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|manufacturer=Tektronix  
|manufacturer=Tektronix  
|series=7000-series scopes
|series=7000-series scopes
|model= 7904
|model=7904
|designers=Val Garuts;Thor Hallen;John McCormick;Les Larson;Bill DeVey;Bill Peek;Hans Springer;Joe Burger;Joel Swanno;Ken Hawken
|designers=Val Garuts;Thor Hallen;John McCormick;Les Larson;Bill DeVey;Bill Peek;Hans Springer;Joe Burger;Joel Swanno;Ken Hawken
|image=Tek-7904-front.jpg
|image=Tek-7904-front.jpg
|caption=Tektronix 7904 (with [[7A19]], [[7A11]], [[7D11]], [[7B85]])  
|caption=Tektronix 7904 (with [[7A19]], [[7A11]], [[7D11]], [[7B85]])  
|introduced=1971  
|introduced=1971  
|discontinued=1990
|discontinued=1984
|summary=500 MHz non-storage mainframe
|summary=500 MHz non-storage mainframe
|manuals=
|manuals=
* [http://bama.edebris.com/download/tek/7904/Tektronix_7904_Service_May1983.pdf Tektronix 7904 Manual (PDF)]
'''7904'''
* [http://www.ko4bb.com/getsimple/index.php?id=manuals&dir=Tektronix/Tektronix_-_7904A Tektronix 7904A Manual (DjVu)]
* [[Media:070-1399-00.pdf|Tektronix 7904 Operators Manual]]
* [http://w140.com/Tektronix_7904A_OCRed_by_Tabalabs.pdf Tektronix 7904A Manual (Shannon Hill PDF with OCR)]
* [[Media:070-2390-00.pdf|Tektronix 7904 Instruction Manual with PSU Schematics]] SN B260000+ (OCR)
* [http://w140.com/Tek_7904_OCRed_by_Tabalabs.pdf Tektronix 7904 Manual (Shannon Hill PDF with OCR)]
* [[Media:070-2390-02.pdf|Tektronix 7904 Instruction Manual with complete schematics]] Below SNB260000 (Needs OCR)
* [http://w140.com/Tek_7904_Power_Supply.pdf Servicing the 7904 High-Efficiency Power Supply (PDF)]
* [[Media:Servicing the Tek 7904 Power Supply.pdf|Servicing the 7904 High-Efficiency Power Supply]]
* [[Media:Tektronix - 7904 - Horizontal Amplifier B010100 - B079999.pdf|Horizontal Amplifier SN B010100 - B079999]]
<small>
<small>
'''Modifications'''
'''Modifications'''
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0650-00.pdf 050-0650-00 (1980) Vertical amplifier IC replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0650-00.pdf 050-0650-00 (1980) Vertical amplifier IC replacement]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0651-01.pdf 050-0651-01 (1975) Vertical output IC replacement (155-0065-00)]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0651-01.pdf 050-0651-01 (1975) Vertical output IC replacement (155-0065-00)]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0706-01.pdf 050-0706-01 (1980) Vertical output IC replacement (155-0065-00)]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0706-01.pdf 050-0706-01 (1980) Vertical output IC replacement (155-0065-00)]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0729-06.pdf 050-0729-06 (1980) A Trigger selector circuit board replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0729-06.pdf 050-0729-06 (1980) A Trigger selector circuit board replacement]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0730-06.pdf 050-0730-06 (1980) B Trigger selector circuit board replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0730-06.pdf 050-0730-06 (1980) B Trigger selector circuit board replacement]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0763-03.pdf 050-0763-03 (1981) Vertical interface circuit board replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0763-03.pdf 050-0763-03 (1981) Vertical interface circuit board replacement]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-1014-00.pdf 050-1014-00 (1980) Vertical output IC replacement] ([[155-0064-00]])
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-1014-00.pdf 050-1014-00 (1980) Vertical output IC replacement] ([[155-0064-00]])
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-1723-01.pdf 050-1723-01 (1983) P31 CRT replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-1723-01.pdf 050-1723-01 (1983) P31 CRT replacement]
* [http://hakanh.com/dl/docs/custommods/7904mod721K.pdf Custom Mod 721K (1972) Single shot readout and/or grat illumination]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/custommods/7904mod721K.pdf Custom Mod 721K (1972) Single shot readout and/or grat illumination]
</small>
</small>
}}
}}
The '''Tektronix 7904''' is a 500 MHz, non-storage 7000-series oscilloscope mainframe with four bays.
The '''Tektronix 7904''' is a 500 MHz, non-storage 7000-series oscilloscope mainframe with four bays.
It accepts two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Vertical plug-ins|7000-series vertical plug-ins]] and two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Horizontal plug-ins|7000-series horizontal plug-ins]].
It accepts two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Vertical plug-ins|7000-series vertical plug-ins]] and two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Horizontal plug-ins|7000-series horizontal plug-ins]].
It was introduced in late 1971/early 1972 (Note 1).
The successor model 7904A was introduced in 1984.
There is also a rack-mount version, the [[R7903]], albeit with only one horizontal bay.
There is also a rack-mount version, the [[R7903]], albeit with only one horizontal bay.
The 7904 was introduced in late 1971/early 1972 (Note 1). In 1984, it was replaced by the redesigned [[7904A]].


