Patents Assigned to Tektronix, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20210325432
    Abstract: An oscilloscope includes an input port to receive an input signal, a trigger system coupled to the input port and operable to generate a trigger signal in response to detecting a trigger event in the input signal, the trigger system includes at least one finite state machine, and a snippet compiler configured to accept one or more Declarative Trigger Language (DTL) code snippets as an input, compile the one or more DTL code snippets into one or more state machine op codes, and output the one or more state machine op codes. The trigger system uses the one or more state machine op codes to configure the at least one finite state machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Aidan A. D. Jensen, Keith D. Rule, Dawson C. Green
  • Publication number: 20210318361
    Abstract: An isolated differential current shunt measurement probe for a test and measurement system having an isolation barrier between an input side and output side of the probe. The input side is configured to receive a voltage signal across a current shunt connected to a device under test and transmit the voltage signal across the isolation barrier. The output side is configured to receive the voltage signal across the isolation barrier and output the voltage signal to a test and measurement instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Knierim, Josiah A. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 11146280
    Abstract: A test and measurement instrument including a digital-to-analog converter having an output sample rate configured to receive a digital sample waveform and a reference clock and output an analog waveform at the sample rate, a waveform synthesizer configured to receive an input waveform having a baud rate and output a digital sample waveform having a baud rate less than the sample rate of the digital-to-analog converter, and a port configured to output the analog waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Martin, Patrick Satarzadeh, John J. Pickerd, Daniel G. Knierim
  • Patent number: 11146298
    Abstract: A signal generator device includes a digital signal waveform generator to produce a digital signal waveform, a first frequency band signal path having a first frequency band filter to receive the digital signal waveform and to pass first frequency band components of the digital signal waveform, and a first digital-to-analog converter to receive the first frequency band components of the digital signal waveform and to produce a first frequency band analog signal, a second frequency band signal path having a second frequency band filter to receive the digital signal waveform and to pass second frequency band components of the digital signal waveform, a second digital-to-analog converter to receive the second frequency band components of the digital signal waveform and to produce a second frequency band analog signal, and a combining element to combine the first frequency band analog signal and the second frequency band analog signal to produce a wideband analog signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20210297882
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated recognition of a device under test and retrieving data associated with the device under test based on the recognition. The systems and methods include receiving a recognition key based on an identifying characteristic of the device under test, matching the received recognition key to a stored key in a database, retrieving data related to the stored key when the received recognition key matches the stored key, transmitting instructions to perform an action on a test and measurement device based on the retrieved data, receiving new data related to the device under test, and updating the data in the database related to the stored key with the new data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam J. Strickling, Andrew McCann, Daniel S. Froelich, Michelle L. Baldwin, Jonathan San, Lin-Yung Chen
  • Publication number: 20210286004
    Abstract: A method of capturing instrument data using a communications device includes recognizing an action performed by a user on the communication device, one of either transmitting or receiving a trigger message between the communications device and at least one instrument, storing instrument data in a memory on the at least one instrument, and transmitting the instrument data and user information to a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick B. Kuhlman, III, Shane L. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20210278441
    Abstract: A test and measurement instrument having an input configured to acquire waveforms from a device under test, a memory configured to store the acquired waveforms, a user input configured to receive a selection, and one or more processors. The one or more processors can render on a display the acquired waveforms, receive the selection from the user input indicating a filter criterium, such as a region of interest in the displayed acquired waveforms, determine which waveforms of the acquired waveforms are within the region of interest, and render only waveforms associated with the region of interest on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Waldo, Pierre Dupont
  • Patent number: 11114778
    Abstract: A device includes a coaxial connector that has a signal portion to electrically couple with a signal portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) to enable transmission of a signal therebetween, a ground portion to electrically couple with a ground portion of the PCB, and a mounting portion to interact with a mounting component to secure the coaxial connector to the PCB. The device also includes a compressible and conductive component to be positioned and deformed between the ground portion of the coaxial connector and the ground portion of the PCB, and a standoff positioned between the coaxial connector and the PCB and to accurately control deformation of the compressible and conductive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Devin M. Bingham
  • Publication number: 20210270893
    Abstract: A test and measurement device includes an input configured to receive an analog signal from a Device Under Test (DUT), an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) coupled to the input and structured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, a receiver implemented in a first Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and structured to accept the digital signal and perform signal analysis on the digital signal, a transmitter implemented in a second FPGA and structured to generate a digital output signal, and a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) coupled to the transmitter and structured to convert the digital output signal from the transmitter to an analog signal, and structured to send the analog signal to the DUT. The receiver and the transmitter are coupled together by a high speed data link over which data about the current testing environment may be shared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Pirooz Hojabri, Joshua J. O'Brien, Gregory A. Martin, Patrick Satarzadeh, Karen Hovakimyan
  • Publication number: 20210263074
    Abstract: A test-and-measurement probe (200) for a test-and-measurement instrument (101), the test-and-measurement probe having a probe head (103) and a touchscreen user interface (250). The probe head is configured to obtain a signal from a device under test. The touchscreen user interface is configured to visually convey test-and-measurement information to a user and to accept user touch input. In embodiments, the touchscreen user interface is removably connected to a compbox (105) of the test-and-measurement probe, through a wired connection or wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl A. Rinder, David A. Sailor, Josiah A. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20210263076
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of oscilloscopes, each oscilloscope having an output port and an input port, a cable connecting the output port of an initial oscilloscope of the plurality of oscilloscopes to the input port of a second oscilloscope of the plurality of oscilloscopes, the initial oscilloscope having a processing element to generate a master run clock, the second oscilloscope having a processing element including a phase-locked loop to lock a slave run clock to the master run clock, wherein the processing element of one of the oscilloscopes executes code to cause the processing element to manipulate one of the run clocks to pass trigger information to another of the plurality of oscilloscopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Knierim, Barton T. Hickman, Joshua J. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20210255118
