TCP0150 20 MHz, 150 A AC/DC Current Probe Instruction Manual www.tektronix.
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. Specifications and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Warranty 2 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.
Table of Contents Table of Contents General Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Service Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents ii Accessories and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Making the DC Current Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents iv TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual
General Safety Summary General Safety Summary 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. To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury Connect and Disconnect Properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source. Connect and Disconnect Properly.
General Safety Summary Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel. 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. Provide Proper Ventilation.
General Safety Summary 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.
Service Safety Summary Service Safety Summary Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read this Service Safety Summary and the General Safety Summary before performing any service procedures. Do Not Service Alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments of this product unless another person capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation is present. Disconnect Power. To avoid electric shock, switch off the instrument power, then disconnect the power cord from the mains power.
Environmental Considerations Environmental Considerations This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product. Product End-of-Life Handling Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component: Equipment Recycling. Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life.
Environmental Considerations Restriction of Hazardous Substances This product has been classified as Monitoring and Control equipment, and is outside the scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive. This product complies with the RoHS Directive requirements except for the presence of hexavalent chromium in the surface coating of the aluminum chassis parts, assembly hardware, and 63/37 tin/lead solder used in the fabrication of the circuit boards.
Preface Preface This manual describes the installation and operation of the TCP0150 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 To read about Use these documents * TCP0150 Probe: First Time Operation, Functional Check, Operating Basics, Specifications, Performance Verification Read this Instruction Manual.
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 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. 2.
Key Features Key Features You can use the TCP0150 current probe to make accurate measurements from DC to 20 MHz. The probe combines proven Hall-effect technology with the Tektronix TekVPI oscilloscope interface. Key features include: >20 MHz bandwidth, <17.
Installation Installation 1. Slide the probe into the TekVPI receptacle. The probe snaps in when fully engaged. When the probe is connected, the host instrument reads information from the probe and identifies the device. All of the probe LEDs light briefly for a quick visual check. 2. To disconnect, press the latch button and pull the probe away from the instrument. NOTE. Your TekVPI instrument may require a firmware upgrade to support full functionality of the probe.(See page 55, Oscilloscope Firmware.
Installation Using the Probe Head 1. The U-shaped current-sensing core (the jaw) is located at the front of the probe. CAUTION. To prevent risk of fire, do not connect or disconnect the current probe to or from a live, uninsulated conductor. The core is not insulated. When you test uninsulated circuits, remove power before you connect or disconnect the probe. 2. The trigger at the rear of the probe opens and closes the sliding bar over the jaw and the conductor under test. 3.
Installation Degaussing the Probe 1. After the probe is identified by the host instrument: The screen display prompts you to degauss the probe The multicolor Degauss/AutoZero status LED on the probe flashes red NOTE. The DC gain and offset are not guaranteed when this LED flashes red. 2. With no conductor in the jaw, lock the probe slide. 3. Press the Degauss/AutoZero button on the probe or in the Degauss window on the host instrument. 4.
Installation Quick Tip To maintain measurement accuracy, degauss your probe in each of these cases: After you turn on the measurement system and allow a 20-minute warm-up period Before you connect the probe to a conductor Whenever a current or thermal overload condition occurs Whenever you subject the probe to a strong external magnetic field TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual 5
Installation Connecting to the Circuit CAUTION. To avoid damage to the probe core, do not drop the probe or subject it to physical shock, strain, or sudden changes in ambient conditions. 1. Press the lock switch down to unlock the slide. 2. Squeeze the trigger handle to open the jaw. 3. Place the jaw around the conductor in the circuit.
Installation 4. Release the trigger to close the slide over the jaw. 5. Press the lock switch up to lock the slide. WARNING. To prevent risk of electric shock, use protective equipment (gloves, for example), if you use the probe on accessible uninsulated wires or bus bar. WARNING. Do not exceed the bare wire voltage rating of the probe. Refer to the specification section for details.
