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TCPA300/400 Amplifiers & TCP300/400 Series AC/DC Current

1. 2251 030 Figure 8 Current probe polarity TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 13 Getting Started AC Measurements To measure AC current only and remove the DC component of the current being measured follow the instructions below These are identical to the instructions for DC current measurements except that the amplifier coupling in step 2 is set to AC 1 Verify that the oscilloscope input coupling is set to DC 2 Verify that the amplifier input coupling is AC and the input impedance is set to 50 O The NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q LED is on if impedance is not 50 Q 3 Adjust the ground reference of the oscilloscope to move the trace to the desired graticule line 4 Lock the probe closed without a conductor passing through it and then press the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button WARNING Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around uninsulated wires Damage to the probe or personal injury may result Only use the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on uninsulated wires However the circuit must be de energized when connecting or removing the current probe 5 Open the probe slide place the probe around the conductor under test and then lock the slide For correct measurement polarity make sure the probe arrow is pointing in the direction of conventional positive t
2. 600 500 x 400 300 200 100 0 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M Hz Figure 31 Frequency derating TCP404XL TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 53 Specifications TCP312 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M Hz TCP305 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M Hz TCP303 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M Hz 100m dm TCP404XL 100 10u 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M Hz Figure 32 Insertion impedance versus frequency 54 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 60 50 40 30 Amperes Peak 20 10 60 50 40 30 Amperes Peak 20 10 Specifications Any wan TCP312 Max peak pulse vs PW Maximum peak pulse 50A Range setting 1AN 500 A us 40AN X 30 A continuous V AN 50 A us hor x 5 A continuous 5 10 15 20 Allowable pulse width useconds TCP305 Max peak pulse vs PW 25 Maximum peak pulse 50A N 500 A us Range setting LE d n SE 10AN 825 A continuous 5 10 15 20 Allowable pulse width useconds TCP303 Max peak pulse vs PW 25 Maximum peak pulse lt 500A Range setting 5 AN 50 AN 15000 A us x 212 A peak 150 A RMS continuous Any width
3. An insulated conductor is defined as any conductor that is surrounded by an insulating material that is capable of isolating the voltage present on the conductor Note that lacquer coatings like those typically found on transformer windings do not provide sufficient reliable insulation for use with current probes The lacquer coating can be easily nicked or damaged compromising the insulating capabilities of the lacquer coating Do not force the slide closed Damage to the probe may result If you cannot close the slide around the conductor s either reduce the number of conductors you are measuring or if possible take your measurement on a smaller conductor 1 Orient the two conductors under test so that the polarities oppose each other 2 Clamp the current probe around the two conductors as shown Be careful not to pinch a conductor in the probe jaws TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Reference Notes Figure 11 Measuring differential current and nulls 3 Measure the current A waveform above the baseline indicates the conductor with the conventional current flow I in the direction of the probe arrow is carrying the greater current Conventional current flows from positive to negative 9 u ee Ns N gt h 4 To adjust for a current null adjust the current in one of the conductors until the displayed measurement is zero Ving NE TCPA30
4. Probe the oscilloscope bandwidth must be at least 500 MHz When using a TCP305 Current Probe the oscilloscope bandwidth must be at least 250 MHz After you have connected the amplifier to the oscilloscope allow the equipment to warm up to a stable temperature usually 20 minutes is required Power on the Amplifier Connect the power cord to the power input connector on the rear of the amplifier and then connect the power cord to your local mains supply 100 VAC to 240 VAC 50 Hz to 400 Hz To allow for proper ventilation place the rear panel of the amplifier at least 2 inches away from any obstructions Set the amplifier on the bottom rubber feet and keep papers and other items away from the bottom of the amplifier which could restrict airflow and cause overheating Power on the amplifier by pressing the ON STANDBY button at the lower left corner of the front panel The amplifier goes through a self test and cycles the front panel LEDs NOTE The amplifier stores the power state it is in when the power cord is unplugged If you do not put the amplifier into STANDBY mode before unplugging it the amplifier will power on immediately when you plug it in again When you connect a probe to the amplifier the amplifier uses detection circuitry to indicate probe conditions such as noncompatible probe type and probe open TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 7 Getting Started Connecting a Current
5. The current probes each have a slide mechanism that opens and closes the probe jaw This allows you to clamp the probe around a conductor under test The slide must be locked closed to accurately measure current or to degauss the probe If a probe is unlocked the PROBE OPEN indicator on the amplifier will light A WARNING Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around uninsulated wires Damage to the probe or personal injury may result Only use the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on uninsulated wires However the circuit must be de energized when connecting or removing the current probe The slide operation of the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes is shown in the following illustration See Figure 5 To open the probe pull the slide back until the jaw is open To lock the probe push the slide forward until the detent snaps into place N N eg A BE P A gt pd p p a Figure 5 TCP312 and TCP305 slide operation TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 9 Getting Started The slide operation of the TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes is shown in the following illustrations To open the probe 1 Press the bottom of the lock button 2 Squeeze the handle until the core is open 3 Place the probe core around the conductor 2251 064 Figure 6 Unlock and open the TCP303 and
6. harmful to the environment or human health if improperly handled at the product s end of life In order to avoid release of such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources we encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union requirements according to Directives 2002 96 EC and 2006 66 EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment WEEE and batteries For information about recycling options check the Support Service section of the Tektronix Web site www tektronix com Restriction of Hazardous This product has been classified as Monitoring and Control equipment and is Substances outside the scope of the 2002 95 EC RoHS Directive TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Ix Compliance Information x TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Preface This User Manual supports the operation and basic maintenance of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Amplifiers and the TCP300 400 Series AC DC current probes that mate with the amplifiers The current probes covered in this manual are listed below TCP312 30 A 100 MHz compatible with TCPA300 m TCP305 50 A 50 MHz compatible with TCPA300 m TCP303 150 A 15 MHz compatible with TCPA300 TCP404XL 500 A
7. lt 7 Hz Bandwidth low pass 3 dB point typical Displayed Noise typical 75 mArwus Limit lt 500 mAays Limit 500 mAays Limit lt 70 mArwus Limit measurement measurement measurement measurement bandwidth bandwidth to bandwidth to bandwidth to to 20 MHz 20 MHz 20 MHz 20 MHz Signal Delay typical approximately approximately approximately 53 ns approximately 103 ns 17 ns 19 ns Maximum Bare Wire Voltage Use with insulated Use with insulated 600 V RMS CAT 600 V RMS CAT I amp II wires only wires only amp Il 300 VRMS 300 VRMS CAT III CAT Ill Lowest Measurable Current 1 mA 5 mA 5 mA 1A Insertion Impedance For 1 MHz 0 08 Q 1 MHz 0 035 Q 1 MHz 0 010 10 kHz 0 1 mQ plots See Figure 32 10 MHz 0 15 Q 10 MHz 0 12 Q 5 MHz 0 025 Q 100 kHz 0 6 m Q 50 MHz 0 27 Q 50 MHz 0 04 Q 15 MHz 0 10 1MHz 80m Q 100 MHz 0 7 Q 2 MHz 16 0 mW Current Transfer Ratio 1 V Amp and 200 mV Amp and 200 mV Amp and 1 mV Amp 100 mV Amp 100 mV Amp 20 mV Amp Maximum Current Ratings at Sensitivity Ranges High Current Sensitivity 10 A V Range 10 A V Range 50 A V Range 1 A mV Range Range DC continuous 30 A 50 A 150 A 500 A DC noncontinuous N A N A N A 750 A RMS sinusoidal 21A 35A 150 A 500 A Peak Pulse 50A 50A 500 A 750A 48 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Specifications Table 8 Nominal and typical amplifier characteristics cont Installe
8. 0 cece cece cece eee cence ee eens eme meme eme 21 Table 4 Automobile charging systems test Setup 0 ccc cece cece cece cee ee Ime menm 33 Table 5 Troubleshooting ertet Eb ERN eR RANUR SR sacs ERA ERR ERR NES RE ce dy estas FER NERA dnd 40 Vable 6 gt Amiplifier error codes eeepc eorr Re RE E eeu o Fee Fr HIREN FERE USH YER delenuden Fete dle 44 Table 7 Warranted TCPA300 and TCPA400 specifications ssssssssssss ee eeeeenaeenneenaes 47 Table 8 Nominal and typical amplifier characteristics csse 48 Table 9 TCPA300 and TCPA400 mechanical characteristics ccccce eee eee ee ee eee eeneeeneeenaes 49 Table 10 Probe mechanical characteristics 2 1 00 0 ccce sce e cece eee ne eee ee eee eee seme eee emen 50 Table 11 Shipping weights and dimensions 0 ccc cece e eee e cece eee cence meme emen 50 Table 12 Environmental characteristics ccc ccc cece cece cece eee eee nent eect nee eme meme eene 51 Table 13 Safety compliance information 00 cece cece cece ene eee seme eene esse 57 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual General Safety Summary General Safety Summary To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it To avoid potential hazards use this product only as specified Only qualified personnel should perfor
9. AC coupling may cause the amplifier to exceed its output dynamic range Under normal operation the AC and DC COUPLING LEDs indicate the coupling mode of the amplifier If they alternately flash after a degauss operation this indicates the amplifier is displaying an error code with the four status LEDs on the lower left front panel See page 43 Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button All current probes compatible with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 attach at the PROBE INPUT connector which is a multi pin female connector Information TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Control Summary about connecting a probe is available See page 8 Connecting a Current Probe to the Amplifier OUTPUT Connector The amplifier current measurement output is accessed at the OUTPUT connector which should be connected to the oscilloscope input Attach one end of a 50 Q BNC cable to this connector and the other end to a 50 Q vertical input of your oscilloscope The output impedance of the amplifier is 50 Q To get a direct readout of current on your Tektronix oscilloscope use the TEKPROBE interface cable to connect the amplifier to your oscilloscope NOTE To obtain accurate measurements the input impedance of your oscilloscope must be 50 Q Make sure your amplifier OUTPUT is connected to an oscilloscope input using a 50 Q BNC cable and that the oscilloscope input is set to 50 Q impedance
10. Adding multiple turns The bucking current is equal to the current flowing in the conductor multiplied by the number of turns wound around the probe For example if the second conductor has a current of 100 mA DC and is wrapped around the probe five times the DC bucking current is 100 mA multiplied by 5 or 500 mA DC To determine measurement values add the value of the bucking current to the displayed measurement NOTE Winding multiple turns to the probe increases the insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe Extending AC Range You can extend the AC amplitude limit of the TCPA300 by using the Tektronix CT 4 High Current Transformer The CT 4 designed for use with the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes extends the current probe range by a factor of 20 1 or 1000 1 The CT 4 can provide external steady state DC bucking current up to 300 A For more information about the CT 4 consult your Tektronix sales representative Because the CT 4 has a lower AC bandwidth limit than the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes set the amplifier coupling to DC when using the CT 4 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 31 Reference Notes Increasing Sensitivity If you are measuring DC or low frequency AC signals of very small amplitudes you can increase measurement sensitivity of your Current Probe by winding several turns of the conductor under test around the probe as shown The sig
