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{{Oscilloscope Sidebar|
{{Oscilloscope Sidebar  
title=Tektronix 7904|
|manufacturer=Tektronix
image=Tek-7904-front.jpg |
|series=7000-series scopes
caption=Tektronix 7904 (with [[7A19]], [[7A11]], [[7D11]], [[7B85]]) |
|model= 7904
introduced=1971 |
|designers=Val Garuts;Thor Hallen;John McCormick;Les Larson;Bill DeVey;Bill Peek;Hans Springer;Joe Burger;Joel Swanno;Ken Hawken
discontinued=1990 |
|image=Tek-7904-front.jpg
summary=500 MHz non-storage mainframe|
|caption=Tektronix 7904 (with [[7A19]], [[7A11]], [[7D11]], [[7B85]])  
manuals=
|introduced=1971  
* [http://bama.edebris.com/download/tek/7904/Tektronix_7904_Service_May1983.pdf Tektronix 7904 Manual (PDF)]
|discontinued=1990  
* [http://www.ko4bb.com/Manuals/Tektronix/Tektronix_-_7904A/7904a-service-1990.djvu Tektronix 7904A Manual (DjVu)]
|summary=500 MHz non-storage mainframe
* [http://w140.com/Tektronix_7904A_OCRed_by_Tabalabs.pdf Tektronix 7904A Manual (Shannon Hill PDF with OCR)]
|manuals=
* [http://w140.com/Tek_7904_OCRed_by_Tabalabs.pdf Tektronix 7904 Manual (Shannon Hill PDF with OCR)]
'''7904'''
* [http://w140.com/Tek_7904_Power_Supply.pdf Servicing the 7904 High-Efficiency Power Supply (PDF)]
* [[Media:070-1399-00.pdf|Tektronix 7904 Operators Manual]]
* [[Media:070-2390-00.pdf|Tektronix 7904 Instruction Manual with PSU Schematics]] SN B260000+ (OCR)
* [[Media:Servicing the Tek 7904 Power Supply.pdf|Servicing the 7904 High-Efficiency Power Supply]]
* [[Media:Tektronix - 7904 - Horizontal Amplifier B010100 - B079999.pdf|Horizontal Amplifier SN B010100 - B079999]]
'''7904A'''
* [[Media:070-4593-00.pdf|Tektronix 7904A Manual, May 1989 Revision]] (OCR, low quality scan, whole schematics)
* [[Media:070-4593-00 hires split schematics.pdf|Tektronix 7904A Manual, May 1989 Revision]] (OCR, good quality scan, split schematics)
<small>
'''Modifications'''
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0650-00.pdf 050-0650-00 (1980) Vertical amplifier IC replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0651-01.pdf 050-0651-01 (1975) Vertical output IC replacement (155-0065-00)]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0706-01.pdf 050-0706-01 (1980) Vertical output IC replacement (155-0065-00)]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0729-06.pdf 050-0729-06 (1980) A Trigger selector circuit board replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0730-06.pdf 050-0730-06 (1980) B Trigger selector circuit board replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-0763-03.pdf 050-0763-03 (1981) Vertical interface circuit board replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-1014-00.pdf 050-1014-00 (1980) Vertical output IC replacement] ([[155-0064-00]])
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/kitinstructions/050-1723-01.pdf 050-1723-01 (1983) P31 CRT replacement]
* [https://hakanh.com/dl/docs/custommods/7904mod721K.pdf Custom Mod 721K (1972) Single shot readout and/or grat illumination]
</small>
}}
}}
The '''Tektronix 7904''' is a 500 MHz, non-storage 7000-series oscilloscope mainframe with four bays. It accepts two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Vertical plug-ins|7000-series vertical plug-ins]] and two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Horizontal plug-ins|7000-series horizontal plug-ins]]. It was introduced in late 1971/early 1972 (Note 1). The successor model 7904A was introduced in 1974. There is also a rack-mount version, the [[R7903]], albeit with only one horizontal bay.
The '''Tektronix 7904''' is a 500 MHz, non-storage 7000-series oscilloscope mainframe with four bays.
It accepts two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Vertical plug-ins|7000-series vertical plug-ins]] and two [[7000-series_plug-ins#Horizontal plug-ins|7000-series horizontal plug-ins]].
It was introduced in late 1971/early 1972 (Note 1).
The successor model 7904A was introduced in 1984.
There is also a rack-mount version, the [[R7903]], albeit with only one horizontal bay.


