Tektronix Active & Differential Probe

[Shazlan]

Dear all,

I have a National Instruments PXI system that I will be using as my Spectrum Analyzer. Recently, I came across two of Tektronix's probes that I am interested with - P7530 Differential Probe and P7260 Active Probe. I did some more reading from www.tek.com and find out that, in order for me to use the two probes, I need the TekConnect Probe adapter. My question is if I acquire the two probes and the adapter, can that system be integrated with my existing PXI system? For now, let's assume that my PXI system has the required analog and digital input channels.

I read through the manual and it says that there are two cables, USB and SMA, that carry signals from the adapter to Tektronix's Spectrum Analyzer. The manual, however, does not explicitly say which cable actually carries the data/signals from the probe. Has anyone done done this before? If yes, can you please clarify? I want to ensure that the system can work first, before I go ahead and purchase them.

Have a nice day!

Yours,
Shazlan

[Collin M]

I found the following from Tek's web site.

http://www.tek.com/site/ps/0,,51-19031-INTRO_EN,00.html

"Probe control signals are handled through a USB cable that connects the RTPA2A to the RTSA. This allows the RTSA to automatically adjust the scale factor to account for attenuation factor of the probe in channel A. The included SMA-to-N cable allows the high speed RF signal to travel between the RTPA2A and the RTSA."

It makes sense that the actual signals travel over the SMA cable as they would need to be digitized to travel over the USB cable.

[Shazlan]

Thanks Collin for your reply.

Hmm.. adjusting the scale factor to account for the attenuation, I need to find more information on the theory/eq'n behind this.

Anyhow, USB connector is used to control the RTPA2A, which is the adapter. I assume that I can connect the USB port from my PXI controller to RTPA2A to establish the link. I'm not very familiar with sending/receiving digital output/input, though. Is this relatively similar to sending/receiving query/data via RS-232/GPIB? where the query/data goes out or comes in in ASCII format. Please advice.

The signals travel from the RTPA2A out via a SMA-N cable. The manual then say that a BNC-N adapter will also be provided. So, I would assume that the best PXI module I should use for Spectrum Analysis is the PXI 5660, 2.7 GHz, Signal Analyzer, right? I have one question, though. Is it possible to capture signals higher than 2.7 GHz? say, maybe up to 5 GHz perhaps?


Shazlan

[Collin M]

I don't see anything in the datasheet for the adapter that states in can be used with non-Tek spectrum analyzers. A driver will be required on the host to communicate with the adapter over the USB cable. You should clarify with Tek if they support using this adapter with non-Tek analyzers.