Keysight 1168/9B-Series
Differential and Single-Ended
Probes
User’s Guide
Notices
CAUTION
WARNING
© Keysight Technologies, 2005 - 2019
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
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into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Keysight
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
01169-97027
Edition
Twelfth Edition, July 2019
Published by:
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1900 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
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Safety Notices
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 CAU-
TION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
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.
Contents
1 Getting Started
2Using Probe Heads
Introduction 8
Probe Handling 12
Using Offset With InfiniiMax Active Probes 16
Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies 19
Available Accessories 20
Safety Information 31
Troubleshooting 33
Recommended Configurations 38
1. MX0100A InfiniiMax Micro Probe Head 41
2. N5381B Differential Solder-In 50
3. N2839A Differential Browser 52
4. N5382A Differential Browser 57
5. N5380B SMA 60
6. N5425B with N5426A ZIF Tip 63
7. N5425B with N2884A Fine Wire ZIF Tip 64
8. N2851A QuickTip Probe Head 67
9. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (7 mm) 71
10. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (11 mm) 73
11. E2677B Differential Solder-In Probe Head 75
12. E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head 77
13. E2675B Differential Browser 79
14. E2679B Single-Ended Solder-in Probe Head 81
15. E2676B Single-Ended Browser 82
16. E2678B Differential Socketed & Damped Wire Accessory 84
Soldering a ZIF Tip to a DUT 86
Using N2884A Fine-Wire ZIF tips 90
N2887A/8A Soft Touch Probe Heads 98
3 Maintaining Probe Heads
MX0100A Micro Probe Heads 106
N5381B/N5382A Probe Heads 109
3
N5451A Long-Wired ZIF Tips 114
E2677B/9A Solder-In Probe Heads 118
4 Calibrating Probes
DC Gain and Offset Calibration 124
Calibration for Solder-In and Socketed Probe Heads 125
Calibration for Hand-Held Browser Probe Heads 131
Calibration for N5380A/B SMA Probe Heads 133
N2887A & N2888A Calibration and Deskew Procedure 134
5 Characteristics and Specifications
General 138
InfiniiMax II Series with N5380B SMA Probe Head 141
Environmental 143
Probe Amplifier Dimensions 144
Probe Heads Dimensions 145
6Performance Plots
MX0100A Micro Probe Head (Full BW) 152
N2839A Differential Browser Head (Full BW) 157
N5380B SMA Probe Head (Full BW) 162
N5380B SMA Probe Head with the 1134B InfiniiMax Probe 165
N5381B & N5382A Differential Probe Heads (Full BW) 166
N5381B Differential Solder-in Probe Head with 2x Longer Wires 171
N5425B ZIF Probe Head (Full BW) 172
N5425B ZIF Probe Head with N5451A Long-Wired ZIF Tip 176
N5426A ZIF Probe Tip Impedance 188
N2851A QuickTip Head with N2849A QuickTip 189
E2675B Differential Browser 190
E2676B Single-Ended Browser 192
E2677B Differential Solder-in Probe Head (High BW) 195
E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head (High BW) 197
E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head w/ Damped Wire 199
E2679B Single-Ended Solder-In Probe Head (High BW) 201
N2887A/N2888A Soft Touch Probe Heads 203
7 Performance Verification
To Test Bandwidth 206
To Test Input Resistance 215
Performance Test Record 219
4 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
8SPICE Models
MX0100A Micro Probe Head 222
N5381B and N5382A Heads 224
N2839A Head 227
N5425B ZIF Head with N5426A ZIF Tip Attached 230
N5426A ZIF Tip 233
N5425B ZIF Head with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip 236
N2851A QuickTip Head with N2849A QuickTip Tip 244
N2887A/N2888A Heads 245
InfiniiMax I Heads 247
9Replacement Parts
N5381B and N5382A Probe Heads 258
N2839A Browser Head 258
E2679B Single-Ended Solder-in Probe Head 258
E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head 259
E2677B Differential Solder-In Probe Head 260
E2675B Differential Browser Probe Head 260
Other Accessories 261
Index
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 5
6 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Keysight InfiniiMax II Series Probes
CAUTION
WARNING
User’s Guide
1 Getting Started
Introduction 8
Probe Handling 12
Using Offset With InfiniiMax Active Probes 16
Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies 19
Available Accessories 20
E2669B Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories 20
N2833A InfiniiMax II Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories 21
N5450B Extreme Temp Cable Extension Kit 22
N2880A InfiniiMax In-Line Attenuator Kit 24
N2881A InfiniiMax DC Blocking Capacitors 28
MX0102A Soldering Toolkit 29
Safety Information 31
Troubleshooting 33
With the 1168B (10 GHz) and 1169B (12 GHz) probes, you can probe differential
and single-ended signals. The probes provide a large common mode range for
measuring differential signals and a large offset range for measuring single-ended
signals. These probes are used at extreme frequencies where off-board lead
resistors cause undesirable response variation. As a result, the 1168B and 1169B
probes were designed using resistor-at-the-tip technology where resistors are
located onto the very edge of the probe tip board. The wires or probe tips in front
of the resistors are long enough to allow easy connection but are short enough
that any resonances caused by them are out of band and don't impact the input
impedance.
Before using the probes, refer to “Probe Handling" on page 12.
Before using the probe, refer to “Safety Information" on page 31.
7
1 Getting Started
Introduction
Before you can use the probe, you must connect one of the available probe heads
to an 1168/9B probe amplifier.
Figure 1 Probe Amplifier with Attached Head
Probe Heads
Figure 2 on page 9 shows the available probe heads and accessories. Six different
InfiniiMax II probe heads can be used including a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) probe
head that uses a ZIF tip that can be installed at many locations on your DUT. The
ZIF tip’s small size is critical in probing tight locations and the ZIF feature allows
connection without compressing the delicate wires which cannot support this
compression. You can also use the probe amplifiers with the InfiniiMax I probe
heads (with some limitations).
The differential probe heads offer easy measurement of differential signals and
greatly improve the measurement of single-ended signals.
Each available probe head is documented in Chapter 2, “Using Probe Heads".
Compatible Oscilloscopes
Table 1 on page 10 lists the oscilloscopes that are compatible with the 1168/9B
probes. Is Your Oscilloscope Software Up-to-Date? Keysight periodically releases
Oscilloscope software updates to support your probe, fix known defects, and
incorporate product enhancements. To download the latest firmware, go to
www.keysight.com and search for your oscilloscope’s topic. Click on the “Drivers,
Firmware & Software” tab.
8 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Getting Started 1
NOTE
Figure 2 Available Probe Heads and Accessories
N2849A QuickTips are also compatible with the N2848A InfiniiMode probe heads which are
designed for N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A InfiniiMax III+ and N2800/1/2/3A InfiniiMax III
probes.
These probes can also be used with other test instruments that have 50 ohm input
such as a spectrum analyzer or 86100D DCA. For more information, check out the
Keysight application note, 5989-1869EN.
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 9
1 Getting Started
NOTE
Table 1 Compatible Infiniium Oscilloscopes
Oscilloscope Model
S Series all
V, 90000 X-, Q-, and Z-Series
90000A Series all
86100C/D Series
80000B Series all
a N5442A adapter required.
b N1022A/B adapter required.
b
a
all
all
The 1168/69A InfiniiMax probes are not compatible with Keysight's InfiniiVision Series
oscilloscopes.
Cleaning the probe
If the probe requires cleaning, disconnect it from the oscilloscope and clean it with
a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution. Make sure the probe is
completely dry before reconnecting it to the oscilloscope.
Channel Identification Rings
When multiple probes are connected to the oscilloscope, use the channel
identification rings to associate the channel inputs with each probe. Place one
colored ring near the probe’s channel connector and place an identical color ring
near the probe head.
Inspecting the Probe
• Inspect the shipping container for damage.
Keep the damaged shipping container or cushioning material until the contents of the
shipment have been checked for completeness and the probe has been checked
mechanically and electrically.
• Check the accessories.
• If the contents are incomplete or damaged, notify your Keysight Technologies
Sales Office.
• Inspect the probe. If there is mechanical damage or defect, or if the probe does
not operate properly or pass calibration tests, notify your Keysight Technologies
Sales Office.
10 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Getting Started 1
If the shipping container is damaged, or the cushioning materials show signs of
stress, notify the carrier as well as your Keysight Technologies Sales Office. Keep
the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection. The Keysight Technologies
office will arrange for repair or replacement at Keysight Technologies’ option
without waiting for claim settlement.
Figure 3 shows the accessories that are shipped with the 1168/9B probe
amplifiers. The probe amplifiers do not come with a probe head unless selected at
the time of order. Any head shown in Figure 2 on page 9 can be ordered at any
time for the probes.
Figure 3 Accessories Supplied With the Probe Amplifier
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 11
1 Getting Started
CAUTION
Probe Handling
This probe has been designed to withstand a moderate amount of physical and
electrical stress. However, with an active probe, the technologies necessary to
achieve high performance do not allow the probe to be unbreakable. Treat the
probe with care. It can be damaged if excessive force is applied to the probe tip.
This damage is considered to be abuse and will void the warranty when verified by
Keysight Technologies service professionals.
• Exercise care to prevent the probe end from receiving mechanical shock.
• Store the probe in a shock-resistant case such as the foam-lined shipping case
which came with the probe.
Connecting and Disconnecting Probe Heads
When disconnecting a probe head from an amplifier, pull the probe head
connectors straight out of the sockets as shown in Figure 4. When connecting a
probe head to an amplifier, push straight in. Always grasp the indentations located
on the sides of the amplifier as shown in Figure 4. There are also indentations on
many of the probe head sockets so you have a convenient place to grasp there as
well.
Figure 4 Properly Pulling the Probe Head Straight Out
Avoid damaging the connection pins. Never bend the probe head in order to “pop” it
loose from the amplifier. Do not wiggle the probe head up and down or twist it to
remove the connectors from the sockets.
12 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Figure 5 Improperly Disconnecting a Probe Head From an Amplifier
CAUTION
CAUTION
Handling the Probe Cable
Getting Started 1
Avoid degrading the probe’s performance. Do not twist, kink, or tightly bend the
probe’s cable.
When the probe is attached to an oscilloscope, avoid letting object hit the probe cable
where the cable exits the probe amplifier and bend it well beyond its limit.
When storing the probe, coil the cable in a large loops and avoid twisting the
cable. Coil the cable in a similar manner to how garden hoses or extension cords
are typically coiled. You can start by wrapping the cable around your thumb as
shown in Figure 6. Then continue to circle your thumb, but provide a slight twist
with each rotation. This allows the cable rotations to lie flat against each other and
will eliminate the net twisting of the cable in the end.
Figure 6 Recommended Coil for Storage
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 13
1 Getting Started
CAUTION
NOTE
Handling the Probe Amplifier
Connecting the Probe to an Oscilloscope
Make the coil’s radius fairly large so it does not induce kinking or bending.
The probe amplifier contains a delicate circuit board. Treat it carefully and take
standard precautions (for example, not dropping it repeatedly or from large
heights, not getting it wet, not smashing it with heavy objects, etc.). These probes
are sensitive ESD devices so standard precautions need to be used to not ruin the
probe from the build-up of static charges.
The probes are only meant to be plugged into gold plated BNCs (like those on
Infiniium oscilloscopes). To connect the probe to the oscilloscope, do the following
steps:
1 As shown in Figure 7, with the lever in the relaxed position push the probe
onto the BNC. The lever moves towards the R (release) and returns to the
symbol.
2 Move the lever towards the symbol until snug.
How far the locking mechanism can be pushed to the right varies and will not be the same for
every user. Therefore, do not try to force it further to the right because you believe it is
unlocked. Instead, gently push it until it is snug.
To disconnect the probe, move and hold the lever at R (release) and pull the
probe from the BNC.
Figure 7 Properly Connecting a Probe to the Oscilloscope
Securing Probe Heads and Amplifiers to Your DUTs
When soldering a probe head to a circuit, first provide strain relief by using low
temperature hot glue (use as little as possible) or non-conductive double-sided
tape. Do not use super glue and do not get the low temperature hot glue on the
actual probe head tip as this can damage the precision components of your
probing system (only use the low temperature hot glue on the probe head cables).
The provided velcro pads can be used to secure your probe amplifier casing to the
board.
Once strain relief has been provided, solder the probe tip to the circuit board and
then plug the probe head into the probe amplifier.
14 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Figure 8 Correct Securing Methods
Getting Started 1
Figure 9 Incorrect Securing Method Because Glue is Placed on the Probe Head Tip
The velcro dots can be used to secure the probe amplifier to a circuit board
removing the weight of the probe from the circuit connection. Attach a Velcro dots
to both the probe amplifier and the circuit board as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10 Using the Velcro Dots
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 15
1 Getting Started
Using Offset With InfiniiMax Active Probes
It is important to understand how the 1168/9B InfiniiMax probes behave with
respect to offset when different probe head / signal combinations are used.
The purpose of offset in active probes or oscilloscope front ends is to allow the
subtraction of most or all of the dc component of the input signal so the signal can
better utilize the dynamic range of the input. When using an InfiniiMax probe with
an Infiniium oscilloscope, you can select the case (see the three cases described
below) that applies for your measurement by selecting the Probes button under the
channel setup menu. This allows you to select which type of probe head is being
used and, if it is a differential probe head, allows you to select whether you are
probing a differential or single-ended signal. With these inputs, the oscilloscope
will use the proper type of offset for your measurement case. The specifics for each
case are discussed below.
When adjusting the offset for a particular probe head, make sure to have a
triggered signal.
Case 1. A single-ended probe head probing a single-ended signal
For this case, the offset control on the oscilloscope controls the probe offset and
the channel offset is set to zero. This allows the offset voltage to be subtracted
from the input signal before the signal gets to the differential amplifier. Since this
subtraction is done before any active circuits, the offset range is large (±16V). Note
that the minus probe tip is not present when using a single-ended probe head
which means nothing is plugged into the "–" input of the probe amp. This is normal
and causes no problems.
Case 2. A differential probe head probing a single-ended signal
For this case, the offset control on the oscilloscope controls the probe offset and
the channel offset is set to zero. This allows the offset voltage to be subtracted
from the input signal before the signal gets to the differential amplifier. Since this
subtraction is done before any active circuits, the offset range is large (±16V). A
differential probe can make higher bandwidth and more accurate measurements
on single-ended signals than a single-ended probe and this method of applying
offset to only the plus side of a differential probe means there is no sacrificing of
offset range.
When Probe is selected in the Probe Offset dialog box as shown in Figure 11 on
page 17, the InfiniiMax probe provides a very large offset range (up to ±16V) for
probing single-ended signals and a large common-mode range for probing
differential signals. For information on properly using probe offset to ensure that
you can get the maximum performance and dynamic range from the InfiniiMax
probe, refer to Keysight application note 5988-9264EN.
16 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Getting Started 1
Figure 11 Probe Offset Dialog Box (Probe Setting)
Case 3. A differential probe head probing a differential signal
For this case, the offset control on the oscilloscope controls the oscilloscope
channel offset. The probe offset is not used and set to zero. Since the plus and
minus sides of differential signals have the same dc component, it will be
subtracted out and the output of the probe will by definition be centered around
ground.
The channel offset allows the waveform seen on screen to be moved as desired.
The allowable dc component in the plus and minus signals is determined by the
common mode range of the probe.
Figure 12 shows Normal selected in the Probe Offset dialog box. When probing
differential signals Normal allows you to apply probe offset using the oscilloscope’s
front-panel vertical offset controls.
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 17
1 Getting Started
Figure 12 Probe Offset Dialog Box (Normal Setting)
18 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies
The following table shows the slew rates for several different technologies. The
maximum allowed input slew rate is 25 V/ns for single-ended signals and 40 V/ns
for differential signals. Table 2 shows that the maximum required slew rate for the
different technologies is much less that of the probe.
Table 2 Slew Rate Requirements
Getting Started 1
Max
Single-Ended
Differential
Name of Technology
PCI Express (3GIO) YES 9.6 19.2 50 1.6
RapidIO Serial 3.125Gb YES 8.0 16.0 60 1.6
10GbE XAUI (4x3.125Gb) YES 8.0 16.0 60 1.6
1394b YES 8.0 16.0 60 1.6
Fibre Channel 2125 YES 8.0 16.0 75 1
Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-CX YES 7.8 15.5 85 2.2
RapidIO 8/16 2Gb YES 7.2 14.4 50 1.2
Infiniband 2.5Gb YES 4.8 9.6 100 1.6
HyperTransport 1.6Gb YES 4.0 8.0 113 1.5
SATA (1.5Gb) YES 1.3 2.7 134 0.6
USB 2.0 YES 0.9 1.8 375 1.1
DDR 200/266/333 NO 7.2 n/a 300 3.6
PCI NO 4.3 n/a 500 3.6
Signal
Slew Rate
(V/ns)
a
Max
Differential
Slew Rate
(V/ns)
Driver Min Edge
b
Rate (20%-80%
ps)
Max Transmitter
Level (Diff V)
AGP-8X NO 3.1 n/a 137 0.7
a The probe specification is 25 V/ns
b The probe specification is 40 V/ns
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 19
1 Getting Started
Available Accessories
This section lists the kits and accessories that are available in addition to the
individual probe heads described in Chapter 2, “Using Probe Heads".
E2669B Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories
The optional E2669B differential connectivity kit provides multiple quantities of the
three InfiniiMax I probe heads as shown in Figure 13. These probe heads allow full
bandwidth probing of differential and single-ended signals. The kit can be ordered
at the same time as 1168/9B probe amplifiers.
Figure 13 E2669B Differential Connectivity Kit (not to scale)
Table 3 Supplied Accessories (Sheet 1 of 2)
Qty
Description
E2678B Differential Socketed Head 2 — — — —
E2677B Differential Solder-In Head 4 — — — —
E2675B Differential Browser 1 — — — —
160W damped wire accessory 12
82W resistor for full bandwidth 96
Socket for 25 mil (25/1000 inch) square pins, female on
both ends
25 mil female socket with 20 mil round male pin on other
end
Heat shrink socket accessory 8
Header adapter, 91W 4
Supplied
8
8
Used With
E2678B E2677B E2675B
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Part
Number
01130-21303
01130-81506
01131-85201
01131-85202
01130-41101
01130-63201
a
82W resistor template 1
20 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
✓
01131-94309
Table 3 Supplied Accessories (Sheet 2 of 2)
Getting Started 1
Qty
Description
91W resistor for full bandwidth 80
150W resistor for medium bandwidth 40
91W resistor template 1
150W resistor template 1
Resistive tip (blue), 91W 20
Ergonomic handle 1
Supplied
a Not orderable.
N2833A InfiniiMax II Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories
The optional N2833A differential connectivity kit provides multiple quantities of
the four InfiniiMax II probe heads as shown in Figure 14. These probe heads allow
full bandwidth probing of differential and single-ended signals. You can order this
kit either at the same time as 1168/9B probe amplifiers or separately later.
Used With
E2678B E2677B E2675B
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Part
Number
0700-2353
0700-2350
01131-94311
01131-94308
01131-62107
01131-43201
a
Figure 14 Probe Heads Included in the N2833A Differential Connectivity Kit (not to scale)
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 21
1 Getting Started
Table 4 Supplied Accessories
Qty
Description
N5381B InfiniiMax II 12 GHz Differential Solder-In Probe Head 2 N5381B
0.007 inch tin-plated nickel wire
0.005 inch tin-plated nickel wire
Trim Gauge
N5425B InfiniiMax II 12 GHz Differential ZIF Solder-in Probe
Head
N5426A InfiniiMax 12 GHz ZIF Tip Kit 2 kits (10 tips in
N2851A InfiniiMax II QuickTip Probe Head 2 N2851A
N2849A InfiniiMax QuickTip Tips Kit 2 kits (4 tips in
N2839A InfiniiMax II Browser Probe Head 1 N2839A
Spring-loaded tips
Tweezer for replacing tips
Protective end cap
* - Indicates the part number of an accessory not orderable separately as an individual product.
Supplied
1
1
1
2 N5425B
each kit)
each kit)
20
1
1
Part
Number
01169-81301 *
01169-21306 *
-
N5426A
N2849A
-
-
-
N5450B Extreme Temp Cable Extension Kit
The extreme temperature cable extension kit is an
accessory that allows an oscilloscope probe to be used to
monitor a device in a temperature chamber. Keysight’s
Infiniimax probe amplifiers have a specified operating
temperature range from 5
can be operated over a much larger range of temperatures.
Use the extension cables to physically separate the
amplifier from the probe head which allows you to operate
the probe head inside a temperature chamber while the
probe amplifier remains outside the chamber. To ensure a high-quality
measurement, the N5450B cable set have been phase-matched at the factory. A
coupling tag is included with the cables to ensure the cables stay as a matched
pair. To install the coupling tag, slip the small end of each cable through the holes
in the tag. The tag can be positioned anywhere along the length of the cable and
can withstand the temperature ranges specified.
o
C to 40o C, but the probe heads
22 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Table 5 Probing Temperature Ranges
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
NOTE
NOTE
Getting Started 1
Probe Head
Configuration
N5381B –40° to +85° > 250
E2677B –25° to +80° > 1000
E2678B –25° to +80° > 1000
N5425B + N5426A -40° to +85° > 500
N5451A –25° to +80° > 1000
MX0100A -55° C dwell, 1000 hours minimum
a Refers to the probe head or tip that is attached to the cable extension kit.
a
Operating Temperature Range (oC)
+150° C dwell, 1000 hours minimum
-55° C to 150° C cycles, 1000 cycles minimum
(as per JEDEC JESD22-A104 revision E)
Expected Lifetime of
the Probe Head (cycles)
> 1000
Avoid rapid changes in temperature that can lead to moisture accumulating in the
form of condensation on the probe components, as well as the DUT. If this occurs, wait
until the moisture has evaporated before making any measurements.
Additional care must be taken when handling probe heads used during extreme
temperature cycling because this process makes the probe heads less robust.
Secure the ends of the extension cable near the probe head in the temperature
chamber such that the probe head legs are not tugged or moved around significantly.
Prevent abrasion and tears in the cable’s jacket, do not rest the extension cables on
any metal objects or objects with sharp edges.
Do not kink the cables. The cables are designed to be flexible, but are not designed to
be bent sharply.
Keep your extreme temperature testing probes separate from the probes they use under
milder conditions. This is because cycling probe heads through extreme temperature ranges
has a marked affect on their lifetimes as listed in Table 5. Only the lifetime of the probe head
is affected by temperature cycling. The extension cables and probe amplifier should not need
to be replaced with extended temperature cycling.
Discoloration or texture changes are possible with the extension cables. These changes do
not, however, affect the performance or the quality of a measurement.
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 23
1 Getting Started
N2880A InfiniiMax In-Line Attenuator Kit
The in-line attenuators are an accessory for probes. The maximum input range of
the 1168B/9B probes are 3.3 V
. If you need to measure larger signals, the
p-p
probe’s design allows you to add the N2880A InfiniiMax in-line attenuators
between the probe head and probe amplifier to increase the maximum input range
(as listed in Table 6 on page 25). Additionally, these attenuators enable you to
increase the offset range of the probe as specified in Table 6 on page 25. When
using the N2880A In-Line Attenuators, the bandwidth and rise time of your
probing system is not affected. There is, however, a trade-off in noise (refer to
Table 6) and in the accuracy of DC offset relative to the input.
The N2880A provides a pair of 6 dB, 12 dB, and 20 dB attenuators. The
attenuators come as matched pairs and should only be used with each other. Each
attenuator has a serial number. The pair of matching attenuators in each set will
have the same four digit numeric prefix and will differ by the last letter (one
attenuator in the matched pair will be labeled A and the other will be labeled B).
Compatibility with probe heads and amplifiers
All InfiniiMax I and II probe heads and amplifiers are compatible with the N2880A
In-line attenuators. However, the following two limitations should be considered
when planning to use N2880A attenuators.
