Keysight InfiniiMax III+ Series, N2830A, N2831A, N7001A, N7003A User Manual

Keysight
N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A
InfiniiMax III+ Probes

User’s Guide

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2016, 2017

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

N2830-97011

Edition

Eleventh Edition, December 2017

Published by:
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 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
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either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
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limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a par­ticular purpose. Keysight shall not be
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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

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Safety Notices

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

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

Contents

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 5

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 39

Inspecting the Probe and Its Accessories 6
Introduction 9
Compatible Oscilloscopes 15
To Avoid Damaging the Probe 16
To Ensure Maximum Measurement Accuracy 21
To Use InfiniiMode 22
To Probe Ungrounded Devices 25
To Probe Single-Ended Signals with a Differential Head 26
To Measure Small Signals on a Large DC Level 27
Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies 30
Available Accessories 32
Safety Information 34
Service 37

Recommended Configurations at a Glance 40
N5444A InfiniiMax III 2.92 mm/3.5 mm/SMA Probe Head 42
N5439A InfiniiMax III ZIF Probe Head 45
N5445A InfiniiMax III Differential Browser Probe Head 51
N5441A InfiniiMax III Solder-In Head 57
N2836A InfiniiMode Solder-In Head 60
N2848A QuickTip InfiniiMode Probe Head 65
N2835A InfiniiMax III+ Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories 69
Strain Relieving the Probe Heads 71
Soldering Tips 73

3 Maintaining Probe Heads 75

Replacing Axial Resistor Tips 76
Replacing N5441A Probe Head Wires 80

4 Calibration / Deskew Procedure 85

Procedure 86

3

5 Specifications and Characteristics 93

N2830/1/2A Probe Amplifier Specifications and Characteristics 94
N2830/1/2A Probe Head Characteristics 96
N7000/1/2/3A Probe Amplifier Specifications and Characteristics 97
N7000/1/2/3A Probe Head Characteristics 99
Environmental 100
Safety and Regulatory Information 101
Probe Dimensions 102
Probe Heads Dimensions 103

6Performance Plots 107

InfiniiMax III+ Probe System Responses 108
N2848A QuickTip Head with N2849A QuickTip 111
N2836A Solder-In Probe Head (Flat Orientation) 112

7 Performance Verification for N2830A-Series Probes 115

Bandwidth Performance Verification 116
DC Input Resistance Performance Verification 133
Performance Test Record 135

8 Performance Verification for N7000-Series Probes 137

Bandwidth Performance Verification 138
DC Input Resistance Performance Verification 147
Performance Test Record 149

9SPICE Models 151

N2848A QuickTip Head with N2849A QuickTip Tip 152
N5439A ZIF Probe Head with N5440A ZIF Tip 153
N5439A ZIF Probe Head with N2838A ZIF Tip 154
N2836A 26 GHz Solder-In Probe Heads 155
N5441A 16 GHz Solder-In Probe Head 156
N5445A Browser Probe Head 157
N5444A SMA Probe Head 159

4 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Keysight InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

User’s Guide

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series

Probes

Inspecting the Probe and Its Accessories 6
Introduction 9
Compatible Oscilloscopes 15
To Avoid Damaging the Probe 16
To Ensure Maximum Measurement Accuracy 21
To Use InfiniiMode 22
To Probe Ungrounded Devices 25
To Probe Single-Ended Signals with a Differential Head 26
To Measure Small Signals on a Large DC Level 27
Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies 30
Available Accessories 32
Safety Information 34
Service 37

This user’s guide covers the N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A InfiniiMax III+ series
differential probes that are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

5

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

Inspecting the Probe and Its Accessories

The N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A InfiniiMax III+ probes are shipped with a case,
calibration information, probe handling guide, and probe information card that are
shown in Figure 2 on page 7 or Figure 3 on page 8. Most, but not all, of the
shipped items are shown in these figures. After opening the case, lift out the foam
cutout and flip the cutout over to reveal an calibration envelope and a handling
guide.

When you receive your probe, check the following items:

• 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.

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.

6 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 2 N2830A-Series Probe and Accessories in Supplied Case

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 7

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

Figure 3 N7000A-Series Probe and Accessories in Supplied Case

8 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Introduction

WARNING

CAUTION

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

The InfiniiMax III and III+ Probing System Family Diagram, Figure 4 on page 10,
shows compatible oscilloscopes, probes, and probe heads. The

connect to the oscilloscope using a precision-BNC connection (AutoProbe 1).
N7000/1/2/3A probes connect to the oscilloscope using a 3.5 mm connection (AutoProbe

2).

Figure 5 on page 11 and Figure 6 on page 12 identify most of the probe parts.

N2830/1/2A probes

The

Table 1 Probe Bandwidths

Probe Bandwidth Probe Bandwidth

N2832A 13 GHz N7003A 20 GHz

N2831A 8 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

N2830A 4 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

Both the
when using the N2848A QuickTip probe head, N2836A Solder-in head or N5444A

2.92 mm/SMA head. InfiniiMode allows you to switch between differential,

single-ended, and common mode measurements without needing to change or
reconnect the probe or probe leads. Switching measurements is accomplished
using the oscilloscope’s probe configuration dialog box. For more information,
refer to “To Use InfiniiMode" on page 22.

Before using the probe, refer to “Safety Information" on page 34.

Probe heads

AutoProbe 1 (Precision BNC)

Scope Connection

N7000A 8 GHz

InfiniiMax III+ N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A probes support InfiniiMode

AutoProbe 2 (3.5 mm)

Scope Connection

Before you can use the probe, you must connect one of the available probe heads
that are shown in Figure 4 on page 10 and documented in Chapter 2, “Using
InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads". These probe heads are also compatible with the
InfiniiMax III N2800A-series probes.

Before using the probes, refer to “To Avoid Damaging the Probe" on page 16.

Differential probe heads offer easy measurement of differential signals and greatly
improve the measurement of single-ended signals. Single-ended probe heads
offer extremely small size for probing single-ended signals in confined spaces.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 9

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

Figure 4 InfiniiMax III and III+ Family Diagram with Compatible Scopes and Probe Heads

(not to scale)

10 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 5 N2830/1/2A Probes

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 11

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

Figure 6 N7000/1/2/3A Probes

12 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

AutoProbe Interface Connectors

Figure 7 and Figure 8 show the AutoProbe interface connectors that connect the

probes to the oscilloscope. The N2830/1/2A probes use the AutoProbe I interface
which connects to precision BNC oscilloscope channel inputs. It is compatible with
Infiniium oscilloscopes such as the 90000A and S-series. Of course, the probe
model must be also supported by the oscilloscope software.

The N7000/1/2/3A probes use the AutoProbe II 3.5 mm interface, which is
compatible with 90000 Q/V/X/Z-series oscilloscopes without the use of an
adapter

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 7 N2830/1/2A’s AutoProbe I Interface Connector

Figure 8 N7000/1/2/3A’s AutoProbe II Interface Connector

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 13

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

WARNING

Voltage Limits

The N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A probes are designed for Measurement
Category I (CAT I). Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on
circuits not directly connected to a mains supply. Observe the following voltage
limits:

Maximum AC at probe tips: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5V

Maximum DC at probe tips: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .±18V

Always observe the ESD, temperature, maximum voltage, and maximum terminal
voltages listed on the probe labels.

N7000/1/2/3A probe buttons

Press the Menu button to bring up the oscilloscope’s Probe dialog box.

When using the N5445A browser head, press the Light button to turn on and off
the browser’s LED headlight. Pressing and holding this button will ramp the
intensity of the LED headlights so that you can adjust the brightness to
accommodate different lighting or glare conditions.

rms

Figure 9 Buttons on 7000/1/2/3A Probe

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.

14 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Compatible Oscilloscopes

The N2830/1/2A probe’s precision BNC AutoProbe I interface connects directly to
S-series and 90000A oscilloscopes. Use an N5442A adapter to connect to series
90000 Q, V, X, and Z-series Infiniium oscilloscopes. Use an N1022B adapter to
connect to the 86100D oscilloscope.

The N7000/1/2/3A probe’s AutoProbe II interface connects directly to series
90000 Q, V, X, and Z-series Infiniium oscilloscopes. Use an N5477A adapter to
connect to the 86100D oscilloscope.

The N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A probes are not compatible with Infiniium
9000 Series, InfiniiVision and any old generation Keysight, Agilent, or HP
oscilloscopes.

Table 2 N2830A-Series Probes and Compatible Infiniium Oscilloscopes

Oscilloscope Adapter Required Minimum Required Firmware

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Version

90000 Q, V, X, and Z-Series N5442A 5.00

90000A Series none 5.00

S-Series none 5.00

86100C/D Series N1022A/B —

Table 3 N7000A-Series Probes and Compatible Infiniium Oscilloscopes

Oscilloscope Adapter Required Minimum Required Firmware

90000 Q, V, X, Z-Series none 5.50

86100C/D Series N5477A —

Is your oscilloscope software up-to-date?

Keysight periodically releases 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 model number. Click
on the “Drivers, Firmware & Software” tab under the Technical Support link.

