Delta Time

Meas. mode:
Scope
Flex Apps:
FlexDCA
Waveform type:
NRZ
PAM4
Pulse
Oscilloscope Mode
Time Toolbar

Δ Time (Delta Time) measures the edge-to-edge time differences on a single waveform or between two separate waveforms. In Oscilloscope mode, this measurement may be compatible with PAM4 signals, depending on the PAM4 waveform.

Measurement Message Resolution
Results Message Do this …
Edge?

You can define the edge number, direction, and threshold used for the measurement as well as the waveform source for each edge. The measurement can also be restricted to a measurement region. An annotation label is placed at the time of the first edge source (start) and at the time of the second edge source (stop).

PAM4 Compatibility. Because this measurement is based on waveform top and base levels and the passing of the waveform's edge through proximal, mesial, and distal thresholds, the measurement is not designed for PAM4 signals. However, the measurement may be able to be made on PAM4 signals if the waveform top and base definitions are manual set. This can be attempted using the Top-Base Definition tab of the Configure Measurements dialog. The measurement must be made using the same top and base.

This measurement may be compatible with PAM4 signals, depending on the PAM4 waveform. PAM measurement capability requires the Research and Developement or Manufacturing package license or the legacy PAM-N Analysis license.

Perform Δ time on single-valued waveforms only.

The instrument counts the waveform edges from the left edge of the display graticule, instead of at the reference point.

Specify the edge parameters in the Delta Time Definition tabbed page of the Configure Measurements dialog. Define the threshold levels in the Thresholds tabbed page of the Configure Measurements dialog. The edges you specify must appear on the display graticule.

You must have more than one source available on in order to select the edge of a second waveform as a source for the measurement.

The measurement can be performed on any waveform that is displayed in one of a Waveform content windows.

Configurable Measurement Parameters

This measurement is affected by the following settings (click Measure > Configure Base Measurements):

To measure

  1. Click the button.
  2. Select the measurement source (channel, waveform memory, or function), edge directions, and thresholds.
  3. If measurement regions are enabled, select the area over which the measurement is to be performed: a Region or the Entire Display.

SCPI Command

:MEASure:OSCilloscope:DELTatime