Tektronix TCPA300, TCPA400, TCP303, TCP305, TCP312 Primary User

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TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers &

ZZZ

TCP300/400 Series AC/DC Current Probes

User Manual

*P077118300*

077-1183-00

Revision A

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers &

ZZZ

TCP300/400 Series AC/DC Current Probes

User Manual

This document applies for ﬁrmware version 1.0 and above.

www.tektronix.com

077-1183-00

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. Speciﬁcations and price change privileges reserved.

TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

Additional trademark statements can be added here.

Contacting Tektronix

Tektronix, Inc. 14200 SW Karl Braun Drive P.O . B o x 5 00 Beaverton, OR 97077 USA

For product information, sales, service, and t echnical support:

In North America, c all 1-800-833-9200. Worl d wide , visi t www.tektronix.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 n the property of Tektronix.

ew or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules and products become

In order to o the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage result 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.

TRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE

TEK AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH O F THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX O R THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

[W2 – 15AUG04]

btain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of

ing from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product;

Table of Contents

General Safety Summary .......................................................................................... v

Compliance Information......................................................................................... vii

EMC Compliance....... .................................... .................................... ............. vii

Environmental Considerations .................... .................................... ...................... ix

Preface .............................................................................................................. xi

Manual Conventions................................................ .................................. ........ xi

Getting Started .. ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... . 1

System Conﬁguration ......................................................................................... 1

Options.......................................................................................................... 3

Standard Accessories.......................................................................................... 4

Optional Accessories .......................................................................................... 4

Probe Covers .. .................................... .................................... ......................... 5

Travel Case .................................. .................................. ................................. 6

Connecting the Ampliﬁer to an Oscilloscope.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... .. 7

Power on the Ampliﬁer ............ .................................... .................................... ... 7

Connecting a Current Probe to the Ampliﬁer...................... .................................... ..... 8

Operating the Current Probe Slide........................................................................... 9

Degaussing and Autobalancing the Current Probe........................................................ 11

DC Measurements ............................................................................................ 12

AC Measurements ............................................................................................ 14

Control Summary.......................... .................................... .................................... 15

TCPA300 and TCPA400 Controls .......................................................................... 16

Reference Notes ................................................................................................... 21

Degaussing a Probe with an Unpowered Conductor in the Jaws ........................................ 21

Measuring Differential Current ............................................................................. 22

AC and DC Coupling. .................................... .................................... ................ 24

Maximum Current Limits...................... .................................... .......................... 25

Measuring Noncontinuous Current with the TCP404XL Probe......................................... 28

Extending Current Range.................................................................................... 30

Increasing Sensitivity. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... . 32

Application Notes ................................................................................................. 33

Automobile Charging Systems .............................................................................. 33

Inductance Measurements ............... .................................... ................................ 35

Continuity Test of Multiple-Conductor Cable ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... 37

Measuring Inductor Turns Count ........... .................................... ............................ 38

Power Measurement and Analysis Software. .................................... .......................... 39

Troubleshooting and Error Codes............................................ .................................... 40

Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button ..... ............................ 43

Correcting the Cause of an Error Code............................. .............................. .......... 45

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual i

Table of Contents

Shutdown Error

Speciﬁcations ................ .................................... .................................... .............. 47

Warranted Speciﬁcations..................................................................................... 47

Nominal and Typical Characteristics ............................... .................................. ...... 48

Mechanical Characteristics .................................................................................. 49

Environmental Characteristics .............................................................................. 51

Performanc

TCP404XL Maximum Measurement Times..................... .................................... ...... 56

Safety Compliance Information ..................... .................................... .................... 57

Glossary

Index

............................................................................................... 45

e Graphs.......................................................................................... 52

ii TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

List of Figures

Figure 1: Typical TCPA300/400 current measurement system................................. ............... 1

Figure 2: Using the probe covers .... .................................... .................................... ..... 5

Figure 3: Equipment locations in the travel case ............................................................... 6

Figure 4: Connecting and disconnecting a current probe to the ampliﬁer.................................... 8

Figure 5: TCP312 and TCP305 slide operation ................................................................. 9

Figure 6: Unlock and open the TCP303 and TCP404XL ............................... ...................... 10

Figure 7: Close and lock the TCP303 and TCP404XL........................................................ 10

Figure 8: Current probe polarity ................................................................................. 13

Figure 9: The TCPA300 front panel............................................... .............................. 15

Figure 10: Measuring two conductors .......................................................................... 22

Figure 11: Measuring differential current and nulls ........................................................... 23

Figure 12: Effect of AC or DC coupling on low-frequency signals .. ... ... ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... . 24

Figure 13: Applying the amp-second product rule ...................... .................................... .. 26

Figure 14: Duty cycle calculation . .................................... .................................... ...... 28

Figure 15: Adding a second conductor.................................. .................................... .... 30

Figure 16: Adding multiple turns................................................................................ 31

Figure 17: Increasing probe sensitivity .. ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... . 32

Figure 18: Setup for measuring charging current .................. .................................... ........ 34

Figure 19: Charge current waveforms........................... .................................... ............ 34

Figure 20: Measuring inductance with a low-impedance source............................................. 35

Figure 21: Linear current vs. time ramp........................................................................ 36

Figure 22: High-impedance source current ramp............ .................................... .............. 37

Figure 23: Measuring the number of turns in a coil ........... .................................... ............ 38

Figure 24: Turns measurement using reference coil........................................................... 38

Figure 25: Error code display .................................................................................... 43

Figure 26: Interpreting the error code display.................... .................................... .......... 44

Figure 27: Probe jaw dimensions (nominal)........................................ ............................ 50

Figure 28: Frequency derating-TCP312 ............ .................................... ........................ 52

Figure 29: Frequency derating-TCP305 ............ .................................... ........................ 52

Figure 30: Frequency derating-TCP303 ............ .................................... ........................ 52

Figure 31: Frequency derating-TCP404XL .................. .................................... .............. 53

Figure 32: Insertion impedance versus frequency ............................................................. 54

Figure 33: Speciﬁed operating area of the probes ............................................................. 55

Figure 34: Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 50 °C ambient temperature................................. 56

Figure 35: Measuring 600A noncontinuous at 50 °C ambient temperature................................. 56

Figure 36: Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 23 °C ambient temperature................................. 57

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual iii

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Table 1: Am pl iﬁ er options.......................... .................................... ........................... 3

Table 2: Se r

Table 3: Unpowered circuit degauss limits ..................................................................... 21

Table 4: Automobile charging systems test setup................ .................................... .......... 33

Table 5: Troubleshooting ................. .................................... .................................... 40

Table 6: Am pl iﬁ er error codes ............................... .................................... ................ 44

Table 7: Warranted TCPA300 and TCPA400 speciﬁcations ............................ ...................... 47

Table 8: N

Table 9: TCPA300 and TCPA400 mechanical characteristics................................................ 49

Table 10: Probe mechanical characteristics .................................................................... 50

Table 11: Shipping weights and dimensions.... .................................... ............................ 50

Table 12: Environmental characteristics........................................................................ 51

Table 13: Safety compliance information............................... .................................... .... 57

vice options .................. .................................... .................................... . 3

ominal and typical ampliﬁer characteristics........................................................ 48

iv TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

General Safety Summary

General Safet

To Avoid Fire or Personal

Injury

ySummary

Review the fo this product or any products connected to it.

To avoid pot

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 r

Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord speciﬁed for this product and certiﬁed for the country of use.

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. Disconnect the probe input and the probe reference lead from the circuit under test

re disconnecting the probe from the measurement instrument.

befo

llowing safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to

ential hazards, use this product only as speciﬁed.

elated to operating the system.

Ground the Product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor

he power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be

of t 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 ﬁre or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings information before making connections to the product.

Connect the probe reference lead to earth ground only.

Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carries voltages above the current probe voltage rating.

Do Not Operate Without Covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.

Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualiﬁed service personnel.

Avoid Exposed Circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.

Use Proper Fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating speciﬁed for this product.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual v

General Safety Summary

TermsinthisManual

Symbols and Terms on the

Product

Do Not Operate i

Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.

Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry.

Provide Prop

details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.

These terms may appear in this manual:

WARNING.

in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION

damage to this product or other property.

These t

. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in

erms may appear on the product:

DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the ma

n Wet/Damp Conditions.

er Ventilation. Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for

Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result

rking.

WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you

the marking.

read

CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.

The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:

vi TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Compliance Information

This section lists the EMC (electromagnetic compliance) and environmental standards with which the instrument complies.

EMC Compliance

EC Declaration of Conformity

–EMC

Meets intent of Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Complianc

e was demonstrated to the following speciﬁcations as listed in the

Ofﬁcial Journal o f the Europe an Communities:

EN 61326-1:2006, EN 61326-2-1:2006. EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.

123

CISPR 11:2003. Radiated and conducted emissions, Group 1, Class A

IEC 61000-4-2:2001. Electrostatic discharge immunity

IEC 61000-4-3:2002. RF electromagnetic ﬁeld immunity

IEC 610

00-4-4:2004. Electrical fast transient/burst immunity

IEC 61000-4-5:2001. Power line surge immunity

IEC 61000-4-6:2003. Conducted RF immunity

IEC 61000-4-11:2004. Voltage dips and interruptions immunity

EN 61000-3-2:2006. AC power line harmonic emissions

EN 61000-3-3:1995. Voltage changes, ﬂuctuations, and ﬂicker

European Contact.

Tektronix UK, Ltd. Western Peninsula

estern Road

W Bracknell, RG12 1RF United Kingdom

This product is intended for use in nonresidential areas only. Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference.

Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object.

To ensure compliance with the EMC standards listed here, high quality shielded interface cables should be used.

Performance Criterion C applied at the 70%/25 cycle Voltage-Dip and the 0%/250 cycle Voltage-Interruption test levels (IEC 61000-4-11).

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual vii

Compliance Information

Australia / New Zealand

Declaration of

Conformity – EMC

FCC–EMC

Complies with t following standard.

CISPR 11:2003 accordance with EN 61326-1:2006 and EN 61326-2-1:2006.

Emissions are within the limits of FCC 47 CFR, Part 15, Subpart B for Class A equipment.

he EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the

. Radiated and Conducted Emissions, Group 1, Class A, in

viii TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Compliance Information

Environmenta

l Considerations

Product End-of-Life

Handling

Restriction of Hazardous

Substances

This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.

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 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.