Version

86100C/D sampling oscilloscope

The probes can be used with the 86100C/D sampling scope with degraded
performance, depending on the probe head used. Use only in differential 1x mode
(10:1 attenuation). For N2830/1/2A probes, use the N1022B adapter. For
N7000/1/2/3A probes, use the N5477A adapter.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 15

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

To Avoid Damaging the Probe

In this section, you’ll learn to properly handle your probes to prevent damage and
maintain high performance. For more safe-handling information, go to

http://www.keysight.com/find/esd-best-practices-demo,.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can quickly and imperceptibly damage or destroy
high-performance probes, resulting in costly repairs. Always wear a wrist strap when
handling probe components.

Probes are sensitive devices and should be treated with care. Do not bend or kink the
probe amplifier cable. Do not drop heavy objects on the probe, drop the probe from
large heights, spill liquids on the probe, etc. Any of these examples can significantly
degrade the performance of the probe.

When storing the probe, it is best to coil the cable in a large radius and avoid a net
twist in the cable during the process. This can be done in a similar manner to how
garden hoses or extension cords are typically coiled.

InfiniiMax I and II probe heads cannot be used with Infiniimax III+ probe amplifiers and
InfiniiMax III+ probe heads cannot be used with InfiniiMax I and II amplifiers.

Never allow the probe head to be connected to the probe amplifer, if the probe
amplifier is not connected to the oscilloscope channel.

Always disconnect an N2836A or N5441A solder-in probe head from the probe
amplifier before unsoldering, moving to a new position, and resoldering the head.

Using a static-safe work station

InfiniiMax probes and accessories are ESD sensitive devices and should be treated
with care. Before using or handling the probe or accessories, always wear a
grounded ESD wrist strap and ensure that cables and probe heads are discharged
before being connected.

All work, including connecting probe amplifiers to the oscilloscope, should be
performed at a static-safe work station as shown in Figure 10.

16 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 10 Static-Safe Work Station

Many scopes including Keysight's 90000X or V series have a front-panel ground
socket. You can plug the wrist strap into the ground socket as seen in the following
picture.

Figure 11 Wrist Strap Connected to Oscilloscope Ground Socket

The static-safe work station shown in Figure 10 uses two types of ESD protection:

• Conductive table-mat and wrist-strap combination.

• Conductive floor-mat and heel-strap combination.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 17

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

Both types, when used together, provide a significant level of ESD protection. Of
the two, only the table-mat and wrist-strap combination provides adequate ESD
protection when used alone. To ensure user safety, the static-safe accessories
must provide at least 1 MW of isolation from ground. Purchase acceptable ESD
accessories from your local supplier.

These techniques for a static-safe work station should not be used when working on
circuitry with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts.

Safely connecting the probe to an oscilloscope

To protect against ESD damage, always use the four steps shown in Figure 12 on
page 19 when connecting your probe to the oscilloscope.

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

Probing the DUT

When making your measurements, you’ll often need to probe different locations on
the DUT. You can safely move any of the following three probe heads without
having to first break the amplifier-to-head connection:

• N5445A differential browser head

• N5439A ZIF head,

• N5444A 2.92 mm/3.5 mm/SMA head.

• N2848A QuickTip InfiniiMode head.

The only exception is when the DUT is not grounded to the oscilloscope via the AC
mains ground. In this case, connect the DUT ground to the oscilloscope ground
before moving the probe. An example of a device having a floating ground would
be a battery-powered DUT.

When probing with an N2836A and N5441A, always disconnect the probe head from
the amplifier before unsoldering, moving to a new position, and resoldering the head.
This is because some soldering-iron tips can hold a charge which can damage the
probe amplifier.

When probing with an N2848A, always disconnect the probe head from probe tip
before unsoldering, moving to a new position, and resoldering the tip. This is because
some soldering-iron tips can hold a charge which can damage the probe amplifier.

18 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 12 Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope

Safely disconnecting the probe from an oscilloscope

Always disconnect the probe head from the probe amplifier before:

• disconnecting the probe amplifier from the oscilloscope.

• switching the probe amplifier from one oscilloscope channel to another.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 19

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

CAUTION

Never allow the probe head to be connected to the probe amplifier, if the probe
amplifier is not connected to the oscilloscope channel.

Figure 13 Probe Improperly Disconnected from Oscilloscope while Probe Head is Connected

to the Probe Amplifier

20 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

To Ensure Maximum Measurement Accuracy

To increase measurement accuracy, use the oscilloscope’s Select Probe Head dialog
box to indicate the type of probe head that is attached to the probe amplifier.
Making this selection allows the oscilloscope to apply the proper type of correction
filter (S parameter) for your measurement case. The correction filter increases
accuracy by flattening the magnitude and phase response of the probe. The
following two sources of S parameters are automatically used for the filter:

• S parameters of the InfiniiMax III+ probe amplifier. These S parameters are
unique to and stored on the probe amplifier.

• S parameters of the specific probe-head model. For example, the N2836A: DF
Solder-In (Vertical) selection applies S parameters for the N2836A head held in a
vertical position (perpendicular to the surface of the DUT).

To disp l ay t he dia log b ox, cl i ck Probes > Channel Setup Menu.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 14 Select Probe Head Dialog Box

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 21

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

NOTE

NOTE

To Use InfiniiMode

InfiniiMode allows you to switch between differential, single-ended, and common
mode measurements without needing to change or reconnect the probe or probe
leads. Switching measurements is accomplished using the oscilloscope’s probe
configuration dialog box.

InfiniiMode is available when using InfiniiMax III+ N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A probes.
InfiniiMode is not available when using InfiniiMax I, II, or III probe amplifiers.

The N2848A QuickTip, N2836A Solder-In head, and N5444A SMA head are
InfiniiMode compatible.

The following table shows, depending on the probe tip and InfiniiMode setting,
which signal types can be measured.

Table 4 Supported InfiniiMode Measurements by Probe Tip

InfiniiMode
Setting

Differential Browser (full BW)

Single-Ended Browser (not supported) Browser (not supported)

Common-Mode Browser (not supported) Browser (not supported)

* Full bandwidth obtained by touching one tip to ground.

Signal Being Measured

Single-Ended Differential

*

Solder-In (lower BW) Solder-In (lower BW)

QuickTip (lower BW) QuickTip (lower BW)

Solder-In Solder-In

QuickTip QuickTip

Solder-In Solder-In

QuickTip QuickTip

Browser (full BW)

Because the N5445A browser tip has two leads instead of three, it is not InfiniiMode
compatible. However, you can still use the browser tip to measure single-ended signals by
selecting differential mode and touching one tip to ground.

Making InfiniiMode connections

When probing a differential or common mode signal, connect the probe tips as
shown in Figure 15. The positive (+) and negative (–) leads can be reversed by
swapping the connections at the probe amplifier.

22 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

NOTE

V

+lead

V

lead–

– 4V 1V– 3V==

V

+lead

V

lead–

+
2

----------------------------

4V 1V+

2

---------------2.5V==

V

+lead

gnd– 4V 0V– 4V==

V

lead–

gnd– 1V 0V– 1V==

Figure 15 Example InfiniiMode Probe Circuit Connections

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

The following measurements can be made without reconnecting the probe tips.
These equations use the voltages shown in Figure 15.

Differential Measurement

Common Mode Measurement

Single-Ended Measurement with +Lead

Single-Ended Measurement with –Lead

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 23

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

Selecting the InfiniiMode mode

With the probe connected to an S-series, 90000 series, 90000 X, Q, Z, or V-series
Infiniium oscilloscope, perform the following steps:

1 Click Setup > Probe Configuration to open the Probe Configuration Setup dialog box

shown in Figure 16.

2 In the dialog box, click the Probe Amp block to open the Probe Amplifier dialog

box.

3 Select the InfiniiMode measurement mode: Differential, Single-Ended A,

Single-Ended B, or Common Mode. The default setting is Differential.

Figure 16 Probe Configuration Dialog Box and Probe Amplifier Dialog Box

24 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

To Probe Ungrounded Devices

NOTE

If the DUT is not grounded to the oscilloscope via the AC mains ground, connect
the DUT ground to the oscilloscope ground. An example of a floating ground is a
battery-powered device.

Without the ground connection, the common mode voltage is not guaranteed to
be within the common mode range of the probe amplifiers.

Failure to connect the ground may result in the display of inaccurate waveforms.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 17 Grounding the DUT to an S-Series Oscilloscope

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 25

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

To Probe Single-Ended Signals with a Differential Head

Using a differential probe head rather than a single-ended probe head to probe
single-ended signals results in the advantages of higher bandwidth and increased
accuracy. Also no offset range is sacrificed when using a differential probe head,
as any supplied offset is applied only to the probe head’s plus side. To learn more
about applying a DC offset when probing, refer to “To Measure Small Signals on a

Large DC Level" on page 27.

If possible, orient the probe head vertically as shown in Figure 18. Laying the
probe head flat over a single-ended signal will cause coupling to the tip that can
degrade the performance. Notice that the head’s “–” lead is connected to ground.

