Sixclear and Tektronix jointly develop LabVIEW oscilloscope video tutorials

Sixclear (www.sixclear.com), an Austin-based LabVIEW training and development firm, has collaborated with Tektronix (www.tek.com) to develop a video tutorial for programming Tektronix DPO/MSO/MDO 2000 or 4000 Series oscilloscopes in LabVIEW.

Released in 2011, the new MDO4000 Mixed Domain Oscilloscope Series features an integrated RF Spectrum Analyzer and is commonly utilized as a standalone test device that can be externally controlled by a computer running its programming environment.

“For 25 years, LabVIEW has been programmatically controlling test equipment like Tek’s new MDO4000 Series scope,” said Brian Spears, head of Sixclear’s video instruction.

“Quite commonly, we see LabVIEW automating an entire suite of devices at once, and when the new piece of equipment comes in, someone has to learn how to program and integrate it with the rest of the application.”

Although new users were informed that the oscilloscopes can be programmed easily with LabVIEW, the customers remain hesitant, noted Luke Graham, Consulting Account Manager at Tektronix.

“Having a video tutorial walk the user through the scope setup process and into programming some simple code is invaluable.”

Spears explained that the set of four tutorials walks a user first “through installation of the driver, explores the driver structure, looks over example programs, explains how the scope is recognized and configured with the NI-VISA driver.

Then it shows the users “how to configure and acquire single and multiple channels, demonstrates how to save waveforms and set up triggering, and finally how to acquire off the digital logic channels and the RF channel.”

The high-resolution video tutorial can be accessed for free at sixclear.com/tek.

Tektronix TDS1001B digital oscilloscope

Tektronix (www.tek.com) has announced that its TDS1001B digital storage oscilloscope seamlessly combines ease of use with performance. Featuring 40 MHz bandwidth, the TDS1001B offers a maximum sampling rate of 500 MS/s and a record length of up to 2.5 k points.

Its advanced triggers include Pulse Width Trigger as well as Line-selectable Video Trigger, while its math functions include Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), add, subtract, divide and multiply. These functions allows users to easily analyze, troubleshoot and characterize circuits, making the oscilloscope ideal for use in applications in various fields such as education and training; design and debug; service and repair as well as in manufacturing test and quality control.

The oscilloscope’s simple user interface features classic analog-style controls, enabling users to increase efficiency while reducing learning time. It is also designed with innovative features such as Probe Check Wizard, Context-sensitive Help Menu and Autoset Menu, which help optimise instrument operation and setup.

For convenient and easy transfer of data, the TDS1001B digital storage oscilloscope is fitted with USB host and device ports that allow removable data storage, direct printing and seamless PV connectivity.

In addition, its integrated OpenChoice PC Communications Software enables users to easily save, capture and analyze measurement results by simply pulling waveform data and screen images directly into Microsoft Excel and Word or into the stand-alone desktop application. To complement the software, National Instruments SignalExpress Tektronix Edition Software offered users with extended capabilities, such as live waveform analysis, remote oscilloscope control and advanced analysis.

Meanwhile, images can be directly printed to any PictBridge-compatible printer via the oscilloscope’s USB device port.

Tektronix MDO4054-6 oscilloscope

Tektronix (www.tek.com) has unveiled one of the world’s first oscilloscopes that feature an integrated spectrum analyzer. Offering 500 MHz, the MDO4054-6 oscilloscope delivers a maximum real-time sampling rate of between 2.5 GS/s and five GS/s and a record length of 20 Mpts.

With 16 digital channels, four analog channels and one RF channels, the oscilloscope can easily capture time correlated digital, analog and RF signals. The oscilloscope also allows users to view both the frequency and time domain at a single glance. In addition, RF spectrum can be viewed at any time to check how it changes over time.

Based on Tektronix’s MSO4000B Oscilloscope Series, users can now use the oscilloscope to view frequency domain instead of re-learning a spectrum analyzer. However, unlike a spectrum analyzer, the MDO4054-6 does not only allow users to view the frequency domain, it also enables them to correlate frequency domain events with the time domain phenomena.

Meanwhile, the oscilloscope display is divided into two views whenever both the RF channel and any digital or analog channels are on. The display’s upper half shows the conventional oscilloscope view of the Time domain, while the lower part indicates the RF input’s frequency domain. It has to be noted that the Frequency Domain view is not the FFT of the digital or analog channels in the device, but is actually the spectrum captured from the RF input.

Tektronix enhances Automated Debug & Compliance Solution for DPO/DSA/MSO70000D Series

Oscilloscope manufacturer Tektronix (www.tek.com) has unveiled a series of extensions and enhancements to its SFF 8431 SFP+ debug and compliance offering, including the latest support for the Transmitter Waveform Distortion Penalty for Copper (TWDPc) measurement that can only be performed on fast sampling rates oscilloscope, such as the Tektronix DPO/DSA/MSO70000D Series.

