RELEASE NOTES DSA8300 DIGITAL SERIAL ANALYZER Product Application Software Release 6.6.1.1 Document Version: 1.0 Document Date: 10/12/2017 COPYRIGHT © TEKTRONIX, Inc. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved. Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077 TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc. 1 Introduction This document applies to the DSA8300 Digital Serial Analyzer when configured with Product Software Version 6.6.1.1. Information provided in this document is relevant to installation and operation of the Product Software, base Platform Software, and Operating System (OS) Software. Product Software is defined as the TekScope application, which is used to operate the instrument as an oscilloscope. Platform Software is defined as the necessary additional software that allows the Product Software to run on the instrument and interface with the instrument hardware. The Product Software is typically provided on media (CD or DVD) containing "Instrument Product Software" in its title and is pre-installed on new instruments received from the factory. The latest version of the Product Software is periodically made available for download from the Internet. Please check the Sampling Oscilloscopes web page at: http://www.tek.com/Measurement/scopes/index/prodindex_sampling.html to determine the availability of Product Software updates and other downloadable software packages. The Programmer Guide .pdf file may be accessed under Start --> All Programs --> Tektronix Oscilloscope --> Documents. Refer to the Tektronix web site for any updates. This product is not equipped with virus protection software. Prior to leaving Tektronix, this product was checked for known viruses and to the best of Tektronix' knowledge, was considered clean of known security threats. If this instrument will be placed on a network, it is highly recommended that you add such software. Virus protection software might slow down the start-up of the instrument, loading of applications, or acquisition of data. These issues usually can be alleviated through customization of the settings of the virus protection software. 2 Installation 2.1 TekScope Media Contents The TekScope Product Software media contains the 6.6.1.1 TekScope application in addition to the following software packages: * TekVISA Analysis and Connectivity Software * BERTScopePC application and driver software (for use with Tektronix Clock Recovery instruments 80A07, CR125, CR175 and CR286) * A Differential Channel Alignment application (for use with specific sampling modules to perform acquisition and TDR step alignment) * A Setup File Translator utility application (to aid in converting 5.x or later DSA8200 setup files to DSA8300 setup files) NOTE: TekScope version 6.2.1.2 or higher is required for instruments with serial number C040000 and above (GSA instrument serial number B020000 and above). 2.2 Installing the Product Software Installing the Product Software requires administrative privileges since the installation routines need to modify settings that apply to all instrument users. The factory installation of the Windows 7 Ultimate operating system is configured to automatically log into the "Administrator" account (no password is needed) during the boot process. If this behavior has not been modified, then you are ready to install the Product Software. Otherwise, you will need to manually log into the instrument as an administrator. It may be necessary to disable virus scanning software, or other third party software packages, in order to reliably install the Product Software. It is not necessary to terminate the TekScope application in order to install an upgrade to the Product Software. If installation from a LAN is desirable, the contents of the Product Software media (or the downloaded Web installer) may be copied to a file server. The file autorun.exe must be executed to proceed with installation whether on the scope or over the network. Do not install by running the individual TekScope setup.exe. Installation Details * Installation of the Clock Recovery software is relatively long (2-3 minutes). Please wait during its installation. * Two Windows Security dialogs may appear during installation. Click on "Install this driver software anyway" if they appear. * If the install seems to be taking a long time, try minimizing the AutoPlay window. Sometimes a popup window is placed behind the AutoPlay window and is waiting for user interaction. 2.3 Restoring the Operating System Instruments starting at serial number C040000 (GSA instrument serial number B020000) no longer ships with operating system (OS) restore media, as possibly stated in other product manuals (for instance the DSA8300 Digital Serial Analyzer Quick Start User Manual). To restore the hard drive to factory conditions, including the operating system and all applications, use the procedure "Restoring the Hard Drive to Factory Condition" described in the next section. 2.4 Restoring the Hard Drive to Factory Condition Data is provided on the hard drive that allows the Windows operating system and all applications to be restored to factory conditions in a single operation. To do so, perform the following sequence: * Reboot the instrument. * Press function key F5 when the "Starting Acronis Loader..." message appears. * Select Recover when the menu appears and Yes in the confirmation dialog. * After restoration is complete, approximately 20-30 minutes, reboot the instrument. If restoring the hard drive to factory condition is not successful or does not perform correctly, the drive itself may be faulty. Contact Technical Support for further information. WARNING: Restoring the Hard Drive destroys all existing files and information on the instrument's hard drive. NOTE: Instruments originally shipped with Product Software 6.0.x will have been shipped with the Windows taskbar set to Auto-hide. Restoring the Hard Drive to Factory Condition will also result in the taskbar being set to Auto-hide. For best operation with other Tektronix software applications, it is recommended to disable the Windows taskbar Auto-hide feature. You may do this by right-clicking on the Windows taskbar, selecting Properties, and then unchecking the "Auto-hide the taskbar" feature. For instruments shipped with Product Software 6.1.x and later, the instrument's hard drive is preconfigured to disable the Windows taskbar Auto-hide for the default Tek_Local_Admin account only. Restoring the Hard Drive to Factory Condition through the above steps will result in that same configuration of the taskbar Auto-hide. In all cases above, user accounts that are newly created will have the Auto-hide property enabled. To disable, follow the procedure provided above. 3 Benefits of Installing Software Release 6.6.1.1 3.1 Enhancements This release and media distribution includes the following enhancements: * Support for new filter rates that are available in certain optical modules. The following enumerations have been added to programmatic command CH:FILTer:VALue. ENET266PAM4TDECQ (for the Ethernet PAM4 26.5625 GBd signaling rate) ENET531PAM4TDECQ (for the Ethernet PAM4 53.1250 GBd signaling rate) * Additional data rates have been added to the Pattern Sync Data Rate list. * Additional pattern lengths have been added to the Pattern Sync Pattern Length list. * Additional frequencies have been added to the Phase Reference Input Frequency list. 3.2 Miscellaneous Changes and Corrections Other noteworthy changes and corrections including the following: * Improved ability to make Rise Time and Fall Time measurements on NRZ signals. * Fixed a recall setup issue when Phase Reference Untriggered mode is used. * Fixed a complex math expression error that uses a reference waveform. 4 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.5.1.1 4.1 Enhancements This release and media distribution includes the following enhancements: * A new measurement parameter, Extinction Ratio Adjust, has been added that provides a user controllable adjustment for the Extinction Ratio, Extinction Ratio %, and Extinction Ratio dB measurements (NRZ and RZ signal types only). The adjustment value, when active, appears in the associated measurement's readout. The following new programmatic commands have been added: MEASUrement:MEAS:ERAdjust:STAte MEASUrement:MEAS:ERAdjust:VALue * Support for new filter rates that are available in certain optical modules. The following enumerations have been added to programmatic command CH:FILTer:VALue. ENET266PAM4 (for the Ethernet 26.5625 GBd signaling rate) ENET531PAM4 (for the Ethernet 53.125 GBd signaling rate) FC57800 (for the Fibre Channel 57.8 GBd signaling rate) * Support for new 80C17 and 80C18 optical modules (this version is required to operate these modules). 4.2 Miscellaneous Changes and Corrections Other noteworthy changes and corrections including the following: * Fixed instances where Mask Autofit and Autoseek errors generated from the programmatic interface were instead returned to the user interface. * Fixed installation hang when updating from 6.0.x.x to 6.4.x.x. * Measurement readouts in dB no longer use prefix modifiers (e.g. m, u, etc.). * Fixed measurement readout issue in formatting of negative numbers for ratio type measurements. 5 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.4.1.1 5.1 Enhancements This release and media distribution includes the following enhancements: * A new programmatic command to query the actual measured mask autoseek margin Hit Ratio - the displayed value in the measurement readout - as opposed to the target Hit Ratio. MASK:AUTOSEEk:MEASHitratio? (Query Only) * A new a programmatic command to enable/disable the computation of the Mask Autoseek margin uncertainty (improves Mask Autoseek performance). MASK:AUTOSEEk:UNState * A new alternate programmatic command to query the number of UI samples acquired during a mask test (equivalent to ACQuire:CURRentcount:MASKUisamples?). MASK:COUNt:UISamples? (Query Only) * Three new masks with associated programmatic interface tokens for HORizontal:BITS:STANdard and MASK:STANdard commands: Mask: OTU-4/OTL4.4 (27.9524Gbps), Token: OTU27952 Mask: 100GBASE-SR4 (25.78125Gbps), Token: ENET100GB_SR4 Mask: 100G PSM4 (25.78125Gbps), Token: PSM4_100G_TX * Support for the 100GBASE-SR4 TDEC filter that is available in certain optical modules. New ENET257SR4TDEC token has been added to programmatic command CH:FILTer:VALue. * New programmatic commands to hide/show waveforms on the display (hiding improves waveform curve query performance). DISplay:CH:MAGnify DISplay:CH:MAIn DISplay:MATH:MAGnify DISplay:MATH:MAIn DISplay:REF:MAGnify DISplay:REF:MAIn * New programmatic commands to set waveform display colors. CH:COLor MATH:COLor REF:COLor * The product software media contains an independent utility application named DSA8300 WfmDB Export to help export statistical Waveform Database data to a CSV file. On instruments shipped with TekScope 6.4 and later, this application is pre-installed and available from the Start menu or shortcut on the desktop. Upgrading existing DSA8300 instruments requires manual installation. To do so, run the setup.exe from the TekScope media WfmDBExport folder. This application does not show up in the TekScope Applications menu. 5.2 Miscellaneous Changes and Corrections Other noteworthy changes and corrections including the following: * When a mask is activated (loaded) from the user interface, Use Wfm Database is automatically enabled. * When a Custom Mask is imported from the user interface, it automatically becomes the selected mask and mask testing is enabled. * The reliability and robustness of mask & NRZ eye autoset has been improved. * The algorithm mask margin uncertainty computation has been revised (depending on signal, could return a value too large). * The use of all 8 measurements no longer causes mask Autofit and Autoseek to fail. * Programmatic MASK:AUTOSEEK EXECUTE errors no longer appear in the user interface. * Fixed intermittent crash at wincore.cpp line 1039 (or 979, depending on TekScope version). * Fixed 80SJNB application activation string change (now accepts either "80SJNB" or "80SJNBAdvanced+PAM4" strings). * Fixed crash when custom mask import is done after dark level compensate from the programmatic interface. * Fixed an issue where the PHASEREF:CHAR programmatic command could hang the scope. * Measurement readouts in percentage no longer use prefix modifiers (e.g. m, u, etc.). * Fixed an issue where custom mask file names containing multiple periods would not import. 6 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.3.1.5 This minor release includes corrections for possible intermittent, but false, mainframe and optical module compensation failures. 7 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.3.1.4 This minor release includes a correction for possible intermittent optical module compensation failures, more prevalent with the 80C10C. 8 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.3.1.3 This release and media distribution includes the following: * A new mask margin feature called Autoseek Margin (as part of the TekScope software). Includes changes to the programmatic interface. * An updated version of TekVISA connectivity software to fix a firewall issue (installed as part of the TekScope software update). * An updated version of the Differential Channel Alignment application to correct a potential channel mismatch (installed as part of the TekScope software update). * An updated version of the DSA8300 Setup File Translator utility application to fix an issue where a converted setup file could crash the DSA8300 scope. (Note that this utility application must be installed manually from the media after uninstalling the current version through the Control Panel). * Miscellaneous changes and corrections 8.1 Feature Added: Autoseek (Mask) Margin A new Autoseek Margin feature has been added that automatically adjusts the mask margin according to one of two selectable target criteria - Hit Ratio or Total Hits. Related additions include: * A new mask margin mode control (Off, Manual, Hit Ratio, or Total Hits) * New mask readout fields such as Unit Interval Samples and measured Hit Ratio. * A new acquisition Stop After condition of Mask UI (Unit Interval) Samples. * A new acquisition Stop Action of Do Mask Autoseek. * A new graticule Autoseek status message (to indicate when Autoseek is valid, i.e. has been successfully executed on the current accumulated waveform data). * Several new errors and warnings related to the new Autoseek Margin feature Refer to the instrument's On-Line Help (Mask Setup) or Quick Start User Manual (Mask Testing) for operation. 8.2 Programmatic Interface Changes The following additions have been made to the programmatic interface: * ACQuire:CURRentcount:MASKUisamples? * MASK:AUTOSEEk EXEcute * MASK:AUTOSEEk:HITRatio * MASK:AUTOSEEk:MASKCount * MASK:AUTOSEEk:STATe? * MASK:AUTOSEEk:UNCertainty? * MASK:MARgin:MODe OFF | MANual | HITRatio | MASKCount The following existing commands have been modified: * ACQuire:STOPAfter:ACTion (AUTOSEEk added) * ACQuire:STOPAfter:CONDition (MASKUisamples added) * MASK:MARgin:STATE (use new MASK:MARgin:MODe command - retained for legacy compatibility) In addition, several status and error events/messages have been added related to the new Autoseek Margin feature. Some existing Autofit Mask error messages have also been modified. Refer to the instrument's Programmers Guide for details, including factory defaults for new Autoseek Margin related settings (Acquire and Mask areas). 8.3 Miscellaneous Changes and Corrections Other noteworthy changes and corrections including the following: * Former mask setup dialog mask autoset controls - Autoset Method (Automatic/Manual) and HiLow Method (Mean/Mode) - have been moved to a new Advanced Mask Setup pop-up dialog. * An issue was fixed in which the scope does not properly recall waveforms saved from pre DSA8300 sampling scopes (hangs scope) * An issue was fixed in which changing the Windows text size from Smaller to Medium causes the scope to hang on startup. Note that while the scope will no longer hang, do not change the Windows text size - the user interface will not look or behavior properly. 9 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.2.1.4 This minor release includes a correction for an intermittent, but false, mainframe compensation failure. 10 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.2.1.3 This minor release includes corrections for two issues: * Missing waveform segments when using Triggered Phase Correction and a Clock Input/Prescaler Trigger input frequency of 400MHz or less. * Possible misplaced acquired samples around 650ns horizontal position when using Direct, Free Run, or Clock-Other trigger sources/modes. 11 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.2.1.2 11.1 Support for Acquisition Changes and Jitter Improvements Acquisition hardware changes have been made to instruments with serial number C040000 and above (GSA instrument serial number B020000 and above) that support improved system jitter performance (with appropriate sampling modules). Software included in this version is required for these instruments for proper operation. 11.2 Updated Version of TekVISA Connectivity Software This installation contains a major revision (4.0.0) to the TekVISA Connectivity Software that includes a variety of enhancements and defect corrections. Included is a correction to VXI-11 interface operation where buffers were not properly cleared on query timeouts, resulting in subsequent queries returning results from the previous query (i.e. query results being out of sync). 