The oscilloscope is a widely recognized test instrument, but it cannot perform tests effectively without the use of a probe. The probe is an essential component of the oscilloscope system, and its performance directly affects the accuracy and reliability of the test results. There are four common types of oscilloscope probes: passive, active, differential, and current probes. Let's take a closer look at each one.
First, passive probes. These are the most commonly used type of probe, especially for voltage measurements. Passive probes are typically attenuated, meaning they reduce the signal level before sending it to the oscilloscope. They are cost-effective and widely available, with bandwidths generally below 500 MHz. Most entry-level and mid-range oscilloscopes come equipped with two or four passive probes. In addition to standard voltage probes, there are also high-voltage and transmission-line passive probes designed for specialized applications.
Second, active probes. Unlike passive probes, active probes contain internal electronics that provide higher input impedance and wider bandwidth. This makes them ideal for high-speed and high-impedance measurements. However, active probes tend to be more expensive, larger in size, and require a power source. They are often used when measuring signals that are too fast or too weak for passive probes to handle effectively.
Third, differential probes. These probes are specifically designed for measuring the difference between two points in a circuit, making them ideal for testing differential signals. Active differential probes offer excellent signal fidelity, low loading, and minimal temperature drift, while high-voltage differential probes are used for safely measuring large voltage differences. They are crucial in applications where common-mode noise must be rejected and accurate signal representation is required.
Fourth, current probes. These are used to measure current using an oscilloscope. Most current probes operate based on the Hall effect, which allows them to detect changes in the magnetic field around a conductor. Current probes can be AC or DC compatible, and their design varies depending on the application. When selecting a current probe, important factors include the current range, frequency, whether it’s AC or DC, the size and shape of the jaws, power supply requirements, and the interface type.
In real-world testing scenarios, choosing the right probe is essential to obtaining accurate and reliable results. Each type of probe has its own advantages and limitations, so understanding their characteristics helps ensure optimal performance.
In addition to the main probe, there are several accessories that come with oscilloscope probes. These include color rings, adjustment rods, and probe caps.
Color rings are small plastic rings that help identify different probes, especially when multiple probes are in use. They are not electrically connected to the circuit and serve only as visual markers. For example, red and blue color rings are often used to match the corresponding channels on the oscilloscope.
The adjustment rod is a small tool used to fine-tune the probe’s compensation capacitance. This ensures that the probe matches the oscilloscope’s input characteristics, resulting in a clean and accurate signal display. The adjustment is usually done by connecting the probe to a calibration signal on the oscilloscope and adjusting the waveform until it appears square and stable.
Finally, the probe protection cap is a small cover that fits over the tip of the probe. It helps prevent accidental shorting of nearby components, especially when probing sensitive IC pins. Using a protective cap is a simple yet effective way to avoid damage during testing.
By understanding the functions and proper usage of these probes and their accessories, users can significantly improve the quality of their measurements and maintain the integrity of the circuits being tested.
According to the difference in the number of output phases, it can be divided into single-phase and three-phase AC power supplies.
The output power of single-phase adjustable AC power supply ranges from 500VA to 200KVA, the output power of three-phase adjustable AC power supply ranges from 3KVA to 600KVA, the output voltage is divided into 0 ~ 150Vac, 150 ~ 300Vac, and the output frequency is adjustable from 45Hz to 70Hz with 50/60Hz fixed frequency output.
Through the friendly operation panel, you can read the output data such as output voltage, output current, output power, power factor, etc., providing accurate data records for your test, and can add RS485 interfaces as standard, following the MODBUS-RTU international communication protocol, which can realize remote control and operating status monitoring of the power supplies.
This series of adjustable AC Power Supplies have comprehensive protection functions, such as: over voltage, over current, over temperature and short circuit protections, which can protect the AC power supplies and DUT from damages. At present, it is mainly used for Various electrical appliance manufacturers conduct grid simulation tests on electrical appliances according to the voltage/frequency requirements of different countries. Imported electrical appliances are used for the domestic demand for variable voltage and frequency conversion, as well as various AC motors and AC transformers.
Variable Frequency AC Power Supplies
The VFP series AC Power Supplies are high precision, high efficiency, low THD adjustable AC power supplies that converts the input mains power through AC→DC→AC conversion, and gives a pure sine wave AC output with adjustable voltage & frequency within a certain range. Also known as Variable Frequency AC Power Source.
According to the difference in the number of output phases, it can be divided into single-phase and three-phase AC power supplies.
The output power of single-phase adjustable AC power supply ranges from 500VA to 200KVA, the output power of three-phase adjustable AC power supply ranges from 3KVA to 600KVA, the output voltage is divided into 0 ~ 150Vac, 150 ~ 300Vac, and the output frequency is adjustable from 45Hz to 70Hz with 50/60Hz fixed frequency output.
Through the friendly operation panel, you can read the output data such as output voltage, output current, output power, power factor, etc., providing accurate data records for your test, and can add RS485 interfaces as standard, following the MODBUS-RTU international communication protocol, which can realize remote control and operating status monitoring of the power supplies.
This series of adjustable AC Power Supplies have comprehensive protection functions, such as: over voltage, over current, over temperature and short circuit protections, which can protect the AC power supplies and DUT from damages. At present, it is mainly used for Various electrical appliance manufacturers conduct grid simulation tests on electrical appliances according to the voltage/frequency requirements of different countries. Imported electrical appliances are used for the domestic demand for variable voltage and frequency conversion, as well as various AC motors and AC transformers.
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Yangzhou IdealTek Electronics Co., Ltd. , https://www.idealtekpower.com