To Connect a Probe

Probe Theory
Probes

This topic describes how to connect most probes. To connect an N2800-series probe, refer to To Connect InfiniiMax III Probes.

  1. Connected the probe to a channel input.
  2. If you are using an N5477A or N1022A/B probe adapter, the Channel Probe Setup dialog will automatically be displayed.
    1. Select your probe in the dialog.

      2. Selecting a probe model, resets the channel attenuation factor and invalidates any current probe calibration. Therefore, always perform a new probe calibration after selecting a probe. If you are using an AutoProbe style probe that is not in the supported probe list, select one of the probes from the list that is closest in type to your unspecified probe.

    2. In the dialog, select Single Ended or Differential.

      3. If you are using a differential probe, select the type of signal that you are measuring in the Probe Usage area: single-ended or differential. If a differential measurement is selected, the probe calibration routine calibrates the probe for a 0V offset, and then sets the vertical offset control to the probe. The vertical offset control, moves the measured signal on the display without actually changing the offset voltage to the probe.

    3. Close the Probe Setup dialog. The External Hardware Setup dialog should be displayed.
    4. In the channel Setup dialog, click External HW to display the External Hardware Setup dialog. The dialog should show your probe as seen here.

  3. If you are not using a probe adapter:
    1. Click Setup > Modules > Channels X to open the Channel Setup dialog.
    2. In the Channel Setup dialog, click External HW to open the External Hardware Setup dialog.
    3. In the dialog, select An External Attenuator is Connected.

    4. In the dialog's Attenuator block, click Setup.
    5. In the Attenuator Setup, enter the probe's attenuation ratio.

Probing a signal can be easy and successful if some forethought is given to the nature of the circuit under test and what type of probe best solves the measurement problem. Two issues are raised when measuring a signal with a probe:

  • How the probe and instrument combination represents the signal at the probe tip.
  • How the probe affects the measurement.