What is the maximum waveform capture rate of these oscilloscopes?

Using DPX or FastAcq technology, models like the Tektronix TDS5104B, TDS5054B, and TDS5052 support a maximum waveform capture rate of 100,000 wfms/s.

Can the vertical resolution of these instruments be extended?

Yes. While the standard analog-to-digital converter provides 8-bit resolution, several models including the Tektronix TDS5104B, TDS5034B, and TDS5032B feature a HiRes acquisition mode that extends vertical resolution up to 11 bits or higher.

What are the input coupling and impedance options?

All models offer selectable input coupling of AC, DC, or GND, and dual input impedance options of 1 MΩ (in parallel with 13 pF) or 50 Ω.

Tektronix TDS5000 and TDS5000B Series Oscilloscopes

7 models with full specifications from Tektronix.

The Tektronix TDS5000 and TDS5000B series are Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes (DPOs) designed for electronic design, debugging, and analysis. This instrument family offers a choice between 2-channel and 4-channel architectures with bandwidths spanning 350 MHz to 1 GHz. Built on an open Windows 2000-based platform with OpenChoice, these oscilloscopes are engineered for speed and visual fidelity. They deliver waveform capture rates up to 100,000 wfms/s, enabling engineers to isolate intermittent glitches and transient events in complex circuitry. This guide outlines the key specifications and feature differences across the family to help select the correct instrument for specific testing requirements.

Bandwidth Range: 350 MHz to 1 GHz
Input Channels: 2 or 4 analog channels
Max Sample Rate: 5 GS/s
Waveform Capture Rate: Up to 100,000 wfms/s
Operating System: Windows 2000 with OpenChoice

Models in this series

Model	Type	Input Coupling	Display	Display Resolution
TDS5104B	Digital	AC, DC, GND	10.4-inch color XGA TFT-LCD touch screen	1024 x 768 pixels (XGA)
TDS5054B	Digital	AC, DC, GND	Color LCD with digital phosphor/intensity grading	—
TDS5104	Digital	AC, DC, GND	—	640 × 480 pixels
TDS5034B	Digital	AC, DC, GND	10.4-inch (264 mm) liquid-crystal active-matrix color touch screen, 640 × 480 pixels	640 × 480 pixels
TDS5052	Digital	AC, DC, GND	10.4-inch (264 mm) active-matrix color LCD, 640 x 480 pixels	640 x 480 pixels
TDS5054	Digital	AC, DC, GND	10.4 in (264 mm) color active-matrix TFT LCD, 640 × 480 pixels	640 × 480 pixels
TDS5032B	*misc	AC, DC, GND	10.4 in (264 mm) Color Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display with Touch Screen, 640 x 480 pixels	1024 x 768 pixels (XGA)

Bandwidth and Rise Time Performance

The family is tiered by analog bandwidth to address different testing requirements:

1 GHz Performance: The Tektronix TDS5104 and Tektronix TDS5104B stand at the top of this series, featuring a calculated rise time of 400 ps. These instruments are designed for high-speed digital designs and rapid pulse measurements.
500 MHz Bandwidth: The Tektronix TDS5054, Tektronix TDS5054B, and Tektronix TDS5052 offer calculated rise times between 700 ps and 800 ps, serving as versatile mid-range debugging tools.
350 MHz Bandwidth: The Tektronix TDS5034B and Tektronix TDS5032B provide a calculated rise time of 1.15 ns, making them suitable for lower-frequency analog and digital designs.

Channel Architecture and Memory Capacity

Engineers can choose between 2-channel and 4-channel models depending on signal routing needs:

2-Channel Models: The Tektronix TDS5052 and Tektronix TDS5032B are dual-channel platforms. The TDS5032B supports record lengths up to 16 M points.
4-Channel Models: The Tektronix TDS5104, TDS5104B, TDS5054, TDS5054B, and TDS5034B offer four independent channels. Memory lengths vary; the TDS5034B supports record lengths up to 8 M, while the TDS5104B and TDS5054B support configuration-dependent limits up to 16 M.

Sampling performance is optimized per channel. For example, the Tektronix TDS5104 operates at 5 GS/s when utilizing one or two channels, and transitions to 2.5 GS/s when all three or four channels are active.

Platform and System Integration

All models run an embedded Windows 2000 operating system, allowing engineers to run analysis applications directly on the oscilloscope. The newer "B" series models (the Tektronix TDS5104B, TDS5054B, TDS5034B, and TDS5032B) include standard touchscreen capabilities on their 10.4-inch displays along with the MyScope user interface.

For connectivity, the instruments provide standard interfaces including LAN, GPIB, RS-232, Centronics parallel, and VGA outputs. USB ports are also standard across all platforms, with USB 2.0 integrated on the TDS5034B and USB 1.1 on the TDS5054.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum waveform capture rate of these oscilloscopes?: Using DPX or FastAcq technology, models like the Tektronix TDS5104B, TDS5054B, and TDS5052 support a maximum waveform capture rate of 100,000 wfms/s.
Can the vertical resolution of these instruments be extended?: Yes. While the standard analog-to-digital converter provides 8-bit resolution, several models including the Tektronix TDS5104B, TDS5034B, and TDS5032B feature a HiRes acquisition mode that extends vertical resolution up to 11 bits or higher.
What are the input coupling and impedance options?: All models offer selectable input coupling of AC, DC, or GND, and dual input impedance options of 1 MΩ (in parallel with 13 pF) or 50 Ω.