Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pendin g.
Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published
material. Specifications and p
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
TEKPROBE is a registered tr
ademark of Tektronix, Inc.
served. Licensed software products are
rice change privileges reserved.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For pro duct information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North Am erica, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.
Warranty
Tektronix warrants that this produ
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If any such product
proves defective during this w
the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement
in exchange for the defective
Tektronix for warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. A ll
replaced parts, modules and
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, with shipping charges
prepaid. 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 t he 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.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE
PRODUCT I
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS D ISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHAN
RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE
SOLE AN
BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE
LIABL
DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADV
[W2 – 15AUG04]
N LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
TABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’
D E XCLUSIV E REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR
E FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
ANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
ct will be free from defects in materials and
arranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair
product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by
products become the property of Tektronix.
Table of Contents
General Safety Summaryiii............................
Table 5: Equipment Re quired for Performance Verification12..
ii
P6243 Service Manual
General Safety Sum mary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Injury Precautions
Avoid Electric Overload. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not
apply a voltage to a terminal that is outside the range specified for
that terminal.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard,
do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions. To avoid elec tric shock, do not
operate this product in wet or damp conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. To avoid inj ury or fire
hazard, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Product Damage Precautions
Use Proper Power Source. Do not operate this product from a power
source that applies more than the voltage specified.
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 t he probe using only a damp cloth.
The cloth must be dampened with either isopropyl alcohol or a mild
detergent and water solution. Do not use any other chemicals or
abrasives to clean the probe.
P6243 Service Manual
iii
General Safety Summary
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 te rms 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:
DANGER
High Voltage
Protective Ground
(Earth) Terminal
iv
ATTENTION
Refer to Manual
P6243 Service Manual
Double
Insulated
Specifications
The warranted specifications in Table 1 appl y to a P6243 Active
Probe when the probe and the host instrument are allowed to warm
up for 20 minutes before measurements are taken. The warranted
specifications that appear in boldface type are specifications checked
in the Performance Verification section of the service manual.
The specifications in Tables 2 through NO TAG are provided as
general information for your convenience.
CAUTION. Do not apply voltages beyond the non-destructive input
voltage range to the probe. Damage to the probe or circuit under test
may result. Refer to Figure 4 on page 6.
Table 1: Warranted Electrical Specifications
Analog Bandwidth (probe only)
at +20 °Cto+30°C
(+68 °Fto+86°F)
DC Attenuation Accuracy
(probe only)
at +20 °Cto+30°C
(+68 °Fto+86°F)
Output Zero
at +20 °Cto+30°C
(+68 °Fto+86°F)
Rise Time (probe only)
at +20 °Cto+30°C
(+68 °Fto+86°F)
P6243 Service Manual
>1.0 GHz
10:1 ±2%
±10 mV or less at output of probe
±100 mV or less displayed on screen with
TEKPROBE interface
<350 ps
1
Specifications
Table 2: Typical Electrical Characteristics
Frequency Response (probe only)SeeFigure1
Linear Input Dynamic Range-- 8 V t o + 8 V .
(Equivalent to -- 0.8 V to + 0.8 V
at the output of the probe)
Linearity 4% or less of dynamic range
Linearity Error vs. V
Input Resistance
IN
SeeFigure2
1MΩ at DC. (See Figure 3)
Input Capacitance<1.0 pF
Non-Destructive Input Voltage Range
-- 15 V to + 15 V (DC + peak AC)
(See Figure 4 on page 6)
DC Offset Drift
100 V/°C or less at output of probe
1mV/°C or less displayed on screen with
TEKPROBE interface
Figure 4: Typical Non-Destructive Peak Voltage Derating vs. Frequency
6
P6243 Service Manual
Table 3: Physical Characteristics
Net Weight63.8 g (2.25 ounces)
Cable Length1.3 meter (4.3 ft)
Table 4: Environmental Characteristics
Operating Temperature0 °Cto+50°C
(+32 °F to +122 °F)
The environmental exposure is the procedure stated
in Tektronix Design Standard 062--2847--00 for
Class 5 equipment
Non-operating Temperature-- 4 0 °Cto+71°C
(-- 40 °F to + 160 °F)
The environmental exposure is the procedure stated
in Tektronix Design Standard 062--2847--00 for
Class 5 equipment
Specifications
HumidityThe environmental exposure is the procedure stated
in Tektronix Design Standard 062--2847--00 for
Class 5 equipment
Packaged Product Vibration and
Shock
AltitudeOperating: 4,572 m (15,000 ft)
The packaged product qualifies under the Distribution
Cycle 1 Assurance Level II for packaged products
0 -- 20 lbs. Test 2 for Warehouse and Vehicle Stacking
(Compression) is omitted
Tektronix standard 062--2858--00, Rev. B, Class 5
Non--Operating: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
P6243 Service Manual
7
Specifications
8
P6243 Service Manual
Operating Basics
Please follow these operating guidelines to get optimum performance
from your P6243 Active Probe.
