Tektronix A6302 User manual

Instructions
A6302 & A6302XL
20 Ampere AC/DC Current Probes
070-3905-04
Warning
The servicing instructions are for use by qualified
personnel only. To avoid personal injury, do not
perform any servicing unless you are qualified to
do so. Refer to all safety summaries prior to
performing service.

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.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered 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.

Service Assurance
If you have not already purchased Service Assurance for this product, you may do so at any time during the product’s
warranty period. Service Assurance provides Repair Protection and Calibration Services to meet your needs.
Repair Protection extends priority repair services beyond the product’s warranty period; you may purchase up to three
years of Repair Protection.
Calibration Services provide annual calibration of your product, standards compliance and required audit documentation,
recall assurance, and reminder notification of scheduled calibration. Coverage begins upon registration; you may purchase
up to five years of Calibration Services.
Service Assurance Advantages
Priced well below the cost of a single repair or calibration
Avoid delays for service by eliminating the need for separate purchase authorizations from your company
Eliminates unexpected service expenses
For Information and Ordering
For more information or to order Service Assurance, contact your Tektronix representative and provide the information
below. Service Assurance may not be available in locations outside the United States of America.
Name VISA or Master Card number and expiration
Company date or purchase order number
Address Repair Protection (1,2, or 3 years)
City, State, Postal code Calibration Services (1,2,3,4, or 5 years)
Country Instrument model and serial number
Phone Instrument purchase date

A6302 and A6302XL Instructions i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product Description 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Installation 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating the Current Probe Slide 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Degaussing and Autobalancing the Current Probe 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Trim Adjust for Gain Accuracy (AM 503B and AM 5030 Only) 4. . . . . . .
Maximum Current Limits 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disassembly Instructions 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obtaining Replacement Parts 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparation for Shipment 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replaceable Parts 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts Ordering Information 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Replaceable Parts List 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents
ii A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
List of Figures
Figure 1: Connecting a current probe to the current probe amplifier 2
Figure 2: Operating the probe slide 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3:Applying the amp-second product rule 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4:A6302 and A6302XL specified operating area 9. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 5:A6302 and A6302XL frequency derating curve for maximum
input current 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 6:A6302 and A6302XL insertion impedance curve 10. . . . . . . . .
Figure 7: Probe jaw dimensions (nominal) 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 8: Removing the strain relief boot 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 9: Removing the top half of the probe 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 10: Removing the probe slide 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 11: Removing the current transformer and cable assembly of the
A6302 probe 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 12: Removing the current transformer of the A6302XL probe 16
Figure 13:A6302 exploded view 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 14:A6302XL exploded view 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of Tables
Table 1: Warranted A6302 and A6302XL specifications 8. . . . . . . . . .
Table 2: Electrical characteristics 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3: Mechanical characteristics 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4: Environmental characteristics 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 5: Certifications and compliances 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A6302 and A6302XL Instructions iii
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Avoid Electric Overload. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a
voltage to a terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Avoid Electric Shock. To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or disconnect
probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source.
Ground the Product. This product is indirectly grounded through the grounding
conductor of the mainframe 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.
Do Not Operate in Wet/DampConditions. To avoid electric shock, do not operate
this product in wet or damp conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not
operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Do Not Immerse in Liquids. Clean the probe using only a damp cloth. Refer to
cleaning instructions.
Injury Precautions
Product Damage
Precautions

General Safety Summary
iv A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
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:
ProtectiveGround
(Earth)Terminal ATTENTION Refer to Manual Double Insulated
DANGER
High Voltage
Refer to the specifications section for a listing of certifications and compliances
that apply to this product.
Symbols and Terms
Certifications and
Compliances

A6302 and A6302XL Instructions v
Preface
This instruction manual supports the operation and maintenance of the A6302
and A6302XL current probes with any of the AM 503 series current probe
amplifiers.
You can find additional documentation supporting the operation and maintenance
of the AM 503 series amplifiers in the following manuals:
AM 503 Instruction Manual (070-2052-XX)
AM 503S (AM 503A) User Manual (070-8170-XX)
AM 503S (AM 503A) Service Manual (070-8174-XX)
AM 503B & AM 5030 Instruction Manual (070-8766-XX)

Preface
vi A6302 and A6302XL Instructions

A6302 and A6302XL Instructions 1
Getting Started
This section explains how to install and operate the A6302 and A6302XL current
probes.
Product Description
The A6302 is a DC to 50 MHz current probe designed for use with the AM 503
family of current probe amplifiers and with the 11A16 plug-in. With the AM 503
family, the A6302 can measure currents to 20 A (DC + peak AC), and up to 50 A
peak current (while not exceeding the amp-second rating). With the 11A16
plug-in, the A6302 can measure currents to 10.5 A.
The A6302XL is an extended length cable version of the A6302. It offers the
same current range as the A6302 with a diminished frequency range of DC to
17 MHz. The A6302XL can only be used with the AM 503B and AM 5030, and
will not be recognized by other current probe amplifiers.
The probe performance specifications, verification, and adjustment are unique to
the amplifier that the probe is plugged into. Please refer to the amplifier
documentation for specifications and verification procedures.

