Tektronix TAP2500, TAP3500 User manual

TAP2500 and TAP3500
2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz Probes Instruction Manual
www.tektronix.com
071-1836-01
Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries or suppliers, and are protected by national copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specications 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. 14200 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.tektronix.com to nd contacts in your area.
Warranty 2
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 o rd er 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 cent er is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned t o any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inade quate ma intenance 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 modied or integrated with other products when the effect of such modication or integration increases the time or difculty 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 R EPLACE 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 T EKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary . . ................................................................................................................. v
Environmental Considerations ............................................................................................................. ix
Preface...................................................................................................................................... xi
Documentation........................................................................................................................ xi
Conventions Usedin this Manual .................................................................................................... xi
Returning theProbe for Servicing ...................................................................................................xii
KeyFeatures ............................................................................................................................... 1
Installation .................................................................................................................................. 2
Connecting to the Host Instrument ................................................................................................... 2
Probe Controls andIndicators........................................................................................................ 3
Functional Check........................................................................................................................... 6
Required Equipment.................................................................................................................. 6
Calibration .................................................................................................................................. 8
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................... 8
Required Equipment.................................................................................................................. 8
Test Procedure........................................................................................................................ 9
Table of Contents
Basic Operation............................................................................................................................ 13
Probe Head Assembly...............................................................................................................13
Probe Input........................................................................................................................... 14
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual i
Table of Contents
Accessoriesand Options.................................................................................................................. 19
Probing Principles ......................................................................................................................... 33
Ground Lead Inductance .................................................................................................................. 34
Low-inductance Grounding. ............................................................................................................... 35
SureFoot™ G rounding . ................................................................................................................... 36
Probe Tip Test Points...................................................................................................................... 37
Probe Tip Stabilization..................................................................................................................... 38
Specications.............................................................................................................................. 39
Performance Verication .................................................................................................................. 47
Probe Offset.......................................................................................................................... 16
Using Standard Accessories . .. ..................................................................................................... 19
OptionalAccessories ................................................................................................................ 29
Options ............................................................................................................................... 32
Ground Lea d Length .. . .............................................................................................................. 33
Warranted Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 40
Typical Characteristics............................................................................................................... 41
Nominal Characteristics ............................................................................................................. 46
Equipment Required................................................................................................................. 47
Equipment Setup..................................................................................................................... 49
DC Gain Accuracy................................................................................................................... 50
Rise Time ............................................................................................................................ 53
ii TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction M a nual
Table of Contents
Test Record .......................................................................................................................... 61
Maintenance............................................................................................................................... 63
Error Condition....................................................................................................................... 63
ReplacementParts .................................................................................................................. 63
Cleaning.............................................................................................................................. 64
Index
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual iii
Table of Contents
iv TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

General Safety Summary

Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any prod ucts connected to it.
To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specied.
Only qualied personnel should pe rform 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
Connect and Disconnect Properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage
source.
Connect and Disconnect Properly. Connect the probe output to the measurement instrument before connecting the probe to the
circuit under test. Connect the probe reference lead to the circuit under test before connecting the probe input. Discon nect the prob e input a nd the probe reference lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measure ment instrument.
Ground the Product. This product is ind irectly grounded through the grounding conductor of the mainframe power cord. To avoid
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.
Observe All Terminal Ratings. To avoid re 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.
General Safety Summary
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 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual v
General Safety Summary
Do Not Operate Withou t Covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you s uspe ct that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualied
service personnel.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry. 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.
vi TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
General Safety Summary
Terms in this Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.
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 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual vii
General Safety Summary
The following symbols may appear on the product:
viii TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction M a nual

Environmental Considerations

This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment Recycling. Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may
contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life. In order 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.
The symbol shown below indicates that this product complies with the European Union’s requirements according to Directive 2002/96/EC on w aste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). For information about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).
Environmental Considerations
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual ix
Environmental Considerations
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This product has been classied as Monitoring and Control equipment, and is outside the scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive. This product is known to contain lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium.
x TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Preface