This product has been classiﬁed as Monitoring and Control equipment, and is outside the scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive.

the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s

This sym Union requirements according to Directives 2002/96/EC and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. For informa Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).

bol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European

tion about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual ix

Compliance Information

x TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Preface

This User Manual supports the operation and basic maintenance of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Ampliﬁers, and the TCP300/400 Series AC/DC current prob manual are listed below:

es that mate with the ampliﬁers. The current probes covered in this

Service Manual

TCP312 (30 A

TCP305 (50 A, 50 MHz, compatible with TCPA300)

TCP303 (150 A, 15 MHz, compatible with TCPA300)

TCP404XL (500 A*, 2 MHz, compatible with TCPA400) *750 A DC derated with duty cycle

If you are not familiar with these products, please refer to the Getting Started and Operating Basics chapters of this manual for basic operating information.

If you are an advanced user, the Reference section contains information on advanced applications as well as user diagnostic and troubleshooting information.

The Glossary and Index are provided as quick reference locators for important information.

The Performance Veriﬁcation and Adjustment procedures are located in the Service Manual and support the qualiﬁcation and calibration of the probes when used with either ampliﬁer.

The Maintenance section is also located in the Service Manual and supports the routine maintenance and repair of mechanical parts associated with the ampliﬁers.

, 100 MHz, compatible with TCPA300)

nual Conventions

The term "ampliﬁer" is used to refer to either the TCPA300 or TCPA400 when referring to common attributes. If a subject is unique to either ampliﬁer, the

mpliﬁer will be referred to directly by model.

The terms "current probe" and "probe" are used to refer to any of the TCP300/400 Series current probes when referring to common attributes. If a subject is unique to a particular probe, the probe will b e referred to directly by model.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual xi

Preface

xii TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Getting Started

The TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe ampliﬁ ers let you use one probe to simultaneously measure AC and DC current. The ampliﬁers convert the sensed current into oscilloscope.

a p roportional voltage signal that you can measure directly with an

System Conﬁguration

The TCPA300 than other current measurement systems because of a current feedback process used with the probe. DC measurement capability and high bandwidth allow the ampliﬁers to accurately represent square waves and fast-rise signals.

The TCPA300 and TCPA400 and associated probes provide these features:

Simultaneous DC and AC current measurements up to 750 A peak

High sen

One-button autobalancing and probe degaussing

No adjustments needed to match a current probe to an individual ampliﬁer

AC or DC coupling of signal

Direct scaling and unit readout on compatible TEKPROBE level II oscilloscopes

A complete current measurement system consists of a current probe ampliﬁer, a compatible current probe, and an appropriate oscilloscope. (See Figure 1.)

and TCPA400 current probe ampliﬁers provide better linearity

sitivity

Figure 1: Typical TCPA300/400 current measurement system

1. 50 Ω oscilloscope input — use the TEKPROBE Interface Cable or use a 50 Ω cable. (Add a 50 Ω termination here if the oscilloscope only has a high-impedance input).

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 1

Getting Started

TCPA300 and TCPA400

Current Probe Ampliﬁers

Current P robes

The ampliﬁer am

pliﬁes the current sensed by the probe and converts the current to a proportional voltage that is displayed on an oscilloscope or other similar measuring device.

The followin

g Tektronix current probes are compatible with the

TCPA300 Ampliﬁer:

TCP312 (30 A

, 100 MHz)

TCP305 (50 A, 50 MHz)

TCP303 (150 A, 15 MHz)

The following Tektronix current probes are compatible with the TCPA400 Ampliﬁer:

TCP404XL (750 A1,2MHz)

500 A continuous, 750 A DC derated with duty cycle

You can also use the CT-4 High-Current Transformer with the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes to extend the AC current measurement range to 20,000 peakA.

Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope displays the output from the current measuring system. A 50 Ω cable is included to connect the ampliﬁer to the oscilloscope input channel. A TEKPROBE-to-TEKPROBE interface cable is also included for connecting to TEKPROBE level II oscilloscopes.

If the oscilloscope does not have an input that can be set to 50 Ω impedance, you need a feedthrough 50 Ω termination. This termination is included as a standard accessory with your TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Ampliﬁers.

2 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Options

Getting Started

Table 1-1 lists options that are available for the TCPA300 and TCPA400 ampliﬁers.

Table 1: Amp

Option Description

A1 Universal E

A2 United Kingdom power cord

A3 Australia power cord

A6 Japan pow

AC China po

A99 No power cord

liﬁer options

uro power cord

Switzerland power cord

er cord

wer cord

Tektronix service options that you can order for your ampliﬁers and probes are

in this section. (See Table 2.) Designed to support tracking of calibration

listed to requirements of ISO9000 and to provide for extended repair coverage, these options help ﬁx y our long-term maintenance costs and eliminate unplanned expenditures. Tektronix Service Options are available at the time you order your instrument. Contact your local Tektronix Sales Ofﬁce for more information.

Table 2: Service options

Option Description

C3 Provides factory calibration certiﬁcation on delivery, plus two more years of calibration coverage. Throughout the

C5 Provides factory calibration certiﬁcation on delivery, plus four more years of calibration coverage. Throughout the

Provides the initial Test Data Report from the factory on delivery.

coverage period, the instrument will be calibrated according to its Recommended Calibration Interval.

Provides test data on delivery plus a Test Data Report for ev ery calibration performed during three years of coverage (requires Option C3).

Extends product repair warranty to a total of three years.

coverage period, the instrument will be calibrated according to its Recommended Calibration Interval.

Provides test data on delivery plus a Test Data Report for every calibration performed during ﬁve years of coverage (requires Option C5).

Extends product repair warranty to a total of ﬁve years.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 3

Getting Started

Standard Acce

Ampliﬁers

ssories

Probes

The following a ccessories are shipped with the ampliﬁers and probes.

The following accessories are shipped with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 ampliﬁers.

Power Cord (customer-chosen option)

BNC Cable

Termination, 50 Ω 2W

TEKPROBE Interconnect Cable

User Manual (English or Japanese; customer-chosen language option)

Certiﬁcate of Traceable Calibration

When you order a current probe, you will receive these accessories:

Probe cover

Probe ground lead, 6 inch length (TCP305 and TCP312 only)

Instruction Sheet

Optional Accessories

Certiﬁcate of Traceable Calibration

You can order the following optional accessories for the ampliﬁers and probes.

One-turn 50 Ω current loop. The current loop is used in the performance veriﬁcation procedure for checking the performance of the TCPA300 Ampliﬁer and the compatible probes.

CT-4 High-Current Transformer. If you need to measure high-amplitude AC currents, consider using the CT-4 with the TCP303 and TCP312 probes. The CT-4 provides step-down ratios of 20:1 or 1000:1. For more information about the CT-

TCPA Calibration Adapter. Use the TCPA Calibration Adapter to verify the ampliﬁer(s) performance independent of the current probes.

Travel Case. The travel case includes room to store one ampliﬁer and two current probes, along with related cables and adapters.

Deskew Fixture. This ﬁxture converts the PROBE COMPENSATION output or TRIGGER OUTPUT of the TDS5000 or TDS7000 into a set of test point connections that allow you a convenient way to compensate for timing differences between voltage and current probes.

4, consult your Tektronix sales representative.

4 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Probe Covers

Getting Started

The TCP300/400 Series Current Probes come with a probe cover that stores the probe when not in use. Use the probe cover to hold your probe in a convenient place at your probe cover to the side of the bench to keep the probe off of your work surface. (See Figure 2.)

bench or workstation when you are not using it. You can attach the

Figure 2: Using the probe covers

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 5

Getting Started

Travel Case

The travel case is a recommended accessory for the TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers. The travel case includes room to store one ampliﬁer and two TCP300/400 Series Current Prob a TCP303 probe.) A compartment is included to store associated cables and terminations. (See Figure 3.)

es, one of each size. (For example, you can store a TCP305 and

re 3: Equipment locations in the travel case

Figu

1. Larg

2. Probe holders

3. Small current probe

4. Ampliﬁer

5. Cables and terminations

6 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

e current probe

Getting Started

Connecting th

eAmpliﬁer to an Oscilloscope

You will need an oscilloscope to display the TCPA300 and TCPA400 measurement output. To use the full dynamic range of the probe/ampliﬁer combination, the oscilloscop 1 V/div.

If you are us TEKPROBE-to-TEKPROBE interface cable. Otherwise, use the supplied 50 Ω BNC cable to connect the ampliﬁer OUTPUT connector to your oscilloscope. (See Figure 1 on page 1.)

The input impedance of the oscilloscope channel must be 50 Ω, or you will encounter slowed pulse response, increased aberrations, or incorrect DC measurement amplitudes. If your oscilloscope provides only 1 M Ω inputs, you need to attach a 50 Ω feed-through termination between the oscilloscope input and the B BNC cable.

To util attached current probe, the oscilloscope bandwidth must be approximately ﬁve times that of the current probe. For example, when using a TCP312 Current Probe, the oscilloscope bandwidth must be at least 500 MHz. When using a TCP305 Current Probe, the oscilloscope bandwidth must be at least 250 MHz.

e must be capable of displaying a vertical scale factor of 1 mV/div to

ing a TEKPROBE II-compatible oscilloscope, use the

NC cable. Do not install this termination at the ampliﬁer end of the

ize the full bandwidth capability of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 and

er on the Ampliﬁer

Pow

After you have connected the ampliﬁer to the o scilloscope, allow the equipment to warm up to a stable temperature; usually 20 minutes is required.

Connect the power cord to the power input connector on the rear of the ampliﬁer, and then connect the power cord to your local mains supply (100 VAC to

40 VAC, 50 Hz to 400 Hz). To allow for proper ventilation, place the rear panel

2 of the ampliﬁer at least 2 inches away from any obstructions. Set the ampliﬁer on the bottom rubber feet, and keep papers and other items away from the bottom of the ampliﬁer w hic h could res t rict airﬂow and cause overheating.

Power on the ampliﬁer by pressing the ON/STANDBY button at the lower-left corner of the front panel. The ampliﬁer goes through a self-test and cycles the front-panel LEDs.

NOTE. The ampliﬁer stores the power state it is in when the power cord is

unplugged. If you do not put the ampliﬁer into STANDBY mode before unplugging it, the ampliﬁer will power on immediately when you plug it in again.

When you connect a probe to the ampliﬁer, the ampliﬁer uses detection circuitry to indicate probe conditions such as noncompatible probe type and probe open.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 7

Getting Started

Connecting a C

urrent Probe to the Ampliﬁer

To connect a current probe to the ampliﬁer input connector, do the following and refer to the illustration. (See Figure 4.)