Performance is largely determined by the plug-ins. The [[7A19]] vertical amplifier and [[7B92]] time base were introduced along with the 7904 to match the 500 MHz system bandwidth.   
Performance is largely determined by the plug-ins.
The [[7A19]] vertical amplifier and [[7B92]] time base were introduced along with the 7904 to match the 500 MHz system bandwidth.   


===7904A differences===
Design Staff of 7904 Project (from July 1971 Tekscope):
The 7904 had an elaborate 5-decade built-in calibrator with variable rate that was dropped from the 7904A. In the 7904A, The Control Illumination switch moved to the rear panel, and the readout system gained a pulsed mode in which it is synchronized with the sweep instead of interrupting the display at random times. This pulsed mode is not compatible with all time base plug-ins (see manual p. 1-12).
<blockquote>[[Val Garuts]] was project manager and developed the large signal amplifier circuit used in the horizontal and Z-axis amplifiers. [[Thor Hallen]] did the [[7A19]] plug-in and the vertical amplifier, and [[John McCormick]] the horizontal. The trigger and time base ([[7B92]] plug-in) were done by [[Les Larson]] and [[Bill DeVey]]. [[Bill Peek]] worked on the Z-axis amplifier and auto-focus, with [[Hans Springer]] doing the mainframe interface and channel switching. [[Joe Burger]]'s work on the power supply, coupled with [[Joel Swanno]]’s efforts in mechanical design, reduced the weight to only 30 pounds. [[Ken Hawken]] did the fine job on the CRT. </blockquote>


==Specifications==
{{BeginSpecs}}
{{BeginSpecs}}
{{Spec | Bandwidth | 500 MHz }}
{{Spec | Bandwidth | 500 MHz }}
{{Spec | Fastest calibrated sweep | 500 ps/Div (with [[7B92A]], other time bases "uncalibrated for first 60 ns") }}
{{Spec | Fastest calibrated sweep | 500 ps/Div (with [[7B92A]], other time bases "uncalibrated for first 60 ns") }}
{{Spec | Acceleration voltage | 24 kV }}
{{Spec | Calibrator | DC, square wave (1 kHz or ½ B Sweep gate), 4 mV to 40 V in decade steps (2/20/200/400 mV into 50 Ω); 40 mA current loop }}
{{Spec | Calibrator (7904) | 4 mV, 40 mV, 400 mV, 4 V or 40 V (p-p) into 1 MΩ; 2 mV, 20 mV, 200 mV or 400 mV into 50 Ω; or 40 mA; selectable 1 kHz, ½ rep. rate of B Sweep Gate, or DC }}
{{Spec | Vertical modes | Left / Alt / Add / Chop / Right }}
{{Spec | Calibrator (7904A) | 4 mV to 4 V (p-p) in decade steps, 1 kHz; 40 mV to 400 mV into 50 Ω }}
{{Spec | Horizontal modes | A / Alt / Chop / B }}
{{Spec | Power consumption | 190 W }}
{{Spec | Trigger Source | Left / Vert Mode / Right }}
{{Spec | Weight | 13.5 kg (30 lbs) }}
{{Spec | Inputs |  
{{Spec | CRT Options |
* Z Axis (15 V<sub>p-p</sub>)
}}
{{Spec | Outputs |  
* Vertical Signal Out (25 mV/Div into 50 Ω, 0.5 V/Div into 1 MΩ)
* +Sawtooth
* +Gate
* camera power
* probe power
}}
{{Spec | CRT |
* Standard: (8×10 Div @ 1 cm), P31 (green) [[154-0644-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0644-09]]
* Standard: (8×10 Div @ 1 cm), P31 (green) [[154-0644-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0644-09]]
* Option 4, high writing speed: (8×10 Div @ 0.5 cm) , P31 (green) [[154-0661-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0661-09]]
* Option 4, high writing speed: (8×10 Div @ 0.5 cm) , P31 (green) [[154-0661-05]] or P11 (blue) [[154-0661-09]]
}}
{{Spec | Acceleration voltage | 24 kV (+21 / -3 kV) }}
{{Spec | Power | 90−132 V or 180−264 V, 48−440 Hz, 190 W max. }}
{{Spec | Weight | 13.5 kg (30 lbs) }}
{{Spec | Size |
: 34.2 cm × 30.5 cm × 69.5 cm (H×W×L)
: (13.5 in x 12.0 in x 23.8 in)
}}
}}
{{EndSpecs}}
{{EndSpecs}}
==Links==
* [[Media:A subnanosecond realtime oscilloscope garuts hallen.pdf|A Subnanosecond Realtime Oscilloscope]], [[Media:Tekscope 1971 V3 N4 Jul 1971.pdf | Tekscope Vol.3 No.4, July 1971]]
* [https://lazyelectrons.wordpress.com/2018/11/24/tektronix-7904-oscilloscope-power-supply-repair/ 7904 Repair with Video]
* [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904.htm Tek 7904] / [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904A.htm 7904A] @ amplifier.cd
* [https://www.circuitsathome.com/measurements/repairing-front-panel-buttons-of-tektronix-7904-oscilloscope Repairing front panel buttons of Tektronix 7904 oscilloscope]
* [http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tek7000/tek7904.html Tek 7904] / [http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tek7000/tek7904a.html 7904A] @ barrytech.com*
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQn0EqW-u74 Tektronix 7904 lab check in and LED MOD] by Zenwizard Studios @ YouTube
{{Documents|Link=7904}}
{{Documents|Link=7904A}}
===7904A differences===
The 7904A ([[:Category:Introduced in 1984 |introduced in 1984]]) borrows heavily from the previously introduced [[7104]] in terms of front panel layout, mechanical design, and electronics, re-implementing the vertical amplifier using Hypcon-packaged amplifier chips such as the [[155-0178-00]].
The 7904 had the elaborate 5-decade built-in calibrator with variable rate that was common on all first-generation 4-bay [[7000-series scopes]], it was dropped from the 7904A. The [[7000-series remote control connector|rear remote control connector]] unique to early 7000-series scopes was dropped as well.
In the 7904A, The Control Illumination switch moved to the rear panel, and the [[7000 series readout system|readout system]]
gained a pulsed mode in which it is synchronized with the sweep instead of interrupting the display at random times.
This pulsed mode is not compatible with all time base plug-ins (see manual p. 1-12).
===Options===
<div style="column-count:4;-moz-column-count:4;-webkit-column-count:4">
* Opt.1: deletes read out system
* Opt.2: X-Y delay compensation network
* Opt.3: Extra EMI shielding
* Opt.4: Maximum-brightness CRT with reduced area
* Opt.78: P11 phosphor
</div>


