The Tektronix TDS3052 is a dual-channel, 500 MHz, 5 GS/s digital phosphor oscilloscope with a TFT color screen, introduced in 1998.

This series of scopes combines 3,600 wfms/s continuous waveform capture rate and real-time intensity grading, and can run without AC power for up to three hours when TDS3BATC rechargeable lithium ion battery pack is installed.

Besides the channel inputs and the EXT TRIG input (two-channel models only), a Floppy Disk Drive and Centronics Parallel Printer Port was available on the original and B version of this oscilloscope series until the C version which replaced the Floppy with a USB drive, and Parallel port was removed altogether. Optional Communication Modules were available such as the TDS3GM (GPIB/RS-232), TDS3VM (VGA/RS-232), TDS3EM (Ethernet/RS-232), TDS3GV (GPIB, RS-232/VGA), and the TDS3SDI 601 Serial/Digital Video Module.

Up to four Applications modules can be added into the small door in the upper right corner to transform the oscilloscope into a specialized instrument for limit testing, telecommunications mask testing, and video troubleshooting. The TDS3AAM Advanced Analysis Module, TDS3LIM Limit Testing Module, TDS3TMT Telecommunications Mask Testing Module, and the TDS3VID Extended Video Analysis Module were available for added functionality. The TDS3TRG (Advanced Trigger) and TDS3FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) application modules were available in the original model of this oscilloscope series but made standard on the B and higher versions.

There are many options for signal acquisition, measurement, and analysis. The Getting Started section of the User Manual is a great place to become familiar with the many functions available in the use of this sophisticated instrument.