The Tektronix 1502B is a rugged, portable Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) designed for high-resolution fault location in dual-conductor metallic cables. Operating on a step-pulse system with a fast 200 ps rise time, it is optimized for short-range precision testing of 50 ̩ cables (and others via calibration or impedance adapters) at distances of up to 2,000 feet (625 m).

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesOptional RS-232 (Option 05), GPIB (Option 06), or Chart Recorder (Option 04)
DisplayHigh-contrast LCD with electroluminescent (EL) backlighting, 256 × 128 pixels

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply90 - 132 VAC or 180 - 250 VAC, 45 - 440 Hz; 12 - 15 VDC; optional Option 03 internal battery
Operating Temperature-15 to +55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)292 × 127 × 432 mm

RF and Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
TDR Pulse Rise Time200 ps
Pulse TypeStep rise
TDR Amplitude300 mV nominal (into 50 Ω load)

Measurement Performance

ParameterValue
Noise Filtering1 to 128 averages
Ohms-at-Cursor FunctionMenu selectable direct impedance readout

Distance-to-Fault (DTF) and TDR Specifications

ParameterValue
Maximum Distance Range2000 ft (625 m)
Distance Readout Resolution0.004 ft (0.001 m)
Propagation Velocity (Vp) Range0.30 to 0.99

Test Port and System Interfaces

ParameterValue
RF Port Connector TypeBNC female
RF Port Impedance50 Ω nominal
Option 04 Strip Chart RecorderDirect printout of displayed waveforms

Data Storage and Software

ParameterValue
Internal Waveform StorageStandard non-volatile trace storage
PC ControllabilitySupported via Option 05 (RS-232) or Option 06 (GPIB)

Physical and Environmental Characteristics

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-62°C to +85°C (without internal battery)
Shock and Vibration ComplianceMIL-T-28800 Type III, Class 3, Style C
Relative Humidity Range95% RH, non-condensing
Weight with Option 03 Battery10 kg (22 lbs)

Performance

ParameterValue
Vertical Sensitivity Range1 mρ/div to 500 mρ/div
Horizontal Scale Range0.1 ft/div to 200 ft/div (0.025 m/div to 50 m/div)

Environmental

ParameterValue
Maximum Operating Altitude4,570 m (15,000 ft)
Maximum Non-Operating Altitude15,240 m (50,000 ft)

Compliance

ParameterValue
Environmental and Ruggedness ComplianceMIL-T-28800D, Type III, Class 3, Style C

Pulse Characteristics

ParameterValue
Step Amplitude300 mV (into 50 Ω)
Step Rise Time≤ 200 ps

Time Base

ParameterValue
Velocity of Propagation (Vp) Resolution0.01

Display

ParameterValue
Display Resolution256 × 128 pixels
Display BacklightElectroluminescent

Power Specifications

ParameterValue
AC Input Voltage90 to 132 VAC / 180 to 250 VAC
AC Line Frequency45 to 440 Hz
Power Consumption30 W max

Standards & Compliance

ParameterValue
Military SpecificationsMIL-T-28800D, Class 3, Style C

Technology

Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometry (MTDR)

Applications

Cable fault location, impedance mismatch testing, and length verification for dual-conductor metallic lines

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