The P6246, P6247, and P6248 are a family of Tektronix differential probes that enable time-domain and frequency-domain measurements on the high-bandwidth signals commonly found in disk drive, digital IC design (RAMBUS), and communication applications such as Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE-1394 Firewire, and Fibre Channel. Each probe pairs a small probe-head geometry with an assortment of probe-tip accessories so that surface-mount devices can be probed manually while maintaining high common-mode rejection. The probes interface through TEKPROBE, providing probe power, auto-scaling, and auto-termination when used with TDS oscilloscopes.

These probes are applied to design verification of disk drive read-channel electronics and to timing analysis when troubleshooting the ground-bounce problems associated with high-speed logic. They are also used for pulse-shape and cross-talk compliance testing of high-speed communication signals, along with jitter, cross-talk, and BERT measurements and locating ground bounce. The listed application areas span communications (Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE-1394, Fibre Channel), semiconductor characterization (RAMBUS), and disk drive read-channel design.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, so the instruments and probes we list are equipment we physically maintain rather than source on demand. Every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house by our team before it ships, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The P6246, P6247, and P6248 form a three-model differential probe series sharing a common architecture: a low-capacitance differential front end, a small probe head sized for surface-mount probing, and a TEKPROBE interface for probe power, auto-scaling, and auto-termination with compatible oscilloscopes. Across the series, input capacitance stays below 1 pF differential and common-mode rejection reaches >60 dB (1000:1) at 1 MHz.

The primary distinction among the three models is guaranteed bandwidth and the corresponding specified rise time, with each model targeting a different point on the high-speed measurement range. The shared accessory ecosystem and identical input voltage ranges mean the choice between models is driven mainly by the bandwidth required for the signals under test.

Each pre-owned model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the specific bandwidth tier your application requires, and review that page for its pricing and availability.

The P6248 is the highest-bandwidth model in the series at a guaranteed DC to 1.5 GHz with a specified rise time of <265 ps. It includes accessories that allow RAMBUS via probing and IEEE-1394 interconnect access, and ships with an expanded probe-tip set that adds 3-inch ground leads, connector savers, Longhorn via adapters, VariTip adapters, and straight tips.

The models differ primarily by guaranteed bandwidth and specified rise time: the P6246 covers DC to 400 MHz (<875 ps rise time), the P6247 covers DC to 1.0 GHz (<350 ps), and the P6248 covers DC to 1.5 GHz (<265 ps). The comparison table that follows lists these values alongside the common-mode rejection figures, which extend to higher frequencies on the wider-bandwidth models.

Two features are available on the P6246 and P6247: a switchable 200 MHz bandwidth limit and a DC reject function (0.4 Hz at 1X, 4.0 Hz at 10X). The P6248 additionally ships with a larger complement of included probe-tip accessories and the accessories for RAMBUS via probing and IEEE-1394 interconnect access. Refer to the comparison table for the per-model specifications and accessory quantities.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Y Lead Adapter – 2 each (196-3434-00)
• 6 in. Ground Lead – 2 each (196-3436-10)
• SMT KlipChip Adapter – 3 each (206-0364-00)
• BNC to Probe Tip Adapter – 1 each (679-4094-00)
• TwinFoot Adapter – 2 each (016-1785-00)
• TwinTip Adapter – 2 each (016-1786-00)
• Short Ground Contact – 2 each (016-1783-00)
• Spring Loaded Ground – 2 each (016-1782-00)
• Color Coding Clips – 1 each (016-1315-00)
• Certificate of Traceability – 1 each

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Maximum nondestruct input voltage: ±25 V (DC + peak AC).

Important: These probes use the TEKPROBE interface for probe power, auto-scaling and auto-termination with TDS Series oscilloscopes. When used with instruments other than TDS Series oscilloscopes (e.g. other BNC instruments, spectrum or network analyzers), the 1103 TEKPROBE power supply is required to provide probe power and is a separately-ordered related product, not included with the probe.

About this Pre-Owned unit

This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects.

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

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.