The Tektronix 176 is a pulsed high-current test fixture that extends the Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer’s measurement capabilities into the high-current domain. This accessory enables semiconductor device characterization under pulsed conditions, overcoming thermal and power constraints inherent in continuous-bias curve tracing. By employing a charge-storage and SCR-discharge technique, the 176 reaches far-right I-V curve regions inaccessible to standard tracers while maintaining a compact, lightweight design that minimizes thermal effects on the device under test.
Technical Specifications
• Collector sweep ranges: 15 V / 200 A; 75 V / 40 A; 350 V / 8 A
• Power limits: 1000 W; 100 W; 10 W
• Pulse width: 300 μs, 80 μs
• Risetime: 80 μs
• Falltime: 10 μs
• Vertical display (collector current): 0.1 μA/division to 20 A/division (1-2-5 sequence)
• Vertical display accuracy (2 A to 20 A): ±3% of on-screen value
• Maximum base current step generator output: 20 A peak
• Collector current pulsed operation: Up to 200 A peak
• Pulsed base steps: Up to 20 A peak
• Collector terminal resistance (four-wire sensing): 0.025 Ω
• Collector/emitter terminal resistance: 0.0025 Ω
• Base load resistance options: 0.1 Ω, 0.5 Ω
• Weight: 13 pounds (6 kg)
• Operating temperature: 0°C to +40°C
– Key Features
• Pulsed collector operation for high-current testing without excessive device heating
• Pulsed base step capability for base current analysis
• Selectable step offset pulsing
• Manual collector voltage sweep for family-of-curves measurement
• Deflection factor (X10 VERT selected): 1 A/div to 20 A/div in 1-2-5 sequence
• Integrated safety interlock protection
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed exclusively for use with the Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer.
