Tektronix Modular Test Equipment
9 models with full specifications in Modules, misc..
This page summarizes Tektronix plug‑in modules commonly used for digital capture and high‑speed electrical sampling. It covers two functional groups that appear in Tektronix catalogs: logic‑analysis modules for TLA700 and TLA7000 mainframes and high‑bandwidth sampling and trigger modules for DSA/CSA/TDS8000‑class sampling oscilloscopes. Key parameters to compare across these products are channel count, timing resolution and memory depth for logic modules, and analog bandwidth, input connector and noise for sampling modules. The notes below explain how the line is structured, which modules illustrate different use cases, and the technical tradeoffs to weigh when specifying a module for bench or automated test systems.
- Highest logic channels
- 102 channels — TLA7AA3
- MagniVu timing resolution
- 125 ps (8 GHz) — MagniVu
- Top analog bandwidth
- 50 GHz — 80E01
- Pattern trigger clock range
- 150 MHz to 12.5 GHz — 80A06
All models
| Model | Type | Power Supply | Dimensions (W×H×D) | Interfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLA7AA3 | Modules, misc. | Powered directly via TLA7000 series mainframe backplane | — | P6800/P6900 series probe connectors, TLA mainframe backplane interface |
| TLA7AA2 | Modules, misc. | Mainframe dependent | 1-slot wide TLA module | — |
| 80A06 | Modules, misc. | Powered directly from the mainframe slot | 79 mm × 25 mm × 135 mm | Mainframe proprietary interface, SMA female connectors (Clock Input, Clock Output, Trigger Output) |
| 80E01 | Modules, misc. | Powered directly by host mainframe slot | 79 mm × 25 mm × 135 mm | Mainframe proprietary internal interface |
| TLA7AA1 | Modules, misc. | Powered by mainframe slot; Power dissipation: 75 W (typical), 100 W (maximum) | 59 mm × 262 mm × 373 mm | Mainframe backplane, Tektronix compression probe interface |
| TLA7N1 | Modules, misc. | Powered via host mainframe backplane slot | 30.5 × 262 × 373 mm | Via TLA700 series mainframe backplane (probe connections on front panel) |
| 80C08C | Modules, misc. | Powered directly by the host mainframe | 79 mm × 25 mm × 135 mm | Optical input (accepts slide-on adapters), SMA outputs (on clock recovery options) |
| 80E03 | Modules, misc. | Powered directly by the host mainframe slot | 79 mm × 25 mm × 135 mm | Proprietary mainframe backplane connector, 2× 3.5 mm female RF input connectors |
| 82A04B | Modules, misc. | Powered directly by the mainframe slot | 79 mm × 25 mm × 135 mm | Tektronix proprietary sampling module interface (rear-plane connection), 1.85 mm female RF Input (front panel) |
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How the range is organized
Tektronix modular test equipment in this group splits into logic‑analysis modules (for the TLA platform) and sampling/trigger modules (for DSA/CSA/TDS‑class sampling instruments).
- Logic modules: examples include the 34‑channel single‑slot modules (TLA7N1), 68‑channel 1‑slot module (TLA7AA2) and the high‑channel‑count double‑wide module (TLA7AA3, 102 channels). These plug into TLA700 or TLA7000 mainframes as specified in each module's compatibility list.
- Sampling and trigger modules: examples are the 2‑channel 20 GHz sampler (80E03), the 1‑channel 50 GHz sampler (80E01), and the PatternSync trigger module (80A06). These use the host sampling oscilloscope display and backplane and are listed as compatible with specific DSA/CSA/TDS8000 series instruments.
Technical differentiators to watch
For logic analysis, the principal differentiators are channel count, simultaneous MagniVu timing capability, state clock rates, and acquisition memory depth. MagniVu operation delivers 8 GHz timing sampling with 125 ps resolution on modules that support it (for example TLA7AA3, TLA7AA2, TLA7N1). Memory depth options vary by module and slot configuration; TLA7AA3 lists up to 32 Mb per channel, while TLA7N1 and TLA7AA1 list selectable memory options in the kiloto‑megabyte range.
For analog sampling, compare analog bandwidth, rise time and input connector/impedance. The 80E01 provides an analog bandwidth of 50 GHz with a 2.4 mm female input; the 80E03 provides DC to 20 GHz on two channels with 3.5 mm female connectors and user‑selectable 20 GHz or 12.5 GHz bandwidth limits. The PatternSync module (80A06) adds programmable pattern triggering with a clock input range from 150 MHz to 12.5 GHz and supports pattern lengths up to 2^23 bits.
Choosing a module — practical guidance
Select by function first (logic capture vs electrical sampling), then by the parameters below:
- Channel count and merge capability: choose higher channel counts (for example 102 channels on TLA7AA3) when bus width or many probes are needed. Some TLA modules and mainframes support module merging to expand channel count; for example TLA7N1 supports merging up to five modules (mainframe slot dependent).
- Timing resolution and simultaneous modes: if you need high‑resolution timing alongside deep state capture, pick modules that support MagniVu (8 GHz, 125 ps) and verify the available MagniVu memory depth (16 Kb per channel on the MagniVu buffer for the cited modules).
- Memory depth versus sample rate: deeper per‑channel memory is required for long captures at high sample rates — check the module's listed per‑channel memory options when you need long traces.
- Analog bandwidth and channel count: for very wide single‑ended RF or eye‑diagram work use the 50 GHz single‑channel 80E01; for two‑channel but lower bandwidth needs use the 80E03 (DC to 20 GHz) with selectable bandwidth limits.
- Triggering and clocking: use the 80A06 PatternSync when you need pattern‑synchronous triggering driven by a clock up to 12.5 GHz and long supported pattern lengths.
Popular models
Frequently asked questions
- Which module gives the largest number of logic channels?
- The TLA7AA3 is the largest of the cited logic modules with 102 channels (96 data, 6 clock/qualifier).
- Which module provides the highest analog bandwidth?
- The 80E01 is specified with a 50 GHz analog bandwidth and a 2.4 mm female input connector.
- Can TLA logic modules be combined to increase channel count?
- Some TLA modules support module merging. The TLA7N1 specifies module merging of up to five modules (mainframe slot dependent) to expand channel count.
- What clock range does the PatternSync trigger accept?
- The 80A06 PatternSync accepts a clock input from 150 MHz up to 12.5 GHz and supports pattern lengths from 2 bits up to 8,388,608 bits (2^23).