Tektronix TDS420A 200MHz Oscilloscope

The Tektronix TDS420A is a 200 MHz, 4-channel digitizing oscilloscope engineered for signal measurement, analysis, and troubleshooting across diverse applications. It delivers 100 MS/s simultaneous sampling per channel with configurable record lengths up to 120,000 points, 8-bit vertical resolution expandable to 12-bit in Hi-Res mode, and vertical sensitivity from 1 mV/div to 10 V/div. The instrument supports video trigger modes (NTSC, PAL, SECAM) for video signal analysis and includes peak detect capability for glitch capture at 10 ns resolution.

– Technical Specifications

Bandwidth & Sampling
• 200 MHz bandwidth (150 MHz at 2 mV/div, 95 MHz at 1 mV/div)
• 100 MS/s per channel simultaneous sampling
• 30,000-point standard record length; optional 120,000-point memory

Vertical System
• 4 channels, 8-bit resolution (12-bit in Hi-Res mode)
• 1 mV/div to 10 V/div sensitivity with ±1.5% DC gain accuracy
• ±5 division position range; offset to ±100 V
• 1 MΩ // 15 pF or 50 Ω input impedance
• AC/DC/GND coupling

Time Base & Triggering
• 1 ns/div to 20 s/div timebase range with main and delayed modes
• Auto, Normal, and Single Sequence trigger modes
• Video trigger for NTSC, PAL, SECAM with 0.6 division sync sensitivity
• Delayed trigger by time (0 ns to 20 s) or events (2 to 10,000,000)
• External clock/auxiliary trigger input

Acquisition & Analysis
• Peak Detect, Hi-Res, Envelope, Average, and Roll modes
• 25 automatic measurements
• Waveform math (invert, add, subtract, multiply); optional FFT and extended math
• Pass/Fail template waveform testing

Display & Interfaces
• 640×480 resolution, 5″ × 3.8″ display with 16 intensity levels
• RS-232, GPIB (IEEE 488.2), VGA output
• Optional Centronics parallel printer interface
• 3.5-inch DOS floppy disk storage

Power & Physical
• 90–250 VAC supply, ≤240 W consumption
• 471 × 381 × 191 mm; 8.6 kg

– Key Features

• Simultaneous 4-channel acquisition eliminates channel crosstalk
• Selectable 20 MHz bandwidth limit for noise reduction
• Calibrated fine vertical adjustment and position control
• Configurable record length for extended waveform capture
• Multi-standard video trigger support

– Typical Applications

Troubleshooting, production testing, design validation, electro-mechanical research, power electronics analysis, bio-physical measurement, and digital/analog circuit design.

– Compatibility & Integration

Supports P6138A standard probes, ADA400A analog differential amplifier, and P5200/P5205/P5210 high-voltage differential probes. GPIB and RS-232 interfaces enable remote control and data transfer for integration into automated test systems.