®
R&S
RT-ZC20B
Current Probe
User Manual
(>9àã2)
1409828502
Version 04
This manual describes the following Rohde & Schwarz product:
●
R&S®RT-ZC20B, Current Probe (1409.8233.02)
© 2020 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: +49 89 41 29 - 0
Email: info@rohde-schwarz.com
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1409.8285.02 | Version 04 | R&S®RT-ZC20B
The following abbreviations are used in this manual: R&S®RT-ZC20B is abbreviated as R&S RT-ZC20B.
R&S®RT-ZC20B
Contents
Contents
1 Notes on Safety......................................................................5
2 Product Description.............................................................. 9
2.1 Product Overview................................................................................. 9
2.2 Key Features......................................................................................... 9
2.3 Inspecting the Contents....................................................................... 9
2.4 Description of the Probe.................................................................... 11
2.4.1 Probe Head........................................................................................... 11
2.4.2 Probe Box............................................................................................. 12
3 Putting into Operation.........................................................13
3.1 Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope...................................... 13
3.2 Identification of the Probe..................................................................14
3.3 Setting Up and Demagnetizing.......................................................... 15
3.4 Connecting the Probe to the DUT..................................................... 16
4 Maintenance and Service....................................................21
4.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................21
4.2 Contacting Customer Support...........................................................21
4.3 Returning for Servicing...................................................................... 22
4.4 Calibration Interval............................................................................. 22
4.5 Discarding the Product...................................................................... 23
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Contents
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R&S®RT-ZC20B
Notes on Safety
1 Notes on Safety
Thank you for purchasing the R&S RT-ZC20B current probe.
To obtain maximum performance from the device, please read this manual first,
and keep it handy for future reference.
Risk of physical injury
This device is designed to comply with IEC 61010 Safety Standards, and
has been thoroughly tested for safety before shipment. However, mishandling during use could result in injury or death, and damage to the device.
Be certain that you understand the instructions and precautions in the manual before use.
Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to obtain the full benefits
of the various functions.
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Risk of fatal injury
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To avoid electric shock and short circuits, never attach the clamp to
bare, unisolated conductors.
Make sure to measure at a location on an insulated wire where the insulation is sufficient for the circuit voltage.
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Be careful to avoid damaging the insulation surface while taking measurements.
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Refer to the derating characteristics when measuring current that
includes a high-frequency component and never measure any current
that exceeds the rated current. Use with high frequencies or strong
magnetic fields may cause the device to become abnormally hot, resulting in fire, equipment damage, or burns.
Notes on Safety
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To prevent fire or damage of the measurement target and device as well
as burns, exercise caution concerning the following when measuring
high-frequency currents or currents that contain high-frequency components:
– Eddy current loss may cause heating of the sensor head.
– Dielectric heating may cause heating of cord insulation and other
materials.
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Be sure to observe all operating precautions for the oscilloscope and
other instruments to which this device is connected.
Shock hazard
Do not allow the device to get wet, and do not take measurements with wet
hands. This may cause an electric shock.
To avoid electric shock when measuring live lines, wear appropriate protective gear, such as insulated rubber gloves, boots, and a safety helmet.
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Risk of instrument damage
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To avoid damage to the device, protect it from vibration or shock during
transport and handling, and be especially careful to avoid dropping.
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This device should be installed and operated indoors only, between 0°C
and 40°C (32°F to 104°F) and 80% RH or less.
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Do not store or use the device where it could be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperature, humidity, or condensation. Under such conditions, the device may be damaged and insulation may deteriorate so
that it no longer meets its specifications.
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Before using the device the first time, verify that it operates normally to
ensure that no damage occurred during storage or shipping. If you find
any damage, contact your dealer or R&S representative.
Notes on Safety
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This device is not designed to be entirely water- or dust-proof. To avoid
damage, do not use it in a wet or dusty environment.
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The sensor head is a precision assembly including a molded component, a ferrite core, and a Hall effect element. It may be damaged if subjected to sudden changes in ambient temperature, or mechanical strain
or shock, and therefore great care should be exercised in handling it.
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Do not apply a static electricity or other source of high voltage to the
sensor. Doing so may damage the internal Hall elements and circuitry of
the sensor.
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The mating surfaces of the sensor head are precision, and should be
treated with care. If these surfaces are scratched, performance may be
impaired.
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Measurements are degraded by dirt on the mating surfaces of the sensor head, so keep the surfaces clean by gently wiping with a soft cloth.
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When the power is on, keep the core section of the sensor closed,
except when clamping it onto the conductor to be measured. The mating
surface of the core section can be scratched while it is open.
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Keep the clamp jaws and core slits free from foreign objects, which
could interfere with clamping action.
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Keep the sensor head closed when not in use, to avoid accumulating
dust or dirt on the mating core surfaces, which could interfere with
clamp performance.
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To avoid damaging the sensor cable, do not bend or pull the cable.
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Avoid stepping on or pinching the cable, which could damage the cable
insulation.
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Keep the cable well away from heat sources, as bare conductors could
be exposed if the insulation melts.
Strong electromagnetic fields
Correct measurement may be impossible in the presence of strong magnetic fields, such as near transformers and high-current conductors, or in the
presence of strong electromagnetic fields such as near radio transmitters.
Notes on Safety
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Product Description
Inspecting the Contents
2 Product Description
2.1 Product Overview
The R&S RT-ZC20B is an AC/DC current probe. It allows the user to make current measurements from DC to 100 MHz. By clamping on the conductor to be
measured, the current waveform is captured easily without interrupting the electric circuit.
Since the probe is equipped with the Rohde & Schwarz probe interface, it can be
connected to any Rohde & Schwarz base unit that is compatible with this interface. When connected to the front panel of a Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope, the
probe is controlled using the software of the oscilloscope.
2.2 Key Features
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Highly accurate current detection.
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Easy current measurement without interrupting the electric circuit.
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Broadband frequency characteristics DC to 100 MHz.
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Permits measurement of low current levels.
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Easy protection function to avoid self-heating during excessive input.
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Unique thin film Hall effect element.
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Rohde & Schwarz probe interface:
– Powered by the oscilloscope - no need for an additional power supply
– Remotely controlled by the oscilloscope
2.3 Inspecting the Contents
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Inspect the package for damage.
Keep the package and the cushioning material until the contents have been
checked for completeness and the device has been tested.
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If the packaging material shows any signs of stress, notify the carrier and your
Rohde & Schwarz service center. Keep the package and cushioning material
for inspection.
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Inspect the probe.
If there is any damage or defect, or if the R&S RT-ZC20B current probe does
not operate properly, notify your Rohde & Schwarz service center.
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Inspect the accessories.
If the contents are incomplete or damaged, notify your Rohde & Schwarz service center.
The following accessories are delivered with the probe:
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User manual
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Carrying case
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R&S RT-Zxx data sheet
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Calibration certificate
Product Description
Inspecting the Contents
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Documentation of calibrated values
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2.4 Description of the Probe
Product Description
Description of the Probe
Figure 2-1: Overview of the R&S RT-ZC20B current probe
1 = Sensor
2 = Probe box
3 = Sensor cable
4 = Opening lever
5 = Sensor head
6 = Current direction indication
7 = UNLOCK indication
8 = Coarse adjustment trimmer
2.4.1 Probe Head
The probe head consists of the following parts:
Opening lever
Operating lever for opening the sensor head. Always use this lever to open the
sensor head.
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Product Description
Description of the Probe
Sensor head
The sensor head clamps on the conductor being measured, and carries out the
actual current measurement. It is a precision assembly including a molded component, a ferrite core, and a Hall effect element. It may be damaged if subjected
to sudden changes in ambient temperature, or mechanical strain or shock, and
therefore great care should be exercised in handling it.
Coarse adjustment trimmer
Use this only when adjustment is not possible within the range of the zero adjustment. Use a nonconductive screwdriver (e.g. ceramic driver) for adjustment.
2.4.2 Probe Box
The probe box connects the probe and the oscilloscope via the Rohde & Schwarz
probe interface. The Rohde & Schwarz probe interface contains a male precision
7 mm (276 mil) BNC connector and six pogo pin connectors. This interface provides the required supply voltage and is also used to transmit analog signals and
digital data simultaneously. All the analog voltages required by the probe are generated in the probe box. This approach ensures that it will be possible to operate
future probes on any base unit that features a Rohde & Schwarz probe interface.
Connect the R&S
(1) Rohde
7 mm (276 mil) coaxial connector and 6 pogo
pins
(2) Release knob
RT-ZC20B only to an instrument with Rohde & Schwarz probe
& Schwarz probe interface with
interface. Never connect it to a usual BNC jack. Although the 7 mm coaxial connector looks like a standard BNC connector, it is constructed differently and does
not fit to the standard BNC jack. The interface of the R&S RT-ZC20B can withstand a higher frequency limit.
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Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope
Putting into Operation
3 Putting into Operation
3.1 Connecting the Probe to the Oscilloscope
The output of the probe is terminated internally. Use an Rohde & Schwarz
oscilloscope with high impedance inputs. Accurate measurement is not possible, with an impedance of 50 Ω.
Risk of circuit damage
Check that the conductor being measured is not clamped when connecting
the R&S RT-ZC20B to the R&S RTx oscilloscope. When the current probe
is connected, a demagnetizing waveform is initially applied to the core.
Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscopes instruments demagnetize the probe automatically when it is connected.
► Connect the probe box (1) to the Rohde & Schwarz probe interface of the
oscilloscope (2).
The probe snaps in when connected properly to the port.
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Putting into Operation
Identification of the Probe
Figure 3-1: Connecting the probe to the Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope
► To disconnect the probe:
a) Press and hold the release button (3).
b) Pull the probe box away from the oscilloscope.
3.2 Identification of the Probe
When the probe is connected to the oscilloscope, the oscilloscope recognizes the
probe and reads out the probe-specific parameters.
The oscilloscope settings for attenuation and offset are automatically adjusted;
and the oscilloscope switches to high impedance coupling (1 MΩ) to ensure accurate measurements.
The complete probe information is shown in the probe settings dialog. For more
information, refer to the user manual of your oscilloscope.
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Setting Up and Demagnetizing
Putting into Operation
3.3 Setting Up and Demagnetizing
Before starting measurements, demagnetizing the core and a zero adjustment of
the probe are required.
Risk of circuit damage
Do not demagnetize while the R&S RT-ZC20B is clamping a conductor to
be measured. Demagnetizing causes current to flow into the conductor,
which may damage parts in the circuit to be measured.
All settings of the base unit described in this section refer to the R&S
RTO/RTE/RTP oscilloscopes.
On the R&S RTM, the probe settings can be found in the "Channel" menu:
CH N > "More > Probe".
To demagnetize and zero-adjust the probe:
1. Connect the R&S RT-ZC20B current probe as described in chapter 3.1 on
page 13.
2. Make sure that there is no conductor in the sensor aperture.
3. Press the opening lever until the UNLOCK indication disappears. Close the
sensor head properly.
4. On the "Vertical" menu of the R&S RTO/RTE/RTP, select "Probe Setup".
5. Select the channel the probe is connected to.
6. Tap "DeGauss".
This demagnetizes the core if it has been magnetized by switching the power
on and off, or by an excessive input. Always carry out demagnetizing before
measurement.
The demagnetizing process takes about one second. During demagnetizing, a
demagnetizing waveform is present at the output.
7. Change the "Zero adjust" value to adjust the waveform to zero position.
After demagnetizing always carry out a zero adjustment.
Tip: On R&S RTO/RTE/RTP instruments, you can tap "Detect AutoZero" to
demagnetize and adjust to zero position in one step.
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Connecting the Probe to the DUT
Tip: Tap "Save to probe" to store the "Zero adjust" value in the probe box. If
you connect the probe to another channel or to another R&S RTx oscilloscope, the value is read out again.
8. If zero adjustment is not possible, turn the coarse adjustment trimmer to bring
the waveform within the range of zero adjustment (see figure 2-1 on page 11).
Risk of instrument damage
When opening the sensor head of the probe, be sure to operate with the
opening lever. If an upper core is forced to open when the sensor head is
locked, the open-close mechanism can be damaged.
Putting into Operation
3.4 Connecting the Probe to the DUT
1. Check that the system is safe, and that the preparations described in the preceding sections have been carried out.
2. Pull the sensor slider, so that the clamp opens.
3. Align the sensor so that the current direction indication matches the direction
of current flow through the conductor that you measure. The conductor should
be in the center of the clamp aperture because the measurement may be
affected by the position within the clamp aperture of the conductor being measured.
4. Press the opening lever until the UNLOCK indication disappears. Make sure
that the sensor head is properly closed.
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Connecting the Probe to the DUT
If the sensor head is not properly closed, accurate measurement is not possible.
Risk of instrument damage due to continuous input current
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The maximum continuous input range is based on heat that is internally
generated during measurement. Always keep the input current below
this level. Exceeding the rated level may result in damage to the probe.
Putting into Operation
●
The maximum continuous input range varies according to the frequency
of the current being measured. Refer to the data sheet "R&S RT-Zxx
high voltage and current probes".
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The device may sustain damage from self-heating even at current levels
that are lower than the maximum rated current. The maximum rated current is a recommended value that assumes sine-wave input under standard conditions. Self-heating may happen if the ambient temperature
increases or the measurement current waveform contains other frequency components.
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If the input current exceeds a certain level, generated heat activates a
built-in safety function that blocks normal output. If this happens,
remove the input immediately (remove the sensor from the conductor
being measured, or reduce the input current to zero). Wait until the sensor has had sufficient time to cool before resuming operation.
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Even if the input current does not exceed the rated continuous maximum current, continuous input for an extended period of time may result
in activation of the safety circuit to prevent damage resulting from heating of the sensor.