Performance is largely determined by the plug-ins.
Performance is largely determined by the plug-ins.
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Design Staff of 7904 Project (from July 1971 Tekscope):
Design Staff of 7904 Project (from July 1971 Tekscope):
* [[Val Garuts]], project manager and horizontal and Z-axis amplifiers
<blockquote>[[Val Garuts]] was project manager and developed the large signal amplifier circuit used in the horizontal and Z-axis amplifiers. [[Thor Hallen]] did the [[7A19]] plug-in and the vertical amplifier, and [[John McCormick]] the horizontal. The trigger and time base ([[7B92]] plug-in) were done by [[Les Larson]] and [[Bill DeVey]]. [[Bill Peek]] worked on the Z-axis amplifier and auto-focus, with [[Hans Springer]] doing the mainframe interface and channel switching. [[Joe Burger]]'s work on the power supply, coupled with [[Joel Swanno]]’s efforts in mechanical design, reduced the weight to only 30 pounds. [[Ken Hawken]] did the fine job on the CRT. </blockquote>
* [[Thor Hallen]], vertical amplifier and [[7A19]]
* [[John McCormick]], horizontal amplifier
* [[Les Larson]] and [[Bill DeVey]], trigger and timebase ([[7B92]])
* [[Bill Peek]], Z-axis amplifier and autofocus
* [[Hans Springer]], mainframe interface and channel switching
* [[Joe Burger]], power supply
* [[Joel Swanno]], mechanical design
* [[Ken Hawken]], CRT


{{BeginSpecs}}
{{BeginSpecs}}
{{Spec | Bandwidth | 500 MHz }}
{{Spec | Bandwidth | 500 MHz (with [[7A19]] or [[7A29]] amplifier) }}
{{Spec | Fastest calibrated sweep | 500 ps/Div (with [[7B92A]], other time bases "uncalibrated for first 60 ns") }}
{{Spec | Fastest calibrated sweep | 500 ps/Div (with [[7B92A]], other time bases "uncalibrated for first 60 ns") }}
{{Spec | Acceleration voltage | 24 kV (+21 / -3 kV) }}
{{Spec | Outputs | Vertical Signal Out (25 mV/Div into 50 Ω, 0.5 V/Div into 1 MΩ); +Sawtooth; +Gate; camera power; probe power }}
{{Spec | Calibrator (7904) | 4 mV, 40 mV, 400 mV, 4 V or 40 V (p-p) into 1 MΩ; 2 mV, 20 mV, 200 mV or 400 mV into 50 Ω; or 40 mA; selectable 1 kHz, ½ rep. rate of B Sweep Gate, or DC }}
{{Spec | Inputs | Z Axis (15 V<sub>p-p</sub>) }}
{{Spec | Calibrator (7904A) | 4 mV to 4 V (p-p) in decade steps, 1 kHz; 40 mV to 400 mV into 50 Ω }}
{{Spec | CRT |
{{Spec | Power consumption | 190 W }}
* Standard: (8×10 Div @ 1 cm), P31 (green) [[154-0644-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0644-09]], acceleration voltage 24 kV (+21 / –3 kV)
{{Spec | Weight | 13.5 kg (30 lbs) }}
{{Spec | CRT Options |
* Standard: (8×10 Div @ 1 cm), P31 (green) [[154-0644-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0644-09]]
* Option 4, high writing speed: (8×10 Div @ 0.5 cm) , P31 (green) [[154-0661-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0661-09]]
* Option 4, high writing speed: (8×10 Div @ 0.5 cm) , P31 (green) [[154-0661-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0661-09]]
}}
}}
{{EndSpecs}}
{{Spec | Calibrator | DC, square wave (1 kHz or ½ B Sweep gate), 4 mV to 40 V in decade steps (2/20/200/400 mV into 50 Ω); 40 mA current loop }}
 
