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[[File:5440.jpg | thumb | 250px | right | Tektronix 5440, a later 5000-series model ]]
__TOC__
The '''Tektronix 5000-series (5K)''' was introduced in 1971 as a series of lower-cost laboratory oscilloscopes with versatile plug-ins.  They generally have larger display screens than the more expensive and higher performance [[7000-series scopes|7000-series]], but have very low bandwidth in comparison − 51xx mainframes are limited to 2 MHz, 54xx series offer 60 MHz.
== The Basics of the 5000-Series ==
== The Basics of the 5000-Series ==


The 5000-series (5K) was introduced  in 1971 as lower-cost, laboratory oscilloscope
5000-series mainframes consist of an acquisition unit (the [[5103]] or [[5403]]) containing
instrumentation with plug-in versatility.  This series generally has larger display
the plug-in compartments and low-voltage power supply, and a display unit (e.g., the
screens than the more-expensive and higher-performance [[7000-series scopes|7000-series]],  
[[D10]], [[5111 | D11]], [[5112 | D12]], [[D13]], etc).  This design differs from most other Tek equipment of the era except the [[7704A]] from the 7000 series.
but also has very low bandwidth in comparison.   
 
The idea was that the display unit could be sold separately for custom integrated uses by other manufacturers at a lower cost than the [[:Category:600_series_CRT_monitors|600-series monitors]], and at the same time provide
a larger display area. 
 
Within the Tektronix product line, the D10 and D11 display units (non-storage and bi-stable storage, respectively) are also used in constructing the [[577|577 semiconductor curve tracer]],
 
===Nomenclature ===
Within the 5000-series, however, this design led to documentation problems as each oscilloscope
ended up with two model numbers and two serial numbers.   
In 1977, Tek began to eliminate the serial number from the display unit for the scopes that
were listed as “5103/D13” for example, using the serial number from the display unit for the complete oscilloscope.


Unlike other Tektronix products other than the [[7704A]] in the 7000-series,  the
Along with this change, Tek began referring to the various models with the acquisition unit
5000-series mainframes consist of an acquisition unit (the [[5103]] or [[5403]]) containing
the plug-in compartments and low-voltage power supply and a display unit (e.g., the
[[D10]], [[D11]], [[D12]], [[D13]], etc.).  The idea was that the display unit could be sold
separately for custom integrated uses by other manufacturers at a lower cost than
could be had by using one of the [[:Category:600_series_CRT_monitors|600-series monitors]], and at the same time provide
a larger display screen area.  Within the Tektronix product line, the D10 and D11
display units are used in constructing the [[577|577 semiconductor curve tracer]], one
providing a non-storage display and the other providing bi-stable storage.
But within the 5000-series, this led to documentation problems as each oscilloscope
ended up with two model numbers and two serial numbers.  In 1977,  the scopes  that
were listed as “5103/D13” for example, with a serial number for each half, Tek
began eliminating the serial number from the 5103 or 5403 portion, using the serial
number from the display unit as the serial number for the complete oscilloscope.
With this, Tek began referring to the various models with the acquisition unit
prefix followed by the “D” number, such as [[5110]] for a 5103/D10, [[5113]] for a 5103/D13
prefix followed by the “D” number, such as [[5110]] for a 5103/D10, [[5113]] for a 5103/D13
or [[5441]] for a 5403/D41.  Thus, documentation became much simpler.
or [[5441]] for a 5403/D41.  Thus, documentation became much simpler.
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manual, you have all the operation and service information you need for that model.
manual, you have all the operation and service information you need for that model.
It will be pointless and take a lot more time, energy and money to find separate
It will be pointless and take a lot more time, energy and money to find separate
manuals for a 5104 and a D13 than it will be to find a 5113 manual.
manuals for a 5103 and a D13 than it will be to find a 5113 manual.


== Mainframe and Plug-In Numbering Convention ==
=== Mainframe Numbering Convention ===


While the 7000-series has a certain convention for numbering the mainframes, the
While the 7000-series has a certain convention for numbering the mainframes, the
5000-series has very little convention.  The beginning “51” designates the
5000-series has very little convention.  The '''51-''' and '''54-''' prefixes indicate the respective series.   
5100-series while “54” designates the 5400-series.  After that, there is no
After that, there is no numbering convention - unlike the 7000s, all 5xxx mainframes have three compartments, which eliminates any special meaning that would be attributed to the last digit of the model number.   
convention as all are three-compartment mainframes which eliminates anything
special that would be attributed to the last digit of the model number.  The 10,
12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 that follow the “51” have no special meaning at all.  Some
are non-storage, some are bi-stable storage, some are dual-beam, some are both
dual-beam and storage.