Installation Probe Controls and Indicators When you connect the probe to the oscilloscope, all of the indicator LEDs light briefly, and then at least two LEDs remain lighted to indicate: The current range selected The Degauss/AutoZero status NOTE. On some host instruments, the probe retains the range state and restores it when it is power cycled.
Installation Jaw Open LED 1. If the Jaw Open LED glows, the probe slide is unlocked. 2. Lock the probe slide to accurately measure current or to degauss the probe.
Installation Overload LED The multicolor Overload LED alerts you that the probe specifications are being exceeded. The Overload LED alert conditions are: Glowing red. The maximum continuous input current limit has been exceeded Glowing orange. The safe operating temperature of the probe has been exceeded Flashing red and orange. Both the maximum continuous input current limit and the safe operating temperature of the probe have been exceeded NOTE.
Installation Range Button and LEDs Press the Range button to select between the 25 A and 150 A current range settings. The green LEDs indicate the selected range. The range and units are also displayed on the oscilloscope screen.
Installation Degauss/AutoZero Button and LED When the multicolor Degauss/AutoZero status LED flashes red, you must degauss the probe. If the LED flashes orange, you should degauss the probe. The DC gain and offset accuracy are not guaranteed when this LED flashes orange. The Degauss/AutoZero function also clears (AutoZeroes) any DC offset in the probe. To degauss the probe, do the following: 1. Disconnect the probe from the current source and lock the slide. 2.
Installation Menu Button 1. Press the Menu button on the probe. 2. The Probe Setup or Probe Controls screen displays and shows your probe settings; the screen differs by oscilloscope model. (See page 14, Optional Probe Screens.) Use the screen buttons to change the settings or to access other probe information. 3. Press the Menu button again to close the screen.
Installation Optional Probe Screens The following screens may be available for the probe, depending on the host oscilloscope model. The Probe Controls screen may be accessed from the probe Menu button or other probe screens. It contains buttons for common probe functions and for access to other probe screens, such as Probe Setup and Probe Properties. Click the Setup button to display the Probe Setup screen.
Installation Click the Properties button to display the Probe Properties screen.
Functional Check and Basic Operation Functional Check and Basic Operation The following procedure checks that your probe is functioning properly. To verify that your probe meets the warranted specifications, refer to the Performance Verification procedures. (See page 57.) 1. Connect the probe to any channel (1–4) of the oscilloscope. 2. Press the Degauss/AutoZero button. 3. When the Degauss/AutoZero LED glows green, connect the probe to your circuit. 4. Set the oscilloscope to display the probe channel. 5.
Functional Check and Basic Operation Basic Operation 1. Check the oscilloscope display before connecting the probe to a conductor. If there is a DC offset, degauss the probe. (See page 4, Degaussing the Probe.) 2. For correct polarity reading, connect the probe so that the positive-to-negative current flow is aligned with the arrow on the probe jaw. Close and lock the probe jaw over the conductor. 3. Read the measurement on the oscilloscope display. CAUTION.
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.
Application Examples Inductance Measurements You can use the current probe to measure the inductance of coils that have either a low-impedance or high-impedance pulse source of a known value. Low-Impedance Pulse Sources This figure shows a constant-voltage pulse generator of extremely low output impedance connected to an inductor that has low resistance. 1. Connect the inductor across the output terminals of the pulse generator. 2. Maintain a constant voltage across the inductor. 3.
Application Examples 4. Measure the current ramp. The inductance is effectively defined by the slope of the current ramp shown here. 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.
Application Examples High-Impedance Pulse Sources If the pulse source has a higher impedance of known resistance, such that the output voltage drops as the current increases, the inductance of a coil can be calculated by the time constant of the charge curve. The current ramp shows how the values for the inductance formula are obtained.
Application Examples Measuring Inductor Turns Count To obtain an approximate turns count of an inductor, do the following: 1. Connect the inductor to a current limited source, as shown. 2. Measure the input current on one of the inductor leads. 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. NOTE. The accuracy of this method is limited by the current measurement accuracy.