==Operation==
==Operation==
The 7904 has many modes of operation.
One mode is called "Independent-Pairs Display" in the manual, where the input to the left vertical plug-in is displayed using the B horizontal time-base plug-in,
and the input to the right vertical plug-in is displayed using the A horizontal time-base plug-in.
This resembles the trace-slaving "ALT" mode that is produced by an [[1A4]] in a [[547]]. Many other modes are available.
It is possible to put vertical plug-ins in the horizontal slots for X-Y operation.
It is even possible to put a horizontal plug-in in one of the vertical slots to produce a raster scan. 


The 7904 has a many modes of operation.  One mode is called "Independent-Pairs Display" in the manual, where the input to the left vertical plug-in is displayed using the B horizontal time-base plug-in, and the input to the right vertical plug-in is displayed using the A horizontal time-base plug-in. This resembles the trace-slaving "ALT" mode that is produced by an [[1A4]] in a [[547]].  Many other modes are available.  It is possible to put vertical plug-ins in the horizontal slots for X-Y operation.  It is even possible to put a horizontal plug-in in one of the vertical slots to produce a raster scan.  
A special plug-in, the [[7A21N]], provides direct access to the deflection plates up to 1 GHz at an uncalibrated sensitivity of 4 V/Div.
This plugin requires modifications to the mainframe to bypass the Y output amplifier (thus disabling readout and the other vertical plugin bay).


A special plug-in, the [[7A21N]], provides direct access to the deflection plates up to 1 GHz at an uncalibrated sensitivity of 4 V/Div.  This plugin requires modifications to the mainframe to bypass the Y output amplifier (thus disabling readout and the other vertical plugin bay).
A rear-panel [[7904 remote control connector| remote control connector]] has connections for single-sweep ready lamps, a reset button, and readout control.


==Internals==
==Internals==
The 7904 uses a switch-mode power supply and has no fan. It incorporates a 65 ns Y delay line. This delay is too short for some older time bases such as [[7B53]] to display the trigger event.
The 7904(A) incorporates a 65 ns Y delay line.
This delay is too short for some older time bases such as [[7B53]] to display the trigger event. The signal path is completely differential and the internal signal wiring is 50 Ω coax.
The CRT ([[154-0644-05]]) has [[distributed vertical deflection plates]].


The 7904 makes extensive use of custom integrated circuits and hybrid circuits, inter alia, the [[155-0064-00]] 470-ps output amplifier, [[155-0022-00]] analog multiplexer for channel switching, [[155-0059-00]] HF amplifier, [[155-0095-01]] and [[155-0095-03]] differential HF amplifiers, and [[155-0067-02]] SMPS controller.
===7904===
The 7904 uses a switch-mode power supply and has no fan.  


