The servicing instructions are for use by qualified
personnel only. To avoid personal injury, do not
perform any servicing unless you are qualified to
do so. Refer to all safety summaries prior to
performing service.
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, TEK, and TekConnect are registered trademarks of
Tektronix, Inc.
WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If a
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.
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 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.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX 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.
This is the Instruction Manual for the P7350SMA differential probe.
This manual provides operating information, specifications,
performance verification procedures, and a replaceable parts list.
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.
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 from the circuit under test
before disconnecting 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.
The common terminal is at ground potential. Do not connect the
common terminal to elevated voltages.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. Do not operate this product with
covers or panels removed.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage
to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read
this Service Safety Summary and the General Safety Summary before
performing any service procedures.
Do Not Service Alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments
of this product unless another person capable of rendering first aid
and resuscitation is present.
The P7350SMA is a 5 GHz, active differential probe designed for
Serial Data Analysis (SDA) compliance testing and other applications that use differential serial busses in a 50 Ω signaling environ-
ment. The SMA input connectors each terminate with an internal
50 Ω resistor. Banana plug terminals on the probe head provide
inputs for a common-mode DC termination voltage. The probe
incorporates the high-performance TekConnect interface to
communicate with the host instrument.
Figure 1: P7350SMA differential probe
The probe is shipped with 50 Ω termination caps connected to the
SMA inputs. When you make single-ended measurements, leave one
of the termination caps on the unused input to provide a clean, 50 Ω
termination for the single-ended signal. When you are not using the
probe, leave both of the termination caps connected to protect the
SMA inputs from damage.
Table 1 shows the features and standard accessories of the
P7350SMA differential probe.
Table 1: P7350SMA features and standard accessories
Feature/AccessoryDescription
TekConnect interface. The TekConnect interface provides a
communication path between the probe and the oscilloscope.
Contact pins provide power, signal, offset, and probe characteristic data transfer.
The probe snaps into the oscilloscope when fully engaged. To
remove, grasp the compensation box, press the latch button, and
pull the probe out.
For more information, see page 9.
Input connections. The SMA terminals provide shielded,
low-noise connections to your circuit. Differential or single-ended
signals are buffered by the internal probe amplifier and are sent
through the TekConnect interface to the oscilloscope.
See Operating Basics on page 15 for more information.
External DC termination voltage connections. The red and
black banana jacks on the probe head provide a means for
connecting an external DC voltage to the internal termination
network, for drivers that require a DC termination voltage.
You should use shielded test cables when connecting external DC
voltages to these terminals. For example, use a coaxial BNC
cable and a BNC-to-dual banana plug adapter.
Caution: The internal termination resistors are rated for 500 mW.
To prevent exceeding these limits, see page 22 for information on
calculating power dissipation and other related topics.
Table 1: P7350SMA features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/AccessoryDescription
Male SMA termination (2 ea). Protect the probe input circuitry by
connecting the termination to the probe SMA input connector
when the probe is not in use. When making single-ended
measurements in a 50 Ω environment, use one of these
terminations on the unused input.
The probe is shipped with the terminations connected to the probe
SMA inputs.
Tektronix part number: 015-1022-01
Dual SMA cables. These 12-in cables are bound together and
have a skew of less than 10 ps. The cables provide matched
signal paths from your circuit to the probe to ensure more
accurate differential signal measurements.
Getting Started
Markers
Tektronix part number: 174-4866-XX
Dual banana shorting plug. Use the shorting plug when you are
calibrating the probe, or when you need to bring the commonmode node of the termination network to ground.
Tektronix part number: 012-1667-XX
Cable marker bands (10 ea). Attach matching pairs of the
marker bands onto the cable at both the head and compensation
box of each probe. The marker bands allow you to quickly verify
which instrument channel your probe is connected to when you
are using multiple channels.
Tektronix part number: 016-1886-XX (package of 10)
SMA Female-to-BNC Male adapter. Use the adapter to connect
the probe SMA inputs to BNC connections, such as the BNC
calibration output connector on your oscilloscope.
Table 1: P7350SMA features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/AccessoryDescription
Antistatic wrist strap. When using the probe, always work at an
antistatic work station and wear the antistatic wrist strap.
Tektronix part number: 006-3415-XX
Calibration certificate. A certificate of traceable calibration is
provided with every instrument shipped.
Instruction Manual. Provides instructions for operating and
maintaining the P7350SMA differential probe.
Tektronix part number: 071-1264-XX
Carrying case with inserts. The soft-sided nyloncarrying casehas
several compartments to hold the probe, accessories, and related
documentation. Use the case to store or transport the probe.
Table 2 shows the optional accessories that you can order for the
P7350SMA differential probe.
Table 2: Optional accessories
AccessoryDescription
BNC-to-dual banana plug adapter. Use these adapters with
BNC cables to provide a shielded path to the DC termination
voltage terminals on the probe.
Tektronix part number: 103-0090-XX
Getting Started
Phase adjuster. Use two phase adjusters if you need to bring the
skew between inputs to 1 ps or less when you use the
matched-delay SMA cables to connect to your circuit.
The matched-delay SMA cables that come with your probe have a
≤10 ps warranted skew at the cable ends.
Tektronix part number: 015-0708-XX
SMA Male-to-Male adapter. Use the adapter to connect the
probe SMA inputs to other SMA female connections, such as
those on your test fixture or sampling head. See Figure 24 on
page 49 for SMA connector spacing dimensions.
Tektronix part number: 015-1011-XX
TekConnect interface calibration adapter. The calibration
adapter is required when a performance verification or adjustment
is done on the probe. It provides connectors and test points for
internal probe measurements.
The P7350SMA probe has two pairs of inputs, shown in Figure 2 on
page 8:
HThe SMA connectors provide a signal path through the internal
50 Ω termination network to the oscilloscope.