1. To connect the probe, a lign the red dots.

2. Push the probe connector in. Do not twist the connector.

3. To disconnect the probe, pull back the c ollar.

4. Pull out the connector.

Figure 4: Connecting and disconnecting a current probe to the ampliﬁer

CAUTION. Handle current probes with care. Do not drop a probe or subject it to

ct, or the core may crack.

impa

Do not connect or disconnect a current probe while the probe is clamped around a

ve conductor, or the probe may suffer electrical damage.

If you connect a probe to the wrong ampliﬁer, (for example, a TCP312 to a

PA400), the NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE LED illuminates. Disconnect

TC the probe and use the correct ampliﬁer. The TCPA400 ampliﬁer accepts TCP3XX probes, but will only operate properly with TCP4XX probes.

Each current probe is c alibrated before it is shipped, a nd should not require further adjustment. If a probe requires adjustment, information is available in the service manual. The adjustment procedure must be performed only by qualiﬁed service personnel. Contact your nearest Tektronix Service Center if you need more assistance.

8 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Getting Started

Operating the

Current Probe Slide

Thecurrentprobeseachhaveaslidemechanismthatopensandclosestheprobe jaw. This allows you to clamp the probe around a conductor under test. The slide must be locke probe is unlocked, the PROBE OPEN indicator on the ampliﬁer will light.

WAR N ING. Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around

uninsulated wires. Damage to the probe or personal injury may result. Only use the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires.

The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on uninsulated wires. However, the circuit must be de-energized when connecting or removing the current probe.

The slide operation of the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes is shown in the following illustration. (See Figure 5.) To open the probe, pull the slide back until the jaw is open. To lock the probe, push the slide forward until the detent

into place.

snaps

d closed to accurately measure current or to degauss the probe. If a

ure 5: TCP312 and TCP305 slide operation

Fig

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 9

Getting Started

The slide opera following illustrations. To open the probe:

1. Press the bott

2. Squeeze the handle until the core is open.

3. Place the probe core around the conductor.

tion of the TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes is shown in the

om of the lock button.

Figure 6: Unlock and open the TCP303 and TCP404XL

4. To lock the probe, release the squeeze handle.

5. Press the top of the lock button.

Figure 7: Close and lock the TCP303 and TCP404XL

10 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Getting Started

Degaussing an

d Autobalancing the Current Probe

Degaussing the probe removes any residual magnetization from the probe core. Such residual magnetization can induce measurement error. Autobalancing removes unwa probe is a leading cause of measurement errors. The DEGAUSS LED ﬂashes until you degauss the probe.

To degauss the probe, disconnect the probe from the test circuit, or ensure that the conductor under test has no power, close and lock the slide, and then press the ampliﬁer PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button on the front panel of the ampliﬁer. To maintain measurement accuracy, degauss your probe in each of these cases:

After you turn on the ampliﬁer and allow a 20-minute warm-up period.

Before you connect the probe to a conductor.

Whenever a current or thermal overload condition occurs.

Whenever you connect a new probe.

Whene

Periodically during normal use.

To degauss and autobalance a current probe, perform these steps:

nted DC offsets in the ampliﬁer circuitry. Failure to degauss the

ver you subject the probe to a strong external magnetic ﬁeld.

1. Verify that the current probe is connected to the ampliﬁer.

2. Remove the current probe from the conductor under test.

3. Locktheprobeslideclosed. (SeeFigure5.) (SeeFigure6.)

ess the ampliﬁer PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button.

4. Pr

5. Wait about ﬁve seconds for the degauss procedure to complete.

The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE LED glows green when the operation has successfully completed. If the LED is blinking orange, the degauss

peration is still in progress. If the LED is red, the operation failed, and the cause

o of the failure needs to be found and ﬁxed. (See page 16, PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE Button and Indicator .)

NOTE. The degauss procedure will fail if the ampliﬁer is not properly connected

to an oscilloscope having 50 Ω input impedance. If this occurs, the NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω LED lights on the ampliﬁer front panel.

After you have completed the oscilloscope adjustments and the ampliﬁer degauss/autobalance procedure, your system is ready to measure current.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 11

Getting Started

DC Measuremen

To measure DC current, ﬁ rst degauss the probe:

1. Verify that the a mpliﬁer and the oscilloscope input coupling are set to DC,

and the input impedance is set to 50 Ω.

2. Lock the probe closed without a conductor passing through it.

3. Adjust the ground reference of the o scilloscope to move the trace to the

desired graticule line.

4. Press the ampliﬁer PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button.

The NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω LED is lighted if impedance is not 50 Ω. If this is the case, make necessary changes. (For example, use a 50 Ω termination.)

5. After the degauss/autobalance routine completes, adjust the ground reference

(if necessary) using the ampliﬁer MANUAL BALANCE controls.

WARNING. Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around

uninsulated wires. Damage to the probe or personal injury m ay result. Only use

P305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires.

the TC

The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on

sulated wires. However, the circuit must be de-energized when c onnecting or

unin removing the current probe.

12 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Getting Started

The current pro

Notice that the probe arrow points toward the negative terminal of the power supplytoconf To measure DC current, perform these steps:

1. Open the p ro then lock the slide.

2. For correct the d irection of conventional (positive to negative) current ﬂow. Reversing the ﬂow will display the current waveform upside-down on the oscilloscope.

3. Adjust the oscilloscope time base, trigger, and gain as needed.

be is shown connected to a power supply line. (See Figure 8.)

orm to the conventional current ﬂow of positive (+) to negative (-).

be slide, place the probe around the conductor under test, and

measurement polarity, make sure the probe arrow is pointing in

Figure 8: Current probe polarity

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 13

Getting Started

AC Measuremen

To measure AC current only, and remove the DC component of the current being measured, follow the instructions below. These are identical to the instructions for DC current me

1. Verify that the oscilloscope input coupling is set to DC.

2. Verify that the ampliﬁer input coupling is AC, and the input impedance is set

to 50 Ω. (The NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω LED is on if impedance is not 50 Ω.

3. Adjust the ground reference of the o scilloscope to move the trace to the desired g

4. Lock the probe closed without a conductor passing through it, and then press the ampl

WARNING. Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around

uninsulated wires. Damage to the probe or personal injury m ay result. Only use the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires.

The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on uninsulated wires. However, the circuit must be de-energized when connecting or removing the current probe.

asurements except that the ampliﬁercouplinginstep2issettoAC.

)

raticule line.

iﬁer PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button.

5. Open the probe slide, place the probe around the conductor under test, and then lock the slide. For correct measurement polarity, make sure the probe arrow is pointing in the direction of conventional (positive to negative)

rrent ﬂow. Reversing the ﬂow will invert the displayed current waveform

cu on the oscilloscope.

NOTE. Even when making AC current measurements, leave the oscilloscope

coupling on DC. Change only the ampliﬁer coupling to AC. Using the oscilloscope AC coupling may cause the ampliﬁer to exceed its output dynamic range.

6. Adjust the oscilloscope time base and trigger as needed.

14 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Control Summary

This section d escribes the function of each TCPA300 and TCPA400 front panel control and connector. The overview shows most functions and is followed by a detailed des

Some seldom-used functions do not appear in the illustration. These functions are completely

cription. (See Figure 9.)

discussed in the detailed descriptions that follow this illustration.

Figure 9: The TCPA300 front panel

1. The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button removes residual magnetism from the attached current probe. A multi-color LED indicates the status of the degauss circuit.

2. The MANUAL BALANCE buttons allow you to ﬁne-adjust DC offset from the ampliﬁer. The adjacent LED lights when one of the buttons has been pressed.

3. The four probe error lights indicate the following faults: PROBE OPEN, OVERLOAD (current or temperature), NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω and NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE.

4. The ON/STANDBY button turns on power to the ampliﬁer.

5. The TCPA300 and TCPA400 output appears at the OUTPUT connector.

Connect this to a 50 Ω input of your oscilloscope.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 15

Control Summary

6. The current pro INPUT connector.

7. The COUPLING button selects AC or DC probe coupling, as indicated by the LEDs.

8. The RANGE button toggles between the two scale factors that are available for the attached probe (TCPA300 only). LEDs indicate the selected range.

TCPA300 and TCPA400 Controls

These front panel controls and indicators are common to both the TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe ampliﬁers, unless otherwise indicated.

PROBE DEGAUSS

AUTOBALANCE Button

and Indicator

When pressed, this button performs two functions that maximize measurement accuracy. First, the ampliﬁer generates a degauss signal to remove any residual magnetism from the attached current probe. Second, the ampliﬁer initiates an operation to remove any undesired DC offsets from the circuitry. During the degauss process, the ampliﬁer is busy and cannot be used to measure current.

The indicator light next to the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button blinks red whenever the ampliﬁer detects that the current probe needs degaussing. The ampliﬁer cannot detect all circumstances that require probe degaussing, so you may need to degauss the probe at times when the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE light is not blinking red. The red blinking light serves as a reminder to degauss the current probe when one of the following conditions occurs:

bes connect to the TCPA300 and TCPA400 at the PROBE

The ampliﬁer has just been turned on with a current probe connected.

The current probe has been changed.

An overload was detected.

To perform the probe degauss/autobalance function, remove the probe from all conductors (or ensure that the conductor under test has no power), make sure the probe is locked closed, and then press the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button. The probe degauss/autobalance routine will not pass if the current probe is disconnected from the ampliﬁer input, or if it is unlocked (the PROBE OPEN LED is on).

The indicator blinks orange during the time the ampliﬁer is busy performing the probe degauss functions. When the degauss and autobalance procedure is complete, the indicator light turns green.

The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE indicator light will be orange if the MANUAL BALANCE buttons have been pressed after a degauss has been successfully completed. This indicates that the DC offset value has been manually changed from the original value set during the degauss routine. Depending on the amount of offset (balance) you have entered with the MANUAL BALANCE

16 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Control Summary

buttons, anoth measurements. Generally, if you change the DC offset by more than 5 divisions, you should de-energize the circuit under test and perform another degauss routine. Then, reenergize the circuit and take your measurements.

If the degauss operation has failed, and the AC and DC COUPLING LEDs are alternately ﬂashing, this indicates the ampliﬁer is displaying an error code with the four status LEDs on the lower-left front panel.

(See page 43, Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button.)