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Connecting the Probe to the DUT
Risk of instrument damage due to continuous input current
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At high ambient temperatures, the built-in safety circuit may activate at
current input levels below the rated continuous maximum current.
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Continuous input of current exceeding the rated maximum or repeated
activation of the safety function may result in damage to the device.
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Current measurement exceeding approx. 1 kHz may result in temperature rise on the sensor-head. This is attributed to excitation loss that
cannot be prevented due to natural physical principles. Be careful to
avoid injury, electric shock due to short-circuits, or damage to the device
that may be caused by the increased temperature.
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Do not place any unclamped conductor with an electric current of a frequency of 10 kHz or more near the sensor head. Current flowing in the
conductor nearby may heat up the sensor head and cause its temperature to rise, leading to damage to the sensor. For example, when one
side of a go-and-return conductor is clamped and the other side is also
placed near the sensor head as shown in the diagram, even if the electric current is lower than the consecutive maximum current, electric currents in both sides will heat up the sensor and raise the temperature,
thereby causing damage to the sensor.
Putting into Operation
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Immediately after powering on, this device may be subject to an appreciable offset drift due to the effect of self-heating. To counteract this,
allow the device to warm up for about 30 minutes before carrying out
measurements.
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When performing continuous measurements, it is necessary to be
aware that the offset voltage drifts, depending on factors such as the
ambient temperature.
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Under certain circumstances, oscillation may occur while the power supply is on. This does not indicate a malfunction. Oscillation can be stopped and operation restored to normal by opening and closing the sensor
head.
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Depending on the amplitude and frequency of the current being measured, the sensor head may emit a resonant sound. This sound may
also occur during demagnetizing operation, but it does not represent a
malfunction or device failure.
If foreign matter is adhered to the facing surfaces on the sensor head so
that a slight gap exists between the upper and lower sensors, the sensor head may also emit a resonant sound. Remove any foreign matter
using the cleaning method described in this manual.
An increase in the volume of the resonant sound during use may indicate that the gap between the upper and lower sensors has increased.
Since the sensor characteristics may change, it is recommended to calibrate the device.
Putting into Operation
Connecting the Probe to the DUT
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Connecting the Probe to the DUT
At high frequencies, common mode noise may affect measurements taken
on the high voltage side of circuits. If this occurs, reduce the frequency
range of the waveform measuring instrument, or clamp onto the low-voltage
side of the circuit, as appropriate.
Putting into Operation
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Maintenance and Service
Contacting Customer Support
4 Maintenance and Service
If service or calibration is needed, contact your Rohde & Schwarz service center.
Return a defective product to the Rohde & Schwarz service center for diagnosis
and exchange.
4.1 Cleaning
1. Discharge any static electricity at your hands before cleaning the facing surfaces of the sensor head.
Thus, you ensure that no high voltage caused by static electricity is applied to
the product. Application of a high voltage can damage the internal Hall elements or circuitry. You can attract static electricity to your hands by touching a
nearby metal object.
2. Clean the outside of the product using a soft cloth moistened with either distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Keep in mind that the casing is not waterproof.
Note: Do not use cleaning agents. Solvents (thinners, acetone), acids and
bases can damage the labeling or plastic parts.
3. Dry the product completely before using it.
4.2 Contacting Customer Support
Technical support – where and when you need it
For quick, expert help with any Rohde & Schwarz product, contact our customer
support center. A team of highly qualified engineers provides support and works
with you to find a solution to your query on any aspect of the operation, programming or applications of Rohde & Schwarz products.
Contact information
Contact our customer support center at www.rohde-schwarz.com/support, or fol-
low this QR code:
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Figure 4-1: QR code to the Rohde & Schwarz support page
Maintenance and Service
Calibration Interval
4.3 Returning for Servicing
Use the original packaging to return your R&S RT-ZC20B to your
Rohde & Schwarz service center. A list of all service centers is available on:
www.services.rohde-schwarz.com
If you cannot use the original packaging, consider the following:
1. Use a sufficiently sized box.
2. Protect the product from damage and moisture (e.g. with bubble wrap).
3. Use some kind of protective material (e.g. crumpled newspaper) to stabilize
the product inside the box.
4. Seal the box with tape.
5. Address the package to your nearest Rohde & Schwarz service center.
4.4 Calibration Interval
The recommended calibration interval for R&S RT-ZC20B current probe is one
year. For servicing, send the probe to your nearest Rohde & Schwarz service
center (see Chapter 4.3, "Returning for Servicing", on page 22).
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Maintenance and Service
Discarding the Product
4.5 Discarding the Product
Handle and dispose the product in accordance with local regulations.
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