AA501
The Tektronix AA501 is an audio analyzer plug-in for the TM500 system.
It was one of the first, if not the first, audio analyzers capable of fully automatic measurements without requiring manual reference level setting, range selection or frequency fine-tuning. It is ideally combined with the SG505 low distortion oscillator.
The AA501 is two slots wide. It was designed by Bruce Hofer, Rush Hood, Richard Cabot, and Fred Armentrout. The later AA5001 is essentially a GPIB-enabled variant.
Key Specifications
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The AA501 provides automated measurement of THD+N and levels (RMS responding) in the range of 10 Hz to 100 kHz. Harmonics are measured up to 300 kHz. It has four built-in weighting filters and allows the user to loop an external filter in. Option 01 adds intermodulation measurement. Input impedance is 100 kΩ unlike other analyzers with usually 1 MΩ or near-infinite input impedance. Internal THD in the audio band is specified as typically <−95 dB (0.0018 %). Residual THD+N is specified as <−90 dB (<0.0032 %).
Links
- AA501A Repair / Calibration and Alignment by Zenwizard Studios @ YouTube
- AA501 Troubleshooting and Repair / Calibration and Alignment / by Zenwizard Studios @ YouTube
- See also F7523A1
Documents referencing AA501
| Document | Class | Title | Authors | Year | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tekscope 1980 V12 N2.pdf | Article | New Products | 1980 | 7854 • 468 • AA501 • SG505 • CG551AP • 1900 • 7612D | |
| Tekscope 1980 V12 N3.pdf | Article | Automatic Distortion Analyzer Speeds Distortion Measurements | Bruce Hofer | 1980 | AA501 • SG505 |
| 070-2088-04.pdf | Book | TM500 Series Rear Interface Data Book | 1985 | AA501 • AF501 • AM501 • AM502 • AM503 • AM511 • DC501 • DC502 • DC503 • DC503A • DC504 • DC505 • DC505A • DC508 • DC508A • DC509 • DC510 • DC5009 • DC5010 • DD501 • DL502 • DM501 • DM501A • DM502 • DM502A • DM505 • DM5010 • FG501 • FG501A • FG502 • FG503 • FG504 • FG507 • FG5010 • LA501 • LA501W • WR501 • MR501 • PG501 • PG502 • PG505 • PG506 • PG507 • PG508 • PS501 • PS502 • PS503 • PS503A • PS505 • PS5010 • RG501 • SC501 • SC502 • SC503 • SC504 • SG502 • SG503 • SG504 • SG505 • SW503 • TG501 • TR501 • TR502 • MI5010 • MX5010 • SI5010 |
Prices
| Year | Catalog price | In 2026 dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | $2,525 | ~$7,100 |
Pictures
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Measuring distortion of an SG502
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Measuring distortion of an HP239A
Components
Some Parts Used in the AA501
| Part | Part Number(s) | Class | Description | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intersil ICL7107 | 156-1435-00 | Monolithic integrated circuit | 3½ digit integrating A/D converter | AA501 • AA501A • AA5001 • DA4084 |
Some Parts Used in the AA501A
| Part | Part Number(s) | Class | Description | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intersil ICL7107 | 156-1435-00 | Monolithic integrated circuit | 3½ digit integrating A/D converter | AA501 • AA501A • AA5001 • DA4084 |