Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
TekVPI is a trademark of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O . Bo x 5 0 0
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tek.com to find contacts in your area.
Warranty
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. 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. 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, 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. T ektronix
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 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.
[W2 – 15AUG04]
Table of Contents
General safetysummary ....................................................................................................................v
Service safety summary....................................................................................................................ix
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manualiii
Table of Contents
ivTAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
General safety summary
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.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system. Read the safety sections of the other component
manuals for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
To avoid fire or personal injury
General safety summary
Connect and disconnect properly.
source.
Connect and disconnect properly.
circuit under test. Connect the probe reference lead to the circuit under test before connecting the probe input. Disconnect the probe
input and the probe reference lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measurement instrument.
Ground the product.
electric shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
This product is indirectly grounded through the grounding conductor of the mainframe power cord. To avoid
Observe all terminal ratings.
manual for further ratings information before making connections to the product.
Connect the probe reference lead to earth ground only.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manualv
Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage
Connect the probe output to the measurement instrument before connecting the probe to the
To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product
General safety summary
Do not operate without covers.
Do not operate with suspected failures.
service personnel.
Avoid exposed circuitry.
Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified
Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
viTAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Terms in this manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
General safety summary
WARNING.
CAUTION.
Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.
Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.
Symbols and 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.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manualvii
General safety summary
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
viiiTAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Service safety summary
Service safety summary
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read this
before performing any service procedures.
Do not service alone.
first aid and resuscitation is present.
Disconnect power.
power.
Use care when servicing with power on.
battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing components.
To avoid electric shock, do not touch exposed connections.
Do not perform internal service or adjustments of this product unless another person capable of rendering
To avoid electric shock, switch off the instrument power, then disconnect the power cord from the mains
Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this product. Disconnect power, remove
Service safety summary
General safety summary
and the
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manualix
Environmental Considerations
Environmental Considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Restriction of hazardous substances
Complies with RoHS2 Directive 2011/65/EU.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment Recycling.
contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life. To
avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you to recycle this
product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according to
Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. For
information about recycling options, check the Tektronix Web site (www.tek.com/productrecycling).
xTAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may
Preface
This manual describes the installation and operation of the TA P2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 active probes. Basic probe operations
and concepts are presented in this manual. The DPO7000 series oscilloscope and the TAP2500 probe is used in all illustrations in
this manual, unless noted otherwise. You can access this document and other related information from the Tektronix Web site.
Documentation
Preface
To read aboutUse these documents
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Probes: First Time Operation, Functional
Check, Operating Basics, Specifications, Performance Verification
In-depth oscilloscope operation, user interface help, GPIB commandsAccess the online help from the Help menu on
*
To access the documentation that is installed on your instrument, click
in the taskbar and select
Start
Read this Instruction Manual.
the host instrument.
Programs > TekApplications
*
.
Conventions used in this manual
The following icon is used throughout this manual to indicate a step sequence.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manualxi
Preface
Returning the probe for servicing
If your probe requires servicing, you must return the probe to Tektronix. If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use
the following packaging guidelines:
Preparation for Shipment
Use a corrugated cardboard shipping
1.
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.
Put the probe into an antistatic bag or wrap
2.
it to protect it from dampness.
Place the probe into the box and stabilize it
3.
with light packing material.
Seal the carton with shipping tape.
4.
Refer to
5.
beginning of this manual for the shipping
address.
xiiTAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Contacting Tektronix
at the
Key features
The TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 active probes enable you to make accurate measurements with minimal circuit loading
from DC to 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 4 GHz respectively, using oscilloscopes featuring the new Tektronix TekVPI oscilloscope
interface. Key features include:
Bandwidth
DC to ≥2.5 GHz (TAP2500)
DC to ≥3.5 GHz (TAP3500)
DC to ≥4 GHz (TAP4000)
±4 Volts Dynamic Range with ±10 volt
offset capability
10X Attenuation
40 kΩ Input Resistance
<0.8 pF Input Capacitance
TekVPI Interface
Small, low-mass probe head for probing
dense circuitry
Key features
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual1
Installation
Installation
Connecting to the host instrument
Slide the probe into the TekVPI receptacle.