{{Spec | Power | 90−132 V or 180−264 V, 48−440 Hz, 190 W max. }}
===7904A differences===
{{Spec | Weight | 13.5 kg (30 lbs) }}
The 7904A re-implements the vertical amplifier using Hypcon-packaged amplifier chips designed for the [[7104]], such as the [[155-0178-00]].
{{Spec | Dimensions | 34.2 cm × 30.5 cm × 69.5 cm (13.5 in x 12.0 in x 23.8 in) H×W×L }}
 
{{Spec|Options|
The 7904 had an elaborate 5-decade built-in calibrator with variable rate that was dropped from the 7904A. The [[7904 remote control connector|rear remote control connector]] unique to the 7904 was dropped as well.
* Opt.1: deletes read out system
In the 7904A, The Control Illumination switch moved to the rear panel, and the [[7000 series readout system|readout system]]
gained a pulsed mode in which it is synchronized with the sweep instead of interrupting the display at random times.
This pulsed mode is not compatible with all time base plug-ins (see manual p. 1-12).
 
===Options===
<div style="column-count:4;-moz-column-count:4;-webkit-column-count:4">
* Opt.2: X-Y delay compensation network
* Opt.2: X-Y delay compensation network
* Opt.3: Extra EMI shielding
* Opt.3: Extra EMI shielding
* Opt.4: Maximum-brightness CRT with reduced area
* Opt.4: Maximum-brightness CRT with reduced area
* Opt.78: P11 phosphor
* Opt.78: P11 phosphor
</div>
}}
{{EndSpecs}}
 
==Links==
* [https://lazyelectrons.wordpress.com/2018/11/24/tektronix-7904-oscilloscope-power-supply-repair/ 7904 Repair with Video]
* [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904.htm Tek 7904]  @ amplifier.cd
* [https://www.circuitsathome.com/measurements/repairing-front-panel-buttons-of-tektronix-7904-oscilloscope Repairing front panel buttons of Tektronix 7904 oscilloscope]
{{Documents|Link=7904}}
{{PatentLinks|7904}}


==Operation==
==Operation==
The 7904 has many modes of operation.
The 7904 has many modes of operation.
One mode is called "Independent-Pairs Display" in the manual, where the input to the left vertical plug-in is displayed using the B horizontal time-base plug-in,
One mode is called "Independent-Pairs Display" in the manual, where the input to the left vertical plug-in is displayed using the B horizontal time-base plug-in,
and the input to the right vertical plug-in is displayed using the A horizontal time-base plug-in.
and the input to the right vertical plug-in is displayed using the A horizontal time-base plug-in.
This resembles the trace-slaving "ALT" mode that is produced by an [[1A4]] in a [[547]].
This resembles the trace-slaving "ALT" mode that is produced by an [[1A4]] in a [[547]]. Many other modes are available.
Many other modes are available.
It is possible to put vertical plug-ins in the horizontal slots for X-Y operation.
It is possible to put vertical plug-ins in the horizontal slots for X-Y operation.
It is even possible to put a horizontal plug-in in one of the vertical slots to produce a raster scan.   
It is even possible to put a horizontal plug-in in one of the vertical slots to produce a raster scan.   
Line 94: Line 84:


==Internals==
==Internals==
The 7904 uses a switch-mode power supply and has no fan. It incorporates a 65 ns Y delay line.
The 7904 uses a switch-mode power supply and has no fan. The signal path is completely differential and the internal signal wiring is 50 Ω coax.
This delay is too short for some older time bases such as [[7B53]] to display the trigger event.
 
