Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077
TEKTRONIX and TEK, TEKPROBE are registered trademarks of
Tektronix, Inc.
WARRANTY
P5120 Probe
Tektronix warrants that the product listed above will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase from an
authorized Tektronix distributor. If any such product proves defective during this warranty
period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts
and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. Batteries are
excluded from this warranty. Parts, modules and replacement products used by Tektronix for
warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts,
modules and products become the property of Tektronix.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the
performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, shipping charges prepaid and
with a copy of Customer proof of purchase. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to
Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the Tektronix service
center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes,
and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage
or malfunction caused by the use of non--Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has
been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or
integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
WARRANTY (Continued)
P5120 Probe
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT IN
LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS
VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR
OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX
AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER
TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
Table of Contents
General Safety Summaryiii............................
Features and Accessories1.............................
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it. To avoid
potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
WARNING. Only qualified personnel should perform service
procedures
To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury
Connect and Disconnect Properly. Connect the probe output to the
measurement instrument before connecting the probe to the circuit
under test. Disconnect the probe input and the probe reference lead
from the circuit under test before disconnecti ng the probe from the
measurement instrument.
Observe All Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all
ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for
further ratings information before making connections to the product.
Avoid Electric Overload. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not apply
potential to any input, including the reference inputs, that varies
from ground by more than the maximum rating for that input.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and
components when power is present.
Avoid Electric Shock. To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or
disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage
source.
Floating. Do not float the probe reference lead to > 600 V
or > 300 V
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. To avoid injury or fire
hazard, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep Probe Surface Clean and Dry. To avoid electric shock and
erroneous readings, keep probe surface clean and dry.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
RMS
CAT III.
RMS
CAT II
iii
General Safety Summary
Inspect Probe. Before use, inspect probe for damage and do not use if
damaged.
Product Damage Precautions
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage
to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Do Not Immerse in Liquids. Clean the probe using only a damp cloth.
Refer to cleaning instructions on page 17.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual. These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product. These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as
you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product. These symbols may appear on the product:
iv
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
General Safety Summary
DANGER
High Voltage
Protective Ground
(Earth) Terminal
ATTENTION
Refer to Manual
Double
Insulated
Certifications and Compliances
Compliances. Consult the product specifications for Overvoltage
Category and Safety Class.
Overvoltage Category. Overvoltage categories are defined as follows:
CAT III: Distribution level mains, fixed installation
CAT II: Local level mains, appliances, portable equipment
CAT I: Signal level, special equipment or parts of equipment,
telecommunication, electronics
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
v
General Safety Summary
vi
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Contacting Tektronix
Phone1-800-833-9200*
AddressTektronix, Inc.
Department or name (if known)
14200 SW Karl Braun Dri ve
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
Web sitewww.tektronix.com
Contacting Tektronix
Sales
support
Service
support
Technical
support
*This phone number is toll free in North America. After office
hours, please leave a voice mail message.
Outside North America, contact a Tektronix sales office or
distributor; see the Tektronix web site for a list of offices.
1-800-833-9200, select option 1*
1-800-833-9200, select option 2*
Email: techsupport@tektronix.com
1-800-833-9200, select option 3*
6:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Pacific time
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
vii
Contacting Tektronix
viii
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Features and Accessories
The P5120 is a passive high-voltage probe designed for use with
TPS2000 series instruments. The probe feat ures a floating reference
and is ideal for measuring and troubleshooting power supplies and
high-voltage devices. The probe provides 20X attenuation of signals
up to 1000 V
P5120 probe is certified to international safety standards.
The P5120 probe has features and accessories to make high-voltage
measurements safer and easier. Please take a moment to familiarize
yourself with these features and accessories and their uses.
WARNING. Do not substitute accessories from other products for
those provided with the P5120. The accessories for the P5120 have
been safety tested. The use of non-tested accessories may cause
injury.
P5120 features and standard accessories
Finger
Guard
Probe
Reference
6-32 Probe Tip
and derated performance up to 200 MHz. The
RMS
Probe Body -- The P5120 probe body is designed for personal
safety, ergonomic comfort, and signal fidelity.
The finger guard provides protection when the hook tips are not being
used. Keep your fingers behind the finger guard whenever possible to
reduce the risk of a shock from the circuit under test.
The probe tip is a 6--32 threaded post that accepts both standard and
optional accessories.
Keep the probe body and accessories clean to reduce the risk of shock
due to surface conduction.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
1
Features and Accessories
P5120 features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Compensation Box -- The compensation box contains low- and
high-frequency compensation adjustments. The high-frequency adjustments are accessible by removing the compensation box cover. Refer
to Adjustment Procedures on page 7.
