Tektronix
4002
The Tektronix 4002 is a computer terminal that uses direct-view bistable storage tube technology for graphics display. The Tektronix 4002 was introduced in 1969 and is the first model in the 4000 series. The Tektronix 4002 has a unique feature: only a portion of the screen is a storage tube, with a small refresh section for status messages and commands.[1]
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What it is
How it works
The 4002 combines a storage tube with circuitry that decodes instructions from a host computer and converts them into control inputs for the display.[1]
Only a portion of the 4002 screen is a storage tube, with a small section set aside for normal refresh-based drawing.[1]
The refresh area of the 4002 is used for status messages and entering commands, and the host computer must refresh it rapidly enough to reduce flicker because the terminal lacks raster scan hardware and memory.[1]
The 4002 requires a host adaptor to interface with a computer.[1]
Applications
The 4002 is used in computer-aided design (CAD) applications.[1]
The terminal supports interactive graphic input through devices that draw crosshairs on the display and allow coordinate selection.[1]
- Computer-aided design
Why won't it start?
Documented failure modes, common issues, and field considerations.
- Screen burn-in vulnerability
- Gradual blurring of stored images over time
- Limited to monochrome green display
What do the numbers mean?
Control & software1
Configuration & options4
Vintage & configurations
Documented models & variants
| Designation | Generation | Vintage | Changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4002A | — | 1971 | Updated version of the 4002 | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
What replaced it?
Related models
- successorTektronix 4010— Supplanted and replaced the 4002 starting in 1972source[1]
- siblingTektronix 4903 Interactive Graphic Unit— The 4903 draws crosshairs on this terminalsource[1]
Where are the manuals?
Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.
Not publicly documented
Field notes
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Not publicly documented
The following facts about the 4002 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
The control-system platform and OS era of the 4002 are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
The process node or technology generation of the 4002 is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the 4002 are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the 4002 are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist
Sources & citations
Sources (1)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]en.wikipedia.org — en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
Last updated Sep 21, 2026.