MDO4000C Series
Mixed Domain Oscilloscope
User Manual*P077116701*
077-1167-01

MDO4000C Series
Mixed Domain Oscilloscope
User Manual

Warning
The servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid
personal injury, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do
so. Refer to all safety summaries prior to performing service.
Supports Firmware V1.02 and above

www.tek.com
077-1167-01

Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries or suppliers, and areprotected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued
and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges
reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.

14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:■

In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.

■

Worldwide, visit www.tek.com to find contacts in your area.

Table of Contents
Important safety information ................................................................................................................................
General safety summary ...............................................................................................................................
Service safety summary ................................................................................................................................
Terms in the manual .....................................................................................................................................
Terms on the product ....................................................................................................................................
Symbols on the product ................................................................................................................................
Compliance Information .....................................................................................................................................
EMC compliance ..........................................................................................................................................
Safety compliance .......................................................................................................................................
Environmental compliance ...........................................................................................................................
Preface .............................................................................................................................................................
Key features ................................................................................................................................................
Conventions used in this manual ................................................................................................................
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................................

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Installation
Before installation ...........................................................................................................................................
Operating positions ........................................................................................................................................
Connecting probes .........................................................................................................................................
Securing the oscilloscope ............................................................................................................................
Power-On .....................................................................................................................................................
Powering off the oscilloscope .......................................................................................................................
Functional check ..........................................................................................................................................
Compensating a TPP0500B or TPP1000 passive voltage probe ................................................................
Compensating a non-TPP0500B or non-TPP1000 passive voltage probe ..................................................
Application module free trial .........................................................................................................................
Installing an application module ...................................................................................................................
Upgrading bandwidth ...................................................................................................................................
Changing the language of the user interface or keyboard ...........................................................................
Changing the date and time .........................................................................................................................
Signal path compensation for time and frequency domains ........................................................................

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Upgrading firmware ......................................................................................................................................
Connecting your oscilloscope to a computer ...............................................................................................
Using VISA .............................................................................................................................................
Using e*Scope ........................................................................................................................................
Using the LXI web page and e*Scope ....................................................................................................

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualiTable of Contents

Using a socket server .............................................................................................................................
Connecting a USB keyboard to your oscilloscope .......................................................................................

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Get acquainted with the instrument
Front-panel menus, controls, and connectors ..............................................................................................
Front panel menus and controls ...................................................................................................................
Using the menu system ..........................................................................................................................
Using the menu buttons .........................................................................................................................
Below the display buttons .......................................................................................................................
Using spectral analysis controls .............................................................................................................
Using other controls ...............................................................................................................................
Identifying items in the time domain display ...........................................................................................
Identifying items in the frequency domain display ..................................................................................
Identifying items in the arbitrary/function generator display ...................................................................
Identifying Items in the digital voltmeter display .....................................................................................
Rear-Panel Connectors ................................................................................................................................

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Acquire the signal
Setting up analog channels ..........................................................................................................................
Using the default setup ................................................................................................................................
Using autoset ...............................................................................................................................................
Acquisition concepts ....................................................................................................................................
Using FastAcq ..............................................................................................................................................
How the analog acquisition modes work ......................................................................................................
Changing the Acquisition Mode, Record Length, and Delay Time ...............................................................
Using Roll Mode ...........................................................................................................................................
Act on Event .................................................................................................................................................
Setting up a serial or parallel bus .................................................................................................................
Using buses in two steps ........................................................................................................................
Setting up bus parameters .....................................................................................................................
I2C bus ...................................................................................................................................................
SPI bus ...................................................................................................................................................
RS 232 bus .............................................................................................................................................
CAN, CAN FD bus ..................................................................................................................................
LIN bus ...................................................................................................................................................
FlexRay bus ...........................................................................................................................................
Ethernet ..................................................................................................................................................
Audio bus ...............................................................................................................................................

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTable of Contents

USB bus .................................................................................................................................................
MIL STD 1553 ........................................................................................................................................
Physical layer bus activity ......................................................................................................................
Event Table ............................................................................................................................................
Labeling channels and buses .................................................................................................................
Setting up digital channels ...........................................................................................................................
When and why to turn on MagniVu ..............................................................................................................
Using MagniVu .............................................................................................................................................
Setting up the RF inputs ...............................................................................................................................
Frequency and span parameters ...........................................................................................................
Reference Level .....................................................................................................................................
Resolution bandwidth .............................................................................................................................

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Trigger setup
Triggering concepts ......................................................................................................................................
Trigger event ..........................................................................................................................................
Trigger modes ........................................................................................................................................
Trigger holdoff ........................................................................................................................................
Trigger coupling ......................................................................................................................................
Horizontal Position .................................................................................................................................
Slope and level .......................................................................................................................................
Choosing a trigger type ................................................................................................................................
Selecting triggers .........................................................................................................................................
Triggering on buses .....................................................................................................................................
Parallel bus trigger .......................................................................................................................................
I2C bus trigger ..............................................................................................................................................
SPI bus trigger .............................................................................................................................................
RS-232 bus trigger .......................................................................................................................................
CAN and CAN FD bus trigger ......................................................................................................................
LIN bus trigger ..............................................................................................................................................
FlexRay bus trigger ......................................................................................................................................
Audio bus trigger ..........................................................................................................................................
USB bus trigger ............................................................................................................................................
Ethernet bus trigger ......................................................................................................................................
MIL-STD-1553 bus trigger ............................................................................................................................
Serial Bus Trigger Data Matching ................................................................................................................
Data value matching ....................................................................................................................................
Parallel bus trigger data matching ................................................................................................................
Checking trigger settings ..............................................................................................................................

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Table of Contents

Using sequence trigger (A (main) and B (delayed)) .....................................................................................
B trigger after delay time ........................................................................................................................
Trigger on B events ................................................................................................................................
Starting and stopping an acquisition ............................................................................................................

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Display waveform or trace data
Adding and removing a waveform ................................................................................................................
Setting the display style and persistence .....................................................................................................
Setting the graticule style .......................................................................................................................
Setting the LCD backlight brightness and dimming settings ..................................................................
Setting waveform intensity ...........................................................................................................................
Scaling and positioning a waveform .............................................................................................................
Setting input parameters ..............................................................................................................................
Positioning and labeling bus signals ..........................................................................................................
Positioning, scaling, and grouping digital channels ....................................................................................
Viewing digital channels .............................................................................................................................
Annotating the screen ................................................................................................................................
Viewing the trigger frequency .....................................................................................................................
Displaying the Frequency domain menu ....................................................................................................
Trace types ...........................................................................................................................................
Detection types .....................................................................................................................................
Spectrogram display .............................................................................................................................

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Analyze waveform or trace data
Using markers in the frequency domain .....................................................................................................
Automatic peak markers .......................................................................................................................
Manual markers ....................................................................................................................................
Taking automatic measurements in the time domain .................................................................................
Selecting automatic measurements in the time domain .............................................................................
Customizing an automatic measurement in the time domain ....................................................................
Gating ...................................................................................................................................................
Statistics ...............................................................................................................................................
Snapshot ..............................................................................................................................................
Reference levels ...................................................................................................................................
Taking automatic measurements in the frequency domain ........................................................................
Taking digital voltmeter measurements .....................................................................................................
Taking manual measurements with cursors ...............................................................................................
Using cursor readouts ................................................................................................................................

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTable of Contents

Setting up a histogram ...............................................................................................................................
To display a histogram .........................................................................................................................
To add measurements on histogram data ............................................................................................
To reset histogram measurements and statistics .................................................................................
Using math waveforms ...............................................................................................................................
Using FFT ..................................................................................................................................................
Using advanced math ................................................................................................................................
Using spectrum math .................................................................................................................................
Using reference waveforms and traces ......................................................................................................
Using Wave Inspector to manage long record length waveforms ..............................................................
Zooming a waveform ............................................................................................................................
Panning a waveform .............................................................................................................................
Playing and pausing a waveform .........................................................................................................
Searching and marking waveforms ......................................................................................................
Auto-magnify ..............................................................................................................................................
Limit and mask testing ...............................................................................................................................
Create or select the mask ....................................................................................................................
Set up the test ......................................................................................................................................
Run the test and view the results .........................................................................................................
Making video tests .....................................................................................................................................
Taking automated power measurements ...................................................................................................

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Save and recall information
External file structure .................................................................................................................................
Naming your file .........................................................................................................................................
Editing file directory reference waveform or instrument setup names .......................................................
Saving a screen image ...............................................................................................................................
Saving and recalling waveform and trace data ..........................................................................................
Saving a waveform to file .....................................................................................................................
Saving a waveform or trace to reference memory ...............................................................................
Displaying a reference waveform .........................................................................................................
Removing a reference waveform from the display ...............................................................................
Saving and recalling setups .......................................................................................................................
Saving with one button push ......................................................................................................................
Managing drives directories and files .........................................................................................................
Mounting a network drive ...........................................................................................................................
Printing a hard copy ...................................................................................................................................
Connect a printer to your oscilloscope .................................................................................................
Set up print parameters ........................................................................................................................

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Printing to a pictbridge printer ..............................................................................................................
Printing over ethernet ...........................................................................................................................
E mail printing .......................................................................................................................................
Printing with one button push ...............................................................................................................
Using oscilloscope security features ..........................................................................................................
Erasing oscilloscope memory ...............................................................................................................
Using TekSecure without the MDO4SEC option installed ....................................................................
Using TekSecure with the MDO4SEC option installed .........................................................................

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Arbitrary/Function Generator
How to access the AFG.............................................................................................................................

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Using application modules
Using application modules.........................................................................................................................

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Appendix A: MDO4000C Series specifications...................................................................................................................................................................

173

Appendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz 10X
passive probes information
Operating information .................................................................................................................................
Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope ..................................................................................................
Compensating the probe with the MDO4000C series oscilloscope ...........................................................
Standard accessories .................................................................................................................................
Optional accessories ..................................................................................................................................
Replacing the probe tip ..............................................................................................................................
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................
Performance graphs .............................................................................................................................
Safety summary .........................................................................................................................................

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Appendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe information
Product description ....................................................................................................................................
Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope ..................................................................................................
Connecting the probe to your circuit ..........................................................................................................
Functional check ........................................................................................................................................
Typical application ......................................................................................................................................

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTable of Contents

Accessories ................................................................................................................................................
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................
Safety summary .........................................................................................................................................
Connect and disconnect properly .........................................................................................................
Observe all terminal ratings ..................................................................................................................
Do not operate without covers ..............................................................................................................
Avoid exposed circuitry ........................................................................................................................
Do not operate with suspected failures ................................................................................................
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions ............................................................................................
Keep product surfaces clean and dry ...................................................................................................
Safety terms and symbols in this manual. ............................................................................................
Symbols on the product .............................................................................................................................

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Table of Contents

viii

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualImportant safety information
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user for safe operation and to keep the product in asafe condition.
To safely perform service on this product, see the Service safety summary that follows the General safety summary.

General safety summary
Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or
any products connected to it. Carefully read all instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.
Comply with local and national safety codes.
For correct and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to
the safety precautions specified in this manual.
The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove the cover for repair, maintenance, or adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it is operating correctly.
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system. Read the safety sections of the othercomponent manuals for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
When incorporating this equipment into a system, the safety of that system is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.

To avoid fire or personal injury
Use proper power cord. Use only the power cord specified for this product and certified for the country of use. Do not use theprovided power cord for other products.
Ground the product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, thegrounding conductor must be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output terminals of the
product, ensure that the product is properly grounded. Do not disable the power cord grounding connection.
Power disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power source. See instructions for the location. Do not
position the equipment so that it is difficult to operate the power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all times to allow for
quick disconnection if needed.
Connect and disconnect properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage
source. Use only insulated voltage probes, test leads, and adapters supplied with the product, or indicated by Tektronix to besuitable for the product.
Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all rating and markings on the product. Consult the productmanual for further ratings information before making connections to the product. Do not exceed the Measurement Category(CAT) rating and voltage or current rating of the lowest rated individual component of a product, probe, or accessory. Use caution
when using 1:1 test leads because the probe tip voltage is directly transmitted to the product.
Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all rating and markings on the product. Consult the productmanual for further ratings information before making connections to the product.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Do not float the common terminal above the rated voltage for that terminal.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manualix

Important safety information

Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed, or with the case open. Hazardous
voltage exposure is possible.
Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.
Do not operate with suspected failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified
service personnel.
Disable the product if it is damaged. Do not use the product if it is damaged or operates incorrectly. If in doubt about safety of the
product, turn it off and disconnect the power cord. Clearly mark the product to prevent its further operation.
Before use, inspect voltage probes, test leads, and accessories for mechanical damage and replace when damaged. Do not use
probes or test leads if they are damaged, if there is exposed metal, or if a wear indicator shows.
Examine the exterior of the product before you use it. Look for cracks or missing pieces.
Use only specified replacement parts.
Use proper fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
Wear eye protection. Wear eye protection if exposure to high-intensity rays or laser radiation exists.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions. Be aware that condensation may occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a warm
environment.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry. Remove the input signals before you clean the product.
Provide proper ventilation. Refer to the manual's installation instructions for details on installing the product so it has proper
ventilation.
Slots and openings are provided for ventilation and should never be covered or otherwise obstructed. Do not push objects into
any of the openings.
Provide a safe working environment. Always place the product in a location convenient for viewing the display and indicators.
Avoid improper or prolonged use of keyboards, pointers, and button pads. Improper or prolonged keyboard or pointer use may
result in serious injury.
Be sure your work area meets applicable ergonomic standards. Consult with an ergonomics professional to avoid stress injuries.
Use care when lifting and carrying the product. This product is provided with handles for lifting and carrying.
Use only the Tektronix rackmount hardware specified for this product.

Probes and test leads
Before connecting probes or test leads, connect the power cord from the power connector to a properly grounded power outlet.
Keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
Remove all probes, test leads and accessories that are not in use.
Use only correct Measurement Category (CAT), voltage, temperature, altitude, and amperage rated probes, test leads, andadapters for any measurement.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualImportant safety information

Beware of high voltages. Understand the voltage ratings for the probe you are using and do not exceed those ratings. Two
ratings are important to know and understand:■

The maximum measurement voltage from the probe tip to the probe reference lead.

■

The maximum floating voltage from the probe reference lead to earth ground.

These two voltage ratings depend on the probe and your application. Refer to the Specifications section of the manual for more
information.
WARNING. To prevent electrical shock, do not exceed the maximum measurement or maximum floating voltage for theoscilloscope input BNC connector, probe tip, or probe reference lead.
Connect and disconnect properly. Connect the probe output to the measurement product before connecting the probe to thecircuit under test. Connect the probe reference lead to the circuit under test before connecting the probe input. Disconnect theprobe input and the probe reference lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measurement
product.
Connect and disconnect properly. De-energize the circuit under test before connecting or disconnecting the current probe.
Connect the probe reference lead to earth ground only.
Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carries voltages above the current probe voltage rating.
Inspect the probe and accessories. Before each use, inspect probe and accessories for damage (cuts, tears, or defects in theprobe body, accessories, or cable jacket). Do not use if damaged.
Ground-referenced oscilloscope use. Do not float the reference lead of this probe when using with ground-referenced
oscilloscopes. The reference lead must be connected to earth potential (0 V).

Service safety summary
The Service safety summary section contains additional information required to safely perform service on the product. Only
qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read this Service safety summary and the General safety summary
before performing any service procedures.
To avoid electric shock. Do not touch exposed connections.
Do not service alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments of this product unless another person capable of rendering
first aid and resuscitation is present.
Disconnect power. To avoid electric shock, switch off the product power and disconnect the power cord from the mains power
before removing any covers or panels, or opening the case for servicing.
Use care when servicing with power on. Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this product. Disconnect power, remove
battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing components.
Verify safety after repair. Always recheck ground continuity and mains dielectric strength after performing a repair.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualxiImportant safety information

Terms in the manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.

Terms on the product
These terms may appear on the product:■

DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking.

■WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking.

■

CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.

Symbols on the product
When this symbol is marked on the product, be sure to consult the manual to find out the nature of the potential
hazards and any actions which have to be taken to avoid them. (This symbol may also be used to refer the user toratings in the manual.)
The following symbols may appear on the product:xii

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualCompliance Information
This section lists the EMC (electromagnetic compliance), safety, and environmental standards with which the instrumentcomplies.

EMC compliance
EU EMC Directive
Meets intent of Directive 2014/30/EU for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to the following
specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
EN 61326-1, EN 61326-2-1. EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. 1 2 3 4■

CISPR 11. Radiated and conducted emissions, Group 1, Class A■

IEC 61000-4-2. Electrostatic discharge immunity■

IEC 61000-4-3. RF electromagnetic field immunity 5■

IEC 61000-4-4. Electrical fast transient / burst immunity■

IEC 61000-4-5. Power line surge immunity■

IEC 61000-4-6. Conducted RF immunity 6■

IEC 61000-4-8. Power frequency magnetic field immunity test■

IEC 61000-4-11. Voltage dips and interruptions immunity

EN 61000-3-2. AC power line harmonic emissions
EN 61000-3-3. Voltage changes, fluctuations, and flicker
Mfr. Compliance Contact.

Tektronix, Inc. PO Box 500, MS 19‐045
Beaverton, OR 97077, USA
www.tek.com

1
2
3

4
5

6

This product is intended for use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference.
Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object.
Equipment may not meet the immunity requirements of applicable listed standards when test leads and/or test probes are connected due to coupling of electromagnetic
interference onto those leads/probes. To minimize the influence of electromagnetic interference, minimize the loop area between the unshielded portions of signal andassociated return leads, and keep leads as far away as possible from electromagnetic disturbance sources. Twisting unshielded test leads together is an effective way to
reduce loop area. For probes, keep the ground return lead as short as possible and close to the probe body. Some probes have accessory probe tip adapters toaccomplish this most effectively. In all cases, observe all safety instructions for the probes or leads used.
For compliance with the EMC standards listed here, high quality shielded interface cables should be used.
≤ 4.0 division waveform displacement or ≤ 8.0 division increase in peak-to-peak noise.
Residual spurious signals in the RF section can typically increase to -65 dBm when the instrument is subjected to electromagnetic interference per the IEC
61000-4-3 test for frequencies up to 1 GHz, and to -45 dBm for frequencies above 1GHz.
≤ 4.0 division waveform displacement or ≤ 8.0 division increase in peak-to-peak noise.
Residual spurious signals in the RF section can typically increase to -80 dBm when the instrument is subjected to electromagnetic interference per the IEC
61000-4-6 test.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualxiiiCompliance Information

Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity – EMC
Complies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the following standard, in accordance with ACMA:■CISPR 11. Radiated and conducted emissions, Group 1, Class A, in accordance with EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-1.

Russian federation
This product is approved by the Russian government to carry the GOST mark.

Safety complianceThis section lists the safety standards with which the product complies and other safety compliance information.

EU declaration of conformity – low voltage
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of the European Union:
Low Voltage Directive: 2014/35/EU■

EN 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.

■

EN 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part
2-030: Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

U.S. nationally recognized testing laboratory listing■

UL 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.

■

UL 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part
2-030: Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

Canadian certification■

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use– Part 1: General Requirements.

■

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory
Use – Part 2-030: Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

Additional compliances■

IEC 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1:
General Requirements.

■

IEC 61010-2-030. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part
2-030: Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits.

Equipment type
Test and measuring equipment.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualCompliance Information

Safety classClass 1 – grounded product.

Pollution degree description
A measure of the contaminants that could occur in the environment around and within a product. Typically the internal
environment inside a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products should be used only in the environment for
which they are rated.
■

Pollution Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Products in this category are generally
encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.

■

Pollution Degree 2. Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is causedby condensation must be expected. This location is a typical office/home environment. Temporary condensation occurs only
when the product is out of service.

■

Pollution Degree 3. Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation.
These are sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity is controlled. The area is protected from direct
sunshine, rain, or direct wind.

■

Pollution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor
locations.

Pollution degree
Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for indoor, dry location use only.

IP rating
IP20 (as defined in IEC 60529).

Measurement and overvoltage category descriptions
Measurement terminals on this product may be rated for measuring mains voltages from one or more of the following categories(see specific ratings marked on the product and in the manual).
■

Measurement Category II. For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation.

■

Measurement Category III. For measurements performed in the building installation.

■

Measurement Category IV. For measurements performed at the source of low-voltage installation.

NOTE. Only mains power supply circuits have an overvoltage category rating. Only measurement circuits have a measurement
category rating. Other circuits within the product do not have either rating.

Mains overvoltage category rating
Overvoltage Category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1)

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manualxv

Compliance Information

Environmental complianceThis section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.

Product end-of-life handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment recycling. Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may
contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life.
To avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you torecycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according to
Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. For
information about recycling options, check the Tektronix Web site (www.tek.com/productrecycling).
Perchlorate materials. This product contains one or more type CR lithium batteries. According to the state of California, CRlithium batteries are classified as perchlorate materials and require special handling. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate for additional information.

xvi

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualPreface
This manual provides operating information the following oscilloscopes:
MDO4024C

MDO4034CMDO4054CMDO4104C

Key features
MDO4000C Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes include up to six built-in instruments, each with exceptional performance to address
tough challenges. Every oscilloscope features powerful triggering, search and analysis, and these are the only scopes to offer
synchronized analog, digital, and RF signal analysis. The MDO4000C is completely customizable and fully upgradeable.
■

Models are available with bandwidths from 200 MHz to 1 GHz■

Sample rates of either 2.5 or 5 GS/s on all analog channels depending on the model■

20 M points record length on all channels■>340,000 waveforms/second maximum waveform capture rate■

A dedicated RF input channel for frequency domain measurements (optional)■

Time-synchronized acquisition of analog, digital, and RF signals in a single instrument■

50 MHz arbitrary/function generator (optional)■

16 digital channels and four analog channels for time domain measurements (optional)■

Advanced triggering and analysis: I2C, SPI, USB 2.0, CAN, CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, UART, I2S,
Left Justified (LJ), Right Justified (RJ), TDM, Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553 (with the appropriate application module), andParallel (optional)■

Power analysis, and limit and mask testing application modules (optional)

Conventions used in this manual
The following icons are used throughout this manual.
Sequence Step

Front panel power

Connect power

NetworkUSB

Warranty
Three-year warranty covering all parts and labor, excluding probes.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualxviiPreface

xviii

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation
Before installation
Unpack the oscilloscope and check that you received all items listed as standard accessories. The following pages list
recommended accessories and probes, instrument options, and upgrades. Check the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com) forthe most current information.
All products are shipped with a printed Installation and Safety manual that is in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, andFrench. Full user manuals translated in each language listed below are available in PDF format from www.tektronix.com/
downloads.

Table 1: Standard accessories
Accessory

Description

Tektronix part number

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscopes User
Manual Please find these manuals on
www.tektronix.com/manuals

English (Option L0)

077-1167-XX

French (Option L1)

077-1168-XX

Italian (Option L2)

077-1170-XX

German (Option L3)

077-1169-XX

Spanish (Option L4)077-1171-XX

Japanese (Option L5)077-1177-XX

Portuguese (Option L6)077-1172-XX

Simplified Chinese (Option L7)077-1174-XX

Traditional Chinese (Option L8)077-1175-XX

Korean (Option L9)077-1176-XX

Russian (Option L10)077-1173-XX

Calibration certificate documenting
traceability to national metrology
institute(s), and ISO9001 quality system
registration.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual––1Installation

Accessory

Tektronix part number

Front Panel Overlay
French (Option L1) SA version
When selecting a language option, you Non-SA version
will receive two front-panel overlays in the Italian (Option L2) SA version
language selected. Use the overlay that Non-SA version
matches your instrument.
German (Option L3) SA version
Non-SA version

335-3598-XX
335-3608-XX

Spanish (Option L4) SA version
Non-SA version

335-3602-XX
335-3612-XX

Japanese (Option L5) SA version
Non-SA version

335-3603-XX
335-3613-XX

Portuguese (Option L6) SA version
Non-SA version

335-3604-XX
335-3614-XX

Simplified Chinese (Option L7) SA
versionNon-SA version

335-3605-XX
335-3615-XX

Traditional Chinese (Option L8) SA
versionNon-SA version

335-0306-XX
335-3616-XX

Korean (Option L9) SA version
Non-SA version

335-3607-XX
335-3617-XX

Russian (Option L10) SA version
Non-SA version

335-3599-XX
335-3609-XX

Probes2

Description

335-3600-XX
335-3610-XX
335-3601-XX
335-3611-XX

For 200, 350 and 500 MHz models, one TPP0500B
500 MHz, 10X passive probe per channel
For 1 GHz models, one 1 GHz, 10X
passive probe per channel

TPP1000

Adapter, for models with options SA3 or
SA6

N Male to BNC Female

103-0045-00

Front CoverHard plastic cover to help protect the
instrument

200-5130-00

Power Cord

North America (Option A0)

161-0348-00

Universal Euro (Option A1)

161-0343-00

United Kingdom (Option A2)

161-0344-00

Australia (Option A3)

161-0346-00

Switzerland (Option A5)

161-0347-00

Japan (Option A6)

161-0342-00

China (Option A10)

161-0341-00

India (Option A11)

161-0349-00

Brazil (Option A12)161-0356-00

No power cord or AC adapter (Option
A99)

––

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Accessory

Description

Tektronix part number

Logic probe, with Option MDO4MSO

One, 16-channel logic probe, withaccessories

P6616

Probe and accessory pouch

Bag to hold probes and related
accessories

016-2030-XX

Accessory

Description

Tektronix part number

Aerospace serial triggering and analysis
application moduleThis module enables triggering on MIL- DPO4AEROSTD-1553 serial buses. Also, it provides
digital views of the signal, bus views, bus
decoding, search tools, and decodetables with time stamp information.

Audio serial triggering and analysis
application moduleThis module enables triggering on I2S,
Left Justified (LJ), Right Justified (RJ),
and TDM audio buses. Also, it provides
digital views of the signal, bus views,
packet decoding, search tools, andpacket decode tables with time stamp
information

Table 2: Optional accessories

DPO4AUDIO

Automotive serial triggering and analysis This module enables triggering on packet DPO4AUTO
application module
level information on CAN, CAN FD, and
LIN serial buses. Also, it provides a digital
view of the signal, bus view, packet
decoding, search tools, and a packet
decode table with time stamp information.
FlexRay, CAN, CAN FD, and LIN serial This module enables triggering on packet DPO4AUTOMAX
triggering and analysis application module level information in FlexRay, CAN, CAN
FD, and LIN buses. Also, it provides
digital views of the signal, bus views,
packet decoding, search tools, packet
decode tables with time stamp
information and eye diagram analysis
software.
Bundle application moduleThis module enables functionality for
DPO4BND
DPO4AERO, DPO4AUDIO, DPO4AUTO,DPO4COMP, DPO4EMBD, DPO4ENET,
DPO4LMT, DPO4PWR, DPO4USB, andDPO4VID

Computer triggering and analysis
application moduleThis module enables triggering on
DPO4COMP
RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and UART
serial buses. Also, it provides digital viewsof the signal, bus views, packet decoding,search tools, and packet decode tables
with time stamp information.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual3Installation

Accessory

Description

Tektronix part number

Embedded serial triggering and analysis
application moduleThis module enables triggering on packet DPO4EMBD
level information on I2C and SPI serial
buses. Also, it provides digital views of
the signal, bus views, packet decoding,search tools, and packet decode tables
with time stamp information.

Ethernet serial triggering and analysis
application moduleThis module enables triggering on
DPO4ENET
10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX buses. Also,
it provides search tools, bus views, anddecode tables with time stamp
information.
NOTE. ≥350 MHz bandwidth models arerecommended for 100BASE-TX.

Limit and mask test application moduleThis module supports limit testing andtesting on telecom standard masks orcustom masks.

DPO4LMT

NOTE. ≥350 MHz bandwidth models arerecommended for Telecomm standards>55 Mb/s. 1 GHz bandwidth models arerecommended for high-speed (HS) USB.
Power analysis application moduleThis module supports measurements of DPO4PWR
power quality, switching loss, harmonics,
ripple, modulation, safe operating area,and slew rate (dV/dt and dI/dt).

Universal Serial Bus triggering andanalysis application moduleThis module enables triggering on packet DPO4USB
level information on USB 2.0 serial buses.
Also, it provides digital views of thesignal, bus views, bus decoding data inhex, binary, and ASCII, search tools, andpacket decode tables with time stamp
information.
NOTE. 1 GHz bandwidth models are
required for high-speed (HS) USB.

Extended video application moduleThis module enables triggering on a
DPO4VID
variety of standard HDTV signals, as wellas on custom (non-standard) bilevel andtrilevel video signals with 3 to 4,000 lines.

Advanced RF triggering application
This module enables triggering with RF
module (for instruments with options SA3 power as the source for Pulse Width,or SA6)
Timeout, Runt, Logic, and Sequence
triggers.

4

MDO4TRIG

NEX-HD2HEADER

Adapter that routes the channels from a NEX-HD2HEADER
Mictor connector to 0.1 inch header pins.

TEK-USB-488 Adapter

GPIB to USB Adapter

TEK-USB-488

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Accessory

Description

Tektronix part number

Rackmount kit

Adds rackmount brackets

RMD5000

Soft transit case

Case for carrying instrument

ACD4000B

Hard transit caseTraveling case, which requires use of the HCTEK54
soft transit case (ACD4000B).

MSO4000B, DPO4000B, MDO4000/B/C, Describes commands for remote control
and MDO3000 Series Oscilloscopesof the oscilloscope. Available for
Programmer Manual
download from www.tektronix.com/
downloads.

077-0510-XX

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscopes
Describes the oscilloscope specifications 077-1178-XX
Specifications and Performanceand performance verification procedure.
Verification Technical Reference Manual Available for download fromwww.tektronix.com/downloads.
MDO4000C Series Oscilloscopes Service Service information on MDO4000C Series 077-1179-XX
Manualoscilloscopes.
MDO4000C Series Application Module
Installation Instructions

Describes how to install application
modules on your oscilloscope.

071-3253-XX

DPO3PWR and DPO4PWR Power
Measurement Module User Manual

English (Option L0)

071-2631-XX

French (Option L1)

077-0235-XX

Italian (Option L2)

077-0236-XX

German (Option L3)

077-0237-XX

Spanish (Option L4)

077-0238-XX

Japanese (Option L5)

077-0239-XX

Portuguese (Option L6)

077-0240-XX

Simplified Chinese (Option L7)

077-0241-XX

Traditional Chinese (Option L8)

077-0242-XX

Korean (Option L9)077-0243-XX

Russian (Option L10)077-0244-XX

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscopes
Describes how to sanitize or remove
Declassification and Security Instructions memory devices from the Tektronix
MDO4000C Series oscilloscopes.
TekVPI Probes

077-1180-00

Visit the Oscilloscope Probe andAccessory Selector Tool on the Tektronix
website at www.tektronix.com.
NOTE. A subset of TekVPI probes can beused on the RF input as well. These
probes require the use of the TPA-N-VPI
adapter listed below.

TPA-N-VPI adapter

Adapter from N connection (RF input) to
TekVPI probe.

TPA-N-VPI

TPA-BNC adapter

TekVPI to TekProbe II BNC Adapter

TPA-BNC

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual5Installation

The MDO4000C Series oscilloscopes support many optional probes. See Connecting probes on page 8 . Visit theOscilloscope Probe and Accessory Selector Tool on the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com) for the most up to date
information.

6

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Operating positions
Use the handle and front flip feet to place the oscilloscope in a convenient operating position. When the feet are extended,always have the handle in a down position.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

7Installation

Connecting probes
The oscilloscope supports probes with the following:1.

Tektronix Versatile Probe Interface(TekVPI)
These probes support two-way
communication with the oscilloscopethrough on-screen menus and remotely
through programmable support. The
remote control is useful in applications
like ATE where you want the system topreset probe parameters.

2.

Tektronix Versatile Probe Interface(TekVPI) for Passive Probes
These probes build upon the functionalityof the TekVPI interface. Each probe ismatched with its corresponding
oscilloscope channel, allowing theoscilloscope to optimize the signal input
path. This provides AC compensation
across the frequency band.

3.

TPA-BNC Adapter
The TPA-BNC Adapter allows you to use
TEKPROBE II probe capabilities, such asproviding probe power, and passing
scaling and unit information to theoscilloscope.

8

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

4.

BNC Interfaces
Some of these use TEKPROBE
capabilities to pass the waveform signal
and scaling to the oscilloscope. Some
only pass the signal and there is no othercommunication.

5.

Logic Probe Interface
The P6616 probe provides 16 channelsof digital (on or off state) information.

6.

The TPA-N-VPI Adapter allows you to
use TekVPI probes in the RF input.

For more information on the many probes available for use with MDO4000C Series oscilloscopes, visit the Oscilloscope Probeand Accessory Selector Tool on the Tektronix website at www.tektronix.com.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual9Installation

Securing the oscilloscope
1.

Use a standard laptop computer stylesecurity lock to secure your oscilloscope
to your location.

Power-On
1.

Connect the supplied power cord to the rear-panel power connector.

2.

Push the power button on the instrument front-panel and the instrument will turn on.

NOTE. The Standby button on the front-panel does not disconnect mains power. Only the power cord at the rear of the productcan disconnect mains power.

10

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Powering off the oscilloscope
To power off the oscilloscope, push the power button on the front of the oscilloscope.

To de-energize the instrument, cycle the power button on the instrument front panel to off, and then remove the power cord.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual11Installation

Functional check
Perform this quick functional check to verify that your oscilloscope is operating correctly.

12

1.

Connect the oscilloscope power cable.

2.

Power on the oscilloscope.

3.

Connect the probe connector tooscilloscope channel 1 and the probe tip
and reference lead to the PROBE COMP
terminals on the right side of theoscilloscope front panel.

4.

Push Default Setup.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

5.

Push Autoset. The screen should now
display a square wave, approximately
2.5 V at 1 kHz.
If the signal appears but is misshapen,
perform the procedures for compensating
the probe.
If no signal appears, rerun the procedure.
If this does not remedy the situation, havethe instrument serviced by qualified
service personnel.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

13Installation

Compensating a TPP0500B or TPP1000 passive voltage probe
Your Tektronix oscilloscope can automatically compensate TPP0500B and TPP1000 probes. This eliminates the need for
manual probe compensation, as is typically performed with other probes.
Each compensation generates values for a specific probe and channel combination. If you want to use the probe on anotherchannel and desire to compensate the new probe-channel pair, you must run a new set of compensation steps for that new
combination.
1.

Connect the oscilloscope power cable.

2.

Connect the oscilloscope power cable.

3.

Connect the probe connector to the oscilloscope channel, and the probe tip and reference lead to the PROBE COMP
terminals on the oscilloscope front panel.
NOTE. Connect only one probe at a time to the probe comp terminals.

4.

Push a front panel button for an input
channel connected to the probe you wish
to compensate. (1, 2, 3, or 4)

5.

Notice on the lower menu that theoscilloscope has automatically set theprobe termination value.

6.

Push More repeatedly to select Probe
Setup from the resulting pop-up menu.

Coupling DC | Termination set
AC
by TPP1000

5InvertOn | Off

Bandwidth Full

Label
More

6

TPP1000 Probe
Setup
SN:
000001 Atten:
10X

7.

Notice that the compensation status
starts as Default.

8.

Push Compensate probe and follow the
instructions that appear on the display.

Compensation
StatusDefault
Compensate
probe for 1

7
8

MeasureCurrent
Yes | No

14

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

When compensating TPP0500B/TPP1000 probes on the oscilloscope:■

Each compensation generates values for a specific probe and channel combination. If you want to use the probe on anotherchannel and desire to compensate the new probe-channel pair, you must run a new set of compensation steps.

■

Each channel can store compensation values for 10 individual probes. If you try to compensate an 11th probe on a channel,
the oscilloscope will delete the values for the least recently used probe and add the values for the new probe.

■

The oscilloscope will assign default compensation values to a TPP0500B or TPP1000 probe connected to the Aux Inchannel.

NOTE. A factory calibration will delete all stored compensation values
NOTE. A probe compensation failure is most likely due to intermittent connection of the probe tip or ground connection during theprobe compensation operation. If a failure occurs, the oscilloscope will re-use the old probe compensation values, if they existed
prior to the failed probe compensation operation.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

15Installation

Compensating a non-TPP0500B or non-TPP1000 passive voltage probe
Whenever you attach a passive voltage probe for the first time to any input channel, compensate the probe to match it to thecorresponding oscilloscope input channel.
If you are interested in using the automatic probe compensation procedure described above for the TPP0500B and TPP1000
probes See Compensating a TPP0500B or TPP1000 passive voltage probe on page 14. on a non-TPP0500B/TPP1000 Tektronix
passive probe, check the instruction manual for your probe to see if it qualifies. Otherwise, to properly compensate your passive
probe:
1.

Follow the steps for the functional check.
See Functional check on page 12.

2.

Check the shape of the displayed
waveform to determine if your probe isproperly compensated.

Properly compensated
Under compensatedOver compensated3.

If necessary, adjust your probe. Repeat
as needed.

Quick Tips
Use the shortest possible ground lead and signal path to minimize probe-induced ringing and distortion on the measured signal.

Signal with a short ground lead

16

Signal with a long ground lead

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Application module free trial
A 30-day free trial is available for all application module licenses not installed in your oscilloscope. The trial period begins when
you power on the oscilloscope for the first time.
After 30 days, you must purchase the module if you want to continue using the application. To see the date when your free trial
period expires, push Utility on the front panel, push Utility Page on the lower menu, use multipurpose knob a to select Config,
push About on the lower menu, and then push Application Modules on the side menu to see the expiration date.

Installing an application module
CAUTION. To avoid damage to the oscilloscope or application module, observe ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions. See
Power-On on page 10.
Turn off the oscilloscope power while removing or adding an application module.
See Powering off the oscilloscope on page 11.
Optional application module packages extend the capability of your oscilloscope.
You can physically install up to four application modules at one time. Application modules go into the two slots with windows in
the upper right corner of the front panel. Two additional slots are directly behind the two that you can see. To use these slots,
install the module with the label facing away from you.
Some of the modules have licenses which allow you to transfer the license between your application modules and theoscilloscope. You can keep each license in the module, which will allow you to move the module from one instrument to another.
Alternatively, you can move the license from the module to the oscilloscope. This approach will allow you to store the module
separately from the oscilloscope for safe keeping. This approach will also allow you to use more than four applications on youroscilloscope simultaneously. To transfer a license from a module to your oscilloscope or from your oscilloscope to a module:
1.

Turn off the power to the oscilloscope. Insert the application modules into the oscilloscope. Turn on the power.

2.

Push Utility on the front panel. If needed, push Utility Page on the lower menu and turn multipurpose knob a to selectConfig. Push Manage Modules and Options on the lower menu, and then push License Type on the side menu until“Modules” is selected. The licenses contained in the oscilloscope will be listed in the side menu. Push the button next to theappropriate license to transfer. You may transfer up to four licenses at one time.

3.

After you turn off the power to the oscilloscope, you can remove the physical application module from the oscilloscope.

Refer to the MDO3000 and MDO4000 Series Application Module Installation Manual that came with your application module for
instructions on installing and testing an application module.
NOTE. If you transfer a license from a module to an oscilloscope, the module will not work on another oscilloscope until you
transfer the license back from the oscilloscope to the module. Consider putting the physical module in an envelope or otherstorage with a label recording the date, module name, model and serial number of the oscilloscope which holds the license. This
will help prevent confusion later if someone finds the module, installs it in some other oscilloscope, and wonders why it does not
work.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

17Installation

Upgrading bandwidth
You may increase the bandwidth of an instrument when your project requirements demand higher performance. Do this bypurchasing an upgrade.
All upgrades require that you send your instrument to a Tektronix Service Center and require a full calibration.
Model to be upgraded Option SA3 or Option Bandwidth before
SA6 (spectrum
upgradeanalyzer)

Bandwidth after
upgrade

Order product

MDO4024C

200 MHz

350 MHzMDO4BW2T34

200 MHz

500 MHzMDO4BW2T54

200 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW2T104

350 MHz

500 MHzMDO4BW3T54

350 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW3T104

500 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW5T104

350 MHz

500 MHzMDO4BW3T54

350 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW3T104

500 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW5T104

MDO4034CNo

MDO4054CNo

500 MHz1 GHz

MDOBW5T104

MDO4024C

Yes

200 MHz

350 MHzMDO4BW2T34-SA

200 MHz

500 MHzMDO4BW2T54-SA

200 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW2T104-SA

350 MHz

500 MHzMDO4BW3T54-SA

350 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW3T104-SA

500 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW5T104-SA

350 MHz

500 MHzMDO4BW3T54-SA

350 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW3T104-SA

500 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BW5T104-SA

500 MHz

1 GHz

MDO4BS5T104-SA

MDO4034CMDO4054C

18

No

Yes

Yes

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Changing the language of the user interface or keyboard
To change the language of the oscilloscope user interface or keyboard, and to change the front panel button labels through theuse of an overlay:
1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn multipurpose knob a and selectConfig.

4.

Push Language from the resulting lower
menu.

5.

Push Menus from the resulting side
menu and turn multipurpose knob a toselect the desired language for the userinterface.

6.

Push USB Keyboard from the resulting
side menu and turn multipurpose knob a
to select the desired language version of
keyboard to use.

7.

If you choose to use an English userinterface, be sure that the plastic front
panel overlay is removed.

Language

Menus(a) English

USB Keyboard
English5

6

If you choose a language other thanEnglish, place the plastic overlay for the
language that you desire over the front
panel to display labels in that language.

NOTE. If you order a language option, you will receive two front-panel overlays in the language you ordered: One for models with
RF options (options SA3 or SA6) and one with no RF option. Follow the instructions that come with the front-panel overlays.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

19Installation

Changing the date and time
To set the internal clock with the current date and time:

20

1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn multipurpose knob a and select Config.

5.

Push the side menu buttons and turn both multipurpose knobs (a and b) to set the time and date values.

6.

Push OK Set Date & Time.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Signal path compensation for time and frequency domains
Signal Path Compensation (SPC) corrects for DC inaccuracies caused by temperature variations and/or long-term drift. Run thecompensation whenever the ambient temperature has changed by more than 10 °C (18 °F) or once a week if you use verticalsettings of 5 mV/division or less. Failure to do so may result in the instrument not meeting warranted performance levels at thosevolts/div settings.
To compensate the signal path:1.

Warm up the oscilloscope for at least
20 minutes. Remove all input signals(probes and cables) from channel inputs.
Input signals with AC components
adversely affect SPC.

2.

Push Utility.

3.

Push Utility Page.

4.

Turn multipurpose knob a and selectCalibration.

5.

Push Signal Path on the lower menu.

6.

Utility Page
Calibration

Signal Path
Pass

4

5

Factory
Pass

Push OK Compensate Signal Paths on
the resulting side menu.
The calibration will take approximately
10 minutes to complete.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual21Installation

7.

After calibration, verify that the statusindicator on the lower menu displays
Pass. If it does not, then recalibrate theinstrument or have the instrument
serviced by qualified service personnel.
Service personnel use the factory
calibration functions to calibrate theinternal voltage references of theoscilloscope using external sources.
Contact your Tektronix field office orrepresentative for assistance with factory
calibration.

Utility Page
Calibration

Signal Path
Pass

Factory
Pass

7

7

NOTE. Signal Path Compensation does not include calibration to the probe tip.

22

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Upgrading firmware
To upgrade the firmware of the oscilloscope:1.

Open up a Web browser and go to
www.tektronix.com/software/downloads.
Proceed to the software finder. Download
the latest firmware for your oscilloscopeon your PC.

Unzip the files and copy the firmware.img file
into the root folder of a USB flash drive or USB
hard drive.
2.

Power off your oscilloscope.

3.

Insert the USB flash or hard drive into the
USB port on the front panel of youroscilloscope.

4.

Power on the oscilloscope. The
instrument automatically recognizes thereplacement firmware and installs it.
If the instrument does not install thefirmware, rerun the procedure. If the
problem continues, try a different modelof USB flash or hard drive. Finally, if
needed, contact qualified service
personnel.
NOTE. Do not power off the oscilloscopeor remove the USB drive until theoscilloscope finishes installing thefirmware.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual23Installation

5.

Power off the oscilloscope and remove
the USB flash or hard drive.

6.

Power on the oscilloscope.

7.

Push Utility.

8.

Push Utility Page.

9.

Turn multipurpose knob a and selectConfig.

10. Push About.
11. Confirm that the version number matches that of the new firmware.

24

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

Connecting your oscilloscope to a computer
Connect your oscilloscope directly to a computer to let the PC analyze your data, collect screen images, or to control youroscilloscope.
Three ways to connect your oscilloscope to a computer are through the VISA drivers, the e*Scope Web-enabled tools, and asocket server. Use VISA to communicate with your oscilloscope from your computer through a software application, such as
Tektronix OpenChoice Desktop®. Use e*Scope to communicate with your oscilloscope through a Web browser, such as
Microsoft Internet Explorer. For best results, use a browser that supports html 5.

Using VISA
VISA lets you use your MS-Windows computer to acquire data from your oscilloscope for use in an analysis package that runs on
your PC, such as Microsoft Excel, National Instruments LabVIEW, Tektronix OpenChoice Desktop software, or a program of yourown creation. You can use a common communications connection, such as USB, Ethernet, or GPIB, to connect the computer tothe oscilloscope.
For VISA, load the VISA drivers on your computer. Also, load your application, such as OpenChoice Desktop. You will find thedrivers and OpenChoice Desktop software on the Tektronix website (www.tektronix.com/downloads).

Using e*ScopeWith e*Scope, you can access and control any Internet-connected MDO4000C Series oscilloscope from a web browser on yourcomputer.
Connect the oscilloscope to your network using the LAN port. The built-in LXI web interface (Core 2011, Version 1.4) provides
network configuration information, which you can edit and customize. It also provides remote instrument control through thee*Scope user interface. There you can control instrument settings, save screen images, save instrument data or setups, andmuch more. Do all this through a password-protectable web-interface.
To set up VISA communication between your oscilloscope and a computer, perform these steps.
1.

Load the VISA drivers on your computer. Also, load your application, such as OpenChoice Desktop.
You will find the drivers and OpenChoice Desktop software on the Tektronix software finder Web page (www.tektronix.com/
downloads).

2.

Connect the oscilloscope to your computer with the appropriate USB or Ethernet cable.
To communicate between the oscilloscope and a GPIB system, connect the oscilloscope to the TEK-USB-488 GPIB-to-USB
Adapter with a USB cable. Then connect the adapter to your GPIB system with a GPIB cable. Cycle the power on theoscilloscope.

3.

Push Utility.

4.

Push Utility page.

5.

Turn the Multipurpose a and select I/O.

6.

If you are using USB, the system sets itself up automatically for you, if USB is enabled.
Check USB on the lower menu to be sure that USB is enabled. If it is not enabled, push USB. Then push Connect toComputer on the side menu.

7.

To use Ethernet, push Ethernet & LXI on the lower menu.
Use the side menu buttons to adjust your network settings, as needed. For more information, see the e*Scope setup
information below.

8.

If you want to change socket server parameters, push Socket Server and enter new values through the resulting side
menu.

9.

If you are using GPIB, push GPIB. Enter the GPIB address on the side menu, by turning the Multipurpose a knob.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual25

Installation

This will set the GPIB address on an attached TEK-USB-488 Adapter.
10. Run your application software on your computer.
TIP.
■

The Tektronix website provides access to a variety of Windows-based software tools for efficient connectivity between youroscilloscope and your computer. These include tool bars that speed connectivity with Microsoft Excel and Word and astandalone acquisition program called Tektronix OpenChoice Desktop.

■

The rear-panel USB 2.0 device port is the correct USB port for computer connectivity. Use the rear and front panel USB
2.0 host port to connect your oscilloscope to USB flash drives. Use the USB Device port on the rear panel to connect youroscilloscope to a PC or a PictBridge printer.

Using the LXI web page and e*ScopeWith e*Scope, you can access any Internet-connected MDO4000C oscilloscope from a web browser on your computer or tablet.
To set up e*Scope communications between your oscilloscope and a Web browser running on a remote computer:
1.

Connect the oscilloscope to your computer network with an appropriate Ethernet cable.

2.

Push Utility.

3.

Push Utility Page.

4.

Turn Multipurpose knob and select I/O.

5.

Push Ethernet & LXI.

6.

View the top item on the side menu to determine the condition of the LAN. An indicator turns green for good status and red if
the device detects a fault.

7.

Push LAN Settings to display the network parameters configured on your oscilloscope.

8.

Push LAN Reset to restore the LAN defaults to your oscilloscope.

9.

Push Test Connection to check if your oscilloscope can find an attached network.

10. Push more to see another page of side menu items.
11. Push Change Names to change the name of the oscilloscope, the network domain, or the service name.
12. Push Change Ethernet & LXI Password to change the name of the password.
13. Push Change e*Scope Password to use the LXI password to also protect your oscilloscope from changes made to LAN
settings from a Web browser.
14. Start your browser on your remote computer. In the browser address line, enter the host name, a dot, and the domain nametogether. Alternatively, just enter the IP address of the instrument. Either way, you should then see the LXI Welcome pageon your Web browser on your computer screen.
15. Click Network Configuration to view and edit the network configuration settings. If you are using a password and changing
your settings, you need to know that the default user name is “lxiuser”.
16. For e*Scope, click the Instrument Control (e*Scope) link on the left side of the LXI Welcome page. You should then see a
new tab (or window) open in your browser with e*Scope running.

Using a socket server
A socket server provides two-way communication over an Internet Protocol-based computer network. You can use youroscilloscope’s socket server feature to let your oscilloscope communicate with a remote-terminal device or computer.

26

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualInstallation

To set up and use a socket server between your oscilloscope and a remote terminal or computer:
1.

Push the Utility button.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a and select I/O.

4.

Push Socket Server.

5.

On the resulting Socket Server side menu, push the top entry to highlight Enabled.

6.

Choose whether the protocol should be None or Terminal.
A communication session run by a human at a keyboard typically uses a terminal protocol. An automated session might
handle its own communications without such protocol from the oscilloscope.

7.

If required, change the port number by turning Multipurpose a.

8.

If required, press OK to set the new port number.

9.

After you have set up the socket server parameters, the computer is now ready to communicate with the oscilloscope. If you
are running an MS Windows PC, you could run its default client Telnet, which has a command interface. One way to do thisis by typing “ Telnet ” in the Run window. The Telnet window will open on the PC.
NOTE. On MS Windows 7, you must first enable Telnet in order for Telnet to work.

10. Start a terminal session between your computer and your oscilloscope by typing in an open command with theoscilloscope's LAN address and port #.
You can obtain the LAN address by pushing the Ethernet & LXI lower menu button and the resulting LAN Settings side
menu button to view the resulting Ethernet and LXI Settings screen. You can obtain the port # by pushing Socket Server on
the lower menu and viewing Current Port on the side menu.
For example, if the oscilloscope IP address was 123.45.67.89 and the post # was the default of 4000, you could open asession by writing into the MS Windows Telnet screen: o 123.45.67.89 4000.
The oscilloscope will send a help screen to the computer when it has finished connecting.
11. You can now type in a standard query, such as, *idn?.
The Telnet session window will respond by displaying a character string describing your instrument.
You can type in more queries and view more results using this Telnet session window. You can find the syntax for relevant
commands, queries and related status codes in the Programmer Manual that is available at the Tektronix website.
NOTE. Do not use the computer’s backspace key during an MS Windows Telnet session with the oscilloscope.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual27Installation

Connecting a USB keyboard to your oscilloscope
You can connect a USB keyboard to a USB Host port on the rear or front panel of the oscilloscope. The oscilloscope will detect
the keyboard, even if it is plugged in while the oscilloscope is powered on.
You can use the keyboard to quickly create names or labels. You can bring up the Label button on the lower menu by pushing a
Channel or Bus button. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move the insertion point, and then type in a name or label.
Labeling channels and buses makes the information on the screen easier to identify.
To choose whether to use a keyboard with a United States (US) key layout or one with an alternative layout:28

1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn multipurpose knob a and select Config.

4.

Push Language on the lower menu.

5.

Push USB Keyboard on the side menu.

6.

Turn multipurpose knob a and select the desired keyboard layout style from the resulting menu.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument
Front-panel menus, controls, and connectors
The front panel has buttons and controls for the functions that you use most often. Use the menu buttons to access more
specialized functions.

1.

Traditional oscilloscope front panel controls

2.

10-digit keypad3.

Application module slots

4.

Ground strap connector

5.

Ground6.

PROBE COMP

7.

Auxiliary Input (only on instruments without option SA3 or SA6)

8.

Dedicated spectral analysis controls, available with Option SA3 and SA6

9.

Dedicated RF input with N-connector, available with Option SA3 and SA6

10. Analog channel (1, 2, 3, 4) inputs with TekVPI versatile probe interface
11. Digital channel input
12. Display: shows frequency and/or time domain
13. Arbitrary/function generator (AFG) enable button

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual29Get acquainted with the instrument

Front panel menus and controls
The front panel has buttons and controls for the functions that you use most often. Use the menu buttons to access more
specialized functions.

Using the menu system
To use the menu system:
1.

Push a front panel menu button to display the menu that you want to use.
NOTE. The B1, B2, and B3 buttons support multiple serial or parallel buses.

2.

Push a lower menu button. If a pop-out menu appears, turn Multipurpose a knob to select the desired choice. If a pop-up
menu appears, push the button again to select the desired choice.

3.

Push a side menu button.
If the menu item contains more than one choice, push the side button repeatedly to cycle through the choices.
If a pop-out menu appears, turn Multipurpose a knob to select the desired choice.

4.

30

To remove a side menu, push the lower button again or push Menu Off.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

5.

Certain menu choices require you to set a numeric value to complete the setup. Use the upper and lower multipurpose
knobs a and b to adjust values. You can also set many numerical values with the 10-digit keypad on the front panel.

6.

Push Fine to turn off or on the ability to make smaller adjustments.

Using the menu buttons
Use the menu buttons to perform many functions in the oscilloscope.

1.

Measure. Push to perform automated measurements on waveforms and to access the digital voltmeter (DVM) andwaveform histogram functions.

2.

Search. Push to perform an automated search through an acquisition for user-defined events/criteria.

3.

Autoset. Push to perform an automatic setup of oscilloscope settings.

4.

Test. Push to activate advanced or application-specific testing features.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual31Get acquainted with the instrument

5.

Acquire. Push to set the acquisition mode and adjust the record length.

6.

Trigger Menu. Push to specify trigger settings.

7.

M. Push to manage the math waveform, including the display or removal of the math waveform from the display.

8.

R. Push to manage reference waveforms, including the display or removal of each reference waveform from the display.

9.

B1, B2, or B3. Push to define a serial bus if you have the appropriate modules. Parallel bus support is available on
MDO4000C products with the MDO4MSO option installed. Push the appropriate button to display or remove thecorresponding bus from the display.

10. AFG. Push to enable the arbitrary/function generator output and access the AFG menu.
11. Vertical Position. Turn to adjust the vertical position of the corresponding waveform. Push to center the waveform baseline
indicator.
12. Channel 1, 2, 3 or 4 Menu. Push to set vertical parameters for input waveforms and to display or remove the corresponding
waveform from the display.
13. Vertical Scale. Turn to adjust the vertical scale factor of the corresponding waveform (volts/division). Push to toggle
between Fine and Coarse adjustment.

Below the display buttons
Use the buttons below the display to perform many functions in the oscilloscope.

32

1.

Save / Recall Menu. Push to define the Save button to save and recall setups, waveforms, or screen images to internal
memory, a USB flash drive, or a mounted network drive.

2.

Default Setup. Push to perform an immediate restore of the oscilloscope to the default settings.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

3.

Utility. Push to activate the system utility functions, such as selecting a language or setting the date/time.

4.

B1, B2, or B3. Push to define and display a bus if you have the appropriate module application keys.
■

DPO4AERO supports MIL-STD-1553 buses.

■

DPO4AUDIO supports I2S, Left Justified (LJ), Right Justified (RJ), and TDM buses.

■

DPO4AUTO supports CAN, CAN FD, and LIN buses.

