The Tektronix CSA 803A Communications Signal Analyzer is a modular, high-performance instrument for precise characterization and compliance verification of complex communication signals. It delivers DC to 50 GHz bandwidth with 10 femtosecond sample intervals, 8-bit vertical resolution, and 200 kHz sampling rate. The platform accommodates up to two dual-channel SD Series sampling heads, enabling application-specific configuration and future expansion.
Technical Specifications
Bandwidth & Sampling
• Bandwidth: DC to 50 GHz (sampling head dependent)
• Sample intervals: 10 femtoseconds (0.01 ps) minimum
• Sampling rate: 200 kHz
• Timing resolution: 0.01 ps
• Measurement repeatability: 1 ps
Vertical Performance
• 8-bit vertical resolution at all deflection factors
• 80 µV LSB at 2 mV/div
• Sensitivity extension to 100 µV/div and beyond via averaging
Triggering & Rise Time
• Built-in trigger capability up to 10 GHz with prescaler
• Rise time: 7 ps (SD32 sampling head)
– Key Features
Analysis Capabilities
• Automatic jitter and noise measurements
• 38 industry-standard masks (ITU-T, ANSI) for Pass/Fail testing—telecom (SDH/SONET) and datacom (FDDI, Fiberchannel)
• Time Domain Reflectometry and Transmission (TDR/TDT) for single-ended and differential impedance analysis
• Fast Fourier Transform for spectral analysis with magnitude and phase
• Automatic eye pattern and pulse template testing
• Automatic extinction ratio measurement
• On-board waveform processing with battery-backed memory preservation
• Built-in self-test and extended diagnostics
User Interface & Connectivity
• Menu-driven touch-screen operation
• RS-232-C, GPIB, and printer interfaces
– Typical Applications
TDR/TDT characterization of circuit boards, IC packages, and transmission cables. Jitter analysis, spectral measurement, and mask-based compliance testing for high-speed serial and optical communication standards.
– Compatibility & Integration
Supported sampling heads: SD 22 (12.5 GHz dual-channel), SD 26 (20 GHz dual-channel), SD 51 (1–20 GHz triggering), and SD 46 (optical-to-electrical converter). Accommodates up to two sampling heads simultaneously.