The mainframes and their capabilities are:
The -10, -12, -13, -14, -15 and -16 suffixes have no special meaning at all.  Some models are non-storage,  
* [[5110]]    Single beam, non-storage
some are bi-stable storage, some are dual-beam, some are both dual-beam and storage:
* [[5111]]    Single beam, split-screen bi-stable storage
* [[5111A]]  Single beam, split-screen bi-stable storage (updated circuitry), 50 Div/µs writing rate
* [[5112]]    Dual beam, non-storage
* [[5113]]    Dual beam, split-screen bi-stable storage, 20 Div/µs writing rate
* 5114    Aha!!  Tektronix never made a 5114!  Who knows why they skipped over it to the 5115?
* [[5115]]    Single beam, split-screen, bi-stable storage (>200 Div/µs writing rate)
* [[5116]]    Single beam, tri-color display using a LCD shutter.
* [[5223]]    Single beam, digital storage
* [[5440]]    Single beam, non-storage
* [[5441]]    Single beam, variable-persistence storage
* [[5444]]    Full dual beam (independent horizontal deflection systems using the [[5B44]] timebase)


{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Model    !! Beams          !! Storage                        !! Notes
|-
| [[5110]]  || Single beam    || non-storage                    ||
|-
| [[5111]]  || Single beam    || split-screen bi-stable          ||
|-
| [[5111A]] || Single beam    || split-screen bi-stable          || Updated circuitry with 50 Div/µs writing rate
|-
| [[5112]]  || Dual beam      || non-storage                    ||
|-
| [[5113]]  || Dual beam      || split-screen bi-stable storage  || 20 Div/µs writing rate
|-
| [[5114]]  ||                ||                                || ''Aha! Tektronix never made a 5114!'' <br>Who knows why they skipped over it to the 5115?
|-
| [[5115]]  || Single beam    || split-screen bi-stable storage  || >200 Div/µs writing rate
|-
| [[5116]]  || Single beam    ||                                ||  tri-color display using an LCD shutter
|-
| [[5223]]  || Single beam    || digital storage                ||
|-
| [[5440]]  || Single beam    || non-storage                    ||
|-
| [[5441]]  || Single beam    || variable-persistence storage    ||
|-
| [[5444]]  || Full dual beam ||                                || Independent horizontal deflection systems using the [[5B44]] timebase
|}
(Option 3 enhances the writing rates to 200 Div/µs on most 5100-series storage
(Option 3 enhances the writing rates to 200 Div/µs on most 5100-series storage
mainframes.)
mainframes.)


=== Plug-In Numbering Convention ===
5000-series plug-in numbering coincides more with that of the 7000-series.  The
5000-series plug-in numbering coincides more with that of the 7000-series.  The
first digit, a “5”, designates  the plug-in as being for use in a 5000-series
first digit, a “5”, designates  the plug-in as being for use in a 5000-series
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== The Two Faces of 5K and Compatibility ==
== The Two Faces of 5K and Compatibility ==


The 5000-series is divided into two general categories:  the low-frequency
The 5000-series is divided into two product lines, the low-frequency
5100-series and the high-frequency 5400-series.  The 5100-series has a maximum
5100-series and the high-frequency 5400-series.  The 5100-series has a maximum
mainframe bandwidth of 2 MHz and lower bandwidths may be inflicted with plug-ins
mainframe bandwidth of 2 MHz and lower bandwidths may be inflicted with plug-ins
such as the [[5A22N]].  The 5400-series has a maximum mainframe bandwidth of 60 MHz,
such as the [[5A22N]].  The 5400-series has a maximum mainframe bandwidth of 60 MHz,
again this figure is at the mercy of lower-bandwidth plug-ins.
again this figure is at the mercy of lower-bandwidth plug-ins.


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this series.
this series.