1.
The probe snaps when fully engaged.
When the probe is connected, the host
instrument reads information from the
probe and identifies the device.
To disconnect, press the latch release
2.
button and pull away from the instrument.
2TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Probe controls and indicators
Status LED
When the probe is powered on, the multicolor
Status LED:
Glows green after successfully completing
the power-on self test routine. The probe is
in normal operating mode.
Glows red if an error condition exists. (See
page 60,
Error condition
.)
Installation
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual3
Installation
Menu button
Press the probe
1.
Probe Control screen on the oscilloscope.
Use the touch-screen buttons on the
2.
instrument to set the probe parameters.
Press the probe
3.
close the Probe Control screen.
button to display the
Menu
button again to
Menu
4TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
AutoZero
We recommend that you run the probe
AutoZero routine:
After the 20 minute warm-up period
When the operating temperature of the
probe changes by ±5 °C
Installation
Press the probe
1.
Probe Control screen on the oscilloscope.
Short the probe tip to ground.
2.
Press the
3.
instrument to execute the AutoZero routine.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual5
AutoZero
button to display the
Menu
button on the
Functional check
Functional check
Use the following procedure to check that your probe is functioning properly. To verify that your probe meets the warranted
specifications, refer to the
Required equipment
Performance Verification
procedures. (See page 45.)
Description and quantityPerformance requirementRecommended example
1
OscilloscopeTekVPI InterfaceTektronix DPO7000 Series
Tektronix 5 Series MSO
Tektronix 6 Series MSO
Y-Lead adapter
0.25-in square pins for probe tip
196-3457-XX
2
connections
SMT KlipChip adapters (2)
1
Nine-digit part numbers (xxx-xxxx-xx) are Tektronix part numbers.
2
Standard probe accessory
0.25-in square pins-to-mini clips206-0569-XX
2
6TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Signal
Connect the probe to any channel of the
1.
oscilloscope and set the oscilloscope to
display that channel.
Use the Y-lead Adapter and two SMT
2.
KlipChips to connect the probe tip to
the PROBE COMP terminals on the
oscilloscope.
Functional check
Press
3.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual7
AUTOSET
oscilloscope) to display the calibration
waveform. A stable waveform indicates
that your probe is functioning correctly.
(or adjust the
Calibration
Calibration
The probe calibration routine minimizes your measurement errors by optimizing the gain and offset of the probe and oscilloscope
combination. We recommend that you repeat the probe calibration on each channel that you use. Individual calibration constants
are stored for each probe on each channel.
Prerequisites
The equipment must be warmed up for 20 minutes, and the calibration status of the host instrument must be pass.
Required equipment
The required equipment for calibration is the same as for the functional check. (See page 6,
8TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Required equipment
.)
Test procedure
Check the Calibration Status of the instrument:
From the Utilities menu, select
1.
Calibration
Calibration
Instrument
.
In the Calibration box, check that
2.
displayed in the Status field. If it is not,
disconnect all probes and signal sources
from the oscilloscope, and run the Signal
Path Compensation routine (see next step).
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual9
Pass
is
Calibration
Connect the probe to the oscilloscope
3.
PROBE COMP connector as shown.
From the Vertical menu, select
4.
Probe Cal
.
10TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
When the Probe Setup screen appears,
5.
select
Clear ProbeCal
Calibrate Probe
, and then select
.
The probe calibration routine begins. When
the routine completes, a notifier appears.
Close the notifier and begin using your
probe.
Calibration
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual11
Basic operation
Basic operation
Follow these operating guidelines to get the best performance from your probe.
Probe head assembly
The probe head is designed for ease of use
and high performance. Its small size makes it
easy to handle in tight areas.