Use the matched-delay SMA cables that are supplied with the
probe to connect the probe to your circuit.
You can mate the probe directly to your circuit if your connector
layout matches those on the probe. See Specifications on page 43
for the dimensions, and use the optional SMA Male-to-Male
adapters.
Leave the 50 Ω termination caps on the unused inputs.
Getting Started
HBanana jacks are provided for external DC termination voltages,
which expand the measurement capabilities of your probe. The
center-tap (common-mode node) of the internal 50 Ω termination
network is connected to the red banana-jack terminal on the
probe head. The black banana-jack terminal is connected to
system ground.
CAUTION. The input termination resistors have a thermal power
rating of 0.5 W and are subject to damage if an excessive DC plus
AC rms signal is applied. To prevent damaging the probe, see
page 22 for instructions on calculating the termination resistor
power.
Generally, if you are taking differential measurements on
complementary signals, you should leave the DC terminals open.
Short the DC terminals together with the banana-plug shorting
strap when you are making lower speed, single-ended measure-
ments. A low impedance connection from the DC termination
voltage input to ground is required when measuring single-ended
signals with frequency content below 7 MHz.
If the signal driver requires you to sink or source DC current, use
the DC terminals to bring in an external termination voltage.
Mounting holes are provided on the bottom of the probe head to
secure the probe to your test fixture or device under test. See
Specifications on page 43 for the mounting hole dimensions and
locations.
The P7350SMA probe is powered through a TekConnect interface
between the probe compensation box and the host instrument. The
TekConnect interface provides a communication path through
contact pins on the host instrument. Power, signal, offset, and probe
characteristic data transfer through the interface.
When the probe is connected, the host instrument reads EEPROM
information from the probe, identifying the device and allowing the
appropriate power supplies to be turned on. The preamp inputs on the
host instrument are ESD protected by remaining grounded until a
valid TekConnect device is detected.
The TekConnect interface features a spring-loaded latch t hat
provides audible and tactile confirmation that a reliable connection
has been made to the host instrument. Slide the probe into the
TekConnect receptacle on the host instrument. The probe snaps into
the receptacle when fully engaged. See Figure 3.
Getting Started
To release the probe from the host instrument, grasp the compensation box, press the latch button, and pull out the probe.
Before using your probe, you should perform a functional check on
your probe. Figure 4 illustrates a typical setup using the PROBE
COMPENSATION output on the front panel of the oscilloscope.
Probe Compensation
TDS7404 Oscilloscope
output
BNC-SMA
adapter
SMA cable
Reverse c onnections
to check (+ ) input
Shorting strap
50 Ω
Termination
Figure 4: Probe signal check setup
Signal Check
1. Connect the probe to one of the oscilloscope channels, and set the
oscilloscope to display the channel. Allow the probe and
oscilloscope to warm up for at least 20 minutes.
10
2. Connect the BNC--SMA adapter (included with your probe) to the
PROBE COMPENSATION connector on the oscilloscope.
3. Connect an SMA cable between the adapter and the (--) SMA
probe input. (You can use one cable of the matched-delay cable
set included with your probe.)
12. Press Autoset or adjust the oscilloscope to center the trace.
13. Set the oscilloscope volts/division to 200 mV.
14. Adjust the power supply between approximately +1.0 V and
--1.0 V. The trace of a functional probe will vary between
approximately +0.5 V and --0.5 V (about 5 divisions).
15. Move the 50 Ω SMA termination to the (+) SMA probe input.
16. Adjust the power supply between approximately +1.0 V and
--1.0 V. The trace of a functional probe will vary inversely
(between approximately --0.5 V and +0.5 V, about 5 divisions).
12
This completes the functional check of the probe. If your instrument
supports probe calibration routines, now is a good time to perform
them. See Probe Calibration on page 13 for instructions.
After you perform a functional check of the probe, you should run a
probe calibration routine. The Calibration Status of the instrument
Signal Path Compensation test must be pass for the probe calibration
routine to run:
1. From the Utilities menu, select Instrument Calibration.
2. In the Calibration box, check that the Status field is pass.Ifitis
not, disconnect all probes and signal sources from the oscillo-
scope, and run the Signal Path Compensation routine.
When the Signal Path Compensation test status is pass, run the probe
calibration routine:
3. Connect the probe to one of the oscilloscope channels, and set the
oscilloscope to display the channel. Allow the probe to warm up
for 20 minutes.
Getting Started
4. Connect the SMA cable from the PROBE COMPENSATION
connector on the oscilloscope to the (+) SMA probe input. Leave
a50Ω termination on the (--) SMA probe input. The test setup is
shown in Figure 4 on page 10, except the SMA inputs are
reversed.
5. Connect the shorting strap or test lead to the two DC termination
inputs on the probe. The DC termination voltage banana plug
input must be shorted to the banana plug ground input because
the single-ended Probe Compensation signal is a variable DC
voltage.
6. From the Vertical menu, select Probe Cal.
7. Press or click Calibrate probe.
After the probe passes the functional checks and probe calibration
routine, you can use the probe in your measurement system.
You should read the Operating Basics section to familiarize yourself
with related probe functions and capabilities. Important topics
include the Probe Termination Network, Matched-Delay Cables,and
the DC Termination Voltage Terminals.
You can use the probe to make both single-ended and differential
measurements. Figure 6 illustrates some typical probe applications
and configurations. See Operating Basics for details on using the
probe.
Differential with DC terminals open
Complementary differential signal
Differential with external DC bias applied to terminals
To DC supply
BNC--to-Banana adapter
and BNC Cable
V
cm
V=cmVor
bias
Single-ended with DC terminals shorted
Shorting plug
Termination
V
termination
GND or
V<5.0V
cm
14
Figure 6: Typical probe applications and configurations
This section discusses the probe architecture and operating
considerations. For more detailed information about differential
measurements and common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR), see the
Reference sectiononpage39.
