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{{Oscilloscope Sidebar |  
{{Oscilloscope Sidebar  
title=Tektronix 517 |
|manufacturer=Tektronix
summary=50 MHz scope |
|series=
image=Tek 517 front.jpg|
|model=517  
caption= Tektronix 517 front view |
|summary=50 MHz scope  
introduced=1951 |
|image=Tek 517 vt.jpg
discontinued=1965 |
|caption=Tektronix 517 at VintageTek Museum
manuals=
|introduced=1951  
* [http://w140.com/tek_517_calibration.pdf Tektronix 517 Calibration Guide]
|discontinued=1965  
* [http://w140.com/tek_517_early.pdf Early 517 Manual (PDF)]
|designers=Logan Belleville;Dick Rhiger
* [http://w140.com/tek_517_early_OCR.pdf Early 517 Manual (PDF, OCR)]
|manuals=
* [http://w140.com/tek_517_517a_v2.pdf Later Manual Covering the 517 and 517A (PDF)]
* [[Media:IM-517.pdf|Early 517 Manual (IM-517)]] (PDF, OCR)
* [http://w140.com/tek_517_517a_OCR.pdf Later Manual Covering the 517 and 517A (PDF, OCR)]
* [[Media:070-229.pdf|Later Manual (070-229) Covering the 517 and 517A]] (PDF, OCR)
* [[Media:Tek_517_calibration_guide.pdf|Tektronix 517 Calibration Guide]] (PDF, OCR)
}}
}}
The '''Tektronix 517''' is a 50 MHz scope [[introduced in 1950]] or [[introduced in 1951|1951]]. The power supply is an external box, like the [[507]], [[551]] and [[555]]. [[Category:Introduced in 1950]]
The '''Tektronix 517''' is a 50 MHz scope [[introduced in 1950]] or [[introduced in 1951|1951]].
The 517 does not take plug-ins. There is also a 517A (1955-1965).
The power supply is an external box, like the [[507]], [[551]] and [[555]].
The 517 does not take plug-ins. There is also a 517A (1955-1965).


==Specifications==
{{BeginSpecs}}
The power consumption of a 517 is 1250 watts. The indicator unit weighs 76 pounds and the external
{{Spec | Bandwidth | AC (?) to 50 MHz (−3 dB)  }}
power supply weighs 72 pounds. 
{{Spec | Rise time | 7 ns }}
{{Spec | Input Impedance | 170 Ω }}
{{Spec | Sweep Rates | 10 ns/div to 20 μs/div}}
{{Spec | Calibrator | ~25 kHz, 150 mV<sub>p-p</sub> to 50 V<sub>p-p</sub>, 4% accuracy }}
{{Spec | Power consumption | 1250 W }}
{{Spec | Weight |
* Indicator: 76 pounds
* External Power Supply: 72 pounds }}
{{EndSpecs}}


=== Historic Context ===
=== Historic Context ===
The 517 closely resembles a scope that Tektronix developed under a contract  
The 517 closely resembles a scope that Tektronix developed under a contract for the US military during 1949 and 1950.  (See link below.)
for the US military during 1949 and 1950.  (See link below.)


Tektronix engineer [[Frank Hood]] recollects:
Tektronix engineer [[Frank Hood]] recollects:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
"A lot of progress was made in 1949 and 1950. Work was well underway by [[Logan Belleville]], [[Dick Rhiger]] and [[Howard Vollum|Howard]] on the high speed scope, the 517. This used some brand new circuitry, distributed (or chain) amplifiers, using 16 to 20 tubes in each stage to get the power needed to handle the high frequencies. Our best prediction at that time was that there were only about 30 to 50 people in the whole world who had need of a scope with 60 to 100 megacycle bandwidth. As it turned out, when we brought out a higher speed scope, people were able to design equipment of greater bandwidth and needed even faster measuring instruments. The cycle was regenerative. Having faster, more accurate measuring tools created a demand for even more measuring tools. We eventually sold several thousand of this instrument."
"A lot of progress was made in 1949 and 1950.  
Work was well underway by [[Logan Belleville]], [[Dick Rhiger]] and [[Howard Vollum|Howard]] on the high speed scope, the 517.
 
This used some brand new circuitry, [[distributed amplifier|distributed (or chain) amplifiers]], using 16 to 20 tubes in each stage to get the power needed to handle the high frequencies.
 