■

DPO4AUTOMAX supports CAN, CAN FD, LIN and FlexRay, including physical layer testing on FlexRay.

■

DPO4BND adds support for DPO4AERO, DPO4AUDIO, DPO4AUTO, DPO4COMP, DPO4EMBD, DPO4ENET,
DPO4USB, DPO4LMT, DPO4PWR, and DPO4VID.

■

DPO4COMP supports RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and UART buses.

■

DPO4EMBD supports I2C and SPI buses.

■

DPO4ENET supports 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T buses.

■

DPO4USB supports USB 2.0 buses.
Push the B1, B2, or B3 button to display or remove the corresponding bus from the display.

■

MDO4TRIG supports advanced RF power level triggering.

■

MDO4MSO adds 16 digital channels; includes P6616 digital probe and accessories .

■MDO4AFG adds the arbitrary/function generator to any MDO4000C Series product.

5.

R. Push to manage reference waveforms and traces, including the display or removal of each reference waveform or tracefrom the display.

6.

M. Push to manage the math waveform or trace, including the display or removal of the math waveform or trace from thedisplay.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual33Get acquainted with the instrument

Using spectral analysis controls
These buttons configure the acquisition and display of the RF input.

1.

RF. Push to bring up the frequency domain display and menu. The RF menu provides access to the Spectrogram display.

2.

Freq/Span. Push to specify the portion of the spectrum to view on the display. Set the center frequency and the span – or
set the start and stop frequency.

3.

Ampl. Push to set the reference level.

4.

BW. Push to define the resolution bandwidth.

5.

Markers. Push to set automatic or manual markers.

Using other controls1.

Cursors. Push once to activate the two vertical cursors. Push again to turn off all cursors. Push and hold to bring up the
cursor menu. Use the menu to select the cursor features, such as type, source, orientation, linked status, and units.
When the cursors are on, you can turn the multipurpose knobs to control their position.

2.

Turn the upper multipurpose knob a, when activated, to move a cursor, to set a numerical parameter value for a menu item,or to select from a pop-out list of choices. Push the Fine button to toggle between coarse and fine adjustment.
Screen icons tell you when a or b are active.

3.

Select. Push to activate special functions.
For example, when using the two vertical cursors (and no horizontal ones are visible), you can push this button to link or
unlink the cursors. When the two vertical and two horizontal cursors are both visible, you can push this button to make either
the vertical cursors or the horizontal cursors active.

34

4.

Fine. Push to toggle between making coarse and fine adjustments with the many operations of multipurpose knobs a and b.

5.

Turn the lower Multipurpose b knob, when activated, to move a cursor or set a numerical parameter value for a menu item.
Push Fine to make adjustments more slowly.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

6.

Intensity. Push to enable Multipurpose a to control waveform display intensity and knob b to control graticule intensity.

7.

Zoom button. Push to activate zoom mode.

8.

Pan (outer knob). Turn to scroll the zoom window through the acquired waveform.

9.

Zoom-scale (inner knob). Turn to control the zoom factor. Turning it clockwise zooms in further. Turning it counterclockwisezooms out.

10. Play-pause button. Push to start or stop the automatic panning of a waveform. Control the speed and direction with the panknob.
11. ← Prev. Push to jump to the previous waveform mark.
12. Set/Clear Mark. Push to establish or delete a waveform mark.
13. → Next. Push to jump to the next waveform mark.

14. Horizontal Position. Turn to adjust the trigger point location relative to the acquired waveforms. Push to center when delay
is on. Push to set to 10% when delay is off.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual35Get acquainted with the instrument

15. Horizontal Scale. Turn to adjust the horizontal scale (time/division).

16. Autoset. Push to automatically set the vertical, horizontal, and trigger controls for a usable, stable display.
17. Single. Push to make a single sequence acquisition.
18. Run/Stop. Push to start or stop acquisitions.
19. Trigger Level. Turn to adjust the trigger level.
Push Level to Set 50%. Push the Trigger level knob to set the trigger level to the midpoint of the waveform.
20. Force Trig. Push to force an immediate trigger event.

21. Print. Push to print to the selected printer.
22. Power switch. Push to power on or off the oscilloscope.
23. USB 2.0 Host port. Insert a USB peripheral to the oscilloscope, such as a keyboard or a flash drive.

36

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

24. Save. Push to perform an immediate save operation. The save operation uses the current save parameters, as defined in
the Save / Recall menu.
25. Save / Recall Menu. Push to save and recall setups, waveforms, and screen images to internal memory, or a USB flash
drive.
26. Default Setup. Push to perform an immediate restore of the oscilloscope to the default settings.
27. Utility. Push to activate the system utility functions, such as selecting a language or setting the date/time.
28. D15 - D0. Push to display or remove the digital channels from the display, and to access the digital channel setup menu
(with option MDO4MSO only).
29. Menu Off. Push to clear a displayed menu from the screen.

Identifying items in the time domain display
The items shown in the graphic below may appear in the display. Not all of these items are visible at any given time. Somereadouts move outside the graticule area when menus are turned off.

1.

The acquisition readout shows when an acquisition is running, stopped, or when acquisition preview is in effect.
■

Run = acquisitions enabled.

■

Stop = Acquisitions not enabled.

■

Roll = roll mode (40 ms/div or slower).

■

PreVu = The oscilloscope is stopped or between triggers.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual37Get acquainted with the instrument

You can change the horizontal or vertical position or scale to see approximately what the next acquisition will look like. A/B =When using the average acquisition mode, B shows the total number of acquisitions to be averaged (set this using theAcquisition Mode side menu), and A shows the current progress towards this total number.
2.

The trigger position icon shows the trigger position in the acquisition.

3.

The expansion point icon shows the point that the horizontal scale expands and compresses around. To make theexpansion point the same as the trigger point (as it is here), push Acquire and set the lower menu Delay item to Off.

4.

The waveform record view shows the trigger location relative to the waveform record. The line color corresponds to theselected waveform color. The brackets show the part of the record currently displayed on the screen.

5.

The trigger status readout shows trigger status. Status conditions are:

6.

38

■

PrTrig: Acquiring pretrigger data.

■

Trig? = Waiting for trigger.

■

Trig’d: Triggered.

■

Auto: Acquiring untriggered data.

The security icon indicates when the I/O ports are disabled.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

7.

The cursor readout shows time, amplitude, and delta (Δ) values for each cursor. For FFT measurements, it shows frequency
and magnitude. For serial and parallel buses, the readout shows the decoded values.

8.

The trigger level icon shows the trigger level on the waveform. The icon color corresponds to the trigger source color.

9.

The trigger readout shows the trigger source, slope, and level. The trigger readouts for other trigger types show otherparameters.

10. The top line of the record length/sampling rate readout shows the sampling rate. You can adjust it with the Horizontal Scaleknob. The bottom line shows the record length. You can adjust it by pushing Acquire and Record Length on the lowermenu.

11. The horizontal position/scale readout shows on the top line the horizontal scale (adjust with the Horizontal Scale knob).
With Delay Mode on, the bottom line shows the time from the T symbol to the expansion point icon (adjust with the
Horizontal Position knob). Use horizontal position to insert added delay between when the trigger occurs and when you
actually capture the data. Insert a negative time to capture more pre-trigger information. With Delay Mode off, the bottom
line shows the time location of the trigger within the acquisition, as a percentage.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual39Get acquainted with the instrument

12. The Timing Resolution readout shows the timing resolution of the digital channels. Timing resolution is the time between
samples. It is the reciprocal of the digital sample rate. When the MagniVu control is on, “MagniVu” appears in the readout.

13. Measurement readouts show the selected measurements. You can select up to four measurements to display at one time. A
appears instead of the expected numerical measurement if a vertical clipping condition exists. (Part of thesymbolwaveform is above or below the display.) To obtain a proper numerical measurement, turn the vertical scale and position
knobs to make all of the waveform appear in the display.

14. The auxiliary waveform readouts show the vertical and horizontal scale factors of the math and reference waveforms.

15. The channel readout shows the channel scale factor (per division), coupling, invert, and bandwidth status. Adjust with the
Vertical Scale knob and in the channel 1, 2, 3, or 4 menus.

16. For digital channels, the baseline indicators point to the high and low levels. The indicator colors follow the color code usedon resistors. The D0 indicator is black, the D1 indicator is brown, the D2 indicator is red, and so on.

17. The group icon indicates when digital channels are grouped.

40

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

18. The bus display shows decoded packet level information for serial buses or for parallel buses. The bus indicator shows thebus number and bus type.
19. For analog channels, the waveform baseline indicator shows the zero-volt level of a waveform, assuming you have not used
any offset. The icon colors correspond to the waveform colors.

Identifying items in the frequency domain display
Activate the frequency domain display by pressing the front panel RF button.

1.

Vertical graticule labels

2.

Start frequency

3.

Reference level

4.

Vertical scale

5.

Center frequency

6.

Span and resolution bandwidth7.

Stop frequency

8.

Reference marker

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual41Get acquainted with the instrument

Identifying items in the arbitrary/function generator display

1.

If visible, the AFG output is on2.

AFG label

3.

Waveform type, e.g. “Sine”

4.

Additive Noise icon

5.

Frequency

6.

Amplitude(Refer to Arbitrary / Function Generator.)

Identifying Items in the digital voltmeter display

1.

Measurement type (AC+DC RMS, DC, AC RMS, or Frequency)

2.

Numerical value of the current measurement

3.

Graphic (min, max, value, five-second rolling range)
The number on the left side of the graphic’s linear scale is the minimum value of the range (e.g. 0.000 V).
The number on the right side of the graphic’s linear scale is the maximum value of the range (e.g. 400.0 mV).
The gray bar shows the five second rolling average of measurements.
The inverted triangle shows the location on the scale of the current measurement value.

42

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualGet acquainted with the instrument

4.

Minimum measurement value recorded since you powered on the instrument or since you last pushed the Reset DVM
Statistics menu item.

5.

Maximum measurement value recorded since you powered on the instrument or since you last pushed the Reset DVM
Statistics menu item.

6.

Average of all measurement values recorded since you powered on the instrument or since you last pushed the Reset DVM
Statistics menu item.

7.

Frequency
NOTE. An “Over bandwidth” message appears for voltage measurements ≥ 10 kHz. An “Under bandwidth” message
appears for voltage measurements ≤ 10 Hz. A “?” message appears next to min or max measurements that have gone outof bounds. Push Reset DVM Statistics to remove the “?” messages from the display.

(Refer to Taking Digital Voltmeter Measurements.).

Rear-Panel Connectors

1.

AFG OUT. Use the AFG OUT port to transmit signals from the arbitrary function generator.

2.

AUX OUT. Use to output Trigger, Signal Out, or AFG Sync Out. Also used to generate a signal on a main trigger pulse, as a
10 MHz reference signal, or to output a signal when other events happen, such as mask-limit test events.

3.

REF IN. Use the 10 MHz external reference input to provide an external timebase.

4.

LAN. Use the LAN (Ethernet) port (RJ-45 connector) to connect the oscilloscope to a 10/100/1000 Base-T local area
network.

5.

Video Out. Use the Video Out port (DB-15 female connector) to show the oscilloscope display on an external monitor or
projector.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual43Get acquainted with the instrument6.

USB 2.0 Device port. Use the USB 2.0 High Speed Device port to connect a PictBridge compatible printer, or for direct PC
control of the oscilloscope using USBTMC protocol.
NOTE. The cable connected from the USB 2.0 Device port to the host computer must meet the USB2.0 specification forhigh speed operation when connected to a high speed host controller.

7.

USB 2.0 Host port. Use the USB 2.0 High Speed Host port to connect a USB memory device or USB keyboard.

8.

Power input. Attach to an AC power line with integral safety ground.

9.

Lock. Use to secure the oscilloscope.

10. VESA mounts. Use to secure the oscilloscope.

44

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal
This section describes concepts of and procedures for setting up the oscilloscope to acquire the signal as you want it to.

Setting up analog channels
Use front panel buttons and knobs to set up your instrument to acquire signals using the analog channels.
1.

Connect the TPP0500B, TPP1000, or VPI probe to the input signal source.

2.

Select the input channel by pushing the front panel buttons.
NOTE. If you are using a probe that does not supply probe encoding, set the attenuation (probe factor) in the oscilloscopevertical menu for the channel to match the probe.

3.

Push Default Setup.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual45Acquire the signal

4.

Push Autoset.

5.

Push the desired channel button. Then adjust the vertical position and scale.

6.

Adjust the horizontal position and scale. The horizontal position determines the number of pretrigger and posttrigger
samples.

The horizontal scale determines the size of the acquisition window relative to the waveform. You can scale the window tocontain a waveform edge, a cycle, several cycles, or thousands of cycles.
TIP. Use the zoom feature to see multiple cycles of your signal in the upper part, and a single cycle in the lower part of thedisplay. (Using Wave Inspector to Manage Long Record Length Waveforms.)

46

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

Using the default setup
To return the oscilloscope to its default settings:
1.

Push Default Setup.

2.

If you change your mind, push Undo
Default Setup to undo the last default
setup.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Undo Default
Setup

2

47

Acquire the signal

Using autoset
Autoset adjusts the instrument (acquisition, horizontal, trigger, and vertical controls) such that it displays four or five waveform
cycles for analog channels with the trigger near the mid level, and ten cycles for digital channels.
Autoset works with both the analog and digital channels.
1.

To autoset an analog channel, connect
the analog probe, and then select the
input channel.
To autoset a digital channel, connect thelogic probe and select the input channel.
Setting up digital channels on page 70.

2.

Push Autoset to execute an Autoset.

3.

If desired, push Undo Autoset to undo
the last Autoset.

Undo Autoset

3

You can also disable the Autoset function. To disable or enable the Autoset function:48

1.

Push and hold Autoset.

2.

Push and hold Menu Off.

3.

Release Menu Off, and then release
Autoset.

4.

Select the desired setting (Autoset Enabled or Autoset Disabled) using the side menu.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

Quick Tips■

To position the waveform appropriately, Autoset may change the vertical position. Autoset always sets vertical offset to 0 V.

■

If you use Autoset when no channels are displayed, the instrument turns on channel 1 and scales it.

■

If you use Autoset and the oscilloscope detects a video signal, the oscilloscope automatically sets the trigger type to video
and makes other adjustments to display a stable video signal.

Acquisition concepts
Before a signal can be displayed, it must pass through the input channel where it is scaled and digitized. Each channel has adedicated input amplifier and digitizer. Each channel produces a stream of digital data from which the instrument extracts
waveform records.
Sampling Process

Acquisition is the process of sampling an analog signal, converting it into digital data, and assembling it into a waveform record,
which is then stored in acquisition memory.
Real-Time Sampling

MDO4000C Series oscilloscopes use real-time sampling. In real-time sampling, the instrument digitizes all of the points it
acquires using a single trigger event.
Waveform Record
The instrument builds the waveform record through use of the following parameters:

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual49Acquire the signal■

Sample interval: The time between recorded sample points. Adjust this by turning the Horizontal Scale knob or pushing
Acquire and changing the record length in the Acquire menu.

■

Record length: The number of samples required to fill a waveform record. Set this by pushing the Acquire button andusing the lower and side menus.

■

Trigger point: The zero time reference in a waveform record. It is shown on the screen by an orange T.

■

Horizontal position: When Delay Mode is on, this is the time from the trigger point to the expansion point. Adjust this byturning the Horizontal Position knob.
Use a positive time to acquire the record after the trigger point. Use a negative time to acquire it before the trigger point.

■

50

Expansion point: The point that the horizontal scale expands and contracts around. It is shown by an orange triangle.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

Using FastAcq
FastAcq™ provides high-speed waveform capture. It is helpful in finding elusive signal anomalies. Fast acquisition mode reduces
the dead time between waveform acquisitions, enabling the capture and display of transient events such as glitches and runt
pulses. Fast acquisition mode can also display waveform phenomena at an intensity that reflects their rate of occurrence.
1.

Push Acquire on the front panel.

2.

Push FastAcq on the lower menu.

Mode
SampleRecord Length
10k

FastAcq
OffDelay
On OffSet Horiz.
Position to10%

Waveform
Display

XY Display
Off

2
FastAcq3.

Toggle FastAcq on the side menu to
Select On.

Fast Acq
On Off3

Waveform
Palettea Temperature

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual51

Acquire the signal

4.

Push Waveform Palette on the side menu
and use the multipurpose knob to selectthe desired display palette.

The display palette lets you enhance the visibility of events. This choice uses intensity grading to indicate how often raretransients occur relative to normal signals. The choices are Temperature, Spectral, Normal and Inverted.
■

Temperature uses color-grading to indicate frequency of occurrence with hot colors like red/yellow indicating frequently
occurring events and colder colors like blue/green indicating rarely occurring events.

■

Spectral uses color-grading to indicate frequency of occurrence with colder colors like blue indicating frequently occurring
events and hot colors like red indicating rarely occurring events.

■

Normal uses the default channel color (like yellow for channel one) along with gray-scale to indicate frequency ofoccurrence where frequently occurring events are bright.

■

Inverted uses the default channel color along with gray scale to indicate frequency of occurrence where rarely occurring
events are bright.

These color palettes help highlight the events that over time occur more often or, in the case of infrequent anomalies, occur lessoften.

52

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

How the analog acquisition modes work
Sample mode retains the first sampled pointfrom each acquisition interval. Sample is thedefault mode.

Peak Detect mode uses the highest andlowest of all the samples contained in two
consecutive acquisition intervals. This mode
only works with real-time, noninterpolated
sampling and is useful for catching highfrequency glitches.
Hi Res mode calculates the average of all thesamples for each acquisition interval. Thismode also only works with real-time,noninterpolated sampling. Hi-Res provides ahigher-resolution, lower-bandwidth waveform.
Envelope mode finds the highest and lowest
record points over all acquisitions. Envelope
uses Peak Detect for each individualacquisition.
Average mode calculates the average value
for each record point over a user-specified
number of acquisitions. Average uses Sample
mode for each individual acquisition. Useaverage mode to reduce random noise.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual53Acquire the signal

Changing the Acquisition Mode, Record Length, and Delay TimeUse this procedure to change the acquisition mode.

54

1.

Push Acquire.

2.

Push Mode.

3.

Then choose the acquisition mode fromthe side menu. You can chose from:
Sample, Peak Detect, Hi Res, Envelope,or Average.

4.

If you chose Average, turn multipurpose
knob a to set the number of waveforms toaverage over.

5.

Push Record Length.

Mode
SampleRecord Length
10k

2

5

FastAcq
OffDelay
On OffSet Horiz.
Position to10%

Waveform
Display

XY Display
Off

7

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

6.

Scroll through the available choices.
Choose among 1000, 10k, 100k, 1M, 5M,
10M, and 20M points.

7.

Push Delay on the lower menu to selectOn when you want to delay theacquisition relative to the trigger event.

With Delay set to On, turn the Horizontal Position knob counterclockwise to increase the delay. The trigger point will move tothe left and ultimately outside of the acquired waveform. Then you can adjust the Horizontal Scale knob to acquire more detailaround the area of interest at the center of the screen.
When this delay is on, the trigger point separates from the horizontal expansion point. The horizontal expansion point stays at thecenter of the screen. The trigger point can move off the screen. When this happens, the trigger marker turns to point in the
direction of the trigger point.
Use the delay feature when you want to acquire waveform detail that is separated from the trigger event by a significant intervalof time. For example, you can trigger on a sync pulse that occurs once every 10 ms and then look at high-speed signal
characteristics that occur 6 ms after the sync pulse.
When the delay feature is set to Off, the expansion point is tied to the trigger point so that scale changes are centered around thetrigger point.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual55

Acquire the signal

Using Roll Mode
Roll mode gives a display similar to a strip chart recorder for low-frequency signals. Roll mode lets you see acquired data points
without waiting for the acquisition of a complete waveform record.
Roll mode is enabled when the trigger mode is auto and the horizontal scale is set to 40 ms/div or slower.
Quick Tips■

Switching to Envelope or Averageacquisition mode, using digital channels,
using math waveforms, turning on a bus,
or switching to Normal trigger will disable
Roll mode.

■

Roll mode is disabled when you set thehorizontal scale to 20 ms per division or
faster.

■Push Run/Stop to halt Roll mode.

Act on Event
Have the oscilloscope perform a defined action after a defined event has occurred. The event can be a trigger or a certain
number of acquisitions. The action can be to:56■

Stop acquisitions■

Save a waveform or a screen image to a file

■

Print

■

Send a pulse out the AUX OUT port■

Generate a remote interface SRQ■

Send an e-mail notification■

Display a message on the oscilloscope display

1.

Push Test on the front panel.

2.

Push Application on the lower menu.

3.

Turn the multipurpose knob to select Act on Event.

4.

Push Event on the lower menu, which will display the Event Type side menu. Select the desired event type.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

5.

Push Actions on the lower menu, which will display the Actions side menu. Use this menu to select a action to occur upon
the event just selected.

6.

Select the action type from the pop-up menu.

7.

Select whether or not to enable the action.

8.

If you selected Email Notification from the list of actions, you can now select Configure E-mail from the side menu to define
the parameters of the email.
NOTE. There is a single set of SMTP server settings saved for both Act on Event e-mail notification and for the e-mailprinter (set through the Utility > Print Setup > Select Printer > Add E-mail Printer menus). If you modify the SMTP settings in
one of these two locations, they will be similarly modified in the other location.

9.

Push Repeat from the lower menu to set how many times you want this event and action pair to repeat.

Setting up a serial or parallel bus
Your oscilloscope can decode and trigger on signal events or conditions that occur on:
Bus type

With this hardware

MIL-STD-1553

DPO4AERO application module

Audio (I2S, Left Justified (LJ), Right Justified (RJ), and TDM)

DPO4AUDIO application module

CAN, CAN FD, and LIN

DPO4AUTO application module

CAN, CAN FD, LIN, and FlexRay

DPO4AUTOMAX application module

I2C and SPI

DPO4EMBD application module

10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet

DPO4ENET application module

Parallel

MDO4000C Series oscilloscope with the MDO4MSO option

RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and URTDPO4COMP application module

USB 2.0

DPO4USB application module
NOTE. 1 GHz bandwidth models are required for high-speed(HS) USB.

(Application Module Free Trial.)

Using buses in two steps
To quickly use serial bus triggering:

1.

Push B1, B2, or B3 and enter parameters of the bus you want to decode.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual57

Acquire the signal

You can separately assign a different bus to each of the B1, B2, or B3 buttons.
2.

Push Trigger Menu and enter trigger parameters.

You can display bus information without triggering on the bus signal.

Setting up bus parameters
NOTE. For most bus sources, you may use any combination of channels 1 through 4, and D15 through D0. With some buses,
you may also use Ref 1 through 4 and Math as sources for protocol decode.
To trigger on serial or parallel bus conditions, refer to Triggering on Buses. (Triggering on Buses.)
To set up bus parameters:
1.

Push B1, B2, or B3 to bring up the lower bus menu.

2.

Push Bus. Turn Multipurpose a to scroll through the list of bus types and select the desired bus: Parallel, I2C, SPI, RS-232,
CAN, CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay, Audio, USB, Ethernet, or MIL-STD-1553.

The actual menu items shown will depend on your model oscilloscope and the application modules installed.
3.

58

Push Define Inputs. The choices depend on the selected bus.
■

Use the side menu buttons to define parameters for the inputs, such as specific signals to an analog or digital channel.

■

If you select Parallel, push the side menu button to enable or disable Clocked Data.

■

Push the side menu button to select the Clock Edge on which to clock data: rising edge, falling edge, or both edges.

■

Turn Multipurpose a to select the Number of Data Bits in the parallel bus.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

4.

■Turn Multipurpose a to select the desired bit to define.

■Turn Multipurpose b to select the desired analog or digital channel as the source for the bit.

Push Thresholds.

You can set the threshold for all channels in the parallel or serial bus from a list of preset values. The preset values vary,depending on the bus type.
Alternatively, you can set the threshold to a specific value for the signals that make up the parallel or serial bus. To do so,push Select on the side menu and turn Multipurpose a to select a Bit or a Channel number (Signal name).

Then, turn Multipurpose b to define the voltage level above which the oscilloscope treats the signal as a logic high andbelow which as a logic low.

NOTE. Some buses use two thresholds per channel.
5.

Optionally, push B1 Label to edit the label for the bus. (Labeling Channels and Buses.)

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual59Acquire the signal

6.

Push Bus Display and use the side menu to define how to display the parallel or serial bus.

Depending on the bus, use the side menu or the knobs to set the number format.
7.

Push Event Table and select On to display a list of bus packets with timestamps.
For a clocked parallel bus, the table lists the value of the bus at each clock edge. For an unclocked parallel bus, the tablelists the value of the bus whenever any one of its bits changes.
The Event Table lists bytes, words, or packets, depending on the bus type.
Event Table on page 68

8.

60

Push Save Event Table to save the event table data in a .csv (spreadsheet) format on the currently selected storage
device.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

This example of an Event Table is from an RS-232 bus.

RS-232 event tables display one line for each 7- or 8-bit byte when Packets are set to Off. RS-232 event tables display one
line for each packet when Packets are set to On.
Other buses display one word, frame, or packet per row, depending on the bus type.
9.

Push B1, B2, or B3 and turn Multipurpose a to move the bus display up or down on the screen.

I2C bus
To acquire data from an I2C bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you select I2C, push Define Inputs and the appropriate side menu choices.

You can assign the predefined SCLK Input or SDA Input to the channel connected to the signal.
2.

Push Include R/W in Address and then push the desired side button.
This control determines how the oscilloscope shows the I2C addresses in bus decode traces, cursor readouts, Event Table
listings, and trigger settings.
If you select Yes, the oscilloscope displays 7-bit addresses as eight bits, where the eighth bit (LSB) is the R/W bit. It
displays 10-bit addresses as 11 bits where the third bit is the R/W bit.
If you select No, the oscilloscope displays 7-bit addresses as seven bits, and 10-bit addresses as ten bits.
In the physical layer of the I2C protocol, 10 bit I2C addresses are preceded by the five bit code, 11110. The oscilloscope
does not include these five bits in address readouts.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual61Acquire the signal

SPI bus
To acquire data from an SPI bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you selected SPI, push Define Inputs and the appropriate side menu choices.

You can set the Framing to SS (Slave Select) or to Idle Time.
You can assign the predefined SCLK, SS, MOSI, or MISO signals to any channel.
2.

Push Configure and the desired side menu choices.

3.

Push SCLK to set the edge of the signal to match the SPI bus being acquired.

4.

Set the level of the SS, MOSI, and MISO signals to match the SPI bus.
Active High means that a signal is considered active when the signal is greater than the threshold value.
Active Low means that the signal is considered active when the signal is lower than the threshold value.

62

5.

Use Multipurpose a to set the number of bits of the SPI Word Size.

6.

Push either side menu button to set the bit order of the SPI bus.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

RS 232 bus
To acquire data from a RS-232 bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you selected RS-232, push Configure and the desired side menu choices.
Use the side menu to configure the bus. Use Normal polarity for RS-232 signals and Inverted polarity for RS-422, RS-485,

and UART buses.
2.

Push Bit Rate, and turn Multipurpose a to select the appropriate bit rate.

3.

Push Data Bits and select the number to match the bus.

4.

Push Parity and turn Multipurpose a to match the polarity used by the bus as None, Odd, or Even.

5.

Push Packets and select On or Off.

6.

Turn Multipurpose a to select an end-of-packet character.
RS-232 decoding displays a stream of bytes. You can organize the stream into packets with an end-of-packet character.

If you defined an end-of-packet character to use for RS-232 decoding, the stream of bytes will be displayed as packets.
When decoding an RS-232 bus in ASCII mode, a large dot indicates that the value represents a character outside the printable
ASCII range.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual63Acquire the signal

CAN, CAN FD bus
To acquire data from a CAN bus or CAN FD bus, you need to set up these items:
1.

If you selected CAN, push Define Inputs and the appropriate side menu choices.

2.

Turn Multipurpose a to select the channel connected to the CAN bus source.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a to select the type of CAN signal: CAN_H, CAN_L, Rx, Tx, or Differential.

4.

