥1 ms time interval
rate and
delay time
accuracy

Trigger
External TDS30x2C: 1 MΩ in parallel with 17 pF, TekProbe compatible
trigger input TDS30x4C: 1 MΩ in parallel with 52 pF, not TekProbe
impedance, compatible
typical
External Overvoltage category Maximum voltage
trigger Non-Mains Environment 150 VRMS (400 Vpk, Duty
maximum Factor of 37.5%)
voltage
CAT II Environment 1 100 VRMS (400 Vpk, Duty
Factor of 25%)
For steady-state sinusoidal waveforms, derate at
20 dB/decade above 200 kHz to 13 Vpk at 3 MHz and above.
External 0 V from chassis (BNC) ground to earth ground, or
trigger 30 VRMS (42 Vpk) only under these conditions: no signal
maximum voltages >30 VRMS (>42 Vpk), all common leads connected to
floating the same voltage, no grounded peripherals attached
voltage

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Trigger
Edge Source Sensitivity
trigger Any channel, DC coupled ≤ 0.6 div from DC to
sensitivity 50 MHz, increasing to 1 div
at oscilloscope bandwidth
Edge External trigger 200 mV from DC to 50 MHz,
trigger increasing to 750 mV at
sensitivity, 300 MHz
typical
External/10 trigger 500 mV from DC to
50 MHz, increasing to
3 V at 300 MHz
Any channel, NOISE REJ 3.5 times the DC-coupled
coupled limits
Any channel, HF REJ 1.5 times the DC-coupled
coupled limit from DC to 30 kHz,
attenuates signals above
30 kHz
Any channel, LF REJ 1.5 times the DC-coupled
coupled limits for frequencies above
80 kHz, attenuates signals
below 80 kHz
Trigger Source Sensitivity
level range Any channel ±8 divisions from center
of screen, ±8 divisions
from 0 V if LF REJ trigger
coupled
External trigger ±800 mV
External/10 trigger ±8 V
Line Fixed at the midlevel of the
AC line
SET Level Operates with input signals ≥45 Hz
TO 50%,
typical

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Appendix A: Specifications

Trigger
Trigger Source, DC coupled Sensitivity
level Any channel ±0.2 divisions
accuracy,
typical External trigger ±20 mV
External/10 trigger ±200 mV
Line N/A
Trigger 250.8 ns to 10 s
holdoff
range
Logic and 1.0 division at BNC, DC Coupled, ≥10 mV/div to ≤ 1 V/div
Pulse (pattern, state, delay, width, and runt triggering)
Trigger
Sensitivity,
typical
Slew Rate Same as the Edge Trigger Sensitivity specifications shown
Trigger earlier in this appendix.
Sensitivity,
typical
Logic State Pattern Pattern with pulse width
Triggering 2 ns 2 ns 5 ns
Minimum
Logic Time, State minimum logic time: the time that a logic state must
typical be valid before and after the clock edge to be recognized.
Pattern minimum logic time: the time that a logic pattern
must be valid to be recognized. Pattern with pulse width
qualification, minimum logic time: the time that a logic pattern
must be valid to be recognized.
Logic State Pattern Pattern with pulse width
Triggering 4 ns 2 2 ns 5 ns
Minimum
Rearm State minimum rearm time: the time between consecutive
Time, clocks. Pattern minimum rearm time: the time that a
typical logic pattern must be invalid before a new occurrence of
the pattern will be recognized. Pattern with pulse width
qualification, minimum rearm time: the time that a logic
pattern must be invalid before a new occurrence of the
pattern will be recognized.

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Trigger
Pulse 5 ns
Triggering For width and runt, minimum pulse width refers to the pulse
Minimum being measured. For slew rate, minimum pulse width means
Pulse the minimum delta time that the oscilloscope recognizes.
Width,
typical
Pulse 5 ns
Triggering For width and runt, rearm time refers to the time between
Minimum measured pulses. For slew rate, rearm time refers to the time
Rearm it takes the signal to recross the two signal thresholds.
Time,
typical
Delta Time Time Range Resolution
Resolution 39.6 ns to 9.99 μs 13.2 ns
using
general 10 μs to 99.9 μs 92.4 ns
purpose 100 μs to 999 μs 1 μs
knob
1 ms to 9.99 ms 10 μs
10 ms to 99.9 ms 100 μs
100 ms to 999 ms 1 ms
1 s to 10 s 10 ms
Video Triggers on negative sync of NTSC, PAL, or SECAM signal
trigger Source Sensitivity
sensitivity,
typical Any channel 0.6 to 2.5 divisions of video
sync tip
External trigger 150 mV to 625 mV of video
sync tip
External/10 trigger 1.5 V to 6.25 V of video
sync tip
B Trigger Trigger After Time Trigger After B Events
Range 13.2 ns to 50 s 1 event to 9,999,999 events

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Trigger
Minimum 5 ns from the end of the 5 ns between the A trigger
time time period and the B trigger event and the first B trigger
between event event
arm and
trigger,
typical
Minimum — B event width:
Pulse 4 ns for TDS301xC
Width,
2 ns for TDS303xC,
typical
TDS305xC
Maximum — B event frequency:
Frequency, 100 MHz for TDS301xC
typical
250 MHz for TDS303xC,
TDS305xC
1 For definitions, refer to the Certifications and Compliances information at the end of
this appendix.
2 Minimum logic time is 4 ns or (1 ÷ input channel bandwidth), whichever is larger.

