Z: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:09, 6 June 2021

Template:Plugin Sidebar 2 The Tektronix Type Z is a comparator plug-in for 500-series scopes, introduced in 1960 and dropped after 1968.

The Type Z has two inputs, A and B, plus a precision comparison voltage, V_C, that is adjustable from 0 to ±1 V, 10 V, or 100 V via a ten-turn pot.

The following differential amplifier can be configured to display V_A, −V_B, V_A−V_B, V_A−V_C, or V_C−V_B.

This allows DC-coupled measurements of small signals with large DC offsets.

Unlike later comparators, Type Z has separate step attenuators for each input, permitting the user to view the difference between signals of widely differing amplitudes.

It is also the only comparator that can handle ±100 V common mode at full sensitivity.

With a pair of "Disconnect Signal" buttons, the Type Z was the first movement toward a "GND" position on the input switches.

The Type P6023 probe with R and C compensation, introduced in 1962, was specifically designed for the Type Z but also marketed for the Type G.

Specifications

Maximum sensitivity is 50 mV/div, and common-mode rejection at DC and low frequencies is 40,000 to 1.

Risetime as a general-purpose amplifier is 27 ns (13 MHz bandwidth), but it can track a common-mode risetime of 7 ns.

Internals

The Type Z uses both tubes and transistors, capitalizing on the strengths of each.

The step attenuators are turret attenuators.

Links

Type Z @ amplifier.cd

Pictures

3/4 View
Front View
Front View
Pre-production Type Z with different knob color
Left Side
Left Side
Right Side
Right Side
Right Side
Right Side Tubes
Top
Rear

Schematic

Attenuators
Main Amplifier

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 title=Tektronix Type Z|
 summary=Comparator preamp plug-in|
-image=Tek z front.jpg |
+image=Tek Type Z front.jpg  |
 caption=Type Z front view|
 introduced=1960 |