This manual describes the installation and operation of the TAP2500 and TAP3500 active probes. Basic probe operations and concepts are presented in this manual. 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 about Use these documents
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Probes: First Time Operation, Functional Ch eck, Operating Basics, Specications, Performance Verication
In-depth oscilloscope operation, user interface help, GPIB commands Access the online help from the Help menu on
*
To access the documentation that is installed on your instrument, click Start in the taskbar and select Programs > TekApplications .
Read this Instruction Manual.
the host instrument.
*

Conventions Used in this Manual

The following icon is used throughout this manual to indicate a step sequence.
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual xi
Preface

Returning the Probe for Servicing

If your probe requires servicing, you must return the probe to Tektronix. If the original packaging is unt for use or not available, use the following packaging guidelines:
Preparation for Shipment
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 a t least 200 pounds.
2. Put the probe into an antistatic bag or wrap it to protect it from dampness.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light packing material.
4. Seal the carton with shipping tape.
5. Refer to Contacting Tektronix at the
beginning of this manual for the shipping address.
xii TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Key Features

The TAP2500 and TAP3500 active probes enable you to make accurate measurements with minimal circuit loading from DC to
2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz respectively, using oscilloscopes featuring the new Tektronix Te kVPI oscilloscope interface. Key features include:
Bandwidth
DC to 2.5 GHz (TAP2500)
DC to 3.5 GHz (TAP3500)
±4 Volts Dynamic Range with ±10 volt
offset capability
10X Attenuation
40 kInput Resistance
<0.8 pF Input Capacitance
TekVPI Interface
Small, low-mass probe head for probing
dense circuitry
Key Features
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 1

Installation

Installation

Connecting to the Host Instrument

1. Slide the probe into the TekVPI receptacle.
The probe snaps when fully engaged.
When the probe is connected, the host instrument reads information from the probe and identies the device.
2. To disconnect, press the latch release button and pull away from the instrument.
2 TAP2500 and TAP3500 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 routin e. The probe is in normal operating mode.
Glows red if an error condition exists. ( See page 63, Error Condition.)
Installation
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 3
Installation
Menu Button
1. Press the probe Menu button to display the
Probe Control screen on the oscilloscope.
2. Use the touch-screen buttons on the instrument to set the probe parameters.
3. Press the probe Menu buttonagainto close the Probe Control screen.
4 TAP2500 and TAP3500 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
1. Press the probe Menu b utton to display the
Probe Control screen on the oscilloscope.
2. Short the probe tip to ground.
3. Press the AutoZero buttononthe
instrument to execute the AutoZero routine .
Installation
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 5

Functional Check

Functional Check
Use the following procedure to check that your probe is functioning properly. If you want to verify that your probe meets the warranted specications, refer to the Performance Verication procedures. (See page 47.)

Required Equipment

Description and quantity Performance requirement Recommended example
1
Oscilloscope TekVPI Interface Tektronix DPO7000 Series
Y-Lead adapter
0.25-in square pins fo r probe tip
196-3463-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 clips 206-0364-XX
2
6 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Signal
1. Connect the p robe to any channel of the
oscilloscope and set the oscilloscope to display that channel.
2. Use the Y-lead Adapter and two SMT
KlipChips to connect the probe tip to the PROBE COMP terminals on the oscilloscope.
3. Press AUTOSET (or adjust the
oscilloscope) to d isplay the calibration waveform. A stable waveform indicates that your probe is functioning correctly.
Functional Check
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 7

Calibration

Calibration
The probe calibration routine m inimizes yo ur measurem ent errors by optimizing the gain and offset of the probe and oscilloscop e 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 r equired equipment for calibration is the same as for the functional check. (See page 6, Required Equipment.)
8 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Test Procedure

