Keysight 1168B User Manual

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Keysight 1168/9B-Series Differential and Single-Ended Probes

User’s Guide

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

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 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

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, Keysight disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Keysight 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 Keysight 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.

U.S. Government Rights

The Software is "commercial computer software," as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation ("FAR") 2.101. Pursuant to FAR

12.212 and 27.405-3 and Department of Defense FAR Supplement ("DFARS")

227.7202, the U.S. government acquires commercial computer software under the same terms by which the software is customarily provided to the public. Accordingly, Keysight provides the Software to U.S. government customers under its standard commercial license, which is embodied in its End User License Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at http://www.key-

sight.com/find/sweula. The license set forth

in the EULA represents the exclusive authority by which the U.S. government may use, modify, distribute, or disclose the Software. The EULA and the license set forth therein, does not require or permit, among other things, that Keysight: (1) Furnish technical information related to commercial computer software or commercial computer software documentation that is not customarily provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish to, or otherwise provide, the government rights in excess of these rights customarily provided to the public to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose commercial computer software or commercial computer software documentation. No additional government requirements beyond those set forth in the EULA shall apply, except to the extent that those terms, rights, or licenses are explicitly required from all providers of commercial computer software pursuant to the FAR and the DFARS and are set forth specifically in writing elsewhere in the EULA. Keysight shall be under no obligation to update, revise or otherwise modify the Software. With respect to any technical data as defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR 12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS

227.7102, the U.S. government acquires no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR 227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any technical data. 52.227-14

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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)

Max Differential Slew Rate (V/ns)

Driver Min Edge

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

Used With

E2678B E2677B E2675B

✓

Part Number

01130-21303

01130-81506

01131-85201

01131-85202

01130-41101

01130-63201

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

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)

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.

C to 40o C, but the probe heads

22 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Table 5 Probing Temperature Ranges

CAUTION

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.

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

(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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety Information

WARNING

This manual provides information and warnings essential for operating this probe in a safe manner and for maintaining it in safe operating condition. Before using this equipment and to ensure safe operation and to obtain maximum performance from the probe, carefully read and observe the following warnings, cautions, and notes.

This product has been designed and tested in accordance with accepted industry standards, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The documentation contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.

Note the external markings on the probe that are described in this document.

To avoid personal injury and to prevent fire or damage to this product or products connected to it, review and comply with the following safety precautions.

Use Only Grounded Instruments. Do not connect the probe’s ground lead to a potential other than earth ground. Always make sure the probe and the oscilloscope are grounded properly.

Getting Started 1

Connect and Disconnect Properly. Connect the probe to the oscilloscope and connect the ground lead to earth ground before connecting the probe to the circuit under test. Disconnect the probe input and the probe ground lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the oscilloscope.

Observe Probe Ratings. Do not apply any electrical potential to the probe input which exceeds the maximum rating of the probe. Make sure to comply with the voltage versus frequency derating curve found in this manual. These Probe assemblies are not intended for measurements on mains circuits (CAT II, CAT III, and CAT IV).

Indoor Use Only. Do not operate in wet/damp environments. Keep product surfaces dry and clean.

Never leave the probe connected to a conductor while it is not connected to an oscilloscope or voltage measuring instrument.

Periodically inspect the probe and probe wires to check for any damage. Do Not Operate With Visible or Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage, have it inspected by a Keysight authorized service personnel.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 31

1 Getting Started

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

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

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

If the probe is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the probe assembly may be impaired.

Do not attempt internal service or adjustment. Service should be carried out by a Keysight Technologies authorized service personnel. For any service needs, contact Keysight Technologies.

The probe cable is a sensitive part of the probe and, therefore, you should be careful not to damage it through excessive bending or pulling. Avoid any mechanical shocks to this product in order to guarantee accurate performance and protection.

Concerning the Oscilloscope or Voltage Measuring Instrument to Which the Probe is Connected

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

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

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.

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

32 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Troubleshooting

The following symptoms may indicate a problem with the probe or the way it is used. The probe is a high frequency device with many critical relationships between parts. For example, the frequency response of the amplifier on the hybrid is trimmed to match the output coaxial cable. As a result, to return the probe to optimum performance requires factory repair. If the probe is under warranty, normal warranty services apply.

Probe Calibration Fails

Probe calibration failure with an oscilloscope is usually caused by improper setup. If the calibration will not pass, check the following:

• Check that the probe passes a waveform with the correct amplitude.

• If the probe is powered by the oscilloscope, check that the offset is

approximately correct. The probe calibration cannot correct major failures.

• Be sure the oscilloscope passes calibration without the probe.

Getting Started 1

• Be sure that the probe head that you are using has been in the oscilloscope’s

Probe Setup dialog box.

Incorrect Pulse Response (flatness)

If the probe's pulse response shows a top that is not flat, check for the following:

• Output of probe must be terminated into a proper 50W termination. If you are

using the probe with an Infiniium oscilloscope, this should not be a problem. If you are using the probe with other test gear, ensure the probe is terminated into a low reflectivity 50W load (~ ±2%).

• If the coax or coaxes of the probe head in use has excessive damage, then

reflections may be seen within approximately 1 ns of the input edge. If you suspect a probe head, swap it with another probe head and see if the non-flatness problem is fixed.

• If the one of the components in the tip have been damaged there may be a

frequency gain non-flatness at around 40 MHz. If you suspect a probe head, swap it with another probe head and see if the non-flatness problem is fixed.

Incorrect Input Resistance

The input resistance is determined by the probe head in use. If the probe head is defective, damaged, or has been exposed to excessive voltage, the input resistor may be damaged. If this is the case, the probe head is no longer useful. A new probe head will need to be obtained either through purchase or warranty return.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 33

1 Getting Started

NOTE

Incorrect Offset

Returning the Probe for Service

Assuming the probe head in use is properly functioning, incorrect offset may be caused by defect or damage to the probe amplifier or by lack of probe calibration with the oscilloscope.

If the probe is found to be defective we recommend sending it to an authorized service center for all repair and calibration needs. Perform the following steps before shipping the probe back to Keysight Technologies for service.

1 Contact your nearest Keysight sales office for information on obtaining an RMA

number and return address.

2 Write the following information on a tag and attach it to the malfunctioning

equipment.

• Name and address of owner

• Product model number (for example, 1168B)

• Product Serial Number (for example, MYXXXXXXXX)

• Description of failure or service required

Include probing and browsing heads if you feel the probe is not meeting performance specifications or a yearly calibration is requested.

3 Protect the probe by wrapping in plastic or heavy paper.

4 Pack the probe in the original carrying case or if not available use bubble wrap

or packing peanuts.

5 Place securely in sealed shipping container and mark container as "FRAGILE".

If any correspondence is required, refer to the product by serial number and model number.

34 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Contacting Keysight Technologies

For technical assistance, contact your local Keysight Call Center.

• In the Americas, call 1 (800) 829-4444

• In other regions, visit http://www.keysight.com/find/assist

Before returning an instrument for service, you must first call the Call Center at 1 (800) 829-4444.

Getting Started 1

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 35

1 Getting Started

36 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Keysight InfiniiMax II Series Probes

User’s Guide

2 Using Probe Heads

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

Performance graphs showing the performance of the heads are shown in

Chapter 6. This chapter describes the probe head configurations listed in the order

of the best performance to the least performance. Always refer to the information in this chapter before using any probe head. The recommended configurations are designed to give the best probe performance for different probing situations. This allows you to quickly make the measurements you need with confidence in the performance and signal fidelity.

2 Using Probe Heads

Recommended Configurations

Table 8 Recommended InfiniiMax II Configurations (Sheet 1 of 2)

Recommended Order of Use

MX0100A InfiniiMax Micro Probe Head (Refer to page 41.)

1 Full Bandwidth

N5381B Differential Solder-In (Refer to page 50.)

2 Full Bandwidth

N2839A Differential Browser (Refer to page 52.)

3 Full Bandwidth

BW (GHz)

1168B: 10 1169B: 12

Cdiff a (pF)

0.17 0.26 Differential and Single-ended signals

0.21 0.35 Differential and Single-ended signals

0.21 0.34 Differential and Single-ended signals

Cse (pF) Usage

Lowest input loading Pre-wired micro solder-in probe head kit Light, flexible, small, and reusable Designed to access small geometry target devices

Solder-in hands free connection Hard to reach targets Very small fine pitch targets Characterization

Hand-held browsing Adjustable tip spacing General purpose troubleshooting Compatible with N2784/5A or N2787A probe positioners

N5382A Differential Browser (Refer to page 57.)

4 Full Bandwidth

1168B: 10 1169B: 12

N5380B SMA (Refer to page 60.)

5 Full Bandwidth

1168B: 10 1169B: 12

N5425B ZIF with N5426A ZIF Tip (Refer to page 63.)

6 Full Bandwidth

1168B: 10 1169B: 12

38 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

0.21 0.35 Differential and Single-ended signals Hand-held browsing Probe holders General purpose troubleshooting Ergonomic handle available

N/A N/A Full bandwidth

Preserve oscilloscope channels as opposed to using the A minus B mode. Removes inherent cable loss through compensation. Common mode termination voltage can be applied Offset matched sma cables adapt to variable spacing

0.33 0.53 Differential and Single-ended signals Solder-in with ZIF Tip connection Very small fine pitch target Slightly higher loading than solder-in probe head

Table 8 Recommended InfiniiMax II Configurations (Sheet 2 of 2)

Using Probe Heads 2

Recommended Order of Use

BW (GHz)

Cdiff a (pF)

Cse (pF) Usage

N5425B ZIF with N2884A Fine Wire ZIF Tip (Refer to page 64.)

7 Full Bandwidth

1168B: 10 1169B: 12

0.35 — Differential high fidelity Solder-in fine wire with ZIF Tip connection Extremely small fine pitch target, active ICs Fragile lead wires

N2851A QuickTip Probe Head (Refer to page 67.)

8 Full Bandwidth

1168B: 10 1169B: 12

0.72 0.71 Easy, secure magnetic connection between head and tip. Use N2848A and N2849A with InfiniiMax III+ amplifier for InfiniiMode function.

N5425B ZIF with N5451A Long Wired ZIF Tip (7 mm resistor length) (Refer to page 71.)

9 ~9.9 (0° span)

~4.4 (60° span)

—0.6

0.58

Differential and Single-ended signals Solder-in with LW ZIF Tip connection Variable pitch targets, including larger pitches Higher loading than solder-in probe head

N5425B ZIF with N5451A Long Wired ZIF Tip (11 mm resistor length) (Refer to page 73.)

10 ~5 (0° span)

~3.3 (60° span)

—0.68

0.68

Differential and Single-ended signals Solder-in with LW ZIF Tip connection Variable pitch targets, including larger pitches Higher loading than solder-in probe head

a Capacitance seen by differential signals

b Capacitance seen by single-ended signals

c 0° span between the two LW ZIF resistor leads

d 60° span between the two LW ZIF resistor leads

Table 9 lists probe head configurations that are available in the E2669B

connectivity kit. Not all of these configurations will give the best probe performance of the 1168B and 1169B. The probe configurations are shown in the order of the best performance to the least performance.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 39

2 Using Probe Heads

Table 9 InfiniiMax I Configurations

Recommended Order of Use

BW (GHz)

Cdiff a (pF)

Cse (pF) Usage

E2677B Differential Solder-In (high bandwidth resistors) (Refer to page 75.)

11 1168B: 10

1169B: 12

0.27 0.44 Differential and Single-ended signals Solder-in hands free connection Hard to reach targets Very small fine pitch targets Characterization

E2678B Differential Socketed (full bandwidth resistors) (Refer to page 77.)

12 1168B: 10

1169B: 12

0.34 0.56 Differential and Single-ended signals Removable connection using solder-in resistor pins Hard to reach targets

E2675B Differential Browser (Refer to page 79.)

13 ~5.2 0.32 0.57 Differential and Single-ended signals

Hand-held browsing Probe holders General purpose troubleshooting Ergonomic handle available

E2679B Single-Ended Solder-In (high bandwidth resistors) (Refer to page 81.)

14 ~5.2 N/A 0.50 Single-ended signals only

Solder-in hands free connection when physical size is critical Hard to reach targets. Very small fine pitch targets

E2676B Single-Ended Browser (Refer to page 82.)

15 ~6 N/A 0.65 Single-ended signals only

Hand or probe holder where physical size is critical General purpose troubleshooting Ergonomic handle available

E2678B Differential Socketed with Damped Wire Accessories (Refer to page 84.)

16 ~1.2 0.63 0.95 Differential and Single-ended signals

For very wide spaced targets Connection to 25 mil square pins when used with supplied sockets

a Capacitance seen by differential signals

b Capacitance seen by single-ended signals

40 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

1. MX0100A InfiniiMax Micro Probe Head

MX0100A Probe

Head

MX0103A Bullet

Adapter

InfiniiMax Probe

Amplifier

The MX0100A is a small, flexible, and lightweight solder-in probe head that allows you to conveniently probe denser and smaller-sized target devices. The micro size and flexibility features of this probe head overcome the probing challenges faced with the smaller pads and narrower spacing in such small devices..

This probe head configuration supports the highest bandwidth and provides the full bandwidth signals (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz) and the lowest capacitive loading for measuring both single-ended and differential signals.

This probe head connects easily to an InfiniiMax probe amplifier using the bullet adapter shipped with the probe head.

Using Probe Heads 2

For connection to a DUT, it has pre-wired probe tip leads that allow solder-in connection to very small, fine pitch targets.

Figure 19 MX0100A probe head connected to DUT and InfiniiMax probe amplifier

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 41

2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

CAUTION

Before usage under high

temperatures

Discoloration after usage under high temperatures

When probing differential signals, the + and – connection of the MX0100A probe head can be determined when the probe head is plugged into the probe amplifier. The + and - indicators on the probe amplifier represent the + and - inputs on MX0100A probe head. When probing single-ended signals, ensure that the - input of the probe amplifier is connected to the ground of the DUT.

Extreme Temperature Testing with MX0100A Probe Head

The MX0100A probe head can withstand temperatures from –55°C to +150°C thereby making it suitable for extreme temperature environments such as temperature chambers. For extreme temperature testing, use the MX0100A probe head with the N5450B InfiniiMax extreme temperature extension cable.

InfiniiMax probe amplifiers cannot withstand extreme temperatures (–55°C to +150°C) that the MX0100A probe head can withstand. Be cautious not to subject these probe amplifiers to extreme temperatures. Using the N5450B extension cable with the MX0100A probe head physically separates the amplifier from the probe head and therefore eliminates the chances of the amplifier’s exposure to extreme temperatures.

To know more about the N5450B extension cable and cautions associated with using an InfiniiMax probe head in extreme temperature testing, refer to “N5450B

Extreme Temp Cable Extension Kit" on page 22.

The MX0100A probe head components may undergo discoloration when used under high temperatures. Such changes do not, however, affect the probe head’s performance or measurement quality. The probe head maintains its specified frequency response and bandwidth over the operating temperature range (–55°C to +150°C), without any need for compensation or correction.

42 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

NOTE

Required Infiniium Software Version

The MX0100A probe head requires the Infiniium software version 6.30 or higher.

MX0100A Probe Head Kit Components

Table 10 MX0100A Probe Head Kit Components

Component Quantity * Part Number

Option 001 Option 002 Option 003

Micro Probe Heads (with pre-wired probe tips) 5 25 50 MX0100A

Probe Tip Wire (.004" diameter)

(To make ground connections)

Bullet Adapter 1 5 10 MX0103A

Trim Gauge Template (see Figure 20) 1 5 10 MX0100-94302

* Quantity varies based on the purchased option.

1 wire spool 5 wire spools 10 wire spools MX0102-21301

For Performance plots, refer to “MX0100A Micro Probe Head (Full BW)" on page 152.

For Spice model, refer to “MX0100A Micro Probe Head" on page 222.

If the probe tip lead wire is damaged or worn out, replace the lead wire using the procedure

“To Replace an MX0100A Probe Tip Lead Wire" on page 106.

To know how to avoid damage to the MX0100A probe head, refer to the topic “MX0100A

Probe Head Handling Precautions" on page 47.

Trimming the Lead Wires of MX0100A Probe Head

Before soldering, trim the probe head’s lead wires matching your DUT’s geometry. You can choose from the following lead wire lengths:

• 135 mil (3.4 mm) - The probe head is shipped with this factory-trimmed standard

length. Use this lead wire length to accommodate variable-pitch targets. With this length, you get the maximum convenience in terms of longer reach and the available bandwidth is the full bandwidth of the probe amplifier being used (1168B: 10 GHz and 1169B: 12 GHz).

