Piper Arrow: Oscilloscope Probes

Selecting a probe with the correct bandwidth is crucial for accurate signal measurement and analysis. Bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies that a probe can accurately measure. If the probe's bandwidth is too low, it will attenuate or distort high-frequency signals, leading to inaccurate measurements. Conversely, if the probe's bandwidth is too high, it may introduce noise and interference into the measurement.

Since every oscilloscope's input is different, TPI's probes have a compensation adjustment so the probe's capacitance can be adjusted to match the capacitance of the scope input. The compensation range is the range of adjustment available. Matching probe and scope capacitance is crucial to prevent waveform distortion.

Passive X10 probes allow you to read a signal 10 times the amplitude of that viewed with an X1 probe. For example, an eight-division graticule on 5V/Div would show a 40-volt peak-to-peak signal with X1, while the X10 setting would display a 400-volt signal.

Each oscilloscope probe set includes one differential probe, two probe tips, and two retractable sprung probes for accessing small wires for measurements.

Common rejection ratio (CMRR) is a measure of how well a differential probe will reject signals common to both test points, leaving the desired signal to be displayed by the oscilloscope.

This specification provides you with the maximum voltage between the inputs that the differential probe can be subjected to. This is important because the maximum voltage should never be exceeded.

Impedance is a measure of how much a signal will be restricted. In general, it's best to have high resistance and low capacitance to ensure signal quality and testing accuracy, as well as to ensure the probe doesn't load down the circuit under test.

Yes, TPI oscilloscope probes can be used with most major scope brands, including Tektronix and Hewlett Packard.