The 2540B, 2542B, 2540B-GEN, and
2542B-GEN dual channel 60 MHz and 100
MHz digital storage oscilloscopes deliver
performance and value, all in one portable
solution. Maximize productivity using extensive
features such as digital filtering, waveform
recorder, pass/fail limit testing, and automatic
measurements. These oscilloscopes offer
powerful tools in a small affordable package with
deep waveform memory up to 2.4 Mpts plus
LAN and USB PC interface. The 2540B-GEN
and 2542B-GEN models add a built-in
function/arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).
Easily capture, save, and analyze measurement
results with Comsoft PC software. All scope
parameters can be controlled via a PC without
the need for programming or communicate with
the DSO via the built-in LAN interface using a
web browser.
Features and Benefits
■60 MHz (2540B/2540B-GEN) and 100 MHz
(2542B/2542B-GEN) bandwidth
■1 GSa/s sample rate
■Deep waveform memory up to 2.4 Mpts1
■28 automatic measurements
■Four different math functions – Add, Subtract,
Multiply, and FFT
■Pulse width, video, slope and alternate
triggering
■Advanced tools include digital filter with
adjustable limits, pass/fail testing, and wave
form recorder mode
■Four shortcut keys for quick access of
frequently used functions (models 2540B and
2542B only)
■Built-in Function/Arbitrary Waveform
Generator (models 2540B-GEN and
2542B-GEN only)
■11 different language user interfaces
■Built-in context sensitive help system
■For educators - ability to disable the Auto Set
button
■LAN and USB connectivity for remote PC
control through Comsoft PC software2or
custom software using SCPI commands
■USB host port for convenient storing and
recalling of waveform data, setups, and
screenshots on a USB flash drive
■LAN interface for capturing screenshots via a
web browser plus full front panel emulation
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Models 2540B, 2542B, 2540B-GEN, 2542B-GEN
Data Sheet
www.bk prec ision.c om
Technical data subject to change
© B&K Precision Corp. 2014
1-Based on sample rate and accessible via remote interface
2-Available for download at the B&K Precision website
For more information, visit www.bkprecision.com/WaveXpress
Additionally, these oscilloscopes can be integrated
with AWGs using B&K Precision's waveform
editing software, WaveXpress. WaveXpress allows
users to easily modify waveforms downloaded
from the scope and can also be used for analysis
of deep memory acquisitions.
Educators will appreciate the ability to disable the
Auto Set button that would automatically setup
the scope to display a signal, circumventing the
need to know how to set up scope parameters.
This is key for teaching waveform measurement
fundamentals as if it was an analog oscilloscope.
These oscilloscopes are ideal for applications in
design and debugging, service and repair, and
education.
Models 2540B 2542B 2540B-GEN 2542B-GEN
Bandwidth 60 MHz 100 MHz 60 MHz 100 MHz
Built-In AWG No No Yes, 20 MHz Yes, 40 MHz
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Front panel
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Models 2540B. 2542B, 2540B-GEN, 2542B-GEN
Communication
LAN, RS232, and USB ports enable
remote PC control.
Security loop
Use the built-in security
loop to secure your
instrument to your location.
Rear panel
Display
5.7” color display.
Menu On/Off button
Configure the menu parameters
and hide the menu with the
push of a button to view your
signal in full screen.
USB host port
Connect your USB flash drive to
conveniently update firmware and
store/recall waveform data, setups,
and screenshots.
Waveform analysis wi th math and FFT
Analyze your signals with add, subtract, and
multiply functions. View the signal’s frequency
spectrum and perform harmonic distortion
analysis.
Shortcut butt ons
(models 2540B and
2542B only)
Use these buttons to quickly
access your most frequently
used functions or menus. The
Custom button allows you to
assign your own shortcut.
Ad vanced triggering
Isolate the signal with
advanced triggering
including pulse width and
selectable video trigger.
Auto Set button
Vertical, horizontal, and
trigger controls are
automatically adjusted for
fast signal display.
Print button
Simply press the Print button
to save a screenshot in bitmap
format to a USB flash drive.
AC Input Socket
Input socket for the AC power cord.
Optimize your workspace and
increase productivity with the unique
combination of a DSO and a
built-in AWG.
