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Details attenuation ratio, input resistance, capacitance, bandpass, risetime, and temperature range.
Specifies maximum pulse and DC/RMS voltage limits, referencing a derating chart.
Covers probe body diameter/length, cable length, box dimensions, and materials.
Details inert gas pressure, connector types, and assembly weight.
Details the process of compensating the P6015 probe using an oscilloscope and square wave.
Explains amplitude measurement, voltage limits, and environmental effects.
Introduces probe maintenance, covering inspection, recharging, and troubleshooting procedures.
Details procedures for visually inspecting the probe for damage and fluid level.
Provides detailed instructions for refilling the probe with Fluorocarbon 114 dielectric fluid.
Describes symptoms and checks for no signal or differentiated output issues.
Explains how to diagnose and fix incorrect attenuation ratios.
Details checks for components when probe compensation fails.
Provides instructions on ordering replacement parts, listing required information.
Lists and defines common abbreviations found in the manual and parts list.
Explains symbols for part changes related to serial numbers.
Explains symbols indicating Tektronix manufactured or direct replacement parts.
Lists manufacturer codes with their corresponding names and addresses.
Illustrates the contents of the P6015 probe package.
Detailed list of parts included in the P6015 probe package with Tektronix part numbers.
Diagram showing the P6015 probe assembly with numbered components.
Detailed list of probe components with Tektronix part numbers and descriptions.
Diagram showing the compensating box assembly with numbered components.
Detailed list of compensating box parts with Tektronix part numbers.
Lists electrical components like capacitors and resistors for the compensating box.
Schematic diagram showing probe body, cable, and compensating box circuits.
The P6015 High-Voltage Probe is a specialized attenuator probe designed to extend the high-voltage measurement capabilities of oscilloscopes and plug-in units. It functions as a 1000X attenuator, allowing users to safely measure high voltages that would otherwise damage or exceed the input limits of standard test equipment. This probe is particularly useful in applications requiring the measurement of high-voltage pulses, DC, or RMS voltages across a wide frequency range.
The probe's construction is robust, featuring a body made of high-impact strength thermoplastic material. This material serves a dual purpose: it provides mechanical protection for the internal components and offers electrical protection for the user, enhancing safety during high-voltage measurements. A key aspect of the P6015's design is its dielectric properties, which are significantly improved by filling the probe with fluorocarbon gas. This gas acts as an insulating medium, preventing arcing and ensuring stable operation at high voltages. The complete probe assembly includes the probe body itself, a 10-foot interconnecting cable with a resistive center conductor, and a compensating box. The interconnecting cable is designed to minimize signal degradation and maintain the integrity of the high-voltage signal as it travels to the oscilloscope.
One of the primary usage features of the P6015 is its ability to handle very high input voltages, including pulses up to 40 kV peak and continuous DC or RMS voltages up to 20 kV. This makes it suitable for a wide range of high-voltage testing scenarios in various industries, such as power electronics, research, and development. The probe's broad bandpass ensures accurate measurements across a significant frequency spectrum, making it versatile for both slow-changing DC signals and fast-rise pulses. The compensating box, an integral part of the assembly, allows for precise adjustment of the probe's response to match different oscilloscope input characteristics, ensuring accurate waveform display.
The compensation process is crucial for accurate measurements and is a key usage feature. Users are instructed to check the probe's compensation each time it is used with a different plug-in unit or oscilloscope, and periodically during normal use, as ambient temperature changes can affect it. Proper compensation involves matching the capacitive attenuation ratio to the resistive attenuation ratio, which is achieved by adjusting several components within the compensating box. These adjustments affect different parts of a square wave displayed on the oscilloscope, allowing for fine-tuning to achieve a sharp leading corner, a flat top, and a level trailing edge. The manual provides detailed steps for presetting controls and making adjustments to C3, C1, R1, R2, C2, and R5 to optimize the waveform. For high-frequency peaking, an additional adjustment (R3) is available, which is particularly relevant for fast-rise pulses. This meticulous compensation process ensures that the displayed waveform accurately represents the high-voltage signal being measured.
When making amplitude measurements, users must multiply the displayed amplitude by the probe's attenuation factor (1000) to obtain the actual voltage. It's also important to consider the maximum input voltage limitations, especially for pulses or signals above 100 kHz, as outlined in the derating chart provided in the manual. The manual also advises that component heating due to ambient temperature changes or high voltage can cause slight shifts in calibration accuracy. For circuits under test with fast transients, the ground lead's inductive effect might necessitate removing the probe from its plastic body and integrating it directly into the circuit for more accurate results.
Maintenance of the P6015 Probe is generally straightforward, requiring minimal effort beyond visual and operational checks. A critical maintenance feature is the ability to recharge the probe with dielectric fluid, specifically Fluorocarbon 114 (C₂CL₂F₄). This fluid is essential for maintaining the probe's dielectric properties and preventing dangerous internal pressures. Users are explicitly warned to use only Fluorocarbon 114, as other fluids could lead to hazardous conditions.
Visual inspection is a periodic maintenance task, where users should look for loose or broken connections, damaged plastic insulators, and proper dielectric fluid level. The fluid level can be checked by holding the probe tip down and observing the liquid through the transparent nose. If the fluid level is low, it's crucial to determine the cause (e.g., a leak or temperature effect) before adding more. The recharging process involves uncoupling the probe body cover, removing the securing ring, and then releasing Fluorocarbon 114 into the probe body until the liquid level reaches a specified height above the resistor end cap. After replacing the base assembly and securing ring, shaking the probe body helps agitate the liquid, accelerating vaporization and building internal pressure. If too much liquid was added, excess can be bled off by loosening the securing ring.
Troubleshooting guidance is also provided as a maintenance feature, addressing common issues such as no output, differentiated output, erroneous attenuation ratio, or inability to compensate the probe. For instance, if there's no signal or a differentiated signal, users are directed to check specific resistors (R6, R100) and the interconnecting cable. Errors in attenuation ratio might point to issues with resistors R3, R4, and R5 in the compensating box. If the probe cannot be compensated, capacitors C1, C2, C3, and resistors R1, R2 are the likely culprits, and users are guided on how to access and inspect these components. This comprehensive approach to maintenance ensures the probe's longevity and continued accuracy in high-voltage measurement applications.
General| Type | High Voltage Probe |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 75 MHz |
| Input Capacitance | 3 pF |
| Rise Time | 4.7 ns |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +50 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to +70 °C |
