Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Verdict: The Tektronix TDS2014B is a discontinued four-channel digital storage oscilloscope with 100 MHz analog bandwidth, a maximum 1 GS/s sample rate and a 2,500-point record length. It remains useful for general analog, audio, power, embedded and repair-bench work, but shallow memory, legacy computer connectivity and the condition of used units make a current scope or professionally refurbished instrument the safer choice for demanding or safety-critical work.
Quick specifications
| Specification | TDS2014B |
|---|---|
| Analog channels | 4 |
| Analog bandwidth | 100 MHz |
| Maximum sample rate | 1 GS/s |
| Record length | 2,500 samples per channel |
| Vertical resolution | 8 bits |
| Vertical sensitivity | 2 mV/div to 5 V/div |
| Horizontal scale | 5 ns/div to 50 s/div |
| Input | 1 MΩ in parallel with approximately 20 pF |
| Coupling | AC, DC and GND |
| Bandwidth limit | 20 MHz |
| Trigger modes | Auto, Normal and Single Sequence |
| Trigger types | Edge, video and pulse-width/glitch |
| Display | Color LCD |
| Math | FFT and waveform arithmetic |
| PC interface | USB-to-RS-232 cable and legacy Tektronix software support |
The 1 GS/s figure is a maximum, not a rate guaranteed at every time-base setting. The family’s bandwidth, sampling and memory figures are summarized in the Tektronix TDS family fact sheet; operating limits and detailed specifications are in the official user manual.
What the TDS2014B is—and what it is not
The TDS2014B belongs to Tektronix’s TDS1000B/TDS2000B family. The model designation identifies a four-channel, 100 MHz, 1 GS/s instrument with 2.5k points of memory. Tektronix no longer sells the TDS1000B series as a current product, so a TDS2014B is now a used, surplus, rental or refurbished purchase.
| Model | How it differs |
|---|---|
| TDS2012B | Two-channel model in the same general 100 MHz/1 GS/s class |
| TDS2024B | Four channels, 200 MHz bandwidth and 2 GS/s maximum sampling |
| TPS2014B | Different battery-powered, isolated oscilloscope family; do not apply its specifications to the TDS2014B |
| MSO2014B/DPO2014B | Different later product families despite the similar suffix |
Tektronix lists the TDS2014B among the models covered by its TDS1000B and TDS2000B manual page.
#1 Best Overall
- 4 Analog channels
- 200 MHz bandwidth
- 2 GS/s Sampling rate
- 5 M record length on all channels
- 9-inch WVGA color display with 15 horizontal grids shows 50% more
Features and practical measurement work
Controls and acquisition
- Four analog inputs for correlating clocks, resets, power rails and control signals.
- Dedicated vertical, horizontal and trigger controls rather than a touchscreen-only workflow.
- Autoset, autorange and a Probe Check Wizard for initial setup.
- Peak-detect acquisition to reveal glitches and average acquisition to reduce random noise.
- Single-sequence capture for one-time events.
Measurements and analysis
- Automatic measurements, cursors and waveform persistence.
- FFT spectrum display for basic frequency-domain inspection.
- Waveform addition, subtraction and multiplication.
- XY display and trigger modes for edge, video and pulse-width/glitch behavior.
These functions are documented with procedures and examples in the TDS1000B/TDS2000B user manual. They suit audio-frequency circuits, sensor and actuator signals, microcontroller clocks and GPIO, PWM, power-supply ripple and ordinary repair troubleshooting.
Where its limitations matter
Shallow memory
A 2,500-point record is modest by current standards. Capturing a long time span while retaining fine detail is difficult, and infrequent faults may fall between available samples. Four channels do not remove this limitation.
Bandwidth and probes
Bandwidth is not measurement accuracy. Probe loading, grounding, compensation and calibration affect the result. The manual identifies a 20 MHz bandwidth condition below 5 mV/div, and a 1× probe reduces bandwidth to 6 MHz. Use a correctly compensated 10× probe when the signal and voltage allow it.
Rank #2
- 2 Analog channels
- 70 MHz bandwidth
- 2 GS/s Sampling rate
- 5 M record length on all channels
- 9-inch WVGA color display with 15 horizontal grids shows 50% more signal
Modern analysis and connectivity
There is no modern protocol-decoding ecosystem comparable to current midrange scopes. Legacy TekVISA and OpenChoice resources appear in Tektronix’s support and download center, but current Windows, macOS or Linux compatibility is not automatic. You may need a suitable serial-to-USB adapter, the correct cable, legacy drivers and manual waveform export.
Safety limits you must understand
Do not use this grounded oscilloscope as an isolated instrument. The BNC shell is connected to protective earth through the scope and its power cord. Connecting a grounded probe clip to a live mains-side node can create a short circuit, arc or shock hazard.
- Observe the probe’s voltage and measurement-category rating separately from the oscilloscope input rating.
- The manual specifies a maximum input of 300 V RMS under CAT I/CAT II conditions, with lower limits in other installation categories; the permitted value depends on category, frequency, waveform, probe and duration.
- For mains or floating power electronics, use an appropriately rated differential probe, approved isolation method or isolated oscilloscope.
- Never infer safe voltage from the 100 MHz bandwidth number.
