TDS 684A, TDS 744A, & TDS 784A User Manual 1–3
Start UpBefore you use the TDS Oscilloscope, ensure that it is properly installed and
powered on.
Preparation
To ensure maximum accuracy for your most critical measurements, you should
know about signal path compensation and the proper use of the probe you choose
to use with your oscilloscope.
Be sure you compensate your oscilloscope for the surrounding temperature. This
action, called Signal Path Compensation (SPC), ensures maximum possible
accuracy for your most critical measurements. See Signal Path Compensation on
page 3–102 for a description of and operating information on this feature.
The TDS 744A Oscilloscope ships with four general-purpose, P6139A 500 MHz
passive probes. The TDS 684A and TDS 784A Oscilloscopes ship without
probes. To take advantage of the higher bandwidth of the TDS 684A and
TDS 784A Oscilloscopes, order the P6245 Active Probe. See Appendix A:
Options and Accessories in this manual for more information on optional-acces-
sory probes for all three oscilloscope models.
Be sure you use the appropriate probe for the measurement. For instance, do not
use the P6245 Active Probe to measure signals greater than ±8 volts or with
more than ±10 volts of offset since errors in signal measurement will result. (See
the User manual for the probe for more information.) Instead, use a passive
probe, such as P6139A passive probe, that allows higher voltage measurements.
The P6139A probe is for measurements up to ±500 volts.
CAUTION. Using the P6245 Active Probe to measure signals greater than
±40 volts may damage the probe.
Be sure to choose the proper input coupling and impedance for the probe or other
cabling you use to couple signals to your oscilloscope. You should read Input
Impedance Considerations on page 3–5 for information needed to ensure proper
coupling of your input signals.