Check the Calibration Status of the instrument:
1. From the Utilities menu, select Instrument
Calibration.
2. In the Calibration box, check that Pass is
displayed in the Status eld. If it is not, disconnect all probes and signal sources from the oscilloscope, and run the Signal Path Compensation routine (see next step).
Calibration
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 9
Calibration
3. Connect the probe to the oscilloscope PROBE C OMP connector as shown.
4. From the Vertical menu, select Probe Cal.
10 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
5. When th e Probe Setup screen appears,
select Clear ProbeCal, and then select Calibrate Probe.
The probe calibration routine begins. When the routine completes, a notier appears. Close the notier and begin using your probe.
Calibration
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 11
Calibration
12 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Basic Operation

Follow these operating guidelines to get optimum performa nce from your probe.

Probe Head Assembly

The probe head is de signed for ease of use andhighperformance. Itssmallsizemakesit easy to handle in tight areas.
1. The probe tip socket is sized to easily press
onto 0.025-inch pins for direct access.
2. The ground socket provides a short ground
path for high-de lity ground connections.
3. The stabilization notch permits you to use
adjacent pins to reduce stresses on the probe and pins.
Basic Operation
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 13
Basic Operation

Probe Input

The probe is electrically protected against static voltage. However, applying voltages above its design limits may damage the probe tip amplier. (See Figure 1 on page 15.)
Input Linear Dynamic Range
The pro be head amplier 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).
14 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Figure 1: Dynamic and Offset Limitations
Basic Operation
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 15
Basic Operation

Probe Offset

The probe offset is adjustable to permit operation within the linear range of the probe, and to increa se the sensitivity of the probe at higher DC measurement voltages. Using the offset to cancel DC signal compon ents enables optimal probe performance. (See Figure 1 on page 15.)
NOTE. See your oscilloscope manual for specic instructions on using the offset control.
To set the probe offset, follow these steps:
1. Use th e vertical position control to set a zero reference level on the oscilloscope display.
2. Set the oscilloscope coupling to DC and 5 V/div. This sets the oscilloscope to display the full offset dynamic range of the probe.
16 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Basic Operation
3. Attach the probe to the circuit.
4. Adjust the probe offset to bring the trace to
the oscilloscope zero reference.
5. Change the volts/division setting to the
desired range, a djusting the offset to keep the trace on the zero reference level.
NOTE. The probe has a ±10 V offset range. The linear opera ting range is ±4 V. (See Figure 1 on page 15.) If cursors are used on
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 is capable of zeroing this offset.
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 17
Basic Operation
18 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Accessories and Options

This section lists the standard accessories and provides information on how to use the acce ssories. Specications are provided where appropriate so that you can choose the accessory that best ts 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 ha nd. 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 u sed. Do not force the tip. Also, be careful not to injure yourself on the sharp point.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
131-5638-11 qty. 10
Accessories and Options
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 19
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 Su reToe adap ters are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
131-6254-XX qty. 4
20 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Pogo Pin Ground
Use the low-inductance ground pogo pin to substantially reduce ground lead inducta nce and t o 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 maint ain signal delity while probing, use as short a ground path as possible. (See page 33, Ground Lead Length.)
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1772-10 qty. 10
Accessories and Options
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 21
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 wheneve r 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 be nd 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 delity while probing, use as short a ground path as possible. (See page 33, Ground Lead Length.)
Reorder Tektronix part number:
196-3482-XX qty. 5
22 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Right-Angle Adapter
Use the righ t-angle adapter for low-prole probing of 0.025-inch square pins. T he right-angle adapter allows the probe to lie at 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 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 23
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 tted onto
0.025-inch square pins.
When selecting the grounding connection, maintain as short a ground path as possible. (See page 33, Ground Lead Length.)
Reorder Tektronix part number: 196-3456-XX Kit includes:
Y-lead adapter, qty. 2
Three-in ground leads, qty. 3
24 TAP2500 and TAP3500 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 prole on components being tested, the exible sleeve of the KlipChip bends up to a 35° angle.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
206-0364-XX qty. 1
Accessories and Options
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 25
Accessories and Options
Color Band Kit (Five Colored Pairs)
1. Attach one band to the probe cable and
another one of the same color n ear the probe compensation box.
2. Connect the probe to the channel that matches the color of the band.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1315-XX qty. Set of 5 colors
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
26 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Pouch, Nylon Carrying Case with Inserts
Use the carrying case to hold the probe, the accessories, and th e instruction manual.
1. Place the probe, accessories, and manual
in the carrying case.
2. Close the carrying case to transp ort the
accessories to another location or for storage.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1952-XX
Accessories and Options
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 27
Accessories and Options
Instruction Manual
The instruction manual provides instructions for operating and maintaining the TAP2500 and TAP3500 active probes. Store the instruction manual in the probe case for easy r eference.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
071-1836-XX (English)
071-1884-XX (Japanese)
071-1885-XX (S. Chinese)
28 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Optional Accessories

