There are numerous active probes available for modern digital probes. Active differential probes are vital tool for noise, sensitive signal measurement, power quality validation for digital circuits and digital signal integrity testing.
Every major oscilloscope vendor have differential probes in offering to support various signal levels and bandwidth ranges.
Here we will take a look on two similar probes with next specs:
| P6246 | P6251 | |
| Scope interface | 50 Ohm | 50 Ohm |
| Supported scopes | 5000 series, 7000/70000 series (with TCA-BNC) | |
| Bandwidth | 450MHz | 1 GHz |
| Bandwidth limiter | 20MHz | 5 MHz |
| DC reject mode (AC coupling) | Yes | Yes |
| Attentuation selector | x1 / x10 | x5 / x50 |
| Max safe input voltage | ±25Vpp | ±100Vpp |
| Common max voltage range | 7V(DC+pk AC) | 35V(DC+pk AC) |
| Differential mode range | ±.85V (x1) or ±8.5V (x10) | ±4.25V (x5) or ±42V (x50) |
| Input impedance (differential) | 200kΩ, <1pF | 500kΩ, <1pF |
Here’s comparison and photo review of both probes (P6246 on left, P6251 on right).
All photos clickable:
Package kit:
Accessory box:
Front face of probes:
Back face with voltage ranges info:
Another angle:
Bundled calibration data for P6251:
Extra photos:
Tektronix P6246 P6247 service manual
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Modified: Dec. 26, 2016, 4:58 a.m.