General Description - Tektronix 53C Instruction Manual

GENERAL
The Type 53/54C Dual-Trace Unit contains
two identical amplifier channels that can be elec ­
tronically switched either by the oscilloscope
sweep or at a free-running rate of approximately
100 kc. When amplifier switching is triggered
by the oscilloscope sweep, the two signals to be
compared appear on alternate sweeps. Because
the sweeps are identical, and time-delay charac ­
teristics of the two amplifier channels are closely
controlled, time comparisons accurate within
1 mµsec can be made.
Stationary display of two signals unrelated in
frequency can be accomplished by internal trig ­
gering of the sweep alternately by the two sig ­
nals. In free-running operation, switching oc ­
curs at a rate of approximately 100 kc, making
it possible to view two simultaneous transients.
Transients of as little as one-millisecond duration
can be well delineated, with about one hundred
elements in each trace.
shorter transients can be adequately observed.
Either amplifier channel can be used separately
without electronic switching, making the Type
53/54C also useful in all single-trace applications
within its frequency-response and sensitivity
capabilities. Maximum flexibility is obtained by
providing separate positioning, sensitivity, and
polarity-inverting controls for each channel.
FUNCTIONS OF CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
CHANNEL A Signal input to the A-channel or B-channel amplifier.
CHANNEL B
DC — AC Slide switch to provide either ac or de coupled input into the amplifiers.
Nine-position switch used to select the calibrated vertical-deflection sensitivities.
VOLTS/CM
Potentiometer concentric with the VOLTS/CM switch to provide continuously
VARIABLE
variable attenuation between the calibrated sensitivities and to extend the attenu ­
ation to a sensitivity of 50 v/cm.
POLARITY Two-position switch to provide optional in-phase or out-of-phase output.
Potentiometer to provide for shifting the position of the trace vertically.
VERTICAL
POSITION
Screwdriver adjustable potentiometer to permit the gain of the amplifier to be
GAIN ADJ.
accurately set.
Screwdriver adjustable potentiometer to provide for setting the VARIABLE
DC BAL.
attenuator d c levels so the trace does not shift position when the attenuation is
varied.
MODE
for switching the two amplifiers at an arbitrary rate, or to synchronize the switch ­
ing with the oscilloscope ' s sweep.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

For many purposes,
Four-position switch to allow either amplifier to be used independently, to provide
53/54C — GENERAL, DESCRIPTION — PAGE 1
TYPE 53/S4C SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Modes
The two amplifier channels can be displayed
alternately at a rate of approximately 100 kc,
alternately every other sweep, or either channel
can be used separately.
Amplifier Sensitivity
Basic deflection factor — .05 v/cm, ac or d c .
Nine calibrated sensitivities — .05 v/cm to
20 v/cm, accurate within 3% when set on
any one step.
Amplifier Transient Response
With 541 or 545, rise time .015 µsec.
With 531 or 535, rise time .032 µsec.
With 532, rise time .070 µsec.
Amplifier Frequency Response
With 541 or 545, 3 db down at approximately
24 me.
With 531 or 535, 3 db down at approximately
11 me.
With 532, 3 db down at approximately 5 me.
Input Impedance
1 megohm shunted by 20 µµi; with P410 probe
10 megohms, 7.5 µµf
Physical Characteristics
Construction — Aluminum alloy chassis. Fin ­
ish — Photo-etched anodized panel. Weight —
4½ lbs.