Tektronix 1 Series Brings TekScope UI and 12-Bit ADCs to $450 Entry Scopes

By Olivia Hart

A base price of $450 now buys a 12-bit oscilloscope running the same TekScope interface Tektronix ships on its 7 Series flagship. The new 1 Series compact DPO, launching at Electronica 2026 in Munich on Nov. 10–13, spans 50 to 200 MHz in two- and four-channel configurations, and it is the first instrument supported by Tektronix's new Tek Intelligence Connector, a software link between AI agents and instrument control.

What does the family cover?

The 1 Series comprises 16 models. Four guaranteed bandwidths — 50, 70, 100, and 200 MHz — each come in two- or four-channel versions, with or without an integrated arbitrary function generator; AFG models carry an "S" suffix. Tektronix states all specifications are typical unless marked guaranteed, and bandwidth is the guaranteed one.

Measured performance across the family:

• 12-bit vertical resolution
• 1.25 GS/s sample rate with half the channels active, 625 MS/s with all channels
• Up to 10 Mpoints record length per channel
• Waveform capture rate above 125,000 waveforms per second

The integrated 25 MHz AFG generates arbitrary, sine, square, pulse, ramp, DC-level, and random-noise waveforms with AM, FM, ASK, FSK, and sweep modulation; select models add Bode plot analysis. Tektronix positions the combination as a way to generate signals, measure circuit response, and analyze behavior without a second bench instrument.

How does it serve teaching labs?

Ted Coleman, Tektronix Staff Product Manager for 1–3 Class Scopes, said the product definition came from field listening: "We spent a lot of time listening to professors, lab managers, and engineers across regions about what they actually need from an entry-level scope. That input drove deliberate choices about performance, usability, learning support and connectivity. The result is a 12-bit, 4-channel scope with protocol analysis, the same TekScope UI found on our higher-performance oscilloscopes, thoughtful education tools, and Tektronix service and support."

Instructors can disable Autoset and automated measurements, forcing students to set vertical scale, timebase, and trigger levels manually. Interviewers can use the same lockout to screen job candidates on real setup knowledge rather than tutorial familiarity. The eScope tool lets instructors review student work remotely, and the instrument ships with QR-coded learning resources, video demonstrations, and an AI-based learning assistant.

Because the TekScope interface now runs from the 1 Series through the 7 Series — a range spanning 50 MHz to 25 GHz and two to eight channels — skills learned on the cheapest instrument transfer directly to production benches.

Daryl Ellis, Tektronix VP & GM of Acquisition and Analysis, framed the strategy: "We set out to redefine what engineers should expect from an entry-level oscilloscope... The 1 Series puts serious measurement capability within reach for all three" — students, professors, and working engineers.

What about signal analysis and protection?

The math toolset is the feature newest to this class: basic waveform arithmetic, FFT, and an advanced equation editor, with computed waveforms displayed in real time and paired with limit testing. Analysis includes 23 automated measurements, four cursor modes, XY and limit-mask plots, a 5-digit DVM, and a 6-digit frequency counter. Trigger types cover edge, pulse width, runt, timeout, and rise/fall time; serial decode handles I2C, SPI, and UART (RS-232/422/485).

Inputs withstand 135 VRMS with peaks from -400 V to +400 V, CAT II — sufficient for basic electrical laboratories operating at 42 V or below. Outputs sit on the rear panel to reduce misconnection, software flags overdriven inputs, and Tektronix recommends a 500:1 probe such as the P5200A for higher-voltage work. Every channel ships with a probe: P2101 100 MHz 1X/10X on 50–100 MHz models, P2201 200 MHz on the top model.

The 7-inch WSVGA (1024 × 600) capacitive touchscreen carries guided interactions and illuminated controls. A 100 mm × 100 mm VESA mount supports automated-test integration. Connectivity is one front USB 2.0 device port, one rear USB 2.0 host port, and 10/100 Base-T Ethernet with USBTMC and Python automation support.

What does the AI connector change?

The Tek Intelligence Connector — software, not hardware — lets a customer's AI agent translate plain-language objectives into validated instrument commands. Rick Kuhlman, GM AI Design and Platform Software, said: "AI agents typically run on a PC, not on the instrument itself, so placing the connector where the agent already lives allows a single solution to support dozens of instruments across our portfolio." Early-access requests are now being honored.

The 1 Series is available now, starting at $450, direct from Tektronix or through distribution with shorter lead times. Standard warranty is one year; the instrument includes a Kensington-style security slot and is EUCRA compliant. Tektronix will demo the 1 Series at Electronica 2026, Hall 4, Booth 438.

The open question for lab managers: does a shared interface and an AI command layer at entry-level pricing change what a teaching bench — or a hiring interview — should require?