Tekprobe BNC connector: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Tekprobe_2_interface.png|250px|thumb|right|Tekprobe-BNC interface]]
[[File:Tekprobe_2_interface.png|250px|thumb|right|Tekprobe-BNC interface]]
The '''Tekprobe BNC''' interface was introduced in 1986 and is widely used in 1990s Tektronix equipment to interface active probes (e.g. the [[P6243]]) to oscilloscopes. Its a downward compatible successor to the [[BNC_connector_with_readout_ring | BNC connector with readout ring]].
The '''Tekprobe BNC''' interface was introduced in 1986 and is widely used in 1990s Tektronix equipment to interface active probes (e.g. the [[P6243]]) to oscilloscopes.  
It is a downward-compatible successor to the [[BNC connector with readout ring]] used in earlier instruments like the [[7000 series scopes]].


It consists of a plain [[BNC connector]] that allows traditional BNC based connections such as from passive probes.
It consists of a plain [[BNC connector]] that allows traditional BNC based connections such as from passive probes. (See [[Patent US 4708661A]].)


This connector is surrounded by contact pads carrying power and data.  The two larger pad areas match the  
This connector is surrounded by contact pads carrying power and data.   
simple resistive readout pins on probes from the [[7000 series scopes|7000 series scope generation]] (e.g.
The two larger pad areas match the simple [[BNC connector with readout ring|resistive readout pins]], with division factors encoded as resistance to ground, although TekProbe BNC-era instruments accept values that earlier instruments did not.
a ×10 probe will connect this pad to ground through 11 kΩ, or short it to ground when the Identify button
 
is pressed — see [[7000 series readout system]] for details).  The smaller pads carry +15 V, +5 V, −5 V and −15 V
The smaller pads carry +15 V, +5 V, −5 V and −15 V power, an offset voltage (-1 V to +1 V) supplied and controlled by the mainframe, and a clock/data signal pair for serial communication between the mainframe and "smart" probes.
power, an offset voltage (-1 V to +1 V) supplied and controlled by the mainframe, and a clock/data signal pair for serial
Probes are allowed to draw max. 1.25 W, max. 75 mA from the ±5 V rails, and max. 25 mA from the ±15 V rails.  
communication between the mainframe and "smart" probes. Probes are allowed to draw max. 1.25 W, max. 75 mA from the ±5 V rails, and max. 25 mA from the ±15 V rails.  


A [[Tekprobe SMA connector|similar standard]] exists based on [[SMA connector]]s, suitable for higher frequencies.
A [[Tekprobe SMA connector|similar standard]] exists based on [[SMA connector]]s, suitable for higher frequencies.
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* ...
* ...
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |
* [[P5205]]
* [[P5205]], [[P5210]]
* [[P5210]]
* [[P6203]], [[P6204]], [[P6205]]
* [[P6203]], [[P6204]], [[P6205]]
* [[P6217]]
* [[P6217]]
* [[P6231]]
* [[P6231]]
* [[P6250]], [[P6251]]
* [[P6250]], [[P6251]]
* [[P6241]]
* [[P6241]], [[P6243]], [[P6245]]
* [[P6243]], [[P6245]]
* [[P6246]], [[P6247]], [[P6248]]
* [[P6246]], [[P6247]]
* [[P6248]]
* [[P6249]]
* [[P6249]]
* [[P6330]]
* [[P6330]]
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* [https://www.tek.com/support/faqs/what-tekprobe-interface What is the TekProbe interface?] (Tektronix FAQ)
* [https://www.tek.com/support/faqs/what-tekprobe-interface What is the TekProbe interface?] (Tektronix FAQ)
* [https://www.tek.com/support/faqs/what-difference-between-tekprobe-and-tekconnect-probe-interfaces What is the difference between the Tekprobe and TekConnect probe interfaces?] (Tektronix FAQ)
* [https://www.tek.com/support/faqs/what-difference-between-tekprobe-and-tekconnect-probe-interfaces What is the difference between the Tekprobe and TekConnect probe interfaces?] (Tektronix FAQ)
* [https://btbm.ch/a-usb-power-supply-for-the-tekprobe-interface/ A USB power supply for the tekprobe interface]


==Pictures==
==Pictures==

Latest revision as of 10:32, 26 March 2024

Tekprobe-BNC interface

The Tekprobe BNC interface was introduced in 1986 and is widely used in 1990s Tektronix equipment to interface active probes (e.g. the P6243) to oscilloscopes. It is a downward-compatible successor to the BNC connector with readout ring used in earlier instruments like the 7000 series scopes.

It consists of a plain BNC connector that allows traditional BNC based connections such as from passive probes. (See Patent US 4708661A.)

This connector is surrounded by contact pads carrying power and data. The two larger pad areas match the simple resistive readout pins, with division factors encoded as resistance to ground, although TekProbe BNC-era instruments accept values that earlier instruments did not.

The smaller pads carry +15 V, +5 V, −5 V and −15 V power, an offset voltage (-1 V to +1 V) supplied and controlled by the mainframe, and a clock/data signal pair for serial communication between the mainframe and "smart" probes. Probes are allowed to draw max. 1.25 W, max. 75 mA from the ±5 V rails, and max. 25 mA from the ±15 V rails.

A similar standard exists based on SMA connectors, suitable for higher frequencies.

Evolution of Tektronix probe interfaces (click to enlarge)

Used in

Scopes Plug-ins Probes

Links

Pictures