Project to create modern test fixtures/plug-ins for the Tektronix 7000-series scope mainframes. For more info on the 7000 series, see the excellent Tekwiki.
7000-series calibration plug-ins are a rare beast, and usually expensive when they can be found.
This project hopes to create some new calibration & test solutions, with circuit ideas and software that can be reused, mixed-and-matched, extended, and improved. Where appropriate, modern chip-level solutions are encouraged to be used, examples include: differential drivers (both analog and LVDS), and microcontrollers.
Some of this work may be applicable or portable to other Tek plug-in based scopes, such as the 5000 series, but I don't own any of those (yet.)
This is a simple breakout board to facilitate experimentation and development using the Tek 7000 backplane connections.
Circuit to generate test patterns, consisting of vertical lines, horizontal lines, vertical and horizontal lines, and dots. Based on the Infineon (nee Cypress) PSOC5LP, plus required external circuitry.
Circuit to interface the mainframe's readout subsystem to the PSoC, to permit displaying of arbitrary information, and/or testing of the mainframe readout system.
All work here is covered by the MIT Licence, which is simple and permissive.
There is information to be found in many places, but a great starting point is Tektronix 7000-Series Plug-in to Mainframe Interface Manual. Originally a Tek-internal engineering document, now freely available.
Manuals for original calibration/test fixtures:
The TekScopes mailing list is an invaluable source of knowledge, experience, and expertize on all Tek oscilliscopes, not just the 7000-series.
- Fast edge driver, ideas include LVDS drivers, or MAX3949 (like the Leo Bodnar pulser I have that happily does <40pS edges, I like this because it is configurable to some extent)
- Levelling amp, will likely think about this last, as I believe it will be the most difficult subsystem to get right, and make repeatable, especially up to 7104 bandwidths..
This project is presented as-is, all work and consequences are your sole responsibility. Do not work on Tek 7000 scopes unless you have the skills and knowledge to work safely, they contain lethal voltages. You perform all work at your own risk, and I have no responsibility for any damage or injury whatsoever.