High-impedance Buffer Amplifier System
TCA-1MEG Data Sheet
Features & Benefits
Bandwidth - DC to ≥500 MHz
Input Impedance - 1 MΩ/10pF
Bandwidth Limiting - Full/100 MHz/20 MHz
Input Coupling - DC/AC/GND
Includes P6139A, 500 MHz, 10x Passive Probe
TekConnect Interface Delivers Superior Signal Fidelity, Unparalleled
Versatility, and Ease-of-use
Applications
Verification, Characterization, and Debug of Sophisticated Designs
in Communications, Computer, and Semiconductor Electronic
Environments
Jitter and Timing Analysis (Computer Systems)
Disk Drive Analysis
Investigation of Transient Phenomena
Spectral Analysis
Power Supplies/Inverters (Switching and Linear)
Semiconductor Devices (SCRs, IGBTs, FETs, CMOS)
Electronic Ballasts
Industrial/Consumer Electronics
Mobile Communications (Phone, Satellite, Relay Stations)
Motor Drives
Transportation Systems (Electronic Vehicles, Electric Trains,
Locomotives, Avionics)
Tektronix award-winning TDS/CSA7000B DPO and TDS6000 Series
oscilloscopes allow engineers to make high-speed measurements quickly
and efficiently. In addition to these high-speed measurements, many of
today’s designers also face the challenges of measuring high-voltage,
current, power, or even microvolt-level signals to gain a more complete
understanding of their designs.
The TekConnect®family of amplifiers, probes, and adapters make it the
ideal solution for such challenges, delivering a variety of acquisition
capabilities through the use of existing compatible TekConnect and
TEKPROBE™ measurement tools.
Data Sheet
TekConnect®TCA-1MEG Buffer Amplifier
System Expands the Functionality of Tektronix
High-performance Oscilloscopes
The TCA-1MEG high-impedance buffer amplifier system extends the
capabilities of Tektronix high-performance oscilloscopes, making them ideal
for a variety of general-purpose measurements. The TCA-1MEG amplifier
system provides a 1 MΩpath that is easily removed and replaced with a
wide array of TekConnect probes, amplifiers, and adapters.
This amplifier system delivers versatility to Tektronix high-performance
oscilloscopes through the addition of input coupling (selectable), bandwidth
limit (selectable), and a 1 MΩinput that provides access to a wide array of
measurement solutions. These solutions include general-purpose passive
probes, high-voltage probes (passive single-ended and active differential),
microvolt differential probes, and current probes.
With this tool, Tektronix high-performance oscilloscopes may now perform
measurements such as primary and secondary power supply voltage levels,
currents, and elevated voltages, and assess the power requirements of
the device-under-test.
For today’s high-speed measurement solutions, having the 50 Ωand1MΩ
terminations on the same input path compromises signal fidelity. By making
the 1 MΩpath replaceable, the TCA-1MEG high-impedance buffer amplifier
system eliminates a permanent degradation of the high-speed signal path.
This also allows users to easily and quickly configure each channel for the
input characteristics required for their measurements. By exchanging the
TCA-1MEG for a high-performance 50 Ωpath or other high-speed probing
solution, maximum signal fidelity is maintained at the oscilloscope’s input.
TekConnect®Interface Delivers Superior Signal
Fidelity, Unparalleled Versatility, and Ease-of-use
The TekConnect interface ensures superior signal fidelity with useful
bandpass up to 18 GHz at the oscilloscope input, while offering unparalleled
versatility with the world’s widest array of accessory signal acquisition
solutions for high-performance, real-time oscilloscopes. This interface
delivers a more robust oscilloscope interface for next-generation products
with multi-GHz analog bandwidths, overcoming many of the inherent
bandwidth limitations of BNC-based interfaces. The TekConnect interface
preserves a low-voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) 50 Ωenvironment as
well as a reliable electrical connection. A convenient, one-button release
and locking mechanism provides quick, easy installation and removal of
probes, amplifiers, and adapters.
Characteristics
Model Specifications
Characteristic Description
Bandwidth (-3 dB) DC to ≥500 MHz
(host instrument bandwidth >1.5 GHz)
Probe Tip Bandwidth
(with P6139A at -3 dB)
DC to ≥500 MHz
(host instrument bandwidth >1.5 GHz)
BW Limit Full, 100 MHz ±25%, 20 MHz ±25%
DC Gain Accuracy ±3% (TCA-1MEG with or without P6139A probe)*1
Propagation Delay
(Input-to-Output)
<2 ns
Input Impedance 1MΩ/10pF(at DC)
Maximum Input Voltage
(Derated with Frequency)
150 VRMS CAT I
100 VRMS CAT II
Above 200 kHz derate at 20 dB per decade; limit to
13 Vpk AC at 3 MHz and above
*1Probe calibration required in TekConnect host instrument.
