The Tektronix P5200A, P5202A, P5205A, and P5210A are high-voltage active differential probes designed to let users safely make measurements of floating circuits while their oscilloscope remains grounded. Each probe converts floating signals into low-voltage, ground-referenced signals that can be displayed safely and easily on a ground-referenced oscilloscope. As a series, they span bandwidths up to 100 MHz, differential input voltages up to 5,600 V (DC + peak AC), and common-mode voltages up to 2,300 V (RMS).

A differential probe measures the voltage difference between two points in a circuit, neither of which is necessarily referenced to ground — making it the instrument of choice when a signal floats above ground potential. These probes are applied to floating measurements, switching power supply design, motor drive design, electronic ballast design, CRT display design, power converter design and service, and power device evaluation. The P5205A, for instance, can safely measure voltages in IGBT circuits such as motor drives or power converters.

Brand Heritage

Tektronix, Inc. was founded in 1946 and built its reputation in oscilloscopes and test instrumentation. The company was acquired by Danaher Corporation in 2007, and in 2016 it became part of Fortive Corporation when Danaher spun off its test and measurement businesses.

Compare Other Models in This Series

This series comprises four high-voltage active differential probes — the P5200A, P5202A, P5205A, and P5210A — that share the core purpose of safely converting floating signals to ground-referenced signals, but differ in attenuation, differential and common-mode voltage range, bandwidth, and maximum rated input voltage.

All four probes feature switchable attenuation, a switchable bandwidth limit, an overrange indicator, and a 1.8 m cable. The right model depends on the voltage levels you need to measure and the bandwidth your application demands.

Each model in this series is listed below on its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, so you can review the specific new unit and its specifications before ordering.

The P5200A can be used with any oscilloscope that has grounded inputs, converting floating signals to low-voltage ground-referenced signals. It offers switchable 50X/500X attenuation, differential input voltage up to ±1,300 V, 50 MHz bandwidth, and a maximum rated input of 1000 V CAT II. A power cord option must be specified when ordering.

Bandwidth divides the family into two tiers: the P5202A and P5205A reach 100 MHz, while the P5200A and P5210A are specified at 50 MHz. Attenuation and voltage handling also vary — the P5202A uses 20X/200X attenuation with differential input up to ±640 V, the P5200A and P5205A use 50X/500X up to ±1,300 V, and the P5210A uses 100X/1000X to reach ±5,600 V differential.

Maximum rated input voltage tracks these tiers as well, ranging from 450 V on the P5202A up to 2,300 V on the P5210A. The P5202A is similar to the P5205A but has approximately half the attenuation and half the dynamic range, with a better signal-to-noise ratio. See the comparison table below for the full per-model specifications.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• 2 hook clips
• 2 alligator clips
• 2 pincer clips
• 2 extension cables

Product Core & Specifications

Important: For safe operation, do not use the P5200A with oscilloscopes that have floating (isolated) inputs, such as the Tektronix TPS2000 Series; it requires an oscilloscope or other measurement instrument with grounded inputs.

Important: The P5210A can be used with Tektronix TEKPROBE interface oscilloscopes directly, or with any oscilloscope through the separately-supplied 1103 TEKPROBE Power Supply (the 1103 is not included with the probe and must be ordered separately for use with non-TEKPROBE oscilloscopes).

Important: The P5202A and P5205A are specifically designed to operate on Tektronix oscilloscopes with the TEKPROBE interface.

Important: For the P5200A, the power cord option must be specified when ordering.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.