Tektronix TCP202A Instruction Manual
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Tektronix TCP202A Instruction Manual

50 mhz, 15 a ac/dc current probe
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TCP202A
50 MHz, 15 A AC/DC Current Probe
ZZZ
Instruction Manual
*P071300300*
071-3003-00

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Summary of Contents for Tektronix TCP202A

  • Page 1 TCP202A 50 MHz, 15 A AC/DC Current Probe Instruction Manual *P071300300* 071-3003-00...
  • Page 3 TCP202A 50 MHz, 15 A AC/DC Current Probe Instruction Manual Revision A www.tektronix.com 071-3003-00...
  • Page 4 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.
  • Page 5 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.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Probe Head Controls and Features ....................TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 8 Making the DC Current Loop ......................TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 9 Cleaning..........................Index TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 10 Table of Contents TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 11: General Safety Summary

    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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 12 Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life. WARNING. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property. CAUTION. Symbols and terms on the product These terms may appear on the product: TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 13 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. The following symbol(s) may appear on the product: TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 14: Service Safety Summary

    Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this product. Disconnect power, remove battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing components. To avoid electric shock, do not touch exposed connections. viii TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 15: Compliance Information

    U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing UL 6010B-2-032:2003. Particular requirements for handheld current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment. UL 61010-1 (2 Edition)- Safety requirements for Electrical Equipment for measurement, Control, and Laboratory use - Part 1: General Requirements TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 16 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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 17 Polution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations. Pollution Degree Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for indoor use only. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 18: Environmental Considerations

    This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according to Directives 2002/96/EC and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. For information about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).

  • Page 19: Preface

    Preface Preface This manual describes the installation and operation of the TCP202A current probe. Basic probe operations and concepts are presented in this manual. You can also access the Tektronix Web site for this document and other related information. Documentation...

  • Page 20: Returning The Probe For Servicing

    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 1. Use a corrugated cardboard shipping...

  • Page 21: Key Features

    Key Features Key Features The TCP202A current probe can make accurate measurements from DC to 50 MHz. The probe combines proven Hall-effect technology with the Tektronix TekProbe oscilloscope interface. Key features include: >50 MHz bandwidth, <7.0 ns rise time AC/DC Measurement capability...

  • Page 22: Connecting The Probe

    Connecting the Probe Connecting the Probe The TCP202A current probe can be used with oscilloscopes that feature the Tektronix TekProbe and TekVPI interfaces. Connecting to Oscilloscopes with the TekProbe Interface The TCP202A current probe mates directly to oscilloscopes that feature the Tektronix TekProbe Interface.
  • Page 23 Connecting the Probe Connecting to Oscilloscopes with the TekVPI Interface You can also use the probe with oscilloscopes that use the Tektronix TekVPI interface, using the optional TPA-BNC Adapter shown. The adapter allows TekVPI-interface oscilloscopes to recognize TekProbe-interface probes and to supply the necessary power, serial communication, and offset control to the probe.
  • Page 24 1. Turn the probe connector counterclockwise. 2. Pull the probe away from the adapter (or instrument if directly connected). To disconnect the adapter: 3. Press down the latch button. 4. Pull the adapter away from the instrument. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 25: Degaussing The Probe

    After you turn on the measurement system and allow a 20-minute warm-up period Before you connect the probe to a conductor Whenever you subject the probe to a strong external magnetic field TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 26: Probe Controls And Features

    Probe Controls and Features Probe Controls and Features The TCP202A probe has controls in both the compensation box and at the probe head. Compensation Box Controls Degauss Button To degauss the probe, do the following: 1. Disconnect the probe from the current source.
  • Page 27 If you cannot set the DC offset to zero with the thumb wheel, a coarse balance adjustment is accessible through an opening on the underside of the probe head. (See page 9, Coarse Balance Control.) TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 28: Probe Head Controls And Features

    The probe head is a precision assembly. Do not drop the probe or subject it to physical shock, strain, or sudden changes in ambient conditions. Do not insert conductors larger than 5.0 mm (0.20 in) diameter into the probe jaw. Damage to the probe may result. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 29 First, set the thumb wheel to the midway point, and then use an insulated, straight-edge tool on the coarse balance adjustment to set the offset to zero. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 30: Functional Check

    3. Press the DEGAUSS button. 4. Clamp the probe to your circuit. 5. Adjust the oscilloscope or use the Autoset function to display a stable waveform. When you see a stable waveform, your probe is functioning correctly. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 31: Basic Operation

    2. Close and lock the probe jaw over the conductor. For correct polarity reading, connect the probe so that the current flow, from positive to negative, is aligned with the arrow on the probe jaw. 3. Read the measurement on the oscilloscope display. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 32 1. Clip the ground lead to the ground post at the bottom of the probe head. 2. Connect the alligator end of the clip to the circuit ground. 3. Connect the probe to the circuit. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 33: Application Examples

    Application Examples Application Examples This section explains ways to use your probe in common troubleshooting tasks and how to extend the use of your measurement system. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 34: Inductance Measurements

