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.
KlipChip, TekVPI, and TwinFoot are trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
TwinTip is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O . Bo x 50 0
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tek.com to find contacts in your area.
Warranty
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If
any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts
and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by Tektronix for
warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules and products become the property of Tektronix.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make
suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service
center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a
location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties,
taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix
shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other than T ektronix
representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to
repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with
other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX' RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
[W2 – 15AUG04]
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it.
To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system. Read the safety sections of the other component
manuals for warnings and cautions related to operating the system.
To avoid fire or personal injury
General safety summary
Connect and disconnect properly.
source.
Ground the product.
electric shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
This product is indirectly grounded through the grounding conductor of the mainframe power cord. To avoid
Observe all terminal ratings.
manual for further ratings information before making connections to the product.
Connect the probe reference lead to earth ground only.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Do not operate without covers.
Do not operate with suspected failures.
service personnel.
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manualiii
Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage
To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product
Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified
General safety summary
Avoid exposed circuitry.
Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Terms in this manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING.
CAUTION.
Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.
Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.
Symbols and terms on the product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
ivTDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
General safety summary
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manualv
Environmental Considerations
Environmental Considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Restriction of hazardous substances
Complies with RoHS2 Directive 2011/65/EU.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment Recycling.
contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life. To
avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you to recycle this
product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according to
Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. For
information about recycling options, check the Tektronix Web site (www.tek.com/productrecycling).
viTDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may
Preface
This manual describes the installation and operation of the TDP3500 and TDP4000 Differential probes. Basic probe operations and
concepts are presented in this manual. You can also check the Tektronix Web site for this document and other related information.
Documentation
Preface
To read aboutRead these documents
First Time Operation, Functional Check, Operating Basics
In-depth oscilloscope operation, user interface, GPIB commandsThe online help (from the Help menu on the
*
To access the documentation that is installed on your instrument, click
in the taskbar and select
Start
This manual.
host instrument)
Programs > TekApplications
*
.
Conventions used in this manual
The following icon is used throughout this manual to indicate a step sequence.
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manualvii
Preface
Returning the probe for servicing
If your probe requires servicing, you must return the probe to Tektronix. If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use
the following packaging guidelines:
Preparation for Shipment
Use a corrugated cardboard shipping
1.
carton having inside dimensions at
least one inch greater than the probe
dimensions. The box should have a carton
test strength of at least 200 pounds.
Put the probe into an antistatic bag or wrap
2.
it to protect it from dampness.
Place the probe into the box and stabilize it
3.
with light packing material.
Seal the carton with shipping tape.
4.
Refer to
5.
beginning of this manual for the shipping
address.
viiiTDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Contacting Tektronix
at the
Key features
The TDP3500 and TDP4000 Differential probes enables you to make accurate differential measurements from DC to 3.5 GHz and
4 GHz using oscilloscopes featuring the Tektronix TekVPI oscilloscope interface. Key features include:
DC to 3.5 Ghz bandwidth (TDP3500)
DC to 4 Ghz bandwidth (TDP4000)
100 kΩ differential input resistance
<0.3 pF differential input capacitance
>25 dB CMRR @ 1 GHz
Automatic unit scaling on the oscilloscope display
Key features
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual1
Operating considerations
Operating considerations
Table 1: TDP3500 and TDP4000
CharacteristicDescription
Input Voltage
Temperature
Humidity
Altitude
Pollution Degree2, Indoor use only
Differential:
±2.0 V (DC + peak AC), 1.4 V RMS
Operating Voltage Input Range:
+5 V to –4 V (either input referenced to ground)
Operating: 0 to +40 °C (+32 °F to +104 °F)
Nonoperating: –40 °C to +71 °C (–40 °F to +160 °F)
Operating: up to +40 °C (+104 °F) 5-90% RH
Nonoperating: up to +60 °C (+140 °F) 5-90% RH
Operating: Up to 3000 meters (10,000 feet)
Nonoperating: Up to 15230 meters (50,000 feet)
2TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Installation
Connecting to the host instrument
Your TekVPI instrument may require a
NOTE.
firmware upgrade to support full functionality
of the TDP3500 and TDP4000 probes. Before
you connect the probe, check the version
requirements. (See page 36, Host instrument
firmware.)
Slide the probe into the TekVPI receptacle.
1.
The probe snaps when fully engaged.
When you connect the probe, the host
instrument reads information from the
probe and identifies the probe type.