Built-in arbitrary w aveform
generator (models 2540B-GEN
and 2542B-GEN only)
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Display and measure the input signal’s frequency
spectrum. Select one of the 5 FFT windows:
Rectangular, Hanning, Hamming, Blackman, and
Flattop. Use cursors to measure the spectral
component’s magnitude and frequency.
Monitor and analyze long-term signal behavior
by recording data continuously over an extensive
period of time and playing it back for post
acquisition analysis. Data is recorded in a
sequence of up to 1000 frames.
Generate user-defined pass/fail limits to quickly
identify go/no go test results.
The built-in LAN interface allows you to easily
capture screenshots at a user-configurable
refresh rate with a web browser. A GUI simulat-
ing the front panel provides full DSO control.
This feature can be useful in an education
setting.
The tools you need
Powerful Measurement Functions
Operate the oscilloscope in a language you
understand best with the built-in multi-language
interface. Choose from English, Simplified
Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese,
French, German, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese,
and Polish.
Beneficial for applications such as I2C serial data
streams, deep memory lets you capture wave-
forms in high resolution while maintaining a high
sample rate over a longer period of time. Up to
2.4 Mpts of memory can be captured in as fast
as 5 seconds*using binary transfer through the
LAN or USB interface.
Multi-Language Interface
PC ConnectivityWeb-Enabled
Waveform Recorder
Pass/Fail Testing
Generate your own shortcut key from the
shortcut menu to quickly access your most
frequently used function.
Custom Shortcut Key
(Models 2540B and 2542B only)
Filter out unwanted signal components such as
various types of noise with built-in digital filters.
Choose from Low-Pass, High-Pass, Band-Pass,
and Band-Stop filters.
Deep Memory
Comsoft software provides seamless integration
between the oscilloscope and PC. Capture and
transfer waveforms, screen images, setups, and
measurement results to a Windows PC via the
LAN and USB device port on the back of the
instrument. A USB host port on the front allows
for quick and easy screen saving to a USB flash
drive.
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Models 2540B. 2542B, 2540B-GEN, 2542B-GEN
Digital Filtering
*Typical time based on LAN speed testing.
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Store user arbitrary waveforms internally (up to
10 waveforms) or externally as an ARB or CSV
file to a USB flash drive. Take advantage of the generator’s already
built-in waveforms that fit your application.
The built-in arbitrary waveform generator is
capable of many different types of modulation for
various applications. Modulate your waveforms
with AM, FM, FSK, PSK, and PWM modulation
schemes and use any of the 30 built-in wave-
forms as the modulating waveform.
Save and load arbitrary waveform data in
CSV format from a USB flash drive.
Arbitrary Waveform Generator Features for Models 2540B-GEN and 2542B-GEN
Quick and easy single-button capture func-
tion lets you acquire and store your signal
directly from the oscilloscope’s channels to
the generator’s internal memory. Not only
can CH1 and CH2 signals be captured, but
math functions applied to the channels can
also be captured and stored.
Capture and Storage Function
Wide Array of Modulation Schemes
30 Built-In Arbitrary Waveforms
Display a graphical illustration explaining the
parameters of the built-in arbitrary waveforms
and modulation schemes. This is a convenient
tool for students and new users.
Graphical Help Feature
Great for education labs, research, and manufac-
turing environments, the 2540B-GEN and
2542B-GEN help save bench space and cost by
combining 2 instruments in 1. These models
provide users a high performance DSO with a
full-featured Function/Arbitrary Waveform
Generator in a compact and affordable package.
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Models 2540B. 2542B, 2540B-GEN, 2542B-GEN
■1 µHz to 20 MHz Sine Output (2540B-GEN)
1 µHz to 40 MHz Sine Output (2542B-GEN)
■1 µHz to 20 MHz Square Output
■1 mHz to 10 MHz Pulse Output
■Frequency Sweep and Burst Mode
■Output protected against short circuit
Generate, edit, and upload arbitrary
waveforms to the scope using the
intuitive Comsoft PC software.
Remotely connect to the scope and
download waveform data from custom
software using SCPI commands.