Adjustment Tool -- Use the supplied adjustment tool for probe com-
pensation adjustments. Do not use metallic or conductive tools while
making adjustments.
Color Markers -- The matching markers help you identify probe in-
puts at a glance. Clip one marker near the probe head and the matching marker near the compensation box as shown.
Matching
Markers
Small Hook Tip -- Use the small hook tip for making connections to
small conductors such as component leads.
Install the small hook tip by sliding it over the body of the probe and
screwing it onto the threaded probe tip.
To use the tip, hold the probe body and pull the tip shield back. Hook
the tip onto the circuit and release the shield. The hook tip will firmly
hold the conductor under test.
2
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
P5120 features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Large Hook Tip -- Use the large hook tip when working with larger
components such as bolt terminals and buss bars typically found in
power distribution equipment.
Install the large hook tip by sliding it over the body of the probe and
screwing it onto the threaded probe tip.
To use the tip, hold the probe body and pull the tip shield back. Hook the
tip onto the circuit and release the shield. The hook tip will firmly hold the
conductor under test.
Reference Leads -- The P5120 probe comes with a long and a short,
floatable reference lead. Both reference leads connect to a removable
crocodile clip.
Attach the reference lead to the probe body by inserting the probe
head into reference lead as shown.
The length of the reference lead directly impacts the fidelity of high-frequency signals. The longer the reference lead, the more the signal will
be distorted. For more information about the reference lead and signal
quality, go to page 5.
Crocodile Clip -- The large crocodile clip attaches to the insulated
banana connector on the reference leads.
Features and Accessories
WARNING. For safe electrical connections, use the crocodile clip
provided. Do not attempt to substitute the crocodile clip with any
other accessory.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
3
Features and Accessories
P5120 optional accessories
Probe Tip Extender -- Use the probe tip extender to connect the
probe to larger test sockets located in equipment or on printed circuit
boards.
Connect the probe tip extender by screwing it onto the threaded
probe tip.
Reference
Clip
Probe
Reference
Probe-to-BNC Adapter -- Use the probe-to-BNC adapter to connect
the probe directly to BNC connectors. The adapter is recommended for
use when verifying or adjusting the probe.
Attach the adapter by pressing it onto the 6-32 probe tip and making
sure that the reference clip makes contact with the probe reference.
WARNING. Do not connect the Probe-to-BNC Adapter to a floating or
high-voltage source. The BNC adapter is only rated to 500 V (DC +
peak AC) with the probe reference connected to earth ground.
4
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Operating Basics
To get guaranteed performance from the P5120 probe, please read
and apply the information in this section.
Maximum Nondestructive Input Voltage
The P5120 probe is designed to be used in a hi gh voltage environment; however, the voltage input rating of the probe starts to
decrease at about 2 to 3 MHz. Please refer to the Specifications
section of these instructions for the maximum input voltage and
frequency derating information.
Reference Lead Length
Always use as short a referenc e l ead as possible between the probe
head and circuit reference for high frequency or fast rise time
signals.
The input capacitance of the probe and the series inducta nce added
by the probe tip and reference lead can result in a resonant circuit;
this circuit may cause parasitic “ringing” visible within the
bandwidth of your oscilloscope. Refer to Figure 1.
6-inch Reference18-inch
Figure 1: Waveform distortion from reference lead length
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Reference
5
Operating Basics
Parasitic ringing is not a concern when the probe is used with low
frequency or slow rise time signals and is not apparent if the
frequency content is beyond the bandwidth of the oscilloscope.
Probe Loading
When you touch your probe tip to a circuit element, you are
introducing a new resistance, capacitance, and inductance into the
circuit. Refer to Figure 2.
R
source
Probe C
11.2 pF
in
V
source
L
(reference lead)
cl
Probe R
5MΩ
in
Figure 2: Probe loading equivalent circuit
Frequency and impedance of the source determine how much the
probe loads the circuit you are measuring. As the frequency of the
source starts to increase beyond 1 kHz, the input impedance of the
probe begins to decrease. The lower the impedance of the probe
relative to that of the source, the more the probe loads the circuit
under test. Refer to Figure 12 on page 21 for a graph of frequency
versus input impedance.
The probe has virtually no loading effect on sources with relatively
low impedance and low frequency.
6
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Adjustment Procedures
The low-frequency (LF) compensation of the P5120 probe must be
checked every time the probe is connected to a different oscilloscope
input.
The high-frequency (HF) compensation should be checked if the
probe was repaired or fails to meet rated bandwidth specifications.
Check the probe using the performance verification procedures on
page 15 to determine if adjustment is required.