Figure 18 Connecting a Differential Head to a Single-Ended Signal

26 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

To Measure Small Signals on a Large DC Level

Measuring small AC signals riding on top of a large DC can be challenging. By
subtracting out most or all of the DC component, the signal can be positioned to
better utilize the input’s available dynamic range. This is accomplished by applying
an offset by either the probe or oscilloscope channel. Scope channel offset is
applied when viewing differential signals. Probe offset is applied when viewing
single-ended signals.

Normal Offset Behavior

Figure 19 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.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 19 Probe Offset Dialog Box (Normal Setting)

Probe Offset Behavior

When Probe is selected as shown in Figure 20 on page 28, the InfiniiMax III/III+
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. Use this
offset range to subtract most or all of the DC component of the input signal so
that the signal can better utilize the dynamic range of the input. This is possible
due to the designs having summing nodes at the amplifier input. For information

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 27

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

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.

Figure 20 Probe Offset Dialog Box (Probe Setting)

Understanding how to properly use offset for your application can ensure that you
get the maximum performance and dynamic range from your probes. The unique
method of applying probe offset in InfiniiMax differential probes allows the full
benefits of differential probing for single-ended signals without sacrificing offset
range. Table 5 on page 29 lists the interactions between the signal type and the
different offsets.

28 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Table 5 Signal Type and Available Offset Range

Signal Being Probed

Single Ended Differential

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Probe Head Type Differential or

Single Ended Head

Offset Applied To Probe

(channel offset is set to 0V)

Offset Range ±16V

(with 450 ohm probe head)

Description The offset voltage is subtracted from the input signal

before the probe’s differential amplifier. Since this
subtraction is done before any active circuits, the
offset range is large.

Differential Probe Head. 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 that there is no sacrificing of offset range. All
of the InfiniiMax III+ heads are differential.
Single-Ended Probe Head. Single-ended probe tips
do not have a minus lead so nothing is plugged into
the probe amplifier’s “–” input. This is normal and
does not cause any problems.

Differential Head

Oscilloscope Channel
(probe offset is set to 0V)

±2.5V

Since the plus and minus sides of differential
signals have the same dc component, the dc
component is subtracted out and the probe’s
output by definition is 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.
Any voltage applied to the probe’s offset input
jack is not used and has no effect on the signal.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 29

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

Slew Rate Requirements for Different Technologies

The following table shows the slew rates for several different technologies. The
maximum allowed input slew rate is 18 V/ns for single-ended signals and 30 V/ns
for differential signals. Table 6 shows that the maximum required slew rate for the
different technologies is much less that of the probe.

Table 6 Slew Rate Requirements

Name of Technology Differential

Signal

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

Max
Single-Ended
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

* The probe specification is 18 V/ns

† The probe specification is 30 V/ns

30 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

Figure 21 Slew Rates of Popular Technologies Compared to Maximum Probe Slew Rates

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 31

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

CAUTION

CAUTION

Available Accessories

The following is a partial list of available probe and oscilloscope accessories.

Performance verification fixture

An E2655C or N5443A Performance Verification (PV) fixture is an
accessory that is used to properly position the probe during
performance verification testing as described in Chapter 7 and

Chapter 8.

N5450B Extreme temperature cable extension kit

For extreme temperature testing, such as monitoring a
device in a temperature chamber, order the N5450B
InfiniiMax extreme temperature extension cable for use
with the N5441A solder-in head.

Keysight’s Infiniimax probe amplifiers have a specified
operating temperature range from 5
N5441A probe head can withstand temperatures from –
55°C to +150°C for up to 250 test cycles. 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.

o

C to 40o C, but the

None of the N2830/1/2A or N7000/1/2/3A probe amplifiers can withstand the
extreme temperatures (–55°C to +150°C) that the N5450B can withstand. When using
the N5450B extension cable, do not subject the InfiniiMax III+ probe amplifier to
extreme temperatures.

Besides the N5441A probe head, none of the other probe heads are designed for
extreme temperature testing. For more information about the extreme temperature
probing solution for Keysight oscilloscopes, check out the Keysight data sheet with
the literature number, 5990-3504EN.

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.

32 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

NOTE

NOTE

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 that you use under
milder conditions. This is because cycling probe heads through extreme temperature ranges
has a marked affect on their lifetimes. 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.

N5449A high impedance adapter

The N5449A high impedance adapter includes one N2873A 10:1 passive probe.
The adapter is specifically tuned for the N2873A probe. Similar probes (1
input) can be used. Other probes may not meet the bandwidth specification.

86100D sampling scope adapters

Two adapters are available for connecting probes to the Infiniium 86100D DCA-X
sampling oscilloscope or other RF instruments. The N1022B sampling scope
adapter allows you to connect N2830/1/2A probes. The N5477A sampling scope
adapter allows you to connect N7000/1/2A probes.

ΜW

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 33

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Safety Information

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. Be aware
that if you use this probe assembly in a manner not specified, the protection this
product provides may be impaired.

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.

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.

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

Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. Refer to qualified service personnel.

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

34 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Do not use a probe which is cracked, damaged or has defective leads.

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.

Do not use the probe or oscilloscope in a manner not specified by the manufacturer.

Service instructions are for trained service personnel. To avoid dangerous electric
shock, do not perform any service unless qualified to do so. Do not attempt internal
service or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation, is present.

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.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 35

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

WARNING

WARNING

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

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

36 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Service

Probe calibration fails

Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes 1

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 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.

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, insure 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 ~ 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.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 37

1 Using InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

NOTE

NOTE

Incorrect offset

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.

Returning the probe for service

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, N2830A)

• 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.

Contacting Keysight Technologies

For technical assistance, contact your local Keysight Call Center.

• In the Americas, call 1 [phone]

• 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
[phone].

38 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Keysight InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

NOTE

User’s Guide

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe

Heads

Recommended Configurations at a Glance 40
N5444A InfiniiMax III 2.92 mm/3.5 mm/SMA Probe Head 42
N5439A InfiniiMax III ZIF Probe Head 45
N5445A InfiniiMax III Differential Browser Probe Head 51
N5441A InfiniiMax III Solder-In Head 57
N2836A InfiniiMode Solder-In Head 60
N2848A QuickTip InfiniiMode Probe Head 65
N2835A InfiniiMax III+ Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories 69
Strain Relieving the Probe Heads 71
Soldering Tips 73

This chapter describes the various probe heads. The probe configurations are
listed in the order of the best performance to the least performance in terms of
bandwidth and input loading characteristics. 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. Using the recommended connection
configurations is your key to making accurate oscilloscope measurements with
known performance levels.

Graphs showing the performance of the heads for each probe amplifier are shown in

Chapter 6,

39

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Recommended Configurations at a Glance

Table 7 Configurations at a Glance (Sheet 1 of 2)

Recommended
Order of Use

N5444A InfiniiMax III 2.92 mm Head (Refer to page 42.)

N5439A InfiniiMax III ZIF Head (Refer to page 45.)

N5445A InfiniiMax III Browser (Refer to page 51.)

BW
(GHz)

N2830A: 4
N2831A: 8
N2832A: 13
N7000A: 8
N7001A: 13
N7002A: 16
N7003A: 20

N2830A: 4
N2831A: 8
N2832A: 13
N7000A: 8
N7001A: 13
N7002A: 16
N7003A: 20

N2830A: 4
N2831A: 8
N2832A: 13
N7000A: 8
N7001A: 13
N7002A: 16
N7003A: 20

Cdiff *
(pF)

— — Differential and Single-ended signals

32 fF 44 fF Single-ended signals only

35 fF 50 fF Differential and Single-ended signals

Cse
(pF)

†

Usage

InfiniiMode compatible
For cabled measurements. Can terminate to a non-ground
voltage.

Solder-in hands free connection when physical size is critical
Extremely low loading measurement with N5440A/47A ZIF tips
Hard to reach targets
Very small fine pitch targets

General purpose troubleshooting of signals
Handheld browing
Variable pitch spacing from 20 mil to 125 mil

N5441A InfiniiMax III Solder-In Head (Refer to page 57.)

N2830A: 4
N2831A: 8
N2832A: 13
N7000A: 8
N7001A: 13
N7002A: 16
N7003A: 20

40 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

77 fF 105 fF Differential and Single-ended signals

Economical semi-permanent connection
Extreme Temperature

Table 7 Configurations at a Glance (Sheet 2 of 2)

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Recommended
Order of Use

BW
(GHz)

Cdiff *
(pF)

Cse
(pF)

†

N2836A InfiniiMode Solder-In Head (Refer to page 60.)

N2830A: 4

108 fF 140 fF Differential and Single-ended signals
N2831A: 8
N2832A: 13
N7000A: 8
N7001A: 13
N7002A: 16
N7003A: 20

N2848A QuickTip Head (Refer to page 65.)