11. Kingdom This product is intended for use in nonresidential areas only Use in residential areas may cause electromagnetic interference Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object To ensure compliance with the EMC standards listed here high quality shielded interface cables should be used Performance Criterion C applied at the 7096 25 cycle Voltage Dip and the 096 250 cycle Voltage Interruption test levels IEC 61000 4 11 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual vii Compliance Information Australia New Zealand Complies with the EMC provision of the Radiocommunications Act per the Declaration of following standard Conformity EMC m CISPR 11 2003 Radiated and Conducted Emissions Group 1 Class A in accordance with EN 61326 1 2006 and EN 61326 2 1 2006 FCC EMC Emissions are within the limits of FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B for Class A equipment viii TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Compliance Information Environmental Considerations This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product Product End of Life Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component Handling Equipment Recycling Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources The equipment may contain substances that could be
12. Probe to the Amplifier To connect a current probe to the amplifier input connector do the following and refer to the illustration See Figure 4 1 To connect the probe align the red dots 2 Push the probe connector in Do not twist the connector 3 To disconnect the probe pull back the collar 4 Pull out the connector wl J QU ES S SR SS Figure 4 Connecting and disconnecting a current probe to the amplifier CAUTION Handle current probes with care Do not drop a probe or subject it to impact or the core may crack Do not connect or disconnect a current probe while the probe is clamped around a live conductor or the probe may suffer electrical damage If you connect a probe to the wrong amplifier for example a TCP312 to a TCPA400 the NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE LED illuminates Disconnect the probe and use the correct amplifier The TCPA400 amplifier accepts TCP3XX probes but will only operate properly with TCP4XX probes Each current probe is calibrated before it is shipped and should not require further adjustment If a probe requires adjustment information is available in the service manual The adjustment procedure must be performed only by qualified service personnel Contact your nearest Tektronix Service Center if you need more assistance 8 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Getting Started Operating the Current Probe Slide
13. Q or connect a 50 Q feed through termination at the oscilloscope input not at the amplifier output Defective current probe transformer TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 41 Troubleshooting and Error Codes Table 5 Troubleshooting cont Problem Remedy Measurement aberrations exceed the The amplifier output is not terminated into 50 O load Set the input impedance of the specified limit oscilloscope to 50 Q or connect a 50 O feedthrough termination at the oscilloscope input Do not attach the termination to amplifier output The measurement exceeds the maximum continuous current or Ampere second product ratings of the Current Probe Current limits are available See page 25 Maximum Current Limits If possible upgrade to a probe with a higher current rating or use a CT 4 transformer Excessive low frequency droop in pulse Check that the probe slider is fully closed and locked response or low DC gain accuracy Check and clean the probe transformer and lid Degauss the probe The amplifier or the oscilloscope may be AC coupled Set the COUPLING to DC Measurements exhibit excessive delay The amplifier output is not terminated into 50 O load Set the input impedance of the or slowed pulse response oscilloscope to 50 Q or connect a 50 O feedthrough termination at the oscilloscope input Do not attach the termination to the amplifier output The measurement exceeds the Ampere second prod
14. TCP404XL 4 Tolock the probe release the squeeze handle 5 Press the top of the lock button Figure 7 Close and lock the TCP303 and TCP404XL 10 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Getting Started Degaussing and Autobalancing the Current Probe Degaussing the probe removes any residual magnetization from the probe core Such residual magnetization can induce measurement error Autobalancing removes unwanted DC offsets in the amplifier circuitry Failure to degauss the probe is a leading cause of measurement errors The DEGAUSS LED flashes until you degauss the probe To degauss the probe disconnect the probe from the test circuit or ensure that the conductor under test has no power close and lock the slide and then press the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button on the front panel of the amplifier To maintain measurement accuracy degauss your probe in each of these cases B After you turn on the amplifier and allow a 20 minute warm up period m Before you connect the probe to a conductor m Whenever a current or thermal overload condition occurs m Whenever you connect a new probe m Whenever you subject the probe to a strong external magnetic field Periodically during normal use To degauss and autobalance a current probe perform these steps Verify that the current probe 1s connected to the amplifier Remove the current probe from the conductor under test Lock the pr
15. a product is considered to be the same as the external Products should be used only in the environment for which they are rated Pollution Degree 1 No pollution or only dry nonconductive pollution occurs Products in this category are generally encapsulated hermetically sealed or located in clean rooms Pollution Degree 2 Normally only dry nonconductive pollution occurs Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is caused by condensation must be expected This location is a typical office home environment Temporary condensation occurs only when the product is out of service Pollution Degree 3 Conductive pollution or dry nonconductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation These are sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity is controlled The area is protected from direct sunshine rain or direct wind Pollution Degree 4 Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust rain or snow Typical outdoor locations Test and measuring Class 1 as defined in IEC 61010 1 Annex H grounded product Overvoltage Category II as defined in IEC 61010 1 Annex J Pollution Degree 2 as defined in IEC 61010 1 Note Rated for indoor use only 1 The TCP305 and TCP312 Current Probes are exempt from the Low Voltage Directive and are not third party listed However they have been evaluated to applicable safety standards 58 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series C
16. about the CT 4 consult your Tektronix sales representative amp TCPA Calibration Adapter Use the TCPA Calibration Adapter to verify the amplifier s performance independent of the current probes m Travel Case The travel case includes room to store one amplifier and two current probes along with related cables and adapters Deskew Fixture This fixture converts the PROBE COMPENSATION output or TRIGGER OUTPUT of the TDS5000 or TDS7000 into a set of test point connections that allow you a convenient way to compensate for timing differences between voltage and current probes TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Getting Started Probe Covers The TCP300 400 Series Current Probes come with a probe cover that stores the probe when not in use Use the probe cover to hold your probe in a convenient place at your bench or workstation when you are not using it You can attach the probe cover to the side of the bench to keep the probe off of your work surface See Figure 2 TCP303 TCP404XL Figure 2 Using the probe covers TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Getting Started _ Travel Case The travel case is a recommended accessory for the TCPA300 400 Amplifiers The travel case includes room to store one amplifier and two TCP300 400 Series Current Probes one of each size For example you can store a TCP305 and a TCP303 probe A compartment is inclu
17. cause the probe to not meet the warranted DC Accuracy specification GPIB Operation The TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Amplifiers do not have direct GPIB connections However you can use a computer to control the oscilloscope that the amplifier is connected to enabling you to change the time and scale factors of your current measurements over the oscilloscope GPIB bus TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 19 Control Summary Refer to your oscilloscope manual for instructions on using the GPIB bus 20 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Reference Notes These notes are provided to help you utilize the full potential of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe systems Degaussing a Probe with an Unpowered Conductor in the Jaws Under almost all conditions you can degauss your current probe while a conductor of an unpowered circuit is clamped in the jaws The advantage of degaussing with an unpowered circuit is that any offset from stray DC magnetic fields are compensated In an automated environment degaussing with the conductor in the probe jaws eliminates the need to manually remove the probe NOTE Be certain that the conductor in the probe jaws is completely unpowered Any current flowing through the conductor will cause a residual offset in the current probe and the amplifier may report an inaccurate result If the impedance of your circuit is higher
18. error the amplifier needs service May also be caused by a shorted or open wire in the probe cable assembly 2 An error occurred while Power cycle the amplifier and run the 3 nulling out the internal DC Degauss Autobalance adjustment routine again If the offset of the amplifier error reoccurs then the amplifier needs service 4 TCPA300 ONLY An Power cycle the amplifier and run the 5 error occurred while the Degauss Autobalance adjustment routine again If the amplifier was adjusting error reoccurs then perform the following steps the power supply levels 1 Remove the probe from the circuit Tor MIS ditrerant Ranga 2 Check probe The signal path through the probe se transformer may be open or shorted which can be caused by defective probe transformer or cable assembly If the above steps do not resolve the error the amplifier needs service 6 An error occurred Power cycle the amplifier and run the 7 while the amplifier was Degauss Autobalance adjustment routine again If the adjusting the Overload error reoccurs then remove the probe from the circuit trip points If this does not resolve the error the amplifier needs service 8 Unused TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Troubleshooting and Error Codes Table 6 Amplifier error codes cont Code Description of error Action to take 10 An error occurred while Power cycle the amplifier and run the 14 nulling out th
19. gt lt 25A continuous 50 Allowable pulse width useconds 100 Figure 33 Specified operating area of the probes TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 150 55 Specifications TCP404XL Maximum Measurement Times The maximum measurement time for the TCP404XL probe with varying duty cycles and temperatures are shown in the following three graphs Details about the relationship between measurement factors are available See page 28 Measuring Noncontinuous Current with the TCP404XL Probe is Measuring 750A at 50 C ambient 0A Continuous 100A Continuous 8 200A Continuous Maximum measurement time min A o 300A Continuous 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Duty cycle 96 Figure 34 Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 50 C ambient temperature Measuring 600A at 50 C ambient 30 25 OA Continuous nN e 200A Continuous N S 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Duty cycle 96 C 300A Continuous e Maximum measurement time min C 400A Continuous Figure 35 Measuring 600A noncontinuous at 50 C ambient temperature 56 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Specifications Measuring 750A at 23 C ambient 25 OA Continuous 20 d N 200A Continuous 300A Continuous X 400A Continuous