The Y delay line in the 7904 has a delay of 65 ns, which is too short for some older time bases such as [[7B53]] to display the trigger event.
The CRT ([[154-0644-05]]) has [[distributed vertical deflection plates]].


[[Thor Hallen]] designed the main vertical amplifier and the [[7A19]] plugin (Note 1).
[[Thor Hallen]] designed the main vertical amplifier and the [[7A19]] plugin (Note 1).
Line 102: Line 94:
The 7904 makes extensive use of custom integrated circuits and hybrid circuits, inter alia, the [[155-0064-00]] 470-ps output amplifier,
The 7904 makes extensive use of custom integrated circuits and hybrid circuits, inter alia, the [[155-0064-00]] 470-ps output amplifier,
[[155-0022-00]] analog multiplexer for channel switching, [[155-0059-00]] HF amplifier,
[[155-0022-00]] analog multiplexer for channel switching, [[155-0059-00]] HF amplifier,
[[155-0095-01]] and [[155-0095-03]] differential HF amplifiers, and [[155-0067-02]] SMPS controller.
[[155-0095-01]] and [[155-0095-03]] differential HF amplifiers, and [[155-0067-02]] SMPS controller.


The 7904A includes [[155-0173-05]], [[155-0175-05]] and [[155-0178-05]] amplifiers.
Early 7904 have issues with horizontal aberrations for sweep rates of 1 ns/Div or faster. After discovery of the issue modification kits that replace the horizontal amplifier were offered. For more information see the table below and the [[Media:Tek 067-0657-00 with schematics.pdf|manual]] of the [[067-0657-00|067-0657-00 Normalized Ramp Generator]] that was used to investigate and rectify this issue.
 
{| class="wikitable"
The signal path is completely differential and the internal signal wiring is 50 Ω coax.
|-
The CRT ([[154-0644-05]]) has [[distributed vertical deflection plates]].
! Serial Number
! A9 Horizontal Amp.
! Issue
! Modification Kit
|-
|B010000-B081987
||670-1632-00
|Fully calibrated sweeps for rates of 1 ns/Div or faster requires a dedicated [[7B92]] (non A!) and the two units to be calibrated as a system.
|050-0636-01
|-
|B081988-B219999
||670-1632-01
|Can be calibrated to either work with magnifier timebases ([[7B70]],[[7B80]]), or alternatively non-magnifying time bases ([[7B92A]]), but not both.
|040-0791-00
|-
|B220000 and above
|670-1632-02/03
|None - fully compatible with all timebases and all sweep rates.
|−
|}


