547

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50 MHz scope

Produced from 1964 to 1975

Manuals

(All manuals in PDF format unless noted otherwise)

Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

The Tektronix 547 is a 50 MHz scope that takes letter-series and 1-series plug-ins.

It has two identical timebases and, when used with the 1A1, 1A2, or 1A4, has the ability to display one input with one time scale and another input with a different time scale. The effect is similar to a dual-beam scope assuming that the input signals are repetitive. This "Sweep Switching" feature differentiates the 547 from the 546.

There is also a rackmount version, the RM547 or R547.

The project lead for the development of the Tektronix 544, 546, and 547 was Bob Rullman.

Key Specifications

Bandwidth	DC to 50 MHz (−3 dB) with fast plug-ins (1A1, 1A2)
Rise time	7 ns with 1A1
Line voltage	90-136 V or 180-272 V, selected via primary voltage selector (inside cabinet) and voltage range selector (on rear panel), 50/60/400 Hz
Sweep Rates	100 ns/div to 5 s/div
Trigger Coupling	AC, DC, AC LF Rej
External Horizontal Input	100 mV/cm to 10 V/cm, DC to 400 kHz
CRT	T5470, 10 kV acceleration, 6x10 cm viewing area
Calibrator	~1 kHz, 200 μ V_p-p to 100 V_p-p
Power consumption	510 W
Cooling	AC Fan

Internals

Triggering

Triggering is done with tunnel diodes. The 'A' trigger is based on a 10 mA tunnel diode. Up to serial number 11889, it uses a TD253. From 11890 onward, it uses a 152-0140-01.

CRT

The 547 uses the Tektronix 154-0478-00 CRT.

HV Transformer

A common problem with 547s is the HV transformer. Rather than potting the HV transformer in wax, as was done up to that point, the 547's HV transformer was potted in epoxy. Unfortunately, this epoxy turned out to absorb moisture over time, particularly when used in humid climates. The moisture causes increased losses in the transformer. Excessive losses require the regulator to drive the 6AU5 input oscillator tube (V800) harder. Eventually, the drive circuit cannot supply enough power to keep the supply in regulation. The usual solution is to scavenge a replacement transformer from another scope. As a labor of love, hobbyists have been known to rebuild the HV transformers. This is discussed from time to time on the groups.io (formerly Yahoo) TekScopes forum.

Vertical Amplifier

The 547 has a five-stage BJT vertical amplifier that is fully differential from the plug-in connector to the CRT vertical deflection plates. There is one tube in the vertical signal path, a 12AT7 acting as a unity-gain buffer between the plug-in connector and the vertical amplifier.

Spoiler Switch

The plug-in bay of the 547 has a "spoiler switch" that only enables the full bandwidth of the 547's vertical signal path when certain relatively modern plug-ins are used, such as the 1A1, 1A2, 1A4, 1L30, and 1L40. Those plug-ins have a small hole to the left of the plug-in to mainframe connector, so they can be fully inserted without pressing the spoiler switch.

Delay Line

There is a 170 nanosecond delay line between the first and second gain stages.

Power Supply

The 547's power supply provides regulated outputs of −150 V, +100 V, +225 V, +350 V, as well as a +325 V unregulated output for CRT HV section.

Multiple secondary windings feeds diodes for rectification for different voltages. Both center-tap and bridge configuration is used. Its a all Tube design for the regulation. There are multiple 6.3V secondary outputs for heaters, many elevated to different voltage levels based on the section/tube its used for to keep the Heater-Cathode voltage level within limits.

As is common in many Tektronix scopes, all regulated voltages are referred to the negative regulated rail (−150 V in this case) by fixed low-tolerance dividers. Only the −150 V voltage is trimmed, its reference is a OG3 VR tube. A 12AX7 is used as the comparator and two 6CW5 in parallel are used as series pass tubes. A 6AU6 is used as an error amplifier. Most other power supply sections in the 547 replicate the same basic design, except slight changes in tubes used − the +225 V and +100 V regulators employ a 6080 as the pass element, +350 uses a 6CW5.

The plate voltage delay circuit is similar to that found in many may other Teks of the same era. A 6N030 delay tube (P/N 148-0021-00) controls a relay that switches plate supply voltages on only after the tubes are warmed up. Heater voltage is applied to all tubes immediately when the power switch is turned on.