To disconnect, press the latch release
2.
button and pull away from the instrument.
Installation
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual3
Installation
Probe controls and indicators
Status LED
When the probe is powered on, the Status
LED glows green, then dark, and then remains
lit green. This indicates that the probe is in
normal operating mode.
If the Status LED glows red, a fault may exist.
To clear the fault:
Disconnect the probe from the oscilloscope.
1.
Reconnect the probe to the oscilloscope.
2.
If the Status LED continues to glow red, return
the probe to Tektronix.
4TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Menu button
Installation
Press the probe
1.
Probe Control screen on the oscilloscope.
Probe menu screens vary slightly
NOTE.
between oscilloscope series; samples of
DPO7000C Series screens are shown here.
This screen includes controls for probe
functions that are not accessible on the probe,
such as Offset.
Use the touch-screen buttons on the
2.
instrument to set the probe parameters.
Press the probe
3.
close the Probe Control screen.
button to display the
Menu
button again to
Menu
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual5
Functional check
Functional check
Use the following procedure to check that your probe is functioning properly. To verify that your probe meets the warranted
specifications, refer to the
The DPO7000C series oscilloscope is used in all illustrations in this manual, unless noted otherwise.
NOTE.
Required equipment
Description and quantityPerformance requirementRecommended example
OscilloscopeTekVPI InterfaceTektronix DPO7000C Series
Square-pin adapterProbe tip to 0.25-in square pins for
Y-lead adapter
MicroCKT Test Tips (2)
1
Standard probe accessory
Performance Verification
external connections
0.25-in square pins for probe tip
connections
0.25-in square pins-to-mini clipsTektronix part number 206-0569-XX
procedures in the
TDP3500 Probe Technical Reference
Tektronix 6 Series MSO
Tektronix part number 016-1884-XX
Tektronix part number 196-3434-XX
.
1
1
1
6TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Signal
Connect the probe to any channel of the
1.
oscilloscope and set the oscilloscope to
display that channel.
Use the Square-pin Adapter, Y-lead
2.
Adapter, and two MicroCKT Test Tips to
connect the probe tip to the PROBE COMP
terminals on the oscilloscope.
Functional check
Press
3.
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual7
AUTOSET
oscilloscope) to display the compensation
waveform. A stable waveform indicates
that your probe is functioning properly.
(or adjust the
Calibration
Calibration
The probe calibration routine minimizes your measurement errors by optimizing the gain and offset of the probe and oscilloscope
combination. We recommend that you repeat the probe calibration on each channel that you use. Individual calibration constants
are stored for each probe on each channel.
Probe calibration functions are not available on all oscilloscope models.
NOTE.
Prerequisites
The equipment must be warmed up for 20 minutes, and the calibration status of the host instrument must be pass.
Required equipment
The required equipment for calibration is the same as for the functional check. (See page 6,
8TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Required equipment
.)
Test procedure
Check the Calibration Status of the instrument:
From the Utilities menu, select Instrument
1.
Calibration.
Calibration
In the Status box, check that
2.
displayed.
If the Instrument Calibration Status is not
3.
pass, run the Signal Path Compensation
routine: Disconnect all probes and signal
sources from the oscilloscope, and select
Calibrate. When
status box, proceed to the next step.
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual9
displays in the
Pass
Pass
is
Calibration
Connect the probe to the oscilloscope
4.
PROBE COMP connector.
From the Vertical menu, select
5.
Probe Cal
.
10TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
When the Probe Setup screen appears,
6.
select
Clear ProbeCal
Calibrate Probe
, and then select
.
The probe calibration routine begins.
When the routine completes, the Probe
Status changes from Running to Pass.
Close the notifier and begin using your
probe.
If the Probe Status changes to Fail:
Check that the adapters are securely
attached to the probe tips and to the
PROBE COMP connectors on the
oscilloscope
Verify that the selected channel on the left
side of the Probe Setup menu matches the
channel that the probe is plugged into
Calibration
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual11
Basic operation
Basic operation
Follow these operating guidelines to get the best performance from your probe.
Probe head assembly
The probe head is designed for ease of use
and high performance. Its small size makes it
easy to handle in tight areas.
The probe tip pins are spaced 0.100 inch
1.
apart.
The ground connection on the side of
2.
the probe provides a short ground path
for ground connections. Most differential
measurements do not require a ground
connection, however.