==Prices==
==Prices==
Line 117: Line 128:
! 1976
! 1976
! 1980
! 1980
! 1984
! 1990
|-
|-
! Model
! Model
Line 125: Line 134:
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904A
|align=center| 7904A
|-
|-
!rowspan=2| Mainframe only
!rowspan=2| Mainframe only
Line 133: Line 140:
|align=right|  $4,100
|align=right|  $4,100
|align=right|  $6,265
|align=right|  $6,265
|align=right|  $8,810
|align=right| $12,750
|-
|-
! 2019 value
! In 2024 Dollars
|align=right| $17,640
|align=right| $21,800
|align=right| $18,320
|align=right| $22,600
|align=right| $19,330
|align=right| $23,900
|align=right| $21,550
|align=right| $24,800
|-
|-
!rowspan=2| Mainframe with [[7A19]],<br />7A19 Opt. 04, [[7B92]]
!rowspan=2| Mainframe with [[7A19]],<br />7A19 Opt. 04, [[7B92]]
Line 148: Line 151:
|align=right|  $7,765
|align=right|  $7,765
|align=right| $12,015
|align=right| $12,015
|align=right| $17,425
|align=right| $24,190
|-
|-
! 2019 value
! In 2024 Dollars
|align=right| $33,450
|align=right| $41,300
|align=right| $34,690
|align=right| $42,900
|align=right| $37,070
|align=right| $45,800
|align=right| $42,630
|align=right| $47,050
|}
|}
==Links==
* [https://lazyelectrons.wordpress.com/2018/11/24/tektronix-7904-oscilloscope-power-supply-repair/ 7904 Repair with Video]
* [[Media:Tekscope 1971 V3 N4 Jul 1971.pdf | Tekscope Vol. 3 No. 4, Jul 1971]]
* [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904.htm Tek 7904] / [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904A.htm 7904A] @ amplifier.cd
* [http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tek7000/tek7904.html Tek 7904] / [http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tek7000/tek7904a.html 7904A] @ barrytech.com
* [https://www.circuitsathome.com/measurements/repairing-front-panel-buttons-of-tektronix-7904-oscilloscope Repairing front panel buttons of Tektronix 7904 oscilloscope]


==Notes==
==Notes==
# See [[7A11]] and [[John Addis]], ''Good Engineering and Fast Vertical Amplifiers'', in [[Jim Williams]] (Ed.), ''Analog Circuit Design: Art, Science and Personalities'' (1991), p.114, and [http://w140.com/tektronix_new_products_1972.pdf Tektronix New Products 1972] brochure.
# See [[7A11]] and [[John Addis]], ''Good Engineering and Fast Vertical Amplifiers'', in [[Jim Williams]] (Ed.), ''Analog Circuit Design: Art, Science and Personalities'' (1991), p.114, and [[Media:Tektronix_New_Products_March_1972.pdf|Tektronix New Products 1972]] brochure.
   
   
==Pictures==
==Pictures==


===7904 non-A===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Tek-7904-front.jpg | 7904  (non-A) front
Tek-7904-front.jpg | 7904  (non-A) front
Line 184: Line 174:
7904 interface 2.jpg|Plug-in backplane board rear
7904 interface 2.jpg|Plug-in backplane board rear
Tek7904-backplane-bottom.jpg | Backplane board sandwich seen from below
Tek7904-backplane-bottom.jpg | Backplane board sandwich seen from below
7904-x-amp.jpg | Horizontal (X) amplifier board
7904-x-amp.jpg | Horizontal (X) amplifier board (late >B220000)
7904-y-amp.jpg | Vertical (Y) amplifier board
7904-y-amp.jpg | Vertical (Y) amplifier board
7904-z-amp.jpg | Z amplifier board
7904-z-amp.jpg | Z amplifier board
Line 190: Line 180:
7904_block.gif|7904 block diagram
7904_block.gif|7904 block diagram
Tek7904-7a19-7b92a-1010mhz-hfsync.jpg | A 7B92A (B098xxx) displaying a 1.01 GHz sine in HF Sync mode ([[7904]] mainframe, [[7A19]] amplifier).
Tek7904-7a19-7b92a-1010mhz-hfsync.jpg | A 7B92A (B098xxx) displaying a 1.01 GHz sine in HF Sync mode ([[7904]] mainframe, [[7A19]] amplifier).
</gallery>


</gallery>
====Power Supply====
====Power Supply====
<gallery>
<gallery>
Line 199: Line 189:
7904-psu-primary-caps.jpg | Primary side capacitors
7904-psu-primary-caps.jpg | Primary side capacitors
7904-psu-transformer.jpg  | Detail view of transformer from the side
7904-psu-transformer.jpg  | Detail view of transformer from the side
Tek_7904_SMPS-xformer.jpeg| Switching transformer
7904-psu-rectifier.jpg    | Secondary side rectifier board
7904-psu-rectifier.jpg    | Secondary side rectifier board
7904-psu-regulator.jpg    | Secondary side post-regulator
7904-psu-regulator.jpg    | Secondary side post-regulator
Tek_7904_SMPS-HV-Block.jpeg| HV block, multiplier
</gallery>
</gallery>


