TEKTRONIX Microlab I

Circa 1987

A specialized instrument used to test and demonstrate microprocessor and microcomputer development systems.

Use Cases:

1. Digital Diagnostic and Service Centers

The MicroLab I was an integral component of theTEKTRONIX 7854 digital diagnostic system.

• System Troubleshooting: In combination with the 067-0911-00 diagnostic interface, it was used to troubleshoot and verify the operation of complex digital mainframes and microprocessor-based instruments.

• Calibration Labs: Technicians used it to "personalize" and simulate various microprocessor environments to ensure that development systems and test equipment were performing to factory specifications.

2. Microprocessor Development Labs

During the early boom of embedded systems, this unit served as a flexible demonstration and testing platform.

• Prototyping and Emulation: Engineers used "personality cards" to make the MicroLab I act as specific 8-bit microprocessors of the era, such as the INTEL 8085A, RCA 1802, or FAIRCHILD F8.

• Hardware-Software Integration: It provided a controlled environment to test how new software interacted with specific processor architectures before final hardware was available.

3. Engineering Education and Training

Because it could be reconfigured for different chipsets, it was an ideal tool for advanced technical training.

• Microcomputer Instruction: It allowed students and engineers to learn the unique instruction sets and hardware requirements of various competing microprocessors in a single, standardized lab instrument.

4. Manufacturing Quality Assurance

Within TEKTRONIX’s own facilities and those of its large industrial clients, the MicroLab I was used to validate production-level microcomputer boards. Its rugged, portable "suitcase" design (common to the 400-series oscilloscopes of the time) allowed it to be moved easily between different production stations for on-the-spot verification.

Historical Significance:

The MicroLab I is significant as an early example of an all-in-one microprocessor trainer and diagnostic tool. It represents TEKTRONIX’s pivot from purely analog oscilloscopes to sophisticated digital "support systems" that helped engineers navigate the shift toward programmable logic and microprocessors.

(H-15.8cm x W-32.6cm x D-12.4cm)