Tektronix P6241 User manual

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P6241
4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe
ZZZ
Instruction Manual
xx
www.tektronix.com
071-1188-04

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.
TEKPROBE and SureFoot are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
SureToe and KlipChip are trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
Worldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.

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. Parts, modules and replacement products used by
Tektronix for warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All
replaced parts, modules and products become the property of Tektronix.
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 WITH RESPECT TO THE
PRODUCT 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
ADV
ANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
[W2 – 15AUG04]

P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary v............................
Service Safety Summary vii.............................
Preface ix............................................
Manual Structure ix....................................
Product Description 1.................................
Options 1............................................
Features and Accessories 3.............................
Configuration 13......................................
Probe Offset 13........................................
Functional Check 17...................................
Deskew Fixture 20.....................................
Probe Calibration Errors 22..............................
Check Compatibility 22.................................
Check for Hardware Problems 23.........................
Operating Basics 25...................................
Handling the Probe 25..................................
Maximum Nondestructive Input Voltage 25.................
Input Linear Dynamic Range 26..........................
Electrical Effects of Adapters 26..........................
Ground Lead Length 27.................................
Electrical Effects of Ground Lead Length 28................
Helpful Hints 31......................................
Low-Inductance Grounding 31............................
SureToe Grounding 32..................................
Specifications 33......................................
Theory of Operation 41................................
Probe Head and Cable Assembly 42.......................
Compensation Box 42...................................
Offset Amplifier 42.....................................
Probe Identification EEPROM 43.........................
TEKPROBE Interface 43................................
VCC, +7 V Regulator 43................................
Performance Verification 45............................

Table of Contents
ii P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Equipment Required 45.................................
Equipment Setup 46....................................
Output Zero 47........................................
DC Gain Accuracy 48...................................
Rise Time 50..........................................
Adjustments 55.......................................
Adjustment Locations 55................................
Offset Zero 56.........................................
Offset Range 57.......................................
Maintenance 59.......................................
Replacing TEKPROBE Interface Pins 59...................
Removing and Replacing the Compensation Box Covers 60....
Inspection and Cleaning 62..............................
Replacement Parts 62...................................
Preparation for Shipment 62..............................
Troubleshooting 63....................................
Replaceable Parts 67...................................
Parts Ordering Information 67............................
Using the Replaceable Parts List 68........................
Item Names 68........................................
Indentation System 68..................................
Abbreviations 68.......................................
List of Figures
Figure 1: Dynamic and offset limitations 15...............
Figure 2: P6241 functional check setup 17.................
Figure 3: Probe functional check connections 18...........
Figure 4: Deskew fixture connections
(two P6241 probes shown) 20.........................
Figure 5: Detail of deskew fixture connections 21...........
Figure 6: Typical effects of using probe tip adapter 27.......
Figure 7: Waveform distortion from ground lead length 29..

Table of Contents
P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual iii
Figure 8: Low-inductance grounding 31...................
Figure 9: Using a SureToe adapter for grounding 32........
Figure 10: Typical input impedance and phase
versus frequency 35.................................
Figure 11: Typical bandwidth 36.........................
Figure 12: P6241 simplified schematic diagram 41..........
Figure 13: TEKPROBE interface 43.....................
Figure 14: Setup for output zero 47......................
Figure 15: Setup for DC gain accuracy 49.................
Figure 16: Test system rise time setup 50..................
Figure 17: Test system and probe rise time setup 52.........
Figure 18: P6241 adjustment locations 55.................
Figure 19: 1103 power supply offset voltage location 57......
Figure 20: P6241 offset range setup 58....................
Figure 21: Replacing TEKPROBE interface pins 59........
Figure 22: Removing the compensation box covers 60.......
Figure 23: Replacing the compensation box cover 61........
Figure 24: Compensation box test point locations 64........
Figure 25: P6241 replaceable parts 69....................
Figure 26: P6241 standard accessories 70.................
Figure 27: P6241 optional accessories 72..................

