MDOs & MSOs Offer More Options

Tektronix has added two instruments to its oscilloscope portfolio: the 3 Series MDO (mixed-domain oscilloscope) and 4 Series MSO (mixed-signal oscilloscope). Both feature an intuitive touchscreen user interface, the largest and highest resolution display in their class, and a modern industrial design.

4 Series MSO

The 4 Series MSO features a 13.3-in. display with 1920 x 1080 HD resolution, reportedly the largest and highest resolution in its class. It offers bandwidths up to 1.5 GHz and employs 12-bit ADCs for the highest vertical resolution in its class as well. It is the first scope in this class to offer six input channels and, via FlexChannel technology, any input channel can be converted from an analog to eight digital channels simply by connecting a logic probe.

The 4 Series MSO is available with bandwidths starting at 200 MHz and offers options such as serial decode and analysis, an arbitrary/function generator and a DVM/frequency counter. The Spectrum View feature offers time correlated frequency domain analysis with independent spectrum controls. A power analysis package is available to automate AC line, switching device, ripple and sequencing measurements.

Bandwidth and options are all field upgradeable. All models deliver a 6.25 GS/s sample rate on all analog and digital channels. Standard record length is 31.25 Mpoints with option for 62.5 Mpoints.

3 Series MDO

The 3 Series MDO is intended to be the compact, versatile test instrument that sits on the desk of every engineer. It features an industrial design and reportedly the largest display in its class at 11.6-in. with full high-definition resolution. It uses the same intuitive user interface as the rest of the portfolio with a similar set of knobs and buttons but takes up less than 6 inches of depth on a bench.

The 3 Series MDO can cover a wide range of debugging and validation tasks. It offers a built-in spectrum analyzer up to 3 GHz, with a separate RF input and specifications comparable to a standalone analyzer. Sixteen digital input channels are available for mixed signal analysis. Comprehensive serial protocol debugging and triggering options, optional power measurement and an optional AFG set the standard for versatility. A DVM/frequency counter is included for free with product registration.

The new 3 Series MDO is available in bandwidths starting at 100 MHz and extending to 1 GHz. Models are available with 2.5 GS/s or 5 GS/s sample rates on all analog and up to 8.25 GS/s on digital channels with 121.2 ps timing resolution. Standard record length is 10 Mpoints. For investment protection, bandwidths and options are fully upgradeable.

Probes

The distance between the front of the oscilloscope to the device under test are critical to gaining insight into troublesome circuits. Both the 3 Series MDO and 4 Series MSO use the TekVPI probe interface, giving access to the full range of Tektronix differential voltage probes, active voltage probes and current probes, plus the recently-introduced power rail probes and optically-isolated differential probes.

The 3 Series MDO is priced from $3,850 and the 4 Series MSO is priced from $7,550 (US). For more information, checkout the oscilloscope page.