Tektronix Oscilloscope & Test Probes

Tektronix probes are primarily segmented by their physical and electrical interface connections to the host oscilloscope:

• TekVPI Interface: Found on modern Tektronix oscilloscopes, this interface provides both power and intelligent control to the probe. Single-ended active probes like the TAP1500 (1.5 GHz), TAP2500 (2.5 GHz), and TAP3500 (3.5 GHz) use this connection. The interface enables automated scale factor detection and auto-zero capabilities.
• TekConnect Interface: Designed for high-bandwidth applications, TekConnect provides direct high-speed coupling. It is featured on active single-ended probes like the P7240 (4 GHz) and P7260 (6.0 GHz), as well as high-frequency differential models.
• TEKPROBE BNC Interface: A widely used standard for legacy and mid-range systems. Probes utilizing TEKPROBE BNC, such as the P6205 (750 MHz), P6243 (1 GHz), and P6245 (1.5 GHz), obtain power directly from the scope and automatically set the appropriate attenuation scaling factor.

Active probes are required for high-speed signals where passive probe capacitance would overload the circuit. Standard single-ended active probes like the TAP2500 feature low input capacitance (< 0.8 pF) and high DC input resistance (40 kΩ) to maintain signal integrity.

For differential signaling, engineers can choose between standard active differential probes and TriMode designs:

• Standard Differential Probes: Options range from the TEKPROBE-connected P6247 (1.0 GHz) and P6248 (1.5 GHz) to the high-bandwidth TekConnect-connected P7330 (3.5 GHz), P7350 (5.0 GHz), and Z-Active P7380 / P7380A (8.0 GHz). For SMA-terminated differential lines, the P7313SMA (13 GHz) features adjustable termination voltages.
• TriMode Probes: Models like the P7516 (16 GHz) and P7513A (13 GHz) let users perform differential, single-ended, and common-mode measurements through a single connection point, saving test time.
• High-Speed Differential: For the highest bandwidth real-time measurements, the P7313 provides a 13.0 GHz analog bandwidth with Z-Active solder-in tips.

Safety and input isolation are critical when measuring high voltages or floating signals. For high-voltage ground-referenced signals, the P6015A passive high-voltage probe provides up to 20 kV DC/RMS and 40 kV peak pulse capability with a 1000:1 attenuation ratio.

For floating, non-ground-referenced measurements, active differential probes isolate the oscilloscope:

• P5200: A 50 MHz probe offering up to ±1300 V differential voltage limits (500x mode), powered via an external adapter or power supply.
• P5205 / P5205A: 100 MHz bandwidth probes supporting up to ±1300 V differential and 1000 V RMS CAT II common mode, designed to connect directly to TEKPROBE BNC inputs.
• P5210: A 50 MHz differential probe optimized for higher voltages up to 5.6 kV differential (1000x mode) and 2300 Vrms common mode.

Tektronix current probes span passive, clamp-on, and active split-core designs:

• Passive Options: The P6022 is an AC-only current probe covering 935 Hz to 120 MHz, designed for compact circuit layouts. The A621 is a passive AC clamp handling up to 2000 A peak AC with a BNC interface.
• Amplifier-Based Systems: Active split-core AC/DC current measurement requires a dedicated amplifier. The TCPA300 amplifier supports the TCP312 (100 MHz, 30 A) and the TCP303 (15 MHz, 150 A). The TCPA400 amplifier is dedicated to the high-current TCP404XL (2 MHz, 500 A continuous). The legacy A6303 current probe (15 MHz, 100 A) connects to amplifiers like the AM503 series.
• Direct-Connect TekVPI: The TCP0150 is a 150 A AC/DC current probe that connects directly to TekVPI host interfaces, eliminating the need for an external amplifier mainframe.

For multi-channel digital design validation, the P6434 is a 34-channel high-density logic analyzer probe. It utilizes a 38-pin AMP Mictor target connector to interface directly with compatible acquisition modules on Tektronix TLA600 and TLA700 series logic analyzers.