Product category:
Test Accessories
News Release from: Tektronix | Subject: P7380
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 09 June 2004
Novel probe design tips the balance
The P7380 active differential probe incorporates a new architecture claimed to set industry benchmarks for bandwidth to 8GHz and superior signal fidelity with fast rise time and low circuit loading.
The P7380 active differential probe incorporates the new Z-Active architecture, a probing solution claimed to set industry benchmarks for bandwidth to 8GHz and superior signal fidelity with fast rise time and low circuit loading The P7380 also uses new interchangeable Tip-Clip probe tips that enhance usability and connectivity for solder-in, "fixtured" and handheld applications and are 90% more affordable than competing probe tip solutions
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 19 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Scopes and probes answer SATA test demands
The DSA70000 series offers more four-channel performance than any alternative oscilloscopes and are ideal for high-speed serial data applications.
Waveform generators keep up the pace
Tektronix has upgraded its range of arbitrary waveform generators with two new B series AWGs that offer up to 20% performance improvements over existing instruments.
With rapidly increasing bit and clock rates in complex digital architectures, leading-edge customers in the communications, computer, and semiconductor areas are tasked with connecting to and acquiring fast, multiple, complex, signals simultaneously.
They need fast and accurate test instruments.
As much as the speed, they need instruments that work well together to form complete solutions.
Further reading
DisplayPort cable testing becomes official
Methodology eliminates the need for expensive and complicated instruments promoted by alternative solutions.
Preprocessor enables next-gen memory testing
Interposer is designed for use with Tektronix TLA7000 series logic analysis systems to enhance the debug of 1333 DIMM cards.
Analyser gives real-time spectral view
Real-time spectrum analysers are designed to offer benchtop performance on a portable handheld platform, specifically to solve problems created by digital RF technologies.
When used with Tektronix ultra-high-performance oscilloscopes such as the TDS6000B and TDS7000B, the new Tektronix P7380 provides the highest signal fidelity and acquisition performance in the industry.
The result is a superior solution to speed design and test of the most advanced products with the fastest and most complex signals.
"In addition to its banner specifications, the overall system capabilities, versatility, and performance will yield enhanced productivity", said Mike Fitzgerald, General Manager for Measurement Accessories at Tektronix.
"With new Z-Active architecture and Tip-Clip probe tips, the P7380 provides unprecedented flexibility and connectivity, while also setting a new standard for bandwidth and signal fidelity".
"When used with Tektronix TDS6000B and TDS7000B Series real-time oscilloscopes, customers will have the highest performing, most efficient measurement system enabling engineers to do more in less time".
Historically, high-speed active probes have had to incorporate amplifying/buffering elements into the probe tip itself, resulting in the probe "tip" being too large to comfortably probe signals in the cramped confines of a complex digital system.
The P7380 introduces Z-Active architecture, a new hybrid approach composed of a distributed attenuator topology feeding an active probe amplifier.
With Z-Active architecture, the P7380 uses a tiny passive probe tip element that is separate from the amplifier, extending the usable reach of the probe.
This architecture is a major step forward for high-speed probing applications.
The P7380 provides high DC resistance as well as best-in-class AC impedance for the most demanding high-speed applications, in some instances up to twice that of existing active probing solutions for 1 to 8GHz frequencies.
This reduces and stabilises the loading on high-frequency signal components, enhancing overall signal fidelity and edge transition response.
Interchangeable probe tips for the P7380, each known as a Tip-Clip probe tip, provide versatility for customers by enabling them to configure their probe with the optimal tip for the application.
This makes it possible to replace a tip for a fraction of the cost formerly associated with such hardware changes.
At introduction, there are nine Tip-Clip probe tips: three with flex tips each in two lengths, two resistor tips of different size, and a tip for handheld applications with variable spacing.
The several lengths and variable spacing of the probe tips provide flexibility for adapting to vias and other test points of differing sizes.
With Tektronix Tip-Clip probe tips, Monday's solder-in probe can become Tuesday's handheld tool, simply by switching tips.
Handheld or fixtured probing can be performed using the optional P7380HHA handheld adapter kit. Request a free brochure from Tektronix ...
• Tektronix: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
