7A29

The Tektronix 7A29 is a 1 GHz single-channel vertical plug-in for 7000-series scopes. It is primarily intended for the 7103 and 7104. Like with the 7A19, a variable signal delay was available as an option. The 7A29 was designed by John Addis.

Tektronix 7A29
1 GHz amplifier 7A29 front view (sans options) Compatible with 7000-series scopes Produced from 1978 to 1991 Manuals Tektronix 7A29 (OCR, PDF) (All manuals in PDF format unless noted otherwise)

Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

There is also a 7A29P, which has digitally programmable gain, intended for the 7000 series digitizers and the 7854 only.

The 7F10 uses the 7A29's amplifier board after the optical/electrical converter.

Key Specifications

Bandwidth	1 GHz (in 7104)
Input impedance	50±1 Ω, VSWR <1.2:1 from DC to 1 GHz (10 mV/Div: 1.4:1, Opt.4: 1.5:1)
Max. input	max. 10 V_RMS or 1 Ws pulses not exceeding 50 V; max. 100 V additional DC component in AC mode
Deflection	10 mV/div to 1 V/div, 1-2-5, ±2%; variable 2.5:1
Channels	Single channel
Recommended probes	P6056 (×10), P6057 (×100)
Options	Option 4: variable delay (1 ns)

Internals

The 7A29 employs a number of Tek-made custom Hypcon-packaged hybrids, the 155-0180-00 fast input protection, 155-0181-00 input amplifier and 155-0175-00 trigger amplifier (2 ×). It also uses the 155-0076-00 input protection IC initially developed for the 485.

It uses a "feed-beside" scheme implemented with standard low-frequency operational amplifiers to compensate for low-frequency anomalies in the frequency response that are attributed to transistor heating.

The input connector is a special Tek-made part that is exactly 50 Ω. Typical BNC connectors are around 52 Ω.

The 7A29 does not use the ±50 V supplies provided by the mainframe.

Although the 7A29 has a VARIABLE gain control, this control has the undesirable side-effect of also affecting bandwidth. See bandwidth versus VARIABLE gain plot below.

Repair issues

The input attenuator connected to the Volts/Div switch is very delicate. Three plastic levers actuate the ×2, ×10, and ×5 attenuator switches. Small metal rollers are clipped into the plastic levers and ride on cams. The plastic clips did not age well and have become very brittle. Combined with lack of lubrication on the metal rollers this often leads to broken plastic clips and missing rollers. Do not operate a stiff Volts/Div switch and lubricate rollers before use!