Launch of the 3 Series MDO and 4 Series MSO
New product, 6 series MDO UI introduced
Using the TekVPI probe interface


On the 3rd, Tektronix launched the next-generation mid-range oscilloscopes, the '3 Series MDO' and '4 Series MSO'.

The two new products adopt the UI introduced in the '5 Series MSO' in 2017 and the '6 Series MSO' in 2018.

So, by placing the main controls close to the touchscreen and front panel, you can simply double-tap the readout or measurement displayed on the screen without having to dig through multiple menus to set it up.

Tektronix's latest portfolio offers a wide range of performance options and advanced measurement and analysis capabilities, along with a variety of application options.


The 4 Series MSO can convert from one analog channel to eight digital channels.
The 4 Series MSO uses a 13.3-inch display with 1920x1080 HD resolution. The bandwidth is up to 1.5 GHz and the 12-bit ADC vertical resolution is also high.
It supports up to 6 input channels, and by applying FlexChannel technology, the input channel can be converted from 1 analog channel to 8 digital channels by simply connecting the device to a logic probe.

To meet the broad needs of diverse applications, the 4 Series MSOs start at 200 MHz in bandwidth and support options such as serial decode and analysis, arbitrary/function generators, and DVM/frequency counters.

The new Spectrum View feature enables time-correlated frequency domain analysis with independent spectrum controls.

Power analysis packages that automate AC line, switching device, ripple, and sequence measurements are also available.

Both bandwidth and options are field upgradeable.

The sampling rate is the same for all models, both analog and digital, at 6.25 Gs/s. The standard record length is 31.25 Mpoints, with 62.5 Mpoints available as an option.


The 3 Series MDO offers a spectrum analyzer that rivals standalone analyzers.
The 3 Series MDO was developed with the goal of being a compact, multi-functional test instrument that would be found on any engineer's desk.
It boasts an 11.6-inch display with Full HD resolution, and offers the same intuitive user interface with a similar knob and button layout as other models, yet takes up no more than 6 inches of bench space.

The 3 Series MDO handles a wide range of debugging and verification tasks.

Built-in spectrum analyzer up to 3 GHz with separate RF input, performance is similar to that of a standalone analyzer.

These capabilities enable engineers to quickly debug wireless components in their designs and quickly trace sources of unwanted EMI emissions without using separate equipment.

Additionally, 16 digital input channels are available for mixed-signal analysis.

Extensive serial protocol debugging and triggering options, power measurement and AFG options set a new standard for versatility. DVM/Frequency Counter is provided free of charge when you register your product.

The bandwidth of the 3 Series MDO extends from a minimum of 100 MHz to a maximum of 1 GHz.

Analog sampling rates are available in two models: 2.5 GS/s or 5 GS/s, while digital channels support up to 8.25 GS/s with a timing resolution of 121.2 pc. The standard record length is 10 Mpoints. For investment protection, bandwidth and options are all upgradeable.


Probe, using the TekVPI probe interface
The distance from the front of the oscilloscope to the device under test is the most critical factor in identifying the problematic circuit.

The 3 Series MDO and 4 Series MSO use the TekVPI probe interface to connect to a wide range of Tektronix differential voltage probes, active voltage probes, current probes, and recently introduced power rail probes and optically isolated differential probes.

“We’ve had more than 100 meetings with engineers around the world to develop and test early prototypes of new features and designs,” said Chris Witt, vice president and general manager of the Time Domain Business Unit at Tektronix. “Our top priority is to build versatility and ease-of-use into our products so engineers can spend their time innovating and solving challenging development challenges, not learning how to use an oscilloscope.”