Passive voltage probes for oscilloscopes
General information
Passive voltage probes (probes) are standard on most Tektronix oscilloscopes. These probes provide an inexpensive all-in-one solution. They are robust and have a wide dynamic range and are suitable for signal visualization in a wide range of applications. However, to measure low-amplitude signals or wide-band signals with a bandwidth greater than 1 GHz, active probes must be used. And for signals with a voltage of more than 300 V, special high-voltage probes are available.
Many passive probes transmit a signal that is attenuated by a certain number of times. The attenuation coefficient is denoted as 1X, 10X, etc., where the number in front of the "X" symbol indicates how many times the signal amplitude is reduced. A 10X attenuation probe has significantly less impact on the circuit under test than a 1X probe and is an excellent choice for most general purpose applications. But for weak signals, 1X probes are better suited. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use a 10X probe, but keep a 1X probe handy. And for the weakest and noisiest signals, it is better to use differential probes.
List of all models
The table below shows the different passive probe models. At the same time, for each model, the main technical characteristics are indicated (bandwidth, attenuation, input impedance, maximum input voltage and connector type).
All probe models sorted in the table as they increase bandwidth. If the bandwidth is the same, then the cheaper models are placed first.
| Model | Bandwidth | Weakeningone | Input impedance2 | Max Voltage3 | Connector typefour |
| Tektronix P6101B | 15 MHz | 1X | 1 MΩ || 100 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | BNC |
| Tektronix TPP0051 | 50 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 12 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | BNC |
| Tektronix TPP0100 | 100 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 12 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | BNC |
| Tektronix TPP0101 | 100 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 12 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | BNC |
| Tektronix P3010 | 100 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 13 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekProbe |
| Tektronix TPP0200 | 200 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 12 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | BNC |
| Tektronix TPP0201 | 200 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 12 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | BNC |
| Tektronix P2220 | 200MHz (10X) 6MHz (1X) |
10X 1X |
10 MΩ || 17 pF (10X) 1 MΩ || 110 pF (1X) |
300 V SCZ. FLOOR II (10X) 150 V SCZ. FLOOR II (1X) |
BNC |
| Tektronix P2221 | 200MHz (10X) 6MHz (1X) |
10X 1X |
10 MΩ || 17 pF (10X) 1 MΩ || 110 pF (1X) |
300 V SCZ. FLOOR II (10X) 150 V SCZ. FLOOR II (1X) |
BNC |
| Tektronix TPP0250 | 250 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 3.9 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekVPI |
| Tektronix P6139B | 500 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 8 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekProbe |
| Tektronix P5050B | 500 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 11 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekProbe |
| Tektronix TPP0500B | 500 MHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 3.9 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekVPI |
| Tektronix TPP0502 | 500 MHz | 2X | 2 MΩ || 12.7 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekVPI |
| Tektronix TPP1000 | 1 GHz | 10X | 10 MΩ || 3.9 pF | 300 V RMS. CAT II | TekVPI |
Notes:
one Bandwidth - indicates how many times the probe attenuates the input signal. Switchable attenuation probes have two values.
2 Input impedance - an important characteristic of the probe. In order for the probe to minimally distort the signal, the resistance of the probe should be as large as possible, and the capacitance should be as small as possible.
3 Max Voltage - indicates the maximum rms value (rms) of the voltage that can be safely measured with a probe.
four connector type - it is indicated which connector the probe is equipped with for connecting to the oscilloscope. Connector types are described in the next section later on this page.
Passive probe connector types
BNC is the standard and simplest connector found on most inexpensive passive probes. A probe with this connector can be directly connected to almost any oscilloscope. But the BNC connector has two drawbacks: it cannot automatically transmit the current probe division ratio to the oscilloscope, and it cannot power the probe through it.
TekProbe is an upgraded BNC connector and is fully compatible with it. The TekProbe connector has an additional pin, through which the current probe division ratio can be automatically transmitted to the oscilloscope. It is also possible to supply power to some types of probes through this contact.
TekVPI is the most advanced type of connector. A probe equipped with a TekVPI interface can transmit service information to the oscilloscope and receive control commands from the oscilloscope, which allows you to automatically take into account the current division factor, load a table of its correction factors from the probe, call up the control menu using the button located on the probe, etc. The TekVPI connector also provides power to the probe.
Additional information on this topic
A detailed guide to choosing different types of oscilloscope probes:
Tektronix Oscilloscope Probe Selection Guide (23 pages; 4 MB)
And here you can find our tips and other useful information on this topic:
How to quickly choose an oscilloscope - selection criteria, typical applications and popular models
All series of digital oscilloscopes
How to buy equipment cheaper - discounts, special prices, demo and used devices
To simplify the process of choosing a probe for a digital oscilloscope, you can use our experience and recommendations. We have over 20 years of practical supply experience and can immediately answer many questions about models, options, delivery times, prices and discounts. This will save your time and money. For this it's simple call us or write to us at E-mail and we will be happy to answer your questions.