Input Circuitry
The SMA inputs and probe termination network provide a hi g h
frequency, 50 Ω signal path to the internal probe amplifier. The use
of SMA-female connectors provides a reliable, repeatable attachment
method for input signals. The symmetry of the input termination
network is designed to reduce skew and maximize CMRR.
The DC input to the probe termination network provides flexibility
for input signals that have a significant DC component. A simplified
schematic of the probe is shown in Figure 7.
The P7350SMA probe can be used to make both differential and
common mode measurements, taking into consideration the
characteristics of the probe termination network. A discussion of the
probe termination network follows.
Differential Signals
For a differential input signal with a purely complementary drive
(like the differential signals shown in Figure 6 on page 14), the AC
components of the signal effectively term inate at the common mode
node of the probe termination network. Due to symmetry of the
termination network, the common mode node between the 50 Ω
termination resistors acts like a virtual ground for broadband signals
with a complementary drive and matched source impedance.
Any DC common mode component of the input signal will result in a
DC voltage at the common mode node of the termination network,
which will generally not be seen in the probe output display due to
the large DC CMRR of the probe amplifier. The DC input connect ion
to the probe termination network can be set using an external DC
power supply. The DC input can be set to match the input common
mode node voltage or to some other value if the input signal drive
circuitry requires a DC termination voltage for correct operation.
Imbalance in either the signal drive or the signal connection path
generates an AC common mode component in the differential input
signal. The probe termination network provides capacitance at the
common mode node to terminate high-frequency common mode
signals. The common mode capacitance of approximately 0.022 µF
holds the common mode node impedance below one ohm, down to a
breakpoint frequency of about 7 MHz.
If the DC input connector of the probe is also driven from a low
impedance DC source, this common mode node impedance can be
kept small all the way down to DC.
16
The AC common mode component of the input signal will also be
significantly reduced in the displayed probe output signal due to the
AC CMRR of the probe amplifier, which varies with frequency. See
Figure 21 on page 46.
For a single-ended input signal, or where common mode measurements are required for each side of a differential input signal, the
single-ended input should be connected to the IN+ connector of the
probe. For single-ended measurements, the unused IN-- connector of
the probe should be terminated with an impedance that matches the
single-ended source impedance. In the case of high-speed serial data
signals, for which the P7350SMA probe has been optimized, the
source impedance will generally be 50 Ω,soa50Ω termination
resistor should be attached to the unused IN-- connector.
With a 50 Ω single-ended drive signal on the IN+ connector, and a
50 Ω termination on the IN-- connector, the probe termination
network provides a broadband termination to the single-ended input
and has flat pulse response, even with the probe DC input port not
connected. This topology, shown in Figure 8, looks similar to the
previous differential input configuration, but with one side of the
complementary drive signal set to zero. The resulting AC output
signal should have one half the amplitude of a similar differential
measurement. This single--ended topology also results in a
measurable DC common mode component, since the DC common
mode signal is converted to a differential mode signal by the input
termination network topology.
If a single-ended measurement is attempted with both the IN-connector and the DC input connector open, an erroneous output
signal may result. In the case of a high data rate, single-ended pulse
source with a 50 Ω output impedance, the resulting probe output will
appear correctly because the common mode capacitance terminates a
high data rate signal.
For lower data rate signals, however, the common mode capacitance
has time to charge through the source and termi nation resistors and
produces a waveshape as shown in Figure 9. The data rate determines the actual waveshape. Note that charging of the common
mode capacitance results in a differentiated output waveshape. For
this reason, the unused SMA input should always be terminated with
a matched source termination for single-ended measurements.
V
In
V+
V--
Displayed
Vout
V
p
O
V
p
V
p
/2
O
V
V
p
O
V
p
/2
18
Figure 9: Resultant waveform from an unterminated input
The time constant of the charging waveshape is about 2 s, which
results from the RC time constant of the termination network
common mode node capacitance and the source and termina tion
resistance. With both the IN-- and DC ports of the probe open, a
pulse edge transition at the IN+ connector begins charging the
termination network common mode node capacitance through the
source and termination resistance. The differentiated output
waveshape results from the instantaneous charging current change
across the IN+ termination resistor due to a pulse edge transition,
followed by the exponential decrease in this charging current as the
common mode node capacitance charges.
Matched-Delay Cables
A set of matched-delay cables is included as a standard accessory for
the P7350SMA probe. The cable set provides matched signal paths
for the signals to be measured, from the circuit SMA connectors to
the probe SMA inputs. Accurate measurement of high-speed
differential signals can be affected by a variety of different factors,
one of which is matched signal paths. Excessive signal delay
mismatch between the two signal paths of a high-speed serial data
differential signal can result in increasing signal rise time error, until
finally, a badly distorted waveform is seen.
Operating Basics
The effect of delay mismatch on measured rise time is dependent on
both the rise time of the signal source and the specified rise time of
the probe used to take the measurement. As can be seen from the rise
time data in Table 3 on page 20, for a skew of less than 10 ps, the
measured rise time is within a few picoseconds of the minimum rise
time for zero skew. Although measurement rise time is not the only
signal characteristic affected by signal skew, a skew of less than
10 ps should be acceptable for many serial data compliance tests.
The matched-delay cables provided with the probe are specified with
a skew of less than 10 ps.
If tighter skew is required for a differential measurement application,
manual deskew of the matched cable set is possible with a set of
optional phase adjusters. See Adjusting Cable Skew on page 33.
Table 3 shows the effect of delay mismatch on the measured rise
time of the probe, when driven by a 30 ps rise time TDR pulse
source.
The P7350SMA probe provides a common mode DC voltage input to
the termination network, which includes internal filtering to reduce
noise. You can adjust your DC termination voltage within ±5 volts of
either signal input.