N2830A: 4

340 fF 200 fF Differential and Single-ended signals
N2831A: 8
N2832A: >12
N7000A: 8
N7001A: 13
N7002A: 16
N7003A: >16

* Capacitance seen by differential signals

† Capacitance seen by single-ended signals

Usage

InfiniiMode Compatible
Solder-in hands free connection

InfiniiMode Compatible
Easy head-to-tip connection in tight space
Solder-in hands free connection

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 41

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

N5444A InfiniiMax III 2.92 mm/3.5 mm/SMA Probe Head

The N5444A InfiniiMax III 2.92mm/3.5mm/SMA
probe head provides 30 GHz bandwidth and allows
you to connect two 2.92mm, 3.5mm, or SMA
cables to make a differential measurement on a
single oscilloscope channel.

The N5444A provides for a termination to a
common DC voltage rather than to ground, which
is required for many signal standards. It is
implemented such that from DC to approximately
1 kHz, the termination is 55 Ohms to the
termination voltage, and above approximately
10 kHz, the termination is 50 Ohms to 0.9 times the
termination voltage. The termination voltage range
is ±4V with a minimum step of 5 mV and a
maximum current of 80 mA. The termination
voltage can be controlled internally by the
oscilloscope or applied externally using the supplied DC jack.

Table 8 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW Probe Amplifier BW

N2830A 4 GHz N7000A 8 GHz

N2831A 8 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

N2832A 13 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

N7003A 20 GHz

Figure 22 N5444A InfiniiMax III 2.92mm/3.5mm/SMA Probe Head

42 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

NOTE

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

CAUTION

N5448B Coaxial Phase Matched Cable Pair

For extending the cable length of the N5444A InfiniiMax III probe head and add flexibility
and convenience to the probing setup, you can order N5448B 10 inches (25 cm) long
coaxial phase matched cable pair. This cable pair supports 2.92 mm male-to-2.92 mm
male connection.

Figure 23 N5448B Coaxial Phased Matched Cable Pair

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Before connecting these cables to the N5444A probe head, you must first remove the
supplied rigid cables of the N5444A probe head. Figure 24 on page 43 shows the N5448B
cables attached to the N5444A probe head.

Figure 24 N5444A Probe Head With N5448B Cables Attached

The maximum bend radius for the N5448B coaxial cable pair is 30 mm. Bending these
cables at too tight a radius or twisting the cables can cause damage, reduce
performance, and impact the precision of these cables.

Also, ensure that the plastic caps that are provided with these cables are installed
when the cables are not in use.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 43

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

For details on the N5448B cable, refer to its guide available in the Document
Library tab of this product’s page on www.keysight.com.

Probe Offset Calibration with the N5444A

To achieve more accurate probe offset calibration with the N5444A, an
SMA shorting adapter
adapter is provided with the N5444A (with unit serial number
US50072545 or higher) and should be connected to the N5444A's "—"
input connector during the calibration. The latest Infiniium firmware includes
instructions on the Probe Calibration dialog box to remind you to install the
adapter. If the Infiniium oscilloscope's firmware is older than version 5.50.33, you
can still attach the adapter and the resulting calibration will be valid.

(Keysight part number: 1250-3999) is required. This

44 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

N5439A InfiniiMax III ZIF Probe Head

The N5439A Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) probe head
supports the three types of economical replaceable
tips that are shown in Table 10. Solder as many
tips onto your DUT as needed. Because of the ZIF
tip’s extremely low loading, the tips can remain on
the DUT as you easily move the probe head from
one probing site to the next.

Table 9 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW Probe Amplifier BW

N2830A 4 GHz N7000A 8 GHz

N2831A 8 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

N2832A 13 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

N7003A 20 GHz

Table 10 Available ZIF Tips

ZIF Tip Description Variable Tip Spacing Qty

N2838A 25 GHz 450W PC board tip provides robust design with

high bandwidth.

N5440A 28 GHz 450W ceramic

(normal sensitivity) for
extremely low probe
loading.

N5447A The N5447A ZIF tip is not

compatible with the
N2830/1/2A or
N7000/1/2/3A probes.
Compatible only with
InfiniiMax III N2800/1/2/3A
probes.

5 mil to 250 mil
(0.127 mm to 6.35 mm)

5 mil to 80 mil
(0.127 mm to 2 mm)

5 mil to 80 mil
(0.127 mm to 2 mm)

5

5

5

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 45

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

The N5439A does not include any ZIF tips. You must order either the N2838A or N5440A in
addition to N5439A.

The N5447A ZIF tip is not compatible with N2830/1/2A or N7000/1/2/3A probes.

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

Ensuring maximum N2838A tip performance

The specifications and performance plots of the N2838A ZIF tip were measured
with a nominal spacing of 40 mil (1 mm). In order to achieve the proper response
as shown in the performance plots, keep the mini-axial lead resistors roughly
parallel as shown in Figure 48, and use the tip wires on the mini-axial leads to get
the desired span.

To install or repair N2838A resistor leads, refer to “Replacing Axial Resistor

Tips" on page 76.

If you need to position the resistors different than shown in this figure (that is,
resistor bodies close together or spread apart), use N2807A and N2808A
PrecisionProbe products to perform an AC calibration of the probe, which properly
captures the response. Increasing the spacing to 250 mil degrades the
performance some, but PrecisionProbe can be used to compensate or qualify the
effect.

Figure 25 Proper Position of Resistors

Soldering a ZIF tip to the DUT

Before using the following procedure, refer to “Soldering Tips" on page 73.

The ceramic ZIF tips 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.

46 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

NOTE

CAUTION

Break off a ZIF tip/handle combination from the packaging holder at the point

1

shown in the figure.

Figure 26 Five ZIF Tips on Packaging

2 Flux and tin the leads on the target DUT.

Figure 27 Preparing the DUT Leads

3 While holding the plastic form, form the ZIF tip wires to match the DUT’s pitch

and angle.

4 Flux the ZIF tip wires and DUT leads.

5 Position the ZIF tip with the gold traces facing up as shown in Figure 28 on

page 48 and carefully re-flow the solder. This orients the tip so that it will
properly mate with the probe head.

When soldering the tip to your DUT, use the tip handle to hold the tip. This allows you to
position these small tips without damaging them.

Do not dwell on this solder joint.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 47

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

CAUTION

CAUTION

Figure 28 Soldering the ZIF Tip

6 Pull the ZIF handle from the ZIF tip in the direction shown in Figure 29. ZIF tips

can be carefully handled with your fingertips and reinserted into a plastic
handle if necessary.

Figure 29 Removing the Handle from the ZIF Tip

7 You can connect ZIF tips to any of the locations on a DUT that you need to

probe. The probe head can be quickly moved between the tips.

Always mechanically strain-relieve the ZIF head before using to protect both your
probe accessories and DUT from damage. Refer to “Strain Relieving the Probe

Heads" on page 71.

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

Connecting the probe head to the ZIF tip

1 Add strain relieve for the ZIF probe head as described in “Strain Relieving the

Probe Heads" on page 71.

2 Form the coaxial cables to bring the probe head near the tip. Press the lever

down on the ZIF probe head (see Figure 30) and slide the probe head onto the
tip. Pressing on this lever removes the clamping force of the connector and
enables you to insert or remove ZIF tips.

48 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

CAUTION

CAUTION

NOTE

Stop if you encounter any resistance at all when sliding the probe head over the ZIF
tip. Check your alignment, make sure the lever is pressed, and try again. Inserting the
ZIF tip should require “zero” insertion force.

Always use the lever when inserting or removing ZIF tips.

Figure 30 Probe Head with Location of the Lever

Figure 31 Probe Head Connected to a Soldered ZIF Tip

For more repeatable results, orient the probe connection perpendicular to the device as
shown in Figure 32 on page 50.

3 To move the probe head to a different tip, press the lever and remove the probe

head from the ZIF tip. The ZIF tip remains soldered to the DUT. Then, simply
connect the ZIF head to another ZIF tip at a different location on the DUT.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 49

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Figure 32 Probe Oriented Perpendicular to Device

50 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

NOTE

N5445A InfiniiMax III Differential Browser Probe Head

The N5445A browser head (30 GHz) is the best choice for the
general-purpose trouble shooting of differential signals with
spring-loaded tips and variable spacing from 20 mil to 125 mil
(or 0.5 mm to 3.1 mm).

The span between the signal tips is easily adjusted with a
thumb wheel on the browser (see Figure 33).

Table 11 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW Probe Amplifier BW

N2830A 4 GHz N7000A 8 GHz

N2831A 8 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

N2832A 13 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

N7003A 20 GHz

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

Figure 33 N5445A InfiniiMax III Differential Browser Head

Using the LED headlights

The browser’s tip includes an LED headlight that illuminates the probing area for
better visibility. The headlight intensity can be controlled from the oscilloscope’s
Probe Amplifier dialog box when using an N2830/1/2A or N7000/1/2/3A probes.
On N7000/1/2/3A probes, you can also use the Light button. Pressing and holding
this button will ramp the intensity of the headlight.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 51

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Figure 34 Headlight Intensity from N7000/1/2/3A Light Button or Dialog Box

Adjusting the tip span

Turn the browser’s thumb wheel (see Figure 35) to adjust the tip spacing from 20
to 125 mil (0.5 mm to 3.1 mm). Do not force the adjustment near the end of its
range.

