Z

Template:Plugin Sidebar 2 The Tektronix Type Z is a comparator plug-in for 500-series scopes, introduced in 1960 and dropped after 1968.

The Type Z has two inputs, A and B, plus a precision comparison voltage, V_C, that is adjustable from 0 to ±1 V, 10 V, or 100 V via a ten-turn pot.

The following differential amplifier can be configured to display V_A, −V_B, V_A−V_B, V_A−V_C, or V_C−V_B.

This allows DC-coupled measurements of small signals with large DC offsets.

Unlike later comparators, Type Z has separate step attenuators for each input, permitting the user to view the difference between signals of widely differing amplitudes.

It is also the only comparator that can handle ±100 V common mode at full sensitivity.

With a pair of "Disconnect Signal" buttons, the Type Z was the first movement toward a "GND" position on the input switches.

The Type P6023 probe with R and C compensation, introduced in 1962, was specifically designed for the Type Z but also marketed for the Type G.

Specifications

Maximum sensitivity is 50 mV/div, and common-mode rejection at DC and low frequencies is 40,000 to 1.

Risetime as a general-purpose amplifier is 27 ns (13 MHz bandwidth), but it can track a common-mode risetime of 7 ns.

Internals

The Type Z uses both tubes and transistors, capitalizing on the strengths of each.

The step attenuators are turret attenuators.

Links

• Type Z @ amplifier.cd

Pictures

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  3/4 View

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  Front View

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  Front View

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  Pre-production Type Z with different knob color

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  Left Side

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  Left Side

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  Right Side

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  Right Side

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  Right Side

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  Right Side Tubes

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  Top

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  Rear

Schematic

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  Attenuators

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  Main Amplifier