Tektronix THS700 Series Handheld Oscilloscopes
4 models with full specifications from Tektronix.
The Tektronix THS700 series comprises rugged, battery-operated handheld instruments designed for field service, industrial troubleshooting, and power electronics measurement. These portable units combine the functionality of a dual-channel digital storage oscilloscope with a True RMS digital multimeter (DMM). Every instrument in this family features a compact physical footprint, measuring 177 mm x 217 mm x 51 mm, and weighing 1.45 kg. Designed for technicians and engineers requiring lab-grade accuracy in challenging environments, the THS700 series provides isolated channels to perform safe floating measurements. This guide details the technical specifications of the THS730A, THS720, THS720A, and THS720P to assist in selecting the correct model for specific measurement needs.
- Form Factor
- Handheld battery-operated
- Weight
- 1.45 kg
- Display Resolution
- 320 x 240 pixels
- Operating Temperature
- 0 °C to +50 °C
- Vertical Resolution
- 8-bit
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Dimensions (W×H×D) | Display | DMM Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THS730A | *misc | 177 mm × 217 mm × 51 mm | High-contrast backlit LCD, 320 × 240 pixels | 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) |
| THS720 | *misc | 177 mm x 217 mm x 51 mm | 4.7-inch (120 mm) monochrome backlit LCD, 320 x 240 pixels | 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) |
| THS720A | *misc | 177 mm × 217 mm × 51 mm | High-contrast backlit monochrome LCD, 320 × 240 resolution | 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) |
| THS720P | Handheld | 177 mm × 217 mm × 51 mm | Backlit monochrome LCD (320 × 240 pixels) | 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) |
Shared Architectural Foundations
All models in the THS700 series share a rugged chassis design capable of operating in temperatures ranging from 0 °C to +50 °C. The units are equipped with a backlit monochrome LCD display resolving 320 x 240 pixels, providing clear waveforms and numeric readouts in low-light environments. Power is supplied either through an internal rechargeable NiCd battery pack or an external AC adapter.
For signal input, the series provides 8-bit vertical resolution, a vertical sensitivity range of 5 mV/div to 50 V/div, and a DC gain accuracy of ±2%. The input impedance across the models is 1 MΩ in parallel with 25 pF, supporting AC, DC, and GND coupling.
Bandwidth and Acquisition Performance
The primary performance differentiators among the THS700 family members are analog bandwidth, sampling rates, and timebase ranges:
- Tektronix THS730A: This high-performance model features a 200 MHz analog bandwidth and a real-time sample rate of 1 GS/s per channel. It supports a fast time base range from 2 ns/div to 50 s/div with an accuracy of ±0.01%.
- Tektronix THS720: Provides a 100 MHz analog bandwidth with a calculated rise time of 3.5 ns. Its timebase ranges from 5 ns/div to 50 s/div with an accuracy of ±100 ppm.
- Tektronix THS720A: Also offers a 100 MHz bandwidth, 3.5 ns rise time, and a maximum real-time sampling rate of 500 MS/s. It includes a selectable 20 MHz analog bandwidth limit.
- Tektronix THS720P: Features a 100 MHz bandwidth, 3.5 ns rise time, and a 500 MS/s real-time sampling rate, configured specifically for electrical applications.
Isolation and Channel Configurations
Safety in floating measurements is a core characteristic of this series, achieved through isolated channel designs.
The THS720 and THS720P models provide optically isolated RS-232 serial interfaces for safe communication with external PCs or printers. The THS720A features two isolated scope channels alongside one dedicated DMM channel, rating channel-to-channel isolation at 600 VRMS. For power electronics applications, the THS720P offers channel-to-channel isolation of greater than 100:1 at 100 MHz and maximum input voltage ratings of 600 V RMS CAT II and 300 V RMS CAT III.
Frequently asked questions
- What power sources can run the THS700 instruments?
- The series runs on an internal rechargeable NiCd battery pack or an external AC power adapter/charger that outputs 12 V DC.
- Which model in the series offers the highest bandwidth?
- The Tektronix THS730A offers the highest bandwidth in this family, featuring a 200 MHz analog bandwidth. The other models (THS720, THS720A, and THS720P) offer 100 MHz bandwidth.
- Do these handheld oscilloscopes feature isolated channels?
- Yes, all models in this series use isolated channel architecture. For instance, the THS720A offers 600 VRMS of channel-to-channel isolation, and the THS730A offers 600 V RMS CAT II / 300 V RMS CAT III isolation.