Figure 35 Adjusting the Tip Span

52 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Tip-span entry for probe calibration

When calibrating the probe, you will be prompted to enter the span setting on the
oscilloscope’s Probe Calibration dialog box. To determine the tip span, do the
following steps:

1 Adjust the browser’s tip span for your measurement.

2 Locate the tip-span gauge on the browser’s protective cap as shown in

Figure 36.

3 Determine which of the three possible tip-span settings most closely matches

the browser’s tip span.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Figure 36 Tip Span Gauge on Browser Protective Cap

Mounting the Browser

There are two holes on the back side of the browser. Use these holes to mount the
browser to a customer designed holder. Figure 37 below shows the dimensions of
these mounting holes.

Figure 37 Dimensions of Mounting Holes

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 53

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

Probe along the browser’s axis

To prevent tip damage, probe along the browser’s axis as shown in Figure 38. Hold
the probe vertical and perpendicular to the circuit board.

Figure 38 Proper Probe Handling

To avoid damaging the browser’s tips, do not apply a side load to the browser.

Figure 39 Improper Probe Handling

Do not apply too much force when browsing. The weight of the probe in your hand
should be sufficient. The axial travel of the probe is about 15 mils (0.4 mm).

The browser’s protective cap should be kept on the browser at all times except when
probing.

Always remove the browser from the device under test (DUT) before disconnecting the
probe amp from the oscilloscope.

54 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Replaceable parts

Figure 40 shows the replaceable parts for th N5445A.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Figure 40 Browser Tips and Ground Blade

Table 12 N5445A Replaceable Parts

Description Qty Part Number

Browser tips 4 N5476A

Ground Blade 1 N4855A

Ground Blade Screws 1 N4856A

N2787A 3D probe positioner

Using the N2787A 3D probe positioner with the N5445A browser probe head
reduces the chance of breaking the browser tips and ensures that the tips maintain
solid contact. Use the following steps to position the probe using the N2787A:

1 Lock the vertical compliance of the probe positioner.

2 Clamp the browser into the positioner, aligning the browser’s slot with the

positioner’s gripping pad.

3 While holding the browser, loosen the main knob and position the probe.

4 Use the browser’s own weight to depress the tips, and tighten the main knob to

lock the probe’s position.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 55

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Figure 41 Using the Browser with the N2787A 3D Probe Positioner

56 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

N5441A InfiniiMax III Solder-In Head

CAUTION

NOTE

CAUTION

The N5441A InfiniiMax III solder-in
probe head is an economical semi-permanent
connection that provides up to 16 GHz of system
bandwidth. Variable span of the leads ranges from
5 mil to 80 mil (0.127 mm to 2 mm).

The N5441A probe head can be used with the
N5450B InfiniiMax extreme temperature extension
cable. This is the only InfiniiMax III probe head that
can withstand the –55°C to +150°C extreme
temperature range (for up to 250 test cycles).

Table 13 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW Probe Amplifier BW

N2830A 4 GHz N7000A 8 GHz

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

N2831A 8 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

N2832A 13 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

N7003A 20 GHz

When using the N5450B extension cable, do not subject the InfiniiMax III probe
amplifier or probe head (other than the N5441A solder-in probe head) to extreme
temperatures.

Replaceable parts

Extra wire (for solder-in probe head only). 01169-81301 (7 mil), 01169-21306
(5 mil)

To install or repair N2838A resistor leads, refer to “Replacing N5441A Probe Head

Wires" on page 80.

The wires on the N5441A are fragile. They must be manufactured in this way in order
to meet the high-performance, high bandwidth applications they are intended for. Be
careful when handling.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 57

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Soldering the probe head to the DUT

Before using the following procedure, refer to “Soldering Tips" on page 73.

To solder the probe head to your DUT, complete the following steps. The
procedure is very similar to that for the ZIF probe tips used with the N5439A probe
head.

1 Position the probe head near the location on the DUT where you want to solder

the probe.

2 Add strain relieve for the probe head as described in “Strain Relieving the

Probe Heads" on page 71.

3 Apply flux to your target leads as shown in Figure 42.

Figure 42 Applying Flux

4 Tin the leads with a small amount of solder.

Figure 43 Tin the Leads

5 Use tweezers to form the probe head wires to fit your DUT’s geometry.

6 Flux the DUT leads and your probe head wires.

58 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

CAUTION

Figure 44 Applying Flux to Leads and Wires

7 Position the probe head wires on the DUT leads and quickly re-flow the solder

as shown in Figure 45.

Do not leave the iron in contact with the probe head for more than a few seconds at a
time.

Figure 45 Positioning Wires

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 59

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

NOTE

NOTE

N2836A InfiniiMode Solder-In Head

The N2836A InfiniiMax III solder-in probe head
(26 GHz) is an economical semi-permanent
connection. This is an InfiniiMode probe head (like
the N2848A) which allows you to make differential,
common mode, and single ended measurements
without having to re-solder the tip leads. Because
this is an InfiniiMode compatible head, the tip has
two signal leads and two ground leads. To learn
about InfiniiMode, refer to “To Use InfiniiMode" on
page 22.

The ground leads have minimal effect on 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. If you have older N2836A probe heads,
you can easily add ground leads.

The variable span of the tip leads ranges from 5 mil to 250 mil (0.127 mm to

6.35 mm).

Table 14 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW Probe Amplifier BW

N2830A 4 GHz N7000A 8 GHz

N2831A 8 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

N2832A 13 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

N7003A 16 GHz

To install or repair N2838A resistor leads, refer to “Replacing Axial Resistor

Tips" on page 76.

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

60 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Figure 46 Probe Head Connection to DUT (InfiniiMode)

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 61

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Figure 47 Probe Head Connection to DUT (Non-InfiniiMode)

Ensuring maximum performance

The specifications and performance plots of the N2836A probe head were
measured with a nominal spacing of 40 mil (1 mm). In order to achieve the proper
response as shown in the performance plots, keep the mini-axial lead resistors
roughly parallel as shown in Figure 48, and use the tip wires on the mini-axial
leads to get the desired span.

Figure 48 Proper Position of Resistors

If you need to position the mini-axial lead resistors different than shown in this
figure (that is, resistor bodies close together or spread way apart), use N2807A
and N2808A PrecisionProbe products to perform an AC calibration of the probe.

62 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

The AC calibration will properly capture the response. Increasing the spacing to

CAUTION

250 mil will degrade the performance some, but Precision Probe can be used to
compensate or qualify the effect.

The axial resistors on the N2836A solder-in probe head are fragile. They must be
manufactured in this way in order to meet the high-performance, high bandwidth
applications they are intended for. Be careful when handling.

Soldering the probe head to the DUT

Before using the following procedure, refer to “Soldering Tips" on page 73.

To solder the probe head to your DUT, complete the following steps. The
procedure is very similar to that for the ZIF probe tips used with the N5439A probe
head. This procedure does not show soldering the ground leads, but the same
techniques are used.

1 Apply flux to your target leads as shown in Figure 49.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Figure 49 Applying Flux

2 Tin the leads with a small amount of solder.

Figure 50 Tin the Leads

3 Use tweezers to form the probe head wires to fit your DUT’s geometry.

4 Flux the DUT leads and your probe head wires.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 63

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

CAUTION

Figure 51 Applying Flux to Leads and Wires

5 Position the probe head wires on the DUT leads and quickly re-flow the solder

as shown in Figure 52.

Do not leave the iron in contact with the probe head for more than a few seconds at a
time.

Figure 52 Positioning Wires

64 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

N2848A QuickTip InfiniiMode Probe Head

The N2848A QuickTip probe head is used with an
N2849A QuickTip and together they provide the
following advantages:

• InfiniiMode on InfiniiMax III+ (N2830/1/2A and
N7000/1/2/3A probe amplifiers). InfiniiMode
allows you to make differential, common mode,
and single ended measurements without having
to re-solder the tip leads.

• 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 InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Figure 53 Magnet Connections in Probe Head

• Extreme temperature environments such as temperature chambers.

Table 15 Bandwidth

Probe Amplifier BW Probe Amplifier BW

N2830A 4 GHz N7000A 8 GHz

N2831A 8 GHz N7001A 13 GHz

N2832A >12 GHz N7002A 16 GHz

N7003A >16 GHz

Permanently solder any number of QuickTips to your DUT as shown in Figure 54
on page 66. 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. Because this is an InfiniiMode compatible head, the tip has
two signal leads and two ground leads. To learn about InfiniiMode, refer to “To Use

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 65

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

NOTE

InfiniiMode" on page 22. 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.

Figure 54 Probing with the N2848A Probe Head and QuickTip

N2849A QuickTips are also compatible with N2851A QuickTip Probe Heads, which are designed for
1130/1/2/4A InfiniiMax I and 1168/9A InfiniiMax II probes.

66 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

CAUTION

Do not replace or repair the N2849A QuickTip’s resistor or ground leads. Attempting to

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

CAUTION

do so will damage the ability of the tip to mate with the N2848A probe head.

The N2848A does not include any N2849A QuickTips. The N2849A must be ordered
separately.

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

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

• Orient the QuickTip vertically as shown in Figure 54 on page 66.

