“Breakthrough” probes and power supplies debut at electronica

TICP Series IsoVu isolated current probes are claimed to be the world’s first to utilize RF isolation, delivering exceptional precision and safety when measuring fast-changing current across both low- and high-voltage systems.

The EA-PSB 20000 Triple series is a 3-channel, bidirectional power supply and electronic load with energy recovery that delivers higher test coverage, density, and capacity across multiple channels within a single device.

The TICP IsoVu probes are available to order now and will begin shipping in November 2024.

The EA-PSB 20000 Triple output power supply is available for pre-order, with shipping beginning in January 2025. 

TICP IsoVu probes use RF isolation, providing complete galvanic isolation between measurement systems and devices under test, delivering high-bandwidth, low-noise current measurements in high-voltage applications compared to existing probes on the market or alternative shunt measurement techniques.

Available in bandwidths up to 1 GHz, these probes enable engineers to capture accurate measurements of fast-changing currents on their oscilloscopes across a wide voltage range in nanoseconds – from microamps to kiloamps. 

“The wide measurement range covers previously inaccessible high-voltage environments, from fast-switching SiC and GaN power converters to low-power applications like battery performance testing in mobile devices – all with a single probe,” commented Daryl Ellis, Tektronix’s General Manager of Entry and Mainstream Portfolio. “As the global demand for power innovation accelerates, we're setting new benchmarks in precision, safety, and scalability, empowering customers to push the limits of what is possible in industries ranging from automotive to renewable energy.”

He cited a demand for new capabilities encompassing access to device test points, connectivity that is less intrusive, widening bandwidth frequency coverage and isolation for increased safety.

The probes feature more than 30X higher common-mode rejection (CMRR) than traditional differential voltage probes -140 dB CMRR at DC, up to 90 dB at 1 MHz.

Ultra-low noise contribution – in a 1X configuration - the 50 Ω input offers extremely low noise of <4.7 nV / √Hz (<150 μV at 1 GHz).

The probes are available in 3 models with bandwidths of 1 GHz (TICP100), 500 MHz (TICP050), and 250 MHz (TICP025).

Engineers can use TekVPI probe interface to integrate with Tektronix 4, 5, and 6 series MSO oscilloscopes.

The EA-PSB 20000 Triple series is said to be the first triple-channel, bidirectional DC power supply, capable of delivering high-density, parallel testing for components in complex systems. Each of the three independent channels can supply up to 10 kW of power, supporting a range of voltages up to 920 V and currents up to 340 A.

The series allows customers to consolidate multiple testing setups into one, reducing cost, equipment needs, and test time. It also features autoranging, which automatically adjusts the voltage or current to deliver full power across a wide operation range, allowing a single unit to handle various voltage and current combinations. 

The power supply acts as a DC electronic load for energy recycling, with up to 96% energy recovery. It supports up to 30 kW total power, voltages from 0 – 60 V up to 0 – 920 V, and currents from 0- 40 A up to 0-340 A per channel, and offers advanced parallel testing with galvanically isolated Share-Bus.

Rack space is reduced by 50% compared to single output devices

“By offering higher power density and test capacity in one compact unit, the EA-PSB 20000 Triple is the tool every engineer needs to quickly adapt to multiple testing needs and accelerate innovation in fast-moving sectors like automotive and renewable energy,” said James Hitchcock, EA Elektro-Automatik’s Vice President and General Manager. “This is about delivering more power, more efficiently, to our customers for years to come.”

Tektronix acquired EA Elektro-Automatik in January 2024.