The Tektronix TM503 is a three-bay mainframe designed to house and power up to three independent TM500 series plug-in modules. It provides a modular platform for building custom test and measurement systems, with each slot electrically segregated to prevent incompatible module insertion. The TM503 supports both benchtop and half-rack width configurations.
Technical Specifications
Power Distribution
• Output: +33.5 VDC at 1 A max (shared), -33.5 VDC at 1 A max (shared), +11.5 VDC at 3.6 A max (shared), 17.5 VAC (shared with +11.5 VDC rail), and two 25 VAC windings at 500 mA each (compartment-independent)
• Input: Universal transformer supports 100, 110, 120, 200, 220, 240 VAC ±10%
• Line frequency: 48 Hz to 440 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 35 watts standby; up to 120 watts with three fully-loaded modules installed
• Fusing: 1.6 A slow-blow (120 V nominal); 0.8 A slow-blow (220 V nominal)
• Thermal protection: Automatic power cutout above safe internal temperature limits with auto-restoration
Power Dissipation Support
• Each compartment includes heat-sinked, chassis-mounted NPN and PNP series-pass transistors (MJE2801 NPN / MJE2901 PNP, 60 V, 10 A, hFE 25–100) for power delivery beyond module-level capability.
Physical Characteristics
• Dimensions: 5.25 in (H) × 18.75 in (W) × 11.25 in (D)
• Weight: 9.5 lb (mainframe); 22 lb (with plug-ins)
• Half-rack width format
– Key Features
• Three independent module slots with electrical isolation and barrier-based compartment programming
• Modular slot programming via secondary connector barriers for work-function-specific system configuration
• Rear interface option adds internal pin headers per slot, 50-pin and BNC connectors for inter-module and external custom wiring
• User-drillable BNC socket cutouts in rear cover for signal connectivity
• Universal input transformer accommodates global AC line voltages
– Compatibility & Integration
Mechanically compatible with all TM500 Series products. Electrical segregation via slot and barrier connectors ensures only compatible modules can be inserted. Interconnect scheme supports extended TM500 Series family integration.
