Description
Most passive probes divide the signal by ten, which pushes a small ripple toward the scope’s noise floor. The Tektronix TPP0502 passive probe divides by two instead. It is a passive, single-ended voltage probe with 2X attenuation and 500 MHz bandwidth, and it joins the scope through TekVPI. Lost in HCM sells and rents it in Vietnam, and it arranges service on request.
Why 2X helps on small signals
With 2X, the scope receives half the tip voltage instead of a tenth. So a few millivolts of ripple on a low-voltage rail stay larger on screen, and the channel can run at a more sensitive setting. That makes the probe a good fit for regulators, reference lines and other quiet supply nodes on suitable low-voltage boards.
The loading trade-off
Lower attenuation also changes the load. The listing gives a 2 MΩ input resistance and 12.7 pF of input capacitance, both heavier than the 10X TPP models at 10 MΩ and under 4 pF. As a result, it suits low-impedance nodes such as supply rails better than fast, high-impedance logic. For timing work at the same bandwidth, the TPP0500B makes more sense.
TPP0502 listing data
- Probe type: passive, single-ended.
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz.
- Attenuation: 2X.
- Input resistance: 2 MΩ.
- Input capacitance: 12.7 pF.
- Cable length: 1.3 m.
- Interface: TekVPI, supported scope input required.
Ripple checks with the Tektronix TPP0502 passive probe
First, keep the ground return short, because a long lead picks up switching noise and adds false spikes. Then confirm that the scope channel reads 2X, not 10X, or every value will be off by a factor of five. Also, check compensation before you record results. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s manual and ratings for voltage limits and derating.
Renting or buying
Power design groups and production test teams often need this probe for a single project, such as a converter validation, so a rental can cover that window. Labs with steady supply work may prefer to own one. Either way, list your scope model and the accessories you want, then request a TPP0502 quote from Lost in HCM. You can also compare other oscilloscope probes, check tek.com for the model-family datasheet, or contact SMK Vietnam.
Tektronix TPP0502 passive probe buyer questions
Is it slower than the TPP0500B?
No. Both listings give 500 MHz. The split lies in attenuation, input resistance and capacitance.
Why does my reading look five times too large?
The channel probably still uses a 10X factor. Set it to 2X, and then repeat the measurement.
Can it replace a 10X probe for general debug?
For some jobs, yes. However, its heavier loading makes a 10X TPP model the safer pick on fast or high-impedance nodes.
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