The enhancements offer the most complete debug and automation solution for Ethernet-based SFF-8431 SFP+ PHY layer testing. The solution also includes a SFP-WDP option that allows automated execution and setup of significant TWDPc measurements, together with a new Module Compliance (MCB) and Host Compliance Boards (HCB), which speed test setup of connector designs utilized in high speed Ethernet as well as Fiber Channel-based systems.

“Our emphasis for SFF 8431 SFP+ testing has been to build upon a comprehensive test solution for Ethernet designers that save them time while providing the deep, accurate insight needed for validation and debug requirements,” remarked Roy Siegel, General Manager, Oscilloscopes, Tektronix.

“For example, we enhance WDP test support by automating the complex compliance test sequence to improve test time and provide extremely reliable results with the 100 GS/second DPO70000 Oscilloscope.”

The new SFP-TX comes with an integrated de-embedding feature. As SFP+ technology increases data rates, the eye closes and several components such as SMA cables have to de-embedded for optimized test results. Using .FLT files, designers can easily de-embed signals.

Tektronix unveils highest-performing handheld oscilloscope

Oscilloscope manufacturer Tektronix Inc. (www.tek.com) has expanded its portfolio with the addition of its latest handheld oscilloscope family. The THS3000 handheld oscilloscope series provide a new level of measurement accuracy and precision to technicians and engineers who need to install, debug and repair complex electronic systems in both lab and field environments.

Delivering a maximum sample rate of five GS/s and 200 MHz bandwidth, the new oscilloscopes are the highest-performing handheld oscilloscopes offered in the market.

“As electrical systems have become more complex and pervasive, there is a growing need for engineers to correlate field and lab measurements and to perform advanced debugging and analysis in the field,” noted Roy Siegel, General Manager for Oscilloscopes at Tektronix.

“As the first true high-performance handheld oscilloscope, the THS3000 Series has the technical performance for analysis of low voltage analog and digital control signals. In addition, the THS3000 Series offers isolated inputs for safely making high voltage floating or differential measurements.”

Weighing just 4.8 lbs, the lightweight THS3000 series offers four isolated channels and seven hours of battery life, making it ideal for use even in the most demanding situations. Customers can select between 100 MHz oscilloscopes with a maximum sampling rate of 2.5 GS/s and 200 MHz oscilloscopes with five GS/s sample rate.

With an intuitive user interface and 10,000 point record length per channel, the four channel oscilloscopes allow users to easily capture extensive signal information even at high sample rates to clearly view signal details.

The THS3000 offers 21 automated measurements that enable users to accurately and quickly make common measurements.

Automated DisplayPort Compliance Testing ideal in Tektronix DPO/DSA 70000 Series oscilloscope

Tektronix, Inc. (www.tek.com) has unveiled a new software and test fixture that deliver fully automated compliance testing support for the DisplayPort 1.2 CTS (Compliance Test Specification). This latest offerings are compatible with an eight GHz or higher bandwidth Tektronix DPO/DSA 70000 Series digital oscilloscope to ensure repeatable and confident test results.

Produced by Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard that is utilized to connect a video source to a display device such as a television set or computer monitor. The improvements introduced to the DisplayPort 1.2 include multiple independent video streams, doubling of the effective signaling rate to 5.4Gbit/s, increased AUX channel bandwidth, as well as support for more color spaces and for stereoscopic 3D.

“The combined complexity of DisplayPort state control combined with the vast number of configuration permutations of transmitter parameters makes testing to the CTS1.2 specification particularly time consuming and challenging for those not immersed in the specification,” remarked Mike Rizzo, Manager of Oscilloscope Solutions, Tektronix.

“The Tektronix solution provides customers a comprehensive array of conformance measurements while automating the entire process — enabling optimized use of valuable engineering staff time and equipment.”

The DisplayPort 1.2 software option allows engineers and technicians using DPO/DSA70000 Series oscilloscope to perform intervention-free, automated testing of DisplayPort 1.2 designs. Offering simple set-up as well as test execution, the DisplayPort 1.2 solution is implemented with Tektronix TekExpress Automated Compliance Test Software.

Tektronix TDS3034C Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope

Tektronix (www.tek.com) has introduced another member of its TDS3000C family that features four input channel, a maximum sampling rate of 2.5 GS/s and a record length of 10 k.

This 300 MHz oscilloscope reduces learning curve as it features simple navigation and dedicated front-panel controls, effectively providing users more time on the task at hand.

Equipped with a USB host port, the TDS3034C allows users to easily transfer and store measurement information to a PC.

Its OpenChoice PC Communication Software enables users to simply pull waveform data and screen images directly into Microsoft Word and Excel or into a standalone desktop application.

National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress Tektronix Edition Software complements OPenChoice, providing users with extended capabilities including data logging, advanced analysis, live waveform analysis and remote instrument control.

Aside from 25 automatic measurements, the TDS3034C also comes standard with waveform add, divide, subtract and multiply math functions as well as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Unlike other oscilloscopes within its class, the TDS3034C’s measurement and math functions allows users to utilize the full acquisition record length or isolate a particular occurrence within an acquisition.

