Custom Silicon Still Matters in Test and Measurement

The 16 Gbps jitter summary demonstrates the low noise floor of the 7 Series DPO oscilloscopes.

Every accurate measurement starts with trust in the test equipment. Engineers need more than just speed or bandwidth—they need confidence that the signal they're observing accurately reflects what's happening in their device. That's why we create custom ASICs.

The new Tek079 and Tek085, first used in the 7 Series oscilloscopes, were designed to preserve signal fidelity at the front end—ensuring that the waveform on the screen reflects reality, not artifacts.

ASICs: The Foundation of Accuracy

The role of custom ASICs in test and measurement is clear: they protect signal integrity. By capturing the signal directly at the source, they prevent distortion, noise, or artifacts from infiltrating the measurement. Signal processing at the earliest possible stage ensures that engineers see the performance of their device, not the oscilloscope. This guarantee may seem simple, but it is the cornerstone of sound engineering decisions.

Ingenuity in the Signal Path

The need for precision has never been greater. Researchers are pushing the boundaries in fields like high-energy physics and quantum computing, while artificial intelligence continues to set unprecedented performance demands for advanced systems. These areas require devices that can meet these demands.

Off-the-shelf components cannot provide the fidelity required in these environments. Custom ICs can. They enable:

Maintain signal purity at extreme speeds, which is critical for semiconductors and high-speed data links. Maintain stability over time and temperature, ensuring calibration is maintained under real-world operating conditions. Form the foundation of next-generation signal path architectures, enabling innovations like TekHSI™ process pipelines and seamless integration with TekScope® software.

Tek079 and Tek085: Designed specifically for the 7 Series

These new ASICs are the result of years of investment and are purposefully designed to achieve the highest levels of performance.

The Tek079 delivers high sampling rates and vertical resolution for a precise representation of captured signals. The Tek085 ensures fidelity under extreme conditions and creates headroom for future development.

Together, they elevate the 7 Series to a level beyond hardware capabilities. With ultra-low random noise, delivering an industry-leading 7.5-bit effective bit depth (ENOB) at 8 GHz and 6.5 bits at 25 GHz, engineers achieve crystal-clear accuracy across the entire bandwidth. This is a new benchmark for accuracy.

The Tektronix Tek079 custom ASIC: Designed for the high-performance 7 Series oscilloscopes, engineered for unmatched signal fidelity. The Tek085 low-noise preamplifier delivers exceptional signal fidelity. The Tek079 ADC delivers sampling frequency and vertical resolution for precise signal representation.

Dedicated Design

Custom IC design doesn't happen overnight. It requires years of focused, focused work. The 7 Series is proof that this investment pays off, not just as an achievement, but as a platform.

We don't design ASICs for the sake of complexity; we develop the critical components that determine whether engineers can trust their measurements. The Tek079 and Tek085 reflect this discipline and usher in a new era of ultra-high-performance oscilloscopes.

Why Custom ICs Still Matter

Some may ask whether the investment in custom ICs is still justified. The answer is yes, and here are three reasons:

Trust. Engineers need to know that the signal they're observing is real. Every specification is validated to the highest metrology standards. Result. Custom ASICs deliver performance and reliability unattainable by other means. Future-ready. The Tek079 and Tek085 are not the end-point, but the foundation for a new generation of oscilloscopes and signal chain innovations.

Looking to the Future

Signal access, power efficiency, and AI-based architectures will define the next decade of test and measurement. Custom ASICs will remain a key element in addressing these challenges—whether creating new form factors, reducing power consumption, or ensuring accuracy in high-speed, future-proof applications.

Custom ASICs are not just a feature of the 7 Series, but the foundation of a product portfolio already in development. The Tek079 and Tek085 mark the beginning of a new chapter in high-precision measurements.

Oscilloscopes have always been designed to make the invisible visible. Today, this visibility depends on ingenuity embedded in the signal path. With custom ASICs at its core, the 7 Series sets a new benchmark for accuracy and proves that custom ASICs remain essential in test and measurement.