Our best prediction at that time was that there were only about 30 to 50 people in the whole world who had need of a scope with 60 to 100 megacycle bandwidth.
As it turned out, when we brought out a higher speed scope, people were able to design equipment of greater bandwidth and needed even faster measuring instruments.
The cycle was regenerative. Having faster, more accurate measuring tools created a demand for even more measuring tools.
 
We eventually sold several thousand of this instrument."
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


==Internals==
==Internals==
=== External Power Supply ===
=== External Power Supply ===
The external power supply and oscilloscope are connected by a removable cable
The external power supply and oscilloscope are connected by a removable cable with a Jones plug on one end and a Jones socket on the other end.   
with a Jones plug on one end and a Jones socket on the other end.   
Units with serial numbers from 101 through 1739 use 12-pin Jones 2412 connectors; after that it is a 16-pin Jones connector.  
Units with serial numbers from 101 through 1739 use 12-pin Jones 2412 connectors;  
after that it is a 16-pin Jones connector.  
''(Was a 16-pin Jones connector used or did they go directory from the 12-pin Jones connector to the 16-pin Amphenol power connector used by the [[555]]?)''
''(Was a 16-pin Jones connector used or did they go directory from the 12-pin Jones connector to the 16-pin Amphenol power connector used by the [[555]]?)''


Line 45: Line 61:
* Pin 5: +150 V, regulated
* Pin 5: +150 V, regulated
* Pin 6: Ground
* Pin 6: Ground
* Pin 7: -250 V, regulated
* Pin 7: −250 V, regulated
* Pin 8: +180 V, unregulated
* Pin 8: +180 V, unregulated


Later 517A units uses the same cable as the [[551]] and [[555]].   
Later 517A units uses the same cable as the [[551]] and [[555]].   
Although they use the same cable, they are completely incompatible.
Although they use the same cable, they are completely incompatible – the voltages are different.   
The voltages are different.  The 517's external power supply
The 517's external power supply provides +750 V to the indicator unit.   
provides +750 V to the indicator unit.  The highest voltage provided by
The highest voltage provided by the 555 and 551 power supplies is +500 V.
the 555 and 551 power supplies is +500V. Also, for example, the 517A
Also, for example, the 517A has +180 V on pin 8 of the 16-pin connector while the 555 and 551 have -150 V on pin 8.   
has +180 V on pin 8 of the 16-pin connector while the 555 and 551 have
-150 V on pin 8.   


=== Distributed Amplifiers ===
=== Distributed Amplifiers ===
The 517 makes extensive use of the [[distributed amplifier]] concept.   
The 517 makes extensive use of the [[distributed amplifier]] concept.   
Originally the [[5XP]] CRT was used,  
Originally the [[5XP]] CRT was used, which has 38 V/cm vertical deflection sensitivity when operated with 24 kV acceleration voltage.  
which has 38 V/cm vertical deflection sensitivity when operated with 24 kV acceleration voltage.  
''(Is this correct?  It doesn't agree with the 5XP datasheet.)''
''(Is this correct?  It doesn't agree with the 5XP datasheet.)''


Since the vertical sensitivity at the input connector is 0.1 V/cm, we can calculate that  
Since the vertical sensitivity at the input connector is 0.1 V/cm, we can calculate that the voltage gain from the input connector to the vertical deflection plates is 380.  
the voltage gain from the input connector to the vertical deflection plates is 380.  
For 4 cm deflection, a 152 V differential output swing is required.  There are DC blocking capacitors at various places in the signal path.   
For 4 cm deflection, a 152 V differential output swing is required.  There are DC blocking  
The slowest sweep is 20 μs/cm.  The 517 is not designed for low-frequency use.  
capacitors at various places in the signal path.  The slowest sweep is 20 μs/cm.  The 517 is  
not designed for low-frequency use.  


The vertical signal path is as follows:
The vertical signal path is as follows:
Line 75: Line 86:
* Gain Stage 3: single-ended, seven sections, distributed, [[6AK5]] pentodes  
* Gain Stage 3: single-ended, seven sections, distributed, [[6AK5]] pentodes  
* Trig Pickoff: one common-cathode [[6CB6]] pentode
* Trig Pickoff: one common-cathode [[6CB6]] pentode
* Signal Delay: 51 feet of RG63U 125-ohm coaxial cable
* Signal Delay: 51 feet of RG63U 125-ohm coaxial cable (65ns)
* Phase Splitter: single-ended in, differential out, three sections, distributed, [[6CB6]] pentode
* Phase Splitter: single-ended in, differential out, three sections, distributed, [[6CB6]] pentode
* Gain Stage 4: differential, six sections, distributed, [[6CB6]] pentodes
* Gain Stage 4: differential, six sections, distributed, [[6CB6]] pentodes
* Gain Stage 5: differential, twelve sections, distributed, [[6CB6]] pentodes
* Gain Stage 5: differential, twelve sections, distributed, [[6CB6]] pentodes


There is a trigger amplifier in the 517 which can take its input from  
There is a trigger amplifier in the 517 which can take its input from an external source, or from the trigger pickoff in the vertical pre-amp, or from the internal rate generator circuit.   
an external source, or from the trigger pickoff in the vertical pre-amp, or  
The trigger amplifier circuit has five stages:
from the internal rate generator circuit.  The trigger amplifier circuit has
five stages:


* Phase Splitter: [[6J6]] dual-triode connected as a differential amplifier
* Phase Splitter: [[6J6]] dual-triode connected as a differential amplifier
Line 92: Line 101:


=== High Voltage Power Supply ===
=== High Voltage Power Supply ===
The 517 uses 24 kV total acceleration voltage on the CRT.  This is generated by the Type 420 High Voltage
The 517 uses 24 kV total acceleration voltage on the CRT.   
Power Supply subsystem in the 517.  It uses a 1.8 kHz oscillator to produce the high voltage, unlike
This is generated by the [[420|Type 420]] High Voltage Power Supply subsystem in the 517.   
other Tek scopes which use HV oscillators in the ultrasonic range.
It uses a 1.8 kHz oscillator to produce the high voltage, unlike other Tek scopes which use HV oscillators in the ultrasonic range.
 
The 517 has a switch on the front panel that selects between normal vertical sensitivity, which uses the full 24 kV acceleration voltage,
and "X2" mode, which drops the acceleration voltage to 12 kV for a doubling of the vertical sensitivity. 
The control works by switching the voltage division ratio of the feedback to the error amplifier in the HV supply.


The 517 has a switch on the front panel that selects between normal vertical sensitivity,
which uses the full 24 kV acceleration voltage, and "X2" mode, which drops the acceleration
voltage to 12 kV for a doubling of the vertical sensitivity.  The control works by
switching the the voltage division ratio of the feedback to the error amplifier in the HV supply.
== CRTs Used in the 517 ==
== CRTs Used in the 517 ==
517 units with serial numbers 101 through 925 use the DuMont 5XP CRT.   
517 units with serial numbers 101 through 925 use the [[5XP|DuMont 5XP CRT]].   
Later units use a Tek-made CRT, the T517PxH/T54PxH, where "x" designates
Later units use a Tek-made CRT, the [[T517|T517PxH/T54PxH]], where "x" designates the [[phosphor]] type: 1, 2, 7, 11, or 16.   
the [[phosphor]] type: 1, 2, 7, 11, or 16.  The 5XP has three anode connections:
The 5XP used [[multi-band acceleration]] and has three anode connections, at 6.6 kV, 13.3 kV, and 20 kV.   
6.6 kV, 13.3 kV, and 20 kV.  The Tek-made CRT has just one anode connection, 20 kV,
The Tek-made CRT has just one anode connection, 20 kV, and has 15 V/cm sensitivity at 24 kV total acceleration voltage.
and has 15 V/cm sensitivity at 24 kV total acceleration voltage.


The 517 might be the only Tektronix instrument to have a part made of wood.
The 517 might be the only Tektronix instrument to have a part made of wood - a support for a large electrolytic capacitor, C826, which filters probe power.
There is a wood support for a large electrolytic capacitor, C826, which filters
the probe power.


== Comparison of 517 with 547 ==
== Comparison of 517 with 547 ==
In 1965, following the introduction of the 50 MHz [[547]], the
In 1965, following the introduction of the 50 MHz [[547]], the 517 was discontinued.
517 was discontinued. The 547 uses a non-distributed solid-state vertical
The 547 uses a non-distributed solid-state vertical amplifier, [[tunnel diodes|tunnel diode]] triggering, and a 6.5 V/cm CRT,  
amplifier, [[tunnel diodes|tunnel diode]] triggering, and a 6.5 V/cm CRT,  
thereby achieving good performance with lower cost, size, weight, complexity, and power consumption than the 517.
thereby achieving good performance with
lower cost, size, weight, complexity, and power consumption than the 517.