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 43

2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

• 60 mil (1.5 mm) - If your DUT’s geometry allows you to use shorter lead wire

length, trim the wires to this length to get the maximum performance. Use this lead wire length to accommodate small fine-pitch targets. The available bandwidth is the full bandwidth of the probe amplifier being used (1168B: 10 GHz and 1169B: 12 GHz).

You need to specify your choice of lead wire length (3.4 mm or 1.5 mm) in the Probe Configuration dialog box of the Infiniium software GUI. This allows the software to load the appropriate s parameter file applicable to that wire length. The s parameter file adjusts the frequency response to enhance the measurements accuracy.

To properly trim the probe head’s lead wires

1 Use the Keysight supplied trim gauge template that is included as part of the

MX0100A probe head kit.

Figure 20 MX0100A Trim Gauge Template (MX0100-94302)

2 Using tweezers, place the lead wire over the outline of the lead wires as shown

on the trim gauge template. The trim gauge template displays two lengths:

3.4 mm and 1.5 mm. Choose the correct length as per your DUT.

3 Using the cutting tweezers, trim the lead wires even with the trim lines.

You can spread the probe head’s lead wires within the range of 0mm to 7mm span without causing any significant variation in its available bandwidth.

Soldering an MX0100A Probe Head to DUT

The tools included in the MX0102A soldering toolkit can be of great use while soldering the MX0100A probe head to DUT (see page 29). You may purchase this toolkit separately.

To solder the probe tip lead wires to DUT

44 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

Trim the length of the MX0100A probe head lead wires to match your DUT’s

geometry (see page 43). You may use the cutting tweezers (Keysight part number 8710-2838) included in the Soldering toolkit.

2 Apply flux to both DUT and MX0100A probe tip lead wires. Always use plenty of

flux, even if your solder already contains flux. This cleans the solder joint and allows for easier flowing solder and quicker dwell times.

3 Add solder to existing test points on DUT, if necessary. Heat momentarily and

do not dwell any longer than necessary!

4 Connect the MX0100A probe head’s lead wires to DUT by positioning these

wires on DUT and then reflowing joint while heating momentarily. .

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 45

2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

Keep the temperature as low as possible while still reflowing the solder at the joint of concern. The following are some of the useful tips to maintain low temperature during soldering.

- A temperature-controlled soldering iron is the best way to do this. Set it

for no more than 350

C if using standard lead-free solders and 150oC for

tin-bismuth solder.

- Do not rest a soldering iron on a probe joint for more than a few seconds.

Provide strain-relief to the probe head by taping its mid portion to a flat surface such as a tabletop using the double-sided foam tape (such as Keysight part number 0460-3122 included in the MX0102A Soldering Toolkit). You can also use putty, Velcro or low temperature hot glue instead.

6 Connect the soldered MX0100A probe head to the InfiniMax probe amplifier

using the supplied MX0103A bullet adapter.

7 Provide strain-relief to the probe head and probe amplifier plastic housings by

using a double-sided foam tape (Keysight part number 0460-3122 included in the MX0102A Soldering Toolkit)..

To view a demo on how to solder the lead wires to the DUT, visit

www.keysight.com/find/MX0100A and click the demo file displayed

under Document Library.

46 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

MX0100A Probe Head Handling Precautions

One of the advantages of the MX0100A probe head is its reusability feature. This section describes some of the cautions and tips on how to properly handle the MX0100A probe head to prevent damage and maintain high performance and reusability of the probe head.

To prevent damage and ensure reusability of the MX0100A probe head

• After you have connected the MX0100A probe head electrically to a DUT via solder, it is best to secure it mechanically as well. Always provide strain relief to the probe head setup using putty, velcro, low temperature hot glue, or double-sided foam tape to prevent any unnecessary strain to the probe head and to protect delicate connections.

• Strain relief is recommended at the probe head and amplifier housings as well as at the probe head cable.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 21 Example of a properly strain-relieved MX0100A probe head setup

• While moving a soldered MX0100A probe head, always ensure that you do not twist, pull, tightly bend, or apply force near the probe head’s cable housing.

Figure 22 Example of correct movement of MX0100A probe head

Figure 23 Example of incorrect movement of MX0100A probe head

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 47

2 Using Probe Heads

• Use a microscope setup while performing soldering/de-soldering tasks. A microscope with the following features is recommended.

• Binocular eyepieces

• Adjustable magnification (at least 20x)

• Good working distance from the sample (at least 4 inches)

• Adjustable arm

• Integrated ring light around the objective lens

• Ensure that there is less thermal stress on the probe head as well as DUT by:

• Using a high quality temperature controlled soldering iron with the tip

temperature set as low as possible (just high enough to melt the alloy).

• Using a low temperature solder alloy such as SAC (Tin / Silver / Copper)

with 220

C melting point), or tin-bismuth solder with 138 oC melting point.

• Do not apply heat on the probe tip leads for a time period longer than two seconds.

• Use a small solder iron tip (<1mm is recommended).

• No clean (non-conductive) and less acidic flux is recommended.

• While disconnecting the probe head from the MX0103A bullet adapter:

• either gently pull the bullet adapter from the probe head by hand

• or engage a flat screwdriver on the notch provided on the bullet adapter and

gently disconnect the probe head from bullet adapter.

To check the MX0100A probe head for any damage

You can use a Digital Multimeter to check the resistance measurement of your MX0100A probe head. If the resistance measurement between the probe head’s tip and tail is 25.2 kohm, then the probe head is usable,

48 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 24 Resistance measurement for an undamaged MX0100A probe head

For a damaged probe head, the resistance measurement between the MX0100A probe head tip wire and the center conductor of the SMP connector of the MX0100A is displayed as Infinite.

Figure 25 Resistance measurement for a damaged MX0100A probe head

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 49

2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

2. N5381B Differential Solder-In

The N5381B allows a soldered connection into a system for a reliable hands-free connection. This probe configuration provides the full bandwidth signals (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz) and the lowest capacitive loading for measuring both single-ended and differential signals. It utilizes strong 7 mil (or optional 5 mil) diameter nickel wires, which allow connection to very small, fine pitch targets.

Figure 26 N5381B

Table 11 Supplied Accessories

Accessory Quantity Part Number

0.007 inch tin-plated nickel wire 1 01169-81301

0.005 inch tin-plated nickel wire 1 01169-21306

Trim Gauge 1 —

To install or repair the leads. Refer to “N5381B/N5382A Probe Heads" on page 109.

For the differential solder-in probe head, the + and – connection can be determined when the probe head is plugged into the probe amplifier, therefore, it does not matter which way the tip is soldered.

50 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

CAUTION

NOTE

Figure 27 shows how to adjust the spacing of the head’s wires without stressing the

solder joint. Use tweezers to grab and stabilize the lead near the pc board edge. Then, without moving the tweezers, position the wires as needed. Stabilizing the wire near the solder joint reduces stress at the solder joint. The wires will last much longer with multiple adjustments.

Figure 27 Adjusting Spacing Without Stressing Solder Joint

When soldering in leads to the DUT always use plenty of flux. The flux will ensure a good, strong solder joint without having to use an excessive amount of solder.

Strain relieve the micro coax leading away from the solder-in tips using hook-and-loop fasteners or adhesive tape to protect delicate connections.

Performance plots. Refer to “N5381B & N5382A Differential Probe Heads (Full

BW)" on page 166.

Spice model. Refer to “N5381B and N5382A Heads" on page 224.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 51

2 Using Probe Heads

CAUTION

WARNING

3. N2839A Differential Browser

The N2839A differential browser is the best choice for general purpose troubleshooting of a circuit board for full bandwidth signals (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz). The probe head’s full bandwidth performance, adjustable tips, and ergonomic design makes it ideal for hand held measuring of differential and single-ended signals.

Figure 28 N2839A Probe Head with Protective End Cap

Probing

When probing, observe the following tips:

• Compress the probe tips against the measurement point by applying gentle pressure along the probe’s axis.

• When possible, hold the browser vertical and perpendicular to the circuit board.

• If a tip becomes damaged or are worn out, replace the tip using the procedure

“Installing or Replacing the Browser’s Tips" on page 54.

