Tektronix TPA-N-PRE User manual

TPA-N-PRE
Preamplifier
for the MDO400

0Series

Instructions

1

*P071305800*

071-3058-00

Overview

This external RF preamplifier accessory for the
MDO4000 Series Mixed Domain oscilloscopes
improves the MDO's ability to investigate
low-amplitude signals by providing 12 dB of
gain and lowering the noise floor (DANL)
by 10 dB. The TPA-N-PRE works with all
MDO4000 models.

Connecting to the MDO4000

To install, simply plug the N-connector side into
the MDO4000 front-panel RF connector. Turn
the thumb-wheel until the connection between
the MDO4000 and the TPA-N-PRE is rigid. The
preamp cannot be over-tightened by hand. If the
connection is not rigid, the unit may not perform
properly.

Upon attachment, if the MDO4000 does not
recognize
it will upload the calibration constants (preamp
gain vs. fr
store them in non-volatile memory. This will
take less t
the first time a preamp is used with a particular
MDO. If the
will use the calibration constants that it already
has stored
preamp gain in its correction factors providing a
complete

The preamp has two states. These are “Amplify”
and “Bypass”. In the Amplify state, the preamp
amplifies the input signal. In the Bypass state,
the preamp passes the signal through without
amplifying it. The state of the preamp is not set
directly, but is determined by the preamp mode
and the RF Reference Level settings input by
the user. In “Auto” mode, the preamp will be

the preamp from a previous attachment,

equency) stored on the preamp and

han seven seconds and only occur

MDO does recognize the preamp, it

on board. The MDO will include the

, calibrated RF system.

in the Amplify st
is ≤ –30 dBm and in the Bypass state when the
Reference Level
mode, the preamp will be in the Bypass state no
matter where th
LED on the preamp indicates the preamp state.
It will show gre
bypass or red in the case of an error.

The preamp menu can be accessed by pressing
the button on the preamp, or through the RF >
More > Probe Setup menu. In this menu, the
preamp state is displayed, and the preamp mode
can be changed by the user.

ate when the Reference Level

is > –30 dBm. In the Bypass

e Reference Level is set. The

en for amplify, amber/orange for

Tab le 1: C haract

Characteristic Description

Frequency
range

Preamp
gain

Displayed
average
noise level
(DANL)
with the
preamp
attached
to the
MDO RF
input

Level
measurement
uncertainty
with the
preamp
attached
to the
MDO RF
input

Maximum
operating
input
level with
preamp
attached
to the
MDO RF
input

eristics

Preamp: 9 kHz to 6 GHz

MDO4XX4-6 wit
to 6 GHz

MDO4XX4-3 with preamp: 50 kHz
to 3 GHz

Amplifying state: 12 dB (nominal)

Bypass state: –1.5 dB (nominal)

Withthepreampmodesetto
“Auto” and the reference level set
to –40 dBm:

MDO4XXX-6:
50 kHz to 5 MHz: < –140 dBm/Hz
(–144 dBm/Hz typical)
5 MHz to 3 GHz: < –158 dBm/Hz
(–162 dBm/Hz typical)
3 GHz to 6 GHz: < –150 dBm/Hz
(–153 dBm/Hz typical)

MDO4XX4-3:
50 kHz t o 5 Mhz: < –140 dBm/Hz
(–144 dBm/Hz typical)
5 MHz to 3 GHz: < –158 dBm/Hz
(–162 dBm/Hz typical)

This specification is for the
MDO RF channel with a preamp
attached, input levels of –2 dBm
to –62 dBm, RBW set to “Auto”,
and applies to both amplifying and
bypass sta

< ±1.5 dBm (< ±1 dBm typical), 20
°C to 30 °C temperature range.

≤ ±2 dBm (max), over full operating
range.

Average continuous power:
+30 dBm (1 W)

DC maximum before damage:
±20 V DC

Maximum p
(CW): +30 dBm (1 W)

Maximum power before damage
(pulse): +45 dBm (32 W)

(<10 μs pulse width, <1% duty
cycle, and reference level of ≥
+10 dBm)

h preamp: 50 kHz

tes.

ower before damage

Characteristic Description

Reference
level
range
with the
preamp
attached
to the
MDO RF
input

Connector
type

Amplifying state: –30 dBm to
DANL.

Bypass state: +30 dBm to DANL.

SMA – female (outside threads)

Table 2: Environmental Characteristics

Characteris

Temperature

Humidity

Altitude

tic

Description

Operating: 0 °C to +50 °C

Non-operating: -20 °C to +60 °C

Operating:
High: 40°Cto50°C(104°Fto
122 °F), 10
Low: 0°Cto40°C(32°Fto
104 °F), 10% to 90% RH

Non-operating:
High: 40°Cto60°C(104°Fto
122 °F), 10% to 60% RH
Low: 0 °C to
104 °F), 5 to 90% RH

Operating: Up to 3,000 meters

Non-operating: Up to
12,000 meters

%to60%RH

40 °C (32 °F to

Power Requirements. The TPA-N-PRE
is powered directly from the RF input on
MDO4000 Series oscilloscopes.

Regulatory. Compliance labeling: WEEE
(European Union).

Recommended Oscilloscopes. MDO4000 Mixed
Domain Oscilloscopes

Note: For best probe support, download and
install the latest version of the oscilloscope
firmware from www.tektronix.com

Performance Verification

Since the TPA-N-PRE preamp is an accessory
to the MDO4000, its performance verification

(PV) procedure i

s a variation on the MDO4000

PV procedure.

To run the TPA-N-PRE PV, see the most
recent MDO4000 Series Oscilloscopes
Technical Reference (077-0583-XX) at
www.tektronix.com.

Safety Summary

To avoid potential hazards, use this product only
as specified.

To avoid fire or

personal injury, do not operate

in wet/damp conditions.

Keep product surfaces clean and dry.

Warranty Information

For warranty information, go to
www.tektronix.com\service, and then use
the provided links to search for your product’s
warranty.

Contacting T

Tektronix, Inc.
14200 SW Karl
PO Box 500 Beaverton, OR 97077
USA

For product i nformation, sales, service, and
technical support:

In North America, call 1–800–833–9200.

Worl dwi de,
contacts in your area.

ektronix

Braun Drive

visit www.tektronix.com to find

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