See the safety specifications in the official manual before making any high-energy measurement.
Rank #3
- Analog input channels: 2 inputs
- Bandwidth: 70 MHz
- Sample rate: 2.5 GS/s Half channels; 1.25 GS/s All channels
- Record length: 10 Mpoints per channel
- Vertical resolution: 8 bits ADC; Up to 16 bits in high-resolution mode
Official manuals, software and disposal documents
- TDS1000B/TDS2000B Series Oscilloscope User Manual (PDF) — operation, safety, specifications, measurements, acquisition, triggers, FFT, accessories and troubleshooting.
- Tektronix manual landing page — confirms coverage of the TDS2014B and manual part number 071181702.
- TDS1000B Series datasheet — family comparison, accessories and discontinued status.
- Tektronix support/download center — legacy manuals, TekVISA, OpenChoice and related utilities.
- Memory-erasure instructions — useful when disposing of a unit or buying surplus laboratory equipment.
How to inspect a used TDS2014B
1. Verify identity and included equipment
- Confirm the label says TDS2014B, not TDS2012B, TPS2014B or another similar model.
- Check the serial and rear-panel labels, regional power cord and voltage configuration.
- Prefer one usable, correctly rated probe per channel; inspect probe tips, cables, attenuation switches and compensation leads.
2. Inspect the hardware
- Look for LCD dark spots, missing segments, discoloration, liquid intrusion, corrosion and smoke damage.
- Test every front-panel button and the multipurpose knob.
- Check that all BNC connectors are tight and undamaged, vents are clear and the probe-compensation output is present.
3. Run a functional test
- Power on and allow the instrument to warm up.
- Press DEFAULT SETUP.
- Connect a known-good probe to CH1, set the probe to 10× and match the scope’s attenuation setting.
- Run PROBE CHECK and verify the square-wave compensation signal.
- Repeat a basic signal check on all four channels.
- Test vertical and horizontal controls, trigger level, cursors, FFT and automatic measurements.
- Save or transfer a waveform if computer connectivity is important.
- With probes disconnected and the scope warmed up, run UTILITY → Do Self Cal according to the manual.
“Power-on tested” does not prove accuracy. Treat “calibrated” as unverified unless the seller supplies a recent certificate from a credible laboratory.
Is buying one sensible in 2026?
Buy used when
- You need four analog channels for low- or moderate-speed troubleshooting.
- Audio, sensors, microcontrollers, PWM, basic power work or education are the main workloads.
- You accept legacy software, shallow memory and the possibility of repair or recalibration.
- The seller permits testing or offers a meaningful return policy.
Choose something newer when
- You need deep or segmented memory, fast update rates or captures of rare events.
- You require serial-bus decoding, advanced triggering, modern connectivity, warranty or traceable calibration.
- The work involves high-speed interfaces such as USB 3.x, PCIe or automotive Ethernet.
- The instrument will support production, compliance or safety-critical decisions.
Do not reduce the market to one “current price.” Value depends on region, condition, included probes, calibration, shipping and returns. Compare untested/as-is, working but uncalibrated, tested with probes, recently calibrated and refurbished-with-warranty listings separately.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAlternatives: refurbished, current or rented
| Route | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Used TDS2014B | Lowest-cost four-channel analog troubleshooting | Condition, calibration and software risks |
| Tektronix Encore | Professional buyers wanting factory-certified refurbished equipment | Higher cost and model-specific availability; check the live catalog |
| Tektronix 2 Series MSO | Current support, modern connectivity and mixed-signal workflows | Configure and request a quote; no universal price is stated on the product page |
| ATEC rental | Short projects or temporary four-channel capacity | Not economical for frequent, long-term use |
Encore reduces anonymous-seller risk but does not guarantee that a TDS2014B is in stock. Rental avoids ownership, repair and calibration risk when the need is temporary.
Rank #4
- 1 - 1 GHz, 4-Channel, 5 GS/s Mixed Domain Oscilloscope with 8-bit Vertical Resolution and 11.6 in. HD Touchscreen, 10 M Record Length
- 4 - TPP1000, 1 GHz, 3.9 pF Passive Voltage Probes
- 1 - Accessory Bag (016-2144-xx)
- 1 - Power Cord
- 1 - OpenChoice Desktop Software (Available for Download)
Bottom line
The TDS2014B is a capable legacy bench scope, not a current general-purpose platform. A well-tested example with four good probes can still be a sensible, economical tool for basic analog and embedded work. Pass on an untested unit for critical measurements, and choose a current or professionally refurbished scope when memory depth, decoding, support, safety or calibration traceability matters more than acquisition cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tektronix TDS2014B discontinued?
Yes. Tektronix states that the TDS1000B series is no longer sold as a current product; TDS2014B units now come from used, surplus, rental or refurbished channels.
Does it have isolated inputs?
No. Its BNC shells are earth-referenced. Use a properly rated differential probe or isolated oscilloscope for floating or mains-connected circuits.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can it decode serial buses?
The TDS2014B provides basic triggering, measurements, FFT and math, but not the modern protocol-decoding capabilities expected from newer midrange scopes.
Where is the official manual?
The complete PDF is the TDS1000B/TDS2000B Series Oscilloscope User Manual.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
