Tektronix TAP3500 3.5 GHz Active Probe

Key Features At A Glance

• Single-ended active FET probes with bandwidth from 2.5 GHz to 3.5 GHz across the series
• ≤0.8 pF input capacitance and 40 kΩ input resistance to minimize loading on the device under test
• 10:1 attenuation with –4 V to +4 V input dynamic range and –10 V to +10 V DC offset range
• Connects directly to DPO7000 and DPO4000 Series oscilloscopes via the TekVPI probe interface
• DUT attachment accessories connect to SMDs as small as 0.5 mm pitch
• Compact probe head for probing small-geometry circuit elements
• ±30 V (DC + pkAC) maximum non-destruct input voltage
• Automatic units scaling and readout on the oscilloscope display through TekVPI
• Remote GPIB/USB probe control through the oscilloscope plus automatic units scaling and readout

The TAP2500 and TAP3500 are single-ended active FET probes engineered to deliver truer signal reproduction and fidelity for high-frequency measurements. Built around an ultra-low input capacitance and a dedicated probe interface, they address three traditional probing problems: lowering DUT loading effects, providing versatile connectivity for attaching to small surface-mount devices, and preserving oscilloscope bandwidth at the probe tip for DPO7000 and DPO4000 Series oscilloscope models up to 3.5 GHz.

These active probes are intended for the verification, debug, and characterization of high-speed designs, as well as signal integrity, jitter, and timing analysis. They also serve manufacturing engineering and test, and are suited to measuring signals with voltage swings up to 8 Vpk-pk.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Operating since 1992, ValueTronics keeps a deep, ready-to-ship selection of test and measurement equipment on hand so engineers can source the right instrument quickly.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The TAP2500 and TAP3500 form a two-model line of single-ended active FET probes that share a common architecture and interface while differing in bandwidth and rise time. Both are built for high-speed signal acquisition with ultra-low input capacitance and a TekVPI connection to compatible host oscilloscopes.

Across the line, the probes deliver the same ≤0.8 pF input capacitance, 40 kΩ input resistance, 10:1 attenuation, and –4 V to +4 V input dynamic range. The distinction between the two models is the bandwidth and rise-time tier each one targets.

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

The two models separate on headline speed: the TAP2500 provides a probe-only bandwidth of ≥2.5 GHz with a rise time of <140 ps, while the TAP3500 extends to ≥3.5 GHz with a faster rise time of <130 ps. All other electrical and mechanical characteristics — input capacitance, input resistance, attenuation, dynamic and offset ranges, and maximum input voltage — are common to both.

Use the comparison table below to match the bandwidth and rise-time tier to your application; the two models are otherwise identical in their input and mechanical specifications.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Y-Lead Adapter (2 each) and 3-inch ground lead (3 each) — 1 set (Reorder 196-3456-xx)
• SMT KlipChip Adapter — 2 each (Reorder 206-0364-xx)
• Micro CKT test tip — 2 each
• Customizable Ground Lead (set of 5) — 1 set (Reorder 196-3482-xx)
• Color Band Kit (5 colored pairs) — 1 set (Reorder 016-1315-xx)
• Pogo Pin Ground (set of 10) — 1 set (Reorder 016-1772-10)
• Square Pin Socket (set of 10) — 1 set (Reorder 016-1773-10)
• Push-in Probe Tip (set of 10) — 1 set (Reorder 131-5638-11)
• Right-angle Adapter (set of 10) — 1 set (Reorder 016-1774-xx)
• SureToe Adapter (set of 4) — 1 set (Reorder 131-6254-xx)
• Antistatic Wrist Strap — 1 each (Reorder 006-3415-xx)
• Nylon Carrying Case — 1 each (Reorder 016-1952-xx)
• Plastic Accessory Case — 1 each (Reorder 006-7164-00)
• Instruction Manual — 1 each (Reorder 071-1836-xx)

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Maximum input voltage (non-destruct): ±30 V (DC + pkAC).

Important: The TAP2500 and TAP3500 are powered directly by, and require, a Tektronix DPO7000 or DPO4000 Series oscilloscope with the TekVPI probe interface; the probes do not operate standalone.

Recommended pairing: use the TAP2500 or TAP3500 with DPO7000 or DPO4000 Series oscilloscopes equipped with the TekVPI probe interface, which also supplies probe power.

Recommended pairing: use the SMA-to-Probe tip adapter (015-0678-xx) listed among the recommended accessories for coaxial signal connections.

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.