• The maximum input voltage of the InfiniiMax I probe heads is ±30 Vdc and so
they should not be used to measure signals that exceed this range. This places
a practical limit of 20 dB on the attenuators used with the InfiniiMax I probing
system. Larger attenuation ratios will only degrade the noise performance and
gain of the system.
• Due to the N5380B dual-SMA probe head’s maximum input voltage
specification of 2.28 V
large enough to require an added attenuator.
, the N5380B is not suitable for measuring signals
RMS
24 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
.
NOTE
Red = dB(Vout/Vin) + 10.8 dB of probe
Blue = dB (Vout/Vin) + 12 dB attenuator + 10.8 dB of probe
Black = dB(Vout/Vin) + 6dB attenuator + 10.8 dB
Green = dB(Vout/Vin) + 20 dB attenuator + 10.8 dB of probe
Table 6 N2880A With 1168B/9B Probe Amplifiers
Getting Started 1
Added
Attenuator
Maximum Input
Range
(mains isolated
circuits only)
Offset
Range
Typical Noise
Referred to
Maximum Allowed
Input Slew Rate
a
(se = single-ended)
(diff = differential)
Nominal DC
Attenuation of
Probe System
None 3.3 Vp-p ±16V 2.2 mV RMS se: 25 V/ns, diff: 40 V/ns 3.45:1
6 dB (2:1) 6.6 Vp-p ±30 V
12 dB (4:1) 13.2 Vp-p ±30 V
20 dB (10:1) 33.3 Vp-p ±30 V
a These slew rate do not apply when the N5380B SMA probe head is used with the InfiniiMax amplifiers.
b The actual range of DC voltage for N2880A is > ±30 V, but the usable range of DC voltage at the probe input is limited to ±30 Vdc.
b
b
b
6.3 mV RMS se: 50 V/ns, diff: 80 V/ns 6.9:1
13.2 mV RMS se: 100 V/ns, diff: 160 V/ns 13.8:1
33.4 mV RMS se: 250 V/ns, diff: 400 V/ns 34.5:1
The values shown above do not apply to the N5380B dual-SMA probe head. Due to the
maximum input voltage specification of 2.28 VRMS (mains isolated circuits only) for the
N5380B, it is not suitable for measuring signals large enough to require an added attenuator.
Frequency Response Plots
Below are the frequency response plots for four setups: the probe without any
attenuators, the probe with the 6 dB attenuators, the probe with the 12 dB
attenuators, and the probe with the 20 dB attenuators.
Figure 15 Frequency Response
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 25
1 Getting Started
Extended Offset Range with N2880A Attenuators
The use of N2880A attenuators allows an increased offset range (±30 Vdc) of the
probe as listed in Table 6 on page 25.
However, if you are using the12 dB (4:1) or 20 dB (10:1) N2880A attenuators with
the N5381A/B probe head and InfiniiMax II probe amplifier, an extended offset
range (±60 Vdc) is allowed to enable you to measure higher input voltages.
When you connect the appropriate attenuators, probe head, and probe amplifier
to the oscilloscope, the extended offset range is available using the Offset field of
the External Scaling dialog box in the Infiniium software GUI. You access this dialog
box by clicking Setup > Probe Configuration.... and then enabling External Scaling.
For this extended offset range, the maximum allowed AC voltage is dependent on
the DC voltage on the signal. The graph in Figure 16 depicts the DC voltage and
the corresponding allowed maximum AC voltage for this extended range. It is
recommended that you use the maximum AC voltage values depicted in this graph
to set the extended offset value in the Infiniium GUI.
Figure 16 Extended offset range - Maximum AC voltage recommendations corresponding to
the DC voltage
You can also calculate the maximum allowed AC voltage using the following
equations.
26 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
Getting Started 1
Maximum V
Maximum V
ACRMS
AC_PEAK
= 30 * (60 - VDC) / 60
= 42.4 * (60 - VDC) / 60
Calibrating and Configuring Attenuators on an Infiniium Series
Oscilloscope
The software in the Infiniium oscilloscopes will detect a probe when it is connected
and by default will assume that no additional attenuators are installed. If you want
to scale readings and settings on the oscilloscope so they are correct with the
attenuators installed, refer to the procedures below for your specific oscilloscope
series.
Calibrating Attenuators on an Infiniium Series Oscilloscope
You cannot calibrate your InfiniiMax probes with the attenuators attached.
Calibrate the InfiniiMax probes as you normally would (with no attenuators),
configure the attenuators as discussed in the next section, and begin probing.
Configuring Attenuators on an Infiniium Series Oscilloscope
First, plug your InfiniiMax probe amplifier / probe head into one of the oscilloscope
channels with the attenuators connected. Then enter the Probe Setup dialog box
(can be reached via Setup > Probes on the oscilloscope menu). Press the Configure
Probing System button. A pop-up window will appear where you can select External
Scaling. Click the Decibel radio button under the External Scaling section and then
set the Gain field to either –6 dB, –12 dB, or –20 dB depending on the attenuator
you are using (be sure to include the negative sign). Finally, you will need to
manually set the Offset field in this dialog box to zero out the signal.
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 27
1 Getting Started
N2881A InfiniiMax DC Blocking Capacitors
The DC blocking capacitors are an accessory for the probes. The architecture of
the InfiniiMax probing system allows you to place the N2881A DC blocking caps in
between the probe amplifier and the probe head as shown in Figure 17. The
capacitors block out the DC component of the input signal (up to 30 Vdc).
Figure 17 Blocking Caps Between Probe Amplifier and Head
You can use the blocking capacitors with the N2880A In-Line Attenuators. The
order of the two products in the probing system (that is, which one is closest to the
probe amplifier) does not matter.
Figure 18 on page 28 shows the frequency response plot of the blocking
capacitors (no probe included).
Figure 18 DC Blocking Cap Insertion Loss (S21) versus Frequency (DC Blocking Cap only)
28 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
MX0102A Soldering Toolkit
Straight
Tweezers
Cutting
Tweezer s
Double-sided Foam Tape
Low Temperature
Solder Wire
Regular Solder Wire
Probe Tip Wire
Kapton
Tap e
The optional MX0102A soldering toolkit provides tools that can make soldering
tasks easier. For instance, you can use the tools available in this kit while soldering
the lead wires of the MX0100A Micro probe head to a DUT (see page 44).
Getting Started 1
Table 7 Accessories supplied in the soldering toolkit
Description
Straight Tweezers
Qty
Supplied
1 8710-2837
(Anti-magnetic straight pointed tip 120mm)
For general purpose manipulation / movement of com-
ponents such as probe tip wires and probe head.
Cutting Tweezers
1 8710-2838
(Narrow oblique head 115mm)
To cut a probe tip wire to a desired length.
Kapton Tape (36 yards roll)
1 0460-3121
To provide strain-relief to the neck portion of the probe
head by taping it to a flat surface (such as a DUT circuit
board).
1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 29
Part
Number
a
1 Getting Started
Description
Double-sided Foam Tape
To provide strain-relief to either the neck portion of the
probe head or the plastic housings by taping it to a flat
surface such as a tabletop or a DUT circuit board.
Regular Solder Wire
Lead free, .009" diameter, 2 feet long
To attach the probe tip wires to a DUT using standard
lead-free soldering temperatures (330 °C to 350 °C).
(NOTE: This alloy melts at 217
o
C.)
Low Temperature Solder Wire
Lead free, .010" diameter, 2 feet long
To attach the probe tip wires to a DUT using a low tem-
perature setting on your soldering iron.
(NOTE: This alloy melts at 138
o
C.)
Probe Tip Wire
.004" diameter, 2 feet long
To add ground wires to your probe tip if InfiniiMode mea-
surements (differential, single ended, and common
mode signals with a single probe tip) are desired. Clip as
short as possible using the cutting tweezers included in
the kit.
Qty
Supplied
Part
Number
a
10 0460-3122
1 MX0102-21302
1 MX0102-21303
1 MX0102-21301
a You can reorder these items using the part numbers included in the table above.
30 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide
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