    3. Clamp the current probe over one of the source leads. NOTE. If the probe impedance is a significant part of the total circuit inductance, measurement accuracy will be affected. Refer to the probe specifications for probe insertion impedance. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 35 5. Calculate the inductance using the following formula: where: L is the inductance in henries, E is the voltage of the pulse generator, dt is the change in time, and di is the change in current. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 36 L is the inductance in henries, τ is the time required for the current to rise or fall 63.2% of the total current value, and R is the source resistance of the pulse generator. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 37: Measuring Inductor Turns Count

    3. Clamp the current probe around the inductor and note the current value. 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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 38 The turns are calculated by using the formula: where: is the number of turns in the test coil, is the number of turns in the reference coil, is the measured coil current, and is the input current. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 39: Accessories And Options

    1. Fasten the small clip to the ground stub on the probe body. 2. Clip the alligator clip to your circuit. 3. Attach the probe to your circuit. Reorder Tektronix part number: 196-3521-xx, qty. 1 TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 40 Instruction Manual. 1. Place the probe, accessories, and manual in the carrying case. 2. Close the carrying case to transport the accessories to another location or for storage. Reorder Tektronix part number: 016-1952-xx TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 41 Reorder Tektronix part number: 071-3003-xx Manuals in the languages listed below are available online for this product. Other languages may also be available; check the Tektronix Web site at www.tektronix.com/manuals. Japanese Simplified Chinese TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 42: Optional Accessories

    This section lists the optional accessories that you can purchase to help you with your probing tasks. TPA-BNC Adapter Use the TPA-BNC Adapter to connect the probe to oscilloscopes that use the Tektronix TekVPI interface. The adapter allows TekVPI-interface oscilloscopes to recognize TekProbe-interface...
  • Page 43 BNC connector allows for easy connections to current sources. To use the current loop, follow the procedure for the specific task that you are performing (for example, Performance Verification or Adjustments). Order Tektronix part number: 067-2396-xx TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 44 fixture. The signal can then be measured with another instrument, such as a precision DMM, to check and adjust the gain accuracy of the probe. Order Tektronix part number 067-1701-xx. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 45 The deskew procedures compensate for gain errors and timing differences between current and voltage probes. Refer to your oscilloscope manual or fixture documentation for instructions. Order Tektronix part number: 067-1686-xx TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 46: Options

    Option D1. Calibration Data Report Option D3. Calibration Data Report, 3 years (with Option C3) Option D5. Calibration Data Report, 5 years (with Option C5) Option R3. Repair Service 3 years Option R5. Repair Service 5 years TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 47: Probing Principles

    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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 48: Measuring Differential Current

    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 measuring, or, if possible, take your measurement on a smaller conductor. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 49 3. Measure the current. Conventional current flows from positive to negative. A waveform above the baseline indicates that the conductor with the conventional current flow in the direction of the probe arrow is carrying the greater current. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 50: Extending Current Range

    If you want to measure a low-amplitude AC component that is superimposed on 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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 51 NOTE. Adding a second conductor to the probe increases the insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe. Winding multiple turns further increases the insertion impedance, further reducing the upper bandwidth limit. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 52 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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 53: Increasing Sensitivity

    3 mA DC, the actual current flow is 3 mA divided by 3, or 1 mA DC. NOTE. Winding more turns around the probe increases the insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 54: Common Mode Noise/Magnetic Field Errors

    fields on the supply side of your circuit can cause measurement errors. To avoid this: 1. Measure on the low or ground side of your circuit. 2. Orient the probe to measure conventional current flow. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 55: Maximum Current Limits

    DC or at a specified AC frequency. The maximum continuous current value is derated with frequency; as the frequency increases, the maximum continuous current rating decreases. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 56 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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 57 1. Measure the peak current of the pulse. 2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) specification for the range setting of the TCP202A probe by the measured peak current of the pulse: The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse width (PW 3.
  • Page 58 1. Measure the pulse width at the 50% points. 2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) specification for the TCP202A probe by the pulse width. The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse amplitude; the peak amplitude of the measured pulse must be less than this value.

  • Page 59: Specifications

    The probe must have a warm-up period of at least 20 minutes and be in an environment that does not exceed the limits described. (See Table 1.) Specifications for the TCP202A current probe fall into three categories: warranted, typical, and nominal characteristics. Warranted Characteristics Warranted characteristics describe guaranteed performance within tolerance limits or certain type-tested requirements.

