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Warranty 2 Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal. Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carries voltages above the current probe voltage rating. Do Not Operate Without Covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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These terms may appear in this manual: WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life. CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking. WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking. CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product. The following symbol(s) may appear on the product: TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this product. Disconnect power, remove battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing components. To avoid electric shock, do not touch exposed connections. viii TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
The symbol shown below indicates that this product complies with the European Union’s requirements according to Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). For information about recycling options, check the Support/Service section of the Tektronix Web site (www.tektronix.com). TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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This product complies with the RoHS Directive requirements except for the presence of hexavalent chromium in the surface coating of the aluminum chassis parts, assembly hardware, and 63/37 tin/lead solder used in the fabrication of the circuit boards. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Preface Preface This manual describes the installation and operation of the TCP0150 current probe. Basic probe operations and concepts are presented in this manual. You can also access the Tektronix Web site for this document and other related information. Documentation...
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Preface Returning the Probe for Servicing If your probe requires servicing, you must return the probe to Tektronix. If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use the following packaging guidelines: Preparation for Shipment 1. Use a corrugated cardboard shipping...
Key Features Key Features You can use the TCP0150 current probe to make accurate measurements from DC to 20 MHz. The probe combines proven Hall-effect technology with the Tektronix TekVPI oscilloscope interface. Key features include: >20 MHz bandwidth, <17.5 ns rise time AC/DC Measurement capability 500 A peak pulse current (PW <30 μs)
Your TekVPI instrument may require a firmware upgrade to support full functionality of the probe.(See page 55, Oscilloscope Firmware.) CAUTION. To prevent the compensation box from overheating, ensure that all ventilation openings are unobstructed when connected to the oscilloscope. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
To prevent risk of electric shock, keep your hands behind the tactile barrier which indicates the limit of safe access. 4. Press the lock switch up to lock the slide and down to unlock it. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Degauss window on the host instrument. 4. The multicolor Degauss/AutoZero status LED glows green to indicate a successful degauss routine was run, and that the probe is in normal operating mode. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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After you turn on the measurement system and allow a 20-minute warm-up period Before you connect the probe to a conductor Whenever a current or thermal overload condition occurs Whenever you subject the probe to a strong external magnetic field TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
1. Press the lock switch down to unlock the slide. 2. Squeeze the trigger handle to open the jaw. 3. Place the jaw around the conductor in the circuit. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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(gloves, for example), if you use the probe on accessible uninsulated wires or bus bar. WARNING. Do not exceed the bare wire voltage rating of the probe. Refer to the specification section for details. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
LEDs remain lighted to indicate: The current range selected The Degauss/AutoZero status NOTE. On some host instruments, the probe retains the range state and restores it when it is power cycled. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Installation Jaw Open LED 1. If the Jaw Open LED glows, the probe slide is unlocked. 2. Lock the probe slide to accurately measure current or to degauss the probe. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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To reset the probe, disconnect the probe from the oscilloscope, let it cool, and then reconnect it. Quick Tip An input current overload can magnetize the probe. Always degauss the probe after an overload. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Range Button and LEDs Press the Range button to select between the 25 A and 150 A current range settings. The green LEDs indicate the selected range. The range and units are also displayed on the oscilloscope screen. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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To degauss the probe, do the following: 1. Disconnect the probe from the current source and lock the slide. 2. Press the Degauss/AutoZero button to initiate the degauss routine. The LED glows green after successfully completing the Degauss/AutoZero routine. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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(See page 14, Optional Probe Screens.) Use the screen buttons to change the settings or to access other probe information. 3. Press the Menu button again to close the screen. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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The Probe Controls screen may be accessed from the probe Menu button or other probe screens. It contains buttons for common probe functions and for access to other probe screens, such as Probe Setup and Probe Properties. Click the Setup button to display the Probe Setup screen. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Installation Click the Properties button to display the Probe Properties screen. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
4. Set the oscilloscope to display the probe channel. 5. Adjust the oscilloscope or press Autoset to display a stable waveform. A stable waveform indicates that your probe is functioning correctly. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Close and lock the probe jaw over the conductor. 3. Read the measurement on the oscilloscope display. CAUTION. To prevent risk of electric shock or fire, do not exceed the bare wire voltage rating of the probe. (See page 43, Specifications.) TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Application Examples Application Examples This section explains ways to use your probe in common troubleshooting tasks and how to extend the use of your measurement system. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