Display
Display screen 6.5 in (165 mm) diagonal color liquid crystal
Display resolution 640 horizontal by 480 vertical pixels
Backlight intensity, 200 cd/m2
typical
Display color Up to 16 colors, fixed palette
External display filter Scratch-resistant tempered glass

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I/O Ports
Ethernet port 10BaseT RJ-45 female connector (all models)
GPIB interface Available in optional accessory TDS3GV
RS-232 interface DB-9 male connector, available in optional
accessory TDS3GV
USB flash drive port USB flash drive connector (all models)
VGA signal output DB-15 female connector, 31.6 kHz sync rate,
EIA RS-343A compliant, available in optional
accessory TDS3GV
Probe compensator 5.0 V into ≥1 MΩ load,
output, typical Frequency = 1 kHz

Miscellaneous
Nonvolatile memory Typical retention time ≥ 5 years for front-panel
settings, unlimited for saved waveforms and
setups
Internal clock Provides date/time stamp for stored data and
the current time and date to the front panel, if
enabled.

Power source
AC line power Operates the oscilloscope and charges the
optional internal battery
Source voltage 100 VRMS to 240 VRMS ± 10%, continuous range
Source frequency 47 Hz to 440 Hz
Power consumption 75 W maximum
Battery power Optional accessory TDS3BATC, rechargeable
Li-Ion battery pack
Operating time, typical 3 hours, depending on operating conditions
Battery charge time, 32 hours in the oscilloscope, 6 hours in the
typical optional external charger TDS3CHG
Line fuse Internal, not replaceable

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Appendix A: Specifications

Environmental
Temperature 1, Operating range:
2, 3
0 °C to +50 °C (+32 °F to +122 °F)
Nonoperating range (storage):
-40 °C to +71 °C (-40 °F to +160 °F)
Humidity 1 5% to 95% RH below 30 °C (+86 °F), derate upper limit to
45% RH at 50 °C (+122 °F)
Pollution Pollution Degree 2: indoor use only
Degree
Altitude 4, 5 Operating limit: 3,000 m (3,280 yd.)
Nonoperating limit: 15,000 m (16,404 yd.)
Random Operating: 0.31 gRMS from 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 minutes on
vibration each axis
Nonoperating: 2.46 gRMS from 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 minutes
on each axis
1 When a battery pack is installed, refer to the TDS3BATC Rechargable Battery Pack
Instructions (Tektronix part number 071-0900-04) for information on the charge, discharge
and storage requirements for temperature and humidity.
2 Keep two inches of clearance at all ventilation openings.
3 The maximum operating ambient air temperature for this product is 50 °C (measured at
the air intake vent on the rear of the product). Do not exceed this temperature when
operating the instrument.
4 This product's maximum operating altitude is 3000 m. If used in aircraft, this product
should be kept in a environment pressurized to no greater than 3000 m altitude.
5 Probes used with this product may have different maximum altitude ratings, possibly
including an altitude rating of only 2000 m. Review the specifications for the particular
probe you plan to use with the product and be sure that it is within its ratings during use.

Mechanical
Size Height: 176 mm (6.9 in), 229 mm (9.0 in) including handle
Width: 375 mm (14.75 in)
Depth: 149 mm (5.9 in)
Weight Oscilloscope only: 3.2 kg (7.0 lbs)
With accessories and carry case: 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs)
When packaged for domestic shipment: 5.5 kg (12.0 lbs)
Optional TDS3BATC battery pack: 0.85 kg (1.9 lbs)

164 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Appendix B: Factory Setup
The next table lists the state of the oscilloscope after you recall the
Factory Setup.

Control Changed by factory setup to

Acquire horizontal resolution Normal (10k points)
Acquire mode Sample
Acquire number of averages 16
Acquire number of envelopes 16
Acquire run/stop Run
Acquire single sequence Off
Acquire WaveAlert actions all Off
Acquire WaveAlert sensitivity 50%
Acquire WaveAlert state Off
Acquire WaveAlert type Highlight entire waveform
Channel selection Ch1 (all others off)
Coarse No change
Confirm delete No change
Cursor function Off
Cursor H Bar 1 position -3.2 divisions from the center
Cursor H Bar 2 position +3.2 divisions from the center
Cursor H Bar units Base
Cursor V Bar 1 position 10% of record
Cursor V Bar 2 position 90% of record
Cursor V Bar units Seconds
Cursor tracking Independent
Delay measure from waveform edge Rising
Delay measure to edge occurrence First
Delay measure to waveform Ch1
Delay measure to waveform edge Rising
Display graticule type Full

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Appendix B: Factory Setup

Control Changed by factory setup to

Display backlight High
Display color palette Normal
Display dots only Off
Display persist time Auto
Dual waveform math function Ch1 + Ch2
Edge trigger coupling DC
Edge trigger level 0.0 V
Edge trigger slope Rising
Edge trigger source Ch1
External trigger probe setup Voltage, 1X
(four-channel models only)
Horizontal delay On
Horizontal delay time 0 ns
Horizontal trigger position 10%
Horizontal time/div 400 ms/div
Horizontal zoom Off
Horizontal zoom position 50%
Horizontal zoom time/div 400 ms/div
Math type Dual waveform
Measure gating Off (Full Record)
Measure high-low setup Auto
Measure high reference 90% and 0 V
Measure indicators Off
Measure low reference 10% and 0 V
Measure mid reference 50% and 0 V
Measure mid2 reference 50% and 0 V
Measure statistics Off
Overwrite lock No change
Phase measure to waveform Ch1
Reference waveforms No change