The P7350SMA probe has been designed for compliance testing of
high-speed, serial data standards such as PCI Express, InfiniBand,
SerialATA, XAUI, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and others. All
of these high--speed, differential data signals have both common
mode and differential mode voltages less than 2 volts. Signal
voltages this small will result in termination resistor power
dissipation much less than the 0.5 W limit specified for the
P7350SMA probe.
Operating Basics
CAUTION. The input termination resistors have a thermal power
rating of 0.5 W and are subject to damage if an excessive DC plus
AC rms signal is applied. To prevent damaging the probe, see
page 22 for instructions on calculating the termination resistor
power if you intend to measure signals that exceed the voltage levels
of the data standards discussed above.
The P7350SMA probe can be used to measure differential and
single-ended signals with the DC termination voltage input open as
long as the SMA inputs are driven or terminated with matched
source impedances. Operating the P7350SMA probe with the DC
termination voltage input open will, in general, reduce the termination resistor power dissipation.
The DC termination voltage input has been included for flexibility in
applications where a common mode pullup or pulldown voltage is
required, such as ECL or CML logic signals. The termination resistor
power dissipation warning and power dissipation equations are
provided for use in exceptional applications where higher vol tages
are present and may cause damage if misapplied.
If you intend to measure signals that exceed the voltage levels of the
data standards discussed above, see Calculating DC Termination
Resistor Power and Equations to cal culate the power that you will
apply to the termination resistors.
NOTE. For many high-speed serial data applications, the probe can
be operated with the V
The red (+) and black (--) terminals on the probe head accept
standard banana plugs on 0.75-inch centers. It is recommended that
all cabling to these banana plugs be made with shielded cables to
help prevent noise from affecting your measurement. Dual banana
plug-to-BNC adapters and coaxial BNC cables make shielded DC
port connections simple. The black terminal is ground and is
connected to the outer case of the shielded module that holds the
SMA input terminals.
terminal open.
T
Depending on the measurement application, the DC port can be
driven with an externally applied DC voltage, shorted to ground with
the banana plug shorting strap that is included with the probe, or left
open and unconnected.
If the DC port is not needed to supply a DC termination voltage, it
can be used to measure the common mode voltage of an input
differential signal with a DMM.
Calculating DC Termination Resistor Power
The maximum power that the termination resistors in the probe can
dissipate is 0.5 watt each. To avoid exceeding these limits, before
you take measurements, you should consider the power that your
system will impose on the termination network. The power that the
termination resistors see may be comprised of not only the AC
signal, but also any DC component of the waveform.
The power also depends on how you use the DC termination inputs.
The DC termination inputs may be left open, shorted together, or an
external DC voltage may be applied. If the DC termination input is
left open, then there is no DC power dissipated in the termination
resistors. When the DC termination input is shorted to ground or
driven by an external DC power supply, the DC power dissipation is
often the dominant component to the termination resistor power
dissipation.
Use the following examples to help you operate the probe safely.
DC Voltage Applied to SMA Inputs with the DC Termination Voltage
Input Grounded
Figure 11 on page 23 illustrates an example of the maximum
allowable power being dissipated by the internal termination
resistors. This example is simplified by considering the DC
component only, and shorting the DC termination input to ground.
The maximum DC voltage that you can safely apply to the SMA
inputs is derived from the given parameters--the 50 Ω and 0.5 watt
maximum power that each termination resistor is rated for:
Vin= PR
Note that in this case, a DC current of 100 mA flows through each resistor.
Complementary Input Signal with the DC Termination Voltage Input
Open
Consider the single-ended signals shown in Figure 12a on page 24.
Each signal is varying by 0.5 volt symmetrically around 0.75 volt.
These signals are applied to the probe model as shown in Figure 12b.
It should be noted that the input signal model has been simplified by
removing any source impedance. A more realistic input signal model
would typically include a 50 Ω source impedance and would require
adjustment of the voltage sources to give the equivalent signal at the
(In+) and (In--) probe inputs.
The terms used in this discussion are defined as follows:
V
+ V
VDM= V+− V
Termination terminal voltageV
=
T
−
VCM=
+
−
2
Using these terms, the measured peak-to-peak differential voltage,
(V
and negative about ground with an amplitude of V
), = 2 VDM, since the differential output voltage swings positive
Diff
.
DM
For this example,
VDM= 1.00 V − 0.50V
= 0.50 V
= 0.75 V
V
T
(The DC termination terminal is open in this example,
so this node is at the common mode voltage.)
VCM=
1.00V + 0.50 V
2
= 0.75 V
The switching signal potential across the two termination
resistors (100 Ω in series) is the differential mode voltage,
0.5 volt, which equates to 5 mA of current flow. This differential
mode current flows alternately one direction and then the other,
around the termination network loop as the differential mode
voltage switches polarity. Common-mode current only flows
initially as the capacitance at the V
node charges to the common
T
mode voltage.
The total power dissipated is the product of the 5 mA of circuit
current and the 0.5 volt drop across both resistors. The result is
2.5 mW of total AC power, or 1.25 mW for each resistor. In this
example, with the DC termination terminal open, there is no DC
power dissipated by the termination network.
Complementary Input Signal with the DC Termination Voltage Input
Shorted (Grounded)
In Figure 13, the same signals as in the previous example are used,
but here, the DC termination input is shorted to ground. Each signal
is still varying by 0.5 volt symmetrically around 0.75 volt, but now
the signals have a path for DC current flow through the two
termination resistors to ground.
