Description
Two tips, one result: the difference between them. The Tektronix TDP3500 differential probe reads the voltage across two low-voltage signal points, so it ignores the level they share. It lists 3.5 GHz typical bandwidth, 5X attenuation and a TekVPI interface. Its inputs present 100 kΩ and under 0.3 pF, typical, between them. Lost in HCM offers it for rental or purchase in Vietnam and arranges service on request.
Start with the common-mode check
Engineers often check the swing and forget the level underneath it. Yet each input of this probe must stay between −4 V and +5 V. For instance, a pair can swing only a few hundred millivolts and still sit on a bias outside that span. So read both the swing and the bias off the schematic first. Then compare them with the ±2 V differential window and the ±1 V displayed offset range.
The TDP3500 in numbers
- Bandwidth: 3.5 GHz typical.
- Attenuation: 5X.
- Input: 100 kΩ and under 0.3 pF, typical, differential.
- Swing: ±2 V differential.
- Common mode: −4 V to +5 V.
- Offset: ±1 V, displayed.
- Damage limit: ±15 V DC plus peak AC.
- Interface: TekVPI, so verify your scope.
The Tektronix TDP3500 differential probe between its siblings
The TDP4000 shares these input figures but lists 4 GHz typical. On the other hand, the TDP1500 lists 1.5 GHz with switchable 1X / 10X ranges. So the Tektronix TDP3500 differential probe sits in between. It suits teams whose fast pairs need the low-capacitance input but not the very top speed.
Where it fits on the bench
Use it on differential clocks, display and camera links, and high-speed serial lanes during bring-up. It also helps when you debug a noisy board, since a differential view rejects much of the shared ground noise. Keep the two leads short and alike, because any mismatch adds its own error. In addition, follow the manufacturer’s manual and ratings for every setup.
Ordering the TDP3500
A rental covers a design spin, a customer audit or a trial before purchase. A purchase, by contrast, makes sense for a lab with steady high-speed work. To start, ask Lost in HCM for a TDP3500 quote with your scope model, signal speed and voltage levels. You can also explore more oscilloscope probes, open tek.com, or contact SMK Vietnam about the Tektronix TDP3500 differential probe.
Questions about the TDP3500
How does it differ from the TDP4000?
Only in bandwidth, going by the listings. It gives 3.5 GHz typical against 4 GHz typical.
What happens if the common mode goes out of range?
The reading stops being reliable, even if the swing looks small. Keep each input between −4 V and +5 V.
Which scope details should my request include?
Give the exact TekVPI scope model you plan to use. Then Lost in HCM can confirm support before it quotes.
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