11.3 Updated Version of Differential Channel Alignment Application Some minor enhancement and corrections have been made to the Differential Channel Alignment application version 1.4.1.x. 12 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.2.1.1 12.1 Support for New Sampling Modules Sampling modules 80E07B, 80E08B, 80E09B, 80E10B, 82A04B, 80E11, and 80E11X1 contain new capabilities that are supported by this software release. New capabilities include time calibrated Vertical Channel Delay and TDR Step Deskew controls, where applicable, along with range appropriate coarse/fine increment/decrement resolutions. New programmatic commands are available to set these controls directly in time, while former commands continue to set them in percent. Refer to the Programmatic Interface Changes section. Utilization of the new Differential Channel Alignment application improves the accuracy of the Channel Delay and TDR Step Deskew as the above modules are moved between mainframes and mainframe module slots or attached to, or removed from, extender cables (where applicable). 12.2 Feature Added: Differential Channel Alignment Application A new differential alignment application, single-ended in the case of the single-channel 80E11X1, is installed with this version and available from the TekScope Applications menu. The modules currently supported by this application, version 1.4.x, include the 80E07B, 80E08B, 80E09B, 80E10B, 82A04B, 80E11, 80E11X1, and 80E04. Utilizing this auxiliary application improves the linearity of both the Vertical Channel Delay and TDR Step Deskew features, the latter only for TDR capable modules, and channel-to-channel matching for dual-channel modules. 80E04 support is limited to TDR Step Deskew alignment. Accessory items may be included with the modules specifically to aid in this process. It is recommended that this application be used for the listed modules under the following conditions: * When first installing the module in an instrument. * After moving the module to a different slot. * After changing the extender module configuration (where applicable). NOTE: This application has the capability to remember (save) and restore module characterization data for each slot. The following describes some known limitations and important operational notes. * Close the Differential Channel Alignment application before powering down the instrument. On exit, this application attempts to restore a setup to the TekScope application. As both applications attempt to shut down, this may cause a TekScope assertion of file ISDB.cpp, which can be ignored. * Close all TekScope dialogs while using the Differential Channel Alignment application. A variety of TekScope dialogs, such as most File and Utility menu invoked dialogs, are modal and prevent programmatic communication from any source. Trying to operate the Differential Channel Alignment application with any of these dialogs active will cause the alignment application to stop working. * When using the alignment application, it is strongly recommended not to change scope settings from either the TekScope application or programmable interfaces (GPIB or VXI-11). Otherwise, unpredictable operation may occur. Refer to the Differential Channel Alignment application's on-line help for additional operational details. 12.3 Phase Correction Enhancements Both usability and performance enhancements have been made to Phase Correction operation in this release, including the following: * The phase reference clock characterization time has been reduced. * The phase reference clock characterization process has been improved such that it is more robust and reliable over wider input clock conditions, thereby providing better quadrature sampling results. * Reporting of new metrics of the characterized input clock has been added as an aid to understanding the clock characteristics and overall jitter performance. These include estimated frequency, amplitude, and quality. * The new estimated metrics are available in the user interface and through the programmatic interface. An associated estimated clock quality graphic has also been added to the phase reference readout status button. 12.4 Programmatic Interface Changes The following additions have been made to the programmatic interface: * CH:DELay:UNIts? * CH:DELay:TIMe * TDR:CH:STEP:DESKEW:UNIts? * TDR:CH:STEP:DESKEW:TIMe * PHAseref:CH:ESTFrequency? * PHAseref:CH:ESTAmplitude? * PHAseref:CH:ESTQuality? * APPLication:SCOPEAPP:WINDOW FULLSCREEN | MINIMIZED The following existing programmatic interface commands have been modified: * APPlication:ACTivate ("DiffChanAlign" string added) * CH:DELay (works in % units only) * TDR:CH:STEP:DESKEW (works in % units only) Refer to the instrument's Programmers Guide for details. 12.5 New Front Panel and Driver Update Instruments with serial number C020000 and later shipped with a new version of the front panel. This version of the product software includes an update to the front panel driver in the TekScope application that addresses potential performance issues with the new front panel. With the TekScope version 6.1 front panel driver, the new panel responds slower to changes than before and may require increases in controller timeout after operations such as OPC or Default Setups (on the order 1-2 seconds). 12.6 Miscellaneous Improvements, Changes, and Corrections This section describes other noteworthy improvements or changes, including the following: * The Horizontal Position fine increment was reduced from 2 pixels to 1 pixel. * The application note describing the programmatic differences between DSA8200 and DSA8300 (section 6.25) has been updated to reflect changes made in this release. * The product software media contains an independent utility application named the DSA8300 Setup File Translator to help convert 5.x or later DSA8200 setup files to DSA8300 setup files. On instruments shipped with TekScope 6.2 and later, this application is pre-installed and available from the Start menu or shortcut on the desktop. Upgrading existing DSA8300 instruments requires manual installation. To do so, run the setup.exe from the TekScope media SetupFileTranslator folder. This application does not show up in the TekScope Applications menu. * The VXI Plug & Play Instrument Driver version 1.0.0.4 is available on the product media. It is not installed or present on the instrument hard drive as shipped from the factory. To install on the instrument or a PC, navigate to the VxiPnP folder from the product media (or downloaded web distribution) and run PnPDriverInstaller.exe. The current 1.0.0.4 driver does not contain support for the most recent programmatic changes in product software versions 6.1 and 6.2. Refer to the Tektronix web site for the most recent driver. * Fixed issue where loading DSA8200 or earlier setup files would crash the DSA8300. * Fixed issue where 82A04 module compensation might fail when Trigger source is set to TDR and TDR rate set to 300kHz. * Fixed issue with mask rescaling during autoset when mask autofit is enabled. 13 Changes Included in Prior Software Release 6.1.1.1 (from 6.0.x) This section describes improvements, noteworthy enhancements, and defect corrections from the 6.0.3.0 release. In addition, a number of minor defects were also corrected in this software release. 13.1 Feature Added: Dynamic module reconfiguration (without powering down) A new feature has been added that allows changing the module configuration without the need to power down the instrument. This is an interactive, directed process that can be found in the Utilities --> View/Change Module Config dialog. Refer to the instrument's On-Line Help (Removing or Installing Modules Without Powering Down the Mainframe) or Quick Start User Manual (Installing Modules) for operation and warnings. 13.2 Feature Added: Autofit Mask to Data A new Mask Autofit feature has been added that allows a mask to be fitted to the waveform after the data has been acquired. Refer to the instrument's On-Line Help (Mask Setup) or Quick Start User Manual (Mask Testing) for operation. 13.3 Coarse control added for Cursors All Cursor functions now have both Coarse and Fine control as set by the front panel Fine button. Coarse is 10 pixels per knob increment/decrement and 1 pixel for Fine mode. 13.4 Trigger and Phase Reference User Interface and operational changes This release has changed the combinations of Trigger Sources, Scope Modes (Clock Trigger Source), and Phase Correction Modes that are allowed. The Mode/Trigger and Phase Reference setup dialogs have been updated to reflect these changes (layout, terminology, and modal behavior). Significant changes include: * Phase Correction Mode selection is dependent on the Trigger Source and Scope Mode selections (they must be selected first). * Trigger Source and Scope Mode selections may coerce the Phase Correction Mode (but not the reverse). * Untriggered Phase Correction Mode (formerly Free Run) may only be used with Free Run / Untriggered Phase Ref Trigger source. * Triggered Phase Correction Mode (SSC on or off) may only be used with Clock Trigger Sources and Eye or Pattern Scope Modes. Refer to the instrument's On-Line Help or Quick Start User Manual for additional operational details. 