Application Examples For a more precise turns count, you need a coil with a known number of turns to use as a reference. Do the following: 4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 and then make the following changes: 5. Insert the reference coil into the current probe. 6. Insert the test coil into the current probe so that the currents oppose each other as shown. You must observe the polarity of coil current to determine whether the test coil has fewer or more turns than the reference coil.
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. Standard Accessories Protective Cover At your workbench, put the probe in the padded protective cover to prevent accidental damage to the probe. 1. Insert the probe into the protective cover. 2.
Accessories and Options Instruction Manual The instruction manual provides operating and maintenance instructions.
Accessories and Options Optional Accessories This section lists the optional accessories that you can purchase to help you with your probing tasks. Current Loop Use the 1-turn, 50 Ω current loop for the performance verification procedures. The BNC connector allows for easy connections to current sources. WARNING. To reduce the risk of shock, do not use this accessory on voltages above 30 Vrms, 42 Vpk, or 60 VDC. This accessory is limited to 0.5 Wrms and is not intended to be used with hazardous voltages.
Accessories and Options Deskew/Calibration Fixture Connect this fixture to host instruments that support the probe calibration or deskew procedures. 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. WARNING. To reduce the risk of shock, do not use this accessory on voltages above 30 Vrms, 42 Vpk, or 60 VDC.
Accessories and Options Compensation Box Tool Use this tool to open the compensation box when servicing the probe (replacing the switch panel, cable, or compensation box). Refer to the compensation box replacement procedures for instructions for using the tool. Reorder Tektronix part number: 003-1892-00 Adjustment Tool Use this tool to access the adjustment controls in the compensation box. Refer to the adjustment procedures for instructions.
Accessories and Options Options Service Options Option CA1. Provides coverage for a single calibration event Option C3. Calibration Service 3 years Option C5. Calibration Service 5 years 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 Manual Options Option L0. English language instruction manual Option L5.
Probing Principles Probing Principles The following information is provided to help you use the full potential of your current probe. Degaussing a Probe with an Unpowered Conductor in the Jaws You can degauss your current probe while a conductor of an unpowered circuit is clamped in the jaws. The advantage of degaussing with an unpowered circuit is that any offset from stray DC magnetic fields is compensated. Degaussing with the conductor in the probe jaws eliminates the need to manually remove the probe.
Probing Principles Measuring Differential Current To simplify your differential or null current measurements, you can place two conductors in one current probe. CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probe head, 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. CAUTION.
Probing Principles 1. Orient the two conductors under test so that the polarities (+ and –) oppose each other. 2. Clamp the current probe around the two conductors. Be careful not to pinch a conductor in the probe jaws. 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.
Probing Principles 4. To adjust for a current null, adjust the current in one of the conductors until the displayed measurement is zero. Extending Current Range If your measurement exceeds the maximum current rating of the connected probe, you can extend the AC and DC current ranges without exceeding specified limits by using the following methods. WARNING. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, do not exceed the specified electrical limits of the probe or any applicable accessories.
Probing Principles Extending DC 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. To supply additional bucking current: 1. Place a second conductor that has a pure DC component of known value in the probe jaw with the conductor under test. 2.
Probing Principles To increase the value of the bucking current, wind multiple turns of the second conductor around the probe. The bucking current is equal to the current flowing in the conductor, multiplied by the number of turns wound around the probe. 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.
Probing Principles Increasing Sensitivity If you are measuring DC or low-frequency AC signals of very small amplitudes, you can increase measurement sensitivity of your current probe by doing the following: 1. Wind several turns of the conductor under test around the probe as shown. The signal is multiplied by the number of turns around the probe. 2. To obtain the actual current value, divide the displayed amplitude by the number of turns.
Probing Principles Common Mode Noise/Magnetic Field Errors Common-mode noise at high frequencies and strong magnetic 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 (positive to negative).