When a tip is damaged do not continue probing. Failure to replace the tip can result in permanent damage with the tip lodged into the tip arm’s socket.

When not using the N2839A, always snap the protective end cap onto the browser to protect the delicate tips. The physics of designing tips for high frequency, accurate measurements requires that the tip dimensions remain small.

When probing, do not apply a side load to the browser, which might result in damaged tips.

As the spring-loaded tips are sharp, handle the N2839A with care to avoid injury.

52 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Adjustable Tip Spacing

CAUTION

The spacing between the N2839A’s tips can be adjusted from 0 mm to 3 mm using the adjustment wheel shown in Figure 29.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 29 Adjusting the Tip Spacing

Hands-Free Probing

For hands-free stability, the N2839A can be mounted on an N2784/5A or N2787A probe positioner. Or, you can construct a custom holder using the mounting dimensions shown in Figure 30. Use a M2 x 4 mm thread screw to attach the probe head. For additional probe head dimensions, refer to Figure 118 on page 146.

Do not allow the mounting screw to penetrate more that 4 mm into the browser’s mounting hole. Torque the mounting screw to 0.09 Nm (0.8 lb-in.).

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 53

2 Using Probe Heads

Figure 30 Location and Dimensions of Mounting Hole

Installing or Replacing the Browser’s Tips

Use the following procedure to install or replace the tips on the N2839A probe head. For replacement tips, order the N2837A replacement tip kit which contains 20 replacement tips.

Figure 31 Example of a damaged tips

1 Adjust the browser’s thumb wheel so that the tip span is set to its maximum

range.

2 To remove an existing tip, use your fingers or the supplied ESD-safe tweezers.

Gently pull the tip straight out of the browser. Do not twist or turn the tip.

54 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

CAUTION

Pick up a new tip using the supplied tweezers. Identify the correct end to insert

into the tip arm as shown in Figure 32. The end of the tip that has the widest diameter is inserted into the tip arm.

4 Using the tweezers, align the new tip with the browser’s tip socket and gently

insert the tip while avoiding any twisting motion.

The tip arm can be damaged if too much force is applied when inserting the tip. The tip is held in the tip arm by friction and not by a snap or detent connection.

Figure 32 Inserting a Tip

5 Hold the probe vertically and gently press the tip on a hard surface, such as the

tweezers, to seat the tip.

Location of Serial Number

The N2839A’s serial number is located inside the browser’s head-to-amplifier connection as shown in Figure 33.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 55

2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

Accessories

Figure 33 Location of Serial Number Label

Table 12 Supplied Accessories

Accessory Quantity

Spring-loaded tips 20

Straight probe tips 20

Tweezer for replacing tips 1

Protective end cap 1

The N2839A browser with a serial number starting with US5900 or higher is shipped with both straight and spring-loaded tips. Browsers with a serial number less than US5900 are shipped with only spring-loaded tips.

Table 13 Available Accessories

Accessory Quantity

N2837A Replacement Tip Kit. Includes:

• Spring-loaded tips. (0.0115 in. diameter, 0.126 in. long) 20

• Straight probe tips (0.003 in. diameter, 0.113 in. long) 20

Performance plots. Refer to “N2839A Differential Browser Head (Full BW)" on page 157.

56 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

4. N5382A Differential Browser

NOTE

CAUTION

If an N2839A browser is not available, the N5382A differential hand-held browser is the best choice for general purpose troubleshooting of a circuit board for full bandwidth signals (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz). This probe head has the same tip pc board and the same length tip wires so it provides the same full bandwidth performance and fidelity as the solder-in probe head for measuring differential and single-ended signals. The tip wires for this probe head are tin plated spring steel that can be formed to different spacing and provide compliance for a reliable connection. The N5382A comes with an ergonomic handle to aid in positioning the probe head.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 34 N5382A

Table 14 Supplied Accessories

Accessory Quantity Part Number

Ergonomic Handle 1 01130-43202

0.005 inch tin-plated steel wire 01169-21304

Trim Gauge 1 —

To install or repair the leads. Refer to “N5381B/N5382A Probe Heads" on page 109.

Figure 35 shows how to adjust the spacing of the browser’s wires without stressing

the solder joint. Use tweezers to grab and stabilize the lead near the pc board edge. Then, without moving the tweezers, position the wires as needed. Stabilizing the wire near the solder joint reduces stress at the solder joint. The wires will last much longer with multiple adjustments. Although Figure 35 shows the N5381B probe head, the technique used is the same.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 57

2 Using Probe Heads

Figure 35 Adjusting Spacing Without Stressing Solder Joint

When holding the N5382A for extended periods of time, use the N5382A’s supplied ergonomic handle. Figure 36 on page 59 and Figure 37 show how to mount the browser in the ergonomic handle.

58 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Figure 36 Inserting the Probe into the Handle

NOTE

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 37 Removing the Probe from the Handle

Performance plots. Refer to “N5381B & N5382A Differential Probe Heads (Full

BW)" on page 166.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 59

2 Using Probe Heads

CAUTION

5. N5380B SMA

The N5380B SMA probe head provides the highest bandwidth (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz) for connecting to SMA connectors. The input resistance is 50Ω on both inputs. A shorting cap connects one side of both resistances to ground. For applications that require the resistances to be referenced to a voltage other than ground, the shorting cap can be removed and a dc voltage can be applied.

When disconnecting a probe amplifier from the N5380B SMA probe head, grasp the probe amplifier as shown in Figure 38 and pull it straight away from the SMA probe head without any rocking (either side-to-side or up-and-down).

Figure 38 Disconnecting the N5380B

Pulling on the probe amplifier cable or strain relief, or rocking the probe amplifier to remove it, may damage the probe head or probe amplifier.

N5380A/B Head Support

The probe amplifier can become damaged if the N5380A/B does not have an N5380-64701 SMA head support attached. N5380B heads come with the SMA head support already attached. For older N5380A heads, the head support can be ordered. As shown in Figure 39 on page 61, the current design of the N5380-64701 has been changed from the original design. The original design is no longer offered. Both the original and new design provide the same level of protection for the probe amplifier and can be attached to both N5380B and N5380A heads.

60 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

NOTE

Figure 39 Orignal and New Head Support Designs

Performance plots. Refer to “N5380B SMA Probe Head (Full BW)" on page 162.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 61

2 Using Probe Heads

Figure 40 N5380B Schematic

62 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

6. N5425B with N5426A ZIF Tip

NOTE

The N5425B and N5426A combination provides the high bandwidth signals (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz) and the lowest capacitive loading for measuring both single-ended and differential signals. The N5426A ZIF tip accommodates very small fine pitch targets. For variable-pitch targets, use the N5451A tip as described in “9. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (7 mm)" on page 71 and

“10. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (11 mm)" on page 73. The ZIF tip

must be soldered to the circuit that you are measuring.

To attach the ZIF probe head into the ZIF tip, open (lift up) the tip’s black latch, insert the probe head into the tip, and close the latch. To solder a ZIF tip to your DUT, refer to “Soldering a ZIF Tip to a DUT" on page 86.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 41 N5426A ZIF Head with N5451A ZIF Tip Attached

The N5425B ZIF probe head does not come with any ZIF probe tips. ZIF probe tips N5426A, N5451A, or N2884A must be separately ordered.

Performance plots. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Probe Head (Full BW)" on page 172.

Spice modeL. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Head with N5426A ZIF Tip Attached" on page 230.

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2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

7. N5425B with N2884A Fine Wire ZIF Tip

The N2884A fine-wired ZIF tip is similar to the N5426A and N5451A ZIF tips except they are equipped with 22 micron tungsten wires. As wires are extremely small and difficult to see, use a high-powered microscope when working with these tips. Please also note that it is important to handle these fine wire ZIF tips carefully as the thin wires can be easily damaged. The full bandwidth is available (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz).

To attach the ZIF probe head into the ZIF tip, open (lift up) the tip’s black latch, insert the probe head into the tip, and close the latch.

To learn the proper method of using the N2884A tip, refer to “Using N2884A Fine-Wire ZIF tips" on

page 90.

Figure 42 Fine Wires on N2884A Tip

The N5425B ZIF probe head does not come with any ZIF probe tips. ZIF probe tips N5426A, N5451A, or N2884A must be separately ordered.

