Probe Components - Tektronix TriMode TDP7700 Series Technical Reference

Theory of operation

Probe components

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TDP7700 Series probes are comprised of a probe compensation box (comp box),
a TekFlex connector for attaching probe tips, and an interconnect cable that
transfers measured signals, power, and control signals between the probe comp
box and the TekFlex connector probe head. A TekFlex probe tip must be inserted
into the TekFlex connector probe head to make the final connection to the DUT
(device under test).
Probe compensation box. The probe compensation box assembly mates to the
host instrument through an intelligent FlexChannel probe interface. Power,
control signals, and the signal measured by the probe are transferred to and from
the oscilloscope through the FlexChannel interface. The comp box includes a
button to select the TriMode input mode for probe tips that support TriMode
functionality: (For more information see
■ Differential (A–B)
■ A input (single-ended to ground)
■ B input (single-ended to ground)
■ Common-mode ((A+B)/2 to ground)
The probe input mode can also be selected using the oscilloscope Probe Setup
configuration menu. The Probe Setup configuration menu is also used to adjust
the probe Differential offset, Common mode offset, A side offset and, B side
offset voltage settings. All other TDP7700 Series probe internal controls, such as
vertical scaling, are handled automatically through communication between the
probe and oscilloscope.
CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probe, use care when handling the probe.
Rough or careless use can damage the probe.
LED indicators. There is a Status indicator LED located on the top plate of the
probe comp box. This LED is normally green, but turns red when any of the
following conditions exist and remains red until the problem condition is cleared:
■ Probe power-on self-test failure (clear by disconnecting and reconnecting the
probe)
■ Probe over-temperature detected (clear by disconnecting and reconnecting
the probe, allowing time for probe to cool)
■ Probe input over-voltage detected (reduce input over-voltage to clear)
■ Probe over current detected (adjust V
If the LED is red, disconnect and reconnect the probe to restart the power-on
diagnostic sequence. If the symptoms continue, connect the probe to another
oscilloscope channel or oscilloscope. If the symptoms remain, return the probe to
Tektronix for repair.
TriMode operation
or remove input signal to clear)
term
TDP7700 Series TriMode Probes Technical Reference
on page 10.)