The probe tip socket is sized to easily press
1.
onto 0.025-inch pins for direct access.
The ground socket provides a short ground
2.
path for high-fidelity ground connections.
The stabilization notch permits you to use
3.
adjacent pins to reduce stresses on the
probe and pins.
12TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Probe input
The probe is electrically protected against static voltage. However, applying voltages above its design limits may damage the
probe tip amplifier. (See Figure 1 on page 14.)
Input Linear Dynamic Range
The probe head amplifier used by the probe has a limited linear operating range. To keep the input linearity error less than 1% you
must limit the signal input voltage to ±4 V (including any DC offset).
Basic operation
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual13
Basic operation
Figure 1: Dynamic and Offset Limitations
14TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Probe offset
The probe offset is adjustable for operation within the linear range of the probe, and to increase the sensitivity of the probe at
higher DC measurement voltages. Using the offset to cancel DC signal components enables optimal probe performance. (See
Figure1onpage14.)
NOTE.
To set the probe offset, follow these steps:
Use the vertical position control to set a
1.
zero reference level on the oscilloscope
display.
Set the oscilloscope coupling toDCand
2.
5 V/div. This sets the oscilloscope to
display the full offset dynamic range of the
probe.
Basic operation
See your oscilloscope manual for specific instructions on using the offset control.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual15
Basic operation
3.
4.
5.
NOTE.
the oscilloscope, the zero reference will be at the probe offset voltage. When you adjust the probe offset with no signal applied to
the probe input, the output range is ±4V, (the linear operating range of the probe), not the ±10V offset range of the probe. However,
when you apply ±10V to the probe input, the probe offset control can zero this offset.
Attach the probe to the circuit.
Adjust the probe offset to bring the trace to
the oscilloscope zero reference.
Change the volts/division setting to the
desired range, adjusting the offset to keep
the trace on the zero reference level.
The probe has a ±10 V offset range. The linear operating range is ±4 V. (See Figure 1 on page 14.) If cursors are used on
16TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Accessories and options
This section lists the standard accessories and provides information on how to use the accessories. Specifications are provided
where appropriate so that you can choose the accessory that best fits your needs. In some cases, reorder kit quantities differ from
the actual number of accessories included with the probe.
Using standard accessories
Push-in probe tip
Use the push-in probe tip for general purpose
probing by hand. You can also use the push-in
probe tip with the other socketed leads and
adapters.
Push the tip into the socket until it is seated.
Either end of the tip may be used.
the tip
. Also, be careful not to injure yourself
on the sharp point.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
131-5638-11 qty. 10
Do not force
Accessories and options
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual17
Accessories and options
SureToe Adapter
The SureToe adapter is a pointed probe tip
useful for probing in dense circuitry. Attach the
SureToe adapters the same way as the push-in
probe tips.
Do not force the adapter. Also, be careful not to
poke yourself with the sharp probe tip. SureToe
adapters can be used with any of the socketed
accessory leads. Four SureToe adapters are
included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
131-6254-XX qty. 4
18TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Pogo Pin Ground
Use the low-inductance ground pogo pin to
substantially reduce ground lead inductance
and to easily move the probe to different points
on the circuit under test.
To attach, press the pogo pin into the probe
head ground socket. To maintain signal fidelity
while probing, use as short a ground path as
possible. (See page 30,
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1772-10 qty. 10
Ground lead length
.)
Accessories and options
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual19
Accessories and options
Square Pin Socket
The square pin socket is ideal for use with
signal/ground pairs on 0.100-inch square
header pins. Attach the socket by gently
pressing it into the ground socket on the probe
head.
Be sure to use the stabilization notch whenever
possible to avoid slipping and damaging the
probe or circuitry under test.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1773-10 qty. 10
Customizable Ground Lead
You can bend or shorten this ground lead.
Cut the tip of the ground lead wire at a 30° to
60° angle to ease insertion into the ground
socket of the probe.
