Tektronix CT1, CT2, CT6 Current Probes: The Excellent Choice for High-Performance Measurement
2024-11-07
Tektronix CT1, CT2, CT6 Current Probes
1. Product Overview
CT6 is a new addition to Tektronix's high-frequency current probe series, designed for high-speed circuit design and test applications. CT1 and CT2 are designed for permanent or semi-permanent in-circuit installation.
2. Product Features
1. High Bandwidth
- When paired with a compatible oscilloscope, CT6 provides bandwidth up to 2GHz.
2. Ultra-Low Inductance
- Minimal loading effect on the test circuit.
3. Ultra-Compact Size
- CT6 is ideal for measurements on increasingly miniaturized circuit boards and components.
- CT1 and CT2 feature detachable cable design for easy placement in confined spaces.
III. Comparison of Product Characteristics and Parameters
Characteristic | CT1 | CT2 | CT6 |
Bandwidth (Typical) | 25kHz - 1GHz | 1.2kHz - 200MHz | 250kHz - 2GHz |
Rise Time | 350ps | 500ps | 200ps |
Sensitivity (50Ω termination) | 5mV/mA | 1mV/mA | 5mV/mA |
Accuracy | ±3% | ±3% | ±3% |
Magnetizing Inductance | 6μH | 7μH | 1μH |
Leakage Inductance | 2.4nH | 1nH | 1.5nH |
Insertion Impedance (10MHz) | <1Ω | 0.1Ω | 1.10Ω |
Insertion Impedance (100MHz) | 2Ω | 0.5Ω | 1.30Ω |
Insertion Impedance (1GHz) | - | - | 11.9Ω |
Maximum Bare Wire Size | #14 AWG | #16 AWG | #20 AWG |
Maximum Bare Wire Gauge | 1.78mm(0.070in.) | 1.32mm(0.052in.) | 0.8mm(0.032in.) |
Maximum Bare Wire Voltage (RMS) | 175VRMS CAT I | 175VRMS CAT I | 30VRMS CAT I |
Maximum Bare Wire Voltage (Peak) | 1000V (<3.25% duty cycle) | 1000V (<3.25% duty cycle) | 30V |
Maximum Open-circuit Voltage (DC) | 175V | 175V | 30V |
Maximum Peak Pulse Current | 12A | 36A | 6A |
Maximum Continuous Current (RMS) | 450mA | 2.5A | 120mA |
Ampere-second Product | 1×10⁻⁶A*Sec | 50×10⁻⁶A*Sec | 0.25×10⁻⁶A*Sec |
L/R Time Constant (Droop) | >6.35μs | >160μs | 0.4s |
Propagation Delay | 5.4ns | 6.1ns | 5.2ns |
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Microsoft YaHei, "Microsoft YaHei";>IV. Application Fields
1. Read channel design for data storage
2. Silicon characterization
3. High-frequency analog design
4. ESD testing
5. Signal injection
6. Differential current measurement
7. Single pulse and low repetition rate pulse measurement
8. Propagation delay measurement
V. Typical Systems
CT1, CT2 and CT6 are usually connected directly to the 50Ω input of oscilloscopes and other measuring equipment. When CT1 or CT2 is used in a 1MΩ input system, the P6041 probe cable is required and a 50Ω feedthrough terminator must be connected at the output end.
VI. Typical Measurement Applications
1. Differential Current Measurement
- CT1 measures up to 1GHz, CT2 measures up to 200MHz, and CT6 measures up to 2GHz. Differential measurement is achieved by passing two wires carrying opposite currents through the same core, but the current-time product derating criterion shall be followed.
2. Single Pulse and Low Repetition Rate Pulse Measurement
- CT1, CT2 or CT6 can all perform this measurement as long as the maximum pulse current and ampere-second product criteria are met.
3. Propagation Delay Measurement
- Two CT1 or CT2 current transformers with matching probe cables can be used to measure the propagation delay between the input and output currents of high-frequency equipment.
VII. Advantages and Disadvantages Analysis
1. Advantages
- High accuracy and high sensitivity, which can meet measurement tasks with different accuracy requirements.
- Various bandwidth options to meet wide measurement requirements from low frequency to high frequency.
- Compact design for easy use in different space environments.
2. Disadvantages
- CT6 has a lower maximum open terminal voltage, which limits its application in some high-voltage scenarios.
Overall, Tektronix's CT1, CT2, and CT6 current probes perform excellently in their respective applicable fields. Users can select the most suitable current probe based on specific measurement requirements and application scenarios to achieve accurate and efficient current measurement.
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