The signal path is completely differential and all of the internal wiring is 50 Ω coax. The CRT ([[154-0644-05]]) has distributed vertical deflection plates.
[[Thor Hallen]] designed the main vertical amplifier and the [[7A19]] plugin (Note 1).
It used bridged T coils and the "[[ft doubler|f<sub>t</sub> doubler]]" circuit patented by [[Carl Battjes]] to achieve its bandwidth.


==Prices==
The 7904 makes extensive use of custom integrated circuits and hybrid circuits, inter alia, the [[155-0064-00]] 470-ps output amplifier,
1990: $12,750 (7904A) = $22,390 @ 2013 value
[[155-0022-00]] analog multiplexer for channel switching, [[155-0059-00]] HF amplifier,
[[155-0095-01]] and [[155-0095-03]] differential HF amplifiers, and [[155-0067-02]] SMPS controller.
 
Early 7904 have issues with horizontal aberrations for sweep rates of 1 ns/Div or faster. After discovery of the issue modification kits that replace the horizontal amplifier were offered. For more information see the table below and the [[Media:Tek 067-0657-00 with schematics.pdf|manual]] of the [[067-0657-00|067-0657-00 Normalized Ramp Generator]] that was used to investigate and rectify this issue.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Serial Number
! A9 Horizontal Amp.
! Issue
! Modification Kit
|-
|B010000-B081987
||670-1632-00
|Fully calibrated sweeps for rates of 1 ns/Div or faster requires a dedicated [[7B92]] (non A!) and the two units to be calibrated as a system.
|050-0636-01
|-
|B081988-B219999
||670-1632-01
|Can be calibrated to either work with magnifier timebases ([[7B70]],[[7B80]]), or alternatively non-magnifying time bases ([[7B92A]]), but not both.
|040-0791-00
|-
|B220000 and above
|670-1632-02/03
|None - fully compatible with all timebases and all sweep rates.
|−
|}


==Links==
===7904A===
The 7904A is a complete redesign and uses the [[155-0173-05]], [[155-0175-05]] and [[155-0178-05]] amplifiers developed for the [[7104]]. A fan is added at the rear switch mode power supply.


* [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904.htm Tek 7904 page at amplifier.cd]
==Prices==
* [http://amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_7000_series_mainframe/7904A.htm Tek 7904A page at amplifier.cd]
{| class="wikitable"
* [https://www.circuitsathome.com/measurements/repairing-front-panel-buttons-of-tektronix-7904-oscilloscope Repairing front panel buttons of Tektronix 7904 oscilloscope]
|-
* [http://www.ko4bb.com/Manuals/Tektronix/Tektronix_-_7904A/Tek_7904_Power_Supply.pdf Servicing the 7904 high-efficiency power supply (Tektronix ServiceScope article)]
! &nbsp;
! Year
! 1972
! 1976
! 1980
! 1984
! 1990
|-
! Model
|
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904
|align=center| 7904A
|align=center| 7904A
|-
!rowspan=2| Mainframe only
! Catalog price
|align=right|  $2,900
|align=right|  $4,100
|align=right|  $6,265
|align=right|  $8,810
|align=right| $12,750
|-
! In 2022 Dollars
|align=right| $19,500
|align=right| $20,300
|align=right| $21,400
|align=right| $23,800
|align=right| $27,400
|-
!rowspan=2| Mainframe with [[7A19]],<br />7A19 Opt. 04, [[7B92]]
! Catalog price
|align=right|  $5,500
|align=right|  $7,765
|align=right| $12,015
|align=right| $17,425
|align=right| $24,190
|-
! In 2022 Dollars
|align=right| $37,000
|align=right| $38,400
|align=right| $41,000
|align=right| $47,200
|align=right| $52,000
|}


==Notes==
==Notes==
# See [[7A11]] and [[John Addis]], ''Good Engineering and Fast Vertical Amplifiers'', in Jim Williams (Ed.), ''Analog Circuit Design: Art, Science and Personalities'' (1991), p.114, and [http://w140.com/tektronix_new_products_1972.pdf Tektronix New Products 1972] brochure.
# See [[7A11]] and [[John Addis]], ''Good Engineering and Fast Vertical Amplifiers'', in [[Jim Williams]] (Ed.), ''Analog Circuit Design: Art, Science and Personalities'' (1991), p.114, and [[Media:Tektronix_New_Products_March_1972.pdf|Tektronix New Products 1972]] brochure.
   
