Tektronix TDS540C 500MHz Digitizing Oscilloscope

The Tektronix TDS540C is a 500 MHz digitizing oscilloscope built for signal analysis across design, debug, and R&D workflows. With four full-featured vertical channels, real-time sampling up to 2 GS/s (single channel), and equivalent-time acquisition reaching 100 GS/s, it captures fast transients and rare events reliably. The InstaVu™ acquisition system delivers up to 400,000 waveforms per second, reducing debug cycles by enabling instantaneous visibility of signal behavior. Peak Detect mode resolves 1 ns glitches. Eight-bit vertical resolution extends to over 11 bits with averaging and over 13 bits in Hi-Res mode, supporting precision measurements in low-amplitude signals.

– Technical Specifications

• Bandwidth: DC to 500 MHz
• Channels: 4 full-featured vertical channels
• Real-Time Sample Rate: 2 GS/s (1 ch), 1 GS/s (2 ch), 500 MS/s (3–4 ch)
• Equivalent-Time Sample Rate: Up to 100 GS/s
• Record Length: 50 K points/channel standard; optional 500 K points (single channel) or 8 M points (with Option 2M)
• Vertical Sensitivity: 1 mV/div to 10 V/div (1 mV/div to 1 V/div in 50 Ω mode)
• Vertical Resolution: 8 bits; >11 bits averaged; >13 bits Hi-Res
• DC Gain Accuracy: ±1%
• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ || 10 pF; 50 Ω (AC/DC coupling)
• Maximum Input Voltage: ±400 V peak (300 V CAT II)
• Time Base: 500 ps/div to 10 s/div; ±25 ppm accuracy (≥1 ms intervals)
• Peak Detect Resolution: 1 ns
• Waveform Capture Rate: Up to 400,000 wfm/s (InstaVu™)
• Display: 7-inch monochrome VGA (640 × 480); 150 wv/sec update rate

– Key Features

• Eight acquisition modes: InstaVu™, Peak Detect, Sample, Single-Sequence, Envelope, Average, HiRes, FastFrame™
• Edge, logic (pattern/state/setup-hold), and pulse triggering (glitch, runt, width, slew rate, timeout); 2 ns minimum glitch trigger
• 29 automatic measurements with statistics (min, max, mean, standard deviation)
• Cursor measurements: absolute and delta (volts, time, frequency)
• Optional advanced waveform functions: FFT, integration, differentiation
• Display modes: Dot, Persistence, Vector

– Typical Applications

• High-speed digital and mixed-signal circuit characterization
• Capture of transient and anomalous events in production and field testing
• Precision analog measurements requiring extended vertical resolution

– Compatibility & Integration

• GPIB (IEEE Std 488.1-1987)
• VGA output
• Optional hardcopy ports: GPIB, RS-232, Centronics