Four plug-ins of the 5000-series directly mirror “twins” in the 7000-series: the
[[5CT1N]] ([[7CT1N]]) curve tracer, [[5A22N]] ([[7A22]]) differential amplifier,
[[5A13N]] ([[7A13]]) differential comparator, and the [[5S14]] ([[7S14]]) sampler. 
Front panel layout and function of these “twins” are nearly identical,
although the bandwidth of the 7A13 is significantly higher than its 5K counterpart. 
Note also that the 7000 plug-in interface is significantly different from the 5000 series,
so the plug-ins are not identical but may use common parts together with adapters,
like in the 7S14 that [[Media:Tek-7s14-right.jpg|contains the full 5S14 board]].
===Nomenclature ===
“N” at the end of any Tektronix model number indicates a unit that ''does not'' have
“N” at the end of any Tektronix model number indicates a unit that ''does not'' have
on-screen readout capability.  All of the low-bandwidth plug-ins carry that designation,
on-screen readout capability.  All of the low-bandwidth plug-ins carry that designation,
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ever have the “N” designation even though they have no readout capability.   
ever have the “N” designation even though they have no readout capability.   
All 7000-series products without readout capability have this designation on
All 7000-series products without readout capability have this designation on
everything:  [[7403N]], [[7603N]], [[7A18N], [[7B53AN]], etc.  It is not known why the 5110, for
everything:  [[7403N]], [[7603N]], [[7A18N]], [[7B53AN]], etc.  It is not known why the 5110, for
instance, is not the 5110N.  One must suppose that it's simply because ''none'' of the
instance, is not the 5110N.  One must suppose that it's simply because ''none'' of the
mainframes ever have or can have readout capability.  But this doesn't explain why
mainframes ever have or can have readout capability.  But this doesn't explain why
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option for use in the 5400-series mainframes.
option for use in the 5400-series mainframes.


Three plug-ins of the 5000-series directly mirror “twins” in the 7000-series:  the
===Compatibility ===
[[5CT1N]] ([[7CT1N]]) curve tracer, [[5A22N]] ([[7A22]]) differential amplifier and the
[[5A13N]] ([[7A13]]).  Front panel layout and function
of these “twins” are nearly identical, although the bandwidth of the 7A13 is
significantly higher than its 5K counterpart. 
 
5100-series plug-ins may be used in
5100-series plug-ins may be used in
''any'' (5100- or 5400-series) mainframe in the 5K series.  They will severely limit
''any'' (5100- or 5400-series) mainframe in the 5K series.  They will severely limit
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At this point, one may be curious and wonder why the 5400-series plug-ins cannot be
At this point, one may be curious and wonder why the 5400-series plug-ins cannot be
used in the 5100-series mainframes.  A close look at the interface connector on
used in the 5100-series mainframes.  A close look at the [[5000 Series plug-in interface|interface connector on
both series will show that the 5400-series has two extra power supply voltages,
both series]] will show that the 5400-series has two extra power supply voltages,
±15 V on interface connector pins 6A and 6B.  5400-series plug-ins will not find those
±15 V on interface connector pins 6A and 6B.  5400-series plug-ins will not find those
two supply voltages in a 5100-series mainframe, so they will not operate correctly.  
two supply voltages in a 5100-series mainframe, so they will not operate correctly.  
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The mechanical aspects of the TM500 line of modular instrumentation and those of
The mechanical aspects of the TM500 line of modular instrumentation and those of
the 5000-series are identical except for the interface connector keying. There has
the 5000-series are identical except for the interface connector keying, however,
been an instance of a TM500 frequency counter installed in a 5000-series mainframe
'''TM500 instruments and 5000-series instruments are electrically totally incompatible with each other, and any attempt to operate one type of plug-in in the other type of mainframe may result in the destruction of the plug-in, mainframe or both.'''
 
(There has been an instance of a TM500 frequency counter installed in a 5000-series mainframe
with the LED display bright and presumably active, as the photo illustrated for
with the LED display bright and presumably active, as the photo illustrated for
some items being sold on an on-line auction.  But  it is suspected that this image
some items being sold on an on-line auction, but it appears likely that this image
was “Photo-shopped” by the unscrupulous seller. This error had been pointed out to
was “photoshopped” by the unscrupulous seller.)
the seller by this potential buyer with no response from him.
 
Here is the mandate:  TM500 INSTRUMENTS AND 5000-SERIES INSTRUMENTS ARE ABSOLUTELY
AND TOTALLY INCOMPATIBLE WITH EACH OTHER.  ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE ONE TYPE IN
ANOTHER TYPE OF MAINFRAME WILL RESULT IN THE DESTRUCTION OF THE PLUG-IN, MAINFRAME
OR BOTH.


