The Tektronix 1502B is a portable time-domain reflectometer (TDR) engineered for rapid cable fault location and characterization in metallic conductors. Using radar-based pulse analysis, it identifies impedance discontinuities, opens, shorts, and other transmission line defects by measuring reflections from a 200 ps risetime step pulse. The instrument delivers distance resolution to 0.12 in. (0.30 cm) and fault detection down to 0.6 inches on short cables, making it suitable for field troubleshooting and manufacturing quality assurance across telecommunications, aerospace, naval, and industrial cable networks.
Technical Specifications
Test Signal
• Step pulse, 300 mV nominal into 50 Ω load
• System risetime: 200 ps
• Selectable pulsewidths: 2, 10, 100, 1000 nsec
• Output impedance: 50, 75, 93, or 125 Ω
Measurement Performance
• Maximum range: 2,000 ft (500 meters)
• Distance readout resolution: 0.12 in. (0.30 cm)
• Fault resolution: 0.6 inches minimum on short cables
• Vertical scale: 0.5 to 500 mρ/div
• Distance/division: 0.1 to 200 ft/div (0.025 to 50 m/div)
• Noise averaging: selectable 1 to 128 samples
Protection
• ESD: 1 kV/500 pF capacitor/1 kΩ resistance
• DC input: ±1 A maximum
• Input overvoltage: ±400 V (dc + peak ac)
Display & Storage
• LCD waveform display with cursor-based distance measurement
• Temporary waveform storage and recall
• Impedance interpretation from waveform amplitude
Power
• AC: 115 VAC (90–132 V) or 230 VAC (180–250 V), 45–440 Hz
• Battery option (Option 03): minimum 5 hours operation; 20-hour maximum charge time
Environmental
• Operating: −15°C to +55°C
• Storage: −40°C to +55°C
• MIL-T-28800 Type III, Class 3, Style A compliance
– Key Features
• Selectable output impedances accommodate 50, 75, 93, and 125 Ω cables
• Four pulsewidth options optimize resolution versus penetration depth
• High-resolution distance cursor enables precise fault location
• Field-portable with optional battery pack for unpowered environments
• Input protection withstands live-circuit transients up to ±400 V
– Typical Applications
• Telecommunications and data network cable installation and maintenance
• Aircraft and shipboard wiring verification and fault diagnosis
• Radar installation and sensor network cable commissioning
• Cable manufacturing process control and acceptance testing
– Compatibility & Integration
• Supports coaxial, twisted-pair, and parallel metallic cables
• Optional port accommodates dot matrix strip chart recorder for permanent documentation
• AC power connector: three-way polarized with ground lead
• Serial digital output available on modified units for computer-based measurement systems
