Tektronix Telescope 1502C User Manual

User Manual  
1502C  
Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer  
070-7169-05  
This document applies for firmware version 5.04  
and above.  
www.tektronix.com  
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WARRANTY  
Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects in materials and  
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If a product proves defective during this  
warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor,  
or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product.  
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration  
of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be  
responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with  
shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a  
location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for  
paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.  
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate  
maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage  
resulting from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product;  
b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any  
damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has been  
modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time  
or difficulty of servicing the product.  
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS  
OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF  
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’  
RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND  
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.  
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,  
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR  
THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  
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Contacting Tektronix  
Phone  
1-800-833-9200*  
Address  
Tektronix, Inc.  
Department or name (if known)  
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive  
P.O. Box 500  
Beaverton, OR 97077  
USA  
Web site  
www.tektronix.com  
Sales support  
Service support  
Technical support  
1-800-833-9200, select option 1*  
1-800-833-9200, select option 2*  
1-800-833-9200, select option 3*  
1-503-627-2400  
6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time  
*
This phone number is toll free in North America. After office hours, please  
leave a voice mail message.  
Outside North America, contact a Tektronix sales office or distributor; see  
the Tektronix web site for a list of offices.  
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Table of Contents  
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Installation and Repacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
vii  
viii  
Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
xi  
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Preparing to Use the 1502C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Front-Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Menu Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Test Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cable Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Additional Features (Menu Selected) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
11  
11  
15  
16  
17  
18  
112  
114  
129  
Operator Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What is the Tektronix 1502C? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
How Does It Do It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
You, the Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Menus and Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
The Waveform Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
A Longer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Ohms-at-Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Set Ref (Delta Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
VIEW INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
STORE and VIEW STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
VIEW DIFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Menu-Accessed Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
TDR Questions and Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
21  
21  
21  
21  
21  
22  
25  
27  
28  
211  
213  
217  
218  
220  
221  
226  
Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Option 04: YT-1 Chart Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Option 05: Metric Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Option 07: YT-1S Chart Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Power Cord Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Test data record Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Option DE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
31  
31  
31  
31  
31  
32  
32  
32  
Appendix A: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Environmental Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Certifications and Compliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Physical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
A1  
A1  
A3  
A4  
A5  
Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
B1  
Appendix C: Operator Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
C1  
C3  
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Table of Contents  
Appendix D: Application Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Pulse Echo Testing of Electrical Transmission Lines  
D1  
Using the Tektronix Time-Domain Reflectometry Slide Rule . . . . . . . . . . .  
Terms and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
VSWR vs. Percent Reflected Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Return Loss (dB) vs. Percent Reflected Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Percent Reflected Voltage vs. Characteristic Line Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Percent Reflected Voltage vs. Load Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Characteristic Line Impedance or Load Resistance vs. Reflection Amplitude . .  
Centimeters vs. Inches or Meters vs. Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Dielectric Constant vs. Velocity Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Time vs. Short Distances, in Centimeters or Inches (any dielectric) . . . . . . . . . .  
Time vs. Long Distances, in Meters or Feet (any dielectric) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
D1  
D1  
D2  
D2  
D3  
D4  
D6  
D6  
D7  
D8  
D8  
D9  
Glossary  
Index  
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Table of Contents  
List of Figures  
Figure 11: Rear Panel Voltage Selector, Fuse, AC Receptacle . . . . .  
12  
13  
15  
16  
Figure 12: Display Showing Low Battery Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 13: 1502C Front-Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 14: Display and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 15: Vp Set at .30, Cursor Beyond Reflected Pulse  
(Set Too Low) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
113  
Figure 16: Vp Set at .99, Cursor Less Than Reflected Pulse  
(Set Too High) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
113  
Figure 17: Vp Set at .66, Cursor at Reflected Pulse  
(Set Correctly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
113  
114  
115  
115  
116  
116  
117  
118  
119  
120  
120  
121  
122  
Figure 18: 20-ft Cable at 5 ft/div . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 19: Short in the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 110: Open in the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 111: 455-ft Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 112: 455-ft Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 113: Reflection Adjusted to One Division in Height . . . . . . .  
Figure 114: Return Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 115: Ohms-at-Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 116: Display with VIEW INPUT Turned Off . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 117: Display of a Stored Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 118: Display of a Stored Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 119: Waveform Moved to Top Half of Display . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 120: Current Waveform Centered, Stored Waveform  
Above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
122  
Figure 121: Current Waveform Center, Stored Waveform Above,  
Difference Below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
123  
124  
124  
125  
125  
126  
127  
127  
128  
129  
130  
Figure 122: Waveform of Three-Foot Lead-in Cable . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 123: Cursor Moved to End of Three-Foot Lead-in Cable . . .  
Figure 124: Cursor Moved to End of Three-Foot Lead-in Cable . . .  
Figure 125: Cursor Moved to 0.00 ft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 126: Incident Pulse at Three Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 127: Waveform of Short 75 ohm Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 128: Waveform Centered and Adjusted Vertically . . . . . . . .  
Figure 129: Cursor Moved to Desired Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 130: Waveform Viewed in Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 131: Waveform Showing Intermittent Changes . . . . . . . . . . .  
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Figure 132: Waveform Display with No Outgoing Pulses . . . . . . . . .  
130  
Figure 133: A Captured Single Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
132  
Figure 21: Display Showing 3-ft Cable in Start-Up Conditions . . . .  
23  
Figure 22: Cursor of Rising Edge of Reflected Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
23  
Figure 23: Waveform with VERT SCALE Increased Showing  
an Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
24  
24  
25  
26  
Figure 24: Waveform with Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 25: 3-foot Cable with Cursor at Far Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 26: 3-foot Cable with Cursor at Incident Pulse . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 27: 3-foot Cable with Cursor at Incident Pulse, Vertical  
Scale at 25 dB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
26  
27  
Figure 28: Cursor on End of Longer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 29: Scrolling Down the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 210: Ohms-at-Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 211: Ohms-at-Cursor Near Beginning of Cable . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 212: Ohms-at-Cursor Beyond Reflected Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 213: Ohms-at-Cursor Beyond Reflected Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 214: Noise on the Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 215: Noise Reduced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 216: Noise Reduced to Minimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 217: Incident and Reflected Pulses with Cursor at 0.00 ft . .  
Figure 218: Cursor at 3.000 ft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 219: New Zero Set at End of Test Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
28  
29  
29  
210  
210  
211  
212  
212  
213  
214  
214  
Figure 220: Display with 3-ft Cable and NOISE FILTER turned to  
VERT SET REF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
215  
Figure 221: VERT SCALE adjusted to Make Pulse Two Divisions  
High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
216  
217  
217  
218  
219  
219  
220  
221  
222  
222  
224  
225  
Figure 222: Display with VIEW INPUT Turned Off . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 223: Display with VIEW INPUT Turned On . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 224: Waveform Moved to Upper Portion of the Display . . . .  
Figure 225: Waveform with Cable Shorted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 226: Waveform with Both Current and Stored Waveforms .  
Figure 227: Stored, Current, and Difference Waveforms . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 228: Display with VIEW STORE and VIEW DIFF Disabled  
Figure 229: Short and Open Viewed via Max Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 230: Waveform Strobed Down Display in Max Hold . . . . . .  
Figure 231: Display with Pulse Turned Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure 232: Test Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
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Table of Contents  
Figure 233: Captured Single Sweep of Shorted Test Cable . . . . . . . .  
225  
B2  
B3  
B3  
B4  
B4  
B5  
B5  
B6  
B6  
B8  
Figure B1: Start-up Measurement Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B2: Measurement Display with 3-foot Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B3: Cursor at End of 3-foot Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B4: Cursor at End of 3-foot Cable, Vp Set to .30 . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B5: Flat-Line Display Out to 50,0000+ Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B6: Flat-Line Display at 2.000 ft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B7: Waveform Off the Top of the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B8: Waveform at the Bottom of the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B9: Waveform with Gain at 5.00 mr/div . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B10: Top of Pulse on Center Graticule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B11: Rising Edge of Incident Pulse in Left-most Major  
Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
B8  
B9  
B9  
Figure B12: Waveform Centered, Cursor at 0.000 ft . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B13: Pulse Centered on Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure B14: Cursor on Lowest Major Graticule that Rising Edge  
crosses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B10  
Figure B15: Cursor on Highest Major Graticule that Rising Edge  
crosses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B10  
Figure B16: Jitter Apparent on Leading Edge of Incident Pulse . . . B11  
Figure B17: Jitter Captured Using Max Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11  
Figure D1: Slide Rule of VSWR vs. Percent Reflected Voltage . . . .  
D2  
Figure D2: Slide Rule of Return Loss vs. Percent Reflected  
Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
D3  
D4  
D5  
Figure D3: Slide Rule 50 ohm Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure D4: Slide Rule 75 ohm Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Figure D5: Calculating Resistance/Impedance from Waveform  
Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
D6  
Figure D6: English-Metric, Metric-English Conversion Scales . . . .  
D7  
Figure D7: Dielectric Constant and Velocity Factor, Short  
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
D8  
Figure D8: Dielectric Constant and Velocity Factor, Long  
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
D9  
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Table of Contents  
List of Tables  
Table i: Shipping Carton Test Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
ix  
Table 11: Fuse and Voltage Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
12  
Table 12: Vp of Various Dielectric Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
112  
Table A1: Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Table A2: Environmental Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Table A3: Physical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
A1  
A3  
A5  
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General Information  
Product Description  
The Tektronix 1502C Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer (MTDR) is a  
short-range cable tester capable of finding faults in metal cable. Tests can be  
made on coaxial, twisted pair, or parallel cable.  
The 1502C sends an electrical pulse down the cable and detects any reflections  
made by discontinuities. This is known as time-domain reflectometry. The  
1502C is sensitive to impedance changes. Problems in the cable will be detected  
and displayed as changes in impedance along the cable. These will be displayed  
as hills and valleys in the reflected pulse. The 1502C is capable of finding shorts,  
opens, defects in the shield, foreign substances in the cable (e.g., water), kinks,  
and more. Even though other instruments might show a cable as good.the  
1502C can show many previously undetected faults.  
The waveform may be temporarily stored within the 1502C and recalled or may  
be printed using the optional dot matrix strip chart recorder, which installs into  
the front-panel Option Port.  
Battery Pack  
Options  
The 1502C may be operated from an AC power source or an internal lead-acid  
battery that supply a minimum of five hours operating time (see the Specifica-  
tions appendix for specifics).  
Options available for the 1502C are explained in the Options and Accessories  
chapter of this manual.  
Standards, Documents,  
and References Used  
Terminology used in this manual is in accordance with industry practice.  
Abbreviations are in accordance with ANSI Y1.119722, with exceptions and  
additions explained in parentheses in the text. Graphic symbology is based on  
ANSI Y32.21975. Logic symbology is based on ANSI Y32.141973 and  
manufacturers data books or sheets. A copy of ANSI standards may be obtained  
from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, 345 47th Street, New  
York, NY 10017.  
Changes and History  
Information  
Changes that involve manual corrections and/or additional data will be incorpo-  
rated into the text and that page will show a revision date on the inside bottom  
edge. History information is included in any diagrams in gray.  
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General Information  
Installation and Repacking  
Unpacking and Initial  
Inspection  
Before unpacking the 1502C from its shipping container or carton, inspect for  
signs of external damage. If the carton is damaged, notify the carrier. The  
shipping carton contains the basic instrument and its standard accessories. Refer  
to the replaceable parts list in the Service Manual for a complete listing.  
If the contents of the shipping container are incomplete, if there is mechanical  
damage or defect, or if the instrument does not meet operational check require-  
ments, contact your local Tektronix Field Office or representative. If the shipping  
container is damaged, notify the carrier as well as Tektronix.  
The instrument was inspected both mechanically and electrically before  
shipment. It should be free if mechanical damage and meet or exceed all  
electrical specifications. Procedures to check operational performance are in the  
Performance Checks appendix. These checks should satisfy the requirements for  
most receiving or incoming inspections.  
Power Source and Power  
Requirements  
The 1502C is intended to be operated from a power source that will not apply  
more than 250 volts RMS between the supply conductors or between either  
supply conductor and ground. A protective ground connection, by way of the  
grounding conductor in the power cord, is essential for safe operation.  
The AC power connector is a three-way polarized plug with the ground (earth)  
lead connected directly to the instrument frame to provide electrical shock  
protection. If the unit is connected to any other power source, the unit frame  
must be connected to earth ground.  
Power and voltage requirements are printed on the back panel. The 1502C can be  
operated from either 115 VAC or 230 VAC nominal line voltage at 45 Hz to  
440 Hz, or a battery pack.  
Further information on the 1502C power requirements can be found in the Safety  
Summary in this section and in the Operating Instructions chapter.  
Repacking for Shipment  
When the 1502C is to be shipped to a Tektronix Service Center for service or  
repair, attach a tag showing the name and address of the owner, name of the  
individual at your firm who may be contacted, the complete serial number of the  
instrument, and a description of the service required. If the original packaging is  
unfit for use or is not available, repackage the instrument as follows:  
1. Obtain a carton of corrugated cardboard having inside dimensions that are at  
least six inches greater than the equipment dimensions to allow for cushion-  
ing. The test strength of the shipping carton should be 275 pounds  
(102.5 kg). Refer to the following table for test strength requirements:  
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General Information  
Table i: Shipping Carton Test Strength  
Gross Weight (lb)  
0 – 10  
Carton Test Strength (lb)  
200  
275  
375  
500  
600  
11 – 30  
31 – 120  
121 – 140  
141 – 160  
2. Install the front cover on the 1502C and surround the instrument with  
polyethylene sheeting to protect the finish.  
3. Cushion the instrument on all sides with packing material or urethane foam  
between the carton and the sides of the instrument.  
4. Seal with shipping tape or an industrial stapler.  
If you have any questions, contact your local Tektronix Field Office or represen-  
tative.  
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General Information  
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General Safety Summary  
The safety information in this summary is for operating personnel. Specific  
warnings and cautions will be found throughout the manual where they apply,  
but might not appear in this summary. For specific service safety information,  
see the 1502C Service Manual.  
Safety Terms and Symbols  
Terms in this manual:  
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in  
injury or loss of life.  
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in  
damage to this product or other property.  
Terms on the Product:  
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the  
marking.  
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the  
marking.  
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.  
Symbols in the Manual:  
WARNING or CAUTION  
Information  
Symbols on the Product:  
Double  
Insulated  
DANGER  
High Voltage  
Protective Ground  
(Earth) Terminal  
ATTENTION  
Refer to  
Manual  
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General Safety Summary  
Power Source  
This product is intended to operate from a power source that will not apply more  
than 250 volts RMS between the supply conductors or between the supply  
conductor and ground. A protective ground connection, by way of the grounding  
conductor in the power cord, is essential for safe operation.  
Grounding the Product  
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To  
avoid electrical shock, plug the power cord into a properly wired receptacle  
before connecting to the product input or output terminals. A protective ground  
connection by way of the grounding conductor in the power cord is essential for  
safe operation.  
Danger Arising from Loss  
of Ground  
Upon loss of the protective-ground connection, all accessible conductive parts  
(including knobs and controls that appear to be insulating) can render an electric  
shock.  
Use the Proper Power  
Cord  
Use only the power cord and connector specified for this product. Do not use this  
instrument without a rated AC line cord.  
The standard power cord (161-0288-00) is rated for outdoor use. All other  
optional power cords are rated for indoor use only.  
Use only a power cord that is in good condition.  
Refer cord and connector changes to qualified service personnel.  
Use the Proper Fuse  
To avoid fire hazard, use only a fuse of the correct type.  
Refer fuse replacement to qualified service personnel.  
Do Not Operate in  
Explosive Atmosphere  
To avoid explosion, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere  
unless it has been specifically certified for such operation.  
Do Not Remove Covers or  
Panels  
To avoid personal injury, do not remove the product covers or panels. Do not  
operate the product without the covers and panels properly installed.  
Connecting Cables to the  
Front-Panel BNC  
To avoid possible damage to the front-end circuitry, connection of a cable that is,  
or can be, driven by active circuitry should be avoided if the voltage could  
exceed 400 V.  
Disposal of Batteries  
This instrument contains a lead-acid battery. Some states and/or local jurisdic-  
tions might require special disposition/recycling of this type of material in  
accordance with Hazardous Waste guidelines. Check your local and state  
regulations prior to disposing of an old battery.  
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General Safety Summary  
Tektronix Factory Service will accept 1502C batteries for recycling. If you  
choose to return the battery to us for recycling, the battery cases must be intact,  
the battery should be packed with the battery terminals insulated against possible  
short-circuits, and should be packed in shock-absorbant material.  
Tektronix, Inc.  
Attn: Service Department  
P.O. Box 500  
Beaverton, Oregon 97077 U.S.A.  
For additional information, phone:1800TEKWIDE  
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General Safety Summary  
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Operating Instructions  
Overview  
Handling  
The 1502C front panel is protected by a watertight cover, in which the standard  
accessories are stored. Secure the front cover by snapping the side latches  
outward. If the instrument is inadvertently left on, installing the front cover will  
turn off the POWER switch automatically.  
The carrying handle rotates 325° and serves as a stand when positioned beneath  
the instrument.  
Inside the case, at the back of the instrument, is a moisture-absorbing canister  
containing silica gel. In extremely wet environments, it might be be necessary to  
periodically remove and dry the canister. This procedure is explained in the  
1502C Service Manual.  
The 1502C can be stored in temperatures ranging from 62° C to +85° C if a  
battery is not installed. If a battery is installed and the storage temperature is  
below 35° C or above +65° C, the battery pack should be removed and stored  
separately (see 1502C Service Manual for instructions on removing the battery).  
Battery storage temperature should be between 35° C to +65° C.  
Powering the 1502C  
In the field, the 1502C can be powered using the internal battery. See Figure 11.  
For AC operation, check the rear panel for proper voltage setting. The voltage  
selector can be seen through the window of the protective cap. If the setting  
differs from the voltage available, it can be easily changed. Simply remove the  
protective cap and select the proper voltage using a screwdriver.  
The 1502C is intended to be operated from a power source that will not apply  
more than 250 V RMS between the supply conductors or between either supply  
conductor and ground. A protective ground connection by way of the grounding  
conductor in the power cord is essential for safe operation.  
