Probe Tips - Tektronix TriMode TDP7700 Series Technical Reference

Theory of operation
Main interconnect cable. This cable assembly consists of a pair of matched, low-
loss coaxial signal cables that carry the acquired signal from the probe head to the
probe comp box. The cable assembly includes an 8-conductor bundle of wires
that supply probe tip head power and control signals from the probe comp box
through the TekFlex connector interface. Some of the wires carry bidirectional
data, such as queries and responses about the type of probe tip attached to the
TekFlex connector, and other probe tip-specific information.
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TekFlex connector. The new TekFlex connector technology combines a high
speed signal path with low speed control signaling in a single, easy to connect
accessory connector. The TekFlex connector has a pinch-to-open design that
when open requires minimal force to attach an accessory tip. When the TekFlex
connector is closed, it provides a secure connection to the accessory to avoid
accidental disconnections.
The connector provides a light-weight electrical and mechanical interface
between a TDP7700 Series probe and a TekFlex active probe tip. It contains a
spring-loaded set of electrical contacts that connect between the main cable
wiring and contact patterns on the attached probe tip. There is a differential, high-
frequency contact pattern on the top of the probe tip that connects the probe tip
dual signal inputs and grounds to the probe main cable coaxial pair. There is also
an eight-finger contact pattern on the bottom of the probe tip that connects the
probe tip power and control signals to a ribbon wire in the main cable. The
TekFlex connector provides mechanical alignment between a keyed hole pattern
on the probe tip and a pair of pins inside the spring loaded connector housing.
With the TekFlex connector, the TDP7700 series probes offer a set of active
probe tips with the probe's buffer amplifier only millimeters from the input
connections. The short signal path enabled with the active tips provides high
fidelity and a high impedance input. It minimizes signal loss, capacitance, and
additive noise.

Probe tips

The probe tips are automatically detected and displayed in the Probe Setup
configuration menu.
Figure 2: TekFlex active probe tips
TDP7700 Series TriMode Probes Technical Reference 3