Measurement capabilities extended by differential probes

The InfiniiMax III+ probes work with the full array of InfiniiMax III probe heads, including a wide range of solder-in probe heads, a browser head, ZIF (zero insertion force) tips, 2.92-mm/3.5-mm/SMA heads and the new QuickTip head. These probing solutions complement the new Infiniium S-Series oscilloscopes.

The probes offer InfiniiMode technology, which greatly expands the measurement capabilities and usability of the probe, making it capable of measuring all the components of a differential signal. With a single connection, the probes can be set to measure the differential signal, the single-ended A or B signals, and the common-mode component of a differential signal.

As with InfiniiMax III technology, the S-parameters of each InfiniiMax III+ probe amp are stored in the probe amp and are used with the S-parameters of the various probe heads to further flatten the magnitude and phase response of the probe for higher accuracy.

Three probe heads are available that support InfiniiMode measurements: the N2836A solder-in probe head, which provides the full 13GHz bandwidth for all modes with low signal loading; the exclusive new N2848A QuickTip probe head, which provides the only quick connect/disconnect capability in the market; and the N5444A 2.92mm/3.5mm/SMA probe head for cabled connections, which provides full bandwidth measurement of all modes and the ability to terminate to a non-zero voltage.

The N2848A QuickTip probe head quickly snaps to the N2849A probe tip using a magnetic connection. Unlike implementations that use a magnet to mechanically hold together separate electrical contacts, the QuickTip design uses three small, gold-plated magnets as the actual contacts to gold-plated steel buttons on the probe tip. Multiple N2849A probe tips can be installed on a device under test, allowing quick and reliable measurements of many probe points.