The Tektronix Passive High-voltage Probes family comprises five models — the P5100A, TPP0850, P5120, P5122, and P6015A — that bring high-voltage signals safely within the input range of an oscilloscope. Each model balances attenuation, bandwidth, and maximum voltage differently, so the family as a whole covers measurements from 1000 VRMS class work up to 20 kV DC. Several models add readout coding so the oscilloscope displays the actual signal amplitude rather than an attenuated value, and the P5120 and P5122 add channel isolation for floating measurements.

Across the family these probes are applied to power-electronics measurement tasks. The listed applications are power supply design, motor drive design, electronic ballast, power semiconductors, switch mode control, UPS systems, and power converters. The TPP0850 in particular is positioned for testing power semiconductors and switch-mode power supplies, which continue to increase in switching speed and create demand for faster rise time, higher bandwidth, and higher voltage probes.

Brand Heritage

Tektronix, Inc. was acquired by Danaher Corporation in 2007. In 2016 Danaher spun off its test and measurement businesses into Fortive Corporation, of which Tektronix has since been a part. The Tektronix brand name has been retained throughout.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The Passive High-voltage Probes family groups five distinct probes — P5100A, TPP0850, P5120, P5122, and P6015A — under one product line. They are not a single tiered ladder but a set of probes that each pair a particular attenuation factor with a particular bandwidth, voltage rating, cable length, and compensation range, so the right choice depends on the voltage and frequency of the signal being measured.

Two of the models, the P5120 and P5122, form an IsolatedChannel pair intended for the TPS2000 Series oscilloscopes, while the P6015A stands apart as the dedicated high-voltage probe for measurements above 2.5 kV. The P5100A and TPP0850 share an accessory set and the 2.5 kVPeak / 1000 V CAT II rating but differ in attenuation and bandwidth.

Each new model linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the specific probe model that fits your measurement, then choose the listing that matches the condition and price you need.

The P5100A is a low input capacitance high-voltage probe rated 2.5 kVPeak that is designed for higher-frequency applications, providing DC to 500 MHz bandwidth at 100X with readout coding. It can be compensated to match plug-ins and oscilloscopes with nominal input capacitances of 7 to 30 pF, and a variety of screw-on accessories provide easy connection to the device under test.

The models differ primarily in attenuation, bandwidth, and maximum voltage, as shown in the comparison table. Attenuation ranges from 20X (P5120) through 50X (TPP0850), 100X (P5100A, P5122), to 1000X (P6015A). Bandwidth runs from DC to 75 MHz on the P6015A up to DC to 800 MHz on the TPP0850, with corresponding typical rise times from 4.0 ns to under 700 ps.

Voltage handling and isolation also separate the models. The P5100A and TPP0850 are rated 2.5 kVPeak / 1000 V CAT II; the P5120 and P5122 are rated 1000 VRMS CAT II with float capability for isolated measurements on the TPS2000 Series; and the P6015A extends to 20 kV DC and 40 kV peak pulses. Cable lengths and compensation ranges vary by model as listed in the table that follows.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Hook probe tip (206-0463-xx)
• Banana plug tip (134-0016-xx)
• Crocodile clip – plugs onto ground lead (344-0461-xx)
• Ground lead (196-3363-xx)
• Carrying case (016-1147-xx)
• Instruction manual (070-8223-xx)

Product Core & Specifications

Important: The P5122 should not be used for AC-coupled measurements on signals with greater than 300 V DC offset. The P5120 is the recommended probe for measuring ripple on high-voltage DC supplies.

Important: Using the readout version (P6015A) with other than Tektronix digital scopes may result in an erroneous readout display.

Important: The P6015A measures DC voltages up to 20 kV and pulses up to 40 kV (peak, 100 ms pulse width).

Recommended pairing: the P5120 and P5122 IsolatedChannel probes are designed for use with the Tektronix TPS2000 Series digital storage oscilloscopes; the TPP0850 is designed for use with the MSO/DPO5000 and MSO/DPO4000B Series.

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.