• 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. Refer to “Strain Relieving the

Probe Heads" on page 71.

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.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 67

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ 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 55 N2848A Head Before and After Cleaning

68 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

N2835A InfiniiMax III+ Differential Connectivity Kit and Accessories

In addition to the individual probe heads described in the previous topics, the
N2835A differential connectivity kit is also available for the InfiniiMax III+ probes.

This kit provides multiple quantities of the four InfiniiMax III+ probe heads as
shown in Figure 56. You can order this kit either at the same time as InfiniiMax III+
probe amplifiers or separately later.

Figure 56 Probe Heads Included in the N2835A Differential Connectivity Kit (not to scale)

Table 16 Supplied Accessories (Sheet 1 of 2)

Qty

Description

N2836A InfiniiMax III 26 GHz Differential Solder-In Probe
Head

Replacement Axial Resistors Kit 10 N2836-68701

N5439A InfiniiMax III 28 GHz Differential ZIF Solder-in Probe
Head

N2838A InfiniiMax III 25 GHz ZIF Tip Kit 2 kits (5 tips in

N2848A InfiniiMax III QuickTip Probe Head 2 N2848A

N2849A InfiniiMax QuickTip Tips Kit 2 kits (4 tips in

N5445A InfiniiMax III Browser Probe Head 1 N5445A

Replacement Tips
Tweezer for replacing tips
Screw Driver
Protective End Cap

Supplied

2 N2836A

2 N5439A

each kit)

each kit)

4
1
1
1

Part
Number

N2838A

N2849A

N5476A
N5445-23801
N5445-23802
N5445-44101

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 69

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

Table 16 Supplied Accessories (Sheet 2 of 2)

Description

Qty
Supplied

Ground Blades 4 N5445-68700

Part
Number

70 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Strain Relieving the Probe Heads

CAUTION

High-performance probes have small physical geometries to ensure the lowest
possible loading and best electrical response. Because of their small size, probing
accessories are often delicate. It is important to mechanically secure your probes
to protect both your equipment and designs from damage. Although tack putty
and low-temperature hot glue are recommended, you can also use other methods
such as tape or hook-and-loop strain relief. Keep in mind that different accessories
have different cable stiffness. You should choose a strain relief method appropriate
for the cable stiffness. For instance, it is best to secure the stiffer N5439A near the
SMP connectors and form the cable to the optimal location.

Do not kink cables. Do not crush cables. Do not use aggressive adhesives or high
temperatures.

Tack-putt y

Keysight recommends the use of tack putty for securing both probe heads and
amplifiers. Tack putty can be ordered using part number N5439-65201. Wrap a
small amount of tack-putty around your probe head cables, taking care to not
pinch them. The mass can then be secured to a rigid body neat your DUT.

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

Similar techniques can be used to secure probe amplifiers where you apply some
tack-putty to the underside of the probe amplifier body and attach it to a rigid
body near your DUT.

Figure 57 Probe Secured Using Tack Putty

You can also use putty with a positioner, such as the N2787A as shown in

Figure 58.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 71

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

CAUTION

Figure 58 Using Putty With the N2787A 3D Probe Positioner

The same positioner can also be used to support your probe amplifier as shown in

Figure 41 on page 56.

Low-temperature hot glue

You can also use low-temperature hot glue to secure cables.

Only use low-temperature hot glue. To remove the hot glue, warm it with a heat gun
set on low. Only heat the hot glue enough to remove it.

Figure 59 Probe Secured Using Low-Temperature Hot Glue

72 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Soldering Tips

Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads 2

When using the N5441A and N2836A solder-in heads and N5439A ZIF probe
heads, be sure to observe the following guidelines. For more information, refer to
the user’s guide.

• Use a temperature-controlled soldering iron station, if possible.

• Set the temperature of the soldering iron’s tip to between 370° C and 420° C
(for non RoHS standards).

• Use the smallest tip possible.

• Use an optical aid of some sort (microscope preferred).

• Employ minimal dwell times on the solder joint (< 2 seconds).

• Solder only the tip of the wire onto your DUT. The solder should not get close to
the existing solder ball on the tip.

• Use enough flux when soldering the tips into a DUT.

Figure 60 Applying Flux to Leads and Wires

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 73

2 Using InfiniiMax III+ Probe Heads

74 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Keysight InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

CAUTION

User’s Guide

3 Maintaining Probe Heads

Replacing Axial Resistor Tips 76
Replacing N5441A Probe Head Wires 80

Many probe heads come equipped with replaceable resistor or wire tips which can be
replaced or repaired. Using the procedures in this chapter, you can extend the life of the
following items:

• N2836A probe heads

• N5441A probe heads

• N2838A ZIF tips

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 N2848A probe head.

75

3 Maintaining Probe Heads

NOTE

CAUTION

CAUTION

Replacing Axial Resistor Tips

The procedure in this sections shows you how to replace the 130 ohm axial
resistors that are located at the tip of the

• N2836A solder-in probe head and

• N2838A ZIF tip.

These resistors can become worn or damaged with use. Order the replacement
axial resistor kit (N2836-68701) which provides 10 resistors.

The pictures in the following procedure show the N2836A solder-in probe head, but the same
procedure applies to the N2838A ZIF tip.

Recommended equipment

• Vise or clamp for holding tip.

• Metcal STTC-022 (600 °C) or STTC-122(700 °C) tip soldering iron or equivalent.
The 600 °C tip will help limit burning of the FR4 tip PC board.

Procedure

• 0.381 mm (0.015 in) diameter RMA flux standard tin/lead solder wire.

• Fine stainless steel tweezers.

• Rosin flux pencil, RMA type (Kester #186 or equivalent).

•Diagonal cutters.

• Magnifier or low power microscope.

•Ruler.

As the probe heads and tips are easily damaged, only experienced soldering
technicians should attempt this repair.

1 As shown in Figure 61, clamp the probe head or ZIF tip in a vise. Tweezers can

be used to hold the probe head or ZIF tip away from the vise. When using
tweezers, grip the tip either on the sides or top and bottom.

When tightening the vise, use light force to avoid damaging the solder-in probe head.

76 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Figure 61 Clamping the Part

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

CAUTION

Maintaining Probe Heads 3

2 Grab each resistor lead or wire with tweezers and pull very gently up. Touch the

soldering iron to solder joint just long enough for the resistor to come free of
the probe head tip.

Figure 62 Removing the Resistor

Clean the soldering iron tip of any excess solder before using.

The solder joint has very low thermal mass so the joint will quickly melt and release.

To limit burning and damage to the PC board, do not keep the soldering iron in contact
with the tip any longer than is necessary.

Excessive dwell time with the iron will permanently damage the flip-chip resistor.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 77

3 Maintaining Probe Heads

CAUTION

CAUTION

NOTE

3

Do not leave the iron in contact with the tip any longer than necessary.

4 Use the flux pencil to coat the solder joint area with flux.

5 Locate the trim gauge which is supplied with the N2836-68701 replacement

Use the soldering iron and solder to fill the holes in preparation for mounting
the new resistors (or wires).

axial resistor kit.

a Place a resistor over the lead length gauge shown in Figure 63. Trim the

leads to match the drawing. The orientation of the lead is not important.

b Place a resistor over the bend gauge and bend the leads to match the

drawing. This bend fits in the hole in the tip’s PC board.

Figure 63 Trim Guage

6 Holding the resistor lead or wire in one hand and soldering iron in the other,

position the end of the resistor lead (after the 90 degree bend) over the solder
filled hole.

Figure 64 Soldering in a new axial resistor

7 Touch the soldering iron to the side of the hole. When the solder in the hole

melts, the resistor lead will fall into the hole.

Remove the soldering iron as soon as the lead falls into the hole.

Because the thermal mass of the joint is very small, extra dwell time with the soldering iron is
not needed to ensure a good joint.

78 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Maintaining Probe Heads 3

Using a digital volt meter, measure the resistance from the coax center

8

conductor to the resistor tip. The DC resistance should measure 450 ohms.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 79

3 Maintaining Probe Heads

CAUTION

Replacing N5441A Probe Head Wires

Use the following procedure to install or replace the wire leads on the N5441A
solder-in probe head. Depending on your probing application, you can order either
5 mil or 7 mil wire as listed in the following table. For example, use the 5 mil wire
for attaching to small vias.

Table 17 Required Wire Type

Wire Diameter Part Number

0.007 inch (tin-plated nickel wires) 01169-81301

0.005 inch (tin-plated nickel wires) 01169-21306

Table 18 Recommended Equipment

Equipment

Vise or clamp for holding tip

Metcal STTC-022 (600 °C) or STTC-122 (700 °C) tip soldering iron or equivalent. The 600 °C tip will help limit burning of the
FR4 tip PC board.

0.381 mm (0.015 in) diameter RMA flux standard tin/lead solder wire

Fine stainless steel tweezers

Rosin flux pencil, RMA type (Kester #186 or equivalent)

Flush cutting wire cutters

Magnifier or low power microscope

Keysight supplied trim gauge (01169-23801)

Procedure

1 Use the vise or clamp to position the tip an inch or so off the work surface for

easy access.