The AC power connector is a three-way polarized plug with the ground (earth)  
lead connected to the instrument frame to provide electrical shock protection. If  
the unit is connected to any other power source, the unit frame must be  
connected to an earth ground. See Safety and Installation section.  
CAUTION. If you change the voltage selector, you must change the line fuse to the  
appropriate value as listed near the fuse holder and in the table below.  
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Operating Instructions  
REMOVE  
CAP TO  
REMOVE  
CAP TO  
SELECT  
VOLTAGE  
REPLACE  
FUSE  
Voltage  
Selector  
Line Fuse  
AC Power  
Cord Receptacle  
Figure 11: Rear Panel Voltage Selector, Fuse, AC Receptacle  
Table 11: Fuse and Voltage Ratings  
Fuse Rating  
250 V  
Voltage Rating  
Nominal Range  
0.3 AT  
115 VAC (90 132 VAC)  
230 VAC (180 250 VAC)  
0.15 AT  
Care of the Battery Pack  
CAUTION. Read these instructions concerning the care of the battery pack. They  
contain instructions that reflect on your safety and the performance of the  
instrument.  
The 1502C can be powered by a rechargeable lead-gel battery pack that is  
accessible only by removing the case from the instrument. When AC power is  
applied, the battery pack is charged at a rate that is dependent on the battery  
charge state.  
The battery pack will operate the 1502C for a minimum of eight continuous  
hours (including making 30 chart recordings) if the LCD backlight is turned off.  
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Operating Instructions  
Battery Charging  
The battery pack will charge fully in 16 hours when the instrument is connected,  
via the power cord, to an AC power source with the instrument turned off. The  
instrument may be turned on and operated while the batteries are charging, but  
this will increase the charging time. For longest battery life, a full charge is  
preferred over a partial charge.  
For maximum capacity, the batteries should be charged within a temperature  
range of +20° C to +25° C. However, the batteries can be charged within a  
temperature range of 0° C to +40° C and operated in temperatures ranging from  
10° C to +55° C.  
CAUTION. Do not charge battery pack below 0° C or above +40° C. Do not  
discharge battery pack below –10° C or above +55° C. If removing the battery  
pack during or after exposure to these extreme conditions, turn the instrument off  
and remove the AC power cord.  
The battery pack should be stored within a temperature range of 35° C to  
+65° C. However, the self-discharge rate will increase as the temperature  
increases.  
If the instrument is stored with the battery pack installed, the battery pack should  
be charged every 90 days. A fully charged battery pack will lose about 12% of its  
capacity in three to four months if stored between +20° C and +25° C.  
Low Battery  
If the battery is low, it will be indicated on the LCD (bat/low). If this is the case,  
protective circuitry will shut down the 1502C within minutes. Either switch to  
AC power or work very fast. If the instrument is equipped with a chart recorder,  
using the recorder will further reduce the battery level, or the added load might  
shut down the instrument.  
bat/low  
0.00 ft  
O
N
Low Battery  
Indicator  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
1 avg  
500 mr  
500 ft  
Figure 12: Display Showing Low Battery Indication  
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Operating Instructions  
Protection circuits in the charger prevent deep discharge of the batteries during  
instrument operation. The circuits automatically shut down the instrument  
whenever battery voltage falls below approximately 10 V. If shutdown occurs,  
the batteries should be fully recharged before further use.  
NOTE. Turn the POWER switch off after instrument shutdown to prevent  
continued discharge of the batteries.  
Low Temperature  
Operation  
When the instrument is stored at temperatures below 10° C, voids might  
develop in the liquid crystal display (LCD). These voids should disappear if the  
instrument is placed in an ambient temperature +5° C for 24 hours.  
When operating the 1502C in an environment below +10° C, a heater will  
activate. The element is built into the LCD module and will heat the display to  
permit normal operation. Depending on the surrounding temperature, it might  
take up to 15 minutes to completely warm the crystals in the LCD. Once  
warmed, the display will operate normally.  
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Operating Instructions  
Preparing to Use the 1502C  
Check the power requirements, remove the front cover, and you are ready to test  
cables. The following pages explain the front-panel controls.  
8
7
9
METALLIC TDR  
CABLE TESTER  
Tektronix  
1502C  
POSITION  
POSITION  
MENU  
ac  
0.00 ft  
10  
VIEW  
O
N
INPUT  
11  
12  
13  
VIEW  
O
F
F
STORE  
VIEW  
DIFF  
O
F
F
STORE  
O
F
F
1 avg  
0.2 ft  
500 mr  
DO NOT APPLY  
EXT VOLTAGE  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
.04  
.03  
.5  
.4  
.05  
.06  
.07  
.08  
.09  
.6  
.7  
.3  
POWER  
.02  
.01  
.8  
HORZ  
(PULL ON)  
.9  
SET REF  
VERT  
.00  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Figure 13: 1502C Front-Panel Controls  
CAUTION. Do not connect live circuits to the CABLE connector. Voltages  
exceeding 5 volts can damage the pulser or sampler circuits.  
Bleed the test cable of any residual static charge before attaching it to the  
instrument. To bleed the cable, connect the standard 50 W terminator and standard  
female-to-female BNC connector together, then temporarily attach both to the  
cable. Remove the connectors before attaching the cable to the instrument.  
When testing receiving antenna cables, avoid close proximity to transmitters.  
Voltages may appear on the cable if a nearby transmitter is in use, resulting in  
damage to the instrument. Before testing, be sure that there are no RF voltages  
present, or disconnect the cable at both ends.  
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Operating Instructions  
Display  
Power  
Type  
Front-Panel to Cursor  
Distance Window  
Waveform  
Cursor  
ac  
0.00 ft  
View Input  
Indicator  
O
N
Grid  
View Store  
Indicator  
O
F
F
View Difference  
Indicator  
O
F
F
Store  
Indicator  
O
F
F
1 avg  
500 mr  
0.2 ft  
Selected  
Noise Filter  
Selected  
Vertical Scale Distance per  
Division  
Selected  
Figure 14: Display and Indicators  
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Operating Instructions  
Front-Panel Controls  
1. CABLE: A female BNC connector for attaching a cable to the 1502C for  
testing.  
2. NOISE FILTER: If the displayed waveform is noisy, the apparent noise can  
be reduced by using noise averaging. Averaging settings are between 1 and  
128. The time for averaging is directly proportional to the averaging setting  
chosen. A setting of 128 might take the instrument up to 35 seconds to  
acquire and display a waveform. The first two positions on the NOISE  
FILTER control are used for setting the vertical and horizontal reference  
points. The selected value or function is displayed above the control on the  
LCD.  
NOISE FILTER  
HORZ  
VERT  
SET REF  
3. VERT SCALE: This control sets the vertical sensitivity, displayed in mr  
per division, or the vertical gain, displayed in dB. Although the instrument  
defaults to millirho, you may choose the preferred mode from the Setup  
Menu. The selected value is displayed above the control on the LCD.  
VERT SCALE  
4. DIST/DIV: Determines the number of feet (or meters) per division across  
the display. The minimum setting is 0.1 ft/div (0.025 meters) and the  
maximum setting is 200 ft/div (50 meters). The selected value is displayed  
above the control on the LCD.  
DIST/DIV  
A standard instrument defaults to ft/div. A metric instrument (Option 05)  
defaults to m/div, but either may be changed temporarily from the menu. The  
default can be changed by changing an internal jumper (see 1502C Service  
Manual and always refer such changes to qualified service personnel).  
5. Vp: The two Velocity of Propagation controls are set according to the  
propagation velocity factor of the cable being tested. For example, solid  
polyethylene commonly has a Vp of 0.66. Solid polytetraflourethylene  
(Teflon ) is approximately 0.70. Air is 0.99. The controls are decaded: the  
left control is the first digit and the right control is the second digit. For  
example, with a Vp of 0.30, the first knob would be set to .3 and the second  
knob to .00.  
Vp  
.4  
.5  
.04 .05  
.03  
.7 .02  
.8  
.3  
.6  
.9  
.06  
.07  
.08  
.09  
.01  
.00  
6. POWER: Pull for power ON and push in for power OFF. When the front  
POWER  
(PULL ON)  
cover is installed, this switch is automatically pushed OFF.  
n
o
n
o
7.  
8.  
POSITION: This is a continuously rotating control that positions the  
POSITION  
POSITION  
displayed waveform vertically, up or down the LCD.  
POSITION: This is a continuously rotating control that moves a  
vertical cursor completely across the LCD graticule. In addition, the  
waveform is also moved when the cursor reaches the extreme right or left  
side of the display. A readout (seven digits maximum) is displayed in the  
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Operating Instructions  
upper right corner of the LCD, showing the distance from the front panel  
BNC to the current cursor location.  
9. MENU: This pushbutton provides access to the menus and selects items  
MENU  
chosen from the menus.  
10. VIEW INPUT: When pushed momentarily, this button toggles the display  
of the waveform acquired at the CABLE connector. This function is useful to  
stop displaying a current waveform to avoid confusion when looking at a  
stored waveform. This function defaults to ON when the instrument is  
powered up.  
VIEW  
INPUT  
11. VIEW STORE: When pushed momentarily, this button toggles the display  
VIEW  
STORE  
of the stored waveform.  
12. VIEW DIFF: When pushed momentarily, this button toggles the display of  
the current waveform minus the stored waveform and shows the difference  
between them.  
VIEW  
DIFF  
13. STORE: When pushed momentarily, the waveform currently displayed will  
be stored in the instrument memory. If a waveform is already stored, pushing  
this button will erase it. The settings of the stored waveform are available  
from the first level menu under View Stored Waveform Settings.  
STORE  
Menu Selections  
There are several layers of menu, as explained below.  
Main Menu  
The Main Menu is entered by pushing the MENU button on the front panel.  
1. Return to Normal Operations puts the instrument into normal operation  
mode.  
2. Help with Instrument Controls explains the operation of each control.  
When a control or switch is adjusted or pushed, a brief explanation appears  
on the LCD.  
3. Cable Information has these choices:  
a. Help with Cables gives a brief explanation of cable parameters.  
b. Velocity of Propagation Values displays a table of common dielectrics  
and their Vp values. These are nominal values. The manufacturers listed  
specifications should be used whenever possible.  
c. Impedance Values displays impedances of common cables. In some  
cases, these values have been rounded off. Manufacturers specifications  
should be checked for precise values.  
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Operating Instructions  
d. Finding Unknown Vp Values describes a procedure for finding an  
unknown Vp.  
4. Setup Menu controls the manner in which the instrument obtains and  
displays its test results.  
a. Acquisition Control Menu has these choices:  
i. Max Hold Is: On/Off. Turn Max Hold on by pushing MENU then  
STORE. In this mode, waveforms are accumulated on the display. Max  
Hold can be deactivated by pushing STORE or the mode exited by  
using the Setup Menu.  
ii. Pulse Is: On/Off. Turns the pulse generator off so the 1502C does not  
send out pulses.  
iii. Single Sweep Is: On/Off. This function is much like a still camera; it  
will acquire one waveform and hold it.  
b. Ohms-at-Cursor is: On/Off. When activated, the impedance at thee  
point of the cursor is displayed beneath the distance window on the  
display.  
c. Vertical Scale Is: dB/mr. This offers you a choice as to how the vertical  
gain of the instrument is displayed. You may choose decibels or millirho.  
When powered down, the instrument will default to millirho when  
powered back up.  
d. Distance/Div Is: ft/m. Offers you a choice of how the horizontal scale is  
displayed. You may choose from feet per division or meters per division.  
When powered up, the instrument will default to feet unless the internal  
jumper has been moved to the meters position. Instructions on changing  
this default are contained in the 1502C Service Manual.  
e. Light Is: On/Off. This control turns the electroluminescent backlight  
behind the LCD on or off.  
5. Diagnostics Menu lists an extensive selection of diagnostics to test the  
operation of the instrument.  
NOTE. The Diagnostics Menu is intended for instrument repair and calibration.  
Proper instrument setup is important for correct diagnostics results. Refer to the  
1502C Service Manual for more information on diagnostics.  
a. Service Diagnostics Menu has these choices:  
i. Sampling Efficiency Diagnostic displays a continuous efficiency  
diagnostic of the sampling circuits.  
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ii. Noise Diagnostic measures the internal RMS noise levels of the  
instrument.  
iii. Offset/Gain Diagnostic reports out-of-tolerance steps in the program-  
mable gain stage. This can help a service technician to quickly isolate  
the cause of waveform distortion problems.  
iv. RAM/ROM Diagnostics Menu performs tests on the RAM (Random  
Access Memory) and the ROM (Read Only Memory).  
v. Timebase Is: Normal - Auto Correction / Diagnostic - No  
Correction. When in Normal - Auto Correction, the instrument  
compensates for variations in temperature and voltage. This condition  
might not be desirable while calibrating the instrument. While in  
Diagnostic - No Correction, the circuits will not correct for these  
variations.  
b. Front Panel Diagnostics aids in testing the front panel.  
c. LCD Diagnostics Menu has these choices:  
i. LCD Alignment Diagnostic generates a dot pattern of every other  
pixel on the LCD. These pixels can be alternated to test the LCD.  
ii. Response Time Diagnostic generates alternate squares of dark and  
light, reversing their order. This tests the response time of the LCD and  
can give an indication of the effectiveness of the LCD heater in a cold  
environment.  
iii. LCD Drive Test Diagnostic generates a moving vertical bar pattern  
across the LCD.  
iv. Contrast Adjust allows you to adjust the contrast of the LCD. It  
generates an alternating four-pixel pattern. The nominal contrast is set  
internally. When in Contrast Adjust mode, VERT SCALE is used as the  
contrast adjustment control. This value ranges from 0 to 255 units and  
is used by the processor to evaluate and correct circuit variations caused  
by temperature changes in the environment. When the diagnostic menu  
is exited, the LCD contrast returns to that set by internal adjust.  
d. Chart Diagnostics Menu offers various tests for the optional chart  
recorder.  
i. LCD Chart allows adjusting the number of dots per segment and the  
number of prints (strikes) per segment.  
ii. Head Alignment Chart generates a pattern to allow mechanical  
alignment of the optional chart recorder.  
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6. View Stored Waveform Settings displays the instrument settings for the  
stored waveform.  
7. Option Port Menu contains three items. Two items allow configuration of  
the option port for communicating with devices other than the optional chart  
recorder and one item test the option port.  
a. Option Port Diagnostic creates a repeating pattern of signals at the  
option port to allow service technicians to verify that all signals are  
present and working correctly.  
b. Set Option Port Timing allows adjustment of the data rate used to  
communicate with external devices. The timing rate between bytes can  
be set from about 0.05 to 12.8 milliseconds.  
c. Option Port Debugging Is Off/On. Off is quiet, On is verbose. This  
chooses how detailed the error message reporting will be when  
communicating with an external device.  
It is possible to connect the instrument to a computer through a parallel  
interface with a unique software driver. Because different computers vary  
widely in processing speed, the instrument must be able to adapt to differing  
data rates while communicating with those computers. With user-developed  
software drivers, the ability to obtain detailed error messages during the  
development can be very useful. For more information, contact your  
Tektronix Customer Service representatives. They have information  
describing the option port hardware and software protocol and custom  
development methods available.  
The SP-232, a serial interface product, also allows for connection of the  
1502C to other instrumentation, including computers, via the option port.  
SP-232 is an RS-232C-compatible interface. For more information, contact  
your Tektronix Customer Service Representative. They can provide you with  
additional details on the hardware and software protocol.  
8. Display Contrast (Software Version 5.02 and above)  
a. Press the MENU button firmly once. If the display is very light or very  
dark, you might not be able to see a change in the contrast.  
b. Turn the VERTICAL SCALE knob slowly clockwise to darken the  
display or counterclockwise to lighten the display. If you turn the knob  
far enough, the contrast will wrap from the darkest to lightest value.  
c. When the screen is clearly readable, press the MENU button again to  
return to normal measurement operation. The new contrast value will  
remain in effect until the instrument is turned off.  
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Operating Instructions  
Test Preparations  
The Importance of Vp  
(Velocity of Propagation)  
Vp is the speed of a signal down the cable given as a percentage of the speed of  
light in free space. It is sometimes expressed as a whole number (e.g., 66) or a  
percentage (e.g., 66%). On the 1502C, it is the percentage expressed as a decimal  
number (e.g., 66% = .66). If you do not know the velocity of propagation, you  
can get a general idea from the following table, or use the Help with Cables  
section of the Cable Information menu. You can also find the Vp with the  
procedure that follows using a cable sample.  
NOTE. If you do not know the Vp of your cable, it will not prevent you from  
finding a fault in your cable. However, if the Vp is set wrong, the distance  
readings will be affected.  
All Vp settings should be set for the cable under test, not the supplied jumper  
cable.  
Table 12: Vp of Various Dielectric Types  
Dielectric  
Probable Vp  
Jelly Filled  
.64  
.66  
.70  
.72  
.78  
.84  
.98  
Polyethylene (PIC, PE, or SPE)  
PTFE (Teflon R) or TFE  
Pulp Insulation  
Foam or Cellular PE (FPE)  
Semi-solid PE (SSPE)  
Air (helical spacers)  
Finding an Unknown Vp  
1. Obtain a known length of cable of the exact type you wish to test. Attach the  
cable to the CABLE connector on the front panel.  
2. Pull POWER on.  
3. Turn the DIST/DIV to an appropriate setting (e.g., if trying to find the Vp of  
a three-foot cable, turn the DIST/DIV to 1 ft/div).  
4. Turn the  
POSITION control until the distance reading is the same as the  
known length of this cable.  
5. Turn the Vp controls until the cursor is resting on the rising portion of the  
reflected pulse. The Vp controls of the instrument are now set to the Vp of  
the cable.  
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The following three illustrations show settings too low, too high, and correct for  
a sample three-foot cable.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 15: Vp Set at .30, Cursor Beyond Reflected Pulse (Set Too Low)  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 16: Vp Set at .99, Cursor Less Than Reflected Pulse (Set Too High)  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 17: Vp Set at .66, Cursor at Reflected Pulse (Set Correctly)  
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Operating Instructions  
Cable Test Procedure  
Distance to the Fault  
Be sure to read the previous paragraphs on Vp.  