 
{| border="1" class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| border="1" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Comparison of 517A with 547
|+ Comparison of 517A with 547
! scope="col" |
! scope="col" |
! scope="col" | 517A
! scope="col" width="33%" | 517A
! scope="col" | 547 with 1A1
! scope="col" width="33%" | 547 with 1A1
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Bandwidth
! scope="col" | Bandwidth
| 50MHz
| 50 MHz
| 50MHz
| 50 MHz
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Sensitivity
! scope="col" | Sensitivity
Line 142: Line 144:
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Weight
! scope="row" | Weight
| 148 pounds
| 148 lb / 67 kg
| 71 pounds
| 71 lb / 32 kg
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Complexity
! scope="row" | Complexity
Line 150: Line 152:
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Power Consumption
! scope="row" | Power Consumption
| 1250 watts
| 1250 W
| 510 watts
| 510 W
|}
|}


Some 517 modification kits are listed on page 181 of the 1959 catalog.
Some 517 modification kits are listed on page 181 of the 1959 catalog.


Tek sold the [[108]] pulse generator as a tool for maintaining the 517,
Tek sold the [[108]] pulse generator as a tool for maintaining the 517, since a fast scope requires a fast pulse generator to test it.
since a fast scope requires a fast pulse generator to test it.


The [[P170CF]] cathode-follower probe was designed for use with the 517.
The [[P170CF]] cathode-follower probe was designed for use with the 517.


== Links==
== Links==
* [http://w140.com/tektronix_milspec_high_speed_scope_OCR.pdf Final Report on Tektronix MILSPEC High Speed Scope (PDF, cleaned up and OCR)]
* [https://w140.com/tektronix_milspec_high_speed_scope_OCR.pdf Final Report on Tektronix MILSPEC High Speed Scope (PDF, cleaned up and OCR)]
* [http://w140.com/tektronix_milspec_high_speed_scope.pdf Final Report on Tektronix MILSPEC High Speed Scope (5MB, PDF, cleaned up)]  
* [https://w140.com/tektronix_milspec_high_speed_scope.pdf Final Report on Tektronix MILSPEC High Speed Scope (5MB, PDF, cleaned up)]  
* [http://w140.com/MILSPEC_High_Speed_Scope.pdf Final Report on Tektronix MILSPEC High Speed Scope (220MB, PDF, original)]
* [https://w140.com/MILSPEC_High_Speed_Scope.pdf Final Report on Tektronix MILSPEC High Speed Scope (220MB, PDF, original)]
* [http://w140.com/flynn_johnson_fast_gray_wedge.pdf Flynn and Johnson "Fast Grey Wedge Analyzer for High Input Rates"]
* [https://w140.com/flynn_johnson_fast_gray_wedge.pdf Flynn and Johnson "Fast Grey Wedge Analyzer for High Input Rates"]
* [http://w140.com/thomas_and_hearst-measurement_of_exploding_wire_energy.pdf Thomas and Hearst, "An Electronic Scheme for Measurement of Exploding Wire Energy"]
* [https://w140.com/thomas_and_hearst-measurement_of_exploding_wire_energy.pdf Thomas and Hearst, "An Electronic Scheme for Measurement of Exploding Wire Energy"]