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 Appendix B: Factory Setup

Control Changed by factory setup to

Saved setups No change
Trigger holdoff 250.8 ns
Trigger mode Auto
Trigger type Edge
Utility language No change
Utility date/time display On
Utility I/O No change
Utility hard copy No change
Vertical bandwidth Full
Vertical coupling DC 1 MΩ
Vertical invert Off
Vertical offset 0V
Vertical position 0 div
Vertical probe setup Voltage, 1 X (unless a non-1 X probe
is attached)
Vertical volts/div 100 mV/div
Video trigger standard 525/NTSC
Video trigger on All lines
Waveform file format No change
XY display Off

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 167

Appendix B: Factory Setup

168 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Appendix C: Accessories
The next table lists the standard accessories.

P6139A 10X passive probes (TDS303xC, TDS305xC)

The P6139A 10X passive probes have 300 MHz or
500 MHz bandwidth and a CAT II voltage rating
of 300 VRMS.
Front cover
The front cover (200-4416-01) snaps onto the front
of the oscilloscope to protect it during transit. The
front cover contains a convenient location to store
the Reference manual.

Accessory tray
The accessory tray (436-0371-00) fits in the battery
compartment when you do not have a battery
installed. You can use the tray to store probes and
other accessories.
PC communications CD-ROM
The PC communications software provides easy
transfer of data from the oscilloscope to a PC.

Manuals
The oscilloscope includes a printed User manual.
All TDS3000C product and optional accessory user
manuals, in all supported languages, are available
to download from the www.tektronix.com/manuals
Web page.

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Appendix C: Accessories

The next table lists the optional accessories.

TDS3VID Extended Video application module

This module adds video trigger, video picture,
vectorscope (vectorscope supports component
video only), analog HDTV triggering, and
measurement capabilities to your oscilloscope.
TDS3TMT Telecom Mask Test application module
This module adds ITU-T G.703, ANSI T1.102
(up to DS3 data rates), and custom mask testing
capabilities to your oscilloscope.

TDS3SDI 601 Digital Video application module

This module adds 601 serial digital video to analog
video conversion, video picture, vectorscope,
and analog HDTV triggering capabilities to your
oscilloscope.

TDS3AAM Advanced Analysis application module

This module adds advanced math capabilities to
your oscilloscope, including DPO math, arbitrary
math expression waveforms, new measurements,
and measurement statistics.
TDS3LIM Limit Test application module
This module adds custom waveform limit testing
capabilities to your oscilloscope.

TDS3GV GPIB/RS-232/VGA communication module

This module adds RS-232, GPIB, and VGA ports
for remote programmability or to display the
oscilloscope screen on a monitor.

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 Appendix C: Accessories

TDS3CHG external battery charger

The battery charger recharges the oscilloscope
battery pack in approximately 6 hours.

TDS3BATC rechargeable battery pack

A rechargeable battery pack that provides up to
three hours of portable operation.

AC3000 soft case

The soft case protects the oscilloscope when not
in use. The soft case provides compartments for
probes, one spare battery, battery charger, and the
User Manual.
HCTEK4321 transit case
The transit case provides shock, vibration, impact,
and moisture protection for the oscilloscope when
you transport it from one place to another, or when
you store it. The required soft case fits inside the
transit case.
RM3000 rack mount kit
The rack mount kit contains all the hardware
necessary to mount your oscilloscope in a standard
rack. The kit requires 7 inches of vertical space in
the rack.

Manuals
The service manual (071-2507-XX) provides
information about maintenance and module-level
repair.
The programmer manual (071-0381-XX) provides
information and a list of the oscilloscope control
and query commands.

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Appendix C: Accessories

172 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Appendix D: Probe Basics
This appendix contains basic information about the P3010 or P6139A
probes provided with your oscilloscope. It also contains information
about other probes you can use with your oscilloscope and their
limitations.

Probe Descriptions
The P3010 and P6139A are high-impedance passive probes with the
following general characteristics.

Characteristic P3010 P6139A

Cable length 2m 1.3 m
Compatibility 100 MHz oscilloscope 300 MHz and 500 MHz
models oscilloscope models
Bandwidth 100 MHz 500 MHz
Attenuation 10X 10X
Nominal input 10 MΩ in parallel with 10 MΩ in parallel with
impedance 13 pF 8 pF
Maximum working 300 V, CAT II, derated 300 V, CAT II, derated
voltage at 20 dB/decade to at 20 dB/decade to
50 V above 2.5 MHz 50 V above 2.5 MHz
Altitude 3,000 m 2,000 m
Temperature Range
Operating -15 °C to +55 °C -15 °C to +65 °C
(+5 °F to +131 °F) (+5 °F to +149 °F)
Non Operating -62 °C to +85 °C -62 °C to +85 °C
(-80 °F to +185 °F) (-80 °F to +185 °F)
Pollution Degree 2, Indoor use only 2, Indoor use only

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Appendix D: Probe Basics

Probe Compensation
You should compensate a probe to an oscilloscope input whenever you
attach a probe for the first time to any input channel. (See page 3, Probe
Compensation.)
When compensating the P3010, only adjust the trimmer marked L.

