LeCroy Announces 1 GS/s Waverunner Color Oscilloscopes

Chestnut Ridge, NY — April 1, 2000. In 1999 LeCroy Corporation introduced the Waverunner series of two- and four-channel digital oscilloscopes (DSOs). These instruments offered 200 MHz to 500 MHz bandwidth, large color displays, long data acquisition memory, and a strong analysis package. They quickly became the most popular scopes ever offered by LeCroy. Now, LeCroy is adding the models LT364 and LT364L oscilloscopes to the Waverunner series that expand the performance range to cover 200 MS/s to 1 GS/s.

Both models are four-channel instruments that offer the ability to double the sample rate (to 1 GS/s) and memory length (to 500 kpoints/ch on an LT364 or 2 Mpoints/ch on an LT364L) of the DSO. This is done by interleaving the ADCs and memories when the user activates two (or one) input channels of the four-channel oscilloscope. When using two channels, the ADCs and memories of the unused inputs of the four-channel DSO are harnessed to the active channels in order to double the sampling rate and memory length. There are also improvements to the video trigger, a new pattern/logic trigger (for models LT364/364L only) and optional Ethernet port (for all Waverunner models – details below). For engineers who design DVDs and high-performance CDs, there is a new Advanced Optical Recording Measurements (AORM) package (see AORM press release).

In addition to the ability to interleave a channel’s 1 GS/s sampling rate into 2 Mbytes of memory, LeCroy has added a logic trigger capability (sometimes referred to as pattern trigger) to the LT364 and LT364L. The new pattern trigger combines the input channels and external trigger input into a 5-state logic trigger. The trigger state can be specified as "true" for any combination of "logic high" and "logic low" status on the five inputs, and each input can have a different definition of the levels for "high" or "low."

As an example, the trigger state could be set for:

Channel 1 = H

Channel 2 = L

Channel 3 = L

Channel 4 = H

External Trigger = L

Where high/low is defined to be ECL levels on three of the inputs, TTL level on another, and by the status of the 5 volt power supply on the final input. The video trigger of all Waverunners allows variable number of lines (up to 1500), odd/even fields and the ability to trigger on PAL, NTSC, SECAM, or nonstandard video formats. The LT364/364L adds the capability to trigger on 1,2,4 or 8 fields.

There are also several enhancements to the entire Waverunner series. These include a 160 MHz PowerPC microprocessor and an option for an Ethernet port. The new 10BaseT Ethernet port makes it easy to control the DSO from a PC via the network and to get screen images or the complete set a waveform data from the DSO back to the PC for viewing, analysis, or printing. Free software utilities are available from the LeCroy website (www.lecroy.com) for this purpose. ScopeExplorer is a self-contained program for data acquisition and display, while ActiveDSO allows the user to write customized ActiveX macros for oscilloscope control and data retrieval.

The Advanced Optical Recording Package (AORM), discussed in detail in the accompanying press release, is targeted to the designers of advanced optical media such as DVDs and high performance CD-ROMs. The 1 GS/s sampling rate of the new LC364 and LC364L is exactly matched to the measurement requirements of this application. Marketing research and beta testing at Sony, Toshiba, Pioneer, Philips, and other major designers of advanced optical recording systems have shown great enthusiasm for the new package (and new DSOs) and confirmed that a platform with 1 GS/s, long memory, a large display and fast/comprehensive math functions is in great demand.

The telecomm mask test modules, developed for the Waverunner and LC series DSOs, literally take control of the oscilloscope, changing its operation to that of a specialized, dedicated telecommunications tester. The MT01 and MT02 packages have a unique "finder" engine that locates any isolated pulse inside a data stream, giving unlimited flexibility in the description of the matching pattern in a random bit stream. The Mask Tester package loads masks and panel setups in a single action, uses automatic parameters to normalize or do mask–to–signal autosetup, and performs attenuation and offset adjustments to the strictest standards. Also included in the package are all coax and twisted-pair adapters needed for correct termination and amplitude scaling. By restricting the DSOs operation to a particular application, the modules in fact offer the DSO user even greater versatility. Modules can be loaded at will to fit the oscilloscope to its specialized use. The MT01 and MT02 Mask Tester packages for support ANSI T1.103 or ITU G.703 electrical masks

The Waverunner series features an option for second generation persistence mode capability that builds on the Analog Persistence feature brought to the market by LeCroy in October of 1996. Analog Persistence is an acquisition and display technology for viewing modulation effects, intermittents and other features of signals using either single triggers or repetitive acquisitions. The LeCroy JTA (Jitter and Timing Analysis) package takes this technology one step further. It allows digital scopes to perform accurate calculations using all the data in the persistence map (patent pending). JTA also allows the user to easily spot timing problems using JitterTrackTM which draws a line graph depicting timing variations directly below the trace of a raw signal. For example, pulse width jitter or cycle-to-cycle timing variation measurements can be made using 100,000 (or more) periods of the acquired signal, and the variations of these parameters can be plotted directly onto the oscilloscope screen along with the signal of interest. This makes it very easy to spot the portion of a signal that has timing problems. In other oscilloscopes, the persistence mode was strictly a tool for viewing the signal, but LeCroy brings the DSO user the ability to capture, view, and analyze signals.

Engineers who design power devices and power supplies will be thoroughly pleased by the level of performance available by combining a Waverunner scope with the LeCroy PowerMeasure package. The 500 MHz bandwidth, 200 MS/s to 1 GS/s sampling rate, long acquisition memory, excellent triggering and math capabilities offered in the Waverunner are a perfect match for the basic needs of capturing and troubleshooting signals from power devices. The PowerMeasure software analysis package offers the ability to make measurements of safe operating area, dynamic on resistance, step response to change in load, harmonic output and other application specific measurements for power device design.

The Waverunner series also includes the LeCroy proprietary technology for capturing multiple waveforms in an Analog PersistenceTM oscilloscope display mode. With one touch of the bright green "Analog Persist" button, this display technique allows the scope to capture many acquisitions of a signal which are then displayed in persistence mode on a bright 8.4" TFT screen. The data has brightness-graded intensity, similar to an analog scope, and the data can be digitally "aged" (with a time constant set by the user) to simulate the action of phosphor on an analog screen. Analog Persistence capability allows the user to see voltage vs. time—and also a third dimension of signal activity, the intensity of the signal over a period of time. Alternatively, the persistence display can also have "thermal" grading using colors ranging from red (hot) to cool (blue). The oscilloscopes in the Waverunner series are the only ones in this price/performance class to offer such a capability. Furthermore, as an option, Waverunner DSOs can have the added capability of the JTA (Jitter and Timing Analysis) package, which brings second-generation capability to persistence acquisition – the ability to make precision calculations using all the data in a persistence display. Altogether, the Waverunner series offers a new level of performance.

The Waverunner series includes a very strong set of standard tools for troubleshooting typical circuit problems. Calculations of pulse parameters, waveform math (such as waveform addition and subtraction), and analysis functions (such as FFT or histogramming) all happen FAST due the powerful 160 MHz PowerPC in the Waverunner DSOs. In addition to a very strong set of standard troubleshooting tools, there are two additional levels of math packages for signal characterization – "Extended Math & Measurements" and a "WaveAnalyzerTM" package that has the most advanced set of signal diagnostic and troubleshooting tools available in this price class.

Standard features include measurement of 25 signal parameters and worst case analysis (maximum, minimum, average, and standard deviation) on those parameters. Other standard features include an FFT package that analyzes 50,000 data samples, a deskew feature that allows the DSO to compensate for varying cable delays to different input channels, the ability to daisy-chain math functions (such as subtracting two waveforms and then performing an FFT on the result), high resolution mode, envelope mode, and averaging of 1000 waveforms. A Pass/Fail test package is also included that has the ability to test each of the four input channels against separate test masks and to combine mask testing with go-no/go testing of key signal parameters. Failed points in a signal waveform are highlighted in a bright color for fast identification.

For engineers to whom signal analysis is important, there is an unrivaled "WaveAnalyzer" (WAVA) package that boosts the number of available parameter measurements to over 40 (more than any oscilloscope in this price class) and includes trending of waveform parameters, integration, differentiation, square root, absolute value, ratio, exponential, and log functions. The "trend" feature allows oscilloscope users to view signal fluctuations by drawing traces that track the time evolution of key signal parameters. Each time the oscilloscope triggers, the values of key signal parameters, such as risetime, overshoot, peak-to-peak voltage, etc. are measured, and the results of all these measurements are used to draw a trend line.

As an example, an engineer might draw a trend line that shows the propagation delay and output amplitude parameters for an IC under test while varying the supply voltage or the temperature. This data-logging feature is easy, powerful, and unmatched in this DSO price range. Other features of WAVA include parameter histogramming, FFTs on waveforms up to the full 2,000,000 point record length, averaging in the frequency domain, the computation of real and imaginary FFT components and averaging of up to 1,000,000 time domain waveforms. If an engineer needs a powerful 1 GS/s, 500 MHz scope, the Waverunner is an excellent solution.

An inexpensive "Extended Math & Measurements" package is available as a mid-point for scope users who want more than the standard math package but do not require the full WaveAnalyzer.

Mass storage facility for data and front-panel setups is an integral part of a powerful and exceptional combination of documentation features that include a standard DOS-compatible 3.5" floppy disk and optional PC memory card interface (PCMCIA type 2 port). These tools permit a gain in productivity by making the data captured by a Waverunner easily accessible AND transferable. Engineers can share the scope and share data easily. This is further enhanced by GPIB (IEEE-488), RS-232 and Centronics interfaces, which are standard and allow full program control of all functions or printing. The new optional Ethernet interface is discussed above. An optional, internal graphics printer produces full-resolution screen print outs in less than 10 seconds. In landscape mode, the printer can produce fully detailed hard copies of long waveforms by making printouts up to 100 feet long.

The Waverunner series of scopes include a powerful set of troubleshooting triggers, which are often, absent in scopes of this price range. Standard triggers include edge, glitch, pulse width, window, interval width, state and edge qualified, dropout, and video. Time and events holdoff are also included standard.

Engineers and technicians who would like to know more can contact LeCroy at 1-800-4LeCroy (1-800-453-2769) or visit the LeCroy web site (www.lecroy.com).

LeCroy, a U.S. corporation established in 1964, designs and manufactures analog and digital storage oscilloscopes, signal sources, waveform digitizers, and high-energy physics instrumentation. Manufacturing facilities are located at corporate headquarters in Chestnut Ridge NY and in Geneva Switzerland. Direct sales and service offices are located throughout the United States, in all major European countries, and throughout Asia.

Contact: Mike Lauterbach, LeCroy (914) 578-6057