To maintain signal fidelity while probing, use as
short a ground path as possible. (See page 30,
Ground lead length
Reorder Tektronix part number:
196-3482-XX qty. 5
.)
20TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Right-Angle Adapter
Use the right-angle adapter for low-profile
probing of 0.025-inch square pins. The
right-angle adapter allows the probe to lie flat
against a circuit board, enabling you to probe
in tight areas such as between circuit cards.
The right-angle adapter can be used directly
with the probe head, or attached to the Y-lead
adapter or ground leads.
Attach the right-angle adapter the same way as
the push-in probe tip.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1774-XX qty. 10
Accessories and options
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual21
Accessories and options
Y-Lead Adapter and Ground Leads
Use the Y-lead adapter to extend the reach
of the probe and ground. The Y-lead adapter
accepts any of the probe tips or adapters, and
can be pushed directly onto 0.025 inch square
pins.
Use the ground leads for general,
lower-frequency probing. The socketed
end of the leads may be connected to any
of the probe tips and adapters, or fitted onto
0.025-inch square pins.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
(See page 30,
Reorder Tektronix part number: 196-3456-XX
Kit includes:
Y-lead adapter, qty. 2
Three-in ground leads, qty. 3
Ground lead length
.)
22TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
SMT KlipChip Adapter
Use the SMT KlipChip test clips to access
fragile, dense circuitry. KlipChip test clips can
be connected to the Y-lead or ground leads.
Simply press the lead socket into the KlipChip
handle.
The KlipChip body freely turns, allowing better
probe orientation. To reduce stress and provide
a lower profile on components being tested,
the flexible sleeve of the KlipChip bends up to
a 35° angle.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
206-0569-XX qty. 1
Accessories and options
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual23
Accessories and options
Color Band Kit (five colored pairs)
Attach one band to the probe cable and
1.
another one of the same color near the
probe compensation box.
Connect the probe to the channel that
2.
matches the color of the band.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1315-XX qty. Set of 5 colors
24TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Antistatic Wrist Strap
When using the probe, always work at an
antistatic work station and wear the antistatic
wrist strap.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
006-3415-XX
Pouch, nylon carrying case with
inserts
Use the carrying case to hold the probe, the
accessories, and the instruction manual.
Place the probe, accessories, and manual
1.
in the carrying case.
Close the carrying case to transport the
2.
accessories to another location or for
storage.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1952-XX
Accessories and options
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual25
Accessories and options
Instruction manual
The instruction manual provides instructions
for operating and maintaining the TAP2500,
TAP3500, and TAP4000 active probes. Store
the instruction manual in the probe case for
easy reference.
Tektronix part number:
071-1836-XX (English)
071-1884-XX (Japanese)
071-1885-XX (S. Chinese)
077-0290-XX (Russian)
26TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Optional accessories
This section lists the optional accessories that you can purchase to help you with your probing tasks.
IC Micro-Grabber
Use the IC Micro-Grabber to probe the leads
on integrated circuits that are surface-mounted.
Order Tektronix part number:
013-0309-XX qty. 2
SMA-to-Probe Tip Adapter
Use the adapter to connect the probe to SMA
cables and for calibration and performance
verification. The adapter includes a 50 Ω SMA
termination.
Order Tektronix part number: 015-0678-XX
Accessories and options
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual27
Accessories and options
TekVPI Calibration Fixture
The calibration fixture is required to do a
performance verification on the probe. It
provides an SMA connector in the probe signal
path for internal probe measurements.
Order Tektronix part number: 067-1701-XX
28TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Options
Service Options
Accessories and options
Option CA1.
Option C3.
Option C5.
Option D1.
Option D3.
Option D5.
Option R3.
Option R5.
Provides coverage for a single Calibration Event
Calibration Service 3 years
Calibration Service 5 years
Calibration Data Report
Calibration Data Report, 3 years (with Option C3)
Calibration Data Report, 5 years (with Option C5)
Repair Service 3 years
Repair Service 5 years
Manual Options
Option L0.