Measuring only 5.9 in (149 mm) deep and weighing only seven lb (3.2 kg), this compact and portable oscilloscope is ideally suited for users who are always on the move.

Its application modules for specialized analysis includes Limit Testing Module, Advanced Analysis Module, Extended Video Module, Telecommunications Mask Testing Module and 601 Serial Digital Video Module.

Tektronix integrates coherent lightwave signal analyzer with DPO70000D series oscilloscopes

Tektronix (www.tek.com) has unveiled the first coherent test system that features 33 GHz bandwidth support, and which when tightly integrated with DPO70000D series oscilloscopes delivers accurate, confident test results.

With the rapidly growing demand for high-quality video as well as other content, and the reluctance of providers to spend billions for the deployment of new fiber to meet the bandwidth requirements of long haul networks, coherent lightwave signal analyzers play a significant role in moving higher-speed designs from laboratories to production.

“In the world of long-haul optical transmission technologies, capacity and performance is the name of game,” remarked Brian Reich, General Manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix.

“By tightly integrating the OM4106D with DPO70000D series oscilloscopes, we deliver the accurate, confident test results optical researchers and engineers need to design more capable optical systems and quickly bring them to market.”

Unlike traditional optical modulation analyzers that are designed to function with a certain range of oscilloscope models and types, the OM4106D is tightly integrated with an oscilloscope providing it the performance needed to test today’s fastest coherent lightwave systems. Featuring a new DataStore Public Interface, the DPO73304D oscilloscope offers 33 GHz bandwidth and a real-time sampling rate of up to 100 GS/s.

Aside from its industry leading performance, the new coherent lightwave signal analyzer also comes with comprehensive analysis software, which is supplemented by diverse set of results/plots and deep levels of debugging functionality to allow users to quickly determine the root cause issues of their designs.

Tektronix MDO4054-3 oscilloscope

Tektronix (www.tek.com) has introduced a four channel oscilloscope with a built-in spectrum analyzer, allowing users to capture time-correlated digital, analog and RF signals.

The MDO4054-3 offers 500 MHz bandwidth, a maximum real-time sampling rate of 2.5 GS/s and a record length of 20 M. Featuring a frequency range of 50 kHz to three GHz, the oscilloscope also comes with 16 digital channels and one RF channel.

The MDO4054-3 oscilloscope allows users to view both the frequency and time domain in a single glance. Users can likewise view the RF spectrum to observe its changes over time.

This mixed domain oscilloscope does not only enable users to observe the frequency domain, it also allows users to correlate events from the frequency domain with the phenomena at the time domain.

The MDO4054-3 offers a triggered acquisition system that has been fully integrated with the analog, RF and digital channels. This implies that a trigger event coordinates acquisitions from all channels, enabling users to capture a spectrum at the exact time an interesting time domain event occurred.

The oscilloscope features an extensive set of time domain triggers, including Sequence, Edge, Timeout, Pulse Width, Logic, Runt, Rise/Fall Time, Setup/Hold Violation, Video, as well as various parallel and serial bus packet triggers.

Its optional MDO4TRIG application module comes with advanced RF triggering. The module allows the RF input power level to be utilized as a source for Pulse Width, Sequence, Runt, Timeout and Logic trigger types.

It also offers a spectrogram display which is suitable for monitoring slow changing RF phenomena. Just like a common spectrum display, the x-axis represents frequency. However, the y-axis indicates time, while color is used to represent amplitude.

Tektronix “2-box” solution revealed

Tektronix (www.tek.com) has unveiled industry’s only-customer proven and most cost-effective solution for the MIPI Alliance M-PHY testing anchored on the new M-PHY v1.0 specification.

Unlike competitive offerings for M-PHY test that demands a vast array of instruments to cover the entire range of M-PHY test mandates, the Tektronix “2-box” solution requires only an AWG7000 Series arbitrary waveform generator and a DPO/DSA/MSO70000 series oscilloscope.

With just a single set-up for both the lower-speed D-PHY and M-PHY, the solution offers a scope-integrated error detection for receiver reusability and tolerance testing.

“We worked closely with Tektronix to test our high-quality DesignWare MIPI M-PHY solution, giving designers further confidence that the IP is robust and fully compliant to the latest M-PHY v 1.0 specification,” explained Navraj Nandra, Senior Director of Marketing for Mixed-Signal and Analog IP at Synopsys.

“Synopsys used the Tektronix DPO70804 and DSA8200 oscilloscopes to help ensure that the silicon-proven DesignWare MIPI M-PHY met the necessary electrical characteristics and performance requirements.”

A high-speed serial interface to the UniPro, DigRF v4, CSI-3, LLI and MIPI Alliance’s DSI-2 interconnect standards, the M-PHY will be utilized in the development of mobile devices that provide effective power management schemes, increased performance, low RF emission and robustness against RF interferences.

The “2-box” solution covers both Receiver and Transmitter tests, including Error-Detection, comprehensive high-speed tests, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signaling, DigRF verification and PSD (Power Spectral Density) measurements.

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