TekProbe Interface
Probes with the TekProbe interface automatically communicate with the
oscilloscope to set the probe type and attenuation factor. If you use a
probe without the TekProbe interface, you can set these parameters in
the Vertical menu for the channel that the probe is connected to.

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 Appendix D: Probe Basics

Probe Guard
A guard around the probe body provides a finger barrier for protection
from electric shock.

Guard

WARNING. To avoid electric shock when using the probe, keep fingers
behind the guard on the probe body.

To avoid electric shock when using the probe, do not touch metallic
portions of the probe head while connected to a voltage source.

Ground Leads
Always use a ground lead when you probe a circuit to minimize noise
pickup and signal aberrations. Connecting the ground lead to a point
near the signal source usually provides the best results.
Long ground leads can cause false ringing and aberrations in the
acquired waveform that are not in the actual signal. To see the best
signal fidelity, use the shortest possible ground lead.

Short ground lead Long ground lead

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Appendix D: Probe Basics

P3010 High-Frequency Compensation

The P3010 high-frequency compensation should seldom require
adjustment. However, your probe may require high-frequency
adjustment if either of the following are true:
The probe has high-frequency aberrations
The probe does not perform at the rated bandwidth
To perform the high-frequency compensation adjustment, you will need
a signal source that has all of the following characteristics:
Square-wave output at 1 MHz
Fast rise output with rise time less than 1 ns
Output properly terminated

Connect the P3010 to the signal source to display a 1 MHz test signal
on your oscilloscope. Use the BNC-to-probe tip adapter (013-0277-00)
to make the connection. The oscilloscope should display a waveform
similar to the one shown next.

Adjust trimmer H until the waveform is flat on top and has a square
leading edge.

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 Appendix D: Probe Basics

P3010 Replaceable Parts and Accessories

Standard Accessories

Optional Accessories

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 177

Appendix D: Probe Basics

Index Description Part

1 Retractable hook tip 013-0107-08
2 Probe tip 131-4997-01
3 Ground lead, 6 in 196-3120-01
4 Marker set (five colors, two each) 016-0633-00
5 Adjustment tool 003-1433-01
6 BNC-to-probe tip adapter 013-0277-00
7 Ground lead, 28 in 196-3120-21
8 Ground lead, 12 in 196-3121-01
9 IC test tip, package of 10 015-0201-07

P6139A Replaceable Parts and Accessories

Standard Accessories

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 Appendix D: Probe Basics

Optional Accessories

Index Description Part

1 Compensation box assembly 206-0440-04
2 BNC connector 131-3219-03
3 Cable cover nipple 200-3018-00
4 Cable assembly 174-0978-02
5 Ground collar 343-1003-02
6 Ground lead, 6 in 196-3113-04
7 Ground lead, 2.3 in 195-4240-00
8 Marker set (five colors, two each) 016-0633-00
9 IC Klipchip grabber 206-0569-00
10 Adjustment tool 003-1433-02
11 Ground lead with clip, 6 in 196-3305-01
12 Probe tip assembly 206-0441-00
13 Probe tip cover 204-1049-00
14 Retractable hook tip 013-0107-08
Optional accessories
15 Ground lead, 3 in 196-3113-04
16 Probe to connector pin adapter 015-0325-01
17 50 Ω BNC-to-probe tip termination and adapter 013-0227-00
18 Ground contact kit (two each of five lengths) with cover shell 016-1077-00
19 Grounding probe tip 013-0085-00
20 Adapter to use with the grounding probe tip, or with the 013-0202-04
probe to connector pin adapter

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 179

Appendix D: Probe Basics

Using Other Probes

Optional probes can add capabilities to your oscilloscope that are useful
in many applications. You can use the following passive probes without
any limitations.

Passive probe Recommended usage

P5100 High-voltage probe, 2500 Vpk CAT II, 250 MHz, 100X
P6015A High-voltage probe, 20 kV DC, 75 MHz, 1000X
P6021 Current probe, 15 A, 120 Hz to 60 MHz
P6022 Current probe, 6 A, 935 Hz to 120 MHz
P6158 Low capacitance probe, 3 GHz, 20X (50 Ω)

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 Appendix D: Probe Basics

Supported Active Probes and Adapters

The oscilloscope supplies power to active probes. You can use the
following active probes as long as the total power required by the probes
does not exceed the capacity of the oscilloscope. To determine the total
probe load, add the load factors for all probes you want to use. The
oscilloscope can supply power to this combination if the sum of the load
factors equals 10 or less. All passive probes have a load factor of zero.

Active probe Recommended usage Load factor

P6205 FET probe, 750 MHz, 10X 0
P6243 SMT probe, 1 GHz, 10X 0
P5205 High-voltage differential probe, 1300 V, 6
100 MHz, 50X or 500X
P5210 High-voltage differential probe, 5600 V, 6
50 MHz, 100X or 1000X
ADA400A Differential preamplifier, 10 μV 5
sensitivity, DC to 10 kHz
AMT75 Telecom 75 Ω adapter 0
TCP202 Current probe, 15 A, DC to 50 MHz 4
013-0278-01 Video display clamp 5

CAUTION. To avoid a measurement error, do not connect active probes

with a combined load factor that is greater than 10. The signal distortion
caused by such an overload can be subtle (reduced gain, dynamic range,
or slew rate).

Unsupported Probes
The TDS3000C oscilloscopes only support the probes listed in this
chapter of the manual. The oscilloscope may not display a message
when you connect an unsupported probe, so make sure that any probe
you connect to the TDS3000C is supported.

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Appendix D: Probe Basics

182 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Appendix E: General Care and Cleaning
General Care
Protect the oscilloscope from adverse weather conditions. The
oscilloscope is not water resistant.
Do not store or leave the oscilloscope where the LCD display will be
exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope, do not expose it to sprays,

liquids, or solvents.

Cleaning
Inspect the oscilloscope as often as operating conditions require. To
clean the oscilloscope exterior, follow these steps:
1. Remove loose dust on the outside of the oscilloscope with a
lint-free cloth. Use care to avoid scratching the glass display filter.
2. Use a soft cloth or paper towel dampened with water to clean the
oscilloscope. You can use a 75% isopropyl alcohol solution for
more efficient cleaning.

CAUTION. To avoid damage to the surface of the oscilloscope, do not use

any abrasive or chemical cleaning agents.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 183

Appendix E: General Care and Cleaning

184 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Appendix F: Ethernet Setup
This appendix describes how to set up the TDS3000C Series oscilloscope
for network hard copy printing, and remote programmability or access.
The TDS3000C requires a straight-through 10BaseT cable with an
RJ-45 connector to connect to a LAN, or a crossover cable to connect to
a PC equipped with an Ethernet card.
To connect to the oscilloscope through the Ethernet port, follow these
steps:
1. Power off the oscilloscope.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the oscilloscope.
3. Power on the oscilloscope.

Your Ethernet Network Information

To connect the oscilloscope to the network, you must first obtain
information from your network administrator. For your convenience,
use the form at the end of this appendix.
Make two photocopies of the form and send them to your network
administrator to fill in. If you require remote access to the oscilloscope
for programming or e*Scope access, then have the network
administrator fill in section 1. If you require your oscilloscope to
print screen hard copies to a network printer, then have the network
administrator fill in sections 1 and 2. The administrator can then return
one copy to you and keep the other copy.

NOTE. If the DHCP/BOOTP server assigns a dynamic IP address, then the

value in the Instrument IP Address field may be different each time you
power on the oscilloscope. This is not a problem if you are mostly sending
hard copy to a network printer.
However, if you intend to remotely control or access the oscilloscope, have
the system administrator assign a static IP address so that the oscilloscope
IP address does not change. A static IP address makes it easier for remote
devices to access a specific oscilloscope.

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Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Entering the Ethernet Network Settings

The procedure for entering the oscilloscope Ethernet network
parameters depends on your network configuration.

Networks That Support DHCP and BOOTP

If your network supports DHCP/BOOTP, follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility front panel button.
2. Push the System menu button to select I/O.
3. Push the Ethernet Network Settings screen button.
4. Push the DHCP/BOOTP side button to select On. The screen
displays the clock icon while it is talking with the network to obtain
an IP address for the oscilloscope. This step should only take a few
moments, but the actual time will vary depending on your network.
The clock icon disappears when the task is finished.
5. To verify that the network assigned an IP address to the
oscilloscope, push the Change Instrument Settings side button
to display the oscilloscope ethernet settings. The oscilloscope IP
address field should now be filled in.

NOTE. If the oscilloscope IP address field is blank, then the oscilloscope

was not able to obtain an IP address from the network. Contact your
network administrator for help, or use the next procedure to manually enter
the Ethernet settings.

Networks That Do Not Support DHCP and BOOTP

If your network does not support DHCP or BOOTP protocols, you will
need to manually enter the oscilloscope network settings. To enter
the Ethernet network settings information from section 1 of the form,
follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility front panel button.
2. Push the System bottom button to select I/O.
3. Push the Ethernet Network Settings bottom button.

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 Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

4. Push the Change Instrument Settings side button. The

oscilloscope displays the Instrument Setup screen.
5. Use the Instrument Setup screen menu items and controls to enter
the network settings information from section 1 of the form. (See
page 190, The Instrument Setup Screen.)
6. When you are done entering the Ethernet network settings, push the
OK Accept side button to store the settings in your oscilloscope.
7. If the form shows that DHCP or BOOTP are supported on your
network, push the DCHP/BOOTP side button to select On.

Entering the Network Printer Settings

To enter the Ethernet printer settings information from section 2 of the
form into your oscilloscope, follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility front panel button.
2. Push the System bottom button to select I/O.
3. Push the Ethernet Printer Settings bottom button. The
oscilloscope displays the Printer Configuration screen, which lists
all network printers loaded into the oscilloscope.
4. Push the Add Printer side button. The oscilloscope displays the
Add Printer screen.
5. Use the Add Printer screen menu items and controls to enter the
network printer information from section 2 of the form. (See
page 192, The Add Printer Screen.)

NOTE. If you have set the domain name and DNS IP address in the Ethernet
Network Settings menu, then all you need to enter is the network printer's
server name or the printer's server IP address in the Add Printer screen.
The DNS server will look up the missing information.

6. When you are done entering the Ethernet printer settings, push the
OK Accept side button to store the settings in your oscilloscope.
The oscilloscope returns you to the Printer Configuration screen,
which lists the printer information you just entered. You can enter
and store multiple network printer parameters.