===7904A===
==Parts==
<gallery>
{{Parts|7904}}
7904a-front.jpg |7904A
{{Custom ICs|7000 series readout system}}
7904A_rear.jpg |7904A Rear
7904A_top1.jpg |7904A Top with Horizontal Amplifier at top right
7904A_right1.jpg |7904A Right with Z-axis on top right and 2nd Gen. Readout board at bottom right
7904A_left1.jpg |7904A Left with Vertical Amplifier (top) and Vertical switch board (bottom)
7904A_topleft1.jpg |7904A Topleft
7904A_left_closeup.jpg |7904A Closeup of Vertical amplifier
7904a lvps1.png|7904A Low-voltage Power Supply Schematic
7904a-h-v.jpg | 7904A Horizontal and vertical amplifiers
</gallery>
 
{{Custom ICs|7904}}
 
{{Custom ICs|7904A}}


[[Category:7000 series non-storage mainframes]]
[[Category:7000 series non-storage mainframes]]

Latest revision as of 04:37, 26 September 2024

Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

The Tektronix 7904 is a 500 MHz, non-storage 7000-series oscilloscope mainframe with four bays. It accepts two 7000-series vertical plug-ins and two 7000-series horizontal plug-ins. There is also a rack-mount version, the R7903, albeit with only one horizontal bay.

The 7904 was introduced in late 1971/early 1972 (Note 1). In 1984, it was replaced by the redesigned 7904A.

Performance is largely determined by the plug-ins. The 7A19 vertical amplifier and 7B92 time base were introduced along with the 7904 to match the 500 MHz system bandwidth.

Design Staff of 7904 Project (from July 1971 Tekscope):

Val Garuts was project manager and developed the large signal amplifier circuit used in the horizontal and Z-axis amplifiers. Thor Hallen did the 7A19 plug-in and the vertical amplifier, and John McCormick the horizontal. The trigger and time base (7B92 plug-in) were done by Les Larson and Bill DeVey. Bill Peek worked on the Z-axis amplifier and auto-focus, with Hans Springer doing the mainframe interface and channel switching. Joe Burger's work on the power supply, coupled with Joel Swanno’s efforts in mechanical design, reduced the weight to only 30 pounds. Ken Hawken did the fine job on the CRT.

Key Specifications

Bandwidth 500 MHz (with 7A19 or 7A29 amplifier)
Fastest calibrated sweep 500 ps/Div (with 7B92A, other time bases "uncalibrated for first 60 ns")
Outputs Vertical Signal Out (25 mV/Div into 50 Ω, 0.5 V/Div into 1 MΩ); +Sawtooth; +Gate; camera power; probe power
Inputs Z Axis (15 Vp-p)
CRT
  • Standard: (8×10 Div @ 1 cm), P31 (green) 154-0644-05 or P11 (blue) 154-0644-09, acceleration voltage 24 kV (+21 / –3 kV)
  • Option 4, high writing speed: (8×10 Div @ 0.5 cm) , P31 (green) 154-0661-05 or P11 (blue) 154-0661-09
Calibrator DC, square wave (1 kHz or ½ B Sweep gate), 4 mV to 40 V in decade steps (2/20/200/400 mV into 50 Ω); 40 mA current loop
Power 90−132 V or 180−264 V, 48−440 Hz, 190 W max.
Weight 13.5 kg (30 lbs)
Dimensions 34.2 cm × 30.5 cm × 69.5 cm (13.5 in x 12.0 in x 23.8 in) H×W×L
Options
  • Opt.1: deletes read out system
  • Opt.2: X-Y delay compensation network
  • Opt.3: Extra EMI shielding
  • Opt.4: Maximum-brightness CRT with reduced area
  • Opt.78: P11 phosphor