More information on the ground connection is
available. (See page 34,
Probe grounding
.)
12TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Probe input
The probe is electrically protected against static voltage. However, if you apply voltages above its design limits you may damage
the probe tip amplifier. The limits are shown in the graph on the following page. (See Figure 1 on page 14.)
Operating voltage input range
The operating voltage input range is the maximum voltage that you can apply to either of the input pins, with respect to earth
ground, without exceeding the linear input range of the amplifier. A signal that is outside this range, if applied to either probe input,
can lead to an wrong output waveform even if the differential input range is met.
Differential-Mode signal range
The differential-mode signal range is the maximum voltage difference between the (+) and (-) input pins that the probe can accept
without distorting the signal. The distortion from an input signal that is too large can result in a wrong measurement.
Common-Mode signal range
The common-mode input voltage is the average of the voltage on the (+) and (-) input pins with respect to ground. The
common-mode voltage input range is determined by both the operating voltage input range and the amplitude of the applied
differential signal. The peak signal applied to either input pin should not exceed the operating voltage input range, so the
common-mode voltage input range is equal to the operating voltage input range reduced by one-half the amplitude of the differential
input signal. With low amplitude differential input signals, the common-mode input range is almost equal to the operating voltage
input range. Higher amplitude differential voltages cause the common-mode input range to be reduced.
Basic operation
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual13
Basic operation
Figure 1: Input voltage limits with no DC offset
14TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Probe offset
The probe offset is adjustable for operation within the linear range of the probe. To increase the sensitivity of the probe at higher DC
measurement voltages, you should adjust the offset for optimal probe performance.
Offset
To set the probe offset, follow these steps:
See your oscilloscope manual for
NOTE.
specific instructions on using the offset control.
Use the vertical position control to set a
1.
zero reference level on the oscilloscope
display.
Basic operation
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual15
Basic operation
2.
3.
4.
NOTE.
range is +1 V to –1 V.
Attach the probe to the circuit.
Adjust the offset to bring the trace to the
oscilloscope zero reference.
If you change the volts/division setting,
adjusttheoffsettokeepthetraceonthe
zero reference level.
The differential input range of the probe is 2.0 Vp-p, over an operating input voltage range of +5 V to –4 V. The offset
16TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Applications
The following example shows a simplified AC/DC circuit diagram that uses the TDP4000 probe and a DPO7000C oscilloscope. The
oscilloscope is loaded with the DPOPWR power measurement software application to solve a typical test problem.
Measure switching loss
Measure the power loss at the switching device. Minimizing the power loss will improve the power supply efficiency.
Applications
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual17
Applications
Connect the differential probe across the switching device and attach a current probe in series with the device. (See Figure 2.)
1.
Figure 2: Power supply test points
Run the DPOPWR application.
2.
Select the Power Device tab.
3.
Select Switching Loss option and press the Configure button.
4.
In the Source Configuration Panel, set the appropriate I-Probe Settings.
5.
Select the Deskew button to deskew probes and channels.
6.
18TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Select Switching Loss measurement.
7.
Select Run to acquire data and display the results. (See Figure 3 on page 19.)
8.
Applications
Figure 3: Switching loss results display
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual19
Accessories and options
Accessories and options
This section lists the standard accessories and provides information on how to use the accessories. Specifications are provided
where appropriate so that you can choose the accessory that best fits your needs. (Refer to the
full specifications.) In some cases, reorder kit quantities differ from the actual number of accessories included with the probe.
Using standard accessories
Probe tip cover
The probe tip cover is shipped on the probe.
The probe tips are extremely sharp to ensure
good contact and measurement integrity. When
you are not using the probe, slide the probe tip
cover over the probe head to prevent damage
to the probe tips and to protect yourself from
injury.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
200-4236-XX
TDP3500 Technical Reference
for
20TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Square pin adapter
Use the square pin adapter to connect the
probe to other accessories, such as the Y-lead
adapter. The inputs on the adapter are spaced
0.100 inches apart.
Push the square pin adapter onto the probe
1.
tip until it seats against the probe head.
CAUTION.
connectors, do not insert anything larger than a
0.025-inch square pin into the inputs.
The elastomeric contacts inside the adapter
are rated for 50 to 75 insertion cycles with the
probe tip. Replace the adapter after exceeding
these limits to avoid unreliable operation.
