Description
Tektronix Type 53B Wide-Band Calibrated Preamp Plug-In Unit Oscilloscope
The Tektronix Type 53B is a wide-band calibrated preamplifier designed as a plug-in unit for Tektronix 500-series oscilloscopes. It provides dual differential inputs (Input A and Input B), an AC/DC Input Selector switch, a calibrated Variable Volts/cm sensitivity control, a DC Balance adjustment, and a Vertical Position knob — giving the user fine control over vertical deflection sensitivity and signal coupling directly at the plug-in stage. The unit is a vacuum-tube design, consistent with Tektronix's 500-series instrument family.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Tektronix, Inc. — Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.
- Model: Type 53B Plug-In Unit
- Type: Wide-Band Calibrated Preamplifier
- Inputs: Dual — Input A and Input B (BNC connectors)
- Coupling: AC and DC selectable via Input Selector switch
- Sensitivity: Variable Volts/cm — calibrated range visible on front panel dial (0.005 to 20 V/cm, with AC-only position)
- Front panel controls: DC BAL (DC Balance), Input Selector, Variable Volts/cm, Vertical Position
- Internal construction: Vacuum-tube design; tubes present and visible internally
- Rear connector: Amphenol multi-pin edge connector for oscilloscope mainframe interface
- Form factor: Plug-in module for Tektronix 500-series oscilloscope mainframe
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Included: Plug-in unit only — no cables, manual, or oscilloscope mainframe included
Applications
The Tektronix Type 53B was designed for use with Tektronix 500-series oscilloscope mainframes — a highly regarded family of modular tube-era instruments produced by Tektronix from the late 1940s through the 1960s. The 500-series platform used interchangeable plug-in units to extend the oscilloscope's capabilities, and the Type 53B served as a wide-band vertical preamplifier, allowing the mainframe to handle low-level or differential signals with calibrated sensitivity. This type of plug-in is sought today by collectors and technicians maintaining vintage Tektronix equipment, as well as by hobbyists restoring or operating 500-series mainframes. The dual-input differential configuration and AC/DC coupling flexibility made the 53B suitable for a wide range of analog signal measurement tasks in electronics labs and research environments of its era.
This Tektronix Type 53B Wide-Band Calibrated Preamp plug-in unit has been visually inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The chassis and front panel show normal age-related wear consistent with vintage lab equipment — light surface soiling, minor scuffs on the painted aluminum housing, and some oxidation on the rear Amphenol connector contacts. The vacuum tubes are present inside. This unit was pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use; it has not been powered up or tested at our facility. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Tektronix |
Model: |
Type 53B |
MPN: |
Type 53B |
Type: |
Wide-Band Calibrated Preamplifier Plug-In Unit |
SKU: |
37028 |
Compatible With: |
Tektronix 500-series oscilloscopes |
Form Factor: |
Plug-In Module |
Number of Inputs: |
2 (Input A, Input B) |
Input Selector: |
AC/DC switchable per input |
Sensitivity: |
Variable Volts/cm (calibrated) |
Coupling: |
AC and DC |
Connector Type: |
BNC inputs; Amphenol multi-pin edge connector |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Seller Notes: |
Plug-in unit only — no cables or oscilloscope mainframe included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Tektronix Type 53B Wide-Band Calibrated Preamp shows normal age-related wear — light soiling, minor scuffs on the chassis, and oxidation on the rear Amphenol connector. Tubes are present. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |