Agilent 1144A Users Guide

User and Service Guide

Publication number 01144-97001
September 2002

For Safety and Regulatory information, and publishing information, see the pages
at the back of this book.

© Copyright Agilent Technologies Company 1993-2002
All Rights Reserved.

1144A Active Probe

Contents

Specifications 4
Characteristics 4
General Characteristics 5
Operating the Probe 6
Probe Power Connection 8
Cleaning the Probe 8
Service Strategy 8
To return the probe for service 9
Calibration Testing Procedures 9
Calibration Test Record 14

2

1144A Active Probe

The 1144A Active Probe is a 10:1 probe with an 800 MHz bandwidth. An FET at
the input allows a high input resistance and low input capacitance which
minimizes the loading of the circuit under test. The output impedance of the
probe is 50 Ω which allows the probe cable to be extended with a 50 Ω coaxial
cable. The probe can be powered by the probe power outputs of the 54520A,
54522A, 54540A, or 54542A oscilloscopes. To use the probe with other
instruments you can use the 1142A power supply.

Accessories Supplied

The following accessories are supplied with the 1144A probe.

1

2

3

4

5

1 Retractable pincher tip 6 Ground lead
2 Alligator clip ground lead 7 Dual lead adapter
3 BNC adapter 8 Mini-pincher tip

4 IC tip 9 Mini-pincher tip

5 Ground bayonet

6

7

8

9

(black)

(red)

You can order a kit of accessory parts from Agilent Technologies, part number
01144-68702.

3

1144A Active Probe

Specifications

Accessories Available

The following accessories are available and can be ordered separately.

• Fan-out adapter, Agilent Technologies part number 01144-61604, to operate
two probes from one supply connector.

Specifications

The following specifications apply to the 1144A.

1

Bandwidth
Rise Time
Attenuation

≥800 MHz

1,2

≤440 ps

3

10:1 ±2%
Input Resistance 1 MΩ, ±5%
Maximum Input Voltage ±40 V (dc + peak ac)

1. Above 35 °C, bandwidth and risetime degrade approximately 1/2%/°C

2. Rise time figure calculated from tr = 0.35/Bandwidth.

3. When connected to an instrument input of 50 Ω, ±0.5%

Characteristics

The following are characteristics of the 1144A.

Input Capacitance 2 pF (typical)
Overshoot and Ringing 1 ±10% for the first 6 ns, ±4% from 6 ns to 20 ms,

±1.5% thereafter

Output Voltage Offset <±15 mV

2

Input Dynamic Range

0 to ±7.0 V

Output Load Requirement 50 Ω ±0.5%

1. When used with a 3 GHz oscilloscope (oscilloscope characteristics excluded).

2. When connected to an instrument input of 50 Ω, ±0.5%

4

General Characteristics

The 1144A Active Probe has the following general characteristics.

Environmental
Conditions

Temperature 0 C to +55 °C (32 °F to

Humidity up to 95% relative humidity

Altitude up to 4,600 meters

Vibration Random vibration 5 to 500

Power
Requirements

!

Weight Net: approximately 180 g (~6.5 oz), probe body 35 g (~1.25

Dimensions Refer to the outline drawing below.

Operating Non-operating

-40 °C to +70 °C (-40 °F to

+131 °F)

(non- condensi ng) at +40 °C
(+104 °F)

(15,000 ft)

Hz, 10 minutes per axis,

.

0.3g

rms

dc ±12 V to ±15 V ±5% (at approximately 75 mA each
supply)

oz) Shipping: approximately 0.8 kg (1.75 lb)

+158 °F)
up to 90% relative humidity

at +65°C (+149 °F)

up to 15,300 meters
(50,000 ft)

Random vibration 5 to 500
Hz, 10 min. per axis,

2.41 g
5 to 500 Hz swept sine,
1octave/min. sweep rate,
(0.75g), 5 min. resonant
dwell at 4 resonances per
axis.

. Resonant search

rms

1144A Active Probe

General Characteristics

1144A Dimensions.

.

5

1144A Active Probe

Operating the Probe

Operating the Probe

The following information will help you get the most out of your measurement
when operating the probe.

Operating Voltage Derating

6

Typical Input Impedance vs. Frequency

System Bandwidth

1144A Active Probe

Operating the Probe

Typical Risetime vs. Input Voltage

CAUTION Be sure to limit the input of this probe to voltages within the specified working

voltage. Though the probe is designed with safeguards against static electricity
and noise, the input is sensitive to and may be damaged by excessive voltage.

CAUTION This probe is a sophisticated and delicate device. Please handle it with care.

Dropping it or exposing it to strong vibration or shock can damage it and cause
a malfunction.

7

1144A Active Probe

Probe Power Connection

Probe Power Connection

The following drawing shows the input power connections. The power
requirements are given in the General Characteristics.

Pin 4, -15 V
Pin 6, +15 V
Pin 7, Ground
Shell, Cable Sheild

Cleaning the Probe

Do not use petroleum based solvents to clean the probe. Clean the probe with
a neutral detergent in water and immediately wipe the probe with a dry cloth.

Service Strategy

Other than the accessories, there are no replaceable parts on the 1144A Active
Probe. If your probe fails during warranty, normal warranty services apply. If the
probe is not under warranty when it fails, it can be exchanged for a reconditioned
probe at a nominal cost. The reconditioned probe is Agilent Technologies part
number 01144-69701. Contact your Agilent Technologies representative for
further information.

8

1144A Active Probe

To return the probe for service

To return the probe for service

Before shipping the instrument to Agilent Technologies, contact your nearest
Agilent Technologies sales office for additional details.

1

Write the following information on a tag and attach it to the instrument.

• Name and address of owner

• Instrument model number

• Description of the service required or failure indications

2

Remove all accessories from the instrument.

Accessories include all cables. Do not include accessories unless they are
associated with the failure symptoms.

3

Protect the instrument by wrapping it in plastic or heavy paper. Anti­static wrapping or packaging is strongly recommended.

4 Pack the instrument in foam or other shock absorbing material and

place it in a strong shipping container.

You can use the original shipping materials or order materials from an Agilent
Technologies Sales Office. If neither are available, place 3 to 4 inches of shock­absorbing material around the instrument and place it in a box that does not
allow movement during shipping.

Seal the shipping container securely.

5
6 Mark the shipping container as FRAGILE.

In any correspondence, refer to instrument by model number and full serial
number.

Calibration Testing Procedures

These procedures are used to test the warranted specifications for the 1144A
Active probe. Use the equipment listed in the “Test Equipment Required” section
to complete the Testing Procedures.

Testing Interval

The calibration test procedures may be performed for incoming inspection of the
instrument and should be performed periodically thereafter to ensure and
maintain peak performance. The recommended test interval is yearly or every
2,000 hours of operation. Amount of use, environmental conditions, and the
user’s experience concerning need for testing will contribute to verification
requirements.

9

1144A Active Probe

Calibration Testing Procedures

Equipment Required

The equipment required for the calibration tests is listed at the test. Any
equipment satisfying the critical specifications listed may be substituted for the
recommended model.

CAUTION Allow the probe to warm up for at least 15 minutes prior to beginning calibration

Input
Resistance

tests. Failure to allow warm-up may cause the probe to fail tests.

This test checks the input resistance of the active probe.

Specification 1.0 MΩ ±5%

Equipment Required

Equipment Critical Specification Recommended

Digital Multimeter Resistance ±1% 34401A

1

Connect the DMM between the probe tip and the ground shell at the

Model/Part

front of the probe.

2 Set up the DMM to measure resistance.

The resistance should read 1.0 MΩ ±50 kΩ.

Gain
Accuracy

This test checks the gain accuracy of the probe

Specification 0.1 ±2% (into 50 Ω ±0.5%)

Equipment Required

Equipment Critical Specification Recommended

Model/Part

Signal Generator 1 kHz and 1 Vrms 3312A
Digital Multimeter Better than 0.1% accuracy at 1 kHz 34401A
Power Supply Power for probe under test Oscilloscope or

1142A
Blocking cap 0.18 mF (or 0.1 mF fixed capacitor) 10240B
Adapter BNC(f)-to-probe (suppl’d with probe) 5081-7705
Adapter N(f)-to-BNC(m) 1250-0077
Termination BNC feed-through, 50 Ω ±0.5% 10100C (test to 0.5%)
Adapter BNC (f) to banana (m) 1251-2277

10

1

Connect the power connector of the active probe to the oscilloscope or
1142A.

2 Connect the 50 Ω feedthrough to the output of the probe.

If your termination is not accurate to 0.5%, you will need to adjust your test
results accordingly, about 0.05% for each 0.1% error in the load.

3

AC couple the voltmeter by connect the blocking capacitor in series
with the voltmeter input.

This is to insure that there is no dc component in the signal measurement.

4

Set the signal generator for 1 kHz and 1.000 Vrms ±0.5% (±5.0mV). Use
the DVM to measure the signal.

Generator voltage __________

5

Using the BNC-to-probe adapter, connect the probe input to the output
of the signal generator.

6 Use the voltmeter to measure the signal at the output of the probe.

Connect the feedthrough termination to the blocking capacitor.
Probe output voltage ___________

7

Calculate the ac gain.

ac Gain

The ac gain should be between 0.098 and 0.102 (0.10 ±2.0%).

Bandwidth This test checks the probe bandwidth.

Specification down less than 3 dB, dc to 800 MHz

Probe output voltage

------------- ------------- ------------ ------------=
Generator voltage

1144A Active Probe

Calibration Testing Procedures

Equipment Required

Equipment Critical Specification Recommended

Signal Generator 50 MHz to 800 MHz 8663A
Power Meters (2)

or one Dual­Channel

Power Sensor (2) 50 MHz to 800 MHz, 300 mW 8482A
Power Splitter Type-N, dc to 800 MHz, ≤0.2 dB tracking 11667A
Power Supply Power for probe under test Oscilloscope or

Adapter (2) Type N(m) to BNC(f), 50 Ω 1250-0780
Termination BNC feedthrough, 50 Ω 10100C
Adapter BNC(f)-to-probe (suppl’d with probe) 5081-7705

50 MHz to 800 MHz, ±3% accuracy 436A (2),

Model/Part

437A (2), or
438A (1)

1142A

11

1144A Active Probe

Calibration Testing Procedures

Equipment Critical Specification Recommended

Adapter N(f-f), 50 Ω 1250-0772
Adapter N(m-m), 50 Ω 1250-0778

1

Zero and calibrate the power meters with the power sensors.

2 Connect the equipment as in the drawing below.

Model/Part

3 Connect the probe power input to the oscilloscope or 1142A.
4 Set the signal generator for 50 MHz at 0.0 dBm.
5 Set the power meter calibration factors to the 50 MHz value on the

power sensors.

6 Adjust the signal generator power output for exactly -6.0 dBm as read

on the input power meter.

7 Note the power level reading on the output power meter. 50 MHz power

level _______________ dBm.

The output power level will be approximately -26 dBm. This corresponds to the
10:1 division ratio of the probe.

12

1144A Active Probe

Calibration Testing Procedures

8

Change the signal generator frequency to 800 MHz.

9 Set the power meter calibration factors to the 800 MHz value on the

power sensors.

10 Re-level the signal generator output power for a -6.0 dBm reading on

the input power meter.

11 Note the power level reading on the output power meter. 800 MHz

power level _______________ dBm

12 Subtract the reading in step 7 from the reading in step 11.

The difference should be ≤3.0 dB

13

1144A Active Probe

Calibration Test Record

Calibration Test Record

Agilent Technologies

Recommended Test Interval: 1 Year
Recommended Date of Next Certification:_________
Certification Temperature:_____________________

1144A 800 MHz Differential Probe
Serial No.:_______________________
Certification Date:_________________
Tested By:_______________________

_______________________________
_______________________________

Test Limits Results

Input Resistance 1.0 MΩ ±5%
Gain Accuracy 0.1 ±2% (into 50 Ω ±5%)
Bandwidth Down less than 3dB, dc to 800 MHz

14

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014

Manufacturer's Name: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Manufacturer's Address: 1900 Garden of the Gods Road

Declares, that the product

Product Name: Active Probe
Model Number(s): 1144A
Product Option(s): This declaration covers all options of the above product(s).

Conforms with the following product standards:
EMC: Standard

IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998

CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 /EN 61000-4-2:1995
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1

Safety: IEC 61010-1:1990+A1:1992+A2:1995 / EN 61010-1:1993+A2:1995

Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1992

Supplementary Information:

Colorado Springs, CO
80907, U.S.A.

Limit

Group 1 Class A
4kV CD, 8kV AD
3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz

0.5kV signal lines, 1kV power lines

0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground
3V, 0.15-80 MHz
1 cycle, 100%

[1]

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (including 93/68/EEC, and carries the CE-marking accordingly
(European Union).

[1]

This product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.

Date: 08/21/2000

Ken Wyatt / Product Regulations Manager

For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor.

Product Regulations

Performance
Criteria

EMC IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998

CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 /EN 61000-4-2:1995
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994

A
B
A
A
A
A

Canada: ICES-001:1998

Safety IEC 61010-1:1990+A1:1992+A2:1995 / EN 61010-1:1993+A2:1995

Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1992

Addtional Information

The product herewtih complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking
accordingly (European Union).

1

Performance Codes:
A PASS - Normal operation, no effect.
B PASS - Temporary degradation, self recoverable.
C PASS - Temporary degradation, operator intervention required.
D FAIL - Not recoverable, component damage.

Notes:

Sound Pressure Level N/A

Regulatory Information for Canada

ICES/NMB-001

This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

Regulatory Information for Australia/New Zealand

This ISM device complies with Australian/New Zealand AS/NZS 2064.1

Safety
Notices

This apparatus has been
designed and tested in accor­dance with IEC Publication
1010, Safety Requirements for
Measuring Apparatus, and
has been supplied in a safe
condition. This is a Safety
Class I instrument (provided
with terminal for protective
earthing). Before applying
power, verify that the correct
safety precautions are taken
(see the following warnings).
In addition, note the external
markings on the instrument
that are described under
"Safety Symbols."