Typical
Characteristic Description
Displayed System Input
Offset
±0.2 div
Rise Time (calculated
small signal tr= 0.4/F3dB
)
≤0.8 ns (minimum rise time)
Linear Dynamic Range Thelesserof±5divisionsorthedynamicrangeofthe
TekConnect host instrument
Linearity ±0.2%
Nominal
Inputs – 1 (TEKPROBE™ BNC 1 MΩ).
Input Coupling – DC, AC or GND.
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions mm in.
Length 180.08 4.255
Width 31.5 1.240
Height 46.1 1.815
Safety Certifications U.S. NRTL Listing – UL3111-1.
UL3111-2-032.
Canadian Certification – CAN/CSA C22.2 No.1010.1.
CAN/CSA C22.2 No.1010.2.032.
European Union Compliance – EN61010-1/A2.
EN61010-2-032.
Other – IEC61010-1/A2.
IEC61010-2-032.
GPIB Programmable – Through Host Instrument Commands.
Power Requirements – TekConnect.
Adapter Model Compatibility – Refer to TDS7000 Series TekConnect Adapters
Compatibility Table.
Warranty – One year.
2www.tektronix.com
High-impedance Buffer Amplifier System — TCA-1MEG
TekConnect®Amplifier, Adapters, and Probes Compatibility*2
Oscilloscope TekConnect Amplifiers, Adapters, and Probes
TDS6000B TDS/CSA7000B TekConnect Series
Accessory
Type
6GHz
8GHz
4 GHz 1.5 GHz
2.5 GHz
TCA-1MEG
High-impedance
Buffer
Amplifier
(P6139A
Included)
TCA-BNC
Adapter
(Standard w/
TDS7154 /
TDS7254 /
CSA7154)
TCA-SMA
Adapter
(Standard w/
TDS7404 /
CSA7404)
TCA-N
Adapter
TCA75
Adapter
Instrument Input
Connection
TekConnect Interface TEKPROBE
BNC 1 MΩ-to-
TekConnect
Interface
TEKPROBE
BNC 50 Ω-to-
TekConnect
Interface
SMA-to-
TekConnect
Interface
N-to-TekConnect
Interface
75-to-50 Ω
TekConnect
Adapter
Instrument Input
Impedance
TekConnect Interface Probes, Amplifier and
Adapter Dependent
1MΩ/10pF 50Ω50 Ω50 Ω50 Ω
Passive Voltage
Probes (1x)
P6101B w/ TCA-1MEG P6101B N/A N/A N/A N/A
Passive Voltage
Probes (10x)
P6139A w/ TCA-1MEG P6139A N/A N/A N/A N/A
50 ΩDivider
Voltage Probes
P6150 w/ TCA-SMA
P6158 w/ TCA-BNC
N/A P6158 P6150 N/A N/A
Active Voltage
Probes General
P6245 w/ TCA-BNC
P6243 w/ TCA-BNC
N/A P6245
P6243
N/A N/A N/A
Active Voltage
Probes >2 GHz
P7260*3
P7240*3
P6249 w/ TCA-BNC
P6241 w/ TCA-BNC
N/A P6249
P6241
N/A N/A N/A
Differential
Voltage Probes
>2 GHz
P7380*3
P7380SMA*3
P7350*3
P7350SMA*3
P6330 w/
TCA-BNC
P7380*3
P7380SMA*3
P7350*3
P7350SMA*3
P7330*3
P6330 w/
TCA-BNC
P7350*3
P7350SMA*3
P7330*3
P6330 w/
TCA-BNC
N/A P6330 N/A N/A N/A
Differential
Voltage Probes
<1.8 GHz
<8 V Logic
P6248 w/ TCA-BNC
P6247 w/ TCA-BNC
P6246 w/ TCA-BNC
N/A P6248
P6247
P6246
N/A N/A N/A
Differential
Voltage Probes
Microvolt
ADA400A w/ TCA-1MEG ADA400A N/A N/A N/A N/A
High-voltage
Probes
Differential
P5205 w/ TCA-1MEG
P5210 w/ TCA-1MEG
P5205
P5210
N/A N/A N/A N/A
High-voltage
Probes
Single-ended
P5100 w/ TCA-1MEG
P6015A w/ TCA-1MEG
P5100 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Current Probe
AC/DC <15 A
TCP202 w/ TCA-BNC N/A TCP202 N/A N/A N/A
Current Probe
AC/DC 5 mA to
20 A
TCP300/TCP400/AM5030S w/ TCA-BNC or TCA-1MEG TCP300 /
TCP400 /
AM5030S
TCP300 /
TCP400 /
AM5030S
N/A N/A N/A
Current Probe AC
High Frequency
CT6 w/ TCA-BNC
CT1 w/ TCA-BNC
N/A CT6 CT1 N/A N/A
Current Probe AC
Low Frequency
P6021 w/ TCA-1MEG
P6022 w/ TCA-1MEG
P6021
P6022
N/A N/A N/A
O/E Converter
Probes
P6701B w/ TCA-BNC
P6703B w/ TCA-BNC
N/A P6701B
P6703B
N/A N/A
*2Firmware version 2.1 or greater required for all referenced oscilloscopes.
