Whether it’s testing the heartbeat of an electrogram or analyzing an automotive ignition, embedded systems have become more complex. Engineers today are expected to have expertise in multiple industries (sciences, medicine, automotive and telecommunications) making the measurement process all the more sophisticated. With the gap closing from the development stage to market release, designers rely on state-of-the-art instrumentation to ensure optimal performance. Capitalizing on the most recent industry trend, Tektronix created its newest product family: The 5 Series MSO (mixed signal oscilloscopes).


Tektronix Design

Built around a new ASIC, the 5 Series integrates ADC, demux, trigger, and all digital acquisition technology into a highly intuitive device. Starting at $12,000, Tektronix designed one of the largest displays (15.6″ HD) and gives users the options of 4, 6, or 8 FlexChannel inputs. From the capacitive pinch-zoom-swipe touchscreen to the 350MHz to 2GHz bandwidth, the 5 Series is “more than a remarkable interface.” It’s an all-in-one system designed around the user’s touch.

To better illustrate the 5 Series MSO’s, here is a quick snapshot of the systems five most innovative features:

Reconfigurable Scope Inputs

First and foremost, the 5 Series MSO is capable of seamlessly switching between one high-resolution analog channel and eight digital waveforms with a TLP058 logic probe. By simply changing the probe, designers can use any combination of analog/digital channels. In addition, channels can be added after the initial purchase.

FlexChannel Inputs

The 4, 6, and 8 FlexChannel product family help tackle triggering issues, correlation and documentation problems, and synchronization issues.

The Display

Arguably one of the most impressive features is the 5 Series’ 15.6″ display with capacitive touch. Holding the industry crown for the largest screen available on an MSO, users can interact with the screen by pinching, zooming, and swiping to organize waveform. The experience is highly intuitive and user-friendly.

The User Interface

Designed around touch, users have the option of using the touchscreen functionality or navigate via traditional mouse. Without needing to fight through countless menus, the 5 Series allows you to manage multiple signals by simply swiping, zooming, or drag-and-dropping cursors or measurements. This empowers the user to take complete control over the signal analysis process.

Optional Windows Operating System

Tektronix made their 5 Series device extremely versatile with users having the option of switching between a dedicated oscilloscope or an open-windows system. Users can switch between the two by adding or removing a solid-state drive that contains a Windows license/OS.

Bottom Line

This is the first MSO (mixed signal oscilloscopes) designed around touch and it comes with a full arsenal of industry firsts that include re-configurable scope inputs, 4, 6, and 8 FlexChannels, a 15.6″ HD display, and an optional Windows operating system. Equipped with a 350Mhz to 2GHz bandwidth and 12-bit analog to digital converters, the 5 Series by Tektronix is one of the most powerful yet versatile devices hitting the market.

About Tektronix

Tektronix designs and manufactures test and measurement solutions to break through the walls of complexity, and accelerate global innovation. Together they empower engineers to create and realize technological advances with ever greater ease, speed, and accuracy. Tektronix solutions have supported many of humankind’s greatest advances of the past 70 years. Health. Communication. Mobility. Space. With offices in 21 countries, they are committed to the scientists, engineers, and technicians around the world who will define the future.

Source: Tektronix