If using a vise, grip the tip on the sides with light force. When tightening the vise, use
light force to avoid damaging the solder-in probe head If using a tweezers clamp, grip
the tip either on the sides or at the top and bottom.

80 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Figure 65 Clamping the Probe Head

CAUTION

Maintaining Probe Heads 3

2 As shown in Figure 66, remove the old wires with tweezers while re-flowing the

solder from the underside of the probe.

Apply heat quickly to avoid damaging your probe.

Figure 66 Removing the Old Wire

3 If necessary, add a small amount of solder to the holes and apply flux.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 81

3 Maintaining Probe Heads

CAUTION

Figure 67 Adding Solder and Flux

4 Re-flow the solder from the underside and insert a new piece of wire. It is best

Do not dwell with the iron in contact with the probe head.

to shape the wire into an “L” before attempting to insert.

Figure 68 Adding a New Wire

Figure 69 New Wires Properly Attached

5 Trim any wire stubs on the probe head underside.

82 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Maintaining Probe Heads 3

Figure 70 Trim Wire Stubs

6 Use the included trim gauge to cut the wire lengths. Doing so ensures the best

performance from your probe head.

Figure 71 Trim Gauge Placed on Wires

Figure 72 Removing Excess Wire

7 Check the DC resistance of each probe leg when you have replaced the wires.

The correct resistance should be 450 ohms.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 83

3 Maintaining Probe Heads

84 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Keysight InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

NOTE

CAUTION

User’s Guide

4 Calibration / Deskew

Procedure

The Calibration/Deskew procedure described in this chapter is applicable to both
N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A InfiniiMax III+ probes.

The probe calibration and deskew is a guided procedure that you start from the
oscilloscope’s Probe Calibration dialog box. Depending on the oscilloscope model,
you will be instructed to connect the probe head to either of the following
oscilloscope outputs:

•Front-panel Probe Comp terminals

• Aux Out BNC connector or Cal Out connector using the N5443A
Calibration/Deskew Fixture with 50W termination.

The N5443A fixture promotes the properly position the probe head during the procedure. If
you prefer, you can remove the plastic holder from the fixture by removing the four screws on
the bottom side of the holder.

Always wear an ESD wrist strap when working with active probes. Not doing so can
result in the probe becoming permanently damaged.

85

4 Calibration / Deskew Procedure

Procedure

The procedure is applicable to both N2830/1/2A and N7000/1/2/3A InfiniiMax III+
probes.

1 Connect the InfiniiMax III+ probe to an oscilloscope channel.

2 On the oscilloscope menu, click Setup > Probe Calibration. If you have an

N7000/1/2/3A probe, you can press the probe’s Menu button instead to access
the guided calibration procedure.

3 In the dialog box, select the tab that represents the channel for the probe being

tested. In the dialog box, click Start Atten/Offset Cal….

4 The dialog box indicates that you can use the oscilloscope’s Probe Comp

terminals or the oscilloscope’s Cal Out or Aux Out connector for the calibration. If
you are using the Probe Comp, touch the probe head’s leads to the Probe Comp
terminals. If you are using the Cal Out (or Aux Out) connector, use the N5443A
fixture as shown in the following steps:

a Connect a 50 ohm termination to the fixture as shown in Figure 73. The

termination is provided with the N5443A.

Figure 73 50W Terminator on N5443A

b As described in the dialog box, connect the fixture to the Cal Out or Aux Out

connector. Turn the nut on the Cal Out counter-clockwise to tighten as
shown in Figure 74.

c While holding the fixture upright with one hand, use an 8 in. lbs. torque

wrench to fully tighten the connector as shown in Figure 75.

d Detach the probe head from the probe and Insert the probe into the top of

the fixture holder as shown in Figure 76. The probe can slide up and down in
the holder to adjust the probe head position.

86 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Figure 74 Attaching the N5443A Fixture

Calibration / Deskew Procedure 4

Figure 75 Tighten to 8 in. lbs.

Figure 76 Inserting the Probe Head

e Form the N5439A probe head ZIF tip wires as shown Figure 77. If you are

using the browser probe head, you do not need to adjust the shape of the
tips.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 87

4 Calibration / Deskew Procedure

Figure 77 Forming the Probe Head’s Tip

f Connect the probe head’s two lead cables to the probe amplifier as shown in

Figure 78.

Figure 78 Connect the Head to the Probe

g Position the probe head wires (if you are using the ZIF or Solder-in probe

heads) so they curl towards the scope as shown in Figure 79.

88 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Calibration / Deskew Procedure 4

NOTE

CAUTION

CAUTION

Figure 79 Positioning the Probe Head Wires

h While pressing down on the N5443A fixture’s spring-loaded clamps, insert

the probe wires beneath the clamps. The N5443A’s clamps, ground, and
signal path are identified in Figure 80.

To check that the wires are connected correctly, press the oscilloscope’s autoscale button and
confirm that a stable step on screen. You will need to re-open the Probe Calibration dialog
box).

When connecting the probe head to the fixture, do not press down with much force or
you could snap off the fixture from the Cal Out or Aux Out connection. Light contact is
all that is needed for the calibration.

Never solder a probe tip to the thickfilm gold. The gold will immediately dissolve into
the solder and disappear.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 89

4 Calibration / Deskew Procedure

NOTE

Figure 80 Closeup of Fixture’s Signal Path, Ground, and Clamps

Figure 81 Clamping the Probe Head’s Leads

If you are using the browser probe head, it is recommended that you
use the N2787A 3D Probe Positioner to hold the browser in place as
shown here. The browser uses spring-loaded tips so you do not need
much force to get a solid contact.

90 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Calibration / Deskew Procedure 4

In the Probe Calibration dialog box, start the calibration.

5

6 When the calibration has completed, perform the skew calibration.

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 91

4 Calibration / Deskew Procedure

92 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

Keysight InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes

User’s Guide

5 Specifications and

Characteristics

N2830/1/2A Probe Amplifier Specifications and Characteristics 94
N2830/1/2A Probe Head Characteristics 96
N7000/1/2/3A Probe Amplifier Specifications and Characteristics 97
N7000/1/2/3A Probe Head Characteristics 99
Environmental 100
Safety and Regulatory Information 101
Probe Dimensions 102
Probe Heads Dimensions 103

All characteristics are the typical performance values of the InfiniiMax probes
using the InfiniiMax III+ probe amplifiers and each different probe head except
otherwise specified.

93

5 Specifications and Characteristics

NOTE

P

max

rms

VinV

term

–()

()

2

55

------------------------------=

N2830/1/2A Probe Amplifier Specifications and Characteristics

The characteristics listed in the Table 19 are mainly determined by the
N2830/1/2A probe amplifiers.

All entries are characteristics unless otherwise noted. Bandwidth and DC input resistance (Rse
and R

Table 19 Probe Amplifier Characteristics (Sheet 1 of 2)

Item N5439A, N5441A, N2836A, N2848A With N5444A Probe Head

Bandwidth (specification)
N2832A
N2831A
N2830A

) are the only specifications.

diff

(2.92 mm, SMA, 3.5 mm)

13 GHz

8 GHz
4 GHz

DC Input Resistance (specification) R

Input Resistance (> 10 KHz) R

Input Voltage Range
(Differential or Single Ended)

= 50 kW ± 2% each input to ground

se

R

= 100 kW ± 2%

diff

R

= 25 kW ± 2% (characteristic)

cm

= 500W ± 2% each input to ground

se

R

= 1 kW

diff

R

= 250W

cm

2.5 Vpp or ±1.25V @ 5:1 attenuation

5.0 Vpp or ±2.50V @ 10:1 attenuation

55W to V

50W to 0.901 * V

(characteristic)

term

term

2.5 Vpp or ±1.25V @ 5:1 attenuation

5.0 Vpp or ±2.50V @ 10:1 attenuation
without violating maximum input
power

Maximum Input Power N/A 125 mW calculated with the following

equation for each input:

Input Common Mode Range ±7 V

to 100 Hz,

DC

±1.25V > 100 Hz at 5:1 attenuation
±2.5V > 100 Hz at 10:1 attenuation

±6 VDC to 100 Hz,
±1.25V > 100 Hz at 5:1 attenuation
±2.5V > 100 Hz at 10:1 attenuation
without violating maximum input
power

DC Attenuation Ratio 5:1 or 10:1. Automatically selected based

on volts-per-division (all modes)

5:1 or 10:1. Automatically selected
based on volts-per-division (all
modes)

Offset Range (for probing a single-ended
signal)

94 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

±16V ±6V without violating maximum input

power

Specifications and Characteristics 5

Table 19 Probe Amplifier Characteristics (Sheet 2 of 2)

Item N5439A, N5441A, N2836A, N2848A With N5444A Probe Head

(2.92 mm, SMA, 3.5 mm)

Input Referred Noise Spectral Density Diff 5:1 attenuation 33.5 nV/rt(Hz),

Diff 10:1 attenuation 53.9 nV/rt(Hz),

SE A or B 5:1 attenuation 27.8 nV/rt(Hz),

SE A or B 10:1 attenuation 47.7 nV/rt(Hz),

CM 5:1 attenuation 21.8 nV/rt(Hz),

CM 10:1 attenuation 38.4 nV/rt(Hz)

Input Referred Noise Example 4.5 mV

with ¡18 GHz probe head and N2832A
13 GHz probe amplifier

Maximum Input Voltage 18 V

peak

in diff mode 5:1 attenuation

rms

CAT 1 8 V

4.5 mV

in diff mode 5:1

rms

attenuation with 28 GHz N5444A
probe head and N2832A 13 GHz
probe amplifier

without violating maximum

peak

input power

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 95

5 Specifications and Characteristics

N2830/1/2A Probe Head Characteristics

The characteristics listed in the Table 20 are for the N2832A InfiniiMax III+ probe
amplifier using different probe heads. The characteristics are mainly determined
by the probe head. Performance with the lower bandwidth amplifiers (N2830/1A)
is the lower of the following values:

• Amplifier BW, 0.434 / amplifier BW, 0.308 / amplifier BW

• Bandwidth measured with the highest bandwidth amplifier (N2832A).