Multiple Ways to I nterface
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Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Models 2540B. 2542B, 2540B-GEN, 2542B-GEN
Digital Storage Oscilloscope Specifications
Mode l 2540B /2540B-GEN 2542B/2542B-GEN
Performance Characteristics
Bandwidth 60 MHz 100 MHz
Real Time Sampling Rate Single Channel: 1 GSa/s
Dual Channel: 500 MSa/s
Channels 2
Rise time <5.83 ns <3.50 ns
Max Memory Depth
(based on sample rate)
1 GSa/s: 16 kpts
500 MSa/s: 8 kpts (dual channel)
500 MSa/s: 2.4 Mpts* (single channel)
≤250 MSa/s: 1.2 Mpts* (single and dual channel)
*Maximum number of points can only be extracted via remote
control using the USB, RS232C, or LAN interface.
Vertical Resolution 8 bits
Vertical Sensitivity 2 mV/div -10 V/div (1-2-5 order)
DC Gain Accuracy 10 mV/div to 10 V/div: ±3.0%
2 mV/div, 5 mV/div: ±4.0%
Maximum input voltage 400 V (DC+AC PK-PK, 1 MΩ input impedance, X10),
CAT I
Position Range ±8 divisions away from the center of the screen
Bandwidth Limit 20 MHz selectable
Horizontal Scan Range 2 ns/div to 50 s/div
Timebase Accuracy ±0.01 %
Input Coupling AC, DC, GND
Input Impedance 1 MΩ|| 18 pF
Vertical and Horizontal Zoom Vertically or horizontally expand or compress a live or stopped
waveform
I/O In terface
USB USB host port for flash drives, USB device port for remote
control via PC and Comsoft software
RS232 Remote control via PC and Comsoft software
LAN Remote control via web browser or PC and Comsoft software
Pass/Fail Pass/Fail output
Acquisition Modes
Normal Display sample data only
Peak Detect Capture the maximum and minimum values of a signal
Average Waveform averaged, selectable from 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128,
256
Trigger System
Trigger Types
Edge, Pulse Width, Video*
*Support signal Formats: PAL/SECAM, NTSC
Trigger condition : odd field, even field, all lines, or line number
Trigger Modes Auto, Normal, Single
Trigger Coupling AC, DC, LF reject, HF reject
Trigger Source CH1, CH2, EXT, EXT/5, AC Line, Alternating
Pulse Width Trigger Trigger Modes: Positive Pulse (>,<,=),
Negative Pulse (>,<,=)
Alternative Trigger CH1 trigger type: Edge, Pulse, Video, Slope
CH2 trigger type: Edge, Pulse, Video, Slope
Hardware Frequency Counte r
Reading resolution 5 digits
Range up to oscilloscope’s maximum bandwidth
Waveform Math and A utomatic Measurements
Math operation Add, Subtract, Multiply, FFT
FFT Window mode: Rectangular, Hanning, Hamming, Blackman, Flattop
Sampling points: 1024
Measurements
Max, Min, VPP, High, Low, Amplitude, Average, RMS, Overshoot,
Preshoot, Cycle average, Cycle RMS, Frequency, Period, Rise time,
Fall time, +Width, -Width, +Duty, -Duty, Delay, Phase, X at MAX,
X at MIN
Cursors
Types Voltage, Time
Measurements ΔV, ΔT, 1/ΔT (frequency)
Auto Set
Function Single button automatic setup of both channels for vertical,
horizontal and trigger system. Can be disabled for training purposes
Requirements Minimum voltage >10 mVpp, 0.5% duty cycle and
minimum frequency >50 Hz
Display Syste m
Display 5.7 in. Color TFT, 320 x 234 resolution, 24-bit true color
Wave display range 8 x 12 div
Wave display mode Dots, Vector
Persistence Off, Infinite
Waveform interpolation Sin(x)/x, Linear
Color mode Normal, Inverted
Environmental and Safety
Temperature Operating: 32° F to 104 °F (0 °C to +40 °C)
Non-operating: -4 °F to 131 °F (-20 °C to +55 °C)
Humidity Maximum 80% R.H. for temperatures up to 87.8 °F (31 °C),
decreasing linearly to 50% R.H. at 104 °F (40 °C)
Altitude Operating: 9,842.5 ft (3,000 m)
Non-operating: 49,212.6 ft (15,000 m)
Electromagnetic Compatibility Meets EMC Directive 2004/108/EC,
meets EN61326 Class A
Safety EN61010-1:2001, EU Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
General
Power Requirements 100-240 VAC, CAT II, 50 VA max, 47 Hz to 440 Hz
Dimensions (WxHxD) 12.6” x 6.16” x 4.84” (320 x 156.5 x 123 mm)
Weight 6.2 lbs. (2.81 kg)
Three-Year Warranty
Supplied Accessories: User manual, two 150 MHz 10:1 passive probes (model PR37A),
power cord, USB interface cable, and certificate of calibration.