Option L5.
Option L7.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual29
English language Instruction Manual
Japanese language Instruction Manual
Simplified Chinese language Instruction Manual
Probing principles
Probing principles
Follow these helpful hints to make probing easier and noise free.
Ground lead length
When you are probing a circuit, you should
always use as short a ground lead as possible
between the probe head and circuit ground.
(See the illustration for the effects of lead length
on waveform distortion.)
The series inductance added by the probe tip
and ground lead can result in a resonant circuit;
this circuit may cause parasitic ringing within
the bandwidth of your oscilloscope.
30TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Ground lead inductance
When you touch your probe tip to a circuit element, you are introducing a new resistance, capacitance, and inductance into the
circuit.
You can determine if ground lead effects may
be a problem in your application if you know
the self-inductance (L) and capacitance (C)
of your probe and ground lead. Calculate the
approximate resonant frequency (f
this parasitic circuit will resonate with the
following formula:
The equation shows that reducing the ground
lead inductance will raise the resonant
frequency. If your measurements are affected
by ringing, your goal is to lower the inductance
of your ground path until the resulting resonant
frequency is well above the frequency of your
measurements.
The low-inductance ground contacts described
Accessories
in
effects of ground lead inductance on your
measurements.
can help you reduce the
)atwhich
0
Ground lead inductance
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual31
Low-inductance grounding
Low-inductance grounding
Use a ground plane on the package to make
probing the package easier, and to avoid
adding unnecessary ground lead length and
distortion:
Attach a small piece of copper clad on top
1.
of the package.
Connect the copper clad to the package
2.
ground connection.
Use the low-inductance ground lead to
3.
keep the ground lead length as short as
possible.
Quick tip
This method is very useful when making many
measurements on the same package.
32TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
SureFoot™ Grounding
If you cannot use the low-inductance grounding
method recommended, the probe may be
grounded to the package under test using a
SureFoot adapter.
Connect a short ground lead to the probe.
1.
Attach a SureFoot adapter at the end of
2.
the ground lead.
Connect the SureFoot adapter directly to
3.
the package ground.
This method is preferred over using an adjacent
circuit ground because it is the shortest ground
path possible.
SureFoot™ Grounding
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual33
Probe tip test points
Probe tip test points
The push-in probe tip or a 0.025-inch square
pin can be soldered into a circuit to be used as
a temporary test point:
Solder the tip onto a lead or pin with a
1.
low-power soldering iron.
Press the probe head onto the tip to take
2.
a measurement.
Pull the probe head off when you are done.
3.
Quick tip
The probe tip may be removed and reused by
desoldering it from the circuit, and soldering it
into another circuit in the future.
Do not use pieces of solid-core copper wire as test points. If the wire breaks off in the probe tip socket, it may be impossible
NOTE.
to remove the wire, and it will prevent insertion of other accessory tips.
34TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Probe tip stabilization
The probe head has a stabilizing notch for use
with 0.100 inch-spaced header pins:
Press the probe onto the header pin.
1.
Insert the stabilizing notch of the probe
2.
onto an adjacent pin. This prevents
unnecessary force from being applied
directly to the probe tip or pins.
The signal-ground adapter can rest on the
stabilized pin without a risk of its moving
out of place.
Probe tip stabilization
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual35
Specifications
Specifications
The specifications are valid under the following conditions:
The probe has been calibrated at an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C.
The probe is connected to a host instrument with an input impedance of 50 Ω .
The probe and oscilloscope must have a warm-up period of at least 20 minutes and be in an environment that does not
exceed the limits described. (See Table 1.)
The Signal Path Compensation (SPC) has been run on the oscilloscope before testing the probe specifications.
Specifications for the TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 active probes fall into three categories: warranted, typical, and nominal
characteristics.
36TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Warranted characteristics
Warranted characteristics describe guaranteed performance within tolerance limits or certain type-tested requirements. Warranted
characteristics that have checks in the
and Mechanical characteristics apply to the TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 probes unless noted otherwise.