Warnings

• Before turning on the instru­ment, you must connect the
protective earth terminal of
the instrument to the protec­tive conductor of the (mains)
power cord. The mains plug
shall only be inserted in a
socket outlet provided with a
protective earth contact. You
must not negate the protec­tive action by using an exten­sion cord (power cable)
without a protective conduc­tor (grounding). Grounding
one conductor of a two-con­ductor outlet is not sufficient
protection.

• Only fuses with the required
rated current, voltage, and
specified type (normal blow,
time delay, etc.) should be
used. Do not use repaired
fuses or short-circuited fuse­holders. To do so could cause
a shock or fire hazard.

• If you energize this instru­ment by an auto transformer
(for voltage reduction or
mains isolation), the common
terminal must be connected to
the earth terminal of the
power source.

• Whenever it is likely that the
ground protection is impaired,
you must make the instrument
inoperative and secure it
against any unintended opera­tion.

• Service instructions are for
trained service personnel. To
avoid dangerous electric
shock, do not perform any ser­vice unless qualified to do so.
Do not attempt internal ser­vice or adjustment unless
another person, capable of

rendering first aid and resus­citation, is present.

• Do not install substitute parts
or perform any unauthorized
modification to the instrument.

• Capacitors inside the instru­ment may retain a charge
even if the instrument is dis­connected from its source of
supply.

• Do not operate the instru­ment in the presence of flam­mable gasses or fumes.
Operation of any electrical
instrument in such an environ­ment constitutes a definite
safety hazard.

• Do not use the instrument in
a manner not specified by the
manufacturer.

To clean the instrument

If the instrument requires
cleaning: (1) Remove power
from the instrument. (2) Clean
the external surfaces of the
instrument with a soft cloth
dampened with a mixture of
mild detergent and water. (3)
Make sure that the instru­ment is completely dry before
reconnecting it to a power
source.

Safety Symbols

!

Instruction manual symbol:
the product is marked with
this symbol when it is neces­sary for you to refer to the
instruction manual in order to
protect against damage to the
product..

Hazardous voltage symbol.

Earth terminal symbol: Used to
indicate a circuit common
connected to grounded chas­sis.

Agilent Technologies
P.O. Box 2197
1900 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80901

Notices

© Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2002
No part of this manual may be
reproduced in any form or by
any means (including elec­tronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign lan­guage) without prior agree­ment and written consent
from Agilent Technologies,
Inc. as governed by United
States and international copy­right laws.

Manual Part Number

01144-97001, September 2002

Print History

01144-90901, June 1993
01144-97000, July 2000
01144-97001, July 2002

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
1900 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
USA

Restricted Rights Legend

If software is for use in the
performance of a U.S. Govern­ment prime contract or sub­contract, Software is
delivered and licensed as
“Commercial computer soft­ware” as defined in DFAR

252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as
a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as
“Restricted computer soft­ware” as defined in FAR

52.227-19 (June 1987) or any
equivalent agency regulation
or contract clause. Use, dupli­cation or disclosure of Soft­ware is subject to Agilent
Technologies’ standard com­mercial license terms, and
non-DOD Departments and
Agencies of the U.S. Govern­ment will receive no greater
than Restricted Rights as
defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-

2) (June 1987). U.S. Govern­ment users will receive no
greater than Limited Rights as
defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June

1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015
(b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical
data.

ual and any information
contained herein, includ­ing but not limited to the
implied warranties of
merchantability and fit­ness for a particular pur­pose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for
incidental or consequen­tial damages in connec­tion with the furnishing,
use, or performance of
this document or of any
information contained
herein. Should Agilent
and the user have a sepa­rate written agreement
with warranty terms cov­ering the material in this
document that conflict
with these terms, the war­ranty terms in the sepa­rate agreement shall
control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or soft­ware described in this docu­ment are furnished under a
license and may be used or
copied only in accordance
with the terms of such license.

WARNING
A WARNING notice

denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an
operating procedure,
practice, or the like
that, if not correctly
performed or adhered
to, could result in
personal injury or
death. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING
notice until the
indicated conditions
are fully understood
and met.

CAUTION

A CAUTION notice
denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an
operating procedure,
practice, or the like
that, if not correctly
performed or adhered
to, could result in
damage to the product
or loss of important
data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION
notice until the
indicated conditions
are fully understood
and met.

Document Warranty

The material contained in
this document is provided
“as is,” and is subject to
being changed, without
notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum
extent permitted by appli­cable law, Agilent dis­claims all warranties,
either express or implied,
with regard to this man-

sA

Agilent Technologies
Printed in Malaysia
Part Number

01144-97001

*01144-97001*

User’s Guide