Table of Contents
iv P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual
List of Tables
Table 1: P6241 features and standard accessories 3........
Table 2: Optional accessories 10.........................
Table 3: Instruments fully compatible with the
P6241 probe 22...................................
Table 4: Warranted electrical specifications 33............
Table 5: Typical electrical characteristics 33..............
Table 6: Physical characteristics 35......................
Table 7: Environmental characteristics 37................
Table 8: Equipment required for performance verification 45
Table 9: Troubleshooting guide 64.......................

P6241 4.0 GHz 10X 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 P6241 4.0 GHz 10X 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. This symbol may appear on the product:
CAUTION
Refer to Manual

P6241 4.0 GHz 10X 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.
Disconnect Power. To avoid electric shock, switch off the instrument
power, then disconnect the power cord from the mains power.
Use Care When Servicing with Power On. 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.

Service Safety Summary
viii P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual

P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual ix
Preface
This is the Instruction Manual for the P6241 probe. This manual
provides operating information, specifications, service information
and a replaceable parts list.
Manual Structure
The manual includes both operating and service information. The
first section of the manual contains the topics for operating the
probe.
The service section of the manual begins with the Theory of
Operation. The information in the service section of the manual is
intended only for use by qualified service personnel.

Preface
xP6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual

P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual 1
Product Description
The Tektronix P6241 is a 4.0 GHz, 10X active probe with <0.5 pF
input capacitance. The P6241 low input capacitance and high
(40 kΩ) input resistance minimize circuit loading over a wide
bandwidth range. The small profile and low-mass head of the P6241
make probing dense circuits by hand fast and easy. The accessory
tips and adapters included with the probe enable the P6241 to be
used on a wide variety of circuit architectures.
The P6241 is powered through a TEKPROBE interface between the
probe compensation box and the host instrument. The P6241 can be
used with nonTEKPROBE host instruments by using the optional
Tektronix 1103 Probe Power Supply.
Options
The following options are available when ordering the P6241 probe:
HOption D1 — Calibration Data Report
HOptionC3—3yearsCalibrationService
HOptionD3—3yearsCalibrationDataReport
(requires Option C3)
HOptionR3—3yearsRepairService
HOptionC5—5yearsCalibrationService
HOptionD5—5yearsCalibrationDataReport
(requires Option C5)
HOptionR5—5yearsRepairService
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 67.

Product Description
2P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual

P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual 3
Features and Accessories
The P6241 probe 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.
WARNING. To avoid injury, use care when handling accessories with
sharp tips.
Table 1: P6241 features and standard accessories
Feature
/
Accessor
y
Description
Probe tip
Accessory
slot
Ground
socket
Probe head assembly. The probe head is
designed for ease of use and high performance.
The small size makes it easy to handle in tight
areas.
The probe head features a slot that is designed
for holding accessories in place.
TEKPROBE interface.The TEKPROBE
interface provides a communication path between
the probe and the host instrument. Contact pins
provide power, signal, offset, and probe
characteristic data transfer. See page 43 for more
information.
If your host instrument 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
4P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual
Table 1: P6241 features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/Accessory Description
Pogo pin
Short ground pogo pin.
This pogo ground pin has a flexible reach of .070
to 1.00 inches, and a .083 inch nominal center
space. The pin retracts when pressure is applied.
When a short ground is required for probing,
insert the pogo pin into the ground socket of the
probe or adapter.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 27 for more grounding information.
Tektronix part number: 016-1917-XX (1 set)
.180 in
.020 in
Z lead.
Use the Z lead to ground the probe when the
distance between the DUT test point and ground
is greater or less than about 0.100 in. (the fixed
distance between the probe tip and probe
ground).
You can rotate the Z-lead in the probe ground
socket to accomodate distances of approximately
0.020 to 0.180 in.
Tektronix part number: 196-3491-XX (1 set)

Features and Accessories
P6241 4.0 GHz 10X Active Probe Instruction Manual 5
Table 1: P6241 features and standard accessories (Cont.)
Feature/Accessory Description
Three--inch
ground lead
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
square 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 pulling
the pin out by hand.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 27 for more information.
Tektronix part number: 196-3437-10 (1 set)
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 27
for more grounding information.
This accessory is not intended for use with the
Square-pin adapter (Tektronix part number
016-1910-XX).
Tektronix part number: 196--3482--XX (1 set)