This section lists the optional accessories that you can purchase to help you with your probing tasks.
SureFoot™ Probe Tips
The SureFoot tips are an inte gral probe tip and miniature guid e that enables fault-free probing of ne-pitch SMD packages. A ttach the SureFoot adapters the same way as the push-in probe tips.
SureFoot tips are available in three sizes:
The yellow, 0.050-inch SureFoot tip is compatible with 50 mil JEDEC packages such as SOIC, PLCC, CLCC, etc.
Order Tektronix part number SF501 qty. 12
The blue, 0.025-inch SureFoot t ip is compatible with 0.65 mm JEDEC and EIAJ packages.
Order Tektronix part number SF502 qty. 12
Accessories and Options
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 29
Accessories and Options
The red, 0.5 mm SureFoot tip is comp atible with EIAJ packages.
Order Tektronix part number SF503 qty. 12
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 verication. The adapter includes a 50 SMA termination.
Order Tektronix part number: 015-0678-XX
30 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
TekVPI Calibration Fixture
The calibration xtureisrequiredtodoa performance verication on the probe. It provides an SMA connector in the probe signal path for internal probe measurements.
Order Tektronix part number: 067-1701-XX
Accessories and Options
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 31
Accessories and Options

Options

Service Options
Option CA1. Provides coverage for a single Calibration Event
Option C3. Calibration Service 3 years
Option C5. Calibration Service 5 years
Option D1. Calibration Data Report
Option D3. Calibration Data Report, 3 y ears (with Option C3)
Option D5. Calibration Data Report, 5 y ears (with Option C5)
Option R3. Repair Service 3 years
Option R5. Repair Service 5 years
Manual Options
Option L0. English language Instruction Manual
Option L5. Japanese language Instructio n Manual
Option L7. Simplied Ch inese language Instruction Manual
32 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

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 illus tration 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 circu it; this circuit may cause parasitic ringing within the bandwidth of your oscilloscope.
Probing Principles
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 33

Ground Lead Inductance

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-inducta nce ground contacts described in Accessories can help y ou reduce the effects of ground lead inductance on your measurements.
0
)atwhich
34 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Low-inductance G rounding

Use a ground plane on the package to m ake probing the package easier, and to avoid adding unnecessary ground lead length and distortion:
1. Attach a small piece of copper clad on top
of the package.
2. Connect the copper clad to the package
ground connection.
3. Use the low-inductance ground lead to
keepthegroundleadlengthasshortas possible.
Quick Tip
This method is very useful when making many measurements on the same package.
Low-inductance Grounding
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 35

SureFoot™ Grounding

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.
1. Connect a short ground lead to the probe.
2. Attach a SureFoot adapter at the end of
the ground lead.
3. Connect the Sure Foot adapter directly to the package ground.
This method is preferred over using an adjacent circuit ground because it is the shortest ground path possible.
36 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

