What is the differences in vertical resolution between standard ADCs and the HDO series?

Standard oscilloscopes typically feature 8-bit vertical resolution, whereas the HDO series uses native 12-bit hardware ADCs to provide 16 times more vertical resolution. Software-based Enhanced Resolution (ERES) can further increase this up to 15 bits.

Which HDO models support more than four analog channels?

The HDO8108 and HDO8108A models feature 8 analog input channels, making them suitable for debugging systems that require monitoring multiple high-precision signals simultaneously.

Is there a mixed-signal option available in the HDO series?

Yes. The HDO4104-MS is a mixed-signal model that includes 16 integrated digital channels alongside its 4 analog channels.

Teledyne LeCroy HDO Series High Definition Oscilloscopes

7 models with full specifications from LeCroy (Teledyne LeCroy).

The Teledyne LeCroy HDO series provides high-precision waveform analysis for hardware engineers and test technicians. Utilizing HD4096 technology, these instruments feature native 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to deliver 16 times more vertical resolution than traditional 8-bit oscilloscopes. This resolution can be extended up to 15-bit using Enhanced Resolution (ERES) software. The HDO family spans bandwidths from 350 MHz to 1 GHz, offering options with 4 or 8 analog channels to match different design debugging requirements.

Hardware Vertical Resolution: 12 bits (up to 15 bits with ERES)
Analog Bandwidth Range: 350 MHz to 1 GHz
Input Channel Configurations: 4 or 8 analog channels
Display Specifications: 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) Touch Screen
Maximum Real-Time Sample Rate: 2.5 GS/s

Models in this series

Model	Type	Display	Input Coupling	Trigger Sources
HDO4104	Digital	12.1-inch Color TFT LCD Touch Screen, 1280 x 800 (WXGA)	1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND; 50 Ω: DC, GND	Ch 1 - Ch 4, EXT, EXT/10, AC Line
HDO6104	Digital	12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) widescreen flat panel TFT-Active Matrix touch screen	1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND; 50 Ω: DC, GND	Any input channel, Ext, Ext/10, or line
HDO8108	*misc	12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) Color TFT Touchscreen	1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND; 50 Ω: DC, GND	Any input channel, Ext, Ext/10, Line
HDO4034	Digital	12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) touch screen color TFT-LCD with YT and XY grid styles	1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND; 50 Ω: DC, GND	Ch 1 - Ch 4, EXT, EXT/10, AC Line
HDO4104-MS	Digital	12.1-inch widescreen capacitive touchscreen, 1280 x 800 resolution	50 Ω: DC; 1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND	Any input channel, External, Line, Ext/10
HDO8108A	Digital	12.1-inch widescreen capacitive touchscreen color TFT-LCD, 1280 x 800 resolution	50 Ω: DC, GND; 1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND	Any input channel, Line
HDO4054	Digital	12.1" Color TFT LCD Touch Screen, 1280 x 800 (WXGA) resolution, YT and XY grid styles	1 MΩ: AC, DC, GND; 50 Ω: DC	Ch 1 - Ch 4, EXT, EXT/10, AC Line

Shared Architecture and Precision Measurement

All instruments in the HDO series share a core design focused on signal fidelity. The underlying HD4096 high-definition technology incorporates high-sample-rate 12-bit ADCs, high signal-to-noise ratio amplifiers, and a low-noise system architecture. For input coupling, every model supports 1 MΩ (with AC, DC, and GND modes) and 50 Ω (with DC and GND modes). The maximum input voltage is 400 V max on the 1 MΩ path and 5 Vrms on the 50 Ω path.

To manage high-frequency noise, built-in hardware bandwidth limiters can restrict the analog bandwidth to 20 MHz or 200 MHz. Users interact with the system via a 12.1-inch WXGA touchscreen displaying a 1280 x 800 resolution. Standard vertical sensitivity ranges from 1 mV/div to 10 V/div on 1 MΩ inputs and up to 1 V/div on 50 Ω inputs, with a DC vertical gain accuracy of ±0.5% of full scale.

HDO4000 Series for General Debugging

The HDO4000 models are compact 4-channel instruments suited for standard workbench testing. The entry-level HDO4034 offers a 350 MHz bandwidth with a 1 ns typical rise time. For mid-range frequency requirements, the HDO4054 expands the bandwidth to 500 MHz with a 700 ps typical rise time.

At the top of this range is the 1 GHz HDO4104, which runs on Windows Embedded Standard 7. For digital design and mixed-signal verification, the HDO4104-MS adds 16 integrated digital channels to the standard 4 analog channels and achieves a fast 350 ps typical rise time. These 4-channel units weigh approximately 5.8 kg to 5.86 kg.

Deep Memory and Multi-Channel HDO6000 and HDO8000 Series

For more complex signal configurations and deep-memory captures, LeCroy offers advanced platforms in the 1 GHz band:

HDO6104: A 4-channel option that supports a 50 Mpts/ch standard record length, upgradable to 100 Mpts or 250 Mpts/ch. While its single-shot sample rate is 2.5 GS/s across 4 channels, it can achieve 125 GS/s using Random Interleaved Sampling (RIS).
HDO8108: Expands channel capability with 8 analog input channels and 50 Mpts/ch standard memory (upgradable to 250 Mpts/ch) for complex multi-phase power or system validation.
HDO8108A: A variant of the 8-channel 1 GHz architecture built on a Windows 10 platform, featuring a 450 ps typical rise time and up to 450 W maximum power consumption.

Frequently asked questions

What is the differences in vertical resolution between standard ADCs and the HDO series?: Standard oscilloscopes typically feature 8-bit vertical resolution, whereas the HDO series uses native 12-bit hardware ADCs to provide 16 times more vertical resolution. Software-based Enhanced Resolution (ERES) can further increase this up to 15 bits.
Which HDO models support more than four analog channels?: The HDO8108 and HDO8108A models feature 8 analog input channels, making them suitable for debugging systems that require monitoring multiple high-precision signals simultaneously.
Is there a mixed-signal option available in the HDO series?: Yes. The HDO4104-MS is a mixed-signal model that includes 16 integrated digital channels alongside its 4 analog channels.