Tektronix TCP202 User manual

Instruction Manual
TCP202
15 Ampere AC/DC Current Probe
070-9542-00

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, TEK, and TekProbe 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 purchase from
an authorized Tektronix distributor. 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. Batteries are excluded from this warranty.
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, shipping charges prepaid,
and with a copy of customer proof of purchase. 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
LISTED PRODUCTS 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.

TCP202 Instruction Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Features and Accessories 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensating the Probe (Optional) 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement Limits 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Degaussing and Balancing the Probe 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement Procedures and Techniques 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Measurements 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inductance Measurements 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continuity Test of Multiple-Conductor Cable 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring Inductor Turns Count 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranted Characteristics 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Typical Characteristics 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nominal Characteristics 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Probe Head 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Compensation Box 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Head Disassembly 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obtaining Replacement Parts 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparation for Shipment 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Verification and Adjustment 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Procedure Conditions 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment Required 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC Accuracy 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bandwidth 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rise Time 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calibrator Accuracy (Optional) 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replaceable Parts 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii TCP202 Instruction Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1: TCP202 Current Probe 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2: Coarse Balance Adjustment 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3: Connecting the Calibrator 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4: Polarity of Current Flow 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 5: Measuring Differential Current and Nulls 9. . . . . . . . .
Figure 6: Increasing the DC Measurement Range 11. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 7: Increasing Probe Sensitivity 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 8: Measuring Inductance with a Low-Impedance
Source 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 9: Linear Current versus Time Ramp 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 10: Measuring Inductance with a High-Impedance
Source 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 11: High-Impedance Source Current Ramp 17. . . . . . . . . .
Figure 12: Measuring the Number of Turns in a Coil 19. . . . . . . .
Figure 13: Turns Measurement Using Reference Coil 19. . . . . . .
Figure 14: Frequency Derating 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 15: Insertion Impedance – Magnitude –
Single Conductor 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 16: Insertion Impedance – Phase Angle –
Single Conductor 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 17: Insertion Impedance – Magnitude –
10-Turn #24 AWG Primary 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 18: Insertion Impedance – Phase Angle –
10-Turn #24 AWG Primary 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 19: Current Ratings 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 20: Replacing TekProbe Interface Pins 30. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 21: Replacing the TekProbe collar 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 22: Removing the Compensation Box Covers 32. . . . . . . .
Figure 23: Accessing the Gain Adjustment 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 24: Replacing the Compensation Box Cover 34. . . . . . . . .
Figure 25: Removing the Strain Relief Boot 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 26: Removing the Top Half of the Probe 36. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 27: Removing the Probe Slide 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 28: Removing the Current Transformer 38. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 29: TCP202 and Replaceable Accessories 46. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 30: Replaceable Parts – Compensation Box 48. . . . . . . . .
Figure 31: TCP202 Optional Accessories 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCP202 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.
Injury Precautions
Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions. 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.
Observe Maximum Working Voltage. Do not use this product on bare
wires above 300 V (DC + peak AC).
Product Damage Precautions
Do Not Drop the Probe Head. The probe head contains fragile
components that can be damaged by a high impact. Take care to
prevent the probe head from dropping on the floor or other hard
surface. Secure the probe head in a safe location when not in use.
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.
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.

General Safety Summary
iv TCP202 Instruction Manual
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:
ProtectiveGround
(Earth)Terminal ATTENTION Refer to Manual Double Insulated
DANGER
High Voltage
Certifications and Compliances
Refer to the specifications section for a listing of certifications and
compliances that apply to this product.

TCP202 Instruction Manual 1
Getting Started
This section describes the TCP202 Current Probe and gives
instructions on how to install and functionally test the probe.
Features and Accessories
The TCP202 Current Probe (Figure 1) is a 50 MHz current probe for
use with Tektronix oscilloscopes that have the TekProbe interface.
The probe can measure up to 15 A (DC + peak AC).
Figure 1: TCP202 Current Probe

Getting Started
2TCP202 Instruction Manual
Probe Head. The probe head contains a Hall Effect
device for measuring current. The jaw of the probe
clamps on any wire (including insulation) that is less
than or equal to 3.8 mm (0.15 inches) in diameter.
TekProbe Interface. The TekProbe interface provides
power, signal, and probe characteristic data.
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 representative for more information.
Degauss. The degauss button removes residual
magnetism from the probe core that would otherwise
cause measurement errors.
Balance Thumbwheel. The balance thumbwheel
compensates for minor DC offsets of the probe output.
Coarse Balance Adjustment. The coarse balance
adjustment centers the range of the balance thumb-
wheel. Use this adjustment only if the thumbwheel
does not have enough range.
Calibrator (optional). With some TDS oscilloscopes, you
can compensate the probe for maximum accuracy using
the optional calibrator. Use the calibrator only if your
oscilloscope displays the Asymbol when the current
probe is connected. (For ordering information, see
Replaceable Parts starting on page 44.)