|
| What is digital phosphor oscilloscope (DPO) technology? |
| Imagine the fast waveform capture rate of
an analog scope combined with the storage, triggering, and I/O capabilities of
a digital scope. Now add the dynamic, reactive display of an analog scope and
the processing power found in a digital scope..... THIS IS DPO TECHNOLOGY. DPO technology, which performs parallel
processing on incoming waveforms, allows the instrument to acquire waveforms at
rates approaching analog scopes, and displays them using INTENSITY GRADED
COLOR. This provides the user with signal density information, along with time and amplitude, as it is happening. |
|
| How are DPOs different from DSOs? |
| DPOs use a parallel processing
architecture which allows the acquisition system to spend more time acquiring signals.
This increases the probability that the oscilloscope will capture infrequent events
and improves the response time to signal changes. DPOs also have an integrated
display and acquisition system that provides an intensity-graded display of the
distribution of the signal over time. These functions are performed in real time for
a complete and lively display of the waveform. |
|
| How is DPO different from persistence? |
| DPO operates in real time.
Consequently, a DPO is able to display more information faster, and is able to
display this information with varying intensity. This means a better, more
lively display. Persistence is a post-process event, and therefore does not
offer a real-time display. In addition, it does not increase the
oscilloscope's acquisition rate and all points are displayed with a single intensity
making it difficult to observe waveform subtleties or quick changes in the signal. |
|
| Is it safe to operate the TDS3000C without connecting it
to ground? |
| Yes, the TDS3000 may be safely
floated to 30Vrms while running on battery. To make floating measurements on higher
voltages, a P5205 probe is recommended. If true isolation between channels and
from ground is required, the A6907/9 family
of isolators is recommended. |
|
| How can I get firmware updates? |
| Firmware updates will be available free
through Tektronix service, and from the TDS3000 information section on the WWW.
These updates can be installed directly from the USB or floppy drive on your scope. |
|
| What is the fastest glitch that can be captured? |
| Using peak detect acquisition mode,
the TDS3000 can display glitches as narrow as 1 ns. |
|
| Which record length (memory length / channel) is best to
use? |
Use 10K for signals which are stable or
slow changing, single shot, or require a large amount of horizontal detail.
Use 500 points (fast trigger) for signals with modulation, rapidly changing shape, or
higher trigger repitition rate. |