   
==Pictures==
==Pictures==
Line 65: Line 213:
===7904 non-A===
===7904 non-A===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Tek-7904-front.jpg | 7904  (non-A) front
Tek-7904-front.jpg | 7904  (non-A) front
File:7904-left.jpg | Left side. Left top: Vertical amplifier; left bottom: switch-mode power supply; right center: delay line; right bottom: plug-in bays
Tek 7904 rear.jpg | 7904 rear
File:7904-right.jpg | Right side.  Top left: calibrator; bottom left: plug-in bays; top center: [[7000 series readout system|readout board]];  top right: Z amplifier  
7904-left.jpg | Left side. Left top: Vertical amplifier; left bottom: switch-mode power supply; right center: delay line; right bottom: plug-in bays
File:7904-right-front.jpg | Right side detail. Left: calibrator; right: readout.
7904-right.jpg | Right side.  Top left: calibrator; bottom left: plug-in bays; top center: [[7000 series readout system|readout board]];  top right: Z amplifier  
File:7904 interface 1.jpg|Plug-in interface board front (left piggyback board removed)
7904-right-front.jpg | Right side detail. Left: calibrator; right: readout.
File:7904 interface 2.jpg|Plug-in interface board rear
7904 interface 1.jpg|Plug-in backplane board front (left trigger selector piggyback board removed)
File:7904-x-amp.jpg | Horizontal (X) amplifier board
Tek7904-trig-selector.jpg | B Trigger selector piggyback board (A6)
File:7904-y-amp.jpg | Vertical (Y) amplifier board
Tek7904-vertical-interface.jpg | Vertical interface piggyback board (A7).  The two [[155-0095-03]] amplifiers (large metal cans) are used to select the signal from one vertical plug-in bay, and drive the delay line.
File:7904-z-amp.jpg | Z amplifier board
7904 interface 2.jpg|Plug-in backplane board rear
File:7904-controls.jpg | front-panel controls
Tek7904-backplane-bottom.jpg | Backplane board sandwich seen from below
File:7904_block.gif|7904 block diagram
7904-x-amp.jpg | Horizontal (X) amplifier board (late >B220000)
7904-y-amp.jpg | Vertical (Y) amplifier board
7904-z-amp.jpg | Z amplifier board
7904-controls.jpg | front-panel controls
7904_block.gif|7904 block diagram
Tek7904-7a19-7b92a-1010mhz-hfsync.jpg | A 7B92A (B098xxx) displaying a 1.01 GHz sine in HF Sync mode ([[7904]] mainframe, [[7A19]] amplifier).
 
</gallery>
====Power Supply====
<gallery>
7904-psu-internal.jpg    | 7904 switchmode power supply, covers removed
7904-psu-right.jpg        | View from right (as seen from front of instrument)
7904-psu-primary.jpg      | Primary side circuit board
7904-psu-primary-caps.jpg | Primary side capacitors
7904-psu-transformer.jpg  | Detail view of transformer from the side
Tek_7904_SMPS-xformer.jpeg| Switching transformer
7904-psu-rectifier.jpg    | Secondary side rectifier board
7904-psu-regulator.jpg    | Secondary side post-regulator
Tek_7904_SMPS-HV-Block.jpeg| HV block, multiplier
</gallery>
</gallery>
===7904A===
===7904A===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:7904A_1.JPG|7904A
7904a-front.jpg |7904A
7904A_rear.jpg |7904A Rear
7904A_top1.jpg |7904A Top with Horizontal Amplifier at top right
7904A_right1.jpg |7904A Right with Z-axis on top right and 2nd Gen. Readout board at bottom right
7904A_left1.jpg |7904A Left with Vertical Amplifier (top) and Vertical switch board (bottom)
7904A_topleft1.jpg |7904A Topleft
7904A_left_closeup.jpg |7904A Closeup of Vertical amplifier
7904a lvps1.png|7904A Low-voltage Power Supply Schematic
7904a-h-v.jpg | 7904A Horizontal and vertical amplifiers
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Parts==
{{Parts|7904}}
{{Parts|7904A}}
{{Custom ICs|7000 series readout system}}


[[Category:7000 series non-storage mainframes]]
[[Category:7000 series non-storage mainframes]]
__NOTOC__

Latest revision as of 13:31, 18 February 2024

Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

The Tektronix 7904 is a 500 MHz, non-storage 7000-series oscilloscope mainframe with four bays. It accepts two 7000-series vertical plug-ins and two 7000-series horizontal plug-ins. It was introduced in late 1971/early 1972 (Note 1). The successor model 7904A was introduced in 1984. There is also a rack-mount version, the R7903, albeit with only one horizontal bay.