1.00 V
0.75 V
+In
(V+)
0.50 V
(V--)
-- I n
a) Single-ended signals
+
V
DM
0.75 V
+
V
CM
--
--
+
V
DM
--
1.00 V to 0.50 V
0.50 V to 1.00 V
50 Ω
0V
50 Ω
V
T
b) Probe model
Figure 13: Example of probe with DC input shorted to ground
The voltage swing across the 50 Ω termination resistors is still
0.5 volt and 1.0 volt, but now the DC termination terminal is
grounded. The resultant current flow of 10 mA and 20 mA,
respectively, through the two 50 Ω termination resistors yields a
total of 25 mW of power:
(10 mA)2(50 Ω) + (20 mA)2(50 Ω) = 25 mW
Because of the symmetry of the circuit and the i nput signal, the
power dissipation in each termination resistor is 12.5 mW.
The termination resistor power can also be calculated by
separately calculating the DC common mode power and the AC
power.
The common mode voltage, 0.75 volt, is seen across both 50 Ω
termination resistors, so each side of the circuit has 15 mA of
current flow. The power is then calculated by multiplying the
15 mA by the 0.75 volt, resulting in 11.25 mW of DC power
dissipated by each resistor. The AC power from the 5 mA
circulating current calculated in the previous example is
1.25 mW per resistor.
Total power dissipation of each resistor in this example is
12.5 mW, derived from 11.25 mW DC, plus 1.25 mW AC, which
is well under the 500 mW maximum.
As can be seen by the two previous examples, grounding the DC
termination input increased the DC power dissipation of the
termination resistors to nearly ten times that of the AC power, by
providing a path to ground for the DC common mode voltage.
Note also that if the DC termination input had been driven with a DC
voltage that matched the input V
value, then there is no DC power
CM
dissipated.
Another way to eliminate the DC power dissipation in cases where
the signal is DC balanced is by using SMA DC blocks.
The formulas for calculating the power dissipation of the 50 Ω
termination resistors with a DC-balanced signal like that modeled in
the previous two examples follows:
DC power =
AC power =
VCM− V
Ꮑ
V
DM(p−p)
Ꮑ
50
100
T
Ꮖ
(VCM− VT) per side
V
DM(p−p)
ᏆᏁ
Ꮖ
2
per side
The signal source model defined for these equations is as follows:
V+and V−=
V+= VCM+ V
Single-ended signals i nto a 50 Ω load
V
= VCM− V
DM
−
DM
This results in the terms to be used in the power equations above:
VCM=
+ V
V
+
−
2
V
=
DM
− V
V
+
−
2
28
VT= Termination input voltage
Note: With a balanced DC signal, in the equations above,
V
is half of the value of a conventional differential signal.
The P7350SMA differential probe is designed to measure high
frequency, low-voltage circuits. Before connecting the probe to your
circuit, take into account the limits for maximum input voltage, the
common-mode signal range, and the differential-mode signal range.
For specific limits of these parameters, see Specifications on
page 43.
Maximum Input Voltage
The maximum input voltage is the maximum voltage to ground that
the inputs can withstand without damaging the probe input circuitry.
CAUTION. To avoid damaging the inputs of the P7350SMA differential probe, do not apply more than ±15 V (DC + peak AC) between
each input and ground.
Operating Basics
Note that the 0.5 W power dissipation of the termination resistor
must also be considered when the DC termination input is driven and
may further limit the maximum allowable signal input voltage.
Common-Mode Signal Range
The common-mode signal range is the maximum voltage that you
can apply to each input, with respect to earth ground, without
saturating the input circuitry of the probe. A common-mode voltage
that exceeds the common-mode signal range may produce an
erroneous output waveform even when the differential-mode
specification is met.
Differential-Mode Signal Range
The differential-mode signal range is the maximum voltage
difference between the plus and minus inputs that the probe can
accept without distorting the signal. The distortion from a voltage
that is too large can result in a clipped or otherwise distorted and
inaccurate measurement.
The differential offset is used primarily in single-ended measurements made with the probe. A single-ended measurement is made
with a differential probe by grounding the probe (--) input pin. If a
single--ended DC common mode voltage is present at the probe
(+) input pin, it is effectively converted to a DC differential mode
voltage. This DC differential mode voltage can be nulled out using
the differential offset control, if it is within the 1.25 V differential
offset range. By nulling out this DC differential mode voltage, the
dynamic range window of the probe is effectively expanded,
although the 2.5 V differential signal range limit still applies within
the expanded dynamic range window.
As shown in the simplified block diagram in Figure 14, the DC offset
signal from the oscilloscope is buffered by a single-ended amplifier
in the compensation box of the probe and passed to the offset input
of the probe head amplifier. The probe head amplifier then converts
the single-ended offset signal to a complementary differential offset
signal that drives the ends of the input attenuator. The differential
offset signal effectively cancels out differential DC voltages applied
to the P7350SMA input pins.
The common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) is the ability of a probe
to reject signals that are common to both inputs. More precisely,
CMRR is the ratio of the differential gain to the common-mode gain.
The higher the ratio, the greater the ability to reject common-mode
signals. For additional information about CMRR, see page 40.
Input Impedance and Probe Loading
Each input of the P7350SMA differential probe has an input
impedance of 50 Ω. See Figure 15.
+ Input
50 Ω
DC IN
GND
-- Input
50 Ω
Figure 15: Typical probe input model
The lower the impedance of the probe relative to that of the source,
the more the probe loads the circuit under test and reduces the signal
amplitude. With an input impedance of 50 Ω, the P7350SMA probe
is designed for use with 50 Ω systems. The broadband quality of the
P7350SMA probe 50 Ω inputs is specified with the differential input
return loss specification. For specific limits of these parameters, see
Specifications on page 43.
The time-delay difference (skew) between the two SMA i nput
terminals of the probe is typically less than 1 ps. If you use the
matched-delay SMA cable pair supplied with the probe, the
guaranteed skew between the cable pair is 10 ps or less. You can
bring the skew to within 1 ps with the cables by using a pair of phase
adjusters (see Optional Accessories on page 5).