Performance plots. The response plots for the N2884A Fine Wire ZIF tips are substantially the same as the plots for the N5425B standard ZIF tip. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Probe Head (Full

BW)" on page 172. The only major difference is that the bandwidth for the N2884A (with the

1169B probe amplifier) is slightly less than for the N5425B (12 GHz versus 12.3 GHz). Use the SPICE model for the N5425B to model the input loading for the N2884A.

The N2884A kit comes with five fine wire ZIF tips and one positioner arm with thumb nut (to mount the probe head to a micropositioner).

64 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Figure 43 N2884A Kit with Tine Wire ZIF Tips

Positioner arm

Fine Wire ZIF tips

Cutout in lid so tips do not get damaged when the case is closed

CAUTION

Using Probe Heads 2

Be very careful with the 22 micron tungsten wires as they are very easily damaged.

It is very difficult to see the thin wires. Do not assume that they are not attached to the tip simply because you cannot see them at first glance.

When removing the tips from the packaging, use flat nose tweezers and grab the tip by the pc board. Do not ever grab the tip by the wires.

Once the tip is attached to the ZIF probe head, make sure the tip’s latch is placed in the closed position to secure the connection.

Make sure the micropositioner is secured to something metallic (its base is magnetic) as it is nose-heavy. If it is left resting on a surface that the metallic base cannot secure to, it will tip over and the Fine Wire ZIF tip may become damaged.

When placing the Fine Wire ZIF tips back into the case, ensure that the tips are pointing directly up. The cutouts in the top of the case provide space for these wires when the case is closed. However, if the tips are not pointing directly up, they may miss these cutouts and become damaged.

When the Fine Wire ZIF tip is positioned under a microscope, be very careful with the lenses of the microscope as you adjust the magnification or focus. If one of the lenses

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 65

strikes the tip, it could permanently damage it.

2 Using Probe Heads

CAUTION

The two wires can come into contact during probing if you are not careful in preventing it. There are two ways this can happen. (1) If you set the longer wire and then try to probe a position with the short wire that forces their tips to cross, the two wires can touch. (2) When you set the wires, they will buckle. The wires may not be touching at their tips in this case (so they would look fine under a microscope), but the buckling could cause them to touch each other near their mid-points. Therefore, it is always a good idea to decrease the amount of magnification so you can see the entire wire lengths and make sure they are not in contact. Only turn on the device under test (DUT) when you have verified that the wires are not touching.

66 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

8. N2851A QuickTip Probe Head

The N2851A QuickTip probe head is used with an N2849A QuickTip. Together they provide an easy-to-make secure magnetic mechanical connection between the probe head and QuickTip. Three magnets in the head connect the two sides of a differential signal and a ground. No latch lever is used!

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 44 Magnet Connections in Probe Head

Table 15 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW

1169B 12 GHz

1168B 10 GHz

Permanently solder any number of QuickTips to your DUT as shown in Figure 45 on page 68. Because the probe head is magnetically connected (instead of mechanically connected) to the QuickTip, you can effortlessly connect and disconnect to each QuickTip. For best performance, position the QuickTip vertically on the DUT. The N2849A QuickTip has two signal leads and two ground leads. The ground leads have minimal effect on your differential measurements. However, if you are making only differential measurements you can optionally cut off the ground leads or fold them out of the way. Be aware that without the ground leads, the mechanical stability of the QuickTip will be reduced and you will need to stabilize the probe head.

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2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

Figure 45 Probing with the N2851A Probe Head and N2849A QuickTip

N2849A QuickTips are also compatible with N2848A QuickTip InfiniiMode Probe Heads, which are designed for N2800/1/2/3A, N2830/1/2A, and N7000/1/2/3A probes.

Do not replace or repair the N2849A QuickTip’s resistor or ground leads. Attempting to do so will damage the ability of the tip to mate with the N2851A probe head.

The N2851A does not include any N2849A QuickTips. The N2849A must be ordered separately.

68 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

NOTE

Before connecting the QuickTip head to the tip, use the tack-putty (N5439-65201) included

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

CAUTION

with the N2848A QuickTip probe head or the N2787A 3D probe positioner for securing the probe amplifier to a rigid body near the DUT.

For performance plots, refer to Chapter 6, “Performance Plots.

Connecting a QuickTip to the DUT

Use the following tips when soldering the QuickTips to your DUT:

• Orient the QuickTip vertically as shown in Figure 45 on page 68.

• Solder the four leads to vias or surfaces.

Always mechanically strain-relieve the QuickTip head before using to protect both your probe accessories and DUT from damage.

Using Probe Heads 2

Resistor and wire leads on the QuickTip are factory trimmed to the proper length for use. Adding wire length to the tip of the mini-axial lead resistors or to the ground leads will degrade the performance of the probe.

Soldering the ground wires is not required when making differential or single-ended (+ or – leads) measurements.

• When soldering to a via, always trim the lead close to the via’s underside.

• If a lead is to be soldered to a surface and not a via, make a stronger solder joint by bending the end of the lead 90°. For signal leads, bend the wire approximately half way between the resistor and the end of the wire. Bend the ground leads at about the same distance.

Be careful not to damage the tip wires when handling the QuickTips. Wires can be carefully reshaped with tweezers or fingers if necessary.

The QuickTips are very fragile. They must be manufactured in this way in order to meet the high-performance, high bandwidth applications they are intended for. Be extremely careful when handling.

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2 Using Probe Heads

Cleaning the Magnetic Connections

If the three magnetic connections in the head become dirty, clean the connections using the following steps:

1 Use compressed air or a cloth to remove any loose dirt.

2 Gently rub a small piece of tack putty (supplied with the probe) against the

magnetic connections to clean off any remaining surface grime.

Figure 46 N2851A Head Before and After Cleaning

70 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

9. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (7 mm)

NOTE

The N5451A long-wired ZIF tip with the resistor lengths trimmed to 7 mm accommodates variable-pitch targets. For very small fine pitch targets, use the N5426A tip as described in “6. N5425B with N5426A ZIF Tip" on page 63. The available bandwidth decreases as the span between the leads increases. With 0° span, the bandwidth is approximately 9.9 GHz. With 60° span, the bandwidth is approximately 4.4 GHz.

The tip must be soldered to the circuit you are measuring. This probe head’s leads use two 91W resistors. To attach the ZIF probe head into the ZIF tip, open (lift up) the tip’s black latch, insert the probe head into the tip, and close the latch.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 47 N5451A ZIF Tip Trimmed to 7 mm

The N5425B ZIF probe head does not come with any ZIF probe tips. ZIF probe tips N5426A, N5451A, or N2884A must be separately ordered.

To solder a ZIF tip to your DUT, refer to “Soldering a ZIF Tip to a DUT" on page 86.

To install or repair resistor leads. Refer to “N5451A Long-Wired ZIF Tips" on page 114.

Performance plots. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Probe Head with N5451A Long-Wired ZIF

Tip" on page 176.

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2 Using Probe Heads

NOTE

Removing ZIF Tips from the Packaging Strip

Table 16 Supplied Accessories

Accessory Quantity Part Number

ZIF Tips 10 —

Trim Gauge 1 N5451A-94301

To order additional long wire ZIF resistor leads, order 1NC3-1091 (qty 1).

Spice model. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Head with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip" on page 236.

The N5451A long wire ZIF tip kit contains ten ZIF tips connected together in a strip. Before a ZIF tip can be used, it must be separated from its strip. To accomplish this, grab one of the tips with flat nose tweezers and bend it back. Then, bend the tip in the opposite direction and it should break off.

Figure 48 Breaking Off a Tip

72 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Using Probe Heads 2

NOTE

10. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (11 mm)

Use the N5451A long-wired ZIF tip, with the resistor lengths trimmed to 11 mm, to accommodate variable-pitch targets. If a shorter resistor length can be used, you can increase the available bandwidth by using the 7 mm length described in “9.

N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (7 mm)" on page 71. For very small fine

pitch targets, use the N5426A tip as described in “6. N5425B with N5426A ZIF

Tip" on page 63. To attach the ZIF probe head into the ZIF tip, open (lift up) the

tip’s black latch, insert the probe head into the tip, and close the latch.

The available bandwidth decreases as the span between the leads increases. With 0° span, the bandwidth is approximately 5 GHz. With 60° span, the bandwidth is approximately 3.3 GHz.

Figure 49 N5451A ZIF Tip Trimmed to 11 mm

The N5425B ZIF probe head does not come with any ZIF probe tips. ZIF probe tips N5426A, N5451A, or N2884A must be separately ordered.