Probing Principles AC and DC Coupling You can couple the signal input to the oscilloscope with either DC or AC coupling. DC coupling shows both the DC and AC measurement components. AC coupling removes the DC component from the displayed signal. 1. This low-frequency square wave is displayed using AC coupling. The signal exhibits low-frequency rolloff. 2. Press the DC Coupling button to display the waveform as truly square. WARNING.
Probing Principles Maximum Current Limits Current probes have three maximum current ratings: pulsed, continuous, and Ampere-second product. Exceeding any of these ratings can saturate the probe core, which magnetizes the core and causes measurement errors. Refer to the specifications for the maximum current ratings of the probe. (See Table 2 on page 45.
Probing Principles Ampere-Second Product is the maximum width of pulsed current that you can measure when the pulse amplitude is between the maximum continuous and maximum pulsed current specifications. The maximum continuous specification varies by frequency. To determine if your measurement exceeds the Ampere-second product, you must first determine the maximum allowable pulse width or maximum allowable pulse amplitude, as described in the following section. NOTE.
Probing Principles Maximum Allowable Pulse Width To determine the maximum allowable pulse width do the following: 1. Measure the peak current of the pulse. 2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) specification for the range setting of the TCP0150 probe by the measured peak current of the pulse: The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse width (PWmax). 3. Check that the pulse width at the 50% point of the measured signal is less than the calculated maximum allowable pulse width (PWmax).
Probing Principles Maximum Allowable Pulse Amplitude To determine the maximum allowable pulse amplitude, do the following: 1. Measure the pulse width at the 50% points. 2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) specification for the range setting of the TCP0150 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.
Specifications Specifications The specifications in Tables 1 through 5 are valid under the following conditions: The probe has been calibrated at an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C. The probe is connected to a host instrument with an input impedance of 1 M Ω. 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 3.
Specifications Warranted Characteristics Warranted characteristics describe guaranteed performance within tolerance limits or certain type-tested requirements. Warranted characteristics that have checks in the Performance Verification section are marked with the symbol. Table 1: Warranted electrical characteristics Characteristic 44 Description DC gain accuracy <3% (typical <1% at +23 °C, ± 5 °C) Rise time (10% to 90%) ≤17.
Specifications Typical Characteristics Typical characteristics describe typical but not guaranteed performance. Table 2: Typical electrical characteristics Characteristic Description Maximum continuous current — DC and Low frequency (See Figure 3.) 25 A Range: 25 A RMS 150 A Range: 150 A RMS Control box derated to 100 A RMS above 40 °C Maximum peak current (See Figure 3.) 500 A maximum peak pulse Displayed RMS Noise ≤500 μA RMS.
Specifications Figure 1: Frequency derating (peak current versus frequency) 46 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual
Specifications Figure 2: Typical differential input impedance versus frequency TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual 47
Specifications Figure 3: Maximum peak pulse versus pulse width 48 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual
Specifications Table 3: Environmental characteristics Characteristic Description Temperature Operating: 0 to +50 °C (+32 to +122 °F) Nonoperating: -40 to +75 °C (-40 to +167 °F) Humidity Operating: 5-95% RH, tested up to +30 °C (+86 °F) 5-85% RH, tested at +30 °C to +50 °C (+86 °F to +122 °F) Nonoperating: 5-95% RH, tested up to +30 °C (+86 °F) 5-85% RH, tested at +30 °C to +75 °C (+86 °F to +167 °F) Altitude Operating: Up to 2000 meters (6,560 feet), Nonoperating: Up to 12,192 meters (40,000 feet)
Specifications Figure 4: Probe dimensions 50 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual
Specifications Nominal Characteristics Nominal characteristics describe guaranteed traits, but the traits do not have tolerance limits.
Specifications U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing UL 61010B-1:2003. Standard for electrical measuring and test equipment. UL 6010B-2-032:2003. Particular requirements for handheld current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment. Canadian Certification CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1997. Particular requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. Part 1. CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.2.032-96.
Specifications Equipment Type Test and measuring equipment. Safety Class Class 1 – grounded product. Pollution Degree Descriptions A measure of the contaminants 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. Polution Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs.