The skew specification of the probe is guaranteed by design and
somewhat difficult to measure. The skew of the matched-delay cable
pair is guaranteed to be 10 ps or less, but may be much better than
the guaranteed limit.
You can measure the skew of the cable pair by connecting the cables
to a Tektronix 80E04 Sampling Head, configured for a TDR output.
Figure 16 on page 33 shows a setup for checking the skew.
1. Turn on the equipment and let it warm up for 20 minutes. Do not
connect the cables to the sampling head yet.
2. Do a system compensation for the TDR module, and then verify
the skew of the two outputs with the TDR outputs open, using a
common-mode TDR drive.
Skew between the two outputs can be compensated with the TDR
module deskew control. Refer to your sampling head or
oscilloscope manual for instructions.
3. Connect the matched cable pair to the TDR outputs, as shown in
4. The measured skew should be less than 10 ps. Adjust the
horizontal scale to locate the pulse (to account for the 1.45 ns of
cable delay). If you use the system cursors, be aware that the
displayed time is the round trip time (step and reflection). You
need to divide the displayed time difference by 2 to derive the
actual skew.
If you need the skew to be less than 10 ps, see Adjusting Cable Skew.
Adjusting Cable Skew
If you want to minimize the skew introduced by the cables, you can
use a pair of phase adjusters (see Optional Accessories on page 5) to
bring the skew to within 1 ps. The phase adjusters have male and
female SMA connectors to simplify connections to your measurement system.
You must add a phase adjuster on each cable to balance the delay and
insertion loss introduced by the phase adjuster. You only adjust (add
delay to) the phase adjuster on the cable with the shorter delay.
The following instructions assume that you have performed
Checking the Skew Between Inputs. (The cables may already have
only a few picoseconds of skew, making adjustments unnecessary.) If
you have determined that you need to adjust the skew from <10 ps to
<1 ps, do the remaining steps:
You can measure the skew between two P7350SMA probes by using
a Tektronix 80E04 Sampling Head configured for a TDR output.
Because the skew of the P7350SMA probe inputs is less t han 1 ps,
two P7350SMA probes can be deskewed using single-ended drive
signals from a dual-channel TDR source. The TDR output provides a
pair of time-aligned pulses that you can use to compare probe
response times, and if necessary, adjust them to match (deskew).
Figure 18 on page 36 shows a setup for checking and deskewing two
probes. Deskewing aligns the time delay of the signal path through
the oscilloscope channel and probe connected to that cha nnel, to the
time delay of other channel/probe pairs of the oscilloscope.
If you need to deskew more than two probes, keep one deskewed
probe connected to the sampling head as a reference (after
deskewing two probes), and deskew additional probes to that probe.
In this procedure, Channel 1 is used as the reference channel.
Operating Basics
1. Set up the equipment as shown in Figure 18 and let it warm up
for 20 minutes, but don’t make any connections to the TDR
outputs yet.
2. Do a system compensation for the TDR module, and then verify
the skew of the two outputs with the TDR outputs open, using a
common-mode TDR drive.
Skew between the two outputs can be compensated with the
deskew control. Refer to your sampling head or oscilloscope
manual for instructions.
3. Attach the probes to the TDR outputs as shown in Figure 18.
you can use the measurement cursors to display the channel-channel skew, and input this value in step 14.
11. Touch the VERT button or use the Ve rti c al menu to display the
vertical control window.
12. Touch the Probe Deskew button to display the cha nnel-deskew
control window.
13. In the Channel box, selec t the channel that you want to deskew
to Channel 1.
NOTE. If possible, do the next step at a signal amplitude within the
same attenuator range (vertical scale) as your planned signal
measurements. Any change to the vertical scale after deskew is
complete may introduce a new attenuation level (you can generally
hear attenuator settings change) and, therefore, a slightly different
signal path. This different path may cause up to a 200 ps variation in
timing accuracy between channels.
14. Adjust the deskew time for that channel so that the signal aligns
with that of Channel 1. You can do this several ways: Click on
the Deskew field and input the time value you measured with the
cursors in step 10, or you can use the front-panel or on-screen
controls to position the signal.
15. Repeat steps 3 through 14 for each additional channel that you
This section contains important reference information about
differential measurements and how to increase the accuracy of your
measurements.
Differential Measurements
Devices designed to make differential measurements avoid the
problems posed by single-ended systems. These devices incl ude a
variety of differential probes, differential amplifiers, and isolators.
The differential amplifier (see Figure 19) is at the heart of any device
or system designed to make differential measurements. Ideally, the
differential amplifier rejects any voltage that is common to the inputs
and amplifies any difference between the inputs. Voltage that is
common to both inputs is often referred to as the Common-Mode
Voltage (V
Voltage (V
) and voltage that is different as the Differential-Mode
CM
).
DM
+
V
DM
--
+
V
CM
--
+
V
DM
--
V=
2A
o
DMVDM
Figure 19: Simplified model of a differential amplifier
In reality, differential amplifiers cannot re ject all of the commonmode signal. The ability of a differential amplifier to reject the
common-mode signal is expressed as the Common-Mode Rejection
Ratio (CMRR). The CMRR is the differential-mode gain (A
divided by the common-mode gain (A
). It is expressed either as a
CM
DM
)
ratio or in dB.
A
DM
A
CM
CMRR =
A
DM
dB = 20 log
A
CM
CMRR generally is highest (best) at DC and degrades with
increasing frequency.
Figure 21 on page 46 shows the CMRR of the P7350SMA differential probe. This derating chart assumes a common-mode signal that is
sinusoidal. The lower the input impedance of the probe relative to
the source impedance, the lower the CMRR. Significant differences
in the source impedance driving the two inputs will also lower the
CMRR.