3. Clamp the current probe over one of the source leads. NOTE. If the probe impedance is a significant part of the total circuit inductance, measurement accuracy will be affected. Refer to the probe specifications for probe insertion impedance. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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5. Calculate the inductance using the following formula: where: L is the inductance in henries, E is the voltage of the pulse generator, dt is the change in time, and di is the change in current. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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L is the inductance in henries, τ is the time required for the current to rise or fall 63.2% of the total current value, and R is the source resistance of the pulse generator. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
The number of turns is equal to the ratio of coil current to input current. NOTE. The accuracy of this method is limited by the current measurement accuracy. See the next page for a more accurate procedure. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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The turns are calculated by using the formula: where: is the number of turns in the test coil, is the number of turns in the reference coil, is the measured coil current, and is the input current. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
2. Close the protective cover with the strap to secure the cover to the probe. 3. To keep the cover with the probe, attach the cover leash to the probe cable. Reorder Tektronix part number: 016-1924-XX TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
30 Vrms, 42 Vpk, or 60 VDC. This accessory is limited to 0.5 Wrms and is not intended to be used with hazardous voltages. Reorder Tektronix part number: 015-0601-50 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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30 Vrms, 42 Vpk, or 60 VDC. This accessory is limited to 2 Wrms and is not intended to be used with hazardous voltages. Reorder Tektronix part number: 067-1686-00 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Reorder Tektronix part number: 003-1892-00 Adjustment Tool Use this tool to access the adjustment controls in the compensation box. Refer to the adjustment procedures for instructions. Reorder Tektronix part number: 003-1433-02 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Option D5. Calibration Data Report, 5 years (with Option C5) Option R3. Repair Service 3 years Option R5. Repair Service 5 years Manual Options Option L0. English language instruction manual Option L5. Japanese language instruction manual Option L7. Simplified Chinese language instruction manual TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Your circuit must be able to absorb this induced voltage. With low impedance circuits, several amperes may be induced in the circuit being measured. This may be of concern when you are using very small conductors. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
CAUTION. To prevent the risk of fire, ensure that when you are using multiple conductors from different sources, that all conductors are adequately insulated from each other. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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3. Measure the current. Conventional current flows from positive to negative. A waveform above the baseline indicates that the conductor with the conventional current flow in the direction of the probe arrow is carrying the greater current. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
WARNING. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, do not exceed the specified electrical limits of the probe or any applicable accessories. When using multiple conductors, do not exceed current limits on either conductor. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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NOTE. Adding a second conductor to the probe increases the insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe. Winding multiple turns further increases the insertion impedance, further reducing the upper bandwidth limit. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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For example, if the second conductor has a current of 100 mA DC and is wrapped around the probe five times, the DC bucking current is 100 mA multiplied by 5, or 500 mA DC. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
5 mA DC, the actual current flow is 5 mA divided by 5, or 1 mA DC. NOTE. Winding more turns around the probe increases the insertion impedance and reduces the upper bandwidth limit of the probe. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
fields on the supply side of your circuit can cause measurement errors. To avoid this: 1. Measure on the low or ground side of your circuit. 2. Orient the probe to measure conventional current flow (positive to negative). TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
2. Press the DC Coupling button to display the waveform as truly square. WARNING. To prevent personal injury or probe damage, make sure that the input DC current does not exceed the probe specification when you use AC coupling. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
DC or at a specified AC frequency. The maximum continuous current value is derated with frequency; as the frequency increases, the maximum continuous current rating decreases. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Always degauss the probe after measuring a current that exceeds the maximum continuous current, maximum pulsed current, or Ampere-second product rating of the probe. Exceeding these ratings can magnetize the probe and cause measurement errors. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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1. Measure the peak current of the pulse. 2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) specification for the range setting of the TCP0150 probe by the measured peak current of the pulse: The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse width (PW 3.
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1. Measure the pulse width at the 50% points. 2. Divide the Ampere-second (or Ampere-microsecond) specification for the range setting of the TCP0150 probe by the pulse width. The quotient is the maximum allowable pulse amplitude; the peak amplitude of the measured pulse must be less than this value.