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:
1. Solder the tip onto a lead or pin with a
low-power soldering iron.
2. Press the probe head onto the tip to make
a measurement.
3. Pull the probe head off when you are done.
Quick Tip
The probe tip m ay be remove d and reused by desoldering it from the circuit, and soldering it into another circuit in the future.
Probe Tip Test Points
NOTE. 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
to remove the wire, and it will prevent insertion of other accessory tips.
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 37

Probe Tip Stabilization

Probe Tip Stabilization
The probe head has a stabilizing notch for use with 0.100 inch-spaced header pins:
1. Press the probe onto the header pin.
2. Insert the stabilizing notch of the probe
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 outofplace.
38 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Specications
The specications are valid under the following conditions:
The probe has been calibrated at an ambient tempe rature of 23 °C ±5 °C.
The probe is connected to a host instrument with an input imped ance 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 prior to testing the probe specications.
Specications for the TAP2500 and TAP3500 active probes fall into three categories: warra nted, typical, and nominal characteristics.
Specications
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 39
Specications

Warranted Characteristics

Warranted characteristics describe guaranteed performance within tolerance limits or c ertain type-t ested requirement s. Warranted characteristics th at have checks in the Performance Verication section are marked with the and Mechanical cha racteristics apply to the TAP2500 and th e TAP3500, probes unless noted otherwise.
Table 1: Warranted electrical characteristics
Characteristic Description
DC a ttenua tio n accuracy (probe only)
Rise time (probe only)
Temperature
Humidity
Altitude
symbol. The Warranted, Typical,
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)
40 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Typical Characteristics

Typical characteristics describe typical but not guaranteed performance.
Table 2: Typical electrical characteristics
Characteristic Description
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 drift 1.5 mV/ °C or less displayed on screen
Signal delay
Specications
DC to 3.5 GHz (TAP3500)
40 k
-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
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 41
Specications
Figure 2: TAP2500 Typical bandwidth
42 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Figure 3: TAP3500 Typical bandwidth
Specications
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 43
Specications
Figure 4: Typical input impedance and phase versus frequency
44 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Table 3: Typical mechanical characteristics
Characteristic Description
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)
Specications
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 45
Specications

Nominal Characteristics

Nominal characteristics describe guaranteed traits, but the traits do not have tolerance limits.
Table 4: Nominal electrical characteristics
Characteristic Description
Input coupling
Term i n atio n
Compatibility Oscilloscopes equipped with the TekVPI interface
Pollution Degree 2, Indoor use only
DC
Terminate output into 50
46 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Performance Verication
The procedures that follow verify the warranted specications of the probe. The recommended calibration interval is one year. Perform the verication procedures in the order listed.

Equipment Required

The following equipment is required for the performance verication procedures.
Table 5: Test equipment
Description and quantity Performance requirement Recommended example
Oscilloscope TekVPI Interface Tektronix DPO7000 Series
Sampling oscilloscope 12.5 GHz bandwidth Tektronix TDS8000 Series
Sampling module 12.5 GHz bandwidth
Sampling module
TekVPI Calibration/Verication adapter TekVPI Interface
DC voltage source -1.0 to +1. 0 VDC, 0.2% accuracy
Digital multimeter (DMM) Resistance, 0.1% accuracy
HF Probe Tip adapter
SMA M-to-BNC F adapter SMA male-to-BNC female
TDR output: 250 mV step, <30 ps rise time
Probe tip adapter with 50 termination
Performance Verication
1
Tektronix 80E0X
Tektronix 80E04
067-1701-XX
Wavetek 9100
Keithley 2700
015-0678-00
015-0554-00
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 47
Performance Verication
Table 5: Test equipment (cont.)
Description and quantity Performance requirement Recommended example
BNC-to-dual banana adapter (2)
BNC cable 50 , 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 wrench 5/16-in, 7 in-lb.
SMA adapter wrench 7/32-in
1
Nine-digit part numbers (xxx-xxxx-xx) are Tektronix part numbers.
2
Standard accessories included with the probe.
103-0090-00
012-0117-00
012-0649-00
50 ,0.1%,0.5W
0.25-in square pins fo r probe tip
011-0129-00
196-3463-xx
connections
0.25-in square pins-to-mini clips 206-0364-xx
1
2
2
48 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Equipment Setup

