IsoVu Isolated Probes

Uncover the fast, floating signals that your non-isolated probes are hiding. IsoVu™ Probe Technology virtually eliminates common mode interference using optical isolation. This delivers accurate differential measurements on reference voltages slewing ±60kV at 100V/ns or faster. And with our IsoVu Generation 2 design, you get all the benefits of IsoVu technology at 1/5 of the size.

With versatile MMCX connectors and an unmatched combination of bandwidth, dynamic range, and common mode rejection, IsoVu Gen 2 probes are setting new standards for isolated probe technology.

An Isolated probe uses galvanic (optical) or RF isolation to divorce the reference voltage of the probe from the reference voltage of the oscilloscope (typically Earth Ground). This enables power designers to accurately resolve high bandwidth, high voltage differential signals in the presence of large common mode voltages.

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What is an Isolated Probe?

An Isolated probe uses galvanic (optical) or RF isolation to divorce the reference voltage of the probe from the reference voltage of the oscilloscope (typically Earth Ground). This enables power designers to accurately resolve high bandwidth, high voltage differential signals in the presence of large common mode voltages. Tektronix has developed a new technology (IsoVu) that uses galvanic isolation to provide best in class common mode rejection performance across a wide bandwidth.

The combination of isolation and high frequency in IsoVu probes provide power designers with more accurate measurements than traditional differential probes for applications that require high bandwidth while measuring high voltage signals. Example use cases include:

  • Switched Mode Power Supply design
  • Power FET design/analysis for Wide Bandgap GaN and SiC devices
  • Inverter design
  • Motor Drive design
  • BCI or ESD measurements
  • Current shunt measurements

Less Common Mode Noise, More Detail

IsoVu technology uses power-over-fiber and an optical analog signal path for complete galvanic isolation between the measurement system and your DUT. By allowing the probe to float independently at the common mode voltage, isolation greatly reduces common mode interference.

In combination with a 4, 5 or 6 Series MSO, IsoVu provides an efficient, reliable way to resolve high-bandwidth differential signals with fast-slewing references, allowing you to spend less time “designing blind” in a variety of situations:

  • Floating measurements in power supplies
  • Measuring current through shunt resistors
  • Debugging ESD and EMI susceptibility problems
  • Breaking ground loops

High Differential Voltage at a Range of Bandwidths

With traditional differential probes you had to choose between high bandwidth or high voltage levels. IsoVu probes, with their shielded coaxial cable and isolation, provide high bandwidth and a differential voltage range of ±2500V.

IsoVu Gen 2 offers a range of bandwidths – 200 MHz, 500 MHz, and 1 GHz – to fit your budget and build your bench with the performance necessary for your specific projects.

 

Innovative Technology in a Space-Saving Design

IsoVu Generation 2 probes offer the same bandwidth, common mode rejection, and voltage range as our original IsoVu probes, but at 1/5 of the size and without a separate controller box. The lasers and analog electronics are contained in the compact head and oscilloscope connector. Compared to our original IsoVu probes, Generation 2 probes also have:

  • Better DC gain accuracy
  • Improved step response
  • More built-in ranges

High Performance with Convenient Connections

IsoVu probe tips have a range of connections and accessories that offer high performance and accessibility.

For example, MMCX connectors are inexpensive, widely available connectors that make for stable, hands-free test points and offer the best bandwidth and common mode rejection. Their solid metal body shields the center conductor and minimizes ground loop area for the lowest interference possible.

Other accessories are available to adapt the probe tips to a wide range of connections. Additional 0.100” and 0.200” spaced square-pin tips are available for applications that require greater than ±250V differential voltage.

When not using a tip, the sensor head has 1 M? and 50 ? switchable termination at the probe’s SMA connector. This feature effectively adds an isolated channel to any compatible oscilloscope.

ModelBandwidthDifferential VoltageCommon Mode VoltageCommon Mode Rejection RatioFiber Cable LengthList Price
TIVP02200 MHz±2500 V±60 kVDC: 160dB
100 MHz: 100 dB
200 MHz: 100 dB
2 metersRs:1,120,000
TIVP02L200 MHz±2500 V±60 kVDC: 160dB
100 MHz: 100 dB
200 MHz: 100 dB
10 metersRs:1,610,000
 
TIVP05500 MHz±2500 V±60 kVDC: 160dB
100 MHz: 100 dB
200 MHz: 100 dB
2 metersRs:2,050,000
 
TIVP05L500 MHz±2500 V±60 kVDC: 160dB
100 MHz: 100 dB
200 MHz: 100 dB
10 metersRs:2,520,000
 
TIVP11 GHz±2500 V±60 kVDC: 160dB
100 MHz: 100 dB
200 MHz: 100 dB
2 metersRs:3,000,000
 
TIVP1L1 GHz±2500 V±60 kVDC: 160dB
100 MHz: 100 dB
200 MHz: 100 dB
10 metersRs:3,440,000
 