LF Compensation
Before taking any measurements with the probe, first check the LF
compensation of the probe and adjust it to match the channel input it
is connected to.
1. Connect the probe to the Probe Comp signal on your TPS2000
instrument and then press AUTORANGE.SeeFigure3.Usethe
reference lead connection to obtain the proper waveform.
AUTOSET
Probe reference
lead to
Figure 3: LF compensation setup
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Ch 1
Probe tip to PROBE COMP
7
Adjustment Procedures
2. Compensate the probe by adjusting the trimmer in the probe
compensation box so that the c orners of the signal are square. See
Figure 4.
LF
Figure 4: LF compensation adjustment
HF Compensation
To compensate the probe for high frequencies, you will need a
properly terminated signal source that has the characteristics given in
Figure 5. Refer to Table 1 on page 15 for a complete list of required
test equipment.
≈1kHz
1MHz
1 Vpp
Figure 5: Signal source characteristics for HF compensation
To access the HF adjustments of the probe, you must open the cover
of the compensation box using the procedure that follows.
8
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
tr<1 ns
90%
10%
Adjustment Procedures
Opening the Compensation Box
NOTE. This procedure should be performed by qualified service
personnel only.
To open the cover, obtain two small screwdrivers and use them to
unlatch the tab as shown in Figure 6.
WARNING. Avoid damaging the tab. A damaged tab will allow the
cover to easily separate and expose the user to the electrical
potential of the reference connection.
To avoid damaging the tab, do not attempt to press on the tab
through the hole in the cover where it latches. In the event of a
damaged tab, replace the probe.
Perform the following procedure to open the compensation box.
1. Insert the flat blade of small screwdriver (A) into the location
shown in Figure 6. Insert the blade until it stops against the back
of the tab.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
9
Adjustment Procedures
Figure 6: Opening the compensation box
B
Tab
Insert up to the tab
A
10
2. While holding screwdriver (A) in pla ce, insert small screwdriver
(B) between the ridge on the front of the compensation box and
the edge of the cover.
3. Gently twist the blade of screwdriver (B) to separate the cover
and unlatch the tab.
4. After unlatching the tab, slide the cover back to expose the
internal adjustments.
HF Compensation Procedure
After opening the compensation box, perform the following
procedure to compensate the probe for high frequencies.
1. Connect a 50 Ω feedthrough termination to the positive-going
FAST RISE output of the calibration generator. See Figure 7.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Calibration
generator
FAST RISE output
50 Ω termination
Probe-to-BNC adapter
P5120 probe
Figure 7: HF compensation setup
2. Refer to page 4 and use the optional probe-to-BNC adapter to
connect the probe to the termination.
Adjustment Procedures
Ch 1
3. Set the Calibration Generator to 1 MHz.
4. Set the PULSE AMPLITUDE to 1.0 V
NOTE. If you have changed the default setting for the probe type,
access the vertical menu of the oscilloscope and return the setting to
20X.
5. Set the oscilloscope to 100 mV/division.
6. Set the oscilloscope averaging to 4.
7. Set the oscilloscope to 5.0 ns/div Adjust the oscilloscope as
necessary to view the leading edge of the waveform.
8. Locate the HF1, HF2,andHF3 adjustments. See Figure 8.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
P-P
.
11
Adjustment Procedures
Figure 8: HF compensation adjustments
9. The probe should be preset to the correct nominal position.
10. Adjust HF1 for flatness and adjust HF3 for t he be st front corner.See Figure 9. Because all adjustments interact, readjust HF1,
HF2,andHF3 as necessary to achieve th e be st compromise
between the fastest rise time and minimum aberrations.
Not used
LF
HF1
HF2
HF3
12
HF1
(50 ns)
HF2
(20 ns)
HF3
(10 ns)
10%
Aberrations
Figure 9: HF compensation regions of fast rise signal
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Adjustment Procedures
11. After compensating the HF, carefully slide the cover back until
the tab latches securely into place.
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
13
Adjustment Procedures
14
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Performance Verification
Oscill
Calibrati
Use the procedure in this section to verify that the P5120 probe
meets the warranted bandwidth specification highlighted with
boldface type in the Specifications section on page 19. The steps of
this procedure must be performed in the order given using a
TPS2000 series instrument and other equipment that meets the
minimum requirements listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Required test equipment
DescriptionMinimum RequirementsExample
OscilloscopeUse a TPS2000 series
oscilloscope only. The probe
is optimized to match the
input characteristics and
bandwidth of the TPS2000
series
Calibration generator
(for HF adjustment only)
Leveled signal generator50 kHz to 250 MHz
Termination, 50 Ω
feedthrough
Adapter, probe tip to BNCProbetiptomaleBNCTektronix part number
≤1 ns rise time square waveFluke 9100 Universal
50 Ω male to female BNC
TPS2024
Calibration System with
oscope
Module (Option 250)
Tektronix part number
011-0049-02
013-0291-00
NOTE. Compensate the probe for LF before performing this
procedure. The LF compensation procedure begins on page 7.