One BNC-to-BNC cable (for models 2540B-GEN and 2542B-GEN only)
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Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Models 2540B. 2542B, 2540B-GEN, 2542B-GEN
v030314
Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator Specifications
These specifications apply to models 2540B-GEN and 2542B-GEN only.
Models 2540B-GEN & 2542B-GEN
Frequency Characteris tics
Sine 1 µHz to 20 MHz (2540B-GEN)
1 µHz to 40 MHz (2542B-GEN)
Square 1 µHz to 20 MHz
Pulse 1 mHz to 10 MHz
Built-in AWG 1 mHz to 1 MHz
User AWG 1 mHz to 1 MHz
Frequency resolution Sine, Square: 1 µHz
Pulse, Built-in ARB, User ARB: 1 mHz
Frequency accuracy ≤ ± 5 x 10-4
Frequency stability ± 5 x 10-5
Waveform Characteristics
Harmonic distortion (sine)
< 5 MHz: -50 dBc
≤10 MHz: -45 dBc
>10 MHz: -40 dBc
Rise / Fall time (square, pulse) < 20 ns
Duty cycle (pulse) 10% to 90% (at 10 MHz)
0.01% to 99.99% (below 10 kHz)
Pulse width 10 ns to 999.99 s
Arbitrary
Waveform length 8000 points
Vertical resolution 8 bits
Sampling rate 40 MSa/s
Non-volatile memory 10 waveforms storage capability
Built-in arbitrary waveforms
Sine, Square, Triangle, Up ramp, Down ramp, Positive
pulse, Negative pulse, Positive double pulse, Negative
double pulse, Positive DC, Negative DC, Full Wave, Half
Wave, Clipped Sine, Gate Sine, SQRT, Exponential, Log,
Semicircle, Tanh, Sinc, Noise, Duty 10%, Duty 90%, Up
Step, Down Step, Tri-pulse, Trapezoidal, Cosine, and SCR
Amplitude Characte ristics
Generator Output (GEN OUT)
Amplitude range
freq. ≤ 20 MHz: 2 mVpp to 20 Vpp (open circuit),
1 mVpp to 10 Vpp (50 Ω)
freq. > 20 MHz: 2 mVpp to 6 Vpp (open circuit),
1 mVpp to 3 Vpp (50 Ω)
Resolution 1 µVpp (max.)
Accuracy ≤ ± 5% ±1 mV @ 1 kHz sine waveform
Flatness freq. ≤ 5 MHz: ± 5%
freq. > 5 MHz: ± 10%
Flatness (built-in AWG, user AWG) freq. ≤ 50 kHz: ± 5%
freq. > 50 kHz: ± 20%
Output impedance 50 Ω
Modulating Waveform Output (MOD OUT)
Waveforms All 30 built-in arbitary waveforms
Output amplitude 5 Vpp ± 20%
Output impedance 600 Ω
AM, FM, PWM, and DCOM Modulation Characteristics
Carrier waveforms Sine, Square (AM, FM, DCOM)
Pulse (PWM)
Modulating waveforms All 30 built-in arbitrary waveforms
Modulation frequency 1 mHz to 1 MHz
AM modulation depth 0% to 120%
FM Frequency deviation 0.1% to 99.9%
PWM Width deviation 1% to 99%
FSK Modulation Characte ristics
Carrier waveform Sine
Hop frequency 1 µHz to 40 MHz
Interval time 1 ms to 40 s
PSK Modulation Characteristics
Carrier waveform Sine
Hop phase 0° to 360°
Interval time 1 ms to 40 s
Frequency Sweep Characteristics
Waveforms Sine, Square
Frequency range 1 µHz to 20 MHz (2540B-GEN)
1 µHz to 40 MHz (2542B-GEN)
Sweep mode Linear Up, Down, Up-Down
Sweep time 1 ms to 500 s
Burst Characteristics
Waveforms All 30 built-in arbitrary waveforms
Counts 1 to 60000 cycles
Burst rate 1 mHz to 1 MHz