13.5 Programmatic Interface Changes The following additions have been made to the programmatic interface: * MASK:AUTOFit EXECute (no query form) * MASK:AUTOFit:STATe? (query only) * PHAseref:MODe UNTRIGger (new argument, equivalent to FREerun) * TRIGger:SOUrce CLKPre (new argument, equivalent to EXTPrescaler) * TRIGger:CLKRec:SOUrce (set and query commands no longer supported) Refer to the instrument's Programmers Guide for additional details. 14 Highlights of Differences from 8200-Series Sampling Oscilloscopes 14.1 Compute Platform Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * Windows 7 Ultimate operating system (32-bit) * Dual core CPU * 160GB or larger hard drive * 3GB usable memory (RAM) 14.2 Front Panel Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * The "Trigger Prescale Input" connector has been renamed "Clock Input / Prescale Trigger" due to functionality changes (including higher bandwidth). * The "Internal Clock Output" connector has been renamed "TDR Clock Out". * Channel waveform buttons are now color coded - a unique color for each of the 8 input channels. 14.3 Display & User Interface Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * Display resolution has increased to 1024 x768 * Windows 7 look & feel (dialogs/windows, controls, graphics) * The graticule has increased in size both vertically and horizontally. * Channel waveform input colors are now unique for all 8 sampling module inputs. * Enhanced color selection capability for increased flexibility. * The readout area (Waveforms, Cursors, Histograms, Measurements, Masks) has moved from the right-hand side (vertically oriented) of the screen to the lower portion (horizontally oriented) * The readouts may now be displayed or not displayed (from the View menu). When not display, this provides a near full-screen graticule. * The lower readout area may be scrolled via scroll buttons or by dragging the readout area left or right with the stylus or finger. * A new dynamically sized, floating readout window or dialog is now available (separate from the lower screen readout area). * Windows right-click operations may now be invoked by pressing and holding the stylus or finger to the touch panel surface. * Several setup dialogs have been revised (Horizontal, Trigger, Pattern Sync, TDR) or added (Advanced Trigger, Advanced TDR). * The scope toolbar (Run/Stop, Trigger Source, etc.) has been enhanced to be more context sensitive in that the controls to the right of the Trigger Source selection dynamically change to provide more commonly used controls for the selected operational mode. 14.4 Horizontal Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * Supported record lengths are now 50-16000 for the Main timebase and 50-4000 for the Magnified timebases (in specific incremental steps). * All record lengths are now available at all horizontal scale settings. * A new Display Scale feature has been added to modify the behavior of the Horizontal Scale control (Per Division or Per Screen) and has a setting associated with each Horizontal Unit (Seconds, Bits, Distance). * The Timebase Mode feature & control have been removed (here and in the Phase Reference setup dialog). * All FrameScan setup controls are now available only in the Pattern Sync setup dialog. In addition, the Auto Position and Start Bit controls have been removed. * In pattern trigger mode, the Horizontal Main Position has been unified with the former Pattern Sync Relative Trigger bit to provide a single pattern relative horizontal positioning control. When Units is set to Bits, the minimum horizontal position at the left edge of the screen corresponds to 0.0 bits. * A Units Setup dialog has been added. 14.5 TDR Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * TDR operation up to 300 kHz is supported (default TDR step rate remains at 200 kHz). * The "Autoset Properties..." button has been replaced with an "Advanced TDR Setup..." button. * A new Advanced TDR setup dialog has been added. 14.6 Trigger Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * Trigger source selections have been revised to better model new acquisition capabilities and operation. A new "Clock" trigger source, with sub-selection of available clock sources, has been added. "Internal Clock" has been renamed "TDR". A new "Free Run" trigger source has been added which replaces the former "Auto" trigger mode (as a quick way to observe signal presence and amplitude). Pattern Sync trigger source has been removed and is now an operational mode pertaining to Clock trigger sources only (if the ADVTRIG option is enabled). * The 80A06 Pattern Sync Trigger Module is no longer supported. The mainframe now includes pattern sync capability that is enabled with the ADVTRIG option. * For Clock trigger sources, a new operational "scope" mode (Eye, Pattern, Other) is available that controls triggering and acquisition behavior. Pattern mode is available only with the ADVTRIG option. * Available Clock trigger sources include the front panel Clock Input / Prescale Trigger input and modules containing clock recovery. * When using a Clock trigger source, the instrument monitors the clock frequency of the clock source and automatically optimizes operation for best jitter performance. If a clock change is detected, a message in the graticule is displayed to indicate the status of the perceived clock change and the necessary action to force the instrument to re-synchronize to the clock change (if possible). A "Clear Data" operation, among others, will cause the instrument to perform the re-synchronization operation. * The Auto/Normal Trigger mode has been removed. * A new Advanced Trigger setup dialog has been added. Within this dialog, the former "High Frequency" control has been replaced with the "Noise Reject" control (same underlying behavior but inverse usage, e.g. High Frequency Off = Noise Reject On). * Trigger Holdoff now applies differently to different trigger sources and modes. 14.7 Pattern Sync / FrameScan Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * All FrameScan controls now reside in one setup dialog (Pattern Sync / FrameScan). * The Pattern Sync Source control has been removed since there is now only one pattern sync source (the mainframe, when enabled by the ADVTRIG option). * The Relative Trigger Bit control has been removed and replaced with a (Horizontal) Main Position control that provides a single pattern relative horizontal positioning control. When Units is set to Bits, the minimum horizontal position at the left edge of the screen corresponds to 0.0 bits. * A return-to-0 Main position control has been added that sets the Main horizontal position to minimum. * A Clock Source control has been added (that is essentially a common control with the Trigger setup Clock source sub-selection control). 14.8 Waveform Databases Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * The number of Variable Persistence samples has increased to 2 million. 14.9 Measurements, Cursors Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * Units of horizontal cursor positions and readout values now change to match the selected horizontal unit (formerly only Seconds and Distance were supported). * Some timing measurements now also track the selected horizontal unit. * When measurement statistics are enabled, statistics are now shown for all measurements in the readout area. 14.10 Compensation Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * Compensating the Mainframe and all modules now require separate operations due to external signal connection recommendations in order to achieve optimal performance. The "All" operation has been replaced with an "All Modules" operation, with the Mainframe the new default upon displaying the Compensation dialog. * Mainframe compensation is 4-5 times faster. 14.11 Masks Custom masks and standard masks that are file-based are now identified by the name being displayed in bold-faced dark blue text in the mask readout title. 14.12 Preferences / GPIB Device/Controller Switching Switching the instrument's GPIB mode between Device and Controller operation is now integrated into the TekScope application within the Utilities --> Preferences -->GPIB Configuration dialog. Changing to (or from) Controller mode requires an instrument reboot. 