To Connect an InfiniiMax III Probe

Probe Theory
Probes

Connecting N2800A-Series InfiniiMax III probes to an N1000A or 86100D module requires the following steps. In addition, an N5477A Sampling Oscilloscope Adapter is required.

N5477A Sampling Oscilloscope Adapter

To protect against ESD damage, always use the following steps when connecting your probe to the oscilloscope.

Always use a static-safe workstation when connecting or probing with N2800A-series probes.

Procedure

  1. Click Tools > Calibrations and calibrate the module for the channel where you intend to connect the probe.
  2. If the Device Under Test (DUT) is not grounded to the oscilloscope via the AC mains ground, connect the DUT ground to the oscilloscope ground. An example of a device having a floating ground would be a battery-powered DUT. The 86100D has two front-panel ground sockets. One is located at the lower right corner of the frame and the other is located at the lower left corner.
  3. Connect the N5477A adapter's NMD/3.5 mm connector to an 86100D channel input. Connect the N5477A's power cord to either the probe-power connector on a module's front panel (if the module being used has this receptacle) or to an 1143A probe power module.

    4. At this point, the N2800A-series probe amplifier must not be connected to the oscilloscope or the probe head.

  4. Attach the probe head to the DUT. Also connect any accessories (for example, extension cables) to the probe head. This does not apply to the browser probe head.

  5. Connect the probe amplifier to the N5477A while hand tightening the connection.

  6. The 86100D's Probe Channel dialog automatically opens.

  7. Select the N2800A-series probe from the list. Select either Single Ended Signal or Differential Signal as the signal type that will be probed.
  8. Close the dialog.
  9. Connect the probe head to the probe amplifier. If you are using the browser head, probe any location on the DUT before making the probe head-to-amplifier connection.

    10. When connecting a probe head to a probe amplifier, push straight in. When disconnecting a probe head from an amplifier, pull the probe head connectors straight out of the sockets. Never bend the probe head in order to pry it loose from the amplifier. Also, do not wiggle the probe head up and down or twist it to remove the connectors from the sockets. This can damage the pins in the amplifier or the probe head itself.

  10. Perform a probe calibration.

To avoid damage when moving the probe to a different oscilloscope channel or otherwise disconnecting the probe from the oscilloscope, always use the proper procedure.