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Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Testing Your Ethernet Connection

You must already have entered the oscilloscope Ethernet network
and printer settings before you test the Ethernet connection, network
printing, and the e*Scope feature.

Testing the Oscilloscope Connection

To test your oscilloscope's Ethernet connection, follow these steps:
1. Push the Utility front panel button.
2. Push the System bottom button to select I/O.
3. Push the Ethernet Network Settings bottom button to display the
Network Configuration side menu.
4. Push the Test Connection side button. If the connection is good,
the side menu displays OK. If you do not see OK, refer to the
troubleshooting suggestions. (See page 189, Troubleshooting Your
Ethernet Connection.)

Testing Network Printing

To test sending screen hard copy images to an Ethernet network printer,
follow these steps:
1. On the oscilloscope, push Utility > System : I/O > Ethernet
Printer Settings.
2. Select a network printer from the list.
3. Push the System bottom button to select Hardcopy.
4. Push the appropriate bottom and side menu buttons to select the
correct settings for your network printer.
5. Push Menu Off to clear the screen.
6. Push the Hard Copy button. The oscilloscope sends a hard copy
screen image to the selected network printer. If the printer does
not print the oscilloscope screen, refer to the troubleshooting
suggestions. (See page 189, Troubleshooting Your Ethernet
Connection.)

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 Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Testing e*Scope
To use the e*Scope feature to test your oscilloscope's Ethernet
connection, follow these steps:
1. On a PC or work station, open your preferred browser program.
2. In the Location or Address field (where you normally enter a URL),
type in the IP address of the TDS3000C Series oscilloscope to
which you want to connect. For example, http://188.121.212.107.
Do not precede the IP address with any characters (such as www).
3. Push the Return key. The browser program loads the oscilloscope's
e*Scope home page. If the e*Scope home page does not
display, refer to the troubleshooting suggestions. (See page 189,
Troubleshooting Your Ethernet Connection.)

Troubleshooting Your Ethernet Connection

If you are not able to remotely access the oscilloscope using e*Scope
or programming commands, work with your system administrator to
verify that:
Your oscilloscope is physically connected to the network.
Your oscilloscope network settings are correct.
Your system administrator can "ping" the oscilloscope to verify that
the oscilloscope is electronically connected to the network.
If you are not able to send a hard copy to a network printer, work with
your system administrator to verify that:
You have set the oscilloscope to send hard copy output to the
Ethernet port.
You have set the hard copy file format to the correct format for
your network printer.
You have selected the correct printer in the Printer Configuration
screen.
The selected network printer is connected to the network and is
online.
The selected network printer server is running.

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 189

Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

The Instrument Setup Screen

The next figure shows the Instrument Setup screen. The text that
follows describes the screen menu items and controls for entering
Ethernet network settings.

HTTP Port
The HTTP Port field sets the network http socket value for the
oscilloscope. This field lets you set up the oscilloscope as an e*Scope
web server on a port other than the default port 80. This is useful for
avoiding conflicts with existing web servers that use the same IP address
through a router. The default value is 80.
Instrument Setup
Control Description
General purpose knob Selects (highlights) an alphanumeric character
in the list.
Enter Character Adds the selected alphanumeric character to
the current network parameter field. You can
also use the front panel Select button. The list
of available characters changes depending on
which field is selected.
← and → Moves the cursor left or right in the current field.

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 Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Instrument Setup
Control Description
Back Space Erases the character to the left of the cursor.
Delete Erases the character at the cursor position.
Clear Clears (erases) the current field.
↑ and ↓ Selects a field to edit.
OK Accept Closes the Instrument Setup screen and
applies the network settings.
Menu Off Closes the Instrument Setup screen and
returns you to the previous screen without
applying changes.

The Printer Configuration Screen

The next figure shows the Printer Configuration screen.

To select a network printer to which to send hard copy, use the general
purpose knob to select (highlight) a printer. The oscilloscope uses the
selected printer until you select a different printer.
To add a new printer, push the Add Printer side button. The
oscilloscope displays the Add Printer screen. (See page 192.)

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Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

To rename an existing printer, select a printer and push the Rename

Printer side button.
To delete a printer, select a printer and push the Delete Printer side
button. If the Confirm Delete button is On, the oscilloscope asks you
for confirmation before deleting the printer.

The Add Printer Screen

The next figure shows the Add Printer screen. The text that follows
describes the screen menu items and controls for entering printer
configuration settings.

Add Printer Control Description

General purpose knob Selects (highlights) an alphanumeric character
in the list.
Enter Character Adds the selected alphanumeric character to
the current printer setting field. You can also
use the front panel Select button. The list of
available characters changes depending on
which field is selected.

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 Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Add Printer Control Description

← and → Moves the cursor left or right in the current field.
Back Space Erases the character to the left of the cursor.
Delete Erases the character at the cursor position.
Clear Clears (erases) the current field.
↑ and ↓ Selects a field to edit.
OK Accept Closes the Add Printer screen and applies the
printer settings. You can use the new printer
immediately.
Menu Off Closes the Add Printer screen and returns
you to the previous screen without applying
changes.

Other Network Printer Settings

To verify that your oscilloscope is set to print to a network printer,
follow these steps:
1. Select a network printer in the Ethernet printer list. You select a
printer by using the general purpose knob to highlight a printer
name in the list.
2. Push the Menu Off button to exit from the System I/O menus.
3. Push Utility > System to select Hard Copy.
4. Push the Format bottom button and select the side button that is
correct for your network printer.
5. Push the Port bottom button and select the Ethernet side button.
6. Set Inksaver to ON to print the oscilloscope screen as a black on
white background image.
7. Push the Menu Off button to exit from the System Hard Copy
menus.