Turn Multipurpose a to set the Sample Point to a percentage of the position within the bit period or the unit interval.
For a CAN 2.0 bus the allowable sample point range is 5% to 95%.
For a CAN FD bus the allowable sample point range is 15% to 95%.
NOTE. CAN FD requires an accurately specified sample point for correct decode and triggering.
NOTE. CAN FD uses the same sample point percentage for bits transmitted at SD bit rates and FD bit rates. For optimal
performance, set the sample point to the value used for SD bits (the "Arbitration Phase" sample point).

5.

Push Bit Rate and turn Multipurpose a to select from the list of predefined bit rates.

Alternatively, you can set the bit rate to a specific value. To do so, select Custom, and then turn Multipurpose b to set the
bit rate from 10,000 to 1,000,000.
a.

Push Standard to select between CAN 2.0 and CAN FD decode/trigger standards.
While CAN FD is backwards compatible with CAN 2.0 packets, CAN 2.0 should be selected for best performance with
non CAN FD bus configurations.

b.

Push Bit Rate, and turn Multipurpose a to select from the list of predefined bit rates.
Alternatively, you can set the bit rate to a specific value. To do so, select Custom, and then turn Multipurpose b to set
the bit rate from 10 kbps to 1 Mbps.

64

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

When Standard is set to CAN FD, this will be the SD bit rate.
c.

If Standard is set to CAN FD, push FD Bit Rate, and turn Multipurpose a to select from the list of predefined bit rates.
Alternatively, you can set the bit rate to a specific value. To do so, select Custom, and then turn Multipurpose b to set
the bit rate from 500 kbps to 7 Mbps for the MDO3000.

d.

If Standard is set to CAN FD, push FD Standard to select between ISO (11898-1:2015) and non-ISO (Bosch:2012)
protocol standards.

LIN bus
To acquire data from a LIN bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you selected LIN, push Define Inputs and the appropriate side menu choices.

2.

Turn Multipurpose a to select the channel connected to the LIN bus source.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a to set the Sample Point from 5% to 95% of the position within the bit period or the unit interval.

4.

Select the Polarity to match the LIN bus being acquired.

5.

Push Configure and the appropriate side menu choices.

6.

Push Bit Rate, and turn Multipurpose a to select from the list of predefined bit rates.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual65Acquire the signal

Alternatively, you can set the bit rate to a specific value. To do so, select Custom, and then turn Multipurpose b to set the
bit rate from 800 bps to 100,000 bps.

7.

Push LIN Standard, and turn Multipurpose a to select the appropriate standard.

8.

Push Include Parity Bits with Id to select whether or not to include parity bits.

FlexRay bus
To acquire data from a FlexRay bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you selected FlexRay , push Define Inputs and the desired side menu choices.

2.

As appropriate, push the Threshold, Bit Rate, Label, Bus Display and Event Table buttons and set their corresponding
parameter values.

Ethernet
To acquire data from an Ethernet bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you selected Ethernet, push Define
Inputs and the desired side menu
choices.

Bus (B1)
Ethernet

Define Inputs
100BASE-TX

1

66

2.

The Thresholds, Bus Display, and Event
Table menus operate similarly to theother serial buses.

3.

Push IPv4 to decide whether or not to
decode and trigger on Internet Protocol
version 4 signals.

Thresholds

IPv4
Yes | No

(B1) Label
Ethernet

Bus Display

Event Table

3

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

Audio bus
To acquire data from an Audio bus, you need to also set up these items:
1.

If you selected Audio, push Define Inputs and the desired side menu choices.

2.

Push Type, and turn Multipurpose a to select the type of audio bus data configuration on which to trigger.

3.

Select I2S to trigger on the standard Inter-IC Sound, or Integrated Interchip Sound, electrical serial bus interface standard
stereo format.

4.

Select Left Justified to trigger on an I2S stream where there is no bit clock delay and the data starts right on the edge of
the word select clock.

5.

Select Right Justified to trigger on an I2S stream where the data lines up with the right edge of the word select clock.

6.

Select TDM to trigger on time-division multiplexing.

7.

Push Configure, and the appropriate buttons on the side menu to further set up I2S triggering.

USB bus
To acquire data from a USB bus, you need to also set up these items:

1.

If you selected USB, push Define Inputs to set the USB bus speed and probe type.

2.

The Thresholds, Label, Bus Display, and Event Table menus operate similarly to the other serial buses.
NOTE. 1 GHz bandwidth models are required for high-speed (HS) USB.

MIL STD 1553
To acquire data from a MIL-STD 1553 bus, you need to also set up these items:

1.

Push Define Inputs and turn Multipurpose a to select the desired side menu choices.
Select the polarity desired to match the MIL-STD-1553 bus being acquired.

2.

The Thresholds, Label, Bus Display, and Event Table menu items operate similarly to how they work on other serial bus
menus.

3.

Push RT if you wish to change the Response Time (RT) maximum and minimum default values.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual67Acquire the signal

Physical layer bus activity
Oscilloscope waveform traces from analog channels 1 to 4, digital channels D15 to D0, Math waveforms, and the traces you see
when you choose to display a bus always show the physical layer bus activity. In the physical layer display, bits that weretransmitted earlier are to the left, and bits that were transmitted later are to the right.
■

I2C, and CAN and CAN FD buses transmit the MSB (most significant bit) first■

SPI buses do not specify a bit order■

RS-232 and LIN buses transmit the LSB (least significant bit) first

NOTE. The oscilloscope displays the decode traces and event tables for all buses with the MSB on the left and LSB on the right.
For example, an RS-232 signal (after the start bit) might be high, high, high, low, high, low, low, and high. Since theRS-232 protocol uses high for zero and low for one, this value would be 0001 0110.
Since the decode displays the MSB first, the oscilloscope reverses the order of the bits and displays as h.

Event Table
In addition to seeing decoded packet data on the bus waveform itself, you can view all captured packets in a tabular view much
like you would see in a software listing. Packets are time stamped and listed consecutively with columns for each component(Address, Data, etc.). You can save the event table data in .CSV format for detailed offline analysis.
Using the Event Table you can:■Scroll the event table to update the view point in the waveform.
Each row in the event table represents a time-stamped byte, packet, or word, depending on the bus type. As you scroll theevent table using the multipurpose knob, the view point in the oscilloscope display updates to show the position in the
waveform corresponding to the event in the Event Table.

■

Save the event table. Setting up bus parameters on page 58
Saving an event table may save more data than can be presented on the oscilloscope. Use these saved files for offline
analysis.

Labeling channels and buses
You can add a label to the channels and buses shown on the display for easy identification. The label is placed on the waveformbaseline indicator in the left side of the screen. The label can have up to 32 characters.
To label a channel, push a channel input button for an analog channel.

68

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

1.

Push a front panel button for an input channel or a bus.

2.

Push a lower menu button to create a label, such as for channel 1 or B1.

3.

Push Choose Preset Label to view a list of labels.

4.

Turn Multipurpose b to scroll through the list to find a suitable label. You can edit the label after you insert it if necessary.

5.

Push Insert Preset Label to add the label.
If you are using a USB keyboard, use the arrow keys to position the insertion point and edit the inserted label, or type in a
new label. (Connecting a USB Keyboard to Your Oscilloscope.)

6.

If you do not have a USB keyboard connected, push the side and lower menu arrow keys to position the insertion point.

7.

Turn Multipurpose a to scroll through the list of letters, numbers, and other characters to find the character in the name thatyou want to enter.

8.

Push Select or Enter Character to let the oscilloscope know that you have picked the proper character to use.
You can use the lower menu buttons to edit the label as needed.

9.

Continue scrolling and pushing Select until you have entered all the desired characters. For another label, push the side
and lower menu arrow keys to reposition the insertion point.

10. Push Display Labels and select On to see the label.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual69Acquire the signal

Setting up digital channels
Use front panel buttons and knobs to set up your instrument to acquire signals using the digital channels.
1.

Connect the P6616 16-channel logic
probe to the input signal source.

2.

Connect the ground lead or leads to thecircuit ground.
You can connect a separate lead for eachchannel or a common ground lead foreach group of 8 wires.

70

3.

If needed, connect the appropriate
grabber for each probe to the probe tip.

4.

Connect each probe to the desired circuit
test point.

5.

Push D15 - D0 on the front panel todisplay the menu.

6.

Push D15 - D0 on the lower menu toaccess the D15 - D0 On or Off menu.

D15 – D0
On/OffThresholds

Edit Labels

Monitor On | Off

MagniVu
On | Off

Height
S |ML

6

8

9

10

11

12

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

7.

Turn multipurpose knob a to scroll through the list of digital channels. Turn multipurpose knob b to position the selectedchannel.
As you position channels close to each other on the display, the oscilloscope groups the channels, and adds the group to
the pop-up list. You can select the group from the list to move all the channels in the group instead of individual
channels.

8.

Push Thresholds on the lower menu. You can assign a different threshold value to each channel.

9.

Push Edit Labels on the lower menu and create the label. You can create labels through the front panel or with an
optional USB keyboard.

10. Push Monitor to show activity on digitalchannels at a glance.

11. Push MagniVu on the lower menu toincrease the timing resolution.
12. Push Height on the lower menu
repeatedly to set the signal height. You
only need to do this once to set the height
for all of the digital channels.
Quick Tips■

Use the zoom feature to see multiple cycles of the signal in the upper part, and a single cycle in the lower part of the display.

■

When setting up the logic probe, the first set of eight leads (pins 7 to 0) on the logic probe are marked GROUP 1 on the leadbox. The second set (pins 15 to 8) is marked GROUP 2.

■

The lead for the first channel in each group is colored blue for easy identification while you connect the logic probe to thedevice under test. The other leads are gray.

■

Digital channels store a high or low state for each sample. The threshold that separates high from low can be set separately
for each channel.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual71Acquire the signal

When and why to turn on MagniVu
Tektronix MagniVu acquisition technology allows you to have higher timing resolution so that you can more accurately determineedge placement and make more precise timing measurements on digital edges. Using MagniVu, you can see up to 32 times
more detail than you can using normal digital channel sampling.
The MagniVu record is acquired in parallel to the main digital acquisition and is available at any time, running or stopped.
MagniVu provides an ultra high resolution view of your data sampled at a maximum resolution of 60.6 ps for 10,000 points
centered around the trigger.
NOTE. MagniVu centers itself around the trigger point. If you turn MagniVu on while using a large record length and you arelooking somewhere other than the trigger point, then the digital signal may be off screen. In most of these cases, you can find thedigital record by looking for the digital signal in the upper overview and panning accordingly.
NOTE. You should turn on MagniVu when light gray shading is displayed to indicate the uncertainty of the edge position. If theshading is not displayed, you do not need to use MagniVu. Refer Viewing digital channels on page 104.

72

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

Using MagniVu
1.

Push D15 – D0.

2.

Push MagniVu and select On.

D15 – D0
On/OffThresholds

Edit Labels

Monitor On | Off

MagniVu
On | Off

HeightS |ML

2
Quick Tips■

If you think you need more timing resolution, turn on MagniVu to increase the resolution.

■

MagniVu is always acquired. If the oscilloscope is in a stopped state, you can turn on MagniVu and still get the resolution
without taking another acquisition.

■

The serial bus features do not use data acquired in MagniVu mode.

Setting up the RF inputs
Frequency and span parameters
1.

The center frequency is a precise frequency at the center of the display. In many applications, it is a carrier frequency.

2.

The span is the range of frequencies you can observe around the center frequency.

To define the center frequency and the span:
1.

Push Freq/Span on the front panel.

2.

Push Center Frequency on the side menu and use either the Multipurpose a knob or the oscilloscope keypad to enter thedesired center frequency. If you use the keypad, you can also use the resulting side menu choices to enter units.

3.

Push Span and use either the Multipurpose b knob or the keypad to enter the desired span. If you use the keypad, you
can also use the resulting side menu choices to enter units.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual73Acquire the signal

4.

Push Start to set the lowest frequency to capture.

5.

Push Stop to set the highest frequency to capture.

6.

Push

To Center to move the frequency identified by the reference marker to the center frequency.

Reference Level
1.

Push Ampl to bring up the side menu for adjusting RF amplitude settings.

2.

Push Ref Level and turn Multipurpose a to set the approximate maximum power level, as shown by the baseline indicator at
the top of the frequency graticule.

3.

Push Vertical and turn Multipurpose a to adjust the vertical position. You will move the baseline indicator up or down. This isuseful if you want to move signals onto the visible display.
Turn Multipurpose b to adjust the vertical scale.

4.

Push Vertical Units and turn Multipurpose a to define the vertical units of measure for the frequency domain. Choices are:dBm, dBµW, dBmV, dBµV, dBmA, and dBµA.
This is useful if your application requires a different unit of measurement than that being currently displayed.

5.

Push Auto Level to direct the oscilloscope to automatically calculate and set the reference level for you.

Resolution bandwidth
The resolution bandwidth (RBW) determines the level to which the oscilloscope can resolve individual frequencies in thefrequency domain. For example, if the test signal contains two carriers separated by 1 kHz, you will not be able to discriminate
between them unless the RBW is less than 1 kHz.
The views below both show the same signal. The difference between them is their RBW.

74

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAcquire the signal

1.

Push BW to bring up the resolution bandwidth side menu. This allows you to set the smallest frequency difference that the
instrument can discern in the frequency axis.

2.

Push RBW Mode to select either Auto or Manual.
Auto sets the resolution bandwidth automatically as you change the span. The default behavior is RBW = Span/1000.
Manual allows you to set your own resolution bandwidth.

3.

To manually adjust the RBW, push RBW and turn Multipurpose a.

4.

Push Span : RBW and turn Multipurpose a to set the span/RBW ratio.
This ratio is used when the RBW Mode is set to Auto. The default is 1000:1 but you can set it to other values in a
1-2-5 sequence (e.g. 1000, 20000, 50000).

5.

Push Window and turn Multipurpose a to choose which FFT window type to use.
The choices are: Kaiser, Rectangular, Hamming, Hanning, Blackman-Harris, or Flat-Top.

The RF bandwidth FFT feature provides six windows. Each offers a trade-off between frequency resolution and magnitudeaccuracy. The choice of which window to use depends upon what you want to measure and your source’s signal characteristics.
Use the following guidelines to select the best window:

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual75Acquire the signal

Description

Window

Kaiser
The frequency resolution when using the Kaiser window is fair; the spectral leakage
and amplitude accuracy are both good.
The Kaiser window is best used when frequencies are very close to the same value
but have widely differing amplitudes (the side lobe level and shape factor are closest
to the traditional Gaussian RBW). This window is also good for random signals.
Rectangular
The frequency resolution when using the Rectangular (a.k.a. boxcar or none) window
is very good, the spectral leakage is high, and amplitude accuracy is poor.
Use the Rectangular window for measuring transients or bursts where the signal
levels before and after the event are nearly equal. Also, use this window for equalamplitude sine waves with frequencies that are very close together, and forbroadband random noise with a relatively slow varying spectrum. This window is thebest type for measuring the frequency spectrum of non-repetitive signals, andmeasuring frequency components near DC.
Hamming
The frequency resolution when using the Hamming window is good (slightly better
than Hanning), the spectral leakage is moderate, and amplitude accuracy is fair.
Use the Hamming window for measuring sine, periodic, and narrow band random
noise. This window works well on transients or bursts where the signal levels before
and after the event are significantly different.
Hanning
The frequency resolution when using the Hanning (a.k.a. Hann) window is good, thespectral leakage is low and amplitude accuracy is fair.
Use the Hanning window for measuring sine, periodic, and narrow band random
noise. This window works well on transients or bursts where the signal levels before
and after the event are significantly different.
Blackman-Harris
The frequency resolution when using the Blackman-Harris window is poor, thespectral leakage is very low and amplitude accuracy is good.
Use the Blackman-Harris window for measuring predominantly single frequency
waveforms to look for higher order harmonics, or several moderately or widely
spaced sinusoidal signals.
Flat-TopThe frequency resolution when using a Flat-Top window is poor, the spectral leakage
is low and amplitude accuracy is very good.
Use the Flat-Top window for making accurate amplitude measurements ofmoderately or widely spaced sinusoidal signals.

76

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup
This section contains concepts and procedures for setting up the oscilloscope to trigger on your signal.

Triggering concepts
Trigger event
The trigger event establishes the time-reference point in the waveform record. All waveform record data is located in time withrespect to that point. The instrument continuously acquires and retains enough sample points to fill the pretrigger portion of the
waveform record. That is the part of the waveform that is displayed before, or to the left of, the triggering event on screen. Whena trigger event occurs, the instrument starts acquiring samples to build the posttrigger portion of the waveform record, that is, thepart displayed after or to the right of the trigger event. After a trigger is recognized, the instrument will not accept another trigger
until the acquisition is complete and the holdoff time has expired.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual77

Trigger setup

Trigger modes
The trigger mode determines how the instrument behaves in the absence of a trigger event:■ Normal trigger mode enables the instrument to acquire a waveform only when it is triggered. If no trigger occurs, the last
waveform record acquired remains on the display. If no last waveform exists, no waveform is displayed.
■ Auto trigger mode enables the instrument to acquire a waveform even if a trigger does not occur. Auto mode uses a timer
that starts when the acquisition is started, and the pretrigger information is obtained. If a trigger event is not detected before
the timer times out, the instrument forces a trigger. The length of time it waits for a trigger event depends on the time basesetting.
Auto mode, when forcing triggers in the absence of valid triggering events, does not synchronize the waveform on the display.
The waveform will appear to roll across the screen. If valid triggers occur, the display will become stable.
You can also force the instrument to trigger by pushing the front panel Force Trig button.

Trigger holdoff
Adjust holdoff to obtain stable triggering when the instrument is triggering on undesired trigger events.
Trigger holdoff can help stabilize triggering, since the oscilloscope does not recognize new triggers during the holdoff time. Whenthe instrument recognizes a trigger event, it disables the trigger system until acquisition is complete. In addition, the trigger
system remains disabled during the holdoff period that follows each acquisition.

Trigger coupling
Trigger coupling determines what part of the signal is passed to the trigger circuit. Edge and Sequence triggering can use allavailable coupling types: DC, AC, Low Frequency Rejection, High Frequency Rejection, and Noise Rejection. All other trigger
types use DC coupling only.

Horizontal Position
When Delay Mode is on, use horizontal position to acquire waveform detail in a region that is separated from the trigger location
by a significant interval of time.

78

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

1.

Adjust the position (delay) time by rotating the Horizontal Position knob.

2.

Turn horizontal SCALE to acquire the detail that you need around the position (delay) expansion point.

The part of the record that occurs before the trigger is the pretrigger portion. The part that occurs after the trigger is theposttrigger portion. Pretrigger data can help you troubleshoot. For example, to find the cause of an unwanted glitch in your test
circuit, you can trigger on the glitch and make the pretrigger period large enough to capture data before the glitch. By analyzing
what happens before the glitch, you may uncover information that helps you find the source of the glitch. Alternatively, to see
what is happening in your system as a result of the trigger event, make the posttrigger period large enough to capture data after
the trigger

Slope and level
The slope control determines whether the instrument finds the trigger point on the rising or the falling edge of a signal.
The level control determines where on that edge the trigger point occurs.
The oscilloscope provides a long horizontal bar or bars across the graticule to temporarily show the trigger level.

1.

Turn the front panel Trigger Level knob to adjust the trigger level without going to a menu.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual79

Trigger setup

2.

Push the front panel Trigger Level knob to quickly set the trigger level to the midpoint of the waveform.

Choosing a trigger typeTo select a trigger.
1.

Push Trigger Menu.

2.

Push Type to bring up the Trigger Type side menu.
NOTE. The bus trigger in the MDO4000C Series works on parallel buses even without an application module. Using the bus
trigger on other buses requires use of a DPO4AERO, DPO4AUDIO, DPO4AUTO, DPO4AUTOMAX, DPO4COMP,
DPO4EMBD, DPO4ENET, or DPO4USB application module.

80

3.

Turn Multipurpose a to select the desired trigger type.

4.

Complete the trigger setup using the lower menu controls displayed for the trigger type. The controls to set up the trigger
vary depending on the trigger type.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

Selecting triggers
Trigger Type

Trigger Conditions

Edge

Trigger on a rising edge, a falling edge, or both edges as
defined by the slope control. Coupling choices are DC, LF
Reject, HF Reject, and Noise Reject.
Edge triggers are the simplest and most commonly used trigger
type, with both analog and digital signals. An edge trigger event
occurs when the trigger source passes through a specified
voltage level in the specified direction.

Sequence(B Trigger)

Combine an edge A Event (Main) trigger with the B Event(Delayed) trigger to capture more complex signals.
Time. After the A Event occurs, the trigger system waits the
specified amount of time, and then looks for the B Event before
triggering and displaying the waveform.
Events. After the A Event occurs, the trigger system looks for a
specified number of B Events before triggering and displaying
the waveform.

Pulse Width

Trigger on pulses that are less than, greater than, equal to, or
not equal to a specified time. Additionally, you can trigger whena pulse width is within or outside a range of two different
specified times. You can trigger on positive or negative pulses.
Pulse width triggers are primarily used on digital signals.

Timeout

Trigger when no pulse is detected within a specified time. The
signal stays above or below (or either above or below) a set
value for a set amount of time.

Runt

Trigger on a pulse amplitude that crosses one threshold but
fails to cross a second threshold before recrossing the first.
You can detect positive or negative (or either) runts, or only
those wider than, less than, greater than, equal to, or not equal
to a specified width. Runt triggers are primarily used on digital
signals.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual81Trigger setup

Trigger Type

Trigger Conditions

Logic

Trigger when all channels transition to the specified state. Use
multipurpose knob a to select a channel. Push the appropriate
button on the side menu to set that channel's state to High (H),Low (L), or Don't Care (X).
Push Clock on the side menu to enable clocked (state)
triggering. You can have at most a single clock channel. Push
Clock Edge on the lower menu to change the polarity of theclock edge. Turn off clocked triggering and return to unclocked(pattern) triggering by selecting the clock channel and setting it
to high, low, or don't care.
For unclocked triggering, by default, triggering occurs when theselected condition goes true. You can also select triggering
when the condition goes false, or time-qualified triggering.
You can use up to 21 channels for a Logic trigger (4 analog,
16 digital, and 1 RF).
NOTE. To use the RF input in a Logic trigger, you must first
install the MDO4TRIG application module.
NOTE. Optimum Logic trigger performance is achieved byusing only analog channels or only digital channels.

Setup and Hold

Trigger when a logic data input changes state inside of the
setup or hold time relative to a clock edge.
Setup is the amount of time that data should be stable and notchange before a clock edge occurs. Hold is the time that data
should be stable and not change after a clock edge occurs.
MDO4000C Series oscilloscopes are capable of multiple
channel Setup and Hold triggering, and can monitor the state ofan entire bus for setup and hold violations. You can use up to
20 channels for a Setup and Hold trigger (4 analog and
16 digital).
Push Clock on the side menu to select the clock channel. Pushthe Select control, Data, and Not used buttons to select one ormore channels you want to monitor for setup and holdviolations.
NOTE. Optimum Setup and Hold trigger performance isachieved by using only analog channels or only digitalchannels.

Rise/Fall Time82

Trigger on rise and fall times. Trigger on pulse edges thattraverse between two thresholds at faster or slower rates than
the specified time. Specify pulse edges as positive or negative
or either.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

Trigger Type

Trigger Conditions

Video

Trigger on specified fields or lines of a composite video signal.
Only composite signal formats are supported.
Trigger on NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. Works with Macrovision
signals.
With the DPO4VID module, trigger on a variety of HDTV video
standard signals, as well as custom (non-standard) bilevel andtrilevel video signals with 3 to 4,000 lines.

Bus

Trigger on various bus conditions.
I2C requires a DPO4EMBD module.
SPI requires a DPO4EMBD module.
CAN, CAN FD requires a DPO4AUTO or DPO4AUTOMAX
module.
RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and UART require a DPO4COMP
module.
LIN requires either a DPO4AUTO or a DPO4AUTOMAX
module.
FlexRay requires a DPO4AUTOMAX module.
Audio requires a DPO4AUDIO module.
USB requires a DPO4USB module.
Ethernet requires a DPO4ENET module.
MIL-STD-1553 requires a DPO4AERO module.
See Application module free trial on page 17.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual83Trigger setup

Triggering on buses
You can use your oscilloscope to trigger on multiple data buses, if you have the appropriate application module installed. The
MDO4000C Series with Option MDO4MSO can trigger on parallel buses without an application module. The oscilloscope candisplay both the physical layer (as analog waveforms) and the protocol level information (as digital and symbolic waveforms).
To set up the bus trigger:
1.

If you have not already defined your bus
using the front panel B1, B2, or B3
buttons, do so now.

2.

Push Trigger Menu.

3.

Push Type.

4.

Turn multipurpose knob a to scroll through the trigger type side menu until you select Bus.

5.

Push Source Bus and use the Source Bus side menu to select the bus that you want to trigger on.

6.

Push Trigger On and select the desired trigger on feature from the side menu.

Parallel bus trigger(Requires option MDO4MSO.)
You can trigger on a binary or hex data value. Push Data on the lower menu and enter the parameters of interest withmultipurpose knobs a and b.

I2C bus trigger
You can trigger on Start, Repeated Start, Stop, Missing Ack, Address, Data, or Address/Data.
If you are setting up an I2C trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Address or Address/Data, push Address on thelower menu to access the I2C Address side menu.
Push Addressing Mode on the side menu and select 7 bit or 10 bit. Push Address on the side menu. Enter the address
parameters of interest with multipurpose knobs a and b.
Then push Direction on the lower menu and select the direction of interest: Read, Write, or Read or Write.
If you have made a Trigger On selection of Data or Address/Data, push Data on the lower menu to access the I2C Data sidemenu.
Push Number of Bytes and enter the number of bytes with multipurpose knob a.
Push Addressing Mode on the side menu and select 7-bit or 10–bit. Push Data on the side menu. Enter the data parameters ofinterest with multipurpose knobs a and b.
For more information on the I2C address formats, refer to item 2 under Setting Up Bus Parameters.

84

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

SPI bus trigger
You can trigger on SS Active, MOSI, MISO, or MOSI & MISO.
If you are setting up an SPI trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of MOSI or MISO, push Data on the lower menu, push
MOSI or MISO on the side menu, and enter the data parameters of interest using multipurpose knobs a and b.
Then push Number of Bytes and enter the number of bytes with multipurpose knob a.
If you select MOSI & MISO, push Data on the lower menu and enter the parameters of interest in the side menus.

RS-232 bus trigger
You can trigger on Tx Start Bit, Rx Start Bit, Tx End of Packet, Rx End of Packet, Tx Data, or Rx Data.
If you are setting up an RS-232 trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Tx Data or Rx Data, push Data on the lower
menu.
Push Number of Bytes and enter the number of bytes with multipurpose knob a.
Push Data on the side menu, and enter the parameters of interest with multipurpose knobs a and b.

CAN and CAN FD bus trigger
You can trigger on Start of Frame, Type of Frame, Identifier, Data, Id & Data, End of Frame, Bit Suffing Error, Missing Ack,
FD BRS Bit, FD ESI Bit, Form Error, and Any Error. FD BRS Bit, FD ESI Bit, Form Error and Any Error are available only when
CAN FD is selected as BUS.
If you are setting up a CAN or CAN FD trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Type of Frame, push Frame Type on
the lower menu, and select Data Frame, Remote Frame, Error Frame, or Overload Frame. All CAN FD data packets register
as Data Frame.
If you have made a Trigger On selection of Identifier, push Identifier on the lower menu and select a Format. Then push
Identifier on the side menu, and enter a binary or hex value with multipurpose knobs a and b.
Push Direction on the lower menu and select the direction of interest: Read, Write, or Read or Write. All CAN FD data packets
register as Write direction.
If you have made a Trigger On selection of Data, push Data on the lower menu and enter the parameters of interest.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual85

Trigger setup

LIN bus trigger
You can trigger on Sync, Identifier, Data, Id & Data, Wakeup Frame, Sleep Frame, or Error.
If you are setting up an LIN trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Identifier, Data, or Identifier & Data, push
Identifier or Data on the lower menu and enter the parameters of interest on the resulting side menu.
If you have made a Trigger On selection of Error, push Error Type on the lower menu and enter the parameters of interest on
the side menu.