Specifications Pollution Degree Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for indoor use only. Measurement (Overvoltage) Category Descriptions This product may have different measurement (overvoltage) category designations. The measurement categories are: Measurement Category IV. For measurements performed at the source of low-voltage installation. Measurement Category III. For measurements performed in the building installation. Measurement Category II.
User Maintenance User Maintenance This section contains information on how to resolve use-related problems and how to care for your probe. Oscilloscope Firmware If some of the LEDs or features do not appear to function correctly, first go to www.tektronix.com/software to check for probe/oscilloscope compatibility and to download the latest oscilloscope firmware.
User Maintenance Cleaning CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probe, do not expose it to sprays, liquids, or solvents. Avoid getting moisture inside the probe during exterior cleaning. Protect the probe from adverse weather conditions. The probe is not waterproof. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they may damage the probe. Do not use chemicals that contain benzine, benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, or similar solvents.
Performance Verification Performance Verification WARNING. The following servicing instructions are for use only by qualified personnel. To avoid injury, do not perform any servicing other than that stated in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer to all safety summaries before performing any service. The procedures that follow verify the warranted specifications of the probe, listed below. The recommended calibration interval is one year.
Performance Verification Equipment Required Table 6 lists the equipment required for the performance verification procedure. Table 6: Test equipment Description and quantity Performance requirement Recommended example 1 Oscilloscope TekVPI interface, 500 MHz or greater bandwidth Tektronix DPO4000 High Amplitude Pulse Generator Risetime <1 ns, pulse width >100 ns, amplitude >10 Vpp into 50 Ω Picosecond Labs 2600C Calibrator DCA: 0.25% accuracy, 0 to ±10 A ACA: 0.25% accuracy, 0 to ±7.
Performance Verification Making the DC Current Loop Construct the loop using #18 coated wire and a cylindrical form approximately 3 inches in diameter: 1. Wind exactly 5 turns of #18 coated wire around the form. 2. Scrape about a half-inch of coating off of the ends of the wire. NOTE. Ensure that the current loop has exactly 5 turns. A significant error will result for each turn variance from 5 turns.
Performance Verification Equipment Setup Use the following procedure to set up and warm up the equipment to test the probe. 1. Turn on the oscilloscope. 2. Connect the probe to any channel (1–4) of the oscilloscope. 3. Press the Degauss/AutoZero button. 4. Power on the DMM, current source, and the pulse generator. 5. Allow 20 minutes for the equipment to warm up. 6. Photocopy the test record and use it to record the test results. (See page 66.
Performance Verification DC Gain Accuracy This test checks the DC gain accuracy of the probe. If the measurements are out of the specified limits in the test record, refer to the Adjustments section. (See page 67.) 1. Connect a BNC-to-Dual Banana adapter to the DMM input. 2. Connect the SMA M-to-BNC F adapter to the SMA output of the TekVPI Calibration/Verification adapter. 3.
Performance Verification 6. Do not clamp the current probe around any conductor, but make sure the jaws are locked shut. 7. Press the probe Degauss/AutoZero button. Wait for the Degauss/AutoZero routine to complete before proceeding. The routine is complete when the indicator light turns green. 8. Clamp the current probe around the 5 turn current loop as shown. Maintain proper polarity; the arrow-shaped indicator on the probe points away from the (+) terminal of the current source. 9.
Performance Verification 12. Record the exact measurement of the digital multimeter as M1. 25 A Range Test current = +/-2.50 A Expected output voltage (Ve) = 2.5 V 150 A Range Test current = +/-10.0 A Expected output voltage (Ve) = 1.0 V 13. Set the current source output to -2.50 A. 14. Record the exact measurement of the digital multimeter as M2. 15. Compute the %Error using the measured amplitude values and the formula shown. For example, you might measure values of 2.475 V for M1 and -2.