    Abstract: Disclosed is a signal isolating test instrument, such as an electronics test probe. The instrument includes an input to receive a floating analog signal. An upconverter is employed to modulate the floating analog signal to a microwave frequency analog signal. An isolation barrier in the instrument prevents coupling of the floating analog signal to an earth ground. The instrument employs a microwave structure to transmit the microwave frequency analog signal across the isolation barrier via electromagnetic coupling. A downconverter is then employed to demodulate the microwave frequency analog signal to obtain a ground referenced test signal corresponding to the floating analog signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Dandy, Daniel G. Knierim
  • Patent number: 11079407
    Abstract: Disclosed is a test and measurement probe including a signal channel having an input series resistor with a series parasitic capacitance. The probe also includes an amplifier coupled to the signal channel. The amplifier includes a shunt parasitic capacitance. A variable shunt resistor is coupled to the signal channel and a ground. The variable shunt resistor can be set to match a resistance capacitance (RC) value associated with the series parasitic capacitance and the shunt. The probe can also include a variable series resistor coupled to the amplifier. The variable series resistor can be set to adjust for attenuation variation associated with the variable shunt resistor. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Dandy
  • Patent number: 11079408
    Abstract: A test-probe tip having a tip component, a resistive element, and a compliance member. The tip component is configured to electrically connect to a device under test at a first end of the tip component. The resistive element is electrically connected to a second end of the tip component along a signal-flow axis. The resistive element is configured to provide electrical impedance to an electrical signal passing through the resistive element. The compliance member is configured to allow movement of the tip component in a first direction when a mechanical force applied to the tip component in the first direction and to cause movement of the tip component in an opposite, second direction when the mechanical force applied to the tip component is removed or reduced. Architectures for the resistive element are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie A. Campbell, Josiah A. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 11041884
    Abstract: A test and measurement instrument includes a coefficient storage facility coupled to a programmable filter. The coefficient storage facility is configured to store at least two pre-determined filter coefficient sets, and configured to pass a selected one of the at least two pre-determined filter coefficient sets to the filter based on a measurement derived using a compensation oscillator. The measurement may include clock delay and clock skew. In some examples the test and measurement instrument may additionally adjust clock delay and/or clock skew in addition to selecting appropriate filter coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Knierim, Barton T. Hickman
  • Patent number: 11041880
    Abstract: A test and measurement probe coupler that may include a substrate, a first signal tap conductor, a first signal contact, a first ground tap conductor, and a first ground contact. The first signal tap conductor may extends a first length along the substrate. The first signal contact may be electrically coupled to the first signal tap conductor, and the first ground tap conductor may extend a second length along the substrate. The first ground tap conductor may be substantially parallel to the first signal tap conductor. The first ground tap conductor may be disposed in a first lateral direction away from the first signal tap conductor, and the first ground contact electrically may be coupled to the first ground tap conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Josiah A. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 11018964
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that captures a complete history of serial network Link Training negotiations by continuously monitoring multiple analog signals representing both sides of full duplex lanes in real-time by pattern matching the Link Training Frame Marker and the subsequent negotiation request/response data values. The apparatus and method compare the digitized version of the incoming signal against a nominal pattern at the start to find the Frame Markers and Control Channel data, storing only those Control Channel data values that do not match the current compare pattern, and further by updating the current compare pattern to the new pattern just received, so that only the transitions in the data values are stored, thereby vastly reducing the amount of data presented to the user, but nonetheless retaining the complete substantive history of the Link Training negotiations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Kelly, Patrick A. Smith, Jed H. Andrews, Keith D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20210149781
    Abstract: A test and measurement device includes an input port for receiving a bus conducting data from a device under test, and processing element coupled to the input port. The processing element is configured to execute instructions that cause the processing element to determine a data sequence from a signal of the bus received on a main channel of the device, and use information from at least one other signal of the bus on an auxiliary channel of the device based upon a protocol associated with the bus to adjust parameters for performing error detection on the data sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua J. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20210148951
    Abstract: An accessory device has a test port, an instrument port to connect to an instrument having an operating bandwidth, and one or more configurable signal paths connectable between the test port and the instrument port to convert a signal from the test port having a first frequency range to a signal having a second frequency range different than the first frequency range. A test and measurement system has a test and measurement instrument having an operating bandwidth, and an accessory device. The accessory device has a first instrument port to connect the accessory device to the test and measurement instrument, a test port to connect the accessory device to a device under test, and one or more configurable signal paths connectable between the test port and the instrument port to down-convert a signal from the test port having a first frequency range to a signal having a second frequency range lower than the first frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Knierim, Josiah A. Bartlett, Amr Haj-Omar, Donald J. Dalebroux, Barton T. Hickman, Alexander Krauska
  • Publication number: 20210148975
    Abstract: A system for acquiring a test-and-measurement signal from a device under test (DUT) including a test-and-measurement probe, a user interface, a robot, and a controller. The probe is configured to acquire an electronic signal from the DUT. The user interface displays a digital representation of a physical electronic circuit of the DUT, including portrayals of virtual nodes that correspond to actual nodes on the DUT. The robot is configured to automatically position the probe with respect to the DUT. The controller is configured to receive from the user interface an electronic indication of a selected node of the digital representation of the physical electronic circuit, where the selected node is one of the virtual nodes. The controller is further configured to provide instructions to the robot to automatically position the probe to a position on the physical electronic circuit corresponding to the actual node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam J. Strickling, David Everett Burgess