FlexRay bus trigger
You can trigger on Start of Frame, Type of Frame, Identifier, Cycle Count, Header Fields, Data, Id & Data, End of Frame or
Error.

Audio bus trigger
If you are using an I2C, Left Justified (LJ), or Right Justified (RJ) audio bus, you can trigger on Word Select or Data.
If you are using an TDM audio bus, you can trigger on Frame Sync or Data.

USB bus trigger
You can trigger on Sync, Reset, Suspend, Resume, End of Packet, Token (Address) Packet, Data Packet, Handshake
Packet, Special Packet, or Error.
NOTE. For triggering on a high speed USB bus (480 MB/s), use an oscilloscope with 350 MHz or higher bandwidth.

Ethernet bus trigger
You can trigger on Start Frame Delimiter, MAC Addresses, MAC Length/Type, TCP/IPv4 Client Data, End of Packet, Idle, oran FCS (CRC) Error. If you turn on Q-(VLAN) Tagging, you can also trigger on MAC Q-Tag Control Information.

MIL-STD-1553 bus trigger
You can trigger on Sync, Command, Status, Data, Time (RT/IMG), or Error.
If you are setting up a MIL-STD-1553 trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Command, push RT Address on thelower menu to enter specific values of RT Address to trigger on. Push Command Word Details on the lower menu to enter the
T/R bit value, Subaddress/Mode value, Word Count/Mode Code value, and Parity value.
If you are setting up a MIL-STD-1553 trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Status, push RT-Address on the lower
menu to enter specific values of RT Address to trigger on. Push Status Word Bits on the lower menu to enter values for
Message Error (bit 9), Instr. (bit 10), Service Req. (bit 11), BCR (bit 15), Busy (bit 16), Subsystem Flag (bit 17), DBCA (bit18), Terminal Flag (bit 19) and Parity.
If you are setting up a MIL-STD-1553 trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Data, push Data on the lower menu toenter specific Data values, and the Parity value.
If you are setting up a MIL-STD-1553 trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Time (RT/IMG), push Trigger When on
the lower menu to set the trigger condition. Push Times on the lower menu to set the Maximum and Minimum times.

86

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

If you are setting up a MIL-STD-1553 trigger and have made a Trigger On selection of Error, push l Error Type on the lower
menu to select the type of error to trigger on.

Serial Bus Trigger Data Matching
Rolling window byte matching for I2C, SPI, USB, CAN, CAN FD, LIN, and FlexRay. To use a rolling window to trigger on
data, you define the number of bytes to match. Then the oscilloscope uses a rolling window to find any match within a packet,
with the window rolling one byte at a time.
For example, if the number of bytes is one, the oscilloscope will attempt to match the first byte, second byte, third, and so on
within the packet.
If the number of bytes is two, the oscilloscope will try to match any two consecutive bytes, such as one and two, two and three,
three and four, and so on. If the oscilloscope finds a match, it will trigger.
With USB, CAN, CAN FD, or FlexRay, obtain a rolling window match by setting the Byte Offset in the Data menu to Don't care.
Specific byte matching (non-rolling window matching for a specific position in the packet) for I2C, SPI, USB, CAN, CAN
FD, LIN, and FlexRay. You can trigger on a specific byte for I2C, SPI, CAN, CAN FD, LIN, and FlexRay in several ways:■

For I2C and SPI, enter the number of bytes to match the number of bytes in the signal. Then use don't cares (X) to mask thebytes that you are not interested in.

■

For I2C, push Trigger On on the lower menu to trigger on Address/Data. Push Address. On the side menu, push Address,
and turn Multipurpose a and Multipurpose b as needed. Set the address to don't cares (X) if you want to mask theaddress. The data will be matched starting at the first byte without using a rolling window.

■

For USB, triggering occurs when the user-selected data input matches the data and qualifier in the signal starting at the byte
offset. Set the number of bytes to match the number of bytes of interest. Use the data qualifier to perform: =, !=, <, >, >=,and <= operations.

■

For CAN and CAN FD, triggering occurs when the user-selected data input matches the data and qualifier in the signal
starting at the byte offset. Set the number of bytes to match the number of bytes of interest. Use the data qualifier toperform: =, !=, <, >, >=, and <= operations. Triggering on identifier and data always performs an exact match on thespecified identifier and uses the selected qualifier operation on the data, starting at the byte offset. Setting the qualifier toperform an “=” comparison will allow matching on up to 8 bytes of data. All other qualifiers are limited to 4 bytes of specified
data.

■

For LIN, triggering occurs when the user-selected data input matches the data and qualifier in the signal starting with thefirst data byte. Set the number of bytes to match the number of bytes of interest. Use the data qualifier to perform: =, !=, <,>, >=, <=, In Range, and Out of Range operations. Triggering on identifier and data always performs an exact match on thespecified identifier and uses the selected qualifier operation on the data, starting with the first data byte. Setting the qualifierto perform an "=" comparison will allow matching on up to 8 bytes of data. All other qualifiers are limited to 4 bytes of
specified data. No rolling window is used.

■

For FlexRay and Ethernet, triggering occurs when the user-selected data input matches the data and qualifier in the signal
starting at the byte offset. Set the number of bytes to match the number of bytes of interest. Use the data qualifier toperform: =, !=, <, >, >=, and <= operations. Triggering on identifier and data always matches the identifier and data selectedby the user, with the data starting at the first byte. No rolling window is used.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual87Trigger setup

Data value matching
You can trigger on a specific data value for RS-232 bytes. If you defined an end-of-packet character to use for RS-232 bus
decoding, you can use the same end-of-packet character as a data value for trigger data matching. To do so, choose the Tx End
of Packet or the Rx End of Packet character as the Trigger On selection.
You can also trigger on a specific data value for other buses.

Parallel bus trigger data matching
Optimum parallel bus trigger performance is achieved by using only analog channels or only digital channels.

88

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

Checking trigger settings
To quickly determine the settings of some key
trigger parameters, check the Trigger readoutat the bottom of the display. The readouts
differ for edge and the advanced triggers.
1.

Trigger source = channel 1.

2.

Trigger slope = rising.

3.

Trigger level = 0.00 V.

Using sequence trigger (A (main) and B (delayed))
Combine an edge A Event (Main) trigger with the B Event (Delayed) trigger to capture more complex signals. After the A Eventoccurs, the trigger system looks for the B Event before triggering and displaying the waveform.
A and B triggers can (and typically do) have separate sources.
NOTE. You can select sequence triggering when you choose the slope type Falling or Rising — but not when you pick the slope
type Both.
Use the Edge trigger menu to set up the A trigger first. Then, to use the B trigger:
1.

Push Trigger Menu.

2.

Push Type.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a to select a trigger type of Sequence (B Trigger).
This brings up the Sequence (B Trigger) menu.

4.

Push B Trigger After A.
Select the method for sequencing the B trigger after the A by pushing a side menu button.

5.

Set the other Sequence Trigger parameters in the related side and lower menus.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual89

Trigger setup

B trigger after delay time
The A trigger arms the instrument. Posttrigger acquisition starts on the first B edge after the trigger delay time.

Trigger on B events
The A trigger arms the instrument. Posttrigger acquisition starts on the nth B event.

TIP.

90

■

B-trigger delay time and horizontal position are independent functions. When you establish a trigger condition using either
the A trigger alone or the A and B triggers together, you can also use the horizontal position control to delay the acquisition
by an additional amount.

■

When using the B trigger, the A and B trigger types can only be Edge.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualTrigger setup

Starting and stopping an acquisition
1.

After you have defined the acquisition
and trigger parameters, start theacquisition with Run/Stop or Single.

■

Push Run/Stop to start acquisitions. The oscilloscope acquires repeatedly until you push the button again to stop theacquisition.

■

Push Single to take a single acquisition.

■

If any RF trace and any other analog or digital waveform are active, then pressing Run/Stop to stop acquisitions willcause the oscilloscope to wait for one more trigger event before stopping. While waiting for the trigger event, the Run/
Stop button will turn yellow and the Single button will turn green. Once the acquisition occurs, the Run/Stop button willturn red and the Single button will become unlit.

Single sets the trigger mode to Normal for the single acquisition.
If the Trigger Mode is set to Auto and another trigger event does not occur within the Auto trigger timeout period then an
acquisition will be made and the instrument will stop.
If the Trigger mode is set to Normal, the oscilloscope will continue waiting for a trigger event to occur as long as necessary

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual91

Trigger setup

92

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data
This section contains concepts and procedures for displaying the acquired waveform or trace.

Adding and removing a waveform
1.

To add or remove a waveform from thedisplay, push the corresponding front
panel channel button or the D15-D0
button.
You can use the channel as a trigger
source whether or not it is displayed.

Setting the display style and persistence
1.

To set the display style, push Acquire.

2.

Push Waveform Display.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual93Display waveform or trace data

3.

Push Dots Only On Off on the side menu. Dots on will display the waveform record points as dots on the screen. Dots off
connects the dots with vectors.

4.

Push Persistence to Off to display the display persistence.

5.

Push Persist Time, and turn Multipurpose a to have waveform data remain on screen for a user-specified amount of time.

6.

Push Set to Auto to have the oscilloscope automatically determine a persistence time for you.

7.

Push Clear Persistence to reset the persistence information.

8.

To display the amplitude from one waveform against the amplitude from another, push XY Display. Then push Triggered XY
from the side menu.
A data point from the first waveform specifies the horizontal location while the corresponding data point from the second
waveform specifies the vertical location for each displayed point.
You can optionally view both the YT and XY displays simultaneously on the same screen.
NOTE.

94

■

Variable persistence accumulates record points for a specified time interval. Each record point decays independently
according to the time interval. Use variable persistence for displaying infrequently appearing signal anomalies, such as
glitches.

■

Infinite persistence continuously accumulates record points until you change one of the acquisition display settings.
Use infinite persistence for displaying unique signal anomalies, such as glitches.

■

The XY Display mode graphs the data in fixed pairs of waveforms against one another.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Setting the graticule style1.

To set the graticule style, push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a and select Display.

4.

Push Graticule on the lower menu.

5.

Select the desired style on the side menu.
The Frame graticule provides a clean screen on which you can most easily read automatic measurement results and otherscreen text.
The Full graticule can help you make cursor measurements on hard copies.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual95Display waveform or trace data

TIP. You can display IRE and mV graticules. To do this, set the trigger type to video and set the vertical scale to 114 mV/division.
(The 114 mV/division selection is available in the fine vertical scale settings for the channel when you set the trigger type tovideo.) The oscilloscope will automatically display the IRE graticule for NTSC signals, and the mV graticule for other video
signals (PAL, SECAM, HDTV, and custom).

Setting the LCD backlight brightness and dimming settings

96

1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a and select Display.

4.

Push Backlight .

5.

Select the intensity level on the side menu. Choices are: High, Medium, and Low.

6.

Enabling Auto-Dim will turn down the screen lighting after a set time. Using it may help prolong the LCD life.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Setting waveform intensity
1.

Push Intensity on the front panel.

This will bring up the intensity readout on thedisplay.
2.

Rotate multipurpose knob a to select thedesired waveform intensity.

3.

Rotate multipurpose knob b to select thedesired intensity for the graticule.

4.

Push Intensity again to clear theintensity readout from the display.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual97Display waveform or trace data

Scaling and positioning a waveform
Use the horizontal controls to adjust the time base, adjust the trigger point, and to examine waveform details more closely. You
can also use the Wave Inspector Pan and Zoom controls to adjust the display of waveforms. See Using Wave Inspector to
manage long record length waveforms on page 137.
If you push the Horizontal Position knob and Delay is set to On, the horizontal position is set to 0 seconds. If you push it andDelay is set to Off, the horizontal position is set to 10%.

Original waveform

Scaled horizontally

Positioned horizontally

Use the vertical controls to select waveforms, adjust the waveform vertical position and scale, and set input parameters. Push achannel menu button (1, 2, 3, or 4), button as many times as needed and the associated menu items to select, add, or remove a
waveform.
Pushing the Vertical position control will center the waveform on the screen vertically, and pushing the Vertical scale control willswitch from Coarse to Fine scaling.

Original waveform
Original waveform

Scaled vertically
Scaled vertically

Positioned vertically
Positioned vertically

Quick Tips■

Preview. If you change the Position or Scale controls when the acquisition is stopped or when it is waiting for the next
trigger, the oscilloscope rescales and repositions the relevant waveforms in response to the new control settings. It
simulates what you will see when you next push the RUN button. The oscilloscope uses the new settings for the next
acquisition.
You may see a clipped waveform if the original acquisition went off the screen.
The math waveform, cursors, and automatic measurements remain active and valid when using preview.

98

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Setting input parameters
Use the vertical controls to select waveforms, adjust the waveform vertical position and scale, and set input parameters.
1.

Push a channel menu button 1, 2, 3, or 4
to bring up the vertical menu for thedesignated waveform. The vertical menu
only affects the selected waveform.
Pushing a channel button will also selector cancel that waveform selection.

2.

Push Coupling repeatedly to select the
coupling to use.

Coupling DC |AC

Termination
1MΩ | 50ΩInvert On | Off

Bandwidth Full

(1) Label

2

3

4

5

6

Use DC coupling to pass both AC andDC components.

More

7

8

Use AC coupling to block the DC
component and show only the AC signal.
3.

Push Termination repeatedly to select the input impedance to use.
Set the input impedance (termination) to 50 Ω or 1 MΩ if using DC coupling. Input impedance is automatically set to
1 MΩ when using AC coupling.

4.

Push Invert to invert the signal.
Select Off for normal operation and On to invert the polarity of the signal in the preamplifier.

5.

Push Bandwidth, and select the desired bandwidth on the side menu.
The set choices are: Full, 250 MHz, and 20 MHz. Additional choices may appear, depending on the probe that you use.
Select Full to set the bandwidth to the full oscilloscope bandwidth.
Select 250 MHz to set the bandwidth to 250 MHz.
Select 20 MHz to set the bandwidth to 20 MHz.
NOTE. 200 MHz model oscilloscopes do not include a 250 MHz option on the menu.

6.

Push Label to create a label for the channel.

7.

For some types of probes, you can push this button to instruct the oscilloscope to perform an AC calibration on the entire
signal path from the probe tip to the specific oscilloscope channel. This can result in a flatter frequency response over theentire frequency range.

8.

Push More to access additional side menus.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual99Display waveform or trace data

9.

Select Fine Scale to enable multipurpose
knob a to make fine vertical scale
adjustments.

Fine Scale

OffsetProbe setup

Deskew

910
11
12

10. Select Offset to enable multipurpose
knob a to make vertical offset
adjustments.
Push Set to 0 V on the side menu to set
the vertical offset to 0 V.
11. Select Probe Setup to define probe parameters.
On the side menu:■

Select Voltage or Current to set the probe type for probes that do not have a TekProbe Level 1, TekProbe II(requires a TPA-BNC adapter) or TekVPI interface.

■

For probes that do not have a Tek interface, when Probe Type is set to Voltage, use multipurpose knob a to set
Attenuation to match the probe■

For probes that do not have a Tek interface, when Probe Type is set to Current, use multipurpose knob a to set theAmps/Volts ratio (Attenuation) to match the probe.

■

If you are measuring current by probing the voltage drop across a resistor, set Measure Current to Yes. Push A/Vratio on the side menu and turn multipurpose knob a to set the Amps/Volts or Volts/Amp ratio of your setup. For
example, if you are measuring the drop across a 2 Ω resistor, set the V/A ratio to 2.

12. Select Deskew to make display and measurement adjustments for probes that have differing propagation delays. This isespecially important when using a current probe in conjunction with a voltage probe.
For best results, use a deskew fixture, such as the Tektronix 067-1686-xx.
If you do not have a deskew fixture, you can use the controls in the Deskew menu to set the oscilloscope's deskew parameters torecommended values, based on the nominal propagation delay of each probe. The oscilloscope automatically loads the nominal
propagation delay values of TekVPI and TekProbe II (requires use of a TPA-BNC adaptor) probes. For other common probes,
first push Select on the side menu, and select the channel to which the probe is attached. Then push Probe Model on the side
menu, and select the probe model. If your probe is not in the list, set probe model to Other, and push Propagation Delay on theside menu and dial in its propagation delay with multipurpose knob a.
To display the recommended deskew values calculated by the oscilloscope, set Show rec. deskews on the side menu to Yes.
To set the deskew values of each channel to the recommended values, push Set all deskews to recommended values on theside menu.

100

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

TIP.
■

Using Probes with the TekProbe II and TekVPI Interfaces. When you attach a probe with the TekProbe II or the TekVPIinterface, the oscilloscope sets the channel sensitivity, coupling, and termination resistance automatically to match theprobe requirements. Tek Probe II probes require use of the TPA-BNC Adapter.

■

The Difference Between Vertical Position and Offset. Adjust the vertical position to place the waveforms where you want
to see them. The waveform baseline indicators indicate the zero Volts (or Amps) level for each waveform. If you adjust thechannel's Vertical Scale, the waveform expands or contracts around the waveform's baseline indicator.
When you use the Channel<x> > More >Offset > Vertical Offset control to move a waveform, the baseline indicator nolonger represents zero. Instead, it represents the level of the offset. If you adjust the channel's Vertical Scale, the waveform
expands or contracts around the waveform's baseline indicator.

■

50 Ω Protection. If you select 50 Ω termination, the maximum vertical scale factor is limited to 1 V/div, except that with a
10X probe the scale factor is 10 V. If you apply excessive input voltage, the oscilloscope automatically switches to
1 MΩ termination to protect the internal 50 Ω termination. For more details, refer to the specifications in the MDO4000C
Series Oscilloscopes Technical Reference.

Positioning and labeling bus signals
Positioning bus signals.
Push the appropriate front panel bus button and turn the Multipurpose a knob to adjust the vertical position of the selected bus.
1.

Push the appropriate front panel bus button to select that bus.

2.

Turn the Multipurpose a knob to adjust the vertical position of the selected bus.

Labeling bus signals. To label a bus, do the following steps:

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual101Display waveform or trace data

1.

Push the appropriate front panel bus button.

2.

Push Label.

102

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Positioning, scaling, and grouping digital channels
1.

Push the front panel D15–D0 button.

2.

Push D15–D0 on the lower menu.

D15 – D0
On/OffThresholds

Edit Labels

2
3.

Push Select on the side menu.

Select(a) D0(b) 1.04 div

MonitorMagniVu
On | Off

HeightS |ML

6
3

Display
On | Off
Turn on
D7–D0
Turn on
D15–D84.

Turn multipurpose knob a to select thechannel to move.

5.

Turn multipurpose knob b to move theselected channel.
NOTE. The display of the channel (orgroup) only moves after you stop rotating
the knob.

6.

To change the scale (height) of the digital channels, push Height on the lower menu.
NOTE. The S (Small) selection will display each waveform at 0.2 divisions tall. The M (Medium) selection will display
each waveform at 0.5 divisions tall. The L (Large) selection will display each waveform at 1 division tall. L only works if
there is enough room in the display to display the waveforms. You can display up to 10 L waveforms at one time.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual103Display waveform or trace data

7.

You can label individual digital channels for easier identification. Labeling Channels and Buses on page 68.

8.

To group some or all of the digital channels together, move the channels right next to each other. All the channels thatare next to each other automatically form a group.
You can see the groups by pushing Select on the side menu and turning multipurpose knob a.
When a group is selected, turn multipurpose knob b to move the whole group.

Viewing digital channels
The various ways of displaying data from the digital channels help you analyze the signals. Digital channels store a high or low
state for each sample.
Logic high levels are displayed in green. Logic low levels are displayed in blue. When a single transition occurs during the time
represented by one pixel column, the transition (edge) is displayed in gray.
When multiple transitions occur during thetime represented by one pixel column, thetransition (edge) is displayed in white.
When the display shows a white edge,
indicating multiple transitions, you may beable to zoom in and see the individual edges.

When you are zoomed in so far that there ismore than one pixel column per sample, theuncertainty of the edge position is indicatedby light gray shading.
NOTE. When the light gray shading isdisplayed, use MagniVu.

104

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Annotating the screen
You can add your own text to the screen by doing the following:
1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn multipurpose knob a and selectDisplay.

4.

Push Screen Annotation on the
resulting lower menu.

5.

Push Display Annotation to select On on the side menu.

Utility Page
Display3

Backlight
Intensity
High

Graticule
Full

ScreenAnnotation

TriggerFrequency
Readout

4

The annotation window now appears. Position it by turning multipurpose knobs a and b.
6.

Push Edit Annotation on the side menu

7.

Turn multipurpose knob a to scroll through the list of letters, numbers, and other characters to select each desired
character.
Alternatively, use a USB keyboard to type in characters. See Connecting a USB keyboard to your oscilloscope on
page 28.

To reposition the annotated text, push Position on the side menu and turn multipurpose knobs a and b, as desired.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual105Display waveform or trace data

Viewing the trigger frequency
You can display a readout of trigger frequency. It counts all of the triggerable events, whether the oscilloscope triggered on themor not, and displays the number of times per second that they occur. To display this readout, do the following:
1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn multipurpose knob a and selectDisplay.

4.

Push Trigger Frequency Readout fromthe resulting lower menu.

5.

Push On on the side menu.

Utility Page
Display3

Backlight
Intensity
High

Graticule
Full

ScreenAnnotation

TriggerFrequency
Readout

4

The trigger frequency now appears in the
Trigger readout, toward the lower right of thedisplay.

106

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Displaying the Frequency domain menu
1.

Push RF to display the frequency domain
menu.

2.

Push Spectrum Traces to bring up theside menu of four different spectrum trace
types that the instrument can display.

Spectrum
TracesRF Versus Time
TracesSpectrogram
Off

2

3

4

Spectrum
Triggered

Detection
MethodAuto

Edit Labels

5

6

More

3.

Push RF Versus Time Traces to bring up the side menu of three different RF versus time traces that the MDO4000B
can display.

4.

Push Spectrogram to bring up a side menu to enable and configure the spectrogram display.

5.

Push Detection Method to bring up a side menu of ways to reduce the FFT output to the 1,000 pixel wide display.

6.

Push Edit Label to label the RF and RF versus time traces.

7.

Push More to choose between side menus to compensate the RF signal path or to configure the RF input probe.

7

Trace types
The frequency domain window supports four spectrum traces. You may turn each of these traces on and off independently. You
can display all or some of them simultaneously.
1.

Push Spectrum Traces from the RF
Menu to bring up the related side menu.
Spectrum
Traces2.

Set Normal to On to display the normal
trace.

3.

Set Average to On to display theaverage trace. Turn multipurpose knob a
to set the number of waveforms toinclude in each average.

4.

Set Max Hold to On to display the max
hold trace.

5.

Set Min Hold to On to display the minhold trace.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

NormalOn | Off

Average
16 On |OffMax Hold
On |Off

Min Hold
On |Off

2
3

4
5

107

Display waveform or trace data

This figure illustrates the different trace types.
1.

Normal trace: Each acquisition is
discarded as new data is acquired.

2.

Max hold trace: The maximum data
values are accumulated over multiple
acquisitions of the Normal trace.

3.

Min hold trace: The minimum data values
are accumulated over multiple
acquisitions of the Normal trace.

4.

Average trace: Data from the Normal
trace is averaged over multiple
acquisitions. This is true power
averaging, which occurs before the log
conversion. Each power of 2 averaging
reduces the displayed noise by 3 dB.

This figure shows the frequency domain
window’s trace. indicator.
1.

An RF trace indicator is placed at theReference Level.

2.

A capital M appears if the maximum trace
is turned on.

3.

A capital A appears if the average trace
is turned on.

4.

A capital N appears if the normal trace isturned on.

5.

The small m appears if the minimum
trace is turned on.
Orange highlighting indicates thecurrently selected trace. In the figure to
the right, the small m, which stands forthe minimum trace, is highlighted. This
indicates that the minimum trace iscurrently selected.

108

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualDisplay waveform or trace data

Detection types
The MDO4000C oscilloscope calculates FFTs with a 1,000 to ~2,000,000 point output, depending on the acquisition settings. It
then reduces that FFT output into a 750 pixel-wide display. This means that approximately 1 to 2,000 FFT points get compressed
into each pixel column. The MDO4000C gives you several choices as to how this compression is done. The choices are: +peak,sample, average, and -peak. The figure below illustrates how these detection methods work in a 5:1 compression, where five
points are reduced to each pixel column.

1.

FFT points

2.

Decimation

3.

+Peak: Uses the highest amplitude point in each interval.

4.

Sample: Uses the first point in each interval.

5.

Average: Averages all points in each interval.

6.

–Peak: Uses the lowest amplitude point in each interval.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual109Display waveform or trace data

Spectrogram display
The spectrogram display is particularly useful for monitoring slowly-changing RF phenomena. The x-axis represents frequency,
just like the typical spectrum display. The y-axis represents time. Color indicates amplitude.
Spectrogram slices are generated by taking each spectrum and flipping it on its edge so that it is one pixel row tall, and thenassigning colors to each pixel based on the amplitude at that frequency with the cold colors of blue and green representing low
amplitude, and the hotter colors of yellow and red indicating higher amplitude. Each new acquisition adds another slice at thebottom of the spectrogram, and the history moves up one row.
When acquisitions are stopped, you can navigate through the history of the spectrogram by pressing the side menu slice control
and turning the Multipurpose a knob. When acquisitions are stopped and the spectrogram is displayed, the spectrogram slice
trace is displayed as the Normal spectrum trace.
To use the spectrogram feature, push Spectrogram from the RF Menu to bring up the related side menu.

110

1.

Push Display to On to start the spectrogram.

2.

To review each spectrum captured in the spectrogram, push Run / Stop to stop acquiring RF acquisitions. Turn
Multipurpose a.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data
After having properly set up the acquisition, triggering, and display of your desired waveform or trace, you can analyze theresults. Select from features such as cursors, automatic measurements, statistics, waveform histograms, math, and FFT.

Using markers in the frequency domain
1.

Push Markers. This brings up the Markers side menu.

2.

Push Peak Markers and turn Multipurpose a to select how many peaks to label on the display.
NOTE. This is the maximum number of peaks that will be marked. If there are more peaks that meet the threshold andexcursion criteria than the specified number of Peak Markers identified in this control, then only the specified number ofhighest amplitude peaks will be marked.

3.

Push
To Center to set the center frequency to the frequency indicated by the Reference Marker. The Reference Marker is
automatically placed on the highest amplitude peak.

4.

Push Threshold and turn Multipurpose a to define the threshold of the peak markers. Turn Multipurpose b to define their
excursion value.

5.

Push Manual Markers to activate manual markers. Use manual markers to measure non-peak areas of interest in the
spectrum.

6.

Push Readout to choose between Absolute and Delta readouts. Delta readouts are relative to the Reference Marker.

Automatic peak markers
Automatic peak markers are on by default and assist with quickly identifying the frequency and amplitude of peaks in the
spectrum.

1.

The Reference Marker is placed on the highest amplitude peak. It is marked with a red R in a triangle.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual111

Analyze waveform or trace data

2.

The automatic markers indicate frequency and amplitude.

3.

Absolute readouts show the actual frequency and amplitude of the automatic markers.

4.

Delta readouts show the frequency and amplitude of the automatic markers relative to the reference marker.

In this screen shot, a marker has been placed on each of the obvious peaks in the display. The Reference Marker is the highest
peak. It is marked with the red R in a triangle, and its readout is shown in red text.
1.

Reference marker

2.

Automatic markers

Use Threshold and Excursion to define which peaks are marked.
The threshold is a minimum amplitude that a signal must cross to be a valid peak. If the threshold is lower, more peaks will tend
to qualify to have markers. If the threshold is higher, fewer peaks tend to qualify to have markers.
The excursion is how far a signal needs to fall in amplitude between marked peaks to be another valid peak. If the excursion islow, more peaks will tend to qualify to have associated markers. If the excursion is high, fewer peaks will tend to qualify to haveassociated markers.
Each automatic marker has a readout associated with it. These can be absolute or delta readouts. An absolute marker readoutshows the actual frequency and amplitude of the associated marker. A delta marker readout shows the frequency and amplitudedifferences from the Reference Marker. The Reference Marker’s readout indicates absolute frequency and amplitude, regardlessof the readout type.

