Upgraded mixed domain scope aids RF validation, debugging

19th November 2013

Tektronix

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

Debugging a device with integrated RF is a challenge. It is one that Tektronix strove to make easier with the introduction in August 2011 of its MDO4000 series of mixed domain oscilloscopes. The company has now added to its armoury with the launch of the MDO4000B mixed domain oscilloscopes.

These feature an enhanced spectrum analyser performance and, when used with Tektronix SignalVu-PC, the industry’s widest bandwidth vector signal analysis capability and deep support for WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/j/n/p/ac testing.

Uptake of the MDO4000 series has been driven by the steadily increasing integration of wireless interfaces including Wi-Fi, Zigbee and RFID into everyday applications. Engineers using the oscilloscopes report significant gains in debug productivity coupled with the versatility and technical capability they need to tackle a wide range of test challenges.

Enhancements include Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) has improved to 60dBc guaranteed and 65dBc typical (from 55/60 typical) giving users higher confidence while performing spurious searches; Phase noise performance has improved as much as 20dB enabling close-in spurious measurements and phase noise evaluation; and Vector calibrated I&Q data enable high-accuracy modulation and vector measurements.

Maximum RF acquisition time has been doubled from 79ms to 158ms enabling longer time correlation with the rest of the system as well as the capture and analysis of multiple bursts of modulated data, and Lower Frequency Limit has dropped from 50kHz to 9kHz enabling EMI diagnostics over the frequency range specified by international regulations.