20. is the case make necessary changes For example use a 50 Q termination 5 After the degauss autobalance routine completes adjust the ground reference if necessary using the amplifier MANUAL BALANCE controls WARNING Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around uninsulated wires Damage to the probe or personal injury may result Only use the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on uninsulated wires However the circuit must be de energized when connecting or removing the current probe 12 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Getting Started The current probe is shown connected to a power supply line See Figure 8 Notice that the probe arrow points toward the negative terminal of the power supply to conform to the conventional current flow of positive to negative To measure DC current perform these steps 1 Open the probe slide place the probe around the conductor under test and then lock the slide 2 For correct measurement polarity make sure the probe arrow is pointing in the direction of conventional positive to negative current flow Reversing the flow will display the current waveform upside down on the oscilloscope 3 Adjust the oscilloscope time base trigger and gain as needed ACIDC DUT
21. its Recommended Calibration Interval D5 Provides test data on delivery plus a Test Data Report for every calibration performed during five years of coverage requires Option C5 R5 Extends product repair warranty to a total of five years TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 3 Getting Started Standard Accessories Amplifiers Probes Optional Accessories The following accessories are shipped with the amplifiers and probes The following accessories are shipped with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 amplifiers B Power Cord customer chosen option BNC Cable Termination 50 Q 2W TEKPROBE Interconnect Cable m User Manual English or Japanese customer chosen language option m Certificate of Traceable Calibration When you order a current probe you will receive these accessories B Probe cover Probe ground lead 6 inch length TCP305 and TCP312 only Instruction Sheet Certificate of Traceable Calibration You can order the following optional accessories for the amplifiers and probes B One turn 50 Q current loop The current loop is used in the performance verification procedure for checking the performance of the TCPA300 Amplifier and the compatible probes CT 4 High Current Transformer If you need to measure high amplitude AC currents consider using the CT 4 with the TCP303 and TCP312 probes The CT 4 provides step down ratios of 20 1 or 1000 1 For more information
22. measure a low amplitude AC component that is superimposed on an extremely large steady state DC component such as in a power supply or if you want to extend the DC current range of your probe you can add offset bucking current with a second conductor WARNING 70 avoid injury or loss of life from shock or fire do not put more than one uninsulated conductor at a time in the probe jaws An uninsulated conductor is defined as any conductor without insulation or without insulation rated for the voltage present on the conductor under test To supply additional bucking current do the following and refer to the illustration See Figure 15 1 Place a second conductor that has a pure DC component of known value in the probe jaw with the conductor under test 2 Onent the second conductor so that the bucking current flows in the opposite direction of the DC flow in the conductor under test 3 To determine measurement values add the value of the bucking current to the displayed measurement Figure 15 Adding a second conductor TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Reference Notes NOTE Adding a second conductor to the probe increases the insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe You can increase the value of the bucking current by winding multiple turns of the second conductor around the probe as shown in the illustration See Figure 16 Figure 16
23. termination setting on the oscilloscope to 50 Q or use a 50 termination on the oscilloscope input NOTE NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q is only detected during the DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE operation When lit this indicator informs you that the probe that is connected to the amplifier is not designed to work with the amplifier TCP3XX probes only work with the TCPA300 Amplifier and the TCP404XL probe only works with the TCPA400 Amplifier Use this button to power on the amplifier When the amplifier is in STANDBY mode the amplifier is in a limited power mode Most of the secondary circuitry is disabled but the line voltage remains connected to the amplifier power supply Press the RANGE button to toggle between the scale factors sensitivity settings of the probe attached to the TCPA300 If no RANGE LEDs are lit this indicates a probe is not connected to the amplifier The COUPLING button determines the coupling between the TCPA300 TCPA400 and the oscilloscope Press the COUPLING button to toggle between AC and DC coupling To couple the amplifier for DC plus AC measurements use DC coupling For AC measurements only use AC coupling When the amplifier is set to AC coupling the Manual Balance adjustment is disabled since the DC offset component is not visible on the output waveform NOTE Even when making AC current measurements leave the oscilloscope coupling on DC Change only the amplifier coupling to AC Using the oscilloscope
24. 0 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 23 Reference Notes AC and DC Coupling 24 You can couple the signal input to the TCPA300 and TCPA400 with either DC or AC coupling DC coupling shows the DC and AC measurement components while AC coupling removes the DC component from the displayed signal When you use AC coupling make sure that the input DC current does not exceed the probe specifications AC coupling will affect waveforms at frequencies higher than the AC Coupling Low Frequency Bandwidth For example pulsed currents may exhibit rolloff or decreased amplitude See Figure 12 1 Alow frequency square wave using AC coupling The signal exhibits low frequency rolloff 2 By changing the amplifier coupling to DC the pulse is displayed as truly square as shown COUPLING Vues DC 3 Figure 12 Effect of AC or DC coupling on low frequency signals If you are trying to examine a low frequency signal that is superimposed on a comparatively large DC component you can resolve the signal by performing these steps 1 Select the range setting that will display the maximum detail without exceeding the dynamic range of the signal 2 Adjust the oscilloscope V div sensitivity A div if using the TEKPROBE interface to display maximum signal detail TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Maximum Current Limits Reference Notes Current probes have three maximum
25. 2 MHz compatible with TCPA400 750 A DC derated with duty cycle If you are not familiar with these products please refer to the Getting Started and Operating Basics chapters of this manual for basic operating information If you are an advanced user the Reference section contains information on advanced applications as well as user diagnostic and troubleshooting information The Glossary and Index are provided as quick reference locators for important information Service Manual The Performance Verification and Adjustment procedures are located in the Service Manual and support the qualification and calibration of the probes when used with either amplifier The Maintenance section is also located in the Service Manual and supports the routine maintenance and repair of mechanical parts associated with the amplifiers Manual Conventions The term amplifier is used to refer to either the TCPA300 or TCPA400 when referring to common attributes If a subject is unique to either amplifier the amplifier will be referred to directly by model The terms current probe and probe are used to refer to any of the TCP300 400 Series current probes when referring to common attributes If a subject is unique to a particular probe the probe will be referred to directly by model TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual xi Preface xii TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Get
26. 6 F 5 to 85 R H 30 C to 75 C 86 F to 167 F Altitude Operating 2000 m 6800 ft maximum Nonoperating 12 192 m 40 000 ft maximum Random Vibration Amplifiers Operating 0 31 gaus 5 Hz to 500 Hz 10 minutes each axis Nonoperating 2 46 gnus 5 Hz to 500 Hz 10 minutes each axis Random Vibration Probes Operating 2 66 grus 5 Hz to 500 Hz 10 minutes each axis Nonoperating 3 48 gnus 5 Hz to 500 Hz 10 minutes each axis Shock Amplifiers 50 g 11 ms duration half sine pulses Electro Magnetic Compliance Meets FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 51 Specifications Performance Graphs 52 35 TCP312 30 50 C 35 C 25 SS SS l3 20 a 15 10 5 0 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M Hz Figure 28 Frequency derating TCP312 60 I TCP305 50 50 C 25 C 40 x 30 lt x 20 10 0 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M Hz Figure 29 Frequency derating TCP305 250 l TCP303 200 S 50 C 25 C x 150 lt Ee 100 50 Se 0 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M Hz Figure 30 Frequency derating TCP303 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Specifications 800 TCP404XL 700 i 50 C 25 C
27. 8 S ON STANDBY button 18 PROBE OPEN indicator 17 Safety Summary v Optional Accessories 4 Probes saturation 60 Options 3 coupling 24 Shutdown error 45 OUTPUT connector 19 degaussing Specifications 47 OVERLOAD indicator 17 demagnetizing 11 Standard Accessories 4 16 susceptibility 60 P description 2 extending the current Power on the amplifier 7 range 30 T PROBE increasing the current TCP404XL DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE limit 30 maximum measurement button 11 maximum current limits 25 times 28 56 PROBE operating the probe slide 9 TEKPROBE to TEKPROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE saturation 25 interface cable 7 button and indicator 16 Termination 50 Q feedthrough 7 PROBE Travel Case 6 DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE R Troubleshooting 40 indicator 16 RANGE button and indicator 18 Probe Holders 5 62 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual
28. A V range setting If a pulse measured with a TCP312 probe has a width of 15 us the maximum allowable peak current would be 500 Arms divided by 15 us or 33 3 A T c9 Gu ImaxC 0A TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 27 Reference Notes Measuring Noncontinuous Current with the TCP404XL Probe When you measure a noncontinuous current with the TCP404XL probe you need to take into consideration several factors to ensure that you make accurate measurements and do not trip the thermal overload circuit The amplitude and duty cycle of the continuous and noncontinuous current and the ambient temperature all affect the maximum amount of time allowed for the measurement which defines the safe operating area of the probe You can calculate the duty cycle of the continuous and noncontinuous current when you know the duration of the noncontinuous current defined as measurement time and the measurement period A continuous and noncontinuous current is shown and how to calculate the duty cycle See Figure 14 Measured 4 current A Noncontinuous current level A Continuous current level A Measurement time min Measurement period min lt Time min Y Measurement time Duty cycle 96 100x Measurement period Figure 14 Duty cycle calculation After you calculate the duty cycle of the noncontinuous current you are measuring you can use the other
29. AL BALANCE TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Control Summary buttons another degauss operation may be necessary to ensure accurate measurements Generally if you change the DC offset by more than 5 divisions you should de energize the circuit under test and perform another degauss routine Then reenergize the circuit and take your measurements If the degauss operation has failed and the AC and DC COUPLING LEDs are alternately flashing this indicates the amplifier is displaying an error code with the four status LEDs on the lower left front panel See page 43 Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button NOTE The NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q LED is on when the amplifier output is not properly terminated into a 50 Q load Make sure your amplifier QUTPUT is connected to an oscilloscope input using a 50 Q BNC cable and that the oscilloscope input is set to 50 Q impedance Proper cabling is shown See Figure 1 on page 1 If your oscilloscope does not have 50 Q impedance settings for inputs you can place a 50 Q feed through termination on the oscilloscope input and connect the amplifier output cable to the termination Do not place the feed through termination at the amplifier end of the BNC connecting cable MANUAL BALANCE The MANUAL BALANCE buttons allow you to fine adjust the DC offset that Buttons and Indicator appears at the amplifier OUTPUT connector The manual