To solder a ZIF tip to your DUT, refer to “Soldering a ZIF Tip to a DUT" on page 86.

To install or repair resistor leads. Refer to “N5451A Long-Wired ZIF Tips" on page 114.

Performance plots. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Probe Head with N5451A Long-Wired ZIF

Tip" on page 176.

Spice model. Refer to “N5425B ZIF Head with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip" on page 236.

1168/9B Probes User’s Guide 73

2 Using Probe Heads

Removing ZIF Tips from the Packaging Strip

Figure 50 Breaking Off a Tip

74 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

11. E2677B Differential Solder-In Probe Head

NOTE

CAUTION

The E2677B probe configuration provides the full bandwidth signals and the lowest capacitive loading for measuring both single-ended and differential signals. This head allows a soldered connection into a system for a reliable, hands-free connection. At the tip it uses a miniature axial lead resistor with 8 mil diameter leads which allows connection to very small, fine pitch targets. The full bandwidth is available (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz).

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 51 E2677B

The probe head resistors must be soldered to the circuit that you are measuring. Because of the small size of the resistor leads, it is easy to solder them to very small geometry circuits.

To install or repair resistor leads. Refer to “E2677B/9A Solder-In Probe Heads" on page 118.

Performance plots. Refer to “E2677B Differential Solder-in Probe Head (High BW)" on page 195.

Spice model. Refer to “E2677B Differential Solder-In Head" on page 253.

Do not solder in resistor leads with a big ball of solder right next to the resistor body. Normally the nickel lead will limit the heat transfer to the resistor body and protect the resistor, but if a ball of solder is right next to the resistor body on the lead, the resistor may come apart internally.

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2 Using Probe Heads

CAUTION

NOTE

When soldering leads to DUT always use plenty of flux. The flux will ensure a good, strong solder joint without having to use an excessive amount of solder.

Strain relieve the micro coax leading away from the solder-in tips using hook-and-loop fasteners or adhesive tape to protect delicate connections.

Cut resistors. Before using the resistors, the resistor wires must be cut to the correct dimensions. For the correct dimensions see “E2677B/9A Solder-In Probe Heads" on page 118.

76 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

12. E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head

NOTE

The E2678B probe configuration allows a removable, hands-free connection that provides full bandwidth with a minor increase in capacitance over the probe head for probing differential and single-ended signals. The full bandwidth is available (1168B: 10 GHz, 1169B: 12 GHz).

The 82Ω axial lead resistors are soldered to the circuit that you are measuring. The socketed differential probe head is plugged onto the resistors. This makes it easier to move the probe from one location to another. Because of the larger size of the resistor leads, the target for soldering must be larger than the solder-in probe heads.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 52 E2678B

The E2678B provides a more robust connection between the E2678B head's socket and printed circuit board compared to the previous model. The E2678B’s performance and fit are identical to that of the previous model.

To install or repair resistor leads. Refer to the information found in this section.

Performance plots. Refer to “E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head (High BW)" on page 197.

Spice model. Refer to “E2678B Differential Socket Tip Head" on page 251.

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2 Using Probe Heads

PC Board Target Dimensions

Shaping the Resistors

The spacing for the socketed tip differential probe head is 0.100 inch (2.54 mm). For soldering on a PC board, the targets can be two vias that can accept the 0.020 inch (0.508 mm) diameter resistor leads. A via of 0.025 inch (0.0635 mm) diameter is recommended. If soldering a resistor lead to a surface pad on your PC board, the resistor leads can be bent in an "L" shape and soldered down. A pad size of at least

0.030 x 0.030 inch (0.762 mm x 0.762 mm) is recommended.

Before installing the 82W resistors (01130-81506) onto your device under test, the resistor wires must be trimmed using diagonal cutters and bent to the correct dimensions as shown in Figure 53. Use tweezers, to place the resistor body inside the rectangle of the supplied trim gauge. Use diagonal cutters to trim the leads even with the trim lines.

Figure 53 Resistor Trim Dimensions and Trim Guage

78 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

13. E2675B Differential Browser

NOTE

The E2675B differential browser configuration (bandwidth approximately 5.2 GHz) is the best choice for general purpose troubleshooting of a circuit board. The tab on the side of the probe allows the probe tips to be adjusted for different circuit geometries. The E2675B comes with an optional ergonomic handle to aid in positioning the probe head.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 54 Differential Browser

Do not use the E2675B probe head as a tool to scrape solder mask or other items off of a circuit board. The blue tips can easily be broken off if the browser is not used properly. Always hold the probe head so that the blue tips remain vertical during measurements as shown in Figure 55 on page 80.

Performance plots. Refer to “E2675B Differential Browser" on page 190.

Spice model. Refer to “E2675B Differential Browser Probe Head" on page 249.

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2 Using Probe Heads

Figure 55 Proper Vertical Orientation of the Blue Tips

When holding the E2675B for extended periods of time, use the supplied ergonomic handle. Figure 56 and Figure 57 show how to attach and remove the handle from the probe head.

Figure 56 Inserting the Probe

Figure 57 Removing the Probe

80 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

14. E2679B Single-Ended Solder-in Probe Head

NOTE

CAUTION

The E2679B probe configuration provides good bandwidth measurements (approximately 5.2 GHz) of single-ended signals only with a probe head that is physically very small. The probe head resistors must be soldered to the circuit that you are measuring. Because of the small size of the resistor leads, it is easy to solder them to very small geometry circuits.

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 58 E2679B

This probe head’s leads use a 91W and 0W mini-axial lead resistors.

To install or repair resistor leads. Refer to “E2677B/9A Solder-In Probe Heads" on page 118.

Performance plots. Refer to “E2679B Single-Ended Solder-In Probe Head (High

BW)" on page 201.

Spice model. Refer to “E2679B Single-Ended Solder-In Head" on page 256.

When soldering leads to DUT always use plenty of flux. The flux will ensure a good, strong solder joint without having to use an excessive amount of solder.

Strain relieve the micro coax leading away from the solder-in tips using hook-and-loop fasteners or adhesive tape to protect delicate connections.

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NOTE

15. E2676B Single-Ended Browser

The E2676B single-ended browser is a good choice for general purpose probing of single-ended signals when physical size is critical. The bandwidth is approximately 6 GHz. Excessive peaking (+6 dB) can occur at about 9 GHz. Therefore, limit the bandwidth of the input signal.

For wider spans with non-performance critical browsing (rise times greater than approximately 0.5 ns), the E2676-21301 socketed ground lead can be used in place of the 01130-60012 ground collar.

Figure 59 E2676B

Performance plots. Refer to “E2676B Single-Ended Browser" on page 192.

Spice model. Refer to “E2676B Single-Ended Browser Head" on page 255.

When holding the E2675B for extended periods of time, use the supplied ergonomic handle. Figure 60 on page 82 and Figure 61 show how to attach and remove the handle from the probe head.

Figure 60 Inserting the Probe into the Handle

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Figure 61 Removing the Probe from the Handle

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NOTE

16. E2678B Differential Socketed & Damped Wire Accessory

This E2678B probe configuration provides maximum connection reach and flexibility with good signal fidelity but lower bandwidth (approximately 1.2 GHz) for measuring differential or single-ended signals. The damped wires must be soldered to the circuit that you are measuring. This configuration can probe circuit points that are farther apart than other configurations. This probe head come with a damped wire accessory that includes two 160W resistors.

Figure 62 E2678B with Damped Wire Accessory

This probe configuration can be used to connect to 25 mil square pin headers with 100 mil spacing such as those used in USB testing. If the header adapter is used with the 1168B (10 GHz) or the 1169B (12 GHz), the rise time of the input signal should be slower than ~150 ps (10% to 90%) to limit the effects of resonances in the adapter.

All of the specifications and characteristics of the header adapter are the same as those for the socketed differential probe head except for the input capacitance shown in Table 17.

Performance plots. Refer to “E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head (High BW)" on page 197.

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Adapting the Damped Wire Accessory from Solder-In to Plug-On

To adapt the damped wire accessory (01130-21303), solder the tip into the 01131-85201 square pin socket and then slip the 01131-41101 heat-shrink sleeve over the solder joint and heat the heat-shrink tubing with a heat gun.

