P6230

P6230 termination box

P6230 probe tip

The Tektronix P6230 is a passive ×10 (450:50 Ω) probe with 1.5 GHz bandwidth and DC offset capability, intended to minimize probe-loading effect when used on logic circuits.

It can be powered from 7000 series mainframes having LEMO S-series connectors for probe power, or compatible units such as the 1101.

The P6230 is sometimes described as a FET probe or an active probe, however, as the circuit diagram clearly shows, this is not the case. The input signal runs through a 400 Ω resistor and a 1 μF capacitor, terminated in 50 Ω internally (switchable) or externally. The active circuit in the P6230, a standard NE5532 dual opamp, has the function of restoring and offsetting the input signal's low-frequency and DC components, similar to the feed-beside technique used in the 7104 scope and 7A29 amplifier.

As a modular subminature probe, it shares accessories with many other Tektronix subminature probes although the input hybrid is unique. Tip color is yellow, connector end color is blue, part number 206-0279-00. Its end to end resistance is 400 Ω.

Key Specifications

Bandwidth	DC to ≥ 1.5 GHz
Rise time	≤ 230 ps
Attenuation	10×
Input Impedance	450 Ω // 1.3 pF (1.6 pF guaranteed)
Signal delay	8.7 ± 0.1 ns
DC Offset range	-5 V ≤ (Vsignal + <Voffset) ≤ +5 V
Features	Readout Pin Switchable 50 Ω termination

Links

• P6230 @ barrytech.com (incorrectly described as active probe)

Manuals

• P6230 Operator's manual (PDF, 155KB)

Prices

Year	1985	1989
Catalog price	$395	$420
2015 value	$870	$800

Pictures

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

  P6230 circuit diagram

• 

  P6230 input impedance graph

Measurements

• 

  Rise time measured on a 7S12 with S-52 and S-4 heads, P6230 ground sleeve connected directly at S-52 output (no ground lead)

• 

  9.2 * 20 ps = 184 ps (equiv. to 1.9 GHz bandwidth)