Tektronix 4 Series and 4 Series B Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes
4 models with full specifications from Tektronix.
This guide covers the Tektronix 4 Series and 4 Series B Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes, specifically the four-channel Tektronix MSO44 and Tektronix MSO44B, and the six-channel Tektronix MSO46 and Tektronix MSO46B. Designed for engineers debugging complex embedded systems, these instruments feature FlexChannel input technology. This allows each input to serve as either a single analog channel or eight digital channels when connected to an optional TLP058 logic probe. All four models share a highly responsive 13.3-inch Full HD capacitive touch interface, standard 12-bit hardware analog-to-digital converters, and support bandwidth options ranging from 200 MHz to 1.5 GHz.
- Vertical Resolution
- 12-bit hardware ADC (up to 16-bit in High Res mode)
- Display
- 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) capacitive touch
- Analog Bandwidth Options
- 200 MHz, 350 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz, or 1.5 GHz
- Analog Sample Rate
- 6.25 GS/s on all channels
- Standard Record Length
- 31.25 Mpoints (62.5 Mpoints optional)
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Display | Input Coupling | Input Impedance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSO46 | Mixed Signal | 13.3-inch (338 mm) TFT liquid crystal display, HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, capacitive touch | DC, AC | 1 MΩ ±1% or 50 Ω ±1% |
| MSO44 | Mixed Signal | 13.3-inch (338 mm) capacitive touch TFT, 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) | AC, DC | 50 Ω ±1%, 1 MΩ ±1% with 13 pF ±1.5 pF |
| MSO46B | *misc | 13.3-inch (338 mm) liquid-crystal TFT color display, Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, capacitive touch | DC, AC | 50 Ω ± 1%, 1 MΩ ± 1% with 13.0 pF ± 1.5 pF |
| MSO44B | *misc | 13.3-inch (338 mm) color TFT, Full HD (1920 x 1080) capacitive touchscreen | DC, AC | 1 MΩ ± 1%, 50 Ω ± 1% |
FlexChannel Input Configuration
The defining characteristic of these mixed signal oscilloscopes is their FlexChannel architecture. The Tektronix MSO44 and Tektronix MSO44B provide 4 FlexChannel inputs, supporting up to 32 digital channels. The Tektronix MSO46 and Tektronix MSO46B offer 6 FlexChannel inputs, expanding digital debug capabilities up to 48 digital channels when utilizing the optional TLP058 probes. Digital channel thresholds can be adjusted, with the Tektronix MSO46B featuring individual thresholds per digital channel to accommodate varying logic families within a single test setup.
Acquisition and Signal Integrity
All models utilize a 12-bit ADC architecture to deliver exceptional vertical resolution, which increases up to 16 bits when operating in High Res mode. Signal acquisition is supported by a real-time sample rate of 6.25 GS/s on all channels, paired with a standard record length of 31.25 Mpoints (with options to extend to 62.5 Mpoints). Input impedance can be toggled between 1 MΩ and 50 Ω, with the 1 MΩ path supporting a maximum input voltage of 300 VRMS (CAT II) and sensitivity down to 500 µV/div.
Physical Commonalities and Setup
The series shares a uniform physical footprint, measuring 450 mm in width, 249 mm in height, and 155 mm in depth. The six-channel variants, including the Tektronix MSO46 and Tektronix MSO46B, weigh 7.3 kg. Standard power requirements are 100 to 240 V AC (±10%) at 50/60 Hz, or 115 V AC at 400 Hz, with a maximum power draw of 400 W. Operational environments must remain within a temperature range of 0 to +50 °C.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I upgrade the bandwidth after purchasing?
- Yes, the bandwidth of these models is option-dependent and can be configured up to 1.5 GHz.
- What is the maximum digital sample rate and input toggle rate?
- The digital channels support a sample rate of 6.25 GS/s. For the Tektronix MSO46B, the maximum digital input toggle rate is specified at 500 MHz.
- What operating system do these oscilloscopes run?
- The Tektronix MSO46 operates on an Embedded Linux operating system, providing dedicated and reliable performance for test applications.