At times it may be necessary to extend the probe inputs with cables
that are longer than the standard 12 inch cables. The 12 inch cables
are precision-matched to minimize time-delay differences (skew). If
you substitute cables, you should use low-loss, flexible cables and
keep the lengths matched and as short as possible to minimize skew
and optimize common-mode rejection. Check the skew between the
cables, and if necessary, use the optional phase adjusters to minimize
the skew.
Extending the input leads will also increase the skin loss and
dielectric loss, which may result i n distorted high-frequency pulse
edges. You should take into account any effects caused by the
extended leads when you take a measurement.
A number of high-speed serial data communication standards have
been introduced to address the need for next generation I/O
connectivity. One of these interface standards, Infiniband, is briefly
discussed here.
An Infiniband communication lane includes two independent
differential signaling paths, one for transmit and one for receive,
both operating at a 2.5 Gb/s rate. As shown in the Figure 20
example, the differential output parameter is specified as a
peak-to-peak voltage difference, and thus the signal swing on each
pin of the driver is half that value.
The V
probe connected between the two signals in Figure 20a. The V
signal shown in Figure 20b is measured with a differential
diff
diff
signal represents the result of the receiver processing the two
complementary input signals from the driver shown in Figure 20a,
and cannot be measured directly as a single--ended signal.
The specifications in Tables 4 through 6 apply to a P7350SMA probe
installed on a TDS6604 oscilloscope. The probe 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 4. Specifications for the
P7350SMA differential probe fall into three categories: warranted,
typical, and nominal characteristics.
Warranted Characteristics
Warranted characteristics (Table 4) describe guaranteed performance
within tolerance limits or certain type-tested requirements.
Warranted characteristics that have checks in the PerformanceVerification section are marked with the n symbol.
Table 4: Warranted electrical characteristics
Characteristic
n Differential rise time, 10--90%
(probe only)
n DC gain
n Output offset voltage±10 mV +20 _Cto+30_C(+68_Fto+86_F)
Figure 21 shows the typical common-mode and differential gain of
the probe. The CMRR can be found by subtracting the commonmode gain from the differential gain. For example, --80 dB CM gain
equals approximately +67 dB CMRR.
0dB
-- 1 0
-- 2 0
-- 3 0
Differential Mode Gain
-- 4 0
-- 5 0
-- 6 0
-- 7 0
-- 8 0
-- 9 0
100 kHz
CMRR
1 MHz100 MHz
10 MHz
Frequency
Common Mode Gain
Figure 21: Typical common- and differential-mode gain plots
Use the following procedures to verify specifications of the probe.
Before beginning these procedures, refer to page 65 and photocopy
the test record, and use it to record the performance test results. The
recommended calibration interval is one year.
These procedures test the following specifications:
HDifferential mode input resistance
HOutput offset zero
HDC gain accuracy
HRise time --differential mode
Equipment Required
Refer to Table 8 for a list of the equipment required to verify the
performance of your probe.
Table 8: Equipment required for performance verification
Item descriptionPerformance requirementRecommended example
Some of the adapters listed in Table 8 are available only from
Tektronix. These adapters are described on the following pages.
TekConnect-to-SMA Adapter
The TekConnect-to-SMA Adapter, Tektronix part number TCASMA, allows signals from an SMA cable or probe to be connected to
a TekConnect input. See Figure 25. Connect and disconnect the
adapter the same way as you do the probe.
This adapter is an oscilloscope accessory that may be used for
measurement applications, as well as these performance verification
procedures.
The TekConnect Interface Calibration Adapter, Tektronix part
number 067-0422-00, is shown in Figure 26 on page 54. The adapter
connects between the host instrument and the probe under test a nd
provides connectors for internal probe measurements. This adapter is
an optional accessory that is only used for probe calibration
procedures.
When the adapter is connected to the oscilloscope, the adapter is
identified as a valid calibration device. However, additional power
supplies necessary to power the probe are not enabled until a
TekConnect probe is connected to the adapter and identifie d by the
oscilloscope. When a probe is detected through the adapter, the
Volts/div readout on the oscilloscope displays ##.
Refer to Table 9 on page 55 for detailed features of the calibration
adapter.
Table 9: TekConnect Interface Calibration Adapter features
FeatureDescription
GND
VAR
Latch button
Latch
Offset
GND/Variable
Offset voltage
output
Signal out
Latch button. The spring-loaded latch
mechanically retains the adapter to the oscilloscope. To release the adapter, grasp the adapter
housing, depress the latch button, and pull the
adapter straight out of the oscilloscope.
Offset output select switch. The offset output
switch selects between ground and the offset
voltage level from the oscilloscope.
Leave the switch in the ground position for the
performance verification procedures. The variable
position is only used in the adjustment procedures.
Offset voltage. The offset voltage of the probe
is accessed through the BNC connector.
Measure the offset voltage using a DVM, BNC
coaxial cable and BNC-to-dual-banana jack.
Signal out. The SMA connector on the rear of
the box allows for direct monitoring of the probe
signal.
Equipment Setup
Use this procedure to set up the equipment to test the probe.
Wear the antistatic wriststrap when performing these procedures.
1. Connect the probe calibration adapter to the oscilloscope.
2. Connect the probe to the probe calibration adapter.
3. Turn on the oscilloscope and enable the channel.
This test checks the differential mode input resistance--the resistance
between each SMA input. The test is performed with the probe
disconnected from the calibration adapter. After you complete this
test, reconnect the probe to the calibration adapter to keep the probe
at operating temperature.
1. Zero the DMM on the lowest scale that can measure 100 Ω.
2. Probe the center contacts of the SMA input connectors as shown
in Figure 27.
3. Measure the resistance and write down the value.
4. Reverse the DMM connections and repeat the measurement.
Write down the value.
