Tektronix TDP1500 1.5 GHz Differential Probe with TekVPI Interface

Key Features At A Glance

• Differential active probes spanning 1.5 GHz to 3.5 GHz warranted bandwidth across the two-model series
• Connects directly to and powered by the TekVPI probe interface — no external power supply required
• Low input capacitance and high input resistance reduce DUT loading for high signal fidelity
• CMRR >60 dB @ 1 MHz and >25 dB @ 1 GHz reduces errors in high common-mode environments
• Compact probe head with DUT attachment accessories for connecting to fine-spaced SMDs
• Remote GPIB/USB probe control via the scope (GPIB on DPO4000/MSO4000 requires TEK-USB-488 adapter)
• AutoZero zeros output offset; single-button oscilloscope probe menu access and readout
• Designed for high-speed serial bus debug: I2C, SPI, CAN/LIN, Serial ATA, GbE, USB 2.0, FireWire (1394b)

The Tektronix TDP1500 and TDP3500 are differential-ended active probes built for high-frequency, high-speed digital and serial measurements. Differential active probes provide truer signal reproduction and fidelity for high-frequency measurements, and with ultra-low input capacitance and versatile device-under-test connection capabilities, the TDP1500 and TDP3500 deliver the high-speed electrical and mechanical performance required for today's digital system designs. Both models connect directly to the TekVPI probe interface used on the DPO7000, DPO4000, and MSO4000 Series oscilloscopes.

These probes are designed for the design, validation, debugging, and characterization of common high-speed serial bus designs, including I2C, CAN/LIN, SPI, Serial ATA, Ethernet (GbE), USB 2.0, and FireWire (1394b). Beyond serial bus work, they support signal integrity, jitter, and timing analysis, as well as manufacturing engineering and test.

Brand Heritage

Tektronix, Inc. has marketed test and measurement instruments under the Tektronix name for decades. The company was acquired by Danaher Corporation in 2007 and, following Danaher's 2016 spinoff of its test and measurement businesses, has operated as part of Fortive Corporation, continuing to sell under the Tektronix brand.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The TDP1500 and TDP3500 make up Tektronix's family of differential-ended active probes for the TekVPI interface. Both are built on the same integrated scope/probe architecture — direct connection to and power from the TekVPI interface, single-button probe menu access, AutoZero, and a compact probe head sized for small-geometry circuit elements. The two models differ primarily in warranted bandwidth and the input-loading and dynamic-range characteristics that accompany each bandwidth tier.

Across the series, the probes target high-speed serial and digital applications, addressing the traditional differential-probing challenges of DUT loading, DUT connectivity, and maximizing combined oscilloscope-and-probe system bandwidth up to 3.5 GHz on TekVPI interface oscilloscope models.

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

The two models separate along bandwidth and signal-fidelity lines. The TDP1500 provides ≥1.5 GHz warranted bandwidth with 1X/10X attenuation, ≤265 ps typical rise time, ≤1 pF differential input capacitance, and 200 kΩ differential input resistance. The TDP3500 provides ≥3.5 GHz warranted bandwidth with 5X attenuation, ≤110 ps typical rise time, ≤0.3 pF differential input capacitance, and 100 kΩ differential input resistance. Differential input dynamic range and input offset range also differ between the two — see the comparison table for the exact per-model values.

Oscilloscope compatibility differs as well. The TDP3500 is fully supported on the DPO7000, DPO4000, and MSO4000 Series, while the TDP1500 is fully supported on the DPO4000 and MSO4000 Series and operates with DPO7000 Series firmware version 4.0.0 and above without range control on the oscilloscope menu. Both probes share the same ±25 V (DC + peak AC) maximum non-destructive input voltage and the same CMRR ratings of >60 dB at 1 MHz and >25 dB at 1 GHz. The comparison table below details these differences side by side.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Pouch, Nylon Carrying Case with inserts (016-1952-XX)
• Documentation Kit TDP1500 (020-2866-00) - Printed User Manual (English 071-2209-XX) and a CD containing Technical Reference Manual PDF (English 071-2296-xx)
• Certificate of Traceability
• Accessory Kit TDP1500 (020-2702-XX)
• Plastic Accessory Box (006-7164-00)
• Straight Pins, 8 each (016-1891-XX)
• Longhorn VIA Adapter, Pkg of 5 each (016-1780-XX)
• 1 Inch Solder Down (196-3504-XX)
• 3 Inch Solder Down (196-3505-XX)
• Y-Lead Adapter, 2 each (196-3434-XX)
• MicroCKT Test Tip, 3 each (206-0569-XX)
• Tip Saver, 2 each (016-1781-XX)
• 3 Inch Ground Lead, 2 each (196-3437-XX)
• Marker Band Set (2 each of 5 colors) (016-1315-XX)
• Accessory Performance Summary and Reorder Sheet (001-1412-XX)

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Maximum non-destructive input voltage: ±25 V (DC + peak AC).

Important: The TDP3500 is fully supported on the DPO7000, DPO4000, and MSO4000 Series oscilloscopes. The TDP1500 is fully supported on the DPO4000 and MSO4000 Series.

Important: TDP1500 functions properly with DPO7000 series firmware version 4.0.0 and above, but does not provide range control on the oscilloscope menu.

Important: Remote GPIB/USB probe control through the oscilloscope requires the TEK-USB-488 Adapter for GPIB control on DPO4000 and MSO4000 Series oscilloscopes.

About this New unit

This is a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, supplied exactly as it arrives from the manufacturer and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. For the exact configuration, available options, included accessories, or current lead time for your application, our Test Architects can confirm the details before you order.

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.