Tektronix P6249 User manual

Instruction Manual
P6249
4 GHz 5X Active Probe
071-0538-05
www.tektronix.com

Copyright ©Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
TEKTRONIX, TEK, TEKPROBE, and SureFoot are registered trademarks,
and SureToe, FlexLead, and KlipChip are trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If a
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.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the
defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the
performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges
prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to
a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer
shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for
products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any
damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a
product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such
modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS
DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY
TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF
THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR
HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary v..............................
Service Safety Summary vii..............................
Contacting Tektronix viii.................................
Product Description
Options 1............................................
Standard Accessories 1.................................
Optional Accessories 2.................................
Features and Accessories
Features and Standard Accessories 3......................
Optional Accessories 8.................................
Configuration
Probe Offset 9........................................
Functional Check
Deskew Fixture 13.....................................
Probe Calibration Errors 14..............................
Check Compatibility 14.................................
Check for Hardware Problems 15.........................
Operating Basics
Handling the Probe 17..................................
Maximum Non-destructive Input Voltage 17.................
Input Linear Dynamic Range 17..........................
Ground Lead Length 18.................................
Helpful Hints
Low-Inductance Grounding 19............................
SureFoot Grounding 20.................................
Probe Tip Test Points 21.................................

Table of Contents
ii P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Specifications
Theory of Operation
Probe Head and Cable Assembly 30.......................
Compensation Box 30...................................
Offset Amplifier 30.....................................
Probe Identification EEPROM 30.........................
TEKPROBE Interface 31................................
VCC, +7 V Regulator 31................................
Performance Verification
Equipment Required 33.................................
Equipment Setup 34....................................
Output Zero 35........................................
DC Attenuation Accuracy 36.............................
Rise Time 38..........................................
Adjustments
Adjustment Locations 43................................
Offset Zero 44.........................................
Offset Range 45.......................................
Maintenance
Replacing TEKPROBE Interface Pins 47...................
Removing and Replacing the Compensation Box Covers 48....
Removing and Replacing the TEKPROBE Interface Collar 50..
Inspection and Cleaning 51..............................
Replacement Parts 51...................................
Preparation for Shipment 51..............................
Troubleshooting
Replaceable Parts
Parts Ordering Information 57............................
Using the Replaceable Parts List 58........................

Table of Contents
P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual iii
List of Figures
Figure 1: Dynamic and offset limitations 10.................
Figure 2: Probe functional check connections 11.............
Figure 3: Deskew fixture connections
(two P6249 probes shown) 13............................
Figure 4: Low-inductance grounding 19....................
Figure 5: Using a SureFoot adapter for grounding 20..........
Figure 6: Using a probe tip as a test point 21.................
Figure 7: Typical input impedance and phase versus frequency 24
Figure 8: Typical bandwidth 25...........................
Figure 9: P6249 simplified schematic diagram 29.............
Figure 10: TEKPROBE interface 31.......................
Figure 11: Setup for output zero and DC attenuation accuracy 35
Figure 12: Test system rise time setup 38...................
Figure 13: Test system and probe rise time setup 39...........
Figure 14: P6249 adjustment locations 43...................
Figure 15: 1103 power supply offset voltage location 45.......
Figure 16: P6249 offset range setup 46.....................
Figure 17: Replacing TEKPROBE interface pins 47...........
Figure 18: Removing the compensation box covers 48.........
Figure 19: Replacing the compensation box cover 49..........
Figure 20: Replacing the TEKPROBE interface collar 50......
Figure 21: Compensation box test point locations 54..........
Figure 22: P6249 replaceable parts 59......................
Figure 23: P6249 standard accessories 60...................
Figure 24: P6249 optional accessories 62...................

Table of Contents
iv P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual

P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual v
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. Connect the probe output to the
measurement instrument before connecting the probe to the circuit
under test. Disconnect the probe input and the probe ground from the
circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measure-
ment instrument.
Observe All Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe
all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product manual
for further ratings information before making connections to the
product.
Connect the ground lead of the probe to earth ground only.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. Do not operate this product with
covers or panels removed.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is
damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified service
personnel.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.
Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry.

General Safety Summary
vi P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual. These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.
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.
Symbols on the Product. These symbols may appear on the product:
CAUTION
Refer to Manual

P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual vii
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.