If the probe does not meet the bandwidth requirement of this
procedure, perform the adjustments beginning on page 7 and retest.
on
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
15
Performance Verification
1. Connect the test setup as shown in Figure 10.
Leveled signal
generator
Test oscilloscope
50 Ω termination
P5120 probe
Ch 1
Output
Probe tip to
BNC adapter
Figure 10: Bandwidth test setup
2. Set the leveled signal generator output frequency to 1 MHz.
NOTE. If you have changed the default setting for the probe type,
access the vertical menu of the oscilloscope and return the setting to
20X.
3. Set the oscilloscope to 10 mV/division. (The effective setting
with the 20X attenuation of the probe is 200 mV/division.)
4. Adjust the leveled signal generator for a display of exactly 6
divisions peak-to-peak.
5. Increase the leveled signal generator frequency until the display
decreases to 4.2 divisions peak-to-peak. (This represents the .707
point or half-power amplitude.)
6. Note that the frequency is greater than 200 MHz for the TPS2024
and 100 MHz for the TPS2012 and 2014. If not, repeat the HF
compensation to achieve a faster risetime.
16
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Maintenance
This section contains information necessary for the maintenance and
repair of the P5120 probe.
NOTE. The P5120 probe has no replaceable components. Accessory
parts may be ordered as indicated in the replaceable parts list.
Cleaning Instructions
Clean the probe using a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent
and water solution. Do not use any other chemicals or abrasives.
Customer Support
Who to callWhen to callWhere to call
Operational SupportCall if you need
help using your
probe or to order
accessories
Service SupportCall if your probe
needs repair
1-800-TEK-WIDE (1-800-835-9433)
If outside the United States or Canada,
contact your nearest Tektronix Field Office
Call your nearest Tektronix Service Center
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
17
Maintenance
Preparation for Shipment
If you need to ship your probe, pack it care fully to prevent damage
while in transit. If the original packaging is unfit for use or not
available, use the following packaging guidelines:
1. Use a corrugated cardboard shipping carton having inside
dimensions at least one inch greater than the probe dimensions.
The box should have a carton test strength of at least 200 pounds.
2. Put the probe into a plastic bag or wrap to protect it from
dampness in transit.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light
packing material.
4. Seal the carton with shipping tape.
18
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
Specifications
The warranted specifications of Table 2 that appear in boldface type
are specifications checked in the Performance Verification section.
Specifications that are not warranted are typical (Tables 3 and 4) and
are provided as general information for your convenience.
The specifications apply to a P5120 probe installed on a Tektronix
TPS2000 series oscilloscope. The instrument must have a warm-up
period of at least 20 minutes and be in an environment that does not
exceed the limits described in Table 5.
Table 2: Warranted electrical specifications
Attenuation
(DC coupled system)
Bandwidth
(--3 dB, DC coupled system)
Maximum Rated Input VoltageIEC 1010-1 Installation Category
Between probe tip and probe reference
or between probe tip and earth ground
(Refer to Figure 11 a.)
Between probe reference and earth ground
(Refer to Figure 11 b.)
SafetyUL 61010B--2--031; 2003
IEC Installation CategoryCategory II
IEC Pollution DegreeDegree 2
20X, ±2%
DC to 200 MHz (TPS2024)
DC to 100 MHz (TPS2012, TPS2014)
IIIII
1000600
600300
CSA 22.2 No. 1010.2--031, 1994
EN 61010-031 2002
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
19
Specifications
1,000 V
Voltage (V)Voltage (V)
1,000 V
Category I & II
600 V
Category III
300 V
100 V
10 V
1V
10 Hz
a. Probe tip to reference or earth ground
600 V
Category I & II
300 V
Category III
100 V
100 Hz
1KHz
P5120 Voltage derating
10 KHz
P5120 Voltage derating
100 KHz
Frequency (Hz)
1MHz
10 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
10 V
1V
10 Hz
b. Probe reference to earth ground
100 Hz
1KHz
10 KHz
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 11: Maximum voltage derating curves (V
20
P5120 High-Voltage Probe Instructions
100 KHz
, DC coupled)
RMS
1MHz
10 MHz
100 MHz
200 MHz
Table 3: Typical electrical characteristics
Specifications
Rise Time (System)
Checked using optional BNC adapter