NOTE. The NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω LED is on when the ampliﬁer

output is not properly terminated into a 5 0 Ω load. Makesureyourampliﬁer OUTPUT is connected to an oscilloscope input using a 50 Ω BNC cable, and that the oscilloscope input is set to 50 Ω impedance. Proper cabling is shown. (SeeFigure1onpage1.)

If your oscilloscope does not have 50 Ω impedance settings for inputs, you can place a 50 Ω feed-through termination on the oscilloscope input and connect the ampliﬁer output cable to the termination. Do not place the feed-through termination at the ampliﬁ er end of the BNC connecting cable.

er degauss operation may be necessary to ensure accurate

MANUAL BALANCE

Buttons a nd Ind icator

PROBE OPEN Indicator

OVERLOAD Indicator

The MANUAL BALANCE buttons allow you to ﬁne-adjust the DC offset that appears at the ampliﬁer OUTPUT connector. The manual balance adjustment only functions when the ampliﬁer is set to DC coupling, and the MANUAL BALANCE indicator is only lighted after you press one of the MANUAL BALANCE

When lit, this indicator informs you that the current probe is unlocked. You must have the probe slide locked to degauss the probe or to accurately measure current.

When this LED is red, it informs you that the measurement you a re taking exceeds the continuous.

When this LED is orange, it indicates that the safe operating temperature of the probe, and possibly the ampliﬁer, has been exceeded. Disconnect the probe from the current source and allow time for the probe head and ampliﬁer to cool.

When this LED blinks red and orange, it indicates that both the safe operating temperature of the probe and the

WAR N ING. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, do not exceed the

speciﬁed electrical limits of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 or any applicable accessories.

buttons in DC coupling mode.

current limit have been exceeded.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 17

Control Summary

NOT TERMINATED

NONCOMPAT

IBLE

ON/STANDBY Button

RANGE Button

When lit, this i cable from the OUTPUT of the ampliﬁer is not connected to a 50 Ω input on the oscilloscope. You need to switch the termination setting on the oscilloscope to 50 Ω,orusea50Ω termination on the oscilloscope input.

NOTE. NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω is only detected during the DEGAUSS

AUTOBALANCE operation.

When lit, this indicator informs you that the probe that is connected to the ampliﬁer is not designed to work with the ampliﬁer. TCP3XX probes only work with the TCPA300 Ampliﬁer, and the TCP404XL probe only works with the TCPA400 A

Use this button to power on the ampliﬁer. When the ampliﬁer is in STANDBY mode, the ampliﬁer is in a limited-power mode. Most of the secondary circuitry is

ed, but the line voltage remains connected to the ampliﬁer power supply.

disabl

Press the RANGE button to toggle between the scale factors (sensitivity settings) of the probe attached to the TCPA300. If no RANGE LEDs are lit, this indicates a

is not connected to the ampliﬁer.

probe

ndicator informs you that the TEKPROBE interface cable or BNC

mpliﬁer.

COUPLING Button and

Indicators

PROBE INPUT Connector

The COUPLING button determines the coupling between the TCPA300/TCPA400 and the oscilloscope. Press the COUPLING button to toggle between AC and

oupling. To couple the ampliﬁerforDCplusACmeasurements,useDC

DC c coupling. For AC measurements only, use AC coupling. When the ampliﬁer is set to AC coupling, the Manual Balance adjustment is disabled since the DC offset component is n ot visible on the output waveform.

NOTE. Even when making AC current measurements, leave the oscilloscope

coupling on DC. Change only the ampliﬁer coupling to AC. Using the oscilloscope

C coupling may cause the ampliﬁer to exceed its output dynamic range.

Under normal operation, the AC and DC COUPLING LEDs indicate the coupling mode of the ampliﬁer. If they alternately ﬂash after a degauss operation, this indicates the ampliﬁer is displaying an error code with the four status LEDs on the lower-left front panel. (See page 43, Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button.)

All current probes compatible with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 attach at the PROBE INPUT connector, which is a multi-pin female connector. Information

18 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Control Summary

OUTPUT Connector

Probe DC Gain Adjust

(located on probes)

about connecti to the Ampliﬁer.)

The ampliﬁer current measurement output is accessed at the OUTPUT connector, which s hould be connected to the oscilloscope input. Attach one end of a 50 Ω BNC cable to this connector and the other end to a 50 Ω vertical input of your oscilloscope. The output impedance of the ampliﬁer is 50 Ω.

To get a direct readout of current on your Tektronix oscilloscope, use the TEKPROBE interface cable to connect the ampliﬁer to your oscilloscope.

NOTE. To obtain accurate measurements, the input impedance of your

oscilloscope must be 50 Ω. Make sure your ampliﬁer OUTPUT is connected to an oscilloscope input using a 50 Ω BNC cable, a nd that the oscilloscope input is set to 50 Ω impedance. The proper cabling is shown. (See Figure 1 on page 1.)

If your oscilloscope does not have 50 Ω impedance settings for inputs, you can place a 50 Ω feedthrough termination on the oscilloscope input and connect the ampliﬁer output cable to the termination. Do not place the feedthrough termination a t the ampliﬁer end of the BNC connecting cable.

After the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE routine has been run, the probe and ampliﬁer system will meet all published speciﬁcations. However, if you want to improve the tolerance of the system accuracy, or to intentionally offset the accuracy to make up for total system errors, you can manually adjust the gain of the probe. See the service manual for adjustment procedures and locations.

ng a probe is available. (See page 8, Connecting a Current Probe

GPIB Operation

NOTE. You should be careful to note the existing position of the DC Gain

Adjustment before you alter it, so that you may return it to the initial, calibrated position. By altering the DC Gain Adjustment, you may cause the probe to not meet the warranted DC Accuracy speciﬁcation.

For example, the typical accuracy of the TCP312 probe on the 1 A/V range is 1%. Ifyouwanttomeasurea3Ap-p,1kHzsquarewaveandneedincreased accuracy (better than 0.25% is attainable), ﬁrst adjust the TCP312 on the 1 A/V range setting using a calibrated 3 Ap-p, 1 kHz square wave source. Then, attach the probe to your circuit and take your measurement. Remember, altering the DC Gain Adjustment may cause the probe to not meet the warranted DC Accuracy speciﬁcation.

The TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Ampliﬁers do not have direct GPIB connections. However, you can use a computer to control the oscilloscope that the ampliﬁer is connected to, enabling you to change the time and scale factors of your current measurements over the oscilloscope GPIB bus.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 19

Control Summary

Refer to your os

cilloscope manual for instructions on using the GPIB bus.

20 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Reference Notes

These notes are provided to help you utilize the full potential of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe systems.

Degaussing a Probe with an Unpowered Conductor in the Jaws

Under almost all conditions, you can degauss your current probe while a conductor of an unpow with an unpowered circuit is that any offset from stray DC magnetic ﬁelds are compensated. In an automated environment, degaussing with the conductor in the probe jaws eliminates the need to manually remove the probe.

NOTE. Be certain that the conductor in the probe jaws is completely unpowered.

Any current ﬂowing through the conductor will cause a residual offset in the current

If the impedance of your circuit is higher than that shown, the degauss procedure

eds because the ampliﬁer is able to saturate the probe core. (See Figure 11

succe on page 23.) While degauss occurs, the probe induces a voltage in the unpowered circuit as shown. (See Figure 11 on page 23.) Your circuit must be able to absorb this induced voltage. With low impedance circuits, several amperes may be induced in the circuit being measured. This may be of concern when you are using very small conductors.

ered circuit is clamped in the jaws. The advantage of degaussing

probe, and the ampliﬁer may report an inaccurate result.

le 3: Unpowered circuit degauss limits

Tab

imum circuit

Min

Probe type

TCP312

TCP305

TCP303

TCP404XL

resistance Maximum induced voltage

mV at 200 Hz

0 mV at 200 Hz

5 mV at 100 Hz

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 21

Reference Notes

Measuring Dif

ferential Current

You can place two conductors in a current probe to provide differential or null current measurement. (See Figure 10.) This avoids the necessity of using two current meas

Figure 10: Measuring two conductors

WARNING. To avoid injury or loss of life from shock or ﬁre, do not put more than

one uninsulated conductor at a time in the TCP303 or TCP404XL probes. Do not put any uninsulated conductors in the TCP305 or TCP312 probes. An uninsulated conduc rated for the voltage present on the conductor under test.

An ins insulating material that is capable of isolating the voltage present on the conductor. Note that lacquer coatings like those typically found on transformer windings do not provide sufﬁcient, reliable insulation for use with current probes. The lacquer coating can be easily nicked or damaged, compromising the insulating capabilities of the lacquer coating.

tor is deﬁned as any conductor without insulation or without insulation

ulated conductor is deﬁned as any conductor that is surrounded by an

urement systems with a differential oscilloscope.

Do not force the slide closed. Damage to the probe may result. If you cannot close the slide around the conductor(s), either reduce the number of conductors you are

asuring, or, if possible, take your measurement on a smaller conductor.

1. Orient the two conductors under test so that the polarities oppose each other.

2. Clamp the current probe around the two conductors as shown. Be careful not

to pinch a conductor in the probe jaws.

22 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Reference Notes

Figure 11: Measuring differential current and nulls

3. Measure the current. A waveform above the baseline indicates the conductor with the conventional current ﬂow (I

, in the direction of the probe arrow),

is carrying the greater current. Conventional current ﬂows from positive to negative.

4. To adjust for a current null, adjust the current in one of the conductors until the displayed measurement is zero.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 23

Reference Notes

AC and DC Coupl

ing

You can couple the signal input to the TCPA300 and TCPA400 with either DC or AC coupling. DC coupling shows the DC and AC measurement components while AC coup you use AC coupling, make sure that the input DC current does not exceed the probe speciﬁcations.

AC coupling will affect waveforms at frequencies higher than the AC Coupling Low-Frequency Bandwidth. For example, pulsed currents may exhibit rolloff or decreased amplitude. (See Figure 12.)

1. A low-frequency square wave using AC coupling. The signal exhibits low-frequency rolloff.

2. By changing the ampliﬁer coupling to DC, the pulse is displayed as truly square, as shown.

e 12: Effect of AC or DC coupling on low-frequency signals

Figur

ling removes the DC component from the displayed signal. When

u are trying to examine a low-frequency signal that is superimposed on a

If yo comparatively large DC component, you can resolve the signal by p erforming these steps:

1. Select the range setting that will display the maximum detail without exceeding the dynamic range of the signal.

2. Adjust the oscilloscope V/div sensitivity (A/div if using the TEKPROBE interface), to display maximum signal detail.

24 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Reference Notes

Maximum Curre

nt Limits

Current probes have three maximum current ratings: continuous, pulsed, and Ampere-second p roduct. Exceeding any of these ratings can saturate the probe core, magnet

NOTE. Always degauss the probe after measuring a current that exceeds the

maximum continuous current, maximum pulsed current, or Ampere-second product rating of the probe. Exceeding these ratings can magnetize the probe and cause measurement errors.

izing the core and causing measurement errors.

