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Introduction to the 5000-Series Oscilloscopes: Difference between revisions

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Introduction to the 5000-Series Oscilloscopes (view source)

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[[File:5440.jpg | thumb | 250px | right | Tektronix 5440, a later 5000-series model ]]
[[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 '''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.


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some are bi-stable storage, some are dual-beam, some are both dual-beam and storage:
some are bi-stable storage, some are dual-beam, some are both dual-beam and storage:


* [[5110]]     Single beam, non-storage
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* [[5111]]     Single beam, split-screen bi-stable storage; [[5111A]] model has updated circuitry, 50 Div/µs writing rate
|-
* [[5112]]     Dual beam, non-storage
! Model    !! Beams          !! Storage                        !! Notes
* [[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?''
| [[5110]] || Single beam   || non-storage                     ||
* [[5115]]     Single beam, split-screen, bi-stable storage (>200 Div/µs writing rate)
|-
* [[5116]]     Single beam, tri-color display using an LCD shutter
| [[5111]] || Single beam   || split-screen bi-stable         ||
* [[5223]]     Single beam, digital storage
|-
* [[5440]]     Single beam, non-storage
| [[5111A]] || Single beam    || split-screen bi-stable          || Updated circuitry with 50 Div/µs writing rate
* [[5441]]     Single beam, variable-persistence storage
|-
* [[5444]]     Full dual beam (independent horizontal deflection systems using the [[5B44]] timebase)
| [[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.)
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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
In the 5000-series, all power supply voltages are developed by the mainframe and  
AND TOTALLY INCOMPATIBLE WITH EACH OTHER.  ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE ONE TYPE IN
supplied to the plug-ins as regulated DC voltages of +5 V, ±15 V (5400-series) and ±30 V.   
ANOTHER TYPE OF MAINFRAME WILL RESULT IN THE DESTRUCTION OF THE PLUG-IN, MAINFRAME
There are no power supply circuits other than supply decoupling and small zener regulators in the plug-ins.
OR BOTH.
 
In the 5000-series, all power supply voltages are developed
by the mainframe and supplied to the plug-ins as regulated voltages:  +5 V, ±15 V
(5400-series) and ±30 V.  There are no power supply circuits other than supply
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]]
[[Category:5000 series mainframes]]
Qfissler
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