Maximum Non-destructive Input Voltage
The P6243 Active Probe is electrically protected against static
voltage; however, applying voltages above its design limits may
damage the probe tip amplifier. Please refer to the Specifications
section of this manual for the maximum non-destructive input
voltage and frequency derating information.
Input Linear Dynamic Range
The probe head amplifier used by t he P6243 Active Probe has a
limited linear operating range. To keep the input linearity error less
than 4% you must limit the signal input voltage to ±8V(DC+
peak AC).
NOTE. The probe can tolerate input voltages of ±15 V without
damage; however, the linearity error specification does not apply to
input voltages exceeding ±8 V (DC + peak AC).
P6243 Service Manual
9
Theory of Operation
There are no user replaceable parts within the probe or the
compensation box; however, this theory of operation is provided to
assist you in isolating failures to either the probe or the host
oscilloscope. Refer to Figure 5 for a simplified schematic of the
probe.
Probe HeadCompensation BoxOscilloscope
Probe Tip
Probe-Tip
Amplifier
Probe
Cable
EEPROM
Signal Out
Probe ID Out
Clock In
+5 V
-- 5 V
Ground
TEKPROBE
Interface
Figure 5: P6243 Simplified Schematic Di agram
Probe Head and Cable Assembly
The probe head assembly contains an active amplifier circuit that
buffers and amplifies the input signal. T he amplifier receives power
from the compensation box assembly via the cable assembly. All
signal amplification and buffering is performed in the probe head
assembly. No further amplification takes place in the compensation
box.
10
P6243 Service Manual
Compensation Box
The compensation box contains the following circuits:
H Probe identification EEPROM
H TEKPROBE interface
Probe Identification EEPROM
The probe identification EEPROM is used t o configure the
oscilloscope to the probe. The EEPROM receives a clock input from
the oscilloscope, and information about the probe is passed to the
oscilloscope.
TEKPROBE™ Interface
The TEKPROBE interface provides a communication path between
the probe and the oscilloscope. Contact pins provide power, signal,
and data transfer for the probe identification EEPROM.
Figure 6 shows the TEKPROBE interface pin functions. Refer to the
service documentation of your oscilloscope for more detailed
specifications.
Theory of Operation
-- 5 V
Ground
Signal
Figure 6: TEKPROBE Interface
P6243 Service Manual
Data
Clock
+5 V
11
Performance Verif ication
This section contains the procedures for verifying the performance of
the P6243 Active Probe.
Equipment Required
Table 5: Equipment Required for Performance Verification
Performance
Item Description
OscilloscopeTEKPROBE interfaceTektronix TDS 744A
TEKPROBE Power SupplyTektronix 1103
DC Power Supply10.00 ±.01VDCat1mATektronix PS281
DC Voltmeter0.5% accuracy at 2 VDCTektronix CDM250
Feedthrough Termination
BNC to BNC coaxial cable
BNC to Banana adapterBNC Female to Dual
Requirement
50 Ω ± 0.50 Ω
50 Ω coaxial cable
Banana
Recommended Example
011-0129-00
012-1342-00
103-0090-00
Equipment Setup
1. Connect the probe to the oscilloscope.
2. Connect a Y-lead adapter with KlipChip adapters attached to the
P6243 probe head.
3. Turn on the oscilloscope and enable the channel.
4. Turn on the power supply and set to +2.00 VDC.
5. Turn on the 1103 power supply.
6. Allow 30 minutes for the equipment to warm up.
12
P6243 Service Manual
NOTE. If your oscilloscope has a probe calibration routine, run it
before making any of the following checks. Refer to the instruction
manual of the oscilloscope for more information.
Output Zero
Use this procedure to verify the output zero of the probe is within
specified limits.
1. Ground the probe tip by connecting the probe tip to the probe
ground socket. (Connecting the two KlipChip a dapters together is
recommended.)
2. Set the oscilloscope input coupling channel to ground and adjust
the vertical position to center screen.
3. Set the oscilloscope input coupling channel to DC and set the
vertical scale to 100 mV/division.
4. Measure the displayed DC level.
Performance Verification
The displayed DC level should be 0.00 V ±100 mV. (±10 mV when
measured directly without the probe atte nuation factor.)
DC Attenuation Accuracy
Use this procedure to verify the DC attenuation accuracy of the
probe. Before beginning, read the procedure through completely.
1. Connect the test equipment as shown in Figure 7.
2. Attach the probe to a TEKPROBE interface on the 1103 power
supply.
3. Set the 1103 offset VAR/0V to 0V.
4. Set the multimeter to read DC volts.
P6243 Service Manual
13
Performance Verification
5. Connect the probe tip and ground to the power supply using the
Y-lead and KlipChip adapters.
Digital Multimeter
1103
Power Supply
Power Supply
+
--
50 Ω Precision
BNC to Dual
Banana Adapter
Terminator
Figure 7: P6243 DC Attenuation Accuracy Setup
6. Set the power supply to +2.000 V. (This setting will be referred to
later on as Vmax).
7. Record the value measured by the multimeter as M1. (With the
10X attenuation of the probe, the voltage measured will be about
+0.200 V.)