Manual markers
Two manual markers are provided for you to measure non-peak areas of the spectrum and to measure Noise Density and Phase
Noise. When the manual markers are turned on, the Reference Marker is no longer automatically attached to the highest
amplitude peak. It is now assigned to the Multipurpose a knob and can be moved to any location you desire. This enables easymeasurement of any part of the spectrum as well as delta measurements to any part of the spectrum. This also lets you measure
non-peak spectral content of interest. The readouts for manual markers indicate frequency and amplitude, just like automatic
marker readouts.

112

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

As with automatic peak marker readouts, the manual marker readouts can show either absolute or delta values.
1.

One manual marker is controlled by Multipurpose a.

2.

The other manual marker is controlled by Multipurpose b.

3.

Delta readouts for frequency and amplitude are shown at the top of the display.

4.

The third line of the manual marker a always shows the noise density (dBm/Hz).

5.

The third line of manual marker b always shows noise density when you choose absolute markers. It shows phase noise
when you choose delta markers (dBc/Hz).

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual113Analyze waveform or trace data

Taking automatic measurements in the time domain
To take an automatic measurement in the time domain:
1.

Push Measure.

2.

Push Domain to select Time domain
measurements.

3.

Push Add Measurement.

4.

Turn multipurpose knob b to select the
specific measurement. If needed, thenturn multipurpose knob a to select thechannel to measure on.

5.

To remove a measurement, push
Remove Measurement, turnmultipurpose knob a to select the specificmeasurement, and push OK Remove
Measurement on the side menu.

Quick Tips

114■

To remove all measurements, select Remove All Measurements.

■A
symbol appears instead of the expected numerical measurement if a vertical clipping condition exists. Part of the
waveform is above or below the display. To obtain a proper numerical measurement, turn the vertical scale and position
knobs to make all of the waveform appear in the display.

■

If the oscilloscope displays a Low Resolution message, increase the record length of the acquisition so that theoscilloscope has more points from which to calculate the measurement.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Selecting automatic measurements in the time domain
The following tables list each automatic measurement by category: time or amplitude. See Taking automatic measurements inthe time domain on page 114.

Table 3: Time measurements
Measurement

Description

Frequency

The first cycle in a waveform or gated region. Frequency is the reciprocal of theperiod; it is measured in hertz (Hz) where one Hz is one cycle per second.

PeriodThe time required to complete the first cycle in a waveform or gated region. Period is
the reciprocal of frequency and is measured in seconds.

Rise TimeThe time required for the leading edge of the first pulse in the waveform or gatedregion to rise from the low reference value (default = 10%) to the high reference
value (default = 90%) of the final value.

Fall TimeThe time required for the falling edge of the first pulse in the waveform or gatedregion to fall from the high reference value (default = 90%) to the low reference value(default = 10%) of the final value.

Delay

The time between the mid reference (default 50%) amplitude point of two different
waveforms.

Phase

The amount of time that one waveform leads or lags another waveform, expressed indegrees where 360° makes up one waveform cycle.

Positive Pulse Width

The distance (time) between the mid reference (default 50%) amplitude points of apositive pulse. The measurement is made on the first pulse in the waveform or gatedregion.

Negative Pulse
Width

The distance (time) between the mid reference (default 50%) amplitude points of anegative pulse. The measurement is made on the first pulse in the waveform orgated region.

Positive Duty Cycle

The ratio of the positive pulse width to the signal period expressed as a percentage.
The duty cycle is measured on the first cycle in the waveform or gated region.

Negative Duty Cycle

The ratio of the negative pulse width to the signal period expressed as a percentage.
The duty cycle is measured on the first cycle in the waveform or gated region.

Burst Width

The duration of a burst (a series of transient events) and is measured over the entire
waveform or gated region.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

115

Analyze waveform or trace data

Table 4: Amplitude measurements

116

Measurement

Description

Peak-to-Peak

The absolute difference between the maximum and minimum amplitude in the entire
waveform or gated region.

Amplitude

The high value less the low value measured over the entire waveform or gatedregion.

Max

The most positive peak voltage. Max is measured over the entire waveform or gatedregion.

Min

The most negative peak voltage. Min is measured over the entire waveform or gatedregion.

High

This value is used as 100% whenever high reference, mid reference, or low
reference values are needed, such as in fall time or rise time measurements.
Calculate using either the min/max or histogram method. The min/max method uses
the maximum value found. The histogram method uses the most common value
found above the midpoint. This value is measured over the entire waveform or gatedregion.

Low

This value is used as 0% whenever high reference, mid reference, or low reference
values are needed, such as in fall time or rise time measurements. Calculate using
either the min/max or histogram method. The min/max method uses the minimum
value found. The histogram method uses the most common value found below the
midpoint. This value is measured over the entire waveform or gated region.

Positive OvershootThis is measured over the entire waveform or gated region and is expressed as:
Positive Overshoot = (Maximum – High) / Amplitude x 100%.

Negative OvershootThis is measured over the entire waveform or gated region and is expressed as:
Negative Overshoot = (Low – Minimum) / Amplitude x 100%.

Mean

The arithmetic mean over the entire waveform or gated region.

Cycle Mean

The arithmetic mean over the first cycle in the waveform or the first cycle in the gatedregion.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Measurement

Description

RMS

The true Root Mean Square voltage over the entire waveform or gated region.

Cycle RMS

The true Root Mean Square voltage over the first cycle in the waveform or the firstcycle in the gated region.

Table 5: Miscellaneous measurements
Measurement

Description

Positive Pulse
Count

The number of positive pulses that rise above the mid reference crossing in the
waveform or gated region.

Negative Pulse
Count

The number of negative pulses that fall below the mid reference crossing in the
waveform or gated region.

Rising Edge CountThe number of positive transitions from the low reference value to the high reference
value in the waveform or gated region.

Falling Edge CountThe number of negative transitions from the high reference value to the low
reference value in the waveform or gated region.

Area

Area measurement is a voltage over time measurement. It returns the area over theentire waveform or gated region in volt-seconds. Area measured above ground ispositive; area measured below ground is negative.

Cycle Area

A voltage over time measurement. The measurement is the area over the first cyclein the waveform or the first cycle in the gated region expressed in volt-seconds. The
area above the common reference point is positive, and the area below the common
reference point is negative.

Table 6: Histogram measurements
Measurement

Description

Waveform Count

Displays the number of waveforms that contributed to the histogram.

Hits in Box

Displays the number of samples within the histogram box or on its boundaries.

Peak Hits

Displays the number of samples in the bin that contains the most hits.

Median

Displays the middle histogram data value, where half of all histogram data points are less than thisvalue and half are greater than this value.

Peak-to-peak

Displays the peak-to-peak value of the histogram. Vertical histograms display the voltage of thehighest nonzero bin minus the voltage of the lowest nonzero bin. Horizontal histograms display thetime of the rightmost nonzero bin minus the time of the leftmost nonzero bin.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

117Analyze waveform or trace data

Measurement

Description

Histogram Max

Displays the voltage of the highest nonzero bin in vertical histograms or the time of the rightmost
nonzero bin in horizontal histograms.

Histogram Min

Displays the voltage of the lowest nonzero bin in vertical histograms or the time of the leftmost
nonzero bin in horizontal histograms.

Histogram Mean

Measures the average of all histogram data points within or on the histogram box.

Standard Deviation

Measures the standard deviation (Root Mean Square (RMS) deviation) of all histogram data points
within or on the histogram box.

Sigma1

Displays the percentage of the hits in the histogram that are within one standard deviation of thehistogram mean.

Sigma2

Displays the percentage of the hits in the histogram that are within two standard deviations of thehistogram mean.

Sigma3

Displays the percentage of the hits in the histogram that are within three standard deviations of thehistogram mean.

Customizing an automatic measurement in the time domain
You can customize automatic measurements by using gating, modifying measurement statistics, adjusting the measurement
reference levels, or taking a snapshot.

GatingGating confines the measurement to a certain portion of a waveform. To use:
1.

Push Measure.

2.

Push More as many times as needed to select Gating from the resulting pop-up menu.

3.

Position the gates using the side menu options.

Statistics
Statistics characterize the stability of measurements. To adjust statistics:
1.

118

Push Measure.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

2.

Push More as many times as needed to select Statistics from the resulting pop-up menu.

3.

Push the side menu options. These include whether to turn statistics on or off and how many samples to use for mean andstandard deviation calculations.

SnapshotTo see all the single-sourced measurements at one moment in time:
1.

Push Measure.

2.

Push Add Measurement.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a to select the desired Source channel.

4.

Turn Multipurpose b to select the Measurement Type of Snapshot.

5.

Push OK Snapshot All Measurements.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual119Analyze waveform or trace data

6.

View the results.

Reference levels
Reference levels determine how time-related measurements are taken. For example, they are used in calculating rise and falltimes.
1.

Push Measure.

2.

Push More as many times as needed to select Reference Levels from the resulting pop-up menu.

3.

Set the levels using the side menu. Reference
Use High and Low reference to calculate rise and fall times.
Use Mid reference primarily for measurements between edges such as pulse widths.

120

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Taking automatic measurements in the frequency domain
To take an automatic measurement in the frequency domain (available for models with option SA3 or SA6 installed):
1.

Push Measure.

2.

Push Domain to select Frequency.

3.

Push Select Measurement.

4.

Choose a frequency domain measurement from the side menu.
■

Channel power: The total power within the bandwidth, defined by the Channel Width.

■

Adjacent channel power ratio: The power in the main channel and the ratio of channel power to main power, for theupper and lower halves of each adjacent channel.

■

Occupied bandwidth: The bandwidth that contains the specified % of power within the analysis bandwidth.

As you select each frequency measurement, on screen help will appear to explain the purpose of that measurement. A
Configure item will appear on the lower menu. After you press Configure and set the measurement parameters in the resulting
side menu, the oscilloscope will automatically set the span. When the RF measurements are on, the Auto detection method will
set all frequency domain traces to the Average detection method. This provides optimal measurement accuracy.

Taking digital voltmeter measurements
Use the digital voltmeter to measure the potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit.
1.

Push channel 1.

2.

Push Measure.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual121Analyze waveform or trace data

122

3.

Push the bottom-menu button labeled DVM.

4.

From the side menu, select the desired Mode, Source and Display Style.

5.

View the finished results.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Taking manual measurements with cursors
Cursors are on-screen markers that you position in the waveform display to take manual measurements on acquired data. They
appear as horizontal and/or as vertical lines. To use cursors on analog or digital channels:
1.

Push Cursors to turn cursors on.
NOTE. A second push turns cursors off.
You can also push and hold Cursors todisplay the cursor menu.

In this example, two vertical cursors appear on
the selected waveform. As you turnmultipurpose knob a, you move one cursor to
the right or left. As you turn knob b, you movethe other cursor.

2.

With cursors on, push Select.
This turns the cursor linking on and off. Iflinking is on, turning multipurpose knob a
moves the two cursors together. Turning
multipurpose knob b adjusts the time
between the cursors.

3.

Push Fine to toggle between a coarse
and a fine adjustment for multipurpose
knobs a and b.
Pushing Fine also changes the sensitivityof other knobs as well.

4.

Push and hold Cursors to display the
cursor menu.

5.

Push Cursors on the lower menu to set
the cursors to Screen.
In screen mode, two horizontal bars andtwo vertical bars span the graticule.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Cursors
Waveform
ScreenSourceSelected
Waveform

5

11

Bars
Horizontal
Vertical

LinkedOn OffBring Cursors
On Screen

Cursor Units

123

Analyze waveform or trace data

6.

Turn multipurpose knobs a and b to movethe pair of horizontal cursors.

7.

Push Select.
This makes the vertical cursors active
and the horizontal cursors inactive. Now,
as you turn the multipurpose knobs, thevertical cursors will move.
Push Select to make the horizontal
cursors active again.

8.

View the cursor and the cursor readout.
NOTE. On digital channels, you can taketiming measurements with cursors, but
not amplitude measurements.

9.

Display multiple waveforms on the screenby pushing one or more of the channel 1
through 4 buttons or by pushing the D15– D0 button.

10. Push and hold Cursors to display the
cursor menu again.

124

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

11. Push Source on the lower menu.
A pop-up menu will appear. The default
menu selection of Selected Waveform
will cause the cursors to takemeasurements on the selected (lastused) waveform.
12. Turn multipurpose knob a to choose achannel to measure other than the one
pointed to by Selected Waveform.
13. Push Menu Off to remove the pop-up
menu.
14. Turn multipurpose knob a and take cursor
measurements on the alternate
waveform.

15. Push Cursors again. This turns off the
cursors. The screen no longer displays
the cursors and the cursor readout.

Using cursor readouts
Cursor readouts supply textual and numeric information relating to the current cursor positions. The oscilloscope always shows
the readouts when the cursors are turned on.
Readouts appear in the upper right corner of the graticule. If Zoom is on, the readout appears in the upper right corner of thezoom window.
When a bus is selected, the readout shows the decoded bus data in the format you have selected from the choices in the bus
menu. When a digital channel is selected, the cursors show the values of all displayed digital channels.
NOTE. When serial or parallel buses are selected, the data value at that point is displayed in the cursor readout.
Δ Readout:
The Δ readouts indicate the difference between the cursor positions.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

125Analyze waveform or trace dataa Readout:
Indicates that the value is controlled by the Multipurpose a knob.
b Readout:
Indicates that the value is controlled by the Multipurpose b knob.
The horizontal cursor lines on the display measure the vertical parameters, typically voltage.

The vertical cursor lines on the display measure horizontal parameters, typically time.

The square and circle shapes in the readout map to the multipurpose knobs when both vertical and horizontal cursors arepresent.
Using XY Cursors
When the XY Display mode is on, the cursor readouts will appear to the right of the lower graticule (XY). They will include
rectangular, polar, product, and ratio readouts. The oscilloscope will display vertical-bar waveform cursors in the upper graticule
(YT).

126

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Setting up a histogram
You can display a vertical (voltage) or horizontal (time) histogram. Use histogram measurements to get statistical measurement
data for a section of a waveform along one axis. The sources for a histogram can be any of the four or two analog channels, amath waveform, or any of the four or two reference waveforms.

To display a histogram1.

Set up the oscilloscope to show the
waveform on which to measure thehistogram. Use Autoset if appropriate.

2.

Push Measure.

3.

Push Waveform Histograms on thelower menu.

Add
Measurement

RemoveMeasurement

Indicators

Waveform
Histograms

More

Bring Cursors
On Screen

3
4.

Push the top button on the side menu toselect the waveform axis for which you
want to show the histogram values:
Vertical or Horizontal.

5.

Push Source on the side menu and use
multipurpose knob a to select the channel
for which to display histogrammeasurements.

6.

Push Horiz. Limits on the side menu anduse the multipurpose knobs a and b to
set the L (left) and R (right) boundaries of
the histogram box.

7.

Push Vert. Limits on the side menu anduse the multipurpose knobs a and b to
set the T (top) and B (bottom) boundariesof the histogram box.

8.

Push - more - 1 of 2.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Off
VerticalHorizontal

Source(a) 1

4

5

Horiz. Limits
L (a) -584ns
R (b) 760ns

6

Vert. Limits
T (a) -584ns
B (b) 760ns

7- more 1 of 28127

Analyze waveform or trace data

To add measurements on histogram data
1.

Push Add Measurement on the lower menu to add measurements on the histogram data.

2.

Push Source on the side menu and turn Multipurpose a to select H for histogram measurements.

3.

Push Measurement Type on the side menu and turn Multipurpose b to select a histogram measurement.

4.

Push OK Add Measurement on the side menu to add the measurement to the measurement readout list.

To reset histogram measurements and statistics
1.

Push More on the side menu.

2.

Push Waveform Histograms on the lower menu.

3.

Push - more - 1 of 2 on the side menu. - more - 1 of 2

4.

Push Reset Histogram Counts on the side menu.

5.

5. Push Reset Statistics on the side menu. Reset Statistics
You can view the histogram at the top (for horizontal histograms) or the left edge (for vertical histograms) of the graticule.

TIP.

128

■

Use horizontal histograms to measure signal jitter.

■

Use vertical histograms to measure signal noise.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Using math waveforms
Create math waveforms to support the analysis of your channel and reference waveforms. By combining and transforming
source waveforms and other data into math waveforms, you can derive the data view that your application requires.
NOTE. Math waveforms are not available for use with serial buses.
Use the following procedure for executing simple (+, –, x, ÷) math operations on two waveforms:
1.

Push Math.

2.

Push Dual Wfm Math.

Dual Wfm Math

FFT

Advanced Math Spectrum Math

(M) Label

2
3.

On the side menu, set the sources to either channel 1, 2, 3, 4, or reference waveforms R1, 2, 3, or 4. Choose the +, –, x,or ÷ operators.

4.

For example, you might calculate powerby multiplying a voltage waveform and acurrent waveform.

Quick Tips■

Math waveforms can be created from channel or reference waveforms or a combination of them.

■

Measurements can be taken on math waveforms in the same way as on channel waveforms.

■

Math waveforms derive their horizontal scale and position from the sources in their math expressions. Adjusting thesecontrols for the source waveforms also adjusts the math waveform.

■

You can zoom in on math waveforms using the inner knob of the Pan-Zoom control. Use the outer knob for positioning thezoomed area. See Using Wave Inspector to manage long record length waveforms on page 137.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

129Analyze waveform or trace data

Using FFTAn FFT function breaks down signals into component frequencies, which the oscilloscope uses to display a graph of thefrequency domain of a signal, as opposed to the oscilloscope's standard time domain graph. You can match these frequencies
with known system frequencies, such as system clocks, oscillators, or power supplies.
1.

Push Math.

2.

Push FFT.

Dual Wfm Math

FFT

Advanced Math Spectrum Math

(M) Label

2
FFT

130

3.

Push FFT Source on the side menu, if
needed, and turn multipurpose knob a toselect the source to use. Choices are:channels 1, 2, 3, 4, reference waveforms
1, 2, 3, and 4.

4.

Push Vertical Scale on the side menu
repeatedly to select either Linear RMS ordBV RMS.

5.

Push Window on the side menu
repeatedly to select the desired window.
Window choices are: Rectangular,
Hamming, Hanning, and BlackmanHarris.

6.

Push Horizontal on the side menu toactivate multipurpose knobs a and b to
pan and zoom the FFT display.

FFT Source
1

Vertical Units
Linear RMS

Window
Hanning

Horizontal
625kHz1.25kHz/div

3

4
5

6

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

7.

The FFT will appear on the display.

Quick Tips■

Use short record lengths for faster instrument response.

■

Use long record lengths to lower the noise relative to the signal and increase the frequency resolution.

■

If desired, use the zoom feature along with the horizontal Position and Scale controls to magnify and position the FFT
waveform.

■

Use the default dBV RMS scale to see a detailed view of multiple frequencies, even if they have very different amplitudes.
Use the linear RMS scale to see an overall view of how all frequencies compare to each other.

■

The math FFT feature provides four windows. Each offers a trade-off between frequency resolution and magnitudeaccuracy. The choice of which window to use depends upon what you want to measure and your source’s signal
characteristics. Use the following guidelines to select the best window:

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual131

Analyze waveform or trace data

Table 7: Window choices
Window

Shape

Rectangular
The frequency resolution when using the Rectangular (a.k.a. boxcar or none) window is very
good, the spectral leakage is high, and amplitude accuracy is poor.
Use the Rectangular window for measuring transients or bursts where the signal levels
before and after the event are nearly equal. Also, use this window for equal-amplitude sine
waves with frequencies that are very close together, and for broadband random noise with arelatively slow varying spectrum. This window is the best type for measuring the frequency
spectrum of non-repetitive signals, and measuring frequency components near DC.
Hamming
The frequency resolution when using the Hamming window is good (slightly better thanHanning), the spectral leakage is moderate, and amplitude accuracy is fair.
Use the Hamming window for measuring sine, periodic, and narrow band random noise.
This window works well on transients or bursts where the signal levels before and after the
event are significantly different.
Hanning
The frequency resolution when using the Hanning (a.k.a. Hann) window is good, thespectral leakage is low and amplitude accuracy is fair.
Use the Hanning window for measuring sine, periodic, and narrow band random noise. Thiswindow works well on transients or bursts where the signal levels before and after the eventare significantly different.
Blackman-Harris
The frequency resolution when using the Blackman-Harris window is poor, the spectral
leakage is very low and amplitude accuracy is good.
Use the Blackman-Harris window for measuring predominantly single frequency waveforms
to look for higher order harmonics, or several moderately or widely spaced sinusoidal
signals.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Using advanced math
The advanced math feature lets you create a custom math waveform expression that can incorporate active and reference
waveforms, measurements, and/or numeric constants. To use this feature:
1.

Push Math.

2.

Push Advanced Math.

Dual Wfm Math

FFT

Advanced
MathSpectrum Math

(M) Label2
3.

Use the side menu buttons to createcustom expressions.

4.

Push Edit Expression and use themultipurpose knobs and the resulting
lower menu buttons to create an
expression. When done, push OK
Accept.

For example, to use Edit Expression to take the integral of a square wave:
1.

Push Clear on the lower menu.

2.

Turn multipurpose knob a to select Intg(.

3.

Push Enter Selection.

4.

Turn multipurpose knob a to selectchannel 1.

5.

Push Enter Selection.

6.

Turn multipurpose knob a to select ).

7.

Push OK Accept.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

133

Analyze waveform or trace data

Using spectrum math
The spectrum math feature lets you create a math waveform by adding or subtracting frequency traces. Available for models with
option SA3 or SA6 installed.
1.

Push Math.

2.

Push Spectrum Math.

Dual Wfm Math

FFT

Advanced Math Spectrum Math

(M) Label2
Use the side menu choices to construct your desired math trace.
3.

Push 1st Source and select the RF normal trace (RF:N), RF average trace (RF:A), RF maximum trace (RF:M), the RF
minimum trace (RF:m), or any of the reference memories with frequency domain information.

4.

Choose + or - as the operator.

5.

Choose the second source from the provided options.

The math waveform will appear on the display as a red trace.
6.

Push Label from the lower menu and use the resulting side menu choices to give your math trace an appropriate label.

NOTE. The oscilloscope will only complete the calculation if the units of measure of the source waveforms, when combined,
make logical sense.

134

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Using reference waveforms and traces
Create and store a reference waveform or trace. For example, you might do this to set up a standard against which to compare
other waveforms. To use the reference waveforms or traces:
NOTE. 5 M, 10 M, and 20 M reference waveforms are volatile and not saved when the oscilloscope power is turned off. To keepthese waveforms, save them to external storage.
1.

Push Ref R. This brings up the lower
reference menu.

2.

Use the resulting lower menu selections
to display or select a reference waveformor trace.

(R1) | (On)3-May-07(R2) | (Off)(R3) | (Off)(R4) | (Off)

2

2

2

2

R1

3.

Push Vertical on the side menu and use
the multipurpose knobs to adjust thevertical settings of the reference
waveform or trace.

4.

Push Horizontal on the side menu anduse the multipurpose knobs to adjust thehorizontal settings of the reference
waveform or trace.

5.

Push Edit Label and use the resulting
menus to define labels to display with thereference waveforms and traces.

6.

Push Ref Details to read information
about the selected reference. Use this todetermine whether the reference is ananalog waveform or an RF trace.

7.

Push Save to File to store reference
information in external storage.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Vertical
0.00 div
100 mV/div

3

Horizontal
0.00 s4.00 μs/div

4

Edit Labels

Ref Details

Save to File

5
6

7

135

Analyze waveform or trace data

TIP.
■

Selecting and Displaying Reference Waveforms. You can display all the reference waveforms at the same time. Push
the appropriate screen button to select a particular reference waveform.

■

Removing Reference Waveforms from the Display. To remove a reference waveform from the display, push R on thefront panel to access the lower menu. Then push the associated lower menu to turn it off.

■

Scaling and Positioning a Reference Waveform. You can position and scale a reference waveform independently from allother displayed waveforms. Select the reference waveform and then adjust it with a multipurpose knob. You can do thiswhether acquisition is running or not.
If a reference waveform is selected, scaling and repositioning of the reference waveform operates the same way whether
zoom is turned on or off.

■

136

Saving 10 M and 20 M Reference Waveforms. 10 M and 20 M reference waveforms are volatile and not saved when theoscilloscope power is turned off. To keep these waveforms, save them to external storage.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Using Wave Inspector to manage long record length waveforms
The Wave Inspector controls (zoom/pan, play/pause, marks, search) help you to efficiently work with long record length
waveforms. To magnify a waveform horizontally, turn the Zoom knob. To scroll through a zoomed waveform, turn the Pan knob.
The Pan-Zoom Control consists of:1.

An outer pan knob.

2.

An inner zoom knob.

Zooming a waveform
1.

Rotate the inner knob on the Pan-Zoom control clockwise to zoom in on a selected portion of the waveform. Rotate the knob
counterclockwise to zoom back out.

2.

Alternatively, enable or disable the zoom mode by pushing the zoom button.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

137

Analyze waveform or trace data

3.

Examine the zoomed view of the waveform that appears on the larger, lower portion of the display. The upper portion of thedisplay will show the position and size of the zoomed portion in the waveform, within the context of the overall record.

Panning a waveform
While the zoom feature is on, you can use the pan feature to quickly scroll through the waveform. To use pan:1.

Rotate the pan (outer) knob of the panzoom controls to pan the waveform.
Turn the knob clockwise to pan forward.
Turn it counterclockwise to pan
backwards. The further you turn the knob,
the faster the zoom window pans.

Playing and pausing a waveform
Use the play-pause feature to automatically pan through a waveform record. To use it:

138

1.

Enable the play-pause mode by pushing
the play-pause button.

2.

Adjust the play speed by turning the pan(outer) knob further. The further you turnit, the faster it goes.

3.

Change the play direction by reversing the direction that you are turning the pan knob.

4.

During play, up to a point, the more you turn the ring, the faster the waveform accelerates. If you rotate the ring as far as
it can go, the play speed does not change, but the zoom box quickly moves in that direction. Use this maximum rotation
feature to replay a portion of the waveform that you just saw and want to see again.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

5.

Pause the play-pause feature by pushing
the play-pause button again.

Searching and marking waveforms
You can mark locations of interest in the acquired waveform. These marks help you limit your analysis to particular regions of the
waveform. You can mark areas of the waveform automatically, if they meet some special criteria, or you can manually mark each
item of interest. You can use arrow keys to jump from mark to mark (area of interest to area of interest). You can automaticallysearch and mark many of the same parameters that you can trigger on.
Search marks provide a way to mark a waveform region for reference. You can set marks automatically with search criteria. You
can search for and mark regions with particular edges, pulse widths, runts, logic states, rise/fall times, setup and hold, and bus
search types.
To manually set and clear (delete) marks:
1.

Move (the zoom box) to the area on the waveform where you want to set (or clear) a search mark by turning the pan(outer) knob.
Push the next ( →) or previous (←) arrow button to jump to an existing mark.

2.

Push Set/Clear.
If no search mark is at the screen center, the oscilloscope will add one.

3.

Investigate your waveform by movingfrom search mark to search mark. Use
the next ( →) or previous (←) arrow
button to jump from one marked location
to another, without adjusting any othercontrols.

4.

Delete a mark. Push the next ( →) or previous (←) arrow button to jump to the mark you want to clear. To remove thecurrent, center-positioned mark, push Set/Clear. It works on both manually and automatically created marks.

To automatically set and clear (delete) search marks:

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

139Analyze waveform or trace data

1.

Push Search.

2.

Select the search type desired from thelower menu.
The search menu is similar to the trigger
menu.

3.

SearchOff

Search Type
Edge

3

2

Source1

SlopeThreshold
0.00V

From the side menu, turn on the search.
If desired, go to the second page of theside menu and turn on the search marktable. The search mark table shows atime-stamped listing of each event.

140

4.

On the screen, hollow triangles show thelocation of automatic marks and solid
triangles show the custom (user-defined)locations. These appear on both normal
and zoomed waveform views.

5.