30. Maximum measurement time min Fi 500A Continuous 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 6C Duty cycle 96 Figure 36 Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 23 C ambient temperature At 23 degrees ambient temperature 600 A can be measured continuously with the TCP404XL probe Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object Safety Compliance Information Table 13 Safety compliance information Category Standards or description EC Declaration of Conformity Low Voltage 1 Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities Low Voltage Directive 73 23 EEC amended by 93 68 EEC EN 61010 1 A2 1995 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use EN 61010 2 032 1995 Particular requirements for hand held current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment U S Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing UL3111 1 Standard for electrical measuring and test equipment UL3111 2 032 Standard for hand held current clamps for electrical measurement and test Canadian Certification CAN CSA C22 2 No 1010 1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use CAN CSA C22 2 No 1010 2 032 1996 Particular requirements for hand held probe assemblies for electrical measurement and test equip
31. NCE buttons to null out any residual DC offset after performing a Probe Degauss Autobalance routine Measurements are inaccurate Degauss the probe The amplifier output is not terminated into 50 O load Set the input impedance of oscilloscope to 50 Q or connect a 50 Q feedthrough termination at the oscilloscope input Do not attach the termination at the amplifier output The measurement exceeds the maximum continuous current or Ampere second product ratings of the Current Probe If possible upgrade to a probe with a higher current rating or use a CT 4 transformer Amplifier or current probe out of calibration See the service manual for performance verification procedures The jaw mechanism is dirty disassemble probe clean and lubricate Probe disassembly procedures are available See the service manual Defective current probe transformer Measurements roll off at high frequencies The oscilloscope bandwidth limit is turned on Verify that the bandwidth limit switch on the oscilloscope is set to the desired bandwidth position Be careful not to exceed the frequency limit of the probe used Frequencies above the probe design may cause overheating and damage to the probe Measurements exhibit excessive noise Current Probe is not locked Lock the current probe Current Probe is improperly connected to the amplifier input Amplifier output is not terminated into 50 Q load Set input impedance of oscilloscope to 50
32. TCPA300 400 Amplifiers amp TCP300 400 Series AC DC Current Probes User Manual FOUCAULT AA Tektronix 077 1183 00 S TCPA300 400 Amplifiers amp TCP300 400 Series AC DC Current Probes User Manual This document applies for firmware version 1 0 and above www tektronix com Tektronix 077 1183 00 S Copyright O 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 supersedes that in all previously published material Specifications and price change privileges reserved TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix Inc Additional trademark statements can be added here 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 n North America call 1 800 833 9200 7 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 labo
33. The proper cabling is shown See Figure 1 on page 1 If your oscilloscope does not have 50 Q impedance settings for inputs you can place a 50 Q feedthrough termination on the oscilloscope input and connect the amplifier output cable to the termination Do not place the feedthrough termination at the amplifier end of the BNC connecting cable Probe DC Gain Adjust After the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE routine has been run the probe located on probes and amplifier system will meet all published specifications However if you want to improve the tolerance of the system accuracy or to intentionally offset the accuracy to make up for total system errors you can manually adjust the gain of the probe See the service manual for adjustment procedures and locations NOTE You should be careful to note the existing position of the DC Gain Adjustment before you alter it so that you may return it to the initial calibrated position By altering the DC Gain Adjustment you may cause the probe to not meet the warranted DC Accuracy specification For example the typical accuracy of the TCP312 probe on the 1 A V range is 1 If you want to measure a 3 Ap p 1 kHz square wave and need increased accuracy better than 0 25 is attainable first adjust the TCP312 on the 1 A V range setting using a calibrated 3 Ap p 1 kHz square wave source Then attach the probe to your circuit and take your measurement Remember altering the DC Gain Adjustment may
34. ations Table 4 1 are guaranteed performance specifications unless specifically designated as typical or nominal Table 7 Warranted TCPA300 and TCPA400 specifications Amplifier TCPA300 TCPA400 DC Gain Accuracy lt 1 lt 1 Installed probe TCP312 TCP305 TCP303 TCP404XL Bandwidth 3 dB DC to 100 MHz DC to 50 MHz DC to 15 MHz DC to 2 MHz Rise Time 10 to lt 3 5 ns lt 7 ns lt 23 ns lt 175 ns 90 DC Gain Accuracy Warranted lt 3 lt 3 lt 3 1 lt 3 Typical 2 lt 1 lt 1 lt 1 lt 1 1 Warranted from 10 C to 50 C For temperature range of 0 C to 10 C spec is 3 6 2 23 C 5 C TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 47 Specifications Nominal and Typical Characteristics Nominal and typical characteristics listed in Table 4 2 are not guaranteed They are provided to characterize the configuration performance or operation of typical probe amplifier combinations Table 8 Nominal and typical amplifier characteristics Installed probe Parameter TCP312 TCP305 TCP303 TCP404XL Ranges nominal 1 AN 5 AN 5 AN 1 A mV 10 A V 10 A V 50 A V Maximum Amp Second 1 AN 50 A us 5 AN 500 A us 5 AN 3000 A us NA Product Frequency 10 AN 500 A us 10 A V NA 50 AN deratings shown See 15000 A ms page 52 Performance Graphs Input Coupling nominal AC DC AC DC AC DC AC DC AC Coupling Low Frequency 7 Hz lt 7 Hz lt 7 Hz
35. balance adjustment only functions when the amplifier is set to DC coupling and the MANUAL BALANCE indicator is only lighted after you press one of the MANUAL BALANCE buttons in DC coupling mode PROBE OPEN Indicator When lit this indicator informs you that the current probe is unlocked You must have the probe slide locked to degauss the probe or to accurately measure current OVERLOAD Indicator When this LED is red it informs you that the measurement you are taking exceeds the continuous When this LED is orange it indicates that the safe operating temperature of the probe and possibly the amplifier has been exceeded Disconnect the probe from the current source and allow time for the probe head and amplifier to cool When this LED blinks red and orange it indicates that both the safe operating temperature of the probe and the current limit have been exceeded WARNING To avoid personal injury or equipment damage do not exceed the specified electrical limits of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 or any applicable accessories TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 17 Control Summary NOT TERMINATED NONCOMPATIBLE ON STANDBY Button RANGE Button COUPLING Button and Indicators PROBE INPUT Connector When lit this indicator informs you that the TEKPROBE interface cable or BNC cable from the OUTPUT of the amplifier is not connected to a 50 Q input on the oscilloscope You need to switch the
36. cept ON STANDBY However the degauss will fail until the internal error condition is corrected and the degauss operation is run again S Tektronix TCPA300 Amplifier AC DC Current Probe PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE TG MSB PROBE OPEN e OVERLOAD A NOT TERMINATED NONCOMPATIBLE LSB PROBE TYPE ON STANDBY is Figure 25 Error code display TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 43 Troubleshooting and Error Codes 44 For example after you press the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button if the AC and DC Coupling LEDs are flashing then an error code is being displayed 1 In this example the NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q LED is illuminated 2 This four bit binary code 0010 indicates an Error Code 2 a null error in the DC offset circuit occurred See Figure 26 PROBE OPEN MSB O OVERLOAD O NOT TERMINATED e 2 INTO 509 NONCOMPATIBLE LSB O PROBE TYPE Figure 26 Interpreting the error code display A complete list of error codes for the amplifier is listed in the table See Table 6 Table 6 Amplifier error codes Code Description of error Action to take 1 The amplifier detected Disconnect and reattach the probe to the amplifier a probe but a valid Hall Power cycle the amplifier Check probe transformer device was not detected defective Hall device If these steps do not resolve the
37. current ratings continuous pulsed and Ampere second product Exceeding any of these ratings can saturate the probe core magnetizing the core and causing measurement errors Maximum Continuous Current refers to the maximum current that can be continuously measured at DC or at a specified AC frequency See page 47 Specifications The maximum continuous current value is derated with frequency as the frequency increases the maximum continuous current rating decreases Maximum Pulsed Current refers to the maximum peak value of pulsed current the probe can accurately measure regardless of how short within bandwidth limitations the pulse duration is Ampere Second Product defines the maximum width of pulsed current that you can measure when the pulse amplitude is between the maximum continuous and maximum pulsed current specifications The maximum continuous specification itself varies by frequency NOTE Always degauss the probe after measuring a current that exceeds the maximum continuous current maximum pulsed current or Ampere second product rating of the probe Exceeding these ratings can magnetize the probe and cause measurement errors To determine 1f your measurement exceeds the Ampere second product perform either Procedure A Maximum Allowable Pulse Width or Procedure B Maximum Allowable Pulse Amplitude TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 25 Reference Notes Procedure A Ma
38. current to determine whether the test coil has greater or fewer turns than the reference coil The turns are calculated by using the formula Im PES No Nix T where N is the number of turns in the test coil N is the number of turns in the reference coil is the measured coil current and J is the input current Power Measurement and Analysis Software Power measurement software that is available for some Tektronix oscilloscopes transform your current measurement system into a sophisticated analysis tool that quickly measures and analyzes many different applications such as B Power dissipation at switching devices and magnetic components in switching power supplies m Precompliance test for EN61000 3 2 standard B Power quality Modulation analysis After making the measurements the software generates detailed test reports in customizable formats When the software is used with a Tektronix TDS5000 Series or TDS7054 TDS7104 digital phosphor oscilloscope and differential voltage and current probes it forms a complete measurement system for power supply design and test TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 39 Troubleshooting and Error Codes Troubleshooting and Error Codes Possible problems that you may encounter when measuring current with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 are available See Table 5 Use this as a quick troubleshooting reference Table 5 Troubleshooting Problem Remed
39. d probe Parameter TCP312 TCP305 TCP303 TCP404XL Low Current Sensitivity 1 AN Range 5 A V Range 5 AN Range N A Range DC continuous 5A 25A 25A DC noncontinuous N A N A N A RMS sinusoidal 3 5A 17 7A 17 7 A Peak Pulse 50A 50A 500 A Input Voltage 100 240 VAC 10 47 Hz to 440 Hz single phase Maximum Power 50 Watts maximum Fuse Rating 3 15 AH 250 V Not operator replaceable 1 Includes probe amplifier and TEKPROBE to TEKPROBE interface cable or 012 0117 xx BNC cable Mechanical Characteristics Table 9 TCPA300 and TCPA400 mechanical characteristics Parameter nominal Characteristic Length 173 mm 6 8 in Width 91 4 mm 3 6 in Height 167 mm 6 6 in Weight 1 14 kg 2 5 Ib TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 49 Specifications Table 10 Probe mechanical characteristics TCP305 and TCP312 TCP303 and TCP404XL Probe dimensions Length 20 cm 7 77 inches 268 mm 10 55 inches Width 1 6 cm 0 625 inches 41 mm 1 60 inches Height 3 2 cm 1 25 inches 68 mm 2 7 inches Cable length 1 5 m 5 feet TCP303 2 m 6 6 feet TCP404XL 8 m 26 25 feet Weight 0 15 kg 0 33 Ib TCP303 0 66 kg 1 45 Ib TCP404XL 0 88 kg 1 90 Ib TCP305 and TCP312 TCP303 and TCP404XL 11 9 mm 41 mm 0 470 in 7 16i i 18 9 mm 0 745 in 68