In the 5000-series, all power supply voltages are developed
In the 5000-series, all power supply voltages are developed by the mainframe and  
by the mainframe and supplied to the plug-ins as regulated voltages:  +5 V, ±15 V
supplied to the plug-ins as regulated DC voltages of +5 V, ±15 V (5400-series) and ±30 V.   
(5400-series) and ±30 V.  There are no power supply circuits other than supply
There are no power supply circuits other than supply decoupling and small zener regulators in the plug-ins.
decoupling and small zener regulators in the plug-ins.


On the other hand, the TM500-series power modules (the “mainframes”) supply AC and
On the other hand, the TM500-series power modules (the “mainframes”) supply AC and
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are not supplied on similar interface connector pins as the 5000-series.  All of
are not supplied on similar interface connector pins as the 5000-series.  All of
the power supply regulation control circuitry is inside the individual plug-in for
the power supply regulation control circuitry is inside the individual plug-in for
customized voltages, since each plug-in instrument is a radical design departure
customized voltages, since each plug-in instrument is a radical design departure
from the other instruments.  The power module also contains one NPN and one PNP
from the other instruments.  The power module also contains one NPN and one PNP
power transistor for each compartment for use by the instrument installed as a
power transistor for each compartment for use by the instrument installed as a
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a 5A22N and selectively limit the upper frequency cutoff.
a 5A22N and selectively limit the upper frequency cutoff.


Some may think that this low bandwidth makes the 5100-series worthless.  In
Some may think that this low bandwidth makes the 5100-series worthless.   
reality, there are five things that make the 5100-series attractive:
In reality, there are five things that make the 5100-series attractive:
# Those who work in the low-frequency arena of audio sound systems,  LF and  VLF radio, mechanical transducers, hearing aids, etc. will find the lack of HF noise in the 5100-series to be a blessing;
# Those who work in the low-frequency arena of audio sound systems,  LF and  VLF radio, mechanical transducers, hearing aids, etc. will find the lack of HF noise in the 5100-series to be a blessing;
# The plug-in versatility of the 5100-series can be matched only by that of the 7000-series, and then at a far higher price in cost and complexity;  
# The plug-in versatility of the 5100-series can be matched only by that of the 7000-series, and then at a far higher price in cost and complexity;  
# A large display screen, internal graticule and fine, sharp trace;   
# A large display screen, internal graticule and fine, sharp trace;   
# Simple and easy troubleshooting and repair, usually involving no custom, complex and hard-to-find [[:Category:Tektronix-made integrated circuits|Tektronix-made custom ICs]];
# Simple and easy troubleshooting and repair, usually involving no custom, complex and hard-to-find [[:Category:Tektronix-made integrated circuits|Tektronix-made custom ICs]];
# Three nice plug-ins, the [[5CT1N]] semiconductor curve tracer, the [[5L4N]] audio spectrum analyzer and the [[5S14N]] sampling system give the 5100-series power that you can't find in any of Tek's portable scopes.  The [[5S14]] increases the effective bandwidth of the system to around 1 GHz.
# Three nice plug-ins, the [[5CT1N]] semiconductor curve tracer, the [[5L4N]] audio spectrum analyzer and the [[5S14N]] sampling system give the 5100-series power that you can't find in any of Tek's portable scopes.  The [[5S14N]] increases the effective bandwidth of the system to around 1 GHz.