Use the following procedure to set up and warm up the equipment to test the probe.
1. Turn on the TekVPI oscilloscope.
2. Connect the TekVPI Calibration/Verication
adapter to the oscilloscope.
3. Connect the prob e to the TekVPI
Calibration/Verication ada pter and verify that the Status LED on the probe turns green.
4. Turn on the remaining test equipment.
5. Allow 20 minutes for the equipment to
warm up.
6. Photocopy the test record and use it to
record the test results. (See page 61, Te st Record.)
Performance Verication
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 49
Performance Verication

DC Gain Accuracy

This test checks the DC gain accuracy of the probe.
1. Connect the BNC-to-dual banana adapter to the DMM input.
2. Connect the SMA M-to-BNC F adapter to the SMA output of the TekVPI Calibration/Verication adapter.
3. Connect the precision termination to the BNC end of the SMA M-to-BNC F adapter.
4. Connect the BNC cable between the precision termination and the BNC-to-dual banana adapter attached to the DMM.
50 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
5. Connect the second BNC-to-dual banana
adapter to the output of the DC voltage source.
6. Connect the Y-lead adapter and K lipChip
adapters to the probe input.
7. Attach the KlipChip adapters to the
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 Verication
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 51
Performance Verication
8. Set oscilloscope offset to 0.0 V.
9. Set the DMM to DCV.
10. PresstheREL(relative)buttontoZerothe
DMM.
11. Set the DC voltage source to +1.00 VDC and enable the output.
12. Record the DMM measurement in the test record.
13. Set the DC voltage source to -1.00 VDC.
14. Record the DMM measurement in the test
record.
NOTE. An unacceptable error value may
result if a precision 50 termination is not used for the recommended term ination, or if the o scilloscope offset is not set to zero.
15. Leave the TekVPI Calibration/Verication adapter and probe connected the oscilloscope to keep the probe warm.
52 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Rise Time

