Custom Silicon Still Matters in Test and Measurement
Every great measurement begins with trust in the test equipment. Engineers don’t just need speed or bandwidth—they need confidence that what they see is exactly what’s happening in their device. That’s why we build custom ASICs.
The new Tek079 and Tek085, debuting in the 7 Series oscilloscopes, were engineered to preserve signal fidelity at the front end—so the waveform on screen is reality, not artifact.
ASICs: The Foundation of Accuracy
The role of custom ASICs in test and measurement is clear: they protect the integrity of the signal. By capturing it right at the source, they prevent distortion, noise, or artifacts from entering the picture. Handling the waveform at the earliest stage ensures what engineers see reflects their device—not the scope.
That assurance may sound simple, but it is the cornerstone of accurate engineering decisions.
Ingenuity in the Signal Path
The demand for accuracy has never been greater. Researchers are stretching the limits in areas like high-energy physics and quantum computing, while AI continues to drive unprecedented performance in advanced systems. These frontiers demand instruments that keep pace.
Off-the-shelf technology cannot deliver the fidelity required in these environments. Custom silicon does. It makes possible the ability to:
- Preserve signal purity at extreme speeds, critical for semiconductors and high-speed data links.
- Maintain stability across time and temperature, ensuring calibration holds in real-world conditions.
- Form the backbone of our next-generation signal path architectures, powering innovations like TekHSI™ technology pipelines and seamless integration with TekScope® software.
Tek079 and Tek085: Purpose-Built for the 7 Series
These new ASICs represent years of investment and are purpose-built to extend our reach into the highest tiers of performance.
- Tek079 delivers high-speed sample rates and vertical resolution for accurate representation of acquired signals.
- Tek085 ensures fidelity under extreme conditions and creates headroom for future designs.
Together, they elevate the 7 Series beyond raw hardware. With ultra-low random noise delivering industry-leading ENOB—7.5 bits at 8 GHz, down to 6.5 bits at 25 GHz—engineers gain crystal-clear precision across the full bandwidth range. This is a new benchmark for accuracy.
The low noise Tek085 preamp delivers exceptional signal fidelity. The Tek079 ADC provides sample rate and vertical resolution for accurate signal representation.
Engineering with Focus
Custom silicon doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of deliberate, focused work. The 7 Series is proof that this commitment pays off—not just as a milestone, but as a platform.
We don’t design ASICs for the sake of complexity; we design the critical components that determine whether engineers can trust their measurements. Tek079 and Tek085 reflect that discipline and now unlock a new era of ultra-high-performance oscilloscopes.
Why Custom Silicon Still Matters
Some may ask whether custom silicon is still worth the investment. The answer is yes—for three reasons:
- Trust. Engineers must know the signal they see is real. Every specification is validated to the highest metrology standards.
- Results. Custom ASICs deliver performance and fidelity others can’t match.
- Future readiness. Tek079 and Tek085 are not endpoints—they are the foundation of a new generation of oscilloscopes and signal path innovation.
Looking Ahead
Signal access, power efficiency, and AI-driven architectures will shape the next decade of test and measurement. Custom ASICs will remain central to meeting these challenges—whether enabling new form factors, reducing power consumption, or ensuring accuracy in high-speed emerging applications.
Custom silicon isn’t just a feature of the 7 Series—it’s the backbone of a portfolio already in development. Tek079 and Tek085 are the beginning of a new chapter in high-performance measurement.
Oscilloscopes have always been about making the invisible visible. Today, that visibility depends on the ingenuity inside the signal path. With custom ASICs at their core, the 7 Series sets a new benchmark for accuracy—and proves that in test and measurement, custom silicon still matters.