SG503: Difference between revisions

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{{TM500 | mfg=Tektronix | type=SG503 | function=250 MHz signal generator | class=signal generator | image=sg503.jpg | introduced=1974 | discontinued=1993 |
{{TM500 | mfg=Tektronix | type=SG503 | function=250 MHz leveled sinewave generator | class=signal generator | image=SG503_Front_Late.jpg | introduced=1974 | discontinued=1993 |
manuals=
designers= |manuals=
* [http://w140.com/smb/SG503_SM.pdf Tektronix SG503 Manual (OCR, PDF)]
* [[Media:070-1622-01-1974.pdf|SG503 Instruction Manual 070-1622-01 <br> Early type]]
* [[Media:070-1622-01.pdf|SG503 Manual 070-1622-01 <br> s/n: B010100 through B089999]]
* [[Media:070-6770-00.pdf|SG503 Manual 070-6770-00 <br> s/n: B090000 and up]]
* [[Media:Tek SG503 Wizard Workshop mods.pdf|SG503 Modifications from Wizards Workshop]]
}}
}}
It was primarily intended to be used as an oscilloscope calibration device for measuring bandwidths up to 250 MHz.  Unlike later instruments like the [[SG504]], it does not use a leveling head but was designed and calibrated with high quality coaxial cable (P/N [[012-0482-00]]) to operate as a closely matched system when terminated into a 50 Ω load.


{{MissingSpecs}}
Nine overlapping ranges cover the frequency band from 250 kHz to 250 MHz, with an additional range reserved for a 50 kHz reference frequency.
 
The SG503 shows the selected frequency on a 3-digit LED counter.
 
{{BeginSpecs}}
{{Spec | Frequency | 50 kHz, 250 kHz to 250 MHz in nine ranges  }}
{{Spec | Frequency accuracy |  Within ±0.7 of one count of the least significant displayed digit for the indicated frequency }}
{{Spec | Amplitude |  5 mV<sub>p-p</sub> to 5.5 V<sub>p-p</sub> in three decade ranges (terminated into a 50 Ω load)  }}
{{Spec | Harmonics | 2<sup>nd</sup> harmonic ≥35 dB down from fundamental, 3<sup>rd</sup> and higher harmonics ≥40 dB down }}
{{EndSpecs}}
 
==Rear interface==
The sine output, remote amplitude control input, and a 12-bit non-multiplexed BCD version of the counter value are available via the rear connector.
 
==Internals==
The SG503 uses two LC Hartley oscillators, one for 100 MHz and above with an air-core inductor, the other for the lower ranges using switched ferrite-core inductors.  Tuning is accomplished via a traditional three-section variable capacitor. After filtering, a regulated power amplifier stage (caution: [[beryllium oxide]] in transistor cases!) is followed by a peak-to-peak detector for the amplitude control loop, and switchable output attenuators.
 
The frequency counter is built from a 10131 ECL prescaler followed by 7490 TTL BCD counters and 7-segment decoders (display not multiplexed).
 
==Notes==
The Tek [[012-0482-00]] cable is made from RG-223 50 Ω double-braid shielded coaxial cable (or equivalent), and is exactly 36" from end-to-end.
 
==Links==
* [https://www.amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/Tektronix/Tektronix_500/SG503.htm SG503 @ amplifier.cd] (German) including measurements of cable influence (1 m Belden H-155 as replacement for original cable)
* [[Media:SG503_P2P_Substitute_REVISED.pdf|SG503 Peak-to-Peak detector substitute]] by John K. Bennett AE0AM
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRUtsDIOA40 SG503 Lab Check In and Calibration] by Zenwizard Studios @ YouTube
 
==Prices==
1979: $1,325 ($5,200 in 2022 Dollars)
 
According to an [[Media:Tek Schottky Diodes Memo rot.pdf|internal memo]], in 1979 annual sales were estimated at 1200 units.


==Pictures==
==Pictures==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:sg503.jpg|Early SG503
SG503_Front_Early.jpg | Early SG503
Tek sg503 late.jpg|Late SG503
Sg503.jpg | Early SG503
SG503_Front_Late.jpg | Late SG503
Tek sg503 late.jpg | Late SG503
SG503_Left_Late.jpg | Late Left Internal
SG503_Right_Late.jpg | Late Right Internal
Tek sg503 left internal.jpg
Tek sg503 rear internal.jpg
Tek sg503 front left internal.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{Custom ICs|SG503}}

Revision as of 16:58, 6 April 2023

Tektronix SG503
250 MHz leveled sinewave generator
Tektronix SG503

Produced from 1974 to 1993

Manuals
Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

The Tektronix SG503 is a 250 MHz leveled sinewave generator plug-in for the TM500 system.

It was primarily intended to be used as an oscilloscope calibration device for measuring bandwidths up to 250 MHz. Unlike later instruments like the SG504, it does not use a leveling head but was designed and calibrated with high quality coaxial cable (P/N 012-0482-00) to operate as a closely matched system when terminated into a 50 Ω load.

Nine overlapping ranges cover the frequency band from 250 kHz to 250 MHz, with an additional range reserved for a 50 kHz reference frequency.

The SG503 shows the selected frequency on a 3-digit LED counter.

Key Specifications

Frequency 50 kHz, 250 kHz to 250 MHz in nine ranges
Frequency accuracy Within ±0.7 of one count of the least significant displayed digit for the indicated frequency
Amplitude 5 mVp-p to 5.5 Vp-p in three decade ranges (terminated into a 50 Ω load)
Harmonics 2nd harmonic ≥35 dB down from fundamental, 3rd and higher harmonics ≥40 dB down

Rear interface

The sine output, remote amplitude control input, and a 12-bit non-multiplexed BCD version of the counter value are available via the rear connector.

Internals

The SG503 uses two LC Hartley oscillators, one for 100 MHz and above with an air-core inductor, the other for the lower ranges using switched ferrite-core inductors. Tuning is accomplished via a traditional three-section variable capacitor. After filtering, a regulated power amplifier stage (caution: beryllium oxide in transistor cases!) is followed by a peak-to-peak detector for the amplitude control loop, and switchable output attenuators.

The frequency counter is built from a 10131 ECL prescaler followed by 7490 TTL BCD counters and 7-segment decoders (display not multiplexed).

Notes

The Tek 012-0482-00 cable is made from RG-223 50 Ω double-braid shielded coaxial cable (or equivalent), and is exactly 36" from end-to-end.

Links

Prices

1979: $1,325 ($5,200 in 2022 Dollars)

According to an internal memo, in 1979 annual sales were estimated at 1200 units.

Pictures

Custom ICs used in the SG503

Page Model Part nos Description Designers Used in
155-0107-00 H204 155-0107-00 leveller SG503