Table 17 Characteristic Capacitance

Identification Capacitance Description

Cm 0.43 pF Model for input C is Cm between the tips and Cg to ground each tip

Cg 0.54 pF

Cdiff 0.70 pF Differential mode capacitance is Cm + Cg/2

Cse 0.97 pF Single-ended mode capacitance is Cm + Cg

Using Probe Heads 2

Figure 63 01130-63201 Header Adapter Dimensions

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Soldering a ZIF Tip to a DUT

Overview

Soldering a ZIF tip into a DUT is straightforward, but some of the traditional soldering techniques that are typically used on larger components will not work well here. The following is an overview of the recommended soldering techniques

1 Add some solder to the DUT connection points. There should be enough solder

to provide a good fillet around the ZIF tip’s leads, but not so much as to create a big solder ball. A fine MetCal (or equivalent) soldering tip should be used along with some 11 or 15 mil solder.

2 Using a rosin flux pen, coat the solder points with flux. The flux core solder does

not provide enough flux for this small scale soldering. Also, put flux on the tips of the leads of the ZIF tip.

3 Clean the soldering tip well, then add a little bit of solder to the tip. It may take

several tries to get just a little bit of solder right at or near the tip of the soldering iron. The solder on the tip keeps the soldering iron tip from pulling solder off the DUT connection points. This step may be optional if there is already enough solder on the DUT connection points.

4 Position a lead of the ZIF tip on top of one of the target points, then briefly

touch the soldering iron tip to the joint. The thermal mass of this joint is very small, so you don't need to dwell on the joint for very long. The flux that was added to the joint should produce a good, clean solder joint. If you do not get a good, shinny, strong solder joint, then there was either not enough flux or the joint was heated too long and the flux boiled off.

5 There is a possibility that if a lead of the ZIF tip is inserted into a large ball of

solder that is heated excessively with a soldering iron, the solder joint holding the lead onto the ZIF tip pc board could flow and the lead would come off destroying the ZIF tip. Only the first third of the lead or so needs to be soldered to the target point.

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Detailed Procedure

This is an example of installing a ZIF tip to an IC package. The ZIF tip is attached to the first two package leads. The target could also be via pads or signal traces.

1 Add some solder to the target points in the DUT. Figure 64 on page 87 shows

extra solder added to the pads for the first two pins on an IC package.

Figure 64 Solder Added to Target Points

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2 Use flux pen to add flux to the target points. Also, flux the tip of the lead on the

ZIF tip at this time.

Figure 65 Fluxing of the Target Points

3 Clean the soldering iron tip and add a small amount of solder to the very tip.

This may take a few tries because the solder may tend to ball up and move away from the tip.

Figure 66 Small Amount of Solder Added to Soldering Iron Tip

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Connect the ZIF tip to the ZIF probe head. This allows the probe head to be used as a handle for the ZIF tip to allow positioning in the DUT. Position the lead wires on the target points and then briefly heat the solder joints. There should be enough solder to form a good fillet and enough flux to make the joint shinny. There shouldn't be so much solder that the big solder ball is formed that could cause a solder bridge or overheat the leads on the ZIF tip.

Figure 67 ZIF tip Positioned and Soldered In Place

5 Open the ZIF tip latch, and remove ZIF probe head and leave ZIF tip behind for

future connection. It is best to use a non-conductive, pointed object such as a toothpick or plastic tool. Hold on the heat-shrink part of the probe head to support the ZIF tip while releasing the latch.

Figure 68 Using a Non-Conductive Tool to Open the ZIF Tip’s Latch

Figure 69 ZIF Tip with ZIF Latch Open

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NOTE

To make a measurement, connect a ZIF probe head to the ZIF tip. Open the tip’s

latch, insert the probe head into the ZIF socket, and close the tip’s latch with a non-conductive tool. See Figure 70.

You may need to support the body of the ZIF tip while closing the latch. Use tweezers or other suitable tool to grab the tip’s pc board while the latch is being closed. If the circuit is live, use plastic or non-conductive tweezers.

Figure 70 Use a Non-conductive Tool to Close the Latch

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NOTE

Using N2884A Fine-Wire ZIF tips

The procedure required to use these tips is very specific. Please read the instructions carefully as each step alerts you to common problem areas and things you need to be aware of when using this tip.

Step 1. Calibrate the Probe

If you have not recently calibrated the probe or if this is the first time you have ever used this probe amplifier/head/tip combination on the specific oscilloscope channel you plan on using, you should calibrate the probe. The best and easiest way to calibrate this probe setup is to use the standard N5425B ZIF tips rather than the fine wire ZIF tips (since they are very similar in their electrical response characteristics and it is much easier to quickly work with the standard N5425B ZIF tip).

Step 2. Place the ZIF Probe Head (N5425B) into the Positioner Arm

Insert the N5425B ZIF probe head into the positioner arm as shown in Figure 71 on page 91. The fine wire ZIF tip should not be connected to the N5425B ZIF probe head yet.

The positioner arm is located inside the case with the five fine wire ZIF tips.

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Using Probe Heads 2

Then use flat nose tweezers to slide the ZIF probe head into the recess of the positioner arm. Take care to not damage the thin ZIF portion of the probe head.

Slip the ZIF probe head into the positioner arm by first sliding the coax cables into this slot one at a time.

positioner arm

N5425B ZIF probe head

Slide ZIF probe head into the arm from this direction after sliding the coax cables into the slot in the positioner arm.

NOTE

Figure 71 Probe Head and Tip in Positioner

Step 3. Install the Positioner Arm Into the Micropositioner

Secure the positioner arm to a micropositioner using the thumb nut as shown in

Figure 72 on page 92. Keysight recommends using the Wentworth Laboratories

micropositioner shown in the picture. You can either order it directly from Wentworth Laboratories (www.wentworthlabs.com) or you can order it from Keysight. If you order it through Keysight, you must order both of the following two parts:

• N2884-64702 (Wentworth 2026-90409 PVX 400-M: Manual Linear Manipulator Magnetic Base)

• N2884-64703 (Wentworth 5-00-4711 Short Nose Articulated Short Arm Front)

While Keysight recommends using the Wentworth micropositioner, the Fine Wire ZIF positioner arm is compatible with many micropositioners as long as the thumb nut has enough threads to firmly secure the positioner arm.

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Z Control

X-Y Controls

positioner

arm

thumbnut

This magnetic base must be secured to a metallic surface

Connect amplifier to probe head

Figure 72 Micropositioner

Step 4. Secure the Micropositioner

When the Fine Wire ZIF tips are attached to the probe head, it is important that the micropositioner is properly secured. It is nose-heavy so if the surface it is on does not allow its magentic base to secure it, the micropositioner will tip over and damage the ZIF tip. Therefore, you need to place the micropositioner on a metallic surface and ensure that its metallic base is indeed secured so it will not tip over.

Step 5. Attach the Probe Head to Probe Amplifier

Once the Fine Wire ZIF tip is attached to the probe head, it will be extremely important that you are careful with the entire setup (so you do not crush or damage the wires). Therefore, it is usually easiest to connect the probe head to the InfiniiMax probe amplifier before you attach the Fine Wire ZIF tips. You can also connect the probe amplifier to the oscilloscope at this time.

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Figure 73 Amplifier Connected to Probe Head

Step 6. Remove a Fine Wire ZIF tip From the Case

CAUTION

Fine Wire ZIF tip

To remove a tip from the packaging, grasp the pc board of the tip with flat nose tweezers and lift directly out of the foam. See Figure 74 on page 93.

Do not ever lift the tip out by grasping the wires.

In the case, each of the five Fine Wire ZIF tips has its wires pointing directly up. There is a cutout in the case’s lid that allows for these wires to not be bent when the lid is closed. If the wires are not pointed directly upward, they could become damaged when the lid is closed.

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Figure 74 Removing the ZIF Tip

Step 7. Attach the ZIF Probe Head to the Fine Wire ZIF tip

While still grasping the tip with flat nose tweezers, use another set of tweezers to lift the latch to the open position as shown in Figure 75 on page 94). Be careful to not hit the wires. The picture shows the standard ZIF tip and is only meant to highlight the latch’s open position (the latch is the same on the standard and Fine Wire ZIF tips).

