Description
Clip it on, plug it in, and read amps. That is the idea behind the Tektronix TCP0020 current probe. The probe clamps on and senses both AC and DC. Its plug is TekVPI, the Tektronix probe interface that lets a supported scope power the probe and show the reading in current units. You can rent or buy it in Vietnam through Lost in HCM.
Why TekVPI saves time
With TekVPI, there is no separate amplifier or power brick on the bench. The scope supplies power, so setup takes less space and fewer cables. It also reports the trace in amps, which cuts scaling mistakes during a busy test. However, not every scope supports TekVPI, and probe power can be limited. So check your model before you order.
Core data for the TCP0020
Tektronix rates this clamp from DC to at least 50 MHz, with 20 A RMS and a 100 A maximum peak pulse. Pulse width and amp-second limits govern that peak. Tektronix warrants DC accuracy to ±3%, with ±1% typical. In addition, the jaw opens to 5 mm, and the cable runs 2 m. These figures match the TCP2020, which instead uses a BNC output and an AC adapter.
Where the Tektronix TCP0020 current probe fits
- Board-level supply rails during power-up and sleep-to-wake changes.
- Motor and fan drivers in appliances and small machines.
- Loads switched by automotive control modules on a test bench.
- Teaching labs, where a simple setup keeps students on task.
Routine before each capture
Run degauss and zero before anything else. Then set the range so the expected peak stays inside the limits. Also clamp only one conductor, because a supply and its return cancel each other. On live circuits, check insulation and voltage category, and cut the power wherever the manual tells you to.
Rent or buy with a Lost in HCM quote
Rent the probe for a product launch, a vendor check or a busy R&D month. Buy it when a TekVPI scope already runs every day in your lab. To begin, request a quote from Lost in HCM and name your scope, then describe the signal: amps, frequency and wire size. More clamps sit in the oscilloscope probes category. For the manual, visit Tektronix, or contact SMK Vietnam with a question.
TCP0020 buyer FAQ
Will the Tektronix TCP0020 current probe run on any scope?
No. It needs a supported TekVPI scope, which powers it. Send your scope model so Lost in HCM can confirm the match.
How does it differ from the TCP2020?
The core figures match. The TCP0020 takes power through TekVPI, while the TCP2020 uses a BNC output and an AC adapter.
Can the 5 mm jaw fit a battery cable?
Only a thin one. Larger cables need a probe with a wider jaw, such as the TCP0150.
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