1. Set the 1502C controls:  
POWER  
On  
CABLE  
Cable to BNC  
1 avg  
500 mr  
(see below)  
(per cable)  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
2. If you know approximately how long the cable is, set the DIST/DIV  
appropriately (e.g., 20-ft cable would occupy four divisions on the LCD if  
5 ft/div was used). The entire cable should be displayed.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 18: 20-ft Cable at 5 ft/div  
If the cable length is unknown, set DIST/DIV to 200 ft/div and continue to  
decrease the setting until the reflected pulse is visible. Depending on the cable  
length and the amount of pulse energy absorbed by the cable, it might be  
necessary to increase the VERT SCALE to provide more gain to see the reflected  
pulse.  
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ac  
20.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Short  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 19: Short in the Cable  
When the entire cable is displayed, you can tell if there is an open or a short.  
Essentially, a large downward pulse indicates a short (see Figure 19), while a  
large upward pulse indicates an open (see Figure 110). Less catastrophic faults  
can be seen as smaller reflections. Bends and kinks, frays, water, and interweav-  
ing all have distinctive signatures.  
ac  
20.000 ft  
O
N
Open  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 110: Open in the Cable  
3. To find the distance to the fault or end of the cable, turn the  
POSITION  
control until the cursor rests on the leading edge of the rising or falling  
reflected pulse (see Figure 110). Read the distance in the distance window  
in the upper right corner of the display.  
A more thorough inspection might be required. This example uses a longer  
cable:  
4. When inspecting a 452-foot cable, a setting of 50 ft/div allows a relatively  
fast inspection. If needed, turn VERT SCALE to increase the gain. The  
higher the gain, the smaller the faults that can be detected. If noise increases,  
increase the NOISE FILTER setting.  
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ac  
452.000 ft  
O
N
Open  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 111: 455-ft Cable  
5. Change DIST/DIV to 20 ft/div. The entire cable can now be inspected in  
detail on the LCD. Turn the POSITION control so the cursor travels to  
the far right side of the LCD. Keep turning and the cable will be dragged”  
across the display.  
ac  
452.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Short  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 112: 455-ft Cable  
A riseor fallis a signature of an impedance mismatch (fault). A dramatic  
rise in the pulse indicates and open. A dramatic lowering of the pulse indicates a  
short. Variations, such as inductive and capacitive effects on the cable, will  
appear as bumps and dips in the waveform. Capacitive faults appear as a  
lowering of the pulse (e.g., water in the cable). Inductive faults appear as a rising  
of the pulse (e.g., fray). Whenever an abnormality is found, set the cursor at the  
beginning of the fault and read the distance to the fault on the distance window  
of the LCD.  
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Operating Instructions  
Reflection Coefficient  
Measurements  
The reflection coefficient is a measure of the impedance change at a point in the  
cable. It is the ratio of the signal reflected back from a point, divided by the  
signal going into that point. It is designated by the Greek letter r and is written  
in this manual as rho. The 1502C measures the reflection coefficient in millirho  
(thousandths of a rho).  
To measure a reflection, adjust VERT SCALE to make the reflection one  
division high. Read the reflection coefficient directly off the display above the  
VERT SCALE control. For reflections that are greater than 500 mr/div, adjust  
VERT SCALE for a reflection that is two divisions high and multiply the VERT  
SCALE reading by two.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 113: Reflection Adjusted to One Division in Height  
In an ideal transmission system with no changes in impedance, there will be no  
reflections, so rho is equal to zero. A good cable that is terminated in its  
characteristic impedance is close to ideal and will appear as a flat line on the  
1502C display.  
Small impedance changes, like those from a connector, might have reflections  
from 10 to 100 mr. If rho is positive, it indicates an impedance higher than that  
of the cable before the reflection. It will show as an upward shift or bump on the  
waveform. If rho is negative, it indicates an impedance lower than that of the  
cable prior to the reflection. It will show as a downward shift or dip on the  
waveform.  
If the cable has an open or short, all the energy sent out by the 1502C will be  
reflected. This is a reflection coefficient of rho = 1, or +1000 mr for the open  
and 1000 mr for the short.  
Long cables have enough loss to affect the size of reflections. In the 1502C, this  
loss will usually be apparent as an upward ramping of the waveform along the  
length of the cable. In some cases, the reflection coefficient measurement can be  
corrected for this loss. This correction can be made using a procedure very  
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Operating Instructions  
similar to the Vertical Compensation for Higher Impedance Cable procedure (see  
the VERT SET REF section).  
Return Loss  
Measurements  
Return loss is another was of measuring impedance changes in a cable. Mathe-  
matically, return loss is related to rho by the formula:  
Return Loss (in dB) = 20 * log (base ten) of Absolute Value of Rho (Vref/Vinc)  
The 1502C can be made to display in dB instead of mr/div through the menu:  
1. Press MENU.  
2. Select Setup Menu.  
3. Press MENU again.  
4. Select Vertical Scale is: Millirho.  
5. Press MENU again. This should change is to Vertical Scale is: Decibels.  
6. Press MENU twice to return to normal operation.  
To measure return loss with the 1502C, adjust the height of the reflected pulse to  
be two divisions high and read the dB return loss directly off the LCD. The  
incident pulse is set to be two divisions high at zero dB automatically when the  
instrument is turned on.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 114: Return Loss  
A large return loss means that most of the pulse energy was lost instead of being  
returned as a reflection. The lost energy might have been sent down the cable or  
absorbed by a terminator or load on the cable. A terminator matched to the cable  
would absorb most of the pulse, so its return loss would be large. An open or  
short would reflect all the energy, so its return loss would be zero.  
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Operating Instructions  
Ohms-at-Cursor  
The 1502C can compute and display what impedance mismatch would cause a  
reflection as high (or low) as the point at the cursor. This measurement is useful  
for evaluating the first impedance mismatch (first reflection) or small impedance  
changes along the cable (e.g., connectors, splices).  
This function can be selected in the Setup Menu. Once it is enabled, the  
impedance value will be displayed under the distance in the distance window.  
ac  
2.800 ft  
50 W  
Ohms-at-Cursor  
Readout  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 115: Ohms-at-Cursor  
The accuracy of the difference measurement in impedance between two points  
near each other is much better than the absolute accuracy of any single point  
measurement. For example, a cable might vary from 51.3 W to 58.4 W across a  
connector, the 7.1 W difference is accurate to about 2%. The 51.3 W measure-  
ment by itself is only specified to be accurate to 10%.  
The series resistance of the cable to the point at the cursor affects the accuracy of  
the impedance measurement directly. In a cable with no large impedance  
changes, the series resistance is added to the reading. For example, the near end  
of a long 50 W coaxial cable might read 51.5 W, but increase to 57.5 W several  
hundred feet along the cable. The 6 W difference is due to the series resistance of  
the cable, not to a change in the actual impedance of the cable.  
Another limitation to the ohms-at-cursor function is that energy is lost going  
both directions through a fault. This will cause readings of points farther down  
the cable to be less accurate than points nearer to the instrument.  
In general, it is not wise to try to make absolute measurements past faults  
because the larger the fault, the less accurate those measurements will be.  
Although they do not appear as faults, resistive pads (often used to match cable  
impedances) also affect measurements this way.  
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Operating Instructions  
Using VIEW INPUT  
When pushed, the VIEW INPUT button displays the input at the front panel  
CABLE connector. When VIEW INPUT is turned off and no other buttons are  
pushed, the display will not have a waveform on it (see Figure 116). The  
default condition when the instrument is powered up is to have VIEW INPUT  
on.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 116: Display with VIEW INPUT Turned Off  
How to Store the  
Waveform  
When pushed, the STORE button puts the current waveform being displayed into  
memory. If already stored, pushing STORE again will erase the stored wave-  
form.  
The front panel control settings and the menu-accessed settings are also stored.  
They are accessed under View Stored Waveform Settings in the first level of the  
menu.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 117: Display of a Stored Waveform  
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Using VIEW STORE  
The VIEW STORE button, when pushed on, displays the waveform stored in the  
memory as a dotted line. If there is no waveform in memory, a message appears  
on the LCD informing you of this.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
F
F
O
N
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 118: Display of a Stored Waveform  
Using VIEW DIFF  
When pushed on, the VIEW DIFF button displays the difference between the  
current waveform and the stored waveform as a dotted line. If no waveform has  
been stored, a message will appear. The difference waveform is made by  
subtracting each point in the stored waveform from each point in the current  
waveform.  
NOTE. If the two waveforms are identical (e.g., if STORE is pushed and VIEW  
DIFF is immediately pushed) the difference would be zero. Therefore you would  
see the difference waveform as a straight line.  
The VIEW DIFF waveform will move up and down with the current input as you  
n
o
move the POSITION control. Any of the waveforms may be turned on or off  
independently. You might want to turn off some waveforms if the display  
becomes too busy or confusing.  
NOTE. Because the stored waveform is not affected by changes in the instrument  
controls, care should be taken with current waveform settings or the results  
could be misleading.  
One method to minimize the overlapping of the waveforms in VIEW DIFF is:  
1. Move the waveform to be stored into the top half of the display.  
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ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 119: Waveform Moved to Top Half of Display  
2. Push STORE to capture the waveform. Remember, once it is stored, this  
waveform cannot be moved on the display.  
3. Move the current waveform (the one you want to compare against the stored  
waveform) to the center of the display.  
4. Push VIEW STORE and the stored waveform will appear above the current  
waveform.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
N
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 120: Current Waveform Centered, Stored Waveform Above  
5. Push VIEW DIFF and the difference waveform will appear below the current  
waveform.  
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Stored  
Waveform  
VIEW STORE  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
Current  
Waveform  
VIEW INPUT  
O
N
O
N
O
Difference  
N
VIEW DIFF  
Figure 121: Current Waveform Center, Stored Waveform Above, Difference Below  
Notice the VIEW INPUT waveform is solid, VIEW DIFF is dotted, and VIEW  
STORE is dot-dash.  
There are many situations where the VIEW DIFF function can be useful. One  
common situation is to store the waveform of a suspect cable, repair the cable,  
then compare the two waveforms after the repair. During repairs, the VIEW  
INPUT, VIEW DIFF, and VIEW STORE waveforms can be used to judge the  
effectiveness of the repairs. The optional chart recorder can be used to make a  
chart of the three waveforms to document the repair.  
Another valuable use for the VIEW DIFF function is for verifying cable integrity  
before and after servicing or periodic maintenance that requires moving or  
disconnecting the cable.  
The VIEW DIFF function is useful when you want to see any changes in the  
cable. In some systems, there might be several reflections coming back from  
each branch of the network. It might become necessary to disconnect branch  
lines from the cable under test to determine whether a waveform represents a  
physical fault or is simply an echo from one of the branches. The STORE and  
VIEW DIFF functions allow you to see and compare the network with and  
without branches.  
Two important things to be observed when using the VIEW DIFF function:  
H
If you change either the VERT SCALE or DIST/DIV, you will no longer be  
comparing features that are the same distance apart or of the same magnitude  
on the display. It is possible to save a feature (e.g., a connector or tap) at one  
distance down the cable and compare it to a similar feature at a different  
n
distance by moving the  
POSITION and POSITION controls.  
o
H
When this is done, great care should be taken to make sure the vertical and  
horizontal scales are identical for the two waveforms being compared. If  
either the stored or current waveform is clipped at the top or bottom of the  
display, the difference waveform will be affected.  
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Operating Instructions  
Using Horizontal Set  
Reference  
HORZ SET REF (D mode) allows you to offset the distance reading. For  
example, a lead-in cable to a switching network is three feet long and you desire  
to start the measurement after the end of the lead-in cable. HORZ SET REF  
makes it simple.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
End of  
3-ft cable  
O
F
F
Figure 122: Waveform of Three-Foot Lead-in Cable  
1. Turn the NOISE FILTER control to HORZ SET REF. The noise readout on  
the LCD will show: set D.  
2. Turn the  
POSITION control to set the cursor where you want to start the  
distance reading. This will be the new zero reference point. For a three-foot  
lead-in cable, the cursor should be set at 3.00 ft.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
move cursor to reference and Press STORE  
O
F
F
Figure 123: Cursor Moved to End of Three-Foot Lead-in Cable  
3. Push STORE.  
4. Turn the NOISE FILTER control to 1 avg. The instrument is now in HORZ  
SET REF, or delta mode. The distance window should now read 0.00 ft. As  
the cursor is scrolled down the cable, the distance reading will now be from  
the new zero reference point.  
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ac  
0.000 ft D  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 124: Cursor Moved to End of Three-Foot Lead-in Cable  
NOTE. Vp changes will affect where the reference is set on the cable. Be sure to  
set the Vp first, then set the delta to the desired location.  
5. To exit HORZ SET REF, use the following procedure:  
a. Turn the NOISE FILTER control to HORZ SET REF.  
b. Turn DIST/DIV to .1 ft/div. If the distance reading is extremely high,  
you might want to use a higher setting initially, then turn to .1 ft/div for  
the next adjustment.  
c. Turn the  
POSITION control until the distance window reads 0.00 ft.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
move cursor to reference and Press STORE  
O
F
F
Figure 125: Cursor Moved to 0.00 ft  
d. Push STORE.  
e. Turn NOISE FILTER to desired setting.  
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Operating Instructions  
Using Vertical Set  
VERT SET REF works similar to HORZ SET REF except that it sets a reference  
for gain (pulse height) instead of distance. This feature allows zeroing the dB  
scale at whatever pulse height is desired.  
Reference  
1. Turn NOISE FILTER fully counterclockwise. Set Refwill appear in the  
noise averaging area of the LCD.  
2. Adjust the incident pulse to the desired height (e.g., four divisions). It might  
n
o
be necessary to adjust POSITION.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
set vertical scale and press STORE  
O
F
F
Figure 126: Incident Pulse at Three Divisions  
3. Push STORE.  
4. Return NOISE FILTER to the desired setting. Notice that the vertical scale  
now reads 500 mr/div.  
NOTE. The millirho vertical scale will not be in calibration after arbitrarily  
adjusting the pulse height.  
The millirho scale is the reciprocal of the number of divisions high the pulse has  
been set. For example, 1 pulse divided by 3 divisions equals 0.25 mr equals  
250 mr/div.  
Vertical Compensation for  
Higher Impedance Cable  
When testing cables other than 50W, this procedure allows reflection measure-  
ments in millirho.  
1. Attach a short sample of the given cable (75 W in this example) to the  
instrument.  
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ac  
19.200 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 127: Waveform of Short 75 ohm Cable  
2. Adjust the  
POSITION control to position the reflected pulse at center  
screen.  
3. Turn NOISE FILTER to VERT SET REF.  
4. Adjust VERT SCALE so the reflected pulse (from open at far end of cable  
sample) is two divisions high.  
ac  
19.200 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
set vertical scale and press STORE  
O
F
F
Figure 128: Waveform Centered and Adjusted Vertically  
5. Press STORE.  
6. Return NOISE FILTER to the desired setting.  
7. Adjust the  
POSITION control to the desired position on the waveform to  
measure loss.  
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ac  
1.840 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 129: Cursor Moved to Desired Position  
The instrument is now set to measure reflections in millirho relative to the  
sample cable impedance.  
To measure reflections on a 50 W cable, the VERT SET REF must be reset.  
8. To exit VERT SET REF, use the following procedure:  
a. Turn NOISE FILTER to VERT SET REF.  
b. Adjust VERT SCALE to obtain an incident pulse height of two  
divisions.  
c. Push STORE.  
d. Turn NOISE FILTER to desire filter setting.  
The instrument can be turned off and back on to default to the two division pulse  
height.  
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Operating Instructions  
Additional Features (Menu Selected)  
Max Hold  
The 1502C will capture and store waveforms on an ongoing basis. This is useful  
when the cable or wire is subjected to intermittent or periodic conditions. The  
1502C will monitor the line and display any fluctuations on the LCD.  
1. Attach the cable to the 1502C front-panel CABLE connector.  
2. Push MENU to access the main menu.  
3. Scroll to Setup Menu and push MENU again.  
4. Scroll to Acquisition Control Menu and push MENU again.  
5. Scroll to Max Hold is: Off and push MENU again. This line will change to  
Max Hold is: On. The monitoring function is now ready to activate.  
6. Repeatedly push MENU until the instrument returns to normal operation.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Figure 130: Waveform Viewed in Normal Operation  
7. When you are ready to monitor this cable for intermittents, push STORE.  
The 1502C will now capture any changes in the cable.  
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ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
Captured  
changes  
O
N
Figure 131: Waveform Showing Intermittent Changes  
8. To exit monitor mode, push STORE again.  
9. To exit Max Hold, access the Acquisition Control Menu again, turn off Max  
Hold, and push MENU repeatedly until the instrument returns to normal  
operation.  
Pulse On/Off  
This feature puts the 1502C in a listening modeby turning off the pulse  
generator.  
1. Attach a cable to the 1502C front-panel CABLE connector.  
2. Push MENU to access the Main Menu.  
3. Scroll to Setup Menu and push MENU again.  
4. Scroll to Acquisition Control Menu and push MENU again.  
5. Scroll to Pulse is: On and push MENU again. This will change to Pulse is:  
Off.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 132: Waveform Display with No Outgoing Pulses  
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6. Repeatedly press MENU until the instrument returns to normal operation.  
CAUTION. This function is used mostly for troubleshooting by qualified techni-  
cians. It is not recommended that you use the 1502C as a stand-alone monitor-  
ing device. The input circuitry is very sensitive and can be easily damaged by  
even moderate level signals.  
NOTE. In this mode, the 1502C is acting as a detector only. Any pulses detected  
will not originate from the instrument, so any distance readings will be invalid.  
If you are listening to a local area network, for example, it is possible to detect  
traffic, but not possible to measure the distance to its origin.  
Pulse is: Off can be used in conjunction with Max Hold is: On.  
7. To exit Pulse is: Off, access the Acquisition Control Menu again, turn the  
pulse back on, then repeatedly push MENU until the instrument returns to  
normal operation.  
Single Sweep  
The single sweep function will acquire one waveform only and display it.  
1. Attach a cable to the 1502C front-panel CABLE connector.  
2. Push MENU to access the Main Menu.  
3. Scroll to Setup Menu and push MENU again.  
4. Scroll to Acquisition Control Menu and push MENU again.  
5. Scroll to Single Sweep is: Off and push MENU again. This will change to  
Single Sweep is: On.  
6. Repeatedly press MENU until the instrument returns to normal operation.  
7. When you are ready to begin a sweep, push VIEW INPUT. A sweep will  
also be initiated when you change any of the front-panel controls. This  
allows you to observe front panel changes without exiting the Single Sweep  
mode.  
As in normal operation, averaged waveforms will take longer to acquire.  
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ac  
0.000 ft  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 133: A Captured Single Sweep  
8. To exit Single Sweep is: On, access the Acquisition Control Menu again, turn  
the Single Sweep back off, then repeatedly push MENU until the instrument  
returns to normal operation.  
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This chapter will show, step by step, the features and uses of the 1502C.  
What is the Tektronix 1502C?  
The Tektronix 1502C Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer is a short range  
metallic cable tester capable of finding faults in metal cable. Tests can be made  
on coaxial cable, twisted pair, or parallel cable.  
How Does It Do It?  
The 1502C sends an electrical pulse down the cable and receives reflections back  
made by any discontinuities. This is known as time-domain reflectometry. The  
1502C is sensitive to impedance changes. Problems in the cable will be detected  
and displayed as changes in impedance along the cable. These will be displayed  
as hills and valleys in the reflected pulse. The 1502C is capable of finding shorts,  
opens, defects in the shield, foreign substances in the cable (e.g., water), kinks,  
and more. Even though other instruments might show a cable as good, the  
1502C can show many previously hidden faults.  
You, the Operator  
The 1502C is a highly accurate cable tester. It is easy to use and will provide  
fast, accurate measurements. Because of electrical and environmental differences  
in cables and their applications, each waveform will likely differ. The best way  
to learn these differences is experience with the instrument. You are the 1502Cs  
most important feature.  
Experiment with different cables in known conditions and see how they  
compare. Subject cables to situations you might find in your application and  
learn the effects. We have included some examples of cable faults in this manual  
to help you gain familiarity. With practice, you will quickly become familiar  
with even the most subtle differences in waveforms, thereby increasing the value  
of the 1502C in locating problems.  
Menus and Help  
The 1502C is equipped with various help screens. Simply press MENU for  
assistance. The instrument will prompt you. More information on MENU is  
located in the Operating Instructions chapter of this manual.  
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Getting Started  
Lets start by inspecting a cable. For the next few examples, we will use the  
3-foot precision test cable provided with the 1502C (Tektronix part number  
012135000).  
1. Pull on the POWER switch. The instrument will initialize, give instructions  
for accessing the menu, and enter normal operation mode.  
2. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
1 avg  
500 mr (default)  
1 ft/div (0.25 m if using metric)  
.66  
NOTE. Vp (velocity of propagation) of the test cable is important for making  
accurate distance measurements. If you do not know the Vp factor of a cable,  
distance readings will be directly affected. You can get a general idea from the  
table on page 112 or find the Vp with a sample piece of cable using the  
procedure on page 112, or use the Cable Information Menu. If it is impossible  
to obtain the Vp of the cable, the instrument will still show cable faults, but the  
distance readings might be erroneous. The test cable used in this tutorial has a  
Vp of .66.  
VERT SCALE will already be set to 500 mr (default). The cursor will be near  
the leading edge of the incident pulse (at the point on the waveform representing  
the front panel). Other information displayed includes the type of power used (ac  
or bat) and the distance window in the upper right corner of the LCD displays  
the distance from the front panel to the cursor (0.000 ft in this case). This data  
will be displayed when the instrument is turned on. Switch status and other  
instrument functions are also displayed (see Figure 14 on page 16 for  
descriptions).  
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ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Figure 21: Display Showing 3-ft Cable in Start-Up Conditions  
3. The rising pulse on the left is the test pulse (incident pulse) leaving the  
instrument. The rising reflected pulse on the right displays the echo coming  
back. Turn the  
POSITION control clockwise until the cursor rests on the  
rising edge of the reflected pulse.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
Reflected  
Pulse  
O
F
F
Incident  
Pulse  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 22: Cursor of Rising Edge of Reflected Pulse  
The upper right corner should read 3.000 ft. Note that the reflected pulse  
rises. This is the classic signature of an open cable, a point of higher  
impedance.  
4. Adjust the VERT SCALE control. This will increase the height of the pulse.  
For accurate measurements, the pulse should occupy most of the display.  
Note that the LCD shows the VERT SCALE setting in mr. For now, set this  
control to 354 mr/div.  
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ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
Open  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 23: Waveform with VERT SCALE Increased Showing an Open  
n
5. The POSITION control moves the waveform up and down the display.  
o
Adjust this for best viewing.  
6. Short the end of the cable with an electrical clip or other suitable device. See  
the pulse take a dive? That is the classic signature of a short, a point of lower  
impedance.  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Short  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 24: Waveform with Short  
The distance window still reads 3.000 ft. If the short is not directly across the  
conductors of the BNC (e.g., needle nose pliers) the downward edge of the  
waveform might be slightly past the cursor, indicating the length of the  
shorting device (e.g., jumper wire).  
7. Remove the short.  
With a little practice, you will be able to identify many kinds of cable faults.  
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The Waveform Up Close  
It helps to know what makes up a pulse. Here is the waveform anatomy using the  
3-foot test cable as an example:  
1. Turn the  
POSITION control counterclockwise until the distance window  
reads 2.000 ft. The cursor will be on the far left side of the display and the  
reflected pulse will be near center.  
2. Set the 1502C front-panel controls:  
CABLE  
3-ft test cable, no short  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
1 avg  
500 mr  
1 ft (0.25 m)  
.66  
3. The first (left) step is the incident pulse, as sent from the pulse generator (see  
Figure 25). The second step is the reflected pulse, as it bounces back from  
the end of the cable. The reflected pulse and the time between pulses  
provides the information needed for calculating the distance between faults  
or the end of the cable.  
ac  
–2.000 ft  
O
N
Reflected  
Pulse  
O
F
F
Incident  
Pulse  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 25: 3-foot Cable with Cursor at Far Left  
4. Adjust the  
POSITION control so the cursor is at the beginning of the rise  
of the incident pulse. Note the distance window reads approximately  
0.520 ft. This is the distance from the front panel BNC connector to the  
pulse generator circuit board inside the instrument (where the test pulse in  
generated).  
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ac  
0.520 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 26: 3-foot Cable with Cursor at Incident Pulse  
5. Adjust the VERT SCALE control to approximately 25 mr. Adjust the  
n
o
POSITION control to keep the middle portion of the pulse on the display.  
The bumps following the incident pulse are the aberrations from the internal  
circuitry and reflections between the open end of the cable and the front  
panel.  
ac  
0.520 ft  
O
N
Front-panel  
Connector  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 27: 3-foot Cable with Cursor at Incident Pulse, Vertical Scale at 25 dB  
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A Longer Cable  
Longer cables might not fit in the display. Lets demonstrate that with a longer  
cable.  
Obtain a known length of 50 W cable. For this example, we are using a coaxial  
cable approximately 452 feet long. Your cable length will probably differ, but the  
following test procedure remains fundamentally correct for any cable length up  
to 2,000 feet.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls:  
CABLE  
available longer cable  
1 avg  
500 mr  
50 ft (25 m)  
appropriate setting for your cable  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
2. With these settings, we can view the entire cable. By placing the cursor at  
the rise of the reflected pulse, we can see this particular cable is 452.000 ft.  
ac  
452.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 28: Cursor on End of Longer Cable  
3. By decreasing the DIST/DIV control, the cable can be more closely  
inspected at the point of the cursor. Decrease the DIST/DIV to 10 ft/div. This  
has expanded the cable across the display.  
4. Turn the  
POSITION control counterclockwise. Note that the distance  
window changes as you scroll down the cable. In reality, you are electrically  
inspecting the cable, foot by foot.  
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ac  
362.800 ft  
Cursor  
O
N
O
F
F
Cable Scrolling  
in this direction  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 29: Scrolling Down the Cable  
NOTE. When testing a long cable, it is helpful to set DIST/DIV to a higher setting  
when scrolling to either end of the cable. For example, if testing a 1,500-ft cable,  
it would be very tiring to scroll the entire length from end to end at 1 ft/div.  
Ohms-at-Cursor  
Using the long cable as an example, we can find the impedance at the cursor.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls:  
CABLE  
available longer cable  
1 avg  
500 mr  
50 ft (25 m)  
.66 (or whatever your cable is)  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
2. Press MENU.  
3. Scroll to Setup Menu and press MENU again.  
4. Scroll to Ohms at Cursor is: Off and press Menu. This line will then change  
to Ohms at Cursor is: On.  
5. Press MENU repeatedly until the instrument returns to normal operation  
mode.  
6. Turn the  
POSITION control to set the cursor near the end of the cable as  
illustrated (see Figure 210).  
In our example, you see the distance reading is 408.000 feet and the  
ohms-at-cursor is 59.5 W. The ohms-at-cursor tells you that the loss in the  
cable results in an impedance measurement of 59.5 W. You may then assume  
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50 W impedance plus 9.5 W series resistance. You can check this by putting a  
known reference on the end of the cable and measuring its impedance with  
ohms-at-cursor. The difference between the actual reading and the expected  
reference reading is the series resistance.  
ac  
408.000 ft  
59.5 W  
Ohms-at-Cursor  
Readout  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 210: Ohms-at-Cursor  
7. Turn the POSITION control to set the cursor near the beginning of the  
cable. In this example, the ohms-at-cursor reading is 50.9 W at 17.880 feet.  
There is less loss at the beginning of the cable because there is less series  
resistance.  
ac  
17.880 ft  
50.9 W  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 211: Ohms-at-Cursor Near Beginning of Cable  
8. Turn the  
POSITION control clockwise to set the cursor past the reflected  
pulse. Note that the ohms-at-cursor reading is 1 kW.  
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ac  
578.000 ft  
>=1 K W  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 212: Ohms-at-Cursor Beyond Reflected Pulse  
9. Turn the  
POSITION control to move the cursor to the far left side of the  
display (2.000 ft). Note that the ohms-at-cursor reading is now < 1 W.  
2.000 ft  
ac  
< 1 W  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 213: Ohms-at-Cursor Beyond Reflected Pulse  
If the cursor is placed too near a fault, the reflection will not have stabilized,  
which will make the ohms-at-cursor reading misleading. This is especially true  
very near the instrument where some aberrations are still significant. See the  
Ohms-at-Cursor section of the Operating Instructions chapter for more on the  
limitations of this feature.  
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Noise  
On a longer cable, grassmight appear on the displayed waveform. This is  
primarily caused by the cable acting as an antenna, picking up nearby electrical  
noise.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls:  
CABLE  
3-ft cable  
1 avg  
500 mr  
1 ft (0.25 m)  
.66  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
POSITION  
40.000 ft  
2. Attach the 50 W terminator to the end of the test cable using the female-to-  
female BNC adaptor (both of these items are supplied with the instrument).  
n
3. Increase VERT SCALE to 1.00 mr. Use the POSITION control to keep  
o
the waveform on the display. As the VERT SCALE setting increases, there  
will be noise in the form of a moving, fuzz-like waveform with a few  
random spikes.  
ac  
40.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 214: Noise on the Waveform  
4. Turn the NOISE FILTER control clockwise to 8. This will average out much  
of the noise.  
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ac  
40.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 215: Noise Reduced  
5. Increase the NOISE FILTER setting to 128.  
NOTE. The higher the setting, the more time the instrument takes to average the  
waveform.  
ac  
40.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 216: Noise Reduced to Minimum  
n
6. Move the POSITION control and notice how averaging restarts at a low  
o
value to allow easy positioning.  
The 50 W terminator was used here because it gives a good impedance match.  
Because there are no large discontinuities, it appears to the instrument as an  
endless cable. The noise seen in this demonstration is noise picked up on the  
cable and a tiny amount of internal noise in the 1502C. When testing cables, the  
noise filter is extremely effective in reducing noise.  
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Set Ref (Delta Mode)  
HORZ SET REF  
Horizontal Set Reference establishes the starting point at which the distance  
window begins reading the distance to the cursor. If, for example, you have a  
3-foot cable leading to a patch panel, you could eliminate this jumper from your  
distance readings.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
1 avg  
500 mr (default)  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
NOTE. If the POWER was left on from the previous step, return the distance  
window reading to 0.000 ft with the  
POSITION control.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
move cursor to reference and Press STORE  
O
F
F
Figure 217: Incident and Reflected Pulses with Cursor at 0.00 ft  
2. Turn the NOISE FILTER control counterclockwise to HORZ SET REF. The  
noise filter reading on the LCD will indicate set D.  
3. Adjust the  
POSITION control so the cursor is on the rising edge of the  
reflected pulse. In this case, the distance window should read 3.000 ft.  
4. Press STORE.  
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ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
return FILTER to desire setting . . .  
O
F
F
Figure 218: Cursor at 3.000 ft  
5. Turn the NOISE FILTER control to 1 avg. Note that the distance window  
now reads 0.00 ftD. This means that everything from the front panel BNC to  
the end of the cable is subtracted from the distance calculations. You have set  
zero at the far end of the test cable.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
D
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 219: New Zero Set at End of Test Cable  
6. To change the HORZ SET REF position, turn the NOISE FILTER back to  
HORZ SET REF and repeat the above procedure with a new cursor location.  
7. To exit HORZ SET REF, do the following:  
a. Set the  
POSITION control to exactly 0.00 ft (you might have to set  
DIST/DIV to .1 ft/div).  
b. Push STORE.  
c. Turn the NOISE FILTER control to the desired noise setting.  
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VERT SET REF  
This control is nearly the same as HORZ SET REF except it sets the vertical  
zero reference. It would be helpful to read the section of VERT SET REF in the  
Operating Instructions chapter to give you some technical background.  
The VERT SET REF function allows manual control of the vertical calibration  
of the 1502C. This can be used to compensate for cable loss or to increase the  
resolution of the millirho scale. The following example shows how to compen-  
sate for cable loss.  
The reflection from an open or a short at the far end of a long cable is often less  
than two divisions high at 500 mr/div. This is because of the energy lost in the  
cable. Here is how to correct for this loss and be able to make accurate measure-  
ments at the far end of the cable.  
1. Connect the test cable.  
2. Create a short across the far end of the cable.  
3. Turn the NOISE FILTER all the way counterclockwise to VERT SET REF.  
A prompt will appear and the LCD will indicate set ref.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 220: Display with 3-ft Cable and NOISE FILTER turned to VERT SET REF  
4. Adjust the VERT SCALE control until the reflection from the short is two  
divisions high.  
5. Push STORE.  
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ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
return FILTER to desired setting ...  
O
F
F
Figure 221: VERT SCALE adjusted to Make Pulse Two Divisions High  
6. Return NOISE FILTER to the desired setting.  
The vertical scale now reads 500 mr/div.  
Return-loss measurements at the far end of the cable (or a similar cable in that  
bundle) can now be made using normal methods. To make measurements closer  
or farther from the instrument requires that you reset the VERT SET REF.  
NOTE. Care must be taken in changing the VERT SET REF because of the  
calibration change. The 1502C automatically starts the pulse at two divisions  
high. When you change the vertical reference, you essentially defeat this  
function.  
7. To change the VERT SET REF, turn the noise filter back to VERT SET REF  
and repeat the preceding procedure.  
8. If you wish to totally exit VERT SET REF, do the following:  
a. Turn NOISE FILTER to VERT SET REF.  
b. Turn VERT SCALE for a pulse two divisions high.  
c. Push STORE.  
d. Return the NOISE FILTER control to the desired setting.  
This function can also be exited by turning the instrument power off and  
back on again. The automatic function will adjust the pulse to two divisions  
high.  
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VIEW INPUT  
This push button allows you to view what is coming in the CABLE connector, or  
to eliminate it from the display.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
1 avg  
500 mr  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
2. Press VIEW INPUT. The indicator block on the LCD should read OFF and  
the waveform should disappear from the display.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 222: Display with VIEW INPUT Turned Off  
3. Press VIEW INPUT again. The indicator block will reappear and the  
waveform should be displayed again.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 223: Display with VIEW INPUT Turned On  
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This function can be used to make the display less busy when viewing stored  
waveforms.  
STORE and VIEW STORE  
These functions allow you to store a waveform and view the stored waveform.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
1 avg  
500 mr  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
n
2. Make sure you have a waveform on the LCD, then adjust the POSITION  
o
control to place the waveform in the upper section of the display.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 224: Waveform Moved to Upper Portion of the Display  
3. Press STORE. The indicator block should become highlighted (black) and  
read ON. The waveform is now stored in non-volatile memory in the  
instrument.  
4. Turn the POWER off for a few seconds, then turn it back on. Note that the  
STORE indicator block is ON, showing that there is a waveform in memory.  
5. Short the connector at the far end of the test cable. The reflected pulse will  
invert from the previous open position.  
n
6. Adjust the POSITION control to place the waveform in the middle portion  
o
of the LCD.  
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ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 225: Waveform with Cable Shorted  
7. Press VIEW STORE to view the stored waveform. What you see on the  
display is the waveform you stored previously with the open cable and the  
current waveform with the shorted cable.  
Stored Waveform  
VIEW STORE  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
Current Waveform  
VIEW INPUT  
O
N
O
FF  
F
F
O
N
Figure 226: Waveform with Both Current and Stored Waveforms  
Comparing new cables with old cables, or repaired cables with damaged cables  
is easy using these two pushbuttons.  
Leave the instrument in this condition for the next lesson.  
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VIEW DIFF  
Press VIEW DIFF. This adds a waveform in the lower portion of the display that  
is the mathematical difference between the stored waveform and the current  
waveform.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
N
O
O
F
N
O
N
Difference  
VIEW DIFF  
Figure 227: Stored, Current, and Difference Waveforms  
NOTE. There must be a waveform stored before it can be compared by the VIEW  
DIFF function. Pressing this button with no waveform in storage will caused an  
error message to be displayed.  
If the stored waveform and the current waveform are identical, the difference  
waveform will appear as a straight line.  
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Menu-Accessed Functions  
NOTE. If you get lost or confused while in a menu, repeatedly press the MENU  
button until the instrument returns to normal operation mode.  
Max Hold  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
1 avg  
500 mr (default)  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
2. Pull POWER on.  
3. Press MENU to access the Main Menu.  
n
4. Using the POSITION control, scroll down to Setup Menu.  
o
5. Press MENU to accept this selection.  
6. Scroll down to Acquisition Control Menu.  
7. Press MENU to accept this selection.  
8. Scroll down to Max Hold is: Off.  
9. Press MENU to toggle this selection. It should now read Max Hold is: On.  
The Max Hold function is now ready.  
10. Read the instructions on the display and press MENU again.  
11. Press MENU again to exit the Acquisition Control Menu.  
12. Press MENU again to exit the Setup Menu.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Figure 228: Display with VIEW STORE and VIEW DIFF Disabled  
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13. Press MENU again to enter normal operations mode. Note that the VIEW  
STORE and VIEW DIFF indicator blocks have disappeared. This tells you  
that both of these functions have been disabled.  
14. Press STORE. This activates the Max Hold function. Notice that the STORE  
indicator block has darkened.  
15. With a clip lead or other device, short the far end of the test cable, then  
remove the short. Note that both conditions now appear on the display.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
N
Figure 229: Short and Open Viewed via Max Hold  
n
16. Turn the POSITION control counterclockwise. THe waveform will strobe  
o
down the display, leaving traces of its movement.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
N
Figure 230: Waveform Strobed Down Display in Max Hold  
17. Press STORE. The display will clear, awaiting STORE to be pressed again,  
which would activate another Max Hold monitor cycle.  
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You can probably see how this function is useful for monitoring lines for  
changes over a period of time, or for intermittent conditions. For example:  
H
H
A coastal phone line only has problems during high tide. Overnight  
monitoring reveals water in the line during the high tide period.  
A data communications line is monitored for an intermittent short. Three  
days of monitoring reveals the shorts occur only during the hours of  
darkness. Rodents are found in the cable ducts.  
H
A cable becomes defective only during daytime hours. Monitoring reveals  
the line length increases (sags) during the heat of the day, shorting out on a  
tree limb. During the night, the cable cools, tightens, and is no longer  
shorted on the tree limb.  
18. To exit Max Hold, access the Acquisition Control Menu again, turn off Max  
Hold, and push MENU repeatedly until the instrument returns to normal  
operation.  
Pulse On / Off  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
1 avg  
500 mr (default)  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
2. Pull POWER on.  
3. Press MENU to access the Main Menu.  
n
4. Using the POSITION control, scroll down to Setup Menu.  
o
5. Press MENU to accept this selection.  
6. Scroll down to Acquisition Control Menu.  
7. Press MENU to accept this selection.  
8. Scroll down to Pulse is: On.  
9. Press MENU to toggle this selection. It should now read Pulse is: Off.  
10. Press MENU repeatedly until the instrument returns to normal operation  
mode.  
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ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure 231: Display with Pulse Turned Off  
CAUTION. This function is used mostly for troubleshooting by qualified techni-  
cians. It is not recommended that you use the 1502C as a stand-alone monitor-  
ing device. The input circuitry is very sensitive and can be easily damaged by  
even moderate level signals.  
11. To turn the pulse back on, enter the Acquisition Control Menu again, scroll  
to Pulse is: Off and press MENU to turn the pulse back on. Repeatedly press  
MENU until the instrument returns to normal operation.  
Single Sweep  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls to:  
CABLE  
Attach 3-ft cable  
1 avg  
500 mr (default)  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
2. Pull POWER on.  
3. Press MENU to access the Main Menu.  
n
4. Using the POSITION control, scroll down to Setup Menu.  
o
5. Press MENU to accept this selection.  
6. Scroll down to Acquisition Control Menu.  
7. Press MENU to accept this selection.  
8. Scroll down to Single Sweep is: Off.  
9. Press MENU to toggle this selection. It should now read Single Sweep is:  
On.  
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10. Press MENU repeatedly until the instrument returns to normal operation.  
The waveform on the display is the familiar test cable.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 232: Test Cable  
11. Short the far end of the test cable.  
12. Press VIEW INPUT. The 1502C has done a single sweep, capturing just one  
frame.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
N
Figure 233: Captured Single Sweep of Shorted Test Cable  
13. Remove the short and notice that the waveform does not change.  
14. Press VIEW INPUT again and a new sweep will be made and displayed,  
showing the change in the cable.  
Single Sweep is useful for snap-shot tests of the cable, capturing only one  
waveform.  
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15. To exit Single Sweep, access the Acquisition Control Menu again, toggle the  
Single Sweep is: line back to Off, then push the MENU button repeatedly  
until the instrument returns to normal operations.  
TDR Questions and Answers  
Q1: What does TDR stand for?  
A1: Time-Domain Reflectometer.  
Q2: What is the difference between time domain and frequency domain?  
A2: Within the time domain, things are expressed in units of time (e.g.,  
nanoseconds). In frequency domain, things are expressed in frequency,  
cycles per second (e.g., kiloHertz).  
Q3: What does a TDR actually measure?  
A3: Voltage over time.  
Q4: How does a TDR display this information?  
A4: Voltage on the vertical axis (as amplitude of the waveform) and time on the  
horizontal axis (as distance to the event).  
Q5: Does electricity travel the same speed (velocity) in all materials?  
A5: No. Electricity is like light; its velocity is affected by the material through  
which it passes.  
Q6: What is that difference called?  
A6: The relative velocity of propagation (Vp). The velocity of the cable is  
expressed in time/distance (e.g., feet per nanosecond). The velocity of  
electricity traveling in a vacuum is compared to the velocity of electricity  
traveling in a cable. This relationship is shown as a decimal number. A  
relative propagation velocity of .50 would mean the electricity will travel at  
50%, or one-half, as fast as it would in a vacuum.  
Q7: If a reflection takes 30 nanoseconds to return in a cable with a Vp of .66, how  
far away is the point on the cable that caused the reflection?  
A7: The one-way time would be 30 divided by 2, or 15 nanoseconds. The velocity  
of 1 ns/ft in a vacuum would mean a distance of 15 feet. Because the cable  
is slower, we multiply the distance by the Vp (.66 in this case) and arrive at  
a distance of 10 feet. Of course, the 1502C does all this automatically and  
displays the information on the LCD.  
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Q8: What is resistance?  
A8: Resistance is the opposition to DC current flow, or DC voltage divided by DC  
current.  
Q9: What is impedance?  
A9: Impedance is the total opposition (resistance plus reactance) a circuit offers  
to the flow of alternating current at a given frequency.  
Q10: What factors determine the resistance of a cable?  
A10: The cross sectional area (gauge), length, and the type of material the  
conductor is made of (usually copper).  
Q11: What factors determine the impedance of a cable?  
A11: Dielectric value of the insulation and geometry of the conductors.  
Q12: Why should cables of the same impedance be used?  
A12: Because a mismatch of impedance means a loss of energy at the mismatch.  
Q13: Why is that important to us?  
A13: Because a TDR displays the energy reflected back from an impedance  
mismatch.  
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Options and Accessories  
The following options are available for the 1502C MTDR:  
Option 04: YT-1 Chart Recorder  
Option 04 instruments come equipped with a chart printer. Refer to the YT-1/  
YT-1S Chart Recorder Instruction Manual that comes with this option for  
instructions on operation, paper replacement, and maintenance. Refer to the  
table on the following page for manual part numbers.  
Option 05: Metric Default  
Option 05 instruments will power up in the metric measurements mode.  
Standard measurements may be selected from the menu, but metric will be the  
default.  
Option 07: YT-1S Chart Recorder  
Option 07 instruments come equipped with a splashproof chart printer. Refer to  
the YT-1/ YT-1S Chart Recorder Instruction Manual that comes with this option  
for instructions on operation, paper replacement, and maintenance. Refer to the  
table on the following page for manual part numbers.  
Power Cord Options  
The following power cord options are available for the 1502C TDR. Note that  
these options require inserting a 0.15 A fuse in the rear panel fuse holder.  
NOTE. The only power cord rated for outdoor use is the standard cord included  
with the instrument (unless otherwise specified). All other optional power cords  
are rated for indoor use only.  
Option A1  
Option A2  
Option A3  
Option A4  
Option A5  
220 VAC, 16 A, Universal Europe  
240 VAC, 13 A, United Kingdom  
240 VAC, 10 A, Australia  
161-0066-09  
161-0066-10  
161-0066-11  
161-0066-12  
161-0154-00  
240 VAC, 15 A, North America  
240 VAC, 6 A, Switzerland  
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Options and Accessories  
Test Data Record Option  
This option provides the test data record obtained during the Performance  
Verification of the instrument and is limited to the primary characteristics of this  
instrument type.  
Option DE  
German language firmware Tektronix part number 160-8999-xx.  
Accessories  
Standard Accessories  
Internal Lead-gel Battery Assembly  
Replacement Fuse (AC line fuse, 115 VAC)  
Replacement Fuse (AC line fuse, 230 VAC)  
Power Cord (outdoor rated)  
016-0915-00  
159-0029-01  
159-0054-00  
161-0228-00  
200-3737-00  
012-1350-00  
011-0123-00  
103-0028-00  
003-0700-00  
062-8344-xx  
016-0814-00  
070-7169-xx  
Option Port Cover Assembly  
Precision 50 W Test Cable (S/N B010298)  
50 W BNC Terminator  
BNC Connector, female-to-female  
Slide Rule Calculator  
Slide Application Note (bound in this manual)  
Accessory Pouch  
Operator Manual  
Optional Accessories  
Service Manual  
070-7168-xx  
040-1276-00  
119-3616-00  
0706270xx  
006-7647-00  
006-7677-00  
006-768100  
103-0029-00  
013-0261-00  
013-0076-01  
Battery Kit  
Chart Recorder, YT-1S  
Chart Recorder, YT-1S Service manual.  
Chart Paper, single roll  
Chart Paper, 25-roll pack  
Chart Paper, 100-roll pack  
Connector, BNC male to BNC male  
Connector, BNC female to Alligator Clip (S/N B010298)  
Connector, BNC female to Hook-tip Leads  
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Connector, BNC female to Dual Banana Plug  
Connector, BNC male to Dual Binding Post  
Connector, BNC male to N female  
Connector, BNC female to N male  
Connector, BNC female to UHF male  
Connector, BNC female to UHF female  
Connector, BNC female to Type F male  
Connector, BNC male to Type F female  
Connector, BNC female to GR  
Connector, BNC male to GR  
103-0090-00  
103-0035-00  
103-0058-00  
103-0045-00  
103-0015-00  
103-0032-00  
103-0158-00  
013-0126-00  
017-0063-00  
017-0064-00  
011-0102-00  
015-0327-00  
017-0091-00  
017-0092-00  
017-0900-00  
012-0671-02  
Terminator, 75 W BNC  
Adapter, Direct Current  
Adapter, 50/75 W *  
Adapter, 50/93 W *  
Adapter, 50/125 W *  
Interconnect Cable, 108 inch  
*
These adapters should be purchased if GR connectors (Tektronix part numbers  
017-0063-00 and/or 017-0064-00) are purchased.  
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Appendix A: Specifications  
The tables in this chapter list the characteristics and features that apply to this  
instrument after it has had a warm-up period of at least five minutes.  
The Performance Requirement column describes the limits of the Characteristic.  
Supplemental Information describes features and typical values or other helpful  
information.  
Electrical Characteristics  
Table A1: Electrical Characteristics  
Characteristic  
Excitation Pulse  
Reflected Pulse  
Aberrations  
Performance Requirement  
Supplemental Information  
200 ps (0.096 feet)  
Vp set to 0.99; 10 to 90%, into a precision short  
Excluding front panel aberrations  
5% peak within 0 to 10 feet after rise  
0.5% peak beyond 10 feet  
Jitter  
0.02 feet (40 ps) peak-to-peak  
Vp set to 0.99, DIST/DIV set to 0.1 ft/div  
At 23.4 feet to 46.8 feet, jitter is 0.04 feet.  
Output Impedance  
Pulse Amplitude  
Pulse Width  
Pulse Repetition Time  
Vertical  
50 W 2%  
After risetime stabilizes into 50 W termination  
300 mV nominal into 50 W load  
25 ms nominal  
200 ms nominal  
Scales  
0.5 mr/div to 500 mr/div, >240 values  
Within 3% of full scale  
Includes 1, 2, 5 sequences  
Accuracy  
Set Adj  
Set incident pulse within 3%  
Combined with VERT SCALE control  
Vertical Position  
Any waveform point is moveable to center  
screen  
Displayed Noise  
5 mr peak or less, filter set to 1  
2 mr peak or less, filter set to 8  
Input Susceptibility  
Distance Cursor  
Resolution  
1 A  
Into diode clamps  
1/25th of 1 major division  
Cursor Readout  
Range  
2 ft to 2,000 ft  
Resolution  
0.004 ft  
A1  
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Appendix A: Specifications  
Table A1: Electrical Characteristics (Cont.)  
Characteristic  
Distance Measurement  
Accuracy  
Performance Requirement  
Supplemental Information  
1.6 inches or 1% of distance measured,  
whichever is greater  
For cables with Vp = 0.66  
For delta mode measurements  
Error 0.5% for distance 27 ft  
Error 1.0% for distance 14 ft  
Error 2.0% for distance 7 ft  
Error 10% for distance 1.5 ft  
Cursor Ohms Readout  
Range  
1 W to 1 kW  
Resolution  
3 significant digits  
Accuracy  
10% with serial cable impedance  
correction (relative impedance  
measurements 2%)  
Horizontal  
Scales  
0.1 ft/div to 200 ft/div (0.25 m/div to 50 m/div)  
1 ft to 2,000 ft (0.25 m to 500 m)  
Range  
Horizontal Position  
Any distance to full scale can be moved on  
screen  
Vp  
Propagation velocity relative to air  
Range  
0.30 to 0.99  
0.01  
Resolution  
Accuracy  
Custom Option Port  
Within 1%  
Included in total timebase error tolerance  
Tektronix Chart Recorders YT1 and YT1S are  
designed to operate with the 1502C. Produces  
a high resolution thermal dot matrix recording of  
waveform and switch values.  
Line Voltage  
115 VAC (90 to 132 VAC) 45 to 440 Hz  
230 VAC (180 to 250 VAC) 45 to 440 Hz  
Fused at 0.3 A  
Fused at 0.15 A  
Battery Pack  
Operation  
8 hours minimum, 30 chart recordings maxi-  
mum  
+15°C to +25°C charge and discharge temp,  
LCD backlight off. Operation of instrument with  
backlight on or at temps below +10°C will  
degrade battery operation specification  
Full Charge Time  
20 hours maximum  
Overcharge Protection  
Charging discontinues once full charge is  
attained  
Discharge Protection  
Charge Capacity  
Charge Indicator  
Operation terminates prior to battery damage  
3.4 Amp-hours typical  
Bat/low will be indicated on LCD when capacity  
reaches approximately 10%  
A2  
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Appendix A: Specifications  
Environmental Characteristics  
Table A2: Environmental Characteristics  
Characteristic  
Temperature  
Operating  
Performance Requirement  
Supplemental Information  
10°C to +55°C  
Battery capacity reduced at other than +15°C to  
+25°C  
Non-operating  
62°C to +85°C  
With battery pack removed. Storage temp with  
battery pack in is 35°C to +65°C. Contents on  
non-volatile memory (stored waveform) might  
be lost at temps below 40°C.  
Humidity  
to 100%  
Internal desiccant with cover on and option port  
cover installed.  
Altitude  
Operating  
Non-operating  
Vibration  
to 15,000 ft  
to 40,000 ft  
MILT28800C, Class 3  
5 to 15 Hz, 0.06 inch p-p  
15 to 25 Hz, 0.04 inch p-p  
25 to 55 Hz, 0.013 inch p-p  
MILT28800C, Class 3  
Shock, Mechanical  
Pulse  
30 g, 11 ms 1/2 sine wave, total of 18 shocks  
MILT28800C, Class 3  
Bench Handling  
Operating  
MILSTD810, Method 516, Procedure V  
Cabinet on, front cover off  
4 drops each face at 4 inches or 45 degrees  
with opposite edge as pivot  
Non-operating  
4 drops each face at 4 inches or 45 degrees  
with opposite edge as pivot. Satisfactory  
operation after drops.  
Cabinet off, front cover off  
Loose Cargo Bounce  
1 inch double-amplitude orbital path at 5 Hz,  
6 faces  
MILSTD810, Method 514, Procedure XI,  
Part 2  
Water Resistance  
Operating  
Splash-proof and drip-proof  
MILT28800C, Style A, Front cover off  
Salt Atmosphere  
Withstand 48 hours, 20% solution without  
corrosion  
Sand and Dust  
Washability  
Operates after test with cover on, non-operating MILSTD810, Method 510, Procedure I  
Capable of being washed  
Materials are fungus inert  
Fungus Inert  
A3  
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Appendix A: Specifications  
Certifications and Compliances  
Category  
Standard or description  
EC Declaration of Conformity Meets intent of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated  
EMC  
to the following specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European Union:  
EN 50081-1 Emissions:  
EN 55022  
EN 60555-2  
Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions  
AC Power Line Harmonic Emissions  
EN 50082-1 Immunity:  
IEC 801-2  
Electrostatic Discharge Immunity  
RF Electromagnetic Field Immunity  
Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity  
Power Line Surge Immunity  
IEC 801-3  
IEC 801-4  
IEC 801-5  
Australia/New Zealand  
Complies with EMC provision of Radiocommunications Act per the following standard(s):  
Declaration of Conformity EMC  
AS/NZS 2064.1/2  
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment: 1992  
EMC Compliance  
Meets the intent of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic Compatibility when it is used with the  
product(s) stated in the specifications table. Refer to the EMC specification published for the stated  
products. May not meet the intent of the directive if used with other products.  
FCC Compliance  
Safety Standards  
Emissions comply with FCC Code of Federal Regulations 47, Part 15, Subpart B, Class A Limits.  
U.S. Nationally Recognized UL1244  
Testing Laboratory Listing  
Standard for electrical and electronic measuring and test equipment.  