Getting Started
2A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
Probe Installation
To connect the current probe to the amplifier input connector, align the tab of the
probe connector with the slot in the amplifier input connector as shown in
Figure 1(a). Align the dot on the probe connector with the groove opening of the
input connector as shown in Figure 1(b). Push the probe connector in while
twisting the barrel clockwise to lock the connector.
CAUTION. Handle the current probe with care. Do not drop the probe or subject
it to impact, or the core may crack. Do not connect or disconnect the current
probe while the probe is clamped around a live conductor or while the amplifier
is powered on, or the probe may suffer electrical damage.
Amplifier
Current probe connector
Amplifier Groove
Current probe
connector
Push connector in
and twist to lock
(a) Align the tab with the connector slot (b) Insert the connector into the amplifier
Alignment dot
Slot
Tab
Figure 1: Connecting a current probe to the current probe amplifier

Getting Started
A6302 and A6302XL Instructions 3
Operating the Current Probe Slide
The current probe has a slide mechanism that opens and closes the probe jaw.
This allows you to clamp the probe around a conductor under test. The slide
must be locked to accurately measure current or to degauss the probe. If a probe
is unlocked, the PROBE OPEN indicator on the amplifier lights.
WARNING. When the probe slides are open, the exposed ferrite core pieces are
not insulated. To avoid injury or equipment damage, remove power from an
uninsulated wire before clamping the current probe around it. Also, never
disconnect the probe from the amplifier when the probe is connected to a live
conductor.
Figure 2 illustrates the slide operation of the probe. To open the probe, pull the
slide back until the jaw is open. To lock the probe, push the slide forward until
the detent snaps into place.
Probe open Probe locked
Figure 2: Operating the probe slide

Getting Started
4A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
Degaussing and Autobalancing the Current Probe
Degaussing the probe removes any residual magnetization from the probe core.
Such residual magnetization can induce measurement error. Autobalancing
removes unwanted DC offsets in the amplifier circuitry.
Failure to degauss the probe is a leading cause of measurement errors. To
maintain measurement accuracy, degauss your probe in each of these cases:
After turning on the amplifier and allowing a 20-minute warm-up period
Before connecting the probe to a conductor, or changing conductors under
test
Whenever an overload condition occurs
Whenever the probe is subjected to a strong external magnetic field
Periodically during normal use
Degauss and autobalance the current probe as follows
1. Verify that the current probe is connected to the amplifier.
2. Remove the current probe from the conductor under test.
3. Lock the probe slide closed (see Figure 2).
4. Press the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button.
NOTE. The degauss procedure will fail if the amplifier is not properly connected
to a 50 termination impedance.
After you have completed the oscilloscope adjustments and the degauss/autoba-
lance procedure, your system is ready to measure current.
Probe Trim Adjust for Gain Accuracy (AM 503B and AM 5030 Only)
After the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE routine has been run, the probe
and amplifier system will meet all published specifications; however, if you want
to improve the tolerance of the system gain accuracy, or to intentionally offset
the gain accuracy to make up for total system errors, the probe trim adjust
routine may be performed.
Probe trim adjust is a multiplicative factor that you can use to adjust the gain of
the current amplifier system. You can set this multiplier in increments of 0.001
from 0.750 through 1.250. Probe trim adjust is used for an optional calibration of

Getting Started
A6302 and A6302XL Instructions 5
some current probes. If you are not performing such an adjustment, leave probe
trim adjust to the factory-default of unity gain (1.000).
To set probe trim adjust, press and hold the 20MHz BW LIMIT button while
pressing and releasing the COUPLING button. Use the and buttons to
adjust the setting that is displayed in the CURRENT/DIVISION display. When
finished, press either the 20MHz BW LIMIT or COUPLING button to restore
normal operation.
The display shows the last three significant digits of the display adjust setting;
the leading 0. or 1. are omitted. If the first digit displayed is 7, 8, or 9, then the
leading digit must be 0. If the first digit displayed is 0, 1, or 2, then the leading
digit must be 1.
Maximum Current Limits
Current probes have three maximum current ratings: continuous, pulsed, and
Ampere-second product. Exceeding any of these ratings can saturate the probe
core and cause measurement errors. The section titled Specifications on page 8
lists the maximum current ratings of the probe.
Maximum Continuous Current refers to the maximum current that can be
continuously measured at DC or at a specified AC frequency. The maximum
continuous current value is derated with frequency; as the frequency
increases, the maximum continuous current rating decreases.
Maximum Pulsed Current refers to the maximum peak value of pulsed
current the probe can accurately measure, regardless of how short (within
bandwidth limitations) the pulse duration.
Ampere-Second Product defines 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 itself varies by frequency.
NOTE. Always degauss the probe after measuring a current that exceeds the
maximum continuous current, maximum pulsed current, or Ampere-second
product rating of the probe. Exceeding these ratings can magnetize the probe
and cause measurement errors.
To determine if your measurement exceeds the Ampere-second product, perform
either Procedure A or Procedure B:

Getting Started
6A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
To determine the maximum allowable pulse width, measure the peak current of
the pulse (see Figure 3a). Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond)
specification of your probe by the measured peak current of the pulse. The
quotient is the maximum allowable pulse width; the pulse width at the 50% point
of the measured signal must be less than this value.
For example, the A6302 current probe has a maximum Ampere-second product
of 100 Ams. If a pulse measured with an A6302 probe has a peak current of
40 A, the maximum allowable pulse width would be 100 Ams divided by 40 A,
or 2.5 ms.
0A
Maximum
pulsed
current
Maximum
continuous
current
50% Pulse width
at 50%
50%
Do not exceed
Pulse width
at 50%
Imax p
Imax c
(a) Maximum allowable pulse width (b) Maximum allowable pulse amplitude
Figure 3: Applying the amp-second product rule
Procedure A

Getting Started
A6302 and A6302XL Instructions 7
To determine the maximum allowable pulse amplitude, measure the pulse width
at the 50% points (see Figure 3b). Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-
microsecond) specification of your probe by the pulse width. The quotient is the
maximum allowable current; the peak amplitude of the measured pulse must be
less than this value.
For example, the A6302 current probe has a maximum Ampere-second product
of 100 Ams. If a pulse measured with an A6302 probe has a width of 3 ms, the
maximum allowable peak current would be 100 Ams divided by 3 ms, or 33.3 A.
Procedure B

8A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
Specifications
This section lists the specifications, characteristics, certifications, and com-
pliances for the A6302 and A6302XL current probes.
Warranted specifications, Table 1, are guaranteed performance specifications
unless specifically designated as typical or nominal.
Table 1: Warranted A6302 and A6302XL specifications
reer
Installed current probe
Pa
r
am
e
t
er
A6302 A6302XL (AM 503B/AM5030 only)
Bandwidth DC to 50 MHz, –3 dB DC to 17 MHz, –3 dB
Rise time, 10% to 90% v7 ns1v20 ns
Aberrations(typical) 7%pk-pk110%pk-pk
DC gain accuracy v3%2v3%2
Systemnoise(typical) v250 ARMS3v250 ARMS3
1You can optimize the pulse response by adjusting R364 (HF COMP) located inside the AM 503 amplifier. Refer to the
AM 503 Instruction Manual (070-2052-XX) for instructions on how to access this adjustment.
2On the AM 503B and AM 5030, the DC gain accuracy is correctable to < 0.2% when using the AM 503B and AM 5030 probe
trim procedure described on page 4.
3The bandwidth of the measurement instrument must be ≤limited to 200 MHz.
Mechanical, electrical, and environmental characteristics for the A6302 and
A6302XL current probes are listed in Tables 2 through 4 and Figures 4
through 7.
Table 2: Electricalcharacteristics
Frequencyderating 2.5 A at 10 MHz
Maximum bare wire working voltage 300 VRMS, CAT I (see Table 5)
Maximumcontinuouscurrent AM 503B and AM 5030: 20 A (DC + peak AC)
11A16: 10.5 A (DC + peak AC)
Maximumpulsedcurrent 50A
Amp@secondproduct 1 10-4 A@s (100 A@s)
Insertionimpedance 0.1 at 1 MHz
0.5 at 50 MHz

Specifications
A6302 and A6302XL Instructions 9
Amp-second product limit = 100 A ⋅s
Maximum peak pulse (≤50 A)










Amperes (peak)
Allowable pulse width (microseconds)
Maximum continuous input (≤20 A)
Any width
Figure 4: A6302 and A6302XL specified operating area
 
 
 
 
 
 





Frequency
Maximum input current (amperes peak)
Figure 5: A6302 and A6302XL frequency derating curve for maximum input current

Specifications
10 A6302 and A6302XL Instructions
1.0
0.5
0.2
0.1
.05
.02
.01 50
20
1052
10.5
0.2
0.1
Insertion impedance (ohms)
Typical impedance
Impedancedeviation
Frequency (MHz)
Figure 6: A6302 and A6302XL insertion impedance curve
Table 3: Mechanical characteristics
Probedimensions Length: 20 cm (7.77 inches)
Width: 1.6 cm (0.625 inches)
Height: 3.2 cm (1.25 inches)
Cablelength A6302: 2 m (6.6 feet)
A6302XL: 8 m (26.25 feet)
Weight A6302: 255 g (0.56 lbs)
A6302XL: 726 g (1.6 lbs)

Maximum Wire Size
3.8 mm (0.15 in)



Figure 7: Probe jaw dimensions (nominal)