14.13 Programmatic Interface Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * PHAseref:CHAR is now supported by *OPC * CURVe queries are typically 2-3 times faster * An application note that details the programmatic interface differences between the DSA8200 and DSA8300 can be found at: http://www.tek.com/products/oscilloscopes/dsa8300/ 14.14 Defaults Notable changes from the 8200-series products include: * The default trigger source is now Clock with a clock source selection of Clock/Prescale. * The default Scope Mode (Clock Trigger Source) is Eye. * The default record length for the Main and all Magnified timebases is 4000. * The default horizontal Display Scale mode for each Unit type is: Seconds (Per Division), Bits (Per Screen), and Distance (Per Screen). * The default Measurement Signal Type is now NRZ (both in the Measurement setup dialog and in the Measurement toolbar). * The default Autoset Mode is now NRZ Eye. Note: If you select Period or Edge as the autoset mode, an autoset operation when using clock pattern triggering will result in approximately 20 unit intervals or bits on screen (assuming a pattern lock can be found). * The default Autoset TDR Options Display Incident Edge is now Off. * The default Waveform Database Grading Method is now Binary 8. 14.15 Clock Recovery Instrument Support The latest application supporting Tektronix Clock Recovery Instruments (80A07, CR125, CR175 and CR286) is installed. It can be launched by selecting CRxxx Control in the scope's Application menu or by selecting Start --> All Programs --> Tektronix Applications --> Clock Recovery --> CRxxx Control. New GPIB commands have been added to set and query the Tektronix Clock Recovery Instruments. TRIGger:CLKRec:CRC:EQUalizer Set equalizer to a value in range 0-10 (1) TRIGger:CLKRec:CRC:EQUalizer? Return the equalization value (1) TRIGger:CLKRec:CRC:MODElnum? Return a string identifying the model TRIGger:CLKRec:CRC:CAPabilities? Return a bit mask of instrument features TRIGger:CLKRec:CRC:HALfrate? Return whether clock rate is half the input rate TRIGger:CLKRec:CRC:LOCKFp Lock/unlock the clock recovery instrument front panel (1) This applies only to the CR286A. 14.16 Additional Standards and Optical Filters Support has been added for the following standards. Standard PI Token Bit Rate 40GBASE-FR ENET41250 41.25000 Gb/s 40GBASE-LR4 ENET40GB_LR4 10.3125 Gb/s 40GBASE-SR4 ENET40GB_SR4 10.3125 Gb/s 100GBASE-ER4 ENET100GB_ER4 25.78125 Gb/s 100GBASE-LR4 ENET100GB_LR4 25.78125 Gb/s 100GBASE-SR10 ENET100GB_SR10 10.3125 Gb/s 8GFC FC8500FINAL 8.5000 Gb/s 16GFC MM r6.1 FC14025_MMR6_1 14.02500 Gb/s 16GFC SM r6.1 FC14025_SMR6_1 14.02500 Gb/s Support has been added for the following filters. Filter PI Token INF2500 INF2500 (1) INF5000 INF5000 OBSAI 6.144 Gb/s OBSAI6144 CPRI 7.373 Gb/s CPRI7373 8GFC FC8500FINAL FEC12.50 Gb/s FEC12500 (1) 16GFC r6.1 FC14025 INF14063 INF14063 40GBASE-R4 ENET103R4 100GBASE-R4 ENET257R4 100GBASE-R10 ENET103R10 INF25781 INF25781 OTU-4 OTU27952 40GBASE-FR ENET41250 FullPowerElecOut FPELECOUT (2) (1) INF2500 and FEC12500 are new synonyms for the existing INFINIBAND and SFEC12500 filters, respectively. Either the new or old names can be used to select a filter in GPIB commands but queries always return the new names. (2) This is not a filter but instead turns on the full power electrical output for optical modules supporting this feature. FC11317 is now supported by the command HORIZONTAL:BITS:STANDARD. 15 Known Limitations and Operational Notes The following describes known limitations and other operational notes concerning this software release. * No backwards compatibility with DSA8200 (or earlier) setup files * Do not change the display resolution of the primary display * Do not change the language from English * Installing National Instruments SW may cause problems with TekVISA * TekVISA install during TekScope application re-install brings up additional TekVISA install dialogs * Data:Clock ratio must be specified correctly to ensure optimal performance. * The AutoSync function might fail to find the correct parameters on signals with significant overshoot or undershoot * Parameter Error or inconsistent setting may be observed after initial installation or module configuration change * Changing Windows 7 Appearance and Personalization settings is not recommended * NRZ or RZ Autoset without a standard mask requires that the appropriate bit rate be set * Dark level calibration required to produce accurate measurements of optical signals * Trigger source must be set TDR for TDR testing (recommend using TDR presets) * Certain math/measurement definitions may not be recalled properly * Adjusting waveform position while stopped does not update the histogram readouts * Potential problems with recall "setup from last session" or "saved setup" Start-up user preferences * Custom masks sometimes do not get recalled correctly when part of a setup * User and Custom masks not recalled properly when mask margins are part of setup * Instrument fails to acquire or is unresponsive after removing 82A04 Phase Reference module * TekScope application will not stay minimized 15.1 No backwards compatibility with DSA8200 (or earlier) setup files Previous setup files saved for the DSA8200 (or earlier 8000-series oscilloscopes) are not compatible with the DSA8300. Attempting to recall earlier setup files may cause unexpected behavior or cause the instrument to stop operating. The 6.2 and later product software media contains an independent utility application named the DSA8300 Setup File Translator to help convert 5.x or later DSA8200 setup files to DSA8300 setup files. On instruments shipped with TekScope 6.2 and later, this application is pre-installed and available from the Start menu or shortcut on the desktop. Upgrading existing DSA8300 instruments requires manual installation. To do so, run the setup.exe from the TekScope media SetupFileTranslator folder. This application does not show up in the TekScope Applications menu 15.2 Do Not Change the Display Resolution of the Primary Display The primary display screen resolution is set at the factory to 1024x768. This setting is required for proper operation of the scope application. Do not change this setting. If the setting does get changed, use one of the following procedures to get back to the correct resolution. Method 1: 1. Right click on the desktop and select Screen Resolution 2. Change Resolution to 1024x768 Method 2: 1. From Start menu select Control Panel 2. Select Adjust Screen Resolution under Appearance and Personalization 3. Change Resolution to 1024x768 Method 3: 1. Select File-->Exit from the TekScope menu 2. Perform Method 1 or 2 above 3. Double-click on the TekScope Application icon on the desktop to restart the application 15.3 Do Not Change the Language from English Proper operation and display of the TekScope application requires that the language be set to English. If changed, use the following procedure to return the language to English. 1. From Start menu select Control Panel 2. Select Change display language under Clock, Language, and Region 3. Select English under Choose a display language and click OK 4. Click the Log off now button 5. Log back in 6. On the desktop, right-click and choose Personalize 7. Select the DSA8300 Theme (under My Themes) and dismiss the dialog 15.4 Installing National Instruments Software May Cause Problems with TekVISA The instrument comes pre-installed with Tektronix's Analysis and Connectivity Software which includes the VISA interface. If you install a National Instruments software package that includes NI's VISA, it will over-write the Tek VISA. To avoid this problem, choose Custom Install when installing NI's software and choose not to install NI VISA. If NI VISA is inadvertently installed on your scope, you must re-install TekVISA. You can do this by inserting the Product Software media that came with your instrument and selecting the "TekVISA Analysis and Connectivity Software" option. 15.5 TekVISA install during TekScope application re-install brings up additional TekVISA install dialogs As part of its uninstall/install, the TekVISA included in this release (v4.0.0) may display additional dialogs of its own when re-installing the TekScope application. Simply continue or finish when requested by these dialogs. 15.6 Data:Clock ratio must be specified correctly for optimal performance When using the internal clock recovery path from a clock recovery module (Trigger Source is C1 Clock Recovery or C3 Clock Recovery) when Scope Mode is Pattern, the Data:Clock ratio in the Pattern Sync/FrameScan Setup dialog must be set to match the divide ratio of the clock recovery module to assure best performance. If the Data:Clock ratio is not set as specified in the following table, acquisition rate could be significantly slowed. Module Data Rate Data:Clock Ratio 80C07B-CR1 N/A 1:1 80C08C-CR1,-CR2,-CR4 N/A 16:1 80C11-CR1,-CR2,-CR3,-CR4 N/A 16:1 80A05 155M to <2.7G 1:1 >= 2.7G 16:1 For Data:Clock ratios for legacy 8000 series modules with internal clock recovery, contact Tektronix Support. 15.7 The AutoSync function might fail to find the correct parameters on signals with significant overshoot or undershoot The AutoSync function will automatically find the data rate, pattern length and data to clock ratio for the specified input signal. However, if the signal has too much overshoot or undershoot, the function might not correctly determine all of these parameters. This might occur for an optical signal that is unfiltered. To avoid this problem, use filtering with optical signals when using the AutoSync function. 15.8 Parameter Error or inconsistent setting may be observed after initial installation or module configuration change The instrument contains an initial factory setup file to be recalled upon the first boot after installation. This factory setup file was prepared on an instrument with no modules installed. This setup is completely compatible with all possible module configurations, except for module configurations that include clock recovery hardware. The first time an instrument with clock recovery hardware is booted, a harmless "parameter error" may be observed. This error may be safely ignored and should not be observed on subsequent boot cycles. Similar parameter errors may be observed when the module configuration changes (modules added, removed, replaced with different module types, extender cables added or removed) and are typically innocuous. When this error is observed, the associated parameter typically assumes the default value. NOTE: To ensure instrument settings consistency when using the "Setup from the last session" or "Saved setup" Start-up feature, it is highly recommended that a Default Setup be performed once the instrument has power-up and the TekScope application is active. 15.9 Changing Windows Appearance and Personalization settings is not recommended Modifying Windows look and feel properties such as fonts, text sizes, and desktop themes is strongly discouraged as they may be incompatible with the TekScope application or produce irregularities. The only Personalization theme that is guaranteed to operate correctly with the TekScope application is the "DSA8300" theme. 15.10 NRZ or RZ Autoset without a standard mask requires that the appropriate bit rate be set Performing an NRZ or RZ Autoset without a standard mask requires that the appropriate bit rate be set before initiating the Autoset. This can be done via the UI from the Horizontal setup dialog by setting the Bit Rate or Comm Standard field. Alternatively, you can set the bit rate via the programmer interface with the command: HORizontal:BITS:BITRate . Additionally, you must specify the Autoset type. This can be done by selecting "Utilities --> Autoset Properties..." and choosing the appropriate autoset type. The autoset type can also be selected via the programmer interface by using the :AUTOSet:TYPE command. 15.11 Dark level calibration required to produce accurate measurements of optical signals A Dark Level Calibration should be performed on optical channels before obtaining measurement results. In particular, Extinction Ratio requires this calibration for meaningful results. NOTE: The Extinction Ratio measurement is not supported on electrical channels. 15.12 Trigger source must be set to TDR for TDR testing (recommend using TDR presets) For TDR testing, the trigger source must be set to TDR. The trigger source is not coerced to TDR automatically when TDR Step generators are manually turned on (see the TDR setup menu). Tektronix recommends using TDR Preset when setting up TDR. TDR Preset not only sets the trigger source to TDR, it also turns on the TDR step generator and acquisition hardware for the selected channel, and scales and positions the signal so that the incident edge of the TDR pulse is visible on screen. One of the two following setup methods is recommended: Method 1: 1. Connect the channels to be used to the Device-Under-Test (the instrument supports TDR on up to eight channels simultaneously). 2. Press the TDR Preset button in the TDR setup menu for each channel used or Press the Diff Preset button to preset a channel pair for true differential TDR. 3. Following any TDR preset, you can specify step polarity and display units for each TDR channel as desired. Method 2: 1. Connect the channels to be used to the Device-Under-Test (the instrument supports TDR on up to eight channels simultaneously). 2. Select TDR as the trigger source from the toolbar Trigger source control. 3. Turn on or select one of the channels to be used for TDR. 4. Press the Single or Differential TDR Preset button in the toolbar (to the far right of the toolbar). These buttons operate on the selected channel (or module channel pair in the case of a differential preset). Note: The buttons will not be enabled if the channel does not support TDR. 5. Repeat 3 & 4 for other channels or channel pairs as necessary. 6. If necessary, go to the TDR setup dialog to change step polarities or display units. 15.13 Certain math/measurement definitions may not be recalled properly. This release may require that you rebuild certain Math waveform and measurement definitions, rather than just save and recall them. For example, the instrument allows you to define such sophisticated math waveform and automatic measurements as follows: Example 1: MATH1 = AVERAGE(C1-MEAS1); where MEAS1 = MEAN(R1) Example 2: MEAS1 = AVERAGE(M1) While this flexibility makes for very powerful math and measurement systems, it also complicates the saving and restoring of the instrument state when using Save and Recall Setups or the *LRN? GPIB command. For the math waveform example above (Example 1), it is critical to restore the MEAS1 definition prior to restoring the MATH1 definition. However, for the automatic measurement above (Example 2), it is critical to restore the math definition prior to the measurement definition. This release of the Product Software does not attempt to rationalize the order in which it restores instrument settings using a Recall Setup operation or *LRN? command. As a result, it may be necessary to rebuild definitions such as those just discussed rather than just saving and recalling them. 15.14 Adjusting waveform position while stopped does not update the histogram readouts When the instrument is in a stopped state, changing the waveform position will not update the histogram readouts. 15.15 Potential problems with recall "Setup from last session" or "Saved setup" Start-up user preferences If the Start-up user preference is configured to recall "setup from last session" or "saved setup" on power-up and for any reason the instrument software hangs during power-up, it is possible the setup file that the instrument is attempting to recall is corrupted. If rebooting the instrument does not resolve the problem, remove the following file or remove the file specified in the "saved setup" text box: "C:\Program Files\Tektronix\TekScope\Setups\Current.stp". If the Start-up user preference is configured to recall "setup from last session", the File Name error displayed in the Error Message dialog on the next restart may be safely ignored. Subsequent reboots should not produce this error. If the Start-up user preference is configured to recall "saved setup", save a new setup to the location specified in the "saved setup" text box. Subsequent reboots should not produce a File Name error. 15.16 Custom masks sometimes do not get recalled correctly when part of a setup Saving and recalling setups where a Custom mask is the selected mask may not get recalled correctly. Reselecting Custom as the Communication Standard restores the custom mask to its correct state. 15.17 User and Custom masks not recalled properly when mask margins are part of setup User or Custom masks, when saving and recalling a setup in which Mask Margins is enabled (On), do not get recalled correctly. For Custom masks, reselecting Custom as the Communication Standard restores the custom mask to its correct state. An alternate solution for both User and Custom masks is to turn off mask margin testing before saving the setup, then turning mask margin testing back on after the setup recall. 15.18 Instrument fails to acquire or is unresponsive after removing 82A04 Phase Reference module This issue can occur in one of two ways: 1. When re-powering the instrument after an 82A04 Phase Reference module is removed and the Start-up User Preferences is set to "Setup from the last session" or "Saved setup". 2. When recalling a setup that included an 82A04 module but where the module is no longer installed in the instrument. Under condition one above (or any pending module configuration change), it is recommended that a Default Setup be performed before powering down the instrument and changing the module configuration. If starting up from a Saved Setup, either change the User Preferences or delete the referenced setup file. Turning Channel 1 off (if on) may also clear the problem. Please refer to sections 4.19 and 4.27 for related issues, solutions, and additional information. 15.19 TekScope Application will not stay minimized On occasion, one of the front panel continuous-type knobs - Vertical Position, Vertical Offset, Horizontal Position, Trigger Level - may generate intermittent front panel change notifications to the application based on its rotational setting and therefore cause it to be maximized. Adjust one or more of the knobs slightly to eliminate this behavior. 15.20 TekVISA LAN Server does not start up with default User Account Control Setting The default Windows 7 User Account Control setting, as configured from the factory, is set to "Default - Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer". With this setting, the TekVISA LAN Server property "Start server on system power-up" cannot be changed from its default non-enabled setting. There are two alternatives: * Start the LAN server manually after every power-up or reboot with Start-->All Programs-->TekVISA-->TekVISA LAN Server Control (right-click and "Run as administrator") OR In the lower right Windows System Tray pop-up, right-click the TekVISA LAN Server Control and select "Start VXI-11 Server". * Enable the "Start server on system power-up" LAN Server property by changing the User Account Control (UAC) setting with the following sequence: Change the UAC setting to "Never Notify". To do this you must have an account with Administrator privileges. Refer to Windows documentation for how to change the UAC setting. Reboot the instrument. Access the TekVISA LAN Server Properties from the System Tray icon, and check (enable) the "Start server on system power-up" control. Reboot the instrument (the LAN server should now be running). If desired, change the UAC level back to the original setting and reboot. (Perform the above sequence any time you wish to change the LAN Server properties). 15.21 Acquisition waveform count reset when doing Mask Autofit When doing a "Mask Autofit to Data" operation, the number of acquisitions (Waveform Count) in the upper Status Bar gets reset to zero due to the automatic adjustment of the Horizontal Position and Reference settings. However, the "#Wfms" readout in the mask readout area remains according to the number of waveforms used in the mask test operation. For standardized mask testing processes where Mask Autofit is to be used, it is recommended to use the acquisition "Stop After Conditions" of "Mask Samples" or "Mask Waveforms". The status of these conditional operations also appears in the upper Status Bar but is not affected by the Mask Autofit operation as they are based on the underlying data in the Waveform Database (which is not affected by the Mask Autofit operation). 15.22 Ink-Saver mode gets reset to Normal on Default Setup The Page Setup Image mode (Normal or Ink-Saver) gets reset upon a Default Setup. It also is not saved and recalled with a Setup file. Therefore, it must be set to the desired setting after any Default Setup is performed from either the user or programmatic interfaces (*RST or RECAll:SETUp FACtory). NOTE: This mode can be controlled from the programmatic interface with the HARDCopy:INKSaver command. 15.23 Programmatic interface activation of 80SJNB DSA8300 firmware versions prior to 6.1.x.x allowed activation of the 80SJNB application with the commands APPlication:ACTivate "80SJNBEssentials" or APPlication:ACTivate "80SJNBAdvanced" (in addition to the previous "80SJNB" string). Only the "80SJNB" string is now supported. 15.24 DSA8300 Programmable Interface changes guide (from earlier 8000/8200-series sampling oscilloscopes) A PDF document is included on distribution media in this release that describes the programmatic interface differences between previous 8000/8200-sampling oscilloscopes and the DSA8300. Refer to file 85W-27063-2.pdf that is available on the DSA8300 Digital Serial Analyzer Product Software media or on the instruments hard drive at location C:\Program Files\Tektronix\TekScope\Documents. 16 Programmatic Interface (PI) Specific Limitations The Programmatic Interface (PI) of this release of the Product Software has the following limitations: * Caution is required when controlling instrument from front panel and PI simultaneously. * Proper command sequencing is required when specifying user masks. * SYNC:TIMEOUT value may need to be adjusted. * The instrument software may hang if GPIB commands are received before the boot process has completed. 16.1 Caution is required when controlling instrument from front panel and GPIB simultaneously Precautions should be taken when controlling the instrument from the GPIB and the front panel and/or graphical user interface simultaneously. Before attempting GPIB control of the instrument, make sure you do not have any dialog on screen that requires confirmation. In such a case, a GPIB timeout will occur as the instrument application will not acknowledge any other control activities until the user has responded to its confirmation request. Other dialogs that are known to lock out GPIB control include the Calibration, Compensation, and Diagnostic dialogs. 16.2 Proper command sequencing is required when specifying user masks This release requires that, when you are defining a user mask over GPIB, you first send the MASK:STANdard USERMask command. After sending this command, you may specify the polygons with the MASK:MASK commands. 16.3 SYNC:TIMEOUT value may need to be adjusted A mechanism is provided to prevent a response to certain data value queries before the query is ready to provide a value consistent with the instrument state. The SYNC:TIMEOUT command sets or queries the default synchronization timeout for commands that rely upon data production by the instrument. The default timeout value of 3 seconds should be appropriate for most applications, but may need to be adjusted under certain conditions: * Slow waveform acquisition rate: When a related query is issued to the instrument, if the combination of record length, averaging, FrameScan, trigger holdoff, and trigger source repetitive rate result in a waveform acquisition rate which is slow compared to the synchronization timeout, the synchronization timeout may expire before results are produced by the instrument. * Unforeseen user configurations: Any configuration that significantly influences the rate at which the instrument produces results could potentially result in a timeout. This could include installation of third party software that consumes a significant amount of CPU cycles or system resources. 16.4 The instrument software may hang if GPIB commands are received before the boot process has completed When the instrument is booting after a power cycle or restart operation, it is necessary to wait until the instrument has completed booting before sending GPIB commands. An indicator that the instrument has completed the boot process is the appearance and subsequent disappearance of the Diagnostics results dialog. NOTE: The Diagnostics results dialog must be dismissed in order for the instrument to process GPIB commands. In the absence of a diagnostics failure, this occurs automatically in 2-3 seconds. 17 Performance Enhancement Tips While the DSA8300 Series instruments provide the highest acquisition rates of any ultra-high performance oscilloscope available today, observing the following recommendations can enhance this performance: * For the highest data acquisition rate, set the Record Length to its maximum value, using the RESOLUTION knob on the front panel. * If you are using a Waveform Database, turn off all measurements until after you have completed data acquisition into the Waveform Database * Use the automated measurements rather than cursors for the most accurate measurement results. * For the best measurement results on signals with relatively fast transition times, increase the waveform record length beyond the default 4000 points (use the RESOLUTION knob on the front panel) if you are not using a Waveform Database. This will increase the number of points acquired on any rising or falling edge. * Enabling statistics (or to a lesser extent, annotations) for measurements on a vector trace may reduce Waveform Database accumulation rates. * For maximum sample acquisition rate avoid assigning different deskew values across multiple channels to be acquired. For sampling modules with both deskew and delay adjustments - 80E07, 80E08, 80E09 and 80E10 - you can time align channels in the same module using the Delay control without adversely impacting the sample acquisition rate. Another option is the use of an external phase adjuster (variable delay line). Refer to the DSA8300 Quick Start User Manual for additional information. 