40. ded to store associated cables and terminations See Figure 3 Figure 3 Equipment locations in the travel case 1 Large current probe Probe holders Small current probe Amplifier Qo oR OO M Cables and terminations TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Getting Started Connecting the Amplifier to an Oscilloscope You will need an oscilloscope to display the TCPA300 and TCPA400 measurement output To use the full dynamic range of the probe amplifier combination the oscilloscope must be capable of displaying a vertical scale factor of 1 mV div to 1 V div If you are using a TEKPROBE II compatible oscilloscope use the TEKPROBE to TEKPROBE interface cable Otherwise use the supplied 50 O BNC cable to connect the amplifier OUTPUT connector to your oscilloscope See Figure 1 on page 1 The input impedance of the oscilloscope channel must be 50 O or you will encounter slowed pulse response increased aberrations or incorrect DC measurement amplitudes If your oscilloscope provides only 1 M Q inputs you need to attach a 50 Q feed through termination between the oscilloscope input and the BNC cable Do not install this termination at the amplifier end of the BNC cable To utilize the full bandwidth capability of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 and attached current probe the oscilloscope bandwidth must be approximately five times that of the current probe For example when using a TCP312 Current
41. e internal DC Degauss Autobalance adjustment routine again If the offset of the amplifier error reoccurs then remove the probe from the circuit If this does not resolve the error the amplifier needs service 12 The amplifier cannot null Remove the probe from the circuit Error 12 will 13 out the probe DC offset most likely occur when the probe is connected to an 14 voltage energized circuit when a Degauss Autobalance routine is initiated Check probe transformer defective Hall device This error may also be caused by a Hall device with excessive noise or drift in the probe transformer or a shorted or open wire in the probe cable assembly Power cycle the amplifier and run the Degauss Autobalance adjustment routine again If these steps do not resolve the error the amplifier needs service 15 Unspecified error internal Power cycle the amplifier and run the software error Degauss Autobalance adjustment routine again If the error reoccurs then the amplifier needs service Correcting the Cause of an Error Code Shutdown Error After interpreting the error code disconnect the probe from the circuit and degauss the probe again Take the measurement again If the error code persists contact your Tektronix Service Center If all LEDs flash at the same time a shutdown condition exists If this occurs turn off the amplifier and disconnect the probe from the circuit under test Turning off the amplifier clears the error r
42. e nee nen seem EEE EEE EEE EEE eene 49 Environmental Characteristics 0cccccce cece eee een e nen eme EEE ene EEE ene EEE en 51 Performance Graphs 2 ues tet dace bebe sce P eer naman Eine ad lu cana en ERE ede h wean RA CESES 52 TCP404XL Maximum Measurement Times 0 cece cece cece eee e eee ee nee e nee nee eneenee eas 56 Safety Compliance Information ccc cece ccc EEE enn mese messen nenne 57 Glossary Index TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Typical TCPA300 400 current measurement SysteM 00 cece cece cence eee eene 1 Using the probe COVELS is cessed autocad e ert petere or P ex sas ee ava e dented Fe diu a ga px A EE es 5 Equipment locations in the travel case cccce cece cece nee teen mme eee 6 Connecting and disconnecting a current probe to the amplifier esses 8 TCP312 and TCP305 slide operation isses eene 9 Unlock and open the TCP303 and TCP404XL cece eee e nce e eee e nee eee ea eens eenaenes 10 Close and lock the TCP303 and TCP404XL sisse II 10 Current probe polarity 4o ncesnaatanee tease nena dein ERE EE EA uu e pro BR Fete itus eee stud 13 The TCPA300 front panel eerie rtt rrt repe
43. e phase diode problem Observing the charge current waveform can quickly reveal if one diode is shorted or open See Figure 19 on page 34 A TCP303 Current Probe was used for this high current low voltage application The TCP303 is degaussed and clamped around the positive battery lead from the alternator See Figure 18 The probe arrow is pointed away from the alternator and toward the battery side of the circuit to reflect conventional current The automobile is started and the lights are turned on to add a significant load to the circuit Table 4 Automobile charging systems test setup Instrument Control Setting TCPA300 COUPLING DC RANGE 50 A V Oscilloscope Coupling DC Amps Division 10 A Div 200 mV Div Volts Division if not using TEKPROBE interface cable Zero Current Reference Center graticule line Time Base 200 ms division TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 33 Application Notes TCP303 404XL iE UL TCPA300 400 Figure 18 Setup for measuring charging current The waveform a shows the three phase ripple frequency See Figure 19 The average charge current is approximately 27 A with a minimum peak of approximately 23 A and a maximum peak of approximately 31 A The waveform shows a continuous cycle with no dropouts so the alternator circuit appears to be functioning properly A single phase diode failu
44. ed to a magnetic field The term is derived from one of the units of magnetic flux density electron current flow The flow of the electrons in a conductor Electron current flow is from negative to positive The arrows on current probes point in the opposite direction of electron current flow Electron current flow is in the opposite direction of conventional current flow flux The density of a magnetic field As the number of flux lines increases the magnetic field strength increases Current in the conductor under test generates flux lines in the probe core by inducing a voltage in the core TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 59 Glossary 60 Hall device A thin rectangular piece of semiconductor material located in the core of the current probe The Hall device uses the Hall effect for DC and low frequency AC measurements Hall effect The effect that produces a voltage potential in the Hall device when magnetic lines of force pass through the device The voltage potential is directly proportional to the magnetic field strength The voltage polarity is determined by the magnetic field polarity A bias supply is required to produce the Hall effect The TCP300 and TCP400 Series current probes use the Hall effect for DC and low frequency AC measurements insertion impedance The equivalent series impedance introduced to a test circuit when the current probe is clamped around a test conduc
45. ees 28 Extending Current Range eesoce ot ee rere ero e eerte ci E me s E US E VIR RR E Eee dto etus 30 Increasing Sensitivity 0c cen nnn eee ee se ese s e esse ee nennen 32 Application Notes MeL 33 Automobile Charging Systems cc cece eee ener nnn enn EE eee senes 33 Inductance Measurements 0 eccecc ese e cee nee e e e he he se he eee e nenne nee 35 Continuity Test of Multiple Conductor Cable sess eene 37 Measuring Inductor Turns Count 0 0 cece cece cee een eee ee eee ese messen 38 Power Measurement and Analysis Software ccc ccc cece eee e eee ee ene eese 39 Troubleshooting and Error Codes ccc cece eee nee nee een se e mess eene 40 Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button cceeeeee eee eeees 43 Correcting the Cause of an Error Code 0 ccc cece cece cence eee eee ene ene e ne eme eene 45 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual i Table of Contents Shutdown Errorearen gcse sled eee wedeshees pacsesaae rode S EP Foe EP eee EP rete eR OE eed 45 Specitications sodes ite da dete uer dd idurees atop UnpebeQedeH Idque doe bota cedat vinee qo 47 Warranted Specifications sssssssssssssssssessssssse sese eme messe e esee ese e ene 47 Nominal and Typical Characteristics 2 1 00 0 ccce ccc e cece nee eseese eres meme mene 48 Mechanical Characteristics 0 ce cece cece en
46. egister A shutdown condition can be caused by exceeding the frequency current specifications Verify that you are not exceeding the specifications and let the probe and amplifier cool before using them again In most cases 15 minutes is sufficient If the measurement you were taking was within the probe and amplifier specifications degauss the probe and take the measurement again If the shutdown error persists contact your Tektronix Service Center TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 45 Troubleshooting and Error Codes 46 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Specifications These specifications are valid only under the following conditions The probe and amplifier have been calibrated at an ambient temperature of 23 5 C The probe and amplifier are operating within the environmental limits described in Table 4 6 on page 4 5 the operating temperature limits are 0 C to 50 C unless otherwise stated The probe and amplifier have had a warm up period of at least 20 minutes The probe degauss autobalance routine has been performed after the 20 minute warm up period and thereafter whenever the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE light blinks The amplifier output is properly terminated into 50 Q Specifications are separated into two categories warranted specifications and nominal or typical characteristics Warranted Specifications Warranted specific
47. ers Table 1 Amplifier options Option Description Al Universal Euro power cord A2 United Kingdom power cord A3 Australia power cord A5 Switzerland power cord A6 Japan power cord AC China power cord A99 No power cord Tektronix service options that you can order for your amplifiers and probes are listed in this section See Table 2 Designed to support tracking of calibration to requirements of ISO9000 and to provide for extended repair coverage these options help fix your long term maintenance costs and eliminate unplanned expenditures Tektronix Service Options are available at the time you order your instrument Contact your local Tektronix Sales Office for more information Table 2 Service options Option Description D1 Provides the initial Test Data Report from the factory on delivery C3 Provides factory calibration certification on delivery plus two more years of calibration coverage Throughout the coverage period the instrument will be calibrated according to its Recommended Calibration Interval D3 Provides test data on delivery plus a Test Data Report for every calibration performed during three years of coverage requires Option C3 R3 Extends product repair warranty to a total of three years C5 Provides factory calibration certification on delivery plus four more years of calibration coverage Throughout the coverage period the instrument will be calibrated according to
48. f the buttons has been pressed The four probe error lights indicate the following faults PROBE OPEN OVERLOAD current or temperature NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q and NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE The ON STANDBY button turns on power to the amplifier The TCPA300 and TCPA400 output appears at the OUTPUT connector Connect this to a 50 Q input of your oscilloscope TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 15 Control Summary 6 The current probes connect to the TCPA300 and TCPA400 at the PROBE INPUT connector 7 The COUPLING button selects AC or DC probe coupling as indicated by the LEDs 8 The RANGE button toggles between the two scale factors that are available for the attached probe TCPA300 only LEDs indicate the selected range TCPA300 and TCPA400 Controls PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE Button and Indicator These front panel controls and indicators are common to both the TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe amplifiers unless otherwise indicated When pressed this button performs two functions that maximize measurement accuracy First the amplifier generates a degauss signal to remove any residual magnetism from the attached current probe Second the amplifier initiates an operation to remove any undesired DC offsets from the circuitry During the degauss process the amplifier is busy and cannot be used to measure current The indicator light next to the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button blink
