Tektronix RTPA2A User manual

Instruction Manual
RTPA2A
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
TekConnect®Probe Adapter
071-1766-01
www.tektronix.com

Copyright ©Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its suppliers and
are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the
Commercial Computer Software -- Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19, as applicable.
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, TEK, TekConnect, and TeKProbe are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive or P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077 USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
HIn North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
HWorldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.

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. 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
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

RTPA2A Instruction Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii...................................
Environmental Considerations v...............................
Getting Started 1............................................
Cable Connections 1...............................................
USB Cable 1..................................................
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Software Compatibility 2.................
TekConnect Probe Compatibility 2....................................
Standard Accessories 3.............................................
Options 5........................................................
Installing the Probe Adapter 7........................................
CONNECTIONS Table 8........................................
Installing the USB Cable and Power Supply Cable 9......................
Installing the TekConnect Probe 10....................................
Performing a Functional Check 11.....................................
Operating Basics 17..........................................
Understanding the Controls 17........................................
Power Status 17................................................
USB Status 18..................................................
Probe Status 18.................................................
Reference 19.................................................
Avoiding Damage from Electrostatic Discharge or Overvoltage 19...........
Specifications 21.............................................
Certifications and Compliances 24.....................................
Maintenance 25..............................................
Inspecting and Cleaning 25...........................................
Troubleshooting 26.................................................
Product Requires Service 27..........................................
Repackaging for Shipment 27.........................................
Replaceable Parts 29.........................................
Parts Ordering Information 29.........................................
Using the Replaceable Parts List 30....................................

Table of Contents
ii RTPA2A Instruction Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1: The TekConnect probe adapter 1......................
Figure 2: Probe adapter inputs and outputs 7....................
Figure 3: Back panel connections 9.............................
Figure 4: Installing TekConnect probes 10.......................
Figure 5: Connecting the RTPA2A components 12.................
Figure 6: Check for lighted LEDs 13............................
Figure 7: Equipment setup with Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer 14...
Figure 8: Amplitude signal 15..................................
Figure 9: Location of status LEDs 17............................
Figure 10: Insertion loss 23....................................
Figure 11: Return loss 23......................................
Figure 12: Exploded view 34...................................
List of Tables
Table 1: Compatible probes 2.................................
Table 2: Standard accessories 3...............................
Table 3: Options 5..........................................
Table 4: Power cord options 5................................
Table 5: Recommended equipment for functional check 11.........
Table 6: Probe amplitude offset for Channel B 15.................
Table 7: Power status LED 17.................................
Table 8: USB status LED 18...................................
Table 9: Probe status LED 18..................................
Table 10: Electrical characteristics 21...........................
Table 11: Environmental characteristics 22......................
Table 12: Physical characteristics 22............................
Table 13: Probe adapter LEDs 26...............................

RTPA2A Instruction Manual iii
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.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of the system. Read
the General Safety Summary in other system manuals for warnings and cautions
related to operating the system.
Connect and Disconnect Properly. Do not connect or disconnect probes or test
leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
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 measurement
instrument.
Ground the Product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor
of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
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.
The common terminal is at ground potential. Do not connect the common
terminal to elevated voltages.
Connect the ground lead of the probe to earth ground only.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that
exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Power Disconnect. The power cord disconnects the product from the power
source. Do not block the power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all
times.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels
removed.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components
when power is present.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
ToAvoidFireor
Personal Injury

General Safety Summary
iv RTPA2A Instruction Manual
Provide Proper Ventilation. Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for
details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.
Use Proper AC Adapter. Use only the AC adapter specified for this product.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.
Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry.
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. The following symbols may appear on the product:
CAUTION
Refer to Manual
Symbols and Terms

RTPA2A Instruction Manual v
Environmental Considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the
product.
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. In order to avoid release of such substances into the
environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you to
recycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the
materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
The symbol shown to the left indicates that this product
complies with the European Union’s requirements
according to Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and
electronic equipment (WEEE). For information about
recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the
Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com).
This product has been classified as Monitoring and Control equipment, and is
outside the scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive. This product is known to
contain lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium.
Product End-of-Life
Handling
Restriction of Hazardous
Substances

Environmental Considerations
vi RTPA2A Instruction Manual

RTPA2A Instruction Manual 1
Getting Started
The TekConnect probe adapter allows you to connect a TekConnect probe to a
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer. The TekConnect probe adapter is comprised of an
enclosure that houses two probe inputs. The probe adapter connects to a
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer through a USB cable and a coaxial cable.
Figure 1: The TekConnect probe adapter
Cable Connections
The power for the probe adapter and probe is supplied through the DC power
supply cable.
The USB cable provides a data and communications path from the probe adapter
to the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer. Probe characteristic data transfers through
this cable.
Power
USB Cable

Getting Started
2RTPA2A Instruction Manual
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Software Compatibility
If your product is running Windows 98 application software, you need to
upgrade to Windows XP to use the TekConnect probe adapter. To upgrade your
product, contact the Tektronix support center (for contact information, see the
contact page at the front of this manual).
If your product is a RSA2200A, RSA3300A, RSA3408A, or WCA200A Series
instrument, it requires Main System software shipped after August 2005 to be
compatible with the TekConnect probe adapter. Contact Tektronix technical
support if you need to verify that your Main System software supports the
RTPA2A TekConnect probe adapter.
For questions about an instrument not listed here, contact the Tektronix support
center.
TekConnect Probe Compatibility
The TekConnect probe adapter supports only TekConnect probes. Refer to
Table 1 for a list of compatible probes.
Table 1: Compatible probes
Probe Attenuation Description
P7225 10x Active Probe
P7240 5x Active Probe
P7260 5x, 25x Active Probe
P7330 5x Differential Probe
P7313 5x, 25x Differential Probe
P7350 6.25x Differential Probe
P7350SMA 6.25x Differential Probe
P7380 5x, 25x Differential Probe
P7380SMA 2.5x 12.5x Differential Probe
There is no support for TekProbe Level 2 legacy probes that use the
TCA-1MEG, TCA-BNC, and TCA75 adapters.