  • Page 60: Typical Characteristics

    Insertion impedance (See Figure 2 on page 42.) Signal delay ~17 ns Maximum voltage on bare wire 150 V CAT II Maximum voltage on insulated wire 300 V CAT II Maximum Amp·Second product 500 μA-s TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 61 Specifications Figure 1: Frequency derating at 25 °C and 50 °C ambient temperatures TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 62 Specifications Figure 2: Typical input impedance versus frequency TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 63 Specifications Figure 3: Maximum peak pulse versus pulse width TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 64 197 mm × 1.6 cm × 3.2 cm (7.77 in × 0.625 in × 1.25 in) Dimensions, cable length 2 m (79 in) (from the probe head to the compensation box) Unit weight 1.550 g (3.44 lbs) (probe, accessories, and packaging) TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 65 Specifications Figure 4: Probe dimensions TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 66: Nominal Characteristics

    Input coupling Current range 15 A Termination Terminate output into 50 Ω Compatibility Oscilloscopes equipped with the TekProbe interface Oscilloscopes equipped with the TekVPI interface, when used with the TPA-BNC adapter (See page 22, TPA-BNC Adapter.) TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 67: Performance Verification

    The procedures that follow verify the warranted specifications of the probe listed below. The recommended calibration interval is one year. DC gain accuracy Rise time Bandwidth Perform the following verification procedures in the order listed. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 68: Equipment Required

    HF current loop 50 Ω ±0.5%, BNC male 067-2396-xx Adapter BNC-to-dual banana plug 103-0090-xx Adapter SMA male-to-BNC-female 015-1018-xx BNC cable 50 Ω, 0.76 m (30 in) length 012-0117-xx Nine-digit part numbers (xxx-xxxx-xx) are Tektronix part numbers. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 69: Making The Dc Current Loop

    2. Scrape about a half-inch of coating off of the ends of the wire. Ensure that the current loop has exactly 5 turns. A significant error will result for each turn variance from 5 turns. NOTE. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 70: Set Up The Equipment

    5. Power on the current source and the pulse generator. 6. Allow 20 minutes for the equipment to warm up. 7. Photocopy the test record and use it to record the test results. (See page 56.) TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 71: Dc Gain Accuracy

    (1–4) of the oscilloscope. 5. Connect the TPA-BNC adapter to the TekVPI Calibration/Verification adapter. The adapters are only used to supply NOTE. power to the probe; measurements are taken on the DMM. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 72 9. Set the current source output to +0.50 A. 10. Set the DMM to measure DC volts, on ≥2 volt range (or use Autoset). 11. Enable the output of the current source. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 73 0.250 V for M1 and –0.255 V for M2. With an expected output voltage (Ve) of 0.250 V, compute the % Error as shown. 16. Record the computed %Error values in the Test Record. 17. Disable the calibrator output. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 74: Rise Time And Bandwidth

    3. Set the pulse generator output and pulse width to maximum. 4. Set the oscilloscope: Vertical sensitivity to 200 mA/div Horizontal to 20 ns/div Trigger at 50% Averaging on (32) Coupling to DC Automeasurement to Rise Time TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 75 7. Record the rise time measurement in the Test Record. 8. Calculate the probe bandwidth using the measured rise time in the following formula: 9. Record the calculated bandwidth value in the test record. End of procedures. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 76: Test Record

    Temperature: RH %: Date of Calibration: Technician: Performance test Expected output Minimum Incoming Outgoing Maximum DC gain accuracy 0.250 V 0.2425 V 0.2575 V Rise time <7.0 ns 7.0 ns Bandwidth >50 MHz 50 MHz TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 77: Adjustments

    Compensation box cover removal tool 003-1383-xx Adjustment tool Insulated, slotted (straight) head 003-1433-xx CAUTION. To avoid ESD damage to the probe, use an antistatic wrist strap and work at a static-approved workstation when handling the probe TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 78: Adjustment Procedures

    2. Hold the open edge apart, and use the tool to open the other side of the compensation box. 3. With both sides of the box open, gently separate the two halves of the compensation box. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 79 2. Set up the probe for the DC accuracy test. (See page 51, DC Gain Accuracy.) 3. Set the current source output to +0.50 A. 4. Adjust the probe output to 250 mV, ±5 mV. 5. Disconnect the probe from the setup. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 80 2. Press the catches of the cover in and lower the cover. 3. Slide the tab into the notch. 4. Firmly press the pieces together until the cover catches snap into place. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 81: Maintenance

    Troubleshooting The TCP202A current probe is designed to work with all oscilloscopes equipped with the TekProbe interface, and with the TekVPI interface when used with the TPA-BNC adapter. If some of the probe functions do not work properly, an error condition may exist, and the oscilloscope may alert you to the error or status conditions affecting the probe.

  • Page 82: Cleaning

    75% isopropyl alcohol solution and rinse with deionized water. 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. TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

  • Page 83: Index

    37 maximum continuous, 35 continuous current rating, 35 maximum pulsed, 35 Features, 1 pulsed current rating, 35 Current loop, 49 Frequency derating, 35 Measuring current Functional check, 10 current nulls, 28 differential current, 28 TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...
  • Page 84 Performance verification, 47 TekVPI, 3 Probe Test record, 56 connecting, 2 Troubleshooting, 61 Safety Summary, v controls and indicators, 6 Service options, 26 extending the current range, 30 Slider and conductor jaw, 8 grounding, 12 TCP202A Current Probe Instruction Manual...

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