MSO44 memory and bandwidth questions

Hello.  I don't own an MSO44, but we are thinking of buying one.  My questions are:

(1) The datasheet says the minimum sample memory is 62.5Msamples per channel. If I am only using, for example, two out of four channels, is the maximum per channel still 62.5Msamples, or is it/can it be increased to 125Msamples?

(2) Can I acquire waveform data from the MSO44, and if so, how fast?

What we are trying to do is use the scope first to identify sub-nanosecond peaks and also to use the waveforms from the scope for off-line analysis.

Thanks for any input

1. It is still 62.5M,
2. I have no idea about the theoretical speed. but the TekScope need about  1 minutes to finish the 4*31.25M acquisition.

Hi Michael,

1) No, the max record length is 62.5 Mpts, no matter how many channels you have enabled.
If you require a longer record length I would suggest the MSO5 with 500 Mpts or the MSO6 with 1 Gpts.
(All of these might require paid options to unlock the full record length)

2) The transfer speeds are dependent on many factors, including: connection type (USB or Ethernet), transfer format (ascii or raw ints), waveform type (some waveforms are 8 bits, other 16 bits), etc.
I would need to know the specifics of your setup and measurement to be able to give you a more detailed answer.

In terms of offline analysis, the easiest and most robust option is to use our TekScope software.
You can also use SCPI to transfer waveforms to your computer and then process them with your own software.

Thanks both of you for your answers.  If we got an MSO5xB, is the number of analog channels expandable (If I buy an MSO54B can it be made later into an MSO56B or MSO58B)?  I'm assuming the answer to that is no, but the idea is to somehow use only four channels at a time, collect with one set of four channels while reading data from the other four.  How we would externally multiplex the input to the channels I don't know, but I'm asking anyway.
Another couple of questions about upgrades, can the MSO54B sample memory be upgraded, and do I need to send it back for the upgrade?  I can probably start with 62.4M but would like to expand.
I think another way to multiplex, as I mentioned above, would be to collect more than one scan into sample memory before reading it out.  Is that possible?  If so, and if I know the record length of each scan I could go back and divide up the scans after transferring them out of the scope.
Finally, as far as data transfer speeds are concerned, we would probably choose the most compact data (binary) and fastest interface, but I thought the scope itself had a 12-bit A/D.  Which waveforms are 8- or 16-bit?  I didn't see anything in the scope's online help after I downloaded it.

I think I answered at least part of my question about waveform resolution.  From the datasheet, it looks like the vertical resolution of the waveform depends on how fast you are sampling, 8 bits at 6.25 GS/sec, 12 bits at 3.125 GS/sec, 13 bits at 1.25 GS/sec, etc.

Hi Michael,

You cannot upgrade the channel count, you would have to buy a new instrument if you needed more channels.

For the record length increase, you do not have to send it back, it's just a software option.

If you are talking about time multiplexing then you might be well served by our Fast Frame technology, which allows you to quickly capture several events into memory and then analyze them.

It's possible to transfer just 8 bits per point using the wfmoutpre:byt_n SCPI command. I would suggest reading the relevant programmer's manual for more information on this.

The scope will generally have 12 bits per sample for analog channels (unless sampling at max sample rate in which case it's 8 bits) and 16 bits if using a math channel or High Res, but, when transferring through SCPI, you can choose to only transfer the first 8 bits with the previously mentioned command.