==Pictures of 517 ==
==Pictures of 517 ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:517_cat_whole.jpg|front
517_cat_whole.jpg|front
File:517_cat_int_left.jpg|bottom internal
517_cat_int_left.jpg|bottom internal
File:517_cat_int_right.jpg|right internal
517_cat_int_right.jpg|right internal
File:517_cat_int_top.jpg|top internal
517_cat_int_top.jpg|top internal
File:517_cat_ps_int.jpg|power supply internal
517_cat_ps_int.jpg|power supply internal
File:517 power connector.jpg|12-pin Jones socket on power supply
517 power connector.jpg|12-pin Jones socket on power supply
File:Jones 12pin male.jpg|12-pin Jones plug
Jones 12pin male.jpg|12-pin Jones plug
File:Jones 12m inside.jpg|12-pin Jones plug inside
Tek 517 jones plug.jpg|Original Tek 517 cable with Jones plug
File:Tek 517 420 hv.jpg|High voltage supply
Jones 12m inside.jpg|12-pin Jones plug inside
File:Tek 517 front.jpg|Front view
Tek 517 420 hv.jpg|High voltage supply
File:Tek 517 indicator jones.jpg|12-pin Jones connector on indicator unit
Tek 517 front.jpg|Front view
File:Tek 517 left.jpg|Left internal view
Tek 517 indicator jones.jpg|12-pin Jones connector on indicator unit
File:Tek 517 vert output.jpg|Distributed vertical output amplifier
Tek 517 left.jpg|Left internal view
File:Tek 517 wood cap support.jpg|Wooden support for capacitor C826
Tek 517 vert output.jpg|Distributed vertical output amplifier
File:Tek crt table.png|Tek CRT Reference Chart
Tek 517 wood cap support.jpg|Wooden support for capacitor C826
File:517 trig amp underside.jpg
Tek crt table.png|Tek CRT Reference Chart
File:517 vert stages one through three.jpg
517 trig amp underside.jpg
File:517 4th vert stage.jpg
517 vert stages one through three.jpg
File:517 right internals.jpg
517 4th vert stage.jpg
File:517 timing switch 2.jpg
517 right internals.jpg
File:517 timing switch 1.jpg
517 timing switch 2.jpg
File:517 power test point.jpg
517 timing switch 1.jpg
File:517 hv osc.jpg
517 power test point.jpg
File:Tek 517a vert pre.png
517 hv osc.jpg
File:Tek 517a vert amp.png
Tek 517a vert pre.png | Vertical pre-amplifier circuit
File:Tek 517a trigger amp.png
Tek 517a vert amp.png | Vertical amplifier circuit
File:Tek 517 late sweep.png
Tek 517a trigger amp.png | Trigger amplifier circuit
File:Tek 517a crt circuit.png
Tek 517 late sweep.png |
File:Tek 517a trigger rate gen.png
Tek 517a crt circuit.png | CRT circuit
File:517 ps fan.jpg
Tek 517a trigger rate gen.png |
File:517 ps bottom left.jpg
Tek 517 hvps2.png | High-voltage power supply circuit
File:517 ps bottom right.jpg
517 ps fan.jpg
File:517 ps front left int.jpg
517 ps bottom left.jpg
File:517 ps right rear bottom.jpg
517 ps bottom right.jpg
File:517 ps bottom.jpg
517 ps front left int.jpg
File:517 ps right int.jpg
517 ps right rear bottom.jpg
File:517 assembly2.jpg
517 ps bottom.jpg
File:B170_A.JPG| 170 ohms Attenuator
517 ps right int.jpg
File:Tek 517 ad.jpg
517 assembly2.jpg
File:517a rear vert interface.jpg|Direct CRT access mod
B170_A.JPG| [[B170-V|B170-V 170 Ω attenuator]]
File:517a single sweep controls.jpg|Single-sweep mod
Tek 517 ad.jpg
517a rear vert interface.jpg|Direct CRT access mod
517a single sweep controls.jpg|Single-sweep mod
Tek 517 735 on cart.jpg
Tek 517 735 left.jpg
Tek 517 735 front.jpg
Tek 517 735 front upper.jpg
Tek 517 735 front lower.jpg
Tek517 Scope01.jpg
Tek517 Scope02.jpg
Tek517 Scope03.jpg
Tek517 Scope04.jpg
Tek517 Scope05.jpg
Tek 517 lvps internal.jpg
517 PowerSupply01.jpg
517 Cable PS-Scope.jpg
517 Cable Conn.jpg
517 Cable Conn2.jpg
Tek 517 with 5xp crt.jpg|517 with [[5XP]] CRT
Tek 517 right internal 5xp.jpg|517 with [[5XP]] CRT
Tek 517 early rear chassis.jpg
Tek 517 early bottom.jpg
Tek 517 early bottom rear.jpg
Tek 517 early bottom front.jpg
Tek 517 crt gun connections.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Pictures of 517A ==
==Pictures of 517A ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:517A_1.JPG |517A Front
517A_1.JPG |517A Front
Image:517A_2.JPG |517A Power Supply
517A_2.JPG |517A Power Supply
Image:517A_3.JPG |517A with cart
6_57.JPG |517A with cart
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{Parts|517}}
{{Parts|517A}}
[[Category:Monolithic tube scopes]]
[[Category:Monolithic tube scopes]]
[[Category:Introduced in 1950]]
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