Service Safety Summary
viii P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Contacting Tektronix
Phone [phone]*
Address Tektronix, Inc.
Department or name (if known)
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
Web site www.tektronix.com
Sales
support
1-800-833-9200, select option 1*
Service
support
1-800-833-9200, select option 2*
Technical
support
Email: [e-mail]
1-800-833-9200, select option 3*
6:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Pacific time
*This phone number is toll free in North America. After office
hours, please leave a voice mail message.
Outside North America, contact a Tektronix sales office or
distributor; see the Tektronix web site for a list of offices.

P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual 1
Product Description
The Tektronix P6249 is a 4 GHz (probe only), 5X active FET probe
with 1 pF input capacitance. The P6249 has a low input capacitance
and high input resistance which minimize circuit loading over a wide
bandwidth range. The small profile and low-mass head of the P6249
make probing crowded circuits by hand fast and easy. The accessory
tips and adapters included with the probe enable the P6249 to be
used on a wide variety of circuit architectures.
The P6249 is powered through a TEKPROBE interface between the
probe compensation box and the oscilloscope. The P6249 can be
used with non-TEKPROBE oscilloscopes and instruments by using
the optional Tektronix 1103 Probe Power Supply.
Options
The following options are available when ordering the P6249 probe:
HOption D1 -- Calibration Data
HOption C3 -- 3 years Calibration Service
HOption D3 -- 3 years Calibration Data
HOption R3 -- 3 years Extended Warranty
Standard Accessories
The P6249 is shipped with the following standard accessories:
HStandard probe tips
HSureToe adapter probe tips
HSMT KlipChip microcircuit test leads
HY-lead adapter
HRight-angle adapter

Product Description
2P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
HThree-inch ground lead
HCustomizable ground lead
HLow-inductance ground pogo pin
HColor marker bands
H.100” square pin adapter
HInstruction manual
Optional Accessories
The following accessories are available for the P6249 probe:
HSureFoot adapter probe tips
HSMK4 Micro KlipChip adapters
HDeskew fixture
HProbe tip-to-SMA adapter
H1103 Probe Power Supply
HCompensation box release tool
HInsulated adjustment tool
Refer to Features and Accessories on page 3 for more information on
using the probe and accessories.
For part number information for standard and optional accessories,
refer to Replaceable Parts on page 57.

P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual 3
Features and Accessories
The P6249 is provided with several features and accessories designed
to make probing and measurement a simpler task. Please familiarize
yourself with these items and their uses.
Features and Standard Accessories
Table 1 shows the features and standard accessories of the probe.
Table 1: Features and standard accessories
Feature/Accessory Description
Probe tip
socket
Ground
socket
Stabilization
notch
Probe head assembly. The probe head is
designed for ease of use and high performance.
Its small size makes it easy to handle in tight
areas.
The probe tip socket is sized to easily press onto
0.025 inch pins for direct access. The ground
socket provides a short ground path for high
fidelity ground connections.
The stabilization notch permits you to use
adjacent pins to reduce stresses on the probe
and pins.
TEKPROBE Interface. The TEKPROBE
interface provides a communication path between
the probe and the oscilloscope. Contact pins
provide power, signal, offset, and probe
characteristic data transfer. See page 31 for more
information.
If your oscilloscope does not support the
TEKPROBE interface, you can use the optional
1103 probe power supply as an effective
interface. Contact your local Tektronix representa-
tive for more information.

Features and Accessories
4P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Table 1: Features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/Accessory Description
Push-in probe tip
Push-in probe tip. Use the push-in probe tip
for general purpose probing by hand. The tip may
also be used as a temporary test point. See
page 21 for more information.
The push-in probe tip may also be used with the
other socketed leads and adapters.
Installing the push-in probe tip. Attach the
push-in probe tip by seating the tip into the probe
tip socket and pushing the tip in until it is seated.
Either end of the tip may be used.
Do not force the tip. Also, be careful not to poke
yourself with the sharp probe-tip. To remove the
tip, gently grab the tip with small pliers and pull
the tip out.
SureToe probe tip. The SureToe tip is a pointed
probe tip useful for probing in dense circuitry.
Attach the SureToe adapters the same way as
the push-in probe tips. Do not force the tip.Also,
be careful not to poke yourself with the sharp
probe tip. They can be used with any of the
socketed accessory leads.
Three-inch ground lead. Use the three-inch
ground lead for general probing. The socketed
end of the lead may be connected to any of the
probe tips and adapters or fitted onto 0.025 inch
pins.
To attach the ground lead, press and rotate the
lead pin connector into the ground socket on the
probe head. The lead may be removed by simply
pulling the pin out by hand.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 18 for more information.