Getting Started
RTPA2A Instruction Manual 3
Standard Accessories
Table 2 lists the standard accessories. Order extra standard accessories as needed.
Table 2: Standard accessories
Accessory Description1
50 ΩSMA-to-N Cable. Use the 50 ΩSMA-to-N Cable to connect the TekConnect probe
adapter to the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer. The SMA cable passes the analog signal output
from the probe adapter channel to the spectrum analyzer.
BNC-to-N adapter. Use the BNC-to-N adapter to connect the TekConnect probe adapter to the
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer RF input.
USB Cable. Provides a data and communications path from a TekConnect probe adapter to the
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer.
Power Cord. Provides AC power to the power supply. Option A0 comes standard with the
TekConnect probe adapter. See page 5 for power cord options.

Getting Started
4RTPA2A Instruction Manual
Table 2: Standard accessories (Cont.)
Accessory Description1
Power Supply and cable. Provides DC power to the TekConnect probe adapter.
Statement of
compliance
Statement of compliance. A certificate verifying that the product is assembled and verified
using established procedures and work instructions. When applicable, test equipment is
traceable to known standards.
Included with product at initial shipment. This accessory cannot be ordered.
Instruction Manual. Provides instruction and information about the TekConnect probe adapter.
Quick Reference Card. Provides RF, I, and Q setups for the TekConnect probe adapter and the
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer.
1See page 32 for Tektronix part numbers.

Getting Started
RTPA2A Instruction Manual 5
Options
Table 3 and 4 lists options that are available for the TekConnect probe adapter.
Table 3: Options
Option Description
R3 Repair Service 3 years (available at purchase only)
R5 Repair Service 5 years (available at purchase only)
L0 English Instruction Manual1
L5 Japanese Instruction Manual1
1See page 32 for Tektronix part numbers.
Table 4: Power cord options
Plug configuration Normal usage Option number1
North America
120 V
A0 (Standard)
161--0066--00
Universal Euro A1
161--0066--09
United Kingdom A2
161--0066--10
Australia A3
161--0066--13
North America
250 V
A4
161--0104--08

Getting Started
6RTPA2A Instruction Manual
Table 4: Power cord options (Cont.)
Plug configuration Option number1 Normal usage
Switzerland A5
161--0154--00
Japan A6
161--A005--00
China A10
161--0306--00
No power cord supplied. A99
1See page 33 for Tektronix part numbers.

Getting Started
RTPA2A Instruction Manual 7
Installing the Probe Adapter
Figure 2 shows the TekConnect probe adapter, standard accessories, and location
of the probe inputs.
You must allow for airflow clearance for the probe adapter; see page 22 for the
required clearance.
USB*
P7000 Series
TekConnect
probe
USB
cable
Power cord
DC power
supply
Circuit
under test
50 ΩSMA-to-N
cable
Signal in*
(RF input)
RTPA2A
TekConnect Probe
Adapter
*For USB and RF connector locations
to the spectrum analyzer, see your
spectrum analyzer user manual.
Real--Time
Spectrum Analyzer
Figure 2: Probe adapter inputs and outputs
Installing the probe adapter consists of the following steps:
1. Install the power cord.
2. Install the power supply cable.
3. Install the USB cable (also to the spectrum analyzer).

Getting Started
8RTPA2A Instruction Manual
4. Install a 50 ΩSMA-to-N cable (also to the spectrum analyzer RF input).
Torque to 8 in-lb.
CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probe or spectrum analyzer, do not exceed
the voltage ratings specified on your TekConnect probe. For further probe
information, refer to your probe instruction manual, and if necessary, the ABC’s
of Probes on the Tektronix Web site.
5. Install a P7000 Series TekConnect probe.
All procedures in this instruction manual agree with the cable configurations
shown in the CONNECTIONS table.
NOTE. The CONNECTIONS table on the front of the probe adapter recommends
cable and probe connections to the spectrum analyzer. For the spectrum analyzer
to apply correct probe--related amplitude offsets, you must connect the cables as
shown under columns A and B. See the RTPA2A Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
TekConnect Probe Adapter Setups Quick Reference for instructions on setting up
these connections.
CONNECTIONS Table

Getting Started
RTPA2A Instruction Manual 9
Installing the USB Cable and Power Supply Cable
When a USB cable is connected to a Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer,
power is enabled to the probe. The USB cable must be attached for the probe
adapter and a spectrum analyzer system to function properly.
Use only the supplied power supply cable and power cord with the TekConnect
probe adapter.
Figure 3 shows the USB and power supply connections on the back of the probe
adapter. To locate a USB connection on a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer, refer to
your user manual.
USB
Power
supply
Figure 3: Back panel connections

Getting Started
10 RTPA2A Instruction Manual
Installing the TekConnect Probe
When the probe is connected, the probe adapter reads EEPROM information
from the probe, identifying the device and allowing the appropriate power
supplies to be powered on.
NOTE. It is not necessary to power off the probe adapter when removing or
installing a TekConnect probe.
The TekConnect interface features a spring-loaded latch that provides audible
and tactile confirmation that a reliable connection has been made to the probe
adapter. Slide the probe into the TekConnect receptacle on the probe adapter. The
probe snaps into the receptacle when fully engaged. See Figure 4.
To release the probe from the probe adapter, grasp the compensation box, press
the latch button, and pull out the probe.
Latch button
Figure 4: Installing TekConnect probes