Key SpecificationsTektronix
TIVP (with TIVPMX50X tip*)
Tektronix
TIVH (with MMCX250X tip*)
No longer available for ordering
Tektronix
THDP0200
ApplicationsHigh Side VGS, Wide Bandgap (GaN and SiC) characterization, SMPS optimization, Temperature Testing (with SMA cable)High Side VGS,
Wide Bandgap (GaN and SiC) characterization, SMPS optimization
General Purpose,
Si and IGBT-based power electronics
Bandwidth200 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz200 MHz, 500 MHz, 800 MHz160 MHz, 200 MHz
Risetime2ns, 850ps, 450ps2ns, 850ps, 450ps1.75ns
CMRR @DC160 dB160 dB80 dB
CMRR @100 MHz85 dB85 dB26 dB
Diff. Voltage Range±250V*±250V*150V, 1500V
CM. Voltage Range±60kV±60kV±1500V
Offset Voltage Range±250V*±250V*50X Scope Input Offset Range ±50V typ.
Noise (200mV – 3V measurements)41.8mVpp79.8mVpp110mVpp
DC Gain Accuracy0.6% typ.3%2%
Input Impedance10 M? || 3 pF *10 M? || 2 pF10 M? || 2 pF
Operating Temperature Range0°C to 50°C (Sensor Head)0°C to 70°C (Sensor Head)0°C to 40°C
Oscilloscope Compatibility4/5/6 Series MSO onlyAll TekVPI Oscilloscopes
(including 4/5/6 Series MSO)
All TekVPI Oscilloscopes
(including 4/5/6 Series MSO)

 

Debugging ESD Issues

Going beyond functional testing to troubleshoot the root cause of ESD failures can be frustrating. When using conventional electrical probes, the ESD discharge couples into the probe and propagates down the cable to the oscilloscope, even if the scope is sitting outside of a faraday cage. Any waveform visible on the scope isn’t representative of what’s actually happening at the test point. But thanks to optical isolation, IsoVu Gen 2 probes prevent coupling and give a more accurate picture of DUT behavior during ESD and EFT testing beyond simple system testing.

Measuring Current Through Shunt Resistors

Measuring the differential voltage across a shunt resistor should be an easy way to get accurate current measurements. But due to the common mode voltages involved, it can be surprisingly challenging. IsoVu, with its high common mode voltage rating and high common mode rejection, succeeds where others fail.

Debugging ESD Issues

Going beyond functional testing to troubleshoot the root cause of ESD failures can be frustrating. When using conventional electrical probes, the ESD discharge couples into the probe and propagates down the cable to the oscilloscope, even if the scope is sitting outside of a faraday cage. Any waveform visible on the scope isn’t representative of what’s actually happening at the test point. But thanks to optical isolation, IsoVu Gen 2 probes prevent coupling and give a more accurate picture of DUT behavior during ESD and EFT testing beyond simple system testing.

The measurement system can be used with the following Tektronix oscilloscopes. Oscilloscope software version 1.28 or higher is required. For oscilloscopes not included in this list, contact your local Tektronix representative.

Model Analog Bandwidth Sample Rate Record Length Analog Channels List Price
TBS1052C 50 MHz 1 GS/s 20k points 2 ₨42,900
Configure & Quote
TBS1072C 70 MHz 1 GS/s 20k points 2 ₨69,200
Configure & Quote
TBS1102C 100 MHz 1 GS/s 20k points 2 ₨94,500
Configure & Quote
TBS1202C 200 MHz 1 GS/s 20k points 2 ₨151,000
Configure & Quote
  Tektronix
TBS1000C
Tektronix
TBS2000B
Display 7 inch 9 inch (800x480)
Record Length 20K points 5M points
Horizontal Grids 15 15
Channels 2 2 or 4
Bandwidth Up to 200 Mhz Up to 200 Mhz
Sample Rate Up to 1 GS/s Up to 2 GS/s
Automatic Measurements 32 32
Applications R & D and Education R & D and Education
Education Solution Courseware included, HelpEverywhere, disable autoset cursors and measurements 
Courseware included, HelpEverywhere, ScopeIntro, disable autoset cursors and measurements
Warranty 5 years 5 years

Education

The TBS1000C digital storage oscilloscope offers new features that enable educators to devote more time to teaching engineering concepts and less time on lab setup and management.

  • Built-in Courseware Lab Viewer
  • HelpEverywhere system with on-screen tips and hints throughout the user interface
  • Ability to independently disable AutoSet, Cursors and Measurements
  • Five-year warranty as standard
  • Kensington lock
Datasheet Accessory Description
AC2100 Soft Carrying Case
HCTEK4321 Hard Carrying Case
View Datasheet TEK-USB-488 USB TO IEEE488 (GPIB) COMMUNICATIONS ADAPTOR FOR USBTMC-USB488 COMPLIANT TEKTRONIX INSTRUMENTS
TBS1000C Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Get oscilloscope waveform analysis capabilities right on your PC

Analyze waveforms anywhere, anytime with TekScope PC analysis software. Educators and engineers alike will appreciate the ability to measure and control waveform data from any location and share with remote colleagues and classmates.

  • Recall and view waveforms, perform cursor and automated measurements, create time trends, histograms and spectrum views for free in the base package
  • Use as teaching / learning aid to for Oscilloscopes and basic signal analysis
  • Perform basic instrument control, waveform transfer, analysis and protocol decode on a TBS1000C / TBS2000B oscilloscope with TEKSCOPE-ENTRY license
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