Tektronix Telecom and Datacom Test Instruments
5 models with full specifications in Telecom, Datacom.
Tektronix instruments for telecom and datacom testing are divided into two primary categories: rugged, field-portable Metallic Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs) and high-performance, modular laboratory test systems. This range serves field technicians diagnosing physical cable plants as well as laboratory engineers validating high-speed digital designs.
For on-site structural analysis, portable instruments provide localized diagnostic capabilities directly on metallic links. They allow users to locate insulation damage, water ingress, shield defects, and structural crimps. In contrast, for characterization of high-frequency transmission lines and circuit boards, Tektronix offers modular electrical sampling units and matched passive probes. These laboratory solutions deliver the high bandwidth and rapid rise times necessary to evaluate impedance profiles and signal integrity in multi-gigabit data channels.
- Portable Short-Range Limit
- 2000 ft (625 m)
- Portable Long-Range Limit
- 50,000 ft (15,230 m)
- Sampling Analog Bandwidth
- 20 GHz
- Modular Rise Time
- 17.5 ps (10% to 90%)
All models
| Model | Type | Display | Operating Temperature | Interfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1502C | TDR, Cable Testers | Backlit HyperTwist high-contrast nematic (HTN) LCD | — | — |
| 1503C | TDR, Cable Testers | High-resolution dot-matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) with electroluminescent (EL) backlight | -15°C to +55°C | — |
| 80E04 | TDR, Cable Testers | None (uses host mainframe display) | 10 °C to 40 °C | Proprietary 80-pin mainframe interface, 2x 3.5 mm female RF connectors |
| 1502B | TDR, Cable Testers | High-contrast LCD with electroluminescent (EL) backlighting, 256 × 128 pixels | -15 to +55 °C | Optional RS-232 (Option 05), GPIB (Option 06), or Chart Recorder (Option 04) |
| P8018 | TDR, Cable Testers | — | 0 to 50 | SMA |
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Field-Portable Metallic TDRs
Tektronix field-portable TDRs are engineered for rugged environments and direct-to-cable troubleshooting. The product line includes options optimized for distinct range requirements and cable types.
The Tektronix 1502B and Tektronix 1502C are high-resolution, short-range testers designed primarily for 50 Γ coaxial cables. The Tektronix 1502B operates on a step-pulse system with a 200 ps rise time, providing precision fault location up to a maximum distance of 2000 feet (625 meters). It includes an Ohms-at-cursor function for direct impedance measurements. The Tektronix 1502C features a high-contrast, backlit LCD and provides automated fault analysis, identifying opens, shorts, crimps, and unterminated lines.
For longer distances, the Tektronix 1503C is optimized to test coaxial, twisted-pair, and parallel cables up to a maximum distance range of 50,000 feet (15,230 m). It utilizes a 1/2 sine pulse shape with adjustable pulse widths ranging from 2 ns to 1000 ns. This model operates over a temperature range of -15°C to +55°C, making it suitable for demanding field environments.
High-Bandwidth Modular Analysis
For laboratory testing, semiconductor validation, and circuit board characterization, Tektronix provides high-frequency modular instrumentation rather than standalone field units.
The Tektronix 80E04 is a 2-channel electrical sampling module featuring integrated TDR capabilities. It operates within a host mainframe and delivers a 20 GHz analog bandwidth with a calculated 10% to 90% rise time of 17.5 ps. This performance allows engineers to perform high-resolution impedance measurements on high-speed datacom channels.
To maintain signal fidelity during manual testing of printed circuit boards, the Tektronix P8018 handheld passive probe matches these modular systems. Operating up to 20 GHz with a rise time of less than 18 ps and a nominal impedance of 50 Ω, this probe is directly compatible with the Tektronix 80E04 module to enable precise, non-destructive circuit board impedance characterization.
Popular models
Frequently asked questions
- Which Tektronix portable TDR is best suited for long-distance cable testing?
- The Tektronix 1503C is designed for long-range diagnostics, supporting coaxial, twisted-pair, and parallel cables up to a maximum distance range of 50,000 feet (15,230 m).
- What is the primary difference in application between the 1502 series and the 80E04?
- The Tektronix 1502B and Tektronix 1502C are rugged, portable instruments designed for direct physical diagnostics on long metallic cabling runs in the field. The Tektronix 80E04 is a laboratory-grade, host-powered sampling module with a 20 GHz bandwidth designed for precise, high-speed electrical and circuit board characterization.