Performance is largely determined by the plug-ins. The 7A19 vertical amplifier and 7B92 time base were introduced along with the 7904 to match the 500 MHz system bandwidth.

Design Staff of 7904 Project (from July 1971 Tekscope):

Val Garuts was project manager and developed the large signal amplifier circuit used in the horizontal and Z-axis amplifiers. Thor Hallen did the 7A19 plug-in and the vertical amplifier, and John McCormick the horizontal. The trigger and time base (7B92 plug-in) were done by Les Larson and Bill DeVey. Bill Peek worked on the Z-axis amplifier and auto-focus, with Hans Springer doing the mainframe interface and channel switching. Joe Burger's work on the power supply, coupled with Joel Swanno’s efforts in mechanical design, reduced the weight to only 30 pounds. Ken Hawken did the fine job on the CRT.

Key Specifications

Bandwidth 500 MHz
Fastest calibrated sweep 500 ps/Div (with 7B92A, other time bases "uncalibrated for first 60 ns")
Calibrator DC, square wave (1 kHz or ½ B Sweep gate), 4 mV to 40 V in decade steps (2/20/200/400 mV into 50 Ω); 40 mA current loop
Vertical modes Left / Alt / Add / Chop / Right
Horizontal modes A / Alt / Chop / B
Trigger Source Left / Vert Mode / Right
Inputs
  • Z Axis (15 Vp-p)
Outputs
  • Vertical Signal Out (25 mV/Div into 50 Ω, 0.5 V/Div into 1 MΩ)
  • +Sawtooth
  • +Gate
  • camera power
  • probe power
CRT
Acceleration voltage 24 kV (+21 / -3 kV)
Power 90−132 V or 180−264 V, 48−440 Hz, 190 W max.
Weight 13.5 kg (30 lbs)
Size
34.2 cm × 30.5 cm × 69.5 cm (H×W×L)
(13.5 in x 12.0 in x 23.8 in)

Links

Documents Referencing 7904

Document Class Title Authors Year Links
Tekscope 1974 V6 N3.pdf Article Servicing the 7904 high-efficiency power supply 1974

Documents Referencing 7904A

7904A differences

The 7904A (introduced in 1984) borrows heavily from the previously introduced 7104 in terms of front panel layout, mechanical design, and electronics, re-implementing the vertical amplifier using Hypcon-packaged amplifier chips such as the 155-0178-00.

The 7904 had the elaborate 5-decade built-in calibrator with variable rate that was common on all first-generation 4-bay 7000-series scopes, it was dropped from the 7904A. The rear remote control connector unique to early 7000-series scopes was dropped as well. In the 7904A, The Control Illumination switch moved to the rear panel, and the readout system gained a pulsed mode in which it is synchronized with the sweep instead of interrupting the display at random times. This pulsed mode is not compatible with all time base plug-ins (see manual p. 1-12).

Options

  • Opt.1: deletes read out system
  • Opt.2: X-Y delay compensation network
  • Opt.3: Extra EMI shielding
  • Opt.4: Maximum-brightness CRT with reduced area
  • Opt.78: P11 phosphor

Operation

The 7904 has many modes of operation. One mode is called "Independent-Pairs Display" in the manual, where the input to the left vertical plug-in is displayed using the B horizontal time-base plug-in, and the input to the right vertical plug-in is displayed using the A horizontal time-base plug-in. This resembles the trace-slaving "ALT" mode that is produced by an 1A4 in a 547. Many other modes are available. It is possible to put vertical plug-ins in the horizontal slots for X-Y operation. It is even possible to put a horizontal plug-in in one of the vertical slots to produce a raster scan.

A special plug-in, the 7A21N, provides direct access to the deflection plates up to 1 GHz at an uncalibrated sensitivity of 4 V/Div. This plugin requires modifications to the mainframe to bypass the Y output amplifier (thus disabling readout and the other vertical plugin bay).

A rear-panel remote control connector has connections for single-sweep ready lamps, a reset button, and readout control.

Internals

The 7904(A) incorporates a 65 ns Y delay line. This delay is too short for some older time bases such as 7B53 to display the trigger event. The signal path is completely differential and the internal signal wiring is 50 Ω coax. The CRT (154-0644-05) has distributed vertical deflection plates.

7904

The 7904 uses a switch-mode power supply and has no fan.

Thor Hallen designed the main vertical amplifier and the 7A19 plugin (Note 1). It used bridged T coils and the "ft doubler" circuit patented by Carl Battjes to achieve its bandwidth.