Performance Verification Rise Time and Bandwidth This procedure verifies that the probe meets the rise time specification. The bandwidth of the probe is then calculated using the measured probe rise time. 1. Connect the BNC cable to the output of the pulse generator. 2. Connect the other end of the BNC cable to the HF current loop. 3. Set the pulse generator output and pulse width to maximum. 4.
Performance Verification 6. Set the probe range to 25 A. 7. Degauss the probe. 8. Clamp the current probe around the HF current loop. Verify that the arrow-shaped indicator on the probe points away from the pulse generator. 9. Record the rise time measurement in the Test Record. NOTE. If you measure higher rise times than expected, check your oscilloscope firmware version. (See page 55, Oscilloscope Firmware.
Performance Verification Test Record Probe Model/Serial Number: Temperature: Date of Calibration: 66 Certificate Number: RH %: Technician: Performance test Range Test Current DC Gain Accuracy 25 A ±12.5 A 150 A ±50.0 A Rise time 25 A ~1 A Bandwidth 25 A NA Incoming Maximum Expected output Minimum 2.50 A 2.5 V -3% +3% 10.0 A 1.0 V -3% +3% < 500 ps <17.5 ns NA 17.
Adjustments Adjustments The procedures that follow describe the DC gain accuracy adjustments to the probe to bring the performance within the warranted specifications. Equipment Required Refer to the Performance Verification procedure for the equipment required. You also need an insulated adjustment tool. (See page 28, Adjustment Tool.) Equipment Setup Refer to the Performance Verification procedure for the equipment setup. CAUTION.
Adjustments DC Gain Accuracy This procedure describes the DC gain accuracy adjustments for the probe at the 25 A and 150 A range settings. Adjust the 25 A Range 1. Complete steps 1–8 of the DC Gain Accuracy Test in the Performance Verification procedure. (See page 61, DC Gain Accuracy.) 2. Set the probe range to 25 A. 3. Set the current source to: 40 Hz square wave 1.0 Amp AC output 4. Enable the output of the current source. 5. Adjust the 25 A gain on the probe to display 1.000 V, +/- .005 V on the DMM.
Adjustments Adjust the 150 A Range 6. Set the probe range to 150 A. 7. Set the calibrator output to 7.5 A. 8. Adjust the 150 A gain on the probe to display 750 mV, +/- 3 mV on the DMM. 9. Disconnect the probe from the current source.
Repair Repair WARNING. To reduce the risk of shock or probe damage, all service procedures, including disassembly/reassembly and repair/replacement of parts, must be performed by qualified service personnel. Repairing the Probe The subassemblies listed below can be replaced on the probe. The replacement procedures are on the following pages.
Repair Required Equipment The following equipment is necessary to perform the repair procedures. Tool Description Screwdriver 3/32 Allen bit Soldering iron 25 W Cleaner Isopropyl alcohol Lubricant Silicone-based grease Compensation box separator 1 Order Tektronix part number 003-1892-00 (See page 28, Compensation Box Tool.
Repair Probe Head 1. Unlock the probe slide. 2. Place the probe on a flat surface with the screw heads facing up. 3. Using a 3/32 inch Allen wrench, remove the eight retaining screws from the case. 4. Separate the case halves and remove the slide.
Repair WARNING. To reduce the risk of injury, use care when disassembling the probe. The spring in the squeeze handle is under tension and can pop out. 1. Lift the cable out of the probe handle and insert a pair of pliers in the handle as shown. 2. While maintaining a firm grip on the pliers, carefully lift the squeeze handle and gear out of the probe.
Repair Transformer 1. To remove the current transformer, lift the assembly out of the probe as shown. 2. Disconnect the transformer from the circuit board.
Repair Circuit Board The circuit board and cable are replaceable separately. 1. Remove the transformer as described in the previous procedure. 2. To remove the circuit board, cut the cable tie that secures the cable to the board. 3. Disconnect the cable from the board. When reassembling the probe, do not tighten the new cable tie until you seat the board and cable in the probe case, to allow enough cable length for a proper fit.