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Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Testing Network Printers

To test that your oscilloscope is set to print to a network printer, push
the Hard copy button. The printer should print the current screen to the
selected network printer. If the printer does not print the screen, refer
to the troubleshooting suggestions. (See page 189, Troubleshooting
Your Ethernet Connection.)

Ethernet Error Messages

The following error messages can occur when you are having network
problems. Read the text that follows to help rectify the problem.

Print Server Not Responding. This notifier displays when the oscilloscope
attempts to send data to the selected network printer but the network
refuses the connection to the network printer. This usually means that
the network printer server is offline or the print server IP address is
incorrect.
If DNS is available then you can verify the network print server data
by entering the printer name and either (but not both) the print server
name or the IP address. The DNS protocol will fill in the missing data if
the user-supplied data is correct.
If DNS is not available, then contact your network administrator for
help.

Printer Not Responding. This notifier displays when the oscilloscope

attempts to send data to the selected network printer but the print server
is unable to forward the data to the network printer. This usually means
that the network printer is offline or the printer name is incorrect.
Contact your network administrator to obtain the correct printer queue
name.

DNS Server Not Responding. This notifier displays when either the
Domain information (Domain name or IP address) is not correct, or
the print server name or printer server IP address is not validated (via
the Domain Name Server).

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 Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

Ethernet Settings Form

TDS3000C Ethernet Setup Form for: ______________________________________
TDS3000C Ethernet Hardware address _____ : _____ :_____ :_____ :_____ :
(Copy this address from the Utility > System: I/O > Ethernet Network Settings >
Change Instrument Setup screen before sending this form to the network administrator.)
Type of IP address requested: Dynamic (DHCP/BOOTP) - □ Static -□
(Refer to the beginning of this appendix for information on dynamic and static IP
addresses. (See page 185, Ethernet Setup.))
1 IP address settings (from network admin.):
Instrument Name: ____________________________________________
Instrument (IP) Address: ______.______.______.______
Domain Name: ___________________
DNS IP Address: ______.______.______.______
Gateway IP Address: ______.______.______.______
Subnet mask: ______.______.______.______
HTTP Port: ___________________
(Enter these values on the Utility > I/O > Ethernet Network Settings > Change
Instrument Settings screen.) (See page 185, Ethernet Setup.)
2 Network Administrator: Please provide network information about the
following printer:
Printer Location: _____________________________________________
Printer Make: ___________________
Model: ___________________
(User: fill in above printer information before sending form)
Printer Network Name: ___________________
Printer Server Name: ___________________
Print Server IP Address: ______.______.______.______
(Enter the above information on the Utility > I/O > Ethernet Printer Settings >
Add Printer screen.)

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Appendix F: Ethernet Setup

196 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

Index
A application modules,
acquisition, descriptions, 170
menu, 62 installing, 15
modes, 64 application packages,
overview, 5 descriptions, 170
rate, 67 installing, 15
resolution, 67 area measurement, 102
single shot, 51, 60 Autoset, 60
status, 59 button, 22
stopped, 59 undo, 61
waiting for trigger, 59 averaging, 64
active cursor, 72
adjusting probes, 3 B
advanced analysis application
B Trig button, 22
module, 170
B trigger,
alternating trigger, 119
how to use, 113
amplitude measurement, 102
backlight,
application examples, 31
intensity, 75
autoset, 32
time out, 138
averaging, 40
bandwidth selection, 145
cursors, 41
battery,
custom measurements, 35
charging, 14, 171
delay, 42
installation, 12
detecting distortion, 45
power, 10
FFT measurements, 45
safety, 11
gray scale, 50
burst width measurement, 101
identifying the source of
noise, 46
measurements, 32, 34 C
measuring jitter, 44 calibration, 4, 142
peak detect, 39 channel button, 22
saving to a USB flash drive, 54 cleaning, 183
single shot signal, 51 clear spool, 80
video, 47 Coarse button, 21
zoom, 53 how to use, 72

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Index

color, detecting distortion,

display, 76 application example, 45
printing, 79 diagnostics, 143
communication module, digital phosphor, 61
description, 170 display,
installing, 15 colors, 76
compressing hard copy files, 79 identifying items in, 24
constellation diagram, 77 menu, 75
cursors, overview, 6
application example, 41 persistence, 76
gating, 37, 99 roll mode, 87
interactions, 100 slow horiz. settings, 86
locating, 72, 74
measurements when cursors at
same position, 73
E
measurements, 41 e*Scope, 149
readouts, 72 edge trigger, 118
tracking mode, 73 envelope, 64
V Bars and FFT error log, 143
measurements, 73 Ethernet setup, 185
XY cursor menu, 73 extended video application
YT cursor menu, 70 module, 170
cycle area measurement, 102 external trigger, 119
cycle mean measurement, 102
cycle RMS measurement, 102 F
factory calibration, 142
D factory setup,
date setting, 4 detailed description, 165
date/time, fall time measurement, 101
how to use, 138 fast trigger, 67
Delay button, 22, 83 FFT measurements,
delay measurement, 101 detecting distortion application
delay, example, 45
example application, 42 identifying the source of noise
how to use, 83 application example, 46
interactions, 83, 87 file compression, hard copy, 79
deskew, probe, 146

