Tektronix 5 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes
3 models with full specifications from Tektronix.
The Tektronix 5 Series MSO (Mixed Signal Oscilloscope) family provides highly adaptable signal analysis for engineering and troubleshooting environments. Comprising the MSO54, MSO56, and MSO58 models, this series is defined by its innovative FlexChannel technology, high vertical resolution, and a large high-definition user interface. These instruments are designed for technical professionals requiring flexible channel configurations without sacrificing resolution or sample rate. Each model in the family shares a common physical footprint, operating specifications, and bandwidth options, allowing engineers to select the exact channel density required for their application. The family offers upgradeable bandwidth configurations ranging from 350 MHz to 2 GHz, paired with a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter architecture.
- Vertical Resolution
- 12-bit ADC (up to 16-bit in High Res)
- Bandwidth Range
- 350 MHz to 2 GHz
- Max Real-Time Sample Rate
- 6.25 GS/s
- Display Size
- 15.6-inch FHD Touchscreen
- Standard Record Length
- 62.5 Mpoints
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Dimensions (W×H×D) | Display | Display Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSO58 | Mixed Signal | 454 × 309 × 204 | 15.6-inch (396 mm) TFT color, High Definition (1920 x 1080), capacitive multi-touch | 1920 x 1080 |
| MSO54 | Mixed Signal | 454 × 309 × 204 | 15.6-inch (396 mm) TFT Color HD (1920 x 1080) Capacitive Multi-touch | 1920 x 1080 |
| MSO56 | Mixed Signal | 454 mm x 309 mm x 204 mm | 15.6-inch TFT color capacitive multi-touch screen, 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution | 1920 x 1080 (High Definition) |
FlexChannel Technology and Scalability
The defining feature of the 5 Series MSO family is FlexChannel technology. Instead of fixed analog and digital inputs, each FlexChannel input can be configured as a single analog channel or, by connecting a TLP058 logic probe, as eight independent digital channels.
The models differ primarily by their input channel count:
- MSO54: Features 4 FlexChannel inputs, enabling up to 4 analog or 32 digital channels.
- MSO56: Features 6 FlexChannel inputs, enabling up to 6 analog or 48 digital channels.
- MSO58: Features 8 FlexChannel inputs, enabling up to 8 analog or 64 digital channels.
Signal Fidelity and Acquisition Performance
Built on the TEK049 ASIC, the series features a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that delivers up to 16-bit vertical resolution when operating in High Res mode. This design ensures highly precise vertical sensitivity. For 1 MΩ inputs, sensitivity ranges from 500 μV/div to 10 V/div. For 50 Ω inputs, the MSO56 supports sensitivity down to 500 µV/div while the MSO58 supports up to 1 V/div.
The acquisition system supports real-time sample rates of up to 6.25 GS/s on all channels simultaneously, with an interpolated sample rate of up to 500 GS/s. A standard record length of 62.5 Mpoints per channel combined with a waveform capture rate exceeding 500,000 waveforms per second allows engineers to capture transient events with high confidence. Supported trigger types include Edge, Pulse Width, Runt, Timeout, Window, Logic, Setup & Hold, Rise/Fall Time, Parallel Bus, and Sequence.
Interface, Operating System, and Security
Every model in the series is equipped with a 15.6-inch (396 mm) high-definition (1920 x 1080) capacitive multi-touch display. The physical chassis remains consistent across the series, measuring 454 x 309 x 204 mm and weighing 11.4 kg, requiring a 7U rackmount space with Option 5-RM.
The instruments can run either a Closed Embedded Linux operating system as standard or Windows 10 via an optional configuration (such as Option 5-WIN or an optional solid-state drive). For secure environments, the MSO58 supports Option 5-SEC, which provides password-protected enabling or disabling of communication ports and firmware upgrades, alongside a removable solid-state drive (SSD).
Frequently asked questions
- What is the benefit of FlexChannel technology in the 5 Series MSO?
- FlexChannel technology allows each input to function either as one analog channel or, using a TLP058 logic probe, as eight digital channels. This permits users to reconfigure the channel mix dynamically as debugging needs change.
- Can the operating system be changed on these oscilloscopes?
- Yes. The instruments ship with a closed embedded operating system as standard, but they can be configured to run Windows 10 using optional configurations, such as Option 5-WIN or an optional solid-state drive.