Repair Cable 1. Remove the transformer and circuit board as described in the previous procedures. 2. Unsolder the two switch wires. 3. Proceed to the Compensation Box procedure to detach the cable from the compensation box. (See page 77.) 4. To reassemble the probe after replacing the cable, perform steps 1 through 3 of this procedure in reverse. (See the following Caution statement.) CAUTION.
Repair Compensation Box 1. Insert the separator tool into the four holes to disengage the front section of the compensation box from the main section. 2. Grasp the tool and front section together with one hand. Hold the main section with the other hand and gently pull the two sections apart. 3. Use the separator tool tab to pop the cable cover off of the back section of the compensation box.
Repair 4. Separate the two halves of the compensation box enclosure. 5. If you are only replacing the switch panel, remove the metal shield from the main assembly. 6. Release the connector to disconnect the panel cable, replace it, and then reassemble the compensation box. 7. If you are replacing the cable or compensation box, disconnect the cable connector. 8. Install the new cable or compensation box by performing this procedure in reverse.
Repair Reassembly 1. Before reassembling the probe body, be sure to verify the following: a. The gap between the stationary and moveable core pieces is clean. If necessary, use isopropyl alcohol or a similar cleaning agent to clean the pieces. b. The contacts of the slide switch are clean. (Clean them if necessary.) c. The plastic slide assembly is lubricated. If necessary, apply silicone-based grease sparingly to the parts. 2.
Repair Replaceable Parts This section contains a list of the replaceable parts for the probe. Use this list to identify and order replacement parts. Parts Ordering Information Replacement parts are available through your local Tektronix field office or representative. Changes to Tektronix instruments are sometimes made to accommodate improved components as they become available and to give you the benefit of the latest circuit improvements.
Repair Using the Replaceable Parts List This section contains a list of the mechanical and/or electrical components that are replaceable for the probe. Use this list to identify and order replacement parts. Table 8 describes each column in the parts list. Table 7: Parts List Column Descriptions Column Column name Description 1 Figure & Index Number Items in this section are referenced by figure and index numbers to the exploded view illustrations that follow.
Repair Figure 5: Replaceable Parts 82 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual
Repair Table 8: Replaceable Parts Fig. & Index Number Tektronix Part Number Qty Name & Description 5-1 1 BODY HALF,PROBE:LEFT W/CONTACTS -2 204-0713-02 — 1 SLIDE ASSEMBLY:CONTACT TEKTRONIX SERVICE -3 214-2422-00 1 SPRING,FLAT:UPPER CAN -4 120-2099-00 1 TRANSFORMER:SUBASSEMBLY, TOP AND BOTTOM -5 204-0712-02 1 BODY HALF,PROBE:RIGHT W/CONTACTS -6 211-0093-00 6 SCREW,CAP:4-40 X 0.75,SCH,STL,CD PL,HEX REC -7 348-0023-00 4 PLUG,HOLE:U/W0.
Repair 84 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual
Index Index A D G AC coupling, 38 Accessories optional, 26 standard, 24 Adjustments, 67 Amp-second product, 40 DC coupling, 38 DC Gain Accuracy Adjustment, 68 DC LEVEL control, 38 Degaussing, 4 while connected to a conductor, 30 Differential current, 31 Documentation, xi Gain accuracy check, 61 B Bucking current, 34 C Cleaning, 56 Common mode noise, 37 Connect the probe, 2 Coupling modes, 38 Current limitations amp-second product, 40 maximum continuous, 39 maximum pulsed, 39 Current loop, 59 TCP015
Index connecting to circuit, 6 connecting to instrument, 2 controls and indicators, 8 coupling, 38 disassembly, 71 extending the current range, 33 increasing the current limit, 33 maximum current limits, 39 reassembly, 79 repairing, 70 saturation, 39 Maximum pulsed current rating, 39 Measuring current current nulls, 31 differential current, 31 N Null current, 31 O Operating considerations, 1 Options, 29 P Performance verification, 57 Probe 86 R Record, test, 66 Related documentation, xi Replaceable pa
