Soul of a Blue Machine: The Engineering Behind Tek’s New 7 Series Oscilloscope

The article delves into the engineering behind Tektronix's new 7 Series oscilloscope, featuring 25-GHz bandwidth, 125-Gsample/s rate, high SNR, and high ENOB for precise waveform capture. The machine architecture and design details are explored, highlighting the scope's capabilities for various applications like high-speed communications, RF design, and physics experiments. The article also discusses the thermal design challenges faced by the engineers and the mechanical aspects of the oscilloscope. Additionally, it touches on the electrical design, software, and rigorous testing involved in manufacturing the 7 Series. Specifications for the scope are available for download.