Description
Switching power stages hide their worst behavior in the edges. The Tektronix TCP312A current probe helps you see those edges as current, not just voltage. It is a split-core AC/DC current probe. In other words, the clamp closes around a wire and senses flat DC as well as fast transitions. Engineers in Vietnam can rent or buy it through Lost in HCM.
Bandwidth first, amps second
Tektronix lists the TCP312A at DC to 100 MHz with 30 A DC continuous. So this clamp favors speed over raw current. For example, it suits switch currents in power supplies and ringing after turn-off. It also catches short spikes that a slower clamp would round off. Tektronix quotes a system DC accuracy of ±3% of reading. However, as with its siblings, the specs apply only with the TCPA300 amplifier.
Choosing among the TCPA300 clamps
Three clamps in this listing set share the TCPA300 amplifier. Their source data shows a clear trade-off.
- TCP312A: DC to 100 MHz, 30 A DC continuous, for fast edges.
- TCP305A: DC to 50 MHz, 50 A DC continuous, a middle option.
- TCP303: DC to 15 MHz, 150 A DC continuous, for heavy DC loads.
In short, pick the TCP312A when rise time matters more than the size of the load.
Typical lab work for the Tektronix TCP312A current probe
Power electronics teams use it to check switch and inductor current in converters. In addition, it helps with gate-drive studies, snubber tuning and EMI hunts. There, the shape of a fast pulse tells the story. Production engineers can also clamp it on during a failure review, since nothing needs to be cut or soldered.
Setup notes
First, connect the clamp to the TCPA300. Then run the amplifier output to a scope input with the termination the manual asks for. Degauss and zero before each test. Clamp only one wire at a time, and check the derating data whenever you push pulse width or frequency.
Quote and supply
So rent the clamp for a design sprint, or buy it for a lab that runs power tests all year. Either way, request a quote from Lost in HCM and describe the scope, the current, the edge speed and the conductor. You can also browse more clamps in the oscilloscope probes section, or check the Tektronix site for the manual. For advice, contact SMK Vietnam.
TCP312A FAQ
Why choose the TCP312A over the TCP303?
Choose it for speed. It reaches 100 MHz, while the TCP303 stops at 15 MHz but carries far more DC current.
Does the Tektronix TCP312A current probe come with the TCPA300?
Do not assume so. Lost in HCM quotes the amplifier separately, so name it in your request if you need one.
What details help Lost in HCM prepare the quote?
Send your scope model, the expected current, the waveform frequency, the conductor size and any extras you want.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.