198 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

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file system, horizontal zoom,

application example, 54 application example, 53
extensions, 111 how to use, 84
formatting a USB flash interactions, 86
drive, 110 maximum, 86
how to use, 107 horizontal,
protections, 110 expansion marker, 82
waveform data formats, 105 Position knob, 22
firmware update, position, 81
internet, xxi resolution, 67
Force Trig button, 22, 113 Scale knob, 22
frequency measurement, 101 scale, 84
front panel, ZOOM button, 22
connectors, 28
controls, 19
functional check, 2
I
I/O ports, 140
initial setup, 1
G ink saver, 79
gated xyz, 77
General Purpose knob, 21
GPIB, 141
L
communication module, 170 language,
gray scale, how to select, 137
application example, 50 limit test application module, 170
controlling, 61 logic trigger, 124, 126
losing information, 86 low measurement, 102
measurements, 73
restrictions, 89, 148 M
.gz file format, 79 magnify, See zoom
Math button, 22
H math waveform, 88
Hard Copy button, 23 math,
hard copy file compression, 79 preview, 89
hard copy, See printing source waveform screen
high measurement, 102 position, 89
holdoff, 120 max measurement, 102
horizontal preview, mean measurement, 102
application example, 52 measurement,
interactions, 86 overview, 7

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Index

measurements, power off timeout, 138

automatic, 101 power,
cursor, 41 AC line, 10
gating, 37, 99 battery, 10
interactions, 98 probe, 181
menu, 97 switch, 23
reference levels, 36 pretrigger, 81
V Bars and FFT, 73 preview,
Menu Off button, 23 application example, 52
menus, horizontal, 86
how to use, 17 vertical, 146
min measurement, 102 printing,
color, 79
connections, 78
N date/time stamp, 80
negative measurement, error message, 80
duty cycle, 101 hard copy file compression, 79
overshoot, 101 ink saver, 79
width, 101 preview, 79
noise source and identifying, printer compatibility, 79
application example, 46 spooler, 80
probe deskew, 146
O probes,
Off button, 22 compensating, 3
general information, 173
power limitations, 181
P safety information, 175
pattern trigger, 124 product description,
peak detect, 64 models, 5
peak-to-peak measurement, 101 overview, 5
period measurement, 101 probes, 180
persistence, 76 pulse width trigger, 128
phase measurement, 101
positions for operation, 9
positive duty cycle Q
measurement, 101 QuickMenu, 26
positive overshoot how to use, 103
measurement, 101 identifying menu items, 26
positive width measurement, 101

200 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Index

R Set To 50% button, 22, 112

readouts, signal path compensation, 4, 142
cursors, 72 signal processing,
rear panel, overview, 6
connectors, 29 signal threshold concepts, 121
record length, 67 Single Seq button, 22, 60
Ref button, 22 single shot, 60
reference, application example, 51
scale and position, 89, 148 slew rate trigger, 133
waveforms, 147 slow roll mode, 86
remote control, e*Scope, 149 snapshot all measurements, 102
removing waveforms, 144 SPC, 4, 142
rise time measurement, 101 specifications, 153
RMS measurement, 102 state trigger, 126
roll mode, 87 status,
RS-232, acquisition, 59
communication module, 170 trigger, 117
troubleshooting, 141 stopped acquisition, 59
Run/Stop button, 22, 59
runt pulse trigger, 130 T
TDS3BATC, 11
S TekProbe interface, 146, 174
safety for battery operation, 11 TekSecure,
sample, 64 how to use, 139
save/recall, telecom mask test application
menu, 104 module, 170
setups, 104 threshold voltage concepts, 121
waveforms to file, 105 time base,
waveforms to ref memory, 106 controlling, 84
waveforms, 147 fast settings, 87
saved waveforms, time out, 138
naming, 108 time setting, 4
printing, 110 trigger concepts,
Select button, 21, 72 threshold voltage, 121
self test, 143

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Index

trigger, V
alternating, 119 vertical,
auto, 119 channel button, 22
edge, 118 Math button, 22
external, 119 menu, 88, 145, 147
holdoff, 120 offset, 146
Level knob, 22 Position knob, 21
level, 112 position, 144
logic, 124, 126 preview, 146
menu, 112 Ref button, 22
normal, 119 Scale knob, 22
overview, 7 scale, 144
pattern, 124 video modulation,
position marker, 81 application example, 50
pulse width, 128 video trigger, 135
runt pulse, 130 application example, 47
slew rate, 133 sync pulse, 136
state, 126
status, 117
video, 135 W
XY waveforms, 76 WaveAlert, 68
Waveform Intensity knob, 22, 61
waveform off, 144
U button, 22
undo autoset, 61 waveforms,
USB flash drive, file formats, 111
application example, 54 record icon, 24
how to use, 107 saving to file, 105
port, 23 saving to reference memory, 105
utility menus, 137 web-based remote control, 149
wrist strap ground, 23

X
XY waveform,
controlling, 76
gated xyz, 77
restrictions, 76
triggering, 76
XY, XYZ cursors, 73

202 TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual

 Index

Y Z
YT cursors, 70 zoom,
application example, 53
how to use, 84
interactions, 86
maximum, 86

TDS3000C Series Oscilloscopes User Manual 203