Four adapters are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
To avoid damaging the square pin
016-1884-XX quantity 4
Accessories and options
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual21
Accessories and options
Variable spacing adapter
Use the variable spacing adapter to probe
any two adjacent leads or test points spaced
between 0.020 and 0.180 inches apart. The
variable spacing adapter fits over the probe tip.
Push the adapter onto the probe tip until it
1.
seats against the probe head.
Adjust the articulated pins by gently rotating
2.
them using a pair of tweezers.
The articulated pins can be bent,
NOTE.
but they are fragile. Use extreme care when
bending the pins.
The elastomeric contacts inside the adapter
are rated for 50 to 75 insertion cycles with the
probe tip. Replace the adapter after exceeding
these limits to avoid unreliable operation.
Four adapters are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1885-XX quantity 4
22TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Solder-in adapter kit
Use the solder-in adapter with the resistors and
wires in the kit to create soldered test points
to your circuit.
The kit instructions include installation
procedures and specifications for the adapter,
resistors, and wires.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
020-2505-XX
Accessories and options
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual23
Accessories and options
Y-Lead adapter
Use the Y-lead adapter to extend the reach of
the probe and to connect to 0.025 inch square
pins spaced as far as 1.5 inches apart.
This adapter performance is best
NOTE.
below 100 MHz.
The Y-lead adapter accepts any of the probe
tips or adapters.
Push the adapter into the probe until it is
1.
seated.
Connect the adapter to your circuit or to
2.
another adapter, such as the MicroCKT
test tip.
Two adapters are included with the probe.
Reorder Te ktronix part number:
196-3434-XX quantity 1
196-3468-XX quantity 2
24TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
MicroCKT test tip
Use the MicroCKT test tips to access dense
circuitry and IC leads spaced down to
10 mil-centers.
This adapter performance is best
NOTE.
below 100 MHz.
Press the Y-lead into the handle of the
1.
MicroCKT test tip.
Turn the tip body to allow better probe
2.
orientation.
If necessary, slightly bend the sleeve of the
3.
tip to reduce stress on the connection.
Three adapters are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
206-0569-XX quantity 1
Accessories and options
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual25
Accessories and options
3” ground lead
Use the ground lead for general,
lower-frequency probing.
Connect the male end of the lead to the
1.
ground socket on the probe.
Connect the socketed end of the lead to
2.
any of the probe tips or adapters. You can
also connect to 0.025 inch square pins in
your circuit.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
(See page 34,
Two ground leads are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
196-3465-XX quantity 2
Probe grounding
.)
26TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Color band kit
Use the color bands to help identify probes in a
multi-probe application.
Attach one band to the probe cable and
1.
another one of the same color near the
probe compensation box.
Connect the probe to the channel that
2.
matches the color of the band.
Five colored pairs are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1315-XX quantity 5 colored pairs
Antistatic wrist strap
When using the probe, always work at an
antistatic work station and wear the antistatic
wrist strap.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
006-3415-XX
Accessories and options
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual27
Accessories and options
Plastic accessory box
Use the plastic box to store the probe
accessories when not in use.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
006-7164-XX
Nylon carrying case with inserts
Use the carrying case to hold the probe, the
accessories, and the manual.
Place the probe, accessory box, and
1.
manual in the carrying case.
Close the carrying case to transport the
2.
accessories to another location or for
storage.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1952-XX
28TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Quick Start User Manual
The Quick Start User Manual provides
instructions for operating the TDP3500 and
TDP4000 probes. Printed copies are available
in the languages listed below.
Tektronix part numbers:
071-2212-XX (English)
071-2213-XX (Japanese)
071-2214-XX (Simplified Chinese)
077-0295-XX (Russian)
Calibration certificate
Acertificate of traceable calibration is provided
with every instrument shipped.
Accessories and options
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual29
Accessories and options
Optional accessories
This section lists the optional accessories that you can purchase to help you with your probing tasks.
IC Micro-Grabber
Use the IC Micro-Grabber to probe the leads
on integrated circuits that are surface-mounted.
The IC Micro-Grabbers are easiest to use with
the Y-Lead Adapter or Ground wires.
Push the IC Micro-Grabber onto the wire
1.
lead.
Press the lever to open the contacts.
2.
Attach the IC Micro-Grabber to your circuit.
3.
Two adapters are included with the probe.
Order Tektronix part number:
SMK4 quantity 4
30TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
TwinFoot adapter
Use the TwinFoot adapter to probe two
adjacent leads on a surface-mount integrated
circuit. The flexible fingers adapt to a range of
lead spacings.
