Tektronix

7854 Oscilloscope

Produced 1980–1990Tektronix 7854 Oscilloscope family

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The Tektronix 7854 is a 400 MHz waveform processing oscilloscope that combines analog and digital storage capability. The 7854 features a 10-bit digitizer, programmable keystroke operation, and IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface.^[1]^[2]

7854 Oscilloscope — Inventory photo — Fig. 017854 OscilloscopeInventory photo^[3]

Produced

1980–1990

Power

100–125v 220–250v^[3]

Optics

10 bits^[1]

What it is

The Tektronix 7854 oscilloscope was introduced in 1980. The 7854 is a combined analog and digital waveform-processing oscilloscope. The 7854 offers a bandwidth of 400 MHz in analog mode. The 7854 can store repetitive waveforms up to 400 MHz. The 7854 mainframe accepts two vertical and two horizontal plug-in modules from the 7000 series.^[2]^[1]

How it works

The 7854 uses a digitizer that simultaneously samples X and Y signal values at a rate of 3.5 µs per point. The digitizer employs sample-and-hold circuits based on Schottky diode bridges and a single 10-bit successive-approximation ADC. The digitized Y value is written into memory via direct memory access (DMA) bypassing the CPU. The CPU is a Texas Instruments TMS9900 16-bit microprocessor with 32+6 KByte ROM and 8 KByte RAM. The 7854 can store repetitive waveforms up to 400 MHz, and up to 14 GHz with the 7811/7S12 sampling plug-ins. The fastest calibrated sweep rate is 500 ps/div.^[2]^[1]

Where it fits in the process flow

The 7854 includes a standard IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface for remote control and automated test setups. The GPIB allows waveform data, constants, keystroke programs, and text to be transmitted or received. The 7854 can process waveform data and send answers over the GPIB instead of raw data, reducing transfer time.^[1]

Applications

The 7854 can perform time-domain reflectometry (TDR) when used with appropriate sampling plug-ins. The oscilloscope supports signal averaging to uncover signals buried in noise. Cursor measurements allow amplitude and time measurements on waveforms. The waveform calculator can perform arithmetic operations such as multiplication of voltage and current to yield power.^[4]^[1]

What do the numbers mean?

Power & electrical8

Selectable Range: 100–125v 220–250v^[3]
Line Fuse: 4a Fast, 250v^[3]
Bandwidth: 400 MHz (analog)^[1]
Bandwidth (analog): 400 MHz^[2]
Real-time bandwidth: 400 MHz^[1]
Line voltage ranges: 90–132 V, 180–250 V^[1]
Line frequency: 48–440 Hz^[1]
Sample rate: 500 kHz (stores repetitive waveforms up to 400 MHz)^[2]

Optics & imaging2

Resolution: 10 bits^[1]
Resolution: 10 bits (0.01 div)^[1]

Control & software1

CRT type: 154-0644-05 (P31) or 154-0893-09 (P11); cathode −3 kV, anode +21 kV^[2]

Dimensions & facilities7

Acquisition depth: 128, 256, 512 or 1024 points per waveform^[1]
Weight (net): 20.4 kg (45 lbs)^[1]
Acquisition depth: 128, 256, 512, 1024 points/waveform^[1]
Net weight: 20.4 kg (45 lb)^[1]
Height: 348 mm (13.7 in)^[1]
Width: 277 mm (10.9 in)^[1]
Depth: 627 mm (24.7 in)^[1]

Configuration & options9

Fastest calibrated sweep rate: 500 ps/div^[1]
Input compatibility: 7000 Series plug-ins (two vertical and two horizontal compartments)^[1]
Step response: 0.9 ns or less (with 7A29 or 7A19 amplifier plug-in)^[1]
Power consumption: 230 W maximum^[1]
Fastest calibrated sweep: 500 ps/div^[1]
Maximum power consumption: 230 W^[1]
CPU: Texas Instruments TMS9900 16-bit microprocessor^[2]
Memory capacity (standard): 2048 waveform points in up to 16 waveforms^[2]
Memory capacity (with Option 2D): 5120 points and up to 40 waveforms^[2]

Vintage & configurations

1980Production start^[2]
The Tektronix 7854 was introduced in 1980.
1990Production end^[2]
The 7854 was produced from 1980 to 1990.

Documented models & variants

Designation	Generation	Vintage	Changes	Source
Option 02	—	—	X-Y Phase Correction	w140.com^[1]
Option 03	—	—	EMC Modification	w140.com^[1]
Option 78	—	—	P11 Phosphor CRT	w140.com^[1]
Option 2D	—	—	4K Expanded memory storage for up to 40 waveforms and 2000 keystrokes	w140.com^[2]
Option 0D	—	—	Delete GPIB and remote Waveform Calculator, one waveform storage	w140.com^[1]

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Selectable Range100–125v 220–250v^[3]
Line Fuse4a Fast, 250v^[3]
Bandwidth400 MHz (analog)^[1]
Bandwidth (analog)400 MHz^[2]
Real-time bandwidth400 MHz^[1]
Line voltage ranges90–132 V, 180–250 V^[1]
Line frequency48–440 Hz^[1]
Sample rate500 kHz (stores repetitive waveforms up to 400 MHz)^[2]

Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

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Frequently asked questions

What is the analog bandwidth of the Tektronix 7854?

The analog bandwidth is 400 MHz at 10 mV/div.^[1]^[2]

What is the resolution of the digitizer?

The digitizer has 10-bit resolution, with a vertical resolution of 0.01 division.^[1]

What options are available for the 7854?

Options include Option 02 (X-Y phase correction), Option 03 (EMC modification), Option 78 (P11 phosphor), and Option 2D (expanded memory for 40 waveforms and 2000 keystrokes).^[2]

How many waveform points can be stored?

Acquisition depth is selectable at 128, 256, 512, or 1024 points per waveform. Standard memory holds 2048 points across up to 16 waveforms; with Option 2D, it expands to 5120 points and 40 waveforms.^[1]^[2]

What plug-in modules are compatible?

All 7000-series plug-ins are compatible in the analog scope mode. For digital storage, the 7B87 time base provides single-shot and pretrigger acquisition. Sampling plug-ins like the 7S12 allow bandwidth up to 14 GHz.^[1]^[2]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the 7854 Oscilloscope are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

The control-system platform and OS era of the 7854 Oscilloscope are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the 7854 Oscilloscope are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the 7854 Oscilloscope is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the 7854 Oscilloscope are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the 7854 Oscilloscope are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist