TEKTRONIX 5B42 Dual Trace Amplifier Plug-in
Product Introduction: The Tektronix 5B42 is a reliable dual-trace vertical amplifier plugin designed for the modular 7000 Series oscilloscope system. It provides two independent amplifier channels within a single plug-in unit, enabling engineers to simultaneously display and compare two electronic signals on the oscilloscope's mainframe display for effective circuit analysis and debugging.
Overview and System Integration
The Tektronix 5B42 represents a core vertical amplification solution within the versatile 7000 Series oscilloscope platform. As a plug-in module, it is designed to be installed into a compatible 7000 Series mainframe oscilloscope, where it functions as the signal conditioning interface for two measurement channels. The mainframe provides the display, power supply, triggering system, and timebase, while the 5B42 specifically handles the critical task of amplifying input signals to appropriate levels for clear visual representation on the cathode-ray tube (CRT). This modular approach allows engineers to customize their oscilloscope's capabilities by selecting different plug-ins tailored to specific measurement needs, with the 5B42 serving as a fundamental choice for general-purpose dual-channel observation.
Core Technical Features and Design
Dual Independent Amplifier Channels
The 5B42 incorporates two completely separate vertical amplifier channels, typically designated as Channel 1 and Channel 2. Each channel features its own BNC input connector, sensitivity (volts-per-division) control, position control, and input coupling selector. This independence allows users to display two different signals simultaneously, each with individually optimized vertical scaling and positioning, which is essential for comparing input/output relationships, phase differences, or timing interactions between circuit nodes.
Calibrated Sensitivity and Bandwidth
Engineered for measurement accuracy, the module offers a range of calibrated deflection factors. These settings provide precise control over how much voltage each vertical division on the graticule represents. The amplifier is designed to maintain a consistent frequency response (bandwidth) across its operating range, ensuring that signals are amplified with minimal distortion or attenuation across the spectrum. This fidelity is crucial for making accurate amplitude and waveform shape measurements on both low-frequency and high-frequency signals within the module's specified limits.
Versatile Input Conditioning
Each channel includes selectable input coupling: DC coupling for observing the total signal including DC offset, AC coupling to block DC components and examine AC variations, and a GND setting to establish a zero-volt reference baseline on the display. The module often includes a variable sensitivity control ("VAR") for fine, uncalibrated adjustment between the main calibrated settings, providing flexibility to perfectly fit the waveform to the screen for detailed examination.
Representative Technical Specifications
The table below details the typical performance characteristics of the Tektronix 5B42 vertical amplifier plug-in module.
Specification Category Typical SpecificationModule Type Dual-Trace Vertical Amplifier Plug-in
Compatible Mainframes Tektronix 7000 Series Oscilloscopes
Number of Channels 2 independent channels
Bandwidth Specified operating bandwidth (model-dependent, typically up to tens of MHz)
Deflection Factor Range Multiple calibrated steps (e.g., from 10 mV/div to 5 V/div or similar)
Input Coupling AC, DC, GND (per channel)
Input Impedance 1 MΩ ±2%, shunted by approximate capacitance (e.g., 20 pF)
Rise Time Characteristic rise time corresponding to its bandwidth
Primary Applications and Use Cases
The Tektronix 5B42 is a versatile tool employed across various electronics engineering and service tasks.
General Circuit Debugging and Analysis: Simultaneously monitoring the input and output of an active component like an amplifier, filter, or comparator to verify gain, linearity, and distortion.
Timing and Phase Relationship Measurements: Comparing two periodic signals to measure phase shifts, time delays, or pulse width relationships in digital and analog circuits.
Educational and Training Laboratories: Serving as a primary tool for teaching fundamental oscilloscope operation, waveform measurement, and circuit theory principles.
Electronics Service and Repair: Troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment by comparing observed signals at test points with expected waveforms from service manuals.
Low to Medium Frequency Signal Observation: Viewing audio signals, sensor outputs, transducer responses, power supply ripple, and other phenomena within its bandwidth limitations.
Operational Context and Historical Value
The 5B42 operates within the context of the groundbreaking 7000 Series, a system celebrated for its flexibility and performance. Its value lies in providing essential dual-channel capability in a robust, dedicated hardware form. For users of these classic oscilloscope systems, the 5B42 offers the immediate, real-time display characteristic of analog oscilloscopes, which can be advantageous for visualizing signal dynamics and transient events. The module's straightforward design emphasizes reliability and ease of use, contributing to the long service life of many 7000 Series setups in laboratories, workshops, and educational institutions.
Conclusion
The Tektronix 5B42 dual-trace amplifier plug-in is a classic and functional component of one of the most successful modular oscilloscope systems ever produced. It effectively addresses the fundamental need to visualize and compare two signals, a cornerstone capability in electronic measurement. While modern digital oscilloscopes have integrated multiple channels into compact units, the 5B42 remains a testament to an era of modular, serviceable, and highly capable test instrumentation. For those maintaining and utilizing the 7000 Series platform, it continues to be a dependable tool for a wide array of diagnostic and analytical tasks.
- User name Member Level Quantity Specification Purchase Date
- Satisfaction ：
-
-
Comprehensive Analysis of Siemens TP/OP 170 Series Touch Screen and Operation Panel -
SIMATIC MODNIM Module Deep Analysis: A Reliable Bridge for Industrial Modbus Communication -
Comprehensive Analysis and Application Guide for SIEMENS S7-PLCSIM Advanced Simulation Software -
Technical Analysis and Professional Operation Guide for SIEMENS 1FK6 Servo Motor -
SIEMENS S7-300 PLC Beginner's Practice: From Hardware Installation to Program Debugging -
In depth analysis and selection guide for SIEMENS 3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker technology -
TEKTRONIX MSO5000 and DPO5000 series mixed signal oscilloscope -
TOSHIBA DI Series Split Air Conditioner -
TEKTRONIX 5A18N Dual Trace Amplifier -
Toshiba Discrete IGBTs: Core Architecture, Technological Evolution, and Application Details -
Foxboro G66 Triconex Tricon Termination Enclosure -
Triconex Tricon v9-v11 fault-tolerant control system: triple module redundant architecture and high availability design -
Tricon Triple-Modular Redundant Controller: TMR Architecture for Critical Process Safety -
Triconex and Pepperl+Fuchs security solutions -
TRICONEX Trident Controller -
Woodward EM-80/EM-300 Electric Actuator Specification Guide -
Woodward EM-80/EM-300 actuator system -
SCHNEIDER Electric Magelis XBT Series HMI Product Comprehensive Guide and Technical Analysis -
SCHNEIDER Magelis range Graphic XBT-F / TXBT-F Instruction Manual -
SCHNEIDER XB2-B Ø 22mm series buttons, selection switches, and indicator lights -
SCHNEIDER APC Back-UPS Pro Premium battery backup and surge protection for your critical devices -
SCHNEIDER APC Back UPS Pro Series Uninterruptible Power Supply Complete Usage and Configuration Guide -
User Guide for SCHNEIDER Service Interface (Part Number LV485500) -
SCHNEIDER PowerPact ™ H. Modbus Communication User Guide for J and L-type Circuit Breakers -
SCHNEIDER TeSys D Green series AC/DC universal contactor -
SCHNEIDER mart series low-voltage distribution products -
SCHNEIDER TeSys ® GV2/GV3 series motor circuit breakers -
Schneider Electric ComPacT NSX DC Circuit Breaker Full Solution and Application Guide -
SCHNEIDER Resi9 The ultimate in residential circuit protection -
SCHNEIDER Modicon Premium Automation Platform and Unity Software -
SCHNEIDER Quantum Safety PLC: Complete Analysis of SIL3 Safety Control System -
SCHNEIDER Modicon Quantum Automation Series -
SEW MOVIDRIVE ® MD-60A Inverter: Comprehensive Technical Analysis of Industrial Drive Solutions -
SEW MOVIDRIVE Inverter PROFIBUS Interface Configuration and Debugging Guide -
SEW MOVIDYN ® Complete Guide for Installation, Debugging, and Maintenance of Servo Controllers -
SEW MOVIDRIVE ® MDX60B/61B Inverter: Installation, Debugging, and Maintenance Guide -
SEW MOVITRAC ® B frequency converter -
SHINKAWA VM-5 Series Monitor -
Toshiba TE3 Soft Starter Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Complete Guide -
TOSHIBA N300 Pro NAS Hard Drive -
TOSHIBA N300 NAS Hard Drives -
Toshiba e-STUDIO Multifunctional Digital System Technical Specifications and Application Guide -
TOSHIBA V200 Series PLC Programming and Safety Application Guide -
TOSHIBA Unified Controller nv series™ Unified Controller nv series™ -
Toshiba Discrete IGBT Product Technology Analysis and Application Guide -
Technical Analysis and Application of Toshiba V-Series Integrated Control System -
TOSVERT VF-AS3 series 600V industrial frequency converter -
Toshiba VRF Dx coil interface device -
Toshiba T1-16S Programmable Controller I/O Module Detailed Explanation -
CE 680 M511 industrial piezoelectric accelerometer -
Hardware Explanation of Meggitt VM600 MPS Mechanical Protection System -
Meggitt Vibro meter VM600Mk2 Mechanical Protection and Condition Monitoring System -
WAGO MCS Connection System -
WAGO 281-611 Fuse Terminal Analysis -
Watlow PPC-2000 System Deployment and Configuration Guide -
Watlow MLS Controller Guide -
Watlow 8LS Controller Setup Guide -
Watlow Anafaze System 32 Hardware Installation Guide -
Watlow ANAFAZE 12LS Installation and Operation Technical Guide -
Baldor NextMove ST Motion Controller Technical Guide -
Baldor MotiFlex e100 Servo Drive Installation Guide -
Baldor FlexDrive II AC Guide -
Baldor MicroFlex Servo Drive Professional Installation Guide -
ABB MicroFlex servo drive characteristics and installation guide -
Baldor BSM Series AC Servo Motor Analysis -
Baldor Reliability CDPT3320 DC Motor -
Baldor Reliability NEMA Super-E Ultra High Efficiency Motor Comprehensive Guide -
Baldor Reliance Full Horsepower DC Motor Comprehensive Guide: From Technical Specifications to Industrial Application Selection -
Comprehensive Guide to Baldor Motion Control Accessories: HMI Panels, Industrial Cables, Power Supplies, and EMC Filters -
HIMA HICore 1 In Depth Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide to Functional Safety SoCs, Evaluation Kits, and T Ü V Certification -
HIMA HIJunctionBox: Creating a New Era of Distributed Intelligent Security Platform -
HIMA HIMatrix F35 Safety Controller: Specification Manual, SIL 3 Programming and Installation Guide -
HIMA HIQuad X System Manual: Comprehensive and in-depth analysis of HIMA SIL 3 safety automation system -
Deep Analysis of HIMA HIMax Safety Control System: Architecture, Redundancy, and Engineering Application Guidelines -
In depth analysis of HIMA Planar4 system: SIL 4 level hard wired safety logic solution -
What are the core protection mechanisms of WOODWARD Vertex's anti surge control? -
Woodward Vertex Compressor Control System: Function, Application, and Installation Details -
Woodward easYview miniSCADA visualization solution -
Woodward easyYview Series: Technical Analysis of Mini SCADA Remote Control Panel Designed for Generator Sets and Switchgear -
Woodward MicroNet Plus: High reliability redundant control system for prime mover control -
Woodward easyYgen LS-6XT: A Multi Circuit Breaker Control Solution for Complex Power Management -
Woodward easyYgen LS-6XT Circuit Breaker Control Unit: Technical Characteristics, Installation and Application Guide -
Woodward LS-521 V2 (Option K12) Circuit Breaker Control Unit -
Woodward MicroNet TMR 5009 Digital Control System: Authoritative Guide to Hardware Installation and Configuration -
Woodward MicroNet ™ Analysis and Application of Simplex and Plus Digital Control Systems -
WOODWARD MSLC-2XT™ Master Synchronizer and Load Control -
Woodward DSLC Digital Synchronizer and Load Controller: Installation, Operation, and Troubleshooting Guide -
WOODWARD DSLC-2 Digital Synchronizer and Load Control -
From Beginner to Proficient: Woodward easyYgen-3000 Controller Interface Configuration, CANopen, J1939 and Modbus Communication Practical Guide -
WOODWARD easYgen-3000 Series (Package P1) Genset Control -
WOODWARD ® ProTech‐SX Safety System with Integrated Overspeed Protection -
Woodward ProTech SX Simplex System: Turbine Single Channel Safety Protection System -
Woodward QuickTrip Electro Hydraulic Trip Module Components: High Reliability Turbine Safe Shutdown Solution -
WOODWARD QuickTrip Electro-Hydraulic Trip Block Assembly -
WOODWARD VariStroke Hydraulic Power Cylinder (VHPC) -
WOODWARD VariStroke GI single acting electro-hydraulic actuator: a reliable solution for turbine control -
Woodward VariStroke DX hydraulic servo dual redundant sled -
Woodward VariStroke-I electro-hydraulic actuator: an innovative solution for steam turbine valve control -
WOODWARD MicroNet TMR ® OpView of 5009 Digital Control System ™ Interface Operation Manual -
WOODWARD 5009XT Fault-Tolerant Control -
Woodward PG-PL Hydraulic Governor: Reliable and Accurate Engine and Turbine Speed Control Solution -
WOODWARD 2301A Speed Control Controller: A Classic and Reliable Engine and Turbine Speed Control Solution -
XP POWER VFR05 Series 5W Convertible Plug AC-DC Adapter -
XP POWER VFL05 Series 5W Wall Mounted AC-DC Power Adapter -
XP POWER AQM200 Series 200W Natural Cooling Medical Grade AC-DC External Power Supply -
XP POWER CB Series 1W Natural Cooling Micro High Voltage DC-HVDC Converter -
XP POWER CDX Series 1500W Dual Frequency RF Power Supply -
XP POWER RDF25 Series 5W Bottom Cooling DC-DC Converter -
XP POWER ITX Series 6W DC-DC Converter: A Concise and Efficient Solution -
XP Power Technical Guide: In Depth Analysis of AC/DC Conversion, System Topology, and High Reliability Design -
XP POWER C Series Micro Stabilized High Voltage DC-DC Converter -
XP POWER EHL05 Series 5W AC-DC Power Supply: A Wide Input Solution Designed for 480VAC Systems -
XP Power: The world's leading expert in power conversion and its full range of solutions -
XP POWER HDA1500 Series 1.5kW High Power AC-DC Power Supply -
XP POWER SMP350 Series Fan Cooling 350W AC-DC Power Supply -
XP POWER MP Series 300-2400 Watts AC-DC Power Supply -
How to install the YAMAHA RCX40 four axis robot controller? -
HIMA HIMax X-AO 16 01 Analog Output Module: SIL 3 Safety Certification and Key Technical Features -
HIMA HIMax ® System Manual is applicable to safety related control systems -
Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Switch -
YASKAWA A1000 series AC frequency converter -
HIRSCHMANN MACH1040 family Full Gigabit Industrial Ethernet Ruggedized Switch -
How to operate the Hirschmann MICE series media module and expansion module? -
How to install Hirschmann MS20/MS30 series industrial Ethernet switches? -
Hirschmann GUI Graphical User Interface Industrial ETHERNET (Gigabit-)Switch RS20/RS30/RS40, MS20/MS30 -
HIRSCHMANN MICE series modular industrial communication equipment -
TOSHIBA TOSBERT VF-AS3 series -
TOSHIBA MG08-D SERIES ENTERPRISE CAPACITY HDD
