Waveform Fidelity And Probe Grounds; Probe Compensation; Probe Handling - Tektronix 2205 Operator's Manual

Operation
adapter presents 1 Mfl and about 100 pF impedance to the cir¬
cuit under test. If this capacitance is disruptive to the circuit be¬
ing tested, use the optional 10X probe.
Waveform Fidelity and Probe Grounds
When using a probe, its ground lead must be used for accurate
measurements and observations. Use the shortest ground con¬
nection possible for best waveform fidelity.
In some cases, a separate ground from the unit under test to the
ground receptacle on the oscilloscope front panel can reduce
interference from low-frequency hum and noise. For rough
checks of larger signals, such as 5 V logic, a ground lead sepa¬
rate from the probe - or even the safety ground connection,
which is shared with the unit under test - may work for a signal
ground. Fast signal transitions will be highly distorted, and extra¬
neous noise wilt be induced without the probe ground connec¬
tion, and/or with extra ground connections from the 2205 to the
circuit being tested.
Probe Compensation (Optional 10X Probe)
Misadjustment of probe compensation is a common source of
measurement error. Due to variations in oscilloscope input
characteristics, probe compensation should be checked when¬
ever a 10X probe is moved from one oscilloscope to another or
from one channel to another on the same oscilloscope. Always
compensate the probe to the channel on which it will be used.
See the procedure in Section 4, Checks and Adjustments.
Probe Handling (Optional 10X Probe)
Both the probe and the probe accessories should be handled
carefully to prevent damage. Striking a hard surface can dam¬
age both the probe body and the probe tip. Exercise care to
prevent the cable from being crushed, kinked, or excessively
strained.
2205 Operator's 2-13