5. Add the two measurements from steps 3 and 4, and divide the
total by two. Subtract 0.15 Ω from the result to account for the
internal path resistance, and record the result in the test record.
6. Connect the probe to the calibration adapter so that the probe
warms up to operating temperature for the remaining tests.
DMM
Red (+)
+
--
Gently touch the center
conductor on each
connector, enough to
get a measurement.
Don’t touch the outer
edge of the connector.
1. Connect the probe to the power supplies as shown in Figure 29.
Make sure the ground tabs on the BNC-to-dual ba nana plug
adapters are connected to the ground connections on the power
supplies. Monitor the source voltage with one of the DMMs.
2. Set the voltage on each power supply to approximately +0.25 V
(+0.5 V total). Record this source voltage as V
This procedure verifies that the probe meets the differential rise time
specification. Two rise times are measured; the test system alone,
and the test system with the probe included. The probe rise time is
calculated using the two measurements.
This test uses the TDR function of the 80E04 sampling head as a fast
rise time signal source. A second 80E0X sampling head is used to
take the measurements. Although the following procedure assigns the
TDR and measurement functions to specific oscilloscope channels,
any channels can be used. However, the TDR function is only
available on 80E04 sampling heads.
1. Remove the probe from the test setup.
2. Connect the test equipment as shown in Figure 31 on page 61.
Connect the TekConnect-to-SMA adapter to Channel 8.
CAUTION. To prevent mechanical strain on the connectors, use care
when working with SMA connectors: Support equipment and use a
torque wrench to tighten connections to 7 in-lbs.
NOTE. The CSA/TDS8000 oscilloscope is used for taking the
measurements in these procedures. All references to oscilloscope
adjustments refer to the CSA/TDS8000. The TDS7404 oscilloscope is
only used to power the probe.
3. Turn on Channel 1 and set the vertical scale to 50 mV/div.
4. Set the Channel 7/8 sampling head to TDR mode:
Press the SETUP DIALOGS button and select the TDR tab.
See Figure 32 on page 62.
5. Set the Channel 7 (C7) Polarity to negative (falling).
6. Set the Channel 8 (C8) Polarity to positive (rising).
7. Set the Preset of Channel 7 and 8 on.
TDR Preset sets Internal Clock in the Trigger menu, turns on the
TDR Step in the TDR Setups menu, turns on the channel and
selects the acquisition Units in the TDR Setups menu, and sets
the horizontal scale, position, and reference.
62
The sampling module will turn on a red light next to the SELECT
channel button, indicating that TDR is activated for that channel.
8. Turn off the display for Channel 7 and 8 so that only Channel 1 is
9. Adjust the oscilloscope horizontal and vertical position controls
to display a signal similar to that shown in Figure 31.
10. Set the oscilloscope horizontal scale to 50 ps/div and center the
waveform.
11. Use the oscilloscope measurement capability to display rise time.
Increase the stability of the pulse edge measurement by using
averaging, if available. Rise time is determined from the 10% and
90% amplitude points on the waveform. Record the rise time
as t
s.
The following steps instruct you to assemble the test setup that
includes the probe, as shown in Figure 33 on page 64. The system
and probe rise time (t
calculate the probe rise time (t
)thatyoumeasureinstep18isusedto
s+p
)instep19.
p
12. Remove the TekConnect-SMA adapter from the test setup.
13. Connect the probe to the TekConnect calibration adapter.
14. Connect the matched SMA cables to the probe SMA inputs and
the sampling head (Channels 7 and 8).
The test setup should now be connected as shown in Figure 33 on
page 64.
This section details the maintenance for the P7350SMA differential
probe.
Inspection and Cleaning
Protect the probe from adverse weather conditions. The probe is not
waterproof.
CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probe, do not expose it to sprays,
liquids, or solvents. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they may
damage the probe. Avoid using chemicals that contain benzine,
benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, or similar solvents.
Clean the exterior surfaces of the probe with a dry, lint -free cloth or a
soft-bristle brush. If dirt remains, use a soft cloth or swab dampened
with a 75% isopropyl alcohol solution. A swab is useful for cleaning
narrow spaces on the probe. Do not use abrasive compounds on any
part of the probe.
CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probe, avoid getting moisture
inside the probe during exterior cleaning, and use only enough
solution to dampen the swab or cloth. Use a 75% isopropyl alcohol
solution as a cleanser, and rinse with deionized water.
Refer to the Replaceable Parts section for a list of customer
replacement parts. Due to the sophisticated design of the P7350SMA
differential probe, 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:
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 an antistatic bag or wrap to protect it from
dampness.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light packing
This section contains a list of replaceable parts for the P7350SMA
differential 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:
HPart number
HInstrument type or model number
HInstrument serial number
HInstrument 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.
The tabular information in the Replaceable Parts List is arranged for
quick retrieval. Understanding the structure and features of the list
will help you find the information you need for ordering replacement
parts.
Item Names
In the Replaceable Parts List, an Item Name is separated from the
description by a colon (:). Because of space limitations, an Item
Name may sometimes appear as incomplete. For further Item Name
identification, U.S. Federal Cataloging Handbook H6-1 can be used
where possible.
Indentation System
This parts list is indented to show the relationship between items.
The following example is of the indentation system used in the
Description column:
12345Name&Description
Assembly and/or Component
Attaching parts for Assembly and/or Component
(END ATTACHING PARTS)
Detail Part of Assembly and/or Component
Attaching parts for Detail Part
(END ATTACHING PARTS)
Parts of Detail Part
Attaching parts for Parts of Detail Part
(END ATTACHING PARTS)
Attaching parts always appear at the same indentation as the item it
mounts, while the detail parts are indented to the right. Indented
items are part of, and included with, the next higher indenta tion.
Attaching parts must be purchased separately, unless otherwise
specified.
Abbreviations
70
Abbreviations conform to American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) standard Y1.1