The Tektronix TPA-N-PRE is an external pre-amplifier that extends the signal measurement capabilities of MDO4000 and MDO3000 Series Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes. It delivers 12 dB nominal gain while reducing the instrument’s noise floor by up to 10 dB, enabling detection and analysis of very low-amplitude signals across RF applications. The pre-amplifier operates from 9 kHz to 6 GHz and is powered directly from the oscilloscope’s RF input.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 6 GHz
• Nominal Gain: 12 dB
• DANL Improvement: 10 dB
• Maximum Operating Input Level: +30 dBm (1 W) for MDO4000 Series; +20 dBm (100 mW) for MDO3000 Series
• Maximum Input Power (CW): +30 dBm (1 W)
• Maximum Input Power (Pulse): +45 dBm (32 W)
• DC Maximum Before Damage: ±20 V DC
• Input Connector: SMA female, outside threads
• Operating Temperature Range: 0 °C to +50 °C
• Non-operating Temperature Range: −20 °C to +60 °C
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 60% RH (40 °C to 50 °C); 10% to 90% RH (0 °C to 40 °C)
• Non-operating Humidity: 10% to 60% RH (40 °C to 60 °C); 5% to 90% RH (0 °C to 40 °C)
• Maximum Operating Altitude: 3,000 meters
• Maximum Non-operating Altitude: 12,000 meters
– Key Features
• Dual Operating Modes: Auto mode intelligently amplifies when Reference Level ≤ −30 dBm and bypasses when above; Bypass mode always passes signal without amplification
• Real-time Status Indication: LED indicator shows operational state—green for amplify, amber/orange for bypass, red for error
• Direct Oscilloscope Integration: Powered from the RF input connector; no external power supply required
– Typical Applications
Ideal for low-level signal detection in spectrum analysis, RF characterization, and mixed-domain measurements where noise floor reduction is critical to measurement sensitivity.
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed exclusively for MDO4000 and MDO3000 Series oscilloscopes via TPA connector interface.
