The continuing evolution of handheld sensing and analysis equipment has led to the deployment of Starfleet R&D TR-590 tricorder X for all senior officers and attached personnel aboard Deep Space 9.

The standard tricorder remains the primary potable sensing, computing, and data-communications device incorporating miniaturized versions of standard scientific instruments. The medical tricorder consists of a standard tricorder pulse the medical peripheral add-on.

The upgraded device measures 15.61 by 7.62 by 2.84 centimeters and masses 298.3 grams. The control surfaces retain the former operator interface and 3.5 by 2.4 centimeter display screen.