18 GPIB Programming Tips The DSA8300 uses a pipelined architecture for data acquisition, control and query commands. As a result, care must be exercised to ensure that the results returned from data or measurement queries are those that were expected. A number of methods exist to flush the acquisition and control queues to help obtain expected results. A few of these are listed as programming tips below: * Be sure to set up the instrument to Stop After Acquisitions = 1 if you need to guarantee that you have acquired a new waveform. You do this using the following sequence of commands: ACQuire:STOPAfter:CONDition ACQWfms ACQuire:STOPAfter:COUNt 1 * Be sure to wait until the acquisition is complete by using any of the synchronization commands (*OPC, *OPC? *WAI, and BUSY?). The above actions are required because the amount of time required to acquire a complete waveform depends on a variety of factors: the periodic rate of the trigger signal or pattern; the specified record length; whether averaging and/or FrameScan acquisition is turned on (and, if so, how many acquisitions must be averaged); the requested Trigger Holdoff; and so on. In addition: * Be sure to include at least 100 ms of delay in the loop that queries instrument status when synchronizing your test procedure to the instrument (using a BUSY? Query, for example). If you do not set sufficient time between status queries, the instrument will have very little time to acquire waveforms and process data. * Be sure to wait for the time listed below after sending each of the following commands before querying for any results that depend on the command sent: CH:FILTer:VALue 6 seconds CH:BANdwidth:VALue 6 seconds SAVe:WAVEform 3 seconds TRIGger:CH:CLKRec:VALue 2 seconds 19 Analysis and Connectivity Software Several optional software components are available to support control and data transfer between the instrument and numerous software-development and data-analysis tools. 19.1 Overview The Analysis and Connectivity software provided with this instrument may be used to: * Gather instrument data (waveforms, measurements) and export it to familiar, off-the-shelf analysis tools, such as Microsoft Excel, MathWorks' MatLab and MathSoft's MathCad. * Interface with numerous software development environments, such as Microsoft's Visual C++ and Visual Basic, National Instruments' LabVIEW and LabWindows, along with many other Microsoft-Windows-compatible development tools. The following software components are available with this release: * TekVISA 4.0.0 * TekVISA ActiveX Control (TVC) * VXI 11.2 LAN Server 19.2 Updates Analysis and Connectivity Software updates are periodically available for this product at: http://www.tek.com/Measurement/scopes/index/prodindex_sampling.html. Information on sampling instruments is available by navigating to the Sampling Oscilloscopes page. Additionally, the web site will periodically be updated with demonstration and example applications to enhance the instrument functionality. Because Sampling Oscilloscopes are significantly different in architecture than other types of oscilloscopes, the most recent release of the Analysis and Connectivity Software may not be correct for your instrument. Only download and install updates for the Analysis and Connectivity Software that specifically reference the DSA8300 Digital Serial Analyzer. You may find the latest connectivity software by searching for TekVISA on the Tektronix web site. 19.3 Instrument Installation Analysis and Connectivity Software is pre-installed on the DSA8300 sampling oscilloscope and is included in this release of the Product Software. By default, the Analysis and Connectivity Software is automatically installed when installing the product software from the Product Software media. The Product Software media also provides for installing the Analysis and Connectivity Software on any personal computer running Microsoft Windows (see PC Installation below). Installing the Analysis and Connectivity Software will add a TekVISA folder to the Start-->All Programs Menu. In the TekVISA folder, you will find the following items that provide additional information: * OpenChoice Call Monitor * OpenChoice Instrument Manager * OpenChoice Talker Listener * Release Notes * TekVISA ActiveX Control Help * TekVISA LAN Server Control * TekVISA Programming Manual * TekVISA Quick Reference Card * TekVISA Resource Manager Help * TekVISA Resource Manager 19.4 PC Installation You may install TekVISA on a PC running Windows XP Professional or Windows 7. Once installed, your PC will have the Start-->All Programs-->TekVISA folder as described above (the TekVISA LAN Server Control is instrument specific and will not appear on the PC). 19.5 Excel and Word Toolbars Excel and Word toolbars are not included with this version of the Analysis and Connectivity Software. 20 Sample Programs These sample programs illustrate methods you can use to control the instrument from the GPIB interface. Within the product-software media, you will find the program listings for these examples, which were written in Visual C++, version 6.0, and generated using the AppWizard program. NOTE: These sample programs do not use TekVISA. Samples that use TekVISA are found in directory: C:\VXIpnp\WinNT\TekVISA\VISASamples. NOTE: These programs do not run from within your instrument. These sample programs assume a physical GPIB connection between an external controller and the instrument. Although capabilities have been introduced to allow the instrument to operate as a controller, "loop-back" operation is not supported by physical GPIB. The TekVISA samples provide examples of applications that are capable of running within the instrument. The sample programs are located in a self-extracting zipped file on the product SW media in a folder called Samples\NI488.2 Samples (for example, if your drive designation is E:, then the file is located in E:\Samples\NI488.2 Samples). To extract this zipped file, simply double click on the Samples.exe file within the Samples folder. The programs will be extracted to C:\Samples by default. After unzipping this directory, you will find the source code for each example is in the Sources folder, and the programs are under a Programs folder. All the example programs assume that: * The instrument is set as DEV1 with address of 1, and the PC (controller) set as GPIB0 * A valid signal is connected to the instrument. NOTE: The sample programs were originally written for the 8000/8200 Series products and may not work as is for the DSA8300 without changes to the source files. To reassign the name of your instrument, you can use the Control Panel-->System-->Network Identification-->Properties button (NOT Network ID) or you can enter your current device name into the Edit box within each program. This is true except for the Mask example, where the board address is 0 and it is hard coded. Four of the sample programs use any variety of Electrical Sampling module except for the following: * Mask example uses an Optical Sampling module, preferably the 80C01-CR. * TDR example requires an 80E04 Electric module. Will not work with the 80E08 or 80E10 without code modifications. The example software includes: * Meas: Performs timing or an amplitude measurement on the selected waveform and displays the measurement. * WfmTransfer: Transfer out the selected waveform's horizontal timebase and its vertical scale into a file on your PC (controller). * Capture: Captures the screen into a selected file, or a printer. NOTE: The saved file will be on your instrument. Please make sure that you have a default printer selected before running this program. * TDR: Displays the attached cable length in centimeters. NOTE: Requires an 80E04 sampling module. * Mask: Makes an eye pattern evaluation against a mask; counts mask hits, and executes an action. NOTE: The saved file will be on your instrument. Please make sure that you have a default printer selected before running this program. 21 Contacting Tektronix Orders And Quotes Contact for the United States The USA Customer Support Center is open to help you place orders and request quotes, Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST). Phone: 1-800-833-9200 Web: www.tektronix.com/contact_us Quotes may be requested on-line from the Tektronix website www.tektronix.com. Navigate to the Buy area using the navigation bar on the www.tektronix.com homepage and select Buy | Quote and then Request a Quote. Service Center Contact for the United States You can depend on Tektronix Support for your service needs. Our "Enable First" business practices eliminate fine print, exclusions, surprises or delay, ensuring you the most credible, reliable, risk mitigation commitment in the industry. Phone: 1-800-833-9200 Web: www.tektronix.com/repair Technical Support Contact for the United States Highly qualified and experienced Technical Support Specialists are available to assist you in these areas: Applications, Product Operations, Software Operation, Technical Specifications and Product Replacement. Support staff is available from 6 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST), Monday through Friday, excluding corporate holidays. Phone: 1-800-833-9200 Web: www.tektronix.com/support Worldwide Headquarters Contact Information Please contact your local Tektronix Sales or Distributor office. Refer to our web site at www.tektronix.com for listings of those offices. Tektronix, Inc 14200 SW Karl Braun Drive P. O. Box 500 Beaverton, OR 97077 22 Notices Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Adobe Reader is a copyright of Adobe Systems Incorporated.