Table 1: Warranted electrical characteristics
CharacteristicDescription
DC attenuation accuracy (probe only)
Rise time (probe only)
Temperature
Humidity
Altitude
Performance Verification
10:1 ±2% (excludes offset error)
≤140 ps (TAP2500)
≤130 ps (TAP3500)
Operating: 0 to +50 _C (+32 to +122 °F), Nonoperating: -40 to +71 °C (-40 to
+160 °F)
Operating: 5-95% RH, tested up to +30 °C (+86 °F) 5-85% RH, tested at +30 °C to
+50°C(+86to+122°F)
Nonoperating: 5-95% RH, tested up to +30 °C (+86 °F) 5-85% RH, tested at
+30 °C to +75 °C (+86 to +167 °F)
Operating: Up to 3000 meters (9,843 feet),
Nonoperating: Up to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet)
section are marked with the
symbol. The Warranted, Typical,
Specifications
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual37
Specifications
Typical characteristics
Typical characteristics describe typical but not guaranteed performance.
Table 2: Typical electrical characteristics
CharacteristicDescription
Rise time (probe only)≤115 ps (TAP4000)
Bandwidth (probe only)DC to ≥2.5 GHz (TAP2500)
Input resistance
Input capacitance≤0.8 pF
Input signal range-4.0 V to +4.0 V
Input offset range
Output Zero
Maximum non destructive input voltage±30 V
Linearity
DC offset drift1.5 mV/ °C or less displayed on screen
Signal delay
DC to ≥3.5 GHz (TAP3500)
DC to ≥4 GHz (TAP4000)
40 kΩ
-10.0 V to +10.0 V
±10 mV or less displayed on screen
(DC + peak AC)
±0.1% or less over a dynamic range of -3.75 V to +3.75 V ±1.0% or less over a
dynamic range of -4.0 V to +4.0 V.
5.3 ns ±0.2 ns
38TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Figure 2: TAP2500 Typical bandwidth
Specifications
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual39
Specifications
Figure 3: TAP3500 Typical bandwidth
40TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Specifications
Figure 4: TAP4000 Typical bandwidth
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual41
Specifications
Figure 5: Typical input impedance and phase versus frequency
42TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Table 3: Typical mechanical characteristics
CharacteristicDescription
Dimensions, compensation box
Dimensions, probe head
Dimensions, cable length
Unit weight
107mm×41mm×26mm(4.2in×1.6in×1.0in)
19.43 mm × 3.30 mm × 7.6 mm (0.765 in × 0.130 in × 0.300 in)
1.3 m (51 in) (from the probe head to the compensation box)
1.55 kg (3.44 lbs) (probe, accessories and packaging)
Specifications
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual43
Specifications
Nominal characteristics
Nominal characteristics describe guaranteed traits, but the traits do not have tolerance limits.
Table 4: Nominal electrical characteristics
CharacteristicDescription
Input coupling
Termination
CompatibilityOscilloscopes equipped with the TekVPI interface
Pollution Degree2, Indoor use only
DC
Terminate output into 50 Ω
44TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Performance verification
The procedures that follow verify the warranted specifications of the probe. The recommended calibration interval is one year.
Perform the verification procedures in the order listed.
Equipment required
The following equipment is required for the performance verification procedures.
Table 5: Test equipment
Description and quantityPerformance requirementRecommended example
OscilloscopeTekVPI InterfaceTektronix DPO7000 Series
Sampling oscilloscope≥12.5 GHz bandwidthTektronix TDS8000 Series
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual45
Performance verification
Table 5: Test equipment (cont.)
Description and quantityPerformance requirementRecommended example
SMA M-to-BNC F adapterSMA male-to-BNC female
BNC-to-dual banana adapter (2)
BNC cable50 Ω , 0.76 m (30 in) length
SMA cable (2)Male-to-Male SMA cable
Precision termination
Y-Lead adapter
SMT KlipChip adapters (2)
SMA torque wrench5/16-in, 7 in-lb.
