Test Leads - Oscilloscope Probes

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	4550B Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE P X1/X10 15/100MHZ 1M/10M	0
	6501 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 350MHZ 10M	0
	5806A Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE P X1/X10 20/200MHZ 1M/10M	0
	6266 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE P X1/X10 20/60MHZ 1M/10M	0
	5827A Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X100 200MHZ 10M	0
	5800A/POM Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X1 30MHZ 1M	0
	5815A Pomona Electronics	RF DETECTOR PROBE GE7011 4FT	0
	6006-2 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 200MHZ 1M	0
	6035-8 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X1/X10 20/200MHZ 1M	0
	6120 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X1/X10 20/200MHZ 1M	0
	6101A/POM Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 150MHZ 10M	0
	5803A Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 200MHZ 10M	0
	6552 Pomona Electronics	KIT OSCILLOSCOPE PROBE ACCY	0
	6492 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 350MHZ 10M	0
	6102A Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 250MHZ 10M	0
	6237 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE P X1/X10 15/100MHZ 1M/10M	0
	6265 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 60MHZ 10M	0
	5809A Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 300MHZ 10M	0
	6035-2 Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X1/X10 20/200MHZ 1M	0
	6049A Pomona Electronics	OSCOPE PROBE X10 150MHZ 10M	0

Test Leads - Oscilloscope Probes

1. Overview

Oscilloscope probes and test leads are critical interface components between electronic circuits under test and measurement instruments. They ensure accurate signal transmission while minimizing circuit loading effects. These probes convert physical electrical signals into measurable waveforms, enabling engineers to analyze voltage, current, timing, and signal integrity in real time. Their importance in modern electronics spans from R&D validation to field service diagnostics.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Passive Voltage Probes	High impedance (10M ), 1:1 or 10:1 attenuation, no power required	Basic circuit troubleshooting, education labs
Active Voltage Probes	Powered design, 50k impedance, 1:1 attenuation, high bandwidth (>1GHz)	High-speed digital circuits, RF testing
Current Probes	Non-invasive measurement via Hall effect or current transformer	Switching power supplies, motor drives
Differential Probes	Measure voltage between two points, reject common-mode noise	High-voltage floating measurements, balanced circuits
Logic Probes	Digital signal detection with threshold indicators	Digital circuit debugging, embedded systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical probe construction includes: - Probe tip (spring-loaded or solderable contact) - Ground lead (short/adjustable length) - Coaxial cable (50 or 75 shielded) - Compensation network (variable capacitor for frequency response adjustment) - BNC/SMA interface (50 matched connector) - Attenuation switch (for 1x/10x selection) - Probe head (ergonomic design with overvoltage protection)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Bandwidth	Frequency range (-3dB point)	Determines signal fidelity for high-speed transitions
Input Impedance	Resistance and capacitance presented to DUT	Affects circuit loading (typically 10M //15pF)
Attenuation Ratio	Signal scaling factor (e.g., 10:1)	Extends measurement range while maintaining impedance
Rise Time	Fastest measurable edge (10-90%)	Essential for digital signal analysis
Parasitic Capacitance	Tip capacitance (<1pF for active probes)	Impacts high-frequency measurement accuracy
CMRR	Common-mode rejection ratio	Critical for differential signal integrity

5. Application Areas

Electronics Manufacturing (PCB testing, component validation)
Automotive Electronics (ECU analysis, CAN bus troubleshooting)
Telecommunications (5G signal analysis, fiber optic transceivers)
Medical Equipment (ECG machine diagnostics, imaging system validation)
Education & Research (University labs, prototype development)

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Specifications
Tektronix	P6139B	500MHz, 10:1 passive probe, 10M impedance
Keysight	N2790A	2GHz active differential probe, 50k input
Fluke	i410sc	AC/DC current probe, 1500A range, 100kHz bandwidth
Rohde & Schwarz	RTH-HDO44	1GHz bandwidth, 4-channel logic probe
Siglent	SP2020	200MHz passive probe, 10M , 10:1 attenuation

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include: - Bandwidth matching (3-5 signal frequency) - Impedance compatibility (10M for general use, 50 for high-speed) - Signal type (voltage/current/differential) - Environmental factors (temperature, vibration) - Safety ratings (CAT II/III for industrial environments) - Cost vs. performance trade-offs

8. Industry Trends

Current trends include: - Development of 10GHz+ bandwidth active probes - Integration with AI-based signal integrity analysis - Wireless probe systems for hazardous environments - Enhanced EMI shielding for 5G/mmWave testing - Standardization of probe calibration procedures (ISO/IEC 17025) - Miniaturization for high-density PCB measurements