Tektronix TDS540B 500MHz Digitizing Oscilloscope

The Tektronix TDS540B is a 500 MHz digitizing oscilloscope built on a multi-processor architecture for demanding signal analysis across digital design, R&D, and telecommunications applications. Four full-featured vertical channels deliver simultaneous acquisition at 1 GS/s per channel, with single-channel sampling to 2 GS/s. The 8-bit vertical resolution extends to 12 bits in Hi-Res Acquisition Mode, supporting vertical sensitivity from 1 mV/div to 10 V/div at 1% accuracy. Acquisition modes include real-time and equivalent-time sampling, Peak Detect for glitch capture, and selectable averaging up to 10,000 waveforms. Record length reaches 50,000 points per channel, expandable to 500,000 points with Option 1M. Advanced trigger types span Edge, Logic, Glitch, Pulse Width, Runt, Pattern, State, Slew Rate, Setup/Hold Violation, Time-Out, and TV triggers, with time delays from 4 ns to 250 s and event delays to 9,999,999. The color display supports gray scaling through 16 intensity levels and variable persistence modes at 200 waveforms/sec update rate. Waveform math includes FFT, Integration, and Differentiation with Option 2F. Input impedance selects between 1 MΩ parallel with 10 pF or 50 Ω, accepting ±400 V maximum (DC + peak AC, derated at 20 dB/decade above 1 MHz). AC, DC, or GND coupling options are available. Full GPIB programmability (IEEE Std 488.1-1987) enables remote control and data transfer. Optional interfaces include RS-232/Centronics hard copy ports (Option 13) and floppy disk drive (Option 1F).

– Technical Specifications

• Bandwidth: 500 MHz
• Rise Time: 700 ps
• Channels: 4 (full-featured vertical)
• Maximum Sample Rate: 2 GS/s (single channel); 1 GS/s per channel (simultaneous)
• Record Length: 50,000 points per channel; 500,000 points with Option 1M
• Vertical Resolution: 8 bits (12 bits in Hi-Res Mode)
• Vertical Sensitivity: 1 mV/div to 10 V/div
• Vertical Accuracy: 1%
• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ || 10 pF or 50 Ω (selectable)
• Input Coupling: AC, DC, GND
• Maximum Input Voltage: ±400 V (DC + peak AC); derate 20 dB/decade above 1 MHz

– Key Features

• Acquisition Modes: Real-time sampling, equivalent-time sampling, interpolation, Hi-Res Mode, Peak Detect Mode, averaging (2 to 10,000 waveforms)
• Display: Color with gray scaling (16 intensity levels)
• Persistence: Infinite and variable modes
• Update Rate: 200 waveforms/sec
• Zoom, expand, compress, and position waveforms
• Trigger Types: Edge, Logic, Glitch, Pulse Width, 1-ns Glitch, Runt, Pattern, State, Slew Rate, Setup/Hold Violation, Time-Out, TV
• Trigger Delay: 4 ns to 250 s (time); 2 to 9,999,999 events
• Trigger Modes: Auto, Normal, Single
• Waveform Math: FFT, Integration, Differentiation (Option 2F)

– Typical Applications

• Digital design and component characterization
• High-speed signal analysis and troubleshooting
• Research and development
• Electromechanical design validation
• Telecommunications system development

– Compatibility & Integration

• GPIB Interface: Full programmability per IEEE Std 488.1-1987
• Hard Copy Output: Desktop-publishing formats
• Optional RS-232/Centronics hard copy ports (Option 13)
• Optional floppy disk drive (Option 1F)