SMA adapter wrench7/32-in
1
Nine-digit part numbers (xxx-xxxx-xx) are Tektronix part numbers.
2
Standard accessories included with the probe.
015-0554-00
103-0090-00
012-0117-00
012-0649-00
50 Ω ,0.1%,0.5W
0.25-in square pins for probe tip
011-0129-00
196-3457-xx
connections
0.25-in square pins-to-mini clips206-0569-xx
1
2
2
46TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Equipment setup
Use the following procedure to set up and warm up the equipment to test the probe.
Turn on the TekVPI oscilloscope.
1.
Connect the TekVPI Calibration/Verification
2.
adapter to the oscilloscope.
Connect the probe to the TekVPI
3.
Calibration/Verification adapter and verify
that the Status LED on the probe turns
green.
Turn on the remaining test equipment.
4.
Allow 20 minutes for the equipment to
5.
warm up.
Photocopy the test record and use it to
6.
record the test results. (See page 59,
record
.)
Performance verification
Tes t
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual47
Performance verification
DC gain accuracy
This test checks the DC gain accuracy of the probe.
Connect the BNC-to-dual banana adapter
1.
to the DMM input.
Connect the SMA M-to-BNC F adapter
2.
to the SMA output of the TekVPI
Calibration/Verification adapter.
Connect the precision termination to the
3.
BNC end of the SMA M-to-BNC F adapter.
Connect the BNC cable between the
4.
precision termination and the BNC-to-dual
banana adapter attached to the DMM.
48TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Connect the second BNC-to-dual banana
5.
adapter to the output of the DC voltage
source.
Connect the Y-lead adapter and KlipChip
6.
adapters to the probe input.
Attach the KlipChip adapters to the
7.
BNC-to-dual banana adapter connected
to the DC voltage source. Make sure the
polarity is correct-ground to outer shield
and probe input to center conductor.
Performance verification
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual49
Performance verification
Set oscilloscope offset to 0.0 V.
8.
Set the DMM to DCV.
9.
Press the REL (relative) button to Zero the
10.
DMM.
Set the DC voltage source to +1.00 VDC
11.
and enable the output.
Record the DMM measurement in the test
12.
record.
Set the DC voltage source to -1.00 VDC.
13.
Record the DMM measurement in the test
14.
record.
An unacceptable error value may
NOTE.
result if a precision 50 Ω termination is not
used for the recommended termination, or if
the oscilloscope offset is not set to zero.
Leave the TekVPI Calibration/Verification
15.
adapter and probe connected the
oscilloscope to keep the probe warm.
50TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Rise time
This procedure verifies that the probe meets the rise time specification. Two rise times are measured; the test system alone, and
then 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.
Performance verification
CAUTION.
the connectors, and when tightening connections, use a torque wrench to 7.5 in-lbs.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual51
To prevent damage, use care when working with SMA connectors: support equipment to avoid mechanical strain on
Performance verification
Test system rise time
Connect the 80E04 sampling head to
1.
Channel1 of the sampling oscilloscope.
Connect the 80E0X sampling head to
2.
Channel8 of the sampling oscilloscope.
Connect SMA cables to Channels 1 and 8.
3.
Connect the SMA cable from Channel 1 to
4.
the HF Probe Tip adapter.
52TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Remove the 50 Ω termination from the HF
5.
Probe Tip adapter and connect the SMA
cable from Channel 8 to the adapter.
Turn on Channel 8 and set the vertical
6.
scale to 50 mV/div.
Performance verification
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual53
Performance verification
Set the Channel 1/2 sampling head to TDR
7.
mode: Press the
and select the TDR tab.
SETUP DIALOGS
button
Set the Channel 1 (C1)
8.
Polarity
to positive
(rising).
9.
Set the
Preset
of Channel 1 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.