The 7904 makes extensive use of custom integrated circuits and hybrid circuits, inter alia, the 155-0064-00 470-ps output amplifier, 155-0022-00 analog multiplexer for channel switching, 155-0059-00 HF amplifier, 155-0095-01 and 155-0095-03 differential HF amplifiers, and 155-0067-02 SMPS controller.

Early 7904 have issues with horizontal aberrations for sweep rates of 1 ns/Div or faster. After discovery of the issue modification kits that replace the horizontal amplifier were offered. For more information see the table below and the manual of the 067-0657-00 Normalized Ramp Generator that was used to investigate and rectify this issue.

Serial Number A9 Horizontal Amp. Issue Modification Kit
B010000-B081987 670-1632-00 Fully calibrated sweeps for rates of 1 ns/Div or faster requires a dedicated 7B92 (non A!) and the two units to be calibrated as a system. 050-0636-01
B081988-B219999 670-1632-01 Can be calibrated to either work with magnifier timebases (7B70,7B80), or alternatively non-magnifying time bases (7B92A), but not both. 040-0791-00
B220000 and above 670-1632-02/03 None - fully compatible with all timebases and all sweep rates.

7904A

The 7904A is a complete redesign and uses the 155-0173-05, 155-0175-05 and 155-0178-05 amplifiers developed for the 7104. A fan is added at the rear switch mode power supply.

Prices

  Year 1972 1976 1980 1984 1990
Model 7904 7904 7904 7904A 7904A
Mainframe only Catalog price $2,900 $4,100 $6,265 $8,810 $12,750
In 2022 Dollars $19,500 $20,300 $21,400 $23,800 $27,400
Mainframe with 7A19,
7A19 Opt. 04, 7B92
Catalog price $5,500 $7,765 $12,015 $17,425 $24,190
In 2022 Dollars $37,000 $38,400 $41,000 $47,200 $52,000

Notes

  1. See 7A11 and John Addis, Good Engineering and Fast Vertical Amplifiers, in Jim Williams (Ed.), Analog Circuit Design: Art, Science and Personalities (1991), p.114, and Tektronix New Products 1972 brochure.

Pictures

7904 non-A

Power Supply

7904A

Parts

Some Parts Used in the 7904

Part Part Number(s) Class Description Used in
148-0034-00 148-0034-00 Discrete component miniature DPDT relay 7A11 7A13 7A14 7B70 7B71 7503 7904 7904A
154-0644-00 154-0644-00 154-0644-04 154-0644-05 154-0644-09 CRT CRT with distributed deflection plates 7704A 7854 7904 7904A R7903
155-0009-00 155-0009-00 Monolithic integrated circuit horizontal lockout logic 7504 7514 7704 7704A R7704 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7104
155-0010-00 155-0010-00 Monolithic integrated circuit chop divider and blanking 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7854 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7104
155-0011-00 155-0011-00 Monolithic integrated circuit clock and chop blanking 485 7313 7403N R7403N 7503 7504 7514 7603 AN/USM-281C 7613 7623 7623A 7633 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 7904A R7903 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 AN/USM-281C
155-0012-00 155-0012-00 Monolithic integrated circuit Z Axis Logic 485 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904A R7912 7934 7912AD 7912HB 7104 R7103
155-0013-00 155-0013-00 155-0013-01 Monolithic integrated circuit horizontal chop and alt. binary 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7854 7904 7904A R7903 7934 7104
155-0022-00 155-0022-00 155-0022-01 Monolithic integrated circuit analog multiplexer 147 148 149 335 468 1430 1441 1461 1900 1910 2220 2221 2230 5223 5403 5440 5441 5443 5444 5A38 7313 7403N 7503 7504 7514 7603 AN/USM-281C 7613 7623 7623A 7633 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7A12 7A18 7A18A 7A18N 7B52 7B53N 7D10 7D11 7D12 NT-7000 P7001
155-0059-00 155-0059-00 Monolithic integrated circuit HF amplifier 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 R7912 7912AD
155-0060-00 155-0060-00 155-0060-01 Monolithic integrated circuit channel selector amplifier R7903 7904 R7912
155-0064-00 155-0064-00 Hybrid integrated circuit vertical output amplifier 7834 7854 7904 R7903 7912AD 485 PG502
155-0065-00 155-0065-00 155-0064-01 155-0125-00 Hybrid integrated circuit deflection amplifier 7844 7904 R7912 R7903
155-0067-02 155-0067-00 155-0067-02 155-0067-03 Monolithic integrated circuit SMPS controller 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904 7904A 7934 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 308 434 485 690 P7001
155-0078-00 155-0078-xx 155-0273-00 155-0274-00 Monolithic integrated circuit broadband amplifier 464 465 466 468 475 475A 475M 485 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7104 7A16A 7A16P 7A24 7A26 7A42 067-0587-01 067-0680-00 AM503 PG502 PG508 DC510 DC5010 FG5010
155-0095-00 155-0095-00 155-0095-01 155-0095-03 Hybrid integrated circuit HF differential amplifier 7834 7844 7904 R7903 R7912 7912AD
203-0126-90 203-0126-90 Monolithic integrated circuit ft doubler amplifier R7903 7904 7844