Links

Documents Referencing 7904

Document Class Title Authors Year Links
Tekscope 1971 V3 N4 Jul 1971.pdf Article A Subnanosecond Realtime Oscilloscope Val Garuts Thor Hallen 1971
7000 series brochure March 1973.pdf Brochure 7000 series brochure, March 1973 1973
Tekscope 1974 V6 N3.pdf Article Servicing the 7904 high-efficiency power supply 1974

Patents that may apply to 7904

Page Title Inventors Filing date Grant date Links
Patent US 3453403A Power selection device Eldon Hoffman 1966-08-18 1969-07-01

Operation

The 7904 has many modes of operation. One mode is called "Independent-Pairs Display" in the manual, where the input to the left vertical plug-in is displayed using the B horizontal time-base plug-in, and the input to the right vertical plug-in is displayed using the A horizontal time-base plug-in. This resembles the trace-slaving "ALT" mode that is produced by an 1A4 in a 547. Many other modes are available. It is possible to put vertical plug-ins in the horizontal slots for X-Y operation. It is even possible to put a horizontal plug-in in one of the vertical slots to produce a raster scan.

A special plug-in, the 7A21N, provides direct access to the deflection plates up to 1 GHz at an uncalibrated sensitivity of 4 V/Div. This plugin requires modifications to the mainframe to bypass the Y output amplifier (thus disabling readout and the other vertical plugin bay).

A rear-panel remote control connector has connections for single-sweep ready lamps, a reset button, and readout control.

Internals

The 7904 uses a switch-mode power supply and has no fan. The signal path is completely differential and the internal signal wiring is 50 Ω coax.

The Y delay line in the 7904 has a delay of 65 ns, which is too short for some older time bases such as 7B53 to display the trigger event. The CRT (154-0644-05) has distributed vertical deflection plates.

Thor Hallen designed the main vertical amplifier and the 7A19 plugin (Note 1). It used bridged T coils and the "ft doubler" circuit patented by Carl Battjes to achieve its bandwidth.

The 7904 makes extensive use of custom integrated circuits and hybrid circuits, inter alia, the 155-0064-00 470-ps output amplifier, 155-0022-00 analog multiplexer for channel switching, 155-0059-00 HF amplifier, 155-0095-01 and 155-0095-03 differential HF amplifiers, and 155-0067-02 SMPS controller.

Early 7904 have issues with horizontal aberrations for sweep rates of 1 ns/Div or faster. After discovery of the issue modification kits that replace the horizontal amplifier were offered. For more information see the table below and the manual of the 067-0657-00 Normalized Ramp Generator that was used to investigate and rectify this issue.

Serial Number A9 Horizontal Amp. Issue Modification Kit
B010000-B081987 670-1632-00 Fully calibrated sweeps for rates of 1 ns/Div or faster requires a dedicated 7B92 (non A!) and the two units to be calibrated as a system. 050-0636-01
B081988-B219999 670-1632-01 Can be calibrated to either work with magnifier timebases (7B70,7B80), or alternatively non-magnifying time bases (7B92A), but not both. 040-0791-00
B220000 and above 670-1632-02/03 None - fully compatible with all timebases and all sweep rates.

Prices

  Year 1972 1976 1980
Model 7904 7904 7904
Mainframe only Catalog price $2,900 $4,100 $6,265
In 2024 Dollars $21,800 $22,600 $23,900
Mainframe with 7A19,
7A19 Opt. 04, 7B92
Catalog price $5,500 $7,765 $12,015
In 2024 Dollars $41,300 $42,900 $45,800

Notes

  1. See 7A11 and John Addis, Good Engineering and Fast Vertical Amplifiers, in Jim Williams (Ed.), Analog Circuit Design: Art, Science and Personalities (1991), p.114, and Tektronix New Products 1972 brochure.