49. factors continuous and noncontinuous current amplitude etc to compare your measurement to those shown See Figure 34 on page 56 See Figure 36 on page 57 You can see how duty cycle affects the measurement time by looking at any of the three graphs See Figure 34 on page 56 See Figure 36 on page 57 As the duty cycle increases on the x axis the measurement time of the noncontinuous current on the y axis decreases The effect of measuring two different noncontinuous current amplitudes 750 A and 600 A respectively with varying duty cycles and levels of continuous current is illustrated See Figure 34 on page 56 See Figure 35 on page 56 The ambient temperature in these two examples 1s kept constant at 50 C 28 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Reference Notes WARNING To prevent injury keep your hands away from the probe head until it has had time to cool after disconnecting the probe from the circuit Because when using the probe near the upper current limit and maximum ambient temperature for extended lengths of time the probe head surface can become hot to the touch To see how noncontinuous current amplitude affects measurement time look at the curves for measurements of 200 A continuous between the two graphs See Figure 34 on page 56 See Figure 35 on page 56 Compare the maximum measurement time allowed for a duty cycle of 20 At 750 A you have 3 minutes of safe
50. ies voltages above the current probe voltage rating Do Not Operate Without Covers Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures If you suspect that there is damage to this product have it inspected by qualified service personnel Avoid Exposed Circuitry Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present Use Proper Fuse Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual V General Safety Summary Do Not Operate in Wet Damp Conditions Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry Provide Proper Ventilation Refer to the manual s installation instructions for details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation 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 Symbols and Terms on the These terms may appear on the product 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 The fol
51. is effectively defined by the slope of the current ramp shown here Current flow i i di Time t as Figure 21 Linear current vs time ramp 5 Calculate the inductance using the following formula where L is the inductance in henries E is the voltage of the pulse generator dt is the change in time and di is the change in current 36 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Application Notes High Impedance Pulse If the pulse source has a higher impedance of known resistance such that the Sources X output voltage drops as the current increases the inductance of a coil can be calculated by the time constant of the charge curve The current ramp shows how the values for the inductance formula are obtained See Figure 22 on page 37 Use this formula to calculate the inductance based on the current measurement L tR where L is the inductance in henries t is the time required for the current to rise or fall 63 296 of the total current value and R is the source resistance of the pulse generator Current flow i 10096 63 296 36 8 RM al mH EN Time t Figure 22 High impedance source current ramp Continuity Test of Multiple Conductor Cable Single conductors in a multiconductor cable can be tested with the TCPA300 and TCPA400 To check a conductor clamp the current probe around the cable bundle and check for a specific known current signal If there is
52. lowing symbol s may appear on the product QG MS A CAUTION Protective Ground Do not camner toor Breakable WARNING Refer to Manual Earth Terminal uiinsulated conductar thaPo not drop Use os on an Hot Surface is HAZARDOUS LIVE insulated wire vi TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Compliance Information This section lists the EMC electromagnetic compliance and environmental standards with which the instrument complies EMC Compliance EC Declaration of Meets intent of Directive 2004 108 EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility Conformity EMC Compliance was demonstrated to the following specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities EN 61326 1 2006 EN 61326 2 1 2006 EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use 23 CISPR 11 2003 Radiated and conducted emissions Group 1 Class A IEC 61000 4 2 2001 Electrostatic discharge immunity IEC 61000 4 3 2002 RF electromagnetic field immunity IEC 61000 4 4 2004 Electrical fast transient burst immunity IEC 61000 4 5 2001 Power line surge immunity IEC 61000 4 6 2003 Conducted RF immunity IEC 61000 4 11 2004 Voltage dips and interruptions immunity 4 EN 61000 3 2 2006 AC power line harmonic emissions EN 61000 3 3 1995 Voltage changes fluctuations and flicker European Contact Tektronix UK Ltd Western Peninsula Western Road Bracknell RG12 1RF United
53. m service procedures While using this product you may need to access other parts of a larger system Read the safety sections of the other component manuals for warnings and cautions related to operating the system Use Proper Power Cord Use only the power cord specified for this product and certified for the country of use Connect and Disconnect Properly Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source Connect and Disconnect Properly Connect the probe output to the measurement instrument before connecting the probe to the circuit under test Connect the probe reference lead to the circuit under test before connecting the probe input Disconnect the probe input and the probe reference lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measurement instrument Ground the Product This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord To avoid electric shock the grounding conductor must be connected to earth ground Before making connections to the input or output terminals of the product ensure that the product is properly grounded Observe All Terminal Ratings To avoid fire or shock hazard observe all ratings and markings on the product Consult the product manual for further ratings information before making connections to the product Connect the probe reference lead to earth ground only Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carr
54. measurement time versus 17 minutes for a smaller noncontinuous current amplitude of 600 A By looking at any of the three graphs you can also see that when you measure a noncontinuous current having the same amplitude and duty cycle the measurement time decreases as the continuous current amplitude increases Finally compare the two graphs See Figure 34 on page 56 See Figure 36 on page 57 Here the effect of ambient temperature on measurement time is illustrated Given a continuous current of 200 A with a noncontinuous current of 750 A and having a 20 duty cycle a 27 C increase in temperature yields a 12 minute decrease in maximum measurement time Keep these factors into account when taking measurements to ensure accuracy and to protect both yourself from injury and the equipment from damage TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 29 Reference Notes Extending Current Range 30 Extending DC Range You may encounter situations where your measurement exceeds the maximum current rating of the connected probe This section discusses methods for extending AC and DC current ranges without exceeding specified limits WARNING To avoid personal injury or loss of life due to shock or fire do not exceed the specified electrical limits of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 or any applicable accessories When using multiple conductors do not exceed current limits on either conductor If you want to
55. ment TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 57 Specifications Table 13 Safety compliance information cont Category Standards or description Additional Compliance UL 61010B 1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measuring controlling and laboratory use IEC61010 1 A2 1995 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use IEC 61010 2 032 1995 Particular requirements for hand held current clamps for electrical measurement and test IEC 61010 1 2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use Installation Overvoltage Category Descriptions Pollution Degree Descriptions Equipment Type Safety Class Overvoltage Category Pollution Degree Terminals on this product may have different installation overvoltage category designations The installation categories are CAT Ill Distribution level mains usually permanently connected Equipment at this level is typically in a fixed industrial location CAT Il Local level mains wall sockets Equipment at this level includes appliances portable tools and similar products Equipment is usually cord connected CAT I Secondary signal level or battery operated circuits of electronic equipment A measure of the contaminates that could occur in the environment around and within a product Typically the internal environment inside
56. mm 2 7 in lt 21 mm 0 83 in Figure 27 Probe jaw dimensions nominal Table 11 Shipping weights and dimensions TCPA300 and TCPA400 Amplifiers TCP305 and TCP312 TCP303 TCP404XL Dimensions Length 298 5 mm 330 mm 13 00 inches 375 mm 14 75 inches 375 mm 14 75 inches 11 75 inches Width 298 5 mm 254 mm 10 00 inches 318mm 12 50 inches 318 mm 12 50 inches 11 75 inches Height 254 mm 10 00 inches 108 mm 4 25 inches 127 mm 5 00 inches 127 mm 5 00 inches Weight 2 7 kg 6 00 Ib 0 585 kg 1 29 Ib 1 33 kg 2 93 Ib 1 55 kg 3 42 Ib 50 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Specifications Environmental Characteristics The environmental characteristics are warranted performance specifications See Table 12 Unlike the warranted characteristics the environmental characteristics are type tested therefore there are no performance verification procedures provided to test these characteristics Unless otherwise noted these characteristics apply to all probes and amplifiers See page 47 Warranted Specifications Table 12 Environmental characteristics Parameter Characteristic Ambient Temperature Operating 0 C to 50 C 32 F to 122 F Nonoperating 40 C to 75 C 40 F to 167 F Humidity Operating 5 to 95 R H to 30 C 86 F 5 to 85 R H 30 C to 50 C 86 F to 122 F Nonoperating 5 to 95 R H to 30 C 8
57. modes 24 CT 4 high current adapter 4 31 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Current limitations amp second product 25 maximum continuous 25 maximum pulsed 25 D DC coupling 18 24 DC gain adjust optimizing 19 DC LEVEL control 24 degauss function 59 Degauss function 11 16 21 Differential current 22 E electron current 59 See also conventional current Error Codes correcting 45 displaying 43 shutdown error 45 Extending the current range of the probes 30 F flux 59 Frequency derating 25 Front panel controls 15 G Gauss 59 GPIB Operation 19 H Hall device 60 Hall effect 60 Increasing bucking current 30 Increasing probe sensitivity 32 Indicator COUPLING 18 MANUAL BALANCE 17 NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE 18 NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 OHMS 18 OVERLOAD 17 PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE 16 PROBE OPEN 17 RANGE 18 Inductance measurements 35 insertion impedance 60 MANUAL BALANCE buttons and indicator 17 Maximum allowable pulse amplitude 27 Maximum continuous current rating 25 Maximum measurement times 28 Maximum pulsed current rating 25 Measuring continuity 37 Measuring current AC 14 current nulls 22 DC 12 differential current 22 Measuring inductance 35 N NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE indicator 18 NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 OHMS indicator 18 Null current 22 61 Index O PROBE INPUT connector 1
58. moving probe from circuit Probe transformer or amplifier main board is defective OVERLOAD LED remains lit orange Degauss the probe If the OVERLOAD LED remains lit orange disconnect the probe from the circuit and let it cool for 15 minutes before degaussing again If this does not clear the LED the probe transformer or probe Hall device may be defective Connect another probe to the amplifier or connect the probe in question to another amplifier Probe does not degauss successfully and LEDs are lighted in an unfamiliar pattern Amplifier is displaying an error code or is out of calibration or defective See Table 6 on page 44 If another amplifier is available try to degauss the probe on the other amplifier to help isolate the cause Component failure on probe circuit board broken adjustment wire etc Disassemble probe repair replace component or refer the instrument to qualified service personnel for repair Cannot degauss the probe Current Probe is not locked Lock the current probe Current Probe is improperly connected to the amplifier input connector Amplifier output is not terminated into 50 Q load Set input impedance of oscilloscope to 50 Q or connect a 50 Q feed through termination at the oscilloscope input not at the amplifier output Current Probe is defective or not compatible with the amplifier type 40 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Table 5 Trouble
59. nal is multiplied by the number of turns around the probe AN WARNING To avoid injury or loss of life do not put more than one uninsulated conductor at a time in the probe jaws An uninsulated conductor is defined as any conductor without insulation or without insulation rated for the voltage present on the conductor under test When viewing the signal on the oscilloscope screen divide the displayed amplitude by the number of turns to obtain the actual current value For example if a conductor is wrapped around the probe five times and the oscilloscope shows a reading of 5 mA DC the actual current flow is 5 mA divided by 5 or 1 mA DC NOTE Winding multiple turns around the probe increases insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe Figure 17 Increasing probe sensitivity 32 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Application Notes Application Notes This section describes some of the typical measurement applications of the TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Amplifiers m Automobile Charging Systems Inductance Measurements Continuity Test of Multiple Conductor Cable Measuring Inductor Turns Count B Power Measurement and Analysis Software Applications Automobile Charging Systems Most automotive charging systems are three phase alternators with a diode rectifier network A meter averages current from all three phases and cannot detect a singl
60. no current or the current is abnormally low then the conductor has a continuity problem If the current is abnormally high then the conductor may have a short to ground TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 37 Application Notes Measuring Inductor Turns Count 38 To obtain an approximate turns count of an inductor do the following See Figure 23 1 Connect the inductor to a current limited source as shown 2 Measure the input current on one of the inductor leads 3 Clamp the current probe around the inductor and note the current value Figure 23 Measuring the number of turns in a coil The number of turns is equal to the ratio of coil current to input current The accuracy of this method is limited by the current measurement accuracy The following method allows more precise turns measurement For a more precise turns count you need a coil with a known number of turns to use as a reference 1 Repeat steps 1 and 2 above and make the following changes 2 Insert the reference coil into the current probe 3 Insert the test coil into the current probe so that the currents oppose each other as shown See Figure 24 o d C O Tre Figure 24 Turns measurement using reference coil TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Application Notes You must observe the polarity of coil
61. o negative current flow Reversing the flow will invert the displayed current waveform on the oscilloscope NOTE Even when making AC current measurements leave the oscilloscope coupling on DC Change only the amplifier coupling to AC Using the oscilloscope AC coupling may cause the amplifier to exceed its output dynamic range 6 Adjust the oscilloscope time base and trigger as needed TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Control Summary This section describes the function of each TCPA300 and TCPA400 front panel control and connector The overview shows most functions and is followed by a detailed description See Figure 9 Some seldom used functions do not appear in the illustration These functions are completely discussed in the detailed descriptions that follow this illustration cg x TCPA300 Amplifier AC DC Current Probe PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE PROBE OPEN OVERLOAD NOT TERMINATED INTO 500 NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE ON STANDBY A USE BNC OR TEKPROBE INTERFACE CABLE Figure 9 The TCPA300 front panel 1 m Pax p GE The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button removes residual magnetism from the attached current probe A multi color LED indicates the status of the degauss circuit The MANUAL BALANCE buttons allow you to fine adjust DC offset from the amplifier The adjacent LED lights when one o
62. obe slide closed See Figure 5 See Figure 6 Press the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button mode Uo cm Wait about five seconds for the degauss procedure to complete The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE LED glows green when the operation has successfully completed If the LED is blinking orange the degauss operation is still in progress If the LED is red the operation failed and the cause of the failure needs to be found and fixed See page 16 PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE Button and Indicator NOTE The degauss procedure will fail if the amplifier is not properly connected to an oscilloscope having 50 Q input impedance If this occurs the NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q LED lights on the amplifier front panel After you have completed the oscilloscope adjustments and the amplifier degauss autobalance procedure your system is ready to measure current TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 11 Getting Started DC Measurements To measure DC current first degauss the probe 1 Verify that the amplifier and the oscilloscope input coupling are set to DC and the input impedance is set to 50 Q 2 Lock the probe closed without a conductor passing through it 3 Adjust the ground reference of the oscilloscope to move the trace to the desired graticule line 4 Press the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button The NOT TERMINATED INTO 50 Q LED is lighted if impedance is not 50 Q If this
63. oduct 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 Sumimary eese eceesoex ere s Ie e be x e VA RR E ARN UR RA E HR Ue e d dn V Compliance Information eoe reb ah etse reo ete Ru ORA Fev eee Ee mr RIDENS due E bed de vii EMC Compliance T vii Environmental Considerations sse eese se messen ix luc E a A O E T xi Manual Conve rntlons 2 reme ene sane ret E E E EEEE A E rete Pepe Raus xi Getting Started srece rie rrene o Tobia rr vad IRE DR T TURA HERE E Ur de Exc e Dapur ee ER redde 1 System Configuration EP 1 eI iscsi 5 EE T 3 Standard ACCesSOTIeS iii ion re Ee RSEN AETHERE A AREE EEEO EERE EEEE TH Rene 4 Optional Accessorie S
64. r 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 pr
65. re normally appears as an extreme drop in charge current every third cycle waveform b See Figure 19 40A a Normal waveform b Waveform with one bad phase Figure 19 Charge current waveforms 34 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Application Notes Inductance Measurements You can use the TCPA300 and TCPA400 to measure inductance of coils Two different methods can be used one for low impedance pulse sources and another for high impedance pulse sources of known value Low Impedance Pulse This figure shows a constant voltage pulse generator of extremely low output Sources impedance connected to an inductor that has low resistance See Figure 20 1 Connect the inductor across the output terminals of the pulse generator 2 Maintain a constant voltage across the inductor 3 Clamp the current probe over one of the source leads Current flow i eae Figure 20 Measuring inductance with a low impedance source NOTE If the probe impedance is a significant part of the total circuit inductance measurement accuracy will be affected Refer to the probe specifications for probe insertion impedance TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 35 Application Notes 4 Measure the current ramp The inductance
66. ries Current Probes User Manual Getting Started TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Amplifiers Current Probes Oscilloscope The amplifier amplifies the current sensed by the probe and converts the current to a proportional voltage that is displayed on an oscilloscope or other similar measuring device The following Tektronix current probes are compatible with the TCPA300 Amplifier m TCP312 30 A 100 MHz m TCP305 50 A 50 MHz m TCP303 150 A 15 MHz The following Tektronix current probes are compatible with the TCPA400 Amplifier m TCP404XL 750 A 2 MHz 1 500A continuous 750 A DC derated with duty cycle You can also use the CT 4 High Current Transformer with the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes to extend the AC current measurement range to 20 000 peakA An oscilloscope displays the output from the current measuring system A 50 O cable is included to connect the amplifier to the oscilloscope input channel A TEKPROBE to TEKPROBE interface cable is also included for connecting to TEKPROBE level II oscilloscopes If the oscilloscope does not have an input that can be set to 50 Q impedance you need a feedthrough 50 O termination This termination is included as a standard accessory with your TCPA300 and TCPA400 Current Probe Amplifiers TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Options Getting Started Table 1 1 lists options that are available for the TCPA300 and TCPA400 amplifi
67. s ci tere ee oes eR RE VT cs Eee dev EET ds stand 43 Figure 26 Interpreting the error code display cccce ccc en cee ee cence eee e eee nee eee emen 44 Figure 27 Probe jaw dimensions nominal ece esse cece eee eee en eee eee e nene 50 Figure 28 Frequency derating TCP312 2 0 0 0 eceecc een cence ee eee ence nee e me he ehe e eee nennen 52 Figure 29 Frequency derating TCP305 ssssssssssssssssssessses se ee he me hehe e eee nennen 52 Figure 30 Frequency derating TCP303 isssssssssssssssssssssssee es e ense eme e eene nen 52 Figure 31 Frequency derating TCP404XL 0 ccc cece cee ce ee eee I I I me ee e ee e eene 53 Figure 32 Insertion impedance versus frequency cssssssssssssssssee ee eene 54 Figure 33 Specified operating area of the probes csssssssssssssseee e 55 Figure 34 Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 50 C ambient temperature sseesesessesss 56 Figure 35 Measuring 600A noncontinuous at 50 C ambient temperature 0cceceeee eee ee ees 56 Figure 36 Measuring 750A noncontinuous at 23 C ambient temperature lsseesessessesss 57 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual iii Table of Contents List of Tables iv Table 1 Amplifier options creceron noresi re conde a E REEE EEEE GEE O 3 Table 2 Service opttotis eee EET E soiled TA EREET 3 Table 3 Unpowered circuit degauss limits
68. s red whenever the amplifier detects that the current probe needs degaussing The amplifier cannot detect all circumstances that require probe degaussing so you may need to degauss the probe at times when the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE light is not blinking red The red blinking light serves as a reminder to degauss the current probe when one of the following conditions occurs m The amplifier has just been turned on with a current probe connected m The current probe has been changed 8 An overload was detected To perform the probe degauss autobalance function remove the probe from all conductors or ensure that the conductor under test has no power make sure the probe is locked closed and then press the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button The probe degauss autobalance routine will not pass if the current probe is disconnected from the amplifier input or if it is unlocked the PROBE OPEN LED is on The indicator blinks orange during the time the amplifier is busy performing the probe degauss functions When the degauss and autobalance procedure is complete the indicator light turns green The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE indicator light will be orange if the MANUAL BALANCE buttons have been pressed after a degauss has been successfully completed This indicates that the DC offset value has been manually changed from the original value set during the degauss routine Depending on the amount of offset balance you have entered with the MANU
69. shooting cont Problem Troubleshooting and Error Codes Remedy Degauss takes longer than 10 seconds Probe is attached to an energized circuit Disconnect probe from circuit and retry Probe is faulty Probe transformer defective Hall device with excessive noise or drift may cause this symptom May also be caused by a shorted or open wire in the probe cable assembly Defective main board If the probe is not the cause then it is most likely a defective main board in the amplifier Cannot make a current measurement no measurement output from amplifier Current Probe is not locked Lock the current probe Current Probe is improperly connected to the amplifier input connector Amplifier COUPLING is set to AC Set the COUPLING to DC A Degauss Autobalance routine has not been completed successfully on the system Degauss the probe Oscilloscope Amplifier is not set to an appropriate sensitivity setting Defective interface cable between oscilloscope and amplifier MANUAL BALANCE will not adjust Oscilloscope or amplifier input coupling not set to DC MANUAL BALANCE buttons only function when the amplifier is in the DC coupling mode Oscilloscope Amplifier is not set to an appropriate sensitivity setting Stray DC component in measurement Degauss the probe using the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button The Current Probe has been overloaded dropped or exposed to magnetic field You can use the MANUAL BALA