You can quickly investigate yourwaveform by moving from search mark to
search mark with the next ( →) andprevious (←) arrow buttons. No otheradjustments are needed.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

TIP.
■

You can copy trigger settings to search for other locations in your acquired waveform that meet the trigger conditions.

■

You can also copy search settings to your trigger.

■

Custom (User) marks are saved with the waveform when the waveform is saved and when the setup is saved.

■

Automatic search marks are not saved with the waveform when the waveform is saved. However, you can easily recapturethem by reusing the search function.

■

The search criteria are saved in the saved setup.

The Wave Inspector includes the following search capabilities:

1

SearchDescription

Edge

Searches for edges (rising, falling or both) with a user-specified threshold level.

Pulse Width

Searches for positive or negative pulse widths that are >, <, =, or ≠ a user specified pulse width,or are inside or outside of a range.

Timeout

Searches for the lack of a pulse. The signal stays above or below (or either above or below) a
set value for a set amount of time.

Runt

Searches for positive or negative pulses that cross one amplitude threshold but fail to cross asecond threshold before crossing the first again. Search for all runt pulses or only those with aduration >, <, =, or ≠ a user specified time.

Logic

Search for a logic pattern (AND, OR, NAND, or NOR) across multiple waveforms with each
input set to either High, Low, or Don't Care. Search for when the event goes true, goes false, or
stays valid for >, <, =, or ≠ a user specified time. Additionally, you can define one of the inputs
as a clock for synchronous (state) searches.

Setup & Hold

Setup & Hold Search for violations of user specified Setup and Hold times.

Rise/Fall time

Search for rising and/or falling edges that are >, <, =, or ≠ a user specified time.

Bus

Parallel: Search for a binary or hex value.
I2C: Search for Start, Repeated Start, Stop, Missing Ack, Address, Data, or Address and Data.
SPI: Search for SS Active, MOSI, MISO, or MOSI & MISO RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, UART:
Search for Tx Start Bit, Rx Start Bit, Tx End of Packet, Rx
End of Packet, Tx Data, Rx Data, Tx Parity Error, Rx Parity Error.
CAN, CAN FD: Search for Start of Frame, Type of Frame (Data, Remote, Error, Overload),
Identifier (standard or extended), Data, Identifier and Data, End of Frame, Bit Suffing Error,
Missing Ack, FD BRS Bit, FD ESI Bit, Form Error, or Any Error 1
LIN: Search for Synch, Identifier, Data, ID & Data, Wakeup Frame, Sleep Frame, Error
FlexRay: Search for Start of Frame, Type of Frame, Identifier, Cycle Count, Header Fields,
Data, ID & Data, End of Frame, Error
Audio: Search for Word Select or Data
Ethernet: Ethernet Serial Triggering and Analysis Module. Enables triggering on packet-level
information on 10BASE-T and 100BASETX 4 buses as well as analytical tools such as digital
views of the signal, bus views, packet decoding, search tools, and packet decode tables with
time-stamp information.
USB: Search for Sync, Reset, Suspend, Resume, End of Packet, Token (Address) Packet, Data
Packet, Handshake Packet, Special Packet, or Error
MIL-STD-1553: Search for Sync, Command, Status, Data, Time (RT/IMG), Error 152

FD BRS Bit, FD ESI Bit, Form Error and Any Error are available only when CAN FD is selected as BUS.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual141Analyze waveform or trace data

Auto-magnify
As you adjust the horizontal scale control to faster time/division settings, the MDO4000C Series automatically increases the
sample rate to keep acquiring the same record length in the shorter period of time. Eventually though, the oscilloscope hits the
maximum sample rate. Once the instrument is at its fastest sample rate, further changes to faster timebase settings cause theoscilloscope to operate in Auto-magnify mode, where the oscilloscope shows the faster desired time/division setting andcontinues to acquire the desired record length. The result is that the oscilloscope cannot show all of the acquired points within thedesired time/division setting.
Instead, the oscilloscope shows you only a portion of the entire record in the time-domain graticule. This feature provides you
with a way to magnify a portion of the record without having to use the smaller zoom screen display. This feature gives you themaximum benefit of the sample rate / record length combination in your oscilloscope. With Auto-magnify, you have access to thefull record length at the maximum sample rate.
NOTE. Auto-magnify only comes on when the zoom feature is turned off.
1.

The entire acquisition is indicated by thehorizontal bar in the upper display.

2.

The portion of the acquisition shown in
the time domain graticule is shown within
the part of the upper display defined by
the brackets.

NOTE. If you are using the frequency domain and auto-magnify features at the same time, and if you move the spectrum timeoutside of the portion of the acquisition shown in the graticule, then the orange bar in the time-domain display showing thespectrum time will disappear, as will any activity in the frequency domain display.

142

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Limit and mask testing
Monitor an active input signal against a mask with the DPO4LMT Limit and Mask Test Module. Output pass or fail results.
The results can show whether the input signal is within the user-defined vertical and horizontal bounds of the mask. You cancreate your own mask or recall a mask from a file. To set up and run a limit or mask test, do the following:1.

Select or create the mask.

2.

Set up the test.

3.

Run the test and view the results.

Create or select the mask
The two mask types you can create or select are: limit test and custom.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual143Analyze waveform or trace data

Create a limit test mask.
1.

Push the front panel Default Setup button.

2.

Connect your probe from your oscilloscope to the mask source.

3.

Push the front panel Autoset button.

4.

Push the front panel Test button.

5.

Push Application on the lower menu. Turn Multipurpose a to select Limit/Mask Test from the menu.

6.

Push Select Mask on the lower menu and, from the resulting side menu, select Limit Test.

7.

Push Create Limit Mask on the lower menu.

8.

On the resulting side menu, push Source Channel and turn Multipurpose a to choose the waveform to use as the template
for the limit test.

9.

Push Horizontal ±Limit to set the mask horizontal limits. The units are referenced to graticule divisions, where one major
division contains 1,000 milli-divisions (mdiv).

10. Push Vertical ±Limit to set the mask vertical limits. The units are referenced to graticule divisions, where one major divisioncontains 1,000 millidivisions (mdov).
11. Push OK Create Limit Mask to make the mask in the oscilloscope.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

Create a custom mask from a text file.
1.

Push the front panel Test button.

2.

Push Application on the lower menu. Turn Multipurpose a to select Limit/Mask Test from the menu.

3.

Push Set Up Mask on the lower menu.

4.

From the resulting side menu, push Recall Mask from File.

Your mask text file should have an “.msk” file name extension and use the following format::REM "Initialize the custom mask":MASK:CUSTom INIT
:REM "Mask Setup Information":MASK:USER:LABEL "Custom Mask of STS-1":MASK:USER:AMPLITUDE 1.0000:MASK:USER:VSCALE 200.0000E-3:MASK:USER:VPOS -2.5000:MASK:USER:VOFFSET 0.0E+0:MASK:USER:HSCALE 4.0000E-9:MASK:USER:HTRIGPOS 318.1000E-3:MASK:USER:WIDTH 29.5500E-9:MASK:USER:RECORDLENGTH 1000
:MASK:USER:TRIGTOSAMP 7.2750E-9:REM "Mask Points are Defined in Volts and Seconds":REM "Points in a segment must be defined in counter clockwise order":REM "A single point at 0,0 indicates an empty segment":MASK:USER:SEG1:POINTS -7.5000E-9,1.5000,-7.5000E-9,100.0000E-3,-5.1656E9,100.0000E-3,-1.3536E-9,500.0000E-3,-1.3536E-9,1.2000,7.2750E-9,1.1000,15.90
36E9,1.2000,15.9036E-9,500.0000E-3,19.7156E-9,100.0000E-3,22.0500E-9,100.0000E3,22.0500E-9,1.5000:MASK:USER:SEG2:POINTS-7.5000E-9,-500.0000E-3,22.0500E-9,-500.0000E-3,22.0500E-9,-100.0000E-3,13.42
14E-9,-200.0000E-3,13.4214E-9,500.0000E-3,11.6780E-9,800.0000E3,7.2750E-9,900.0000E-3,2.8720E-9,800.0000E-3,1.1286E-9,500.0000E-3,1.1286E-9,-200.0000E-3,-7.5000E-9,-100.0000E-3:MASK:USER:SEG3:POINTS 0.0E+0,0.0E+0:MASK:USER:SEG4:POINTS 0.0E+0,0.0E+0:MASK:USER:SEG5:POINTS 0.0E+0,0.0E+0:MASK:USER:SEG6:POINTS 0.0E+0,0.0E+0:MASK:USER:SEG7:POINTS 0.0E+0,0.0E+0:MASK:USER:SEG8:POINTS 0.0E+0,0.0E+0
Create a custom mask via a remote interface. To use remote interface commands to create and edit a mask, see theProgrammer Manual on the Tektronix website.

Set up the test
To set up the limit or mask test, connect the test source to the oscilloscope. For a limit test, set the test source horizontal andvertical settings to the same values that were used to create the limit test mask. Push Set Up Test on the lower menu and set thefollowing:
Setting

Description

Source Channel

Select the channel to be tested

Violation Threshold

Set the number of violations that can occur before a test status
is considered failed.

Stop After Waveform

Set the test to stop after a set number of waveforms.

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Analyze waveform or trace data

Setting

Description

Stop After Time

Set the test to stop after a set amount of time elapses.

Select Action on Failure

Set how the oscilloscope responds to test failure. You can set
multiple actions like:

Select Action on Test Completion■

Stop acquisition■

Save waveform to file■

Save screen image to file■

Print screen image■

Aux out pulse■

Set a remote interface service request (SRQ)

Set how the oscilloscope will respond to test completion. You
can set multiple actions like:■

Aux out pulse■

Set a remote interface service request (SRQ)

Pre-Test Delay

Set a delay before starting a test.

Repeat Test

Set On for the test to repeat when it has run the minimum
number of waveforms or the minimum amount of time.
Set Off tor the test to run a single time and not repeat.

Mask Polarity

Mask Polarity Set the mask polarity to use during the test.
When Both is selected, the test will run with Normal polarity forabout half of the expected number of waveforms or amount oftime and then will run with Inverted polarity for the remained of
the test.

Run the test and view the results
1.

146

Push Run Test on the lower menu to start and stop the test.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

2.

Push Show Results on the lower menu and use the resulting side menu to select whether to show basic or more detailed
results. You can also reset the results.

TIP.
■

Use Average acquisition mode to create a smoother, cleaner limit test mask.

■

If you want to re-use the mask later, save it to a file by selecting Set Up Mask from the lower menu and Save Mask to Filefrom the resulting side menu.

■

To simplify the setup of the test source, save the oscilloscope setup so that later you can quickly reload the settings tocorrectly display the test source for limit testing.

■

Have the mask automatically re-scale with the source channel setting changes by selecting Set Up Mask on the lower
menu and Lock to Source as On on the resulting side menu.

■

The math waveform is not available when using mask testing.

Making video tests
Trigger on and display video signals. Do this with standard, built-in video test tools. To use this application:
1.

Push Test.

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Analyze waveform or trace data

2.

Turn Multipurpose a to select Video Picture.

3.

Use the bottom menu buttons to set up the desired video test.

Choose among:

148■

Display on/off■

Standard: NTSC or PAL■

Contrast/update rate■

Odd/Even/Interlaced■

Source channel■

Location on the screen to display the results

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAnalyze waveform or trace data

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Analyze waveform or trace data

Taking automated power measurements
Acquire, measure, and analyze power signals with the DPO4PWR Power Analysis Module. To use this application:
1.

Push Test.

2.

Turn multipurpose knob a to selectPower Analysis.

3.

Push Analysis.

Application

Analysis
None

2
4.

Use the side menu buttons to select thedesired analysis function.
Choose among power quality, switching
loss, harmonics, ripple, modulation, andsafe operating area, and deskew. See thePower Analysis Modules User Manual on
tek.com for more information.

150

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information
The oscilloscope provides permanent storage for setups, waveforms, and screen images. Use the internal storage of theoscilloscope to save setup files and reference waveform data.
Use external storage, such as USB drives or network drives, to save setups, waveforms, and screen images. Use the external
storage to carry data to remote computers for further analysis and for archiving.

External file structure
If you are saving information to external storage, select the appropriate menu (such as the To File side menu to save setups andwaveforms) and turn multipurpose knob a to scroll through the external file structure.
■

E: is the USB memory device plugged into the first (left) USB port on the front of the oscilloscope■

F: is the USB memory device plugged into the second (right) USB port on the front of the oscilloscope■

G: and H: are the USB memory devices plugged into the USB ports on the rear of the oscilloscope■

I through Z are network storage locations

Use multipurpose knob a to scroll through the list of files. Push Select on the front panel to open and close folders.

Naming your file
The oscilloscope gives all files it creates a default name in the following format:■

tekXXXXX.set for setup files where XXXXX is an integer from 00000 to 99999■

tekXXXXX.png, tekXXXXX.bmp, or tekXXXXX.tif for image files■

tekXXXXYYY.csv for spreadsheet files or tekXXXXYYY.isf for internal format files

For waveforms, the XXXX is an integer from 0000 to 9999. The YYY is the channel of the waveform, and can be one of thefollowing:■

CH1, CH2, CH3, or CH4 for the analog channels■

D00, D01, D02, D03, and so on through D15 for the digital channels■

MTH for a math waveform■

RF1, RF2, RF3, or RF4 for reference memory waveforms■

ALL for a single spreadsheet file containing multiple channels when you select Save All Waveforms

For RF traces (models with option SA3 or SA6 installed), XXXX is an integer from 0000 to 9999. The YYY defines the trace andcan be one of the following:■

NRM for a normal trace■

AVG for an average trace■

MAX for a maximum hold trace■

MIN for a minimum hold trace■

AVT for an amplitude versus time trace■

FVT for a frequency versus time trace■

PVT for a phase versus time trace■

TIQ for a baseband I & Q file

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual151Save and recall information

NOTE. Analog, digital, and RF waveforms and traces and those waveforms and traces derived from them (such as math andreference) can be saved to an ISF file. When saving all channels in ISF format, a group of files will be saved. Each will have thesame value for XXXX, but the YYY values will be set to the different channels that were turned on when the Save All Waveforms
operation was performed.
The XXXX value will automatically increment each time you save a file of the same type. For example, the first time you save afile, that file is named tek00000. The next time you save the same type of file, the file will be named tek00001.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Editing file directory reference waveform or instrument setup names
Give files descriptive names that you can recognize at a later date. To edit file names, directory names, reference waveform andinstrument setup labels:
1.

Push Save / Recall Menu.

2.

Push Save Screen Image, Save
Waveform, or Save Setup.

3.

For waveform or setup files, enter the file
manager by pushing the appropriate side
menu button.

4.

Turn multipurpose knob a to scroll
through the file structure. See External
file structure on page 151.

5.

Push Select to open or close file folders.

6.

Push Edit File Name.

Save Screen
Image

Save Waveform

Save Setup

2

2

2

To FileRecallWaveform

Recall Setup

AssignSave | to
Setup

File Utilities

3

Edit the file name the same way you edit
labels for channels.

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Save and recall information

7.

154

Push the Menu Off button to cancel the
save operation, or push OK Save on theside menu to complete the operation.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Saving a screen image
A screen image consists of a graphical image of the oscilloscope screen. This is different from waveform data, which consists ofnumeric values for each point in the waveform. To save a screen image:
1.

Push Save / Recall Menu.
Do not yet push the Save button.

2.

Push Save Screen Image on the lower
menu.

Save Screen
Image

Save Waveform

Save Setup

RecallWaveform

Recall Setup

AssignSave | to
Setup

File Utilities

2
Save Screen
Image

3.

Push File Format on the side menu toselect among: .tif, .bmp, and .png
formats.

4.

Push Orientation to select between
saving the image in a landscape(horizontal) and a portrait (vertical)
orientation.

5.

Push Ink Saver to turn the Ink Saver
mode on or off. When on, this mode
provides a white background.

6.

Push Edit File Name to create a custom
name for the screen image file. Skip thisstep to use a default name.

7.

Push OK Save Screen Image to write
the image to the selected media.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

File Format.png

Orientation

Ink SaverOn | Off

Edit File Name

OK Save
Screen Image

3
4

5
6
7

155

Save and recall information

Saving and recalling waveform and trace data
Waveform and trace data consists of the numeric values for each point in the waveform or trace. It copies the data, as opposed
to a graphical image of the screen. To save the current waveform or trace data or to recall previously stored waveform or trace
data:
1.

Push Save / Recall Menu.

2.

Push Save Waveform or Recall
Waveform on the lower menu.

Save Screen
Image

Save Waveform

2

Save Setup

RecallWaveform

Recall Setup

AssignSave | toWaveform

File Utilities

2

NOTE. The oscilloscope can save digital waveforms to .csv files, not reference memories. The oscilloscope cannot recall
digital waveforms.

NOTE. The oscilloscope can save, but not recall, RF acquisitions as .TIQ files. You can use .TIQ files with Tektronix SignalVu
Vector Signal Analysis software.

3.

Rotate multipurpose knob a and, on the side menu, select one of the displayed waveforms or traces. Alternatively, selectAll Displayed Waveforms.
When saving RF trace data, you can select to save it as either the standard display data or as baseband I and Q data(.TIQ files). Use the I and Q data with Tektronix SignalVu Vector Signal Analysis software.

4.

Rotate multipurpose knob b and select the location to save the waveform or trace data to or to recall it from.
Save the information externally to a file on a USB drive or mounted network drive. Alternatively, save the informationinternally to one of the four reference files.

5.

156

Push File Details to save to a USB or network drive.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Saving a waveform to fileIf you select a channel as Source and File as the destination, the File Details option will appear on the side menu. When you
push File Details on the side menu, the oscilloscope changes the side menu contents. The following table describes these side
menu items for saving data to a mass storage file.
Side menu button

Description

Instrument Specific File Format Sets the oscilloscope to save data from analog, digital, or RF channels (and math and reference(.ISF)
waveforms derived, where possible, from those channels), in Instrument Specific Format (.isf)
format. This format is the fastest to write. It also creates the smallest-sized file.
Use this format if you intend to recall an analog waveform or RF trace to reference memory forviewing or measuring.
Spreadsheet file format (.csv)

Sets the oscilloscope to save data as a comma-separated data file that is compatible withpopular spreadsheet programs.
Analog and RF data stored in this file format can also be recalled to reference memory.

Saving a waveform or trace to reference memory
To save a waveform or trace to nonvolatile memory inside the oscilloscope, push the Save Waveform screen button, select the
waveform that you want to save, and then select one of the four reference waveform locations.
Saved waveforms contain only the most recent acquisition. Gray-scale information, if any, is not saved.
NOTE. 5M, 10 M, and 20 M reference waveforms are volatile and not saved when the oscilloscope power is turned off. To keepthese waveforms, save them to external storage.

Displaying a reference waveform
To display a waveform stored in nonvolatile memory:
1.

Push Ref R.

2.

Push R1, R2, R3, or R4.

(R1) | (On)

(R2) | (Off)(R3) | (Off)(R4) | (Off)

2

2

2

2

If you push the side menu Ref Details, you can read whether the reference holds analog waveform or RF trace information.

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Save and recall information

Removing a reference waveform from the display
To remove a reference waveform from the display:
1.

Push Ref R.

2.

Push R1, R2, R3, or R4 on the lower
menu to remove the reference waveformor trace from the display.

(R1) | (On)

(R2) | (Off)(R3) | (Off)(R4) | (Off)

2

2

2

2

The reference waveform is still in nonvolatile memory and can be displayed again with another push of the button.
NOTE. 5 M, 10 M, and 20 M reference waveforms are volatile and not saved when the oscilloscope power is turned off. To
keep these waveforms, save them to external storage.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Saving and recalling setups
Setup information includes acquisition information, such as vertical, horizontal, trigger, cursor, and measurement information. It
does not include communications information, such as GPIB addresses. To save the setup information:
1.

Push Save / Recall Menu.

2.

Push Save Setup or Recall Setup on thelower menu.

Save Screen
Image

Save Waveform

Save Setup

2

RecallWaveform

Recall Setup

AssignSave | to
Setup

File Utilities

2

Save Setup

3.

From the resulting side menu, select thelocation to save the setup to or to recall itfrom.
To save setup information to one of theten internal setup memories in theoscilloscope, push the appropriate side
menu button.
To save setup information to a USB or
network drive, push the To File button.

To File3

Edit Labels

To Setup 1

To Setup 2

4.

If you are saving information to a USB or
network drive, turn multipurpose knob a
to scroll through the file structure. See
External file structure on page 151.

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Save and recall information

Push Select to open or close file folders.

Push the Menu Off button to cancel the save
operation, or push Save to Selected File on
the side menu to complete the operation.

5.

Save the file.

Save toSelected File5

Quick Tips■

160

Recalling the Default Setup. Push Default Setup on the front panel to initialize the oscilloscope to a known setup. See
Using the default setup on page 47.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Saving with one button push
After you have defined the save/recall parameters with the Save/Recall Menu button and menu, you can save files with a single
push of the Save button. For example, if you have defined the save operation to save waveform data to a USB flash drive, theneach push of the Save button will save current waveform data to the defined USB flash drive.
1.

To define the Save button behavior, push
Save/Recall Menu.

2.

Push Assign Save to ....

Save Screen
Image

Save Waveform

Save Setup

RecallWaveform

Recall Setup

AssignSave | to
Setup

File Utilities

2
Assign Save to3.

Push the side menu button corresponding
to the items or items you wish to savewhen you push the Save button.

Screen Image

3

Waveform

Setup

Image,
Waveform, and
Setup

4.

From now on, when you push Save theoscilloscope will perform the action thatyou just specified rather than requiring
you to navigate through the menus eachtime.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual161Save and recall information

Managing drives directories and files
You can manage drives, directories, and files from the oscilloscope user interface.
1.

Push Save/Recall Menu.

2.

Push File Utilities.

Save Screen
Image

Save Waveform

Save Setup

RecallWaveform

Recall Setup

Assign
Save
|
to
Setup

File Utilities

2
Select the desired file operation from the side menus. You can:■Create a new folder■

Delete a highlighted directory, or file■

Copy a highlighted drive, directory or file■

Paste a previously copied drive, directory, or file■

Mount or unmount a networked or local USB drive■

Rename a highlighted drive, directory, or file■

Format a highlighted drive

Mounting a network drive
Mount a network storage device, such as a PC or a file server, to save setups, waveforms, and screen images directly to thedrive or to recall waveforms or setups from the drive.
To save to or recall files from a network drive, you must first connect your oscilloscope to the network.
NOTE. Consult your network administrator for information related to your network.
After the network connection has been established, do the following:
1. Push Save/Recall Menu on the front panel.
2. Push File Utilities on the lower menu and, from the resulting side menu, select – more – 1 of 2. Then select Mount.
3. From the resulting side menu, set the following:

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Setting

Description

Drive Letter

Select from I: to Z:

Server Name or IP Address

Use a USB keyboard or the on-screen interface to enter the server name or IP address.

Path

Use a USB keyboard or the on-screen interface to enter the shared file path.
For example, to mount an MS Windows PC directory named “C:\Example”, enter “C$\Example”.
The dollar sign enables sharing. No colon is needed.

User Name

If necessary, use a USB keyboard or the on-screen interface to enter the user name.

User Password

If necessary, use a USB keyboard or the on-screen interface to enter the user password. The
oscilloscope only displays “*”'s as you type the password. They are erased from the screen after
OK Accept is pushed.

NOTE. Ensure that file sharing is enabled for the network location.
4. Push OK Accept.
NOTE. To unmount a network or local USB drive, push Save/Recall Menu on the front panel, push File Utilities on the lower
menu, push – more – 1 of 2 on the side menu, and Unmount items.
NOTE. Any network locations that were mounted when the oscilloscope was powered down will be automatically remounted
when the oscilloscope is powered up. Unmount any network location that you do not want to automatically remount on power up.
NOTE. When the USB drive is removed from the system without unmounting, you will receive the scan message upon inserting
this USB flash drive into a computer. To avoid this, it is recommended that you properly unmount the USB drive before removing
it from the oscilloscope.

Printing a hard copy
To print an image of what appears on the oscilloscope screen, do the following procedure.

Connect a printer to your oscilloscope
Connect a non-PictBridge printer to a USB port on the rear or front panel of the oscilloscope. Alternatively, connect a PictBridge
printer to the USB device port on the rear panel, or hook up a networked printer through the Ethernet port.
NOTE. Refer to the www.tektronix.com/printer_setup Web page for a list of compatible printers.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual163Save and recall information

Set up print parameters
To set up the oscilloscope to print hard copies:
1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a and select Print.

4.

Push Select Printer if you are changing the default printer.
Turn Multipurpose a to scroll through the list of available printers.
Push Select to choose the desired printer.
To add a non-PictBridge USB printer to the list, plug the printer into a USB host port. The oscilloscope will automaticallyrecognize most printers.
To set up a PictBridge USB printer, refer to the next topic.
To add an Ethernet printer to the list, refer to that topic. Printing over ethernet on page 165

5.

Select the image orientation (portrait or landscape).

6.

Choose Ink Saver On or Off. The On selection will print out a copy with a clear (white) background.

Printing to a pictbridge printerTo set up the oscilloscope to print to a PictBridge printer:

164

1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn Multipurpose a and select I/O.

4.

Push USB.

5.

Push Connect to PictBridge Printer.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Printing over ethernet
To set up the oscilloscope to print over Ethernet:
1.

Connect an Ethernet cable to the rear-panel Ethernet port.

2.

Push Utility.

3.

Push Utility Page.

4.

Turn the Multipurpose a knob and select Print Setup.

5.

Push Select Printer.

6.

Push Add Network Printer.

7.

Turn Multipurpose a to scroll through the list of letters, numbers, and other characters to find the first character in theprinter that you want to enter.
If you are using a USB keyboard, use the arrow keys to position the insertion point and type in the printer name.

8.

Push Select or Enter Character to let the oscilloscope know that you have picked the proper character to use.
You can use the lower menu buttons to edit the name, as needed.

9.

Continue scrolling and pushing Select until you have entered all the desired characters.

10. Push the down arrow key to move the character cursor down a row to the Server Name field.
11. Turn the Multipurpose a knob and push Select or Enter Character as often as needed to enter the name.
12. If desired, push the down arrow key to move the character cursor down a row to the Server IP Address: field.
13. Turn Multipurpose a and push Select or Enter Character as often as needed to enter the name.
14. When done, push OK Accept.
NOTE. If you have multiple printers connected to the oscilloscope at the same time, the oscilloscope will print to the printer listed
in the Utility> Utility Page> Print Setup> Select Printer menu item.

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Save and recall information

E mail printing
To set up the oscilloscope to print via e-mail to e-mail enabled printers:
1.

Connect an Ethernet cable to the rear-panel Ethernet port.

2.

Push Utility.

3.

Push Utility Page.

4.

Turn Multipurpose a and select Print Setup.

5.

Push Select Printer.

6.

Push Add E-Mail Printer.

7.

Turn Multipurpose a to scroll through the list of letters, numbers, and other characters to find the first character in the namethat you want to enter.
If you are using a USB keyboard, use the arrow keys to position the insertion point and type in the printer name.
NOTE. There is a single set of SMTP server settings saved for both the e-mail printer and for Act on Event e-mailnotification (Test > Application > Act on Event > Actions > E-mail Notification > Configure E-mail). If you modify the
SMTP settings in one of these two locations, they will be similarly modified in the other location.

8.

Push Select or Enter Character to let the oscilloscope know that you have picked the proper character to use.
You can use the lower menu buttons to edit the name, as needed.

9.

Continue scrolling and pushing Select until you have entered all the desired characters.

10. Push the down arrow key to move the character cursor down to more rows to fill out.
11. Turn the Multipurpose a knob and push Select or Enter Character as often as needed to enter the name.
12. If desired, push the down arrow key to move the character cursor down to added rows.
13. Turn Multipurpose a and push Select or Enter Character as often as needed to enter the name.
14. When done, push OK Accept.

Printing with one button pushOnce you have connected a printer to your oscilloscope and set up print parameters, you can print current screen images with asingle push of a button:
Push the printer icon button in the lower left corner of the front panel.

