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Background – PrecisionProbe

Probes and cables have inherent loss and variation. The loss at times can be substantial,

or merely different enough from the nominal to cause variation in measurements. To

compensate for the inherent loss, oscilloscope vendors use probe correction via DSP.

The vendor uses a “golden” model and base, all compensation/correction on the single

model. While this strategy solves some of the loss and variability, it also still means that

if a probe’s characteristics have changed/drifted or were not close to the model to begin

with, the compensation is no longer correct for the probe. There are also myriad probe

heads to attach to probe amplifiers for maximum accuracy when every combination

must be measured. The end result is that you can get unwanted inaccuracies or probe to

probe variability.

Figure 1. Probe browser with a non-

standard pitch

Figure 2. Image of custom probe

PrecisionProbe solves measurement challenges by

allowing you to:

– Measure input impedance and response of any probe and the loss of any cable

– Quickly correct for probe and cable loss (without extra instruments such as VNA or

TDR)

– Correct probing issues such as phase non-linearity, magnitude non-flatness, and see

the effect of probe loading

– Quickly gain insight into the impedance/capacitance that defines your connection

The Keysight Technologies, Inc. PrecisionProbe Advanced Kit (N2807A) includes

award winning PrecisionProbe software as well as external hardware and

accessories that allow you to characterize and correct your measurement system

quickly and accurately to 63 GHz.