Maximum Continuous Current refers to the maximum current that can be continuous Speciﬁcations.) The maximum continuous current value is derated with frequency; as the frequency increases, the maximum continuous current rating decreases.

Maximum Pulsed Current refers to the maximum peak value of pulsed current the probe can accurately measure, regardless of how short (within bandwidth limitations) the pulse duration is.

Ampere-Second Product deﬁnes the maximum width of pulsed current that you can measure when the pulse amplitude is between the maximum continuous and maximum pulsed current speciﬁcations. The maximum contin

ly measured at DC or at a speciﬁed AC frequency. (See page 47,

uous speciﬁcation itself varies by frequency.

etermine if your measurement exceeds the Ampere-second product, perform

To d either Procedure A (Maximum Allowable Pulse Width), or Procedure B (Maximum Allowable Pulse Amplitude).

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 25

Reference Notes

Procedure A: Maximum

Allowable Pulse Width

To determine th

e maximum allowable pulse width do the following:

1. Measure the peak current of the pulse.

2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-micros econd) speciﬁcation for the

range setting of the probe by the measured peak current of the pulse. The quotient is

the maximum allowable pulse width (PW

max

For example, the TCP312 Current Probe has a maximum A mpere-second product of 500 Arms in the 10 A/V range setting. If a pulse measured with a TCP312 has a peak current of 40 A, the maximum allowable pulse width would be 500 Arms divided by 40 A, or 12.5 μs.

3. Check that the pulse width at the 50% point of the measured signal is less than the calculated m aximum allowable pulse width (PW

max

Figure 13: Applying the amp-second product rule

26 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Reference Notes

Procedure B: Maximum

Allowable Pulse Amplitude

To determine th

1. Measure the pulse width at the 50% points.

2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) speciﬁcation for the

range setting of the probe by the pulse width. The quotient is the maximum allowable p be less than this value.

For example product of 500 Arms in the 10 A/V range setting. If a pulse measured with a TCP312 probe has a width of 15 μs, the maximum allowable peak current would be 500 Arms divided by 15 μs, or 33.3 A.

e maximum allowable pulse amplitude do the following:

ulse amplitude; the peak amplitude of the measured pulse must

, the TCP312 Current Probe has a maximum Ampere-second

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 27

Reference Notes

Measuring Non

continuous Current with the TCP404XL Probe

When you measure a noncontinuous current with the TCP404XL probe, you need to take into consideration several factors to ensure that you make accurate measurement and duty cycle of the continuous and noncontinuous current, and the ambient temperature, all affect the maximum amount of time allowed for the measurement, which deﬁnes the safe operating area of the probe.

You can calculate the duty cycle of the continuous and noncontinuous current when you know the duration of the noncontinuous current (deﬁned as measurement time) and the measurement period. A continuous and noncontinuous current is shown and how to calculate the duty cycle. (See Figure 14.)

s and do not trip the thermal overload circuit. The amplitude

ure 14: Duty cycle calculation

Fig

er you calculate the duty cycle of the noncontinuous current you are measuring,

Aft you can use the other factors (continuous and noncontinuous current amplitude, etc.) to compare your measurement to those shown. (See Figure 34 on page 56.) (See Figure 36 on page 57.)

You can see how duty cycle affects the measurement time by looking at any of thethreegraphs. (SeeFigure34onpage56.)(SeeFigure36onpage57.)Asthe duty cycle increases on the x-axis, the measurement time (of the noncontinuous current) on the y-axis decreases.

The effect of measuring two different noncontinuous current amplitudes, 750 A and 600 A respectively, with varying duty cycles and levels of continuous current is illustrated. (See Figure 34 on page 56.) (See Figure 35 on page 56.) The ambient temperature in these two examples is kept constant at 50 °C.

28 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Reference Notes

WAR N ING. To prevent injury, keep your hands away from the probe head until it

has had time to using the probe n ear the upper current limit and maximum ambient temperature for extended lengths of time, the probe head surface can become hot to the touch.

To see how noncontinuous current amplitude affects measurement time, look at the curves for measurements of 200 A continuous between the two graphs. (See Figure 34 on page 56.) (See Figure 35 on page 56.) Compare the maximum measurement time allowed for a duty cycle of 20%: At 750 A, you have 3 minutes of safe measurement time, versus 17 minutes for a smaller noncontinuous-current amplitud

By looking at any of the three graphs, you can also see that when you measure anoncon measurement time decreases as the continuous-current amplitude increases.

Finall on page 57.) Here, the effect of ambient temperature on measurement time is illustrated. Given a continuous current of 200 A with a noncontinuous current of 750 A, and having a 20% duty cycle, a 27 °C increase in temperature yields a 12 minute decrease in maximum measurement time.

e of 600 A.

y,comparethetwographs. (SeeFigure34onpage56.) (SeeFigure36

cool after disconnecting the probe from the circuit. Because when

tinuous current having the same amplitude and duty cycle, the

Keep these factors into account when taking measurements to ensure accuracy and to protect both yourself from injury and the equipment from damage.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 29

Reference Notes

Extending Cur

Extending DC Range

rent Range

You may encounter situations where your measurement exceeds the maximum current rating of the connected probe. This section discusses methods for extending AC

WARNING. To avoid personal injury or loss of life due to shock or ﬁre, do

not exceed the speciﬁed electrical limits of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 or any applicable accessories. When using multiple conductors, do not exceed current limits on either conductor.

If you wan an extremely large steady-state DC component (such as in a power supply), or if you want to extend the DC current range of your probe, you can add offset (bucking) current with a second conductor.

WARNING. To avoid injury or loss of life from shock or ﬁre, do not put more than

one uninsulated conductor at a time in the probe jaws. An uninsulated conductor is deﬁ voltage present on the conductor under test.

and DC current ranges without exceeding speciﬁed limits.

t to measure a low-amplitude AC component that is superimposed on

ned as any conductor without insulation or without insulation rated for the

pply additional bucking current, do the following and refer to the illustration.

To su (See Figure 15.)

1. Pla

2. Or

3.T

ce a second conductor that has a pure DC component of known value in

the probe jaw with the conductor under test.

ient the second conductor so that the bucking current ﬂows in the opposite

direction of the DC ﬂow in the conductor under test.

o determine measurement values, add the value of the bucking current to

the displayed measurement.

Figure 15: Adding a second conductor

30 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Reference Notes

NOTE. Adding a s

and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe.

You can incre second conductor around the probe, as shown in the illustration. (See Figure 16.)

Figure 16: Adding multiple turns

The bucking current is equal to the current ﬂowing in the conductor, multiplied by the number of turns wound around the probe. For example, if the second conductor has a current of 100 mA DC and is wrapped around the probe ﬁve times, the DC bucking current is 100 mA multiplied by 5, or 500 mA DC.

econd conductor to the probe increases the insertion impedance

ase the value of the bucking current by winding multiple turns of the

Extending AC Range

To determine measurement values, add the value of the bucking current to the displayed measurement.

. Winding multiple turns to the probe increases the insertion impedance and

NOTE

reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe.

u can extend the AC amplitude limit of the TCPA300 by using the Tektronix

Yo CT-4 High-Current Transformer. The CT-4, designed for use with the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes, extends the current probe range by a factor of 20:1 or 1000:1. The CT-4 can provide external steady-state DC bucking current up to 300 A. For more information about the CT-4, consult your Tektronix sales representative.

Because the CT-4 has a lower AC bandwidth limit than the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes, set the ampliﬁer coupling to DC when using the CT-4.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 31

Reference Notes

Increasing Se

nsitivity

If you are measuring DC or low-frequency AC signals of very small amplitudes, you can increase measurement sensitivity of your Current Probe by winding several turn multiplied by the number of turns around the probe.

WARNING. To avoid injury or loss of life, do not put more than one uninsulated

conductor at a time in the probe jaws. An uninsulated conductor is deﬁned as any conductor without insulation or without insulation rated for the voltage present on the conductor under test.

When viewing the signal on the oscilloscope screen, divide the displayed amplitude by the number of turns to obtain the actual current value. For example, if a conductor is wrapped around the probe ﬁve times and the oscilloscope shows a reading of 5 mA DC, the actual current ﬂow is 5 mA divided by 5, or 1 mA DC.

NOTE. Winding multiple turns around the probe increases insertion impedance

and re

s of the conductor under test around the probe as shown. The signal is

duces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe.

Figure 17: Increasing probe sensitivity

32 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Application Notes

This section describes some of the typical measurement applications of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Ampliﬁers:

Application Notes

Automobile Charging Systems

Inductance Measurements

Continuity Test of Multiple-Conductor Cable

Measuring Inductor Turns Count

Power Mea

Automobile Charging Systems

Most aut rectiﬁer network. A meter averages current from all three phases, and cannot detect a single-phase diode problem. Observing the charge current waveform can quickly reveal if one diode is shorted or open. (See Figure 19 on page 34.)

A TCP303 Current Probe was used for this high-current, low-voltage application. The TCP303 is degaussed and clamped around the positive battery lead from the alternator. (See Figure 18.) The probe arrow is pointed away from the alternator and toward the battery side of the circuit, to reﬂect conventional current. The auto circuit.

Table 4: Automobile charging systems test setup

Instrument Control Setting

TCPA300 COUPLING DC

Oscilloscope Coupling DC

omotive charging systems are three-phase alternators with a diode

mobile is started and the lights are turned on to add a signiﬁcant load to the

surement and Analysis Software Applications

RANGE 50 A/V

Amps/Division (Volts/Division if not using TEKPROBE interface cable)

Zero-Current Reference Center graticule line

Time Base

10 A/Div (200 mV/Div)

200 ms/division

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 33

Application Notes

Figure 18: Setup for measuring charging current

The waveform (a) shows the three-phase ripple frequency. (See Figure 19.) The average charge current is approximately 27 A with a minimum peak of approximately 23 A and a maximum peak of approximately 31 A. The waveform shows a continuous cycle with no dropouts, so the alternator circuit appears to be

ioning properly. A single-phase diode failure normally appears as an extreme

funct drop in charge current every third cycle, waveform (b). (See Figure 19.)

gure 19: Charge current waveforms

34 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Inductance Measurements

You can use the TCPA300 and TCPA400 to measure inductance of coils. Two different methods can be used: one for low-impedance pulse sources and another for high-impedance pulse sources of known value.

Application Notes

Low-Impedance Pulse

Sources

This ﬁgure shows a constant-voltage pulse generator of extremely low output impedance connected to an inductor that has low resistance. (See Figure 20.)

1. Connect the inductor across the output terminals of the pulse generator.

2. Maintain a constant voltage across the inductor.

3. Clamp the

current probe over one of the source leads.

Figure 20: Measuring inductance with a low-impedance s ource

E. Iftheprobeimpedanceisasigniﬁcant part of the total circuit inductance,

NOT

measurement accuracy will be affected. Refer to the probe speciﬁcations for probe insertion impedance.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 35

Application Notes

4. Measure the cur of the current ramp shown here.

Figure 21: Linear current vs. time ramp

5. Calculate the inductance using the following formula:

rent ramp. The inductance is effectively deﬁned by the slope

where:

L is the inductance in henries, E is the voltage of the pulse generator, dt is the c hange in time, and di is the change in current.

36 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Application Notes

High-Impedance Pulse

Sources

If the pulse sou output voltage drops as the current increases, the inductance of a coil can be calculated by the time constant of the charge curve. The current ramp shows how the values for the inductance formula are obtained. (See Figure 22 on page 37.)

Use this formula to calculate the inductanc e based on the current measur ement:

where L is the inductance in henries, t is the time required for the current to rise or fall 63.2% o f the total c urrent value, and R is the source resistance of the pulse generator.

rce has a higher impedance of known resistance, such that the

Figure 22: High-impedance source current ramp

Continuity Test of Multiple-Conductor Cable

Single conductors in a multiconductor cable can be tested with the TCPA300 and

PA400. To check a conductor, clamp the current probe around the cable bundle

TC and check for a speciﬁc, known current signal. If there is no current or the current is abnormally low, then the conductor has a continuity problem. If the current is abnormally high, then the conductor may have a short to ground.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 37

Application Notes

Measuring Ind

uctor Turns Count

To obtain a n approximate turns count of an inductor, do the following. (See Figure 23.)

1. Connect the inductor to a current limited source, as shown.

2. Measure the input current on one of the inductor leads.

3. Clamp the current probe around the inductor and note the current value.

Figure 23: Measuring the number of turns in a coil

The number of turns is equal to the ratio of coil current to input current. The accuracy of this method is limited by the current measurement accuracy. The following method allows more precis e turns measurement.

For a more precise turns count, you need a coil with a known number of turns to use a s a reference.

1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 above and make the following changes:

2. Insert the reference coil into the current probe.

3. Insert the test coil into the current probe so that the currents oppose each other

as shown. (See Figure 24.)

Figure 24: Turns measurement using reference coil

38 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Application Notes

You must observ has greater or fewer turns than the reference coil. The turns are cal culated by using the formula:

where N2is the number of turns in the test coil, N1is the number of turns in the reference coil, I

e the polarity of coil current to determine whether the test coil

is the measured coil current, and I1is the input current.

Power Measurement and Analysis Software

Power measurement software that is available for some Tektronix oscilloscopes transform your current measurement system into a sophisticated analysis tool that quickly measures and analyzes many different applications, such as:

Power dissipation at switching devices and magnetic components in switching power supplies

Precompliance test for EN61000-3-2 standard

Power quality

Modulation analysis

After making the measurements, the software generates detailed test reports in customizable formats. When the software is used with a Tektronix TDS5000 Series or TDS7054/TDS7104 digital phosphor oscilloscope and differential voltage and current probes, it forms a complete measurement system for power supply design and test.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 39

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Troubleshoot

ing and Error Codes

Possible pro

blems that you may encounter when measuring current with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 are available. (See Table 5.) Use this as a quick troubleshooting reference.

Table 5: Troubleshooting

Problem Remedy

Ampliﬁer will not power on Check that the ampliﬁer is plugged into a working AC outlet.

Defective ampliﬁer. Refer the instrument to qualiﬁed service personnel for repair. To help determine which module is defective, a troubleshooting section is available in the service manual.

Front panel displays an error status. Error Status LEDs are on the lower-left section of the ampliﬁer front panel

The AC and DC COUPLING LEDs are ﬂashing alternately

All LEDs are ﬂashing All LEDs ﬂashing indicates a thermal shutdown. Power-cycle the system and let it cool

OVERLOAD LED remains lit red after removing probe from circuit

OVERLOAD LED remains lit orange Degauss the probe. If the OVERLOA D LED remains lit orange, disconnect the probe

Probe does not degauss successfully and LEDs are lighted in an unfamiliar pattern

Cannot degauss the probe Current Probe is not locked. Lock the current probe.

Note the error status and correct the condition. The e rror status is labeled on the front panel. For example, if the PROBE OPEN LED is lit, close and lock the probe jaws.

The Error Status LEDs are displaying an error code. Error codes descriptions are available. (See Table 6 on page 44.) Note the error code and turn the instrument off, then on. If the error condition persists, refer the instrument to qualiﬁed service personnel for repair.

If the RANGE and DEGAUSS LED are both off, and one of the COUPLING LEDs is lit, this indicates the ampliﬁer is not detecting a probe. Reconnect the probe.

All LEDs ﬂashing indicate a thermal shutdown. Power-cycle the system and let it cool for 15 minutes before taking measurements. In most cases, 15 minutes is sufﬁcient.

before taking measurements. In most cases, 15 minutes is sufﬁcient.

Probe transformer or ampliﬁ er main board is defective.

from the circuit and let it cool for 15 minutes before degaussing again. If this does not clear the LED, the probe transformer or probe Hall device m ay be defective. Connect another probe to the ampliﬁer, o r connect the probe in question to another ampliﬁer.

Ampliﬁer is displaying an error code or is out of calibration or defective. (See Table 6 on page 44.) If another ampliﬁer is available, try to degauss the probe on the other ampliﬁer, to help isolate the cause.

Component failure on probe circuit board: broken adjustment/wire/etc. Disassemble probe, repair/replace component or refer the instrument to qualiﬁed service personnel for repair.

Current Probe is improperly connected to the ampliﬁer input connector.

Ampliﬁer output is not terminated into 50 Ω load. Set input impedance of oscilloscope to 50 Ω or connect a 50 Ω feed-through termination at the oscilloscope input, not at the ampli ﬁer output.

Current Probe is defective or not compatible with the ampliﬁer type.

40 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Table 5: Troubleshooting (cont.)

Problem Remedy

Degauss takes longer than 10 seconds

Cannot make a current measurement no measurement output from ampliﬁer

MANUAL BALANCE will not adjust Oscilloscope or ampliﬁer input coupling not set to DC. MANUAL BALANCE buttons only

Stray DC component in measurement Degauss the probe using the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button. (The Current

Measurements are inaccurate Degauss the probe.

Measurements roll off at high frequencies

Measurements exhibit excessive noise

Probe is attached to an energized circuit. Disconnect probe from circuit and retry.

Probe is faulty - Probe transformer (defective Hall device with excessive noise or drift) may cause this symptom. May also be caused by a shorted or open wire in the probe cable assembly.

Defective main board - If the probe is not the cause, then it is most likely a defective main board in the ampliﬁer.

Current Probe is not locked. Lock the current probe.

Current Probe is improperly connected to the ampliﬁer input connector.

Ampliﬁer COUPLING is set to AC. Set the COUPLING to DC.

A Degauss/Autobalance routine has not been completed successfully on the system. Degauss the probe.

Oscilloscope/Ampliﬁer is not set to an appropriate sensitivity setting.

Defective interface cable (between oscilloscope and ampliﬁer).

function when the a mpli ﬁer is in the DC coupling mode.

Oscilloscope/Ampliﬁer is not set to an appropriate sensitivity setting.

Probe has been overloaded, dropped, or exposed to magnetic ﬁeld.)

You can use the MANUAL BALANCE buttons to null out any residual DC offset after performing a Probe Degauss Autobalance routine.

The ampliﬁer output is not terminated into 50 Ω load. Set the input impedance of oscilloscope to 50 Ω or connect a 50 Ω feedthrough termination at the oscilloscope input. Do not attach the termination at the ampliﬁer output.

The measurement exceeds the maximum continuous current or Ampere-second product ratings of the Current Probe. If possible, upgrade to a probe with a higher current rating or use a CT-4 transformer.

Ampliﬁer or current probe out of calibration. (See the service manual for performance veriﬁcation procedures.)

The jaw mechanism is dirty - disassemble probe, clean and lubricate. Probe disassembly procedures are available. (See the service manual.)

Defective current probe transformer.

The oscilloscope bandwidth limit is turned on. Verify that the bandwidth limit switch on the oscilloscope is set to the desired bandwidth position.

(Be careful not to exceed the frequency limit of the probe used. Frequencies above the probe design may cause overheating and damage to the probe.)

Current Probe is not locked. Lock the current probe.

Current Probe is improperly connected to the ampliﬁer input.

Defective current probe transformer.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 41

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Table 5: Troubleshooting (cont.)

Problem Remedy

Measurement aberrations exceed the speciﬁed limit

Excessive low frequency droop in pulse response or low DC gain accuracy

Measurements exhibit excessive delay or slowed pulse response

Probe jaw not opening and closing freely

The ampliﬁer output is not terminated into 50 Ω load. Set the input impedance of the oscilloscope to 50 Ω or connect a 50 Ω feedthrough termination at the oscilloscope input. Do not attach the termination to ampliﬁer output.

The measurement exceeds the maximum continuous current or Ampere-second product ratings of the Current Probe. (Current limits are available) (See page 25, Maximum Current Limits.) If possible, upgrade to a probe with a higher current rating or use a CT-4 transformer.

Check that the probe slider is fully closed and locked.

Check and clean the probe transformer and lid.

Degauss the probe.

The ampliﬁer or the oscilloscope may be AC coupled. Set the COUPLING to DC.

The measurement exceeds the Ampere-second product of the Current Probe. If possible, upgrade to a probe with a higher current rating or use a CT-4 transformer.

The oscilloscope bandwidth limit is turned on. Verify that the bandwidth limit switch on the oscilloscope is set to the desired bandwidth position.

The jaw mechanism is dirty - disassemble probe, clean and lubricate. Probe disassembly procedures are available. (See the service manual.)

42 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Displaying Er

ror Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button

This section describes the error codes that the ampliﬁers display using the function indicator LEDs.

When an internal error condition exists, the ampliﬁers may generate error codes. To display the error codes, do the following. (See Figure 25.)

1. Press the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button.

2. The AC and DC Coupling LEDs will ﬂash alternately to indicate that error

codes are being displayed instead of normal conditions.

3. The four fault indicator LEDs above the ON/STANDBY switch are used to form a four-bit binary error code. (See Figure 26 on page 44.) The error codes are deﬁned in the table. (See Table 6 on page 44.)

The PROBE OPEN LED indicates the most signiﬁcant bit (MSB), and the NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE LED indicates the least signiﬁcant bit (LSB).

4. To continue past an error code, press any button except ON/STANDBY. Howev and the degauss operation is run again.

er, the degauss will fail until the internal error condition is corrected

Figure 25: Error code display

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 43

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

For example, af

ter you press the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button, if

the AC and DC Coupling LEDs are ﬂashing, then an error code is being displayed:

1. In this exampl

e, the NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω LED is illuminated.

2. This four-bit binary code (0010) indicates an Error Code 2: a null error in the DC offset ci

rcuit occurred. (See Figure 26.)

Figure 26: Interpreting the error code display

A complete list of error codes for the ampliﬁer is listed in the table. (See Table 6.)

Table 6: Ampliﬁer error codes

Code Descrip

The am p a probe, but a valid Hall device was not detected.

or occurred while

An err nulling out the internal DC offset of the ampliﬁer.

300 ONLY - An

TCPA error occurred while the ampliﬁer was adjusting

power supply levels

the for the different Range settings.

An error occurred while the ampliﬁer was

justing the Overload

ad trip points.

Unused

tion of error

liﬁer detected

Action t

Discon Power cycle the ampliﬁer. Check probe transformer (defective Hall device). If these steps do not resolve the error, by a shorted or open wire in the probe cable assembly.

Power cycle the ampliﬁer and run the Degauss/Autobalance adjustment routine again. If the erro

Powe Degauss/Autobalance adjustment routine again. If the error reoccurs, then perform the following steps:

1) R

2) Check probe - The signal path through the probe transformer may be open or shorted, which can be c assembly. If the above steps do not resolve the error, the ampliﬁer needs service.

Power cycle the ampliﬁer and run the De error reoccurs, then remove the probe from the circuit. If this does not resolve the error, the ampliﬁer needs s

o take

nect and reattach the probe to the ampliﬁer.

the ampliﬁer needs service. May also be caused

r reoccurs, then the ampliﬁer needs service.

rcycletheampliﬁer and run the

emove the probe from the circuit.

aused by defective probe transformer or cable

gauss/Autobalance adjustment routine again. If the

ervice.

44 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Table 6: Ampli ﬁer error codes (cont.)

Code Description of error Action to take

An error occurred while nulling out the internal DC offset of the ampliﬁer.

The ampliﬁer cannot null out the probe DC offset voltage.

Unspeciﬁed error (internal software error)

Power cycle the a mpliﬁer and run the Degauss/Autobalance adjustment routine again. If the error reoccurs, then remove the probe from the circuit. If this does not resolve the error, the ampliﬁer needs service.

Remove the probe from the circuit. Error 12 will most likely occur when the probe is connected to an energized circuit when a Degauss/Autobalance routine is initiated. Check probe transformer (defective Hall device).

This error may also be caused by a Hall device with excessive noise or drift in the probe transformer, or a shorted or open wire in the probe cable assembly. Power cycle the ampliﬁer and run the Degauss/Autobalance adjustment routine again. If these steps do not resolve the error, the ampliﬁer needs service.

Power cycle the a mpliﬁer and run the Degauss/Autobalance adjustment routine again. If the error reoccurs, then the ampliﬁer needs service.

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Correcting the Cause of an Error Code

After interpreting the error code, disconnect the probe from the circuit and

uss the probe again. Take the measurement again. If the error code persists,

dega contact your Tektronix Service Center.

Shutdown Error

If all LEDs ﬂash at the same time, a shutdown condition exists. If this occurs, turn off the ampliﬁer and disconnect the probe from the circuit under test. Turning off the ampliﬁer clears the error register.

A shutdown condition can be caused by exceeding the frequency/current speciﬁcations. Verify that you are not exceeding the speciﬁcations and let the probe and ampliﬁer cool before using them again. In most cases, 15 minutes is sufﬁcient. If the measurement you were taking was within the probe and ampliﬁer speciﬁcations, degauss the probe and take the measurement again. If the shutdown error persists, contact your Tektronix Service Center.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 45

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

46 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Speciﬁcations

These speciﬁcations are valid only under the following conditions:

The probe and ampliﬁer have been calibrated at an ambient temperature of 23 ° ±5 °C.

The probe and ampliﬁer are operating within the environmental limits described in Table 4-6 on page 4-5 (the operating temperature limits are 0 °C to +50 °C, unless otherwise stated).

The probe and ampliﬁer have had a warm-up period of at least 20 minutes.

The probe degauss/autobalance routine has been performed after the 20-minute warm-up period, and thereafter whenever the PROBE DEGAUSS/AUTOBALANCE light blinks.

The ampliﬁer output is properly terminated into 50 Ω.

Speciﬁcations are separated into two cate g ories: warranted speciﬁcations and nominal or typical characteristics.

Warra

nted Speciﬁcations

Warranted speciﬁcations, Table 4-1, are guaranteed performance speciﬁcations unless speciﬁcally designated as typical or nominal.

e 7: Warranted TCPA300 and TCPA400 speciﬁcations

Tabl

Ampliﬁer TCPA300 TCPA400

DC Gain Accuracy ≤1% ≤1%

Installed probe TCP312 TCP305 TCP303 TCP404XL

Bandwidth (-3 dB) DC to 100 MHz DC to 50 MHz DC to 15 MHz DC to 2 MHz

.5 ns

Rise Time, 10% to 90%

DC Gain Accuracy:

Warranted

Typical

Warranted from 10 °C to 50 °C. For temperature range of 0 °C to <10 °C, spec is +3%/-6%.

23 °C ±5 °C

≤3

≤3% ≤3% ≤3%

≤1% ≤1% ≤1% ≤1%

≤7ns

≤2

3ns

75 ns

≤1

≤3%

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 47

Speciﬁcations

Nominal and Ty

pical Characteristics

Nominal and typical characteristics, listed in Table 4-2, are not guaranteed. They are provided to characterize the conﬁguration, performance, or operation of typical prob

e/ampliﬁer combinations.

Table 8 : Nominal and typical ampliﬁer characteristics

Installed probe

Parameter TCP312 TCP305 TCP303 TCP404XL

Ranges, nominal

Maximum Amp-Second Product – Frequency deratings shown. (See page 52, Performance Graphs.)

Input Coupling, nominal AC, DC AC, DC AC, DC AC, DC

AC Coupling Low- Frequency Bandwidth, (low-pass -3 dB point), typical

Displayed Noise, typical ≤75 mA

Signal Delay, typical

Maximum Bare Wire Voltage Use with insulated

Lowest Measurable Current

Insertion Impedance – For plots (See Figure 32.)

Current Transfer R atio 1 V/Amp and

Maximum Current Ratings at Sensitivity Ranges

High Current Sensitivity Range

DC (continuous)

DC (noncontinuous) N/A N/A N/A

RMS (sinusoidal)

Peak Pulse 50 A 50 A 500 A 750 A

1A/V, 10 A/V

1A/V-50A· μs 10 A/V - 500 A· μs

<7 Hz <7 Hz <7 Hz <7 Hz

Limit

RMS

measurement bandwidth to 20 MHz.

approximately 17 ns

wires only

1mA 5mA 5mA 1A

1MHz: 0.08Ω 1 MHz: 0.035 Ω 1MHz: 0.01Ω 10 kHz: 0.1 mΩ

10 MHz: 0.15 Ω 10 MHz: 0.12 Ω 5 MHz: 0.025 Ω 100 kHz: 0.6 m Ω

50 MHz: 0.27 Ω 50 MHz: 0.04 Ω 15 MHz: 0.1 Ω 1MHz: 8.0mΩ

100 MHz: 0.7 Ω

100 mV/Amp

10 A/V Range 10 A/V Range 50 A/V Range 1 A/mV Range

30 A 50 A 150 A 500 A

21 A 35 A 150 A 500 A

5A/V, 10 A/V

5 A/V - 500 A· μs 10 A/V - NA

≤500 mA measurement bandwidth to 20 MHz.

approximately 19 ns

Use with insulated wires only

200 mV/Amp and 100 mV/Amp

RMS

Limit

5A/V, 50 A/V

5 A/V - 3000 A· μs 50 A/V 15000 A·

≤500 mA measurement bandwidth to 20 MHz.

approximately 53 ns approximately 103 ns

600 V RMS CAT I & II 300 VRMS CAT III

200 mV/Amp and 20 mV/Amp

μs

RMS

Limit

1A/mV

≤70 mA measurement bandwidth to 20 MHz.

600 V RMS CAT I & II 300 VRMS CAT III

2MHz: 16.0mW

1 mV/Amp

750 A

RMS

Limit

48 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Table 8: Nominal and typical ampliﬁer characteristics (cont.)

Installed probe

Parameter TCP312 TCP305 TCP303 TCP404XL

Low Current Sensitivity Range

DC (continuous)

DC (noncontinuous) N/A N/A N/A

RMS (sinusoidal)

Peak Pulse 50 A 50 A 500 A

Input Voltage

Maximum Power 50 Watts maximum

Fuse Rating

Includes probe, ampliﬁer, and TEKPROBE-to-TEKPROBE interface cable or 012-0117-xx BNC cable.

1 A/V Range 5 A/V Range 5 A/V Range N/A

5A 25A 25A

3.5 A 17.7 A 17.7 A

100-240 VAC (±10%), 47 Hz to 440 Hz, single phase

3.15 AH, 250 V (Not operator-replaceable.)

—

Speciﬁcations

Mecha

nical Characteristics

Table 9: TCPA300 and TCPA400 mechanical characteristics

meter, nominal

Para

Length

Width

Height

Weight

acteristic

Char

mm (6.8 in)

173

4mm(3.6in)

91.

7mm(6.6in)

14 kg (2.5 lb)

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 49

Speciﬁcations

Table 10: Probe

Probe dimensi

Length:

Width:

Height:

Cable leng

Weight

ons

mechanical characteristics

TCP305 and TCP312 TCP303 and TCP404XL

20 cm (7.77 in

1.6 cm (0.62

3.2 cm (1.25

1.5 m (5 fee

0.15 kg (0.33 lb) TCP303: 0.66 kg (1.45 lb)

ches)

5 inches)

inches)

268 mm (10.55

41 mm (1.60 i

68 mm (2.7 in

TCP303: 2 m

TCP404XL: 8 m (26.25 feet)

TCP404XL: 0.88 kg (1.90 lb)

inches)

nches)

ches)

(6.6 feet)

e 27: Probe jaw dimensions (nominal)

Figur

Table 11: Shipping weights and dimensions

TCPA300 and

400 Ampliﬁers

TCPA

Dimensions

Length: 298.5 mm

(11.75 inches)

Width: 298.5 mm

(11.75 inches)

Height:

Weight

254 mm (10.00 inches) 108 mm (4.25 inches) 127 mm (5.00 inches) 127 mm (5.00 inches)

2.7 kg (6.00 lb) 0.585 kg (1.29 lb) 1.33 kg (2.93 lb) 1.55 kg (3.42 lb)

05 and TCP312

TCP3

330 mm (13.00 inches) 375 mm (14.75 inches) 375 mm (14.75 inches)

254 mm (10.00 inches) 318 mm (12.50 inches) 318 mm (12.50 inches)

TCP3

TCP4

04XL

50 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Speciﬁcations

Environmenta

l Characteristics

The environmental characteristics are warranted performance speciﬁcations. (See Table 12.)

Unlike the warranted characteristics, the environmental characteristics are type tested; therefore there are no performance veriﬁcation procedures provided to test these chara probes and ampliﬁers. (See page 47, Warranted Speciﬁcations.)

Table 12: Environmental characteristics

Parameter Characteristic

Ambient Temperature

Humidi

Altitude

Random Vibration, Ampliﬁers

Random Vibration, Probes

Shock, Ampliﬁers 50 g, 11 ms duration, half-sine pulses

Electro-Magnetic Compliance Meets FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Class A

cteristics. Unless otherwise noted, these characteristics apply to all

Operating 0 °C to +50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)

Nonoper

Operat

Nonop

Operating 2000 m (6800 ft) maximum

Non

Operating

Nonoperating 3.48 g

ating

ing

erating

operating

noperating

-40 °C to +75 °C (-40 °F to 167 °F)

5 to 95%

5to85%R.H.+30°Cto+50°C(86°Fto122°F)

5 to 95% R.H. to +30 °C (86 °F)

5to85%R.H.+30°Cto+75°C(86°Fto167°F)

12,192 m (40,000 ft) maximum

2.66 g

R.H. to +30 °C (86 °F)

, 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 minutes each axis

31 g

RMS

, 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 minutes each axis

46 g

RMS

, 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 minutes each axis

RMS

, 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 minutes each axis

RMS

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 51

Speciﬁcations

Performance G

raphs

Figure 28: Frequency derating-TCP312

Figure 29: Frequency derating-TCP305

Figure 30: Frequency derating-TCP303

52 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Figure 31: Frequency derating-TCP404XL

Speciﬁcations

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 53

Speciﬁcations

Figure 32: Insertion impedance versus frequency

54 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Speciﬁcations

ure 33: Speciﬁed operating area of the probes

Fig

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 55

Speciﬁcations

TCP404XL Maxi

mum Measurement Times

The m aximum measurement time for the TCP404XL probe with varying duty cycles and temperatures are shown in the following three g raphs. Details about the relationshi Noncontinuous Current with the TCP404XL Probe.)

Figure 34: Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 50 °C ambient temperature

p between measurement factors are available. (See page 28, Measuring

Figure 35: Measuring 600A noncontinuous at 50 °C ambient temperature

56 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Speciﬁcations

Figure 36

At 23 deg

: Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 23 °C ambient temperature

rees ambient temperature, 600 A can be measured continuously with

the TCP404XL probe.

Emissio

ns which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this

equipment is connected to a test object.

Safety Compliance Information

Table 13: Safety compliance information

Category Standards or description

EC Declaration o f Conformity – Low

Voltage

U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing

Canadian Certiﬁcation CAN/CSA C 22.2 No. 1010.1. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for

Compliance was demonstrated to the following speciﬁcation as listed in the Ofﬁcial Journal of the European Communities:

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.

EN 61010-1/A2:1995. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use.

EN 61010-2-032:1995. Particular requirements for hand-held current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment.

UL3111-1. Standard for electrical measuring and test equipment.

UL3111–2–032. Standard for hand-held current clamps for electrical measurement and test.

measurement, control, and laboratory use.

CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.2.032:1996. Particular requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical measurement and test equipment.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 57

Speciﬁcations

Table 13: Safety compliance information (cont.)

Category Standards or description

Additional Compliance UL 61010B-1. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measuring, controlling

and laboratory use.

IEC61010-1/A2:1995. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.

IEC 61010-2-032:1995. Particular requirements for hand-held current clamps for electrical measurement and test.

IEC 61010-1:2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use.

Installation (Overvoltage) Category Descriptions

Pollution Degree Descriptions

Equipment Type Test and measuring

Safety Class Class 1 (as deﬁned in IEC 61010-1, Annex H) – grounded product

Overvoltage Category Overvoltage Category II (as deﬁned in IEC 61010-1, Annex J)

Pollution Degree

The TCP305 and TCP312 Current Probes are exempt from the Low Voltage Directive and are not third-party listed. However, they have been evaluated to applicable safety standards.

Terminals on this product may have different installation (overvoltage) category designations. The installation categories are:

CAT III. Distribution-level mains (usually permanently connected). Equipment at this level is typically in a ﬁxed industrial location.

CAT II. Local-level mains (wall sockets). Equipment at this level includes appliances, portable tools, and similar products. Equipment is usually cord-connected.

CAT I. Secondary (signal level) or battery oper ated circuits of electronic equipment.

A measure of the contaminates that could occur in the environment around and within a product. Typically the internal environment inside a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products should be used only in the environment for which they are rated.

Pollution Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Products in this category are generally encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.

Pollution Degree 2. Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is caused by c ondensation must be expected. This location is a typical ofﬁce/home environment. Temporary condensation o ccurs only w hen the product is out of service.

Pollution Degree 3. Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation. These are sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity is controlled. The area is protected from direct sunshine, rain, or direct w ind.

Pollution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations.

Pollution Degree 2 (as deﬁned in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for indoor use only.

58 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Glossary

amp-second product

The unit of measure deﬁning the maximum amount of pulsed current that can be measured before the probe core becomes saturated. The amp-second rating applies only to measurement values between the maximum continuous and maximum pul to the peak current multiplied by the pulse width at the 50% point.

auto-balance

A process that removes unwanted DC offsets from the TCPA300 and TCPA400 circuitry to ensure maximum measurement accur is performed during the probe degauss routine.

bucking current

Current fed back by the TCPA300 and TCPA400 to the current probe during DC and low-frequency AC measurements. Bucking current nulls most of the magnetic ﬁ eld in the probe core, allowing linear DC and AC measurements simultaneously.

conventional current ﬂow

se current ratings of the probe. The amp-second rating is equal

acy. This process

The ﬂow of the positive charge in a conductor. Conventional current ﬂow is from positive to negative. The arrows on current probes point in the direction of conventional current ﬂow. Conventional current ﬂow is in the opposite direction of electron current ﬂow.

degauss

A process of eliminating residual magnetism from the probe core by feeding a decaying sine wave into the core. The degaussing process should be performed before clamping the probe around a conductor, whenever the probe becomes saturated by current overloads, or whenever the probe is exposed to a magnetic ﬁeld. The term is derived from one of the units of magnetic ﬂux density.

electron current ﬂow

The ﬂow of the electrons in a conductor. Electron current ﬂow is from negative to positive. The arrows on current probes point in the opposite direction of electron current ﬂow. Electron current ﬂow is in the opposite direction of conventional current ﬂow.

ﬂux

The density of a magnetic ﬁeld. As the number of ﬂux lines increases, the magnetic ﬁeld strength increases. Current in the conductor under test generates ﬂux lines in the probe core by inducing a voltage in the core.

TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 59

Glossary

Hall device

A thin, rectangular piece of semiconductor material located in the core of the current probe AC measurements.

Hall effect

The effect that produces a voltage potential in the Hall device when magnetic lines of force pass through the device. The voltage potential is directly proportional to the magnetic ﬁeld strength. The voltage polarity is determined by the magn effect. The TCP300 and TCP400 Series current probes use the Hall effect for DC and low-frequency AC measurements.

insertion impedance

The equivalent series impedance introduced to a test circuit when the current probe is clamped around a test conductor.

magnetic susceptibility

. The Hall device uses the Hall effect for DC and low-frequency

etic ﬁeld polarity. A bias supply is required to produce the Hall

A ﬁgure expressing the amount of current induced into the probe by an external magnetic ﬁeld of known intensity. The lower the ﬁgure is, the less the probe is inﬂuenced by external magnetic ﬁ elds.

ration

satu

A condition that occurs when the magnetic ﬁeld strength in the probe core

eeds the maximum level that the core can absorb. When saturation occurs

exc the probe no longer responds linearly to an increase in magnetic ﬁeld strength, resulting in measurement inaccuracies. A current overload condition will cause core saturation. After saturation occurs, the probe core usually retains residual magnetism, which continues to produce inaccuracies until the probe is degaussed. The probe should be degaussed after saturation occurs.

60 TCPA300/400 Ampliﬁers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Index

AC coupling, 14, 18, 24 amp-second p Amp-second product, 25 Applications, 33 auto-balance, 59 Autobalance function, 16

roduct, 59

bucking current, 59 Bucking c Button

urrent, 30

COUPLING, 18 MANUAL BALANCE, 17 ON/STANDBY, 18 PROBE DEGAUSS/

AUTOB

RANGE, 18

ALANCE, 16

Connecting

a current probe to a circuit

under test, 13

a current probe to the

liﬁer, 8

amp

the ampliﬁer to an

oscilloscope, 7

Connector

OUTPUT, 19

PROBE INPUT, 18 Continuity measurements, 37 Control summary, 15 conventional current, 59

Tektronix TCPA300, TCPA400, TCP303, TCP305, TCP312 Primary User

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual