xx

ZZZ

P6243
1 GHz 10X Active Probe
Instructions

*P070940804*
070-9408-04

xx
ZZZ

P6243
1 GHz 10X Active Probe
Instructions

www.tektronix.com

070-9408-04

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 supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX, TEK, TEKPROBE, and SureFoot are registered trademarks of
Tektronix, Inc. KlipChip is a trademark 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:
H In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
H 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
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
[W2 15AUG04]

Table of Contents
General Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Features and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functional Check or Probe Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
1
2
6
6

Operating Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum Non-destructive Input Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Input Linear Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ground Lead Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Probe Tip Test Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9
9
9
10
14

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

P6243 Instructions

Table of Contents

List of Figures
Figure 1: Probe Compensation Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2: Waveform Distortion from Ground Lead Length . . .
Figure 3: Ground Lead Equivalent Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4: Low-inductance Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 5: Using a SureFoot Adapter for Grounding . . . . . . . . .
Figure 6: Using a Probe Tip as a Test Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 7: Typical Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 8: Typical Linearity Error vs. VIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 9: Typical Input Impedance vs. Frequency . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 10: Typical Non-Destructive Peak Voltage Derating vs.
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii

7
10
11
12
13
14
17
18
19
20

P6243 Instructions

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.

Injury Precautions
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.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard,
do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
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.

Product Damage Precautions

Use Proper Power Source. Do not operate this product from a power
source that applies more than the voltage specified.
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.
The cloth must be dampened with either isopropyl alcohol or a mild
detergent and water solution. Do not use any other chemicals or
abrasives to clean the probe.

P6243 Instructions

iii

General Safety Summary

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. These symbols may appear on the product:

DANGER
High Voltage

iv

Protective Ground
(Earth) Terminal

ATTENTION
Refer to Manual

Double
Insulated

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started
The Tektronix P6243 is a 1 GHz, 10X active FET probe with less
than 1 pF input capacitance. The low input capacitance and high
input resistance of the probe minimize circuit loading over a wide
bandwidth. The probe has a small profile and low-mass that makes
probing crowded circuits fast and easy. The accessory tips and
adapters allow for a wide variety of circuit connections.
The P6243 Active Probe obtains power from the host oscilloscope
through the TEKPROBE interface. For oscilloscopes and
instruments that do not have the TEKPROBE interface, use the
optional Tektronix 1103 Probe Power Supply.
For service information, including part numbers of standard and
optional accessories, refer to the P6243 Service Manual
(070-9409-XX).

Customer Support
To help you get the best performance from your probe, Tektronix
offers the following customer support:
Using Your Probe
If you need assistance using your probe, please call 1-800-TEKWIDE (1-800-835-9433) and ask for the Customer Support Center. If
you are outside the United States or Canada, please contact your
nearest Tektronix Service Center.
Servicing Your Probe
For service and service related questions, please contact your nearest
Tektronix Service Center.

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

Features and Accessories

The P6243 Active Probe has features and accessories to make
probing and measurement a simpler task. Please take a moment to
familiarize yourself with these items and their uses.
Probe Head Assembly The probe head is
designed for ease of use and high performance.
Its small size makes it easy to handle in tight
areas.

Probe Tip
Socket
Ground
Socket

The probe tip socket is sized to easily press onto

0.025 inch pins for direct access. The ground
socket provides a short ground path for high
fidelity ground connections.

TEKPROBE Interface The TEKPROBE

interface provides power, signal, and probe
characteristic data transfer.
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.

Push-in Probe Tip Use the push-in probe tip

for general purpose probing by hand. The tip may
also be used as a temporary test point. See page
14 for more information.
Push-In Probe Tip

The push-in probe tip may also be used with the

other socketed leads and adapters.

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

Installing the Push-in Probe Tip Attach the

push-in probe tip by seating the tip into the probe
tip socket and pushing the tip in until it is seated.
Either end of the tip may be used.
Do not force the tip. Also, be careful not to poke
yourself with the sharp probe-tip. To remove the
tip, gently grab the tip with small pliers and pull
the tip out.
Right-angle adapter Use the right-angle
adapter for low-profile probing of 0.025-inch
diameter square pins.
The right-angle adapter allows the P6243 to lie
flat against a circuit board. This enables probing
in vertical circuits such as computer or communications backplanes, or in tight areas such as
between circuit cards.
The right-angle adapter can be used directly with
the probe head, or attached to the Y-lead adapter
Right Angle or ground leads.
Adapter

The right-angle adapter is attached the same way

as the push-in probe tip, and can be easily
removed by hand.

Y-lead
Adapter

Y-lead adapter Use the Y-lead adapter to

extend the physical reach of the probe and
ground when necessary. The Y-lead adapter
accepts any of the probe tips or adapters, and
can be pushed directly onto 0.025 inch pins.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 10 for more information.
To attach the Y-lead adapter, gently press the
lead pins into the probe head tip and ground
receptacles. Using the black lead for ground is
recommended.

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

3 and 6 inch ground leads Use the threeand six-inch ground leads for general probing.
The socketed end of the leads may be connected
to any of the probe tips and adapters, or fitted
onto 0.025 inch pins.
To attach the ground leads, press and rotate the
lead pin connector into the ground socket on the
probe head. The lead may be removed by simply
pulling the pin out by hand.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 10 for more information.

Low-inductance ground lead Use the

low-inductance ground adapter to substantially
reduce ground lead inductance. Because the
ground lead simply touches the ground reference,
you can easily move the probe to different points
on the device under test.
To attach, press the ground lead into the
probe-head ground socket.
When selecting the grounding connection,
maintain as short a ground path as possible.
Refer to page 10 for more information.

Signal- Ground Adapter The signal-ground

adapter is ideal for use with signal/ground pairs
on 0.100 inch header pins (such as FlexLead
adapters).
Attach the signal-ground adapter by gently
pressing it into the ground socket on the probe
head.

FlexLead
Adapter
Signal Ground
Adapter

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

SMT KlipChip Use the SMT KlipChip test

clips to access fragile, dense circuitry.

KlipChip

KlipChip test clips connect to the Y-lead or threeor six-inch ground leads. Simply press the lead
socket into the KlipChip handle.
Y-lead
Adapter

The KlipChip body freely turns, allowing better

probe orientation. To reduce stress and provide a
lower profile on components being tested, the
flexible sleeve of the KlipChip bends up to a 35
degree angle.

Color Marker
Bands

Color Marker Bands Attach matching pairs

of the color marker bands onto the cable at the
head and compensation box of each probe. The
marker bands enable quick verification of which
probe is connected to which instrument channel.

SureFoot probe tip (optional) The

SureFoot tip is an integral probe tip and miniature
guide that enables fault-free probing of fine-pitch
SMD packages. Attach the SureFoot adapters the
same way as the push-in probe tips. They can be
used with any of the socketed accessory leads.
SF502 -- The blue SureFoot tip is compatible with
0.025 inch JEDEC and 0.65 mm EIAJ packages.
SF503 -- The red SureFoot tip is compatible with
0.5 mm EIAJ packages.

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

Configuration
The P6243 Active Probe provides the oscilloscope with the probe
model number, serial number, and attenuation factor. When
connected to a TEKPROBE oscilloscope, display readouts are
corrected for the probe attenuation factor, the instrument input is set
to 50 , and the coupling is set to DC.
CAUTION. Do not attempt to install the P6243 Active Probe on a
non-TEKPROBE connector. Damage to the probe and connector may
result. If your oscilloscope does not support the TEKPROBE
interface, use the optional Tektronix 1103 Probe Power Supply.
If the P6243 Active Probe is used with the Tektronix 1103 Probe
Power Supply, be sure to have a 50 termination at the oscilloscope. Also, set the oscilloscope channel coupling to DC.

Functional Check or Probe Compensation

After installing the probe on the oscilloscope, perform a functional
check or compensate the probe using the PROBE COMPENSATION connections on the front panel of the oscilloscope. See
Figure 1. (The ground connection is not necessary for a functional
check.)
NOTE. You can compensate the probe only if your oscilloscope
supports the TEKPROBE interface and has a calibration routine for
that purpose. For instructions, refer to the user manual of your
oscilloscope.

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

Figure 1: Probe Compensation Connections

1. Connect the probe to the oscilloscope.
2. Set the oscilloscope to display the probe channel.
3. If you intend to compensate the probe, connect a ground lead and
an SMT KlipChip to the GND terminal.
4. Using a standard tip, hold the probe to the SIGNAL terminal.
5. Press AUTOSET (or adjust the oscilloscope) to display the
waveform specified for the compensation output.
6. If you intend to compensate the probe, refer to the user manual
for your oscilloscope and perform the calibration routine now.
7. Disconnect the probe tip from the SIGNAL terminal and connect
it to the GND terminal. The oscilloscope display should be at the
ground reference.

P6243 Instructions

Getting Started

P6243 Instructions

Operating Basics
Please follow these operating guidelines to get optimum performance
from your P6243 Active Probe.

Maximum Non-destructive Input Voltage

The P6243 Active Probe is electrically protected against static
voltage; however, applying voltages above its design limits may
damage the probe tip amplifier. Please refer to the Specifications
section of this manual for the maximum non-destructive input
voltage and frequency derating information.

Input Linear Dynamic Range

The probe head amplifier used by the P6243 Active Probe has a
limited linear operating range. To keep the input linearity error less
than 4% you must limit the signal input voltage to 8 V (DC +
peak AC).
NOTE. The probe can tolerate input voltages of 15 V without
damage; however, the linearity error specification does not apply to
input voltages exceeding 8 V (DC + peak AC).

P6243 Instructions

Operating Basics

Ground Lead Length

When you are probing a circuit, you should always use as short a
ground lead as possible between the probe head and circuit ground.
The input capacitance of the P6243 and the inductance of the ground
lead results in a resonant circuit that can ring. Using a shorter ground
lead will minimize ringing. See Figure 2.

Low-inductance
Ground

Three-inch
Ground

Six-inch
Ground

Figure 2: Waveform Distortion from Ground Lead Length

Figure 3 illustrates the resistance, capacitance, and inductance that
the probe and ground lead adds to a circuit.

10

P6243 Instructions

Operating Basics

R source
Probe R in
1 M

V source

Probe C in
1 pF

L gl (Ground Lead)

Figure 3: Ground Lead Equivalent Circuit

You can determine if ground lead effects may be a problem in your
application if you know the inductance (L) of the ground lead and
input capacitance (C) of the probe. Calculate the approximate
resonant frequency (f0) at which this parasitic circuit will resonate
with the following formula:
f0 =

1
2 LC

The preceding equation shows that reducing the ground lead

inductance will raise the resonant frequency. If your measurements
are affected by ringing, your goal is to lower the inductance of your
ground path until the resulting resonant frequency is well above the
frequency of your measurements.

P6243 Instructions

11

Operating Basics

Low-inductance Grounding
Placing a ground plane on top of a package being probed can
minimize ground lead length and inductance. See Figure 4.

Figure 4: Low-inductance Grounding

Attach a thin piece of copper on top of the package and connect it to
the package ground connection. Use the low-inductance ground lead
provided with the probe to keep the ground lead length as short as
possible.
This method is very useful when making many measurements on the
same package. Using a ground plane on the package makes probing
the package easier, and avoids adding unnecessary ground lead
length.

12

P6243 Instructions

Operating Basics

SureFoot Grounding
If you cannot use the low-inductance grounding method recommended, the probe may be grounded to the package under test using
a SureFoot adapter. Refer to Figure 5.

Figure 5: Using a SureFoot Adapter for Grounding

P6243 Instructions

13

Operating Basics

Probe Tip Test Points

The push-in probe tip or a 0.025 square pin can be soldered into a
circuit to be used as a temporary test point. See Figure 6.
Solder the tip onto a lead or pin with a low-power soldering iron.
Press the probe head onto the tip to make a measurement, and then
pull the probe head off when you are done.
The probe tip may be removed and reused by desoldering it from the
circuit, and soldering it into another circuit in the future.

Solder

Figure 6: Using a Probe Tip as a Test Point

NOTE. It is not recommended that pieces of solid-core copper wire be
used as test points. If the wire breaks off in the probe tip socket, it
may be impossible to remove the wire, and it will prevent insertion of
other accessory tips.

14

P6243 Instructions

Specifications
The warranted specifications in Table 1 apply to a P6243 Active
Probe when the probe and the host instrument are allowed to warm
up for 20 minutes before measurements are taken. The warranted
specifications that appear in boldface type are specifications checked
in the Performance Verification section of the service manual.
The specifications in Tables 2 through NO TAG are provided as
general information for your convenience.
CAUTION. Do not apply voltages beyond the non-destructive input
voltage range to the probe. Damage to the probe or circuit under test
may result. Refer to Figure 10.
Table 1: Warranted Electrical Specifications
Analog Bandwidth (probe only)
at +20C to +30C
(+68F to +86F)

>1.0 GHz

DC Attenuation Accuracy
(probe only)
at +20C to +30C
(+68F to +86F)

10:1 2%

Output Zero
at +20C to +30C
(+68F to +86F)

10 mV or less at output of probe

Rise Time (probe only)

at +20C to +30C
(+68F to +86F)

<350 ps

P6243 Instructions

100 mV or less displayed on screen with

TEKPROBE interface

15

Specifications

Table 2: Typical Electrical Characteristics

Frequency Response (probe only)

See Figure 7

Linear Input Dynamic Range

-- 8 V to + 8 V.
(Equivalent to -- 0.8 V to + 0.8 V
at the output of the probe)

Linearity

 4% or less of dynamic range

Linearity Error vs. VIN

See Figure 8

Input Resistance

1 M at DC. (See Figure 9)

Input Capacitance

<1.0 pF

Non-Destructive Input Voltage Range

-- 15 V to + 15 V (DC + peak AC)

(See Figure 10)

DC Offset Drift

100 V/C or less at output of probe

1 mV/C or less displayed on screen with
TEKPROBE interface

Delay Time

16

5.3 ns 0.2 ns

P6243 Instructions

Specifications

+2 dB
+1 dB
0 dB
- 1 dB
- 2 dB
- 3 dB
- 4 dB
- 5 dB
- 6 dB
- 7 dB
- 8 dB

1 MHz

10 MHz

100 MHz

1 GHz

Figure 7: Typical Frequency Response

P6243 Instructions

17

Specifications

150 mV
100 mV

Display Error

50 mV
0 mV
- 50 mV
- 100 mV
- 150 mV
- 20 V

- 10 V

0V
VIN

10 V

20 V

Figure 8: Typical Linearity Error vs. VIN

18

P6243 Instructions

Specifications

10 M
1 M

100 k
10
k
1 k
100
10
100 Hz 1 kHz

10 kHz 100 kHz

1 MHz

10 MHz 100 MHz 1 GHz

Figure 9: Typical Input Impedance vs. Frequency

P6243 Instructions

19

Specifications

25 V

20 V

15 V
10V at 1 GHz
10 V
6V at 3 GHz
5V

0V
1 MHz

10 MHz

100 MHz

1 GHz

Figure 10: Typical Non-Destructive Peak Voltage Derating vs. Frequency

20

P6243 Instructions

Specifications

Table 3: Physical Characteristics

Net Weight

63.8 g (2.25 ounces)

Cable Length

1.3 meter (4.3 ft)

Table 4: Environmental Characteristics

Operating Temperature

0C to +50C
(+32F to +122F)
The environmental exposure is the procedure stated
in Tektronix Design Standard 062--2847--00 for
Class 5 equipment

Non-operating Temperature

-- 40C to + 71C
(-- 40F to + 160F)
The environmental exposure is the procedure stated
in Tektronix Design Standard 062--2847--00 for
Class 5 equipment

Humidity

The environmental exposure is the procedure stated

in Tektronix Design Standard 062--2847--00 for
Class 5 equipment

Packaged Product Vibration and

Shock

The packaged product qualifies under the Distribution

Cycle 1 Assurance Level II for packaged products
0 -- 20 lbs. Test 2 for Warehouse and Vehicle Stacking
(Compression) is omitted
Tektronix standard 062--2858--00, Rev. B, Class 5

Altitude

P6243 Instructions

Operating: 4,572 m (15,000 ft)

Non--Operating: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)

21

Specifications

22

P6243 Instructions