Some Parts Used in the 7904A

Part Part Number(s) Class Description Used in
148-0034-00 148-0034-00 Discrete component miniature DPDT relay 7A11 7A13 7A14 7B70 7B71 7503 7904 7904A
154-0644-00 154-0644-00 154-0644-04 154-0644-05 154-0644-09 CRT CRT with distributed deflection plates 7704A 7854 7904 7904A R7903
155-0009-00 155-0009-00 Monolithic integrated circuit horizontal lockout logic 7504 7514 7704 7704A R7704 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7104
155-0010-00 155-0010-00 Monolithic integrated circuit chop divider and blanking 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7854 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7104
155-0011-00 155-0011-00 Monolithic integrated circuit clock and chop blanking 485 7313 7403N R7403N 7503 7504 7514 7603 AN/USM-281C 7613 7623 7623A 7633 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 7904A R7903 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 AN/USM-281C
155-0012-00 155-0012-00 Monolithic integrated circuit Z Axis Logic 485 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904A R7912 7934 7912AD 7912HB 7104 R7103
155-0013-00 155-0013-00 155-0013-01 Monolithic integrated circuit horizontal chop and alt. binary 7504 7514 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7854 7904 7904A R7903 7934 7104
155-0022-00 155-0022-00 155-0022-01 Monolithic integrated circuit analog multiplexer 147 148 149 335 468 1430 1441 1461 1900 1910 2220 2221 2230 5223 5403 5440 5441 5443 5444 5A38 7313 7403N 7503 7504 7514 7603 AN/USM-281C 7613 7623 7623A 7633 7704 R7704 7704A 7834 7844 7854 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7904 R7903 7904A 7934 7A12 7A18 7A18A 7A18N 7B52 7B53N 7D10 7D11 7D12 NT-7000 P7001
155-0067-02 155-0067-00 155-0067-02 155-0067-03 Monolithic integrated circuit SMPS controller 7704A 7834 7844 7854 7904 R7903 7904 7904A 7934 R7912 7912AD 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 308 434 485 690 P7001
155-0150-00 155-0150-00 Hybrid integrated circuit trigger detector 7904A 7104 7B10 7B15 7B92A SCD1000
155-0173-00 155-0173-00 155-0173-05 Hybrid integrated circuit vertical channel switch 7104 R7103 7904A 7934 EG&G N-AM-173A
155-0175-00 155-0175-00 155-0175-05 Monolithic integrated circuit broadband amplifier 7904A 7912HB 7934 7104 R7103 7A29 7A29P 7F10 067-0587-02 067-0587-10 11A71 SCD1000 EG&G N-AM-173A
155-0178-00 155-0178-00 155-0178-05 Hybrid integrated circuit horizontal output amplifier 7904A 7912HB 7934 7104

Custom ICs used in the 7000 series readout system

Page Model Part nos Description Designers Used in
155-0014-01 M019D 155-0014-00 155-0014-01 A/D converter Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system 7854 7934 7J20 7L5 P7001
155-0015-01 M020F 155-0015-00 155-0015-01 analog data switch Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system 7854 7934
155-0017-00 M025 155-0017-00 5 MHz decade counter Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system 7854 7934
155-0018-00 M026 155-0018-00 zeros logic control Les Larson 7000 series readout system 7934
155-0019-00 M027 155-0019-00 decimal point and spacing control Les Larson 7000 series readout system
155-0020-00 M028 155-0020-00 output assembler Les Larson 7000 series readout system
155-0021-00 M029C 155-0021-00 155-0021-01 timing generator Les Larson 7000 series readout system 7854 7934
155-0023-00 M160 155-0023-00 character generator (0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0024-00 M161 155-0024-00 character generator (↓ < I / + - + C Δ >) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0025-00 M162 155-0025-00 character generator (m μ n p X K M G T R) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0026-00 M163 155-0026-00 character generator (S V A W H d B c Ω E) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system
155-0027-00 M164 155-0027-00 character generator (U N L Z Y P F J Q D) Barrie Gilbert 7000 series readout system