8. Set the power supply to --2.000 V. (Thi s setting will be referred to
later on as Vmin).
9. Record the value measured by the multimeter as M2. (With the
10X attenuation of the probe, the voltage measured will be about
--0.200 V.)
--+
14
P6243 Service Manual
Performance Verification
NOTE. If you are unable to set the power supply precisely, record the
settings displayed on the power supply and determine the absolute
difference. |Vmax -- Vmin| = difference.
Divide the difference by 10 to account for the ideal attenuation
factor of the probe. For example, 0.42 is the difference between
+2.200 and --2.000, divided by 10. Use this calculated value in place
of the denominator of the formula that follows.
10. Determine the percent error by using the formula below:
%Error = [
The calculated error should be ≤2%.
NOTE. An unacceptable error value may result if a low tolerance
termination is substituted for the recommended termination.
M1 − M2
0.4
− 1] × 100%
P6243 Service Manual
15
Maintenance
This section details the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting
procedures for the P6243.
Replacing TEKPROBE™ Interface Pins
TEKPROBE interface pins can stick and fail to make contact after
time. Periodically check to see that each of the interface pins move
freely and fully extends out of the interface. If any pin fails to move
freely and fully extend, it should be replaced.
To remove a TEKPROBE i nterface pin, firmly grasp the pointed tip
with pliers and pull the pin out of the connector. See Figure 8.
No tools are required to install a replacement pin. Insert a new pin
into the connector socket as far as possible using finger pressure. If
necessary, seat the pin into the connector by pressing the ti p gently
but firmly against a hard surface, such as a wood block or table top.
16
Figure 8: Replacing TEKPROBE Interface Pins
P6243 Service Manual
Maintenance
Removing and Replacing the Compensation Box Covers
Follow these steps to open the compensation box.
1. Press the optiona l release tool pins into the compensation box
cover catches and gently lift the cover off a small distance. Refer
to Figure 9.
2. Hold the open edge apart, and use the tool to open the other side
of the compensation box.
3. With both sides of the box open, gently separate the two halve s of
the compensation box.
Figure 9: Removing the Compensation Box Covers
P6243 Service Manual
Cover
Catches
17
Maintenance
To replace the covers, follow these steps:
1. Align the TEKPROBE interface and the strain relief notches with
2. Press the cover catches in so that the cover can be lowered.
3. Slide the tab into the notch.
4. Firmly press the pieces together until the cover catches snap into
the tabs on the cover. Refer to Figure 10.
place.
Tab
18
Figure 10: Replacing the Compensation Box Cover
P6243 Service Manual
Maintenance
Removing and Replacing the TEKPROBE™ Interface Collar
To remove the TEKPROBE interface collar, firmly grasp the
compensation box body with one hand, and the TEKPROBE
interface collar with the other hand. Firmly pull the interface collar
off.
To replace the collar, first note the pin configuration on the
compensation box, and their holes in the interface collar. The group
of three pins fit through the smaller of the two holes in the interface
collar. See Figure 11.
Align the tab to the slot and gently press the two pieces together. See
Figure 11.
Once installed, the TEKPROBE collar should rotate freely to lock
and unlock.
Slot
Figure 11: Replacing the TEKPROBE Collar
P6243 Service Manual
Tab
19
Maintenance
Inspection and Cleaning
To prevent damage to probe materials, avoid using chemicals that
contain benzine, benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, or similar
solvents.
Do not immerse the probe or use abrasive cleaners.
Dirt may be removed with a soft cloth dampened with a mild
detergent and water solution, or isopropyl alcohol.
Replacement Parts
Refer to the Replaceable Parts section for a list of customer
replacement parts. Due to the sophisticated design of the P6243,
there are no user replaceable parts within the probe.
Preparation for Shipment
If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use the
following packaging guidelines:
20
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.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light packing
material.
4. Seal the carton with shipping tape.
P6243 Service Manual
Replaceable Parts
This section contains a list of the replaceable parts for the P6243
Active Probe. Use this list to identify and order replacement parts.
Parts Ordering Information
Replacement parts are available from or through your local
Tektronix, Inc. service center or representative.
Changes to Tektronix instruments are sometimes made to accommodate improved components as they become available and to give you
the benefit of the latest circuit improvements. Therefore, when
ordering parts, it is important to include the following information in
your order:
H Part number
H Instrument type or model number
H Instrument serial number
H Instrument modification number, if applicable
If a part you order has been replaced with a different or improved
part, your local Tektronix service center or representative will
contact you concerning any change in the part number.
P6243 Service Manual
21
Replaceable Parts
NOTE: Parts illustrated
with dashed lines are not
replaceable
22
3
3
2
1
Figure 12: P6243 Replaceable Parts
P6243 Service Manual
Replaceable Parts
Mfr. Part No.
Mfr.
Code
80009200-4276-00
12345 Name & Description
Qty
Serial No.
Effective Dscont
Part No.
Tektronix
P62431PROBE, FET ACT:>1.5 GHZ,10X,<1PF,TDS SERIES80009P6243