TriMode™ Probe Family

Overview

The P7700 Series TriMode probes provide the highest probe fidelity available for real-time oscilloscopes. In addition, with connectivity innovations such as solder-in tips with the probe’s input buffer mounted only a few millimeters from the end of the tip, the P7700 Series probes provide unmatched usability for connecting to today’s most challenging electronic designs.

High bandwidth for signal fidelity

• 25 GHz P7725

• 20 GHz P7720

• 16 GHz P7716

• 13 GHz P7713

• 8 GHz P7708

Minimal device impact

• Thin and flexible solder tips

• Lightweight and flexible probe cable

• Active buffer tip design for low probe loading

• High performance RC probe tips

Easy to connect TekFlex™ Connector technology

• Pinch-to-Open accessory connector

• Versatile Connectivity - solder-in tips, optional browser for handheld or fixtured probing, and coaxial input (SMA adapter)

• Full Bandwidth to 25 GHz

• Probe cable and solder-in tips operate over an extended temperature range

Probe and tip specific S-parameters

• Full AC calibration of the probe and tip's signal path based upon unique S-parameter models

• Unique DSP filters created for each probe and tip

TekConnect® interface for oscilloscope/probe control and usability

• Direct control via probe buttons or from the oscilloscope's menus

• Automated control of probe settings via the oscilloscope

• Automatic recognition of the probe and tip when attached to the oscilloscope

Applications

• DDR/LPDDR memory verification

• High speed serial bus debugging

• MIPI D-PHY/C-PHY/M-PHY conformance tests

• HDMI and DisplayPort compliance tests

TriMode Probes

With TriMode probing one probe setup makes differential, single-ended, and common-mode measurements accurately. This unique capability allows you to work more effectively and efficiently, switching between differential, single-ended and common-mode measurements without moving the probe's connection points.

TekFlex connector technology

The P7700 Series TriMode probes use the new TekFlex connector technology that combines a high speed signal path with power and communication support for an active buffer tip in a single, easy to connect accessory connector. The TekFlex connector has a pinch-to-open design that when open requires minimal force to attach an accessory tip. When the TekFlex connector is closed, it provides a secure connection to the accessory to avoid accidental disconnections.

With the TekFlex connector, the P7700 series probes offer a set of active probe tips with the probe's buffer amplifier only millimeters from the input connections. The short signal path enabled with the active tips provides high fidelity and a high impedance input. It also minimizes signal loss, capacitance, and additive noise.

P77STFLXA and P77STFLXA24 solder-in flex-circuit accessory for direct high-impedance probing at accessible signal nodes.

P77STFLXB solder-in flex-circuit accessory for DDR/LPDDR validation with SI interposers using a ~100 Ω isolation resistor in the probe-access path.

P77STCABL solder down accessory with a long reach, flexible cable combined with an active buffer amplifier on the tip.

P77STFLRB solder-in, flex-circuit accessory provides improved signal access and mechanical strain relief for DDR and LPDDR electrical validation with interposers.

Browser accessory for handheld probing

When you need to make a quick measurement or debug a problem, the P7700 series browser accessory provides a simple to use option. With precision engineered tips that are easy to see and position accurately, the P77BRWSR handheld browser accessory enables hand or fixtured probing and is ideal for probing fine pitch components and differential traces with spacing as narrow as 0.2 mm (.008 in).

P77BRWSR handheld browser accessory enables hand or fixtured probing with adjustable tip spacing. Up to 16 GHz bandwidth.

The browser's tips have a full range of compliance and are adjustable in spacing using a convenient thumb wheel. A headlight on the tip enhances visibility of the probe point and can be switched on and off as needed. The browser tips are constructed of high strength BeCu and super-ceramic resistors (patent pending pin technology). With 16 GHz bandwidth performance, the P77BRWSR handheld browser accessory enables hand or fixtured probing with signal fidelity and convenience.

Headlight on P77BRWSR handheld browser accessory enables hand or fixtured probing and enhances visibility of the probe point.

Coaxial input (SMA) adapter

RF/coaxial connectors, such as SMA, are often found on test fixtures or on prototype board designs. Attaching a P7700 series probe to these on-board connectors is easy with the SMA adapter. The P77C292MM adapter allows you to connect to 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm or SMA connectors with full bandwidth and low noise. The P77C292MM adapter includes TriMode functionality enabling differential, single-ended, and common-mode measurements.

For compliance testing of the HDMI and DisplayPort standards, the P77C292MM and P7700 series probes are fully supported in Tektronix automated measurement suites for these standards. With the P77C292MM adapter attached, a P7700 series probe can provide the DC termination voltage required by HDMI and other high-speed communication standards. The termination voltage can be set manually or automatically using voltage sense circuitry in the P7700 probe and covers a range of ±4 V.

P77C292MM SMA/2.92mm adapter for connecting to coaxial connectors.

Automatic probe and tip identification and AC calibration

The P7700 Series probes automatically identify the accessory connected to the probe. When the probe and tip are attached to an oscilloscope, they are recognized and a unique DSP filter providing a calibrated response is enabled. All calibration and filter calculation is based upon a unique set of S-parameters stored in the probe and tip.

These unique filters also de-embed probe parasitics from the measurement. Creating probe and tip specific filters is critical as bandwidths increase. At high bandwidth, small variations in the signal path can lead to significant variation in frequency response which cannot be corrected using a nominal DSP filter.

The P77BRWSR accessory extends the calibration further. As the spacing of the browser's tips is adjusted, the change in opening is automatically recognized by the probe and oscilloscope. Using the value of the tip spacing, a width specific DSP filter is used to calibrate the probe's response.

The automatic recognition of the probe and tips and the automatic filter selection eliminates the risk of manually selecting the wrong filter and improves your efficiency.

Signal fidelity

You can be confident in the signal fidelity of your measurements. The innovative new probe design uses SiGe technology to provide the bandwidth and fidelity needed today and in the future.

The P7700 Series probe architecture provides:

• An active buffer amplifier on the tips with the solder-in tips probe input only 3.2 mm from the input

• Excellent step response and low insertion loss up to 25 GHz

• Low-DUT loading with 100 kΩ (DC) and 0.4 pF (AC) performance

• High CMRR

• Low noise

Performance you can count on

Depend upon Tektronix to provide you with performance you can count on. In addition to industry leading service and support, these probes are backed by a one-year warranty.