7D15
The Tektronix 7D15 is a 225 MHz frequency counter plug-in for 7000-series scopes. It is optimized for timing measurements, having a 100 MHz oscillator and interval measurement averaging capability. It has two inputs and can measure frequency, period or time difference. The 7D15 was introduced in November 1972.
The front panel uses SMB connectors for arming, clock in/out and reset signals.
Key Specifications
| — Frequency Mode — | |
| Input frequency | DC to 225 MHz |
| Resolution | 0.1 Hz min. |
| — Period Mode — | |
| Range | 10 ns to 105 s, Averaging ×1, ×10, ×100 or ×1000 |
| Resolution | 10 ps max. |
| — Time Interval Mode — | |
| Range | 6 ns to 105 s, Averaging ×1, ×10, ×100 or ×1000 |
| Resolution | 0.1 ns usable |
| — Frequency Ratio Mode — | |
| Range | 10-7 to 104 |
| — Totalize Mode — | |
| Range | 0 to 108 counts |
| — Manual Stopwatch Mode — | |
| Range | 0 to 105 seconds |
| — Inputs CH A + CH B — | |
| Frequency Range | DC (AC coupled: 5 Hz) to 225 MHz |
| Sensitivity | 100 mVp-p (from TRIG SOURCE: 0.5 Div) |
| Max. input | 200 V DC linearly derated to 20 V at 200 MHz |
| Min. pulse width | 5 ns |
| Input impedance | 1 MΩ // 22 pF |
Internals
The 7D15 uses a number of Tek-made custom chips. The 155-0086-00, 155-0087-00 and 155-0088-00 legend generators are specific to this plug-in. The 155-0090-00 or 155-0171-00 four decade counter/latch/DAC chips implement the lower six counter digits. For the topmost two digits, the 7D15 employs ECL counters. ECL logic requires a -5 V supply, which a switching regulator (board A8) generates from the -15 V rail.
The 5 MHz signal from the (non-ovenized) internal reference crystal oscillator is divided down to a 1 MHz master clock. Optionally, the 1 MHz can be supplied externally as well. An internal VCO, phase-locked to the 1 MHz master, produces a 100 MHz input to the counter chain for timing measurements.
Links
- Tekscope Vol. 4 No. 5, 1972: The Oscilloscope Controlled Counter
- TekScope Vol. 7 No. 5, 1975 p.15+: Dave McCullough, Delayed gate aids oscilloscope digital measurements
- Tek 7D15 page @ amplifier.cd
- Tek 7D15 page @ barrytech.com
Prices
| Year | 1973 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,475 | $1,600 | $2,200 | $3,200 | $4,400 |
| 2015 value | $7,840 | $6,640 | $6,300 | $7,270 | $7,950 |
Pictures
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7D15 front
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7D15 left side. Note -5 V switching regulator (board A8) on the far left.
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7D15 right side
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Cam switch with contacts on both sides of the PCB
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double-sided switch
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double-sided switch
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double-sided switch, bottom-side contacts
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double-sided switch, through-board pins
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7D15 powered on
