Tektronix TCPA300 User Manual

Control Summary
6. The current pro
bes connect to the TCPA300 and TCPA400 at the PROBE
INPUT connector.
7. The COUPLING b
utton selects AC or DC probe coupling, as indicated by
the LEDs.
8. The RANGE bu
tton toggles between the two scale factors that are available
for the attached probe (TCPA300 only). LEDs indicate the selected range.
TCPA300 and TCPA400 Controls
These front panel controls and indicators are common to both the TCPA300 and
TCPA400 current probe amplifiers, unless otherwise indicated.
PROBE DEGAUSS
AUTOBALANCE Button
and Indicator
When pres
sed, 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 p rocess, the amplifier is busy and cannot be used to measure current.
The indicator light next to the PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button
blinks red whenever the amplifier detects that the current probe needs degaussing.
The amplifier cannot detect all circumstances that require probe degaussing,
so yo
u 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:
The amplifier has just been turned on with a current probe connected.
The current probe has been changed.
An
overload w as detected.
To perform the probe degauss/autobalance function, remove the probe from
a
ll 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.
18 TCPA300/400 Amplifiers and TCP300A/400 Series Current Probes User Manual

Tektronix TCPA300 Specifications

General

Brand	Tektronix
Model	TCPA300
Category	Amplifier
Language	English

Summary

General Safety Summary

Manual Conventions and Symbols

Defines terms and explains product symbols for safe operation.

Compliance Information

Safety and EMC Compliance

Details safety standards, EMC compliance, and environmental ratings.

Environmental Considerations

Product Handling and Disposal

Guidelines for recycling and responsible disposal of the product.

Preface

Manual Conventions and Service Information

Outlines manual conventions and refers to the service manual.

Getting Started

System Setup and Configuration

Guides users through initial system setup and configuration.

Amplifier and Probe Connection

Instructions for connecting amplifiers and probes to oscilloscopes.

Probe Operation and Calibration

Covers probe slide operation, degaussing, and autobalancing.

Measurement Procedures (DC & AC)

Step-by-step procedures for DC and AC current measurements.

Control Summary

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Overview of all front panel controls, buttons, and indicators.

Probe Status and Error Indicators

Explains indicators for probe status, overloads, and errors.

Amplifier Settings and Connectors

Details settings for coupling, range, and amplifier connectors.

Reference Notes

Advanced Measurement Techniques

Covers degaussing, differential current, and AC/DC coupling.

Current Limits and Pulse Measurements

Details maximum current limits and procedures for pulse measurements.

Extending Range and Increasing Sensitivity

Methods to extend current range and boost measurement sensitivity.

Application Notes

Typical Measurement Applications

Examples of using probes for automotive, inductance, and power analysis.

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Problem Diagnosis and Error Codes

Guides users through identifying and interpreting error codes.

Resolution Steps for Errors

Provides actions to resolve common errors and shutdown conditions.

Specifications

Performance Specifications (Warranted & Typical)

Details guaranteed and typical performance parameters.

Environmental and Physical Characteristics

Covers operating environment, dimensions, and weights.

Performance Graphs

Graphical representation of probe performance characteristics.

Glossary

Key Measurement and Operational Terms

Definitions of essential terms for understanding probe operation and measurements.

Index