Key facts
- Brand
- Tektronix
- Model
- 5 and 6 Series MSO
- Industry
- Electronics
- Documents
- 2
- Languages
- EN
- Last added
- 2026-10-13
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Tektronix 5 and 6 Series MSO PI Command Translator Technical Brief
The Programming Interface (PI) Translator is a built-in feature on Tektronix 5 and 6 Series MSO oscilloscopes (including MSO58LP and LPD64 models) that enables compatibility with legacy automation systems. It acts as a dictionary to intercept and translate older, unsupported SCPI commands into modern commands supported by the oscilloscope firmware. This feature is available in firmware versions v1.30 and higher and runs passively without requiring installation on the remote client.
The document details how to enable the PI Translator via the oscilloscope's User Preferences menu or via a PI command. It also explains the structure of the XML Compatibility File used to define custom translations, including the syntax for keywords, attributes (such as 'leaf', 'query', and 'command'), and translation headers. The guide provides examples of how to add custom entries to migrate specific legacy automation sequences to the new platform.
All Tektronix 5 and 6 Series MSO documents by type
How to use the product for one specific task, with worked examples.
Instruction set, parameters and examples for configuring or programming the device.
Questions answered in these manuals
Which firmware versions include the PI Translator?
The oscilloscopes come equipped with this translator in firmware versions v1.30 and higher.
From: Tektronix 5 and 6 Series MSO PI Command Translator Technical Brief
What is the default file location for the Compatibility File on Windows?
The default location when running Windows is C:\Users\Public\Tektronix\TekScope\PICompatibility\.
From: Tektronix 5 and 6 Series MSO PI Command Translator Technical Brief
What types of oscilloscopes does this manual cover?
This manual covers the 5 Series MSO models MSO54, MSO56, MSO58, and MSO58LP, as well as the 6 Series MSO model MSO64.
Which firmware versions are supported by this manual?
The manual supports firmware version 1.12.x.