70. te RES Ue Te eu EIS PO TEE TNA 15 Measuring two conductors ssssssssssssssssssssssssses eese ehe eme messe eese nnne 22 Measuring differential current and nulls sss e 23 Effect of AC or DC coupling on low frequency signals csse 24 Applying the amp second product rule 0 0 cece cece eee e eee ee nee e eae eneeeeaeeneeeaes 26 Duty cycle calculation 5 ecce censeret n nhan ehh hA dese aneucidscesuecenaesuenes 28 Adding a second COnductor 0 cece cece cee ene een enn eese eene eese 30 Adding multiple tUrns eerie to erre odedennanscenuale canddudedersesas eneideenchendenseounts 31 Increasing probe sensitivity cc cece ccc eee een eE ETTE EEE 32 Setup for measuring charging CUrrent 0 ccc cece ence eee cnet e eee eee 34 Figure 19 Charge current waveforms cceceeee eee e eee e eee eee e me me me se ehe e eene nen 34 Figure 20 Measuring inductance with a low impedance source esses 35 Figure 21 Linear current vs time ramp 6 e cece cece ence eee Ie I me me heme ere e eee rennen 36 Figure 22 High impedance source current ramp 6 eee cece ee eee een cence tence eee taeeneeneenaenaens 37 Figure 23 Measuring the number of turns in a coll cece eee cece cece ence nee ne 38 Figure 24 Turns measurement using reference COil 0 cece eee ence eee ce ene ee e nene 38 Figure 25 Error code display cs 3ssiiscc
71. than that shown the degauss procedure succeeds because the amplifier is able to saturate the probe core See Figure 11 on page 23 While degauss occurs the probe induces a voltage in the unpowered circuit as shown See Figure 11 on page 23 Your circuit must be able to absorb this induced voltage With low impedance circuits several amperes may be induced in the circuit being measured This may be of concern when you are using very small conductors Table 3 Unpowered circuit degauss limits Minimum circuit Probe type resistance Maximum induced voltage TCP312 10 mW 40 mV at 200 Hz TCP305 5mW 40 mV at 200 Hz TCP303 5 mW 30 mV at 200 Hz TCP404XL 1 mW 15 mV at 100 Hz TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual 21 Reference Notes Measuring Differential Current 22 You can place two conductors in a current probe to provide differential or null current measurement See Figure 10 This avoids the necessity of using two current measurement systems with a differential oscilloscope Figure 10 Measuring two conductors WARNING 70 avoid injury or loss of life from shock or fire do not put more than one uninsulated conductor at a time in the TCP303 or TCP404XL probes Do not put any uninsulated conductors in the TCP305 or TCP312 probes An uninsulated conductor is defined as any conductor without insulation or without insulation rated for the voltage present on the conductor under test
72. ting Started The TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe amplifiers let you use one probe to simultaneously measure AC and DC current The amplifiers convert the sensed current into a proportional voltage signal that you can measure directly with an oscilloscope The TCPA300 and TCPA400 current probe amplifiers provide better linearity than other current measurement systems because of a current feedback process used with the probe DC measurement capability and high bandwidth allow the amplifiers to accurately represent square waves and fast rise signals The TCPA300 and TCPA400 and associated probes provide these features m Simultaneous DC and AC current measurements up to 750 A peak High sensitivity One button autobalancing and probe degaussing No adjustments needed to match a current probe to an individual amplifier B AC or DC coupling of signal m Direct scaling and unit readout on compatible TEKPROBE level II oscilloscopes System Configuration A complete current measurement system consists of a current probe amplifier a compatible current probe and an appropriate oscilloscope See Figure 1 Figure 1 Typical TCPA300 400 current measurement system 1 50 Q oscilloscope input use the TEKPROBE Interface Cable or use a 50 Q cable Add a 50 termination here if the oscilloscope only has a high impedance input TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Se
73. tor magnetic susceptibility A figure expressing the amount of current induced into the probe by an external magnetic field of known intensity The lower the figure is the less the probe is influenced by external magnetic fields saturation A condition that occurs when the magnetic field strength in the probe core exceeds the maximum level that the core can absorb When saturation occurs the probe no longer responds linearly to an increase in magnetic field strength resulting in measurement inaccuracies A current overload condition will cause core saturation After saturation occurs the probe core usually retains residual magnetism which continues to produce inaccuracies until the probe is degaussed The probe should be degaussed after saturation occurs TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Index A AC coupling 14 18 24 amp second product 59 Amp second product 25 Applications 33 auto balance 59 Autobalance function 16 B bucking current 59 Bucking current 30 Button COUPLING 18 MANUAL BALANCE 17 ON STANDBY 18 PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE 16 RANGE 18 C Connecting a current probe to a circuit under test 13 a current probe to the amplifier 8 the amplifier to an oscilloscope 7 Connector OUTPUT 19 PROBE INPUT 18 Continuity measurements 37 Control summary 15 conventional current 59 See also electron current COUPLING button and indicator 18 Coupling
74. uct of the Current Probe If possible upgrade to a probe with a higher current rating or use a CT 4 transformer The oscilloscope bandwidth limit is turned on Verify that the bandwidth limit switch on the oscilloscope is set to the desired bandwidth position Probe jaw not opening and closing freely The jaw mechanism is dirty disassemble probe clean and lubricate Probe disassembly procedures are available See the service manual 42 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Troubleshooting and Error Codes Displaying Error Codes with the Probe Degauss Autobalance Button This section describes the error codes that the amplifiers display using the function indicator LEDs When an internal error condition exists the amplifiers may generate error codes To display the error codes do the following See Figure 25 1 Press the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button 2 The AC and DC Coupling LEDs will flash alternately to indicate that error codes are being displayed instead of normal conditions 3 The four fault indicator LEDs above the ON STANDBY switch are used to form a four bit binary error code See Figure 26 on page 44 The error codes are defined in the table See Table 6 on page 44 The PROBE OPEN LED indicates the most significant bit MSB and the NONCOMPATIBLE PROBE TYPE LED indicates the least significant bit LSB 4 To continue past an error code press any button ex
75. urrent Probes User Manual Glossary amp second product The unit of measure defining the maximum amount of pulsed current that can be measured before the probe core becomes saturated The amp second rating applies only to measurement values between the maximum continuous and maximum pulse current ratings of the probe The amp second rating is equal to the peak current multiplied by the pulse width at the 5096 point auto balance A process that removes unwanted DC offsets from the TCPA300 and TCPA400 circuitry to ensure maximum measurement accuracy This process is performed during the probe degauss routine bucking current Current fed back by the TCPA300 and TCPA400 to the current probe during DC and low frequency AC measurements Bucking current nulls most of the magnetic field in the probe core allowing linear DC and AC measurements simultaneously conventional current flow The flow of the positive charge in a conductor Conventional current flow is from positive to negative The arrows on current probes point in the direction of conventional current flow Conventional current flow is in the opposite direction of electron current flow degauss A process of eliminating residual magnetism from the probe core by feeding a decaying sine wave into the core The degaussing process should be performed before clamping the probe around a conductor whenever the probe becomes saturated by current overloads or whenever the probe is expos
76. usenii RE e E eR TERR RENTRER EA ERE RA DO EN eT RODA deed ohvecgad a rS 4 Probe COVES HET 5 Travel Cases icsig2as voren io tenete t E aE TEE EE EE EE ohrnde nd nae ee easinday ad tedeann ase EER ES 6 Connecting the Amplifier to an Oscilloscope sssssssssssssssssss eme mene 7 Power on the Amplifier 5 2 eeiostetbete ee ernati ae Hoe E rv est dus d Popp I EVE Re DUDEN heals 7 Connecting a Current Probe to the Amplifier 0 ccc cece cece ccc e nce e ee ee ene eee ee eens ene e ene eea 8 Operating the Current Probe Slide ecce rrr vend dncdauales ree rre ned dae Fe E denm ende 9 Degaussing and Autobalancing the Current Probe cece cece cece ene e neces nee nee 11 DC Measurement M n iaie E EE ETE EE EEE TE EEE E EE N a 12 AC Measurements oc ec eoe pee E E dene EEEE EEE EEEE EEEE EEEE EE 14 Control Summary co sudetrtecece tee D DAN E EE OENE AE EENE 15 TCPA300 and TCPA400 Controls sssssssssssssssssss I Ie e e meme eee 16 Reference Notes E 21 Degaussing a Probe with an Unpowered Conductor in the Jaws esses 21 Measuring Differential Current 0 ccc cece ence een eee ee e he eese 22 AC and DC Coupling 4e eecteses eerte epa eee Ioue em rebut reis eo io rl b Sou ee edite e ements 24 Maximum Current Limits sic eee thins client teret Sr N tesa teer a de eben AN Ebr 25 Measuring Noncontinuous Current with the TCP404XL Probe cccceceecenceeeeee eee ee
77. ximum To determine the maximum allowable pulse width do the following Allowable Pulse Width 1 Measure the peak current of the pulse 2 Divide the Ampere second or Ampere microsecond specification for the range setting of the probe by the measured peak current of the pulse The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse width PW max A us Ip E PWmnas For example the TCP312 Current Probe has a maximum Ampere second product of 500 Arms in the 10 A V range setting If a pulse measured with a TCP312 has a peak current of 40 A the maximum allowable pulse width would be 500 Arms divided by 40 A or 12 5 us 3 Check that the pulse width at the 50 point of the measured signal is less than the calculated maximum allowable pulse width PW max o 50 PW lt PW max Imaxe 0A Figure 13 Applying the amp second product rule 26 TCPA300 400 Amplifiers and TCP300 400 Series Current Probes User Manual Reference Notes Procedure B Maximum To determine the maximum allowable pulse amplitude do the following Allowable Pulse Amplitude 1 Measure the pulse width at the 5096 points 2 Divide the Ampere second or Ampere microsecond specification for the range setting of the probe by the pulse width The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse amplitude the peak amplitude of the measured pulse must be less than this value For example the TCP312 Current Probe has a maximum Ampere second product of 500 Arms in the 10
78. y Amplifier will not power on Check that the amplifier is plugged into a working AC outlet Defective amplifier Refer the instrument to qualified service personnel for repair To help determine which module is defective a troubleshooting section is available in the service manual Front panel displays an error status Error Status LEDs are on the lower left section of the amplifier front panel Note the error status and correct the condition The error status is labeled on the front panel For example if the PROBE OPEN LED is lit close and lock the probe jaws The AC and DC COUPLING LEDs are flashing alternately The Error Status LEDs are displaying an error code Error codes descriptions are available See Table 6 on page 44 Note the error code and turn the instrument off then on If the error condition persists refer the instrument to qualified service personnel for repair If the RANGE and DEGAUSS LED are both off and one of the COUPLING LEDs is lit this indicates the amplifier is not detecting a probe Reconnect the probe All LEDs flashing indicate a thermal shutdown Power cycle the system and let it cool for 15 minutes before taking measurements In most cases 15 minutes is sufficient All LEDs are flashing All LEDs flashing indicates a thermal shutdown Power cycle the system and let it cool before taking measurements In most cases 15 minutes is sufficient OVERLOAD LED remains lit red after re

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TCPA300/400 Amplifiers & TCP300/400 Series AC/DC Current