The multi-window function can be used to calculate the histogram and statistics for up to 16 preset windows. In addition, the function can be used to list the statistical analysis values (average value, standard deviation s, etc.) as well as to analyze trends for each pit length.
The function that automatically adjusts the scale (auto window function) is useful for analyzing CAV or ZCLV type optical disks whose clock frequency varies during operation. There are two methods of auto scaling. One is the "Estimated T" method which estimates the scale by observing just the data signal. The other is the "Measured T" method that adjusts the scale according to the measured clock period.

This optional function detects and analyzes the data that matches the specified data code conditions such as the mark and space in between 3Ts, and the mark and other symbols immediately before and after 14T. The distribution and statistics of the entire data set and of the data extracted according to the specified conditions, can be displayed simultaneously. This function is effective for evaluating the recording characteristics of writable optical disks such as a DVD-R/RAM or a MO.

The TA520 comes standard with a built-in printer. A hard copy of the screen can be printed on the 110-mm thermal printer.In addition, the hard copy image of the screen can be saved to a floppy disk, to the internal hard disk, or to an external medium in BMP, PS, or TIF format. This allows the screen images to be pasted into reports using a word processor. (Black & white or color is selectable)

Print example (click here)

The TA520 can also have a 10.2-GB internal hard disk and SCSI I/F installed as options. Because the TA520 has a large memory that can hold 512 k data samples, the internal hard disk is useful for saving data that cannot fit on a floppy disk. The internal hard disk can be mounted on Windows 95 via SCSI I/F, and therefore, the internal hard disk can be accessed directly from the PC. In addition, the data can be stored on an external recording medium such as a MO or ZIP.
In addition to measurement data, other information such as setup information, screen images, and the results of statistical analysis can be stored on a floppy disk or on the internal hard disk.

The TA520 contains multiple counter circuits for measuring the period and pulse width. Continuous measurement is achieved by switching between these counters at high speed. As shown in the figure on the right, the TA520 switches between the counters (25 ps resolution) at a maximum rate of 43 M times per second.
The TA520 has two types of measurement modes, the hardware histogram mode (H.H. mode) and the time stamp mode (T.S. mode). Because the histograms are created by hardware in the hardware histogram mode, statistics can be computed quickly for large blocks of data that can contain up to 109 data samples. In the time stamp mode, the measured values are stored in the internal memory along with time information indicating the amount of time that has passed since the start of the measurement. The stored data are used to determine the periodic trends, to create histograms, and to calculate statistics.

The TA520 is equipped with arming and external gate functions for synchronizing to external devices:

• External arming
• External gate (shares the same connector with external arming)
• Inhibit

In addition, when the block sampling function is being used, the internal memory can be divided into a maximum of 100 blocks (during the time stamp mode) and statistical analysis can be carried out on each block as well as on the entire set blocks. (During the hardware histogram mode, the memory is divided into a maximum of 1000 blocks and the histogram and the results of the statistical analysis are only displayed for all the blocks.)
For optical disks, using the external arming function in conjunction with the inhibit function allows measurements only on the data or header section of the sectors.