Canadian Certification  
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 231  
CSA safety requirements for electrical and electronic measuring and  
test equipment.  
European Union Compliance Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC  
EN 61010-1/A2  
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,  
control, and laboratory use.  
Additional Compliance  
IEC61010-1/A2  
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,  
control, and laboratory use.  
Safety Certification Compliance  
Equipment Type  
Test and measuring  
Safety Class  
Class 1 (as defined in IEC 61010-1, Annex H) grounded product  
Overvoltage Category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1, Annex J)  
Pollution Degree 3 (as defined in IEC 61010-1).  
Overvoltage Category  
Pollution Degree  
Installation (Overvoltage)  
Category  
Terminals on this product may have different installation (overvoltage) category designations. The  
installation categories are:  
CAT III Distribution-level mains (usually permanently connected). Equipment at this level is  
typically in a fixed industrial location.  
CAT II Local-level mains (wall sockets). Equipment at this level includes appliances, portable  
tools, and similar products. Equipment is usually cord-connected.  
CAT I  
Secondary (signal level) or battery operated circuits of electronic equipment.  
(continued next page)  
A4  
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Appendix A: Specifications  
Category  
Standard or description  
Pollution Degree  
A measure of the contaminates that could occur in the environment around and within a product.  
Typically the internal environment inside a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products  
should be used only in the environment for which they are rated.  
Pollution Degree 1  
No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Products in this  
category are generally encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in  
clean rooms.  
Pollution Degree 2  
Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a  
temporary conductivity that is caused by condensation must be  
expected. This location is a typical office/home environment. Temporary  
condensation occurs only when the product is out of service.  
Pollution Degree 3  
Pollution Degree 4  
Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive pollution that becomes  
conductive due to condensation. These are sheltered locations where  
neither temperature nor humidity is controlled. The area is protected from  
direct sunshine, rain, or direct wind.  
Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust,  
rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations.  
Physical Characteristics  
Table A3: Physical Characteristics  
Characteristic  
Weight  
without cover  
Description  
14.25 lbs (6.46 kg)  
15.75 lbs (7.14 kg)  
19.75 lbs (8.96 kg)  
with cover  
with cover, chart recorder, and battery pack  
Shipping Weight  
domestic  
25.5 lbs (11.57 kg)  
25.5 lbs (11.57 kg)  
5.0 inches (127 mm)  
export  
Height  
Width  
with handle  
without handle  
Depth  
12.4 inches (315 mm)  
11.8 inches (300 mm)  
with cover on  
with handle extended to front  
16.5 inches (436 mm)  
18.7 inches (490 mm)  
A5  
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Appendix A: Specifications  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
This appendix contains performance checks for many of the functions of the  
1502C. They are recommended for incoming inspections to verify that the  
instrument is functioning properly. Procedures to verify the actual performance  
requirements are provided in the 1502C Service Manual.  
Performing these checks will assure you that your instrument is in good working  
condition. These checks should be performed upon receipt of a new instrument  
or one that has been serviced or repaired. It does not test all portions of the  
instrument to Calibration specifications.  
The purpose of these checks is not to familiarize a new operator with the  
instrument. If you are not experienced with the instrument, you should read the  
Operating Instructions chapter of this manual before going on with these checks.  
If the instrument fails any of these checks, it should be serviced. Many failure  
modes affect only some of the instrument functions.  
Equipment Required  
Getting Ready  
Item  
Tektronix Part Number  
011-0123-00  
50 W precision terminator  
3-foot precision coaxial cable  
012-1350-00  
Disconnect any cables from the front-panel CABLE connector. Connect the  
instrument to a suitable power source (a fully charged battery pack or AC line  
source). If you are using AC power, make sure the fuse and power switch are  
correct for the voltage you are using (115 VAC requires a different fuse than  
230 VAC).  
Power On  
Pull the POWER switch on the front panel. If a message does not appear on the  
display within a second or two, turn the instrument off. There are some failure  
modes that could permanently damage or ruin the LCD if the power is left on for  
more than a minute or so. Refer to Appendix C: Operator Troubleshooting in this  
manual.  
Metric Instruments  
Option 05 instruments default to metric; however, you can change the metric  
scale to ft/div in the Setup Menu or use the metric numbers provided. To change  
n
the readings, press the MENU button. Using the o POSITION control, scroll  
down to Setup Menu and press MENU again. Scroll down to Distance/Div is:  
m/div and press MENU again. This will change to ft/div. Press the MENU button  
repeatedly to return to normal operation mode. If the instrument power is turned  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
off, these checks must be repeated again when the instrument is powered on  
again.  
Set Up  
Set the 1502C front-panel controls:  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
1 avg  
no adjustment  
1 ft/div (0.25 m)  
.66  
1. Horizontal Scale  
(Timebase) Check  
If the instrument fails this check, it must be repaired before any distance  
measurements can be made with it.  
1. Turn the 1502C power on. The display should look very similar to Fig-  
ure B1.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B1: Start-up Measurement Display  
2. Connect the 3-foot cable to the front-panel CABLE connector. The display  
should now look like Figure B2.  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B2: Measurement Display with 3-foot Cable  
3. Using the  
POSITION control, measure the distance to the rising edge of  
the waveform at the open end of the cable. The distance shown on the  
display distance window (upper right corner of the LCD) should be from  
2.87 to 3.13 feet (0.875 to 0.954 m).  
ac  
3.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B3: Cursor at End of 3-foot Cable  
4. Change the Vp to .30.  
5. Using the  
POSITION control, measure the distance to the rising edge of  
the waveform at the open end of the cable. The distance shown on the  
display distance window should be from 1.30 to 1.42 feet (0.396 to  
0.433 m).  
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ac  
1.360 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B4: Cursor at End of 3-foot Cable, Vp Set to .30  
6. Remove the 3-foot cable and connect the 50 W terminator.  
7. Change the DIST/DIV to 200 ft/div (50 m/div)  
8. Turn the  
POSITION control clockwise until the distance window shows a  
distance greater than 2,000 feet (> 600 m). The waveform should be a flat  
line from the pulse to this point.  
ac  
2051.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B5: Flat-Line Display Out to 50,0000+ Feet  
9. Turn the  
POSITION control counterclockwise until the distance window  
shows a distance less than 10.000 feet (< 3.1 m).  
10. Set the DIST/DIV control to .1 ft/div (0.025 m/div).  
11. Turn the POSITION control counterclockwise until the distance window  
shows a distance of 2.000 feet (0.611 m).  
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ac  
2.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B6: Flat-Line Display at 2.000 ft  
This last step has set up the instrument for the next check.  
2. Vertical Position  
(Offset) Check  
If the instrument fails this test, it can be used, but should be serviced when  
possible. Not all of the waveforms will be viewable at all gain settings.  
n
1. Using the o POSITION control, verify that the entire waveform can be  
moved to the very top of the display (off the graticule area).  
ac  
2.000 ft  
Waveform  
off display  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B7: Waveform Off the Top of the Display  
n
2. Using the o POSITION control, verify that the entire waveform can be  
moved to the very bottom of the display (to the bottom graticule line).  
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ac  
2.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
Waveform  
O
F
F
Figure B8: Waveform at the Bottom of the Display  
3. Noise Check  
If the instrument fails this check, it can still be usable for measurements of large  
faults that do not require a lot of gain, but send the instrument to be serviced  
when possible. A great deal of noise reduction can be made using the NOISE  
FILTER control.  
1. Adjust the  
POSITION control to obtain 100.000 ft (30.500 m) in the  
distance window.  
ac  
100.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B9: Waveform with Gain at 5.00 mr/div  
n
2. Using the o POSITION control and VERT SCALE control, set the gain to  
5.00 mr/div. Keep the waveform centered vertically in the display.  
3. Press MENU.  
n
4. Using the o POSITION control, select Diagnostics Menu.  
5. Press MENU again.  
n
6. Using the o POSITION control, select Service Diagnostic Menu.  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
7. Press MENU again.  
n
8. Using the o POSITION control, select Noise Diagnostics.  
9. Press MENU again and follow the instructions on the display.  
10. Exit from Noise Diagnostics, but do not exit from the Service Diagnostic  
Menu yet.  
4. Offset/Gain Check  
If the instrument fails this check, it should not be used for loss or impedance  
measurements. Send it to be serviced when possible.  
1. In the Service Diagnostic Menu, select the Offset/Gain Diagnostic and  
follow the directions on the display.  
There are three screens of data presented in this diagnostic. The Pass/Fail level is  
3% for any single gain setting tested. A failure message is displayed if the 3%  
limit for any combination of gains over the three ranges is exceeded.  
2. Exit from Offset/Gain Diagnostic, but do not leave the Service Diagnostic  
Menu yet.  
5. Sampling Efficiency  
Check  
If the instrument fails this check, the waveforms might not look normal. If the  
efficiency is more than 100%, the waveforms will appear noisy. If the efficiency  
is below the lower limit, the waveform will take longer (more pixels) to move  
from the bottom to the top of the reflected pulse. This smoothing effect might  
completely hide some faults that would normally only be one or two pixels wide  
on the display.  
1. In the Service Diagnostic Menu, select Sampling Efficiency and follow the  
directions on the screen.  
2. When done with the test, press the MENU button repeatedly until the  
instrument returns to normal operation.  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
6. Aberrations Check  
If the aberrations are out of specification, the ohms-at-cursor function might be  
less accurate than specified.  
1. Connect the 50 W precision terminator to the front-panel CABLE connector.  
2. Set the DIST/DIV control to 5 ft/div (1 m/div).  
3. Increase the VERT SCALE control to 50 mr/div.  
n
4. Using the o POSITION control, move the top of the pulse to the center  
graticule line.  
ac  
1.872 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B10: Top of Pulse on Center Graticule  
5. Set the DIST/DIV control to 0.2 ft/div (0.05 m/div).  
6. Turn the POSITION control clockwise until the rising edge of the  
incident pulse is in the left-most major division on the display.  
ac  
1.744 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B11: Rising Edge of Incident Pulse in Left-most Major Division  
7. Using the  
POSITION control, move the cursor back to 0.000 ft (0.00 m).  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
All the aberrations, except the one under the cursor (see Figure B12), must  
be within one division of the center graticule line from out to 10 feet (3.5 m)  
past the rising edge of the pulse.  
To verify distances past the right edge of the display, scroll along the  
waveform by turning the  
POSITION control clockwise.  
ac  
0.000 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B12: Waveform Centered, Cursor at 0.000 ft  
7. Risetime Check  
If the risetime is out of specification, it might be difficult to make accurate  
short-distance measurements near the front panel.  
1. Set the 1502C front-panel controls:  
NOISE FILTER  
VERT SCALE  
DIST/DIV  
Vp  
1 avg  
500 mr/div  
0.2 ft/div (0.05 m)  
.99  
2. Using the  
POSITION control, move the incident pulse to the center of the  
display as shown below.  
ac  
1.432 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B13: Pulse Centered on Display  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
3. Turn the VERT SCALE control clockwise until the leading edge of the  
incident pulse is five major divisions high (about 205 mr).  
4. Position the waveform so that it is centered about the middle graticule line.  
ac  
0.848 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Crosses  
Lowest  
Point  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B14: Cursor on Lowest Major Graticule that Rising Edge crosses  
5. Using the POSITION control, and noting the distances displayed, verify  
that the distance between the points where the leading edge crosses the  
highest and lowest major graticule lines is less than or equal to 0.096 feet  
(0.029 m).  
ac  
0.768 ft  
Crosses  
Highest  
Point  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B15: Cursor on Highest Major Graticule that Rising Edge crosses  
In the above example, the distances are 0.848 feet and 0.768 feet. The  
difference between these two measurements is 0.080 feet, which is well within  
specification.  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
8. Jitter Check  
Jitter is the uncertainty in the timebase. Its main effect is that the waveform  
appears to move back and forth a very small amount. If the jitter is too great, it  
will affect the repeatability of very precise distance measurements.  
1. Set the VERT SCALE less than or equal to 1.0 mρ/div.  
2. Watch the leading edge of the pulse move and verify that this movement is  
less than five pixels, or < 0.02 ft (0.006 m).  
ac  
1.624 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
O
F
F
Jitter  
O
F
F
Figure B16: Jitter Apparent on Leading Edge of Incident Pulse  
Using the Max Hold function (accessed in the Setup Menu, Acquisition Control)  
can simplify your observation of jitter. Max Hold allows you to observe the  
accumulated jitter without having to stare continuously at the display.  
ac  
1.624 ft  
O
N
O
F
F
Accumulated  
Jitter  
O
F
F
O
F
F
Figure B17: Jitter Captured Using Max Hold  
B11  
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Appendix B: Operator Performance Checks  
Conclusions  
If the instrument failed Jitter or Risetime checks, it is probably still adequate for  
all but extremely precise distance measurements. If it failed the Horizontal Scale  
check, you should not use the instrument until the cause of the failure has been  
identified and corrected.  
All of the previous checks only test the major functional blocks of the instrument  
that could prevent you from being able to make measurements. It is possible for  
the front-panel controls or the LCD to have problems that would interfere with  
controlling or displaying measurements. Most problems of this type would  
become evident as you perform the checks. If you suspect a problem of this  
nature, you should have the instrument checked by a qualified service technician,  
using the diagnostics in the 1502C Service Manual.  
If the instrument passed all of the previous checks, it is ready for use.  
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Appendix C: Operator Troubleshooting  
For assistance in troubleshooting, use the following flow chart to determine if  
you have a simple problem you can fix or if the instrument needs to be sent to a  
Tektronix Service Center.  
Use this process to determine whether the instrument should be repaired or is  
OK to use when you have a problem.  
CAUTION: Any time the instrument smells hot, repeatedly blows fuses, or  
repeats the same error message, you should have the instrument serviced by  
qualified technicians using the procedures in the 1502C Service Manual.  
These are the first checks you should perform when you think you might have a  
problem with the instrument.  
The first step asks you to preset the instrument controls. Here is how to do that:  
Set Vp to .66; turn the IMPEDANCE knob all the way counterclockwise; turn the  
FILTER knob all the way counterclockwise, then back two clicks; turn the  
DIST/DIV knob all the way counterclockwise, then back three clicks; turn the  
PULSE WIDTH knob all the way counterclockwise; remove any accessories that  
might be plugged into the Option Port (e.g., chart printer), and disconnect any  
cable that might be attached to the front-panel connector.  
To complete the tests, you might need a Volt-Ohmmeter (VOM), a flat-bladed  
screw driver (to set the line voltage switch) and possibly, some spare fuses.  
When you have completed these tests, you will know that it is safe to use the  
instrument or that it needs repair or adjustment internally. You do not remove  
the case for these tests.  
IMPORTANT: It is possible for the instrument to continue to make some  
measurements even after reporting an error message. Do not ignore repeated  
error messages! They indicate something is wrong and should be used with the  
1502C Service Manual troubleshooting procedures.  
This procedure will give you confidence that the instrument is functioning  
properly. It is not an exhaustive set of tests that guarantee that the instrument  
meets all specifications and is perfectly calibrated. The calibration procedures in  
the 1502C Service Manual are the best method for assuring that the instrument  
meets all specifications.  
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Appendix C: Operator Troubleshooting  
Operator Troubleshooting  
(with cases on)  
Preset front panel and  
turn the  
power on.  
Is  
Did  
YES  
Is the  
YES  
NO  
YES  
there a  
greed display?  
Initializing”  
message appear  
on LCD?  
power source a  
battery?  
NO  
NO  
If error  
message(s)  
appear, follow  
the displayed  
instructions.  
Check line voltage switch for correct setting  
and change if necessary. With VOM, check  
wall outlet voltage and plug in somewhere  
else if no voltage. Check fuse and power  
cord for near zero Ohms.  
Turn instrument off  
immediately to avoid  
possible damage to  
LCD display.  
Using VOM, check for  
near zero Ohms in  
fuse.  
Is  
waveform  
missing, erratic or  
badly  
YES  
distorted?  
Is  
fuse  
OK?  
YES  
NO  
Perform initial  
operator  
performance  
verification checks.  
NO  
DO NOT USE INSTRUMENT.  
Serious problems need repair. Refer  
to 1502C Service Manual  
Troubleshooting procedures.  
NO  
Did instrument pass  
checks?  
Refer to Option Port  
and Accessories Troubleshooting  
procedure.  
If no accessories, then OK to use  
instrument.  
Replace fuse.  
YES  
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Appendix C: Operator Troubleshooting  
Error Messages  
Any time the instrument displays an error message, the troubleshooting  
procedures should be used to judge the extent and severity of the problem.  
Some errors will still permit some kinds of measurements. If there is any doubt  
about the ability to make a particular kind of measurement, do not make that  
measurement until the problem has been corrected.  
Message:  
Option Port Device Not Responding...  
Please check for correct installation.  
push MENU button to Continue –  
Occurrences:  
Meanings:  
This can occur anytime a chart printer, SP-232, or other Option Port device  
requests attention from the TDR.  
This error indicates that the TDR has received a signal indicating a request from  
the Option Port device and either there is no device installed or the device is not  
responding with a recognized ID byte when polled by the TDR.  
This error might be very annoying because the Option Port is checked once each  
time the TDR gets a waveform. If the TDR is being controlled by or through the  
Option Port device, you will probably have to remove that device and make  
manual measurements until the failure is corrected.  
This type of failure will not affect measurements made manually.  
Remedies:  
If there is no Option Port device, there is probably a failure in the option port  
logic circuitry on the main circuit board, or in the cable between the main board  
and the Option Port connector. Refer the instrument to a qualified service  
technician.  
If the error is in response to a chart printer request, the PRINT switch on the  
chart printer, or the wires to that switch, are probably bad or shorted to the  
chassis or other ground point. Refer the chart printer to a qualified service  
technician.  
If the error is in response to another Option Port device, remove that device. If  
the error ceases, have the device serviced. If the error persists, have the TDR  
serviced.  
Message:  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Pulse gap > 3.75 dB  
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Occurrences:  
Meanings:  
At power on during initialization only.  
The instrument expects the pulse height to be slightly less than two major  
divisions high and adds gain to make the pulse exactly two divisions high. This  
message indicates that the pulse is non-existent, too small, or that the gain  
circuitry is not working correctly.  
If there is no pulse after pushing the MENU button, no measurements can be  
made. Have the instrument repaired.  
If the pulse is there and less than two divisions high, you probably can make  
useful measurements. Run the Offset/Gain Service Diagnostic.  
Remedies:  
Message:  
Refer the instrument for repair. If the instrument passes, use the SET VERT REF  
to make the pulse exactly two divisions high. The instruments front-end board  
needs repair, but it is often possible to make measurements.  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Initial Pulse Height > 2 Divs at 0 dB  
Occurrences:  
Meanings:  
At power on during initialization only.  
The instrument expects the pulse height to be slightly less than two major  
divisions high. This message indicates that the pulse is greater than two divisions  
in amplitude with no additional gain added.  
This message usually means that the front-end board pulse circuitry is no longer  
properly terminated. If the waveform does not change when a 50 W terminator or  
cable is attached, the internal cable or front-panel connector is probably  
disconnected or broken and no measurements can be made until they are  
repaired.  
If the waveform does respond normally when a 50 W terminator or cable is  
connected, the failure might be in the gain circuitry on the Main board or in the  
hybrid circuit.  
Remedies:  
Message:  
Have the instrument repaired. If a pulse is present, distance measurements can be  
made. If the pulse is more than two divisions high, the millirho scale is not  
calibrated and loss measurements should not be made.  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Vertical Scale failure  
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Occurrences:  
Meanings:  
At power on during initialization only.  
The instrument changed the gain while adjusting the pulse to be two divisions  
high and the change in the gain circuitry did not make the expected change in the  
signal size.  
Remedies:  
Message:  
Have the instrument repaired. If no other error messages occurred and the pulse  
is present, distance measurements can be made. Do not make loss measurements  
until the instrument has been repaired.  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Vertical Position failure  
Pulse base off top of LCD  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Vertical Position failure  
Pulse top below base of LCD  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Vertical Position failure  
Occurrences:  
Meanings:  
At power on during initialization only.  
The instrument attempts to center the pulse before making it two divisions high.  
These messages indicate that the waveform could not be properly placed on the  
display. This usually means that the offset or gain circuitry on the Main board is  
not working properly.  
Remedies:  
Message:  
The instrument must be repaired. If it is possible to adjust the pulse vertically on  
the display and no other error messages have been displayed, it might be possible  
to make measurements. If the pulse is not two divisions high, do not make  
measurements.  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Leading edge of pulse not found  
ERROR:  
TYPE:  
Acquisition Initialization  
Top of 50 nsec ramp not found  
Occurrences:  
This message can occur at power on initialization only. These are common error  
messages because they are triggered by many kinds of failures and come from  
one of the very first routines that the instrument executes. They are usually fatal  
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Appendix C: Operator Troubleshooting  
errors, which means that no measurements should be made with this instrument  
before it is repaired.  
Meanings:  
Remedies:  
The instrument searches for a point on the leading edge of the pulse that is on the  
cable inside the instrument (about 10% up the pulse). This message indicates that  
the search failed. This could be because the pulse is not there, or because the  
sampler or gain circuitry is broken, or even because the timebase is not function-  
ing properly.  
The instrument must be sent to service for repair.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
Pulse Echo Testing of Electrical Transmission Lines  
Using the Tektronix Time-Domain Reflectometry Slide Rule  
Most people who make quantitative reflectometry tests or measurements should  
find the Tektronix TDR Slide Rule helpful. Those new to the subject will find  
the slide rule graphically summarizes a wealth of information on reflectometry.  
H
H
H
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio vs. Percent Reflected Voltage  
Return Loss, dB, vs. Percent Reflected Voltage  
Percent Reflected Voltage vs. Characteristic Line Impedance (for either 50 W  
or 75 W source)  
H
H
Percent Reflected Voltage vs. Load Resistance (for either 50 W or 75 W  
source)  
Characteristic Line Impedance or Load Resistance vs. Reflection Amplitude  
(as seen on your TDR)  
H
H
H
Dielectric Constant vs. Velocity Factor  
Time vs. Short Distance in centimeters or inches (any dielectric)  
Time vs. Long Distances in meters or feet (any dielectric)  
Terms and Symbols  
RS  
ZS  
ZO  
ZL  
RL  
r
Source Resistance of a signal generator  
Source Impedance of a signal generator  
Characteristic Impedance of a transmission line  
Load Impedance for a transmission line  
Load Resistance for a transmission line  
Reflection Coefficient (rho): the ratio of incident to reflected voltage  
Reflection Coefficient divided by 1,000 (millirho)  
Ratio of the incident voltage to reflected voltage multiplied by 100  
mr  
%
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ration (peak-to-valley)  
c
Velocity of light in air  
VP  
Vt  
κ
Propagation Velocity of a signal in a transmission line  
Velocity Factor (fraction of the velocity of light)  
Dielectric Constant  
D
d
L
C
Outer Diameter of the dielectric in a coaxial cable  
Diameter of the center conductor in a coaxial cable  
Inductance in nanoHenries (nH) per foot  
Capacitance in picoFarads (pF) per foot  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
Relationships  
ZO  
%
= (138 / pκ (log10 D / d) for coaxial cable  
)*  
= r 100  
*
VSWR = (1 + r) + (1 r) for the case where VSWR is the same for all  
frequencies  
c
= 30 cm / nanosecond = 0.984 ft / ns  
= 1 / pκ  
VF  
VP  
C
= 30 / pκ cm / ns = 0.984 / pκ ft /ns  
= 7.36 κ + (log10 D / d)  
= 140 log10 D / d  
L
1 in  
1 ft  
1 m  
= 2.54 cm  
= 30.48 cm  
= 3.28 ft  
VSWR vs. Percent Reflected Voltage  
To find the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), knowing the percent reflected  
voltage (%), or vice versa, use the Frequency Domain Conversions section of the  
slide rule (see Figure D1).  
1.04 VSWR = 2% REFLECTION  
20% = 1.5 VSWR  
0
2
4
6
8
10  
12  
14  
16  
18  
20 %  
SINGLE  
RESISTIVE  
DISCONTINUITY  
ONLY1.00  
1.05 1.10 1.15 1.20 1.25 1.30 1.35 1.40 1.45 1.50 VWSR  
.01 .02.03 .05 .10 .2 .3 .5 .7 1.0 5 7 10 20 30 50 100 %  
2
3
RETURN LOSS  
(IMPULSE ONLY)  
80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10  
5
0
Figure D1: Slide Rule of VSWR vs. Percent Reflected Voltage  
On the upper scale, locate the known value of VSWR (or %). Adjacent to that  
point is the corresponding value for % (or VSWR). VSWR is the peak-to-valley  
ratio of standing sine waves.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
NOTE. The relationship between % holds only when the loss is a single imped-  
ance discontinuity with negligible capacitive or inductive components (e.g., a  
75 W termination at the end of a 50 W cable). The VSWR must be essentially the  
same for all sine-wave frequencies.  
Return Loss (dB) vs. Percent Reflected Voltage  
To find return loss in decibels, knowing the % (or vice versa), use the bottom  
scale of the Frequency Domain Conversions section of the slide rule (see Figure  
D2).  
0
2
4
6
8
10  
12  
14  
16  
18  
20 %  
SINGLE  
RESISTIVE  
DISCONTINUITY  
ONLY1.00  
1.05 1.10 1.15 1.20 1.25 1.30 1.35 1.40 1.45 1.50 VWSR  
.01 .02.03 .05 .10 .2 .3 .5 .7 1.0 5 7 10 20 30 50 100 %  
2
3
RETURN LOSS  
(IMPULSE ONLY)  
80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10  
5
0
1% REFLECTION = 40 dB RETURN LOSS  
Figure D2: Slide Rule of Return Loss vs. Percent Reflected Voltage  
Locate the known value of % or the known dB return loss, then locate the value  
of the corresponding expression on the adjacent scale.  
NOTE. Only the impulse mode of Time-Domain Reflectometry can be accurately  
expressed in terms of return loss.  
A narrow impulse will be attenuated by losses in the cable and reflections will be  
attenuated likewise.  
As with measurements on VSWR, there is only a simple mathematical relation-  
ship between reflection measurements using sine waves and reflection measure-  
ments using pulses when one resistive discontinuity is the whole cause for the  
sizable reflections.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
Percent Reflected Voltage vs. Characteristic Line Impedance (50 or 75 ohm Source)  
To find the characteristic impedance of a line, or section of a line, knowing the  
reflection coefficient or the %, you should first know the impedance of the pulse  
generator. It should be as close as possible to the nominal impedance of the line  
and should be connected to the line through a length of cable having the same  
impedance as the source. Select the side of the slide rule that corresponds to the  
source resistance (RS) of the generator used, then select the longest scale as  
follows:  
Size of Reflection  
% / division  
r / division  
100% to 80% (1r to 0.8r)  
80% to 40% (0.8r to 0.4r)  
40% to 16% (0.4r to 0.16r)  
16% to 8% (0.16r to 0.08r)  
8% to 4% (0.08r to 0.04r)  
4% or less (< 0.04 r)  
20  
10  
5
.20  
.10  
.05  
.02  
.01  
.005  
2
1
0.5  
1 W  
+100%  
+1r =  
SOURCE  
LINE  
R
Z
O
50 W  
150 W  
50 W  
S
+50%  
0%  
+0.5r=  
0r =  
50 W  
-50%  
-0.5r=  
16.7 W  
D2E  
DE  
-100%  
-1r =  
0 W  
REFLECTED  
VOLTAGE  
LOAD  
STEP  
GENERATOR  
INCIDENT  
VOLTAGE  
R
L
r = REFLECTION COEFFICIENT  
1r = 100%  
OHMS  
r / DIV r / DIV  
OHMS  
OHMS  
r / DIV  
r / DIV  
1000  
600  
59  
.20  
.10 .05  
70 .02 .01  
.005  
120  
400  
300  
68  
66  
54  
58  
57  
100  
90  
64  
62  
200  
53  
56  
55  
54  
53  
52  
51  
1
80  
70  
150  
1000  
60  
58  
500  
52  
51  
300  
200  
100  
90  
80  
56  
54  
100 70  
60  
52  
70 60  
50W  
50W  
50W  
45  
40  
49  
48  
40  
50 W SOURCE  
50 W SOURCE  
50 W SOURCE  
The risetime or amplitude of received reflections may be signi-  
ficantly degraded or attenuated by two-way losses of the line .  
+1r = W  
+.03r = 53.1W  
Figure D3: Slide Rule 50 ohm Source  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
If the reflection is downward from the 50 W or 75 W reference level, set the  
reference level to the top of the chosen scale. If the reflection is toward a higher  
impedance than the reference level, set the reference level to the bottom of the  
chosen scale. Then count off the right number of divisions and subdivisions to  
locate the level corresponding to the peak of the reflection and read the corre-  
sponding impedance levels (Ohms) on the adjacent sliding scale.  
1 W  
+100%  
0dB =  
SOURCE  
R
75 W  
E
PEAK  
225 W  
75 W  
25 W  
S
+50%  
0%  
6dB =  
1dB =  
6dB =  
0dB =  
LINE  
Z
O
75 W  
-50%  
-100%  
2E  
PEAK  
0 W  
LOAD  
REFLECTED  
VOLTAGE  
IMPULSE  
GENERATOR  
INCIDENT  
VOLTAGE  
R
L
OHMS  
OHMS  
OHMS  
% / DIV % / DIV  
% / DIV  
% / DIV  
10  
90  
100  
80  
75W  
76  
75W  
20  
5
2
1
.5  
75W  
34  
60  
70  
65  
74  
50  
60  
40  
74  
73  
72  
70  
65  
40  
46  
50  
30  
45  
20  
60  
55  
50  
45  
73  
72  
71  
70  
69  
68  
67  
40  
15  
10  
35  
30  
25  
1
5
0
46  
60  
55  
71  
70  
69  
20  
15  
40  
34  
40  
35  
66  
65  
64  
10  
5
30  
63  
75 W SOURCE  
75 W SOURCE  
75 W SOURCE  
(20% / division, downward 5 major divisions)  
100% = 0 W  
Figure D4: Slide Rule 75 ohm Source  
If the line impedance and the source resistance are known, the expected  
amplitude of a reflection can be approximated. First, select the side of the slide  
rule having the correct source impedance. For cables having a higher impedance  
than the selected source resistance, put the sliding reference level even with the  
bottom stationary scale markings. For cables having a lower impedance than the  
selected source resistance, move the reference level even with the top of the scale  
markings. For best accuracy, select the scale farthest to your right in which the  
impedance level of interest is in view. Read from the adjacent stationary scale the  
reflection coefficient or percent reflected voltage that corresponds to the Ohms  
selected.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
Percent Reflected Voltage vs. Load Resistance  
To find the terminating load resistance (RL) of a line, knowing the percent  
reflected voltage or reflection coefficient, use the preceding instructions.  
If the load resistance is known, the previous procedures can be used to approxi-  
mate the size of the return reflection. An error might be introduced if the  
impedance of the connecting cable does not match the source resistance of the  
pulse generator.  
Characteristic Line Impedance or Load Resistance vs. Reflection Amplitude  
(as seen on your TDR)  
Line Impedance (ZO) or Load Resistance (RL) can be derived directly from the  
amplitude of a reflection displayed on a TDR display. The displayed reflection  
should be positioned vertically to a known 50 W reference level. For a reference  
level, use either a section of line of known impedance ahead of the line under  
test/load, or use a termination of known resistance at the end of the line. The  
slide rule can then be used by selecting the side with the same source resistance  
and the same scale as the TDR.  
r / DIV  
OHMS  
55  
.01  
.005  
52  
54  
53  
52  
51  
51  
RG8/U  
51.5 W  
50W  
RG213/U  
49.5 W  
49  
49  
48  
47  
.01r/div  
48  
46  
2 ns / div  
50 W SOURCE  
Precision Load Resistor used for 50 W Reference Level  
Figure D5: Calculating Resistance/Impedance from Waveform Amplitude  
Position the 50 W or 75 W reference level on the sliding scale to correspond with  
the one selected as the reference level on the TDR display. The impedance  
(Ohms) causing the reflection can then be read from the sliding scale by noting  
the position on the fixed scale that corresponds to the position of the reflection  
on the TDR display.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
You should note that the peak level of any reflection that does not have a  
discernable plateau might be an erroneous indication of the impedance disconti-  
nuity that caused it. There might be several reasons for the error. 1) The  
discontinuity might occupy such a short segment of the line compared to the VP  
of the line and the risetime of the test pulse wavefront that part of the wavefront  
starts to emerge from the segment while the remainder is still entering. This  
causes a spike-shaped reflection, the amplitude of which might vary depending  
on the risetime of the test pulse, how badly the risetime has been degraded by the  
cable before it arrives, and how much attenuation the cable might impose on the  
reflection before it arrives back at the source. 2) If the risetime of the TDR  
system is too long, a reflection with a plateau will appear as a spike.  
Centimeters vs. Inches or Meters vs. Feet  
Inches and Centimeters: A given number of inches can be converted to  
centimeters by placing the point on the sliding scale that corresponds to that  
number next to the stationary arrow labeled INCHES, then reading the distance  
in centimeters next to the point of the arrow labeled CENTIMETERS. Likewise,  
centimeters are converted to inches using these directions in reverse.  
1 inch = 2.54 cm  
INCHES  
CENTIMETERS  
5
.6 .7 .8  
1.0  
1.5  
2.0  
3
4
ONEWAY DISTANCE  
TO OR BETWEEN FAULT, SPLICE,  
CONNECTOR, LOAD, END, OR OTHER  
IMPEDANCE DISCONTINUITY  
0
15  
20  
30  
40 50 60 70 8  
METERS  
FEET  
15 m = 49.2 ft  
Figure D6: English-Metric, Metric-English Conversion Scales  
Meters and Feet: A given number of meters can be converted to feet by placing  
the point on the sliding scale that corresponds to that number next to the  
stationary arrow labeled METERS, then reading the distance in feet next to the  
point of the arrow labeled FEET. Likewise, feet are converted to meters using  
these directions in reverse.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
Dielectric Constant vs. Velocity Factor  
Dielectric Constant and Velocity Factor appear on two identical scales next to a  
sliding scale labeled ROUND TRIP TIME. To find one, knowing the other, read  
across the sliding scale. Any major division on the sliding scale can be placed  
next to the known value to help read directly across the sliding scale.  
Time vs. Short Distances, in Centimeters or Inches (any dielectric)  
To find the distances to or between discontinuities in a transmission line,  
knowing the time for a pulse edge to travel that distance and back (round trip  
time), it is necessary to know either the dielectric constant of the material  
between the conductors or the velocity factor of the line. For distances less than  
about three meters (or 10 feet), use the INCHES and CENTIMETERS scale.  
1.0 1.5 2.0  
3
4
5 6  
DIELECTRIC  
CONSTANT  
Dieletric is Air  
Time = 200 ps  
ROUND  
TRIP  
TIME  
00ps  
150ps  
200ps  
300ps  
500ps  
800  
VELOCITY  
FACTOR  
Velocity Factor = 1  
1.0 .8 .7 .6 .5 .4  
INCHES  
CENTIMETERS  
Distance is  
3.0 cm or 1.18 inches  
.6 .7 .8  
1.0  
1.5  
2.0  
3
4
ONEWAY DISTANCE  
TO OR BETWEEN FAULT, SPLICE,  
CONNECTOR, LOAD, END, OR OTHER  
IMPEDANCE DISCONTINUITY  
Figure D7: Dielectric Constant and Velocity Factor, Short Distance  
The round trip time should be located on the sliding scale that is above the  
INCHES and CENTIMETERS scale. Place the point on the sliding scale next to  
a point on one of the stationary scales that corresponds to the value of the  
dielectric constant or velocity factor. Then read the distance on the INCHES and  
CENTIMETERS scale.  
If the distance to or between faults is known and you want to find the time or  
velocity factor, set the distance under the appropriate arrow first, then read the  
answer on the ROUND TRIP TIME scales.  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
Time vs. Long Distances, in Meters or Feet (any dielectric)  
Distances to or between discontinuities farther apart than about three meters  
(10 feet) can be found on the METERS and FEET scale. Use the sliding  
ROUND TRIP TIME scale just below it and follow the same procedure as  
above.  
ONEWAY DISTANCE  
TO OR BETWEEN FAULT, SPLICE,  
CONNECTOR, LOAD, END, OR OTHER  
IMPEDANCE DISCONTINUITY  
20  
30  
40 50 60 70 80 100  
15 Distance is  
30 m or 99 ft  
METERS  
FEET  
Dieletric is Solid  
Polyethylene  
1.0 1.5 2.0  
3
4
5 6  
DIELECTRIC  
CONSTANT  
ROUND  
TRIP  
TIME  
00ns 150ns 200ns  
300ns  
500ns  
700n  
Time = 300 ns  
VELOCITY  
FACTOR  
Velocity Factor = .66  
1.0 .8 .7 .6 .5 .4  
Figure D8: Dielectric Constant and Velocity Factor, Long Distance  
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Appendix D: Application Note  
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Glossary  
Aberrations  
Imperfections or variations from a desired signal. In TDRs, a pulse of  
electrical energy is sent out over the cable. As the pulse-generating circuitry  
is turned on and off, the pulse is often distorted slightly and no longer is a  
perfect step or sine-shaped waveform.  
AC  
Alternating current is a method of delivering electrical energy by periodical-  
ly changing the direction of the flow of electrons in the circuit or cable. Even  
electrical signals designed to deliver direct current (DC) usually fluctuate  
enough to have an AC component.  
Accuracy  
The difference between a measured, generated, or displayed value and the  
true value.  
Cable  
Electrical conductors that are usually insulated and often shielded. Most  
cables are made of metal and are designed to deliver electrical energy from a  
source (such as a radio transmitter) across a distance to a load (such as an  
antenna) with minimal energy loss. Most cables consist of two conductors,  
one to deliver the electrical signal and another to act as a return path, which  
keeps both ends of the circuit at nearly the same electrical potential. In early  
electrical systems and modern systems that over long distances use the earth  
and/or air as the return path, and the term groundor ground wireis often  
used to describe one of the wires in a cable pair.  
Cable Attenuation  
The amount of signal that is absorbed in the cable as the signal propagates  
down it. Cable attenuation is typically low at low frequencies and higher at  
high frequencies and should be corrected for in some TDR measurements.  
Cable attenuation is usually expressed in decibels at one or several frequen-  
cies. See also: dB and Series Loss.  
Cable Fault  
Any condition that makes the cable less efficient at delivering electrical  
energy than it was designed to be. Water leaking through the insulation,  
poorly mated connectors, and bad splices are typical types cable faults.  
Capacitance  
(see Reactance)  
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Glossary  
Characteristic Impedance  
Cables are designed to match the source and load for the electrical energy  
that they carry. The designed impedance is often called the characteristic  
impedance of the cable. The arrangement of the conductors with respect to  
each other is the major factor in designing the impedance of cables.  
Conductor  
Any substance that will readily allow electricity to flow through it. Good  
conductors are metals such as silver, copper, gold, aluminum, and zinc (in  
that order).  
dB  
dB is an abbreviation for decibel. Decibels are a method of expressing power  
or voltage ratios. The decibel scale is logarithmic. It is often used to express  
the efficiency of power distribution systems when the ratio consists of the  
energy put into the system divided by the energy delivered (or is some cases,  
lost) by the system. Our instrument measures return loss. The formula for  
decibels is: dB = 2log (Vi/Vl) where Vi is the voltage of the incident pulse,  
Vl is the voltage reflected back by the load, and log is the decimal-based  
logarithmic function. The dB vertical scale on our instrument refers to the  
amount of voltage gain (amplification) the instrument applies to the signal  
before displaying it. For example, when the instrument is amplifying the  
voltage by one hundred, the dB scale would read 40 dB, which is 20 log 100.  
DC  
Direct current is a method of delivering electrical energy by maintaining a  
constant flow of electrons in one direction. Even circuits designed to  
generate only AC often have a DC component.  
Dielectric  
(see Insulation)  
Domain  
A mathematical term that refers to the set of numbers that can be put into a  
function (the set of numbers that comes out of the function is called the  
range). A time-domain instrument performs its function by measuring  
time.  
Impedance  
The total opposition to the flow of electrical energy is a cable or circuit.  
Impedance is made partly of resistance (frequency independent) and partly of  
reactance (frequency dependent). Although impedance is expressed in units  
of Ohms, it must not be confused with the simple resistance that only applies  
to DC signals. Technically, impedance is a function of the frequency of the  
electrical signal, so it should be specified at a frequency. As a practical  
matter, the impedance of most cables changes very little over the range of  
frequencies they are designed for.  
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Glossary  
Impedance Mismatch  
A point in a cable or system where the incident electrical energy is redistrib-  
uted into absorbed, reflected, and/or transmitted electrical energy. The  
transmitted electrical energy after the mismatch is less than the incident  
electrical energy.  
Incident Pulse  
The pulse of electrical energy sent out by the TDR. The waveform shown by  
the TDR consists of this pulse and the reflections of it coming back from the  
cable or circuit being tested.  
Inductance  
(see Reactance)  
Insulation  
A protective coating on an electrical conductor that will not readily allow  
electrical energy to flow away from the conductive part of the cable or  
circuit. Insulation is also called dielectric. The kind of dielectric used in a  
cable determines how fast electricity can travel through the cable (see  
Velocity of Propagation).  
Jitter  
The short term error or uncertainty in the clock (timebase) of a TDR. If the  
timing from sample to sample is not exact, the waveform will appear to  
move back and forth rapidly.  
LCD  
An acronym for Liquid Crystal Display. It is the kind of display used on this  
instrument, so the terms display and LCD are often used interchangeably.  
Millirho  
rho (r) is the reflection coefficient of a cable or power delivery system. It is  
the ratio of the voltage reflected back from the cable or circuit due to cable  
faults or an impedance mismatch at the load, divided by the voltage applied  
to the cable. Millirho are thousandths of one rho. Rho measurements are  
often used to judge how well the cable is matched to the load at the other end  
of the cable. If there is an open circuit in the cable, nearly all the energy will  
be reflected back when a pulse is sent down the cable. The reflected voltage  
will equal the incident pulse voltage and rho will be +1. If there is a short  
circuit in the cable, nearly all the energy will be delivered back to the  
instrument through the ground or return conductor instead of being sent to  
the load. The polarity of the reflected pulse will be the opposite of the  
incident pulse and rho will be 1. If there is no mismatch between the cable  
and the load, almost no energy will be reflected back and rho will be 0. In  
general, a load or fault with higher impedance than the cable will return a rho  
measurement of 0 to +1, and a load or fault with a lower impedance will  
return a rho measurement of 0 to 1. The scale for rho measurements is  
determined by the height of the incident pulse. A pulse two divisions high  
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Glossary  
means that each division is 0.5 rho (500 millirho). A pulse set to be four  
divisions high would make each division 0.25 rho (250 millirho).  
Noise  
Any unwanted electrical energy that interferes with a signal or measurement.  
Most noise is random with respect to the signals sent by the TDR to make a  
measurement and will appear on the waveform, constantly constantly  
moving up and down on the display. The NOISE FILTER control sets how  
many waveforms will be averaged together to make the waveform displayed.  
Noisy waveforms appear to fluctuate around the real signal. Because it is  
random, noise will sometimes add to the real signal and sometimes subtract  
energy from the real signal. By adding several noisy waveforms together, the  
noise can be averagedout of the signal because the average amount of  
noise adding to the signal will be nearly the same as the average amount of  
noise subtracting from the signal. More waveforms in an average are more  
likely to approach the real signal (although it takes longer to acquire and add  
together more waveforms).  
Open Circuit  
In a cable, a broken conductor will not allow electrical energy to flow  
through it. These circuits are also called broken circuits. The circuit is open  
to the air (which looks like a very high impedance).  
Precision  
The statistical spread or variation in a value repeatedly measured, generated,  
or displayed under constant conditions. Also called repeatability.  
Reactance  
A conductors opposition to the flow of AC electrical energy through it. All  
conductors have some reactance. Reactance is made up of capacitance and  
inductance. Capacitance is the ability of conductors separated by thin layers  
if insulation (dielectric) to store energy between them. Inductance is the  
ability of a conductor to produce induced voltage when the electrical current  
through it varies. All conductors have some capacitance and inductance, so  
all conductors have some reactance, which means they all have impedance.  
Reflectometer  
An instrument that uses reflections to make measurements. Our reflectome-  
ters use electrical energy that is reflected back from points along a cable.  
Resistance  
A conductors opposition to the flow of DC electrical energy through it. All  
conductors have a certain amount of resistance. Resistance is the low (or  
zero) frequency part of impedance.  
Resolution  
For a given parameter, the smallest increment or change in value that can be  
measured, generated, or displayed.  
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Glossary  
Return Loss  
The amount of energy reflected or returned from a cable indicates how much  
the impedance in the system is mismatched. The ratio of the energy sent out  
by the TDR, divided by the energy reflected back, expressed in the logarith-  
mic dB scale, is called return loss.  
Rho (r)  
(see Millirho)  
Risetime  
The time it takes a pulse signal to go from 10% to 90% of the change in  
voltage.  
RMS  
An acronym for Root Mean Squared. RMS is a way of measuring how much  
deviation there is from a known (or desired) waveform. It is also the method  
used to calculate how much power is contained in an AC waveform.  
Sampling Efficiency  
Our instruments make measurements by taking a succession of samples in  
time and displaying them as a waveform with voltage on the vertical scale  
(up and down) and time along the horizontal scale (across the display). The  
circuitry that captures and holds the samples cannot instantly change from  
one voltage level to another. It might take the circuit several samples to settle  
in at the new voltage after a rapid change in the waveform. How efficiently  
the circuit moves from one sampled voltage level to the next is called  
sampling efficiency. If the efficiency is too low, the waveforms will be  
smoothed or rounded. If the efficiency is too high (above 100%), the circuit  
will actually move beyond the new voltage level in a phenomenon known as  
overshoot, which becomes an unwanted source of noise in the waveform.  
Series Loss  
Conductors all have some DC resistance to the flow of electrical energy  
through them. The amount of resistance per unit length is usually nearly  
constant for a cable. The energy lost overcoming this series resistance is  
called series loss. The series loss must be compensated for when measuring  
the return loss or impedance mismatch at the far end of long cables.  
Short Circuit  
In a cable, a short circuit is a place where the signal conductor comes into  
electrical contact with the return path or ground conductor. The electrical  
circuit is actually shorter than was intended. Short circuits are caused by  
worn, leaky, or missing insulation.  
Stability  
The change in accuracy of a standard or item of test equipment over an  
extended period of time. Unless otherwise specified, the period of time is  
assumed to be the calibration interval (might also apply to range, resolution,  
or precision as a function of time). The term stability might also be used to  
Glossary5  
1502C MTDR User Manual  
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Glossary  
denote changes resulting from environmental influences, such as tempera-  
ture, humidity, vibration, and shock.  
TDR  
An acronym for Time-Domain Reflectometer. These instruments are also  
called cable radar. They send out pulses of energy and time the interval to  
reflections. If the velocity of the energy through the cable is known,  
distances to faults in the cable can be displayed or computed. Conversely, the  
speed that the energy travels through a cable of known length can also be  
computed. The way in which the energy is reflected and the amount of the  
energy reflected indicate the condition of the cable.  
Velocity of Propagation (Vp)  
Electrical energy travels at the same speed as light in a vacuum. It travels  
slower than that everywhere else. The speed that it travels in a cable is often  
expressed as the relative velocity of propagation. This value is just a ration  
of the speed in the cable to the speed of light (so it is always a number  
between 0 and 1). A velocity of propagation value of 0.50 indicates that the  
electrical energy moves through the cable at half the speed of light.  
Waveform Averaging  
(see Noise)  
Glossary6  
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Index  
Controls  
Cable Connector, 17  
A
AC (see Power), xii  
Accessories, 32  
Distance / Division, 17  
Front Panel, 15, 17  
Horizontal Position, 17  
Menu Button, 18  
Optional, 32  
Standard, 32  
accessories, standard, 32  
Address, Tektronix, x  
Altitude Spec, A3  
Noise Filter, 17  
Power, 17  
Store Button, 18  
Velocity of Propagation, 17  
Vertical Position, 17  
Vertical Scale, 17  
View Difference Button, 18  
View Input Button, 18  
View Store Button, 18  
B
Battery (see Power), 12  
Battery Pack Spec, A2  
BNC Connector, 32  
D
C
Cable  
Delta Mode, 213  
Depth Spec, A4  
Open, 115  
Scrolling, 28  
Short, 115, 219  
E
Test Procedure, 114  
Distance to Fault, 114  
Horizontal Set Reference, 124  
Reflection Coefficient, 117  
Return Loss, 118  
Electromagnetic Spec, A4  
Error Messages, C3  
F
Store Waveform, 120  
Vertical Set Reference, 126  
View Difference, 121  
View Input, 120  
Features (see Menu), 129  
Fungus Spec, A3  
Fuse, 32  
View Store, 121  
Fuse (see Power), 12  
Characteristics  
Electrical, A1  
Environmental, A3  
Physical, A4  
G
Checks (see Performance Checks), B1  
Connectors  
Getting Started, 22  
BNC BNC, 32  
H
BNC to Alligator, 32  
BNC to Banana, 32  
BNC to Binding Post, 32  
BNC to F Type, 32  
BNC to GR, 32  
BNC to Hook Tips, 32  
BNC to N Type, 32  
BNC to UHF, 32  
Handling, 11  
Height Spec, A4  
Help, 21  
Horizontal Set Reference, 124, 213  
HORZ SET REF (see Horizontal Set Reference), 213  
Humidity Spec, A3  
Contacting Tektronix, x  
Index1  
1502C MTDR User Manual  
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Index  
Velocity of Propagation, 18  
View Stored Waveform, 111  
I
Indicators, 16  
Inspection, viii  
N
Noise, 211  
L
Reduced, 212  
List of Figures, iii  
List of Tables, vi  
Loss, 118  
Noise (see also Controls), 17  
Noise Filter, 213, 214, 215  
O
M
Ohms-at-Cursor, 119, 29, 210  
Open, 115, 24  
Option Port Cover, 32  
Options, vii, 31  
Maintenance, C1, D1  
Manual Changes, vii  
Max Hold (see Maximum Hold), 221  
Maximum Hold, 129, 221  
Menu, 18, 129, 21, 221  
Cables, 18  
Chart Recorder (04), 31  
Chart Recorder (07), 31  
Metric Default (05), 31  
Power Cords, 31  
Diagnostics, 19  
Chart Recorder, 110  
Head Alignment, 1-10  
LCD Chart, 1-10  
Front Panel, 110  
LCD, 110  
Alignment, 1-10  
Contrast, 1-10  
Drive Test, 1-10  
Response Time, 1-10  
Service, 19  
P
Performance Checks, B1  
Aberrations, B8  
Conclusions, B12  
Equipment Required, B1  
Horizontal Scale, B2  
Jitter, B11  
Noise, 1-10  
Noise, B6  
Offset / Gain, B7  
Risetime, B9  
Sampling Efficiency, B7  
Set Up, B2  
Offset / Gain, 1-10  
RAM / ROM, 1-10  
Sampling Efficiency, 1-9  
Timebase, 1-10  
Display Contrast, 111  
Impedance, 18  
Main, 18  
Vertical Position, B5  
Phone number, Tektronix, x  
Pouch, 32  
Maximum Hold, 129  
Option Port, 111  
Debugging, 111  
Diagnostic, 111  
Timing, 111  
Power  
AC, viii  
AC Receptacle, 12  
Battery, vii, viii  
Low Indicator, 13  
Battery Pack  
Pulse, 130  
Setup, 19  
Acquisition Control, 19  
Backlight, 19  
Care of, 12  
Charging, 12  
Cords, 31  
Safety, xii  
Fuse, xii, 12  
Distance / Division, 19  
Maximum Hold, 19  
Pulse, 19  
Fuse Rating, 12  
Requirements, viii  
Safety, xii  
Single Sweep, 19  
Vertical Scale, 19  
Single Sweep, 131  
Index2  
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Index  
Source, viii  
Voltage Rating, 12  
Physical, A4  
Store, 218  
Voltage Selector, 12  
Voltages, 11  
Store the Waveform, 120  
Product Description, vii  
Product support, contact information, x  
Pulse, 130, 21, 223  
Incident, 23, 26, 213  
Reflected, 23, 213  
T
Table of Contents, i  
Tektronix, contacting, x  
Temperature, Low, 14  
Terminator, 32  
Troubleshooting, C1, D1  
Tutorial, 21  
Q
Questions and Answers, 226  
U
R
Unpacking, viii  
References, vii  
URL, Tektronix, x  
Reflection Coefficient, 117  
Repacking, viii  
Return Loss, 118  
V
Velocity of Propagation, 112  
Table of Types, 112  
S
Unknown Vp, 112  
Safety  
Velocity of Propagation (See also Controls), 17  
Covers, xii  
Explosive Atmosphere, xii  
Grounding, xii  
VERT SET REF (see Vertical Set Reference), 215  
Vertical Scale, 26, 215  
Vertical Set Reference, 126, 215  
Vibration Spec, A3  
Symbols, xi  
Terminology, xi  
View Diff (see View Difference), 220  
View Difference, 121, 220  
View Input, 120, 217  
View Store, 121, 218  
Voltage (see Power), 12  
Safety Summary, xi  
Salt Atmosphere Spec, A3  
Sand and Dust Spec, A3  
Scale (see Controls), 17  
Service Manual, 32  
Service support, contact information, x  
Ship Carton Strength, ix  
Shock Spec, A3  
Short, 115, 24, 219  
Single Sweep, 131, 224  
Slide Rule, 32  
Specifications, A1  
Electrical, A1  
Voltage Spec, A2  
Vp (see Velocity of Propagation), 112  
W
Water Resistance Spec, A3  
Waveform Storage, 120  
Web site address, Tektronix, x  
Weight Spec, A4  
Environmental, A3  
What is a 1503B?, 21  
Index3  
1502C MTDR User Manual  
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Index  
Index4  
1502C MTDR User Manual  
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