Pictures

Power Supply

Parts

Some Parts Used in the 7904

Part Part Number(s) Class Description Used in
148-0034-00 148-0034-00 Discrete component miniature DPDT relay 5A48 7A11 7A13 7A14 7B70 7B71 7503 7904 7904A
154-0644-00 154-0644-00 154-0644-04 154-0644-05 154-0644-09 154-0893-05 CRT CRT with distributed deflection plates 7704A 7854 7904 7904A R7903
155-0009-00 155-0009-00 Monolithic integrated circuit horizontal lockout logic 7504 7514 7704 7704A R7704 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7104
155-0010-00 155-0010-00 Monolithic integrated circuit chop divider and blanking 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7854 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7104
155-0011-00 155-0011-00 Monolithic integrated circuit clock and chop blanking 485 7313 7403N R7403N 7503 7504 7514 7603 AN/USM-281C 7613 7623 7623A 7633 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 7904A R7903 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 AN/USM-281C
155-0012-00 155-0012-00 Monolithic integrated circuit Z Axis Logic 485 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904A R7912 7934 7912AD 7912HB 7104 R7103
155-0013-00 155-0013-00 155-0013-01 Monolithic integrated circuit horizontal chop and alt. binary 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7854 7904 7904A R7903 7934 7104
155-0022-00 155-0022-00 155-0022-01 Monolithic integrated circuit analog multiplexer 147 148 149 335 468 1430 1441 1461 1900 1910 2220 2221 2230 5223 5403 5440 5441 5443 5444 5A38 7313 7403N 7503 7504 7514 7603 AN/USM-281C 7613 7623 7623A 7633 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7A12 7A18 7A18A 7A18N 7B52 7B53N 7D10 7D11 7D12 NT-7000 P7001
155-0059-00 155-0059-00 Monolithic integrated circuit HF amplifier 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 R7912 7912AD
155-0060-00 155-0060-00 155-0060-01 Monolithic integrated circuit channel selector amplifier R7903 7904 R7912
155-0064-00 155-0064-00 Hybrid integrated circuit vertical output amplifier 7834 7854 7904 R7903 7912AD 485 PG502
155-0065-00 155-0065-00 155-0064-01 155-0125-00 Hybrid integrated circuit deflection amplifier 7844 7904 R7912 R7903
155-0067-02 155-0067-00 155-0067-02 155-0067-03 Monolithic integrated circuit SMPS controller 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904 7904A 7934 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 308 434 485 690 P7001
155-0078-00 155-0078-xx 155-0273-00 155-0274-00 Monolithic integrated circuit broadband amplifier 464 465 466 468 475 475A 475M 485 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7104 7A16A 7A16P 7A24 7A26 7A42 067-0587-01 067-0680-00 AM503 PG502 PG508 DC510 DC5010 FG5010
155-0095-00 155-0095-00 155-0095-01 155-0095-03 Hybrid integrated circuit HF differential amplifier 7834 7844 7904 R7903 R7912 7912AD
203-0126-90 203-0126-90 Monolithic integrated circuit ft doubler amplifier R7903 7904 7844

Custom ICs used in the 7000 series readout system

Page Model Part nos Description Designers Used in
155-0014-01 M019D 155-0014-00 155-0014-01 analog-to-decimal converter Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system 7854 7934 7J20 7L5 P7001
155-0015-01 M020F 155-0015-00 155-0015-01 analog data switch Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system 7854 7934
155-0017-00 M025 155-0017-00 5 MHz decade counter Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system 7854 7934
155-0018-00 M026 155-0018-00 zeros logic control Les Larson 7000 series readout system 7934
155-0019-00 M027 155-0019-00 decimal point and spacing control Les Larson 7000 series readout system
155-0020-00 M028 155-0020-00 output assembler Les Larson 7000 series readout system
155-0021-00 M029C 155-0021-00 155-0021-01 timing generator Les Larson 7000 series readout system 7854 7934
155-0023-00 M160 155-0023-00 character generator (0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0024-00 M161 155-0024-00 character generator (↓ < I / + - + C Δ >) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0025-00 M162 155-0025-00 character generator (m μ n p X K M G T R) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0026-00 M163 155-0026-00 character generator (S V A W H d B c Ω E) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0027-00 M164 155-0027-00 character generator (U N L Z Y P F J Q D) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system