This procedure veries that the probe meets the rise time specication. 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 tim e signal source. A second 80E0X sampling head is used to take the measurements. Although the following procedure assigns the TDR and measurement functions t o specific oscilloscope channels, any channels can be used. However, the TDR function is only available on 80E04 sampling heads.
CAUTION. To preve nt damage, use care when working with SMA connectors: support equipment to avoid mechanical strain on
the connectors, and when tightening connections, use a torqu e wrench to 7.5 in-lbs.
Performance Verication
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 53
Performance Verication
Test System Rise Time
1. Connect the 80E04 sampling head to
Channel1 of the sampling oscilloscope.
2. Connect the 80E0X sampling head to Channel8 of the sampling oscilloscope.
3. Connect SMA cables to Channels 1 and 8.
4. Connect the SMA cable from Channel 1 to
the HF Probe Tip adapter.
54 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
5. Remove the 50 termination from the HF
Probe Tip adapter and connect the SMA cable from Channel 8 to the adapter.
6. Turn on Channel 8 and set the vertical
scale to 50 mV/div.
Performance Verication
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 55
Performance Verication
7. Set the Channel 1/2 sampling head to TDR mode: Press the SETUP DIALOGS button and select the TDR tab.
8. Set the Channel 1 (C1) 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.
The sampling module will turn on a red light next to the SELECT channel button, indicating that TDR is activated for that channel.
56 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
10. Turn off the display for Channel 1 so that
only Channel 8 is shown on screen.
11. Adjust the oscilloscope horizontal and
vertical position controls to display a signal similar to that shown.
12. Set the oscilloscope horizontal scale to
50 ps/div and center the waveform.
NOTE. Do not touch the HF Probe Tip adapter
when making calibration measurements. Measurement accuracy is degraded when the probe tip adapter is handled.
13. Use the oscilloscope measurement
capability to display rise time. Increase the stability of the pulse edge measurement by using ave raging, if available. Rise time is determined from the 10% and 90% amplitude points on the waveform. Record therisetimeast
.
s
Performance Verication
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 57
Performance Verication
Test System and Probe Rise Time
14. Disconnect the SMA cable from the
Channel-8 side of the HF Probe Tip adapter and reconnect the 50 SMA termination to the adapter.
15. Connect the SMA cable from Channel 8 of the sampling oscilloscope to the S MA connector on the TekVPI Calibration/Verication adapter.
16. Connect the probe to the HF Probe Tip adapter.
17. Set the TekVPI oscilloscope offset to 0.0 V.
58 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
NOTE. The following measurements are taken
with the sampling oscilloscope. The TekVPI oscilloscope only provides power and o ffset to the probe.
18. On the sampling oscilloscope, expand
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.
NOTE. Do not touch the HF Probe Tip adapter
when making calibration measurements. Measurement accuracy is degraded when the probe tip adapter is handled.
Performance Verication
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 59
Performance Verication
19. Adjust the position controls on the sampling oscilloscope to display the entire leading edge waveform.
20. Use the measurement capability of the sampling oscilloscope to display rise time: Increase the stability of the pulse edge measurement by using averaging, if available. Risetime is determined from the 10% and 90% amplitude points on the waveform. Record the rise time as t
21. Using the test system rise time (ts) that you measured in step 13, and the test system and probe rise time (t youmeasuredinstep20,calculatethe probe-only rise time using the formula shown.
22. Check that the calculated rise time m eets the probe specication.
23. Record the results on the test record.
.
s+p
) that
s+p
Example:
60 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Test Record

Probe Mo del/Serial Number: Certicate Number:
Temperature:
Date of Calibration:
Performance Verication
RH %:
Technician:
Performance test Source voltage
DC Gain Accuracy
Rise Time
(TAP2500)
(TAP3500)
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 61
+1.00 VDC
-1.00 VDC
NA
NA
Minimum Measured
+98 mV NA +102 mV
-102 mV NA -98 mV
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
Maximum
140 ps
130 ps
Performance Verication
62 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual

Maintenance

This section contains maintenance information for your probe.

Error Condition

The TAP2500 and TAP3500 active probes are designed to work with all TekVPI-interface oscilloscopes and adapters. However, there may be some cases where all of the probe f eatures may not work properly.
If the Status LED glows red during or after probe power on, an internal pro be 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 Accessories for a list of replacea ble accessories for your probe.
Maintenance
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 63
Maintenance

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. Avoid getting moisture inside
the probe during exterior cleaning.
Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they may dama ge 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.
64 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
Index
Index
A
Accessories
optional, 29 standard, 19
AutoZero, 5
C
Calibration, 8 Cleaning the probe, 64 Connecting the probe, 2
D
DC gain accuracy
performance check, 50
Documentation, xi
E
Error condition, 63
F
Features, 1
Functional check, 6
G
Ground lead
inductance, 34 selecting length, 33
I
Indicators, 3
L
LED
Status, 3
M
Maintenance, 63 Menu Button, 4
O
Offset, 16 Options, 32
P
Performance verication, 47
equipment required, 47
equipment setup, 49 Probe controls and indicators, 3 Probe head, 13
R
Related documentation, xi Replacement parts, 63 Rise Time
performance check, 53
S
Safety Summary, v Signal path compensation, 9 Specications, 39
nominal, 46
typical, 41
warranted, 40 Status LED, 3, 63
TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual 65
Index
T
TekVP I , 2 Test record, 61
66 TAP2500 and TAP3500 Instruction Manual
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