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MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualSave and recall information

Using oscilloscope security features
Erasing oscilloscope memory
The MDO4000C provides optional enhanced security to enable password protected control of turning on/off all instrument ports.
You can erase all setup and waveform information saved in the nonvolatile oscilloscope memory with the TekSecure function. If
you have acquired confidential data on your oscilloscope, you may want to execute the TekSecure function before you return theoscilloscope to general use. The TekSecure function:■

Replaces all waveforms in all reference memories with null values■

Replaces the current front panel setup and all stored setups with the default setup■

Displays a confirmation or warning message, depending on whether the verification is successful or unsuccessful

With the MDO4SEC option, you can also turn the I/O ports on or off and turn the firmware upgrade capability on or off.

Using TekSecure without the MDO4SEC option installed
1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

5.

Push OK Erase Setup and Ref Memoryon the side menu.

OK
Erase Setup &Ref Memory5

To cancel the procedure, push Menu Off.

6.

Power off the oscilloscope, and thenpower it back on to complete the process.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual167Save and recall information

Using TekSecure with the MDO4SEC option installed
1.

Push Utility.

2.

Push Utility Page.

3.

Turn multipurpose knob a and select Security.

4.

Push TekSecure Erase Memory.

Utility Page

2

Utility Page
Security

TekSecureErase Memory

Security
password

FirmwareUpgradesEnabledI/O Ports
Enabled

3

4

6

7

8

OK
Erase Setup &Ref Memory

5

5.

Push OK Erase Setup and Ref Memoryon the side menu.

6.

Push Security Password. Use Multipurpose a and the bottom menu to enter a password.

7.

Push Firmware Upgrades. Read the on-screen warnings. To disable the ability to load new firmware into theoscilloscope, push OK Disable Upgrades on the side menu.

8.

Push I/O ports. Read the on-screen warnings. To disable all USB and Ethernet ports on the oscilloscope, push OK
Disable All Ports on the side menu.

To cancel the procedure, push Menu Off.

9.

168

Power off the oscilloscope, and thenpower it back on to complete the process.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Arbitrary/Function Generator
The MDO4000C contains an optional integrated arbitrary/function generator (AFG) (option MDO4AFG). This is useful for
simulating signals within a design or adding noise to signals to perform margin testing.
The function generator provides output of predefined waveforms up to 50 MHz. Choose between sine, square, pulse, ramp/
triangle, DC, noise, sin(x)/x (Sinc), Gaussian, Lorentz, exponential rise/fall, Haversine and cardiac signals.
The AFG can generate up to 131,072 points of an arbitrary waveform. You can create the waveform from any of the four internal
ARB memories, the four (or two) analog channels, the four (or two) reference waveforms, the math waveform or the 16 digitalchannel waveforms. You can also use a .CSV (spreadsheet) file stored externally or a predefined template.
You can modify your arbitrary waveform via an on-screen editor and then replicate it out of the generator. For more involved
waveform manipulation, you can use Tektronix’ ArbExpress PC-based waveform creation and editing software. It is available forfree download from www.tektronix.com/software.

How to access the AFG
To access the AFG output, connect your cable to the port marked AFG OUT in the back of the oscilloscope.

To see the output of the AFG, connect the other end of the cable to one of the input channels on the front of the oscilloscope.

Push the front-panel AFG button to turn the AFG output on and off.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual169

Arbitrary/Function Generator

The button lights up when the output is on. The light goes out when it is off. The On-Off status is always off when you recall an
instrument setup. The AFG will always come up in the off state when you turn the oscilloscope power on.

170

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Using application modules
Using application modules
Optional application module packages extend the capability of your oscilloscope. See Application module free trial on page 17
and Installing an application module on page 17.
Refer to the MDO3000 and MDO4000 Series Application Module Installation Instructions that came with your application module
for instructions on installing and testing an application module. Some modules are described in the following list. Additional
modules may be available. Contact your Tektronix representative or visit our Web site at www.tektronix.com for more information.
Also, refer to Contacting Tektronix at the beginning of the manual.
■

The DPO4BND Application Module Bundle adds support for DPO4AERO, DPO4AUDIO, DPO4AUTO, DPO4COMP,
DPO4EMBD, DPO4ENET, DPO4USB, DPO4LMT, DPO4PWR, and DPO4VID.

■

The DPO4AERO Aerospace Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering and analysis on MILSTD-1553 buses.

■

The DPO4AUDIO Audio Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering and analysis on I2S, Left Justified (LJ),
Right Justified (RJ), and TDM buses.

■

The DPO4AUTO Automotive Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering and analysis on packet level
information in serial buses used in automotive designs (CAN, CAN FD, and LIN), as well as analytical tools to help you
efficiently analyze your serial bus. These include digital views of the signal, bus views, packet decoding, search tools, andevent tables with timestamp information.

■

The DPO4AUTOMAX FlexRay, CAN, CAN FD, and LIN Serial Triggering and Analysis Module offers the features of the
DPO4AUTO Module plus FlexRay serial bus support.

■

The DPO4COMP Computer Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering and analysis on byte or packet level
information in RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and UART buses, and analytical tools to help you efficiently analyze your serialbus. These include digital views of the signal, bus views, packet decoding, search tools, and event tables with timestamp
information.

■

The DPO4EMBD Embedded Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering and analysis on packet level
information in serial buses used in embedded designs (I2C and SPI), as well as analytical tools to help you efficiently
analyze your serial bus. These include digital views of the signal, bus views, packet decoding, search tools, and event
tables with timestamp information.

■

The DPO4ENET Ethernet Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering on packet-level information on
10BASE-T and 100BASETX 4 buses as well as analytical tools such as digital views of the signal, bus views, packet
decoding, search tools, and packet decode tables with time-stamp information.
Signal Inputs - Any Ch1 - Ch4, Math, Ref1 - Ref4
Recommended Probing - 10BASE-T: Single ended or differential; 100BASE-TX: Differential
NOTE. ≥350 MHz bandwidth models are recommended for 100BASE-TX.

■

The DPO4LMT Limit and Mask Test Module adds testing acquired waveforms against a comparison waveform with userdefined horizontal and vertical limits or against telecom standard masks or custom masks.
NOTE. ≥350 MHz bandwidth models are recommended for Telecomm standards >55 Mb/s.
1 GHz bandwidth models are recommended for high-speed (HS) USB.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

171

Using application modules■

The DPO4PWR Power Analysis Module adds measurements of power quality, switching loss, harmonics, ripple,
modulation, safe operating area, and slew rate (dV/dt and dI/dt).

■

The DPO4USB USB 2.0 Serial Triggering and Analysis Module adds triggering and analysis on USB low-speed, fullspeed, and high-speed buses.
NOTE. 1 GHz bandwidth models are required for high-speed (HS) USB.

172■

The DPO4VID Extended Video Module adds triggering on a variety of standard HDTV signals, as well as on custom (nonstandard) bilevel and trilevel video signals with 3 to 4,000 lines.

■

The MDO4TRIG Advanced RF Triggering Module enables triggering with RF power as a source for Pulse Width, Timeout,
Runt, Logic, and Sequence triggers.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix A: MDO4000C Series specifications

Please see the MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope Specifications and Performance Verification Technial Reference on the
Tektronix website.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual173Appendix A: MDO4000C Series specifications

174

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz
10X passive probes information
Operating information
The TPP0500B and TPP1000 10X Passive Probes are compact passive probes with 10X attenuation that are designed for use
with Tektronix MDO4000C Series oscilloscopes.
The probes have no user- or Tektronix-serviceable parts.

Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope
Connect the probe as shown in the illustrations below.

Compensating the probe with the MDO4000C series oscilloscope
See Compensating a TPP0500B or TPP1000 passive voltage probe on page 14.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

175Appendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz 10X passive probes information

Standard accessories
The standard accessories included with the probe are shown below.
WARNING. To avoid electric shock when using the probe or accessories, keep fingers behind the finger guard of probe body andaccessories.
To reduce risk of shock, when using the probe on floating measurements, ensure the reference lead accessories are fully matedbefore connecting the probe to the circuit under test.
Item

Description
Hook tip
Press the hook tip onto the probe tip and then clamp the hook onto the circuit
Reorder Tektronix part number 013-0362-XX

Micro Hook tip
Use this tip to access test points in tight spaces. Press the hook tip onto the probe tip
and then clamp the hook onto the circuit
Reorder Tektronix part number 013-0363-XX

Rigid tip
This (gray, not shown) tip is included with your probe, but is not pre-installed.
Reorder Tektronix part number 206-0610-XX

Pogo tip
This (white) tip is pre-installed on the probe.
This spring-loaded tip allows compliant testing of circuit boards. The probe tip
retracts slightly when pressure is applied to it and then springs back into place.
Reorder Tektronix part number 206-0611-XX
Ground lead, with alligator clip
Secure the lead to the probe head ground and then to your circuit ground.
Reorder Tektronix part number 196-3521-XX

176

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz 10X passive probes information

Item

Description
Ground springs
Attach the spring to the ground band on the probe tip to take measurements on test
points that have ground connections nearby (<0.75 in, std; 0.375 in, short).
Reorder Tektronix part numbers:
016-2028-XX (long, 2 ea.)016-2034-XX (short, 2 ea.)

Universal IC cap
Use this cap to prevent shorting the probe tip between IC pins.
Press the cap on the probe tip until it snaps on, and then spin the cap to expose theprobe tip toward the IC lead.
Reorder Tektronix part number 013-0366-xx
Color bands
Use these bands to identify the oscilloscope channel at the probe head.
Reorder Tektronix part number 016-06333-xx (5 pairs)

Optional accessories
The following accessories can be ordered for your probe.
Accessory

Tektronix part number

Ground Lead, Clip-on, 6 in

196-3198-xx

Ground Lead, Alligator, 12 in

196-3512-xx

MicroCKT Test Tip

206-0569-xx

Circuit Board Test Point/PCB Adapter

016-2016-xx

Chassis-mount probe test jack131-4210-xx

Wire, spool, 32 AWG

020-3045-xx

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual177Appendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz 10X passive probes information

Replacing the probe tip
Order Tektronix part number 206-0610-xx for rigid tip replacement, or order part number 206-0611–xx for pogo pin replacement.

Specifications
Table 8: Electrical and mechanical specifications
Characteristic

TPP0500B

TPP1000

Bandwidth (–3 dB)

500 MHz

1 GHz

System rise time (typical)<700 ps<450 ps

System input capacitance

Rigid tip: 3.9 pF ±0.3 pf
Pogo pin tip: 5.1 pf ±0.5 pf

System attenuation accuracy

10:1 ±2.2%

Probe series resistance @DC

9.75 MΩ ±0.5%

System input resistance @DC

10 MΩ ±2%

Propagation delay~5.67 ns

Maximum input voltage

300 VRMS CAT II

Cable length

1.3 m, ±3 cm

Performance graphs

178

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz 10X passive probes information

Refer to the reference lead derating curve above when making floating measurements.

Table 9: Environmental specifications
Characteristics

Description

Temperature
OperatingNonoperating–15 °C to +65 °C (+5 °F to +149 °F)–62 °C to +85 °C (–80 °F to +185 °F)

Humidity
OperatingNonoperating

5% to 95% relative humidity @ up to 30 °C
5% to 45% relative humidity @30 °C up to 50 °C

AltitudeOperatingNonoperating

4.6 km (15,000 ft) maximum
12.2 km (40,000 ft) maximum

Table 10: Certifications and compliances
Characteristics

Description

EC Declaration of Conformity

Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official
Journal of the European Communities:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC:
EN61010-031: 2002

Measurement Category Descriptions

Category

Examples of Products in this Category

CAT III

Distribution-level mains, fixed installation

CAT II

Local-level mains, appliances, portableequipment

CAT I

Circuits not directly connected to mains.

Pollution Degree 2

Do not operate in environments where conductive pollutants may be present (asdefined in IEC 61010-1). Rated for indoor use only.

Additional Safety Standards

UL61010B-1, First Edition & UL61010B-2-031, First Edition.
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92, & CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.2.031-94
IEC61010-031:2002

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual179Appendix B: TPP0500B and TPP1000 500 MHz and 1 GHz 10X passive probes information

Equipment Recycling. This product complies with the European Union’s requirements according to Directive
2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). For more information about recycling
options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).

Safety summary
To avoid potential hazards, use this probe only as specified.

180

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe
information
Product description
The P6616 general-purpose logic probe connects the Tektronix MDO4000C Series of mixed-signal oscilloscopes to digital buses
and signals on your target system. The probe contains 16 data channels split between two lead sets (GROUP 1 and GROUP 2).
The first lead in each set is identified by blue insulation, and the remaining seven leads are gray. All leads include a groundconnection at the tip. You can connect the probe leads separately to the target system, or group the leads together using theprobe tip holders.

Connecting the probe to the oscilloscope
Connect the probe as shown in the illustration below.
1.

Insert the probe label-side up into the connector on the oscilloscope.

2.

To remove the probe, squeeze the buttons on the side and pull out the probe.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual181Appendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe information

Connecting the probe to your circuit
Attach the probe to the circuit using the appropriate connectors and adapters. Select the best method for your needs, and thenproceed to Setting up the Probe.
To set and view the digital channel parameters, do the following:
Push the D15–D0 button.
The parameters listed below can be set on each digital channel:■

Threshold voltage and vertical position (the default threshold setting is 1.4 V)■

Signal height and position (set once for all 16 channels)■

Channel label

To set and view bus characteristics, do the following:
Push the B1 to B4 buttons.
The setup screens allow you to set and view various bus characteristics.
For buses such as SPI and I2C, you must have the appropriate application module.

Functional check
Logic activity immediately displays on all connected, active channels. If you do not see an active signal:
1.

Push the Trigger button.

2.

Select Edge for trigger type.

3.

Select the channel that you are setting up as the source.

4.

Push the Autoset button.

If you do not see an active signal, try another probe channel (or analog probe) to verify circuit activity at the test point.

Typical application

182

1.

Use the P6616 probe to view digital signals on a system bus.

2.

Use an analog probe, such as the TPP0500B or TPP1000 passive probe, to view analog waveform information.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe information

Accessories
The following standard accessories ship with the probe and are shown in the illustration on the following page.
Item

Description

Quantity

Part number–

Logic probe accessory kit

Item 1–6

020-2662-XX

1

Extension ground tip

1 set of 20020-2711-XX

2

Probe tip

1 set of 10

131-5638-11

3

IC grabber

1 set of 20020-2733-XX

4

Probe tip holder

2 ea

352-1115-XX

58” Ground lead

1 set of 2

020-2713-XX

63” Ground lead

1 set of 8020-2712-XX

Instructions 1

1 ea

071-2831-XX

These optional accessories can be ordered for your probe:1

Description

Part number

P6960 Probe D-MAX Footprint to Square Pin Header Adapter

NEX-P6960PIN

Instructions are included with the probe, but not in the accessory kit. The instructions can be downloaded at www.tektronix.com/manuals.

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual183Appendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe information

Specifications
Table 11: Electrical and mechanical specifications
Characteristic

Description

Input channels

16 digital

Input resistance

100 kΩ ±1.0%

Input capacitance

3.0 pF

Input signal swing
Minimum

400 mV p-p

Maximum

30 V p-p, ≤200 MHz (centered around the DC threshold voltage) at the probe tip
10 V p-p, ≥200 MHz (centered around the DC threshold voltage) at the probe tip

Maximum nondestructive input signal±42 V

User defined threshold range±40 V

Minimum detectable pulse width

1 ns

Digital channel-to-digital channel skew

200 ps

Probe length

1.3 m (4.27 ft)

Maximum input toggle rate

500 MHz

Table 12: Environmental specifications
Characteristic

Description

Temperature
Operating

0 °C to +50 °C (+32 °F to +122 °F)

Non-operating–55 °C to +75 °C (–67 °F to +167 °F)

Humidity
Operating

5% to 95% relative humidity

Non-operating

10% to 95% relative humidity

AltitudeOperating

4.6 km (15,092 ft) maximum

Non-operating

15 km (50,000 ft) maximum
Equipment Recycling. This product complies with the European Union’s requirements according to Directive
2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). For more information about recycling
options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).

184

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualAppendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe information

Safety summary
To avoid potential hazards, use this probe only as specified.

Connect and disconnect properly
Connect the probe output to the measurement instrument before connecting the probe to the circuit under test. Disconnect theprobe input and the probe ground from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measurement instrument.

Observe all terminal ratings
To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings
information before making connections to the product.

Do not operate without covers
Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.

Avoid exposed circuitry
Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.

Do not operate with suspected failures
If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.

Do not operate in wet or damp conditions
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.

Keep product surfaces clean and dry
Safety terms and symbols in this manual.
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.

Symbols on the productThis symbol may appear on the product:

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

185Appendix C: P6616 general-purpose logic probe information

186

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualIndex50 Ω protection, 101A
Accessories, 1
ACD4000B, 5Acquisition
Single,Adapter
TEK-USB-488, 4
TPA-BNC, 5, 8
TPA-N-VPI, 5
Adjacent channel power ratio measurement, 121
Advanced math, 133
AFG OUT, 43
Amplitude measurement, 116
Annotating the screen, 105
Application module
bus type, 57
Application modules
30-day free trial, 17
DPO4AERO, 3
DPO4AUDIO, 3
DPO4AUTO, 3
DPO4AUTOMAX, 3
DPO4COMP, 3
DPO4EMBD, 4
DPO4ENET, 4
DPO4LMT, 4
DPO4PWR, 4
DPO4USB, 4
DPO4VID, 4, 83
MDO4TRIG, 4
Area measurement, 117
Audio
bus trigger, 86
Auto trigger mode,
Auto-magnify mode, 142
AutosetVideo, 49
Autoset button, 13
Autoset disable, 48
AUX OUT, 43

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Average acquisition mode, 53
Average trace, 108

B
B1 / B2 / B3 / B4, 84
Bandwidth, xvii, 99
Before Installation, 1Blackman-Harris FFT window, 132
Blue lines, 104
BNC interface, 9Burst Width measurement, 115Bus
button, 84
bus search, 141
Bus trigger, defined, 83
Bus type
application module, 57
Buses, 84
ButtonAutoset, 13
B1 / B2 / B3 / B4, 84
bus, 84
Save / Recall, 153
Set / Clear Mark, 139

C
Calibration, 22
Calibration certificate, 1
CAN
bus setup, 64
bus trigger, 85
sample point range, 64
CAN FDbus setup, 64
bus trigger, 85
sample point, 64
sample point range, 64
Casehard transit, 5
soft transit, 5
Channel power measurement, 121187

IndexCompensate
TPP500B or TPP1000 probe, 14
Confidential data, 167
Connectinga USB keyboard, 28
to a PC, 25
Your oscilloscope, 25
Controls, 30
Copy a drive, directory, or file, 162
Cover, front, 2Create new folder, 162
Cursor readout, 123
Cursors
linking, 123
measurements, 123
Cycle Area measurement, 117
Cycle Mean measurement, 116
Cycle RMS measurement, 117

D
Data value matching, 88
Date and time, changing, 20
Default Setup, 47, 160
Delay measurement, 115
Delay time, 55
Delete directory or file, 162
Deskew, 100
dI/dt, 4Digital channels, 104
Disable Autoset, 48
Displaying, reference waveforms, 157
DPO4AERO, 3, 171
DPO4AUDIO, 3, 171
DPO4AUTO, 3, 171
DPO4AUTOMAX, 3, 171
DPO4BND, 171
DPO4COMP, 3, 171
DPO4EMBD, 4, 171
DPO4ENET, 4, 171
DPO4LMT, 4, 171
DPO4PWR, 4, 172
DPO4USB, 4, 172
DPO4VID, 4, 83, 172
Dual waveform math, 129188

dV/dt, 4E
Edge trigger, defined, 81
Edges
Fuzzy, 104
White, 104
Envelope acquisition mode, 53
Erase setup and ref memory, 167
Ethernet
bus trigger, 86

F
Factory calibration, 22
Fall Time measurement, 115
Falling Edge Count measurement, 117
FFTBlackman-Harris, 132
controls, 130
Hamming, 132
Hanning, 132
Rectangular, 132
File format
Instrument Specific File Format (ISF), 157
Spreadsheet, 157
File names, 151
File system, 156
Filesystem, 151
Firmwareupgrade, 23
firmware.img file, 23
FlexRay
bus trigger, 86
Format a drive, 162
Frequency measurement, 115
Front cover, 2
Front panel, 30
Front panel controls, 29
front panel overlay, 19
Functional check, 12
Fuzzy edges, 104

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualIndexG
Green lines, 104
Groundlead, 16
Grouping channels, 71

H
Hamming FFT window, 132
Hanning FFT window, 132
Hard copy, 163
HCTEK54 transit hard case, 5
Hi Res acquisition mode, 53High measurement, 116
Histogram measurements, 117
Hits in Box measurement, 117
Horizontal lines
Green and blue, 104
Horizontal position
and math waveforms, 129
Horizontal scale
and math waveforms, 129
How tocalibrate a TPP0500B or TPP1000 voltage probe, 14
connect probes and adapters, 8connect to a computer, 25
erase memory, 167
manage long record length waveforms, 137
perform a functional check, 12
power off the oscilloscope, 11
print a hard copy, 163
recall setups, 159
recall waveforms, 153
save screen images, 153
save setups, 159
save waveforms, 153
search through and add marks to waveforms, 139
select automatic measurements, 115
take an automatic measurement in the frequency
domain, 121
take an automatic measurement in the time domain,
114
take manual measurements with cursors, 123
trigger on buses, 84

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

upgrade the firmware, 23
use Wave Inspector, 137

I
I2C, 84
I2S, 84
Impedance, 99
Indicator
trace, 108
Inner knob, 129
Instrument Specific File format (ISF), 157
Invert, 99
ISF format, 157

K
Keyboard
Connection, 28
Key layout style, 28
language, 19
Knobinner, 129
Multipurpose, 156pan, 138, 139zoom, 129
Knobs
, See Front panel controls

L
Languagechange, 19
overlay, 19
Left Justified (LJ), 84
LIN, 84
Linked cursors, 123
Logic probe, 3
Logic probe interface, 9
Logic trigger, defined, 82
Long record length
management, 137
Low measurement, 116
Low resolution message, 114

189IndexM
MagniVu, 72
Mark, 139
Math
Advanced, 133
Dual waveform, 129
FFT, 130
spectrum, 134
Max hold trace, 108
Max measurement, 116, 118
MDO4TRIG, 4, 172
Mean measurement, 116, 118
Measurement
adjacent channel power ratio, 121channel power, 121
occupied bandwidth, 121
Measurements
automatic, 114
cursor, 123
defined, 115
frequency domain, 121
histogram, 117
Mediam measurement, 117
Memory, erasure of, 167
Menu
buttons, 31
Reference, 136
Save / Recall, 153
MIL-STD-1553
bus trigger, 86
data value matching, 88
Min hold trace, 108
Min measurement, 116, 118
Mode, roll, 56
Mount or unmount a drive, 162
Mount or unmount a networked drive, 162
Multiple transition detection, 104
Multipurpose knob, 156

N
Negative Duty Cycle measurement, 115
Negative Overshoot measurement, 116
Negative Pulse Count measurement, 117

190

Negative Pulse Width measurement, 115
Networked drives, mounting and unmounting, 162
NEX-HD2HEADER, 4
Normal trace, 108
Normal trigger mode,O
Occupied bandwidth measurement, 121
Offset and position, 101
Offset vertical, 100
Overlay, 19

P
P6616, 71
P6616 logic probe, 3Panknob, 138, 139
Parallel bus
trigger, 84
Peak detect acquisition mode, 53
Peak Hits measurement, 117
Peak-to-peak measurement, 117
Peak-to-Peak measurement, 116
Period measurement, 115
Phase measurement, 115
PictBridge, 163
Position
Horizontal, 131
Vertical, 98
Position and offset, 101
Positive Duty Cycle measurement, 115
Positive Overshoot measurement, 116
Positive Pulse Count measurement, 117
Positive Pulse Width measurement, 115
Pouch, probe and accessory, 3Power
cord, 2
input, 44off, 11
removing, 11
Predefined math expressions, 129
Print

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualIndex

hard copy, 163
Probeaccessory, 3
logic, 3
Probe compensation
TPP0500B or TPP1000, 14
Probes
BNC, 9connecting, 8ground lead, 16
logic, 9
P6616, 181
TEK-USB-488 Adapter, 4
TekVPI, 5, 8
TPA-BNC Adapter, 5, 8
TPP0500, 2, 175
TPP1000, 2, 175
Pulse Width trigger, defined, 81

RRackmount, 5Readout
Cursor, 123
Trigger, 89
Trigger frequency, 106
Rear panel connectors, 43
Recalling
setups, 159
waveforms, 153
Record length, xvii
Rectangular FFT window, 132
REF IN, 43
Reference level, 108
Reference menu, 136
Reference waveforms
displaying, 157
removing, 136, 157
saving 10 M and 20 M waveforms, 136
Removing reference waveforms, 136, 157
Rename a drive, directory, or file, 162
Right Justified (RJ), 84
Rise Time measurement, 115
Rise/Fall trigger, defined, 82
Rising Edge Count measurement, 117
RMS measurement, 117

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

Roll mode, 56
RS-232bus trigger, 85
data value matching, 88
Run/Stop button, 91
Runt trigger, defined, 81

S
Sample acquisition mode, 53
Sample point range
CAN and CAN FD, 64
Sample rates, xvii
Save / Recall menu, 153
Save / Recall Save button, 153
Savingscreen images, 153
setups, 159
waveforms, 153
Saving and recalling Information, 151
Scale
Horizontal, 131
Vertical, 98
Screen annotations, 105
Search, 139
Securing memory, 167
Selecting a keyboard key layout style, 28
Sequence (B Trigger), defined, 81
Serial bus
trigger, 84
Set / Clear Mark button, 139
Setup
default, 160
Setup and Hold trigger, defined, 82
Sigma1 measurement, 118
Sigma2 measurement, 118
Sigma3 measurement, 118
Signal path compensation
Time and frequency domains, 21
Single acquisition,
Single sequence, 91
Slew rate, 4
Software, optional, 171
Spectrum Math, 134
Spectrum traces, 107
SPI, 84191

Index

SPI bus trigger, 84
Spreadsheet file format, 157
Standard Deviation measurement, 118
Start an acquisition, 91
Stop an acquisition, 91

T
TDM, 84
TEK-USB-488 Adapter, 4
TekSecure, 167
TekVPI, 8
TekVPI Probes, 5Termination, 99
Timeout trigger, defined, 81
TPA-BNC Adapter, 5, 8
TPA-N-VPI Adapter, 5
TPP0500 probe, 2
TPP0500B or TPP1000 compensation, 14
TPP1000 probe, 2
Traceaverage, 108
indicator, 108
max hold, 108
min hold, 108
normal, 108
Transit casehard, 5
soft, 5
Transition trigger, defined, 82
Trigger
Audio bus, 86
Bus, defined, 83
buses, 84
Can bus, 85
CAN bus, 85
CAN FD bus, 85
Edge, defined, 81
Ethernet bus, 86
FlexRay bus, 86
Frequency readout, 106
Logic, defined, 82
MIL-STD-1553 bus, 86
MIL-STD-1553 data value matching, 88

192

Parallel bus, 84
parallel bus data matching, 88
Pulse Width, defined, 81
readout, 89
Rise/Fall, defined, 82
RS-232 bus, 85
RS-232 data value matching, 88
Runt, defined, 81
Sequence (B Trigger), defined, 81
Setup and Hold, defined, 82
SPI bus, 84
Timeout, defined, 81
USB bus, 86
Video, defined, 83
Trigger Mode
Auto,Normal,Triggering on Buses, 84

UUpgrading firmware, 23USB
bus trigger, 86
device port, 44
host port, 44
User interface language, 19User marks, 139

V
Versatile Probe Interface, 8Verticaloffset, 101
Offset, 100
position, 98
position and autoset, 49
position and offset, 101
scale, 98
VESA mounts, 44
Video
Autoset, 49
Video Outport, 43
Video trigger, defined, 83

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User ManualIndexView
digital channels, 104

W
Wave Inspector, 137
Waveform
histogram measurements, 117
search and mark, 139

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual

user marks, 139
Waveform Count measurement, 117
White edges, 104Z
Zoom
graticule size, 138

193

Index194

MDO4000C Series Oscilloscope User Manual