== Some Interesting Notes ==
== Some Interesting Notes ==
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preamplifier that originally sold for $25 in 1971!  Ten years later, the price had
preamplifier that originally sold for $25 in 1971!  Ten years later, the price had
risen to $160.
risen to $160.
== History of the 5000 and Subsequent Series of Instruments by [[Ahne Oosterhof]] ==
<blockquote>
It was late 1969 when the low frequency scope group was about finished with the [[5030]] scopes (1969),
when [[Val Garuts]] and I prepared the product proposal for what first became to be called the LF-Scopes,
then the [[D10]]/[[5103N]] and finally the 5000-series.
The proposal went two or three times to the Engineering Council before it was accepted (Jan 1970).
The group was formed under leadership of [[Jerry Shannon]].
I had built a cardboard model of what we envisioned, half the scope for the CRT, etc.
and the other half for three plugins and power-supply, all within 5.25 inch height,
a standard height increment for 19” racks, and the mainframe with three plugins for less than $1000.
Above the plugins a strip of space was envisioned for plugin on/off switching, etc.
I remember [[Larry Weiss]] walking by my bench suggesting that we should make the plug-ins maximum height
and build that switching functionality into the individual plugins.  Seemed like a good idea.
One year later (Jan 1971) with about 12 people on the project (EE, ME, manual, ecb)
we had two scopes and three plug-ins in production using several new manufacturing methods
and many new low-cost components. Almost by default I was working
as the lead person on the mainframes and [[Gary Vance]] performed that function for the plug-ins.
Throughout that project some big hurdles had to be overcome, e.g., using tin plated
rather than gold plated circuit boards, soldering active components in the board
rather than using sockets, using low cost open potentiometers rather than fully closed ones.
I had asked the mechanical designers under [[Bud Deibele]] to make the frame weak enough
that it would fail any shake, shock and transportation test.
Then make it a little stronger to barely pass those tests.
The pieces of the half frames were riveted together rather than bolted
and to ship an empty frame required a cardboard insert to prevent distortion of the frame in shipment.
All in the name of lowering costs.
In the assembly area kits for 10 plug-ins were issued to individual assemblers and after finishing these,
the assemblers tested those themselves which led to fewer assembly errors:
smoke or smells signal loudly that you have made a mistake!
Even though it took some effort to convince the manufacturing manager,
[[Al Peecher]], that it would work and he made it a go.
During the design phases Jerry suggested that we make many presentations
throughout the company to Area Representative groups.
That paid off big, because as people learned about our project and our challenges
they were more than willing to provide us with any help we needed.
As we reached the finish of the initial project we looked for product ideas for the future
and that kind of planning always was done as a group effort.
It led to dual beam scopes, additional storage scopes and various plug-ins,
etc. to extend the 5000 series.
We also had noticed that some customers bought display sections only,
to build those into their instrument systems. That became somewhat of a headache,
so we designed a power supply for the displays and turned that idea into a new line of monitors,
an extension of old the 600 series. That replaced the dormant [[601]] and [[602]] displays.
Soon after that we split the group into two business units, scopes and displays.
We also considered a ‘plug-in warmer’ (like in the [[500-series scopes|530/540 series]])
but that was not really needed as the plugins were completely transistorized
and therefore immediately ready to be used. But it made us consider additional possibilities
like making a multi-meter and other measurement tools and signal source plug-ins.
Soon this turned into a lot more and became the TM500 series (1972?),
using the same design and construction methods as the 5000 series and this line became another separate business unit.
Each of these product lines were successful and stayed in the catalog for about 20 years.
Throughout all this Jerry Shannon encouraged a free flow of ideas;
nothing was out of bounds to be discussed and tried.
As an example, [[Matt Zimmerman]] in his spare times put together a transistor test plugin,
which became the [[5CT1N|5CT1]]. Throughout Jerry liked to take an opposing view of whatever anybody said.
He was willing and able to take any position on any subject from design to politics
and if you thought things were blue he would try to convince you they were red.
I expect he did this to make sure we were strong in our positions and opinions.
In doing so he taught us a lot about dealing with and managing people.
He made it clear to us that we were as design engineers and project leaders
standing in for the owners of the company, as we were making decisions, however small,
that impacted the health of the Corporation.
He also made it clear he expected us to make the right decision more than 80% of the time,
but did not expect 100%, as it would take too long to get there. Risk was allowed.
Yes, he guided us, but in a very unobtrusive way. He let us find our own way,
but was ready to clear a path when needed.  In my life I can think of only three people
who I consider my mentors: Professor Oostdijk from my college years,
teaching (forcing?) me to study, Professor [[Dwain Richins]] from the “Tek University”,
teaching me a lot about communicating clearly and in a precise way in the English language and Jerry Shannon.
He taught me a lot about managing people and taking care of unexpected situations.
In my second career, standing alone as entrepreneur/owner/general manager
of a company (A-Laser, Inc.) I have made a lot of use of their teachings.
</blockquote>
A description of most of the 5000 series products with a timeline can be found in this website:
http://i9t.net/5000_scopes.html
[[Category:5000 series mainframes]]
Qfissler
878

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