Push the adapter into the probe tips until
1.
it is seated.
Touch the adapter to your integrated circuit
2.
leads. One side of each adapter pin is
insulated to prevent short-circuiting to
adjacent pins.
Four adapters are included with the probe.
Reorder Tektronix part number:
016-1785-XX quantity 4
Accessories and options
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual31
Accessories and options
TekVPI calibration fixture
The calibration fixture is required to do a
performance verification on the probe. It
provides an SMA connector in the probe
signal path for internal probe measurements.
Instructions for use are included in the
performance verification procedures.
Order Tektronix part number:
067-1701-XX
32TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Options
Service Options
Accessories and options
Option CA1.
Option C3.
Option C5.
Option D1.
Option D3.
Option D5.
Option R3.
Option R5.
Provides coverage for a single calibration event
Calibration service 3 years
Calibration service 5 years
Calibration data report
Calibration data report, 3 years (with Option C3)
Calibration data report, 5 years (with Option C5)
Repair service 3 years
Repair service 5 years
Manual Options
Option L0.
Option L5.
Option L7.
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual33
English language instruction manual
Japanese language instruction manual
Simplified Chinese language instruction manual
Probing principles
Probing principles
Read the helpful hints on the following pages to make probing easier and noise free.
Probe grounding
In addition to the (+) and (-) inputs on the probe
head, there is also a ground (common) input.
You can use the probe to take a differential
measurement regardless of whether the ground
is connected.
CAUTION.
under test, connect the probe ground (common)
to a ground-reference point only.
See the technical reference manual on the CD
for more information.
To avoid damaging the circuitry
34TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Input impedance and probe loading
When you connect the probe inputs to a circuit, you are introducing new resistance, capacitance, and inductance into the circuit.
Each input of the differential probe has a characteristic input impedance of 50 kΩ to ground in parallel with less than 0.6 pF.
For signals with low source impedance and
frequency, the 50 kΩ input impedance on each
input is large enough to prevent the inputs from
loading the signal sources. The greater the
source impedances and the higher the signal
frequencies, the more you should take these
factors into account.
The more the impedance of the signal source
on an input increases, the more the probe loads
the source and reduces the signal amplitude.
The frequency of the signal also affects signal
measurement. As the frequency of the signal
increases, the input impedance of the probe
decreases. The lower the impedance of the
probe relative to that of the source, the more
the probe loads the circuit under test and
reduces the signal amplitude.
Probing principles
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual35
Maintenance
Maintenance
This section contains maintenance and support information for your probe.
Host instrument firmware
If some of the LEDs or features do not appear to function correctly, go to www.tektronix.com/probe-support to check for
probe/oscilloscope compatibility. Read the release notes and other information associated with the firmware upgrades to learn
about any anomalies that may exist with your probe/oscilloscope combination when using that version of firmware. If you need to
upgrade your instrument firmware, go to www.tektronix.com/software to download the latest firmware.
To check the firmware version on Windows-based instruments, from the menu bar, click Help/About TekScope. On Linux-based
instruments, press the Utilities button on the front panel. It is good practice to periodically check the Web site for new firmware
versions that enhance the performance and capabilities of your Tektronix instruments.
Error condition
If the Status LED lights red after you connect the probe, an internal probe diagnostic fault may exist. Disconnect and reconnect the
probe to restart the power-on diagnostic sequence. If the symptoms continue, the probe is defective, and must be returned to
Tektronix for repair.
36TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual
Replacement parts
There are no user-replaceable parts within the probe. Refer to the accessory list for replaceable accessories for your probe.
Cleaning
Protect the probe from adverse weather conditions. The probe is not waterproof.
Maintenance
CAUTION.
the probe during exterior cleaning.
Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they may damage the probe. Avoid using chemicals that contain benzine, benzene,
toluene, xylene, acetone, or similar solvents.
Clean the exterior surfaces of the probe with a dry, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristle brush. If dirt remains, use a soft cloth or swab
dampened with a 75% isopropyl alcohol solution. A swab is useful for cleaning narrow spaces on the probe. Use only enough
solution to dampen the swab or cloth. Do not use abrasive compounds on any part of the probe.
TDP3500 and TDP4000 Quick Start User Manual37
To prevent damage to the probe, do not expose it to sprays, liquids, or solvents. Avoid getting moisture inside