The probe must have a warm-up period of at least 20 minutes and be in an environment that does not exceed the limits described. (See Table 3.) Specifications for the TCP0150 current probe fall into three categories: warranted, typical, and nominal characteristics. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Performance Verification section are marked with the symbol. Table 1: Warranted electrical characteristics Characteristic Description <3% (typical <1% at +23 °C, ± 5 °C) DC gain accuracy ≤17.5 ns Rise time (10% to 90%) DC to 20 MHz Bandwidth (calculated) TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
~21 ns Maximum voltage on bare wire 600 V RMS CAT II, 300 V RMS CAT III Maximum Amp·Second product (See 25 A Range: 3000 A·µs graph on page 49.) 150 A Range: 15000 A·µs TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Specifications TCP0150 Figure 1: Frequency derating (peak current versus frequency) TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Specifications Figure 2: Typical differential input impedance versus frequency TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Specifications Figure 3: Maximum peak pulse versus pulse width TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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268 mm × 40.5 mm × 156 mm (10.5 in × 1.6 in × 6.13 in) Dimensions, cable length 2 m (79 in) (from the probe head to the compensation box) Unit weight 1.45 kg (3.2 lbs) (probe, accessories, and packaging) TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities: Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC. EN 61010-1:2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use. EN 61010-2-032:2002. Particular requirements for handheld current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.2.032-96. Particular Requirements for Hand Held Current Clamps for Electrical Measurement and Test. Additional Compliance IEC 61010-1:2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. IEC 61010-2-032:2002. Particular requirements for handheld current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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The area is protected from direct sunshine, rain, or direct wind. Polution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Measurement Category II. For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation. Measurement Category I. For measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to MAINS. Measurement Category Measurement Category II (as defined in IEC 61010-1). TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
This section contains information on how to resolve use-related problems and how to care for your probe. Oscilloscope Firmware If some of the LEDs or features do not appear to function correctly, first go to www.tektronix.com/software to check for probe/oscilloscope compatibility and to download the latest oscilloscope firmware. Read the release notes and other information associated with the firmware upgrades to learn about any anomalies that may exist with your probe/oscilloscope combination when...
75% isopropyl alcohol solution and rinse with deionized water. A swab is useful for cleaning narrow spaces on the probe; use only enough solution to dampen the swab or cloth. Do not use abrasive compounds on any part of the probe. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
The procedures that follow verify the warranted specifications of the probe, listed below. The recommended calibration interval is one year. DC gain accuracy Rise time Bandwidth Perform the following verification procedures in the order listed. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
HF Current loop 50 Ω ±0.5%, BNC male 015-0601-50 BNC-to-Dual banana adapter 103-0090-00 SMA M-to-BNC F adapter 015-0554-00 BNC Cable 50 Ω , 0.76 m (30 in) length 012-0117-00 Nine-digit part numbers (xxx-xxxx-xx) are Tektronix part numbers. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
2. Scrape about a half-inch of coating off of the ends of the wire. NOTE. Ensure that the current loop has exactly 5 turns. A significant error will result for each turn variance from 5 turns. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
4. Power on the DMM, current source, and the pulse generator. 5. Allow 20 minutes for the equipment to warm up. 6. Photocopy the test record and use it to record the test results. (See page 66.) TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
BNC adapter on the TekVPI Calibration/Verification adapter and the BNC adapter attached to the DMM. 4. Connect the TekVPI Calibration/Verification adapter to any channel (1–4) of the oscilloscope. 5. Connect the probe to the TekVPI Calibration/Verification adapter. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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(+) terminal of the current source. 9. Set the probe range to 25 A. 10. Set the current source output to +2.50 A. 11. Enable the output of the current source. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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% Error as follows: 16. Set the probe range to 150 A. 17. Repeat steps 9 through 15 for the 150 A range, using +/-10.0 A as the test current. 18. Disable the calibrator output. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
4. Set the oscilloscope as follows: Vert: 250 mA/div, Horiz: 10 ns/div Trigger at 50%, Averaging on (32) Coupling to DC Automeasurement to Rise Time 5. Connect the probe directly to one of the oscilloscope channels (1–4). TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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filter, which will yield inaccurate rise time measurements. 10. Calculate the probe bandwidth using the measured rise time in the formula shown. 11. Record the calculated bandwidth value in the test record. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
±12.5 A 2.50 A 2.5 V Accuracy 150 A ±50.0 A 10.0 A 1.0 V Rise time 25 A ~1 A < 500 ps <17.5 ns 17.5 ns Bandwidth 25 A >20 MHz 20 MHz TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Equipment Setup Refer to the Performance Verification procedure for the equipment setup. CAUTION. To avoid ESD damage to the probe, use an antistatic wrist strap and work at a static-approved workstation when handling the probe. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
40 Hz square wave 1.0 Amp AC output 4. Enable the output of the current source. 5. Adjust the 25 A gain on the probe to display 1.000 V, +/- .005 V on the DMM. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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7. Set the calibrator output to 7.5 A. 8. Adjust the 150 A gain on the probe to display 750 mV, +/- 3 mV on the DMM. 9. Disconnect the probe from the current source. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Lubricant Silicone-based grease Compensation box separator Order Tektronix part number 003-1892-00 (See page 28, Compensation Box Tool.) Required for cable, switch panel, and compensation box replacement procedures Probe Disassembly The following procedures explain how to disassemble the probe and replace the components.
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2. Place the probe on a flat surface with the screw heads facing up. 3. Using a 3/32 inch Allen wrench, remove the eight retaining screws from the case. 4. Separate the case halves and remove the slide. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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1. Lift the cable out of the probe handle and insert a pair of pliers in the handle as shown. 2. While maintaining a firm grip on the pliers, carefully lift the squeeze handle and gear out of the probe. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Repair Transformer 1. To remove the current transformer, lift the assembly out of the probe as shown. 2. Disconnect the transformer from the circuit board. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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3. Disconnect the cable from the board. When reassembling the probe, do not tighten the new cable tie until you seat the board and cable in the probe case, to allow enough cable length for a proper fit. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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To avoid damaging the wires inside the probe, carefully dress the wires in the lower body half to avoid contact with the slide assembly. To avoid damaging the switch contacts, exercise care when fitting the slide back into the probe body. Aligning the switch contacts requires precision. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Hold the main section with the other hand and gently pull the two sections apart. 3. Use the separator tool tab to pop the cable cover off of the back section of the compensation box. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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8. Install the new cable or compensation box by performing this procedure in reverse. If you are replacing the cable, refer also to the Cable/Circuit Board Assembly procedure to complete the cable replacement. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
To avoid damaging the switch contacts, exercise care when fitting the slide back into the probe body. Aligning the switch contacts requires precision. If the slider does not work smoothly after tightening the two screws, loosen the screws slightly. TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
Replacement parts are available through your local Tektronix field office or representative. Changes to Tektronix instruments are sometimes made to accommodate improved components as they become available and to give you the benefit of the latest circuit improvements. Therefore, when ordering parts, it is important to include the following...
Items in this section are referenced by figure and index numbers to the exploded view illustrations that follow. Tektronix Part Number Use this part number when ordering replacement parts from Tektronix. 3 and 4 Serial Number Column three indicates the serial number at which the part was first effective.
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Repair Figure 5: Replaceable Parts TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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STRAP, TIEDOWN,E,6.75L,PLASTIC 878-0119-00 CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLY 214-2446-00 SPR,HLCL,TRSN:0.1 OD X 0.5 L,MUSIC WIRE 367-0218-00 HANDLE,SQUEEZE:PROBE 401-0352-00 GR CLUSTER,SPUR:(2)18 AND (1) 24 T,PLASTIC 174-5450-00 CABLE ASSEMBLY, RF, COAX, 12 COND 206-0583-00 CONTROL BOX 260-2873-00 MEMBRANE SWITCH TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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Repair TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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40 Maximum allowable pulse maximum continuous, 39 amplitude, 42 maximum pulsed, 39 Features, 1 Maximum allowable pulse width, 41 Current loop, 59 Firmware version, 55 Maximum continuous current Frequency derating, 39 rating, 39 TCP0150 Current Probe Instruction Manual...
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