Table 20 Characteristics for Probe Heads Using N2832A

Probe Head Tip Input Capacitance Mode Bandwidth

C

diff

N5439A ZIF N5440A

450W ZIF

N2838A
450W ZIF

N5447A
200W ZIF

N5445A 450W Browser 35 fF 50 fF Differential:

N5441A 450W Solder-In 77 fF 105 fF Differential:

N2836A 450W Solder-In
Head vertically oriented with no
ground wires

32 fF 44 fF Differential:

95 fF 130 fF Differential:

Not compatible with N2830/1/2A probes.

108 fF 140 fF Differential:

C

se

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

(–3 dB)

13 GHz
—
—

13 GHz
—
—

13 GHz
—
—

13 GHz
—
—

13 GHz
—
—

10 – 90%
Tra nsit ion
Time

33.4 ps
—
—

33.4 ps
—
—

33.4 ps
—
—

33.4 ps
—
—

33.4 ps
—
—

20 – 80%
Tra nsit ion
Time

23.7 ps
—
—

23.7 ps
—
—

23.7 ps
—
—

23.7 ps
—
—

23.7 ps
—
—

N2836A 450W Solder-In
Head oriented flat with minimum
length ground wires

N2848A
QuickTip

N5444A

2.92, 3.5 mm, SMA

96 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

N2849A
450W

QuickTip

108 fF 140 fF Differential:

Single Ended:
Common:

200 fF 340 fF Differential:

Single Ended:
Common:

— — Differential:

Single Ended:
Common:

13 GHz
13 GHz
13 GHz

13 GHz
13 GHz
13 GHz

13 GHz
13 GHz
13 GHz

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

33.4 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

23.7 ps

Specifications and Characteristics 5

NOTE

P

max

rms

VinV

term

–()

()

2

55

------------------------------=

N7000/1/2/3A Probe Amplifier Specifications and Characteristics

The characteristics listed in the Table 21 are mainly determined by the
N7000/1/2/3A probe amplifiers.

All entries are characteristics unless otherwise noted. Bandwidth and DC input resistance (Rse
and R

Table 21 Probe Amplifier Characteristics (Sheet 1 of 2)

Item N5439A, N5441A, N2836A, N2848A With N5444A Probe Head

Bandwidth (specification)
N7003A
N7002A
N7001A
N7000A

) are the only specifications.

diff

(2.92 mm, SMA, 3.5 mm)

20 GHz
16 GHz
13 GHz

8 GHz

DC Input Resistance (specification) R

Input Resistance (> 10 kHz) R

Input Voltage Range
(Differential or Single Ended)

= 50 kW ± 2% each input to ground

se

R

= 100 kW ± 2%

diff

R

= 25 kW ± 2% (characteristic)

cm

= 500W ± 2% each input to ground

se

R

= 1 kW

diff

R

= 250W

cm

2.5 Vpp or ±1.25V @ 5:1 attenuation

5.0 Vpp or ±2.50V @ 10:1 attenuation

55W to V

50W to 0.901 * V

(characteristic)

term

term

2.5 Vpp or ±1.25V @ 5:1 attenuation

5.0 Vpp or ±2.50V @ 10:1 attenuation
without violating maximum input
power

Maximum Input Power N/A 125 ,mW calculated with the

following equation for each input:

Input Common Mode Range ±7 V

to 100 Hz,

DC

±1.25V > 100 Hz at 5:1 attenuation
±2.5V > 100 Hz at 10:1 attenuation

±6 VDC to 100 Hz,
±1.25V > 100 Hz at 5:1 attenuation
±2.5V > 100 Hz at 10:1 attenuation
without violating maximum input
power

DC Attenuation Ratio 5:1 or 10:1. Automatically selected based

on volts-per-division (all modes)

5:1 or 10:1. Automatically selected
based on volts-per-division (all
modes)

Offset Range (for probing a single-ended
signal)

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 97

±16V ±6V without violating maximum input

power

5 Specifications and Characteristics

Table 21 Probe Amplifier Characteristics (Sheet 2 of 2)

Item N5439A, N5441A, N2836A, N2848A With N5444A Probe Head

(2.92 mm, SMA, 3.5 mm)

Input Referred Noise Spectral Density Diff 5:1 attenuation 33.5 nV/rt(Hz),

Diff 10:1 attenuation 53.9 nV/rt(Hz),

SE A or B 5:1 attenuation 27.8 nV/rt(Hz),

SE A or B 10:1 attenuation 47.7 nV/rt(Hz),

CM 5:1 attenuation 21.8 nV/rt(Hz),

CM 10:1 attenuation 38.4 nV/rt(Hz)

Input Referred Noise Example 4.5 mV

with ¡18 GHz probe head and N7001A
13 GHz probe amplifier

Maximum Input Voltage 18 V

peak

in diff mode 5:1 attenuation

rms

CAT 1 8 V

4.5 mV

in diff mode 5:1

rms

attenuation with 28 GHz N5444A
probe head and N7001A 13 GHz
probe amplifier

without violating maximum

peak

input power

98 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide

N7000/1/2/3A Probe Head Characteristics

The characteristics listed in the Table 22 are for the N7003A InfiniiMax III+ probe
amplifier using different probe heads. The characteristics are mainly determined
by the probe head. Performance with the lower bandwidth amplifiers
(N7000/1/2A) is the lower of the following values:

• Amplifier BW, 0.434 / amplifier BW, 0.308 / amplifier BW

• Bandwidth measured with the highest bandwidth amplifier (N7003A).

Table 22 Characteristics for Probe Heads Using N7003A

Specifications and Characteristics 5

Probe Head Tip Input Capacitance Mode Bandwidth

C

diff

N5439A ZIF N5440A

450W ZIF

N2838A
450W ZIF

N5447A
200W ZIF

N5445A 450W Browser 35 fF 50 fF Differential:

N5441A 450W Solder-In 77 fF 105 fF Differential:

N2836A 450W Solder-In
Head vertically oriented with no
ground wires

32 fF 44 fF Differential:

95 fF 130 fF Differential:

Not compatible with N7000/1/2/3A probes.

108 fF 140 fF Differential:

C

se

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

Single Ended:
Common:

(–3 dB)

20 GHz
—
—

20 GHz
—
—

20 GHz
—
—

20 GHz
—
—

20 GHz
—
—

10 – 90%
Tra nsit ion
Time

21.7ps
—
—

21.7 ps
—
—

21.7 ps
—
—

21.7 ps
—
—

21.7 ps
—
—

20 – 80%
Tra nsit ion
Time

15.4 ps
—
—

15.4 ps
—
—

15.4 ps
—
—

15.4 ps
—
—

15.4 ps
—
—

N2836A 450W Solder-In
Head oriented flat with minimum
length ground wires

N2848A
QuickTip

N5444A

2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, SMA

InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide 99

N2849A
450W

QuickTip
with minimum
length ground
wires

108 fF 140 fF Differential:

Single Ended:
Common:

200 fF 340 fF Differential:

Single Ended:
Common:

— — Differential:

Single Ended:
Common:

20 GHz
20 GHz
20 GHz

16 GHz
16 GHz
16 GHz

20 GHz
20 GHz
20 GHz

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

21.7 ps

15.4 ps

15.4 ps

15.4 ps

19.3 ps

19.3 ps

19.3 ps

15.4 ps

15.4 ps

15.4 ps

5 Specifications and Characteristics

Environmental

The following general characteristics apply to the active probe.

Table 23 Environmental Characteristics

Environmental Conditions Operating Non-Operating

Temperature 5 °C to +40 °C –40 °C to +70 °C

Humidity up to 95% relative humidity

(non-condensing) at +40 °C

Altitude Up to 4,600 meters Up to 15,300 meters

Power Requirements Voltages supplied by Keysight oscilloscope AutoProbe Interface.

Weight approximately 0.69 kg

Dimensions Refer to “Probe Dimensions" on page 102.

Pollution degree 2 Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary

conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.

Use Indoor Only

up to 90% relative humidity at +65 °C

100 InfiniiMax III+ Series Probes User’s Guide