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This is what the latch looks like when it is in the

open position

Zif tip

ZIF Probe Head

This is what the latch looks like when it is in the closed position

NOTE

Figure 75 ZIF Tip Latch in Open Position

The probe head should already be attached to the positioner arm (which is secured to the micropositioner). Push the Fine Wire ZIF tip onto the probe head and close the latch to lock them together. The picture below does not show the probe head inside the positioner arm. It is meant to show you what the latch looks like when it is closed.

Figure 76 ZIF Tip Latch in Closed Position

Step 8. Attach the Fine Wire ZIF tip Onto the Board

The procedure described below is for probing the underside of ICs and describes a specific use-scenario. There may be other possible ways to use this probe tip. The following steps require a probing station and a high-powered microscope.

Do not turn on your DUT until you have landed both wires and confirmed they are not touching, as described below.

In order to prepare the IC for probing, you first need to chemically etch a large trench out of the IC. Within the trench, create at least two wells (target well and ground well) to the targeted metal layers. These wells should be approximately 15 x 15 microns and 10 microns deep. These wells keep the probe tip from slipping

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chemically-etched trench

ground well

target well

the longer wire

the shorter wire is

is always on this side

always on this side

across the surface as they give a place for the wires to anchor. You may need to create many wells depending on the number of targets you want to probe, but you at least need two in order to have a ground well and a target well. A small amount of tungsten should be placed in the bottom of each well. The maximum distance between wells is 600 microns.

Figure 77 Example of Trench and Two Wells Under Magnification

The two 22 micron wires on the Fine Wire ZIF tip are of different lengths. The longer wire will be driven down first to set the z-axis and then you will land the short wire. It does not matter which wire goes into the ground well and which goes into the target well, but it does matter that the longer wire is set first.

Figure 78 ZIF Tip Wires

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Fine Wire ZIF tip

The two pointed shadows shown in the image to the left are the 22 micron wires

It also matters how the two wells are positioned relative to each other. When you land the longer wire first, you will want to land it in a well that is below and to the right (from the perspective of the probing direction) relative to the wells in which you are going to land the short wire. In the diagram above, you could land the longer wire in well 1 and then probe locations 2, 3, and 4 with the short wire. You could not, however, reach well 5 with the short wire (the two wires could cross, shorting them in the process). You also could not reach well 6 with the short wire due to the configurations of the wire (this will cause an upward bend in the wires that could be detrimental to the probing performance). The short wire wells will always need to be up and to the left of the long wire well (from the perspective of the probing direction).

To land both of the wires in the wells, first position the IC under a microscope and move both wires into the region as shown below.

Figure 79 Wires in Wells

How easy the rest of these steps are will depend on how powerful of a microscope you have. It may take a while to get adjusted to the process, but with some practice, you should grow in your comfort level.

Move the positioner in the x-y direction until the tip of the long wire is above its well. You may not be able to see the wells and the wires in focus at the same time. If this is the case then first focus on the wells and then slowly move the focus out until you can see just the tips of the wires. You should then be able to move the longer wire tip over the first well.

Next, slowly land the tip in its well (using the z-direction adjustment on the micropositioner). Keep moving down until you see the end of the wire bend

96 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

slightly. This will ensure that this wire remains stuck while we translate the shorter wire in the next step. Do not land the longer wire too hard or you could damage it. Once you see it flex, stop moving in the z-direction and use the x-y knobs on the micropositioner to wiggle the longer wire slightly. If the wire wiggles, but stays stuck in place on the IC then it was properly placed in the well.

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Land the longer of the two wires in its well

Land the shorter of the two wires into its well

Figure 80 Longer Wire Landed

With the longer wire in place, move the micropositioner in the x-y direction until the shorter wire is over the target well. Then adjust the positioner in the z-direction to land the shorter wire into its well.

Figure 81 Shorter Wire Landed

The Fine Wire ZIF tip should now be ready to make a differential measurement. Before turning on your DUT, you need to ensure that the two wires are not touching. You should be able to confirm in the microscope that the tips are not overlapping, but these wires do buckle when you land them so they could be touching further up the wires. Decrease the magnification of the microscope until you can see the entire length of both wires and ensure that the wires are not touching.

Step 9. Configuring the Correct Settings on Your Oscilloscope

You should select the N5425B probe head in the probe menu on your oscilloscope when using the Fine Wire ZIF tip. You are now ready to acquire a signal.

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NOTE

N2887A/8A Soft Touch Probe Heads

The N2887A pro series and N2888A half-channel Soft Touch probe heads for logic analyzers eliminate the connector that is traditionally attached to the target board and replaces it with an array of probe pods. The probe heads adapt from the Keysight ProSeries Soft- touch foot print to the GPO input connectors found on the 1168B/9B and 1130/1/2/4B series probe amplifiers.

Each probe head supports both single-ended and differential footprints and pin-outs. You can connect either a single- ended channel (one connector) into the positive (+) input of the probe amplifier or by plugging the differential complements (2 connectors) into the appropriate positive (+) and negative (–) inputs of the probe amplifier. There exists a 1:1 mapping of Soft touch signal and clock lanes to probe amplifier input GPO connectors. A total of 36 or 18 GPO connectors is necessary to support the possible configurations probe heads.

Figure 82 Soft Touch Head Connected to Probe Amplifier

Performance plots. Refer to “N2887A/N2888A Soft Touch Probe Heads" on page 203.

Retention Modules

You attach the probe heads to the PC board using a retention module, which ensures pin-to-pad alignment and holds the probe in place. A kit of five retention modules is shipped with each probe head. Additional kits can be ordered.

Table 18 Accessories / Replacement Parts

Part Number Description

E5405-68702 Retention Module Replacement kit for N2887A

E5396-68702 Retention Module Replacement kit for N2888A

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Table 18 Accessories / Replacement Parts

Part Number Description

N2887-60002 De-skew and Performance Verification Fixture

The Keysight specific probe head retention modules do not match any other vendor’s connectors. The footprint of the probe heads do match other vendors, but the retention modules do not match.

Figure 83 N2887A Retention Module Dimensions

Figure 84 N2888A Retention Module Dimensions

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Characteristics

The probe and oscilloscope combination should be warmed up for at least 20 minutes before any testing and the environmental conditions should not exceed the probe’s specified limits.

Table 19 N2887A / N2888A Characteristics (Typical)

Item Characteristic

Bandwidth (–3 dB) 4 GHz

Flatness ± 5%

Single-ended Equivalent Loading Capacitance < 1 pF

Differential Equivalent Loading Capacitance < 0.5 pF

Single-ended Input Impedance 25 kW

Differential Input Impedance 50 kW

Channel to Channel Coupling < –35 dB to 1.7 GHz,

< –20 dB to 4 GHz

Channel to Channel Skew < 15 ps

N2887A Footprint Dimensions

The view in Figure 85 on page 101 is looking down onto the footprint on the printed circuit board. The numbers of the following paragraphs are labeled in the diagram:

Must maintain a solder mask web between pads when traces are routed between

the pads on the same layer. Solder mask may not encroach onto the pads within the pad dimension shown.

Via in pad not allowed on these pads. Via edges may be tangent to pad edges as

long as solder mask web between vias and pads is maintained.

Permissible surface finishes on pad are HASL, immersion silver, or gold over

nickel.

Footprint is compatible with retention model E5405-68702.

Plated through hole should not be tied to ground plane for thermal relief.

100 1168/9B Probes User’s Guide

Keysight 1168B User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

1 Getting Started

Introduction

Probe Handling

Using Offset With InfiniiMax Active Probes

Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies

Available Accessories

Safety Information

Troubleshooting

2 Using Probe Heads

Recommended Configurations

1. MX0100A InfiniiMax Micro Probe Head

2. N5381B Differential Solder-In

3. N2839A Differential Browser

4. N5382A Differential Browser

5. N5380B SMA

6. N5425B with N5426A ZIF Tip

7. N5425B with N2884A Fine Wire ZIF Tip

8. N2851A QuickTip Probe Head

9. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (7 mm)

10. N5425B with N5451A Long-Wire ZIF Tip (11 mm)

11. E2677B Differential Solder-In Probe Head

12. E2678B Differential Socketed Probe Head

13. E2675B Differential Browser

14. E2679B Single-Ended Solder-in Probe Head

15. E2676B Single-Ended Browser

16. E2678B Differential Socketed & Damped Wire Accessory

Soldering a ZIF Tip to a DUT

Using N2884A Fine-Wire ZIF tips

N2887A/8A Soft Touch Probe Heads