Current Probes - Tektronix 2212 User Manual

Probes
Current Probes
5 - 70
Current sensing probes use transformers or a combination of trans-
formers and Hall effect devices to convert flux fields to voltage
signals.
Current probes enable you to directly observe and measure current
waveforms. which may be very different from voltage signals.
Two types of current probes are available: one that measures AC
current only, and AC/DC probes, which utilize the Hall effect to
accurately measure the AC or DC components of a DC or mixed
AC/DC signal. AC-only current probes use a transformer to convert
current flux into a voltage signal to the oscilloscope, and have a
frequency response from a few hundred Hertz up to 1 GHz. AC/
DC current probes include Hall effect semiconductor devices and
provide a frequency response from DC to 50 MHz.
Use a current probe by clipping its jaws around the wire carrying
the current that you want to measure. Because current probes are
non-invasive, with loading typically in the
mQ
to low
Q
range,
they are especially useful where low loading of the circuit is im-
portant. Current probes can also make differential measurements
by measuring the results of two opposing currents in the jaws of
the probe.
The 2212 oscilloscope can work with a variety of Tektronix cur-
rent probes including:
The A6302/ A6303, with an AM503 current probe amplifier in a
TM502A power module, which provides you the capability to
measure both AC and DC currents with one probe.
The P6021 AC current probe, with an 134 current probe
amplifier amplifier, which provides you the capability to meas-
ure AC currents.
- The P6022, with a small package that makes it well-suited to
measure current in compact semiconductor circuits.
The CT-1 and CT-2, which are designed for more permanent
in-circuit installation.
In Detail