*3P7225, P7240, P7260, P7330, P7350, P7350SMA, P7380, and P7380SMA are high-speed active and differential probing solutions for Tektronix oscilloscopes with TekConnect interface. These probes require no other adapters.
Please refer to TekConnect Adapters data sheet for more information about
adapters.
www.tektronix.com 3
Data Sheet Contact Tektronix:
ASEAN / Australasia (65) 6356 3900
Austria +41 52 675 3777
Balkans, Israel, South Africa and other ISE Countries +41 52 675 3777
Belgium 07 81 60166
Brazil +55 (11) 40669400
Canada 1 (800) 661-5625
Central East Europe, Ukraine, and the Baltics +41 52 675 3777
Central Europe & Greece +41 52 675 3777
Denmark +4580881401
Finland +41526
75 3777
France +33(0)169868181
Germany +49 (221) 94 77 400
Hong Kong (852) 2585-6688
India (91) 80-42922600
Italy +39 (02) 25086 1
Japan 81 (3) 6714-3010
Luxembourg +44 (0) 1344 392400
Mexico, Central/South America & Caribbean 52 (55) 54247900
Middle East, Asia, and North Africa +41 52 675 3777
The Netherlands 090 02 021797
Norway 800 16098
People’s Republic of China 86 (10) 6235 1230
Poland +41 52 675 3777
Portugal 80 08 12370
Republic of Korea 82 (2) 6917-5000
Russia & CIS +7 (495) 7484900
South Africa +27 11 206 8360
Spain (+34) 901 988 054
Sweden 020 08 80371
Switzerland +41 52 675 3777
Taiwan 886 (2) 2722-9622
United Kingdom & Ireland +44 (0) 1344 392400
USA 1 (800) 426-2200
For other areas contact Tektronix, Inc at: 1 (503) 627-7111
Updated 30 October 2008
For Further Information. Tektronix maintains a comprehensive, constantly expanding
collection of application notes, technical briefs and other resources to help engineers working
on the cutting edge of technology. Please visit www.tektronix.com
Copyright © Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents,
issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material.
Specification and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of
Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
03 Jun 2009 60W-15629-2
Ordering Information
Service Options
Opt. C3 – Calibration Service 3 Years.
Opt. C5 – Calibration Service 5 Years.
Opt. D1 – Calibration Data Report.
Opt. D3 – Calibration Data Report 3 Years (with Opt. C3).
Opt. D5 – Calibration Data Report 5 Years (with Opt. C5).
Opt. R3 – Repair Service 3 Years
Opt. R5 – Repair Service 5 Years.
Recommended Accessories
Passive Voltage Probes
P6101B – 15 MHz, 1x, Passive.
P6139A – 500 MHz, 10x, Passive.
High-voltage Probes
P5205 – 1.3 kVRMS, 100 MHz, Active Differential.
P5210 – 4.4 kVRMS, 50 MHz, Active Differential.
P6015A – 20 kV, 1000x, 75 MHz, Passive.
P5100 – 2.5 kV, 100x, 250 MHz, Passive.
Microvolt Differential Probe
ADA400A – 1 MHz, 100x/10x/1x/0.1x, Microvolt Differential Preamplifier.
Current Measurement Tools
AM503S – AC/DC, 5 mA to 700 A, Current Amplifier Measurement System.
(Extended Current Capability by ordering additional Current Probes).
P6021 – AC, 60 MHz, Current Probe.
P6022 – AC, 120 MHz, Current Probe.
Cables and Terminations
012-0057-01 – 50 ΩBNC to BNC Coaxial Cable.
012-0482-00 – 50 ΩBNC to BNC Coaxial Cable, Precision 1%, Male-to-Male.
011-0049-02 – 50 Ωfeed through termination.
Product(s) are manufactured in ISO registered facilities.
www.tektronix.com
