Engine Analyzer System
In the late 1950s, Tektronix began developing solutions for analysis of rotational machinery, especially internal combustion engines.
The earliest implementation was the ROTAN system from 1958 that used a magnetic drum rotational encoder coupled to the engine. It was limited to 10,000 rpm. What was the commercial status of the 1958 ROTAN until 1961?
In the early 1960s, still under the ROTAN label, the 183 Rotational Analyzer with its optoelectronic 182 allowed up to 20,000 rpm.
In 1967, Tek commercialized a package of instruments as the Tektronix Engine Analyzer.
It consists of a 561A oscilloscope or a 564 storage scope, an optoelectronic rotational function generator, a specially designed Engine Analyzer Timebase (a modified 2B67) with a rotational function generator input), and a modified 3A74 4-channel amplifier providing separate inputs for pressure (with a charge preamplifier), ignition, vibration, and crank-shaft rotation marker.
The Engine Analyzer was applied to measurements on Internal combustion engines. Possible displays include
- Pressure vs. time
- Pressure vs. volume
- Pressure vs. crank angle
- Vibration analysis
- Ignition analysis (timing, point arcing, spark plug condition etc.)
The 015-0126-00 Engine Analyzer Accessory Package included a 015-0108-00 rotational function generator, a 015-0117-00 pressure transducer, a 015-0116-00 vibration transducer, a 015-0119-00 magnetic pickup, a 012-0139-00 ignition pickoff, interconnecting cables, mounting material and shaft coupler, a 011-0095-00 charge amplifier calibrator, a carrying case, and the 070-0890-00 manual.
For a full system, a 561A or 564 oscilloscope, a 3A74 Mod. 730A four-channel vertical amplifier, and a 2B67 Mod. 730A timebase were required.
The 015-0108-00 rotational function generator consists of a rotating film disk that is mechanically linked to the engine. Through three printed, optically sensed patterns, it provides three selectable signals – a sawtooth pattern linked to the crank angle, a pulse pattern marking crank angle in 10°, 60° and 360° increments, and a modified sine (6% second harmonic) representing piston volume as a function of crankshaft angle.
The Engine Analyzer System was available from 1967 until 1975, when production of the 560 oscilloscope series was terminated. To allow the rotational function generator to be used with 7000-series scopes, Tek offered a combination of a modified timebase (7B53A MOD FB) and a TM500 based power supply (PS501-1 MOD 730E) that were produced until 1985.
Links
Documents Referencing Engine Analyzer System
| Document | Class | Title | Authors | Year | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 070-0890-00.pdf | Manual | Engine Analyzer System | 1968 | Engine Analyzer System • 561B • 564B • 3A74 • 2B67 • 015-0108-00 | |
| Tekscope 1969 V1 N2 Apr 1969.pdf | Article | A New Insight Into Reciprocating Machinery | Bill Verhoef | 1969 | Engine Analyzer System • 3A74 • 561B • 564B |
| 062-1074-00.pdf | Book | Measurement Concepts: Engine Analysis | Jim Thurman | 1970 | Engine Analyzer System |
Prices
| Part | 1969 price | In 2023 Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 561B P7 oscilloscope | $560 | $4,700 |
| Alternative: 564B storage oscilloscope | $995 | $8,300 |
| 2B67 Mod. 730A Engine Analyzer amplifier | $375 | $3,100 |
| 3A74 Mod. 730A Engine Analyzer timebase | $775 | $6,500 |
| 015-0126-00 Engine Analyzer Accessory Package | $820 | $6,900 |