Features and Accessories
P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual 5
Table 1: Features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/Accessory Description
Customizable
ground lead
Customizable ground lead.This ground lead
wire can be bent or cut shorter.
NOTE: To ease insertion into the ground socket
of the probe, cut the tip of this ground lead wire at
a 30 to 60 degree angle.
To maintain signal fidelity while probing, use as
short a ground path as possible. Refer to page 18
for more grounding information.
Pogo pin
Low-inductance ground pogo pin. Use the
low-inductance ground pogo pin to substantially
reduce ground lead inductance. Because the
pogo pin simply touches the ground reference,
you can easily move the probe to different points
on the circuit under test.
To attach, press the pogo pin into the probe head
ground socket.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 18 for more information.
Signal ground
adapter
Signal-Ground Adapter. The signal-ground
adapter is ideal for use with signal/ground pairs
on 0.100 inch header pins (such as FlexLead
adapters).
Attach the signal-ground adapter by gently
pressing it into the ground socket on the probe
head.
Be sure to use the stabilization notch whenever
possible, to avoid slipping and damaging the
probe or circuitry under test.

Features and Accessories
6P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Table 1: Features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/Accessory Description
Right
angle
adapter
Right-angle adapter. Use the right-angle
adapter for low-profile probing of 0.025 inch
diameter square pins.
The right-angle adapter allows the probe to lie flat
against a circuit board. This enables probing in
vertical circuits such as computer or communica-
tions backplanes, or in tight areas such as
between circuit cards.
The right-angle adapter can be used directly with
the probe head, or attached to the Y-lead adapter
or ground leads.
The right-angle adapter is attached the same way
as the push-in probe tip, and can be easily
removed by hand.
KlipChip
Y-lead adapter
SMT KlipChip. Use the SMT KlipChip test clips
to access fragile, dense circuitry.
KlipChip test clips can be connected to the Y-lead
or three-inch ground leads. Simply press the lead
socket into the KlipChip handle.
The KlipChip body freely turns, allowing better
probe orientation. To reduce stress and provide a
lower profile on components being tested, the
flexible sleeve of the KlipChip bends up to a
35 degree angle.
Y-lead
adapter
Y-lead adapter. Use the Y-lead adapter to
extend the physical reach of the probe and
ground when necessary. The Y-lead adapter
accepts any of the probe tips or adapters, and
can be pushed directly onto 0.025 inch pins.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 18 for more information.

Features and Accessories
P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual 7
Table 1: Features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/Accessory Description
Y-lead
adapter
To attach the Y-lead adapter, gently press the
lead pins into the probe head tip and ground
receptacles. Using the black lead for ground is
recommended.
Color marker
bands
Color marker bands. Attach matching pairs of
the color marker bands onto the cable at the head
and compensation box of each probe. The marker
bands enable quick verification of which probe is
connected to which instrument channel.

Features and Accessories
8P6249 4 GHz 5X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Optional Accessories
Table 2 shows the optional accessories that are available for your
probe.
Table 2: Optional accessories
Accessory Description
SureFoot probe tip. The SureFoot tip is an
integral probe tip and miniature guide that
enables fault-free probing of fine-pitch SMD
packages. Attach SureFoot adapters the same
way as the push-in probe tips. They can be used
with any of the socketed accessory leads.
The orange, 0.050 inch SureFoot tip is compatible
with 50 mil JEDEC packages such as SOIC,
PLCC, CLCC, etc.
The blue, 0.025 inch SureFoot tip is compatible
with 0.65 mm JEDEC and EIAJ packages.
The red, 0.5 mm SureFoot tip is compatible with
EIAJ packages.
SMK4 Micro KlipChip adapters. Use the
adapters to probe the leads on integrated circuits
that are surface-mounted.