Thesamplingmodulewillturnonared
light next to the SELECT channel button,
indicating that TDR is activated for that
channel.
54TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Turn off the display for Channel 1 so that
10.
only Channel 8 is shown on screen.
Adjust the oscilloscope horizontal and
11.
vertical position controls to display a signal
similar to that shown.
Set the oscilloscope horizontal scale to
12.
50 ps/div and center the waveform.
Do not touch the HF Probe Tip adapter
NOTE.
when making calibration measurements.
Measurement accuracy is degraded when the
probe tip adapter is handled.
Use the oscilloscope measurement
13.
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
t
therisetimeas
.
s
Performance verification
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual55
Performance verification
Test system and probe rise time
Disconnect the SMA cable from the
14.
Channel-8 side of the HF Probe Tip
adapter and reconnect the 50 Ω SMA
termination to the adapter.
Connect the SMA cable from Channel 8
15.
of the sampling oscilloscope to
the SMA connector on the TekVPI
Calibration/Verification adapter.
Connect the probe to the HF Probe Tip
16.
adapter.
Set the TekVPI oscilloscope offset to 0.0 V.
17.
56TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
The following measurements are taken
NOTE.
with the sampling oscilloscope. The TekVPI
oscilloscope only provides power and offset to
the probe.
On the sampling oscilloscope, expand
18.
the horizontal scale to locate the step
edge: Set the vertical scale to 5 mV/div,
and adjust horizontal range to 100 ps/div
while maintaining the edge view. For a
more stable measurement display, turn
averaging on.
Do not touch the HF Probe Tip adapter
NOTE.
when making calibration measurements.
Measurement accuracy is degraded when the
probe tip adapter is handled.
Performance verification
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual57
Performance verification
Adjust the position controls on the sampling
19.
oscilloscope to display the entire leading
edge waveform.
Use the measurement capability of the
20.
sampling oscilloscope 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+p
Using the test system rise time (t
21.
) that
s
you measured in step 13, and the test
system and probe rise time (t
s+p
) that
Example:
you measured in step 20, calculate the
probe-only rise time using the formula
shown.
Check that the calculated rise time meets
22.
the probe specification.
Record the results on the test record.
23.
58TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Test record
Probe Model/Serial Number:Certificate Number:
Temperature:
Date of Calibration:
Performance verification
RH %:
Technician:
Performance testSource voltage
DC Gain Accuracy
Rise Time
(TAP2500)
(TAP3500)
(TAP4000)
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual59
+1.00 VDC
-1.00 VDC
NA
NA
NA
MinimumMeasured
+98 mVNA+102 mV
-102 mVNA-98 mV
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
Maximum
140 ps
130 ps
115 p s
Maintenance
Maintenance
This section contains maintenance information for your probe.
Error condition
The TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 active probes are designed to work with all TekVPI-interface oscilloscopes and adapters.
However, there may be some cases where all of the probe features may not work properly.
If the Status LED glows red during or after probe power on, an internal probe diagnostic fault exists. Disconnect and reconnect the
probe to restart the power-on diagnostic sequence. If the Status LED continues to glow red, the probe is defective, and must
be returned to Tektronix for repair.
Replacement parts
There are no user replaceable parts within the probe. Refer to
60TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Accessories
for a list of replaceable accessories for your probe.
Cleaning
Protect the probe from adverse weather conditions. The probe is not waterproof.
Maintenance
CAUTION.
the probe during exterior cleaning.
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, use only enough
solution to dampen the swab or cloth. Do not use abrasive compounds on any part of the probe.
TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual61
To prevent damage to the probe, do not expose it to sprays, liquids, or solvents. Avoid getting moisture inside
Maintenance
62TAP2500, TAP3500, and TAP4000 Instruction Manual
Index
Index
A
Accessories
optional, 27
standard, 17
AutoZero, 5
C
Calibration, 8
Cleaning the probe, 61
Connecting the probe, 2